Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 268: Miltonduff 7 Year Old 2011 Asta Morris

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an independently bottled Miltonduff. Milltonduff from Elgin is another one of those noble unknowns. Like Glenburgie, it is one of the more important malts in the famous blend Ballentine’s. And like Glenburgie, it really is worth getting to know it as a malt. This single cask – a sherry butt – was shared between Europe and Maltoyama in Japan. It’s the very first Miltonduff bottled by Asta Morris.

https://youtu.be/wlYsEOJm5Ps

CRABBIE’S LAUNCHES NEW YARDHEAD SINGLE MALT IN LONDON

Edinburgh based whisky brand John Crabbie & Co released a special single malt whisky last night at iconic music venue and pub, The Macbeth in London.

Described by Managing Director David Brown, as the company’s most significant release to date, Crabbie’s Yardhead (RRP £26) is aimed squarely at the growing sector of young spirits drinkers who want to do more with whisky than just sip it.

“Crabbie’s Yardhead is a single malt that is made for mixing” said Brown. “We want to encourage consumers to look at single malt differently, and for bar staff to use their skills to develop new ways of using single malt in long drinks and in cocktails”.

The Crabbie name has been associated with Scotch whisky for over 200 years and the founder John Crabbie is recognised as one of the pioneers of the industry that has grown to be Scotland’s largest export.

His success was founded on changing the way whisky was produced and consumed, and in doing so he made Scotch whisky a drink that could be enjoyed by everyone. He experimented in blending whiskies together to improve their taste profile and he created the Whisky Mac, probably the first ever whisky cocktail, and also the legendary Hot Toddy.

It is therefore perhaps appropriate that it should be the company that he founded that is once again at the forefront of innovation in Scotch whisky with Crabbie’s Yardhead single malt scotch whisky.

Brown said “Crabbie was an innovator who challenged convention and I think he would have approved of the new Crabbie’s Yardhead single malt. We have seen the rise in popularity of American whiskey with younger consumers, largely drunk with a mixer over ice. Single malt Scotch whisky still tends to be consumed as a straight drink but it actually mixes really well.  Blended malts have tried to tap into that market, but what we are launching today is a single malt which we believe offers a premium alternative and a different taste profile, ideally suited to be enjoyed long over ice with a mixer.

“The massive resurgence in popularity of cocktails has given rise to a new generation of bar staff with the talent to create some amazing drinks, and single malt Scotch whisky gives them the perfect premium base to develop something sensational.”

The name Yardhead comes from the site of the original maturation warehouses in Leith, Edinburgh used by John Crabbie & Co from 1822.

Notes:

Crabbie’s stopped production of Scotch whisky in Edinburgh in the early 20th century, but in 2018, the business made history by building the first new single malt whisky distillery in Edinburgh: the Chain Pier distillery in Granton.  The first casks were laid down in November 2018, and production is ongoing. A new, larger home for John Crabbie & Co is being built at Graham Street in Leith, very close to the original Yardheads warehouses. Production at this second distillery is scheduled to commence late in autumn 2019.

In the 19^th century, John Crabbie travelled throughout Scotland, visiting distilleries and selecting some of the best whiskies of the day to bottle under his famous Crabbie family label. Today the rediscovered John Crabbie & Co is following in his footsteps selecting the very best whiskies from all over Scotland. The whisky selected for Crabbie’s Yardhead is a Highland single malt with rich vanilla and biscuit notes, combining with vibrant citrus, sweet apple and caramel flavours which make it perfect for mixing.

The current Crabbie range of whiskies includes Crabbie 8 y/o Highland single malt, a peated island 12 y/o, Crabbie 25y/o, Crabbie 30y/o  and Crabbie 40y/o all from Speyside. Both Crabbie 8 year old and Crabbie 30 year old won double gold at the recent world spirits competition in San Francisco.

Crabbies Gin is also produced at the Chain Pier distillery in Edinburgh 

NOTES

John Crabbie & Co is owned by the UK’s leading independent alcoholic drinks manufacturer, Halewood Wines & Spirits. www.crabbiewhisky.com

About Halewood Wines & Spirits (www.halewood-int.com)

Halewood Wines and Spirits is the UK’s largest independent alcoholic drinks manufacturer and distributor. Still family owned and based in Merseyside, Halewood has a comprehensive product range covering all drinks categories, including wines, spirits, beers, ciders, and bottled water. The key brands include award-winning Whitley Neill Gin, J.J. Whitley Gin and Vodka, Liverpool Gins and Vodka, Marylebone Gin, Bajan Rum Sixty Six, Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, The Pogues Irish Whiskey, and Red Square Vodka.

Malt Messenger Bulletin – New Compass Box Whisky & a New Tasting!

The Dog Days of Summer are here, and most of you have likely turned your attention to things other than whisky. And who can blame you? Summer is short in our great nation, but it is glorious nonetheless. I wasn’t expecting to send out a Malt Messenger Bulletin until later in the week – and for a completely different reason, which I will hint at below – but then two whiskies we weren’t expecting to arrive until the Fall showed up unexpectedly.

One of our best selling whiskies in 2018 was the Compass Box No Name, aka “Compass Box Ardbeg”. John Glaser caused quite a stir when he took a parcel of Ardbeg and blended it with Caol Ila and Clynelish. Many people couldn’t believe the sacrilege of taking Ardbeg and polluting it. But having had the privilege to sample the Ardbeg on its own before blending, as well as the final product, I can assure you John took something good, and made it great. At the time we assumed it would be a one off. I was confident it would be a hit just because it contained Ardbeg. Then when I sampled it, I was certain.

The release of a second No Name came as a bit of a surprise. John didn’t have a special parcel of Ardbeg casks to work with this time, but rather sherried Caol Ila. Once again, John and his head blender Jill Boyd went to work making something good, great! That is, after all, the whole point of Blended Scotch whisky in the first place. Making something better than the constituent parts. Compass Box No Name No.2  is built primarily around Caol Ila with the addition of Clynelish, Talisker and a mystery Highland Blend. It is a worthy successor to the first edition, and not the only new Compass Box Whisky we are expecting on Wednesday.

We are also expecting the Compass Box The Circle this week. This is the first edition of a whisky named for Compass Box’s bartender program and contest. The first winner of the contest, a London (UK) bartender names Rosie Mitchell, wanted to create in her words: “an approachable whisky to be shared with friends.” The Circle, a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky,  is built around a special parcel of Tamdhu, blended with Clynelish matured in sherry, peated Orkney malt and Highland blended malt matured in French oak. I can’t wait to try it…

The two new Compass Box Whiskies got us thinking… maybe a tasting is in order? So, we are holding a Compass Box No Name No.2 / The Circle Launch tasting on Thursday August 8th. We will be comparing No Name No.1 vs. No.2, as well as sampling The Circle and 5 other Compass Box Whiskies. Only 22 spots, you won’t want to miss this one!

There are a couple of other new whiskies to inform you about, including the  Highland Park Twisted Tattoo. It is a 16 Year old, matured predominantly in Rioja seasoned wine barriques, but also ex-Bourbon. We are also expecting a dozen bottles of a heavily sherried Blended Malt from Morrison MacKay, the Old Perth 23 Year. You can probably guess what it is composed of? Likely the same stuff as the other mystery, sherried, lightly peated blended malts we’ve been seeing for a few years.

I’ve also finally written up my own tasting note on the Amrut Madeira Finish. It is lovely, and exceeded my expectations. I am a bit of skeptic when it comes to wine casks, but this did not disappoint.

Last but not least, this is a note to keep your eyes open for another Malt Messenger Bulletin Thursday night or Friday morning. We are having a Surprise Summer Sale this coming weekend… It will not include new products, such as any of the whiskies in this news letter!

I hope this Malt Messenger Bulletin finds you well. Please let me know if you have any comments, questions or requests. As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the Point of Sale at KWM will be taken as correct.

Slàinte!

Andrew Ferguson

In This Edition

1. New Compass No Name No.2
2. Introducing: Compass Box The Circle
3. Compass Box No Name No.2 / The Circle Launch Tasting
4. New Old Perth 23 Year Blended Malt
5. Introducing: Highland Park Twisted Tattoo
6. My Tasting Note: Amrut Madeira Finish
7. Up-coming Tastings

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter:

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/

or @kwmwhisky and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1

New: Compass Box No Name No.2 

A Worthy Successor! 

Bottled at 48.9%, this second edition of No Name, by Compass Box, is composed of predominantly Caol Ila, blended with Clynelish, Talisker and a mystery Highland Blend. Composed of whiskies matured in Sherry seasoned oak, American oak Hogshead and French oak. 88pts Whisky Fun.

 Compass Box No Name No.2 – 48.9% – Composed of Caol Ila, Clynelish and Talisker – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: round, creamy, doughy, floral and fruity with a summer-y maritime effervescence; juicy, malty and honeyed with a velvety nose feel; oodles of citrus: juicy orange, lemon oil and dried apricots; a firm hint of clean smoke emerges later, with soft muddy oily peat and a touch of potpourri. Palate: starts bold and creamy, going through waves of flavour and intensity; buttery-creamy vanilla, tarry peat and cigar ash; chocolaty with hot spices: is that Talisker chili oil poking through?; seafood-y Caol Ila notes are there too; juicy citrus, chewy malt, melons, apricot and even a touch of tropical fruits; salted caramel, fennel seeds and Dutch licorice. Finish: long, coating and creamy with soft vanilla, bright fruits and hot spices; cigar smoke and tarry peat; like the palate, lots of layers. Comment: anyone hoping for a repeat of No Name No.1 will be disappointed; those in search of a complex, layered and elegant pleated malt will find themselves full satisfied; a worthy successor to the first release!” – $172

Producer Description: “For this, the second Limited Edition of the No Name series, we’re again allowing the whisky to speak for itself. Still very smoky indeed, there is a new depth and delicacy. To borrow a musical analogy, No Name was peat as power chord; No Name, No. 2 has brought some harmonics to the party. Built around an elegantly smoky Islay malt matured in refill Sherry butts, the second peated whisky we have used comes from the Isle of Skye. To these we added some old and ethereal single malt whisky from the Northern Highland village of Brora and just a dash of malt whisky finished in new French oak to add an underlying richness.”

More info on the KWM Website!

Introducing: Compass Box The Circle 

An approachable whisky for sharing with friends!    

A lightly peated limited edition Blended Malt built around a special parcel of Tamdhu, the circle was also created with Clynelish matured in sherry, peated Orkney malt and Highland blended malt matured in French oak. The blend was created with Rosey Mitchell, the winning bartender from Compass Box’s global, The Circle Competition. Bottled at 46%.

Producer Description: “Rosey Mitchell is the 2018 winner of The Circle, our programme designed to inspire bartenders around the world. Rosey’s prize? To create a blend with Compass Box founder John Glaser and whiskymaker Jill Boyd. Rosey wanted to make an approachable whisky to be shared with friends, something for the daytime, a whisky with brightness. She called it “sunshine in a glass. The Circle is based around a parcel of fruity and creamy single malt from the Tamdhu Distillery in Speyside. This is supported by malt whisky from the Clynelish Distillery. A touch of peated malt whisky from an Orkney distillery and a small proportion of a French oak-finished blended malt whisky complete the recipe. We think we’ve achieved exactly what Rosey envisaged. The whisky is bright and warm with a creamy softness. It practically radiates sunlight!”

Compass Box The Circle – 46% – Distilleries: A single malt whisky from the Tamdhu Distillery, supported by malt whisky from the Clynelish Distillery, a lightly-peated single malt from Orkney, and a small proportion of a Highland malt blend. – Wood: First Fill Bourbon barrels, refill Sherry butts, recharred American oak hogsheads, and a small proportion of whisky finished in French oak casks with a light toast. – Producer Tasting Note: “Bursting with apple, vanilla and malty notes. A very delicate hint of smokiness is noticeable on the finish.” – $165

Compass No Name No.2 / The Circle Launch Tasting 

Yeah, We Are Going to Have Tasting…  

Two new Compass Box Whisky Co. limited editions is as good a reason as any we can think of to put on a tasting, so that’s exactly what we’ve done. We will be tasting the new releases: The Circle and No Name No.2. And just for fun we have tracked down a bottle of No Name No.1 for comparison. 5 other Compass Box Whiskies will round out our range!

Compass Box No Name No.2/The Circle Launch – Thursday August 8, 7PM – $35

New Old Perth 23 Year Blended Malt Whisky 

Another Mystery Sherried Bomb Blended Malt 

We had the 22 year old sister bottling last fall. Once people tried it, it flew off the shelves. This 23 year old is getting some good early reviews, and our expectations are high. Unfortunately we are only getting a dozen bottles, so it won’t last long. Just 515 bottles available globally, from a sherry cask, bottled at 44.9%.

Like a lot of the other sherried, mystery blended malts out there, this whisky is believed to be ex-Edrington stock, vatted together for botting as a Famous Grouse Blended Malt. The whisky was never used, and has been sitting in casks ever since. It likely contains malt whisky from Macallan, Highland Park, Tamdhu, Glenrothes, Glenturret and others.

Older Perth 23 Year – 44.9% – 1994 Sherry Butt – No producer tasting notes or reviews yet! It has a good average score of 88pts on Whisky Base. – $235 – Limit 1 Per Customer

Introducing: Highland Park Twisted Tattoo 

A Very Unusual Highland Park, Predominantly Wine Cask Matured! 

This limited edition Highland Park was created by marrying 153 casks of the whisky matured in casks seasoned with Spanish Rioja, with 70 more first fill ex-Bourbon casks. 46.7%.

Producer Description: “For the first time, we’ve married whisky matured in oak casks seasoned with Spanish Rioja wine – 153 casks in total – with whisky matured in 70 first-fill bourbon casks. The result is TWISTED TATTOO 16 Year Old, a rich and full-bodied single malt whisky with a distinctively different character.”

 Highland Park Twisted Tattoo – 46.7% – Matured in ex-Spanish Rioja & ex-Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Sweet vanilla | Sun-ripened peaches | Summer berries | Full-bodied red wine | Light peat smoke” – $120

The Story Behind the Brand: “Tattoos are a vital part of our cultural heritage today. They tell the world who we are, without saying a word. In collaboration with Danish tattoo artist and modern day Viking Soul, Colin Dale, we created the bold design for this whisky, which celebrates the tattoo as a mark of both standing apart and being part of a tribe – just like Highland Park. Colin’s intricate design is inspired by the free-flowing Nordic knotwork found on Viking wood carvings and reflects the Norse legend of the Midgard serpent, which grew so large it twisted round the Earth to grasp its tail in its mouth.”

My Tasting Note: The Amrut Madeira Finish 

I Love it When Something Exceeds My Expectations!   

Sometimes you just need to try something for yourself to be sure. The Amrut Madeira Finish exceeded my expectations! The Amrut Madeira Finish is the first whisky from India finished in Madeira casks. Only 4,800 bottles of the whisky were bottled at 50%. It is limited at KWM to 2 per customer. 92pts Whisky Advocate.

Amrut Madeira Finish – 50% – Matured in Bourbon finished in Madeira Hogsheads – My Tasting Note: “Nose: honeycomb, sour dough and fresh glazed fruit flan; soft, floral and dusty; cooked raisins and madeirized fruit; French soap and Indian curry spices; loads of firm but gentle oak. Palate: soft on the approach it quickly builds in to a warm, rich, fruity and spicy whisky; hot but far from sharp; more honeycomb, fruit flan and toasty oak; more cooked raisins, orange marzipan and English marmalade; soft leather and loads of decadent sugars and spice. Finish: long, warming and rich; it cascades through waves of spice, decadent sugars, fruit and creamy oak. Comment: this exceeded my expectations; it is complex, elegant and beautiful; a very good malt!” – $155

New Summer Tasting Schedule  

We Have a Wide Range of Tastings to Keep You Refreshed During the Dog Days of Summer! 

Whisky & Spirits Tastings, all start at 7PM, unless indicated:

1. Scotch Malt Whisky Society August Outturn Tastings – Thursday August 1 8PM or Friday August 2 8PM – Want a peek into the world’s largest whisky club? We have opened up the August tastings to non members. You will taste the Society’s latest, exclusive offerings. We host SMWS tastings the first week of each month. Become a Member and you save $10 on class registration. This month’s tastings are especially cool, they involve beer pairings. Want to know more? – $50 ($40 for Members)
2. The Price is Right: Scotch Edition – Tuesday August 6th – The wine staff had so much fun with the concept that the whisky staff went ahead and stole it! Can you taste the difference between a top shelf dram and a bargain bottling? Find out whether you’re the frugal sort or if you truly have expensive taste in this blind Scotch tasting. – $40 – SOLD OUT
3. Compass Box No Name No.2 / The Circle Launch – Thursday August 8 – Two new Compass Box Whisky Co. limited editions is as good a reason as any we can think of to put on a tasting, so that’s exactly what we’ve done. We will be tasting the new releases: The Circle and No Name No.2. Just for fun we have tracked down a bottle of No Name No.1 for comparison. 5 other Compass Box Whiskies will round out our range! – $35
4. Blinded by Bourbon – Thursday August 15 – Brown paper bags are covering all the bottles for this blind Bourbon tasting. We are hiding your biases from you and giving you the chance to discover – or rediscover – a new favourite! – $35
5. Indie Cred: Unofficial and Exciting Whisky – Tuesday August 20th – Official bottlings are usually good and often great, but everybody loves an indie darling. We’ll indulge in some of Scotland’s best-kept secrets, which typically come in small batches or single casks, and on occasion…a dose of mystery! – $50

Register in-store, by phone 403-283-8000 and online!

Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger! 

Contact & Disclaimers 

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Owner & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

An Award-Winning Bottler Delivers a Tantalizing Single Barrel
Barrell Bourbon “K&L Exclusive” 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Barrel #E522 Straight Bourbon ($109.99)

Barrell Bourbon’s founder, Joe Beatrice, has created America’s preeminent independent bottler of spirits. Working only in small batches or single barrels, Barrell has assembled the finest portfolio of casks available in the United States. They have won a bevy of major awards ranging from 2018’s Best American Whiskey according to Forbes’ Fred Minnick to Best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2019 San Francisco Spirits Competition, as well as a host of double gold awards. Their dedication to quality cask selection and bottling whiskies unadultered at cask strength has earned them the awards and reputation in the industry to perpetuate their penchant for access to the very best any distillery or broker has to offer.

While we have long loved Barrell’s small-batch whiskeys here at K&L, this is the first time we’ve been able to select from their already vetted selection of casks for an exclusive bottling. We jumped at the chance and sorted through a host of samples of extremely old Tennessee bourbon. While they won’t confirm where the whiskey comes from, it’s not a secret in the industry that George Dickel has old whiskey to sell, while other Tennessee producers do not. What we know for sure is that this 14-year-old whiskey is delicious and tastes like a better, older, full proof version of some of the 9-year-old Dickel casks we have bottled in the past. Namely, it is toned down on the big, buttered popcorn notes and amped up on the chocolate, dusty cocoa notes without picking up too much wood tannin. It’s a perfectly balanced whiskey in a style we don’t often get to see. It’s what happens when the palates at Barrell narrow down a huge selection of Tennessee whiskey into only the best handful of casks, and then we at K&L take the cream of that crop. The barrel only yielded 128 bottles, so act fast to secure yours, as they won’t be here long.

Barrell Bourbon “K&L Exclusive” 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Barrel #E522 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($109.99)

K&L Notes: While there is a plethora of aged Tennessee whiskey on the market at the moment, there is certainly an enormous variation in the quality of those casks. Careful selection by Barrell and a subsequent selection by us at K&L have led to this beauty being bottled. At 14 years old, it really shows its age in all the best ways. It’s dark and spicy without being overly tannic. The sweet brown sugars have caramelized perfectly into a robust and complex whisky expressing notes of chocolate, citrus, and a lively herbacous note to be savored. Clocking in at nearly 108 proof, it’s a powerful whiskey, but not overly hot.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2019

This new single barrel from Barrell Bourbon is BIG on spice and fruit, like a dessert you’d bake in autumn or winter. Cinnamon apples and cobbler come out on the nose with candied citrus and toasted oak. A nice supple mouthfeel is balanced with the spices which hit different points on my palate and light up my cheeks. Rich vanilla coats the tongue before a menthol medicinal finish.

Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2019

Bottled exclusively for K&L and made at George Dickel, this bourbon is a great addition to our Tennessee whiskeys. Bottled at cask strength, this guy shows lots of chocolate, muscovado, and apple crumble notes on the nose. Though it is rich and sweet in the mouthfeel, the cask strength nature keeps it from being cloying and offers a toasted sourdough element. The 14-year aging process has helped it to blend seamlessly and given it spice and length. A touch of citrus at the end gives it an unexpected lift and leaves you wanting just a little bit more.

Cameron Hoppas | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2019

This is a sophisticated cask strength bourbon. While it carries classic, big bourbon aromas, it’s incredibly well-integrated and smooth–dark, rich and woody. The foundation deep aromas of cereals, burnt sugar, and licorice, with pretty delicate aromas of dried brush, sweet spices and fresh mint. It has a dense weighty body and concentrated flavors that match up to the cask strength ABV. Powerful, smooth, and elegant.

Saturday, August 3rd  11AM-6 PM:

Japanese Whiskies with Chris Udhe 

Whether you’re a curious newcomer or Japanese whiskey fanatic, this tasting is not one to be missed! Presented by ‘Whisky Evangelist’ and SoCal Whisky Society founder Chris Udhe, this event features rare and award-winning Japanese whiskies from Kurayoshi, Ohishi, and Fukano distilleries.

Click Here to RSVP

ralfy.com has a wobbly barrel !

ralfy review 786 – Longrow 18yo

https://youtu.be/fEustoiG0lw

Limestone Branch Distillery Launches Yellowstone® Limited Edition

Kentucky Straight Bourbon 2019 

(Lebanon, Ky.) July 24, 2019 – Limestone Branch Distillery introduces the 2019 variety of Yellowstone® Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, set to hit the market in August. This year’s edition includes a hand-picked selection of the most unique barrels – those hidden gems in the rick house – including barrels of extra-aged nine-year and 12-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

“I tasted many quality, mature Kentucky Straight Bourbons in order to find the right two ages for this year’s release – I had a certain taste profile in mind and I sought those barrels that matched it,” says Steve Beam, head distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery. “The barrels I chose were in different parts of the rick house and each barrel’s unique location contributed to the taste profile and complexity of this bourbon. When combined, these extra-aged bourbons create a mature and complex bourbon with robust spice and oaky undertones.”

Yellowstone has been one of Kentucky’s favorites since 1872. This year’s edition brings cinnamon notes with toffee, dried fruit and a hint of citrus to the palate, followed by a dry finish of brown sugar and oak. Using Beam’s expertise and honed palate, only the finest barrels were chosen for this year’s release.

Bottled at 101 proof and available in 750ml bottles nestled in commemorative tubes, the 2019 Yellowstone Limited Edition continues to honor the long-standing tradition.

Approximately 12,500 bottles of this bourbon are being produced at Limestone Branch Distillery, and the suggested retail price is $99.99.

About Limestone Branch Distillery 

Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest whiskey in small batches, honoring their long family heritage. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, by partnering with Luxco, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family, just in time to commemorate the brand’s 105^th anniversary. As one of the founding members of the Kentucky Craft Bourbon Trail, Limestone Branch Distillery is located in Lebanon, Ky., in the heart of bourbon country.  The distillery is well-known for its handcrafted products, including Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey.

For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery

Hart Davis Hart to Host Second Spirits-Only Auction on August 15th & 16th

Featuring Exceptional Macallan, Karuizawa, Double Eagle Rare and More

(July 23, 2019—Chicago, IL) – Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. is thrilled to announce its second Mobile-Only Auction of Finest & Rarest Spirits. The two-day sale will rival the auction house’s first spirits-only auction in size and quality. Taking place on August 15 & 16, the sale will feature over 1,880 lots of unique and one-off bottles estimated to realize $1.3-2.0 million. Bidders can utilize HDH’s industry-leading bidding platform, available via their mobile app or online at auction.hdhwine.com.

The August auction features fine and rare spirits dating back to 1896 and includes the chance to purchase American Bourbon & Rye, Scotch, Japanese Whisky, Cognac and more. One of the highlights of the sale is a single bottle of Macallan 65 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lalique Decanter VI, Distillery Bottled (lot 330, est. $50,000-75,000). The sixth and final bottling in The Macallan’s The Six Pillars Collection is some of the oldest whisky released by the distillery. Only 450 bottles were released and HDH is pleased to offer bottle 236.

Bourbon enthusiasts should note two single-bottle lots of Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Buffalo Trace Distillery (lots 353, 1597, est. $11,000-17,000). This very rare bourbon has matured for twice as long as the standard Eagle Rare and is a true collector’s item.

Those searching for Japanese Whisky should browse the extensive selection including a historic bottle of 1975 Karuizawa Single Cask Malt Japanese Whisky, Cask #6736, Bottled by Number One Drinks Company (lot 61, est. $3,200-4,800). The distillery closed its doors in 2011, and this is a true rarity and a bottle of legendary status in the world of whisky.

Cognac lovers should note a single bottle of Courvoisier Cognac, Succession JL (lot 322, est. $2,000-3,000) and a single bottle of Rémy Martin Louis XIII Grande Champagne Cognac, Late-Baccarat Era (1964-1968) (lot 345, est. $1,500-2,200). The limited-edition Courvoisier, Succession JL was created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the crowning of Napoleon and is a blend of the house’s finest cognacs from 1910 to modern vintages.

HDH is thrilled to offer spirits connoisseurs the opportunity to bring home these unique bottles. Don’t miss the chance to bid on the incredible selection of spirits included in the August 15th & 16th Mobile-Only Auction of Finest & Rarest Spirits. Bidders should register via HDH’s mobile app or online at auction.hdhwine.com to place absentee and live bids.

As always, Hart Davis Hart is committed to offering well-stored, carefully inspected bottles. Bidders should feel free to contact the bidding department at bids@hdhwine.com or 312.445.0100 of they have any questions about the bidding process or specific lots.

Important Collection Information:

All purchases in the August 15 & 16 Mobile-Only Auction of Finest & Rarest Spirits must be collected by the Buyer or Buyer’s agent at HDH’s warehouse and are subject to all Illinois state and local taxes (10.25%).

Highlights of the August auction:

Lot 61 (est. $3,200-4,800)

1975 Karuizawa Single Cask Malt Japanese Whisky, Cask #6736, Bottled by Number One Drinks Company (1 700ml b)

Lot 294 (est. $4,800-7,500)

NV Macallan M Black Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 1824 Masters Series (2018), Distillery Bottled (1 b)

Lot 330 (est. $50,000-75,000)

NV Macallan 65 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lalique Decanter VI, Distillery Bottled (1 b)

Lots 336, 1256-1258, 1633 (est. $8,000-12,000)

NV Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Decanter, Bottled by Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery (Buffalo Trace) (1 b)

Lot 345 (est. $1,500-2,200)

NV Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Buffalo Trace Distillery (1 b)

Lots 428, 1029 (est. $6,500-9,500)

1980 Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon Whiskey, O.F.C., Buffalo Trace Distillery (1 b)

Lot 1061 (est. $3,000-4,500)

NV Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey, Bottled by Michter’s Distillery (1 b)

Lot 1128 (est. $5,000-7,500)

NV Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2018 Bottling), Bottled by Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery (Buffalo Trace) (3 bs)

Lot 1452 (est. $3,500-5,500)

1965 Springbank Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Local Barley, Distillery Bottled (1 b)

Lot 1504 (est. $4,800-7,500)

NV Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Straight Bourbon Whiskey (ca. 1998), Bottled by Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery (1 b)

Lot 1630 (est. $3,000-4,500)

1971 James Thompson & Brother Final Reserve 45 Year Old Bourbon Collector’s Package, Bottled by James Thompson & Brother (2 Multiple Formats)

Lot 1693 (est. $2,800-4,200)

NV Hakushu 25 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky, Limited Edition, Hakushu (Suntory) (1 700ml b)

Lot 1708 (est. $5,500-8,500)

NV Hibiki 17 Year Old Blended Japanese Whisky, Distillery Bottled (6 bs)

10 to 14 October 2019

The Inagural Whisky Colours Festival

Sorry you have not heard from us for a while.  This Newsletter is focused on our new festival which we launched earlier this year which some of you will be aware of.

The first Whisky Colours Festival will be held from 10 to 14 October 2019.  It is a celebration of all things whisky and is centred in Dufftown, the malt whisky capital of the world.  We have been inspired by the vast range of whisky colours that are mirrored in the beauty of the phenomenal autumn scenery in and around Dufftown with the woodlands displaying their stunning colours and the bright golden barley in the fields.  Ypu will be able to get up close and personal with some of the biggest names in the whisky industry to provide a truly intimate whisky experience.  Our aim is to bring you extra special whisky experiences with an autumnal theme that will be truly something to remember.

We are partnering with Tannochbrae Restaurant, Cragganmore Distillery, Glen Moray Distillery and Glenfarclas Distillery for dining and tasting experiences.   We are teaming up with Morrison & MacKay and the Highlander Inn, to bring a unique autumnal tasting and lunch.  There will also be masterclasses from the likes of Adelphi, Berry Bros & Rudd, Kilchoman Distillery, Murray McDavid and Speyside Distillery.  There is also a special tour to Aberlour Distillery with a walk to Linn Falls. With more to be announced.

The festival will culminate in a closing event hosted by key partner Tannochbrae Cuisine that will bring together all elements of the festival: whisky, music and food with lots of fun.   The festival website is the place to go for details on all the events (www.whiskycoloursfestival.com).  Tickets are on sale now and the programme as it stands is below.

BUY TICKETS HERE

Bladnoch 1988 Connoisseurs Choice

This release is from Bladnoch Distillery. Coming in the ‘Cask Strength’ range of Connoisseurs Choice.

Distilled: 1988
Bottled: 10th of April 2019
Batch number: 19/006
Cask Type: Refill American Hogshead
Aged for 30 Years
One of only 155 bottles

Notes:

Sweet crisp red apples with a nutty edge. Hints of toasted malt complement orange blossom and stewed rhubarb. Sweet chilli spice lingers on the finish

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