Glen Moray releases ‘hidden treasure’ Madeira Cask expression for Curiosity Range

Glen Moray has today (1^st June) unveiled the latest addition to its Curiosity Range of experimental limited editions: the Glen Moray Madeira Cask Project.

A single malt Scotch whisky fully matured in ex-sweet Madeira hogsheads for 13 years and 10 months, the expression is a rich and indulgent combination of Glen Moray’s classic Speyside style and the sweet fruit and toffee influences of Madeira.

Just seven of these casks were laid down in 2006, tucked away undisturbed in ‘Warehouse 1’ – home to the Elgin-based distillery’s maturation experiments over the years.

This is where they would have remained, if not for the company’s new Head of Whisky Creation, Dr Kirstie McCallum, who took the time to sample the casks and realised that ‘hidden treasure’ had been discovered.

1468 bottles have now been released to the UK market as the third expression in the ‘Elgin Curiosity Range’, which aims to push the boundaries of single malt maturation and celebrate Glen Moray’s long standing passion for cask experimentation and flavour.

Tasting Notes

Nose: toffee, dark chocolate, fig, and dates balanced with sweet pears, berries and subtle exotic spices.

Taste: sweet, syrupy, with deep notes of toffee, chocolate, black coffee, and figs, developing to sweet oak, poached pears, and soft fruit.

Finish: rich, lingering, and sweet with gentle exotic spices and dried fruit.

Dr Kirstie McCallum commented: ‘Single malt whisky matured in Madeira casks has been prized in the industry before, but typically the casks have only been used to ‘finish’ more conventionally matured whisky. That’s what makes this new expression so very special. Our new make spirit has been slowly mingling with the luxuriously sweet flavours of Madeira for nearly 14 years, giving a depth of flavour and an intense character that couldn’t otherwise be created. It’s a delicious dram, a dessert in a glass, and we are very much looking forward to sharing it with whisky drinkers in the UK.’

Madeira is made exclusively on the subtropical Portuguese isle that shares its name, just west of Morocco. Known for its nutty sweetness, balanced by a fresh, tangy acidity, it’s these rich notes that give the new Glen Moray expression its distinctive flavour.

Crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, Glen Moray distillers have been curious about flavour throughout their history. Surviving handwritten ledgers show that a wide variety of casks were used to mature new make spirit back in those early days, which was an unusual practice for the time. A deep knowledge and expertise of wood has developed at Glen Moray through generations of distillers, resulting in today’s exceptional range of whiskies with a style to suit everyone.

Glen Moray Madeira Cask Project is bottled at 46.3% ABV at its natural colour and is non-chill filtered. It is a UK exclusive, available in 70cl in specialist whisky shops, RRP £65.

Watch Dr Kirstie McCallum, Glen Moray’s Head of Whisky Creation and Brand Ambassador Iain Allan introduce the new expression via: https://youtu.be/q-WNtGCLrgY

www.glenmoray.com

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ABOUT GLEN MORAY

Glen Moray is one of Scotland’s best loved single malt whiskies. It has been crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, on what was once the Elgin West Brewery site on the banks of the River Lossie. Pure waters from the river, locally malted barley, distillation in traditional copper stills and maturation in American ex-bourbon casks combine to give the whisky its smooth, well-balanced, classic Speyside character. Glen Moray has always been a place where curiosity about flavour and cask maturation has been encouraged. Records dating back to the early days show new make spirit maturing in a wide variety of different casks – a highly unusual practice at this time. A passion for experimentation and a deep knowledge of wood have been passed down through generations of Glen Moray distillers. The result is today’s exceptional and extensive range of whiskies, offering a flavour and style to suit all tastes. Glen Moray is the 5th biggest malt whisky brand by volume in the UK and is growing in international markets.

ABOUT LA MARTINIQUAISE-BARDINET

Founded by Jean Cayard in 1934, La Martiniquaise is an independent French spirits group with a large portfolio of international brands. Headquartered near Paris, the group operates in over 100 countries with 38 subsidiaries and production sites. The Group’s four pillars are Scotch whiskies, ports, brandies, wines, rums and craft spirits from France.  www.la-martiniquaise.com

Glen Scotia releases exclusive Dunnage Tasting Box following success of virtual festival

The Glen Scotia virtual festival has been heralded a huge success, after attracting over 8,000 visitors from all around the world.

Following the cancellation of the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2020 which had been scheduled to run from 19-21 May 2020, the Glen Scotia Distillery announced it would bring its programme of events online for the first time at www.glenscotia.com/festival.

As part of the programme the distiller made its famous dunnage whisky tasting, which for many is the pinnacle of their Campbeltown Malt Festival experience, available for those outside the distillery for the very first time.

The theme for 2020 is The Casks of Campbeltown, featuring whiskies matured in casks from the town, and investigating the influencer they have on the modern Campbeltown style.

Only 200 dunnage tasting packs have been released in the UK, each containing five 25 ml samples along with password access to a specially created tasting video hosted by Iain McAlister. A further 1800 tasting boxes will be distributed to markets around the world.

In the UK, the Glen Scotia Dunnage Tasting Box is available to order from Dram Team priced at £55.99 (including postage).

The five samples will include:

• Glen Scotia Victoriana, 54.2% abv
• Cask 810, 2005 First Fill bourbon 60.1% abv
• Cask 486, 2002 Refill Sherry Hogshead 48.8% abv
• Cask 2/359, 2009 First Fill Bordeaux Red Wine 57.1% abv
• Cask 6/413, 2005 First Fill Tawny Port Hogshead 57.4% abv

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, said: “We’ve been absolutely thrilled by the response we had to the Glen Scotia Virtual Malts Festival. We saw over 8,000 people join us from all over the world including Europe, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia – wildly exceeding our expectations!

“We’re now considering making some elements of the festival permanently ‘virtual’ going forward. We know Campbeltown isn’t the easiest place in the world to get to so this will be a great way to allow our global whisky fans the chance to be a part of the celebrations in future years.

“The dunnage tasting is one of my favourite events in the Campbeltown Malts Festival schedule and we’re excited to be able to provide those who had hoped to join us in person, and perhaps quite a few who usually wouldn’t have had the chance, the opportunity to take part in our special dunnage tasting.”

Chris Borrow, Founder, DramTeam added “I could not be more thrilled to be working with the fantastic team from Glen Scotia to put together this incredible dunnage tasting set. Some friends and I had the privilege of being utterly spoilt by Iain McAlister on our first ever visit to Campbeltown, when he very generously hosted us for a Glen Scotia dunnage warehouse tasting. To this day, the best tasting experience of my life – and one that I am very excited to put in a box for other people to enjoy. This is legitimately the best whisky-tasting-by-post we’ve ever done!”

Campbeltown was known as the whisky capital of the world during the Victorian era and was home to over 30 working distilleries. The annual Campbeltown Malts Festival is a celebration of Scotland’s fifth and smallest malt producing region and its whisky making heritage. This year’s event was set to take place from 19-21 May, however in line with Covid-19 government guidance, the festival has been cancelled for the first time since it launched in 2009.

Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia reflects centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with the region and its award-winning whiskies are renowned for their distinctive maritime influence and Campbeltown character.  For those who missed out on the festival this year many of the tastings and tours are still available to watch www.glenscotia.com/festival.

Notes

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded a Platinum medal at the prestigious 2020 San Francisco World Spirits.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was awarded a Gold Medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019.
• Glen Scotia 18 Year Old won Best Campbeltown Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2018.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.
• www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

English Whisky Comes of Age

The English Whisky Co. is launching the first ever 11 year old single malt whisky, as it puts English whisky firmly back on the map.

As the founders of English whisky in this country, The English Whisky Co. is proud to be the first to bring an 11 year old single malt to the market.

“It has been a very long wait, but after a decade and a half we are finally in a position to release an English Single Malt Whisky bearing an age statement,” explains managing director, Andrew Nelstrop. “The English – 11yr old is a fantastic example of the work that is being done in our cask warehouses, ensuring a generational supply of delicious English Single Malt Whisky.”

The new 11 year old, which officially launches on 4^th June, offers a complex nose with citrus, baked apples and hints of almonds which give way to a taste that is fruity with some lovely oak overtones; all ending with a rich, oily and slightly dry finish. 2466 700ml bottles have been produced, RRP £59.95.

“We are very proud to launch this wonderful 11 year old English whisky,” continues Andrew Nelstrop. “The English Whisky Co. was brought to life in 2005 as the realisation of our Founder’s dream. James Nelstrop’s aim was simple: to open a whisky distillery in England and to make the very finest single malt whisky. There were no other goals or requirements. We are proud to have kept the distillery in the family and prouder still to have maintained our Founder’s desires to make a world class single malt.”

For more information on the English Whisky Co. visit www.englishwhisky.co.uk

NINETEENTH ANNUAL GREAT BUFFALO CHASE 5K TO TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY OVER FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND

Race Proceeds to Benefit VFW Post 4075 

        FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (June 2, 2020) – Buffalo Trace Distillery’s 19^th annual Great Buffalo Chase 5K will be held virtually this summer for the  first time in order that we can continue to raise funds for charities.

Historically, this summer holiday classic has taken place on the Fourth of July, attracting top runners from across the United States and the world to the Distillery for the scenic run, but this year, with participant health and safety in mind, the race is coming to you!

Runners and walkers will participate in this year’s virtual 5K by running or walking in their hometowns and local neighborhoods wherever they are located during the period of July 3-5 instead of running at the Distillery as the grounds will not be open to participants. Runners will be mailed a commemorative T-shirt and race bib and have the option to record and submit their personal race time until 11:59 p.m. on July 5. Details for how to submit race times will be communicated following registration. Everyone is encouraged to use #ChaseTheBuffalo on social media and dress in their best patriotic or Buffalo Trace attire. Race times will be posted to the Buffalo Trace Distillery website on July 6.

Registration is $20, and all proceeds will again benefit the city of Frankfort’s VFW Post 4075. Registration for this virtual 5K opened May 20 at www.BuffaloTraceDistillery.com/events and will close at 9 p.m. July 5. Participants are encouraged to register by June 26 to allow race materials to be shipped and delivered in time for the race.

Due to the nature of this being a virtual race, and in the spirit of fairness, prizes will not be awarded to top runners this year. On behalf of all participants, and in commitment to supporting others, this Fourth of July Buffalo Trace Distillery will make a donation to God’s Pantry Food Bank to support the local Franklin County community. Participants are encouraged to take part in the virtual patriotic attire costume contest through the Virtual Great Buffalo Chase 5K Facebook Event on the Buffalo Trace Distillery Facebook Page for a chance to win a prize from the Gift Shop. Additionally, everyone who registers will be entered into a raffle for the chance to receive a hand-made American Flag made from bourbon barrel staves, which can be donated to the charity of their choice for fundraising.

For more information and to register go to www.BuffaloTraceDistillery.com/events.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

JACK DANIEL’S LAUNCHES NEW SPIRIT-BASED CANNED COCKTAILS

Jack & Seltzer, Jack & Cola and Jack, Honey & Lemonade; ready-to-drink cocktails launching in select markets across the U.S.

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (June 1, 2020) – Right in time for summer, the Jack Daniel Distillery has introduced the new Jack Daniel’s Canned Cocktails series featuring Jack & Seltzer; Jack & Cola; and Jack, Honey & Lemonade, available in select markets beginning this month.

Each cocktail is made with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, perfectly mixed and ready to enjoy in convenient packaging. Jack & Cola and Jack, Honey & Lemonade are 7% ABV, and Jack and Seltzer is 5% ABV with 0 carbs and 97 calories.

“We are always listening to our friends, and these new canned cocktails will be a convenient and refreshing way for them to enjoy our Tennessee Whiskey with a selection of wonderful flavors,” said Lisa Hunter, Jack Daniel’s Flavors Brand Director Lisa Hunter . “Each drink is perfectly balanced to highlight the flavors of our charcoal-mellowed whiskey in a drinkable and convenient format. This is real Jack and it’s ready to go.”

Jack Daniel’s Canned Cocktails will be available this summer in select states including CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, NH, NV, MD, MN, NY, PA, TN, TX, and WI. Retail price for a 4-pack of 12 oz. cans is $12.99 and single cans for $3.99. Visit www.jackdaniels.com for more information.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

Bimber debuts Ex-bourbon Oak Casks Small Batch and six single cask releases

Batch 001 of Bimber’s Ex-bourbon Oak Casks will be available to order directly from the distillery from 9th June

Latest Small Batch release is joined by six cask strength, single cask releases for both UK and export markets

London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the upcoming release of seven new expressions including the follow-up to the popular Re-charred Oak Casks Small Batch single malt.

The Ex-bourbon Oak Casks single malt has been crafted from a vatting of American Oak ex-bourbon casks laid down in 2016 – Bimber’s first year of production.

The initial batch (001) is bottled at 51.8% ABV, limited to 1948 bottles and will be available directly from the distillery’s online shop for £65.

Also being released on the 9th June are a selection of six cask strength, single cask releases, with three produced for the UK and three sister casks available for export markets.

The UK releases will be available directly from Bimber’s online web shop on the 9th June. The export releases will be available via specialist retailers in: Belgium; Denmark; France; Germany; Italy; Netherlands; Poland; Singapore and Taiwan.

Each of the new expressions were 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, which results in a light, fruit-forward, layered new make spirit.

Speaking of the new releases, the Bimber Founder and Master Distiller said: “Whilst the last few months have presented challenges to the distillery and my team, it is a great pleasure to unveil our latest English single malt whiskies. Our newest small batch release is very much the successor to our Re-charred Oak Casks single malt – it skilfully demonstrates how ex-bourbon wood perfectly complements the underlying character of our accessible fruit-forward spirit.”

He added “Alongside our newest small batch release, we’re excited to be offering a range of single cask expressions, all of which celebrate and showcase a different aspect of our spirit’s versatile style.”

Notes 

Bimber Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Small Batch

A vatting of American Oak ex-bourbon casks

Nose: Green apple peels and dried stone fruits are joined by milk-soaked breakfast cereals, whilst vanilla sponge cake and desiccated coconut sit with buttered toast

Taste: An impactful combination of bright orchard fruits, baked apricots and sprightly pepper spicing sit with gently charred oak and creamy vanilla

Finish: Lasting sweetness tempered by persistent spicing

1,948 bottles
70cl
51.8% ABV
RRP £65

Release date: 9th June

Bimber single cask releases

UK market releases

Ex-bourbon Cask #8
58.3%
267 bottles
RRP £79.95

Virgin Cask #7
57.8%
249 bottles
RRP £79.95

Sherry Cask #42
58.1%
329 bottles
RRP £84.95

Export market releases

Ex-bourbon Cask #15
58.1%
264 bottles
RRP £79.95

Virgin Cask #94
57.4%
263 bottles
RRP £79.95

Sherry Cask #41
57.9%
335 bottles
RRP £84.95

UK market release date: 9th June 2020
Export market release date: From mid-June 2020

All UK releases (Ex-bourbon Oak Casks and 3x single casks) are initially limited to one (of each different bottling) per person

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.

RARE WHITE BOWMORE-43 YEAR OLD-1964 LEADS BONHAMS WHISKY SALE IN EDINBURGH

White Bowmore-43 year old-1964. Estimate: £10,000 – 13,000

A rare bottle of White Bowmore-43 year old-1964 leads Bonhams live behind-closed-doors whisky sale at 22 Queen Street, Edinburgh on Wednesday 10 June. It is estimated at £10,000-13,000.

The bottle comes in a presentation case and is numbered 216 of a limited edition of 732. The whisky was distilled in Bowmore’s famous No One vaults on Guy Fawkes day, 5 November, 1964 in three bourbon casks which has given it an unusually light colour and accounts for the distinctive name, Bowmore White.  It is said to have the scent of tropical fruits, and a palette of pine, vanilla and honey.

Bonhams whisky specialist in Edinburgh Martin Green said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to harness new technology to present a sale in these difficult times and to maintain the quality and choice for which our whisky auctions are renowned. Our leading lot, the White Bowmore-43 year old-1964, seldom appears on the market and I am expecting interest from collectors around the world.”

Other highlights include:

·         A bottle of The Macallan-1938. Estimate: £10,000-12,000

·         A bottle of Black Bowmore-1964. The First Edition, bottled in 1993. Estimate: £5,000-9,000.

·         A bottle of Glenfiddich-47 year old-1964. Estimate: £5.000-7,000.

The sale will be a live ‘behind-closed-doors’ auction. An auctioneer will be present on the rostrum, and bids will be accepted in the following formats: online, on the phone, or by leaving an absentee bid. All bidding will be done remotely in accordance with the latest government guidelines.

Sale: Whisky

Location: live behind-closed-doors Edinburgh

Date: Wednesday 10 June starting at 11 am.

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com

Benromach unveils new look

— New look Benromach launched, same character and taste remains —

Benromach has launched a bold new look inspired by the Speyside distillery’s history and traditional approach to making their multi-award-winning single malt whisky.

Made by hand for genuine character, Benromach is a traditional Speyside distillery owned by a family intent on producing single malt the right way. Its small team of distillers rely entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky, matured exclusively in first-fill casks, with a subtle smoky character and authentic Benromach taste.

The new look comes off the back of numerous recent awards for Benromach Single Malt Whiskies.  In May, Benromach 15 Years Old received a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition – an accolade only given to a liquid if the judging panel unanimously awards it a Gold rating and considers it to be among the finest products in the world.  Benromach 10 Years Old was awarded Gold at the same competition.

Commenting on its new look, Andrew Hannah, Head of Brand at Benromach, said: “We took inspiration for our new look from the hand-painted sign that used to adorn the roof over the kiln, along with the distinctive red doors around the distillery and the iconic red-brick chimney.

“The design aims to convey the genuine handcrafted care that goes into Benromach and to serve as a promise that every drop is made in Forres using just four ingredients: barley, water, yeast and the expertise of our distillers.

“Although the design for Benromach has changed, the character, taste and quality of our award-winning single malts remains the same.”

The new look Benromach 10 Years Old, 15 Years Old and 2009 Cask Strength Vintage are exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange in the United Kingdom for the next three months. The specialist on-line drinks retailer named Benromach 15 Years Old as its ‘Whisky of the Year 2020’ in a blind tasting last year.  The whiskies will also be available in specialist retailers in France and Germany from the beginning of June, before being rolled out to markets around the world over the next few months.

For more information about Benromach and its new look, visit www.benromach.com To find out more about The Whisky Exchange and the expressions available, visit www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Notes 

RRP:

• Benromach 10 will be available from £39.99 // EUR €49.99
• Benromach 15 will be available from £59.99 // EUR €69.99
• Benromach Cask Strength 2009 will be available from £54.99 // EUR €64.99

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About The Whisky Exchange

Founded in 1999, The Whisky Exchange is the leading global retailer of whiskies and fine spirits, with an award-winning online shop and two stores in Covent Garden and Great Portland. A third store is due to open soon in London Bridge.

As a family company, The Whisky Exchange believes in excellent products at competitive prices and exceptional service. The company’s philosophy is simple – never rest on your laurels. The team, led by founders and brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh and buyer Dawn Davies MW, is constantly trying to find new products with genuine heritage and quality in all drinks categories, while continuing to innovate and ensure its website and shop are the best in the business. Above all, the company is built on its amazing range and its people. It is responsible for the loyal and ever-expanding fan base from around the world.

The Whisky Exchange in numbers: 4,000 whiskies including 3,000 single malt Scotch whiskies; 500 Cognacs and Armagnacs; 500 rums; 450 gins; 200 bourbons; 150 Tequilas; one retailer. 

London Shops:

2 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HH/ Tel: 020 7100 0088

90-92 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7NT/ Tel: 020 7100 9888

Online: thewhiskyexchange.com/ Tel: 020 8838 9388

10th Street Distillery’s STR Cask aged Single Malt Wins Double Gold Ahead of New Launch

Find this unpeated whisky at California retailers and Select Online stores — 

San Jose, CA (May 18, 2020) — STR Single Malt, from San Jose’s 10^th Street Distillery, was recently awarded a Double Gold from the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The influential award, announced in March at one of the last major spirits industry events before California’s shelter-in-place order took effect, follows 10^th Street’s Double Gold at the 2019 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition for its Peated Single Malt American Whisky.

Following this esteemed recognition, the first launch (2,000 bottles) of STR Single Malt (ABV 46 %, MSRP $65) is now available at retailers across California, including Total Wine and More; Palo Alto Fine Wine and Spirits; The Whisky Shop  and San Francisco Wine Trading Company in San Francisco; Vintage Wine Merchants and Don’s Liquors in San Jose; and Mission Wine and Spirits in Pasadena. Please visit retailer web sites for current COVID-19 hours and service options. In addition, several retailers, including Vintage Wine Merchants and The Whisky Shop will ship to certain approved states.

STR Single Malt unpeated whisky is an all-American creation, matured in ex-bourbon casks that have been shaved, toasted, and re-charred (STR) to impart some of the flavors of freshly-charred wood, without being overwhelmed by oak notes from direct immersion in virgin American Oak barrels.  This strikes a balance between the oak influence from new casks prevalent in American whiskies and used barrels common in traditional Scotch techniques.  10^th Street uses their own process to condition the barrels used in STR Single Malt, and uses domestic two-row malted barley, double distills in all-copper pot stills and, finally, bottles without chill-filtering, to preserve complexity. STR Single Malt is one of only a few American single malts to use STR barrels.

“For our first unpeated product, we wanted to create a distinctive single malt whisky that strikes a balance between the influence of the freshly charred American oak, and classic malt notes. Using specially prepared STR barrels allowed us to bring in the caramel, almost candy-like notes from the wood and pair them with the malt coming from our copper pot double-distilling process.  The result is a delicate, yet flavorful whisky that is truly unique” says Virag Saksena, CEO, 10^th Street Distillery. 

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Lightly spicy with overtones of sweet caramel and butterscotch
Color: Light golden
Palate: Complex cherry-like sweetness with notes of vanilla bean, nutmeg, and clove
Finish: Smooth and round, filled with decadent flavors of candied fruits
ABV: 46%
MSRP: $65

Try STR Single Malt unpeated American whiskey neat, with a splash of water, over ice, or in cocktails such as the “Miracle on 10^th Street,” crafted by Stephen Shelton at Lexington House, Los Gatos:

MIRACLE ON 10TH STREET | FIVE-SPICE BROWN BUTTER WASH | TIKI BITTERS

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz of Butter-Washed 10th Street STR Single Malt
• 4 dashes of Tiki Bitters (any type will do, based on your preference)

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, stir well and strain over into an old-fashioned glass with a nice clear ice cube from Clear Ice Co. of San Jose. No garnish. Sip and enjoy this pure, creamy, and balanced whisky old fashioned.

About 10^th Street Distillery:

San Jose’s first craft distillery, 10^th Street Distillery was founded by two engineers with just one objective – creating world-class whiskies. A grain-to-glass distillery, it reinterprets time-honored traditions using modern techniques and engineering ingenuity to create its award-winning products. Their first product is a Peated Single Malt Whisky, a new American classic that respects tradition, but is not afraid to forge a new path.

On Thursday 4^th June we will take the momentous step of opening the distillery gates to the public for the first time in 11 weeks. Those of you that are keen to venture out and visit us will see quite a few changes have occurred on site. We have moved the whisky shop and reception back to the old distillery building as The Kitchen will remain closed for the time being.

Initially we will be offering 10 acres of grounds and a river walk for you to enjoy and our whisky & gift shop will be open for those who have a booze cupboard in need of replenishment or are in need of a gift for Fathers Day. In order to limit the covid risk – we will have a door bell on the door and ask you to ring this and we will come and let you in, enabling us to limit numbers in the shop itself; we will also ask you to give your hands a squirt with sanitiser at the door before entering. You may find some of our staff wear masks and glasses for obvious reasons, the only downside is that they won’t be able to drink with you. Finally the shop is going to remain cashless, so please bring a bit of plastic with you.

The missing parts of our offering sat dormant are the tours, bistro and conference facilities. The tours and conference facilities will open as soon as we can work out how to do this with social distancing or when social distancing rules are relaxed.

We would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank everybody who has supported us through these difficult times and look forward to seeing you all soon.

For the time being our Opening hours will be 10am – 4pm Monday –Saturday & 10am – 3pm on Sunday.

Kind Regards

Andrew Nelstrop

 Managing Director