Ben Nevis 18 Year Old

1997 vintage single cask bottled back in 2015 for the Pearls of Scotland series. 326 bottles at cask strength 54.8% of this now legendary vintage. Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1997 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask #616 bottled 2015 by Gordon & Co. for the Pearls of Scotland series.

BEN NEVIS SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Ben Nevis Distillery is a Highland malt whisky distillery established by John McDonald in 1825 at Inverlochy just north of Fort William and rests at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. A Coffey’s Still was installed in in 1955 and both malt and grain whiskies were produced simultaneously until 1981. The core range comprises Ben Nevis 10 Year Old, McDonald’s Traditional and single cask bottling are released from time to time. The distillery is owned by Nikka of Japan.

£92.11 /  $101.07* / €102.61*

BUY NOW – Ben Nevis 18 Year Old >>

A friendly reminder that we are offering our complimentary collection service in London on:

Sunday 13th September 2020
6-8pm by appointment only
St Paul’s Hotel, Hammersmith, W14 0QL

Collections are limited and by appointment only. If you would like to attend please complete the form which can be found here.

Please do not attend without an appointment or if you are feeling unwell in line with COVID 19 guidelines.

Additionally, please complete a Submission Sheet. This must be handed to the collections team.

We are now offering a delivery (to collection point) service. This service is available to customers who are dropping bottles for a future auction and is charged at £12 (inc VAT).

We are monitoring the COVID situation, this collection may be cancelled if infected numbers increase over the coming days.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 336: Compass Box The Lost Blend

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky vlogger, tries a retired Compass Box release. The Lost Blend is a limited edition from 2014 by Compass Box, which was actually an homage to the Eleuthera, the very first blended malt John Glaser and his team created many moons ago consisting of Clynelish and Coal Ila. They called it the Lost Blend, because they had to retire the Eleuthera when they were no longer able to create it as one of the components – Caol Ila – was no longer available. The Lost Blend has a slightly different composition, but is even better than the original. Shot in the lavender fields of Sault, France.

https://youtu.be/Fcx94iar64Y

NEW ARDBEG 19 YEARS OLD JOINS RARE BATCH SERIES

< Islay Distillery releases Batch Two of Ardbeg Traigh Bhan >

This month, smoky malt whisky lovers will get the chance to add another exclusive and rare aged Ardbeg to their drinks cabinet, with the launch of the second batch of Ardbeg 19 Years Old Traigh Bhan.

This exquisite whisky is inspired by the beautiful beaches of Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van) on Islay. Known locally as the Singing Sands, the tides ebb and flow and the beach hums beneath your feet, but in the seemingly tame crystal waters danger lurks, as jagged volcanic rocks pierce the surf along the shore. This place, like the whisky itself, is where calm meets storm.

Matured in American oak and Oloroso Sherry casks, Batch Two is subtly different to the previous release of Traigh Bhan. This time round, the 19 Year Old takes on an altogether more silky-smooth character, thanks to a higher proportion of 1st-fill Bourbon casks, alongside refills and Sherry casks.

This sublime dram is the epitome of an aged Ardbeg. On the nose, faint ripples of sweet wood smoke and tart crème fraîche flow gently into bold notes of savoury fennel, celeriac and roasted tea leaves. On the palate, an intensely salty mouthfeel shifts like the tides into soothing medicinal notes, followed by salted peanut brittle, smoked pineapple and lime juice. Waves of aniseed lap over the palate, before rich fudge, birch tar and peat smoke crash down wildly.

The taste profile isn’t the only thing that changes year on year. Each Traigh Bhan whisky carries its own unique batch code, batch symbol and signature from one of the Distillery’s famous faces – this year it’s Jackie Thomson, the Distillery Visitor Centre Manager.

Jackie, said: “I’m really delighted to have my name on this bottling, the second exquisite batch of 19 Years Old. It’s an aromatic, balanced whisky and one which I really love. Not only is the dram incredibly rare and mellow, but the small quirks and originalities on the bottle itself make it highly collectible – something we know our Ardbeg fans love.”

Ardbeg’s Whisky Creator, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “To me, this whisky is the epitome of an aged Ardbeg. It somehow manages to balance the complex with the classic. It’s a truly unique bottling and we hope Ardbeggians everywhere look forward to comparing notes with the previous batch. I know I did!”

Lovers of smoky single malts can visit ardbeg.com to find out more about the specific tasting notes of this batch of Ardbeg Traigh Bhan.

The second batch of Ardbeg 19 Years Old Traigh Bhan will be available from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists and Clos19 from September, RRP: £199.

www.ardbeg.com

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NOTES: 

Tasting Notes:

Matured in American oak and Oloroso sherry casks, this sublime 19 Year Old whisky is the epitome of an aged Ardbeg.

ABV: 46.2%
Batch No: TB/02-18.09.00/20.JT
Colour: Pale Gold

Aroma:

On the nose, faint ripples of sweet wood smoke and tart crème fraîche flow gently into bold notes of savoury fennel, celeriac and roasted tea leaves. Plunge further and discover alluring aromas of charcoal and lightly burnt toast. A splash of water releases a gust of fresh seaspray, followed by eucalyptus oil and pine. Finally, this irresistible nose ends with an unmistakable top note of saddle soap and leather.

Taste:

An intensely salty mouthfeel shifts like the tides into soothing medicinal notes, followed by salted peanut brittle, smoked pineapple and lime juice. Waves of aniseed lap over the palate, before rich fudge, birch tar and peat smoke crash down wildly.

This is a dram that coaxes you in, and all assumptions are best left behind. Simply let this alluring spirit surprise and delight.

Finish:

Savoury and smoky notes collide in a sharp, intense, yet satisfyingly long finish.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2019, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the third time in four years. Ardbeg Corryvreckan won the Best Single Malt Scotch at the International Whisky Competition 2020, while Ardbeg Wee Beastie won Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old, and the Ardbeg Distillery itself won the Distillery of the Year 2019 and 2020.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.  

Responsible Drinking:
Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of 2020 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

14^th edition of the annual ultra-premium release is a 10 Year Old Heavy Char Bourbon, continues the distillery’s commitment to support ALS research and patient care

Parker’s Heritage Collection is a hallmark lineup of Heaven Hill Distillery’s exploration in premium innovation. The 14^th edition continues the interaction of barrel char across varying mashbills, this time with Heaven Hill’s traditional Bourbon mashbill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley and 10% rye. Aged in heavy char (Level 5) barrels, as opposed to the customary Level 3 for Heaven Hill, the resulting flavors carry intensified notes of the traditional Bourbon. Consisting of 102 barrels aged on the sixth floor of rickhouse Y for 10 years, the heavy char brings forth a caramel and maple sweetness, as well as slight smokiness developed after 40 Kentucky seasons in the barrel.BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the 2020 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection 10 Year Old Heavy Char Bourbon. The 14^th edition will ship nationally beginning in September at an SRP of $120.00.

The second heavy char edition of the series advances the study of how a more intense char allows the liquid to penetrate deeper into each barrel stave and the effects on the resulting flavor. Bottled at 120 proof (60% abv) and non-chill filtered to preserve all the flavor compounds, this Bourbon showcases the broad range of Heaven Hill Distillery’s 1.8 million barrels of aging inventory.

“The Parker’s Heritage Collection is a testament to the attention to detail crafted throughout Heaven Hill’s distilling legacy,” said Susan Wahl, Vice Present, American Whiskies at Heaven Hill. “It is an honor to continue Parker’s interest in innovation through this series and showcase the variety of Heaven Hill Distillery’s portfolio. It is in tribute to Parker and his legacy that we continue to support ALS research and patient care with this series.”

The late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2010. The past seven editions from 2013-2019, including the “Promise of Hope” Bourbon, the “Original Batch” Straight Wheat Whiskey, the Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, the 24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, the 11-Year-Old Single Barrel, Orange Curaçao-finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, respectively, have raised more than one million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. With the 2020 Heavy Char Bourbon edition, Heaven Hill will again contribute a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold to the ALS Association.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous thirteen editions, but with a navy blue label, the newest Parker’s Heritage Collection is available in a three-bottle case and will be available at retail starting in October. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the series stands as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.8 million barrels aging in 60 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whisky Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

PARTICIPATE

Wow! How do you fancy owning your very own CASK of whisky? We can make your dram dreams come true, with an exceptional prize giveaway open to all SMWS members. We’ve teamed up with fellow flavour fanatics at Holyrood Distillery to offer the chance to win one of their hogshead casks. The prize includes spirit production, maturation for up to 10 years, plus bottling and duty. We’re sure you’ll agree, this is a dream whisky prize for our members.

The collaboration celebrates the distillery’s new custom cask programme, where whisky lovers are encouraged to take the reins and create a unique flavour matched to their own preferences. Holyrood Distillery are offering a level of expertise and customisation that you won’t find anywhere else. All this means that your whisky will be truly one-of-a-kind.

MORE DETAILS

Feel free to get in touch with the lovely folks at Holyrood Distillery if you have any questions or enquiries about their new custom cask programme.

COMPETITION ENTRY

To make this dream come true, members need to complete our competition entry form before Monday, 2 November. As simple as that. There are terms and conditions that need some attention, you’ll find these online. Good luck!

ENTER

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Welcome to this weeks episode of the show. It’s time to find out if there is some distillery character evident or is it all just a case of sherry, sherry and yet more sherry! Watch and find out!

For a limited time only, enjoy £5 off our award-winning Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky and free UK delivery when you shop online!*

Simply enter code WHISKY5 at checkout.

Don’t miss out – offer ends midnight on Sunday 13th September and is subject to availability while stocks last.

SHOP NOW

*T&Cs apply
(discount code cannot be combined with any other discount code)

This weeks episode of the Good DramShow https://youtu.be/tkqZ19TZNA4 is a general round up and features new and new-ish releases from Lindores Abbey, Mackmyra, North Star, The Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, Bruichladdich and Kingsbarns.

BENRIACH’S CREATIVE PAST INSPIRES FUTURE WITH DISTINCTIVE NEW PORTFOLIO OF SINGLE MALTS 

Benriach Distillery, located in north Speyside, has revealed a distinctive flavour-forward portfolio of Single Malts and a new look inspired by the distillery’s creative heritage.

Known for its long-standing tradition of distilling classic, peated and triple distilled whisky and a vast eclectic cask inventory sourced from around the world, the portfolio has been artistically crafted by Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie and her team. Displaying the diversity and versatility of Benriach’s orchard fruit-laden style, this new range spans the full spectrum of whisky flavour.

The new packaging takes inspiration from the first Benriach Single Malt released over two decades ago, with the portfolio’s colour palette inspired by Speyside’s natural environment in which the distillery sits.

Benriach Master Blender, Dr Rachel Barrie said: “The new range perfectly marries tradition and innovation that is central to Benriach’s story. Inspired by the 1994 bottling of the Original Ten, with its fruit-laden complexity and smooth, rounded taste, the new range re-imagines the 1898 origins of Benriach, brought to life in the 21st century through fusing distilling styles with extraordinary casks.

“In the new Original Ten, a more richly flavoured, rounded malt character might be discerned, whilst The Twelve balances richly sherried malt with added layers of fruit complexity, reaching a pinnacle at twelve years old. The new Smoky Ten and Smoky Twelve explore the sweet smokiness of Benriach, enriched through innovative combinations of rum, virgin oak and marsala casks interwoven with more traditional bourbon and sherry.

“The new Benriach range is for those open to new possibilities, building on a wealth of experience and tradition. I invite the drinker to join me on this creative journey, as we explore the rich rewards of Single Malt whisky.”

In addition to Benriach The Original Ten, the Core Range will feature a new recipe for Benriach’s richly sherried twelve year old whisky, including port and bourbon casks  interwoven for seamless smooth complexity.

The extraordinarily sweet smoky whisky distilled in the distillery’s smoke season features in the new Smoky Ten and Smoky Twelve Year Old expressions. Both have their own flavour palette, created by maturing in bespoke oak casks, interwoven with Benriach’s hallmark sweet smoke.

A premium selection of Twenty One, Twenty Five and Thirty Year Old Single Malts brings an extremely rare opportunity to discover the exquisite integration of flavour resulting from decades of maturation. Matured in a diverse selection of highly distinctive oak casks, and interwoven with complex layers of refined and mellow smoke, each aged expression has been meticulously composed for aromatic finesse, sumptuous richness, and deep mellow maturity.

As one of just two distilleries in Speyside still to practice traditional floor malting on site, a new small batch and limited edition ‘Malting Season’ expression will celebrate this time-honoured practice. Benriach’s seasonal peated spirit production will also be captured in a new ‘Smoke Season’ bottling, which explores the full intensity of Benriach’s fruit-forward smoky  spirit, amplified through bespoke cask selection.

Benriach will also continue its legacy of capturing unique moments in time through its Cask Edition Programme, and will continue to offer a travel retail collection featuring the Triple Distilled aged 10 years, as well as Quarter Cask and Smoky Quarter Cask expressions.

Over 120 years since it was established, Benriach is also expected to unveil its first official visitor centre to the public later this year, allowing visitors from around the world to explore this Speyside whisky gem.

The new Benriach range will become available in global markets gradually from September 2020.

Notes 

Timings of product availability will vary by country as they transition to the new range. Benriach Smoke Season will launch later this year, and Malting Season will become available in spring 2021.

For more details on the new portfolio please visit www.benriach.com

About Benriach Distillery

A Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky as intriguing and extraordinary as Benriach could not have come to be without a unique whisky making heritage, dating from 1898, when founder John Duff built his distillery. Ruggedly beautiful, Benriach stands on the site of the old Riach farm in north Speyside, drawing water from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the distillery.

Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, our whisky makers are able to explore the full flavour possibilities of Single Malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside.

This tradition continues today, under the guidance of Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Benriach is the story of a hidden Speyside gem, quietly revealing its treasures to be discovered and savoured.

Facebook – @Benriach

Instagram – @Benriach

Twitter – @TheBenriach