EDEN MILL RELEASE RARE PEDRO XIMÉNEZ SINGLE CASK BOTTLING

Independent Scottish distiller Eden Mill has released an ex-Pedro Ximénez single cask bottling, representing the first in a series of rare single cask bottlings from the St Andrews-based brand.

After almost nine years ageing inside a PX cask, the spirit has taken on a beautiful deep, dark brown sherry colour – bursting with rich flavours of fig and raisin with an underlying hint of oak and red berries. The finish is sweet and woody, with a pleasant dry note coming from the European Oak.

The new release is bottled at cask strength 58.3% ABV and is limited to just 252 bottles. Whisky fans can get their hands on this limited release from Thursday November 21st. 

Commenting on the release, Scott Ferguson, Head Distiller at Eden Mill, said: “The entire team was blown away by the quality of this single malt. It’s got a very deep, rich colour thanks to the Pedro Ximénez cask. Exclusive maturation in this cask type creates a truly special whisky. It is the dream dram for those who love heavily sherried whiskies – sticky, sweet and warming – ideally enjoyed round a fire on a cold night this festive season.”

The release is only available on Eden Mill’s website, with a small quantity in their St Andrews-based shop on 96 Market Street, priced at £110.  Visit edenmill.com/products/px-single-cask

Eden Mill’s new distillery is located just seven minutes from St Andrews and will commence distillation early 2025 before opening its doors to the public in spring.

Eden Mill Pedro Ximénez Single Cask

• Cask strength, 58.3% ABV
• Exclusively matured in an ex-Pedro Ximenez cask
• Filled 4th January 2016, bottled 23rd October 2024
• Outturn of just 252 bottles
• Exclusive to edenmill.com and Eden Mill’s St Andrews shop
• £110

Eden Mill

Eden Mill distillery, established in 2012 on the banks of the Eden Estuary in St Andrews, was the first distillery to make spirits in the region in over 150 years. Today, Eden Mill has a unique selection of limited release Single Malts, and an extensive gin portfolio crafted from the finest botanicals, many sourced from in and around Fife..

Eden Mill has an ambition to create the finest gins and Scotch Whiskies with minimal environmental impact combining traditional distilling techniques with innovation. Eden Mill is building a stunning new distillery at the mouth of the river Eden, overlooking the iconic, historic town of St Andrews. The new distillery sits at the heart of the University of St Andrews Eden Campus, a unique site dedicated to sustainable businesses and research.

EDEN MILL WHISKY SELLS-OUT IN TWENTY FOUR HOURS

Independent Scottish distiller Eden Mill yesterday sold out its Pedro Ximénez single cask release after just 24 hours.  The new release represents the first in a series of rare single cask bottlings from the St Andrews-based brand.

Bottled at cask strength 58.3% ABV, there was an outturn of just 252 bottles which sold out at record pace. After almost nine years ageing inside a PX cask, the spirit has taken on a beautiful deep, dark brown sherry colour – bursting with rich flavours of fig and raisin with an underlying hint of oak and red berries.

Commenting on the overnight success, Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “Releasing a new whisky is always exciting. But to sell through all 252 bottles in a day is really quite incredible! We’re already excited to explore what the next dram in this series will be.

“With our distillery build in its final stages and distillation due to begin early next year, this launch also stands as a reminder of just how excited our fans are to get their hands on our single malts and join us on this exciting journey.”

The release was exclusively available on Eden Mill’s website, with a small quantity at its St Andrews-based shop on 96 Market Street, priced at £110.

Eden Mill Pedro Ximénez Single Cask

• Cask strength, 58.3% ABV
• Exclusively matured in an ex-Pedro Ximenez cask
• Filled 4th January 2016, bottled 23rd October 2024
• Outturn of just 252 bottles

Eden Mill

Eden Mill distillery, established in 2012 on the banks of the Eden Estuary in St Andrews, was the first distillery to make spirits in the region in over 150 years. Today, Eden Mill has a unique selection of limited release Single Malts, and an extensive gin portfolio crafted from the finest botanicals, many sourced from in and around Fife..

Eden Mill has an ambition to create the finest gins and Scotch Whiskies with minimal environmental impact combining traditional distilling techniques with innovation. Eden Mill is building a stunning new distillery at the mouth of the river Eden, overlooking the iconic, historic town of St Andrews. The new distillery sits at the heart of the University of St Andrews Eden Campus, a unique site dedicated to sustainable businesses and research.

A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY RELEASES OAK SERIES: AMERICAN OAK, SECOND IN ITS EXPERIMENTAL SERIES EXPLORING OAK VARIETALS

This 12-year-old limited-edition bourbon whiskey will be available to order via an online lottery November 25 – December 2, 2024

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (November 13, 2024) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery today announces the release of Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak, the second experimental whiskey to debut from its Abraham Bowman Oak Series. Following the March 2024 inaugural series release featuring French Oak, the Abraham Bowman Oak Series explores cask maturation in different oak varietals from around the world, as well as the effect charring has on the flavor of whiskey. For its second release, A. Smith Bowman Distillery introduces the classic American White Oak to the Abraham Bowman Oak Series.

“We know American White Oak as today’s trusted wood for aging whiskey, but this experiment is about testing numerous oak varietals in pursuit of making the best whiskey possible” said A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s Head Distiller David Bock. “American Oak, as the tried-and-true oak for whiskey making, is a vital part of this experiment as we compare numerous experimental oak options.” 

Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak is made from a blend of liquids aged in charred American White Oak barrels. Though American White Oak is the industry standard, most bourbons typically age in these barrels anywhere from four to six years. American Oak, however, is aged for 12 years and brings an exciting new dynamic in the Distillery’s pursuit of making the best whiskey possible. With its smooth flavor and beautiful color, this bourbon exemplifies the richness and quality resulting from aging in American White Oak barrels.

Bottled at 135 proof, Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak has a vibrant red color indicative of prolonged maturation. On the nose it has a sweet aroma of tart apple and dried berries. The pallet features a balance of complex flavors, with an immediate taste of raspberry jam followed by hints of a smokey undertone. The finish is exceptionally smooth with persistent sweetness lingering throughout.

“Immediately, what stood out to me was how different American Oak was in comparison to our John J. Single Barrel Bourbon, which is aged for about 9.5-10 years,” said Bock. “A whiskey that has sat for 12+ years has the potential be too oak forward, but I am very pleased that American Oak has a delicious balance of flavor components. When blending American Oak, we landed at 135 proof to showcase the tart apple paired with hints of pepper notes, which makes a really enjoyable spirit that I think our fans will love.”

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection of whiskeys began in 2010 to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Bowman, the great-grandfather of the Distillery’s founder, Abram Smith Bowman. Each edition of the Abraham Bowman Collection reflects innovation and creativity coming from our previous Master Distillers Joe Dangler, the late Truman Cox, Brian Prewitt and current Head Distiller David Bock. Previous releases in the Abraham Bowman Collection have explored different mash bills, aging techniques, proofs, finishes and more.

Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak is exclusively available for purchase through an online lottery. The lottery runs November 25 – December 2. Consumers nationwide are invited to enter the lottery, however winners MUST pick-up their bottle in-person at the A. Smith Bowman Gift Shop when purchasing. Limit one entry per person. To enter, please submit a form here. Winners will be randomly selected on December 4 and notified via email immediately following the selection. Those selected must pick up their bottles before 5:00pm on December 22. Each bottle will be sold at the suggested retail price of $79.99, excluding state taxes and fees.

For more information about the Abraham Bowman Collection, visit asmithbowman.com/spirits.

About A. Smith Bowman Distillery

As Virginia’s oldest distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s rich history dates back to 1927, when Abram Smith Bowman purchased 7,200-acres in Fairfax County, Virginia. Named Sunset Hills Farm, the Bowman Family were grain and dairy farmers until the fields became so abundant that Bowman needed a use for the excess grain. In 1934, he built a groundbreaking distillery on the farmland and, with the help of his two sons, produced the first-ever batch of Virginia Gentleman Whiskey.

Today, the historic distillery has relocated 60 miles away to Fredericksburg, where it operates as a small, family-owned company continuing the time-honored traditions on which it was founded, producing premium handcrafted spirits in small batches and experimental editions that embody innovation at its core. Award-winning products produced at A. Smith Bowman Distillery include Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon, John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon, the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection, Deep Run Vodka, Sunset Hills Gin, George Bowman Caribbean Rum and Mary Hite Bowman Caramel Bourbon Cream, among others. In 2023, Cask Strength won Gold medals at multiple competitions including the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the American Whiskey Masters.

For more information on A. Smith Bowman Distillery, visit asmithbowman.com.

LATEST COLLABORATION FROM BENROMACH CREATES MODERN TAKE ON DISTILLERY WORKWEAR

–Reworked 348 design distiller’s jacket using handmade techniques —

Benromach has blended the worlds of fashion and whisky to reimagine the workwear jacket traditionally worn by distillery workers over past centuries. And those who love the design – not to mention the award-winning single malt – can secure a limited-edition garment for themselves.

Created in partnership with Reworked 348, based the Derby, England, the design of the new ‘coverall’ jacket was directly influenced by the distillery team at Benromach. Their brief was brought to life by Reworked 348’s head designer Sally Harnden. Handmade techniques, handed down through the generations, were then used to create the finished garments, mirroring Benromach’s ethos to making their award-winning single malt whisky.

Similar coverall, or ‘chore’, jackets have been worn by distillery workers for centuries. But similar styles have recently seen a comeback in men’s contemporary workwear and utility trends, with people appreciating the workmanship and quality delivered by handmade products. As the name suggests, Reworked 348 tend to use recycled materials, with each Benromach jacket individually deconstructed and reconstructed from workwear originally made in the 1990s.

Created using traditional workwear construction, the distiller’s coverall jacket – made from 100% cotton herringbone in black with accents of Benromach red – provides essential durability and breathability for a working environment that can get hot. With functionality at the forefront of the brief, the jacket is equipped with two diagonal pockets for quick access and an inner pocket ideal for tools.

Safety features, such as cuffs that can be both buttoned and rolled up, as well as cleverly concealed front buttons have been thoughtfully integrated into the design. In an authentic black, the jackets provide practicality with a smart and stylish twist.

Murdo Mackenzie, Production Manager at Benromach, said: “Reworked 348’s approach aligns perfectly with ours in terms of using traditional handmade skills to create something special. It was great for them to come up and see us at work in Speyside, and then for me to visit their studio to create a product of great quality and character – just like our whisky.”

Sally Harnden, from Reworked 348, added: “Our goal is to bring products to life in authentic ways, with great attention to detail. So, when Benromach approached us, there was an immediate, natural fit. We are very proud of the end result and will be sitting down for a well-earned dram when the design is revealed to the world and people have the opportunity to buy one for themselves.” 

The Benromach Distiller’s Coverall Jacket (£130) is handmade to order from the Reworked website [reworked348.com], with a small number of jackets available at the distillery visitor centre, in Forres, Speyside.

For more information on Benromach Distillery, please visit: www.benromach.com/reworked-348

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life by owners Gordon & MacPhail in 1993.

At Benromach, the team keep things simple: a handful of distillers relying entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky.

Their processes honour the knowledge and experience used to make Speyside whiskies decades ago, because at Benromach they believe making whisky by hand delivers genuine character. For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, and the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door.

About Reworked 348
Reworked 348 was launched in February 2020 by a small collective of industry professionals. While the product will always come first, the team couldn’t ignore the negative impact the “regular” production cycle has on the planet and its inhabitants. That’s why they chose a different path. By avoiding the use of new and virgin materials wherever possible, they focus on being creative with what already exists—whether it’s reworking authentic vintage workwear or searching out “new” dead stock fabrics yet to be cut.

Every product is proudly made in the UK, each with its own unique history and story to tell.

R6 DISTILLERY Introduces “Stock Exchange Club of Los Angeles,” A Vintage Label Single Barrel Cask Strength Whiskey Line

Los Angeles, CA — R6 DISTILLERY in El Segundo, California, announces the release of a brand-new whiskey line, the “Stock Exchange Club of Los Angeles,” a single barrel cask strength whiskey.  This whiskey comes from select stocks of the distillery’s 2019 and older barrels, marking a new project under the guidance of Seth Benhaim, Strategic Advisor and Director of Business Development for the distillery.

Benhaim, known for his innovative work with Broken Barrel Whiskey, is recognized for his unique approach to barrel aging.  His development of the “Stock Exchange Club of Los Angeles” project represents his first independent whiskey launch since creating Broken Barrel.  His role includes overseeing the selection process of both barrels and buyers alike – finding perfect pairs, and providing operational consultation, ensuring direct involvement from production through to each barrel’s release.

The whiskey is predominantly available through a limited number of online retailers and whiskey clubs, including Drammer’s Club, Taster’s Club, Blind Barrels, and Great American Craft Spirits, among others.  Available barrel options include whiskey aged a minimum of five years, Blue Corn Bourbon, Single Malt, Bourbon, and Rye.  The whiskey released in 2024 will all have been distilled, aged and bottled in El Segundo, just one mile from the Pacific Ocean.

R6 DISTILLERY, founded by Rob Rubens, is a veteran-owned business that places a strong emphasis on community engagement.  R6 is also recognized as “LA’s First Bourbon®”, i.e. the first legal Bourbon in Los Angeles, making the distillery an obvious match for the historic label.  Rubens was the master distiller at the time for all barrels being offered for the Stock Exchange Club of Los Angeles.

For inquiries regarding single barrel options, contact Seth Benhaim at seth@r6distillery.com.

About R6 DISTILLERY:  Located in El Segundo, California, R6 is a family and veteran-owned and operated distillery by founder Rob Rubens.  The distillery focuses on producing a range of craft spirits using both traditional and innovative production methods.  In addition to creating quality spirits, R6 is dedicated to supporting veterans through their partnership with Soldier’s Best Friend.

Aultmore Distillery

Bacardi Invests in Future of Premium Scotch Whisky With Multi-Million Pound Distillery and Warehousing Investments

Diageo Unveils The YunTuo Single Malt Whisky Distillery in China

ERYUAN, 15 NOVEMBER 2024, — Diageo, the world’s leading whisky producer and premium beverage alcohol company, today unveiled the YunTuo 云拓Single Malt Whisky Distillery in Eryuan County, Yunnan Province, opening an exciting new chapter for Chinese whisky and further cementing Diageo’s position as a whisky leader in China.

With an investment of US$120 million (RMB 800 million) that will span nine years, the YunTuo云拓Single Malt Whisky Distillery is Diageo’s first whisky production site in China and represents the Group’s ongoing commitment to provide Chinese consumers with the finest products and contribute to the sustainable and innovative development of China’s beverage alcohol sector.

“This stunning new distillery marks a significant milestone for Diageo in China and reflects our confidence in the future of Chinese whisky,” said Debra Crew, Diageo’s CEO. “We are proud of the leading role we have played to grow whisky in China with our iconic brands. Our ambition is to combine our global heritage and whisky making craftsmanship with deep local insights to create the highest quality China-origin single malt whisky that will fire the imagination of whisky enthusiasts worldwide and place China firmly on the global whisky map.”

The name ‘YúnTuò’ 云拓 expresses the brand’s natural surroundings and vision; ‘Yún’ (云) meaning ‘clouds’ and synonymous with ‘Yunnan’, evokes a highland of unparalleled natural beauty. ‘Tuò’ (拓) meaning ‘exploration’ captures the brand’s spirit of enterprise and innovation to explore new frontiers in the art of whisky making.

At 2,100 metres above sea level, the distillery benefits from a temperate climate, rich biodiversity and natural resources, including access to fresh spring water that feeds the region’s pristine Erhai highland lake. This unique terroir will provide YunTuo 云拓 with abundant raw materials to innovate, such as Yunnan oak for cask maturation, and other local ingredients.

Drawing on Diageo’s 200 years of whisky heritage, YunTuo 云拓 will be crafted by a team of remarkable young talents led by Distillery Head Jiao Changyi, who will in time become the next generation of Chinese whisky masters. This journey of creativity and exploration will be supported by globally renowned whisky legends Jim Beveridge OBE, Master Blender Craig Wallace, and Master Distiller Andrew Millsopp, who will bring their rich experience and knowledge to the process.

Designed by award-winning architects OLI, the state-of-the-art distillery incorporates local cultural elements and blends seamlessly into its surroundings, complementing the area’s natural beauty. The distillery also features a visitor centre which will immerse whisky lovers and tourists in an interactive Chinese whisky experience including a holistic tour of YunTuo’s 云拓 production, craftsmanship, tasting, gifting and cultural elements, and culminating in the centrepiece 29 metres high whisky barrel tower decorated with 1,000 original used whisky barrels from iconic distilleries around the world. The visitor centre will in time become a popular tourist destination which will contribute to the development of the local tourism economy.

Reinforcing the Diageo Spirit of Progress sustainability action plan’s commitment to grain-to-glass sustainability, the YunTuo 云拓 distillery is 100% carbon neutral thanks to sustainable production technologies such as highly efficient electric boilers, and the sourcing of renewable green energy. All production water is recycled for industrial purposes, maximising water use efficiencies and reducing waste.

Diageo has established a local Community Fund to promote inclusion and diversity around the distillery, and a new community centre is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Partnering with the Tourism Association in nearby Dali, the Fund is also supporting business and hospitality skills training for young adults under Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, improving local employment opportunities for over 600 graduates.

Debra Crew concluded, “The beauty of Eryuan has inspired us to build this wonderful beacon of local whisky culture that will make YunTuo the pride of Chinese whisky and a jewel in our global whisky portfolio. We look forward to an exciting journey filled with adventure, exploration and discovery.”

To find out more about the Distillery please visit: https://youtu.be/q6w5fVo09RM

About Diageo:

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

More Orkney than ever

Edrington’s Highland Park is stepping into the light with a new look for its existing range of 12-, 15- and 18-year-old award-winning single malt whiskies, inspired by the natural beauty and creative spirit of its home in Orkney.

Rolled out globally from October 2024, the reinterpreted design marks a new dawn for the centuries-old distillery, as it celebrates the many ways in which its unique Orkney provenance and community inspires it to make a different kind of whisky.

Highland Park was founded 226 years ago in Orkney, an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It’s a place that’s not only renowned for its craft heritage, wealth of neolithic art and visionary adoption of renewable energy strategies, but also its awe-inspiring natural environment, defined by dramatic coastlines, long summer days and spectacular sunsets.

The warming waters of the Gulf Stream create a temperate climate that’s ideal for the long aging of whisky. Trees find it difficult to grow in Orkney’s windy weather, meaning the islands’ peat is infused with floral heather, rather than woody roots. This peat is used to create a distinctive whisky with a subtle hint of aromatic smoke that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

It’s this unique natural and cultural context that gives Highland Park both its distinctive ethos and its distinctive award-winning flavour.

The new packaging design pays tribute to Orkney’s ethereal light and invigorating climate in its fresh, bright and contemporary colour palette, while nodding to Highland Park’s unique flavour with heather-flecked labels bearing the updated logo. The brand’s dedication to craft and creativity is celebrated in a subtle wood-grain pattern inspired by its dedication to using the finest sherry-seasoned oak casks, while its distinctive glass bottle shape has been updated to allow the natural colour of the whisky, derived entirely from the cask, to shine through. Further celebrating the whisky’s unique provenance, a “Product of Orkney” icon has been proudly cut into the glass.

As part of the redesign, Highland Park is also launching new packaging across the global travel retail exclusive editions of 14-, 16- and 18-year-old whiskies that tell stories of the land, sea and sky of Orkney, with packaging featuring subtle bands of colour inspired by each strata.

Highland Park’s Global Brand Director, Paul Condron, said, “For Highland Park, everything comes back to Orkney, from how we craft our whisky, to how it gets its distinctive taste, to the incredible community of people, who do things their own way. We’ve been here for more than 200 years, and the beauty and creativity of our island home continues to inspire us, as well as the unique flavour of the local heathered peat, which, with the new packaging design, is now celebrated, front and centre. We’re excited to share this new design direction for Highland Park, which truly reflects the freshness and modernity of our Orkney home.”

Highland Park’s Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, said: “Our 12- , 15- and 18-year-old whiskies sit as the heart and soul of Highland Park. It’s Orkney’s heathered peat that gives us our subtly smoky flavour and it’s as unique as the place it’s made. We know that’s what our community really love about Highland Park. With the packaging update, we have a great opportunity to celebrate a new look, whilst continuing to share the distinctive, consistent whisky we’re famed for. It’s a flavour that just can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world.”   

As part of Highland Park’s continued commitment to sustainability, the redesign will see the new bottles contained within 100% recyclable cardboard cartons, made from FSC-certified forests.

Available online at www.highlandparkwhisky.com and at the Highland Park Store in Kirkwall, Orkney, Highland Park 12-year-old has an RRP of £46, Highland Park 15-year-old, an RRP of £95, and 18-year-old a RRP of £140.

HOUSE OF HAZELWOOD & HEDONISM WINES UNVEIL
THE ULTIMATE WHISKY FOR HEDONISTIC PALATES

The Pursuit of Pleasure, 52 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky, available exclusively
to pre-order from Hedonism Wines now

Bottle shot of The Pursuit of Pleasure, 52 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky, available exclusively from Hedonism Wines

House of Hazelwood and the purveyors of fine spirits, Hedonism Wines, have come together to create whisky’s answer to the definition of Hedonism: The Pursuit of Pleasure, a 52 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky.

In a literal ‘pursuit of pleasure’ the Hedonism team travelled to House of Hazelwood’s Speyside home in search of the perfect blend. Drawing on whisky from deep within the Gordon family’s private collection,

a panel of Hedonism’s finest experts spent days with House of Hazelwood whisky makers sampling hundreds of parcels of whisky in search of finding the components to create the ultimate blend.  The result is The Pursuit of Pleasure, a 52-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky, matured in a combination of American White Oak and European Sherry Casks. ​

For almost one hundred years, generations of the Gordon family have carefully laid down stocks of whisky for special occasions and consumption. The result is they have accumulated the greatest inventory of rare Scotch Whisky in the World, which is today is known as House of Hazelwood.

Eilidh Muir, whisky blender for House of Hazelwood, at a blending session with the Hedonism team at their London store in Mayfair. (credit: John Paul Photography)

The Hedonism team spent time working hand-in-hand with Eilidh Muir, Blender and the House of Hazelwood team to perfect the blend. From visiting the private dunnage warehouses to sample directly from the cask to holding blending sessions allowing the team to directly input into the final recipe.  The result is a truly hand-selected limited edition bottle that is not only a delicious addition to any spirits cabinet but also a true collectors’ items, never to be repeated.

“To be invited to sample whisky from the family’s private collection is every whisky connoisseur’s dream”, said Tom Olive, Assistant Spirit Buyer from Hedonism. “Our aim was simple: to produce a blend of pure indulgence. The result is a whisky that can be described as “decadence decanted”. This whisky is dense on the nose, with sticky jam sweetness, offset against leathery tannins and orange zest. The smoking charcoal balances the sweetness, with a barley sugar character making its way through.” 

To celebrate the launch, House of Hazelwood and Hedonism Wines, held a bespoke six-course tasting dinner at the Michelin-starred HIDE restaurant, part of the Hedonism Group. The menu, which was created by chef Ollie Dabbous, paired each course with a House of Hazelwood whisky to reflect the flavours presented within this hedonistic blend. The dinner marks the start of an exciting partnership with HIDE to host House of Hazelwood consumer events within the coming months.

Commenting on the partnership with Hedonism, House of Hazelwood Director Jonathan Gibson, said:

“Making a truly exceptional whisky takes decades of patience but thanks to our extensive aged stocks the journey from cask to bottle can be navigated within a matter of months. Given the breadth and depth of our stocks which spans every corner of Scotland, our bespoke blend offering allows us to work closely with partners and private individuals to uncover whisky stocks and flavours to create something truly special that match their creative vision.”

With just 72 bottles of The Pursuit of Pleasure available exclusively from Hedonism, this limited edition is on pre-order from 21^st October. 

House of Hazelwood – The Pursuit of Pleasure – Tasting Notes and Product Details 

The Pursuit of Pleasure, 52-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky, xx% ABV, 72 bottles worldwide, UK RRSP £4,000 

Presenting The Pursuit of Pleasure, a collaborative endeavour in the alchemy of blending with Hedonism Wines, a 52-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky, matured in a combination of American White Oak and European Sherry Casks. ​​

Nose: The nose is dense, the sticky jam sweetness almost palpable. Saddlery workshops cut through the sweetness, with hints of furniture polish and leather apparent, before a zingy zest of burnt orange takes the floor. ​​

Palate: The palate is lively, with more sweetness echoed in an effervescent barley sugar character. Light oak and vanilla make wonderful bedfellows, setting the scene for a long, lingering finish of gently smoking charcoal embers upon a barbecue. ​

About House of Hazelwood

For almost one hundred years, generations of the Gordon family have carefully laid down stocks of whisky for special occasions and personal consumption. This rare collection has become known as House of Hazelwood, after the family’s Dufftown home – Hazelwood House.

Today, the House of Hazelwood collection has grown to become the greatest inventory of aged Scotch whisky held anywhere in the world. Spanning seven decades and every corner of Scotland, the diverse whiskies held in cask tell stories of remarkable places, lost ways of working, first casks, last casks, the ambitions and achievements of several lifetimes – none of which will be repeated.

The House of Hazelwood inventory is held in several carefully selected warehouses across Scotland, with fresh stocks laid down each year. Prior to bottling, a small proportion of the stocks are held in traditional dunnage warehousing near Dufftown in Speyside, from where they are carefully monitored and sampled ahead of release.

Website: www.houseofhazelwood.com

Facebook & Instagram: @HouseofHazelwoodScotch

 About The Hedonism Group

The Hedonism Group is a unique collection of Mayfair dining and drinking establishments which encompasses Hedonism, the original namesake wine & spirits store on Davies Street; the Michelin-starred HIDE restaurant on Piccadilly; renowned cocktail bar, The Bar Below; Hideaway, an all-day boutique café at 100 Mount St; and finally, The White Horse, a London wine bar, tucked just off Shepherd Market.

Hedonism Wines was founded in 2012 as an emporium of fine wines and spirits. The dedicated team of passionate enthusiasts work tirelessly with customers to find sought after bottles, including some of the rarest in the world.

In April 2018, in partnership with renowned chef Ollie Dabbous, HIDE and The Bar Below opened on Piccadilly. In just 6 months, the restaurant went on to achieve 1 Michelin Star; an accolade it has retained for the last 6 years. Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner, seven days a week, HIDE showcases the best of seasonal ingredients with much of the menu made in-house, from charcuterie, bread, jams, juices & pickles. In addition, the extensive wine list reflects the cellars of Hedonism, with well over 5,000 bottles on offer.

Website: https://hedonism.co.uk/

Facebook & Instagram: @Hedonism Wines / @hedonism_wines

Chivas Regal 18 unveils sleek new look: 25% lighter glass bottle, same award winning taste

Blended Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal, has unveiled a sleek new look for its award-winning Chivas Regal 18. Featuring a 25% glass weight reduction on its flagship 70cl bottle and fully recyclable outer packaging[1], the elevated, redesigned bottle – housing the same award-winning Scotch – reaffirms not only Chivas Regal’s dedication to luxury, but also its wider commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

From this month, whisky enthusiasts around the world will experience Chivas Regal’s award-winning blend in its elevated new look. The updated bottle features a taller, prouder silhouette with rounded shoulders, and a jewel-like, layered, and multi-faceted label. The iconic Luckenbooth, a traditional Scottish symbol that embodies Chivas Regal’s heritage and values, is now positioned at the heart of the label, and embossed into the glass base. The classic Chivas Regal shield and crossed spears – now embossed into the glass for a more refined and luxurious look – signify protection and loyalty, reflecting the brotherhood of James and John Chivas, whose entrepreneurial spirit set the groundwork for the world’s first luxury whisky.

In addition to the lighter bottle, the updated – and now fully recyclable – carton features opulent gold detailing and a gold-coloured tin lid, finished with Chivas Regal Master Blender Sandy Hyslop’s signature in gold lettering. The flagship 70cl bottle’s reduction in glass weight will result in significant environmental benefits, estimated to save over 500 tonnes of glass annually based on FY24 volume sales[2]. The new design brings Chivas Regal 18 in line with Chivas Regal 12, which unveiled a contemporary new look in 2021, and follows the transformations of Chivas Regal Extra and Chivas Regal XV.

Nick Blacknell, Chivas Regal Global Marketing Director at Chivas Brothers, commented:

“At Chivas Regal, we are committed to continuing to premiumise our brand while making meaningful strides in sustainability. The new Chivas Regal 18 bottle not only showcases our dedication to luxury with its refined design but also highlights our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact. By reducing our glass weight and transitioning to fully recyclable outer packaging, we are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future. We are thrilled to present this elevated look to whisky enthusiasts around the world, reflecting both our heritage and our commitment to long-lasting positive change.”

The new look Chivas Regal 18 will be rolling out globally from this month. For more information, visit www.Chivas.com or follow us on Instagram @ChivasRegal.

[1] Fully recyclable in markets capable of recycling carton & metal

[2] Total 70cl glass saving based on FY24 volume sales – 513.6t