Key West Smuggler Passes HalfWay Mark to Goal on Indiegogo 

Funds Raised Goes To Rebuilding Key West Operations, Supporting Local Businesses and Helping Hurricane Stricken Communities Through KeysStrong.org 

Key West, FL, May 2, 2019 — Key West Smuggler Company launched their KeysStrong Crates campaign on Indiegogo last week with immediate success. Within the first week, the campaign has reached more than $5,000 in sales, which is more than halfway to their funding goal. Buyers have three more weeks to back the campaign, which ends on Thursday, May 23. The success so far shows that backers want to get behind a great product with a great mission.

The limited edition KeysStrong Crates are made by Key West artists and fabricated from the rubble left behind by Hurricane Irma. The custom crates contain Key West’s award-winning bourbon whiskey, and some crates include curated goods from local, Key West merchants.

The majority of the funds raised will go towards rebuilding the Key West Smuggler Co. headquarters and tasting room, which were destroyed during Hurricane Irma, as well as supporting local businesses and artists by including their products in the crates. A portion of all sales will go to the KeysStrong Charity to help the organization continue to rebuild the Keys after Hurricane Irma hit in September, 2017. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management calculates that Irma had a total cost of $50 billion and rebuilding work is still ongoing.

Key West’s award winning bourbon whiskey is made with TerrePURE technology, which uses ultrasonic waves to age their bourbon up to 4x faster than standard aging procedures. They’re merging this new innovation with the soul of the island of Key West.

INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN PAGE: https://igg.me/at/KeyWestSmuggler

There are a variety of perks available:

• Simple Life: Crate + 750 ml Bottle ($91)
• I’m Outta Here: Crate + 750 ml Bottle + Leather Wrapped Flask ($102)
• I Drink Alone: Crate + 750 ml Bottle + 1 Glass ($108)
• An Evening Together: Crate + 750 ml Bottle + 2 Etched Bourbon Glasses ($140)
• An Evening Together in Style: Crate + 750 ml Bottle + 2 Etched Bourbon Glasses + 2 Tee Shirts ($171)
• I’m A Local: Crate + 750 ml Bottle + 2 Etched Bourbon Glasses + Salt Scrub + Keyz Beez Honey + Piece of Local Art ($168)
• Let’s Party!: Crate + 750 ml Bottle + 2 Etched Bourbon Glasses + 2 Embroidered Tee Shirts + Salt Scrub + Keyz Beez Honey + Piece of Local Art + Flask ($179) 

About Key West Smuggler Company

Key West Bourbon Whiskey is a multi-award winning, authentic grain-to-bottle bourbon whiskey, made in the American tradition with a modern and sophisticated twist that removes unwanted congeners (responsible for hangovers), revealing an ultra-smooth, sophisticated spirit in the process. Based in Key West, Florida, Key West Smuggler Company lost its headquarters after Hurricane Irma devastated the Florida Keys in 2017. Due to the Keys Strong Charity (the organization behind the rebuilding of the Florida Keys) and the support of the local community, Key West Smuggler Company was able to rebuild and relocate their headquarters. Within six months of getting back on their feet, Key West Smuggler Bourbon Whiskey won three internationally recognized tasting medals. Visit www.keywestsmuggler.com for more info.

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) ($39.99)

90 points Whisky Advocate: “If you wondered when you saw ‘50%,’ this is indeed bottled in bond whiskey, with all the requirements that go with it. The nose is just this side of hot and brings parched corn, sawn maple wood, spicy hard candy, and dry spearmint leaf. Bright and spicy on the tongue; more candy and honey, and hints of teaberry and licorice that develop into the finish. A better package of flavor and price than the earlier Taylor releases; quite enjoyable. (LB, Spring 2013)”

K&L Notes: The Colonel E.H.Taylor Bourbon is named for one of the founding fathers of the modern bourbon industry. Edmund Haynes Taylor, an honorary “Kentucky Colonel,” was a descendant of two presidents (Madison & Taylor) and one of Kentucky’s last surviving Bourbon Aristocrats. The Colonel purchased the famous Old Fire Copper (O.F.C.) Distillery at the close of the Civil War. There he introduced scientific method to the production of bourbon, modernized equipment and set standards of production that became ubiquitous for quality bourbon production for the next century. He sold this distillery to George T. Stagg and it would eventually become known as Buffalo Trace. Taylor was a crusader for higher quality standards across the industry and ultimately help pass the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act. No single person can claim as much responsibility for the quality of modern bourbon whiskey as this man. This wonderful Bottled in Bond Small Batch Bourbon, named in his honor, has been extremely hard to get since its release in 2013. It’s won countless gold medals in competitions around the world and a rare 5 star review from renowned spirits reviewer F. Paul Pacult. Some of our competitors feel comfortable charging upwards of $80 for this same bottle due to scarcity. In a world where getting a bottle of Elmer T. Lee, George T. Stagg, or Blanton’s has become next to impossible, finding a bottle of Taylor for $40 is a coup. E.H. Taylor is right at home in the company of luminaries like these.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 07, 2019

It’s been a little while since I’ve sat down and evaluated this product thoroughly. A standard in my back bar when I can get it, but I tend to drink and not think this one if you know what I mean. The fact that it’s recently become slightly more available (for what will certainly be a short period of time) means I get to take some time to consider this one thoroughly for once. Supposedly the same mash bill as George T Stagg I actually get a strong similarity one of the other famously hard to get Buffalo Trace Bourbons, Rock Hill Farms. Maybe it’s a warehousing thing or the fact that they’re both 100 proof, but the mashbills on the two should be different. The nose still has tons of sweet dark oak spice, strong Tahitian vanilla and caramel. Touches of barnyard and dried vegetation. Big sweet corn on the palate with a lovely kick thanks to the higher proof. This is the perfect whisky to go in between Eagle Rare and Blanton’s and the shoe fits perfectly, figuratively speaking. Sad we don’t get to sell this on the regular, but hopefully more stocks will continue to open up on this excellent brand.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 06, 2019

I never thought I’d see the day we could secure enough of this to shout it from the roof tops! Colonel Taylor Small Batch is finally here in more than six-bottle-at-a-time quantities! Hallelujah. If you’re a fan of Buffalo Trace bottlings and you’ve never been able to snag a bottle of their smaller production stuff, this is the perfect place to start. The high corn mashbill in combination with a big woody profile gives an incredible combination of sweet and spicy without relying heavily on rye grain. The 100 proof required by the bottled in bond act is actually a perfect spot for sipping. It’s robust enough to stand up in cocktails and sexy enough to enjoy on its own. The flavors are sweet candied corn, mature floral notes and tons of spicy wood and clove and burnt orange peel. It’s time to case up, ’cause we have no idea if or when this opportunity will come again.

Sarah Covey | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 08, 2015

Fans of soft, supple, easy-sipping bourbon should snap this puppy up immediately. Sweet corn, vanilla, spice and light caramel with a long, lingering finish. You will absolutely want to have this on your bar for sipping on the rocks, or as a killer component in any bourbon cocktail. It’s awesome!

WEMYSS MALTS CASK CLUB

AN ANTIQUE ARMCHAIR – 31 YEAR OLD SINGLE CASK BUNNAHABHAIN

THE 2ND CASK CLUB EXCLUSIVE BOTTLING WILL BE RELEASED ON THE 30TH OF MAY SIMULTANEOUSLY ONLINE AND AT THE INDIE WHISKY FEIS ILE 2019.

VIEW RELEASE INFO

Following on from the successful launch of the Wemyss Malts Cask Club with the inaugural bottling; ‘Smoky Nectar’ a 35 year old single cask Caol Ila, we have decided to continue the Islay whisky theme by releasing ‘An Antique Armchair’.

Named after the aromas and flavours found in the whisky ‘An Antique Armchair’ is a 1987 vintage, 31 year old Bunnahabhain matured exclusively in an ex-Sherry Butt. It has an outturn of 451 bottles and has been bottled in its original natural russet-like colour at an alcohol volume of 46%. Selected by famed whisky writer Charlie Maclean and noted by the Wemyss Malts tasting panel as another perfect example of an old Islay malt with leathery, earthy aromas as well as a long, deep and rich dried fruit character.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AN ANTIQUE ARMCHAIR

The bottling of ‘An Antique Armchair’ will be released on Thursday the 30th of May at 12pm noon simultaneously on wemyssmalts.com to members of the Cask Club as well being released at Islay’s first ever independent whisky festival; The Indie Whisky Fèis Ìle 2019. The festival, hosted in collaboration with the Feis Ile and independent bottler Dramfool will feature multiple stands offering a wide range of whiskies to sample and purchase including a dedicated Wemyss Malts stand offering an array of Islay single casks and peated blended malt whiskies. 

Wemyss Malts will also host a masterclass tasting during The Indie Whisky Fèis Ìle 2019 pouring ‘An Antique Armchair’ alongside a selection of Islay single cask single malts.  A custom Peat Chimney malt whisky will also be created by and for attendees live at the tasting to bottle, label and take home for themselves.

Throughout the month, we’re celebrating the diversity of our whisky and our wonderful members. Explore all 12 of our flavour profiles and discover your whisky character – share your discoveries with us on social media using the hashtag #whiskycharacter

WHISKY CHARACTERS      NEW OUTTURN

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE

Great to see so many members at The Spirit of Speyside festival last week, thank you for making our events so special. For those members celebrating at home, do let us know what Society drams you were sharing, and of course your thoughts on our celebratory bottlings. There’s still time to grab a bottle from our online shop.

CAN’T DECIDE? WHY NOT TRY A WEE SIP OF EVERYTHING?

The Society is taking its show on the road and across the sea throughout May, with an extensive programme of events and an exceptional range of special celebratory bottlings for the Spirit of Speyside, the Campbeltown Malts Festival and the Islay Festival.

Read everything you need to know to get involved – whether you’re able to travel in person or not.

GET YOUR TASTING PACK      FESTIVAL EVENTS

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

Ben Nevis 1991, 26 Year Old

Bottles for the Cask Strength Collection by Signatory Vintage
Distilled – 5th July 1991
Bottled – 7th May 2018
Cask – Sherry Butt

One of only 626 Bottles available worldwide.

Order Now

ROCK TOWN’S FOUR GRAIN BOURBON SCORES A 94/100
AT THE 2019 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE
Top rated craft bourbon in the competition>

Little Rock, AR – (April 17, 2019) – Rock Town Distillery is pleased to announce its Four Grain Sour Mash Bourbon Whiskey has scored a 94/100 and was named a Finalist in the prestigious 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge held in Hawthorne, NY.

Rock Town’s Arkansas Rye Whiskey scored a 93/100.  The entire list of entries can be found here

All products are rated on the 100-point scale by the spirits industry’s most renowned judges including buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners. This year’s USC judges included: Founder/Judging Chairman F. Paul Pacult, Jacques Bezuidenhout,Tim Cooper, Tad Carducci, Dale DeGroff, Meaghan Dorman, Tyler Hudgens, Justin Lavenue, Don Lee, Clay Risen, Joaquin Simó, Charlotte Voisey, and Jillian Vose.

“Not only did our Four Grain Sour Mash rate a 94/100, it was the top rated bourbon in the field from a craft distillery” said distillery founder and head distiller Phil Brandon. “I’m so proud of our team and what our little distillery in Arkansas has be able to achieve in its short 8-year history.”

ABOUT THE ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), held since 2010, is the world’s most prestigious and progressive global spirits and cocktail competition. The Ultimate Spirits Challenge was held at the custom-designed Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) Evaluation Center in Hawthorne, NY throughout March and early April.

ABOUT ROCK TOWN DISTILLERY

Rock Town Distillery produces the award winning Arkansas Bourbon, Arkansas Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, Arkansas Hickory Smoked Whiskey, Arkansas Rye Whiskey, Rock Town Vodka and more which are distributed to multiple states and Canada. Winner of the 2015 US Micro Whisky of the Year in the 2015 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Rock Town Distillery, Arkansas’ first legal distillery since prohibition, is located in downtown Little Rock at 1201 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72202.  The distillery is open for tours 6 days a week. To find out more please visit www.rocktowndistillery.com

An evening with Glen Scotia, hosted by Ibon Mendiguren

Saturday 18th May – Loch Fyne Whiskies, Inveraray

We have the pleasure of welcoming Glen Scotia Brand Ambassador Ibon Mendiguren to Loch Fyne Whiskies Inveraray. Join us for a fantastic evening where we’ll taste the treasures of the famed Campbeltown Distiller and learn more about what makes Glen Scotia such a brilliant whisky. Tickets are priced at £20 each and can be booked by calling 01499 302219 or emailing us.

We hope that you can make it!

Main Street, Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8UD

Whiskies to try this World Whisky Day

(as recommended by bartenders and whisky-makers)

Joe Harper, Assistant Bars Manager of Beaufort Bar and American Bar at The Savoy

Kornog Sauternes Cask: “this peated French single malt is finished in sauternes casks and has amazing complexity delivered by competing sweetness and smoke.”

He adds “For those staying in on World Whisky Day, I would suggest choosing a glass with a size that (responsibly) matches your thirst, fill with ice, add one part Craigellachie 13 year old and two parts sparkling mineral water. Garnish with good company.”

Thom Solberg, Group Bar Manager of Black Rock

Raasay While We Wait: “I tried Raasay While We Wait for the first time at a blind tasting of peated whiskies. Against the white tasting mat it stood out amongst all the others instantly as it had a completely different colour. I was wondering if someone had snuck in a Provence rose in the tasting. One of the things I love about Raasay While We Wait is how it does stand out in the already crowded field of peated Scotch. Raasay has managed to do something different with their focus on softening the peatsmoke with Italian red wine cask finishing. The lightly peated and fruity profile makes it ideal as an every day sipper as well as a whisky to introduce new drinkers into the smoky category. The way Raasay showcase their style makes me genuinely makes me excited for the whiskies that are gonna come out of the distillery in the next couple of years.”

Steven McGonigle, General Manager at Heads + Tails in West Hampstead

Glenfiddich Winter Storm: “A rare premium expression from the Glenfiddich Distillery which is only available by allocation and only a small handful of venues across London are privileged to have it – we’re lucky enough to have it at Heads + Tails.”

Alasdair Day, Co-founder of Isle of Raasay Distillery

Chichibu from Japan: “A small independent distillery – similar in size to our distillery on Raasay – producing exceptional young whisky. Their 4-year-old peated whisky, bottled in 2016, is well worth a try.

“Or why not try, Floki from Iceland, another small independent distillery. If you really want to try something very different then go for their Floki young malt Sheep Dung Smoked Reserve.”

Dan Pavey at The Gallery in West Hampstead

Starward Whisky: “I love this Australian whisky. Think toast, honey, vanilla with a touch of red fruit – aged on Apera (Australia Sherry) casks”

Yamazakura Blended Whisky: “I am a big fan of this Japanese Yamazakura Blended Whisky from Sasanokawa Shuzo. It is soft, delicate and floral with cherry blossom notes.”

Classic Scotch Whisky

Explore these fantastic ‘everyday’ Scotch whiskies from Scotland’s most recognised distilleries and our pick of top drams from lesser known distilleries.

Shop – Single Malt Whisky

New Release
Bruichladdich Uisge Luing 10 Year Old

This private bottling single cask expression from Islay’s Bruichladdich distillery was aged for 10 years in a Rivesaltes hogshead number #1525 before being bottled at a natural cask strength of 58.5% abv. Limited to only 290 bottles, each one hand numbered.

70cl / 58.5% abv

£90.00

Buy Now