Welcome to WhiskyIntelligence.com where we'll be gathering information on the whisky industry and scotch whisky news in the form of press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes and comments.
Please submit your press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes or comments.
Four new regional malts from North Star Spirits. Batch #1 includes: Islay, Island, Speyside & Highland single malts from secret distilleries only identified by their latitude and longitude. Maximum 1 bottle per customer!
Buy – North Star Regions – £44.90
ralfy.com follows a time-line with . ralfy review 751 – Dewars 12yo Pure Malt @ 43%vol (1980’s).
Johnnie Walker has today released the first 50 – year – old Scotch whisky in the brands history – The John Walker Masters’ Edition. The new product features whiskies drawn from ancient distilleries that existed during the lifetime of founder John Walker.
Johnnie Walker has today launched The John Walker Masters’ Edition – a triple-matured Scotch whisky that has been crafted from six exceptionally rare whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 50 years.
This is the first time the brand has released a 50-year-old Scotch whisky and just 100 bottles of this unique liquid have been created.
Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director John Williams said: “Fifty year old whiskies are very rare. Whiskies of this age have incredible character but it takes great skill to reveal their flavour and then balance them so people can appreciate the end result. That’s where our Master Blender Jim Beveridge – one of only six in the history of Johnnie Walker – and his small team of exceptional whisky-makers come into their own as masters of their craft.”
The John Walker Masters’ Edition features single malt whiskies drawn from some of the oldest available stocks from the Glen Albyn and Glenury Royal distilleries – which are now closed – and the much-celebrated Blair Athol distillery, which stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The three grain whiskies used in its crafting are drawn from the ghost distilleries of Caledonian, Cambus and Port Dundas.
Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge said: “Each drop of this whisky has been hand-selected from some of the most valuable and precious casks of malt and grain whiskies to be found in our reserves.
“About 20 years ago, Johnnie Walker blenders recognised that these individual whiskies were very special and the decision was made to put them aside for special use, allowing each of them to continue to mature in their casks, knowing that, in time, something even more remarkable would emerge. Our goal was to pay tribute to the whisky masters who worked with these whiskies such a long time ago and, with the creation of The Masters’ Edition, I believe we’ve done that.”
GLENCAIRN RECEIVES DRINKS INDUSTRY HONOUR FOR SERVICE TO WHISKY – KEEPERS OF THE QUAICH HONOUR FOR SCOTT DAVIDSON
Glencairn Crystal – located in East Kilbride – has seen another member of its founding family, the Davidsons, join the world-renowned Keepers of the Quaich Society.
Within the whisky industry, the Society recognises outstanding achievement by those who work, write and evangelise about Scotch whisky. Each year a select few individuals from the industry are chosen to become Keepers of the Quaich – an accolade that is the highest recognition in the global world of whisky. Twice a year, new Keepers are invited to join the Society at a special gala dinner at Blair Castle, whereby lifelong members join the new delegates to celebrate this prestigious accolade.
Earlier this month, Scott Davidson, New Product Development Director at Glencairn, was bestowed as a Keeper of the Quaich, following his father Raymond joining the Society as a Keeper in 2016. Scott is the latest member of the Davidson family – founders of Glencairn Crystal – to join the Keepers, following over 20 years with the family business. Alongside his father Raymond (Founder and Director) and brother Paul (Managing Director), Scott has grown the business ten-fold since 2006 and continues to lead on strategy, financial and legal areas of the company.
Scott said: “I am honoured and humbled to be invited to join Keepers of the Quaich. This prestigious title is one that is hugely sought after within the whisky industry and I am delighted to have been recognised, on behalf of our family business, for what we do for the industry. It is an honour to join so many exceptional and respected individuals amongst a sector that we have been so well received within and are so passionate about.”
Annabel Meikle, Director of Keepers of the Quaich said: “I was delighted to see Scott inducted at our recent banquet. Glencairn Crystal play a pivotal role in the Scotch whisky industry and I think it sends a great message to see their work recognised. Scott follows in his father, Raymond’s footsteps in this highly specialised field.”
Products designed by Glencairn Crystal range from luxury crystal development to engineering precious metal closures, quality presentation packaging and the Glencairn glass, designed by Raymond, specifically to enhance the whisky drinking experience, and is now widely accepted as the official whisky drinking glass by the industry.
Glencairn now employ over 60 people in design and production and have partnered on projects with almost every Scotch whisky company and export their products to over 70 countries. It is an extraordinary example of a successful family owned and run business that puts both its client and employee satisfaction above all else.
For further information, visit: www.glencairn.co.uk
Notes:
About Glencairn Crystal:
Glencairn’s clients include leading drinks companies, brands and other outlets, including: BP, Brown-Forman, Cunard, Diageo, Houses of Parliament, Muller, Google, Scottish Parliament and the majority of the Scottish Whisky manufacturers, in addition to many of the international whisky and spirit producers. Created in 2001, the Glencairn Glass has seen an average year on year global sales increase. Often referred to as the official tasting glass, the company makes over 3 million per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 70 countries worldwide. Glencairn has previously won The Queen’s Awards as follows:
– The Queens Award for Enterprise 2017 and 2012
– The Queens Award for Innovation 2006 (with the Glencairn Whisky Glass)
About The Distilled Spirits Council:
The Distilled Spirits Council is the national trade association representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States. The Council guards the sector against higher taxes and works diligently to reduce trade barriers across the globe, while supporting policies that increase adult market access for spirits products, provide greater convenience and choices for adult consumers, and encourage responsible and moderate consumption. The Council is a go-to resource for sector data, changes in public policy, cultural acceptance programs, U.S. spirits exports to foreign markets, and alcohol and science.
Golden Liquid Indeed!
The fantastic – and limited – Macallan Edition No.4 is now back in stock at The Whisky Shop so order now before it flies off the shelves!
Our exclusive Mortlach 25 Year Old from Hunter Laing’s Platinum Old & Rare Selection has been awarded Scottish Field magazine’s Whisky of the Year 2018, alongside Best Independent Bottling and Best Whisky Over £100. The awards took place on Friday with a representative from the Laing family collecting the gongs. This single cask expression is limited to just 319 bottles, but fortunately some are still available online so place your order today while stocks last.
We also have a new selection of bottles available in our flash sales, with up to 27% off expressions from the likes of Highland Park, Talisker, Laphroaig and Johnnie Walker.
Next day UK delivery available
International shipping
Back in Stock:
The Macallan Edition No. 4
The fourth release in the Edition Series from The Macallan, this Speyside single malt is a celebration of the distillery’s whisky making heritage, combining a unique selection of oak cask styles. Edition No.4 reflects the craftsmanship and pioneering design of the new Macallan distillery.
The nose is bold and rounded with honey and sweet apples atop orange zest, ginger, nutmeg and polished oak. The palate has rich nutmeg and wood spice to the fore, with sweet vanilla emerging to coat the mouth, before a fruity oak finish.
Scottish Field’s Whisky of the Year 2018:
Mortlach 25 Year Old
Platinum Old & Rare
Part of the Platinum Old & Rare Selection from independent bottler Hunter Laing & Co., this 25 year old Speyside single malt was distilled in September 1992. Left to mature in a single sherry butt for a quarter of a century, it was finally bottled in September 2017, when only 319 bottles were filled. As with all the Platinum Old & Rare releases, this single cask expression is presented at natural cask strength free from chill-filtration and tinting.
The nose has Christmas cake and old cognac with chocolate liqueurs and a touch of cigar leaf. The palate is sweet and sumptuously textured with drying aspects. The finish is long and warming.
Port Charlotte MRC: 01 – 2010
Old Malt Cask 20th Anniversary Single Cask Whiskies
Twenty new single cask malts celebrating the Old Malt Cask 20th Anniversary!
To mark the 20th anniversary of Old Malt Cask; Hunter Laing & Co. has bottled 20 casks from distilleries including Littlemill, Clynelish, Glen Grant, Bowmore, Arran & Mortlach. Shop for the latest Scotch and world whiskies alongside new gins from Scotland. You will find new single cask whiskies from independent bottlers alongside limited edition official distillery single malts. Those collectable bottles sell out quickly, check back regularly and be the first to own a prized bottle.
These single casks are, by their very nature, very limited in quantities. Don’t delay!
Shop – Old Malt Cask 20th Anniversary
WhiskyTOURS Paul & Liz with Charlie Maclean
ALL ABOOT THE DRAM – it’s not rocket science.
Other countries produce whisky (or, whiskey), but it is Scotch whisky that has caught the world’s imagination, resulting in an industry that today supports over 40,000 jobs across the UK (including ours); each year adding £5bn or more to the UK’s taxes; and contributes almost £4bn to the UK’s balance of trade. Legally Scotch whisky within the UK the rules are set out in The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (SWR), which came into force on 23 November 2009. Under the terms of the SWR, Scotch whisky has to have been distilled at a distillery in Scotland, matured in Scotland for a period of not less than three years and one day (leap years) in oak casks of not more than 700 litres with an alcoholic strength by volume minimum 40%.
There are five categories of Scotch whisky. (a) Single malt Scotch whisky is whisky produced by batch distillation in pot stills at a single distillery. (b) Single grain Scotch whisky is any other whisky produced at a single distillery in Scotland, in addition to malted barley, grains of other malted or unmalted cereals can be used. (c) Blended malt whisky is a blend of two or more single malt Scotch whiskies from different distilleries. (d) Blended grain whisky is a blend of two or more single grain Scotch whiskies from different distilleries. (e) Blended Scotch whisky is a blend of one or more single malt Scotch whiskies and one or more single grain Scotch whiskies. In the labelling, the category of whisky must be shown, and a distillery name may only be shown on Scotch whisky that has been wholly distilled at that distillery. Where an age description is used on a label (i.e. “aged 10 years”), that must be the age of the youngest Scotch whisky in the bottle, the term “pure malt” is banned from labels – but Paul does have a bottle of Cardhu Pure Malt. Most single malt Scotch whisky is sold at a strength of between 40% and 45% alcohol.
However, whiskies that are not diluted at all and are sold at “cask strength”, i.e. they are bottled at the strength at which they come from the cask. All malt Scotch whisky is matured in oak barrels that are second-hand: that have been previously used to mature some other alcoholic drink somewhere in the world. As a result Scotland is the destination of a constant flow of empty and dismantled bourbon casks from the USA, sherry and port casks from Spain, Burgundy and Claret casks from France, to name just a few, Edradour to my mind is a world leader in experimentation, love this distillery and the drams that emerge from it. The process of making malt whisky has the same stages wherever in Scotland it is made. Many distilleries do not have maltings, preferring to buy their barley already malted from one of the very large industrial maltings that now are available.
The best way of understanding the process is to book with MCLEANSCOTLAND on a bespoke whisky tour, they will take you to various distilleries, offer masterclasses, whisky schools and tastings – they have many industry experts working with them, many of them friends. With a team of 8 driver guides, plus Liz and Paul, you are in the best of hands, no matter if you know it all (no one knows everything) or just starting out, their tours are an education, fun and very more ish.
The Whisky Making Team at Tamnavulin
The National Whisky Festival – Scotland’s best celebration of all things uisge-beatha (I was told) – Paisley town hall October 2018, aye I was there!
by Paul Mclean!
Accompanying us were the drams, whisky related arts, books, crafts, live music (no the best to be honest), food from local restaurants (eh? Didnee see much grub), craft beer bar (didnee see this), myself and a few pals. So, was this any different than other festivals in a day? For the ticket price of £25 we each inherited entrance to the afternoon sesh, over 50 whiskies (thought there may have been more), two £5 discount vouchers against purchases at the bottle shop, no cheap to begin with by the way, a branded Glencairn nosing glass (will add this to the other hundred or so at home), masterclasses and an official festival programme. Would I attend next year? Nope.
For me, Paisley is a long way away, did I need a passport from Perth? After a few drams I couldnee get home easy so planned to rough it with the “Weegies” for the night. Mr Hilton was very helpful in this aspect, a nice bed and room, he kept away the beggars and drunks who have hindered me before in our largest city. I must point out though, Mr George was no helping being totally tied up, so Mr Hilton, where are the free drinks in the free bar Mr George gives me? Aye well. I did happen to take a few wee empty bottles along just in case, at every whisky fest I have attended, and the list is long, educational research you understand, there are always people I know on the other side of the table (said with a grin). However this time I knew no one!
Masterclasses in our sesh were: Uncle Nearest who were there fae Shelbyville, Tennessee. Their statement – Honoring (why cannee the Americans spell correctly?) the best whiskey maker the world never knew, Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green. The first African American master distiller on record in the US. To be honest, never heard of him, pass this over to Charlie (needless to say we tried it, all 4 of us almost spat it oot, drams went into the bucket directly). At £55 for a bottle of grim corn whisky, och there are much better drams out there for less – Bunny for example. Loch Fyne Whiskies whom I know very well, unfortunately for my wallet, Paul John Whisky – pals of mine fae India, just had an evening masterclass with Shilton the other night, and a smattering of PJ drams on tour up in Elgin. Aye, know them very well. Glenturret with the new style bottles, interesting as I ran advertising agency before doing whisky tourism, always interested in packaging/marketing. All with brand ambassadors. It was first come, first served at the main hall entrance. We stumbled into the Loch Fynne class. They now have 2 shops, our class consisted of 5 drams, two were great, the last, a liqueur was bad, a nasty piece of work that found a spittoon right away.
Distell Group brought along a few pals too; Black Bottle , Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – we delved into many of their drams and, the fab Ledaig, so good that was I had seconds, thirds and a fourth, lovely lady here, Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Mull – Maclean land. I had wondered if big Jimbo Bibleman would be there, guess what? We also hit the Mackmyra table hard, the Swedes had come a long way so it was nice of us to stay so long with them, prefer Scotch. Wolfburn were all good. The sesh came to an end with us being asked to leave the building, I wondered if Elvis was still there? The West End had our names so we went along by taxi to the Islay bar, bad move, far too much excitement here, too many drams and music on offer, not good for auld guys (2 of us) girls didnee look like that when I was young. I found a table as they got in a round, a whisky and three Guinness. Our Mankie pal had trouble at the bar, accent or just daft as a brush, we couldnee be sure, he came back and said the bar staff had never heard of Glendronach (Man U supporter, what d’you expect). A wee bit later the Welshman and myself decided we had had enough, a taxi was stopped and hoose/hotels were found. We left the two ex Marines to cause mayhem and scarpered.
Back at the ranch with Mr Hilton, I hit the whisky mist bar (well named), confused and interested in a couple of cocktails, as you do. Trying to move the Portugese outa the way (they played Scotland next day, hotel was full of them, and the team) I politely dabbled inside a “deep in the vaults”, turning oot to be a 12 yo Bowmore Oloroso, surrounded by Benedictine liqueur and sea salt. No sure so moved on, was interested but didnee partake in the Auchentoshan & Ale; American Oak, lemon, bitters, fruit and a choice of beer – Guinness, Best, Schiehallion or Harvieston Amber, all in an enamel mug. Let this one get away, ended my night with “Penicillin”, a Naked Grouse, Laphroaig with lemon juice honey and ginger. Trying to reach my room, got in the lift with a nice wee lass who pressed floor 11. All was good except I was on 13. Oot she got and I stayed, pressed 13, nothing happened, pressed again, nothing happened. Oh no, not another night in a lift. It then hit me, I needed my room card to work the lift. Got to my bed, a bottle of Lucozade and Homes under the Hammer on tv – darkness came.
A different kind of weekend in Glasgow, I would go back and do it all again, perhaps without the whisky fest, no the best. PAUL MCLEAN in his own view. www.whiskytours.scot
![Single Malt Whisky[1]](https://www.whiskyintelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Single-Malt-Whisky1.jpg)
Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky worth the wait!
Award-winning whisky now available in Waitrose & Partners stores nationwide
Cotswolds Distillery has secured a nation-wide listing in Waitrose & Partners for their its whisky, which was released in October 2017. Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky has already accumulated an impressive nine medals and awards in its first year on the market, and this is its first substantial national listing.
The whisky will be available at the majority of Waitrose & Partners stores across the UK and at waitrose.com at an RRP of £45. Described as a rich and fruity single malt, it has been aged in a combination of first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and specially shaved, toasted and re-charred red wine barriques.
The distillery began production of its whisky and gin in 2014 at its small site in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour. The original business plan was for small-scale production to sell locally but the gin soon won awards and listings in the UK and abroad, and the small company has grown rapidly ever since.
Dan Szor, founder and CEO of Cotswolds Distillery, said “We are delighted that Waitrose & Partners has chosen to list Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky so widely – it’s a wonderful statement of belief in both our distillery and in the wider ‘world whisky’ category. We are passionate about showing consumers that small distilleries like ours, outside the traditional whisky heartlands, are committed to a production ethos that champions the highest quality local ingredients and distilling methods that are driven by quality over cost. It’s painstaking work but we feel we’re really raising the bar, so we’re very proud to show off the incredible results you can achieve, even as a brand-new distillery.”
The whisky, which recently took Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and two stars at the Great Taste Awards, has benefitted from a number of production techniques often considered too costly or inefficient in the wider whisky industry. In particular, the distillery is committed to using only barley grown on local farms in the Cotswolds, and each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and farm it was grown on.
The listing of the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky coincides with an expansion of Waitrose & Partners’ listing of the distillery’s award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin. The gin was first listed as part of the retailer’s regional producers scheme, and has been available at 10 stores in and around the Cotswolds area since July 2017 (RRP £37). Having enjoyed considerable success in the initial listing, the gin will now be rolled out to stores across the country and on waitrose.com.
Featuring lavender grown locally to the distillery, the gin was named Best London Dry in the World Gin Awards 2016 and secured the top Gold Outstanding medal in the IWSC the following year. As with the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, it is bottled non-chill filtered at 46% ABV, to preserve the richest flavours and mouthfeel. The unfiltered essential oils from the botanicals (including hand peeled fresh pink grapefruit zest) result in the gin’s signature pearlescent cloudiness that forms when ice or tonic are added.
For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.
Notes to Editors
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 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and took 2 stars (one of only two whiskies to do so) in the 2018 Great Taste Awards.
Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 12 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange 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 23 countries. Key national accounts include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.
For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com
