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Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the Character of Islay Whisky Company’s range of bottlings.
From The Birthplace Of Japanese Whisky, THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY INTRODUCES THE REFORMULATED YAMAZAKI® 25,
Enhancing The Award-Winning Yamazaki Collection
The new Yamazaki 25 Single Malt Whisky captures the depth, complexity, and treasure
of a quarter century of Yamazaki
Chicago, IL (July 26, 2021) – With the launch of the reformulated Yamazaki® 25 Single Malt Whisky, the House of Suntory honors the birthplace of Japanese whisky, capturing and celebrating the pioneering roots of one of the world’s greatest whiskies. Yamazaki 25 Single Malt Whisky is blended from rare whiskies aged over a quarter of a century in the place Shinjiro Torii chose to begin the illustrious journey of Japanese whisky.
Fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has returned to the roots of what made Yamazaki quintessentially Yamazaki. Yamazaki Single Malt celebrates the profound spirit of its soul place – deep, complex and multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara notes. For Fukuyo, Yamazaki 25 was a journey in rediscovering what is Yamazaki, the pioneer of Japanese Whisky. Now, Yamazaki 12, Yamazaki 18 and the reformulated Yamazaki 25 all contain carefully blended liquid components aged in American oak, Spanish oak and Japanese Mizunara oak.
“My inspiration for Yamazaki 25 was the Yamazaki 1984 statement that was awarded the ultimate recognition of the Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge in 2010,” said Shinji Fukuyo. “We went back to the key component whiskies of Yamazaki. We deliberately chose to feature the depth and profound nature of the notable Japanese Mizunara Oak. For in its meticulous balance with the American and Spanish Oak, Yamazaki’s signature multi-layered taste profile and complex aroma is accentuated.”
Yamazaki means “mountain cape” originating from the two Japanese characters⼭(yama – mountain) and崎 (saki – cape), referencing its unique geographic location – surrounded by a range of forest covered mountains. Since 1923, Yamazaki Distillery has been globally acclaimed as Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery. Nestled proudly on the periphery of Kyoto, the area around Yamazaki Distillery has been long referred to as “Minaseno” famous for its exquisite natural water, even mentioned in the Man’yoshu, the ancient anthology of Japanese poetry. Home to Sen no Rikyu, Master of “The Way of Tea” and his renowned “Rikyu no Mizu” (water of the imperial villa), the waters of Yamazaki are selected by the nation’s Ministry of Environment as one of Japan’s one hundred best natural mineral waters.
In 1984, following the pioneering spirit of Shinjiro Torii, second generation Master Blender Keizo Saji introduced Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky to commemorate the 60 years since the first drop of whisky was made at the Yamazaki distillery. Since then, Yamazaki has continuously paved the way for Japanese whisky. In 2003, Yamazaki was the first Japanese whisky to be awarded the Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge. Today, Yamazaki is embraced as one of the best single malts of the world, with Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 being awarded the World’s Best Whisky in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015. This year, 18 years after receiving its first Gold Medal, the reformulated Yamazaki 25 again received a Gold Medal from the 2021 International Spirits Challenge.
The new Yamazaki 25 enhances the award-winning Yamazaki collection, consistently showcasing the House of Suntory’s diversity of making and art of aging. Meticulously composed of rare malt whiskies, all aged over 25 years in American, Spanish and Mizunara Oak casks, this masterpiece single malt embraces a complex flavor profile highlighting dried-fruit aromas, balanced with hints of tart and subtle sweetness, all enveloped in its signature, noble, sandalwood bouquet of Mizunara casks, for a deep and lingering finish.
Fukuyo suggests Yamazaki 25 to be enjoyed neat in your favorite whisky glass to savor your special moments.
Reformulated Yamazaki 25: Tasting Notes
COLOR: Amber
NOSE: Mizunara spiced notes of incense, followed by a complex bouquet of dried kaki persimmon and satsuma orange notes.
PALATE: Mizunara sandalwood notes that open and deepen into complex layers of dried kaki persimmon subtle sweetness, tart yuzu notes with gentle shoga ginger spicy notes
FINISH: Profound long finish of Mizunara spiced subtly sweet and tart wood notes that remain with lingering smoky accents.
The bottle label is 100% handcrafted mulberry Echizen paper produced via a slow process of drying on wood boards (a traditional Japanese method).
Yamazaki 25 Single Malt Whisky is presented at 43% alcohol by volume (86 proof) with a suggested retail price of $2,000.00 (750ml).
ABOUT HOUSE OF SUNTORY
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Most recently in 2021, The House of Suntory was named Japanese Distiller of the Year.
Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies: Yamazaki—Japan’s N°1 Single Malt, multi-layered and profound, Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki.
whisky.suntory.com @suntorywhisky #suntorywhisky
ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com
The Māori brothers founded Whisky and Waves, an ocean awareness charity, to call attention to the vulnerability of the earth’s beautiful waterways. They united on creating a campaign that would encourage a wider global responsibility for overfishing, poaching and environmental waste which have all destroyed marine populations and polluted the seas. The pair felt a special calling to work with Sea Shepherd on this project, whose charity work includes protecting Maui’s dolphins endemic to New Zealand. Teaming up with Signatory, one of the UK’s largest independent whisky bottlers, the drams will be used to create bespoke cask whiskies, which will be sold later this year to raise money to help protect and conserve New Zealand’s waters.
Des McCagherty of Signatory Vintage commented:“Signatory is delighted to be working with Whisky & Waves on their latest charity swim. The whole team have nothing but admiration for Nick, Alex and all the other swimmers as they once again take on such a challenging swim, in aid of such a worthy cause as Sea Shepherd. We are proud to be a part of the creation of a unique whisky, with the profits going to an international campaign to help protect the world’s oceans.”
The brothers now based in the UK both work in the new world whisky scene. Nick is the Managing Director for Edinburgh’s innovative Holyrood Distillery, whilst Alex is Head of Events for Atom Brands, whose clients include the famous independent whisky bottling brand Boutique-y Whisky Company. Both working in the drinks industry, the pair decided to tackle the global water problem in the sphere of whisky and in 2019 already raised $11,000 for Sea Shepherd.
New Peated Single Cask Shelter Point Release! Attention Shelter Point Fans: As of right now, you can visit https://shelterpoint.ca/single-malt-whisky/ and purchase a bottle of our 7th ever Single Cask Release.
This one-of-a-kind cask contained both unmalted single grain barley and malted wheat, both matured in ex-bourbon American oak before a marriage and 18-month finish in a unique Quarter Cask from the infamous Isle of Islay. The resulting whisky is a rich and peat-laden punch of remarkable Shelter Point whisky, presented at full cask strength.
This smaller cask produced an extremely limited run of less than 150 bottles, and this is an Online Exclusive release that won’t be sold in stores. Guaranteed to sell out extremely quickly, so claim yours before it’s all gone!
As a bonus bit of fun and trivia about this release, we had some help from our good friend Rob at YouTube’s Whisky in The 6, who helped us narrow down the selection from a range of samples we sent his way earlier this year. He absolutely picked a winner!
Cheers and thanks,
Single Cask #7 is available in a 750ml ($85) and be purchased online at https://shelterpoint.ca/single-malt-whisky/
Phew…it’s not very often we’re hit with a Hebridean heatwave but Harris temperatures have hit new heights today.
Apart from the traditional crofter’s tan, most islanders tend to boast a milk-bottle complexion and dealing with hot weather like this is a rare (if reddening) treat.
The unusual, even for summer, weather reminds us that global warming is a serious business, particularly for those of us in business.
The whisky industry is no different and today the Scotch Whisky Association is marking 100 Days until the UN Climate Change Conference takes place here in Scotland.
The launch of their sustainability strategy has inspired this week’s Journal story as we look at our own green credentials and the work we have to do in the years ahead.
Have a great weekend from all the distillery team here in Tarbert!
Le dùrachdan,
Mike Donald
Isle of Harris Distillery Storyteller
A single refill hogshead yielding just 75 bottles. A full bodied and spicy single malt from the Speyside distillery presented in a stunning wooden case. Benromach 46 Year Old 1972 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask Refill American Hogshead #4471 released 2019. 75 bottles. Presented in a bespoke wooden box, made in oak, and designed to reflect the colour of the wooden washbacks at Benromach Distillery. MAXIMUM 1 BOTTLE PER CUSTOMER.
Take a short inhalation, appreciating the wonderful aromas without water… enjoy the tantalising notes of vanilla custard, honey and baked pineapple, mingling with intriguing hints of beeswax polish, mature oak and an edge of fresh menthol. Now take a sip. Savour the smooth sweetness beautifully balanced by a gentle dash of warm pepper. A medley of ripe tropical fruits, mango and passion fruit develops. Candied citrus peel and dried tobacco lead to subtle undertones of aniseed. Add a few drops of water and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops… gorgeous aromas of exotic fruits come to the fore with top notes of toasted coconut and zingy lime. Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip… notes of tropical fruits soften and mingle with hints of pear drops, leading to lingering oak notes and hints of mellow cigar box on the finish. Magnificent!
Benromach Distillery was designed by Charles C. Diog and constructed at Forres in the Speyside whisky region for D. McCallum and F.W. Burickman in 1898. Following numerus periods of closure, it was purchased in 1993 by Gordon & MacPhail who charged up its single pair of stills in 1998 and have nurtured Benromach ever since. Striking new labelling combined with an increasing range of single malts is forging a very popular brand of single malt whiskies which includes Benromach Organic, Benromach Peatsmoke and Benromach 10 Year Old.
Shop – Benromach 46 Years 1972
Prohibition Craft Spirits “NULU Reserve – California Exclusive” Barrel Proof Small Batch CA1 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $64.99 View
Prohibition Craft Spirits is based in Louisville, KY and distills its own spirits while also sourcing from MGP in Indiana.
GlenAllachie 10 Year Old “Batch 05” Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $84.99 View
GlenAllachie’s 10 Year Old Cask Strength is the only such bottling in their lineup. Bottled at 55.9% ABV, the nose shows a seductive honey quality with accents of cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus peel, and a nutty character from the PX and Oloroso Sherry cask aging. These features are echoed on the palate for a surprisingly smooth and approachable cask strength dram.
Smoky sherried savings on this Islay classic!
Bowmore’s proximity to the sea plays a vital role in shaping the iconic character of the spirit; the casks breathing in that salty sea air. But it is the final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks that gives Bowmore 15 Year Old its rich, deep colour and a palate of delicious dark chocolate, sun-dried fruits and a tell-tale wisp of Islay smoke. Down from £67.00 to £44.99! Add something new to your whisky shelf…
Bowmore Distillery has stood on the shores of Loch Indaal, a sea loch that opens out into the Atlantic Ocean, since 1779. The distillery’s proximity to the sea plays a vital role in shaping the final character of the spirit, which breathes in the salty sea air all the while it’s maturing. Matured in an inspired combination of both bourbon and sherry casks, it’s the final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks that gives Bowmore 15 Years Old its rich, deep colour.
It exudes an aroma of delicious dark chocolate, sun-dried fruits and a tell-tale wisp of Islay smoke. It is wonderfully full bodied and rich with a complex and warming finish.’
FETTERCAIRN LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
TO CELEBRATE REPLANTING OF ANCIENT FOREST
WITH ACCLAIMED LAND ARTIST
The first Fettercairn Scottish Oak bottling to be released in 2022
Fettercairn Distillery today unveiled an exciting new project to replant an ancient forest as it sets its sights on producing its own single estate Scottish oak matured malt whiskies.
With over 13,000 sessile Quercus petraea and Quercus robur oak saplings planted next to the Distillery on the historic 8,500-acre Fasque Estate, the Fettercairn Forest is part of a wider commitment by whisky makers Whyte & Mackay to develop a sustainable future for responsibly sourced Scottish oak for each Distillery. Embracing all that the rich land in the heart of the Garden of Scotland has to offer and whilst nature takes its course, the initiative is to be marked this year by the creation of a major new sculpture from acclaimed environmental artist Rob Mulholland.
The programme was first conceived by Whisky Maker Gregg Glass 10 years ago and found its natural home at the Fettercairn Distillery. Gregg devoted himself to exploring how to incorporate Scottish Oak within the whisky making at Fettercairn, conducting numerous bench trials with wind-felled and responsibly sourced Scottish oak as well as extensive tests and experimentation in collaboration with a variety of experts across different industries.
The Distillery has already laid down whiskies in Scottish Oak, with a variety of cask types, in virgin oak from around its home in the foothills of the Cairngorms and plans to release the first commercially available Fettercairn Scottish Oak bottling next year. It is committed to establishing a series of new whiskies over the coming decades.
Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker at Whyte and Mackay said,
“At Fettercairn, there’s been a continued history of exploration, innovation and balancing the best of tradition whilst challenging convention. As a whisky maker this project was a fantastic opportunity to explore the flavour potential of Fettercairn, incorporating all that the local area has to offer, utilising our local water, barley and now Scottish Oak.
“This wide-ranging project is one with a vision for the future and is supporting multiple objectives across environmental responsibility, social purpose, forest and land management, supporting our local economy and skills, with the creation of unique, compelling whiskies.”
We’re laying down the roots for the future for our continued ethos as whisky makers and our passion and responsibility for the local environment. The Fettercairn Forest is another step in the journey of whisky making at this incredible Distillery.”
Artwork for future generations
Famed for his mirrored statues and futuristic landscape installations, Rob Mulholland, the Glasgow born artist whose work has been exhibited around the world, is devoted to finding creative ways to articulate the relationship between humans and nature. Inspired by the story of this re-imagined forest, Rob has visualised a stunning artwork to be installed in September 2021.
“The thought of this forest emerging from the ground in this beautiful setting – one of the most fertile areas of Scotland – over the next century is incredibly exciting, particularly when you consider all the tangible benefits that will come with the creation of a thriving, wildlife rich environment – from sustainable land management to the clear impact such a beautiful place can have on people’s physical and mental wellbeing. My aim is to deepen the emotional connection between the people and this captivating land and create something that will still have relevance in 200 years when these trees will stand proud and tall – a legacy that can stand for even longer,” said Rob.
The aim of the sculpture project is to develop further installations across the forest and estate as the initiative evolves.
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About Fettercairn
Located in the picturesque village of Fettercairn at the foothills of Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains, this hidden gem is found among some of the most fertile farming land in the North-East of Scotland. With the purest of mountain water as an ingredient, it is almost no surprise that when the distillery was established by Sir Alexander Ramsay in 1824, the enterprising pioneer chose this location.
In the mid-1950s, the whisky-makers at Fettercairn experimented, seeking ways to create a purer expression of their spirit. They found that pouring water down the still cooled the copper, increasing condensation inside so only the lightest vapours could rise for collection. With this knowledge they fashioned a unique copper cooling ring around the neck of the stills drenching them with crystal clear mountain water – an ingenious and practical solution to creating their exceptional whisky, a technique which remains unique in Scotch whisky-making to this day.
About Rob Mulholland
Rob Mulholland is a sculptor and environmental artist based in Drymen, Scotland who exhibits throughout the U.K and world-wide. His practise explores the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. Utilizing a wide variety of forms and materials his sculpture installations interact with their surroundings. He incorporates mirrored surfaces in his sculptures to reflect the given environment and alter the viewer’s perception of the space. The reflection is purposely distorted, inviting the viewer to question their individual relationship with their surroundings.
This nexus between people and the natural world is further developed in recent works such as One Flock which illuminates this symbiotic relationship. He is interested in elements of deconstruction and has interpreted this with sculptures such as Skytower and Evolve in which kinetic forces appear to have torn through and re-shaped the sculptural forms. These sculptures push the boundaries of physical structural engineering allowing him to explore and develop his practise further. His work is both gallery based and sited in public spaces.
https://www.instagram.com/robmulhollandartist/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/RobMulhollandArt/
About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker
Respected whisky maker Gregg Glass joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016, where he has been a leading light in the rejuvenation of Fettercairn alongside Distillery Manager Stewart Walker.
Gregg enjoyed a childhood in the heart of whisky making country, the Black Isle. With 22 years in industry notably 11 years at innovative whisky maker Compass Box, Gregg joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016 to work alongside renowned Master Distiller Mr Richard Paterson OBE.
Gregg has enjoyed 15 years career as a blender and whisky maker. At Whyte and Mackay Gregg has led whisky development for Fettercairn Single Malt Whisky, Jura Single Malt Whisky and in 2017 launched Whisky Works – an independent innovation wing of Whyte and Mackay.
Gregg is devoted to his craft and believes in flavour-led hands-on whisky making. Gregg is passionately involved in every aspect of the whisky making process from ‘acorn to glass’ and since 2020 leads whisky making across the Whyte and Mackay portfolio.
