This weekend marks the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, signalling the longest day of the year and inspiring a host of celebrations around the globe. Whether you’re dreaming of some Mediterranean sunshine, searching for beautiful summer flavours or enjoying a bit of solstice meditation, we’ve got something for you in our seven new bottlings, online this afternoon.

NOTES

BUY

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

Kavalan Solist “Sherry Cask” #S081223016A Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $210)

$159.99

Another cask of Kavalan lost in a warehouse only to be uncovered nearly a half decade years after it was bottled. Last time we found a Solist sherry from years ago sitting in the importers warehouse it sold out in no time at the regular price of $210. Now, it’s a new world and a new price. We don’t expect future offerings to be discounted and had we had the chance to purchase this at full price, we certainly would have. For whatever reason, we’re now able to sell this cask for a significant discount. A little gift from the booze fairy. As with all Kavalan Sherry, this whisky is a bruiser. A big powerful nose of dark molasses, cherry compote and cured meat. The palate is surprisingly soft and unusually open, there’s still plenty of richness and power even though it doesn’t have the tannic gripe of some other barrels. The heat is also not as present as some other barrels we’ve had. Bold, rich and round, it’s no wonder Kavalan has become one of the world’s leading distillers of single malt. Their prowess is on full display here. Only 234 bottles available. This should arrive before the end of July. **DISCLAIMER: As with all “Solist” line Kavalan bottlings for the US market, the labels do not contain the word “Solist,” due to trademark reasons.

Arran 21 Year Old
Kildonan & Pladda Islands

The third release from this wonderful and highly sought after limited edition series from Arran Distillery. Matured sherry butts, puncheons and port pipes! Arran 21 Year Old Kildonan & Pladda Island single malt Scotch whisky. Matured in sherry butts, puncheons and ruby port pipes. Third release of the Arran Explorers Series. Limited edition release of 9,000 bottles. MAXIMUM 2 BOTTLES PER CUSTOMER

£155 / $162.21* / €172.94*

Buy Now – Arran Explorer Series #3

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 316: Arran 9 Year Old 2009 Private Cask #09/844 for Belgium

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky vlogger, got his hands on another private cask from Arran. This sherry hogshead – cask #09/844 – yielded 292 botttes and was selected by a bunch of Belgians: Top Whisky, Dram242, whisky restaurant De Cluysenaer and the Whiskybrowser. It was distilled on 1^st December 2009 and bottled on 9^th October 2019 making is just two months shy of being ten years old. Lo and behold, it’s a stunner! 

https://youtu.be/kmP2PlRN_qM

Photo Credit Steve McCurry

STEVE MCCURRY CAPTURES THE MACALLAN’S EXTRAORDINARY WOOD JOURNEY

Spanning two continents and thousands of miles, the incredible wood journey undertaken to create The Macallan’s hand-crafted, sherry seasoned oak casks has been chronicled in extraordinary new detail by iconic Magnum photographer Steve McCurry.

His exclusive photographic journal, which is revealed in full for the first time, showcases the people, places and processes involved in the production of The Macallan’s exceptional oaks casks.

Crafted to unique specifications, The Macallan’s oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan’s peerless single malts.

The images also provide a compelling new insight into the mastery of wood and spirit for which The Macallan has been renowned since 1824.

Steve McCurry said: “The thing I admire about The Macallan is their passion for craftsmanship, their excellence and their integrity for their processes.

“Sometimes you have to choose a different path – the one less taken – to go beyond hardship, to reach excellence.”

Firstly, the photographer, recognised as one of today’s finest image makers and synonymous with evocative colour photography, made the trip to the vast green forests of Northern Spain, the source of European oak for The Macallan casks. Then he journeyed to Jerez, Southern Spain where The Macallan’s casks are hand-crafted and seasoned with sherry – one of The Macallan’s defining strengths.

McCurry also travelled to Pennsylvania to discover the influence of American oak.  Grown in the lush forests in the North East of the US, it is key to the unique flavour of The Macallan’s highly successful Double Cask range that balances both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. After leaving America, these casks are also shipped to Jerez to be crafted into casks and filled with sherry, using the same traditional processes applied to the European oak.

When fully seasoned, each cask is transported to The Macallan Estate home to the award-winning Distillery on Speyside. It is then filled with the finest quality, new make spirit ready to be matured under the watchful eye of The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team.

As well as evoking the sights, sounds and even the smells of the forests where the oak trees that form The Macallan’s casks are grown, McCurry also reveals the mastery and commitment of those who craft The Macallan’s casks, including the coopers – professional cask makers – who spend many years learning and perfecting their art.

Stuart MacPherson, Master of Wood, The Macallan, said: “Steve McCurry is one of the world’s greatest documentary photographers and we are privileged that he has expertly captured The Macallan’s wood story through his incredible lens.

“Our people and their craftsmanship have defined The Macallan for almost 200 years and Steve’s outstanding images provide a unique insight into the intensive process of sourcing, crafting and seasoning our exceptional oak casks.

“With up to 80% of The Macallan’s final flavour and character determined by cask quality, Steve has recorded the painstaking commitment and attention to detail that we uphold to deliver the uncompromised excellence that lies at the heart of our brand.”

Steve McCurry’s interpretation of The Macallan’s wood journey is his latest partnership with The Macallan. It follows his previous work with the brand to document the build of The Macallan Distillery, alongside fellow Magnum photographers, in 2018.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com

Notes

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks.  The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills.  It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824.  The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt. 

About Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years, with scores of magazine and book covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world to his name.

Born in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; McCurry studied film at Pennsylvania State University, before going on to work for a local newspaper. After several years of freelance work, McCurry made his first of what would become many trips to India.

Travelling with little more than a bag of clothes and another of film, he made his way across the subcontinent, exploring the country with his camera. McCurry brought the world the first images of the conflict in Afghanistan, putting a human face to the issue on every masthead. His work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike – yet always retains the human element that made his celebrated image of the Afghan Girl so powerful.

He has been a member of Magnum Photos since 1986. McCurry has been recognised with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, National Press Photographers Award, and an unprecedented four first prize awards from the World Press Photo contest, to name but a few.

https://www.stevemccurry.com/

Glen Moray Launches Virtual Whisky Series to Encourage Flavour Exploration

Glen Moray has announced a new series of online whisky events in a bid to take UK drinkers on a virtual journey of discovery, one delicious dram at a time.

Glen Moray’s monthly ‘Whisky Surgeries’ will be hosted on Zoom by the company’s very own doctor and Head of Whisky Creation, Dr Kirstie McCallum, gathering curious drinkers who are missing out on their usual distillery visits and festivals this year.

The first ‘after hours’ surgery will take place at 8pm on Tuesday 7^th July and will put the world of unusual cask maturation under the microscope. Participants can enjoy a virtual tasting and discover the hidden gems found in Glen Moray Distillery’s ‘Warehouse 1’, where unusual casks and maturation experiments are housed.

Throughout the event Dr Kirstie will share her decades of knowledge and experience as one of Scotch whisky’s leading creators, answering questions and revealing the secrets behind Glen Moray’s adventurous approach to flavour
Glen Moray’s first Whisky Surgery is now available to book on Eventbrite. To book a place visit here  

50 spaces are available for this free event, and the first 20 people who sign up will each receive a complimentary Glen Moray tasting kit, which contains the new Madeira Cask Project and Rhum Agricole Cask Finish Project expressions to enjoy during the event. Further session will be announced over the coming months.

Dr Kirstie McCallum commented: ‘I’m really looking forward to presenting our first Whisky Surgery session as there is nothing I enjoy more than sharing a dram with enthusiasts and chatting about one of my favourite subjects – whisky exploration.

‘Glen Moray has a unique history of cask experimentation and I have a good few anecdotes to share on the discoveries that have been made in our distillery. Bringing people who are interested in whisky together to share knowledge is another passion of mine so this new series provides a great platform to do this.’

Crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, Glen Moray distillers have been curious about flavour throughout their history. Surviving handwritten ledgers show that a wide variety of casks were used to mature new make spirit back in those early days, which was an unusual practice for the time. A deep knowledge and expertise of wood has developed at Glen Moray through generations of distillers, resulting in today’s exceptional range of whiskies with a style to suit everyone.

www.glenmoray.com

www.facebook.com/GlenMorayDistillery

www.instagram.com/glen_moray_whisky

www.twitter.com/glenmoraydist

ABOUT GLEN MORAY

Glen Moray is one of Scotland’s best loved single malt whiskies. It has been crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, on what was once the Elgin West Brewery site on the banks of the River Lossie. Pure waters from the river, locally malted barley, distillation in traditional copper stills and maturation in American ex-bourbon casks combine to give the whisky its smooth, well-balanced, classic Speyside character. Glen Moray has always been a place where curiosity about flavour and cask maturation has been encouraged. Records dating back to the early days show new make spirit maturing in a wide variety of different casks – a highly unusual practice at this time. A passion for experimentation and a deep knowledge of wood have been passed down through generations of Glen Moray distillers. The result is today’s exceptional and extensive range of whiskies, offering a flavour and style to suit all tastes. Glen Moray is the 5th biggest malt whisky brand by volume in the UK and is growing in international markets.

ABOUT LA MARTINIQUAISE-BARDINET

Founded by Jean Cayard in 1934, La Martiniquaise is an independent French spirits group with a large portfolio of international brands. Headquartered near Paris, the group operates in over 100 countries with 38 subsidiaries and production sites. The Group’s four pillars are Scotch whiskies, ports, brandies, wines, rums and craft spirits from France.  www.la-martiniquaise.com

Irish Distillers announces the appointment of Kevin O’Gorman as Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery 

Midleton, Wednesday, 10th of June 2020 – Irish Distillers, producer of some of the world’s best loved Irish whiskeys, today announced the appointment of Kevin O’Gorman as the new Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Kevin takes on the role from Brian Nation, who has served as Master Distiller since 2013. Brian is set to take on the role of Master Distiller at a startup distillery in the US.

Kevin will take on one of the most coveted positions in world whiskey. As part of his new role he will be responsible for protecting the rich heritage of the world’s most famous Irish whiskeys, ensuring the quality of all new pot and grain distillates produced at Midleton while supporting future innovation.

A Cork native, Kevin is a Technology graduate from The University of Limerick and holds a Diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He is a master craftsman having started his career in Midleton in 1998, working as a distiller under the tutelage of Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett. From there he moved to Maturation where he honed his skills under then Master of Maturation Brendan Monks before assuming the role of Master of Maturation on Brendan’s retirement in 2007.

Kevin successfully continued the ongoing innovation in maturation that has made Midleton famous, while working with the team in facilitating spirit options for new brands like Method and Madness and brand extensions in the Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare and Spot range. In his previous role, Kevin spent much of his time travelling the globe to source only the highest quality casks from world renowned cooperages, while overseeing the full maturation process across the portfolio.

Commenting on the appointment, Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers, said: “I am delighted to announce Kevin O’Gorman as the new Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Kevin’s exceptional leadership and talent as Master of Maturation has impressed the whiskey world ever since he took on the role in 2007. We know that he will continue to impress as Master Distiller, an evolved role which will see him lead both distillation and maturation at Irish Distillers. I am looking forward to working closely with Kevin as he drives the constant pursuit of excellence and innovation that has been exemplified by the entire team in Midleton for centuries.

“We are immensely grateful for everything Brian has done for Irish Distillers, and the entire Irish whiskey category, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavors as he passes the baton to Kevin”.

Kevin O’Gorman added: “Since starting my career in Irish Distillers in 1998, I have been lucky to learn from masters like Barry Crockett and Brendan Monks about the intricacies of the whiskey production, from grain to glass. Of course, Brian Nation and I have also worked very closely together on distillation and maturation for the past 10 years and he will be missed by all his friends at Midleton Distillery. I am excited to use my experience to drive the sector forward by producing innovative new whiskeys that will delight whiskey fans over the coming years.”

Commenting on the succession, Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, said: “As I step down from the position of Master Distiller, I am struck by what an incredible honour it has been to hold this role. I have been fortunate to work with a fantastic team at Midleton for the past 23 years and have experienced enormous change, development, and innovation, from the recent expansion of our distillery to the development of new distillate styles in the Micro Distillery. I am delighted to see Kevin take on the role of Master Distiller. I know that, under his leadership, the quality and reputation of Irish Distillers’ portfolio will continue to flourish long into the future.”

Notes:

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 8m cases in 2019. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 of those experiencing double or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

The Full Ardbeg Experience at a Wallet-Friendly Price
Ardbeg 5 Year Old “Wee Beastie”
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($44.99)

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have curbside pickup and low cost (often free) delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.

You’d never expect the powerful punch the “Wee Beastie” packs based on its modest age statement. But then, we are talking about Ardbeg, so smoke, peat, and potency are the name of the game. Raised in ex-bourbon and oloroso barrels, this dashing dram from Islay’s most celebrated distillery offers a tantalizing spectrum of flavors both expected and unexpected. There are, of course, the signature elements of smoke and peat, but with a splash of branch, it unveils a whirl of pine, java, orchard fruits, Vanille de Madagascar, Tellicherry peppercorns, and so much more. It’s downright astounding all that this modest 5-year-old serves up. Because of Ardbeg’s international renown, its bottlings often command a princely sum—not so with the Wee Beastie. Priced at $44.99, you can experience all of Ardbeg’s magnificence and stay well within a budget. If smoked cocktails are in your regular repertoire, then this is a must-have for your bar. We couldn’t be happier that Ardbeg has included this impressive single malt in their permanent portfolio. As with all things Ardbeg, we expect our allocation to run out before then next one arrives. So don’t delay in making the Wee Beastie your own.

Ardbeg 5 Year Old “Wee Beastie” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($44.99)

The famous distillery at the end of the road on Islay’s south shore has just released this monster of a dram, its youngest, smokiest permanent release to date. The Wee Beastie is designed specifically with smokey cocktails in mind, but that won’t stop all the Ardbeg lovers from drinking it neat and if you’re one of the lucky lovers of this little distillery on the rock above the bay, you’ll no doubt devour this raw and unabashed new offering right up. This bad boy is aged in a mixture of ex-bourbon barrels and oloroso sherry casks for just 5 years, but takes much bigger bites than expected. A great balance of power and freshness, the distillery describes it as, “In the nose: Very shiny, fresh and herbal, with a hint of vanilla, pear, black pepper, freshly ground, and glazed ham. Strong Turkish coffee, juicy pine resin. With a little water, more herbal notes such as vetiver grass, fennel and anise, green apple and leather. On the palate: Powerful, explosively filling with lots of chocolate, tar, creosote tar oil and smoked bacon, followed by an eruption of antiseptic lozenges, eucalyptus and more anise. Finish: A long, salty and palatable finish with notes of cocoa, fudge butter caramel and hearty meat.”

At Compass Box we’ve made some really exciting discoveries by breaking with tradition.

But there’s one we’ll always celebrate – Father’s Day.

So this year we’re inviting fathers – and partners, sons and daughters – to the very first virtual tasting we’re hosting on June 28th, a week after the big day. Founder (and dad) John Glaser started Compass Box from his kitchen table, so it seems appropriate to ask you to join him via Zoom from yours.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Compass Box is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. That’s two decades of creation and flavour exploration, and John would love to share some of those stories with you.

Whether you’re totally new to whisky or a long-time Compass Box fan, we’ll make sure you all get plenty out of the event. We’ll be tasting The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree and The Story of the Spaniard – all gold award winners at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.

But if you don’t own the bottles, we have a great sampler gift pack of all three. For those in the US, shop with your local retailer. If they don’t have stock, email us and we’ll give you a list of places that do. For those outside the US, head to our shop.

REGISTER ON OUR NEW
EVENTS SITE

If you want to join us, or you know someone who’d like to (fatherhood not essential), you can register for the tasting at www.pleasedrinkcreatively.com. This is also where you’ll be able to download a digital tasting mat and more detailed guidelines nearer the time. So save the date for June 28th (8pm BST, 3pm EST and 12pm PT).

We’d love to see you then so we can share and enjoy together.

ralfy review 830 – Lagavulin 12yo @ 56.5%vol: