Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 249: Auchentoshan 29 Year Old 1988 PX Finish

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries another limited release of his favorite Lowlander. In January he visited Taiwan (business trip with Catawiki). At the airport of Taichung – ready to come back home – he suddenly saw a bottle in the duty free range that was smiling at him. He had not seen it before. For the Toshan Man, this is always a special moment, as you can understand. Despite the price tag of 400 EUR (hey, it is 29 years old, mind you!) he could not leave it on the shelf, obviously. And what a belter of a whisky it turned out to be!

https://youtu.be/uFqZ3N9BsJs

Benromach adds Cask Strength Vintage 2008 to its Classic Range 

New Benromach limited batch release to be available across multiple international markets 

Family owned Benromach Distillery has announced a new addition to its Classic Range, Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2008 Batch 1, a rich and full-bodied, limited-batch single malt whisky.

The batch release which will be sold across multiple international markets, was matured in First-Fill Sherry and Bourbon casks. Just 5,500 bottles will be available to purchase worldwide from 24^th April 2019*.

Laid down in 2008 before being bottled in 2019, Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2008 is a 10-year- old whisky. The golden amber dram has notes of cracked black pepper, fruits and milk chocolate, with a delicate smoky edge on the palate. The whisky has a long, deep finish with subtle smokiness and bonfire embers.

Bottled at cask strength (57.9% ABV), Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2008 Batch 1 will replace Benromach 100° Proof in the Classic Range. The new expression will provide single malt Scotch whisky fans with subtle variations on the flavour profile of Benromach 100° Proof with small strength and natural colour variations reflecting different batches.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “By offering the opportunity to own and enjoy batch releases, we are able to further showcase the expertise of our distilling team while determining the right time to bottle each batch to take full advantage of the remarkable single malt whiskies we produce. We believe this expression will allow Benromach drinkers to understand more about the provenance of the whisky they are drinking.

“Every whisky we release has been carefully handcrafted by our close-knit team of distillers. While retaining the overall flavours that Benromach consumers have enjoyed in Benromach 100° Proof, the new Cask Strength Vintage release will differ subtly in both strength and flavour profile, reflecting the specific casks chosen from the vintage year.”

Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2008 Batch 1 is presented in an elegant bottle with shapes and textures inspired by the Speyside distillery. The copper cut medallion on the packaging signifies the moment in time when the distillers cut to the sweet heart of the spirit run. Each bottle will detail the vintage year, batch number and age.

Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2008 Batch 1 will be available in selected markets worldwide with a recommended retail price (RRP) of €69.95 (£59.95). Prices in local markets may vary depending on local taxes and duty.*

Benromach is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to use traditional methods, without any automated machinery. The small team of distillers employ all their senses when crafting the classic Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, managing the process by sight, sound and touch to create the unique, handcrafted and authentic Benromach taste.

For more information on Benromach single malt Scotch whisky, and to explore the Classic Range, please visit: www.benromach.com.

*Cask Strength Vintage 2008 Batch 1 will be available worldwide with the exception of China and the US. These countries will receive Cask Strength Vintage market exclusives later this year.

Notes

Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2008 Batch 1 Tasting notes

Colour

Golden amber

Nose

Stewed apple, pear and vanilla pod aromas.

Palate

Cracked black pepper with juicy fresh strawberry and raspberry, hints of orange peel and milk chocolate combined with a delicate smoky edge.

A touch of water reveals a sweet and salty effect, with ripe banana and blackcurrant flavours before giving way to a creamy milk chocolate edge and lingering subtle smokiness.

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com.

Wemyss Malts strikes gold at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019!

THE SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION (SFWSC), founded in 2000, is one of the oldest competitions of its kind with medals from the competition being recognized globally as an indicator of the highest calibre of quality.

Judging of spirits that are entered into the SFWSC is done so blindly to ensure impartiality and the competition is held in high global regard due to the esteemed and seasoned spirits experts on the panel.

With the former in mind it is with great honour and pride that Wemyss Malts can announce that The Hive has achieved the massive honour of winning Best in Class against all other Blended Malt Scotch Whiskies that were judged.

Further credit was bestowed on The Hive and Spice King, two of our Core Range malt whiskies as they both won Double Gold Medals in this year’s Best Blended Malt Scotch Whisky category.

Wemyss Malts ranges of blended malt whiskies have now achieved over 80 medals and awards.

THE HIVE is a honey-sweet and fruity malt whisky that is made from a carefully sourced and blended selection of Lowland, Highland and Speyside whisky. This quality malt whisky now boasts several medals and awards since its release including 93/100 points awarded by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and a gold medal for The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.

SPICE KING; a complex whisky made from multiple malts from across Scotland with a peppery and maritime flavour has also won many awards since its release including 93/100 points awarded by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and a Gold Medal with Concours Mondial Bruxelles.

April 2019 Auction

is now LIVE!
Take a look at some of the incredible lots on offer this month

Bowmore 1966 Single Cask 50 Year Old

A striking 50 year old bottling from Islay’s oldest distillery, Bowmore. Distilled all the way back in 1966, this is a classic vintage that also produced what is revered by many as the greatest whisky ever bottled, the Samaroli Bouquet.

Spectacular Springbank

This month features an incredible selection of limited release bottles from Springbank, the only Scottish distillery to malt, distil, mature and bottle on the same site. Features include the 1969 Signatory Vintage plus a range of other exceptional vintage expressions.

Glen Grant 1948 Gordon and MacPhail 70 Year Old Private Collection #3

The third release in the Private Collection is this Glen Grant expression – the oldest ever bottled. Distilled at the Speyside distillery in 1948, before being matured in a single, first fill sherry cask for a staggering 70 years.

Glen Albyn 10 Year Old 1960s

An incredibly rare distillery bottling from Inverness malt distillery, Glen Albyn, who sadly closed down in 1983 and was demolished three years later. This bottling was released in the 1960s, when the distillery was known for its best examples.

The Manager’s Dram Series

The Manager’s Dram series of whiskies were available exclusively to employees of United Distillers (now Diageo). These whiskies were specially selected through blind nosing by distillery managers within Diageo and bottled at natural cask strength.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Collection

That Boutique-y Whisky Company is an independent bottler of stunning expressions from globally acclaimed brands and distilleries. Each bottle is artistically designed with a fun and informative graphic novel-style label. Our auction features bottlings from The Macallan, Port Ellen, Springbank and many more.

If you would like us to provide a free expert valuation for your bottle(s) please send an email to info@whiskyauctioneer.com  Our link includes all the details we will require from you.

INVERURIE WHISKY SHOP NEWS

Only a few bottles left of these Limited Editions

Tomintoul Single Cask 2004

This limited edition single cask has been bottled at Cask Strength to retain the whiskies unique and natural characteristics and subtlety taste. This 2004-vintage Tomintoul has been aged exclusively in a single oloroso sherry butt for 13 years, before being bottled in September 2018, one of 858 bottles. Nose Butterscotch sweetness, nutty with hints of praline chocolate . Taste Sherry to the fore with nutty, vanilla and glaze fruit, with a lingering sherry finish.

TAKE A LOOK

Glencadam Single Cask 1998

This Limited Edition Single Cask whisky has been bottled at Cadk Strength to retain the whisky’s unique and natural characteristics and subtlety taste. This 19 year old was distilled in 1998 and matured in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Butt, the Bottled at 54.2%ABV on September 2018. Numbered bottles of 643. Nose Notable Sherry wood influence with raisiny and Sherry balance. Taste. Peppery spice backed by sweet raisiny Sherry with a lingering mix of sewer and pepper finish.

TAKE A LOOK

Hi folks, that’s us live with the 97th auction! Happy bidding!

Happy Bidding!

Littlemill Distillery

Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery revealed

Littlemill Distillery has long laid claim to an extensive and fascinating history, but new historic documentary evidence unearthed from the archives now conclusively proves that it was the oldest licensed whisky distillery in Scotland.

For over 220 years a date stone on the gable end of one of the distillery’s warehouses carved with 1772 offered the best suggestion as to the age of this world-renowned distillery, but there has been no documentary or legal proof until now.

This new evidence has come to light following the discovery of the local Justice of the Peace’s records for Dumbarton, dated 2 November 1773, which state that ‘Robert Muir of Littlemiln’ was granted the first ever license by the Government of King George III to “retail ale, beer and other excisable Liquors.”

Additionally, in 1772 accommodation was built next door to the distillery to house the Excise officers who represented the King – and ensured any distillation was duly recorded and the relevant taxes calculated and paid. This suggests that something was already afoot onsite before 1772 and cements Littlemill’s position as Scotland’s first and oldest licensed whisky distillery.

Colin Matthews, CEO, Loch Lomond Group commented:

“It has often been rumoured that Littlemill was the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland which until now have been only rumours. We have now uncovered conclusive documentary evidence to confirm these rumours and claims as reality, having commissioned detailed research to establish the facts. We are thrilled and excited to have discovered these clear and unambiguous documents dating back to 1773 that confirms that Littlemill was indeed the very first Scottish distillery to obtain a licence to sell ‘excisable liquors’.”

Charles MacLean, whisky historian and author added: “The wrangle about ‘the oldest distillery’ has been running for ages, so this is a significant find. There have been several claims before, based on the fact that illicit distilling took place on the site prior to a license being granted. The Dumbarton Justice of the Peace records, referencing Littlemill, does not refer explicitly to distilling, since prior to 1781 private distilling was perfectly legal so long as the spirits were not offered for sale. So, this license to sell excisable liquors amounted to a license to distil as we understand it today. What a shame Littlemill itself burnt down in 2004, but thankfully some limited stocks remain!”

Archibald Buchanan

Brothers George and Archibald Buchanan – the original owners of Littlemill – were trailblazers for the rich tradition of Scottish whisky production, and Littlemill continued to lead the industry for over two centuries. Notably, it was one of the first distilleries to have a female licensee, Jane MacGregor, in 1823. Later, in 1931, under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas, Littlemill was at the forefront of still innovation with technical designs that could create three styles of single malts from full-bodied to light.

Whisky production at Littlemill, situated in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow, continued until the distillery fell silent in 1994 and was subsequently destroyed by fire in 2004, never to produce a drop again.

Loch Lomond Group launched the Littlemill 40-Year-Old Celestial Edition (46.8% ABV) in late 2018, the oldest expression ever to be released from the lost Littlemill distillery. This rare release celebrates the life’s work of Littlemill owner Duncan Thomas and represents the culmination of his knowledge and experience, capturing the essence of his pioneering distilling process. Littlemill 40-year-old was recently scored at an impressive 90/100[1] by whisky expert Dave Broom on scotchwhisky.com.

Only 250 bottles of this precious liquid have been produced, each displayed in a stunning presentation box capturing the exact map of the night sky seen above Littlemill Distillery on the night the spirit was barrelled.

The latest addition to the Littlemill range will be released in September 2019. Littlemill 29-year-old (RRP £2,500; 47.3% ABV) is the third release from the Private Cellar Collection, comprising only 600 bottles which will be released across the world.

The liquid is contained within a bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter etched with an illustration of the River Clyde and a silver star signifying the Littlemill distillery’s location. The decanter is accompanied in its beautifully crafted presentation box by a 5cl miniature of the liquid, a piece of an original Littlemill cask, and a booklet sharing the fascinating history of the Littlemill distillery and tasting notes from Master Distiller Michael Henry.

For further information visit www.littlemilldistillery.com.

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning scotch whisky and other spirits brands that are sold in more than 120 countries around the world.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt scotch whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About Littlemill: 

Littlemill:

• The Littlemill distillery was officially established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.
• It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchanan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’ distilling may have taken place there for many centuries before, possibly making it the world’s oldest whisky distillery.
• Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004.
• In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas. It was these stills that provided the inspiration for the stills that remain in place at Loch Lomond Distillery today.
• In 2015 Loch Lomond Group commenced the new Littlemill Private Cellar Edition.
• Twitter / Instagram: @LittlemillMalt, Facebook: @LittlemillwhiskyE

Littlemill 29-year-old tasting notes:

• Nose: Floral notes of honeysuckle and rose mix with layers of spice, cinnamon and nutmeg followed by crème caramel and blossom honey with delicate orange.

• Taste: Silk like mouthfeel glides over the tongue. Crisp green apple, ripe pear and kiwi fruit before a caramel sweetness is balanced by lime juice and orange marmalade citrus notes.

• Finish: Long with toasted oak and waves of warming spice then thick, creamy vanilla and lingering green fruits.

[1] Scotchwhisky.com Scores of 90+ = Superb. Highest possible recommendation.

JACK DANIEL’S LAUNCHES AUGMENTED REALITY APP

AR brings an engaging experience rich with stories and visuals in a way that’s uniquely Jack 

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (April 18, 2019) – Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is rolling out an Augmented Reality (AR) app that will take consumers on a virtual journey of the Jack Daniel Distillery through a series of pop-up book style dioramas with more than 10 minutes of content providing an engaging experience rich with stories and visuals in a way that’s uniquely Jack.

“In today’s world, it’s important for us to reach fans and consumers where they are,” said Jeff Cole, Modern Media Director for Jack Daniel’s. “That means sharing content that’s unique, interesting and relevant though a variety of digital mediums. In 2016, we launched an immersive Virtual Realty experience and in 2018 we launched our official podcast, ‘Around the Barrel.’ This new AR experience is taking our brand storytelling to the next level.”

Once consumers download the dedicated app, they can point their phones at any Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey bottle (from 50mL to 1.75L) to uncover the animations, voice overs, and all the stories that make the more than 150-year old brand so special, from the Cave Spring water to the distilling process, to name a few.

Jack Daniel’s partnered with Tactic, a San Francisco-based company specializing in the production of immersive experiences, to develop the app.

“Augmented reality is in an exciting stage, and new technology and techniques are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Peter Oberdorfer, President of Tactic. “The Jack Daniel’s AR app features technology that sets the bar for creative storytelling in this new medium. The learnings and best practices from Jack Daniel’s will help inform the development of AR apps across different brands and industries.”

The AR experience is divided into three unique parts, each designed with the look and feel of hand-crafted models and integrate real-time, environmental lighting and textures. The first experience transforms the front label of the bottle into a miniature version of the Jack Daniel Distillery. The second walks step by step through the process of making Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, and the third shares stories of the man himself, Jack Daniel.

The Jack Daniel’s AR app will be available for download in the US for both iOS and Android platforms on April 15.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly. JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. ©2018 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey 40% Alcohol by Volume (80 Proof). Distilled & Bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JackDaniels.com

About Tactic

Tactic is an innovation studio situated at the convergence of design and technology. Its team of engineers and designers develop unique immersive experiences for AR and VR media as well as interactive installations, 360° video capture, game engine content, wearables, and other related technologies.

New  Category Announced in Inaugural Scottish Whisky Awards

The organisers of the new national celebration for the business of Scotch have added a new category to their line up as the programme progresses to the judging stages.

The Scottish Whisky Awards have added an ‘Excellence in Branding’ category which will be judged by a high-profile panel of experts from across the drinks industry.

The award will recognise the creation of a whisky brand which aims to make its mark in a competitive market.  Judges will consider the use of the brand in the context of product, packaging, marketing and communication strategies.

The awards have recruited a highly regarded judging panel which comprises of 35 experts from across the whisky business and related industries.  They will assess written entries in 7 categories covering a wide range of business including marketing, tourism destination, brand experience and community contribution.    The tasting panel which includes some of the world’s authorities in whisky tasting will blind taste a range of samples in 10 categories at the end of May.

The programme has the support of several sponsors including Shawbrook Bank, Bruce Stevenson, Wolffe Design and Barr Printers.

Details of the new category can be viewed here.

The deadline for entries is Thursday 9 May and it’s easy to enter following these simple steps.

Visit www.scottishwhiskyawards.org.uk

1. Register as a user in the My Account section
2. Go to Enter Now
3. Select your categories and fill in the form.
4. Process the registration fees and submit

For advice on the entry process or for support with your entries, please contact pippa@kdmedia.co.uk.

The Scottish Whisky Awards takes place on Thursday 5 September 2019 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh.

4-6 Coltbridge Avenue, Edinburgh, EH12 6AH
info@kdmedia.co.uk

Save over 20% with price drops across the store!

Now that Easter is out the way we’re on the home straight of the lead up to summer, and weather’s been nae bad either!

Treat yourself to a beautiful bottle to share with friends in the sunshine…

Next day UK delivery available
We ship all over the world

Glenrothes 12 Year Old

This 12-year-old expression from Speyside’s Glenrothes distillery has been matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned oak casks before bottling at 40% abv as part of the Soleo Collection.

Nose: vanilla sponge and baked pears.

Palate: sweet and smooth with some orange zest and oak shavings.

Finish: drying with a touch of spice.

70cl / 40% abv

Was £45.00

Save 11%

NOW £39.95
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Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood

A very highly regarded malt, matured primarily in bourbon casks and then transferred to sherry for polishing. Delightfully complex.

Nose: sherried trifle, apple blossom, honeycomb and fudge.

Palate: mellow, macademia nuts and cinnamon, sherried fruits and oranges.

Finish: long and warming with continuing fruity notes.

70cl / 40% abv

Was £40.00

Save 13%

NOW £34.95
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Laproaig Lore

It’s no secret that we love Laphroaig and when their latest premium release sample arrived at our door steps we were falling over ourselves to grab the first taste. Packed with that peat and smoke combination which comes as no surprise, however there is more; A rich and complex sweetness engulfs this dram in a way we haven’t seen from Laphroaig! This is a great whisky!

Rich and deep with distinctive smoke, peat and seaside minerality – this expression is unmistakably Laphroaig. This is a result of liquid being drawn from a selection of casks including first fill sherry butts, smaller quarter casks and their most precious stock capturing the timeless passion and very essence of the Laphroaig Distillery.

70cl / 48% abv

Was £89.00

Save 28%

NOW £63.90
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Highland Park 30 Year Old

This 30 year old expression is the second oldest in Highland Park’s range, and was released in 2013. A complex and award winning malt, that tops the bucket list of many whisky enthusiasts!

Nose: sweet festive spices fill the air with the darkest of chocolates accompanying them. Perfumed oaky notes also make an appearance.

Palate: full and juicy blood orange flavours dance across the tip of the palate before yielding to rich toffee and chocolate, all enjoyed with a rich peaty note in the background.

Finish: long, rich and smoky.

70cl / 45.7% abv

Was £650.00

Save 18%

NOW £529.95
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GlenDronach Parliament 21 Year Old

Named after the group of Ravens that live in the trees surrounding the distillery.  The story goes that the Ravens helped to warn the workers when the excise man was coming.

Nose: robust sherry soaked fruitcake, with hints of delicate wood smoke.

Palate: rich, dark fruits with rum and raisin fudge. A beautiful balance of rich and powerful flavours. Dark and viscous mouth feel.

Finish: rich and long with a half imagined wisp of smoke.

70cl / 48% abv

Was £124.00

Save 23%

NOW £95.00
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Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

This is the modern interpretation of the Macallan style for which the distillery is so well known – refined, rich, and rounded with plenty of sherry cask influence. Very definitely a dram to be enjoyed with friends.

Nose: fresh fruit salad, charming cloves

Palate: dark fruit, Christmas cake, rich almonds

Finish: stewed Apples and the sweetest prunes

70cl / 40% abv

Was £75.00

Save 8%

NOW £68.95
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