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Balvenie – Rare Marriages Single Malt – 25 Year Old at Hard To Find Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

25 Year Old | 48% ABV | 70cl

Introducing The Balvenie 25

The most elegant expression of extraordinary depth and perfect balance. A beautiful, fruity Single Malt Whisky aged for 25 years.

A Flawless Marriage

European and American casks are brought together to craft something truly intricate and balanced.

Rich, Matured & Honeyed

The Balvenie’s signature flavours: runny honey with an underlying rich oakiness, with unfolding layers of fresh fruit, marshmallow and cinnamon.

£599.95

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ralfy review 886 Extras – Advice on starting a distillery – Whisky Startup News

ralfy review 886 Extras – Advice on starting a distillery

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WINS JAPANESE WHISKY DISTILLER OF THE YEAR AT THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE – Japanese Whisky News

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WINS JAPANESE WHISKY DISTILLER OF THE YEAR AT THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

Among Best in Category Trophy, Hibiki® 21 Wins Double Gold, Yamazaki® and Hakushu® Score Several Gold Awards in Prestigious Global Tasting Event 

London, 14 July 2021: – The House of Suntory, the founding house and pioneer of Japanese Whisky, received its latest wave of industry accolades from this year’s 2021 International Spirits Challenge across its core portfolio of premium whiskies, including a category win for Japanese Whisky Distiller of the Year, and a Double Gold win for Hibiki® 21 –  one of only 11 Double Golds awarded in the entire competition.

Other Gold wins for the House of Suntory went to Hibiki, Yamazaki® and Hakushu® expressions. The House of Suntory received 21 medals in total across the brands, including 13 Gold medals. Held in London in June, the International Spirits Challenge recognises outstanding quality, excellence and achievement in spirits around the world.

“We are honored to continue receiving this level of outstanding recognition year over year by one of the most prestigious industry competitions in the world,” says Jon Potter, Managing Director for the House of Suntory at Beam Suntory. “These awards are a testament to our company’s commitment to quality, precision and excellence. We congratulate our Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, and his diligent team across our distilleries who exhibit the highest level of skill and passion for their craft. This hard-working group commit themselves daily to producing nothing but the best spirits.” 

The full list of House of Suntory competition results:

DOUBLE GOLD

Hibiki 21 Year Old 

GOLD

Hibiki Blender’s Choice

Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select

Hibiki 30 Year Old

Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Year Old

Yamazaki Single Malt 18 Year Old

Yamazaki Single Malt 25 Year Old

Yamazaki Single Malt Mizunara 2020 Edition

Yamazaki Single Malt Spanish Oak 2020 Edition

Yamazaki Single Malt Bordeaux Wine Cask 2020 Edition

Hakushu Single Malt 12 Year Old

Hakushu Single Malt 18 Year Old

Hakushu Single Malt 25 Year Old

SILVER

Suntory Whisky Chita

Suntory World Whisky AO

The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky

The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt 2021 Edition

The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky

The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Puncheon 2020 Edition

The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt 2020 Edition

ABOUT THE 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).

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 House of Suntory Ultimate Highball Summer Contest is LIVE! – Japanese Whisky News

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY LAUNCHES ULTIMATE “TOKI® HIGHBALL SUMMER” WITH FIRST-EVER TRIP TO

TOKYO CONTEST 

Toki Instagram Contest Gives U.S. Fans Chance to See Tokyo, the Birthplace of the Modern Highball Cocktail, Safely in the City’s Prime – Redeemable in 2022 

Chicago, IL (July 1, 2021) – The House of Suntory, the founding house and a pioneer of Japanese Whisky, is thrilled to kick off the ultimate Toki® Highball Summer with its new campaign, the #SuntoryTime “Next Stop: Tokyo” social media contest. For the first time ever, the company is offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance for one lucky fan and a guest to win a trip to Tokyo – the birthplace of the authentic Japanese Highball cocktail made with Suntory Whisky. The trip will take place in 2022 only after leisure travel from the U.S. to Japan is deemed safe.

With Tokyo as a focal point of the upcoming summer events, the #SuntoryTime contest is designed to celebrate the Highball, the popular and refreshing three-ingredient cocktail that originated in the “Torys” pubs known for after-work gatherings in Tokyo in the 1950s. Since then, Japanese bartenders have perfected the art of the Highball with unrivaled attention to detail, creating the perfect balance of crisp carbonation and delicious flavor, served at ice-cold temperature for maximum refreshment. Suntory Highballs are now found not only in the bustling izakaya (pubs) in Japan but in the greatest whisky bars all over the world, including on draft from the signature Suntory Toki Highball Machine, which blends ice-cold whisky and soda straight from the tap.

“This summer, all eyes will be on Tokyo and we’re thrilled to offer fans of Suntory Whisky Toki the chance to experience first-hand the birthplace our incredible blended Japanese Whisky and its signature cocktail, the famous Toki Highball,” says Jon Potter, Managing Director for the House of Suntory. “We can’t wait to see how our fans will get creative with their own takes on the Suntory Experience as they enter the contest on Instagram.”

To enter, U.S. residents 21 and older can log into their Instagram accounts to post a photo of their own “Suntory Time” experience with a Toki Highball, along with a creative caption highlighting their experience and tagging @SuntoryToki. Entries will be judged on creativity and originality of the photo, photographic quality and creativity of the caption. The full list of rules and regulations can be found HERE.

The Grand Prize winner will receive an immersive trip for two to Tokyo including five days and four nights at a luxury resort, a tour of the Yamazaki Distillery – the birthplace of Japanese Whisky, invitations to exclusive Suntory Toki events along with a cash stipend of $2,500. Fifty (50) First Prize Winners will receive a Suntory Time Highball Kit inclusive of two highball mugs, ice mold, Japanese peeler, cocktail jigger and bar spoon to make their own ultimate Highball. Contest submissions close on August 14, 2021. No alcohol will be awarded as part of the prize.

In addition to entering the “Next Stop: Tokyo” contest for a chance to win, fans can follow along for all things celebrating highball culture at the website hub https://house.suntory.com/en/na/highball including photos, recipes, demo videos, custom Suntory Highball art made by Tokyo based illustrator Tatsuro Kiuchi, and even a highball-inspired Spotify playlist.

 

TOKI HIGHBALL RECIPE:

1 part Suntory Whisky Toki®

3 parts soda water

Fill glass with large ice blocks or spear to chill. Add Toki, stir to cool whisky and glass. Add soda water, use spoon to lift ice for ultimate carbonation. Garnish with grapefruit peel (optional).

ABOUT THE 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).

whisky.suntory.com                 @suntorytoki               #suntorytime

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 and www.drinksmart.com.

Win a stay at Nobu Hotel London with House of Suntory 🥃 at The Whisky Shop – Japanese Whisky News

Fancy winning a night’s stay in London?

Win a night’s stay for two at the stunning Nobu Hotel London Portman Square in the heart of central London’s chic Marylebone area, and enjoy dinner at Nobu Restaurant, House of Suntory cocktails, a bottle of sake or wine, and breakfast the next morning all courtesy of House of Suntory. Purchase any of the featured House of Suntory bottles between now and August 4th 2021 to automatically enter into our giveaway. Please note – no transport to/from hotel is included in the prize and any additional spend incurred will be paid by the winner during their stay. Best of luck!

 

TOKI
Suntory Japanese Whisky

A blend of whisky from the acclaimed distilleries of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita, with subtly sweet and spicy vanilla and ginger notes, and flavours of green grapes, grapefruit, peppermint and thyme.

£40.00
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Gordon & MacPhail Linkwood 40 Year Old 1980 at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

Linkwood 40 Year Old 1980

Bottled in October 2020, another spectacular vintage from G&M.  193 bottles from refill cask #8248 with lovely Autumnal fruits, polished leather, a hint of spice and toasted oak.

Rich vanilla and fresh autumnal apple aromas combine with notes of polished leather and oak.

Sweet flavours of orange marmalade lead to fried mango and underlying passionfruit.

Chili spice and toasted oak are complemented by subtle aniseed. A medium-bodied and long-lasting finish with lingering hints of grapefruit.

Linkwood 40 Year Old 1980 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill hogshead #8248. Distilled September 1980 & bottled October 2020 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Private Collection series. Just 193 hand-blown crystal decanters have been produced.

Linkwood Distillery was established in 1821 by Peter Brown in the Speyside whisky region. This is a malt whisky distillery equipped with six stills and whilst a large percentage of Linkwood whisky flows into blends an increasing volume is appearing as single malt whisky. There are some excellent independent releases including vintages such as Linkwood 1969 and Linkwood 1972 from Gordon & MacPhail.

Shop Linkwood 1980

A Stellar Discovery in Age-Stated Bourbon: Calumet Farm 15 Year Old at K&L California – American Whiskey News

Bardstown Delivers Yet Again: A 15-Year Stunner at a Remarkable Price
Calumet Farm 15 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($119.99)
A Rare Opportunity for Bourbon Collectors

In the world of collectible bourbon, finds like this are becoming vanishingly rare. Typically, a 15-year-old, age-stated whiskey from one of Kentucky’s most famous distilleries would command an exorbitant price thanks to collectors willing to pay it, but it would also come in such small quantities as to make it almost irrelevant in the broader market. Not so with the Calumet 15 Year Old “Single Rack Black.” Distilled in 2006 at the iconic Barton distillery in Bardstown, this 19-barrel batch enjoyed a place of honor in the rickhouse. That is to say, these barrels sat in the dead center of the building, where the aging process often yields the most compelling results. This incredible dram is the oldest aged release from the Calumet Farm brand so far, and it offers up everything bourbon fans love in old Kentucky whiskey at a price that makes it accessible to pretty much anyone. It’s also in stock at quantities that permit purchases of multiples, so savvy aficionados looking to stock their bars with a legit, age-stated masterpiece should not pass up this singular opportunity.

Calumet Farm 15 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($119.99)

The new Calumet Farm 15 Year is an unusual release from this upstart, Kentucky-based brand. Both the highest proof and highest age for the brand to date, this is great old Kentucky bourbon bottled without chill filtration. The “Single Rack” is a reference to source of the batch being from a single rack in the rickhouse, meaning all barrels were aged in the same center part of the warehouse, which lends to longer aging as compared to the top floors. Calumet Farm is the most famous horse farm in Kentucky (having bred and trained two Triple Crown winners and eight Derby winners), and their pedigree has allowed them access that few others have. Distilled and aged in Bardstown entirely in 2006, only 19 barrels were used in the production of this batch. At the time, only one distillery was operating in the area, so we can assume this is good Barton juice. The mash bill is 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley.

 

Glendronach Single Cask Whisky at Inverurie Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

GLENDRONACH BATCH 18

The King of Sherry Whisky, Glendronach has had a tumultuous time recently, however one thing that cannot be ignored is the sheer quality of its Single Cask whisky. We have a very limited number of their Batch 18 release left, with just one bottle available of each of these highly sought after collectables. Hand selected for release by Inverurie’s own Doctor Rachel Barrie, Master Blender for the GlenDronach Distillery, the Batch Releases are an annual event in whisky circles. Composed of a limited number of Single Casks, with heavy sherry influences, we are delighted to have a rare Port Pipe release included in the range.

The Balvenie 25 Year Old Rare Marriages at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

Just landed: The Balvenie 25 Year Old

The Balvenie 25 Year Old Rare Marriages

American and European oak barrels are expertly married in this limited edition 25-year-old. Overseen by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE, his six decades of experience allowing for the perfect harmony between the distillery’s signature characteristic of decadent runny honey and rich oak undertones, with layers of fresh fruit, toasted marshmallow and cinnamon spice. This one is a beauty!

£600.00
Buy Now ›

WESTWOOD LINES UP PRESTIGIOUS NEW WHISKY PARTNERSHIP – Scotch Whisky News

WESTWOOD LINES UP PRESTIGIOUS NEW WHISKY PARTNERSHIP

Loch Lomond Whiskies, the Official Spirit of The Open, has agreed a new partnership with golf superstar Lee Westwood to promote the brand’s award-winning single malts across the world.

Westwood, who has won on five continents in his decorated 28-year professional career, worked with Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender, Michael Henry, to create and select the Lee Westwood Single Cask, 1st Edition. The single cask has been aged 25 years to mirror Westwood’s 25 wins on the European Tour.

The spirit is born from Loch Lomond’s unique straight-neck pot stills and has the signature fruity character found in many of Loch Lomond’s multi award-winning single malts. Tasting notes include bursts of ripe peach and crisp apple, with orange zestiness. The finish boasts a caramel sweetness, toasted oak and juicy pineapple before waves of warming sugar and cinnamon spice.

Westwood has agreed the partnership ahead of The Open which takes place this week at Royal St George’s in Kent, England. Fans will watch the world’s best golfers compete for the iconic Claret Jug and Westwood will be aiming to win golf’s original Major on his 25th Open appearance.

Commenting at the launch of the Loch Lomond Whiskies partnership, Westwood said: “I’ve been hugely passionate about single malts for many years, so to see an outstanding whisky bearing my name is a huge privilege and a great pleasure.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Michael and the team at Loch Lomond Whiskies to develop the Lee Westwood Single Cask Edition. I can’t wait for fans to get their hands on a bottle and I’m sure they’ll enjoy a dram as much as I have!”

Colin Matthews, Loch Lomond Whiskies CEO, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to add Lee to our roster of iconic golf ambassadors. He is a global star and has enjoyed tremendous success across the world and most importantly a great guy, so a the perfect fit for our brand.

“We wish him the best of luck at Royal St George’s this week, and hope he continues the great form he has showed recently. We look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”

Westwood joins fellow Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassadors Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke, who won The Open the last time it was contested at Royal St George’s back in 2011.

For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

About Loch Lomond Group

Loch Lomond Group is a multi-award winning leading international distiller of malt, blended and grain whisky with a rich heritage dating back to the foundation of its unique Littlemill Distillery (Scotland’s oldest distillery) in 1772. Its brands are present in over 120 countries around the world. Its key premium Scotch whisky brands include Loch Lomond – “The Spirit of the Open”, Glen Scotia, a Campbeltown malt whisky from the west coast, and Littlemill, the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland. It also produces High Commissioner and Loch Lomond blended Scotch whiskies, as well as Glen’s Vodka, Scotland’s number one vodka brand, and Ben Lomond, premium Scottish Gin.

With production sites across Scotland, Loch Lomond Group is one of the few distillers in Scotland to have a fully integrated production and supply capability. It operates three distilleries – Two (malt & grain) at Loch Lomond Distillery in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire which has on-site cooperage facilities and Glen Scotia distillery in Campbeltown, Argyll. The group also owns and operates Scotland’s largest independent bottling plant in Catrine, Ayrshire.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814. The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old; Loch Lomond 50-Year-Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain

Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12-Year-Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards and a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco 2020 Awards

Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:

  • PLATINUM: Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Inchmurrin 12-Year-Old
  • GOLD MEDAL – Inchmoan 12-Year-Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old

In 2018 the company signed a five-year partnership with The R&A for Loch Lomond Whiskies to become “The Spirit of The Open”. The period includes the playing of the landmark 150th Open in 2021 at St Andrews, the home of golf.

For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com


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