Samuel Gelston’s Launches Irish Whiskey Finished in Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir Casks

Samuel Gelston’s has announced the launch of its latest expression – a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, matured in actor Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir casks.

The new release is the result of collaboration between Gelston’s owner, Johnny Neill and Sam, who is based in New Zealand. It sees the cousins bringing together the two sides of the family, whilst also merging the brilliant flavours and aromas of the two hemispheres.

The liquid has been triple distilled and matured for 19 months in ex-bourbon casks, before spending a further 21 months maturing in Sam’s French oak casks, which had previously held his prestigious Central Otago Pinot Noir.

It is malty on the nose with hints of strawberry, nutmeg and tropical fruit. On the palate it is big, rich and sweet, with a hint of dryness, a note of blackcurrant and dash of spice – all with sweet, jammy notes on the finish.

Johnny Neill

Johnny Neill, owner of Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whisky, said; “The Neill family have been making quality spirits for generations. My Great, Great Grandfather Harry Neill set up the successful McCallum Neill & Co in Australia in 1851, and Percival, one of his younger brothers set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882 – Percival was Sam Neill’s Great Grandfather.

Sam Neill

“Sam and I have continued this legacy in our respective sides of the world – I’ve been focused on the creation of artisanal spirits using local ingredients, whereas he has dedicated nigh on 30 years winegrowing super premium pinot noir. For the first time in 150 years, we’re bringing together the expertise from both sides of the family  – the result being an incredibly exciting sweet, honeyed and very inviting Single Pot Still Whiskey”.

Samuel Gelston’s Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey finished in Pinot Casks (40% ABV, 70cl), is available via the Drop Store now.   

NOTES

More about Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whisky

Samuel Gelston’s Old Irish whiskey was founded in 1830 by Samuel Gelston. It was a time when Irish whiskey was famous around the world.

Samuel, a wine and whiskey merchant from Belfast, made it his mission to source, blend and bottle the best Irish whiskey from across Ireland. At the time there were 88 licensed distilleries on the island, and Samuel selected the very highest quality liquids for each bottle.

In 1869, upon Samuel’s death, the business was bought by Harry J. Neill. Harry had previously left Ireland’s shores with his younger brother Percival in order to make their fortunes in the Australian Gold rush of 1851. Having set up and subsequently sold his successful provisions business in Melbourne & Geelong, Harry returned to Belfast and purchased Gelston’s. His brother travelled on to New Zealand to set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882.

Harry was the son of a Belfast merchant and French wine importer and was passionate about whiskey – indeed his grandfather and great grandfather had been whiskey distillers in Comber in the 1750s and 1760’s. He therefore continued their and Samuel Gelston’s legacy of sourcing, blending and bottling the very finest whiskeys, and developed the Gelston’s Irish whiskey brand around the world.

However, the Irish Whiskey landscape faced serious challenges as it entered the 20^th century, and the combined effects of World War I, the Irish War for Independence and finally Prohibition, resulted in the near collapse of the Irish Whiskey industry – which, in turn, led to the demise of Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey.

The brand remained with the Neill family, and five generations on it has now been brought back to life by Harry’s great great grandson, Johnny Neill. Johnny and well-known master distiller Frank McHardy made it their mission to journey across Ireland again to source, bottle and blend the best liquids they could find and Samuel Gelston’s Old Irish Whiskey was reborn.

The current collection includes Samuel Gelston’s Single Malt, Single Pot Still, 5 Year Old Single Malt, 10 Year Old Single Malt, 15YO Single Malt, 26 Year Old Single Malt. Cousins, Johnny & Sam Neill, descendants of Harry and Percival have joined forces on the latest launch that marries Johnny’s Irish Whiskey with Sam’s Pinot Noir New Zealand Wine Casks.

This exciting brand is back doing what it did best.

More about H J Neill Ltd

HJ Neill Ltd are craft spirit purveyors responsible for Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey, The Pleasure Gardens Distilling Company, Mary-Le-Bone Gin, Yattendon Distillery and the Berkshire Botanical artisan spirit collection. 

Drinkaware is an independent UK-wide, alcohol education charity with the objective of positively changing public behaviour and the national drinking culture. It aims to reduce alcohol misuse and minimise harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking. It achieves this by providing impartial, evidence-based information, advice and practical resources; raising awareness of alcohol and its harms and by working collaboratively with partners (including the medical community, public health, third sector organisations, local authorities, police and the drinks industry).

Drinkaware has more than 100 funders, including UK alcohol producers, retailers in the on-trade and off-trade, and wholesalers.

LAPHROAIG’S UNFORGETTABLE TASTE CELEBRATED IN NEW INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN

• New above the line campaign ‘You’ll always remember your first Laphroaig’ aims to encourage drinkers to experience the unique flavour of the world’s most divisive single malt.
• Capturing the genuine public reactions of their first sip the TVC will appear across broadcast, video on demand, and other digital platforms from 26 October.

2nd November 2020: Laphroaig, the UK’s number one peated single malt*, has announced the launch of a new fully integrated above the line campaign. It is aimed at capturing the unique reactions of consumers attempting to describe the smoky flavour of this iconic Islay single malt.

Basking in the divisive, yet unforgettable, taste of Laphroaig, the campaign will appear across broadcast TVC (30”) with social and digital media (15”) going live from 1 December.

‘You’ll always remember your First Laphroaig’ is the next chapter of Laphroaig’s Opinions Welcome advertising campaign and the idea that everyone has their own, often unexpected but always unique reaction to this whisky. The new creative plays on this concept via the coming together of first time Laphroaig drinkers.

Filming genuine members of the public across a variety of ages and backgrounds, each individual is handed a bottle and glass and invited to enjoy their first sip. Beginning with trying to pronounce the name of the infamous liquid, what ensues is a variety of facial expressions that range from hesitant and unsure, to full-blown dislike, pleasant surprise and deep love for the taste – each perfectly capturing the experience without the need for words. The film concludes with two of the brand’s newest and biggest fans fervently nodding and proclaiming their newfound love for Laphroaig.

Perfectly articulating Laphroaig’s personality in a way that transcends traditional whisky advertising, the playful yet honest persona positions the experience of drinking a Laphroaig as a memorable one, no matter the outcome.

Nick Ganich, Head of Brands, Edrington-Beam Suntory UK said, “The idea that Laphroaig isn’t for everyone is what makes it such an iconic and inclusive brand. You may love or indeed dislike the taste, but what is certain is that drinking Laphroaig is a deeply personal experience that elicits great emotion and often debate amongst our customers and consumers.”

Jim Robinson, Managing Director, Warp & Woof said: “Bringing this core part of the brand’s personality to life through the campaign has been a lot of fun and something we believe will encourage thousands of soon to be die-hard fans to discover Laphroaig.”

The campaign will also feature as part of Video on Demand through Sky Go, ITV and All 4 and in a variety of formats across both Instagram and Facebook.  Furthermore, it will stretch across UK retail and e-commerce outlets featuring Laphroaig’s “Opinions Welcome” gift packs in the lead up to the key Christmas period.

To find out more about the campaign or Laphroaig more generally visit www.laphroaig.com. Alternatively subscribe to the Laphroaig UK YouTube channel or check out Facebook and Instagram for updates and news. The advert can be seen by clicking HERE

*Nielsen / CGA MAT Combined Sept 2020

Notes:

TVC credits

Agency: Warp & Woof

Production Company: Cherry Duck

Creative Director: Greg Saunders

Associate Director: Ivana Markotic

Director: Ikenna Mokwe

DOP: Chris DuMont

Producer: Dave Cockayne

Post: Adam Cant/Tom Smith

Editing: Christian Burnett

Music: Lee Baker

Sound: Christian Wells/Janis Balodis

The Fisherman’s Retreat launches its 7th edition whisky

Following the success of its previous editions, The Fisherman’s Retreat, located just beyond the picturesque town of Ramsbottom, has launched its 7th edition single malt whisky.

From buying the first few single malt whiskies to stock the bar back in 1992 to purchasing the first cask in 1995, whisky has always been at the heart of The Fisherman’s Retreat.

Now in its 29th year The Fisherman’s Retreat now stock over 500 different Scottish single malt whiskies, with the majority of these available to try by the dram or purchase by the bottle from their onsite and online shop.

The Yalumba Octavius red wine cask was filled in August 2011 with Bruichladdich spirit, the smaller cask enabled a faster maturation and being bottled in September 2019 Bottled on Islay at 50.4% ABV this is a very limited edition at only 199 bottles.

Purchases can be made via The Fisherman’s Retreat Shop at £70.00 per bottle https://www.fishermansretreat.com/shop/

International Spirits Challenge Bestows Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on Master Distiller Richard Paterson

The renowned industry body, the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), has awarded Whyte & Mackay’s Master Distiller and Blender with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The accolade comes as Master Distiller Richard Paterson celebrates his 50^th year with whisky makers Whyte & Mackay.

The International Spirits Competition is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative and influential spirits competitions in the world due to its rigorous judging process conducted by a panel of independent expert judges.

Alongside the Lifetime Achievement Award, The Dalmore 35 Years Old was recognised with the award of the Supreme Champion 2020, putting the expression at the pinnacle of the spirits category, following intense and scrupulous judging from the panel.

Richard Paterson, Master Blended and Distiller said, “I am totally thrilled with The Dalmore 35 Years Old being named the Supreme Spirit Champion, and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Spirits Challenge has to be the icing on the cask of my 50th year with Whyte & Mackay.”

Justin Smith, International Spirits Challenge Director said, “The ISC is now in its 25th year and it is firmly established as the premier event for celebrating outstanding spirits from across the globe. Congratulations to all our medal winners, trophy winners and the Supreme Champion, Dalmore 35 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. They impressed respected panels of industry experts in a rigorous blind tasting process, and they deserve to celebrate their achievements. We look forward to the ISC returning bigger and better than ever in 2021.”

This September, Richard Paterson announced his intention to step back from his day to day involvement across the Whyte & Mackay portfolio to focus on leading Scotch Whisky Single Malt brand, The Dalmore, as well as personal projects.

December is set to see the previously announced single bottle of The Dalmore 60 Years Old go to auction at Harrods of London.

About Whyte & Mackay Group Ltd

Whyte & Mackay was founded in Glasgow in 1844, and today celebrates its 175th anniversary with a multi-award-winning portfolio of brands which includes The Dalmore, Jura, Tamnavulin and Fettercairn whiskies alongside its namesake Whyte & Mackay Blended Whisky.

Recent years have seen the addition of several new to world spirit brands to the Whyte & Mackay portfolio, including Shackleton Blended Malt, The Woodsman Blended Scotch, Wildcat Gin and the independent experimentation arm of the business, Whisky Works.

The global spirits business is headquartered in the heart of Glasgow, and employs over 500 people around the globe, across five international offices, five distilleries and a state-of-the-art bottling plant in Scotland.

Today, with the support of its owners Emperador Inc,. Whyte & Mackay is building a progressive, passionate and ambitious company for the future. Emperador is a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group, Inc (an international conglomerate listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange).

For more information, please visit www.whyteandmackayltd.com

New Irish Whiskey Experience Appoints International Design Team

International themed attraction and experience design company, Katapult , has been appointed as designers on a new whiskey experience in Ireland.

The Portmagee Whiskey Experience and Seine Boat Visitor Centre in County Kerry, will celebrate the region’s historical relationships with smugglers, fishermen and other local tales, as well as giving visitors the opportunity to taste the award-winning, triple-distilled whiskey.

The main experience is set to feature a 360-degree immersive cinematic experience, set within a geodesic dome, where guests will be able to experience life on the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Other interactive elements will showcase village life in Portmagee and how the infamous whiskey is made.

Speaking on the appointment, Katapult’s Chief Creative Officer, Phil Higgins, said: “We’re really excited to have started work on this new attraction for Portmagee. The combination of the high-tech experiences and fascinating stories that we’re building into the narrative, will make this a must-visit destination.”

The project is being supported by Ireland’s national tourism development authority, Fáilte Ireland , as part of ‘The Wild Atlantic Way’ initiative to create an international tourism offer across the Western coast of the country.

Portmagee Whiskey’s John Murphy, said: “We are looking forward to working alongside Katapult and Fáilte Ireland to make this visitor centre a reality. We’re passionate about our whiskey and the village that inspired its creation. It will be a proud moment when we open the doors to our new visitor attraction next year.”

As well as working on the overall concept design and theming of the visitor centre, Katapult will be providing narrative development and executive production throughout the production and installation. The first phase of the experience is due to be open in Summer 2021.

NOTES

About Katapult

Katapult design themed attractions and experiences that amaze and engage visitors globally. Our work is enjoyed by over 50 million visitors, at 81 theme parks, in 18 different countries. As well as increasing guest experience, we thrive on helping our clients generate more income, more fans and bring the vision for their attraction to life.

AT SOTHEBY’S LONDON HALLOWEEN SALE OF “SPIRITS” 

The Macallan Red Collection Sells for £756,400 / $975,756

*Featuring The Macallan 78 Years Old, the Oldest Aged Whisky Ever to be Sold at Auction*

*Proceeds to be Donated to Food Charity, City Harvest London*

The Second Part of the Ultimate Whisky Collection Realises £1,057,364 / $1,366,431

Bringing the Combined Total of Parts I and II to £8.7 Million / $11.2 Million

*The Most Valuable Whisky Collection Ever to be Sold at Auction* 

LONDON, 31 October 2020 – This morning in London, a complete set of The Red Collection, a new classic aged collection of single malt from The Macallan, achieved £756,400 / $975,756 in Sotheby’s first annual sale of Spirits to fall on the day that Halloween is celebrated around the world, The Ultimate Whisky Collection Part II + More.  Against a low estimate of £200,000, the hammer came down as determined collectors online and in the room competed to own the only set of its kind to be made available for sale. Acquired by an Asian private collector, the set was gifted by The Macallan to City Harvest London to raise funds for the food charity which redistributes surplus from the food industry to vulnerable people across the capital. Proceeds from the sale will provide almost two and a half million meals for those in need.

The complete set of six whiskies in The Red Collection is anchored by The Macallan 40 Years Old, The Macallan 50 Years Old and The Macallan 60 Years Old, which are joined by two further highly aged bottles at 71 Years Old and 74 Years Old. The sixth and final bottle in this collection has been matured for 78 Years, making it not only the oldest bottle released from The Macallan Distillery, but the oldest age statement whisky ever offered at auction. The extremely rare set offered today differs from the standard release and is distinguished by its exclusive labels, which are illustrated and signed by Spanish artist Javi Aznarez. Only two sets feature these labels: Set #1 will remain in The Macallan’s archives and Set #2 was presented in the Sotheby’s auction.

The auction continued with the second part of the Ultimate Whisky Collection which realised £1,057,364 / $1,366,431, bringing the combined total for parts I and II to £8.7 million / $11.2 million. Sotheby’s sale of Part I in October 2019 set the record for the most valuable whisky collection ever sold at auction at £7.6 million / $10 million, an auction record any bottle of wine or spirit with The Macallan Fine & Rare 60-Year-Old 1926, sold for £1.5 million / $1.9 million, and distillery records for Bowmore, Brora and Glenfiddich and Springbank. The second part of this superlative collection included whiskies aged in excess of 50 years from The Macallan, Bowmore, Glenfiddich and The Dalmore, and exquisite independent bottles from Silvano Samaroli.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist, said: “This exceptional result for The Red Collection is testament not only to the strength of the whisky market but also to the esteem with which The Macallan is held. Equally, the result of The Ultimate Whisky Collection Part II cements its position as the most valuable whisky collection ever sold at auction. The overall total for The Ultimate Whisky Collection speaks volumes of the diversity in today’s premium whisky market and the importance of provenance to collectors. A fantastic result for Sotheby’s inaugural Halloween spirits sale and City Harvest London.”

Igor Boyadjian, Managing Director, The Macallan, said: “Global communities are key to The Macallan and as part of our commitment to giving back, we are pleased to have collaborated with Sotheby’s to auction this extremely rare, complete set of The Red Collection, which features our oldest ongoing aged expressions and a selection of high aged guest releases, including the oldest bottlings our brand has ever released. This bespoke auction lot has raised an incredible amount of funds for food charity, City Harvest London, with a final sale price of £756,400, which crucially equates to almost 2.5m meals delivered to people in need. This will allow the charity to continue to make a real difference to people’s lives, and we are very supportive of their sustainable vision and efforts to support those most in need.” 

Laura Winningham, CEO, City Harvest London, said: “We are overwhelmed with the incredible support The Macallan has given us, and the fantastic figure reached. Huge congratulations to everyone who has been involved, what terrific news!  The proceeds from this auction will be critical in nourishing and improving the lives of tens of thousands of people in the very challenging months ahead, as we are able to expand our operations to include more charities and groups feeding people in London.  We are so appreciative of the continued support of The Macallan, their interest in our mission, and commitment to people and the planet.” 

ABOUT THE RED COLLECTION

Inspired by the significance of the colour red throughout the history of the brand, The Red Collection captures The Macallan’s deep respect for tradition and craftsmanship. Distilled decades ago, in The Macallan’s signature copper stills, each expression in the collection has been matured in the distillery’s oak casks under the watchful eye of several generations of whisky makers. Over time, they developed into extraordinarily elegant aged whiskies.

The colour red has deep and long-standing significance for The Macallan, beginning with Alexander Reid, the farmer and teacher who founded The Macallan in 1824, whose surname means ‘the red one’ in Scots and was originally associated with red hair.  In 1903, owner Roderick Kemp launched The Macallan Choice Old range, which was reportedly shipped in cases labelled with distinctive red print to distinguish it from The Macallan’s existing whiskies, which featured black labelling.  Almost eight decades later, in 1980, red was to feature strongly in the release of The Macallan’s then oldest vintages, dated 1938, 1940 and 1950. Allan Shiach, chairman of The Macallan at that time, tied a red ribbon around the sought-after bottlings to denote their age and value.

These three characters are featured in an animated film created to introduce The Red Collection in collaboration with Javi Aznarez, acclaimed for his striking graphic art which has featured in several films, including director Wes Anderson’s forthcoming feature, The French Dispatch. The animation is set to music recorded by Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, one of the most sought-after classical musicians of her generation.

Each bottle in The Red Collection is encased in a hand-crafted oak presentation box created from the same sustainable European oak used to craft The Macallan’s oak casks. These boxes are beautifully upholstered with sustainably sourced soft red leather from Scottish supplier Bridge of Weir Leather, which creates upholstery for leading luxury car brands across the globe.  The Sotheby’s set uniquely included two exclusive display cases and two bespoke tables.

Three of the bottles in the collection are also hand-signed by Kirsteen Campbell, who was appointed Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan in 2019 – the first woman to occupy the role in the history of the brand. The remaining three bottles – The Macallan 71 Years Old, The Macallan 74 Years Old and The Macallan 78 Years Old – are hand-signed by Sarah Burgess, Lead Whisky Maker for The Macallan. 

Comprising whiskies from renowned distilleries in Scotland, Ireland and Japan,

The Ultimate Whisky Collection Part II + More continues now

Full results of the sale will be available 

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate. https://www.themacallan.com/en 

About City Harvest

City Harvest is part of London’s support network, enabling quality surplus food to be redistributed for free to those unable to access food. A sustainable vision for London feeding Londoners, underpinned by the belief that everyone has the absolute right to food.  Working with manufacturers, farms, retailers, studios, and markets, City Harvest vans collect healthy surplus food and deliver to over 300 charities and organisations that feed those facing food poverty.

Based in Acton and New Spitalfields Market City Harvest vans deliver to hostels, shelters, children & family centres, women’s refuges, food banks, faith groups, mental health homes, community, and youth centres across greater London. 

About Sotheby’s Wine

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide sales in 2019 significantly exceeded $100 million for the second consecutive year, led by a 20% increase in auction sales to a total of $118 million – the highest-ever annual total in Sotheby’s history.

Sotheby’s Wine, with a store located within the auction house’s worldwide headquarters on New York’s Upper East Side, offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by Sotheby’s’ experienced specialists, the ever–evolving selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with prices beginning at just $13.95. With bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages, each wine is chosen for its expression of its region and value for money. Each bottle selected by Sotheby’s specialist team must pass the brand’s signature “three-glass” tasting guideline, meaning that the tasters must like it enough to want to drink three glasses, or the standard amount enjoyed when sharing a bottle.

The Sotheby’s Wine Store in New York City is located at 1334 York Avenue, and is open Monday through Friday from 10AM to 7PM and Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. Along with a retail location in Hong Kong Sotheby’s Wine also offers all bottles online, 24 hours, at www.sothebyswine.com.

The Past, Savoured in the Present 

“A Timeless Creation. Defined, Shaped and Crafted by the Sands of Time” are the words etched into the packaging encasing Bowmore’s first annual limited edition 30-year-old single malt release.

Taking inspiration from the terrain that surrounds the Islay distillery, with cues from the detailed markings on driftwood and whisky casks to the refined polish of seaglass, the packaging solution, manufactured by IPL Packaging, is in perfect congruence with Bowmore’s “The Art of Time” campaign. .

Launched earlier this year, the global campaign introduced a striking new colour palette and visual feel, inspired by both Islay’s varied and diverse coastal landscape and the very essence of the whisky itself.

The packaging solution for the 30 YO reinforces the story of how Bowmore whiskies benefit from the power of time, becoming more beautiful and precious over the years.

In combining the naturally weathered look of wood on the exterior of the box with an oceanic-toned side panel reminiscent of seaglass, the packaging is a reflection of how natural elements are able to work in harmony with one another to shape complexity and richness of character.

Communicating quality at every touchpoint, copper hinges allow for 180 degree opening of the pack, and reveal a recessed copper plaque located in the interior lid. Evocative of the distillery’s copper stills, the plaque details the tasting notes of the burnished gold spirit contained within.

David Turner, Bowmore Distillery Manager, commented: “By adding an ongoing 30-Year-Old Bowmore to the portfolio, we are able to showcase how vital time spent in cask shapes and influences our spirit, making it even more exceptional and characterful.  Each annual release will tell the rich stories of Bowmore, but importantly each will have their own unique style and character.

“As for this release, this is another perfect example of classic Bowmore but with boundless depth and intrigue reflecting the long standing interaction of spirit and wood,” he concludes.

Limited to only 2580 bottles, Bowmore 30 YO is now available across a select number of whisky specialist customers.

Sazerac’s Last Drop Distillers Launches First Autumn Collection,

Bourbon Offering Distilled in 1980

LONDON (Oct. 28, 2020) The Last Drop Distillers, curators of the world’s most remarkable spirits, will introduce its first Autumn Collection of rare, aged spirits, which will consist of three very limited releases including a Bourbon distilled in 1980.

Taking a page from parent company Sazerac’s annual Antique Collection release, the Last Drop Autumn Collection is available in very limited quantities and offers some of the rarest spirits in the world.

The 1980 Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey was distilled in 1980, at what was then George T. Stagg Distillery, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery.  In 1992 Sazerac Company purchased the Distillery in Frankfort, Ky, buying the whole site lock, stock, and literally barrel(s).

Quietly hiding away in one of Buffalo Trace’s warehouses, a few barrels rested until a complete inventory was taken in 1998, at which point the barrels were 18 years old. For two years, the barrels remained in place, until at twenty years old they were vatted into stainless steel, which is a very common process distillers use to halt the aging effects of the barrel on the whiskey.

However, as Sazerac knows from its experience with prolonging its Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey, the taste and characteristics will change over time. After another 20 years in stainless, Sazerac and The Last Drop believe the forty years total maturation has produced one of the finest bourbons ever made.

Tasting notes describe this bourbon as “the definition of flamboyant, with an orchestra of flavors, each flavor harmoniously mingled. It transforms miraculously from a dark chocolate, almond, leather, caramel and oak to a gentle warming spiciness, concluding with a virtual symphony on your palate.”

The 1980 Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey is release number 19 from The Last Drop and its second bourbon release, both of which hail from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Only 240 bottles of the ultra-rare bourbon are available worldwide.  It is 90 proof.  Suggested retail price is $4,600; state taxes will vary per market.

About The Last Drop Distillers 

The Last Drop has a passion for discovery and an equal passion for sharing. The sheer pleasure of tasting great old spirits in good company was what inspired two icons of the industry, Tom Jago and James Espey, to begin scouting the globe for its most remarkable spirits. Establishing their innovative business in 2008, following long, illustrious careers and ground-breaking releases which changed the trade forever, they began a personal hunt for the best aged spirits in the world. Tom and James’ daughters, Rebecca Jago and Beanie Geraedts-Espey, joined The Last Drop in 2014 to share their fathers’ vision with a wider audience. Now, as Rebecca takes the helm, a staunch advocacy for excellence remains as much a personal mantra as a professional one. The Last Drop is driven by integrity, and each of its small batch releases is saturated with stories of the journey.

Laphroaig® unveils the Second Instalment In The Ian Hunter Series

Introducing Book Two of The Ian Hunter Story™, a rare collectable in Laphroaig®’s series of Super-Premium Whiskies

Following the huge success and popularity of Ian Hunter Book One, Beam Suntory’s Laphroaig has announced the second instalment in the fascinating Ian Hunter Story™ that continues to honour the legacy of the icon and last founding member of the Johnston family to run the Laphroaig® Distillery.

The Ian Hunter Story™ will consist of five annual releases, the first of which was launched in 2019, set into beautifully crafted books that document the story of Ian’s incredibly rich legacy. Every year a new chapter is unveiled, uncovering the extensive history behind Laphroaig® and the characters who created it.

Following on from Book One: ‘Unique Character’, Book Two is entitled ‘Building an Icon’ and is limited to just four hundred cases, meaning this incredibly rare liquid will be a highly sought after collectable from whisky enthusiasts all over the world.

This collection is unlike any other and one that is sure to be treasured by Laphroaig® passionate fans across the world.

Ian Hunter: Book Two

With Book One reflecting on Ian Hunter’s formidable character, Book Two is dedicated to the hours of tireless work Ian Hunter committed to the Laphroaig® brand whilst at the helm. Matured in Sherry casks for 30 years, this non-chill filtered whisky is beautifully rounded with a combination of sweet, spiced and medicinal notes. Ian’s innovative approach to whisky-making is especially notable here, resulting in Laphroaig®’s iconic signature flavour: complex, smokey and often polarizing.

For whisky lovers who have always wondered who built the undeniably iconic Laphroaig® distillery on a craggy shore on the Isle of Islay, the latest chapter of the Ian Hunter Story™ answers that very question. Who else but Ian Hunter? The second book of Ian’s story is dedicated to his tireless work building Laphroaig®’s distillery and infrastructure, and therefore, Laphroaig®’s icon.

The latest instalment delves deeper into Ian’s innovation in the very fabric of the distillery. Having introduced American oak, ex-Bourbon barrels to the maturation process, Ian realised the distillery itself would have to expand to keep pace with the changes he was to make. Although he may not have realised it at the time, Ian’s expansion of the Laphroaig® distillery would one day become a worldwide icon.

Ian’s tireless work on building the Laphroaig®’s iconic infrastructure ensured that the exquisite and distinctive whisky, that matures gently inside the warehouse while drawing on the flavour of the wood and breathing in the stormy Atlantic climate over 30 years, reaches its friends the world over.

The legendary Ian Hunter

At times polarising but highly regarded and loved by those who knew him best, Ian Hunter is one of the most important figures in the history of single malt whisky. His influence on Islay – one of the most famous whisky-producing regions – cannot be overstated.

Ian joined the distillery in 1908 as the youngest member of the Johnston family. His relatives, the brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston had founded the distillery in 1815. His arrival had a lasting legacy on the distillery that is still used to this day as he is credited with doubling the production and successfully exporting Laphroaig® whisky around the world.

One of his biggest successes was managing to sell Laphroaig® to America during Prohibition. Ian managed to do this by leveraging the spirit’s unique character, which meant that it could be sold for medicinal purposes.

John Campbell, Laphroaig® distillery manager, comments: “You cannot enjoy Laphroaig®’s exquisitely smokey and complex liquid, without paying homage to the legendary Ian Hunter. His influence in our whisky production techniques and our iconic brand as a whole is undeniable. The second book in our Ian Hunter Story™ celebrates his legacy in shaping Laphroaig® to what it is today.”

The limited edition whisky will be available from selected retailers for an RRP of £760.

Tasting Notes

Nose:

Dried Dates and Figs, Cigar box with Toffee and Dark Chocolate, liquorice with medicinal notes, pink peppercorns and all spice. Adding water brings out pipe tobacco and orange peel

Taste:

Manuka Honey Sweet, Smoked Stone Fruit

Finish:

Long and mouth drying

Colour:

Burnt Umber

ABV:

48.2%

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