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Sprinbank Society Longrow 14 & Springbank 12 Now Available – Scotch Whisky News

Springbank Society

Members of the Springbank Society

We are pleased to announce two new distillery releases that will be available in the UK from today – release dates for other countries/markets will vary.  Details of these special, limited releases are below:

Longrow 14yo Sherrywood 57.8%

This Longrow release was matured in refill Oloroso Sherry casks and bottled at 57.8% ABV.

Nose: Very fruity! Toffee apples, pears and strawberry chocolates in the background; salted popcorn kernels, mint leaves and honey.

Taste: Salty and coastal, the fruitiness continues with raisins, chocolate orange and prunes. A dryness develops with demerara sugar and digestive biscuit.

Finish: Drying BBQ spices; cayenne pepper and paprika followed by cinnamon sugar, oats, pecan nuts and the typical gentle Longrow smokiness.

  • The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling the Longrow 14yo Sherrywood for £55.00
  • This is not a Society exclusive bottle
  • There is no Society discount for this bottle as this is not a core range product.

Springbank 12yo Cask Strength 

The latest edition to the Springbank 12yo CS range has been matured in 70% Sherry casks and 30% Bourbon casks and has been bottled at 56.2% ABV.

Nose: A fruity and nutty combination; cherries, apricot jam, pistachios and toasted oats. Salted caramel and marzipan begin to emerge.

Taste: Sweet and delicious, Scottish tablet, prunes and honey. The classic Campbeltown style develops; sea salt and a light smoke coat the mouth.

Finish: A long and warming finish; honeycomb, orange marmalade and liquorice closely followed by Demerara sugar, almonds, oats and prunes.

  • The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling the Springbank 12yo Cask Strength for £49.50.
  • This is not a Society exclusive bottle
  • The Society discount for this product is 10% (at the discretion of each Cadenhead shop)

Please note that the Campbeltown shop will only be taking orders via phone and will not be reserving any bottles should you call before 10am (BST) tomorrow – Tuesday 14th August 2018.

These whiskies are available in the UK from tomorrow – for more information on when they will be released in different countries/markets please contact your local Springbank retailers and stockists, details of whom can be found by visiting: http://springbank.scot/distributors/.

This email is designed to replace the old ‘Available Now’ newsflash that was traditionally sent out on the launch day as a number of members have requested that we let you all know sooner. As such, notifications on the launch day itself will only be made on social media. We do urge members not to publish the details of this newsflash on social media before we announce it ourselves through our own social media channels. This will hopefully let you all get first chance to buy these bottles although we would highlight that we do not control how shops sell their stock. Even the Cadenhead shops are out-with our control so if you have any enquiries about what stock individual shops have please contact them directly.

Slainte,

The Springbank Society

Springbank Distillers Ltd

Please contact the Society here to join!

Ralfy Publishes Ralfy Review #729 – Scotch Whisky News

ralfy-crown

ralfy.com discovers the affordable peaty version of Bruichladdich with . ralfy review 739 – Port Charlotte 10yo @ 50%vol:

 

LAKES DISTILLERY BREAKS WORLD RECORDS AT WHISKY AUCTION – English Whisky News

(L to R) Nigel Mills CBE, Chief Executive Officer of The Lakes Distillery, Paul Currie, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Lakes Distillery and Whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi

LAKES DISTILLERY BREAKS WORLD RECORDS AT WHISKY AUCTION

The first bottle of single malt whisky from The Lakes Distillery has sold for £7,900, breaking the world record for the most expensive whisky from a new distillery, and the most expensive bottle of English whisky sold at auction.

  • WORLD RECORD: Most expensive bottle of whisky from a new distillery
  • WORLD RECORD: Most expensive bottle of English whisky
  • LANDMARK: Average of £900 per bottle for the batch of 99 auctioned

The Lakes Distillery auctioned 99 of its first bottles of single malt whisky, Genesis, with bottle number one selling for £7900.This surpassed the previous record of £7,100 for the first whisky to come from a new distillery, which was held by a Scottish distillery.

Genesis was sold at cask strength in a bespoke rosewood presentation box, each individually numbered and hand signed by Dhavall Gandhi, the Whiskymaker. Genesis comes from the Greek word meaning origin. The name pays homage to the distillery’s beginning, and gives a tantalising glimpse into its future.

The auction, which was hosted on http://www.whiskyauctioneer.com, started on 29th June and ran until noon on Tuesday 10th July.

Nigel Mills CBE, Chief Executive Officer of The Lakes Distillery, said: “Genesis signifies an important milestone in our history, because the first spirit we laid down is now more than three years old and we can finally call it whisky. The auction was fascinating and it exceeded all our expectations. We are proud to have not only produced a wonderful malt whisky but to have seen such a demand for the first bottles.”

Whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi said: “We don’t just bottle our whisky because it is three years old; instead, I look at each cask to assess them individually until I find the right flavour profile. We have reached a peak for some casks and that is why we released a limited number.

“It’s an amazing feeling that people are finally recognising whisky as art. People have a lot of faith in what we are doing and it’s amazing to see the prices showing that faith.”

Paul Currie, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Lakes Distillery, said: “This is an historic moment and the success of the auction and the interest in Genesis demonstrates that the Lakes single malt whisky is a credible alternative to whiskies from the world’s established distilleries.”

Alan Rutherford OBE, Chairman of The Lakes Distillery, said: “Our expectations for the auction were high and we are thrilled that we were not disappointed. There was tremendous interest and this is reflected in the price and the records broken. I am very proud that 99 people will have the opportunity to taste this very special malt whisky.”

The whisky was first matured in Oloroso hogsheads giving it a vibrant character full of dried ginger and wood-spice. After the initial period of maturation, the whisky was finished in casks made-up of American and European oak to add a layer of dried fruit and vanilla. Finally, these two components were married together in Orange wine casks from the Andalucía region of Spain, giving it a spicy and chocolate-orange character.

For more information, please visit: http://www.lakesdistillery.com

Notes

The Lakes Distillery employs 85 people and is led by a team of four:

Paul Currie, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, as one part of the father-son team behind the Isle of Arran Distillers, Paul has whisky in his veins!

Nigel Mills CBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, was the driving force that saw the Mills convenience store brand grow from 11 newsagents to a chain of 77 convenience stores and eight supermarkets.

Dhavall Gandhi, Operations Director and Whiskymaker, joined the Distillery after fine-tuning his skills at Macallan and is instrumental in crafting the Lake District’s only single malt whisky.

Alan Rutherford OBE, Chairman, a leading figure in the whisky world, as testified by his OBE for services to the Scotch Whisky Industry and as the former production director at Diageo.

The distillery was founded with money from a group of North of England based investors. A further 2,435 investors supported the Distillery in a round of crowd funding on Crowdcube six months ago, raising £1.62million.

In addition, 2,975 whisky lovers joined an exclusive Founders Club, giving them the opportunity to enjoy a 70cl bottle of The Lakes spirit every year for 10 years.

Lakes Distillery spirits are now available in multiple national retail chains including; Marks and Spencers, Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Harvey Nichols, Majestic Wine and Booths, alongside a number of independent specialist spirit retailers and World Duty Free shops.

The business is also supplying export markets in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Philippines, Japan, and South Africa.

The Lakes Distillery has won six awards for its visitor experience including the Global Masters Award for Distillery Visitor Facilities and Visitor Experience. It has also won awards for its spirits, tourism, its Bistro and the quality of its new buildings within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Lake District National Park.

Location information: http://www.lakesdistillery.com

Lakes Distillery Logo

Celebrating the new home of The Macallan – Scotch Whisky News

MAC2

Capturing The new Macallan distillery from genesis to completion

The Macallan Masters of Photography celebrates two very different, but highly revered art processes and brings together some of the world’s best photographers to capture The Macallan’s mastery.

The Macallan Masters of Photography: Magnum Edition marks the seventh limited edition release. This awe-inspiring collection of images, taken by six world renowned Magnum photographers, captures different aspects of the new Macallan Distillery from genesis to completion, from the landscape and materials, to the character of the workers and protagonists who have brought it to fruition.

Explore the chapter

Mac1

A unique statement in architecture and whisky making

The Macallan Genesis Limited Edition celebrates the innovative design and iconic architectural statement that is the home of The Macallan; marking a remarkable partnership with internationally acclaimed architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

Complete with a limited edition lithographic print of the distillery by lead architect Graham Stirk, this exclusive whisky reflects the complexity of flavour influenced by each stage of The Macallan’s whisky making process.

The Genesis Limited Edition will be available from The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience on the 14th August 2018 priced at £495.00, limited to one bottle per customer on a first come, first served basis. Please note there will be no access to the site before 9:30am on the 14th August.

 

Read more           Plan your visit

Macallan

 

Just over 4 weeks to go to the Midlands Whisky Festival Saturday 15th September 2018 – Whisky News

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Midlands2

OVER 300 WHISKIES ON TASTE IN THE CITY
15 SEPTEMBER 2018
– thestudio –

It’s just over a month till we descend on Birmingham’s city centre for another memorable whisky gathering, joined by over 50 brands and more than 300 whiskies on taste. Brace yourselves for our greatest whisky tasting experience yet!

BOOK TICKETS NOW

NEW TO THE SHOW

Each year Midlands Whisky Festival welcomes some of the most well-known brands and bottlers in the whisky industry, although you’re always guaranteed to find something new and exciting to taste!

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STARWARD

World whiskies are always interesting finds, especially when they’re from the other side of the globe. Starward, known as the ‘modern Australian whisky’ mature their spirit in a variety of wine casks including red wine and fortified wine, which results in a single malt with serious character to boot. Be sure to come and check them out at the Birmingham show.

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THE PEARLS OF SCOTLAND

Family-owned independent bottler Gordon & Company will be at the show showing bottlings from a number of distilleries such as Bunnahabhain, Cambus, Tobermory and this exceptional bottle of single cask Highland Park, which was aged for an impressive 25 years.

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FROM VERMONT, USA

If you’re a fan of American whiskey then you’re in for a treat. WhistlePig will be making their MWF debut next month, taking you on a lip-smacking journey through their range of amazing rye whiskeys from WhistlePig farm in Vermont.

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MEET THE MAKERS

Keith Cruickshank will be sharing his knowledge and experience on what it’s like being a distillery manager at Benromach, during a masterclass to celebrate their 20th anniversary!

Tasting Lineup
– Benromach 10 Year Old
– Benromach 15 Year Old
– Benromach Organic
– Benromach Triple Distilled
– Benromach 1998 20th Anniversary Bottling
– Benromach 1970 (Bottled 1980s) Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

FIND OUT MORE

-OPENING TIMES –

Saturday 15th
12pm – 6pm
(5.40pm last pour)

Please arrive at the venue early to avoid potential queues

– VENUE –

thestudio venue
7 Cannon Street
Birmingham
B2 5EP

Click HERE for directions

Port Ellen 1983 at Bartels Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

Bartells PE

Port Ellen 1983
Aged 33 Years
57.1% vol – Cask No: 16055SALE – £828.00
Don’t forget you get free marble coaster with this purchase.

Visit our website to purchase

Possibly the highest regarded of all the closed distilleries, Port Ellen single cask bottlings are incredibly rare.  Here at Bartels we are proud to present our second edition Port Ellen 1983.  Aged in a Bourbon Hogshead this 33 year old retained a very high strength of 57.1% and produced 249 individually numbered bottles.  With the unmistakable Islay nose and rich coastal flavours this certainly is one not to miss.  Sold in a beautiful black piano presentation box with a fur lining.

Bartels

Wyoming Whiskey FridayTasting , August 17th, 2018 at The Whisky Shop #SFO – American Whiskey News

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Friday, August 17th, 5-7 PM: 

 Wyoming Whiskey 

Wyoming Whiskey are independent, family-owned whiskey makers with a world-class distillery in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. The Big Horn Basin has everything needed to make great bourbon, and all ingredients are sourced locally – from non-GMO grain to water from the Madison limestone aquifier. The consistency and uniqueness of these whiskey elements make for a better bourbon that stands apart from all others, and a true contender for best Whisky of the West. 

More Details & RSVP

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Johnnie Walker announces the arrival of Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen

Johnnie Walker announces the arrival of Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen

The new whisky is the second in a series of special editions crafted using irreplaceable ‘ghost’ whiskies and other incredibly rare whiskies from the Johnnie Walker Blue Label reserves used to create the award-winning Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

At the heart of this limited edition lies the highly sought-after Islay single malt, Port Ellen, following the release of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Brora last year.

Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen

For Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge and his small team of expert blenders, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series is an exciting exploration of flavour.

Jim Beverage commented: “These whiskies deliver a fascinating glimpse into another world, exploring the unique, inimitable character of whiskies from a small number of iconic, closed distillieries that lend something very special to every drop of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It’s really interesting to be able to put a spotlight on the character of these whiskies.”

“‘Ghost’ whiskies from Caledonian and Carsebridge add layers of creamy, vanilla sweetness whilst rare malts from Mortlach, Dailuaine, Cragganmore, Blair Athol and Oban deliver rolling waves of waxy citrus, rich malt and tropical fruit flavours – all perfectly balanced by the distinctive maritime smokiness of Port Ellen that lingers in the long and warming finish.”

Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series, which launch globally from October 2018

At the end of last year, we announced that Port Ellen and Brora, two of the most revered “lost” distilleries in the global spirits industry, were to be brought back to life through a £35 million investment.

In the 34 years since Brora and Port Ellen were closed, the whiskies they produced have become some of the most highly prized and sought after liquids in Scotch whisky, renowned for exceptional quality and character; elevating the lost distilleries to cult status amongst whisky enthusiasts and collectors.

Iconic “lost” distilleries revived in major scotch investment

Port Ellen and Brora, two of the most revered “lost” distilleries in the global spirits industry, are to be brought back to life in a powerful statement of confidence in the future of Scotch whisky.

 

Port Ellen

The distilleries, which have been silent since they were closed in 1983, will be brought back into production through a £35 million investment by Diageo.

In the 34 years since Brora and Port Ellen were closed, the whiskies they produced have become some of the most highly prized and sought after liquids in Scotch whisky, renowned for exceptional quality and character; elevating the lost distilleries to cult status amongst whisky enthusiasts and collectors.

For many years whisky fans around the world have called on Diageo to reopen these closed distilleries. The decision is partly a response to those demands from existing enthusiasts but it also reflects the strong growth in the single malt Scotch market and the opportunity to create new generations of whisky consumers.

Port Ellen Distillery on the famous whisky island of Islay, and Brora on the remote eastern coast of Sutherland, will both be reinstated to distil in carefully controlled quantities, with a meticulous attention to detail, replicating where possible the distillation regimes and spirit character of the original distilleries. Cask filling and traditional warehousing will also be included on the sites of both distilleries.

£35m investment

800kl capacity per year

The distilleries will also have dedicated Brand Homes to welcome guests and they are expected to become iconic attractions in the Scottish tourism landscape, attracting whisky pilgrims from around the globe.

The new Brora and Port Ellen distilleries will be among Diageo’s smallest distilleries, capable of producing 800,000 litres of alcohol per year. They will replicate as closely as possible the previous taste profiles of Port Ellen and Brora, with medium peated character at both sites.

Subject to planning permission and regulatory consents, detailed design, construction and commissioning work, it is expected the distilleries will be in production by 2020.

Continue to win in Reserve: Driving personal luxury with Johnnie Walker – Scotch Whisky News

Continue to win in Reserve: Driving personal luxury with Johnnie Walker

JW Tom's

 

The nature of luxury has continued to evolve: from the traditional western notion, driven by behaviours and visual cues, into a more modern luxury driven by experiences, and global and local influences. Today, luxury can be for everyone.

Mass luxury is key to our reserve growth opportunity. One of the ways we are delivering is through the gifting and personalisation of Johnnie Walker Reserve variants.

In 2018, we offered consumers an accessible luxury gift beyond traditional beauty care and fragrances. During the festive season, our team in Peru launched a Johnnie Walker Blue Label pop-up store. Consumers were treated to Johnnie Walker Blue Label mentoring and were able to engrave their Johnnie Walker bottle with a personal message.

In May, we also launched Johnnie Walker My Edition in Great Britain and Spain. This pilot programme aims to offer consumers a cutting-edge, online whisky personalisation experience. Through the website, consumers are able to purchase exclusive whiskies based on personal flavour preferences, personalise the label and engrave the bottle to create a truly unique gift.

Net sales of Johnnie Walker Reserve variants were up 8% in 2018. Overall, scotch net sales grew 2%, but there is more to do.

Find out more about Johnnie Walker below:

ISLE OF RAASAY JOINS ISLAND DISTILLERIES TO LAUNCH ‘HEBRIDEAN WHISKY TRAIL’ – Scotch Whisky News

Isle of Raasay Distillers

ISLE OF RAASAY JOINS ISLAND DISTILLERIES TO LAUNCH ‘HEBRIDEAN WHISKY TRAIL’

The island landscapes of Skye, Raasay and Harris are the backdrop to Scotland’s newest whisky adventure, the Hebridean Whisky Trail. The new trail has been designed with intrepid whisky wanderers in mind, connecting four neighbouring distilleries – Isle of Raasay Distillery, Torabhaig Distillery, Talisker Distillery and the Isle of Harris Distillery – through one spectacular 115-mile route.

The Isle of Raasay Distillery opened to visitors in January 2018; as well as pioneering a new provenance for Scotch Whisky, the distillery has become a welcome new tourist destination for this small Hebridean island. Having already won plaudits for its unique style of whisky making, unrivalled views and dedication to the local community, The Isle of Raasay Distillery is the perfect addition to a trail that celebrates the distinctive whiskies, landscapes and island heritage of this beautiful area of Scotland.

Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, will launch the trail on 15th August at an official opening ceremony taking place at Raasay Distillery. Alasdair Day, co-founder of Raasay Distillery is delighted to be involved in the new Hebridean Whisky Trail, he comments:

“The Hebridean Whisky Trail offers an opportunity for visitors to experience the rich culture, provenance and landscape of three of the Scotland’s Hebridean Islands; Harris, Raasay and Skye while visiting four very different Scotch Whisky distilleries”

Set amidst some of Scotland’s most scenic sea and mountain locations, each distillery has its own distinctive character and atmosphere. From the oldest, Talisker, founded in 1830, to the youngest, Isle of Raasay which began production in 2017, all four have unique stories and approaches to the
craft of making whisky.

The new trail can be enjoyed by road or by sea with three Calmac ferry crossings linking thedestinations, as well as yacht berthing facilities near to each distillery. By sea, the Trail can be charted clockwise or anti-clockwise around Skye; intrepid sea-farers can set sail from any of the four distilleries from points north, south, east or west. Road travellers can begin their journey either by crossing over the Skye Bridge at Kyle, or start at the Trail’s northernmost point on Harris, or its southernmost point, at Torabhaig on Skye’s Sleat peninsula. Raasay is only a short 25-minute ferry journey Sconser on Skye and the distillery is located a short stroll from the ferry terminal.

Raasay Distillery’s guided tours cater for all levels of whisky knowledge, from the curious to the connoisseur. Tour guides are local islanders who share their unrivalled knowledge of Raasay’s geography, community and whisky mythology. Visitors can pause their Hebridean odyssey on Raasay by booking to stay in the luxurious distillery accommodation. Visitors can enjoy a few drams in the lounge and then wake up to the magnificent panorama of the Cuillin mountains on Skye.

The journey continues, and its impressive route will tick off many iconic Hebridean sights, from the vertiginous peaks on Skye to the white sandy beaches of Harris. The Hebridean Whisky Trail will offer whisky pilgrims and touring visitors another reason to explore the majestic Hebridean islands.

NOTES

The Hebridean Whisky Trail’s total length is 115.2 miles.
Distances between each distillery
Armadale – Torabhaig 4.2miles
Torabhaig – Talisker 36.1 Miles
Talisker – Raasay 14.5 mil es
Raasay – Harris 60.4 miles
Quotes from other distilleries involved:

Anne O’Lone, Torabhaig Visitor Centre Manager at Torabhaig Distillery: “By collaborating, Torabhaig acts as an ambassador not only for each distillery on the Hebridean Whisky trail but for the whole of the Hebrides.”

Shona Macleod, Guest Services Manager at Isle of Harris Distillery: ‘In just its second year, The Isle of Harris distillery welcomed over 80,000 guests in 2017 and we are pleased to be contributing to the growth in tourism in the Outer Hebrides. The Hebridean Whisky Trail will provide an impetus for whisky lovers to go that extra mile and visit the first legal whisky distillery on the Isle of Harris’

Diane Farrell, Talisker Distillery Manager: “We are lucky to live and work in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and to make one of the most iconic products in the world, Scotch whisky.

“We are delighted to work with our fellow distillers to welcome visitors to the Hebrides and to offer them the very best in Scottish hospitality.”

Karen Betts, CEO of Scotch Whisky Association: “The opening of the Hebridean Whisky trail is a fabulous achievement for the four distilleries – Talisker, Torabhaig, Raasay and Harris – and for the distillery workers and islanders who’ve made it happen. I’m delighted they have asked me to help them open it.”

“The trail is a wonderful addition to Hebridean tourism. Newcomers to Scotch Whisky and aficionados alike can enjoy visiting these uniquely island distilleries, each offering something quite different in terms of heritage, location and, of course, Scotch. What the distilleries on the trail have been unable to agree on is whose is the best whisky and whose distillery has the most spectacular view – that is now for each visitor to decide.”

“Whisky tourism is, of course, increasingly important to Scotland’s economy and rural communities. In 2017, there were 1.9 million visits to Scotch Whisky distilleries in our iconic whisky regions from all over the world, spending £61 million in the rural economy. “
“I’m sure visitors to our new Hebridean whisky trail will find the combination of beautiful landscapes, a friendly welcome and outstanding whisky a uniquely memorable experience.”

www.hebrideanwhisky.com
www.Calmac.com
www.scotch-whisky.org.uk
Contact information:
Talisker Distillery: Susan.MacLean@diageo.com
Torabhaig Distillery: anne@torabhaig.com
Isle of Harris Distillery: shona.macleod@harrisdistillery.com
Scotch Whisky Association: pressoffice@swa.org

Raasay Distillery, Borodale House, Isle of Raasay, Kyle IV40 8PB
raasaydistillery.com
T: 01478 470178
Opening times: 10am – 5pm
Instagram/ Facebook: @raasaydistillery, Twittter: @RaasayWhisky


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