Bimber releases UK exclusive oloroso sherry cask finish  

London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the release of Batch 002 of its Oloroso Cask Small Batch single malt, created exclusively for the UK.

Following a swift sell-out of the European market edition of the release earlier in 2020, the second bottling in the series of batched releases has now been unveiled for the UK market.

The single malt has been crafted from a vatting of carefully selected first fill ex-bourbon casks that have been finished in Spanish oloroso sherry casks. 920 bottles have been produced at an ABV of 51.7% with natural colour, no chill-filtration and an RRP of £75.

The expression will be made available to the Distillery’s ‘Bimber Klub’ members from the 9^th September, with the remaining allocation dedicated to UK spirits retailers.

The Small Batch release was crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings, before being fermented for seven days in bespoke on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised stills which possess an increased copper surface area, resulting in a light, fruit-forward, layered new make spirit.

Speaking of the release of the UK Exclusive Oloroso Cask, Bimber Distillery spokesperson Matt McKay said “Despite being a London-based distillery we’re thrilled by the growing worldwide interest in Bimber. As a small distillery focussed on craft, not volumes, it has been challenging for us meet the surging demand for our single malts. Whilst we continue to broaden our offerings overseas, it is still a great pleasure to unveil our next Small Batch release for our home market in the UK.”

“Our Oloroso Cask expression delivers Bimber’s distinctive fruit-focussed character, but adds additional layers of rich intensity, particularly on the palate – which will appeal to all lovers of sherried single malt whisky.”

Notes 

Bimber Oloroso Cask Small Batch 002  

Matured in first fill ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in casks which previously held Spanish oloroso sherry

Nose: Plump raisins and dried berries sit with vanilla cream, malt loaf and gingerbread men whilst dusty cinnamon joins a French crepe with a squeeze of lemon juice

Taste: Silky in texture with crushed red berries and quince jelly enriched by chocolate sauce and cracked walnuts. Banana bread and cinnamon swirls join golden syrup while roasted pineapples are tempered by fresh sweet sherry

Finish: Lingering ginger and anise spicing alongside fading berry sweetness

Limited to 920 bottles

70cl

51.7% ABV

RRP £75

Distribution: Available from the 9^th September to Bimber Klub members and via UK retailers thereafter.

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

Whisky Makers Whyte & Mackay Ltd toast success at ISC awards

Scotch Whisky Producers of the Year, Whyte & Mackay Ltd are raising a glass to toast the success of its whisky portfolio today after winning a grand total of 53 Double Gold and Gold awards at this year’s International Spirits Challenge (ISC).

Whyte & Mackay’s collection of Single Malt Whiskies – The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Tamnavulin and Jura received the highest recognition, scooping up six Double Gold medals, followed by 47 Gold medals spanning whiskies from across the portfolio.

The rejuvenated Fettercairn won a total of five awards including Double Gold for its 46 Year Old single malt – a new expression release from the very rare exquisite stocks at Fettercairn Distillery. The win follows a successful year for the Single Malt, with two new permanent expressions added to its core range, each showcasing Fettercairn’s special character distinctive tropical flavour profile.

The International Spirits Challenge is in its 25^th year, and is the leading event in promoting outstanding quality spirits across the world. Awards are given to spirits based on a thorough blind tasting from a panel of specialist judges.

Mr Richard Paterson, Master Distiller and Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay said:

“As whisky makers we dedicate our time to nurturing fantastic whiskies that capture the character of each distillery. We commit ourselves and our passion to produce exceptional whiskies that we hope will be perfect the moment they are enjoyed. To be recognised by the ISC is a wonderful moment that we truly appreciate. We are raising a glass today to everyone at Whyte & Mackay that played a part in this success”

Currently celebrating its 175^th anniversary, Whyte & Mackay is one of Scotland’s leading whisky makers, with single malt brands including The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn, Tamnavulin and blends including Whyte & Mackay, Shackleton and The Woodsman.

DOUBLE GOLD

Dalmore 35 Year Old Highland Single Malt, Dalmore Vintage “Quartet” Highland Single Malt,Dalmore 40 Year Old Highland Single Malt,Fettercairn 46 Year Old Single Highland Malt
Tamnavulin Single Speyside Malt Vintage 1970 and Jura Single Highland Malt Vintage 1993.

GOLD

Glaswegian, John Barr Blended Scotch Whisky, Whyte and Mackay Triple Matured Blended Scotch Whisky, Woodsman Blended Scotch Whisky, Quartermaster, Whyte and Mackay 50 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky, King Of Trees, Shackleton Blended Malt, Tamnavulin French Cabernet Sauvignon Finish Single Speyside Malt Whisky, Jura “Red Wine” Single Malt, Tamnavulin Tempranillo Finish Single Speyside Malt Whisky, Tamnavulin Sherry Finish Single Speyside Malt Whisky, Dalmore Vintage “Trio” Single Highland Malt, Tamnavulin Spanish Grenache Finish Single Speyside Malt Whisky, Jura Seven Wood Single Highland Malt, Dalmore Cigar Malt Single Highland Malt, Dalmore Vintage “Quintet” Single Highland Malt, Tamnavulin Double Cask Single Speyside Malt Whisky, Fettercairn “Small Batch” Single Highland Malt
Dalmore Port Reserve Single Highland Malt, Jura “French Oak” Single Malt, Dalmore King Alexander III Single Highland Malt, Dalmore Quintessence Single Highland Malt, JURA 12 Year Old, Jura “Two – One – Two” Limited Edition Single Malt, Jura 18 Year Old Single Highland Malt, Tamnavulin Single Speyside Malt Vintage 2000, Fettercairn 16 Year Old Single Highland Malt, “The Paps” 19 Year Old Jura Single Highland Malt, 28 Y O Fettercairn Single Highland Malt, Tamnavulin Single Speyside Malt Vintage 1979, Tamnavulin Single Speyside Malt Vintage 1973, Jura Single Highland Malt Vintage 1988, Fettercairn 40 Year Old Single Highland Malt, Dalmore 25 Year Old Single Highland Malt, Jura Single Highland Malt Vintage 1975, Jura “Time” 21 Year Old Single Malt, Jura “Tide” 21 Year Old Single Malt and Dalmore 45 Year Old Single Highland Malt

About Whyte & Mackay Group Ltd.

The Whyte & Mackay collection of Single Malt Whiskies includes Jura, Tamnavilin, Fettercairn and The Dalmore – the exceptional Single Malt Whisky that celebrates its 180^th anniversary in 2019/20.

Scotch Whisky Producers of the Year Whyte & Mackay was founded in Glasgow in 1844, and today celebrates its 175th anniversary with a multi-award-winning portfolio of brands including its namesake Whyte & Mackay Blended Whisky.

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 Inc. is a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group Inc. (an international conglomerate listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange).

Jura Whisky proudly unveils new sherry-finished expression to Cask Editions Series – Jura Winter Edition 

As the festive season fast approaches, Jura Single Malt Scotch whisky is proud to present the new Winter Edition from the tiny island community distillery.

The new expression follows Jura Red Wine Cask, the first in the series released earlier this year. Each whisky in this new series will celebrate the role of different cask finishes throughout the maturation process and the impact they have on creating the distinctive flavour of Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The Cask Editions series will highlight the connection between the land and the spirit bringing distinct regional and seasonal flavours to the island malt.

Gregg Glass, Whisky Maker at Whyte & Mackay, commented: “I’m really passionate about exploring the flavour we can unlock within Jura. In our new Winter Edition we’ve created the perfect festive season toaster. In this expression, we have crafted a harmonious marriage of sweet spices and freshly baked apple pie, which result in an indulgent whisky while staying true to the heart of our distillery character with its mapled and citrussy characteristics.”

“The Isle of Jura is a unique place to develop and experiment with whisky and Jura Whisky is at the heart of an unbreakable bond between our island, our people and our distillery.  This release captures that island spirit and is ideal for keeping warm with friends and family and toasting during the winter months.”

Jura’s Winter Edition is a rich and warm full-bodied single malt, weaving in winter warming notes of sweetness from sticky maple syrup, spicy mulled wine and freshly brewed coffee, the finish is left with a comforting taste of whipped vanilla and cinnamon spice.

Jura Winter Cask is offered at 40% ABV, after being matured first for a period in American White Oak Ex Bourbon barrels and finished in hand-selected aged Spanish Sherry Casks.

Jura Winter Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1L is exclusively available in the UK at Tesco at an RSP £44.00

Notes:

About Jura:

Jura is a remote Scottish island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one whisky distillery and 212(ish) people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote.

The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community.

Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.

Product information:

Winter Edition

ABV: 40%

Available in 1L & 70cl formats market dependent

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Deep mahogany gold

Nose: Soft and elegant with inviting aromas of citrus fruits, creamy caramel latte and sweet sultanas, followed by a hint of banana.

Palate: This unique Island malt reveals its warming nature, thanks to the hand selected sherry casks which deliver flavours of coffee, maple syrup and spicy mulled wine, finishing with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon spice.

About Whyte & Mackay                                

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.

The whisky maker are proud partners of Flor de Caña, Camus and RumChata distributing their distinctive brands in the UK, while in recent years a focus on pioneering innovation has seen a number of brand extensions and new to world brands.

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).

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2020 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the fall 2020 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 14 years old. Comprised of barrels produced in fall of 2005, and bottled in fall of 2020, the sixth national release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the fall edition denotes a black label, consistent across all fall releases. As was the case for the past editions, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond fall edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The edition is available at a suggested retail price of $140.

A previous 14-year-old edition was released as a visitors center and Kentucky allocated product, denoted with a red label. The fall 2020 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the first 14-year-old of the nationally released series and features Bourbon pulled from different rickhouses, at different floors, and on different production dates than the red label release. As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class that showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.7 million barrels aging in 60 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whisky Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLYROOD:

SMWS KICK OFF VIRTUAL FESTIVAL BY OFFERING CASK OF WHISKY TO ONE LUCKY MEMBER 

The world’s most colourful whisky club is partnering with Holyrood Distillery to offer a hogshead cask to one lucky member 

To celebrate The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s (SMWS) annual Gathering, it is offering one lucky member the chance to win a whole cask of whisky from Holyrood Distillery.

This is the first time SMWS has offered members the chance to win an entire cask of whisky from a partner distillery. The coveted prize is worth approximately £10K and includes all associated costs including production of spirit, maturation for up to 10 years, bottling and duty, surely the ultimate prize for any whisky-lover.

A CASK IN DEMAND

Holyrood Distillery, Edinburgh’s first city centre single malt whisky distillery for nearly a century, offers the widest breadth of flavour of any distillery in the country.

As part of their Custom Cask Programme, they allow a unique fully customisable option, where people can select flavour options to tailor their cask of whisky to their flavour preference.

The two Edinburgh-based leading whisky organisations have paired up for this special project, with the lucky SMWS member being able to select their own bespoke cask of whisky from Holyrood Distillery.

The competition will go live on Monday 7^th September, all SMWS members have to do is enter here: https://unfiltered.smws.com/win-a-cask

WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY OF WHISKY LOVERS

This year’s Gathering is taking place throughout September. Building on the success of its inaugural year last year, The Gathering 2020 will focus on the SMWS global community of over 27,000 members, uniting them in exceptional single cask whiskies.

A series of tastings (both virtual and in-person), whisky webinars, global ambassador at-home tastings, virtual pub sessions with global guests and a Twitter Tasting will take place throughout the month.

In a year where many whisky events and festivals have been forced to move online, SMWS are encouraging members to host their own Gathering events at home, with home tasting kits available to download. Tickets can be purchased for the full calendar of events here: www.smws.com/events

There will be a Virtual Tasting streamed live from The Vaults on 6^th September. All members need to take part is a limited-edition Discovery Pack, including five exclusive Gathering bottlings, which can be purchased here: https://www.smws.com/the-gathering-discovery-pack-2020

As well as these virtual events, there will also be events taking place at the Society’s spiritual home in The Courtyard at The Vaults on 4^th and 5^th September, bringing members together while adhering to all necessary social distancing guidelines.

The SMWS is now a truly global membership organisation, with members and partner bars across the world. Each SMWS branch around the world will have its own market-exclusive Gathering bottle.

The September SMWS bottling outturn will see The Gathering special releases available from Friday 4^th September. The Gathering Discovery Pack will be available with five exclusive bottlings for the virtual tasting element of the global Gathering festival.

Helen Stewart, Head of Marketing and Membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “Can you imagine owning your own full cask of single malt whisky? That’s the incredible prize that is up for grabs to all the member of the SMWS.

“Without doubt it’s the biggest prize we’ve ever offered to our members and with our global festival The Gathering beginning on 31st August, it’s the perfect time to show the world what we do at SMWS – but you have to be in it to win it.

“It’s been tough for everyone in different ways, but nothing can stop us from celebrating our amazing membership. We’re encouraging members to join in on their own or organise their own Gathering at home and take part with friends. We’ll be celebrating all things Society at The Gathering from 31st August.”

For details on all The Gathering events, visit: www.smws.com/events

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 138 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages which can be tailored. Please seehttps://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visithttps://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

HEPBURN’S CHOICE RANGE UNDERGOES VIBRANT RE-BRAND 

Hunter Laing & Co. reveals new look and feel for the range inspired by the directors’ grandfather who travelled the globe in the 1960s with his role in the Diplomatic Service

The family owned Scotch whisky distiller, blender and bottler Hunter Laing & Co. announces a brand-new look and feel for the Hepburn’s Choice range. The    new-look collection will be available worldwide from early September.

Each bottling, whether as a single cask or small batch, showcases the characteristics of a Scottish distillery. The colours of the new design denote the whisky region of the distillery, giving consumers a quick and handy reference as to flavour profile.

The range is named in honour of the directors’ late maternal grandfather, William Hepburn, who travelled the globe with his role in the Diplomatic Service. The new design harks back to the 1960s and William’s heyday, when he lived in places as diverse as Hong Kong, Istanbul, and Nairobi.

The Hepburn’s Choice range is bottled at 46% ABV and without artificial colouring or chill-filtration. The collection is also available to purchase from Ardnahoe Distillery which reopened to the public on Monday 20^th of July.

Commenting on the new design, Stewart Laing, Managing Director, said:“We’re extremely proud of the new design. We aimed to produce a refreshing, vibrant look and feel that would catch the eye of whisky fans worldwide, with a nod to our family heritage.”

Adding to his father’s comments, Scott Laing, Business Development Director, said: “The new look of Hepburn’s Choice is colourful, eye-catching and exciting, which we know will create intrigue with loyal fans of the range and whisky enthusiasts around the world.

“Our range is bottled as 70cls and has been matured in a variety of different casks. The liquid is as good as ever, and we can’t wait to see people’s reaction to the new branding.

“My grandfather’s long experience of attending embassy functions gave him a fine sense of appreciation for his homeland’s whiskies. We believe these bottlings would indeed have been ‘Hepburn’s Choice’.”

Facebook: @Hunterlaingwhisky

Twitter: @hlaingwhisky

Instagram: @hunterlaingwhisky

Notes:

• Hunter Laing & Co is an independent distiller, blender and bottler based in Glasgow and run by the Laing Family – father Stewart with sons Andrew and Scott
• Hunter Laing has been operating since May 2013 and owns a portfolio of much-loved whisky brands including Kinship, Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Hepburn’s Choice and Sovereign.
• It distributes to 65 markets around the world in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.
• Hunter Laing & Co reported pre-tax profits of £2.3m on a turnover of £8.4m for its last full year of trading (end April 2018).
• The Laing family are the owners of Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay, which began distilling in 2018.

Virginia Distillery Company’s Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky Now Available

LOVINGSTON, Va. (September 4, 2020) – Just in time for Virginia Spirits Month, a collaborative effort between the Virginia Distillers Association and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to support the Commonwealth’s burgeoning distilled spirits industry, the latest offering of Virginia Distillery Company’s Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky has made its way onto shelves at Virginia ABC stores. The whisky is also available for purchase online at vadistillery.com to customers in Virginia and beyond.

Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky is made from 100% malted barley, marrying American Single Malt whisky made on-site in Virginia with aged malt whisky from Scotland. The whisky finishes in casks sourced primarily from Virginia cideries such as Potter’s Craft Cider and Buskey Cider for an additional 8 to 20 months. The whisky retails for $59.99.

The Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky has received multiple awards in recent years, including being recognized by Whisky Advocate as one of the top 20 whiskies of the year in 2018, receiving a 90-point rating from the publication.

On Thursday, September 10^th at 3pm ET, Virginia Distillery Company will host a live virtual tasting on Instagram featuring the Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky.

“We’re thrilled to bring back our award-winning Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky during Virginia Spirits Month,” said Virginia Distillery Company CEO Gareth H. Moore. “Our Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky has a lot of fans and it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy it.”

To coincide with the latest release of Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky, Virginia Distillery Company collaborated with Pratt Standard Cocktail Co. on a cocktail kit available exclusively online for Virginia residents.

The cocktail kit, which is available for $69.99 on the Virginia Distillery Company website, includes Cider Cask Virginia-Highland Whisky (750ml bottle), Pratt Standard Cocktail Co. True Kola Syrup (16 oz. bottle) and a cocktail recipe card featuring two recipes, one that can be enjoyed hot and one that can be enjoyed cold.

The distillery launched Courage & Conviction, its signature American Single Malt whisky, this spring. The name is a nod to a phrase founder Dr. George G. Moore was often heard saying: “Have the courage of your convictions.”

Coinciding with the rollout of the Dr. George G. Moore batch of Courage & Conviction, Virginia Distillery Company released batch.info, a website hub that includes distillate and cask data, as well as bottling and process information for consumers. Virginia Distillery Company also recently launched a complete guide to American Single Malt whisky.

For more information, visit the distillery’s website at www.vadistillery.com.

About Virginia Distillery Company

Staffed by a local Virginia team mentored by Scottish consultants with decades of experience, Virginia Distillery Company is the largest dedicated American Single Malt whisky distillery in the U.S. The distillery has a current annual production volume of 80,000 4.5L cases and growing. At full capacity, the distillery can produce over 8,000 casks yielding 350,000 4.5L cases annually. The distillery produces Courage & Conviction American Single Malt on-site using malted barley from North America and water from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition, the distillery offers the award-winning Virginia-Highland Whisky series, made with 100% malted barley. Showcasing both Old and New World whisky-making, the award-winning line marries whisky made on-site in Virginia with whisky from Scotland.

SCOTTISH FAMILY FIRM LAUNCHES THE ANGELS’ SHARE GLASS

The team at an award-winning family firm has created a new spirits glass – The Angels’ Share Glass.

The glassware, which features an angel’s wing and a flame, is launched online by Stirling company Angels’ Share Glass today.

It is the latest innovation from the firm which is renowned for a range of glassware including Whisky Angels, Whisky Water Droppers and Gin Pigs.

Angels’ Share Glass Managing Director Karen Somerville said: “We’ve always wanted to add our own glass to the range so this is a concept which has been in the making for a long time.

“We’ve gone back and forth in deciding how it should look and behind the design is the idea that it should be simple but bold and legendary but attainable.

“There is no pseudoscience involved. We wanted to come up with something for drinkers who don’t take their spirits too seriously and we’re delighted, that after all this time, we have our own glass reflecting the company’s journey and vision.”

“The Angels’ Share Glass is designed on elegance and grace much like an Angel and it’s ideal for everyone’s favourite spirit whether that be Scotch Whisky, Rum, Bourbon, Cognac, Vodka, Sherry, Port or Gin.”

There are two glasses in the range – a standard size which takes 100ml of spirits and a mini tasting version which is 50ml.

The glass was designed by Karen Somerville and her father, Master Glassblower Tom Young MBE, who were keen to incorporate the wing and flame which forms their company logo into the design.

It is aimed at all spirits-lovers and complements the firm’s existing bar and giftware range including gift sets.

The versatile glass can also be personalised with a name or brand and plans are underway to extend the range to include decanters and water jugs.

The company had intended to launch The Angels Share Glass during an Open Day at the firm’s headquarters in Bridge of Allan near Stirling, however, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the launch will be a virtual one instead.

Mrs Somerville said: “It’s a shame we can’t have a full launch at our studio, but like many small businesses we’ve had to adapt to the current situation and instead we’ve created a video featuring the Angels’ Share Glass which we hope everyone will enjoy.”

The video can be viewed here – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw80vrjEDjk

The standard 100ml Angels’ Share Glass costs around £12 while the mini version, which is perfect for tasting sessions, is 50ml and £10.

For more details and to order go to – www.angelsshareglass.com/collections/gift-sets

For more information about Angels Share Glass, visit www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes:

Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm was co-founded by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

GORDON & MACPHAIL COMMEMORATES 125^th ANNIVERSARY WITH ‘LAST CASK’ RELEASES 

— 47YO Coleburn first in the series of four rarely seen whiskies — 

Gordon & MacPhail has revealed plans to launch four rarely seen single malt Scotch whiskies to commemorate the company’s 125-year history.

Exceptionally scarce, each whisky – either from a closed distillery or made on Lomond Stills no longer in production – is from the last cask held in Gordon & MacPhail’s famous warehouse in Elgin. The rare single malts will be released periodically during the rest of 2020, providing a fitting tribute to 125 years spent in pursuit of perfection of the art of maturation. Since 1895 Gordon & MacPhail has released single malts from over 100 celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries.

The first of the anniversary whiskies to be revealed is the Gordon & MacPhail 1972 from Coleburn Distillery in Speyside. Coleburn Distillery, situated just four miles from the company’s Elgin home, started production in 1897 and it remained active until 1985.

Gordon & MacPhail 1972 from Coleburn Distillery [RSP £1500*]

Just 363 bottles of the sweet, intense and complex 47-Year-Old whisky from Coleburn Distillery are available. After spending its entire maturation in cask 3511, a refill sherry puncheon, the golden-hued whisky has been bottled at cask strength (62.4% ABV), developing a sweet aroma with butterscotch notes.

This sweetness is carried into the taste of the whisky, with apricots flavours, cooked apples and mint giving way to a medium finish with autumnal fruit and a slight herbal finish.

Stephen Rankin, a fourth-generation member of Gordon & MacPhail’s owning family and the company’s Director of Prestige, said: “The whiskies we have chosen to commemorate our 125^th Anniversary are all truly unique and seldom seen in the market.

“They are bottled from the last remaining casks we have from these distilleries, and marks an emotional moment for my family as they leave the Gordon & MacPhail warehouse after being left to mature by my grandfather many decades ago.

“These single malts represent not only the skills and expertise in whisky maturation built and passed down through generations, but also the passion we have in advocating the discovery of rare whiskies from some of Scotland’s lesser known, but much sought after, distilleries.

“We intend to reveal details of the other three whiskies over the coming year, with each single malt honouring this important milestone for Gordon & MacPhail.”

For more information visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

#GordonandMacPhail

*Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

Tasting notes 

Gordon & MacPhail 1972 from Coleburn Distillery

Matured in cask 3511, a refill sherry puncheon and bottled at 62.4% ABV. 

Colour: Golden

Aroma: Sweet butterscotch, ripe fruit and subtle floral aromas. Caramelised sugar develops alongside waxy citrus peel, slowly transforming into fresh guava.

Taste: Intensely sweet; fruity flavours of apricot and cooked apple with a subtle mouth-warming chilli spice edge. Subtle charred oak flavours give way to a soft undertone of mint leaves.

Finish: A medium finish with sweet and ripe autumnal fruit and a lingering dry herbal note. 

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

Established in 1895, family-owned Gordon & MacPhail is curator of some of the world’s finest and rarest single malt Scotch whiskies from over 100 distilleries. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued to pursue the perfect partnership between spirit and cask.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks which are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouse in Elgin.

It is this simple but endlessly complex pairing that creates an intriguing and unique portfolio of expressions – single malts that Scotch whisky lovers will not find anywhere else.

In April 2018, the company unveiled its streamlined portfolio:

• ‘Discovery’ – Utterly dependable, this flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies.
• ‘Distillery Labels’ – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries.
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ – The heart of our portfolio – always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’ – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family.
• ‘Generations’ – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces.