Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be explaining why Dufftown is a fully paid up member of the ‘Axis of Evil’

https://youtu.be/yC0ldQg8BDw

anCnoc’s Gordon Bruce tells tales of craft in new podcast

A new monthly podcast series from anCnoc whisky is set to lift the lid on the passion, process and personalities that go into making some of the world’s most expertly crafted products.

Knock Tales Whisky Podcast with Gordon Bruce will hear the Knockdhu Distillery Manager enjoy a dram and a bit of ‘craic’ with fellow makers and craft obsessives from around the world, getting to the bottom of Gordon’s favourite topic: making things well.

Listeners will hear Gordon fire up the mic from his distillery desk in Knock, Aberdeenshire on the first #WhiskyWednesday of every month, chatting to a different guest in each episode.

They’ll be exploring what drives people to make things the traditional way, with no compromise or shortcuts – including tales from Gordon’s own life dedicated to making anCnoc whisky.

The first episode will be available from Wednesday 3^rd March on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others, and will feature Gordon discussing all things single malt with Texan and fellow distiller Jared Himstedt from Balcones Distillery in Waco. 

Founded just 12 years ago and leading the new wave of American single malts, Jared shares the story of what drew him to whisky, building Balcones Distillery from scratch, his love of recycled kit and what inspires him to make the very best whisky every day in the heart of Texas.

Their conversation is revealing. Whilst Knockdhu and Balcones Distilleries couldn’t be more different, when it comes to what matters as whisky makers, Gordon and Jared are of one mind: it’s all about community, collaboration, creativity and the huge kick they get out of producing a product that goes out into the world for people to enjoy.

Gordon says: ‘I find it fascinating to talk to people who, like me, are obsessed with the detail of how things are made and what makes a great product that stands the test of time. This podcast is all about my curiosity in how that’s done, and the little things that make a difference, and not just when it comes to whisky.  I’ll be telling my own tales from Knockdhu, and chatting to people who put their heart and soul into making crafted products, whatever they may be, and the people who appreciate and celebrate them around the world. 

‘Jared was a brilliant first guest, a man who shares so many of my beliefs when it comes to the importance of tradition, technique and the people at the heart of your production community. Anyone with an interest in whisky, creativity and what it takes to start distilling whisky from scratch is going to love hearing his story.’

The themes of craft and creativity continue into the artwork anCnoc has commissioned to accompany the new podcast: drawings of Gordon (accompanied by one of his beloved distillery dogs) plus each of his guests, captured by New York-based Scottish illustrator Peter Arkle.

Likewise, the podcast soundtrack features a special track that’s close to Gordon’s heart: ‘Wet Field Day’ by award-winning Scottish indie folk band Elephant Sessions, in which his son Mark Bruce plays guitar.

Listen to the trailer for Knock Tales Whisky Podcast with Gordon Bruce on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 

ancnoc.com/knock-tales/podcast 

ABOUT ANCNOC

anCnoc is produced at Knockdhu Distillery, which sits in the shadow of the ‘Black Hill’ (Knockdhu in Gaelic) near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It was established in 1894 by the pioneering John Morrison, after he spotted an abundance of the natural resources needed to make fine malt whisky in the area: pure spring water and plentiful supplies of peat and barley.

Today, Knockdhu is known as one of the smallest and most enchanting distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, producing a refreshingly modern single malt whisky with the most traditional skills and processes. The Black Hill continues to supply pure water for the whisky making process. The distillery’s two copper pot stills replicate the original 1894 design, their bulbous bases giving anCnoc its light, fresh, fruity flavour. Old fashioned worm tubs are used to condense the vaporised alcohol. And Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce, and his team, make up one of the smallest workforces in any distillery (including many dogs!)

ABOUT GORDON BRUCE

Born and raised in Wick, Gordon started working for Inver House Distillers in 1988 as a Mashman in his hometown’s Pulteney Distillery.  Whilst there, he progressed to Stillman, Under Brewer and then Brewer before moving to Balblair distillery in 1994. In 2006 he became Manager of Knockdhu Distillery.

Drawn to the business by Inver House’s distinctive quality and diversity of whiskies, his career highlight is seeing drinkers enjoy anCnoc whiskies whilst knowing that he had a hand in their production. His day-to-day role involves a varied mix: whisky making, welcoming visitors from around the world, engineering and working alongside the enthusiastic and dedicated team that is based at the small, traditional, hands-on distillery.

A particular fan of anCnoc’s bourbon matured 16 Years Old and its 125^th anniversary cask strength 16 Years Old, the brand’s popular peated variants are also a firm favourite, especially when drinkers “who don’t like peated whisky” are converted to a subtly smoked anCnoc expression.

His qualifications include a General Certificate and Diploma in Distilling and he is currently part way through a Master Distiller programme.  A proud Keeper of the Quaich, he loves spending time with his wife, three brilliant kids, his new grandchild and his dogs.

ABOUT BALCONES DISTILLERY

Driven by a passion to create remarkable and authentic experiences, Balcones Distilling marries centuries of distilling tradition with the bold flavors of Texas. Balcones is synonymous with quality and innovation in the whisky industry, known for emphasizing high-quality ingredients and drawing influences from all over Texas to provide a dynamic and striking experience for all who engage with the whisky. Balcones distills all of its beloved spirits inside the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Company building in downtown Waco. At the heart of the distillery are four copper pot stills built by Forsyths, considered some of the best artisans in Scotland. To date, the distillery has earned over 350 national and international awards and accolades for their whiskies and spirits. Balcones will be available in 50 states by the end of 2021 and is one of the fastest growing whisky brands in the country. https://balconesdistilling.com

ABOUT JARED HIMSTEDT, HEAD DISTILLER, BALCONES DISTILLERY

Jared whetted his appetite for distilling first as a home brewer and a manager of Dancing Bear pub, a craft beer bar in Waco, Texas. He is the creative force, product developer, and head blender at the distillery, overseeing everything from label design to barrel selection since Balcones’s inception in 2008. Being involved in an industry steeped in both rich tradition and explorative innovation is part of what keeps Jared committed to the creation of fine whiskies—that, and “getting to work alongside some wonderful, thoughtful, diligent, and creative people.” When he can get away from the distillery, Jared can be found spending time outside with family, friends, good music, and good drinks, particularly the #1 Texas Single Malt, which is still an enduring favourite.

ONLINE TASTING WEEK ANNOUNCEMENT

SOCIETY RELEASE AND TASTING UPDATE

With the continued uncertainty surrounding live events and large gatherings due to the pandemic, we made the difficult decision to cancel our Malts Festival in Campbeltown for the second year running. 

In October 2020 we held our first online tasting events over five evenings focusing each night on one of the group brands. With the success of this, we have decided to arrange our Online Tasting Week 2.0 and are pleased to share the dates with you. We hope you will be able to join us!

SAVE THE DATES
Monday 10^th – Friday 14^th May 2021
More details to follow in due course.

SOCIETY RELEASE AND TASTING UPDATE

Recently we sent you details for the next society bottle and online tasting event plans with corresponding tasting pack for our members.

We are pleased to say that we are making good progress on resuming shipping to EU countries and we are optimistic that we will be able to launch these in the near future. You will be notified by email with instructions on how to enter the ballot for a chance to buy a bottle and tasting pack. The details are included below for the attention of all new members.

Society Bottle – Springbank 8yo Fresh Oloroso Sherry 57.3%

£55.00

There will be 1,830 bottles available by ballot system to members only.

Society Tasting Pack for Society Online Tasting

£35.00

There will be 600 Tasting Pack available for society members only.

We will be hosting an online tasting with four unique drams, carefully selected from our 1992 stocks. Society members will have the opportunity to watch our online tasting and provide their feedback on which of these casks they would like to be considered for a future Society bottling.

Each pack contains 4 x 2cl samples.

• Springbank 28yo – Bourbon Hogshead – 47.2% ABV
• Springbank 28yo Spirit Drink – Rum Barrel – 38.1% ABV
• Springbank 28yo – Oloroso Sherry Hogshead – 51.3% ABV
• Springbank 28yo – Oloroso Sherry Butt – 46.1% ABV

We will confirm the date and time for the tasting when we launch the ballot online. You will receive further instructions and information prior to launch by email.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Both the Society Bottle and the Tasting Pack will be allocated via a ballot, all instructions will be provided by email soon. Please read this carefully to enter.
• Each Society member will be able to enter the ballot for a maximum of one bottle and one tasting pack.
• At the time of writing, we are not currently accepting any entries to the ballot, nor can we accept orders in any other way.
• If you need to contact us for any reason please email society@springbank.scot. Our team are currently working from home and therefore we will not be in the office to answer any phone calls.
• Although we will be able to deliver your order to your home address, due to the current Covid-19 situation throughout Europe, we will not be able to ship items to any Cadenhead’s shop. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

We will be back in touch in due course but if you have any questions in the meantime, please let us know via society@springbank.scot.

Slainte,

Springbank Society
The Springbank Team

To join the Springbank Society contact them at society@springbank.scot

Ailsa Bay 1.2: Sweet Smoke

Scientifically distilled at 022 parts “peat” and 019 parts “sweet”, then micro matured to a precise balance of oaky sweetness and smoky notes, this award winning new age single malt pushes the boundaries of flavour.

Nose: Fresh wood smoke with notes of extinguished bonfire followed by Vanilla, Oak and Candied Orange Peel.

Taste: Beautifully balanced peat and rich vanilla oakiness. A meandering jounrey between smoke, fruit and creamy toffee.

Finish: An intriguing melody of oaky sweetness and peaty dryness

SHOP NOW

DON’T MISS OUT!
Do you have old bottles at the back of your cupboard?
SELL THEM ONLINE TODAY.
It’s the second best thing to do with your whisky.
Get submissions to us by Tuesday 23 March.

FIND OUT MORE

I queued for two hours (online) trying to get ahold of this bottle, only to then see a three figure price tag…no. My heart instantly said no.

That’s never really happened to me before for any new release from a reputable distillery. Beyond this whisky being one of the most almond driven flavours I’ve ever experienced, in a very pleasant way. It’s very…quiet for an Ardbeg.

I know it was Mickey’s farewell bottle, and this may have been the type of whisky he preferred, but for the price, it should just have been more. More of everything.

I tried the Wee Beastie a few months ago, not yet reviewed on the channel, and that didn’t impress me either. Given Ardbeg’s £700 25YO release which I doubt I’ll try, they’re 0-2 in my book over the last two available, new releases

Cheers.

https://youtu.be/hf_mJU5yvSg

Glen Scotia distillery launches worldwide search for Campbeltown photography 

One of Campbeltown’s three surviving single malt Scotch whisky distilleries, Glen Scotia, is calling for people around the world to share photography of the town which captures the peak of the whisky industry during the mid-19^th and early 20^th centuries.

During the Victorian era, Campbeltown, which lies at the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll and is the most remote mainland town in Scotland, was known as the whisky capital of the world and was home to more than 30 working distilleries.

Since 1832, Glen Scotia has been shaped by the people, time and events; as well as the history of Campbeltown itself and the distillery is searching for photographs which bring its unique whisky history and heritage to life.

A whisky truly made by history, Glen Scotia reflects centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with Scotland’s fifth and smallest malt producing region and is renowned for its distinct maritime influence and Campbeltown character.

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller and Distillery Manager at Glen Scotia, said: “The contribution Campbeltown has made to Scotch is incomparable and we are proud to continue to fly the flag for the region around the world.

“Whisky was a way of life in our coastal town for over 100 years and over time, all that experience, craft and passion has been poured into Glen Scotia. Now we are looking for photography that will help us uncover what makes Campbeltown the ‘whiskiest place in the world’.”

Digital or print photographs can be submitted via email to glenscotia@bigpartnership.co.uk or by post to Glen Scotia, BIG Partnership, Fountain House, 1-3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow, G3 7UL, alongside contact details of the sender by 31^st March 2021.

Credit Stenlake Publishing

Selected images may feature as part of this year’s virtual Glen Scotia Whisky Festival, which will welcome thousands of whisky fans from across the globe to experience a range of online tours and tastings from the distillery. The photographs may also be showcased through Glen Scotia’s marketing activity to further raise awareness of the distillery and Campbeltown around the world.

Campbeltown is the forgotten giant of the Scotch whisky industry, once known as “Spiritville” or “Whiskyopolis”. At its peak in the Victorian era, there were around 30 legal distilleries operating in a town with a population of only 9,000 people.

Credit Stenlake Publishing

The search for photography follows in the footsteps of Glen Scotia’s campaign in 2019 which aimed to recognise Campbeltown as the ‘whiskiest place in the world’, and successfully reached the UK Parliament. The motion acknowledged the region for playing a significant part in the history and development of whisky distilling in Scotland and congratulated Glen Scotia distillery manager, Iain McAlister on helping to raise awareness of Campbeltown’s whisky heritage.

For further information about Glen Scotia, visit www.glenscotia.com

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia 25 Years Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded the coveted Platinum award at the prestigious 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition which recognises a brand that has won a Double Gold medal or Best in Class for three consecutive years.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was awarded a Gold Medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019 and a Gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Glen Scotia 18 Years Old won Best Campbeltown Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2018 and a Double Gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Glen Scotia 15 Years OId received a Gold medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2020.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.
• glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

The world of malt whisky is filled with incredible specimens – strange and beautiful creatures that can catch you completely unawares. Fruity and spicy, sweet and floral are all very well, but we wanted to make a whisky inspired by some of Scotland’s wilder offerings.

DISCOVER THE ANIMAL INSIDE SCOTCH WHISKY

Menagerie is our answer to the call of the wild. We have rounded up some of Scotland’s prized beasts, harnessing their subtle savoury characteristics in this new limited edition. You’ll get the textures of worn leather and roast lamb from the leading parcel from Mortlach Distillery, malts from the Deanston Distillery bring animalic, forest floor aromas, while hints of the primordial tar pit come courtesy of two casks from the Laphroaig Distillery. Though a meaty or savoury quality could be discerned in each parcel, the whole composition revolves around gentle notes of toffee and roasted peach.

WHERE DOES MENAGERIE SIT IN THE
COMPASS BOX WORLD?

If you’re already a fan of our Myths and Legends III and want to know how a spicier version would feel on the palate, this could be the one for you. And the really observant among you may have spotted that the Mortlach component here was last seen as a minor part of 2016’s Enlightenment.

Menagerie has now been released in the UK and Europe. Please check with your local specialist spirits retailer for availability or visit our website to purchase this limited edition. Menagerie will be landing in the US in early April – keep an eye on our Instagram or Facebook for more details.

Share & Enjoy!
The Compass Box Team

P.S. Don’t forget to join us on March 21st at 8pm (GMT) for an evening of Magic, Art & Science with our limited edition release Magic Cask. Our virtual events are free to join and open to all to attend. To reserve your place, please register here.

Hello again and a very warm welcome to our February auction. We’re finally starting to thaw out here in what has been a rather chilly few months and we’re hoping you’re ready to burst into a fresh start for spring! Now let’s waste no time and show off some of this month’s whisky spread.

We have a great selection of Thompson Brothers bottlings this month! From their inaugural Dornoch 2017 cask as well as some funky pictures on their Bunnahabhain bottles! Psychedelic disco funk! Don’t worry, summer is coming.

If you’re going to pick a strong and bold colour it’s going to be red right? This powerful colour was also used in the 80s to release their oldest vintages of the time and is very much interwoven into the distilleries prestigious branding and history.

 In this trilogy includes a 1960s Bowmore, Macallan and Highland Park! There you go, three fantastic whiskies hand selected by one whisky big wig. This ones in the bag..

Get Bidding!

FREE UK COLLECTIONS

We continue to offer free doorstep collections for over 10 bottles or collectively worth a minimum of £1000. Contact us to find out more and check availability.

A big THANKS from the foodbank.