We’re delighted to announce that the latest edition of Whisky Magazine, issue #171, publishes today!

Benriach’s Rachel Barrie graces our cover, as Dr Chris White delves into the history of the distillery. The feature examines Benriach’s less-than-auspicious beginnings in the late 1800s, and how it’s risen to become the brand we know today. Benriach’s storied past, combined with its rich stock of both spirit and cask types, means the distillery has not only resisted being pigeonholed by its whisky, but also offers a “world of flavour” for the team at the distillery to play with. But we’ll let you read what Rachel has to say about that part…

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter or Instagram @Whisky_Magazine, or on Facebook @WhiskyMagazine.

Christopher Coates
Editor
Whisky Magazine

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 348: Mortlach 16 Year Old – old versus new

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, puts the classic Mortlach 16 years old from the much acclaimed Fauna & Flora series against the more modern version, today’s 16 years old Distiller’s Dram. That’s going to be quite the party, we should think.

https://youtu.be/euodP4YVrrU

Samuel Gelston’s Launches Irish Whiskey Finished in Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir Casks

Samuel Gelston’s has announced the launch of its latest expression – a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, matured in actor Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir casks.

The new release is the result of collaboration between Gelston’s owner, Johnny Neill and Sam, who is based in New Zealand. It sees the cousins bringing together the two sides of the family, whilst also merging the brilliant flavours and aromas of the two hemispheres.

The liquid has been triple distilled and matured for 19 months in ex-bourbon casks, before spending a further 21 months maturing in Sam’s French oak casks, which had previously held his prestigious Central Otago Pinot Noir.

It is malty on the nose with hints of strawberry, nutmeg and tropical fruit. On the palate it is big, rich and sweet, with a hint of dryness, a note of blackcurrant and dash of spice – all with sweet, jammy notes on the finish.

Johnny Neill

Johnny Neill, owner of Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whisky, said; “The Neill family have been making quality spirits for generations. My Great, Great Grandfather Harry Neill set up the successful McCallum Neill & Co in Australia in 1851, and Percival, one of his younger brothers set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882 – Percival was Sam Neill’s Great Grandfather.

Sam Neill

“Sam and I have continued this legacy in our respective sides of the world – I’ve been focused on the creation of artisanal spirits using local ingredients, whereas he has dedicated nigh on 30 years winegrowing super premium pinot noir. For the first time in 150 years, we’re bringing together the expertise from both sides of the family  – the result being an incredibly exciting sweet, honeyed and very inviting Single Pot Still Whiskey”.

Samuel Gelston’s Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey finished in Pinot Casks (40% ABV, 70cl), is available via the Drop Store now.   

NOTES

More about Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whisky

Samuel Gelston’s Old Irish whiskey was founded in 1830 by Samuel Gelston. It was a time when Irish whiskey was famous around the world.

Samuel, a wine and whiskey merchant from Belfast, made it his mission to source, blend and bottle the best Irish whiskey from across Ireland. At the time there were 88 licensed distilleries on the island, and Samuel selected the very highest quality liquids for each bottle.

In 1869, upon Samuel’s death, the business was bought by Harry J. Neill. Harry had previously left Ireland’s shores with his younger brother Percival in order to make their fortunes in the Australian Gold rush of 1851. Having set up and subsequently sold his successful provisions business in Melbourne & Geelong, Harry returned to Belfast and purchased Gelston’s. His brother travelled on to New Zealand to set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882.

Harry was the son of a Belfast merchant and French wine importer and was passionate about whiskey – indeed his grandfather and great grandfather had been whiskey distillers in Comber in the 1750s and 1760’s. He therefore continued their and Samuel Gelston’s legacy of sourcing, blending and bottling the very finest whiskeys, and developed the Gelston’s Irish whiskey brand around the world.

However, the Irish Whiskey landscape faced serious challenges as it entered the 20^th century, and the combined effects of World War I, the Irish War for Independence and finally Prohibition, resulted in the near collapse of the Irish Whiskey industry – which, in turn, led to the demise of Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey.

The brand remained with the Neill family, and five generations on it has now been brought back to life by Harry’s great great grandson, Johnny Neill. Johnny and well-known master distiller Frank McHardy made it their mission to journey across Ireland again to source, bottle and blend the best liquids they could find and Samuel Gelston’s Old Irish Whiskey was reborn.

The current collection includes Samuel Gelston’s Single Malt, Single Pot Still, 5 Year Old Single Malt, 10 Year Old Single Malt, 15YO Single Malt, 26 Year Old Single Malt. Cousins, Johnny & Sam Neill, descendants of Harry and Percival have joined forces on the latest launch that marries Johnny’s Irish Whiskey with Sam’s Pinot Noir New Zealand Wine Casks.

This exciting brand is back doing what it did best.

More about H J Neill Ltd

HJ Neill Ltd are craft spirit purveyors responsible for Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey, The Pleasure Gardens Distilling Company, Mary-Le-Bone Gin, Yattendon Distillery and the Berkshire Botanical artisan spirit collection. 

Drinkaware is an independent UK-wide, alcohol education charity with the objective of positively changing public behaviour and the national drinking culture. It aims to reduce alcohol misuse and minimise harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking. It achieves this by providing impartial, evidence-based information, advice and practical resources; raising awareness of alcohol and its harms and by working collaboratively with partners (including the medical community, public health, third sector organisations, local authorities, police and the drinks industry).

Drinkaware has more than 100 funders, including UK alcohol producers, retailers in the on-trade and off-trade, and wholesalers.

Enjoy shelter from the storm with our curl-up collection of new whiskies. The perfect remedy for the season.

VITAMIN DE TABLE

CASK NO. 35.246

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  23 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

JUICY FRUIT MEETS BIG RED

CASK NO. 71.68

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  8 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Light & delicate

CURRY CORNER

CASK NO. 58.23

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Spicy & dry

NEW ACQUAINTANCE

CASK NO. 10.188

CASK:  Refill sherry butt

AGE:  14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

PEATABIX

CASK NO. 66.144

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  12 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

ANTHRACITE SEASONING DUST

CASK NO. 53.314

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT ADAM’S REVIEW OF THE OUTTURN

SO YOU CAN PICK YOUR FAVOURITE BOTTLE AND CURL UP WITH A DRAM!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
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403-969-8225
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Bunnahabhain 11 year Old 2009
68.4%!!

Matured in a single 1st fill sherry butt this is another monster ABV from Signatory Cask Strength. Cask #900081 bottled October 2020. Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask first fill sherry butt #900081 bottled October 2020 by Signatory Vintage for the Cask Strength Collection. 600 bottles.

Shop – Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 Signatory

BUNNAHABHAIN SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Bunnahabhain Distillery was established in 1881 on the north eastern tip of the Isle of Islay by the shore of Bunnahabhain Bay and overlooking the Sound of Islay. All the building materials were transported by puffer and unloaded at the distillery pier. Now tucked away at the end of the single track ‘main’ road with spectacular scenery all the way. Bunnahabhain Distillery is equipped with four huge pear shaped stills and produces Scottish malt whisky which is released in blends and in single malt and single cask bottlings. A participant in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Core editions include Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 347: Mortlach 14 Year Old Alexander’s Way

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries the Beast of Dufftown. Originally the 14 years old Alexander’s Way – which refers to the fiendishly complicated process of 2.81x distilled that creates that typical umami spirit that Mortlach is known for – was only available as a travel retail expression, but today you can find it quite easily.

https://youtu.be/0uJX4168WCk 

LAPHROAIG’S UNFORGETTABLE TASTE CELEBRATED IN NEW INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN

• New above the line campaign ‘You’ll always remember your first Laphroaig’ aims to encourage drinkers to experience the unique flavour of the world’s most divisive single malt.
• Capturing the genuine public reactions of their first sip the TVC will appear across broadcast, video on demand, and other digital platforms from 26 October.

2nd November 2020: Laphroaig, the UK’s number one peated single malt*, has announced the launch of a new fully integrated above the line campaign. It is aimed at capturing the unique reactions of consumers attempting to describe the smoky flavour of this iconic Islay single malt.

Basking in the divisive, yet unforgettable, taste of Laphroaig, the campaign will appear across broadcast TVC (30”) with social and digital media (15”) going live from 1 December.

‘You’ll always remember your First Laphroaig’ is the next chapter of Laphroaig’s Opinions Welcome advertising campaign and the idea that everyone has their own, often unexpected but always unique reaction to this whisky. The new creative plays on this concept via the coming together of first time Laphroaig drinkers.

Filming genuine members of the public across a variety of ages and backgrounds, each individual is handed a bottle and glass and invited to enjoy their first sip. Beginning with trying to pronounce the name of the infamous liquid, what ensues is a variety of facial expressions that range from hesitant and unsure, to full-blown dislike, pleasant surprise and deep love for the taste – each perfectly capturing the experience without the need for words. The film concludes with two of the brand’s newest and biggest fans fervently nodding and proclaiming their newfound love for Laphroaig.

Perfectly articulating Laphroaig’s personality in a way that transcends traditional whisky advertising, the playful yet honest persona positions the experience of drinking a Laphroaig as a memorable one, no matter the outcome.

Nick Ganich, Head of Brands, Edrington-Beam Suntory UK said, “The idea that Laphroaig isn’t for everyone is what makes it such an iconic and inclusive brand. You may love or indeed dislike the taste, but what is certain is that drinking Laphroaig is a deeply personal experience that elicits great emotion and often debate amongst our customers and consumers.”

Jim Robinson, Managing Director, Warp & Woof said: “Bringing this core part of the brand’s personality to life through the campaign has been a lot of fun and something we believe will encourage thousands of soon to be die-hard fans to discover Laphroaig.”

The campaign will also feature as part of Video on Demand through Sky Go, ITV and All 4 and in a variety of formats across both Instagram and Facebook.  Furthermore, it will stretch across UK retail and e-commerce outlets featuring Laphroaig’s “Opinions Welcome” gift packs in the lead up to the key Christmas period.

To find out more about the campaign or Laphroaig more generally visit www.laphroaig.com. Alternatively subscribe to the Laphroaig UK YouTube channel or check out Facebook and Instagram for updates and news. The advert can be seen by clicking HERE

*Nielsen / CGA MAT Combined Sept 2020

Notes:

TVC credits

Agency: Warp & Woof

Production Company: Cherry Duck

Creative Director: Greg Saunders

Associate Director: Ivana Markotic

Director: Ikenna Mokwe

DOP: Chris DuMont

Producer: Dave Cockayne

Post: Adam Cant/Tom Smith

Editing: Christian Burnett

Music: Lee Baker

Sound: Christian Wells/Janis Balodis

Since plane tickets won’t be realistic holiday gifts this year, we’d like to help get into the “holiday spirit” with gift ideas inspired by our roster of international whiskies.  After months of cancelled trips and adventures, these spirited gifts will transport recipients to their most-missed destinations via their taste buds – whether that means sipping aged Japanese whisky in an underground izakaya in Tokyo, Scotch on the rocky beaches of Islay and more.

PHOTO CREDIT BEAM SUNTORY

IRELAND

Since 1757, Kilbeggan Distilling Company has crafted a portfolio of beloved Irish whiskeys unlike any other at its two distilleries: Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest continually licensed distillery in Ireland, and Cooley Distillery, established in 1987 and considered a driving force behind the Irish Single Malt evolution.

• The Tyrconnell 10 Year Madeira Cask, Port Cask and Sherry Cask Finish (SRP for each: $75) are a trio that showcase the versatility of Irish Whiskey. Initially aged for 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels, each spirit spends an additional 6-8 months in casks that have been hand-selected for their ability to further enhance the profile of The Tyrconnell. 

• Launched this year, Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery has revived Irish whiskey history and tradition with the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (SRP: $45). Featuring a unique mash of malted barley, raw barley and oats, this remarkable whiskey was inspired by recipes used at Kilbeggan Distillery through the late 1800s.

PHOTO CREDIT BEAM SUNTORY

SCOTLAND

Made at the first distillery on Islay since 1779, Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky is known as one of the most balanced Islay whiskies, which are often thought to be the smokiest Scotch whiskies in the world.

• The recently-announced, exceptionally-rare Black Bowmore DB5 1964 (SRP: $65,000) brings together an iconic whiskey and legendary car in a masterpiece bottle of equal parts, featuring one of the world’s most sought-after single malts and a genuine Aston Martin DB5 piston.

• With notes of citrus, salt, smoke and vanilla, Bowmore 12 Years Old (SRP: $52) brings out the best in fresh seafood, especially oysters. Together, the Scotch and oysters raise each other’s profile and reveal new flavors on the palate.

PHOTO CREDIT HOUSE OF SUNTORY

JAPAN

For more than three generations, the master blenders at the House of Suntory, the Founding House of Japanese Whisky, have devoted themselves to pursuing the harmony of Japanese nature and craftsmanship to produce the legendary Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki whiskies.

• Made at the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first and oldest distillery, Yamazaki 18 Years Old (SRP: $350) is praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world for its signature, multi-layered taste with fruit and Mizunara aromas. 

• This holiday season, a special Suntory Whisky Toki Highball Gift Set (SRP: $35) is available in select markets featuring a bottle of Toki, custom Japanese highball glass, wooden bottle glorifier and Toki Highball recipe card. Toki is a unique blend of whiskies that is ideal for making a traditional Japanese highball.