Young whisky brand, R&B Distillers has now appointed the very first whisky distiller for the forthcoming Isle of Raasay Distillery which will open in September 2017.

The search for Raasay’s first distiller commenced in January 2017 and has spread far and wide, receiving applications from around the globe. The brand is now delighted to announce that the appointment of Iain Robertson as the first distiller.

Iain is a recent Honours graduate of the Heriot Watt Brewing and Distilling school. During his studies, he took a placement at North British grain distillery and worked at Edinburgh’s The Scotch Whisky Experience as one of their highly knowledgeable tour guides. Iain is not only formally educated in the art and science of distilling but is innovative and enthusiastic about respectfully pushing the boundaries of the spirit. Iain will be relocating to the small island of Raasay to join the team.

It’s a big in the K&L spirits department as we’ve just received our annual allocation of what is by far America’s best and most coveted single malt release: the Westland Garryana, made with whisky aged in Oregon Garryana oak barrels for a robust and unique flavor. I was a huge fan of the initial release last year and I’m just as enthused with this year’s release. But I think distiller Matt Hofmann’s words below summarize the creativity of this project better than I can:

We’re compelled to look out so we might see possibilities others don’t recognize. But seeing opportunity is not enough. You have to have the wherewithal to do something about it. During the trip, we explored one of the few remaining natural Garry Oak savannas in the Pacific Northwest. It was coated with lush mosses draping the otherwise bare limbs in the middle of winter. The oaks provided a juxtaposition of a life frozen in time and a world moving steadily forward. Again, we removed ourselves from the moment, wondering in amazement at our place in the world of whiskey, exploring physically at the edge of the earth and figuratively at the cutting edge of single malt philosophy. We, like our whiskies, are products of our time and place. While we look forward to the future we’re building with our new partners in this industry we cannot deny that what we live for now in the present is the exploration, the journey. This latest edition is another step forward along a path that winds all across the Pacific Northwest in search of insight.

I got the pleasure of dining with Matt this past Monday and talking in depth about not only the Garryana project, but also the future of whiskymaking for the distillery. These guys are just on another level, and now that they’ve partnered with Bruichladdich under the Remy umbrella, I think the sky is the limit. For those interested in great whisky, I’d compel you to exercise our one bottle allocation for the 2017 Garryana. For those who are fascinated by terroir in whisky and unique expressions of our American continent, then this is a must buy:

Westland “Garryana 2.1” Limited Edition Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($139.99) – The second release of Garryana is a more restrained and focused expression of what the gang at Westland Distillery hoped to showcase with their native oak project. Whereas the initial release was a big, bold, and brash expression, full of spice and a bit of smoke, this year’s edition dials back the peat and lets the oak have center stage. With 21% of the blend coming from Oregon Garryana barrels, the impact of that influence is allowed to better integrate into harmony with the remaining 52% of ex-Bourbon-aged malt, along with the 27% virgin oak matured whisky. Still present is the BBQ smoke, the molasses, the coffee bean, and robust flavor that highlighted last year’s release, but this time around its under complete control, bent and shaped into precisely the right proportions. Many of us here at K&L thought the 2016 Garryana was one of the best whiskies of last year, and seeing that this year’s total production was a measly 2600 bottles, we recommend jumping on the one bottle we’re allowing customers to buy. Westland has proven again and again that they are America’s premier single malt distillery. The 2017 release of Garryana should put any last doubts to bed.

In honour of Canada 150, Pat Dunlop at thewhiskymafia.com shares his 10 favourite Canadian whiskies!

July 1, 2017 marked the 150th anniversary of Canada’s confederation as a nation, a fact that if you’re not Canadian may well have escaped you (and if you are Canadian, it’s been hammered into each of our minds relentlessly since at least January of this year). As a proud son of Canada, I think now is perhaps the perfect time to highlight my affection for one of our great and lasting contributions to the world at large, Canadian whisky. Click here to read the remainder of the article

Ralfy savours the single cask event with Ralfy Review 667 – Edradour Single Cask 15yo @ 54.7%vol (No 1406)

The DVC Exclusive The Ritz London, Photo Credit David Parry

2017 DISTILLERY EXCLUSIVE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE DALMORE

Luxury single malt whisky maker The Dalmore has released its limited edition distillery bottling for 2017.

Available exclusively from the renowned The Dalmore Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, The Distillery Exclusive Vintage 2000 combines the depth and complexity of The Dalmore’s unique new make spirit with sweetness gifted from the soft character of Californian Merlot.

Released during Master Distiller Richard Paterson’s 50^th year in the whisky industry, the Distillery Exclusive is a showcase of Richard’s craftsmanship and, in particular, his pioneering approach to the art of maturation and cask finishing.

Having matured in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels, The Distillery Exclusive Vintage 2000 has been finished in hand selected Californian Merlot Barriques for five years before bottling.

The Dalmore distillery was founded in 1839 and, through its unbroken chain of exceptional whisky creators, has defined the luxury single malt whisky category ever since. Since taking the reins as Master Distiller nearly 50 years ago, Richard Paterson has been the pioneering force behind The Dalmore, responsible for creating some of the world’s most coveted and iconic whiskies. Richard has achieved a number of world firsts, including the six-cask matured The Dalmore King Alexander III and releasing the first ever five red wine finished whisky, The Dalmore Quintessence.

Richard Paterson, Master Distiller commented: “The Dalmore Distillery, located on the picturesque shore of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, is my go-to place for inspiration and reflection. It is here that I first considered how best to combine one of my favourite red wines with the distillery’s deep and complex new make spirit.

“The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive Vintage 2000 is the result of these efforts, offering a harmonious balance between the sweet notes of the Californian Merlot and the signature flavours of our own Dalmore house style. Bottled at natural strength and with notes of chocolate truffle, coffee and black toffee, this year’s exclusive distillery release is a treat worth snapping up for any visitors to our distillery.”

Up to 270 bottles will be available to purchase, priced at £200. The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive Vintage 2000 (52% ABV) is available from The Dalmore Distillery at Alness, Ross-shire, Scotland, IV17 0UT.     

The DVC Exclusive The Ritz London, Photo Credit David Parry

Notes:

Tasting Notes:

Colour:                 Deep mahogany gold shimmering with ruby highlights

Aroma:                 Succulent Black Forest fruits, fleshy Victoria plum and sweet apricots

Palate:                  Morello cherries, blueberry pie, cinnamon and soft chewy liquorice

Finish:                  Chocolate truffles, coffee and black toffee

ABV:                      52% 

The Dalmore

The Dalmore is the definitive luxury malt, since 1839.

Founded by Sir Alexander Matheson, a restless entrepreneur and international businessman, The Dalmore was born with a different purpose, to go above and beyond to create luxurious single malt whisky unlike any other.

An unbroken chain of exceptional whisky makers have been fulfilling Sir Alexander’s vision ever since, pioneering multi cask maturation over 100 years before this was commonly adopted by others in the industry.

Richard Paterson has been Master Distiller at The Dalmore for nearly 50 years.  The whiskies he has created during his tenure have help Richard to achieve global celebrity status.  He is the man who, with The Dalmore, created the category of super luxury single malt, a category he continues to define to this very day.

About The Dalmore Distillery & Visitor Centre Located on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Highlands of Scotland, the Dalmore distillery is home to some of the oldest whisky stocks in the world. Those that visit receive a rare insight into the skill, expertise and craft required to produce The Dalmore.

Distillery tours are available year round by booking only which ensures that the team are able to cater to the needs of each group. Enquiries should be made by visiting www.thedalmore.com or calling 01349 882 362.

New Scotch Whiskey from North Star Spirits Ltd

North Start Spirits are one of the newcomers on the indy whisky scene. Based in Glasgow and overseen by Iain Croucher, there is plenty of experience having been part of the long established A.D. Rattray group. Now he is going it alone with his own Independent bottling company North Star Spirits Ltd. Having set up in 2016, the first batch of releases has already been and gone to much praise and a ‘take a second look’ at this kind of vibe from many scotch enthusiasts.

Recently the second batch of releases, a variety if single casks malts and grains along with single cask bourbon and special blended malt release hit the market and was snapped up quickly. Here at The Whisky Barrel we have managed to get our hands on some of this highly anticipated scotch whiskey, all bottled in May 2017. So let’s see what’s in store…

Let’s See the Scotch

Usually we love to accompany new whiskies like this with a wee tasting as well to get an idea for ourselves what’s happening in the bottle. Alas, this batch of new whiskies have been so popular we missed the boat on samples. However, as you’ll see from the distilleries, ages and vintages of these bottles, they are not to be sniffed at. The labels are quite eye catching too. Crisp, modern and ‘on trend’ with the expanding younger demographic of scotch drinkers. The name and design evokes the obvious connotations of star gazing. The notion of sitting round a fire, chatting, looking up at the stars, scotch in hand. Isn’t that just what whisky should be about?

Please click HERE to read the remainder of the article.

The holiday season is well and truly upon us which means we can look forward to lots of attention from the visitors to our distillery.   If you’re coming to the distillery this summer don’t forget to look out for us and feel free to come and say hello (we love a tummy scratch!) and you can pick up a bottle of The Towser Cask Bottle Your Own from the Famous Shop or in our UK and Global online shop. Read the full story here…

OUR SHOP

A visit to the Distillery would not be complete without a browse through our Famous Shop.  From special offers to the latest Bottle Your Own you’ll be spoiled for choice and in whisky heaven. You can also buy online here

TAKE A TOUR

Tasting Experience Discover how The Glenturret Highland Single Malt is produced and learn the art of blending at the spiritual home of The Famous Grouse. Available daily and can be booked on the day for your convenience. Find out more here Open 7 days a week, 10am until 6pm.

Just Whisky Auctions are proud to bring you our July 2017 auction. With 1,500 Lots to bid on, including new releases from Arran, Bruichladdich, Highland Park and Karuizawa it’s got our heads in a fizz! With such a selection why don’t we go with a couple of highlights below ….

Don’t forget to set an alarm for the auction end – from 8pm on Sunday 23rd.

KARUIZAWA 31 YEARS OLD – GOLDEN GEISHA SHERRY CASK NO.3667

Lot ID: 441490

A Limited Edition, aged 31 years in a sherry cask (No.3667) before being bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange. The Golden Geisha 31-year-old is one of two bottlings originally available by ballot, the other being is a superb 33-year-old with equally impressive credentials.

SAMPLE THE UPCOMING TEELING REVIVAL
AT OUR NEXT WHISKY EXCHANGE MASTERCLASS

WEDNESDAY 19 JULY
7.30PM-9PM

Tickets on sale now!

BOOK »

Teeling are award-winning distillers and builders of the first new distillery in Dublin for more than 125 years. With a family distilling history stretching back more than 200 years and a current generation that helped revive the Irish whiskey industry in the 1990s, the Teelings are true pioneers of Irish whiskey.

Join us for an evening of exploration, tasting the Teeling range, including some of the latest new releases. The tasting will culminate in an exclusive preview sampling of the fourth release in the Revival Series, a 15-year-old single malt finished in Muscat casks. The whiskey will be released later this year.

Our host for the evening is Teeling master distiller and blender Alex Chasko. He will take us on a journey through the Teeling portfolio, highlighting the importance of craft and innovation in its production.

Teeling Small Batch Whiskey

Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

Teeling Single Malt Whiskey

Teeling Revival 14 Year Old Volume III

Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

Teeling 15 Year Old Revival Series Volume IV

Alex Chasko is the master distiller and blender behind all of Teeling’s whiskeys. He was the first employee of the company and has been involved in the development from day one. Previously he was the Innovations Manager at Cooley distillery and revived distilling at the historic Kilbeggan distillery in Westmeath.

WEDNESDAY 19 JULY
7.30pm-9pm
£40 per ticket
Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

VENUE

BROWNS COVENT GARDEN
THE JUDGE’S COURT
82-84 ST MARTIN’S LANE
LONDON WC2N 4AG

A short tour that included a few drams … many drams actually.

A whisky blog by Paul McLean for Whisky Intelligence.

We had four lovely guests on tour with us, having just ended an exhausting golf tour, they were in the mood for something different. From St Andrews we drove through wonderful countryside to Fort William – en route we stopped by Glencoe, dondering into the wilds and the Clachaig pub, a place deep in the heart of Paul (McLean), the sign on the entrance, nae hawkers or Campbells!!! A good start, do not start me on the Maclean – Campbell fued. Lunch taken here in a great beer/whisky bar. Back to Glencoe and a stop for the story, and a dram, of course! Edradour Tuscan wine finish – excellent, 61% and very moreish. Staying in Fort William overnight.

Day two saw us depart for Glenfinnan and the ferry to Skye. Our guests continued with the Edradour, arriving in Portree mid afternoon, ate at the Isles pub, then took off to visit the Old Man of Storr. With dark clouds coming our way, we retreated back to the bridge, stopped by Eilean Donan castle and headed back towards FT Willy another route. On this stretch of the tour we stopped for a Mortlach – a Gordon & MacPhail exclusive we had been saving, 27 yo and dark as those clouds following us, a superb dram. One past guests the Di Marco’s fae New York will vouch for. This was a tour stopper, so good, so good and being the driver, not so good. Back at FT Willy they enjoyed great food and a restful evening.

Day three started very sunny, we drove west to Oban for the Mull ferry. Calling in at the Craignure Inn for lunch and drinkies, followed by a wee drive to my castle, Duart. I introduced my guests to the Chief of Clan Maclean, enjoyed the castle, the pipe band and dancers, a good day so far. We had ran oot of time to visit Tobermory, no matter, at the ferry for Lochaline, we had a half hour wait, so out came a Balvenie, double cask 12yo. Three different drams, each with their own nose/taste, all enjoyed. Grand drams with grand scenery, a final night in William.

Day four and an early start driving via Glen Roy Glen Spean etc to dalwhinnie, aye we stopped here, no for a tour but for drams and chocolates. As photos show, we had approx. 15 different drams spread out amongst our guests, did they enjoy these? Possibly, it was hard to get answers through the big grins, I reckon they all went doon well. Just under an hour and we pulled into Andrew’s place, Edradour. A tour here with a few drams, I chatted to Andrew almost an hour before we saw our guests again. While talking, we came across a Mortlach 25 yo, I wanted one, Andrew is holding git for me. I do like the Mortlach. Lunch and shopping followed, I called into Robertsons whisky store for a chat with Ewan, so should you by the way. The day/tour ended at the hotel near Edinburgh airport.

Not supposed to be a whisky tour, this ended up that way! My fault perhaps, but we did see lots of fantastic Scottish countryside, met locals, clan chief, pipers and enjoyed the company throughout.

www.robertsonsofpitlochry.co.uk
McLeanScotland; www.whiskytours.scot
Edradour; www.edradour.com
Dalwhinnie; www.discovering-distilleries.com/dalwhinnie/
Balvenie; www.thebalvenie.com
G&M; www.gordonandmacphail.com