UNPLUGGED & DISTILLED… 

Balcones Distilling partners with Texan singer-songwriter Jarrod Dickenson for UK Tour 

A Waco-born distillery with a Waco-born songwriter: Unplugged & Distilled Tour

22^nd November – 7^th December 2019

Lovers of good whisky and great music know what a perfect pairing the two make – a pleasure for the senses. This season, trailblazing Texas distillery Balcones Distilling has partnered with renowned Texas singer-songwriter Jarrod Dickenson for his long-awaited UK tour, to create the idyllic Texas partnership for whisky and music lovers.

Both hailing from Waco, Texas, Dickenson and Balcones have much in common to share and celebrate together: a gathering of some of the finest sensory stimulation to come from The Lone Star State, brought together by a passion for being individual, creating their own paths and being recognised as the finest examples of curation and craft within their cultural circles.

Kicking off in November, Dickenson’s 13 date UK tour will offer fans the chance to hear him playing past and present hits in an acoustic setting, whilst savouring a dram of Balcones award-winning range of whiskies: from Baby Blue, made with roasted Texas blue corn, to Texas Rye 100 and the much-celebrated Texas Single Malt.

For this tour, fans will get to see Dickenson performing entirely acoustically in small, intimate spaces that have been hand picked to fit with the performance and ambience. No band, no electric guitars or much electricity at all – just two voices, a few acoustic instruments and one microphone. His set list will comprise new material, as well as some old favourites and tunes written by his idols. All presented in a manner in which they were written – Unplugged….

Spirits have long been associated with music and creativity, Balcones being no exception with regular live music stars performing at the distillery’s seasonal events and celebrations. During Dickenson’s tour, every guest will have the chance to enjoy a dram of Balcones during the gig – Distilled….

To add to the musical delight of each gig, American folk singer Darrin Bradbury will be opening each show, ahead of Dickenson’s set.

A third dimension of the tour – adding cultural relevance and originality – is the involvement of Irish artist Mark Reihill, who has designed all of the artwork for the tour. Mark is best known for his work with the famed cocktail bar, The Dead Rabbit in New York, as well as the award-winning comic book series ‘Off Girl’. Aside from his artist talents, Mark is a devoted lover of both music and whisky.

The tour schedule is as follows:

The Cavendish Arms, London:                        Friday 22^nd November

Broadhempston Church, Totnes:                    Saturday 23^rd November

Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury:                     Sunday 24^th November

Gullivers, Manchester:                                     Monday 25^th November

The Lantern, Halifax:                                        Wednesday 27^th November

Waterfront Studio, Norwich:                            Thursday 28^th November

The Cavendish Arms, London:                        Friday 29^th November

Prohibition Recording Studios, Liverpool:        Saturday 30^th November

The Blue Arrow, Glasgow:                               Sunday 1^st December

Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh:                            Monday 2^nd December

The Cluny 2, Newcastle:                                  Tuesday 3^rd December

Rough Trade, Bristol:                                        Thursday 5^th December

Ulster Sports Club, Belfast:                               Saturday 7^th December

The tour is selling out fast, with five shows already sold out! For more information or if you’re wanting to purchase tickets, go to: Jarrod Dickenson UK tour 2019

For more information about Balcones Distilling, visit: BalconesDistilling.com

Hanson of Sonoma Distillery Introduces Japanese-Inspired 

Single Malt Double-Barrel Whiskey

Sonoma, CA | October 23, 2019 – Hanson of Sonoma Distillery, known for its small batch organic grape-based vodkas, has recently released an American single malt double-barrel whiskey. Initially release to members only, starting Nov. 15 Hanson’s whiskey will be available to the public for purchase.

Hanson Whiskey is a blend of tradition and technique from both Scottish and Japanese whiskeys. They start with a mash of four distinct malted barleys, imparting notes of caramel, biscuit, and chocolate. The whiskey is aged for four years in bourbon barrels, giving it a rich and balanced blend of soft vanilla and sweet barley. Adhering to Japanese whiskey finishing techniques, Hanson Whiskey is then cask-finished in a variety of different barrels, including Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. The sherry barrels, which have been aging wine for several years, impart a sweet and subtle flavor to the whiskey.

Hanson Whiskey is bottled at 100-proof in a black antique-colored wide-shouldered 750ml bottle. The striking dark metal plate label design was influenced by the artwork of distillery co-owner Scott Hanson, a metal sculptor, and artist.

Hanson of Sonoma Distillery Single Malt Double-Barreled Whiskey is a limited production and available for purchase at the Sonoma Distillery and Sausalito tasting room locations. Each 750ml bottle retails for $125. Tastings are also offered at both locations.

ABOUT HANSON OF SONOMA

Hanson of Sonoma is a family-owned small-batch distillery. Owned and operated by four siblings – Chris, Brandon, Alanna, and Darren – and their parents Scott and Judy, Hanson of Sonoma has been making organic vodka since 2015. In the fall of 2019, Hanson launched its first 100 proof single malt double-barrel whiskey. Hanson of Sonoma’s line of infused vodkas includes Original, Cucumber, Ginger, Mandarin, Habañero, and Meyer Lemon, plus rotating seasonal flavors, including Boysenberry and Espresso. Hanson of Sonoma’s wine country tasting room offers a unique experience to visitors, including vodka flights, expertly-crafted cocktails, distillery tours, and special tastings such as Martini and caviar pairings, vodka and chocolate truffle pairings, and more. Hanson of Sonoma Distillery is located at 22986 Burndale Road in Sonoma, CA. The Sonoma tasting room is open every day from 11 am – 5 pm. Hanson of Sonoma’s Marin County tasting room is located within the Hanson Gallery of Fine Art at 669 Bridgeway in Sausalito, and is open on Thursday – Saturday from 11 am till 7 pm, Sunday – Wednesday from 11 am – 6 pm.  More information can be found at HansonofSonoma.com.

Decades of Success

Decades II, the new single malt that celebrates 50 years of excellence at Tomatin Distillery

24^th October 2019 – Award winning Highland distillery, Tomatin, has today announced the release of an exquisite single malt whisky: Decades II. The unique expression is a marriage of 21 casks, selected from key years throughout the last five decades. As a tribute to the Tomatin way of life, and the generations of staff that to this day remain custodians of this exceptional Scotch Whisky.

Decades II, bottled at 46%alc./vol and with a limited edition run yielding just 3,600 bottles will retail at £175.

With time spent maturing in a mix of traditional Scotch Whisky, ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry and re-charred French oak casks from the last 50 years, Decades II is a rich and complex expression. With initial bursts of fruits giving way to hints of sweet pastry and wood shavings,  and aromas of both cooked fruits and floral coconut tones. The remarkable expression is unctuous, with notes of Christmas cake, maple syrup and fresh red berries giving way to tropical fruits ahead of a long waxy, tropical finish.

Graham Eunson, Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin said: “Balancing the flavour profiles of just a few casks can be a real challenge, so to marry five decades of Tomatin whisky in such a way that each cask compliments the next is a testament to the team, both those who work at Tomatin today and those that worked at Tomatin before us, who distilled and laid down some of the casks we’ve used. We’ve been the custodians of exceptional Scotch for generations, and that care and experience is really showcased by Decades II.”

As with the original Decades expression (released in 2011 to mark previous Distillery Manager, Douglas Campbell lifetime commitment to the distillery), Decades II combines some of the best whisky from Tomatin’s history, with each decade contributing a new flavour sensation:

1970s

Refill bourbon hogsheads: distilled on 23/02/1973, 10/07/1975 and 23/09/1977

Decades II’s robust flavour began by maturing in refill hogshead barrels. The malt has taken on very little oak influence, which has allowed the air and liquid in the casks to interact and develop a wide array of tropical fruit flavours.

1980s

Finished in first fill oloroso sherry butts: distilled on 02/12/1988

This 80s malt is sweet, fresh and has been finished for over three years in 1^st fill Oloroso Sherry Butts, resulting in a whisky reminiscent of aged Cognac. It complements the fruity notes of the previous casks by contributing tones of aged leather, polished oak and dark roast coffee to the finished expression.

1990s

First fill bourbon barrels: distilled on 04/10/1995 

Although well into its twenties, the characteristics of golden syrup and freshly baked pastries help make this bold malt stand up to the older casks. The use of 1^st fill Bourbon Barrels adds subtle spices and a layer of overall warmth to the expression, as well as being the source of Decades II’s long, waxy finish.

2000s

Recharred verdejo wine barrels: distilled on 28/01/2000 and 05/06/2009

Post 2000, Tomatin began to experiment with a wider variety of casks. The malt used from the 2000s onwards has been matured in Verdejo wine casks that have been re-charred to harness the full influence of the French oak. This flavour journey compliments the addition of the 1990s bourbon cask, adding additional notes of spice as well as a sweetness to the malt.

2010s

Second fill French oak barrels: distilled on 14/03/2013

The young Tomatin from this second fill cask imparts the fantastic distillery character to Decades II. Fresh green fruits and malty characteristics are at the fore with subtle spices and toffee in the background, resulting in a vivacious malt to balance the flavours of the older casks.

Notes: 

Tomatin Distillery has been producing and blending malt Scotch whisky since 1897. Over the last 50 years, the distillery has borne witness to vast change. At its peak in the 1970s, Tomatin was the largest distillery in the world operating 23 stills and producing 12 million litres of alcohol every year. Over the last decade, significant time has been invested in rediscovering the distillery, people and values, and in refining the business model to move away from the formerly lucrative bulk commodity market to now focus on Tomatin’s core range of single malts.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £10,000). Tomatin is one of the fastest growing whisky brands in the UK and ranks within the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA. Tomatin recently reported its turnover increased by almost 25% during the company’s most recent financial year (Dec 2016 – Dec 2017). Tomatin won Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards.

FULL LIST OF AWARDS 2019 

Tomatin Core Range 

Gold Medal                     – Tomatin Legacy Single Malt

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 12 Year Old Single Malt

Gold Medal                     – Tomatin Cask Strength Single Malt

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 14 Year Old Single Malt

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 18 Year Old Single Malt

Gold Medal                     – Tomatin 30 Year Old Single Malt

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 36 Year Old Single Malt 

Tomatin Travel Retail 

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 8 Year Old Bourbon Single Malt Travel Retail

Double Gold Medal          – Tomatin 40 Year Old Single Malt Travel Retail

Gold Medal                     – Tomatin 15 Year Old American Oak Single Malt Travel Retail 

Tomatin US Exclusive

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 21 Year Old Single Malt (North America Exclusive)

WANT AN UNUSUAL WHISKY? THEN HEAD TO DEMIJOHN

Oct 19

Scotland’s first liquid deli, Demijohn, is something of a whisky lovers emporium, for they source and sell some really unusual and quirky whiskies that are often not available in traditional shops.

Stocked for the winter 19/20 season is a rare Glen Moray 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Speyside that has been bottled at its full cask strength of 56.4%. It’s the second Glen Moray cask Demijohn has stocked due to its popularity. It is strong to taste, yet delightfully smooth. An incredible hidden treasure priced at £17.20/100ml. 

A bestseller at Demijohn, is its Bramble Scotch Whisky Liqueur 23%. Made by two retired teachers near Edinburgh, this combines the rich fruit of brambles (blackberries to those outside Scotland) and Scotch Whisky to make a wonderful after dinner drink, or perfect in a hipflask when out and about on a cold day. Priced from £5.20/100ml.

Relatively new to the Demijohn emporium is Toffee Whisky Liqueur 20%, which was first created in Helensburgh on the coast north of Glasgow. Cleverly combining a blend of vanilla, caramel and Scotch Whisky into this unique liqueur, giving it an exciting sting in its tail. It will appeal to a whisky drinker and also delight those more nervous of whisky. Drunk as an aperitif or after dinner digestif, this also makes an indulgent sauce poured over a dessert such as ice cream. Priced at £5.20/100ml.

The uniqueness of Demijohn whiskies is that customers choose the size and shape of a re-useable bottle (from 40ml to 3 litres), which is then filled with the whisky of their choice from a demijohn, allowing them to choose exactly how much they would like. They can then return with the bottle to have it re-filled. And they can even have a personalised message added for free.

Demijohn was created in July 2004 by Angus and Frances Ferguson. They share a passion for fine food and drink and saw a need in Scotland for a European-style liquid deli selling products from large vats called demijohns. They now have two shops in York and Glasgow, a healthy online business and a number of concession outlets located within other independent retailers – www.demijohn.co.uk.

Angus Ferguson says: “The Scotch Whiskies we source and sell are very special. We always try to source products that are rarely available elsewhere.  Our 10 Year Old Glen Moray Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a good example of this, as it is 100% unique to us. This guarantees the quality which epitomises these drinks. As a gift or just to drink on your own, our whiskies are in a class of their own.”

Notes:

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/glen-moray-10-year-old-single-malt-scotch-whisky-56-4

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/bramble-scotch-whisky-liqueur-486

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/toffee-whisky-liqueur-20

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/demijohn-s-finest-blended-scotch-whisky-40

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/drinks/whisky 

Demijohn sources unusual, delicious artisan liqueurs, spirits, oils and vinegars from around the UK and Europe and sells them in a wide range of re-useable glass bottles. Each bottle can have a free personalised message added. Gift wrapping is also available. 

Demijohn

382 Byres Rd Glasgow G12 8AR

11 Museum St York YO1 7DT

   Tel: 0845 6048350

Open Mon-Sat 10-6pm, Sun 11.30-5pm   

www.demijohn.co.uk

THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS Announces Global Partnership with GLENCAIRN CRYSTAL.

Los Angeles, October 28, 2019: THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS – an education and certification body for expertise in whisk(e)y – announced today a strategic partnership with GLENCAIRN CRYSTAL, award winning producer of the world recognized and industry accredited Glencairn whiskey glass.

THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS has recently launched a dedicated certification program for established and aspiring whiskey professionals, leading to the Level 1 title of “Certified Scotch Professional” or “Certified Bourbon Professional”. These self-study programs offer specialized and rigorous qualifications through a demanding course of self-study and examination. The exam can be taken anywhere in the world, and therefore attracts current and new whisky professionals globally. Interest in the program is growing rapidly with a significant number of candidates currently enrolled, including whiskey industry leaders from the fields of education, distribution, journalism, production, judging, and hospitality.

The Glencairn Glass is endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association as the official glass for whiskey and is used across the globe by international whiskey and spirits producers, leading brands and hospitality outlets. Its development involved combining the expertise of master blenders from the five largest whiskey producers. Today, the Glencairn Glass can be found in nearly every distillery in Scotland and Ireland, with major growth in the USA and countries around the world with a strong whisk(e)y culture.

The COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS exclusively endorses the glassware of Glencairn Crystal for the optimal enjoyment and tasting of all fine whiskeys.

“GLENCAIRN is the perfect complement to our study and certification program, we are confident in recommending The Glencairn Glass to our candidates as the best whiskey glass to accompany their studies. It is important that our students not only become competent in whiskey but also understand and appreciate the importance of using the best tools to enhance the whiskey drinking experience.” says Jörn Kleinhans, Executive Director at THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS.

“GLENCAIRN CRYSTAL is excited to recognize the great opportunity of a world-wide consistent education path dedicated to whiskey. The 4-level study and exam program provided by THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS may assist the overall industry with a clear education path, as well as transparency on competence within the global whiskey professional community”, explains Jason Kennedy, Sales Director at GLENCAIRN CRYSTAL.

The partnership is announced as THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS is gathering global support by some of the world’s leading authorities on whiskey as a new standard for whiskey knowledge and certification. A list of globally-leading whiskey experts joining the Advisory Board will be published shortly.

To learn more about THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTER and GLENCAIRN CRYSTAL, visit www.whiskeymasters.org and www.glencairn.co.uk.

Cask Trade launches creating an honest marketplace to trade whisky by the cask

This month saw the launch of Cask Trade – the first real and trustworthy marketplace for trading single malt whisky casks.

Whisky experts, bottlers, collectors and journalists came together for the launch of Cask Trade at 67 Pall Mall, London, on Monday 7^th October.

Guests heard a presentation on whisky investment by the owner, Simon Aron, before a tasting of six cask strength whiskies. All of the tasted whiskies were in casks owned by Cask Trade including Glenlivet 1978 and Aberlour 1989. The tasting was given by Keeper of the Quaich Sir Colin Hampden-White and the world’s leading authority on whisky Charlie MacLean.

Serial entrepreneur and angel investor Simon Aron’s aim is to build an open and honest marketplace for whisky collectors, investors and whisky bottlers, to trade. Cask Trade is unique in that it only deals in casks of single malt whisky it owns. It is not a whisky cask broker and it does not sell shares in whisky funds or offer fractional sales.

In his presentation, Simon shared example figures on a mixed portfolio investment of £100,000. A total of 14 whisky casks purchased for £100,000 would appreciate at an average increase of 13-18% a year (over 4-6 years), generating a gross return of more than £214,000, an increase of 114%.

He also revealed future plans for the business that are revolutionary and innovative. 

At the tasting this week, Charlie MacLean welcomed the launch of Cask Trade and the stringent checks and processes the business has in place. “It’s terribly important to evaluate by nosing and tasting the whiskies that you are selling. It’s so important not to sell a pup. I’ve come across companies and individual casks that have really been below par,” says Charlie who added age is not a guarantee of quality.

To view a live stock list, register an account today at casktrade.com.

“All casks are owned by Cask Trade and whiskies are listed at a uniform price. – You won’t find casks being brokered here and are no different trade and retail prices either. We regularly check our casks, provide samples and arrange re-gauges. On our new live auction site, which is a world’s first, there is also a 0% sellers fee at auction. We can even arrange movement, bottling and shipment,” says Simon, who explains provenance and quality are ensured by the stringent application process.

Cask Trade has started the first live auction website dedicated to exceptional whisky casks: auctionyourcask.com.

Hosted four times a year, the auction helps private owners and investors sell their casks to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy – wherever possible. Cask Trade validate all the sellers confirming proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and 0% sellers’ fee Cask Trade can offer customers the actual hammer price. Their low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT will offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy fine and rare casks.

The first auction will take place on 20^th November 2019.

Picture Caption: Sir Colin Hampden-White, Charles MacLean and Simon Aron

A link to images from Monday’s event can be found here: https://we.tl/t-2RTEs4uP5z

NOTES 

Founded in 2018 by Simon Aron in partnership with several of the world’s foremost whisky masters, including Keeper of the Quaich Sir Colin Hampden-White, Cask Trade buys and sells exceptional casks of whiskies. The company is unique because it only sells casks it owns outright, and it only sells whole casks: it is not a whisky cask broker and it does not offer fractional sales.

A passionate whisky collector for more than 20 years, Simon Aron suffered many false promises from cask whisky investment companies and this drove his ambition to create a real and trustworthy market place for whisky collectors and investors, and bottlers:

The company’s casks are held in HMRC bonded warehouses, regularly visited and approved by Cask Trade’s experience staff. All stock holdings have a complete paper trail:

• Delivery orders from supplier to Cask Trade
• Invoices for transfer of ownership, storage insurance, re-gauging, sampling or movement
• HMRC-issued WOWGR (warehouse keepers, warehouse premises, owner of goods and registered consigners): a fully regulated and closely monitored license requiring due diligence on suppliers as well as customers.

Included in its extensive list of customer services, Cask Trade’s rigorous processes means that the company will buy back from its clients the casks they have bought from and had managed by Cask Trade. It also offers:

• Regular sampling and re-gauging of casks
• Re-racking (sherry, wine, port, etc.)
• Estimates of bottles and strength in cask (effects of angels’ share over years of maturations)
• Financial modelling for each cask based on age and rarity with estimated % returns
• Costings for bottling, labelling and shipping (duty & tax)
• Regularly updated whisky investment guide which includes statistics from two authoritative third parties (independent of Cask Trade)
• Cask Trade will arrange for clients to receive samples of their whiskies and visit their barrel(s), upon request – where available.

Hosted four times a year and helping private owners/investors sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy. – Wherever possible. We validate all the sellers and confirm proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and no sellers’ fee we can offer you the actual hammer price. Our low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT will offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy rare casks.

https://www.casktrade.com/

https://www.auctionyourcask.com/ 

Simon Aron

Simon Aron is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor. He has a background in technology, commercial property and agriculture. Aged 23, in 1990 he founded his first business, Eurodata Systems plc. He grew the business to 180 employees with a turnover of $50 million in just over 20 years. During that time Eurodata won 22 business awards and Simon was Plimsoll Publishing Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002 (https://www.plimsoll.co.uk/).

Simon is currently the Vice President of Agrovision (https://agrovisioncorp.com/) which includes a 24,000-hectare farm in Peru and is the one of the world’s largest supplier of blueberries. The company operates with special care for the natural conservation of the land and environment, and it strives to make a positive impact on its local communities through employment opportunities and training, health care, educational and recreational programs, infrastructure projects, and other charitable programs.

Amongst his extensive charity work, Simon is also a trustee of Ort UK (https://ortuk.org/), which is part of a global network that empowers young people through life-changing science and technology education and vocational training. “Having spent time with hundreds of IT Directors, working on their technology strategies, I believe that I can apply my knowledge to the next generation and even re-educate people on how to use IT to better enhance their lives and careers. Education in certain parts of the world is the only path to follow to counteract a vicious circle with no way out. ORT UK gives me the opportunity to make a difference; it’s a fantastic charity with a long heritage in education since 1880.”

Sir Colin Hampden-White

Sir Colin is Keeper of the Quaich and sits on the judging panel at the World Whisky Awards and International Wine & Spirits (IWSC) competition. He also presents on The Three Drinkers global TV show on Amazon Prime and is Chairman of the Circle of Wine Writers.

Colin has taken an unconventional route into the world of whisky. A trained quantity surveyor, in 2001 Colin decided to follow one of his passions and he moved into the world of media as a professional photographer. After several years at the Scotsman, he moved to London to work with The Times and The FT. There he was able to combine photography with wider journalism and became a freelance writer as well. His focus was fine wine and whisky for Condé Nast and LUX magazine. In 2012 he won the Louis Roederer Award for Artistry in wine.

Whisky Price Growth

Whisky, according to the recent Knight Frank Wealth Report, is 2019’s top performing luxury investment. With an increase of 40% on rare bottle values in the last 12 months, it far outstripped the more established alternative assets such as art, wine and cars.

From page 78 – https://content.knightfrank.com/resources/knightfrank.com/wealthreport/2019/the-wealth-report-2019.pdf

Data collected by Rare Whisky 101 suggests the four-year growth from December 2014 in rare whisky has increased over 160%, compared to just 2.47% for the FTSE 100. https://www.rarewhisky101.com/indices

The same report by Rare Whisky 101 claimed via the BBC that they had performed a controlled test of 55 rare bottles, of which over a third were fakes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-46566703

Proud to chart its own course, Raasay Distillery‘s ex-Speyside Scotch whisky oak casks are available to purchase on the distillery’s website and are priced from £999. The smaller casks make the island’s first expression more accessible to whisky lovers across the world and having been made using wood from ex-Speyside casks, they have ensured that the flavour of the final whisky are finely balanced.The smaller casks will sit proudly alongside the 190 litre first-fill ex-American whiskey casks which are also available to purchase online at £5000.

All Raasay spirit is produced and distilled on the island, using only Scottish barley, distillers’ yeast and mineral-rich water sourced and filtered directly from a Celtic well on site. A long fermentation period brings a rich, characterful flavour to the Raasay spirit before it even touches the oak of a cask. While the whisky matures, cask owners can come and visit their cask, staying in Raasay Distillery’s four-star accommodation: Borodale House. After the whisky is bottled, owners can also keep their empty cask as a treasured memento.

Raasay is now also part of Caskshare which allows whisky lovers to reserve ‘shares’ of whisky casks from their favourite distilleries, choosing between a wide variety of wood types and ages as the whisky matures. Single cask bottles of Raasay Single Malt will then be sent directly to buyers upon maturation, or even traded on this new leading-edge technology platform. Described as ‘crowdfunding for whisky’ customers can pre-order cask ‘shares’ from their distillery of choice via the Craft Whisky Club website.

Glen Scotia releases its oldest and rarest expression 

One of Campbeltown’s three surviving distilleries, Glen Scotia, has added an exceptionally rare 45-year-old single malt to its award-winning range.

Encased in a stunning handcrafted walnut box, and limited to 150 bottles world-wide, Glen Scotia 45-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is not only the oldest expression to be released by Glen Scotia distillery but also one of the most exclusive. A whisky truly made by history, Glen Scotia 45 year old reflects the centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with Campbeltown.

Embodying all the signature characteristics of a Campbeltown single malt, the liquid is dominated by maritime influences. On the nose, it presents bold coastal elements, as well as sweet notes of ripe pineapple, crisp green apple, rose and vanilla.

The liquid was distilled in December 1973 before being filled into refill Bourbon casks two days before Christmas. Over three decades later, in 2011, the precious spirit was carefully re-casked into first fill Bourbon then laid to mature under the watchful eye of master distiller Michael Henry before finally bottling in 2019.

He said: “Glen Scotia 45-year-old is one of the most magnificent expressions to be produced by our Campbeltown distillery and we are excited that after 45 years we are now able to unveil it to the world.

“Distilled in 1973, this single malt is steeped in history and is extraordinarily rare. The liquid has been maturing in refill bourbon casks, tucked away in our bonded warehouses, for over three decades before being finished in first fill bourbon.

“It embodies all of the unique elements which Glen Scotia is known for, delivering a long mouth-watering finish with notes of sea salt and lime citrus. On the palate, the liquid presents caramel sweetness at first, then juicy fruit with pineapple, mango and water melon rounded by vanilla and honey.”

Non-chill filtered to ensure it is enjoyed as nature intended, Glen Scotia 45 year old is bottled at 43.8% ABV and presented in a striking case created by family-owned, UK-based luxury packaging manufacturer, Moran’s Wood Components. Each case is handmade using sustainably sourced British walnut and features contains a delicate tile engraved with the individual bottle number and tasting notes. Inside, the case boasts embossed leather lining.

Paul Moran, director, Moran’s Wood Components, said: “It was an honour to create such a beautiful box for the Glen Scotia 45 year old, a very rare and historic whisky. Inspired by the intrinsic link between wood and whisky, we also drew from Glen Scotia’s vision of incorporating quality materials and craftsmanship, to reflect the same principles that go into the distillery’s award-winning single malts. 

“We constantly strive to push the boundaries, and everyone at Moran’s is extremely proud of this project.”

Campbeltown is Scotland’s fifth and smallest malt producing region. Throughout the Victorian era it was known as the whisky capital of the world and home to more than 30 working distilleries.

To raise awareness of the importance of the region to Scotland’s whisky heritage, Glen Scotia distillery has been campaigning for Campbeltown to be recognised the “whiskiest place in the world.” In July 2019, a parliamentary motion on the issue lodged at Westminster received cross party support.

Iain McAlister, distillery manager, said: “It might be the smallest region, but the contribution Campbeltown has made to Scotch whisky is incomparable. 

“For over 100 years, our coastal town has been crafting some of the world’s most exciting expressions and Glen Scotia 45 year old exemplifies everything you would expect of a fantastic Campbeltown single malt. It truly is the perfect addition to any collection.”

Glen Scotia 45 year old will be priced at £3,795 and available from specialist retailers from October, including the Whisky Shop.

Stockist

www.whiskyshop.com 

Tasting notes

Nose

Bold coastal elements, sea-soaked basalt leads into thick fruit of ripe pineapple and crisp green apple before floral notes of rose, vanilla and toasted oak come through. 

Taste

Viscous oily mouthfeel coats the tongue. Caramel sweetness at first then juicy tropical fruit, with pineapple, mango and watermelon rounded by vanilla and honey. 

Finish

Long mouth-watering finish with sea-salt and lime citrus before warming cinnamon and ground ginger spice. 

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.
• The Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch was awarded a Double Gold medal at the prestigious 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Almost 30,000 spirits were judged by the competition, the largest number of entries in its 19-year history.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.

www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Ultra special new whiskies from Alberta Premium

Alberta Premium Cask Strength & 20 Year Old Limited Editions

Every now and then Alberta Premium treats its loyal customers to some truly mindblowing sipping whisky. Get ready: Alberta Premium Cask Strength and Alberta Premium Aged 20 Years are on shelves in Alberta now, and will be available nationwide in November.

Alberta Premium Cask Strength, which was drawn from the barrel uncut at 61.5% abv. features cereal notes, dark fruits, and mild vanilla with rosewater, mint and peppery spices finishing on sweet and sour pickles and bitter grapefruit pith. Suggested price is $64.95.

Alberta Premium 20 Year Old, at 42% abv exudes a toffeeish, oily, floral, nose. The palate feels creamy with rye bread, peppery rye spices, citrus fruits and hints of cedar decking then sweet maple syrup, soft chocolates and brisk spices. Truly, elegance in a bottle. Suggested retail price is $89.95.

As with all Alberta Premium whiskies, these are distilled from 100% Canadian prairie rye mashed in Rocky Mountain water.

Prices will vary by market.

Canadian Club 42 Year Old

Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man

On September 20, 1977, distiller Jack Farrell was busy filling hundreds of once used American Oak barrels with corn distillate. Now, 42 years later some of that whisky has been bottled as Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man, the oldest Canadian whisky ever offered for sale, and it is spectacular.

The Dock Man is a sweet luscious whisky with a deep, complex nose and palate. Fruity and floral notes entwine delicately with Canadian Club’s signature prunes and black raisins followed by tartish apple skins, and apricots. Mild peppery spices evolve into sweetish baking spices, while woody notes are restrained, with soft tannins pulling gently on the cheeks. Dark fruit returns in a long spicy finish.

When this whisky was first released as a 40 year old, in 2017, it caused pandemonium in liquor stores as people jostled to buy their bottle. Liquor stores be warned: the Canadian Club brand team plans to continue the series annually with a 43-year-old in 2020 and right on up to 50.

Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man

On September 20, 1977, distiller Jack Farrell was busy filling hundreds of once used American Oak barrels with corn distillate. Now, 42 years later some of that whisky has been bottled as Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man, the oldest Canadian whisky ever offered for sale, and it is spectacular.

The Dock Man is a sweet luscious whisky with a deep, complex nose and palate. Fruity and floral notes entwine delicately with Canadian Club’s signature prunes and black raisins followed by tartish apple skins, and apricots. Mild peppery spices evolve into sweetish baking spices, while woody notes are restrained, with soft tannins pulling gently on the cheeks. Dark fruit returns in a long spicy finish.

When this whisky was first released as a 40 year old, in 2017, it caused pandemonium in liquor stores as people jostled to buy their bottle. Liquor stores be warned: the Canadian Club brand team plans to continue the series annually with a 43-year-old in 2020 and right on up to 50.

Last Straw

Sprouted Corn Whisky

As with everything Last Straw makes, what comes out of the barrel goes into the bottle. But at what abv? For their brand new sprouted corn whisky, the team at Last Straw distillery invited distillery visitors to taste the whisky at four different strengths and vote on their favourite.

This soft, sweet, creamy whisky began with 100% organic Ontario yellow dent corn, grown at Sheardown Family Farm in York County, and malted by King Farm Mills. Before it had reached four years maturing in #3 char American Oak the spirit already tasted pretty good with spicy peppers, hints of cinnamon and vague hints of corn cobs. When the Last Straw team poured samples at Whisky Ottawa, guests agreed it was ready for release.

And that final abv? Results were not available at press time, but a similar approach taken with their Cask #1 Rye Whisky yielded a sold out success.

Best to contact Last Straw for more details.

A. SMITH BOWMAN BOURBON WINS DOUBLE GOLD AT NORTH AMERICAN BOURBON & WHISKEY COMPETITION

John J. Bowman Single Barrel and Two Other Whiskeys Win Awards 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (Sept. 25, 2019) – John J. Bowman Single Barrel won a double gold medal at the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition (N.A.B.W.C.).

Two others bourbons from A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Bowman Brothers Small Batch and Isaac Bowman Port Finish, won gold and silver medals, respectively.

The N.A.B.W.C. promotes excellence in bourbon, whiskey, and moonshine through a double-blind competition. The competition is based on a 100-point scale. The spirits are judged by styles and price categories.

“We are honored to receive awards for each of our core bourbons, especially the double gold medal,” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said. “Our team at A. Smith Bowman works diligently to produce the highest quality whiskeys we can provide and these awards showcase that work.”

To find more information about A. Smith Bowman brands, please visit https://asmithbowman.com/

About A. Smith Bowman

A.Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which received a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.