Unveiling the Last Precious Drops:

Littlemill 2017 Private Cellar Edition 

Whisky connoisseurs and collectors from around the world will have a rare opportunity to acquire a single malt from an extinct distillery thought to be one of the oldest in Scotland.

Littlemill has released Littlemill 2017 Private Cellar Edition – a new limited edition whisky celebrating the last precious drops of single malt from the distillery.

Rumoured to be one of the oldest in Scotland, and possibly even the world, the Littlemill distillery has a long and fascinating history. Officially established and producing whisky legally from 1772 in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow, the distillery fell silent in 1994 and was subsequently destroyed by fire in 2004, never to produce a drop again.

As a result there is now a very limited amount of Littlemill single malt left and the spirit of the distillery lives on in a series of sought-after expressions. Priced at £2,250, Littlemill 2017 Private Cellar Edition is the second in the series celebrating this rare whisky. It offers aficionados the opportunity to acquire a piece of Lowland Scotch whisky history.

The latest release comprises 500 individually numbered limited edition bottles encasing the precious 27 Year Old whisky in the Littlemill Lowland style. Each opulent decanter is presented in a luxurious case which also features a unique piece of Littlemill cask used to mature this rare malt, as well as a miniature of the precious whisky itself.

Littlemill’s rich history includes a number of owners over its lifetime and it was notably one of the first distilleries to have a female licensee, Jane MacGregor, in 1823.  In the 1930s, the distillery was known for triple distillation before moving to the more traditional double distillation now associated with Scotch whisky.

In 1931, under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas, Littlemill was at the forefront of still innovation with technical designs that could create three styles of single malts from full-bodied to light. These innovative stills provided the inspiration for the Loch Lomond Distillery, which was opened in the 1960s.

To create the edition, Master Blender, Michael Henry selected eight casks from 1990 to pay homage to the true Littlemill distillery character; creating a lighter, floral spirit, reminiscent of the triple distillation of the Duncan Thomas era.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Distillery, said: “It is rumoured that illicit distilling took place at the Littlemill distillery from 1750 and even for centuries before, possibly making it the world’s oldest whisky distillery.

“It’s a tragedy that the distillery fell silent and was later destroyed by fire, committing Littlemill to legend. Once the last precious drops are consumed, an important part of Scotland’s and Scotch whisky’s heritage will be lost forever. A sip of Littlemill 2017 Private Cellar Edition is more than just a memorable pleasure; it is a unique and historic experience and the spirit of the distillery and its innovative stills live on at the Loch Lomond Distillery today.”

Littlemill 2017 Private Cellar Edition has been crafted from casks with the strongest floral character and subtle wood notes from distillations between 11^th and 19^th May 1990. The casks were filled at 68.8% strength, allowing them to retain more of the distillery character throughout the maturation in refill bourbon barrels. Ageing in refill bourbon barrels gave a softer wood influence and once selected the casks were married in fresh bourbon barrels for 12 months before bottling.

Rare amongst the Lowland malts in using a Highland water source, as well as peat from Stornoway and Perthshire, Littlemill whiskies are renowned for a subtly floral, vanilla-rich sweetness.

Littlemill 2017 Private Cellar Edition follows Littlemill 2015 Private Cellar Edition.  In the UK it is available to buy at most independent specialists including The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange, Royal Mile Whiskies and Master of Malt and it will also be available in global markets, including Taiwan, France, Germany and Travel Retail.

For further information visit www.lochlomondgroup.com

Littlemill 2017 Private Cellar Edition Tasting Notes

• Nose – Green herbal notes of peppermint and eucalyptus lead into natural perfumed floral bursts of honeysuckle and lavender.  Cedar wood elements give structure.
• Taste – Vibrant fruit is prominent with a background soft, subtle sweet character.  Mouth-watering crisp green apple, zesty grapefruit and tart juicy pineapple are followed by green tea notes and a delicate clover honey sweetness.
• Finish – Warming spice of stem ginger and nutmeg liven the tongue before a long peppermint and sugar syrup finish.

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 100 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the brands: 

Littlemill:

• The Littlemill distillery was officially established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.
• It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’ distilling may have taken place there for many centuries before, possibly making it the world’s oldest whisky distillery.
• Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004.
• In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas. It was these stills that provided the inspiration for the Loch Lomond Distillery that was commissioned in 1964 and commenced production in 1966.
• In 2015 Loch Lomond Group commenced the new Littlemill Private Cellar Edition.
• Twitter / Instagram: @LittlemillMalt, Facebook: @Littlemillwhisky 

Other brands from the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Whiskies including Loch Lomond Signature, Loch Lomond Single Grain, Loch Lomond Original, Loch Lomond 12 Year Old, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old, Inchmurrin 12 Year Old, Inchmurrin 18 Year Old, Inchmurrin Madeira Wood Finish, Inchmoan 12 Year Old and Inchmoan 1992 Vintage.

www.lochlomondwhiskies.com Twitter: @LochLomondMalts Instagram: @lochlomondmalts

• Glen Scotia Single Malt Scotch whisky www.glenscotia.com Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts
• Glengarry Single Malt Scotch whisky
• High Commissioner Blended Scotch whisky
• Glen’s Vodka / Glen’s Platinum Vodka A S E

Rt Hon David Mundell MP visits Ardnahoe Distillery

The Rt Hon David Mundell MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland, meets Stewart, Scott and Andrew Laing at Ardnahoe Distillery, on the east coast of Islay, overlooking the Paps of Jura.  The new £8m distillery is being built by independent, Scottish family business, Hunter Laing & Co and is expected to start distilling in Spring 2018.  Mr Mundell was visiting the site to learn more about investments being made in the sector and hear about the industry’s priorities for Brexit. 

Isle of Raasay Distillery Opening in September 2017

In September 2017, whisky makers R&B Distillers will officially open the Isle of Raasay Distillery, the first (legal!) whisky distillery on this small Hebridean island. R&B Distillers are bringing this traditional Scottish craft to an unchartered whisky region, harnessing the raw elements of the unique terroir to create the first Raasay Scotch, which will be ready to drink from 2020.

Co-founders Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie are realising a dream to make whisky in this uncommon location. Alasdair Day describes the uniqueness project: “It is the location; an island off an island with complex geology, water and island climate with probably the best views form any distillery in Scotland, that makes Raasay ideal for our innovative Scotch whisky distillery.”

Raasay is a small island, only fourteen miles in length, situated off the East coast of Skye. The island’s 120 residents have watched eagerly as this disused Gothic villa hotel, Borodale House, has been transformed into the new distillery, adjacent visitors’ centre and Na Tùsairean Club members’ accommodation which will be opening later.

In February 2016, R&B Distillers received permission from the Highland Council to bring the first distillery to Raasay. The young brand subsequently secured grants from the Food Processing Marketing and Co-Operation Grants Scheme, as well as the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, for the development of a visitor’s centre which is projected to bring in 12,000 visitors to Raasay in the first year.

Designed by Olli Blair from ABIR Architects and Allen Associates, the distillery incorporates the Victorian Borodale house and the modernity of a brand new distillery. However, the main feature of the design brief was to showcase and compliment the stunning views from the distillery site. This has been taken into careful consideration throughout.

The distillery on Raasay will be furnished with two copper pot stills sourced from Frilli in Tuscany and R&B predict that it will be able to produce 150,000 bottles of Scotch whisky a year. Single malt, Raasay While We Wait is an aptly named taste of the style of whisky that will be produced on Raasay. It is lightly peated to reflect the volcanic mineral content in the water supply, and balanced by fruity notes from Tuscan red wine finishing casks. The team also has the long-term ambition of using all-local ingredients – water, peat and barley– to create a spirit that is a true reflection of this uncommon terroir. In June 2017, R&B Distillery commenced Barley growing trails on the island to assess the possibility of growing and ripening barley suitable for whisky making locally with farmers and crofters.

The distillery will be independently owned and operated and is expected to generate employment for up to 10% of the island residents. In July 2017 R&B announced the distillery team who will be integral to whisky production: the team is comprised of an island resident, a young distilling graduate and a master distiller with decades of whisky prowess.

R&B Distillers are proud to be utilising some of the raw talent found on Raasay: they have employed Raasay local, Norman Gillies, as Distillery Manager. Norman was born and raised on Raasay and has been involved in the distillery project from the early days, working as Site Engineer and then Ground Foreman on the construction process. With a strong engineering background coupled with experience on the build from the outset, Norman understands the workings of the distillery.

Iain Robertson has been appointed as the Distiller and has relocated to the island to join the team. Iain is a recent Honours graduate of the Heriot Watt Brewing and Distilling school. During his studies, he took a placement at North British grain distillery and worked at Edinburgh’s The Scotch Whisky Experience as one of their highly knowledgeable tour guides. Iain is not only formally educated in the art and science of distilling but is innovative and enthusiastic about respectfully pushing the boundaries of the spirit.

Master Distiller Chris Anderson will be joining Iain and Norman for the inaugural 5 months to oversee the initial distillation. He has experience at Dewars and United Distillery, and has helped with production at Ardnamurchan and Kilchoman distilleries – he will lend this expertise to the Raasay Distillery. Most recently he has been involved with the Lakes Distillery in Cumbria and the construction of neighbouring Torabhaig Distillery on the Isle of Skye. Chris will be invaluable to R&B Distillers as they establish one of Scotland’s newest whisky distilleries.

R&B stands for Raasay and Borders, two unique landscapes brought together through one unique whisky company. Co-founder Alasdair Day embodies this coupling. His great grandfather, Allan MacDonald, hailed from the Hebrides while his other great grandfather, Richard Day was a Masterblender in the Borders in the early 19th Century. It is this history that has prompted R&B’s ongoing project to build distilleries at these twin roots. The former, on Raasay, will soon be a reality.

NOTES:

Isle of Raasay Distillery will produce Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

• Capacity: 94,000 LPA

• Fermentation Time: 90 hours

• Spirit Still: 3,600 L

• Wash Still: 5,000 L

• Washback Size: 5,000 L

• Maturation: All maturation on site

Produced using local water supply at every stage of distillation and reduction

Isle of Raasay Distillery

Borodale House, Isle of Raasay, Kyle IV40 8PB

www.raasaydistillery.com

Facebook: RaasayDistillery Twitter: @raasaywhisky Instagram: @raasaydistillery

SCOTTISH WHISKY EXPERT OPENS GLASSMAKING STUDIO AFTER CROWDFUND CAMPAIGN

An award-winning family firm, which specialises in gifts for whisky lovers, has opened a state-of-the-art glassmaking studio following a Crowdfunding appeal.

Whisky expert and author Charles MacLean cut the ribbon on the new facility at Stirling-based giftware company Angels’ Share Glass.

It will allow co-founders, Tom Young MBE and his daughter Karen Somerville, to increase production of their glass creations and train a new generation of glassblowers to continue their glassmaking legacy.

Mr MacLean said: “I’m so pleased to have been invited here today to open the studio – this is already a terrific company and the new venture will move it even further forward.

“The glass angels they make are very fun and appealing while the whisky water droppers are so elegant and useful – in my opinion every whisky connoisseur should have at least one of them.

“It’s wonderful to see a small Scottish company doing so well and selling their gifts all over the world.”

The firm launched a crowdfunding campaign which raised £11,000 to help fund the studio.

The co-founders also received extra funding from the Scottish Microfinance Fund allowing them to develop a well-equipped bespoke studio at their headquarters.

This will now be used instead of Mr Young’s home workshop which is too small to keep up with rising demand.

At the launch ceremony, guests – including local dignitaries, business clients and Crowdfund supporters – had the chance to watch the firm’s glassmaker Bee Hardy demonstrate her glassblowing skills in the new studio.

Stirling Bailie Chris Kane, representing the Provost’s Office, said: “It was fascinating to see one of Tom’s legendary Angels being blown in the new studio, particularly by new glassblower Bee showing just how well Tom has taught her the secrets of the trade.

“It is testament to Tom – and his daughter Karen – that their creativity and business acumen has taken the journey from Tom’s garden shed to a purpose- built studio in just four years.

“With their products held in such high regard by both the whisky industry and whisky drinkers all over the world, I can’t wait to see what’s next for this Stirling business success story.”

The firm’s Managing Director Karen Somerville was delighted to see the studio open and thanked everyone who has supported the firm since it was established in 2013.

She said: “The studio is badly needed thanks to increasing demand for our products and the phenomenal growth we’ve experienced since start-up.

“It will give our glassmaker Bee a fantastic base to work from and ensure the art of glassmaking continues to have a bright future in Stirling.”

Her father, Tom Young, has been making glass by hand using traditional methods for 60 years and recently received an MBE for his services to glassmaking.

He said: “Having a new studio with more space for staff to work in means a lot to me.

“It will be a great advantage when it comes to passing glassblowing skills onto a new generation of young glassmakers and making sure we keep the tradition alive.”

More information on Angels’ Share Glass can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes  Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm is co-directed by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found on the website at www.angelsshareglass.com

R&B Distillers second release of Raasay While We Wait

This February, R&B Distillers released the second batch of their lightly-peated single malt whisky – Raasay While We Wait. This limited edition second iteration has spent 18 months finishing in Tuscan red wine casks, imbuing the spirit with a rounder and fruitier flavour.

After a successful first year of production, R&B Distillers have now sold out of the first release of their multi-award winning single malt. R&B Distillers are in the process of building the first distillery on the remote Isle of Raasay, off the east coast of Skye, and they have chosen to create a limited second batch of 1,974 bottles to honour a renowned figure in Raasay history. In 1974, Raasay resident Calum Macleod completed a mammoth ten-year endeavour: to build a hand-constructed road across Raasay, from Brochel Castle to Arnish. R&B’s latest batch plays homage this immense and patient feat.

Masters of patience themselves, R&B Distillers began producing whisky at another Highland Distillery while obtaining planning permission to build their first distillery on the island. In December 2015, R&B launched the aptly named Raasay While We Wait a handcrafted whisky that offers a clever prediction of the taste and character of the whisky which will eventually run from the stills on Raasay.

The inaugural release was created by combining heavily peated single malt with an unpeated single malt from one Highland distiller. This created a lightly peated whisky reflecting the high minerality of Raasay water, which filters naturally through the volcanic rock of Dun Caan. The pot stills, now on site at the new distillery, have been sourced from Tuscany and R&B decided to strengthen this Italian connection by finishing Raasay While We Wait in Super Tuscan red wine casks. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc casks lend juicy and fruity notes to the whisky which carefully balance the 15ppm peating.

While the first batch has spent 8 weeks in the red wine casks, the second batch has been developing in complexity over the past 18 months finishing in the casks. This new iteration contains the same level of peat, but the extra finishing furnishes the whisky with a bigger, more rounded flavour and is less spicy and smoky than the original incarnation. Similarly, the whisky’s distinctive heather hue has subtly but evidently darkened.

Brand ambassador Chris Hoban comments “The second release of Raasay While We Wait has quite a bit of the smoke and earthy notes from the first release but these have been enriched with fruity, juicy, full bodied red wine notes. Where the wine notes were more prominent on the nose in the first release, with just small amounts on the palate, the second release is enveloped with plum and raisin notes, mixed in with burning peat and dark chocolate.”

In 2016, the first release of Raasay While We Wait first was awarded several accolades including a Silver at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, and Bronze medals at the International Spirits Challenge and Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Alasdair Day, co-founder of R&B Distillers hopes that the second release will match this success: “We’re very excited to launch the second release of our Raasay While We Wait single malt. Given the batch nature of these whiskies we’re looking forward to hearing feedback from our customers on the difference between the first and second releases.”

THE DALMORE RELEASES 40 YEAR OLD WHISKY 

The definitive luxury single malt The Dalmore is set to add to its repertoire of exceptional rare and aged whiskies with The Dalmore 40 year old.

Building on The Dalmore’s pioneering heritage in the art of maturation, The Dalmore 40 has been carefully nurtured and crafted by renowned Master Distiller Richard Paterson.

Having been laid down to cask 40 years ago, The Dalmore 40 has been maturated in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, before being transferred into 30 year old Gonzalez Byass Matsualem oloroso sherry butts and finally finished in first fill bourbon barrels.

The result is a liquid featuring flashes of amber and fire gold, offering a multitude of aromas including Columbian coffee and marmalade. On the palate, gingerbread and honey is followed by a generous aftertaste of Sanguinello blood oranges over ripe Bramley apples and liquorice sticks.

This latest expression from The Dalmore further underlines the distillery’s reputation for maturing its whiskies for longer and in a greater variety of casks than many other whiskies, which is only possible due to the depth and complexity of its new make spirit.

Presented in a decanter designed by artisans at renowned French crystal house Baccarat, the hand-blown decanters are adorned with The Dalmore’s iconic 12 point Royal Stag emblem created by Royal Warrant Holders Hamilton & Inches.

The release comes during the year of celebrations to mark Master Distiller Richard Paterson’s 50^th year in the whisky industry.

Master Distiller Richard Paterson commented: “In the year that I reflect on my time in the whisky industry, and indeed at The Dalmore, it has been a great privilege to release two of our greatest ever aged expressions – first the champagne finished 50 years old and now this exceptional 40.

“With each new release I strive for depth and complexity, pushing the boundaries of whisky making and building on the knowledge and skills passed down from my predecessors. It takes time, effort and vision to create an expression as complex as The Dalmore 40 years old, moving the rare stocks of whisky between casks to build layer upon layer of character. When you bring it all together, it creates something very special indeed.”

Up to 750 bottles of The Dalmore 40 will be released this year globally through selected whisky specialist retailers.  Price available upon request.

Notes:

Tasting Notes:

Colour:   Flashes of amber and fire gold with dazzling rays of gleaming copper pot stills

Aroma:   Rich Colombian coffee, sweet sultanas, fresh dates and Old English marmalade

Palate:    Gingerbread, molasses, maple syrup and brioche dipped in Manuka honey

Finish:    Sanguinello blood oranges, over ripe Bramley apples, liquorice stick and desiccated coconut

ABV:        42% 

The Dalmore

The Dalmore is the definitive luxury malt, since 1839.

Founded by Sir Alexander Matheson, a restless entrepreneur and international businessman, The Dalmore was born with a different purpose, to go above and beyond to create luxurious single malt whisky unlike any other.

An unbroken chain of exceptional whisky makers have been fulfilling Sir Alexander’s vision ever since, pioneering multi cask maturation over 100 years before this was commonly adopted by others in the industry.

Richard Paterson has been Master Distiller at The Dalmore for nearly 50 years.  The whiskies he has created during his tenure have helped Richard to achieve global celebrity status.  He is the man who, with The Dalmore, created the category of super luxury single malt, a category he continues to define to this very day.

Tipperary has won a two prestigious awards!

Tipperary – Watershed

Tipperary Boutique Distillery – Watershed has won a Double Gold medal from SFWSC!  “The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) has become the most respected and influential spirits competition in the world.”

“We are extremely humbled and honored to have won a Double Gold medal from the prestigious SFWSC.  We knew going in that it was a home run, so I’m glad that the judges agreed.” ~ Sam Filmus, President of GRC Imports

Only six first-fill bourbon casks are chosen for each batch of Watershed, carefully selected for quality by the Malt Master, Stuart Nickerson. After being cut to 47% with Ballindoney water, every bottle is numbered individually, so each one is special.

Nose: Opens with strong vanilla and sweet fruit notes, followed by hints of grain.

Palate: Black pepper rises on the palate, overtaken by vanilla fudge and just a trace of raisins.

Finish: The smooth finish is warm and comforting, honey on hot buttered toast.

RRP: $70

Tipperary – Knockmealdowns

Tipperary Boutique Distillery – Knockmealdowns has won a Gold Medal at the 2017 LA Spirits Competition!  “The Los Angeles International Spirits Competition recognizes the finest in spirits, flavored and not, mixed and straight up. Celebrating its eleventh year, this budding yet distinguished event rivals senior contests with a cutting edge judging panel comprised of the discerning palates of mixologists, spirits journalists, esteemed bar owners and educators.”

“We’re very honored to win at the LA Spirits Comp. We went up against a lot of good brands in this category, and the judges deemed it worthy of a gold medal, which says a lot.  We hope this will be the first of many more awards, and with this win it certainly looks that way.” ~ Chris Uhde, Vice President of GRC Imports

The first of the Limited Edition Mountain Range, “The Knockmealdowns” is created from only 6 casks, matured in Ireland for 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels. The whiskey is cut to 47% with water from Ballindoney farm in Tipperary, owned by the co-founding family, the Ahearns.

Nose: Opens with fresh oak, developing into hot caramel sauce with notes of chocolate and vanilla.

Palate: Smooth and light, sweet honey cut through with citrus notes, then becoming savory, peppery and round in the mouth.

Finish: Lingers, oak with drying tannins and just a touch of ginger spice.

RRP: $100

The first 100 bottles of Israel’s first single malt whisky

from The Milk & Honey Distillery – Israel’s first whisky distillery

will be auctioned off on the leading Scottish auction site

www.whiskyauctioneer.com

from August 11, 2017 – August 21, 2017

After making history this past World Whisky Day by launching Israel’s first-ever whisky, Milk & Honey, the first whisky distillery in Israel will auction off 100 of the first and rare bottles, produced by head distiller Tomer Goren, together with master distiller, the late Dr. Jim Swan, on the Scottish whisky auction site whiskyauctioneer

The Milk & Honey – Israel’s first whisky distillery will auction off the first and rare 100 bottles of single malt whisky in Israel as part of a global online auction that will begin on August 11, 2017 and run for a period of ten days. At the auction, the first bottles will be sold as a special edition (1-100) of the “experimental series” of the first-ever single malt whisky produced in Israel.

Israel’s first single malt whisky by The Milk & Honey Distillery is the first whisky to be produced and bottled in Israel after being aged for three years in barrels. It therefore falls under the definition of whisky in Scotland and most countries around the globe. It’s the harbinger of what is yet to come; special Israeli whisky that’s mature for its age, thanks to aging in the warm Israeli climate. The distillation of the barrel was done at the distillery’s early stages – even before it moved to its current location in south Tel Aviv, before the current industrial equipment was purchased, and before the crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. The barrel was distilled in January 2014 at a kibbutz in the Sharon region, by head distiller Tomer Goren, together with internationally renowned master distiller, the late Dr. Jim Swan, as part of his role as consultant to the distillery at the time. Dr. Swan, who passed away at the beginning of February 2017, never got to taste his first Israeli masterpiece. Dr. Swan was considered an international expert on production of whisky in warm climates and served as a consultant to leading distilleries around the world, including the Taiwanese brand, Kavalan.

The liquid was aged for 30 months in a new, 225-liter American oak cask and then for another seven months in an ex-bourbon barrel in the distillery’s warehouse in Tel Aviv. Israel’s first whisky is, of course, kosher and in terms of its flavor, it is mature and complex for its young age. The first whisky to be produced in Israel is characterized by hints of malted barley, with soft notes of orange along with a delicate woodsy taste, cinnamon, lemon and marzipan. Flavor – light bodied, lemon and orange zest followed by the gentle spiciness of black pepper. An outstanding balance between gentle fruitiness and spiciness. Finish – long and slightly spicy, with lingering chocolate notes and delicate maltiness.

The public auction will be conducted over the well-known Scottish website whiskyauctioneer.com. Each bottle of whisky comes in a special box, is hand numbered and includes a personal parchment scroll. The remaining bottles of the single malt are currently offered for sale at select stores throughout Israel, distributed by Hacarem, with a very limited inventory.

About the distillery

The Milk & Honey Distillery is Israel’s first whisky distillery. The distillery produces high-quality distillates and is working on Israeli single malt whisky that will be sold commercially, with its first edition, the founders’ edition, sold entirely through a successful crowdfunding campaign and currently aging in barrels. It will be launched in 2019. All of the raw materials, equipment, barrels and processes were selected in order to ensure that the final product – be they white distillates or aged whisky – will meet the strictest and most uncompromising standards of quality and flavor, without any shortcuts on the lengthy journey until the whisky is rolled out: Training and consulting by the late Jim Swan – world-renowned mater distiller, who specialized in maturation in warm climates, equipment that was custom designed and ordered; fastidiously selected barrels; and selection of the finest raw materials available.

The Milk & Honey Distillery

16  HaThiya St., Tel Aviv, 03-6320491

mh@mh-distillery.com

www.mh-distillery.com/he/visit-our-distillery

Introducing Inchmoan: From the Island of the Peat 

Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled two exceptional new single malts from its Island Collection – Inchmoan 12 Year Old and Inchmoan Vintage 1992.

Since 1814, the Loch Lomond Distillery has been producing the finest single malt and single grain whisky.  Situated on the banks of Loch Lomond it takes its name from the most picturesque and famous of all Scotland’s lochs – often referred to as one of the world’s natural wonders.

The Inchmoan range are peated whiskies expertly married together by the Master Blender to complement the unique flavour and character of the Loch Lomond Distillery. Inchmoan single malts are part of the distillery’s Island Collection alongside Inchmurrin, epitomising the diverse range of flavour profiles possible from the distillery’s unique still configuration. Each range within the collection takes their names from the islands on Loch Lomond.

Each expression is as subtly different as the islands themselves, developing unique characteristics which distinguish them from their neighbours. ‘Inch-moan’ means ‘the island of the peat’ in Scottish Gaelic as for centuries, the mainland inhabitants used Inchmoan Island as their source of peat fuel for village fires.

Inchmoan 12 Year Old is born from a combination of malt whiskies from the distillery’s traditional swan neck and unique straight neck pot stills to create an unconventional peat character with depth, marrying smoke and spiciness.

Matured for 12 years in a combination of re-charred American oak and refill bourbon American oak casks, it imparts sweet vanilla background notes that complement the soft peat style of Loch Lomond’s unique still set up.  It is bottled at 46% ABV and non chill-filtered, resulting in a smooth taste.

Limited release, Inchmoan Vintage 1992 is an exquisite single malt whisky distilled in 1992 from Scotland’s finest ingredients exclusively in the distillery’s unique straight neck pot still and collected at high strength.

Aged for 25 years, the long maturation in refill bourbon barrels allows the spice-driven peat and fruit distillery character to combine with the softer influence of refill bourbon barrels to give a truly integrated, refined flavour. The result is an elegant, rich single malt with a beautiful balance of fruit and spicy peat.  It is bottled at 48.6% ABV and non chill-filtered for a smooth taste and natural colour.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond distillery said: “Our intriguing new Inchmoan expressions have been created to celebrate the history and heritage of the island and are the first heavily peated releases in the Loch Lomond Whiskies range.

“I have selected three different spirits each bringing a unique peat characteristic, whether that’s spicy, medicinal peat or smoky peat, to the Inchmoan 12 Year Old. This combination creates a balanced, complex peat character highlighting some of the softer, spicier peat notes often masked by heavier peat flavours.”

Inchmoan 12 Year Old is available to buy in 70cl bottles at all good independent whisky retailers and online. Prices start from £44 for Inchmoan 12 Year Old and £199 for Inchmoan Vintage 1992.

For further information, visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

Inchmoan 12 Year Old Tasting Notes

• Nose – Dry, smouldering peat smoke with vanilla syrup and cracked black pepper.
• Palate – Sweet, medicinal peat and smoked bacon lead into roasted coffee bean with spice notes of clove and star anise. Warming spiciness combines with green apple and pear as fruit character develops.
• Finish -. Long, waxy peat with citrus hop note and gooseberry. 

Inchmoan Vintage 1992 Tasting Notes

• Nose – Gentle medicinal peat and toasted oak, creamy vanilla and herbal peppermint.
• Palate – Balanced and refined. Well integrated flavours of peat and fruit distillery character and subtle wood notes. Sweet medicinal character softly impacts with juicy pineapple before vanilla pods and cinnamon complete the mid‑palate.
• Finish -. Long warming cinnamon and nutmeg with elegant, rich oak.

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 100 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whisky 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 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 Classic; Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain.
• Official social media accounts are Twitter: @LochLomondMalts Instagram: @lochlomondmalts

Loch Lomond Inchmurrin:

• Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old has been awarded Gold Medal status at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; 2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition and 2016 World Whisky Awards
• Other expressions in this collection are Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 18 Year Old, Loch Lomond and Inchmurrin Madeira Wood Finish

Loch Lomond Inchmoan:

• The other expression in this collection is Loch Lomond Inchmoan 1992 Vintage.

Other brands from the Loch Lomond Group:

• Glen Scotia Single Malt Scotch whisky (www.glenscotia.com ) Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts)
• Littlemill Single Malt Scotch whisky (Twitter: @LittlemillMalt)
• Glengarry Single Malt Scotch whisky
• High Commissioner Blended Scotch whisky
• Glen’s Vodka / Glen’s Platinum Vodka

TOMATIN DISTILLERY LAUNCH LIMITED EDITION 1972 SINGLE MALT