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Those of you who attended Maltstock probably have seen Jason and Joshua probing their microphone under peoples noses during the weekend. In their never ending search for relaxed content for the excellent Single Cask Nation podcast they ended up with Teun in the middle of the night…
Ah well, it’s only a good hour of your time. 😉
Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan and Teun
This weeks episode of the show takes a look at the re-vamped Cu Bocan range as well as a couple of new limited edition releases from Tomatin.
Glen Scotia releases its oldest and rarest expression
One of Campbeltown’s three surviving distilleries, Glen Scotia, has added an exceptionally rare 45-year-old single malt to its award-winning range.
Encased in a stunning handcrafted walnut box, and limited to 150 bottles world-wide, Glen Scotia 45-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is not only the oldest expression to be released by Glen Scotia distillery but also one of the most exclusive. A whisky truly made by history, Glen Scotia 45 year old reflects the centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with Campbeltown.
Embodying all the signature characteristics of a Campbeltown single malt, the liquid is dominated by maritime influences. On the nose, it presents bold coastal elements, as well as sweet notes of ripe pineapple, crisp green apple, rose and vanilla.
The liquid was distilled in December 1973 before being filled into refill Bourbon casks two days before Christmas. Over three decades later, in 2011, the precious spirit was carefully re-casked into first fill Bourbon then laid to mature under the watchful eye of master distiller Michael Henry before finally bottling in 2019.
He said: “Glen Scotia 45-year-old is one of the most magnificent expressions to be produced by our Campbeltown distillery and we are excited that after 45 years we are now able to unveil it to the world.
“Distilled in 1973, this single malt is steeped in history and is extraordinarily rare. The liquid has been maturing in refill bourbon casks, tucked away in our bonded warehouses, for over three decades before being finished in first fill bourbon.
“It embodies all of the unique elements which Glen Scotia is known for, delivering a long mouth-watering finish with notes of sea salt and lime citrus. On the palate, the liquid presents caramel sweetness at first, then juicy fruit with pineapple, mango and water melon rounded by vanilla and honey.”
Non-chill filtered to ensure it is enjoyed as nature intended, Glen Scotia 45 year old is bottled at 43.8% ABV and presented in a striking case created by family-owned, UK-based luxury packaging manufacturer, Moran’s Wood Components. Each case is handmade using sustainably sourced British walnut and features contains a delicate tile engraved with the individual bottle number and tasting notes. Inside, the case boasts embossed leather lining.
Paul Moran, director, Moran’s Wood Components, said: “It was an honour to create such a beautiful box for the Glen Scotia 45 year old, a very rare and historic whisky. Inspired by the intrinsic link between wood and whisky, we also drew from Glen Scotia’s vision of incorporating quality materials and craftsmanship, to reflect the same principles that go into the distillery’s award-winning single malts.
“We constantly strive to push the boundaries, and everyone at Moran’s is extremely proud of this project.”
Campbeltown is Scotland’s fifth and smallest malt producing region. Throughout the Victorian era it was known as the whisky capital of the world and home to more than 30 working distilleries.
To raise awareness of the importance of the region to Scotland’s whisky heritage, Glen Scotia distillery has been campaigning for Campbeltown to be recognised the “whiskiest place in the world.” In July 2019, a parliamentary motion on the issue lodged at Westminster received cross party support.
Iain McAlister, distillery manager, said: “It might be the smallest region, but the contribution Campbeltown has made to Scotch whisky is incomparable.
“For over 100 years, our coastal town has been crafting some of the world’s most exciting expressions and Glen Scotia 45 year old exemplifies everything you would expect of a fantastic Campbeltown single malt. It truly is the perfect addition to any collection.”
Glen Scotia 45 year old will be priced at £3,795 and available from specialist retailers from October, including the Whisky Shop.
Stockist
Tasting notes
Nose
Bold coastal elements, sea-soaked basalt leads into thick fruit of ripe pineapple and crisp green apple before floral notes of rose, vanilla and toasted oak come through.
Taste
Viscous oily mouthfeel coats the tongue. Caramel sweetness at first then juicy tropical fruit, with pineapple, mango and watermelon rounded by vanilla and honey.
Finish
Long mouth-watering finish with sea-salt and lime citrus before warming cinnamon and ground ginger spice.
About Glen Scotia:
www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts
Ultra special new whiskies from Alberta Premium
Alberta Premium Cask Strength & 20 Year Old Limited Editions
Every now and then Alberta Premium treats its loyal customers to some truly mindblowing sipping whisky. Get ready: Alberta Premium Cask Strength and Alberta Premium Aged 20 Years are on shelves in Alberta now, and will be available nationwide in November.
Alberta Premium Cask Strength, which was drawn from the barrel uncut at 61.5% abv. features cereal notes, dark fruits, and mild vanilla with rosewater, mint and peppery spices finishing on sweet and sour pickles and bitter grapefruit pith. Suggested price is $64.95.
Alberta Premium 20 Year Old, at 42% abv exudes a toffeeish, oily, floral, nose. The palate feels creamy with rye bread, peppery rye spices, citrus fruits and hints of cedar decking then sweet maple syrup, soft chocolates and brisk spices. Truly, elegance in a bottle. Suggested retail price is $89.95.
As with all Alberta Premium whiskies, these are distilled from 100% Canadian prairie rye mashed in Rocky Mountain water.
Prices will vary by market.
Canadian Club 42 Year Old
Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man
On September 20, 1977, distiller Jack Farrell was busy filling hundreds of once used American Oak barrels with corn distillate. Now, 42 years later some of that whisky has been bottled as Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man, the oldest Canadian whisky ever offered for sale, and it is spectacular.
The Dock Man is a sweet luscious whisky with a deep, complex nose and palate. Fruity and floral notes entwine delicately with Canadian Club’s signature prunes and black raisins followed by tartish apple skins, and apricots. Mild peppery spices evolve into sweetish baking spices, while woody notes are restrained, with soft tannins pulling gently on the cheeks. Dark fruit returns in a long spicy finish.
When this whisky was first released as a 40 year old, in 2017, it caused pandemonium in liquor stores as people jostled to buy their bottle. Liquor stores be warned: the Canadian Club brand team plans to continue the series annually with a 43-year-old in 2020 and right on up to 50.
Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man
On September 20, 1977, distiller Jack Farrell was busy filling hundreds of once used American Oak barrels with corn distillate. Now, 42 years later some of that whisky has been bottled as Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man, the oldest Canadian whisky ever offered for sale, and it is spectacular.
The Dock Man is a sweet luscious whisky with a deep, complex nose and palate. Fruity and floral notes entwine delicately with Canadian Club’s signature prunes and black raisins followed by tartish apple skins, and apricots. Mild peppery spices evolve into sweetish baking spices, while woody notes are restrained, with soft tannins pulling gently on the cheeks. Dark fruit returns in a long spicy finish.
When this whisky was first released as a 40 year old, in 2017, it caused pandemonium in liquor stores as people jostled to buy their bottle. Liquor stores be warned: the Canadian Club brand team plans to continue the series annually with a 43-year-old in 2020 and right on up to 50.
Last Straw
Sprouted Corn Whisky
As with everything Last Straw makes, what comes out of the barrel goes into the bottle. But at what abv? For their brand new sprouted corn whisky, the team at Last Straw distillery invited distillery visitors to taste the whisky at four different strengths and vote on their favourite.
This soft, sweet, creamy whisky began with 100% organic Ontario yellow dent corn, grown at Sheardown Family Farm in York County, and malted by King Farm Mills. Before it had reached four years maturing in #3 char American Oak the spirit already tasted pretty good with spicy peppers, hints of cinnamon and vague hints of corn cobs. When the Last Straw team poured samples at Whisky Ottawa, guests agreed it was ready for release.
And that final abv? Results were not available at press time, but a similar approach taken with their Cask #1 Rye Whisky yielded a sold out success.
Best to contact Last Straw for more details.
Whisky Bible® 2020 TWB Winners
TWB exclusive Edradour Ballechin 12 Year Old scooped the 2020 category award with a remarkable 96-points! Consequently (and sadly for those who missed out) this peated Highlander has sold out.
Don’t miss out on the remaining bottles from these other exclusive single casks reviewed in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. Order today to avoid disappointment!
92.5-points Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. First fill sherry butt bottled at cask strength 58.7% 339 bottles exclusive to TWB. Selling out fast!
Buy – Edradour 10 Year Old 2008 – £70.00
94-points Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. Single refill hogshead bottled at 45.2% from this Lost Lowland distillery. 313 bottles.
Buy – Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 – £104.86
92-points Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. Single refill hogshead bottled at 50.5% from this Lost Lowland distillery. 207 bottles.
Buy – Dumbarton 31 Year Old 1987 – £119.08
Kilchoman 2010 Vintage
The 2010 vintage release from Kilchoman distillery, a vatting of fresh bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts all filled in 2010 (roughly 85/15 bourbon/sherry casks). Bottled in 2019 at 48% vol, and as with all Kilchoman bottlings, with no chill filtration or colouring.
Limited stock available…
The Norfolk Parched is back! It is unique having been made from torrified and flaked cereals. The resulting whisky is delicious. We are very excited to announce that ‘The Norfolk Parched’ has acheived 96.5 points out of 100 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. “It is a superstar whisky that gives us all a reason to live”
Only 2041 bottles released.
£49.00
TASTING NOTES
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 280: Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978 Scott’s Selection
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an older independent bottling of Auchentoshan. In his book, this is now a golden oldie. Mark has had it in his collection for a while, but only the one bottle so he had not yet tried it. Thanks to social media he found someone offering up samples (in one of these so-called bottle share groups) and was able to secure a big sample, so that he can finally find out if this is any good. By now it has spent more time in the bottle than it ever did on the cask.
A. SMITH BOWMAN BOURBON WINS DOUBLE GOLD AT NORTH AMERICAN BOURBON & WHISKEY COMPETITION
John J. Bowman Single Barrel and Two Other Whiskeys Win Awards
FREDERICKSBURG, VA (Sept. 25, 2019) – John J. Bowman Single Barrel won a double gold medal at the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition (N.A.B.W.C.).
Two others bourbons from A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Bowman Brothers Small Batch and Isaac Bowman Port Finish, won gold and silver medals, respectively.
The N.A.B.W.C. promotes excellence in bourbon, whiskey, and moonshine through a double-blind competition. The competition is based on a 100-point scale. The spirits are judged by styles and price categories.
“We are honored to receive awards for each of our core bourbons, especially the double gold medal,” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said. “Our team at A. Smith Bowman works diligently to produce the highest quality whiskeys we can provide and these awards showcase that work.”
To find more information about A. Smith Bowman brands, please visit https://asmithbowman.com/
About A. Smith Bowman
A.Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm. The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.
As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which received a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.
COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY APPOINTS NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Nick Reed joins the Cotswolds Distillery as new Commercial Director
He brings over 30 years of drinks industry experience and is tasked with developing the distillery’s distribution and trade relationships
The Cotswolds Distillery has announced a new addition to its management team this week, with the hire of Commercial Director, Nick Reed, to develop all trade channels.
In the latest move to support the distillery’s exponential growth over the past 5 years, Nick has moved from Quintessential Brands UK, bringing over 30 years of experience within the grocery sector, 18 years of which were spent working as Trade Sales Director at distillery and distributor, William Grant & Sons.
Nick has worked in multi-national organisations in both business leadership and account management positions.
Cotswolds Distillery founder and CEO, Daniel Szor, said: “Nick’s appointment underpins our ambition to continue our exceptional growth and further build our brand footprint nationally.
“His experience in the grocery multiple channel will specifically allow us to reach more premium spirit shoppers.”
Reed joins the distillery following multiple national and global award wins including the International Wine and Spirit Competition, where both its range of whiskies and its gin won gold medals. In addition, the Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky was the only whisky to receive three stars at the Great Taste Awards 2019.
Of his appointment, Reed said: “What Cotswolds Distillery has achieved since it was founded just five years ago has been amazing and is testament to the high-quality products it produces.
“I’m looking forward to communicating its fantastic portfolio and working closely with trade partners both in the UK and internationally to drive consideration and demand for Cotswolds Distillery products.”
Based in the heart of the Cotswolds, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a leader in English whisky production since the inaugural launch of Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt Whisky in 2017.
Notes
The Cotswolds Distillery
Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and now receives 30,000 visitors a year.
Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm it was grown on. It recently won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and took 2 stars (one of only two whiskies to do so) in the 2019 Great Taste Awards. The distillery’s cask strength whisky release, Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, was recently awarded the title of Best English Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.
In Jim Murray’s 2019 Whisky Bible, the Cotswolds Distillery received 5 ‘Liquid Gold’ awards. Three of their whiskies scored 95 points, with all of the distillery’s samples scoring over 88 out of 100.
Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 31 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange, Harrods and Laithwaites.
The distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the 2016 World Gin Awards and received the top Gold Outstanding award in the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Difford’s Guide recently ranked the Gin as one of the top 20 Gins available in a survey of 450 brands.
Cotswolds Dry Gin is on sale nationally and in over 30 countries. Key national accounts include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.
For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.
