Douglas Laing unveils Double Barrel India & Scotland

Douglas Laing is incredibly excited to announce their first-ever combination of Indian and Scottish Single Malt under the Double Barrel brand—a perfect marriage of expertly selected Single Malts from two very different continents, creating a unique Blended Malt Whisky with a flavour profile never seen before.

This exclusive offering has been bottled at 50% ABV, with no more than 2,000 bottles available globally, highlighting the premium, high-quality product that Douglas Laing strives to create with every release. This limited edition provides layers of extraordinary flavour by marrying tradition with innovation.

Double Barrel India & Scotland features a hand-drawn illustration presenting both countries’ national animals—a testament to the contrast created in this special bottle—depicting one half as a Royal Bengal Tiger, the national animal of India, and the other as a Unicorn, the national animal of Scotland. The Bengal Tiger represents heritage and culture, while the Unicorn symbolises strength and purity.

This release offers customers a rare, exciting, and truly unmatched Blended Malt Whisky. Expect to experience notes of citrus, spice, and barley that intertwine with deep, pronounced peat smoke—a truly special product that Douglas Laing are thrilled to release.

Key Details:

• Presented as bottle only with hand-drawn illustration
• 50% ABV
• No colouring or chill-filtration

Commenting on this unique bottling, Chloe Wood, Double Barrel Brand Manager, said:

“The Double Barrel brand has offered several unique bottlings to date, and Double Barrel India & Scotland only adds further quality to the range. This release, which combines four single casks—two from India and two from Scotland—creates a symphony of flavours, a tale of two distinct terroirs, and a dram to be savoured.”

Double Barrel India & Scotland will be available from specialist Whisky retailers globally, plus online retailers from October 2024. It carries a suggested retail price of £75.00/€89.00.

Double Barrel

Double Barrel is designed to pique the interest of Whisky enthusiasts searching for something truly unique.

The creation of Double Barrel is a manifestation of our commitment to captivating the discerning palates of Whisky enthusiasts in search of an unparalleled and genuinely unique experience. While the term “Blend” is applied out of necessity, it scarcely encapsulates the depth and complexity that define these remarkable creations.

This award-winning dram stands as a testament to the artistry of whisky-making, offering a rich tapestry of flavours that captivate the senses and elevate the Whisky-drinking experience to new heights.

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings

Fall Spiced “Bourbon 31” and Custom Halloween Bottles Promise No Tricks, Just Treats

FRANKFORT, KY (Sept, 2024) – J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program. 

Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.  Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey.  Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.  The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray. 

The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall.  “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery. 

Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent. 

Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY.  Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof. 

J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors. 

Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states. 

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery 

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2. 

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/

For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com. 

SAZERAC COMPANY AND BLOCKBAR TO HOST ONLINE AUCTION OF RARE AND COVETED SPIRITS WITH EVERY DOLLAR RAISED BENEFITING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HURRICANES MILTON AND HELENE

Auction will be “no reserve” and feature some of Sazerac’s most-prized spirits including Double Eagle Very Rare, The Last Drop, BTAC, and a variety of complete sets of fan favorite bourbons such as Weller, E.H. Taylor, 1792 and more

LOUISVILLE, KY (October 24, 2024) – Sazerac Company today announces it will hold an online auction of some of its most-prized and highly-coveted spirits to raise funds for the American Red Cross’s relief efforts for Hurricanes Milton and Helene. In partnership with BlockBar, a global marketplace offering access to some of the world’s most sought-after bottles, barrels and casks, Sazerac will be auctioning a variety of individual bottles and collections from its top distilleries and brands, including Buffalo Trace Distillery, The Last Drop Distillers, Barton 1792 Distillery, and A. Smith Bowman Distillery. The auction can be viewed at BLOCK BAR SAZERAC HURRICANE RELIEF CHARITY AUCTION.

In late September, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm sweeping across the Southeast leaving behind catastrophic damage. The storm caused devastating floods in Western North Carolina and surrounding areas and led to the loss of more than 200 lives. Not long after, Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s Tampa Bay area causing flooding and widespread power outages.

“Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by these devastating storms,” said Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac. “Our goal is to help aid the Hurricanes Milton and Helene recovery efforts in cities and states most impacted by the storms. Every dollar raised will go directly to those in need.  We thank the American Red Cross for everything they do.”

“We are honoured to partner with Sazerac for this charity auction supporting the relief efforts for Hurricanes Milton and Helene,” says Dov Falic, Blockbar CEO & Co-Founder. “This represents a unique opportunity for our community to acquire exceptional bottles some of the finest spirits from Sazerac’s esteemed distilleries and brands, while also providing an opportunity for our community to make a meaningful impact during a time of need. We invite all whiskey enthusiasts and collectors to join us in this effort and help support those affected by the hurricanes.”

As part of the auction, a combination of rare and highly coveted Sazerac products will be available, including spirits sold individually as well as lineups of fan favorites sold as sets. To encourage maximum engagement from the worldwide spirits community, the auction will be run as a “no reserve” auction with the starting bid for each bottle or collection beginning at $100.

The full list of spirits available include:

Individual Bottles:

1. Double Eagle Very Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon
2. The Last Drop Release 28: Drew Mayville Signature Blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys
3. The Last Drop Release 32: Louise McGuane 32-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
4. The Last Drop Release 33: 15th Anniversary 40-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Bourbon Sets:

1. Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

1. • George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • Thomas H. Handy Straight Rye Whiskey
   • Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. Buffalo Trace Distillery Premium Bottle Collection: 

1. • Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel Bourbon
   • Blanton’s Straight from The Barrel
   • George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. W.L. Weller Bourbon Collection: 

1. • W.L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. E.H. Taylor, Jr. Collection: 

1. • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. 1792 Bourbon Collection 

1. • 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Aged 12 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Sweet Wheat Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Collection

1. • Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey #1
   • Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey #2
   • Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey #3

The auction goes live October 24^th at 10AM EST and runs through November 1^st at 10AM EST. Details on the auction and how to bid can be found HERE. All proceeds from the online auction will go toward the American Red Cross to aid in their Hurricanes Milton and Helene disaster relief efforts.

About Sazerac Company

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers around the world.

Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.

Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.

To learn more visit www.sazerac.com.

About BlockBar

BlockBar enables the wine and spirits community to buy, store, sell, gift, and ship the highest quality wines and spirits, sourced directly from producers and authenticated via blockchain. Our team has access to the world’s most sought-after bottles, barrels, and casks, many of which are unique to BlockBar. These are released on the platform through various sales mechanics, with many including immersive events and unique experiences. Underwritten by the power of blockchain, BlockBar guarantees provenance and authenticity so users can safely build their collections. Despite its cutting-edge approach, BlockBar’s roots stretch back decades. BlockBar was launched in October 2021 by cousins Dov and Sam, who are an active part of the family-owned Falic Group, a network founded in 2001 that today comprises over 50 businesses including Duty Free Americas, the largest duty-free operation in the Americas.

Speyburn Whisky Unveils Brand Refresh

Speyburn single malt Scotch whisky has unveiled a brand refresh, marking the next exciting chapter for the 126-year-old distillery located in the iconic whisky region of Speyside, Scotland.

As part of a significant investment into the brand, Speyburn has introduced vibrant new packaging across its portfolio with a more premium look. Speyburn’s complete collection will carry the striking new design, initially rolling out across its widely distributed entry and mid-range products before being introduced across higher-aged expressions later this year.

Informed by consumer insight, both Speyburn’s primary and secondary packaging have undergone a refresh to replace the brand’s existing look. The new primary packaging labels highlight the flavour cues of each whisky with embossed labelling for a more premium feel, while Speyburn’s proprietary bottle remains. The distillery’s pagoda-shaped roof is also prominent on both the bottle and outer pack alongside the year Speyburn was founded, 1897, as a nod to the provenance of this iconic distillery.

The secondary packaging, with a bright, eye-catching colour palette, more prominent branding and graphics conveying key flavour attributes, allows for greater visibility on shelf. Illustrations at the bottom of the outer pack capturing the cask finish of each expression along with details of the cask finish story on the rear side of pack are sure to be welcomed by those new to the world of whisky and seasoned whisky enthusiasts alike.

To accompany the new look, Speyburn has also undertaken work on the pack copy, opting for a simpler tone which better communicates Speyburn’s accessible taste profile and makes decision making easier for consumers. The popular Bradan Orach has also been renamed ‘Speyburn Bourbon Cask’, with this new identity believed to better resonate with whisky fans and make it easier for consumers to navigate the brand’s portfolio.

To round off the refreshed collection, the revamp also sees a brand-new expression introduced to Speyburn’s portfolio, ‘Speyburn Rum Cask Finish’. In a first for the brand, Speyburn has rested its Scotch whisky in rum casks, for an innovative take on Speyburn while retaining the accessible flavour profile that this award-winning whisky is renowned for.

Jack Cook-Broussine, Speyburn Brand Manager, said: “We have introduced a complete brand refresh across Speyburn in line with our commitment to invest in this brand. Speyburn has always prioritised simplicity, taste and quality, so we wanted the new packaging and collection to reflect this. Having listened to our consumers, Speyburn’s new look will make it easier for shoppers to understand what we have to offer as well as attracting a new wave of Speyburn fans as we continue to grow this brand in markets around the world.’

Nick Cadbury, Creative Director at threebrand, the design agency behind Speyburn’s new look, commented: ‘The whisky category Speyburn targets is very competitive and has seen a visual transition from more contemporary design plays to attract a less experienced consumer. We aimed to take the core brand DNA and represent it with the right balance of accessibility, provenance and stand out. We’re very excited with the result.’

Speyburn is a classic single malt with a taste profile traditional of the Speyside region. The refresh follows on from the distillery permanently opening its doors to the public for the first time in 2023 as the brand continues to grow and enter new markets.

Ranging in price from £25 to £35, the refreshed Speyburn Bourbon Cask, Speyburn Rum Cask Finish and Speyburn 10 Years Old will be available from 23rd May 2024 in the UK via Amazon, and thereafter, there will be a phased global rollout.

Bladnoch Distillery unveils new Peated Collection of Lowland single malt whiskies

Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, has released a new Peated Collection of Lowland single malt whiskies to celebrate the rarity and uniqueness of the distillery’s peated history.

The Bladnoch 2024 Peated Collection features four single malt whiskies made with peated barley, each hand selected by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage to showcase the distillery’s innovation and taste-first approach to whisky making in crafting its bold Galloway spirit.

Drawing on the extraordinary peated casks maturing in Bladnoch’s 207-year-old bluestone warehouses, the new limited annual release collection comprises Alinta Reserve and three Peated Single Cask expressions, each displaying distinct flavours and characteristics, for those who love a dram with fire. It follows the distillery’s inaugural Peated Collection in 2023.

Alinta is derived from indigenous Australian languages and evokes images of fire and flames. Alinta Reserve is a limited batch release of only 2,000 bottles selected annually by Nick from a special reserve of Bladnoch’s rare peated casks. For the 2024 release, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks have been chosen, presenting a nose of smoked apricot jam with woodland trees, a palate of smoky cola cubes with cinnamon and nutmeg and a very long and warm campfire finish.

The three Peated Collection Single Cask whiskies have been created using the distillery’s 2009 maturing stocks, which are 100% peated and exceptionally scarce. Under the distillery’s previous ownership of brothers Raymond and Colin Armstrong, Bladnoch produced spirit made exclusively with peated barley for the entire year.

When Master Distiller Dr Nick Savage joined in 2019 following the acquisition by Australian businessman David Prior in 2015, he discovered a treasure trove of whisky maturing in the warehouses, including peated single malt. Staying true to Bladnoch’s spirit of experimentation, Nick created the Peated Collection to pay homage to this unique period in the distillery’s history. Today, Bladnoch Distillery undertakes an annual peat production during the month of October, continuing the Armstrong brothers’ legacy of distilling peated spirit.

Each year, Nick accesses these remarkable 2009 stocks to identify and release three Peated Single Casks, selecting Tokaji, Bourbon and Rum casks for 2024.

• Matured in a 2009 Tokaji Barrel and with an ABV of 51.7%, the first Peated Single Cask expression is limited to 224 bottles and reveals cut grass, chocolate orange and campfire notes. On the nose, apricots with fresh cut grass prevail, while on the palate there is smoky chocolate orange, and the finish is characterised by campfire glow.
• Imparting smoky barbecue with apple and lemon aromas, smoky banana cake flavours and a dry and smoky finish, the second Peated Single Cask whisky has matured in a 2009 Bourbon Barrel. With an ABV of 55%, it is limited to 192 bottles.
• The third and final Peated Single Cask release in the collection, the 2009 Rum Barrel edition is a single malt whisky limited to 158 bottles. With an ABV of 54.2%, it delivers notes of tropical fruits and smoky honey on the nose, smoky apple pie with Refreshers sweets on the palate and a very sweet and long finish.

Dr Nick Savage, Master Distiller at Bladnoch Distillery, said: “Bladnoch has a rich history and heritage spanning more than two centuries and the Peated Collection shines a light on the breadth and quality of the distillery’s maturing stocks.

“When I joined the team, I discovered an incredibly diverse range of whisky maturing in the warehouses, including exceptional peated single malt from our 2009 stocks, and our Peated Collection is a celebration and a tribute to this unique part of our history.

“Our taste-first philosophy, rooted in our whisky making knowledge provides a platform to showcase our bold Galloway spirit, which is symbolic of the area and the community.”

Each single malt in the Bladnoch Peated Collection is non-chill filtered and natural in colour. Bladnoch Alinta Reserve retails for £120 GBP and each Peated Single Cask whisky is priced at £200 GBP.

The Bladnoch Peated Collection is available to purchase HERE

For more information about Bladnoch Distillery, please visit www.bladnoch.com.

Product information

Bladnoch Alinta Reserve, 2024 Batch Release

Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask matured

Cola Cubes. Campfire. Woodlands.

Nose: Smoked apricot jam with woodland trees.

Palate: Smoky cola cubes with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Finish: A very long and warm campfire.

ABV: 46.7%

Bladnoch Peated Single Cask 2024/01

Tokaji Barrel matured

Cut Grass. Chocolate Orange. Campfire.

Nose: Apricots with fresh cut grass.

Palate: Smoky chocolate orange.

Finish: Campfire glow.

ABV: 51.7%

Peated Single Cask 2024/02

Bourbon Barrel matured

Smoky. Apples. Bananas.

Nose: Smoky BBQ with apples and lemons.

Palate: Smoky banana cake.

Finish: Dry and smoky.

ABV: 55%

Peated Single Cask 2024/03

Rum Barrel matured

Tropical Fruits. Sweet. Smoky.

Nose: Tropical fruits and smoky honey.

Palate: Smoky apple pie with Refreshers sweets.

Finish: Very sweet and long.

ABV: 54.2%

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

Douglas Laing unveils exclusive Scallywag Winter Edition Finished in Orange Wine Casks

Douglas Laing & Co. are thrilled to announce the launch of an exclusive Scallywag Winter Limited Edition 2024, offering Whisky enthusiasts an unforgettable seasonal experience.

This year’s limited release transports you to a snowy mountainside retreat, where the cosy comfort of après-ski meets an explosion of flavour in every sip. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Scallywag Winter Edition has been finished in Orange Wine casks sourced from Spain, bringing together a symphony of rich complexity and zesty allure.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 53.9% ABV, this release remains true to its origins with no colouring or chill-filtration, ensuring that the whisky retains its full depth of flavour and texture. Packaged in a premium white carton with orange foil detailing and varnish finishing, this special release exudes luxury.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Rich fruits, sweet marmalade, and fragrant spices.
• Palate: Zesty orange slices, honey, and caramelised sugar.
• Finish: Lingering warmth with cinnamon spice and vanilla creaminess.

Scott Morrison, Brand Manager commented:

“This year’s Winter Edition is a tribute to the season’s warmth and indulgence. The addition of the Orange Wine casks brings a vibrant twist to our classic Speyside Malt, making it the perfect companion for winter evenings.”

Scallywag Winter Edition 2024 will be available in select retailers and online and is expected to retail for £65.00.

Key Details:

• Presented in a white carton with orange foil detailing and varnish finishing
• 9% ABV
• No colouring or chill-filtration.

Introducing Tamdhu 43 Year Old

Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky has today officially unveiled The Dedication Collection, introducing Tamdhu 43-Years-Old, one of the oldest, rarest and most exclusive whiskies ever crafted by the distillery.

Aged in Tamdhu’s extraordinary and famed Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks from beginning to end, the 43-Years-Old is an expression of the brand’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Exclusively made with water from Tamdhu’s own natural spring and matured for more than four decades on Speyside, it showcases a Tamdhu never seen or tasted before, with an intensified character, flavour and distinctive dark amber colour the spirit is renowned for.

Dedication Collection: Tamdhu 43-Years-Old

Tamdhu 43-Years-Old has matured in not one but three exceptional sherry oak casks, with the sherry oak breathing, and the spirit taking on its unique character with every passing year. The whisky is non-chill filtered to enhance the completely natural and rich colour of Tamdhu’s award-winning whisky.

On the nose, the single malt offers rich sherry, treacle toffee, dried coriander, berries, citrus and dried spice. The first sip reveals deep sherry, orange, blackcurrant, molasses, chocolate coconut and hints of coffee on the palate, followed by a long sherry oak finish, with hints of lemon and dried berries.

Presented in a hand-crafted, octagonal, wooden and classic brushed metal box, in a bespoke hand-blown crystal Victorian style decanter, the individually numbered bottles perfectly reflect the deep amber colour of Tamdhu whisky.

To celebrate the launch and showcase the distillery’s unwavering dedication to sherry matured whisky perfection, Tamdhu has teamed up with leading photomicrographer, Peter Woitschikowski to create striking photographs of the spirit up close, designed to showcase the purity, artistry and simple beauty of the whisky itself. Bridging the gap between science and art, Peter uses a microscope fixed to a high-resolution camera to uncover the unexpected shapes and textures hidden to the naked eye.

Distillery Manager, Sandy McIntyre, says, “At Tamdhu, our whisky is the ultimate artistic expression. So to launch this landmark collection we didn’t want to get side-tracked by gimmicks. Or look away from our whisky. Because it’s there, in the spirit itself, you see our craft, passion and dedication.”

To capture the one-of-a-kind images, Peter crystalised the whisky with natural extracts inspired by the tasting notes of orange, coffee and lemon, using these as the canvas for the Tamdhu photographed at 43 times magnification – a microscope spin for every year the whisky has matured in the sherry oak casks.

Spending weeks experimenting to craft the perfect picture, Peter said of the collaboration: “You never know how the images will come out. And every picture is different and unique. Tamdhu was a special case because the whisky is so pure. So perfect. We had to add extracts to create the crystallization required. The results are quite beautiful, I believe.”

Tamdhu 43-Years-Old includes a personal invitation to each owner from Sandy McIntyre to an exclusive stay at the closed-to-public Tamdhu distillery and enjoy a host of amazing whiskies with him, as well as the opportunity to explore the traditional dunnage warehouses for more of the rarest and oldest casks that may well become the next additions to the Dedication Collection.

Tamdhu 43-Years-Old is extremely limited and available to purchase globally via domestic Specialist retailers. Tamdhu 43-Years-Old RSP is £13,500. There are 100 individually numbered bespoke decanters available

Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old Awarded Supreme Champion Spirit for the First Time at International Spirits Challenge 2024

 Second consecutive year for a Suntory Whisky brand to be awarded top out of all entries
 Suntory Whisky Toki and Kakubin receives their first gold
 Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo recognized as the Master Blender of the Year for the first time

Tokyo, JAPAN (September 27,2024) – Suntory Spirits is proud to announce that its Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old was awarded the Supreme Champion Spirit at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2024, a worldwide spirits competition held in London on Thursday, September 26^th.

The Supreme Champion Spirit is awarded to the highest scoring Trophy winner of the competition. This means that Yamazaki 12 Years Old was awarded the Trophy, the top award in the Japanese Whisky category, and was also selected as the most outstanding product out of thousands of entries among all categories. It is the first time for Yamazaki 12 Years Old to be awarded the Supreme Champion Spirit and the second consecutive year for a Suntory Whisky brand to achieve this accolade following Yamazaki 25 Years Old last year.

“Yamazaki 12 Years Old was excellent in terms of its body, fruit, and the whole combination of qualities,” said an ISC judge. “When Yamazaki came out as the one that won the Japanese Whisky category, we all thought it made perfect sense. We were very proud to declare this unanimously as a great quality whisky.”

Along with Yamazaki 12 Years Old, the company received numerous accolades at this year’s competition – Double Golds for Suntory Whisky Hibiki 30 Years Old and Hibiki 21 Years Old and 23 Golds including Suntory Whisky Toki, and Suntory Whisky Kakubin which was submitted to the competition for the first time this year.

Furthermore, the company’s fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was recognized as the Master Blender of the Year for the first time. Determined by expert panel of judges, this award goes to the winner voted for the craftsmanship, skill and talent of their work from the past twelve months.

“Shinji is renowned worldwide as an industry figure, and the quality of his work has been proven,” said one ISC judge. “The attention to detail is the key to his approach and philosophy of making whisky. This leads to the finesse and craftsmanship at Suntory that only comes with dedication, experience and time, ” said another.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition on behalf of the company and team that have worked so hard over the years,” said Shinji. “I am proud that more people have come to understand through our products what our generations of blenders have passed on to us, and that we have been able to continuously produce Suntory Whisky that is valued around the world.”

Since joining the company in 1984, Shinji has been involved in the development of a variety of whisky products, such as Yamazaki and Hibiki. After his experience at Hakushu Distillery and Suntory subsidiary Morison Bowmore Distillers in Scotland, he was positioned as the fifth generation Chief Blender in 2009. He is also named Whisky Quality Advisor for Suntory Global Spirits to improve quality across the entire Suntory Group.

Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, and his team

In addition, Suntory Spirits was selected as the Producer of the Year in the Japanese Whisky category for the fifth consecutive year, an award bestowed upon one company in each category for producing a wide variety of high-quality products.

Suntory Spirits believes that these outstanding recognitions are a testament for the company’s excellent blending skills and the pursuit of perfection in quality for its whisky making, further cementing the reputation of Japanese Whisky.

As the pioneer and leading company of Japanese Whisky, the company welcomes the implementation of the Japanese Whisky standards by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, and will continue to take a leadership role in protecting and increasing awareness for the category through ongoing consumer and trade education initiatives about what properly constitutes a Japanese Whisky.

About Suntory Whisky Brands

Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old

The flagship single malt whisky from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery contains carefully blended components aged in American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak creating a delicate and elegant taste that never grows tiresome. It is characterized by an aroma of ripened fruit and sweet vanilla derived from Yamazaki Distillery’s white oak cask, with hidden flavors of Spanish oak and Japanese Mizunara oak adding a buttery deep sweetness to the palate leading to a long finish with a sense of sweet ginger and cinnamon. 

Suntory Whisky Toki

Respectful of heritage and inspired by reinvention, Suntory Whisky Toki expresses both what is authentic and what is next. It is a blend of carefully selected whiskies from the globally acclaimed Yamazaki Distillery, Hakushu Distillery and Chita Distillery. Traditionally crafted by the company’s Art of Blending philosophy, the liquid features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory blend. This well-balanced silky blend with a subtly sweet and spicy finish allows exceptional versatility — the expression can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, as a highball or mixed as a cocktail.

Suntory Whisky Kakubin

As the signature blended whisky, Kakubin embraces the uniquely Japanese flavors and aromas accentuated with key notes of whiskies from three distilleries – Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita. Along with the slightly fruity aroma and rich flavor, the boldness characteristic can be detected in the pleasantly dry finish, making Kakubin a highly versatile whisky for any occasion and a timeless favorite since its release in 1937.

About the International Spirits Challenge

The International Spirits Challenge is a highly authoritative spirits competition held annually in the UK, with a rigorous and independent judging process. This year, thousands of entries were submitted across all categories. In the Whisky category, medals were awarded based on the scrupulous blind assessment of over 900 whiskies from around the world by approximately 10 experienced panel of specialist judges, all of whom are blenders and distiller managers from whisky distilleries across the globe.

Awards Received at ISC 2024

Supreme Champion Spirit
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old

Trophy, among the Japanese Whisky category
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old

Master Blender of the Year
Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo

Producer of the Year, among the Japanese Whisky category
Suntory Spirits

Double Gold Medal
Suntory Whisky Hibiki 30 Years Old
Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old 

Gold Medal
Suntory Whisky Hibiki Blender’s Choice
Suntory Whisky Hibiki JAPANESE HARMONY
Suntory Whisky Hibiki JAPANESE HARMONY Master’s Select
Suntory Whisky Hibiki Suntory Whisky 100 Years Anniversary Blend
Suntory Whisky Kakubin
Suntory Whisky Old
Suntory Whisky Royal
Suntory Whisky Special Reserve
Suntory Whisky Toki
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu Peated Malt 18 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu 12 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu 18 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu 25 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Golden Promise
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Mizunara Japanese Oak Cask 18 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 18 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 25 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Limited Edition2023
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Smoky Batch The First
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Story of the Distillery 2024

For more information on Suntory Whisky
Suntory | About Us | Our Business | Spirits

About Suntory Group
As a global leader in the beverage industry, Suntory Group aims to inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Sustained by the gifts of nature and water, the Group offers a uniquely diverse portfolio of products, from award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki and Hibiki, iconic American whiskies Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, canned ready-to-drink -196, The Premium Malt’s beer, Japanese wine Tomi, and the world-famous Château Lagrange. Its brand collection also includes non-alcoholic favorites Orangina, Lucozade, Oasis, BOSS coffee, Suntory Tennensui water, TEA+ Oolong Tea, and V energy drink, as well as popular health and wellness product Sesamin EX.

Founded as a family-owned business in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory Group has grown into a global company operating throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, with an annual revenue (excluding excise taxes) of $20.9 billion in 2023. Its 41,511 employees worldwide draw upon the unique blend of Japanese artisanship and global tastes to explore new product categories and markets.

SOTHEBY’S AND LEADING SCOTCH MAKER CHIVAS BROTHERS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO AUCTION COLLECTABLE, RARE, HIGHLY AGED WHISKIES

The inaugural lot is a 55 year old single malt whisky from The Glenlivet distillery, presented in a one-of-a-kind gold plated sculpture by computational architect, Michael Hansmeyer

LONDON, 9th OCTOBER 2024 – Sotheby’s today announced a long-term partnership with Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky and makers of The Glenlivet and Aberlour, to bring highly aged, one-off creations to auction, exclusively for Sotheby’s collectors. Each individual lot will feature a never-before-released Scotch whisky from the Chivas Brothers portfolio. 

The inaugural lot is The Glenlivet 55 Year Old, 200th Year Anniversary Edition, One of One, a bespoke, never to be repeated bottle that honours two centuries of unparalleled whisky making heritage. The ultra-rare single malt has been aged for 55 years – the highest age statement ever released by The Glenlivet distillery – and is presented in a custom spherical decanter embellished with precious peridot gemstones using an intricate technique inspired by the creation of fine jewellery. The bottle is paired with a stunning, one-of-a-kind sculpture created by computational architect Michael Hansmeyer, a pioneer in the exploring of algorithms to generate and fabricate new and unique architectural forms, and crafted using emerald quartzite and 24 carat gold.

This special lot will be available for auction from 22nd October 2024 to 5th November 2024 in Sotheby’s London sale of Finest & Rarest Whisky with all proceeds benefitting the National Trust for Scotland, which is dedicated to preserving Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. Since 2020, The Glenlivet has supported the Trust through Pioneering Spirit, an ambitious archaeology and research project that uncovers the stories and sites of illicit whisky production across Scotland, deepening understanding of the origins of Scotch whisky and its effect on the country’s rich cultural heritage.

This exclusive lot comes on the heels of The Glenlivet’s 200th anniversary celebrations in 2024, commemorating the distillery’s heritage and craftsmanship over its two-century long legacy.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, commented: “We are thrilled to offer the first one-off special release of this partnership in The Glenlivet distillery’s oldest single malt, aged 55 years, to avid whisky collectors worldwide. Partnering with Scotch whisky producer Chivas Brothers to offer some of the world’s most exclusive whiskies, crafted exclusively for Sotheby’s, is an exceptional privilege. The debut of The Glenlivet 55 Year Old, 200th Year Anniversary Edition, One of One perfectly embodies the merging of fine spirits and design, and we look forward to bringing more extraordinary creations to collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.”

Jacques-Henri Brive, Global Head of Luxury Development at Chivas Brothers, added: “We’re fortunate to have an exquisite archive of rare, highly aged whiskies at Chivas Brothers but until now, these prized whiskies have never been available to purchase. Our partnership with Sotheby’s represents the first opportunity for collectors to add never-before-released pieces of Scotch whisky history to their collection. It’s a monumental moment for whisky connoisseurs and luxury appreciators – one not to be missed.”

The Glenlivet 55 Year Old, 200th Year Anniversary Edition, One of One, carries an estimate of £35,000-£70,000. Bottled at 42.8%, this is a superb expression evoking red apples, ripe white peach and dark chocolate fondant on the nose, with a subtle taste of lavish caramel, desiccated coconut, dark liquorice with ginger and cinnamon spice on the taste and an incredibly rich and sweet finish with enduring, warming spice, impacted by the American oak influence.

* Early interest in the auction can be registered at www.sothebys.com/theglenlivet55

THE GLENLIVET REDEFINES TRADITION WITH THE RELEASE OF ITS OLDEST SINGLE MALT

The 55 year-old expression – the highest age statement ever to be released by The Glenlivet – is unveiled as it marks a 200-year legacy. 

The Glenlivet, the iconic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, has unveiled a masterpiece that celebrates its excellence in whisky craftsmanship and design, embodying the originality that has defined it since its inception in 1824: The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55 Year Old, in collaboration with computational architect, Michael Hansmeyer.

A true rarity, The Glenlivet’s oldest and most ambitious expression to date comprises just 100 beautifully crafted bottles, while every aspect of the new release has been considered with meticulous attention to detail. Crafted from a seasoned sherry cask and carefully matured over more than five decades, this precious single malt offers a complex flavour profile and astonishingly long finish.

In partnership with pioneering artist, Michael Hansmeyer, the 55 Year Old single malt whisky sits within a strikingly beautiful sculpture that takes inspiration from the home of The Glenlivet. Mirroring the eternal essence and flow of the River Livet, which is located deep in the Spey Valley where The Glenlivet was born, Hansmeyer brought his unique expertise in computational architecture to create this highly original art piece.

With hand-sculpted jesmonite and rose-gold plating, the sculpture perfectly houses the spherical decanter of the 55 Year Old. In a stunning display of contemporary modelling through computer programming, this art piece brings subtle intricacies that are testament to the craftsmanship at the heart of every creation from The Glenlivet.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master who was responsible for directing the final maturation years of the 55 Year Old whisky, describes the taste experience as “a medley of autumn fruits, sun-drenched Seville oranges and sticky dates enveloped by the spiced warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, alongside the sweet, warming flavours of homemade blackcurrant jam and vanilla fudge, balanced with zesty citrus notes on the palate.”

Speaking about the inspiration behind the sculpture Michael Hansmeyer, computational architect & programmer, explained:

“My work captures the intersection of architecture and the arts. It is a laboratory for experimenting with new possibilities, and that is where I saw the harmony in collaborating with The Glenlivet. Weaving threads of intelligent technologies to create something that escapes conformity and classification to celebrate such an aged whisky has been a thrill. I created this sculpture as a tribute to the complexity of The Glenlivet’s oldest expression and the rugged beauty of the distillery’s Scottish landscape, capturing the spirit of where innovation meets tradition.”

This exceptional 55 Year Old single malt is the First Edition of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection – a new range of highly collectable precious whiskies, released annually. All future releases, each taken from a single, extraordinary cask, will be aged for one additional year and will be accompanied by an original artform crafted by a new visionary artist. Together, this will create a collection to cherish.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master added:

“The 55 Year Old is the highest age Scotch ever released from The Glenlivet Distillery, and combined with the incredible talent of Michael, it tells of the timelessness of The Glenlivet. Thanks to decades of collaboration from our team of cask experts, past and present, the introduction of The Eternal Collection represents a monumental moment for whisky connoisseurs and luxury appreciators to add a pivotal piece of Scotch whisky legacy to their collection. It epitomises The Glenlivet’s commitment to excellence within Scotch innovation as we continue to push to creative new heights in single malts.”

The First Edition of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, will be released in September 2024. The masterpiece was first unveiled during an exclusive 200 year anniversary celebration hosted at The Glenlivet’s iconic distillery in Speyside, Scotland. The Glenlivet Distillery is open for guests to explore the full portfolio from The Glenlivet and enjoy interactive visitor experiences.

In tandem with the launch of its oldest single malt, and to further honour its 200^th anniversary, The Glenlivet has partnered with Sotheby’s to create a unique auction lot.  A bespoke 55 Year Old single malt whisky presented with a one-of-a-kind Hansmeyer sculpture will be available exclusively at auction from 18^th October – 1^st November 2024, with all proceeds to benefit National Trust for Scotland, dedicated to conserving Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition: 55-Year-Old in collaboration with Michael Hansmeyer, will be available exclusively at The Whisky Exchange for RRP €50,000. For more information, visit theglenlivet.com or follow @theglenlivet. To register early interest in the one-of-one auction, visit www.sothebys.com/theglenlivet55.