Exclusive Loch Lomond Inchmurrin Single Cask lands in World of Whiskies at Heathrow Terminal 5 

Loch Lomond Whiskies has created an exclusive Loch Lomond Inchmurrin Single Cask bottling in partnership with World Duty Free.  Just 278 bottles of the 10-year-old Loch Lomond Inchmurrin Single Cask will be available exclusively at World Duty Free’s World of Whiskies store, located in Heathrow’s Terminal 5.

On the nose, the Loch Lomond Inchmurrin Single Cask is fruity and sweet with a hint of spice. The palate offers layers of sweet vanilla and barley sugar, while the lemon and lime finish delivers a citrus edge, giving way to maple syrup and a mild oak spiciness.

This non-chill filtered Single Malt Scotch Whisky was distilled in the Loch Lomond Distillery’s unique straight neck pot stills in January 2008 and bottled at cask strength – 57.1% ABV – in February 2018.

Loch Lomond Whiskies’ partnership with World Duty Free – who own and operate the specialist World of Whiskies stores – and Heathrow, follows on from successful sales of Loch Lomond Group’s Global Travel Retail (GTR) Scotch whisky range at World of Whiskies outlets in airports throughout the UK.

André de Almeida, Managing Director of Global Travel Retail at Loch Lomond Group, said: “We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to create this limited edition Loch Lomond Inchmurrin Single Cask, which will be exclusive to World of Whiskies in Terminal 5.  This is a great example of a trinity project between Loch Lomond Group, World Duty Free and Heathrow.”

Kathryn Kindness, Commercial Category Manager from World Duty Free, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this unique, limited edition Loch Lomond Inchmurrin Single Cask bottling to our World of Whiskies customers at Terminal 5.  Travellers won’t be able to get their hands on this in any other location in the world, so it will be the ideal addition for their collections or to purchase as a special gift.”

Chris Annetts, Retail and Service Proposition Director, commented: “We are delighted to offer Heathrow passengers this unique and exclusive British product. Whisky is loved the world over and this additional cask adds to our fantastic range of distillations to suit every taste.”

Founded in 1814, Loch Lomond Whiskies can trace its roots back to the Littlemill distillery, which was established in 1772 and is thought to be one of the oldest in the world. Its current malt and grain distilleries, in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire on the banks of Loch Lomond, were built in the 1960s and are among only a few in the industry to maintain an onsite cooperage. The malt distillery at Alexandria also features a unique combination of traditional swan neck and distinctive straight-necked pot stills, enabling it to produce a diverse range of flavour profiles.

For further information, visit www.glenscotia.com 

Notes 

Retail price: £59 per 70cl bottle 

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning spirit brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the brands:

Loch Lomond Whiskies:

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery which was licensed in 1772.  In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day.

• Loch Lomond 12 Year Old has been awarded Gold Medal status at 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Other expressions in this collection are Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 50 Year Old, Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond Signature, Loch Lomond Single Grain and the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan collection.
• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards
• Official social media accounts are Twitter: @LochLomondMalts Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook facebook.com/lochlomondwhiskies

Sullivans Cove
World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt Whisky

We are thrilled to share the news that our American Oak – cask HH0351 – won the award for World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards 2018.

We also won Best Australian Single Malt for Double Cask DC087, and Best Australian Single Cask Single Malt for American Oak cask HH0351.

It’s great recognition for our dedicated and passionate team to have a Sullivans Cove whisky crowned “World’s Best” for a second time.

This would not have been possible without your support – Thank you!

Although these specific casks aren’t available, prime examples of these styles are available on our web store now.

Please click on the link below to purchase.

PURCHASE NOW

LIST OF RARE & COLLECTABLE WHISKIES RELEASED
FOR THE DISTILLERS’ CHARITY AUCTION ON 10^th APRIL 2018

22^nd March 2018 – The full list of lots for the second Worshipful Company of Distillers’ Charity Auction is now available to view at www.distillers.auction.  It features more than 70 rare and highly collectable whiskies and experiences that will go under the hammer at Mercers’ Hall, in the heart of the City of London, on Tuesday 10^th April.

The evening, hosted by Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers Bryan Burrough, will begin with a reception attended by the Lord Mayor of London, followed by international auctioneer David Elswood of Christie’s conducting the auction.  Tickets to attend (dress code – black tie) are available for £100 at www.distillers.auction. There is also the opportunity on the auction website to register for absentee and telephone bidding.

Estimates for the lots, all of impeccable provenance having been donated directly by the producers or liverymen of the Distillers, range from £250 to £25,000.  They include some of the most sought-after whiskies in the world, one-of-a-kind expressions, special bottlings never released commercially and private invitations to tastings with the makers.

Bidding is expected to be strong for the Whyte & Mackay contribution of a one-off, specially produced bottle of The Dalmore 1976 Highland Single Malt Whisky 41 Years Old, matured in a Graham’s Port Colheita 1963 Pipe, with details and tasting notes on a scroll handwritten by master blender and liveryman Richard Paterson.

William Grant & Sons has provided exceptional whiskies with wonderful stories. Glenfiddich 50 Years Old, vintage distillery bottling from 1991, is number 440 of a limited edition of 500 bottles. This whisky was made from a batch of nine casks laid down in the 1930s, one for each of William Grant’s nine children who had helped to build Glenfiddich Distillery in the 1880s.  Its bottle of The Balvenie 50 Year Old Cask 191 (bottle number 14 of 83), distilled in 1952 and bottled is 2002, is one of the oldest Balvenies ever released and the label reads: “The last cask of The Balvenie Single Malt Whisky from the nineteen fifties is unique and unrepeatable.”

Gordon & MacPhail has gathered six of its historic bottlings of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, one distilled in each decade from the 1930s to 1980s, to create The Archive Collection exclusively for The Distillers’ Charity Auction: Strathisla 1937, Linkwood 1946, Talisker 1955, Glen Grant 1965 (never released for sale), Ardbeg 1974 and St. Magdalene 1982. This is accompanied by an invitation to the home of this family-owned company.

Compass Box Whisky has also delved into its archive to compile The Hedonism Collection, from the original in 2000 (the world’s first Blended Grain Scotch Whisky) to the latest expression released this year: Hedonism (First Edition), Hedonism Maximus, Hedonism 10^th Anniversary, Hedonism Quindecimus and Hedonism The Muse. Founder John Glaser will host a special dinner in the Compass Box Blending Room for the winning bidder and five guests.

The Kirin Brewery Company Fuji-Gotemba Distillery has brought together a set of three 21 Year Old bottlings, never before sold together (two no longer available commercially and a Single Malt that has never been released for sale), from its historical whisky library stocks: Evermore 2001 Blended Whisky, Evermore 2002 Blended Whisky and Fuji-Gotemba Single Malt Whisky distilled in 1981.

Chivas Bros has created The Royal Salute Highland Fling, a two-day trip to Speyside hosted by Peter Prentice, Keepers of the Quaich chairman and global VIP relations director for Chivas Bros. Staying at Linn House, six guests will visit Aberlour, The Glenlivet and Strathisla Distilleries with tastings in the Royal Salute Vault and Chivas Regal Cellar. The trip culminates in a Royal Salute Scottish Dinner and tasting of extraordinary whiskies.

Other highlights include: a magnum of Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt Whisky Aged 50 Years specially selected for The Worshipful Company of Distillers by John L S Grant and George S Grant and donated by Glenfarclas Distillery; Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1964 Fino Cask 46 Years Old (one of 72 bottles) given by Beam Suntory UK; a unique bottle of Littlemill The Worshipful Company of Distillers 2018 Edition 40 Years Old selected by master blender Michael Henry; The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 Years Old rare single malt matured in three handpicked Oloroso sherry seasoned casks from Jerez; and number 232 of 500 crystal decanters of cask strength The North British Single Grain Scotch Whisky 50 Years Old given to employees, former employees and friends of The North British Distillery Company Limited to celebrate its 125th Anniversary in 2010.

Alongside these legendary names are new distilleries already making their mark. Liverymen Daniel Szor, founder and CEO of The Cotswolds Distillery, is offering a day of whisky making and a hand-drawn cask strength bottle of Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, and Stephen A Gould, proprietor and distiller at the Golden Moon Distillery, has donated a bottle from the first cask of its initial release of Colorado Single Malt Whiskey.

Bryan Burrough, Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, said: “As a Livery Company, charity is at the heart of what we do, and as Distillers we are proud to be leading our fundraising with the Distillers’ Charity Auction. An incredible collection of whiskies has been donated, which we are sure will generate a great deal of interest and excitement from collectors around the world.”

In the spirit of the event, the first two Worshipful Company of Distillers single cask bottlings of The Master’s Cask, signed by the Master of their year of bottling (an unpeated Caol Ila 18 Years Old for Douglas Morton in 2016 and Knockando 18 Years Old for Richard Watling in 2017), are presented for auction in a specially commissioned cabinet.

All proceeds will be donated to the Distillers’ Charity, which supports industry training and education, the Alcohol Education Trust dedicated to improving alcohol education for young people in Scotland, and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal towards the OnSide Youth Zones initiative creating opportunities for young people in London to thrive.   More information on these charities can be found at www.distilers.auction.

Follow The Distillers’ Charity Auction on Instagram and Facebook @distillersauction. 

The Worshipful Company of Distillers & The Distillers’ Auction 

The Worshipful Company of Distillers, founded in 1638, is a Livery Company of the City of London.

This year’s Master, Bryan Burrough, has spent his working life in the City of London. He joined the livery in 1988 and, with his family history steeped in the gin industry, has acted as Chancellor (Finance Director) and Chair of the Charity Committee. He is proud that 80 per cent of liverymen are involved with the drinks trade, and as one of the other 20 per cent, aims to continue to cement the Company’s relationship with the City of London.

The Distillers’ Charity provides support and funds to City of London and industry charities through scholarships at Heriot-Watt International Centre for Brewing & Distilling, the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), The Benevolent, Alcohol Education Trust and Action on Addiction.

The first Distillers’ Charity Auction in 2013 raised over £250,000 for charitable causes from the sale of 53 lots of old, rare and unique bottles and collections of Scotch Whiskies.  A generous legacy grant was made by the Diageo Foundation to provide funding to help to make the Distillers’ Charity Auction a sustainable, long-term fundraising programme.  Further donations towards supporting the Auction have also been received from The Morrison Foundation and the William Grant Foundation.

www.distillers.org.uk

A peerless single malt that has slowly matured over five extraordinary decades, The Macallan 50 Years Old – 2018 Release reflects The Macallan’s journey of discovery in the modern era. Defined by years of dedication and craftsmanship, it is testament to the exceptional oak casks – which have been sourced, crafted, toasted and seasoned under the watchful eyes of The Macallan Masters of Wood and delivered through the years to the exacting specifications of generations of Master Distillers.

“After being left to mature for half a century in our exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks, this wonderfully rare single malt is full of rich flavour and beautiful natural colour. The Macallan 50 Years Old – 2018 Release is an incredible addition to our range of unique, mature whiskies and marks another pinnacle of The Macallan whisky makers’ art.”

NICK SAVAGE | THE MACALLAN MASTER DISTILLER

WATCH THE FILM         EXPLORE THE RANGE

The Macallan 50 Years Old – 2018 Release will be available in select locations worldwide including the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.

SPIRIT WORKS DISTILLERY REACHES HUGE CRAFT SPIRITS MILESTONE WITH RELEASE – BOTTLED IN BOND STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY 

Sebastopol, CA, March 14, 2018 – California grain-to-glass craft spirits leader Spirit Works Distillery announced today that it has released its first ever Bottled in Bond – Straight Rye Whiskey. As an effort towards regulating spirits industry at the time, the US Government passed the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, dictating a very strict set of quality standards and control of production practices for a spirit to be labeled as such.

Still in place today, but difficult to achieve and even harder to come by, a spirit can only be labelled Bottled in Bond – by U.S. Government Supervision if it is:

1 – Produced from the same class of spirits and same class of materials (Rye berries and Rye Whiskey)

2 – Distilled in the same distilling season (Dec 2013) by the same distiller (Ashby Marshall) at the same distillery (Spirit Works Distillery)

3 – Stored for at least four (4) years  in direct, full contact with wood (53 gal New Charred American Oak Barrels)

4 – Void of any addition, subtraction or modification

5 – Proofed to 100 proof with only pure water

6 – Bottled at 100 proof

In addition to the above, the label on the bottle must also state the location of the distillery and if bottled elsewhere, where it was bottled.

“I am thrilled for Spirit Works Distillery to have reached this milestone as our Bottled in Bond – Straight Rye Whiskey is a beautiful, welcome declaration of a true small batch, high rye whiskey and the very distinction represents genuine quality, consistency, and age.” – Ashby Marshall, Former Head Distiller and Co-owner.

Bottled at 4 years 2 months old and 100 proof, the Rye Whiskey has a nose towards both bright and baked apple followed with coffee and leather. On the palate it brings peppery hints of clove, and nutmeg that mellow into a blend of caramel and toasted coconut. The finish of golden honeycomb rolls down to a long smooth spice.  Bottles can be purchased for $60, as of today, out of the distillery tasting room in Sebastopol and are planned to be in market in due course.

About Spirit Works

Founded in the heart of Sonoma County, California in 2012 by husband and wife team Timo and Ashby Marshall, Spirit Works Distillery is craft spirits producer which handcrafts artisan Vodka, Gin, Sloe Gin, Barrel Gin, Navy Strength Gin, Straight Wheat and Straight Rye Whiskey onsite using the grain-to-glass method of milling, mashing, fermenting and then distilling onsite, allowing the Distillery to create a truly hands on premium product. Spirit Works is also one of the few all-female distilling teams in the US with Lauren Patz as Head Distiller. For more information, click here ashby@spiritworksdistillery.com

Balblair Distillery is one you must visit both physically if you get the chance, and on your palate if you have not yet done so. One of the most visually pleasing distilleries in a wonderful Highland setting. And whisky that is sure to suit the palates of many. But that’s not because its designed to suit the masses. No, it’s simply fantastic whisky. There is a strong sense of tradition at Balblair. Red brick chimney, pagoda roof and dunnage warehouses. And this care, attention and respect for the distillery is reflected in the quality of the whisky. Now, Balblair have released some brand new vintages and we have been lucky enough to sample.

Vintage Whisky

One of the most notable aspect of Balblair whisky is their focus on whisky vintage and not age statement. You still get the indication of age by the vintage year and bottling year but it is about the casks being ready, when they are ready each year. It’s a nice little USP and one which is very well received among the vast swathes of whisky releases. 2018 sees the the release of two brand new expressions:- Balblair 1991 Vintage and Balblair 2000 Vintage. Here at TheWhiskyBarrel.com these added to the already available 2005 Vintage Balblair, making a fantastic trio of whiskies to compare.

Balblair 2005 Vintage 46%

The 2005 vintage Balblair is a lovely whisky. This 1st release was bottled in 2017 making it at least 11 years old. Classic Balblair notes of green apples and a hint of citrus. Definite youth but gives up a nice rawness to the Balblair character here. A touch of water brings out the fruits a touch more too over the notes of bitter tobacco/leather. This is certainly a dram that lets you explore the clear character of this distillery. Quite sharp and to the point. But it is these two older vintages which really let you delve further into the depths of Balblair Whisky, and the warehouse.

Balblair 2000 Vintage 46%

The Balblair 2000 vintage 2nd release bottled 2017. Aged at least 16 years old, this  takes a clear step up. The nose is lovely. Freshly baked warm spiced apple crumble. On the palate it goes a little more tropical with pineapple but with the additional of runny sweet honey and hints of dried coconut. The finish is nice and long, running. Pleasant spices and hints of malted barley. Our recommendation – a definite buy. With a bit of time as well it all opens a little more with all the flavours mellowing in lovely harmony. Sherry and bourbon cask maturation working perfectly.

But there is no ignoring, that the brand new Balblair 1991 vintage is what we are keen to get stuck into.

Balblair 1991 Vintage 3rd Release Bottled 2018 46%

The now gone but not forgotten Balblair 1990 vintage was a firm favourite. This 1991 vintage Balblair whisky aged at least 26 years follows suit.   It has a luxurious mouthfeel. Fantastically balanced influence of each cask type both on the nose and palate. A lovely level of complexity. Time opens it right up and lets it relax even more. Not just a few minutes, but let is sit for 5 or 10 minutes and you will notice the change. Citrus fruits soften into ripe soft fruit with a little kick of liquorice and spice. But it’s so very smooth and creamy on the palate -milk chocolate and a smooth fruit compote. The finish pops up with more spices and a lovely sherried fruit cake dipped in warm luxury milk chocolate. This is fine whisky.

Balblair whisky is one of those distilleries you should not be afraid to recommend to a novice. They are highly likely to enjoy it. But also, if you are a whisky lover, you need to give Balblair whisky a go. In particular, this older 1991 vintage will surely float your whisky boat.

All three are available to buy online now at TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Blood Oath Series Continues With Release of Pact No. 4

Fourth expression in ultra-premium series debuts with commemorative packaging

(St. Louis) March 12, 2018 – The fourth installment of the acclaimed Blood Oath ultra-premium bourbon series – Pact No. 4 – has launched this month. Blood Oath combines rare, top-notch bourbons, blended and bottled by hand for a distinctively exclusive and unimagined Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

Pact No. 4 continues the tradition with a masterful union of three well-bred Kentucky straight bourbons that come together for a unique and complex flavor profile. The first is an extra-aged 12-year bourbon that provides a mellow finish with deep oak undertones, and the second is a rich 10-year bourbon that adds caramel and honey flavors. The third, a nine-year bourbon, rounds out the flavors as it is finished in toasted bourbon barrels – adding deep chocolate, vanilla and spice flavors.

“We finished the nine-year bourbon in a toasted barrel to add an extra layer of flavor. The gentle heating adds more caramel and chocolate accents, as well as a spicier flavor. The toasted barrels, combined with the aging in traditional charred barrels, create a uniquely complex bourbon like no other,” says John Rempe, creator of Blood Oath and head distiller and master blender at Lux Row Distillers. “This bourbon starts off with a strong oak nose and finishes with a robust spice, followed by an ultra-smooth lasting caramel, vanilla and oak.”

This year’s release will also be sold in a commemorative stained wooden box, reminiscent of the toasted barrels used during the finishing process. Like its predecessors, the bottle is topped with a custom, eco-friendly natural cork, sealed and labeled with certificate-style paper stock signed by John Rempe and bottled at 98.6 proof. Pact No. 4 is available nationally in 750ml bottles, with a suggested retail price of $99.99.

Pact No. 4 is limited release, with only 12,000 cases (3-packs) created; this bourbon will never be made again. The Blood Oath series launched in 2015 with Pact No. 1, and will highlight a different variant, or Pact, each year.

Blood Oath Pact No. 4 launches just as Lux Row Distillers – the future home of the Blood Oath series among other bourbon brands – begins production and prepares to open its doors for visitors this spring as a new distillery experience coming to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

For more information about the distillery, visit www.luxrowdistillers.com. You can also like Lux Row Distillers on Facebook or follow the distillery on Instagram @luxrowdistillers. For more information on Blood Oath, visit www.bloodoathbourbon.com. 

About Luxco
A leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products, Luxco’s mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, Luxco remains locally owned and operated by the Lux family. Lux Row Distillers is bringing the family’s legacy to the heart of Bourbon Country in Bardstown, Kentucky and is now the home of Luxco’s bourbon portfolio, including Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, and Ezra Brooks. Luxco has also built a new distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico – Destiladora González Luxco – where the company’s 100 percent agave tequilas, El Mayor and Exotico, will be produced. Luxco’s innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit www.luxco.com.

Gordon & MacPhail Unveils Rare 1950s Single Malt Whisky from Linkwood Distillery 

An exceptionally rare single cask from the 1950s has been unveiled as one of the oldest Linkwood single malt whiskies ever bottled.

Leading single malt whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail today announced the release of Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail. This is the last 1950s cask from Linkwood Distillery in Gordon & MacPhail’s unrivalled inventory; it is believed to be the final remaining 1950s cask globally.

Just 53 decanters of the 60-Year-Old single malt whisky have been released for sale worldwide with a UK RRP of £22,000.

Mahogany and chestnut brown in colour, Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail is an intricately layered whisky. Rich, warm aromas lend to a sweet full-bodied experience with highlights of blueberry, fruitcake, and dark chocolate. This ultra-aged single malt, a testament to the knowledge and expertise curated over four generations, culminates in a resoundingly rich finish.

Filled at the Linkwood Distillery on the 3rd January 1956, Cask 20 is from a defining period in the company’s history. It was one of the last casks laid down by John Urquhart, first generation member of the family that owns Gordon & MacPhail, before he retired the following month. Cask 20 matured for six decades under the watchful eyes of John’s son, George, and subsequent generations until the decision to bottle was made by the fourth generation of the Urquhart family.

Founded in 1895 in Elgin, Scotland, Gordon & MacPhail is the curator of many of the oldest and rarest single malt whiskies in the world with an unrivalled stock inventory. For over 120 years, generations of the Urquhart family have matched new-make spirit from distilleries across Scotland with carefully selected oak casks, patiently maturing these to achieve the perfect harmony between the spirit and oak.

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige and fourth generation member of the Urquhart family, said: “Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail encapsulates the company’s dedication to the art of single malt whisky maturation and tireless pursuit of perfection. This incredible whisky is the culmination of the unrivalled knowledge and skills passed down and strengthened, over the decades, through four generations of my family.

“It is the deep understanding of the relationship between the oak and the spirit that has allowed Gordon & MacPhail to nurture this cask for six decades while retaining the unique distillery character.”

Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail is the second of four exclusive single casks unveiled as part of the ‘Private Collection’ range. The first, Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail, a rare wartime cask, was released in October 2017.

Beautifully packaged using an award-winning design, the landscape surrounding the Linkwood Distillery inspires the unique contours etched into the gold base and stopper of each bespoke decanter. All 53 decanters are hand-blown and individually numbered with a certificate of authenticity signed by Stephen Rankin.

Whisky writer and rare whisky specialist Jonny McCormick, author of the commemorative book that accompanies each bespoke decanter, said: “Amidst an exalted world of luxury and prestige, Gordon & MacPhail commands the one inherent quality that every whisky connoisseur desires: rarity.

“As this remarkable cask completes its journey, this alluring Linkwood whisky is exquisitely presented in a manner that does justice to the craftsmanship of the whisky makers and the custodianship of the Urquhart family. In the years to come, opportunities to experience world-class whisky exhibiting this maturity and complexity from the Fifties will be very scarce indeed.”

Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail was matured in a first fill Sherry hogshead for sixty years. Only 53 decanters, bottled at cask strength (49.4% ABV), have been released for sale worldwide. A number of decanters are available for purchase directly from the company’s ‘spiritual home’, the South Street retail shop in Elgin at an RRP of £22,000. Prices may differ in international markets due to local taxes and duty.

For more information, please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

#tastethehistory

 Notes

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of maturing the finest and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully nurtured relationships with Scottish distillers. These included The Glenlivet, Linkwood, and Mortlach distilleries in Speyside as well as a number of others across Scotland. From the beginning, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to  highest quality oak casks. These casks 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 warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

The Linkwood Distillery 

Established by Peter Brown in 1821, the Linkwood Distillery began distilling in 1825. Located on the outskirts of Elgin in the Speyside region, the distillery remained in the Brown family until the end of the nineteenth century. In 1933, the distillery was sold to Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd. (SMD), now a subsidiary of Diageo.

During the years Roderick MacKenzie worked as Distillery Manager (1945-1963), Linkwood Distillery saw very little change – from the in-house floor maltings to the cobwebs in the warehouses. Although MacKenzie oversaw the rebuilding of the distillery in 1962, it was SMD that managed the build of a second four still Linkwood Distillery in 1971. The original distillery was renamed Linkwood A and the new adjacent site, Linkwood B. The older Linkwood A site ceased regular production in 1985. Aside from some experimental distillation runs in the 1990s, the stills remained silent until the old buildings were demolished in 2012.

Gordon & MacPhail and the Linkwood Distillery have been close for more than a century both geographically and in terms of the strength of relationship between the Urquhart family and the owners of the distillery.

WATERFORD WHISKY DISTILLERY MAKES HISTORY AS IT DISTILLS WORLD’S FIRST BIODYNAMIC IRISH WHISKY 

March 2018 saw Waterford Distillery become the first distillery to create Irish whisky from biodynamic barley.

The innovative Irish distillery set an industry milestone in 2016 when it distilled Ireland’s first organic whisky. The new biodynamic distillation takes it to a whole new level, creating a significant first for the Irish drinks industry.

Biodynamic agriculture, ultimate organics, is the controversial agricultural principal outlined in 1924 by Austrian philosopher Dr Rudolf Steiner, the codified manual, the culmination of 10,000 years of farming know-how. To others it’s just folklore.

The concept involves a farm becoming self-sufficient for all its needs, relying on home-made organic fertilisers and naturally occurring plant insecticides.

As our forefathers knew, the astrological calendar not only predicts tides but guides planting, growing and harvesting. Preparations, unusual to us, such as “horn manure”, made from buried, manure-packed, cow horns, is super efficacious stimulating microbial activity in the soil, seed germination and root development, say adherents; barking mad, say critics.

Working closely with Minch Maltsters, the pioneering farmers that answered the call to grow the biodynamic barley were John McDonnell, Co. Meath; Alan Mooney, Kilcock, Co. Kildare; and Trevor Harris from Naas, Co. Kildare.

The distillery received the prestigious Demeter certification from the Biodynamic Association, which it holds alongside its existing certification from the Organic Trust.

Waterford Distillery CEO, Mark Reynier, said: “Biodynamics is a farming philosophy, a way of life. It’s fascinating to see the world’s greatest wine makers attracted to this time-consuming way of running their farms.

“It started with the fear of losing the accumulated knowledge of millennia to the march of the agrochemical industry last century. It’s about minimal treatments, ancient homeopathic remedies, natural fertilisers focused on enhancing the biodiversity of a naturally healthy soil.

“It all sounds pretty crazy, it’s easy to dismiss as cranky tree-hugging bunkum, but yet it’s funny how the greatest wines in the world are made under this unusual regime. Only natural we should give it a go for our whisky. As part of our extensive research we travelled Alsace, to see bioydynamics in action. So I wanted to extend my thanks to Olivier Humbrrecht and Jean Paul Zusslin – as well as to Trevor Harris, John McDonnell and Alan Mooney for rising to the challenge when I first raised the idea in 2015.”

Though biodynamic farming methods may appear eccentric, many of the greatest wine producers, including the legendary Domaine Zind Humbrecht, Romanee Conti, and Chateau Margaux, maintain biodynamic vineyards.

Head Brewer Neil Conway, added, “When Mark first mentioned the idea, we thought he was mad. We had to educate ourselves on what exactly biodynamic farming is and how biodynamically grown grain may effect the production process in the distillery. I’ve found biodynamics fascinating, particularly the preparations involved and understanding how they activate and mobilize different nutrients that the barley crop needs.

“The most satisfying part has been the openness of all the people involved in this project. It’s been a real team effort from the biodynamic growers, our maltsters and everyone at Waterford Distillery. We’re all learning from each other during this new chapter of malting, brewing and distilling.”

A new generation of consumers is taking ever-more interest in the provenance of their drinks – how and where the ingredients are grown – which is key to the Waterford philosophy. The distillery’s unparalleled production methods involve distilling barley from 61 individual Irish farms, one a week, in isolation from eld to barrel – with complete traceability.

Like no other distillery, by celebrating and exploring the differences in soil, location and microclimate, or terroir as it is known, and extolling the virtue of super-premium wood, both French and American oak, Waterford Distillery aims to create the world’s most profound – and natural – single malt whisky.

The special spirit distilled from biodynamic barley won’t be bottled for several years, but the distillery’s first whiskies are on the horizon.

Waterford Distillery does not source spirit from other producers to be used in its products.

NOTES : 

Waterford Distillery is a major whisky project by Mark Reynier, the man behind the renaissance of Islay’s Bruichladdich single malt whisky.

We’re embarking on a long journey, a voyage as ambitious as it’s pioneering. The destination is to create not just the most compelling Irish whisky, but the world’s most profound single malt.

WATERFORD 

We chose Waterford, for here on the banks of the river Suir, on Ireland’s sunny south-eastern coast, we have an exceptional state-of-the-art facility originally built by Diageo in 2004 and converted to distilling in 2015. And we have the nest quality raw materials: the purest of spring water from renowned ancient wells; a team of passionate distillers that share the vision; and the very best barley in the world.

BARLEY 

The provenance of our barley, where and how it is cultivated, is therefore key. Taking proven principles from Islay a giant step further, we have sourced an unprecedented 61 Irish farms, some organically- run, growing barley on 19 distinct soil types. With a pioneering digital logistical system keeping track, each farmer’s crop is harvested, stored, malted and distilled separately. Thus we can capture in spirit each farm’s terroir, that subtle character shaped by micro-climate and soil. Individuality and integrity from eld to barrel.

PROVENANCE 

The goal of this precision, provenance with total traceability, is to provide us with an unparalleled library of maturing, nascent single malt whisky as each farm’s barley is distilled, one per week throughout the year.

WHISKY 

The first whisky ran in January 2016. After maturing for several years in the best of French and American oak, we believe these component “single”, single malts, each one exhibiting its own nuances, will come together making the most rofound single malt whisky ever created.

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Web: waterforddistillery.ie
Email: press@waterforddistillery.ie Phone: +353 (0)51 303 508 Twitter: @WaterfordWhisky Facebook: @WaterfordDistillery Instagram: @WaterfordDistillery

KEY PEOPLE 

CEO: Mark Reynier
Head Distiller: Ned Gahan
Head Brewer: Neil Conway Distillery Manager: Paul McCusker Chief Engineer: Anthony Brazil

SPECIAL THANKS 

A special thank you to Minch Malt. It was Minch Malt’s agronomists and the Biodynamic farmers that delivered this unique product to Waterford Distillery.

Wemyss Malts introduces Nectar Grove

Family run, independent bottler Wemyss Malts is releasing a new blended Scotch malt whisky called Nectar Grove.  Wemyss has selected Highland Scotch whiskies and finished them for a further period in casks which had previously held Madeira wine.

In keeping with other releases from Wemyss Malts, such as The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney; this new whisky has been given a flavour led name by the Wemyss tasting panel which reflects its succulent and luscious fruit character.

In Wemyss’ first foray into finishing, the Highland blended malt has been imbued with the fruity and complex sweet flavours of Madeira wine and reminiscent of a ripe fruit grove of peaches, nectarines and citrus.  The finish is of gentle oak spice, sweet pastries and juicy stone fruits. This fruity and fragrant malt whisky is ideally suited for enjoying during warm summertime’s and can be used to make a refreshing whisky cobbler cocktail.

Nectar Grove is bottled at its natural colour which has a beautiful peachy golden hue and at 46% non-chill filtered to retain the intensity of flavours and aromas in this whisky.

The eye-catching packaging design was inspired by Portuguese ceramics and fretwork, reflecting the vibrancy and variation within the whisky.

William Wemyss, Founder and Managing Director at Wemyss Malts, commented: “We are delighted with the results of our first “finished” blended malt.  Nectar Grove continues our line of limited edition blended malts which has previously included World Whisky Award winners Velvet Fig and Kiln Embers. ”

9000 bottles of Nectar Grove will be available from selected retailers in the UK, EU and Asian markets with suggested retail price of £43.95.

Notes:

• Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts is owned by the Wemyss family and their family seat in the brand logo is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
• Nectar Grove Limited Edition joins 3 other blended malts in the 46% core range series that include The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney. Wemyss Malts has 2 other blended malt series that include the Batch Strength range and the Wemyss Family Collection.
• Wemyss blended malts have won prestigious World Whisky Awards five times: The Hive 12yo in 2012, Spice King 12yo in 2013, Velvet Fig in 2015, Kiln Embers in 2016 and Peat Chimney Batch Strength in 2017.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include Lord Elcho blended Scotch whisky and Darnley’s Gin, together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.
• The family has opened a single malt distillery at Kingsbarns, near St. Andrews in Fife and in July 2017 also opened Darnley’s Gin distillery on site. www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com