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Some of the most ardent whisky fans are intensely loyal to the layers of smoke offered by peated whiskies. Peat heads generally gravitate toward Scotland, the epicenter of smoky whisky. But other distillers around the globe, inspired by the Scots, offer their own peated whiskies. Explore those non-Scotland peated whiskies here.
If you’ve ever had a stroopwafel with a warming cup of coffee, you’ll know that this Dutch (or even Belgian) caramel waffle makes for the ultimate treat on a grey day. Picture it in whisky form, add a skoosh of whipped cream and you have our 30th ‘Heresy’ release, Skooshy Stroopwafel.
“This release perfectly demonstrates our commitment to exploring the interplay between spirit and wood to create a unique adventure in flavour,” says our Whisky Quality Manager, Julien Willems.
This 11-year-old small-batch single malt is beautiful marriage of ex-bourbon hogsheads and European oak sherry butts. It’s a whisky packed with spicy, tingling fruity flavours that reminded our Tasting Panel of pumpkin-spiced iced coffee with lashings of skooshy cream on a stroopwafel.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information
This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!
Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video
BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY UNVEILS THE SECOND EDITION PROHIBITION COLLECTION
Documents discovered in the Distillery’s archives revealed stories from over a century ago and inspired the whiskeys crafted in this year’s Collection
FRANKFORT, KY (January 15, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the second edition of its Prohibition Collection, an annual limited-edition set featuring five bottles commemorating the whiskeys legally produced and sold at the Distillery while the 18th Amendment was in effect. The second release tributes the following brands produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, known during the Prohibition era as George T. Stagg Distillery, under President Albert B. Blanton’s leadership: Mirror Brook, Very Oldest Procurable (V.O.P.), Anderson’s Belle, Old Fashioned Mountain Corn and Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey.
During Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933 and is arguably the most contentious period in alcohol history, the United States banned the production, sale and transportation of alcohol due to the ratification of the 18th Amendment. During this time, purchasing alcohol was only legal with a medical prescription, and only six distilleries were granted licenses by the U.S. Government to bottle medicinal whiskey. Buffalo Trace Distillery, as it’s known today, was one of these distilleries.
Documents discovered in the Distillery’s archives reveal stories from over a century ago and inspired the five whiskeys crafted in this year’s Prohibition Collection, all of which are inspired by the original, colorful packaging for these historic brands.
“As the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery carries a legacy built by pioneers like Albert B. Blanton, who guided it through Prohibition,” remarked Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller. “The Prohibition Collection honors that history while embodying our long-lasting commitment to crafting exceptional whiskey.”
“The second edition of the Prohibition Collection invites enthusiasts to explore and discuss the history behind these whiskeys,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Faithful updates to significant brands that came to Buffalo Trace to age during Prohibition, these new expressions embody our motto of ‘Honor Tradition, Embrace Change.’ After releasing the first set, we were thrilled to see lots of conversation around these previously-forgotten brands. We look forward to hearing more forgotten stories as these new expressions are released into the world.”
The entire collection is housed in a custom wooden display case featuring historical images of the distillery, with each of the five 375ml bottles heavily inspired by their Prohibition Era packaging and original bottle size: even the back cartons feature the cut-out for doctors to apply the prescription for medicinal whiskey, without which one could not legally purchase alcohol.
To celebrate the release of the second Prohibition Collection, Buffalo Trace has partnered with the Scandinavian Tobacco Group on a limited-edition cigar set featuring five unique blends held in 750 individually numbered boxes that mirror the whiskey collection packaging. Launching in conjunction with the whiskeys, the Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection Series #2 cigar set will be available online at Cigora as well by special invitation from Meier and Dutch as the exclusive distributor as of January 15, 2025. For more information, please visit HERE
The Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #2 will be released in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants as of January 2025 at a suggested retail price of $999.99 (five 375ml bottles); state taxes will vary per market.
For more information, please visit HERE
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
It pains us to say that Storm Éowyn’s imminent arrival has forced us to close our three Scottish Members’ Rooms tomorrow (Friday, 24 January) until 6.30pm. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that he’ll have blown through by then and we can get the whisky flowing again tomorrow evening. Our London Members’ Room will be open as usual.
We don’t make these decisions lightly, but with a red weather warning in place and the safety of our members and venue staff paramount, we’re not taking any chances. Watch out for any updates on our social media channels – and stay safe!
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information
This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!
Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video
We are pleased to share that The Macallan Harmony Collection Guardian Oak is available exclusively at Singapore Changi Airport from 15 January 2025, and at The Macallan Global Boutiques and select duty free locations around the world from 26 January 2025 onwards. There will be limited availability worldwide.
The fourth release in The Macallan Harmony Collection has been created in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil to tell our oak story in an imaginative, visual and innovative way.
For a limited time, join us at The Macallan pop-ups at airports in Doha, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Singapore for the launch of Harmony Collection Guardian Oak, exclusive to travellers.
The symbolic oak tree is the central feature of the pop up. Immerse yourself in the sounds, scents and flavours of the Harmony Collection and the story of Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT, including the enchanting narrative of Davonna, guardian of the Scottish Highlands.
Discover more travel exclusives including Colour Collection, alongside tailored gifting and tasting options.
Harmony Collection Guardian Oak is a unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. It is matured in a combination of first-fill sherry seasoned European oak casks and refill sherry casks, featuring rich notes of dried fruits, orange peel, dark chocolate, and warming nutmeg.
The Macallan Enigma is the pinnacle of the journey, created closest to the heart of The Macallan. Aged in exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks from one cooperage in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, this is a whisky that signifies the essence of The Macallan.
Colour: Spanish sunset
Nose: Mature oak opens to reveal dried fruits, vanilla, sweet pears and cinnamon
Palate: Dried fruits and wood spices coat the palate. Ginger, cinnamon and oak give depth
Finish: Full length. Long, lingering, memorable
Elevate your expertise and unlock the secrets of single malt Scotch whisky with our flagship Diploma course. Tailored for those working in the industry (in customer-facing roles) and enthusiasts alike (newcomers or seasoned connoisseurs), this immersive two-day course is your gateway to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world’s most revered spirit.
Certified by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), two modules – History & Business – are delivered online in advance for self-study. The format here is short, easy-to-follow multimedia lessons. In the classroom, you’ll meet with your cohort of likeminded whisky lovers and take a deep dive into modules covering the production process, sensory analysis and world whiskies with teacher Vic Cameron. With 30 years of Scotch whisky industry experience under his belt, you’ll love the technical detail he imparts and irreverent stories told on the enjoyable journey to mastering the final assessment.
Day 1 concludes with a private distillery tour and tasting (which includes plenty of revision prompts). Day 2 concludes with the final assessment (250 questions, multiple choice format). Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital badge and physical black lapel pin for immediate display. Your SQA Diploma certificate will be sent to you in the post in the weeks following the course.
Kentucky Distilleries and Precision Conservation Management Join Forces to Enhance Regenerative Corn Farming Practices throughout Commonwealth
FRANKFORT, KY.— Four leading spirits companies and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) are joining forces with Precision Conservation Management (PCM) and the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KCGA) to launch a five-year, $2.8 million initiative for Kentucky corn farmers. Together, Kentucky distillers are providing tools for corn farmers to successfully implement proven practices that will support the long-term resilience of the state’s historic agricultural community while providing economic and sustainable value to regenerative agriculture in Bourbon and distilling.
The collaborative Kentucky partnership, formed by Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Heaven Hill Brands and Suntory Global Spirits, will support farmers by hiring additional conservation specialists to maximize management education beginning in 2025. PCM will work with farmers in the central Kentucky region to implement regenerative corn growing practices on more than one hundred thousand acres throughout five years. With these practices and new on-farm resources, the goal is to ease administrative burdens and identify economic and environmental benefits that can be scaled.
“Farmers are spread thin and are already making hundreds of management decisions each year. They want to do a good job, but face time constraints and decision fatigue when it comes to analyzing data and making changes,” said Greg Goodwin, Director of PCM. “Our specialists work hand-in-hand with farmers to identify opportunities to improve the health of their farmland and success of their operation. We are grateful for our partnership with the KDA and Kentucky distilleries as we make these great ideas a reality by supporting our farmers in effective, regenerative practices — a win-win for our industries.”
“Having worked closely with PCM since 2015, I have seen how helpful this program has been to my on-farm decision making. I routinely work with my conservation specialist to analyze data and confirm the economic benefits of decisions I have made to adopt new practices and innovate for the environment,” shared Joseph Sisk, Sisk Farms, Christian County. “PCM has also helped me better understand how our practices are closely tied to the supply chain and allows my markets and end-users to trust that our crops will support their sustainability objectives.”
Eric Gregory, KDA President, shared, “With much of our distillers’ corn being produced in Kentucky, we see the massive impact that Bourbon has on Kentucky’s ag climate. As these four distilleries unite to support regenerative corn growing practices, I look forward to seeing how new resources and incentives can further propel our local farmers without impacting our bottom line.”
The collaborative effort will also expand PCM’s efforts in Kentucky to benchmark individual farm financials against an anonymized, regional and statewide dataset in an annual Resource Analysis and Assessment Plan. This will be utilized by farmers to understand where they can profitably implement conservation practices. This service is free to farmers, and they will receive a sign-on incentive for their time. The participating KDA distillery partners will provide additional acre-based incentives to corn growers adopting reduced tillage, cover crops, and maximizing their nitrogen use efficiency to reduce the impact of corn production within the Bourbon supply chain.
Together, PCM and the KCGA aid farmers in making economically viable conservation decisions by providing a comprehensive range of data and personalized, expert consultations with PCM’s conservation specialists. To learn more about the program, please visit www.precisionconservation.org
Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.
About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association: Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.
KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. About Precision Conservation Management (PCM): Precision Conservation Management (PCM) is the premier conservation program of the IL Corn Growers Association, initiated through funding by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service – Regional Conservation Partnership Program. PCM provides data-driven conservation recommendations and on-the-ground support for farmers in Illinois, Nebraska and Kentucky. For further information regarding their work, visit their website www.precisionconservation.org.
About Brown-Forman Corporation: Brown-Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our portfolio of premium brands includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, el Jimador, Korbel, New Mix, Old Forester, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático Rum, Chambord, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Slane, and Coopers’ Craft. With a team of approximately 5,700 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for premium beverages in more than 170 countries. Discover more about us at brown-forman.com and stay connected through LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
About Diageo North America: Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.
For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow at Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA
About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer, the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, and a 2024 Best Managed Company as appointed by Deloitte Private and the Wall Street Journal. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Heaven Hill, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the Samson & Surrey portfolio. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely®.
About Suntory Global Spirits: As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com
NEW IN AND EXCLUSIVE:
GLENBURGIE 1996 28 YEAR OLD
Independent bottlings remain a gateway for whisky lovers into some of the world’s best whiskies, often including lesser-seen distilleries, in idiosyncratic styles, with long ageing and usually at superb value.
Gordon & MacPhail is one of Scotland’s oldest independent bottlers, starting out as a grocers in Elgin in 1895. With unrivalled stocks of whisky in its warehouses, Gordon & MacPhail is one of the biggest names in Scottish whisky, and has been bringing incredible single malts from both household names and under-the-radar distilleries to whisky drinkers around the world for well over a century.
We’re delighted to introduce this 28-year-old, 1996-vintage Glenburgie, been bottled exclusively for us by Gordon & MacPhail as part of the Connoisseurs Choice range. Glenburgie is seldom seen as a single malt, and long-aged examples are particularly unusual.
This single cask whisky shows off the distillery’s classically fruity character, amplified by years in a single refill bourbon barrel. Only 147 bottles are available, so we’d recommend acting fast to secure a bottle.
