BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY BOURBONS WIN TROPHY, TWO DOUBLE GOLD MEDALS AND ONE GOLD MEDAL AT 2019 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 8, 2019) – Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded a Trophy and Double Gold Medal at the 2019 International Spirits Challenge, held earlier this summer in London.  Also winning a Double Gold Medal was W. L. Weller “CYPB,” and Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey claimed a Gold Medal in the 24^th annual Challenge.

            Several Buffalo Trace whiskeys also won Silver Medals:

• Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon
• W. L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon
• Old Weller Antique Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Rye Whiskey
• Stagg Jr. Bourbon
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon

The Tasting Awards were held over 10 days of intense blind tastings by panels of more than 50 respected and experienced industry professionals.  Samples were delivered to the judging area in flights of numbered tasting glasses to ensure the accuracy of the blind tasting.  Each judge assessed the products according to age, region and variety, which is determined by the entrant and verified by the chairman.

This year, the International Spirits Challenge received more than 1,600 entries from nearly 70 countries around the globe.

“We are honored to accept these awards from the International Spirits Challenge, especially the Trophy for the Taylor Single Barrel,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “It was truly a team effort.”

Results from the 2019 International Spirits Challenge can be found at https://www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/internationalspiritschallenge2019/en/page/2019-results.

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.

Wolfburn’s Royal Visitor

Staff at Wolfburn Distillery were delighted to host a visit by HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, accompanied by The Viscount Lord Thurso.

HRH met with the entire Wolfburn team and was shown the inner workings of the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.

“It was an absolute honour to meet His Royal Highness and to show off our whiskies,” comment Wolfburn’s Visit’s Manager Charlie Ross. “A lot of work went into preparing for his visit, but in the end it was a huge amount of fun for all involved.”

HRH spent time in Wolfburn’s still-house, where he was shown each aspect of the spirit production process, and in the warehouses, where he was able to draw – and taste – samples direct from the casks.

“It’s always special opening casks for visitors,’ remarked Mark Westmorland, Wolfburn’s brand ambassador. “And this is our most important visitor so far!  It was lovely to be see him enjoy a dram of our award-winning single malt whisky.”

The last stop on the visit was to the bottling hall, where Prince Charles met several of Wolfburn’s apprentices, who demonstrated how the bottling line works. HRH was then presented with a bottle specially engraved for the occasion, which he filled himself, much to the enjoyment of the watching Wolfburn staff!

Photographs:

1. HRH at the stills
2. HRH filling his presentation bottle
3. HRH meeting the staff at Wolfburn Distillery

ABOUT WOLFBURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821.  In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year.  Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870.  The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in 2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.  Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky.  Wolfburn’s single malt scotch whiskies have won gold medals in over a dozen international competitions, and are now distributed in 27 countries globally.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com 

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

WHISKY EXPERTS WELCOME VISITORS TO AUGUST EVENTS 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society prepare for Edinburgh’s busiest month with an array of experiences 

As Edinburgh welcomes visitors from around the world in August, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is putting on a number of special events, making it the perfect location for whisky-lovers in the city.

Throughout the month, SMWS are hosting the ultimate Edinburgh Fringe whisky tasting events at their Kaleidoscope venue at 28 Queen Street.

Hauf ‘N’ Hauf

They will also be celebrating the Hauf ‘N’ Hauf, a traditional Scottish serve of a dram and a half-pint, by pairing Society whiskies with specially selected craft beers.

As the world’s leading authority on single cask whiskies, the Society have paired their rare drams with complimentary beers in order to enhance the flavours of both drinks. Their experts will guide drinkers through the best beer pairings for their drams and have created a specially crafted menu of pairings.

The menu includes; ‘Ester Fest’, a Young & Spritely whisky served with a wheat beer to bring out the estery flavours of bananas and pineapples and ‘Sweet Dreams’, an IPA to be enjoyed alongside a Juicy, Oak & Vanilla SMWS whisky, where the dram’s refreshing sweetness will bring the best out of the bitter ale.

Edinburgh Fringe events 

All Senses Ahead! 

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/all-senses-ahead 

28 Queen Street, Edinburgh

7pm – 9.45pm

Throughout August, every day except Sunday and Monday

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will be bringing a true taste of Scotland to the Fringe, with an all-encompassing sensory feast that celebrates the best of Scottish culture.

Within their beautifully restored Georgian building, guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of a three course Scottish meal with three-dram whisky tasting, storytelling and music.

A truly immersive virtual reality experience will set the scene as guests explore romantic Scottish landscapes before Will Marshall, the real-life host for the evening, offers the audience the occasion to learn historic facts, participate in songs and indulge in Scottish culture.

A Dram is Worth a Thousand Words 

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=whisky&start=10 

28 Queen Street, Edinburgh

Tastings at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm

Every day throughout August

Home of the largest single malt, single cask collection, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society invites whisky enthusiasts to explore their vast collection of single cask, single malts. Experience a three dram tutored whisky tasting like no other, in the company an SMWS brand ambassador.

The full list of Hauf ‘N’ Hauf pairings:

ESTER FEST – YOUNG & SPRITELY & WHEAT BEER

Savour the complementary estery flavours of bananas and pineapples from the wheat beer with a feisty young bourbon-matured dram.

FULL & FUNKY – SWEET, FRUITY & MELLOW & BELGIAN KRIEK LAMBIC

Pair the funky flavours of this fermented lambic brew from Belgium with the full-on fruity notes from this flavour profile.

LIGHT & LOVELY – SPICY & SWEET & PALE ALE

Easy-drinking and lightly hopped pale ale is the perfect counterpoint for the whisky’s prickly spiciness.

THIRST SLAKER – SPICY & DRY & LAGER

Quench your summer thirst with a lower strength lager paired with the strong aromas of our Spicy & Dry drams.

FOR ALL SAISONS – DEEP, RICH & DARK FRUITS & BELGIAN SAISON

A bold pairing of fruity, spicy Belgian saison beer with this deep and indulgent flavour profile.

DARK & DARING – OLD & DIGNIFIED & DUNKEL

Savour our oldest and most distinguished drams along with a smooth, malty dark German lager, to complement the whisky without overwhelming it.

ENTRY LEVEL – LIGHT & DELICATE & PILSNER

Waken up your palate with a Light & Delicate dram alongside a refreshing, hoppy pilsner.

SWEET DREAMS – JUICY, OAK & VANILLA & IPA

The whisky’s refreshing sweetness brings the best out of a more bitter and hoppy Indian Pale Ale.

SUMMERY SEASIDE – OILY & COASTAL & CITRUS BEER

Explore how a sharp citrusy beer cuts through the oily mouthfeel and marine notes from this flavour profile.

DARK AND SMOKY – LIGHTLY PEATED & STOUT

A deep, rich stout with a creamy head that’s light on the hops allows a Lightly Peated dram to shine.

THE DOUBLE P – PEATED & PORTER

Dive into a robust pairing of higher strength dark porter with a good blast of peaty goodness.

FULL SHILLING – HEAVILY PEATED & 80/- HEAVY BEER

A full-flavoured old school combination with an 80 shilling that’s lighter on the hops and heavier on cereal to stand up to our most heavily peated drams.

Ask us at the bar for more details and pairing prices.

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

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

ROYAL DORNOCH SETS THE BALL ROLLING ON NEW WHISKY

For golfers who love whisky, it’s the perfect shot.

The world-renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club has for the first time licensed the use of its famous crest and tartan on a unique Highland single malt.

The exclusive dram has been created for the Carnegie Whisky Cellars, in partnership with the golf club, and can be purchased only from the specialist shop in the centre of Dornoch.

Carnegie Whisky Cellars’ own whisky club members tasted the new malt and voted it ‘top dram’ in a blind tasting against five other well-known single malt whiskies.

Full bodied and sherry cask matured, it is described as marvellously mellow, with warming hints of spice and a long lingering finish.

Bottles come in 70cl or 20cl sizes and are adorned with Royal Dornoch’s iconic wildcat emblem and its officially registered tartan.

Neil Hampton, the club’s general manager, said: “Whisky and golf are two of Scotland’s greatest assets and go naturally together.

“We are delighted to partner with Carnegie Whisky Cellars in the first licensing deal of its kind involving the club’s crest and tartan. We hope it will be popular with golfers, whisky lovers and anyone with an interest in such a unique product.”

Michael Hanratty, general manager, the Carnegie Whisky Cellars, said: “We are proud to be associated with Royal Dornoch Golf Club in creating this specially- labelled single malt Scotch whisky, which will be a notable attraction for our customers.”

Golf has been played in Dornoch for more than 400 years. The golf club was formed in 1877 and was granted a Royal charter in 1906.

FINLAGGAN RED WINE MATURED WINS IWSC SILVER

The Vintage Malt Whisky Company are thrilled to announce their new release Finlaggan Red Wine Matured Islay Single Malt Whisky has been awarded a silver medal by The International Wine & Spirits Competition 2019.

Andrew Crook, MD said of the award “we are delighted to add another award from the prestigious IWSC to our collection!  Even more so, that it is our new release Finlaggan Red Wine Matured.  The Rioja red wine cask maturation of this quality Islay single malt has given it a delicious sweet smoke and red berry nose, along with strawberries and plum notes on the palate and a long lingering sweet smoke finish.  Our customers are very excited by this new product in our portfolio and feedback has been very positive”.

The IWSC scored Finlaggan Red Wine Matured a 92 and described it as a fresh and vibrant whisky, with nettles, apples, pears and an elegant peatiness.  Spiciness builds, ending with a ginger-led, well rounded finish.

“This is great news for our Finlaggan brand – not only is it a great indication of the quality of Finlaggan Red Wine Matured Islay Single Malt, but the IWSC name and medal is internationally recognised by trade and consumers, who seek out the winners” said Brian Crook, Chairman.

ABOUT THE VINTAGE MALT WHISKY COMPANY

Founded 27 years ago by Brian Crook with a vision to make iconic Islay Single Malts available and accessible to smaller independent retailers throughout the world, The Vintage Malt Company has done all this and more.  Now, under the leadership of Brian’s son, Andrew Crook, this family company has gone from strength to strength supplying malts and building brands globally in over 35 countries.

For more information on all our products visit www.vintagemaltwhisky.com or contact andrew@vintagemaltwhisky.com

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS THE 1950 – THE PINNACLE OF THE EXCEPTIONAL SINGLE CASK RANGE

(31 July 2019, London) The Macallan has unveiled the latest release in the Exceptional Single Cask range – an exquisite and delicate expression that was distilled in 1950.

The 1950’s represent a significant period in the history of The Macallan with investment in the construction of new buildings on site and modernisation of existing buildings, the purchase of additional farmland and the first of The Macallan highland cows take residence on site.

The single malt is the centrepiece of the 2018 release from the unprecedented range which invites consumers to explore the world’s most valuable whisky through a rare insight from the legendary Whisky Makers’ bench at The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience on Speyside.

The discovery of this First fill sherry butt cask was a special moment for our whisky making team that conjured intense and memorable aromas and flavours. The unmistakable combination of antique oak and subtle peach, with lingering peat warrants this cask being treasured in its own right, with only 336 bottles of this rare single malt available globally to savour.

This exclusive range of single cask whiskies, showcases the depth and diversity of The Macallan. Each whisky revealing a particular character, a subtly different flavour or an aroma in the background making each one truly unique and never to be repeated.

Whisky Maker Notes

Year of Release: 2019

ESC Code: 26 1683 1950

Cask Filled: 9 November 1950   

Bottled: 24 September 2018

Cask Type: First fill sherry butt cask        

ABV: 53.4%

One of only 336 bottles

Colour Tint: 39

Aroma: Polished Antique oak, with delicate peaches and vanilla

Taste: Intense antique oak with wood spices. Orange peel zest with warm root ginger. Subtle hints of peat in the background

Finish: Long with dry sweetness and peat. 

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks.  The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills.  It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824.  The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt.”

www.themacallan.com

TOP TIPS FROM EXPERTS ON HOW TO SAVOUR WHISKY IN THE SUMMER 

As the temperature soars, experts from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society around the globe serve up their suggestions for enjoying refreshing summertime drams  

Whisky is a drink that’s often considered most appropriate by the fireplace in winter.  However, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experts from hotter countries around the world prove that it is far more versatile and should be sipped in the sunshine.

The world’s leading whisky club and authority on single cask whiskies has partner bars and ambassadors from the USA to Australia. The Society’s experts can offer advice and insight into how to savour their endless variety of whiskies during this summer’s record-breaking temperatures across the UK and Europe.

Lighter and brighter flavours

Much like other spirits, whisky drinking habits often change due to the weather and consumers tend to choose flavours that are lighter and more refreshing, leaving more peated and smoky whiskies for winter.

The Society categorises its single cask whiskies by 12 unique flavour profiles, including ‘Peated’, ‘Spicy & Dry’ and ‘Oily & Coastal’, to encourage the focus to be on the significance and development of flavour.

Matt Bailey, the Society’s ambassador in Australia, said: “The flavour profiles that people end up reaching for changes quite a bit.

“In summer the Young & Spritely and Sweet, Fruity & Mellow kind of profiles sit just nicely in hand. Brighter flavours for brighter weather.”

Ice and water

Another way in which whisky drinking changes in summer is that consumers tend to enjoy their drams more ‘informally’, with a splash of water or a block of ice.

Freddie Xiang, Scotch Malt Whisky Society ambassador in China, said: “Drinking whisky neat decreases in summer, however the total volume is unlikely to drop as we enjoy it in different ways.”

Matt Bailey added: “Whisky takes on a bit more ‘summer informality’ as the heat sets in and messes with your taste buds a bit. You might sometimes go for a tumbler instead of a copita, or you might add a bit more water, or even a bit of ice to a nice brisk dram.” 

Refreshing cocktails

The ever-growing trend of whisky cocktails also proves popular in hotter climates, with the SMWS’s variety of flavour profiles providing versatile base spirits for some delicious mixed drinks.

Cyrille Girard, Scotch Malt Whisky Society ambassador in France, said: “A good barman or mixologist can always create a refreshing whisky drink, even if it uses Heavily Peated flavours.

“In our cocktails we aim to celebrate and showcase the whisky rather than hiding it.”

These cocktails can be sampled at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Kaleidoscope Bar, 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh, including their twist on a classic Whisky Sour and a thirst-quenching Whisky Collins stirred with lemon juice and topped with soda.

One of Matt Bailey’s favourite cocktails to sip on the beautiful beaches of Australia is a ‘Summer Peated Highball’.

He said: “Start with an SMWS single cask in the ‘Lightly Peated or ‘Peated’ flavour profiles, add a lemon zest, and fill with soda. Perfect hot weather dramming!”

For the latest Outturn from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which is specially designed to be enjoyed throughout the warmer months, visit: https://www.smws.com/whisky/latest-outturn

Bimber increases production capacity in advance of

inaugural single malt release 

In advance of the launch of its first single malt whisky in September, Bimber distillery has significantly increased its production capacity. The award-winning London distiller has recently installed a new 0.5 tonne capacity mash tun and three new custom washbacks which were fully designed and created in house (taking the total to eight). The enhanced production capacity will exceed 42,000 litres or pure alcohol per year – the equivalent of a cask filled every day.

At the same time, Bimber has rationalised the warehousing of its existing stock into an established bonded warehouse. The additional space will provide the distillery with the longer-term capacity to continue its expansion to meet the growing demands for its high quality, handcrafted spirits, as well as offering a significant improvement to the distillery’s visitor experience.

Speaking of the expansion Dariusz Plazewski, Founder and Master Distillery said: “The Bimber team and I could not be more thrilled about the expansion and enhancement of our West London home. Whilst we’ve increased our capacity to lay down single malt to meet the developing demand for Bimber’s products, we’ve not changed anything about our core production methods. Everything we do at Bimber is about showcasing the care, attention and passion we put into handcrafting our whiskies and spirits.”

Notes  

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.

SINGLE MALT WHISKY DISTILLING RETURNS TO EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ALMOST 100 YEARS

Holyrood Distillery opens its doors and welcomes visitors to the first operational single malt distillery in the capital since 1925 

Tuesday 30 July is a historic date for Edinburgh and the Scotch whisky industry as Holyrood Distillery opens its doors to bring single malt whisky distilling back to the centre of the capital for the first time in almost 100 years.

This morning, founder Rob Carpenter and his team gathered to unveil their distillery and welcome the very first visitors for one of their daily guided tour experiences.

Holyrood Distillery, which cost £6.7m and has created around 30 jobs, is the first operational single malt distillery in central Edinburgh since 1925 when The Edinburgh Distillery (aka Glen Sciennes) closed.

The distillery, which also produces a range of gins and gin liqueurs, offers daily guided tours  throughout the year and is set to become a major visitor attraction in Edinburgh for both tourists and locals. Bookings for Holyrood’s range of daily guided distillery tours, all of which focus on exploring flavour, are now open via its website at https://www.holyrooddistillery.co.uk/tours/ with tickets for adults starting at £14.

Located on the edge of Holyrood Park and close to popular Edinburgh Festival Fringe venues The Pleasance and George Square, the new distillery is within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions, including The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is also a short walk or bus ride from Waverley Station.

Until today, the nearest malt whisky distillery has been Glenkinchie, which sits around 15 miles away from the city centre. Now visitors can, for the first time in 94 years, explore a working whisky distillery in the heart of the city.

The distillery, which has been built in a 3-storey Class B Listed former railway goods shed dating back to 1831, will focus on the creation of maximum flavour in all the spirits it produces. Using innovative production approaches, such as a complex combination of yeasts and a unique selection of different types and styles of malted barley, it will initially produce four core flavours of whisky – smoky; sweet; spicy; and fruity/floral.

Spirit production will be handled by distillery manager Jack Mayo, previously of The Glasgow Distillery, alongside distillers Ollie Salvesen and Elizabeth Machin. The whisky is distilled using two exceptionally tall stills – at 7m tall, they are the tallest stills in Scotland in proportion to their volume.

Holyrood Distillery is the notion of Canadian Rob Carpenter who, in 2013, first had the idea for a distillery and visitor experience in central Edinburgh. Rob, who founded the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society together with his wife Kelly, has brought his vision to life in partnership with co-founder David Robertson, who has 25 years’ experience in the industry.

To fund the project, Carpenter and his team raised £5.8m of investment. This included a £1.5m investment from the Scottish Investment Bank, the largest single investor, and investments from about 60 private individuals from around the world.

Holyrood Distillery’s founder Rob Carpenter said: “After all the hard work of the team, it’s a really special moment to now see Holyrood Distillery open, and we’re looking forward to creating a range of delicious whiskies, gins, liqueurs and other spirits.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to this project throughout its evolution for their hard work and passion – and especially all our local neighbours for bearing with us during the construction process.

“This distillery is open to everyone, whether you’re a local resident or you’re just visiting the city for a day. We’ve worked hard to create a series of tours that are both fun and informative so they appeal to a wide range of visitors, from connoisseurs of whisky and gin to those who are simply curious to learn more about these spirits for the first time. Our guides are very excited to get started so please come by and visit us.”

Kerry Sharp, director of the Scottish Investment Bank, said: “I’m pleased that our investment has supported the development, by an outstanding team, of this new distillery and visitor experience in Scotland’s capital.

“Tourism supports more than 30,000 jobs in Edinburgh, with more than £1m per day being spent on food and drink – and Holyrood Distillery is a fantastic addition to both these sectors. We look forward to working more with the team going forward, helping them to maximise the full potential of the attraction.”

Further information:

Holyrood Distillery, 19 St Leonard’s Lane, Edinburgh EH8 9SH. 0131 285 8977

Holyrooddistillery.co.uk

Twitter @Holyroodwhisky

Facebook @Holyrooddistillery

Instagram @Holyrooddistillery

Notes:

Holyrood Distillery

• Holyrood Distillery is the first single malt whisky distillery in the heart of Edinburgh for almost 100 years. The last working distillery in the capital was Andrew Usher’s Edinburgh Distillery (aka Glen Sciennes) which closed in 1925
• The distillery project cost approximately £6.7m, backed by £5.8m fundraising
• The build took a year and the distillery is housed in a Class B listed building built in 1831 as part of one of the first railways in the UK

• Holyrood Distillery will focus on innovation and the creation of robust flavours through different production approaches, initially focusing on four flavour profiles:

• Smoky
• Fruity / Floral
• Sweet
• Spicy

• The team’s three distillers are Dr Jack Mayo, distillery manager; Ollie Salvesen, Distiller; Elizabeth Machin, Distiller
• Holyrood Distillery was founded by Canadian couple, Rob and Kelly Carpenter and Scot, David Robertson. Rob co-founded the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society with wife Kelly, while David has 25 years’ experience in the industry with The Macallan and The Dalmore as well as co-founding Rare Whisky 101
• As well as distilling single malt whisky, Holyrood Distillery produces award-winning gins and liqueurs on its specially designed gin still
• The distillery, which is located in the heart of Edinburgh, features a visitor centre and shop. Tours and tasting experiences will run daily throughout the year

Scottish Investment Bank

The Scottish Investment Bank (SIB) is the investment arm of Scotland’s national economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, operating Scotland-wide in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). SIB’s activities support Scotland’s SME funding market to ensure businesses with growth and export potential have adequate access to growth capital and loan funding.

Gordon & MacPhail honours silent distilleries with rare whisky releases

–Malt whisky creator unveils 2019 Summer Collection–

Single malt Scotch whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled its Summer Collection, which includes some of the oldest ever whisky releases from two silent distilleries.

Bottled as part of its ‘Private Collection’ range, Gordon & MacPhail 1969 from Dallas Dhu Distillery is joined by Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery, a 38-year-old single malt.

Single malts in the Private Collection are personally selected by members of the Urquhart family that has owned Gordon & MacPhail for four generations. For over a century, the specialist has matured spirit from more than 100 Scottish distilleries in its own casks to create a liquid library found nowhere else in the world.

A third Private Collection release, Gordon & MacPhail 1966 from Longmorn Distillery will be available as part of the Summer Collection. The Speyside malt has been matured in a first-fill Sherry butt for 53 years, which has delivered a rich, dark mahogany colour, intense fruitcake notes on the nose and dark fruits on the palate.

These unique and rare releases are contained in bespoke crystal decanters housed in beautifully crafted wooden veneer presentation cases.

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail said, “Our ‘Private Collection’ whiskies embody the expertise, skill and patience that has been passed down over four generations of my family.

“My grandfather, George Urquhart, recognised an opportunity to match new make spirit with carefully selected casks at a time when the vast majority of production went into blends. Over the decades he was able to master this art which has become his legacy.

“He could never be persuaded to bottle a whisky before he believed it had reached its ultimate peak in terms of quality – a tradition we’re proud to continue today.”

Gordon & MacPhail 1969 from Dallas Dhu Distillery [UK RRP £6950*]

Less than two miles outside Forres, Dallas Dhu was one of the westernmost Speyside distilleries. Closed in 1983, the distillery was designed by famed architect Charles Doig, who also designed the Gordon & MacPhail retail shop in Elgin.

Matured in a refill Sherry hogshead cask no. 1656 on 10 June 1969, only 176 bottles of Gordon & MacPhail 1969 from Dallas Dhu Distillery will be available for purchase from selected specialist whisky retailers internationally.

Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery [UK RRP £1000]

The Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery is believed to be one of the oldest bottled single malts from the distillery which used to stand in Linlithgow in the Scottish Lowlands.

A distillery with a rich and varied past, St. Magdalene was initially known as Linlithgow Distillery, before a merger with Bonnytoun Farm Distillery in 1826 led to a renaming. The distillery was built on the lands of St. Magdalene’s Cross Convent, although today all that remains is the malting barn and kiln.

Laid down the year prior to the distillery closing its doors for the last time, the Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery was matured in cask no. 2092, a refill American hogshead. Only 161 bottles available to purchase from select whisky retailers internationally.

Gordon & MacPhail 1966 from Longmorn Distillery [UK RRP £6950]

Unlike many Scottish distilleries founded during the whisky boom at the end of the 19th century, Longmorn has continued with constant production right up until the present day.

Just 398 bottles are available of the Gordon & MacPhail 1966 from Longmorn Distillery, with the 53-Year-Old single malt whisky matured in cask no. 610, a first fill Sherry butt.

For more information on the 2019 Summer Collection visit: www.gordonandmacphail.com/our-whiskies/ranges/summer-collection/

#GordonandMacPhail

Further releases from the 2019 Summer Collection include Connoisseurs Choice 1989 from Balblair Distillery (UK RRP £400*), Connoisseurs Choice 2006 from Caol Ila (UK RRP £89.75*) and Connoisseurs Choice 1995 from Royal Brackla (UK RRP £167*).

29 July 2019

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

Tasting notes

Gordon & MacPhail 1969 from Dallas Dhu Distillery (Private Collection)

43.1% ABV, outturn of 176 bottles, UK RRP of £6,950.

Matured in cask no. 1656, a refill Sherry hogshead. 

Colour: Mahogany

Aroma: Aromas of rich fruitcake laden with plump raisins, sultanas, and orange peel. An elegant sweetness of candied ginger, almond marzipan, and treacle toffee. Wisps of wood smoke and tobacco linger upon a backdrop of subtle oak. 

Taste: Toffee apples with fruit and nut dark chocolate flavours accompany mouth-warming cracked peppercorns. Spice sits in the background while wood tannins begin to take hold.

Finish: Lingering and warming; roasted coffee beans evolve into a subtle herbal edge. Full of character with a crisp clean edge. 

Gordon & MacPhail 1966 from Longmorn Distillery (Private Collection)

46.0% ABV, outturn of 398 bottles, UK RRP of £6950.
Matured in cask no.610, a first fill Sherry butt

Colour: Darkest mahogany

Aroma: Intense sweet fruitcake aromas align with brown sugar, sticky prunes and candied citrus peel. Spice provides warmth with cinnamon and clove. Hints of vanilla come to the fore followed by forest fruits. A delicate oak smoke is present.

Taste: Sweet with bursts of pepper. Steeped dark fruits – blackberry and ripe cherries envelop warming spice leading to flavours of liquorice with dried tobacco and oak.

Finish: Long; mulled fruits and charred oak providing a subtle ash finish. 

Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery (Private Collection)

53% ABV, outturn of 161 bottles, UK RRP of £1,000.

Matured in cask no. 2092, a refill American hogshead.

Colour: Golden

Aroma: Waxy lemons entwine with zesty lime and ripe banana. Creamy vanilla custard and almond marzipan aromas are layered with freshly cut grass and floral tones. Aniseed sits in the background.

Taste: Sweet; hints of cracked black pepper and candied tropical fruits give a touch of sweetness before rich dark chocolate truffle centred with salted caramel flavours come through.

Finish: Light and delicate with subtle hints of toasted malt, aniseed, and humidor.

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

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

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

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

In April 2018, the company unveiled its streamlined portfolio:

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