We have two brand new releases for you to get excited about this week. The first in the Viking Legend series from Highland Park, Valkyrie rides into The Whisky Shop today, while the latest Masters of Photography release from The Macallan, previously only available as a set of ten, is now available to buy individually.

Free Click & Collect at any of our 20 locations throughout the UK Next day delivery available on UK orders

Highland Park Valkyrie

The first in a new series of Viking Legend releases from the Orkney distillery, this Highland Park single malt is matured in a combination of first-fill American oak sherry, Bourbon and Spanish oak sherry casks as well as a selection of refill casks. Presented in packaging created by Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, with inspiration drawn from the ancient Hammer Stone of Gotland and a Viking pendant from Upland, Sweden.

An intense, sharp tang of sweet green apples opens the nose before ripening lemon notes. The creamy vanilla palate brings oriental spices, sweet preserved ginger, dark chocolate and hints of liquorice. The long, lingering finish has waves of aromatic smoke and richly ripened fruit.

£55 Pre-Order Now Online price only – limited availability

Macallan Masters of Photography: Steven Klein Edition

The 6th edition in the series, this Speyside single malt celebrates the work of Steven Klein in a limited edition of only 1,000 bottles. An awe-inspiring whisky, each component of Klein’s art is reflected in the master whisky maker’s vision, creating a very specific and unusual whisky that mirrors the art itself.

Presented in a black leather case with a signed Steven Klein print, a distinctive black horse’s head bottle stopper and a range of glassware including a dropper, an aroma still, an infuser, a cocktail class, a highball glass and a tumbler, all designed by Klein.

According to Charlie MacLean, “The whisky itself is superb! Bob Dalgarno, Macallan’s ‘Master Whisky Maker’ has excelled himself. My first – and probably, only! – 9 out of 10 this year… 10/10 is available only in Heaven!”

£2,750 Buy Now Highly limited availability

Edradour 14 Year Old 2002 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single sherry cask #1422 bottled in a Ibisco decanter on 24th March 2017. 697 bottles.  Edradour Distillery was formed in 1825 by a group of eight local farmers. Situated at Milton of Edradour near Pitlochry and still just a farm sized distillery equipped with a Morton refrigerator to cool the worts and two wee stills with their spirit cooled in a single worm tub. Whilst ranked amongst the small working distilleries in Scotland its owners Signatory Vintage have plans to increase its size and output. Official distillery releases include the Edradour 10 Year Old, Barolo Cask and Sherry Cask Ibisco decanters.

£83.41

Bulleit Cask Strength Launch Party Featuring Tom Bulleit: – Thursday, May 25th at Hard Water

Join us for a sneak preview of the newest iteration of Bulleit Bourbon, the cask strength edition with brand founder Tom Bulleit himself. As an enjoyable exercise, we’ll be tasting the entire range of Bulleit whiskies to help out the new edition in context, while the ace Hard Water bartenders whip up a few Bulleit cocktails on the side. Per the norm, there will be a buffet of Southern-style cuisine from the Hard Water kitchen to snack on and of course the view of the water and the San Francisco Bay Bridge from our private dining room location. You’re going to get a whole lotta booze and food for your fifty dollars. Tickets are non-refundable once purchased so please check your schedule before committing. There are no paper tickets for this event as your name will be placed on a guest list. The event is not located in the Hard Water bar, but rather across from the entrance in the private room next door. Come join us for the best after work party the Bay has to offer: K&L’s private American whiskey events at Hard Water! The event is on Thursday, May 25th at Hard Water on San Francisco’s Embarcadero near the Ferry Building. Only 40 spots available!

Bulleit Cask Strength Launch Party @ Hard Water, May 25th, 7 PM – $50.00 per ticket

A paper tickets for this event, your name will be placed on a guest list. Donato is in Redwood City at 1041 Middlefield Road. Please come to the back door patio for the event, rather than enter through the dining room. Only 50 seats available for this private event, so check your calendar ASAP!

anCnoc Single Malt Scotch Whisky announces 2002 Vintage as the latest release within its portfolio 

Premium Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand anCnoc has added an exclusive 2002 vintage to its multi award-winning range of aged expressions.

The limited edition vintage joins the family of single malts crafted at the Knockdhu distillery in Aberdeenshire, and follows in the footsteps of the highly successful 2001 release last year.

With just 1200 cases available globally, including the UK, US, Canada, Sweden and Japan, this exceptional single malt will be available for £65 RRP 70cl.

Matured in hand selected Spanish and American oak casks and matured for over 14 years in traditional dunnage warehouses, the 2002 has been bottled in its most natural form, neither chill-filtered or coloured at 46% ABV.

This mature expression is bright amber in appearance and bursting with notes of spicy Christmas cake, liquorice and toffee, closely followed by a spiced vanilla aroma and the citrusy finish anCnoc is known for. To taste, there is the sweetness of chocolate perfectly contrasted with orange zest and a hint of leather, leaving drinkers with a long warming finish.

anCnoc brand manager Stephanie Allison commented: “We’re really excited to release the 2002 vintage to anCnoc fans as it creates the perfect balance between the signature Knockdhu house style we’re so proud of whilst introducing new tastes into our portfolio. With the combined spicy notes and sweet flavours, we’re sure this spirit will satisfy even the most discerning whisky drinker looking to extend their collections.

Staying true to the signature anCnoc style, the 2002 vintage packaging mirrors the minimalist design of anCnoc’s core range and features the contemporary yet traditional illustration of the Knockdhu Distillery in crisp forest green.

The 2002 Vintage is available from 2^nd May at independent and specialist retailers, including Royal Mile Whiskies, The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malts at £65 RRP.

Notes

About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, and is produced at Knockdhu Distillery – established in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions. Cutter has been ranked in the Liquid Gold category of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016 with a score of 96.5 adding to anCnoc’s portfolio of award-winning expressions. Whiskies in this category are deemed by Jim Murray as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.” The anCnoc 18 year old was also awarded the title of Best Highland Single Malt in the 13-20 year old category at the World Whisky Awards 2016.

About International Beverage

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

• Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
• Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

Benromach 1975 – 41 Year Old

A stunning single malt Scotch whisky from Benromach distillery, distilled in 1975 and matured in cask for an incredible 41 years. A mere 162 bottles were filled at cask strength, 49.9% from single cask #3434. As with previous vintage releases from Benromach, this 1975 bottling has been beautifully presented in a unique bottle decanter, wooden presentation box and comes complete with history book outlining the distilleries past.

£1200.00

As of the 13th May, there will be a number of changes to what can and cannot be entered into the auction. We understand that many of these changes are fairly major but these decisions have been made by the company to make the best of use of space and manpower that we have to provide the best service that we can to you, our customers.

These changes are outlined below:

We will now auction spirits only with the exception being that we will no longer accept liqueurs. This is due to liquids with a ABV lower than this generally having stricter storage requirements than spirits and we cannot vouch for the condition of such items when they come to us. A prime example for this is wine, which can quickly become undrinkable if stored incorrectly.

To expand on the above point, we will not auction merchandise (official or unofficial) or other paraphernalia. This includes but is not limited to:

• Cask ends
• Loose glasses
• Booklets

To confirm, the auction will effectively become bottle only. The only exception to this being gift sets that include glasses within them.

Miniatures must be whisky and will now be sold in either single lots or grouped lots of 10. They must also be sent or brought in grouped in the way that they are to go into auction. Miniatures that are parafilmed must have the parafilm removed before they are brought to auction or they will be rejected. Miniatures that have had the seals glued will likewise be rejected.

In relation to fill levels or ullage on bottles, a guideline of ¾ full will be in effect. Bottles on either side of this will be entered at the discretion of the either the book-in or photography department.

Any of the above items that are at this point currently booked in for future auctions will still go up for auction

If you have any questions relating to the points that have been outlined above, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind Regards,

The SWA Team

GlenDronach Single Malt 21yr Parliament – This big, delicious, deeply flavored and o-so-smooth sherry bomb of a single malt is back on our shelves! Get it while it’s here! GlenDronach Parliament Single Malt Scotch 21 Year is deep amber with a cherry wood sheen. A delicate mix of ripe autumnal fruits – notably blackberries and red plums. Rich Oloroso sherry and candied orange segments. Spiced oatmeal biscuits and toasted oak fragrances bring excellent weight and balance. Resolute flavours of fine Oloroso sherry and bitter chocolate sauce, which has been spread liberally over homemade plum pudding. This is all infused with fabulous spicy notes – cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Full bodied with smooth tannins.

thepartysource.com

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Ralfy re-reviews after three years with Ralfy Review 647 – Bunnahabhain 18yo @ 46.3%vol (2017)

Victory for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg at influential awards

Rare beauty of Glenmorangie Pride 1974 inspires creation by musical prodigy

The most prestigious Highland single malt ever created by Glenmorangie has been revealed. Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the Distillery’s oldest, rarest and deepest whisky – and the most prized expression yet, in the illustrious Glenmorangie Pride series. The whisky’s beauty is so rare that it has inspired a musical composition reflecting its 41 years of maturation, its extraordinary depth and creative spirit.

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the third limited-edition release in the Glenmorangie Pride collection, which showcases the Distillery’s most rare and treasured malts. Designed for connoisseurs, with just 503 crystal decanters available, Glenmorangie Pride 1974 exhibits a salty and spicy character, intensified with age as never before.

This exquisite whisky was created from spirit distilled in Scotland’s tallest stills by Glenmorangie’s legendary Men of Tain and laid down on 30 October 1974, some in ex-bourbon casks, some in ex-Oloroso sherry butts. The spirit spent decades maturing under the expert care of these select craftsmen, until Glenmorangie’s inspired Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks deemed that it had reached its very peak. Only then, did Dr Bill Lumsden skilfully marry the two parcels together – realising his vision for Glenmorangie’s oldest expression, deeper in colour and character than any other.

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 embodies the Distillery’s tradition of creativity and craftsmanship – values shared by the acclaimed piano maker Steinway & Sons. As part of a creative partnership to celebrate the whisky’s artistry, Steinway Artist Aaron Diehl has composed a piece of music which embodies the whisky’s rare beauty. Diehl found inspiration at the Distillery where Glenmorangie’s exceptional whisky has been crafted since 1843. His composition echoes the creative spirit of Glenmorangie Pride 1974, drawing on its depth of character and its long maturation, nurtured by the Men of Tain. Diehl, a world-renowned pianist, has premiered his work alongside the whisky at New York Steinway Hall on March 23, 2017.

Dr Bill said: “Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the oldest and deepest Glenmorangie ever to be released. Its age lends the whisky an enriched intensity, borne only of a slow, patient maturation. The result is an exquisite blend of deep, rich, salty and spicy aromas – aged balsamic vinegar, salted caramel toffee and oranges, leading to tastes of baked apples, toffee, oranges and brown sugar. With its harmonic depths and exquisite melodies, Aaron Diehl’s inspired composition captures the whisky’s rare beauty.”