Photo Credit John Need

SMOKEHEAD MOTORCYCLE READY TO BE UNLEASHED

The Smoker will launch at The Bike Shed, Shoreditch on 12^th November with craftsman Tyler Lunceford in attendance 

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky has teamed up with Tyler Lunceford over the past nine months to build a one-of-a-kind, customised Ducati, inspired by vintage motorcycles. The time has come to reveal ‘The Smoker’.

The expertly crafted motorcycle will be unveiled to media, trade and bike fanatics on 12^th November in London at The Bike Shed, Shoreditch.

Hosting the evening will be bike blogger Motobob who will run a Q&A with Tyler, while custom motorcycle helmet designer Piers Dowell paints two Smokehead helmets live on the night. Bike fans will enjoy video footage of the creation of The Smoker, including the final video of the bike on the open road.

Mind-blowing cocktails made with Smokehead, Smokehead High Voltage and Smokehead Sherry Bomb will be served throughout the night, including The Smoker serve, created exclusively for the project – a robust mix of Smokehead, lemon juice, honey syrup, ginger liqueur, a pinch of activated charcoal, shaken over ice and strained into a rocks glass, garnished with crystallised ginger.

The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club is a collective who celebrate bike builders, riders and fans, and is one of the UK’s best-known venues for customised motorcycles.

US born Lunceford of North Motorcycles is a renowned global biking sensation (known as the Ducati Whisperer of the New York tri-state) with over 20 years experience customising bikes for obsessive bikers and rock stars. He owned a workshop in Brooklyn but recently relocated to Edinburgh, Scotland to raise a family, and this is where he crafted The Smoker.

Commenting on the partnership with Smokehead and the finished bike: “Smokehead’s support of unique craftsmen and women resonated with me immediately. Building a customised bike is an incredible process. And it’s a slow process. Notching, welding, grinding, every single detail needs to be accounted for. I wanted to make sure this bike was phenomenal before unleashing it.

“I wanted to make a bike for the street, something that’s comfortable, with a really vintage appeal. This isn’t a bike that’s going to be polished and put in a museum.

“Smokehead whisky is not for everyone and neither is The Smoker – it’s bold, it’s intimidating and it’s loud. It’s really loud. It attracts a certain crowd. It’s certainly not for everyone. I can’t wait for the unveiling at The Bike Shed.”

Adding his thoughts, Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, said: “We’re overwhelmed with how The Smoker has turned out. Tyler has exceeded expectations and created something incredible for Smokehead. Just like our whisky, The Smoker is bold, daring, independent and most importantly, not for everyone.”

The Smokehead Refinery
The campaign shares stories of partnerships with the boldest of craftsmen and women that Smokehead is proud to rub shoulders with. Chapter 1 of the project was unleashed in 2018, a successful partnership with Dram & Smoke creating a series of ‘Smokehead Feasts’ for media and trade across the UK. Chapter 2 celebrates the collaboration with Tyler.

In late 2018, Smokehead released Sherry Bomb, a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks; following hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, along with their louder and bolder look, which was unveiled in April.

*Smokehead encourages everyone to drink responsibly. Do not drink and ride, obviously*

www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead 

NOTES:

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2005, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium Scotch whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste. 

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

Bimber releases Re-charred Oak Casks Single Malt 

• Bimber’s Re-charred Oak Casks will be available via retailers from 8^th November
• The small batch release of 5,000 bottles was fully matured in American oak casks hand charred by Bimber’s coopers

Bimber Distillery’s has added its second whisky – Re-charred Oak Casks to its growing range of London single malts.

Available from the 8^th November, the small batch produced expression has been crafted from a vatting of heavily charred American oak casks laid down in 2016 – Bimber’s first year of production.

The initial (001) batch is bottled at 51.9% ABV, limited to 5,000 individually numbered bottles and will be available at an RRP of £65.

The selection of American Oak casks were hand charred by Bimber’s on-site coopers to level #4 char – also known as ‘Alligator char’. The deep charring process caramelised the wood sugars, adds a layer of filtering carbon to the surface of the barrel and influences the whisky by imparting distinctively sweet, rich smooth and fruity flavours into the maturing spirit.

Speaking of the release, Founder and Master Distiller Darius Plazewski said: “We’re excited to unveil the next chapter in the story of Bimber. The re-charred oak casks we’ve selected are the perfect match for our light, layered and accessible fruity spirit. We’re incredibly fortunate to employ a team of talented coopers at Bimber – this expression highlights both their passion and the importance of their traditional craft.”

To celebrate the release and thank customers for their ongoing support, Bimber is launching a competition. Every bottle of Re-charred Oak Casks pre-ordered via the distillery’s online shop (until 12:00pm on 7^th November) will be entered into a draw to win one of the very last remaining bottles of the distillery’s inaugural edition ‘The First’.

Notes 

• Bimber ‘Re-charred oak casks’

A vatting of heavily charred American oak casks.

Nose: Orchard fruits and spit-roasted pineapple chunks are sweetened with honey, nougat and cookie dough. Oak smoke and wood char float across the nose, whilst cinnamon and pepper spicing offers an enlivening intensity.

Taste: Red apples and ripe pears sit alongside banana bread and pineapple juice. Caramel, butterscotch sauce and split vanilla pods combine with layered pepper and ginger spicing and a characterful note of charred oak.

Finish: Enduring wood smoke supports beautifully fading fruits and perfectly balanced oaky dryness.

5,000 bottles

70cl

51.9% ABV

RRP £65

Release date: 8^th November

Distribution: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Poland, Taiwan and Hong Kong

• 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.

The seeds of Bimber were sown three generations ago in communist-era Poland, where our founder and master distiller’s grandfather, distilled his own spirits, known as moonshine. This craft was carefully perfected and passed through the generations to Darius who learnt the art of distillation from a very young age.

This rich distilling heritage has shaped and influenced our approach to spirit making. We are proud of our past and pay tribute to it with our name Bimber, which means moonshine in Polish. ​

The founders of Bimber, Darius and Ewelina, emigrated from Poland to London in 2003 and created a successful business in West London. However, Darius’s passion for whisky and distilling were always at the forefront of his mind, and when the opportunity arose to establish a whisky distillery in 2015, he knew he had to go for it. Our first casks were laid on the 26th May 2016, and we have been patiently waiting until now to release them.

Douglas Laing Unveils Online Exclusive Timorous Beastie Winter Edition

Douglas Laing & Co., award-winning family-run Scotch Whisky firm, will launch Timorous Beastie 16 Years Old Winter Edition exclusively on DouglasLaing.com on Monday 4^th November 2019.

A Limited Edition batch of only 400 bottles, this unique Highland Malt Scotch Whisky spent 16 long years maturing exclusively in a Spanish Sherry butt. Offered at 45.1% alcohol strength and proudly without colouring or chill-filtration, the tasting notes for this unique release include Christmas cake, blood oranges and ginger.

The clear bottle showcases the naturally dark and decadent spirit inside, with a festive-themed and foiled label. Each bottle is presented in a canvas, printed bag, rendering Timorous Beastie Winter Edition the perfect Christmas gift!

Jenny Rogerson, Head of Marketing, said: “As the bitterly cold Winter months set in, there’s nothing like a richly Sherried Malt Whisky to warm the soul! We created Timorous Beastie 16 Years Old for the chilly Winter evenings…a dram to be sipped and savoured by the fire, or perhaps even slipped into a Christmas stocking!”

Timorous Beastie 16 Years Old “The Winter Edition” will be available exclusively on DouglasLaing.com from 9am GMT Monday 4^th November 2019.

Tasting Notes:

The nose reveals cocoa and orange zest with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate brings raisins, chocolate, Christmas cake and sweet stewed fruits. The finish lingers with blood oranges and crystallised ginger.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/timorousbeastiewhisky

Instagram: @remarkable_malts

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and small batch Malt Scotch Whiskies. The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and XOP, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

AUCHENTOSHAN^® UNVEILS COOL NEW IDENTITY

Vibrant new packaging launched to attract millennials and younger whisky drinkers 

28 October: Auchentoshan, the urban malt from the city of Glasgow, has today started rolling out vibrant new packaging across American Oak, Three Wood and 12-year-old expressions. The new colourful design has been introduced to encourage younger drinkers to share, mix and enjoy an Auchentoshan together.

 Consumers can get their hands on the colourful new pack from early November.

However, it’s not all just about celebrating city life. Auchentoshan hopes to appeal to a new generation of whisky lovers who are looking to enjoy new and shared experiences.  The new packaging will appeal to urban consumers and city dwellers who might not have experienced Auchentoshan before, and will be tempted to enjoy a smooth Auchentoshan tipple with friends.

Eileen Livingston, Senior Director of Scotch Whisky for Beam Suntory, said: “We want to move away from traditional stereotypes that are connected with Auchentoshan and single malt by encouraging younger drinkers to share and enjoy an Auchentoshan cocktail with their friends. The launch of our bold packaging to reflect our urban positioning is the first step to doing this.”

“Auchentoshan is triple distilled for a smoother taste and is therefore the perfect whisky to enjoy neat or mixed and shared with friends.”

facebook.com/Auchentoshan/

instagram.com/theauchentoshan

twitter.com/Auchentoshan

http://www.auchentoshan.com/ 

Notes: 

Awards for Auchentoshan:

Bartenders’ Brand Awards 2018 | Silver for Auchentoshan Bartenders’ Malt 01

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan American Oak

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan Three Wood

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 12 Year Old

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 18 Year Old

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 21 Year Old

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan Blood Oak

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan Three Wood

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan Blood Oak

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 12 Year Old

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 18 Year Old

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 

About Auchentoshan^®

After 200 years of urban life in Glasgow, Auchentoshan is part of the city and the city is part of Auchentoshan. It is the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to triple distil every last drop to create its delicate flavour. Smooth, but gusty. Approachable but deep. Auchentoshan is the alternative malt for newcomers and whisky lovers alike. 

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest-premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned-premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

MAKE MINE AN OLD FASHIONED: WOODFORD RESERVE BRINGS FLAVOUR TO LIFE WITH UK’S BEST BARS FOR OLD FASHIONED WEEK 

EXPLORE EXPERTLY CURATED EVENTS, EXPERIENCES AND BESPOKE COCKTAILS NATIONWIDE FROM 1 – 10 NOVEMBER 

1 November 2019, London – This Old Fashioned Week, WOODFORD RESERVE®, one of the most celebrated American whiskeys, will be hosting an array of experiences, events and limited edition menus in celebration of the world’s no.1* classic cocktail.

From 1 – 10 November, drinks enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike will explore the rich and complex flavour profile of this beloved tipple, as some of the UK’s best bars serve up twists on the original recipe. No one will feel left out or bitter, as Woodford Reserve partners with 285 bars from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol and Cardiff to showcase the importance of flavour. Thanks to its rich and full-bodied profile, Woodford Reserve will elevate and enhance this classic throughout the celebrations.

A FLAVOURFUL EXPERIENCE

It is widely acknowledged that one’s unique flavour memory is based on the different tastes and aromatics they have experienced throughout their life. Whether you foster a sweet tooth, prefer savoury serves or have a taste for spice, there is a proven, imperceptible link between taste and memory. With over 200 detectable flavour notes, Woodford Reserve’s award-winning Distiller’s Select bourbon will bring these to life through its 5 key flavour profiles; grain, wood, sweet aromatics, fruit and floral and spice.

OLD FASHIONED FIVE

Made with just a handful of ingredients, the Old Fashioned cocktail demands a flavourful, American whiskey base. Often heralded as the ‘bartender’s bourbon’, being the preferred choice for the Old Fashioned in 9 out of 10 of the world’s best bars*, Woodford Reserve is working alongside some of the UK’s leading bartenders to create a map across the UK this Old Fashioned Week.

Kicking off in London, Soho institution Swift will be serving up a sweet take on an Old Fashioned called the ‘Timber’, inspired by Woodford Reserve’s sweet aromatic flavour notes. For those staying locally, check out Murder Inc’s grain influenced, ‘Oryzae Does It Mate!’ while spice lovers can head down to Discount Suit Company where they can experience a spicy, ‘Fast and Loose’ amongst Spitalfields scenesters and City pros. Finally, minimalist icons, Three Sheets, will offer a woody twist with their nutty alternative labelled ‘Whiskey + Milk’ as Islington haunt Homeboy list a fruity ‘Orchard Old Fashioned’.

Mia Johansson, co-owner of Swift, Soho comments: “Woodford Reserve really is the perfect base for all kinds of twists on the Old Fashioned, our most popular serve. We’ve taken inspiration from the ‘sweet aromatics’ flavour segment of Distiller’s Select – the backbone of the complex whiskey flavour – to craft a complex, wholesome Old Fashioned with notes directly from the award-winning mashbill. We’re delighted to have partnered with Woodford Reserve for Old Fashioned Week and look forward to welcoming cocktail lovers from across the country.”

AN OLD FASHIONED WITH A NEW TWIST: FROM RRP £32.00

Creating an authentic Old Fashioned to pair with the indulgent delights of parties and gatherings couldn’t be easier with one of two distinct gift packs. Choose from either one, featuring both the 60ml Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup and the award-winning 700ml Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon (available from selected Waitrose and Amazon stores from £32), or the other that comes complete with Old Fashioned glassware and a 200ml bottle of Woodford Reserve (available from selected Sainsbury’s stores at £20). 

Discover the best bars in the UK to enjoy an Old Fashioned at:

https://www.woodfordreserve.com/oldfashionedweek/

Twitter: @WoodfordReserve

Instagram: woodfordreserve

Facebook: Woodford Reserve

Notes:

*Drinks International, ‘The World’s best-selling classic cocktails 2019’, (04/01/2019) 

Where to enjoy Woodford Reserve this Old Fashioned Week: 

NATIONWIDE

1. Bermondsey Pub Company (60 venues)
2. Be At One (38 venues)
3. Brasserie Blanc and White Brasserie Company (36 venues)
4. Browns (24 venues)
5. Malmaison (14 venues)

LONDON

1. London Edition
2. Maison Bab
3. Dishoom
4. Mr Fogg’s Tavern
5. Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals
6. London Cocktail Club
7. Murder Inc.
8. Swift
9. Homeboy
10. Three Sheets
11. Discount Suit Company

MANCHESTER

1. Bar Brass at Hotel Gotham
2. Science and Industry
3. Wood & Co
4. Cottonopolis

BRISTOL

1. Filthy XIII
2. HMSS
3. Red Light

GLASGOW

1. Kelvingrove Café

EDINBURGH

1. The Voyage of Buck
2. The Last Word Saloon

CARDIFF

1. Lab 22
2. Mocka Lounge

About Woodford Reserve:

Tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky lives the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, the birthplace of Woodford Reserve. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us www.woodfordreserve.com or www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon

43.2% ABV

Proof: 86.4

Appearance: Clean, brilliant honey amber.

Nose: Heavy with rich dried fruit, hints of mint and oranges covered with a dusting of cocoa. Faint vanilla and tobacco spice.

Taste: Rich, chewy, rounded and smooth, with complex citrus, cinnamon and cocoa. Toffee, caramel, chocolate and spice notes abound.

Finish: Silky smooth, almost creamy at first with a long, warm satisfying tail 

About Brown Forman

For more than 145 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s & Cola, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, Chambord, BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by nearly 4,600 employees and sold in approximately 160 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/.

Woodford Reserve is a registered trademark. ©2019 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved.

Your friends at Woodford Reserve remind you to Drink Responsibly.

W.L. WELLER C.Y.P.B. WIN BEST IN CLASS

12 Other Buffalo Trace Spirits Receive Medals at 2019 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

FRANKFORT, KY (Oct. 22, 2019) – Following the results of the 2019 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), 14 Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits were awarded medals.

W.L. Weller Craft Your Perfect Bourbon (C.Y.P.B.) Bourbon top the list of medals with Double Gold Best in Class Medals. W.L. Weller C.Y.B.P. received Best Straight Bourbon.

In addition to the two Double Gold medals, the spirits produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery received 12 other medals. The brands were awarded as follows:

• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Gold
• W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Gold
• Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Single Barrel Whiskey – Gold
• Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – Silver
• Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Small Batch Whiskey – Silver
• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• Eagle Rare 10yr Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• Elmer T. Lee Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• W.L. Weller 12yr Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• Old Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Silver
• Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Cream Liqueur – Silver

The NYWSC competition is committed to three principles, legacy, integrity and experience. Through these principles, the spirits are judged by the industry’s most trusted authorities.

“To receive 13 medals at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition is an honor,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “These medals showcase the team effort that goes into our products.”

Results from the 2019 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition can be found at https://www.nywscomp.com/results/

To find more information about Buffalo Trace brands, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

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 21 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.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Jim Murray’s  Whisky Bible 2020 Announces The Last Drop Distillers As Winner of Two Categories 

Louisville, KY, October 2019 –The Last Drop Distillers, with a mission to seek out parcels of rare and exceptional spirits, announces its success as winner of two awards in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020:  The Last Drop 56-Year-Old Blend took the Blended Scotch 26-50+ Year Category and the eagerly awaited Release No 17, the 1977 Dumbarton won Single Grain of the Year. Containing over 4,600 detailed, professionally analysed and easy-to-understand tasting notes on the world’s leading whiskies, the book highlights only the very best in the field. This 2020 edition marks the 17^th year of the annual publication.

Rebecca Jago, managing director of The Last Drop said of the news, “We are so thrilled to see not one, but two of our releases receive such accolades. It is also wonderful to celebrate our success alongside our fellow Sazerac brands which took the top three spots in Murray’s World Whisk(e)y of the Year: Barton 1972 Full Proof Straight Bourbon, William LaRue Weller 125.7 Proof Bourbon and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 128.8 Proof.” 

Murray called the 56-year-old blended Scotch whisky, “One of those whiskies there is not enough time in the day for.” He describes it as, “a naturally perfumed sweetness mixes with the most rounded mix of corn oil, muscovado, sugar and soft vanilla. But the secret ingredient is the salty aroma…”

The soon to be released Dumbarton 1977 from The Last Drop Distillers was described as “almost a cross between a high-class bourbon and rye blend, the Demarara sugars magically crisp and clean.” He continued saying, “How can a delivery of a whisky over 40 years old be this salivating? This clean? Last Drop have been and done it again. They’ve …found a near faultless barrel from what was once, before it was needlessly destroyed, a near faultless grain distillery…This spent 42 years in oak, giving it plenty of time to go wrong. Nothing did, so you have a pristine example…remained in a warehouse seeking perfection…and as near as finding it.”

The Last Drop 56-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky

The 56 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky comprises over 60% Single Malts and is a truly remarkable example of balance, wearing its age with grace and dignity. Launched in September with only enough liquid for 732 bottles, this marks The Last Drop’s 16^th release within their esteemed portfolio.

The release has an SRP of $4,350. US stockists can be found at www.lastdropdistillers.com/stockists.

The Last Drop 1977 Dumbarton

Following its accolade of Scotch Grain of the Year, The Last Drop Distillers is looking forward to sharing further details regarding our forthcoming release No 17, The Last Drop 1977 Dumbarton Single Grain: with an estimated outturn of only 150 bottles, this extremely rare bottling will be on sale before Christmas this year.

About The Last Drop Distillers

The Last Drop Distillers specialises in discovering and hand bottling the finest, rarest and most exclusive spirits from remote cellars and warehouses across Scotland and the rest of the world. The team’s quest is rigorous and painstaking, choosing not only liquids that are old and rare, but also fresh and delicious; a juxtaposition that makes The Last Drop portfolio truly unique. In 2016, The Last Drop was acquired by the Sazerac Company, one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers.

www.lastdropdistillers.com

The collection includes:

• Release XVII The Last Drop 1977 Dumbarton Single Grain Scotch Whisky – Coming December 2019
• Release XVI The Last Drop 56 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
• Release XV The Last Drop 1969 Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Release XIV The Last Drop 1925 Hors d’Âge Grande Champagne Cognac
• Release XIII The Last Drop 1982 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Release XII The Last Drop 1968 Glenrothes
• Release XI The Last Drop Port Duo 1870 & 1970
• Release X The Last Drop 1971 Vintage Blended Scotch Whisky
• Release IX The Last Drop 1947 Hors d’âge Cognac
• Release VIII The Last Drop 1972 Lochside Single Grain Scotch Whisky
• Release VII The Last Drop 1961 Dumbarton Single Grain Scotch Whisky
• Release VI The Last Drop 50 Year Old Double Matured Blended Scotch Whisky
• Release V The Last Drop 1967 Glen Garioch Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Release IV The Last Drop 48 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
• Release III The Last Drop 50 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
• Release II The Last Drop 1950 Finest Aged Cognac
• Release I The Last Drop 1960 Blended Scotch Whisky

Why you need Japanese Mizunara Oak Casks

Japanese Mizunara Oak is perhaps one of the rarest oaks used in storing whisky, indeed more scarce than European or American, and so much more expensive than the rest…

The wonderful story of Mizunara Oak…

Its story begins in World War Two. During the war, much like most other countries, Japan had no access to imports, making whisky maturation from ‘traditional’ barrels nearly impossible. Although whisky itself was not of the most importance during this time, its consumption levels increased as it was becoming the main drink consumed by the Japanese army. Therefore, producers had an increase of demand and little imported oak to mature whiskies.

Japanese whisky distillers had to find an alternative, which lead to using Japanese Mizunara oak. This alternative made perfect sense, why import when you could just use local oak instead. This eventually led to the widespread use of Japanese oak within the whisky world, or better known globally as “Mizunara Oak”.

The supply of this oak was not without its initial struggles; the two hundred year wait to make a proper cask, the shape of the tree and whether it is more prone to leakage are just some examples of what the Japanese had to deal with. Up until very recently, Mizunara oak was deemed to be below the standard of American and European oaks. Ask any self-proclaimed whisky expert and they’ll tell you Mizunara oak is at the highest level of prestige and is deemed the finest oak to mature whiskies. 

Why is Mizunara Oak so different (and so much more expensive) than traditional oaks?!?

Firstly, its flavour profile widely differs from that of a traditional barrel. When left to mature correctly, a Mizunara aged whisky offers predominantly fresh fruit, cocoa nibs, coconut, vanilla, floral honey, and blossom. It also contains a subtle hint of Japanese incense (known as “Kara”) and spices, including nutmeg, mace, clove, which all get added to the whisky. To achieve this, maturation takes roughly twenty years but can be much lower.

Its expense comes purely from its prestige and rarity. Mizunara oak is extremely well-regarded and seen as very luxurious and superior. Limited supply is also an issue regarding its price, as Mizunara oak is tough to source, even in Japan. The Whisky Cask Company offers virgin Mizunara casks, which will genuinely enhance and greatly increase the value of any whisky matured within the casks. It is also one of the only companies that offer an investment into this cask, which should lead to even higher returns. 

Why is it good for keeping whisky? 

The unique flavour profile previously stated is a good start, combine this with the exclusivity of the wood makes it the best option for storing whisky. Its exclusivity helps increase the selling price, as even partly blending the Mizunara whisky with another significantly increases its cost and appeal. Pure bottles can sell for $1000+. Most of the whisky matured in Mizunara oak is sold exclusively in Japan, meaning casks and bottles outside of Japan will sell for much more.

The Whisky Cask Company brings the Finest Scotch to a Global Market. For additional information, visit www.whiskycaskcompany.com.

World’s first regulated whisky fund reaches the UK

The Single Malt Fund – the world’s first regulated and publicly listed single malt whisky fund – has arrived in the UK.

Supervised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority and listed on the Nordic Growth Market (NGM) exchange in Stockholm, Sweden, The Single Malt Fund aims  to raise a maximum € 25 M, and has already started to collect capital from Sweden’s retail investors.

Having been operational for six months, the next phase of growth will see the Fund targeting professional investors via UK wealth managers and family offices, with a minimum investment of €100,000 per investor.

As the only regulated and listed ‘passion pursuit’ on the market, The Single Malt Fund is aiming to tap into a growing demand among high net worth individuals for investing in alternative assets as part of a balanced portfolio approach.

Over the period from December 2014 to June 2019, Rare Whisky 101’s leading index for rare whisky, the Apex 1000 Index, which tracks the best performing 1000 bottles of rare whisky, rose by 162.22%, outperforming the Liv-Ex Fine Wine 1000 (39.58%), FTSE 100 (13.09%), Brent Crude (11.09%) and Gold (19.16%).

Since launching earlier this year, The Single Malt Fund has established its headquarters in Dublin and recruited Ed Forrest a senior executive with over 25 years’ experience at LVMH and Diageo, to run operations for the Fund, including responsibility for buying and selling whisky for the Fund. Three of the Fund’s most notable investments to date include:

• A cask of 1977 Littlemill – some of the oldest available single malt whisky from the oldest distillery in Scotland.
• Port Ellen 37 YO: a once in a generation cask whisky. Only 174 bottles released worldwide.
• A full collection of the Midleton Very Rare releases. The most prized collection of Irish whiskey available.

Unlike other whisky-focused funds, The Single Malt Fund’s whisky under management will also be made available for sale as and when it realises its investments. The Fund’s current investment strategy is focused on turning over 60% of its stock per year. Sales of its rare and collectible whisky will be managed through an online store which will launch early in January, when the Fund plans to start turning over its investments.

A key characteristic of the Fund’s investment strategy is that it focuses on buying from the primary market, including producers, distillers and distributors, below the market price, using the margin to hedge against secondary market price fluctuations.

Single Malt Fund CEO Christian Svantesson said:

“The Single Malt Fund is unique in that we are not only creating a vehicle for whisky enthusiasts to invest in whisky. We are also allowing them to indulge in their passion by providing first access to bottles of rare and collectable whisky once the Fund decides to sell.

“By launching this fund, we are tapping into a growing demand among high net worth individuals for investing in alternative assets such as art, wine, cars and watches. However, unlike any other passion pursuit, The Single Malt Fund is regulated and listed on a public exchange, making our investment process fully transparent. We believe that this strong corporate governance, aligned to whisky’s strong performance in the secondary market, will appeal to the clients of wealth managers and family offices, offering a truly unique investment proposition.”

For more information, visit www.thesinglemaltfund.com