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INCHMURRIN 2001 15YO SINGLE CASK TWE EXCLUSIVE
£79.95
‘A grown-up Inchmurrin, mixing gummi bears and orchard fruit. Juicy and delightful’
BILLY
WEB CONTENT EDITOR
ARDBEG ‘AN OA’ – THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE CORE RANGE IN A DECADE
At the heart of Ardbeg’s Distillery, in its intriguing new Gathering Room*, a smoky, sweet and rounded single malt is taking shape. Ardbeg An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is inspired by the most untamed part of The Ultimate Islay Malt’s remote Scottish island home. Released in September 2017, it will be the first new permanent expression to emerge from Ardbeg for almost ten years.
Like the complex whisky which shares its name, Islay’s Mull of Oa is noticeably rounded. At the Island’s southernmost point, the headland’s towering cliffs stand defiantly against the raging Atlantic storms, providing welcome shelter for Islay’s south coast, to which the Ardbeg Distillery has clung for more than 200 years. Ardbeg An Oa pays homage to its untamed provenance, with contrasts of powerful intensity and sweet silkiness that celebrate the spot where storm meets calm.
Inside Ardbeg Distillery’s new and bespoke Gathering Room lies the vast Gathering Vat – specially created from French oak to bring Ardbeg An Oa into being. The different layers of whisky slowly mellow together within; the richness of spirit matured in Pedro Ximénes casks, the spice of whisky aged in virgin oak, and all the hallmark intensity of Ardbeg matured in ex-bourbon barrels. Culminating in an untamed single malt far more complex and rounded than the sum of its parts.
Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “There is a wonderfully Ardbeggian magic to The Gathering Room, where the parcels married together in this whisky merge over time, to reach new levels of complexity. Ardbeg An Oa’s rounded and subtly smoky aromas reflect all the contrasts of the Mull of Oa, with notes of creamy toffee, aniseed, dates and hints of peach and banana. The whisky’s smooth, creamy texture leads to a huge syrupy sweetness on the palate, as milk chocolate, orange and smoky tea leaves mingle with sweet spices, cigar smoke and – unusually – grilled artichokes, before a lingering, seductive and smoky finish. It is years since the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt added to its core range. We hope smoky malt whisky fans everywhere will be drawn to Ardbeg An Oa.”
Ardbeg An Oa is non-chill filtered and bottled at ABV 46.6%. Priced at RRP £49.00, it will be available in specialist retailers from September 2017.
#ardbeg #untamed #islay
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NOTES:
TASTING NOTES
Colour: Harvest gold
Aroma: Rounded and subtly smoky (applewood smoked), with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates. A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana. With a drop of water, come reminders of Ardbeg’s classic fragrance – lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar. A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candle wax, and hints of smoked herbs.
Taste: A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes. Long and sweet, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty/biscuity notes.
Finish: Lingering, seductive, gentle yet intense, with flavours of aniseed, hickory and distant subtle smoke.
Ardbeg:
Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.
*The Gathering Room:
The Gathering Room, created from a former grain store at Ardbeg, has been custom designed to hold Ardbeg’s Gathering Vat. Crafted from French oak, the vast Gathering Vat allows the different cask types used to create Ardbeg An Oa to marry. With the magic of time, their flavours are rounded into a whisky which reaches new heights of complexity. The rounding that takes place in The Gathering Room has its origins in centuries-old whisky practices, whereby distillers would sometimes combine different casks in one vat, with intriguing results.
The Mull of Oa:
The Mull of Oa is Islay’s most untamed spot. Situated at the end of the Oa peninsula, its dramatic cliffs form the most southerly point of Islay. On one side, this rounded headland – 202m at its height – bears the brunt of storms that rage in from the Atlantic. On the other, it provides shelter from the wild weather to the southern coast of Islay, including Ardbeg Cove, where the Ardbeg Distillery is nestled. These contrasts – and the Mull’s rounded shape – are reflected in the power and silky sweetness of Ardbeg An Oa.
Ardbeg Committee:
The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries. Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.
Awards:
Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky. Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions. Ardbeg was voted ‘World Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013). At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’. The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100. Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Ardbeg’s core range:
Ardbeg An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is the first expression to be added to Ardbeg’s core range for almost a decade. In 2000, the Distillery released Ardbeg Ten Years Old. In 2003, it was followed by Ardbeg Uigeadail and in 2009, by Ardbeg Corryvreckan.
The Glenmorangie Company:
The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.
Responsible Drinking:
Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption
This year, we’re honouring our distillery team, in the best way we know how.
The realities of living on a remote island in a small community mean that everyone has to work together for the benefit of one and all. Nowhere is this bond stronger than at Jura Distillery. We’re marking the distillery team’s dedication and craftsmanship with a very special limited edition release, created in their honour.
On 6th February this year, the Jura Distillery team got together to try five whiskies and choose the next Limited Edition bottling. Their choice is a whisky that is a true product of its environment, full of the spirit of celebration, and the perfect tribute to the passion and tenacity each person brings to every last drop of our whisky. We can’t wait to hear what you think.
One And All – Coming 1 September 2017
Douglas Laing
Established in 1948, the bottler enjoys over half a century of experience. Each cask has been carefully selected by them and then tasted by us. Here are some of our favourites.
Benrinnes 20: From the heart of Speyside, this single cask demonstrates the pinnacle of this distillery. The use of a unique partial triple distillation, which ceased in 2007, creates its signature flavour.
RRP: £89.95
Web Exclusive: £70.95
Braeval 15: Also known as Braes of Glenlivet, this distillery is the joint highest in Scotland, and is rarely seen as a single malt.
RRP: £59.95
Web Exclusive: £52.95
Craigellachie 21: One of the classic styles of malt production, this expression typifies the marriage of the orchard fruit notes representative of the distillery character and the rich tropical fruit notes of American oak and age. Incredible value bottle.
RRP: £78.95
Web Exclusive: £63.95
Ben Nevis 21: One of the most traditional distilleries in Scotland, this release combines the delicate influence of the refill sherry cask with 21 years of influence culminating in ripe, stewed fruits and a full body.
RRP: £94.95
Web Exclusive: £83.95
Westland Distillery Core Range Collection
With an RRP of around £80, we’ve got a limited quantity of stock available on offer, of this magnificent tasting set from Westland Distillery. One 20cl bottle each of American Oak, Peated & Sherry Wood, each bottled at 46%.
Royal Lochnagar 19 Yr Cadenhead Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled: 1996 Bottled: 2015 56.6% ABV Recharred Sherry Butt.
The nose of this 19 year old has aromas of fresh fruits, sweet peat, ocean breeze and a light floral element. The palate is initially pretty with stone fruits, peat and a saline edge with turns toward savory grains on the finish. The addition of water adds body and highlights the salty edge on the palate. D&M Tasting Notes
Canadian Couple to Open Single Malt Scotch Distillery in Edinburgh
– Founders of Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada Partner with Former Macallan Master Distiller-
There’s a fresh face coming to the world of Scotch with a special Canadian connection. Canadians Kelly and Rob Carpenter have partnered with former Macallan Master Distiller, David Robertson, to establish the first Scotch whisky distillery to come to Edinburgh in more than 90 years. Located in a 180 year-old historic railway building in the heart of city, Holyrood Distillery will aim to provide adventurous, flavour-driven whisky and a unique visitor experience.
The Carpenters have been at the forefront of the Scotch industry in Canada, founding the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in 2011, which bottles and sells single-cask single malts to its members. For the Carpenters, Holyrood Distillery is an opportunity to get a step closer to the production and deepen their involvement in growing the single-malt Scotch industry.
“As longtime Scotch enthusiasts, being a part of Holyrood Distillery is a dream come true,” said Robert Carpenter, Managing Director, Holyrood Distillery. “Our mission has always been to introduce new flavour profiles with whisky and expand consumer knowledge and palates. Canadians have shown a growing interest in original, high quality single malts so we are particularly excited to have one of our first test markets be in our own backyard.”
“In the last 13-15 years, the demand for single-malt whiskies has grown significantly,” said Andrew Ferguson, Scotch whisky expert and owner of Kensington Wine Market in Calgary. “Much like the craft beer movement, distilleries today have to develop new products and styles to keep up with evolving consumer tastes. Holyrood Distillery will be addressing a clear gap in the current market by committing to producing bold and inventive spirits”
The distillery will produce single malt whisky as well as gin and select liqueurs using an innovative approach to ingredients, distilling processes and maturation techniques. Production of single malts will begin in late 2018, with the first bottles hitting shelves as early as 2021, while other spirits will be available as soon as the distillery opens. Eager whisky aficionados will be able to immerse themselves in the world of Holyrood much earlier, however, as the distillery will allow visitors to witness the process behind the product and enjoy local fares at an on-site bar and restaurant.
Holyrood Distillery recently launched a $7 million funding drive to raise capital to cover the costs of early start-up and production.
ROB DYRDEK, TRAVIS PASTRANA AND JEREMY RAWLE PARTNER TO INTRODUCE A TRUE AMERICAN WHISKEY WORKHORSE: BLACK FEATHER WHISKEY
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (August 10, 2017) – Black Feather Whiskey announces the official launch of their new 86-proof American bourbon. Founded by three successful media and entertainment platform founders, Jeremy Rawle and Travis Pastrana from the Nitro Circus franchise; and investor Rob Dyrdek, known for his shows on MTV in which he has both starred in and produced, the three set out to create a reliable, hardworking, everyday American whiskey and apply their lifestyle lens to an exclusively product-centric industry.
“We founded Black Feather Whiskey for those wanting a whiskey with some soul. Those who aren’t afraid of hard work or getting their hands dirty. Those who want a whiskey that’s as much of a workhorse as they are.” said Jeremy Rawle, Chief Executive Officer Black Feather Whiskey. “It’s about living what you love—finding that creative fire to forge ahead and make things happen.”
As a true whiskey workhorse, Black Feather was created to be accessible and welcoming to all levels of whiskey drinking – aficionados, explorers, and new bloods. It’s satisfyingly strong. It lets you know it’s there, but it’s not going burn or scare you away. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. “As whiskey lovers, we wanted to make a smooth ride of a whiskey you don’t have to work to drink. It starts big with an 86-proof kick, then an easy-going, sugar-char finish,” said Rawle.
Black Feather will leverage the team’s heritage and expertise in building high quality products and experiences to bring the brand to life. Preferring to let their actions speak more than words, the Black Feather team will be engaging their fan base by delivering compelling content series and events, highlighting the artists, craftsmen, creators, tradesmen and doers who were forged by creative fires. These bold blooded honors the past by fearlessly making their own version unapologetically living everything they love.
“I am not only excited for the opportunity to invest, but also to step into the active advisory role to help support bringing this whiskey life,” said Rob Dyrdek, Co-Founder of Black Feather Whiskey. “I am incredibly selective about the companies I partner with, however Black Feather immediately rose above, due to the innovative and passionate group of individuals driving the brand that embody this “Do-or-Dier” spirit.” Black Feather Whiskey is made with handpicked allotments from Indiana, bottled in Houston, Texas and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The first American Bourbon offer is available in 750 ml bottle at $30.00. Beginning this July, Black Feather Whiskey will be available in Texas and Utah with California and Colorado and online orders to follow in the coming months.
About Black Feather Whiskey
Inspired by the past, but made for today, Black Feather is the American Workhorse Whiskey for those fueled by creative fires. The lifelong friends and founders wanted to create a quality craft product that was still accessible and welcoming to everyone. It starts big with an 86-proof kick, and rewards you with an easy-going, sugar-char finish. It’s an all occasions, great tasting, hardworking, premium, understated, right in every way for everyone whiskey. The stories they share and their passion for the details makes it the go-to for the whiskey drinker who demands something a little more. Welcome to the Featherhood.
To learn more about upcoming events, news and content releases and to join the #Featherhood, please visit blackfeatherwhiskey.com and on social: Facebook: facebook.com/blackfeatherwhiskey, Twitter: @bfwhiskey and Instagram: @blackfeatherwhiskey
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 171: The Deveron 12 Year Old – Scotch Whisky News
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, discovers the Deveron single malt. There is no Deveron distillery, but in the glen of the Deveron you will find the Macduff Distillery. It was only founded in 1962, so it is quite a young enterprise. It was built to fulfill the company’s needs for malt due to the ever increasing demand for Scotch. Macduff is the fingerprint malt in the world famous William Lawson’s blend, but has also been on the market as a single malt, albeit as Glen Deveron. A few years ago, the company overhauled the packaging and dropped Glen from the name, coming up with this new and snazzy looking malt: Deveron. There is a 10, 12 and 18 year old release. Mark tries the 12 Year Old, bottled at 40%.
Friday, September 1st 5-7PM:
Highland Park
Made with Viking Soul since 1798!
Highland Park whisky is made with pride, integrity and fierce independence, passed down from the distillery’s Viking ancestors to today. The Orkney distillery is known for it’s striking bottlings and hard-to-find releases and has received high honors at the World Whiskies Awards, Scotch Whisky Master Awards, and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition among many others.
