Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky scoops prize at the World Whiskies Awards

Old Pulteney 25 Years Old has picked up a Gold accolade in the Scotch Highlands ‘21 & Over’ category at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2018.

The Single Malt Scotch Whisky, released in October 2017, fought off stiff competition from other Scotch Highland whiskies to take the Gold honour at the awards.

The World Whiskies Awards, now in its 11^th year, is a global celebration of the very best in all internationally recognised styles, awarding and promoting the world’s best whiskies to consumers and the trade across the globe. This year, the competition received entries from over 20 countries, which were judged by over 50 international judges.

Glimmering bronze in colour, Old Pulteney 25 Years Old contains mature and fragrant flavour notes. The expression opens with heavy spices and dark chocolate which effortlessly lead to rum-soaked raisins and lime honey, punctuated with clean notes of orange peel and baked apples.

The flavour is firmly anchored in bitter chocolate and creamy vanilla with hints of toffee sweetness and crisp overtones of fresh lemon and coconut. The finish is long and spicy with a notes of dried fruit cake and exotic wood, each dram reflecting its expert craftsmanship with a rich and satisfying taste.

Aged at its own steady pace and sheltered from a fast-changing world, the elegant whisky began its journey in ex-bourbon American oak barrels for 22 years before adopting its spicy sweetness, depth and colour from ex-oloroso Spanish oak butts before reaching its premium age of 25. All throughout, this expression is matured in the invigorating sea air of Wick.

Malcolm Waring, Distillery Manager for Old Pulteney, says:

“This is a fantastic accolade for Old Pulteney 25 Years Old. We’re thrilled the expression has won a Gold award having only been released late last year. We’ve worked incredibly hard to create another expression in the Old Pulteney core collection that lives up to the expectations of the others and it’s with great pride that we can announce this whisky is another award winner in our growing portfolio.”

For full information on the awards and the winners, visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com

Notes to Editors 

About Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Old Pulteney is one of the world’s finest and most distinctive single malt Scotch whiskies. Known as the ‘Maritime Malt’, it is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick, home to the Pulteney Distillery which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. The distillery was established in 1826 in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, the town created to house fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom which drew a fleet of over 1000 boats and 7000 workers to this remote and rugged harbour.

Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. The skilled Pulteney Distillery team continues to craft whisky using the most traditional and time-honoured techniques that most others have long abandoned. This includes the uniquely shaped Pulteney stills, which are reflected in the design of the Old Pulteney bottle on shelves today.

Matured in hand-selected oak casks, the resulting whisky has been acclaimed for its excellence, its smooth drinking style and faint hint of the sea. Old Pulteney holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades – and most recently the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’ of 2016 by the prestigious World Whiskies Awards. The whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world. 

About International Beverage 

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries. The holding was also named ‘Distiller of the Year’ 2017 in the Scotland round of Whisky Magazine’s annual Icons of Whisky Awards and has since won over ten awards at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

International Beverage brands include:

• Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
• Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

A month ago (February 14th), on the map of Warsaw, appeared the second address for Cocktail Bar Max & Dom Whisky cocktail and whisky bar chain, known to lovers of good cocktails and whiskey. The newest cocktail and whiskey bar is now also on Nowy Świat 32 street (former H & M). It is the fifth location after Jastrzębia Góra (1997/2009), Sopot (2010), Warsaw on ul. Krucza 16/22 (2013) and Wrocław (2015).

The venue at Nowy Świat is 600 square meters filled with 6000 bottles of spirits from around the world. The ground floor was designed for the cocktail part, in which the most attention is drawn by a round bar with a height of 8 meters and located on two floors. The cocktail lovers, in addition to well-known Max fruit cocktails prepared from fresh, exotic fruit, will also find the largest selection of spirits in Poland imported by owners from the farthest corners of the world. The first floor conceals the zone of the Whiskey House, offering lovers of “water of life” a selection of over 4,000 whiskey / whiskey bottles,  which is served by Whisky Ambassadors dressed in a Scottish kilt. The new concept in Cocktail Bar Max & Dom Whiskey chain is ‘Cuban Room’, a zone for rum and cigar lovers. Our address is also the Polish Embassy of Ardbeg. At the opening we hosted such personalities as Ambassador of Cuba together with his wife or Global Brand Ambassador of Ardbeg Scotch whiskey – Hamish Torrie.

The Glenlivet challenges consumers to crack the ultimate whisky mystery

The Glenlivet launches latest limited edition The Glenlivet Code to push the boundaries of flavour exploration 

Presenting The Glenlivet Code, a mysterious Single Malt Scotch whisky which is being released without cask information or tasting notes to take whisky connoisseurs on a journey of discovery whilst also putting their Single Malt knowledge to the test. Inspired by the iconic British Code breakers, the limited edition is a labyrinth of flavours that will test the senses of even the most discerning whisky drinker.

Maintaining the exceptional quality that The Glenlivet is famed for, The Glenlivet Code presents the brand’s smooth and fruity house style with some additional twists for a moment of definitive pleasure. Its release is supported by an interactive digital experience, inspired by the famous British codebreakers and aims to test consumers’ knowledge and understanding of Single Malt whisky.

The Glenlivet Code digital experience invites whisky connoisseurs to scan a code on the back of their bottle carton using the Shazam app to enter a virtual underground room. Here, they will be greeted by a hologram of The Glenlivet’s Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, who will challenge them to decode the taste of the liquid by selecting four aromas for the nose and four flavours for the palate from thousands of possible combinations.

After decoding the flavours of the new whisky, participants will be given a score which they can post on social media to see how they rank against their peers. The official tasting notes won’t be revealed until the end of the year to give Single Malt enthusiasts the time to discover and enjoy the liquid themselves.

Alan Winchester comments: “With The Glenlivet Code, we had a unique opportunity to create a whisky that has never been crafted before, using new casks and techniques to push the boundaries of what people expect from The Glenlivet. This year’s limited edition is a labyrinth of flavours that will test the senses of even the most discerning whisky drinker and we’re excited to invite consumers worldwide to take on the ultimate challenge by unlocking its mystery taste. The interactive experience will allow whisky enthusiasts at all levels to build their knowledge of the category while also developing a deeper understanding of The Glenlivet.”

The Glenlivet Code will launch globally from March 2018 across 28 markets with an RRP of $120 USD. Consumers can log onto www.theglenlivet.com to find out more about the digital experience and share their thoughts on social media using #TheGlenlivetCode.”

Notes 

About The Glenlivet

Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is The Definitive Speyside Single Malt, renowned for its heritage as a visionary within the single malts category. With its smooth and fruity flavour profile, The Glenlivet has contributed the biggest volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the past five years (IWSR, 2016). Acting as the guardian for outstanding quality and craftsmanship within single malts, The Glenlivet is dedicated to continuing this legacy and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Cipher, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, the brand’s tribute to the original liquid created in 1824 by George Smith.

www.theglenlivet.com

@TheGlenlivet 

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasbrothers.com

@ChivasNewsRoom 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

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