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Dumbarton 33 Year Old 1989 The Golden Cask for TWB (2023) – The Whisky Barrel News

 

Dumbarton 33 Year Old 1989 The Golden Cask for TWB (2023)

Dumbarton distillery closed in 2002, making these bottles a true piece of history. Drawn from a single bourbon barrel, only 42 were produced. Dumbarton 33 Year Old 1989 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whisky. Single bourbon barrel #CG014 bottled January 2023 by House of Macduff for the Golden Cask series. Just 42 numbered bottles.

£180

Introducing the Singleton Gourmand Collection: A trio of stunning 42-year-old single malts inspired by the art of Pâtisserie – Scotch Whisky News

Introducing the Singleton Gourmand Collection: A trio of stunning 42-year-old single malts inspired by the art of Pâtisserie

This April The Singleton will reveal a signature single malt & patisserie pairing in collaboration with celebrated Master Pâtissier Nicolas Rouzaud.

London, 7th April 2025 – The Singleton unveils its exceptional new release, The Singleton Gourmand: a collection of three 42-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, each designed to emulate the flavours of sumptuous desserts. To celebrate the launch of the Gourmand Collection, The Singleton has partnered with Master Pâtissier Nicolas Rouzaud who has designed three bespoke cakes inspired by each of the whiskies, which, when enjoyed together, create a single moment of pure indulgence.

The Gourmand Collection whiskies have been meticulously matured for 42 years, including the longest secondary maturation in the history of The Singleton, and are designed to capture the essence of a lavish dessert. Notes of Fig & Chocolate Ganache oozes characters of melted chocolate, cloves, spices and rich vanilla woodiness; Notes of Caramelised Crème Brûlée balances rich and sweet notes of baked vanilla custard torched to perfection; and Notes of Black Cherry Gâteau embodies the classic dessert with flavours of ripened, juicy black cherries, chocolate and black pepper.

Master of Malts Dr. Craig Wilson led the creation of these whiskies through a 29-year maturation process, using an innovative cask layering technique that reveals unparalleled depth of flavour. Dr. Wilson shared, In pursuit of exceptional indulgence, this collection pushes the boundaries of whisky maturation, much like Nicolas’ approach to creating layered, flavourful pâtisserie. Together, they create an harmonious tasting adventure that showcases the artistry behind both crafts.”

In celebration of fine craftsmanship, The Singleton has partnered with Master Pâtissier Nicolas Rouzaud, known for Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught, London. Rouzaud was inspired by The Gourmand Collection to create three bespoke cakes that harmonise with the whiskies, elevating the experience of each dram. His creations reflect the intricate flavours of the Gourmand Collection, making each pairing a symphony of flavours, textures and aromas.

The bespoke cakes feature multiple layers and textures, combining elements including mousse, sponge, puff pastry, and caramel cream, all beautifully crafted to mirror the characteristics of the whiskies. Each cake’s form is an homage to The Singleton Gourmand Collection’s iconic bottle design.

Of this new collaboration, Nicolas Rouzaud said: “The art of a Chef Pâtissier is rooted in creativity, passion, and the pursuit of unbounded flavour—qualities that are also central to the whisky-maker’s craft. The Singleton’s process, flavours and commitment to slow craft and precision inspired the creation of these cakes and I’m honoured to present these alongside The Singleton Gourmand whiskies to craft a truly singular moment of indulgence.”

The pairing will be unveiled and available to experience from April 28th to May 5th, 2025, at No. 41 Burlington Arcade, in the boutique and tasting rooms of renowned wine and spirits merchant Justerini & Brooks. This exclusive event will allow guests to enjoy the perfect pairing of The Singleton Gourmand whiskies with Rouzaud’s exquisite cakes in one of London’s most historic venues. This exceptional experience, crafted for the most discerning palates, is available by reservation only for groups of two or four at justerinis.com.

For epicurean explorers visiting Scotland, The Home of The Singleton at Glen Ord Distillery will offer a unique tasting of its signature whiskies alongside a custom-designed cake by Nicolas Rouzaud. Available from May 2025 this bespoke creation is made up of a single cake designed to pair with three expressions of The Singleton; 12-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old, and 21-Year-Old. Consisting of three layers, transitioning from airy mousse to a dense base, each inspired by the different whiskies, it offers an indulgent paired tasting experience set against the backdrop of The Singleton’s Highland home.

The Singleton Gourmand Collection offers an unparalleled whisky and patisserie pairing experience, blending patience, craftsmanship, and indulgence. Limited to only 136 sets globally and priced at £8,800 (including duties and tax) for three 50cl bottles, The Singleton Gourmand is a tribute to time, craftsmanship, and flavour innovation. For more information visit www.thesingleton.com.

Discover more at @TheSingletonWhisky.

ABOUT THE SINGLETON GOURMAND WHISKIES

The Singleton Gourmand collection, a trio of stunning Single Malts, each with a distinct flavour, inspired by the art of master pâtissiers. The flavour profiles include Notes of Fig & Chocolate Ganache, Notes of Caramelised Crème Brûlée and Notes of Black Cherry Gâteau. This decadent trio is the result of the longest secondary maturation in The Singleton’s history, where after an initial maturation of 12 years, they have undergone a generous and tailored 29-year second maturation to fully evolve the flavours within each liquid.

NICOLAS ROUZAUD x THE SINGLETON GOURMAND COLLECTION – TASTING INFORMATION

Tastings are available between Monday 28th April – Monday 5th May 2025 at No. 41 Burlington Arcade.

RRSP: £275 pp

Timings: Approximately 2 hours between 4-6pm daily

Bookable via justerinis.com and Eventbrite

NICOLAS ROUZAUD x THE HOME OF THE SINGLETON AT GLEN ORD DISTILLERY

RRSP: £45pp

Bookable via thesingleton.com

PRODUCT INFORMATION
RRSP (GBP): £8,800 (including Duty & Taxes)

RRSP (USD): $9,000 (excluding Duty & Taxes)

  • Notes of Fig & Chocolate Ganache blends dark chocolate with earthy fig sweetness.
  • Notes of Caramelised Crème Brûlée captures the smoothness of vanilla custard and the warmth of scorched sugar.
  • Notes of Black Cherry Gâteau offers a bold pairing of black cherry and dark chocolate.

Notes of Fig & Chocolate Ganache Single Malt Scotch Whisky

  • Product information
    • ABV: 46.8%
    • Release volume: 136 bottles, 50cl
  • Tasting Notes
    • Appearance: Very deep umber; burnished mahogany with crimson lights. Moderate beading
    • Nose: Rich, mellow and lightly drying. Sweet promise offers a hint of dark chocolate topped with crystallised violets, adding a scented note. Beneath this lies a subtle dried fruit complex with hints of dried fig and crystallised angelica. In time, the aroma becomes richer and deeper, with suggestions of toasted nuts, espresso coffee, then cappuccino coffee dusted with chocolate and fruity raisin-laced chocolate.
    • Body: Medium
    • Palate: The creamy-smooth texture introduces a taste that starts sweetly winey, grows lightly tart and finally becomes spicy and peppery, drying elegantly. The sweetness is deep and soon more sharply fruity, with hints of fig pudding, juicy berries and melting chocolate ganache. Rich notes of ripe fig reinforce the impression as it becomes lightly peppery, the spiciness embracing a smoothly rounded, sweet-sharp nature that becomes sweeter and less tart if a drop of water is added.
    • Finish: Quite long, spicy and warming in style, with a pinch of pepper and a distinct dark chocolate aftertaste.
  • Overview of ‘Notes of Fig & Chocolate Ganache’ Cake made by Nicolas Rouzaud
    • Rich chocolate meets the earthy lightness of fig, where silky mousse, airy sponge, and a crisp base create a dynamic palate experience that complements the whisky’s rich notes. The interplay of textures ensures a well-rounded flavour profile that highlights the whisky’s depth while maintaining the subtle presence of fig.

Notes of Caramelised Crème Brûlée Single Malt Scotch Whisky

  • Product information:
    • ABV: 45.3%
    • Release volume: 136 bottles, 50cl
  • Tasting Notes
    • Appearance: Burnt caramel; deep, dark umber; blackened old oak with magenta lights.
    • Nose: A very mellow nose-feel with sweet promise. There is an immediate impression of light, summery coconut backed by clotted cream, the creamy coconut soon fading to be overlaid by rich hints of prune juice, dark molasses and toffee sweetness as it lingers in the background. Gradually, the aroma edges towards cappuccino coffee with a pinch of powdered milk chocolate. The chocolate note increases as the whisky develops in the glass and is enhanced by a drop of water.
    • Body: Medium
    • Palate: The texture is creamy-smooth and the taste begins lightly sweet; the sweetness is soon edged with bitterness, suggesting the brittle, burnt toffee surface of a crème brûlée. More hints reinforce these first impressions, as it becomes attractively savoury, then sharpens before drying gently. With creamy smoothness to match the brûlée, it is straightforward and smooth to drink with a rounded, sweet- spicy nature, which is enhanced if water is added.
    • Finish: Medium to long, drying gently in a lightly peppery conclusion to leave a hint of dark chocolate in the aftertaste.
  • Overview of ‘Notes of Caramelised Crème Brûlée’ Cake made by Nicolas Rouzaud:
    • Reimagining the classic crème brûlée, this cake combines puff pastry, flan, and caramel cream to elevate the whisky’s sweet, smooth qualities. With rich vanilla as a cornerstone ingredient, the cake offers a modern, nuanced interpretation that complements the whisky’s elegant profile.

Notes of Black Cherry Gâteau Single Malt Scotch Whisky

  • Product information
    • ABV: 45.5%
    • Release volume: 136 bottles, 50cl
  • Tasting Notes
    • Appearance: Old polished rosewood with ruby lights.
    • Nose: A mellow nose-feel, lightly nose-drying. The aroma is elusive: very faint top notes suggest a dry chocolate sponge backed by desiccated coconut. Beneath this lie tantalising hints of sweetness in a subtle fruit complex, slightly tart, of the kind found in homemade black cherry jam. A note of Crème Anglaise develops over time, and the chocolate note increases slightly, especially with a drop of water, suggesting fruity nut and raisin chocolate.
    • Body: Medium
    • Palate: Creamy-smooth in texture and immediately sweet, it soon becomes lightly tart and drying, the sweetness now suggesting blackberries and dark red just-ripe plums or black cherries in syrup. More hints of fruit reinforce these initial impressions, while the taste is seasoned with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and crisp black pepper. A drop of water balances the primary tastes, bringing the smoothness and sweetness forward while reducing the tartness.
    • Finish: Quite long, slightly tart and elegantly dry, with another pinch of that pepper and a trace of milk chocolate in the after taste.
  • Overview of the ‘Notes of Black Cherry Gâteau’ Cake made by Nicolas Rouzaud:
    • Inspired by the Black Forest Gâteau, this creation showcases bold fruity flavours. A variety of Griottines cherries are blended with rich chocolate, highlighting the whisky’s vibrant black cherry notes.

ABOUT THE DIAGEO LUXURY GROUP

The Diageo Luxury Group is transforming the way the world experiences luxury spirits, bringing together a luxury brand portfolio with exceptional experiences and decades of expert craftsmanship, as we aim to become the number one luxury spirits company in the world.

The Diageo Luxury Group oversees Diageo’s luxury assets including renowned single malts Brora and Port Ellen, iconic Scottish brand homes including Talisker, Lagavulin, and Johnnie Walker Princes Street, alongside private client specialist and luxury wine business Justerini & Brooks.

The Group is responsible for chartering the luxury strategy and accelerating the growth of brands that retail at $100 and above, the fastest growing price tier in international spirits[1], as well as leading luxury spirits experiences, a trusted private client offering, and an extensive network of luxury experts and craftspeople. The division also owns Diageo’s World Class platform, one of the most respected bartending competitions in the world. With a clear vision to redefine luxury for consumers, shape and adapt to consumer trends, and accelerate the growth of Diageo’s prestige offerings, we aim to become the number one luxury spirits company in the world[1].

[1] Per IWSR, market share of Prestige and Prestige+ International Spirits

ABOUT NICOLAS ROUZAUD

Nicolas Rouzaud is one of Europe’s most celebrated Master Pâtissiers, renowned for his exquisite fruit-focused pastries that seamlessly blend French culinary tradition with a modern, nostalgic twist. Growing up in the orchards of Toulouse, his early exposure to the finest seasonal fruits profoundly influenced his craft, inspiring a lifelong passion for creating pastries that showcase fruit in its purest form. In 2025, Rouzaud launched his Maison de Haute Pâtisserie, a refined haven for his artistry, where the elegance of French pâtisserie meets modern sophistication. With plans for global expansion, the Maison stands as a testament to his dedication to purity, elegance, and the enduring power of nature’s finest ingredients.

Buffalo Trace Distillery April 2025 Flood Update

Buffalo Trace Distillery April 2025 Flood Update

FRANKFORT, KY (April 11, 2025) – The Kentucky River is returning to normal levels, and the Frankfort community is beginning to assess and understand the damage caused by flood waters across the region. At Buffalo Trace Distillery, flood waters have now completely receded, granting access and allowing for clean-up and recovery efforts to happen throughout the entirety of campus.

Distillery leadership teams, along with engineers and expert clean-up and restoration professionals, have begun performing detailed assessments and subsequent repairs for any of the buildings affected by flood waters. The amount of damage is still being determined.

I am grateful for the excellent preparation work that our teams completed in advance of the flood, which mitigated the extent of the damage we might otherwise have sustained. Similarly, based on previous floods, our full-scale recovery plan is underway. We are confident we will be back up and running shortly. As of this morning we started shipping our finished goods again and we expect to resume bottling sometime next week,” said Jake Wenz, Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery CEO and President. “Restoration of this National Historic Landmark is our top priority to ensure a quick return to making quality, award-winning whiskey and welcoming guests from around the world. Our hearts remain with the rest of the community who are also dealing with the aftermath of this flood.”

Inspection of any barrels touched by the flood began Thursday, April 10 and will be ongoing until all have been appropriately assessed. This is a very involved process, including both barrel inspection as well as the same rigorous quality testing every bottle of whiskey undergoes at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Based on historical knowledge from previous floods, Buffalo Trace has been successful in recovering any barrels that might have been affected by flood waters; the Distillery is confident in its process. Inspection is expected to take several weeks, however, any loss of barrels is not expected to be meaningful.

A lot of heart and soul goes into every product we make, which is why our team is dedicated to testing with heavy scrutiny each barrel possibly affected by flood waters to ensure there are no issues,” said Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller. “We have never, nor will we ever, compromise on the quality or safety of the whiskey we make.”

Teams also started clean-up inside the Buffalo Trace Visitor Center, which saw flooding on the first floor and will require a period for repair. Teams are working diligently to re-open the Visitor Center in a modified manner as soon as possible. As of now, the Distillery will be closed to visitors through Sunday, April 13th. Additional updates regarding visitor access are as follows:

  • As a first step, the Distillery expects to operate a greatly modified retail experience early next week from the “Freehouse Building” – aka the visitor check-in center directly adjacent to the visitor parking lot.
  • This will be made accessible via an email reservation system available first to tour reservation holders whose visits were interrupted by the flooding.
  • More details will be shared as they are available on Buffalo Trace Distillery’s social media pages.
  • Until the Distillery fully reopens to visitors, only select team members, recovery experts and guests are permitted on-site.

We know it is disappointing to have the Distillery closed and it is our top priority to welcome guests again as soon as possible. Recovery and clean-up teams at Buffalo Trace Distillery will continue to work diligently to prepare the grounds for reopening and the facility for operation,” said Wenz. “We also want to again say a heartfelt thanks to our team who has been tireless in their support, and the Franklin County community as well as our fans and vendor partners for their support and understanding during this time. We look forward to welcoming you back soon,” said Wenz.

In the coming weeks Buffalo Trace looks forward to sharing details on forthcoming relief initiatives to further support the community. Should you want to support relief efforts in the immediate, the Franklin County Flood Relief Fund has been set up by the city to collect donations and offer aid to those who need it most. Find more information via this link.

For the latest information, please visit Buffalo Trace Distillery via Instagram @buffalotracedistillery or buffalotracedistillery.com.

 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 it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history 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. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery 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.

New Auction Record for American Whiskey – Old Rip Van Winkle ‘Van Winkle Selection’ Sells for $125,000 – Auction Whisky News

NEW AUCTION RECORD FOR AMERICAN WHISKEY AT SOTHEBY’S

Bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle ‘Van Winkle Selection’ Sells for $125,000

Historic Result for the Only Bottle in Existence

NEW YORK, – A one-of-a-kind bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle ‘Van Winkle Selection’ Kentucky Bourbon Festival Master Distiller’s Auction 2007 shattered records at Sotheby’s today, achieving $125,000 and becoming the most valuable single bottle of post-prohibition American whiskey ever sold at auction.* Offered with an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000, this ultra-rare bottle captivated collectors with its unique provenance, likely containing whiskey from the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery, and its historical significance as one of the highest-proof Van Winkle releases ever produced. 

The bottle, which has not been seen in nearly 20 years, was originally created for the 2007 Kentucky Bourbon Festival and hand-bottled at full strength under the supervision of Julian Van Winkle. Its label, designed by Preston Van Winkle, and the glass, signed by Julian P. Van Winkle III and dated 9-15-07, add to its exceptional rarity and desirability. 

Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist, commented:This sale marks a defining moment in the history of American whiskey, underscoring the legendary status of Van Winkle bottlings and the continued strength of the fine and rare whiskey market. Bringing such a remarkable piece of American whiskey history to auction is a testament to the growing appreciation for the craft and heritage of American distilling.” 

The sale of this bottle further cements Sotheby’s leadership in the spirits market, building on past successes with rare American whiskey, historic Scotch collections, and one-of-a-kind whiskey auctions. With today’s result, Sotheby’s once again demonstrates the increasing global demand for American whiskey and the unparalleled prestige of the Van Winkle name in the world of fine spirits.

A selection of high-res images is available for download here. 

The Whisky & Whiskey online auction continues with significant offerings from The Macallan, Van Winkle and more. See the full catalogue here.

*The previous record was $107,715 for Van Winkle 18-year-old Bourbon for Binny’s, a price that includes buyer’s premium and tax.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

 *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

 

Macallan 25 Year Old “Distillery Bottling” Highland Single Malt ~ Scotch Whisky News

Macallan 25 Year Old “Distillery Bottling” Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

$2,399.99

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Extremely limited! Macallan’s 25-year-old sherry casks are a modern classic. From the distillery: “The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 years old forms part of our Sherry Oak range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity… Laying undisturbed in the same casks for a quarter of a century, the maturing spirit transforms to create this luxurious single malt whisky characterised by its rich flavours of vanilla, dried fruits and ginger spice with a long finish and rich mahogany colour.”

Whisky Advocate
Review Date: 02/2011

An intense candy treat of a whisky that announces itself with rose petal, honey and hard candy on the nose. On the palate this cycles through a number of candied notes-fruity for the most part, with cherry character, but including butterscotch and a slight pine forest flavor. The long finish serves as another tour of the palate, with a nutty element. Sherry casks.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Iconic Kentucky straight bourbon Eagle Rare joins our line-up of exceptional exclusives – Milroy’s of Soho Whiskey News

We’re bringing main character energy to this week’s Thursday Drop. Because our Milroy’s Exclusive Eagle Rare has arrived, and it’s so delicious it deserves the limelight solo!

The celebrated brand is crafted at the much-loved Buffalo Trace distillery, a long-aged Kentucky straight bourbon known for its elegance and expressiveness. We’ve got all that here, as well as the individuality that comes with a barrel pick.

We especially love its toffeed, cocoa- and orange-peel forward profile, made all the more intricate with green herbal and floral honey notes. It’s a treat neat in a tasting glass, but it also shines in classic cocktails.

Enjoy!

Buy now

Decadent Drams Sideburn 31 years old – Scotch Whisky News

Decadent Drams Sideburn 31 years old

Get down to a new groove from Decadent Drinks Studios…. Sideburn: Givin’ It Both Barrels. This is the hotly anticipated new studio release and follow up to last year’s critically acclaimed ‘Sideburn’. 31 years in the making, it features the thrilling mix of a 1992 refill barrel and a 1993 first fill barrel. This brave new blended malt vibe has been mastered with zero reduction at full volume! Feel those funky fruits, jive to the honey, and get down with your wax on!

We have a new logo! – Maltstock News

New Maltstock Logo

We started Maltstock 15 editions ago sharing the love for whisky and people. All this time our logo has been a colorful circle.

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan and Teun

We have come full circle now with people finding love at Maltstock! Lita has been our highly appreciated member of our crew since the very first edition. Jurgen started as very relaxed guest and has been a fantastic member of our crew now for many years. A couple of weeks ago they had a wonderful wedding and fantastic party! Making them the relaxed whisky couple? 😉

In honour of Lita and Jürgen marrying we decided to change our logo for 2025! Here is it, you can’t miss it as we continue the spread our message of relaxed love!

So we have decided to change our logo. Celebrating the love. The world can use some more love anyway.

  • The love for whisky.
  • The love for sharing.
  • The love for people.
  • The love for making new friends.
  • The love for meeting old friends.
  • The love for fun.
  • The love for relaxed

Whisky brings people together and we love that! We hope you all love our new logo.

Buy your Maltstock ticket Now

Scotch Whisky Auctions “April 2025 Collection Schedule” – Auction Whisky News

Our collection schedule for April 2025 has now been finalised. There are a few changes this month, our Aberdeen collection will now start at 10am. Our South West London and East London collections will now start at 9.30am.

For April only we will be offering our North West London (Brent Cross) customers appointments on Monday 21st April 2025 at 8am. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service.  We can collect lots for up to three auctions.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 14th April 2025.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.   Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.

It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc. VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Bladnoch unveils new taste initiative to share its bold Galloway spirit – Scotch Whisky News

Bladnoch unveils new taste initiative to share its bold Galloway spirit

Scotland’s oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery, Bladnoch has unveiled an innovative new global tasting initiative designed to give more whisky enthusiasts the chance to sample its bold Galloway spirit.

Designed to bring the distillery’s taste-first philosophy to life, the Bladnoch ‘dram back’ program will allow whisky fans to try single malts from the distillery, formerly known as ‘Queen of the Lowlands’.

Running from March, the ‘dram back’ initiative will initially be available on Bladnoch Wave I: Time & Maturation, before being rolled out across three more of the distillery’s most popular whiskies: Bladnoch Alinta, Bladnoch Samsara and Bladnoch 8 Year Old.

As part of the tasting initiative, 50cl dram sample pouches of Bladnoch Wave I: Time & Maturation will be available to order directly from the Bladnoch website, priced at £15 RRSP each including postage and packaging in the UK or as part of an international order, allowing whisky fans to put taste considerations front and centre when deciding on their next whisky purchase. Each tasting pouch is made with sugarcane, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly way to try a new whisky dram.

For a limited time only, Bladnoch Distillery will also give the ‘dram back’ to each of its customers if they go on to purchase a full-size bottle of the whisky they sampled at a later date, with the cost of their initial dram deducted from the bottle price at checkout.

Bladnoch Wave I: Time & Maturation is the first expression in The Wave: a five-part limited-edition series which showcases the five pillars of whisky making. Bottled at 53.8% ABV, the expression demonstrates the marrying process of whisky casks, opening with floral pine needles and fresh cut oak on the nose and imparting notes of sweet oak and toasted coconut on the palate, with a sweet, warm, refreshing finish.

‘Alinta’, an indigenous Australian word from several southeast Australian language groups, means ‘fire’ and ‘flames’ and evokes the notes of campfire embers found in each sip. Bladnoch Alinta utilises PX sherry and ex-bourbon casks combined with a sweet, smoky, peated spirit, setting this unique expression apart from anything previously released by Bladnoch.

Bladnoch Samsara, meaning ‘rebirth’, is a full-bodied and fragrant blend of malts matured in Californian red wine and ex-bourbon casks. This unique non-age-statement single malt whisky is rich and sweet, with notes of vanilla, fudge and citrus.

Bladnoch 8 Year Old is aged exclusively in American oak red wine casks, each hand-selected by Nick to bring together this rich expression featuring a nose of strawberries with herbal pine cones and a palate of strawberry jam, polished oak and nutmeg, with a very long, sugary and warm finish.

Nick Savage, master distiller at Bladnoch Distillery, said: “Our taste-first philosophy is at the heart of everything we do at Bladnoch. We’re proud of our signature grassy, floral spirit, which is typical of the Lowlands. However, we also use our taste-first approach to take educated risks and provide a range of whisky experiences, rather than being constrained by traditional whisky conventions.

“We believe that the best way to understand our taste-first philosophy is to taste it. Our ‘dram back’ initiative is our way of saying thank you for supporting our whisky, and we’re looking forward to sharing more drams with our whisky fans around the world this spring.”

Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch Distillery is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and is enjoying a bold and powerful revival. The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

To purchase a dram of Bladnoch whisky, visit: https://www.bladnoch.com/products/the-wave-i-dram

For more information about Bladnoch Distillery, visit: www.bladnoch.com.

Tasting notes

Bladnoch Alinta

Campfire. Floral. Sweet.

Nose: Smoky ice cream, delicate floral with sweet oak.

Palate: Campfire smoke, almonds, raisins with a white chocolate body.

Finish: Long, with a sweet smoke.

ABV: 47%

RRSP: £75 

Bladnoch Samsara

Bourbon and red wine casks.

Nose: Vanilla cream, floral with fresh cut apples.

Palate: Thick vanilla fudge, sweet floral grass.

Finish: Rich, mouth coating, leading to refreshing citrus.

ABV: 46.7%

RRSP: £70  

Bladnoch 8 Year Old

Strawberries, jam, herbal.

Nose: Strawberries, with herbal pine cones.

Palate: Strawberry jam, polished oak and nutmeg

Finish: Very long, sugary and warm feeling.

ABV: 46.7%

RRSP: £60 

Wave I: Time & Maturation

Floral, oak, sweet

Nose: Floral pine needles with fresh cut oak

Palate: Sweet oak and toasted coconut

Finish: Sweet, warm and refreshing

ABV: 53.8%

RRSP: £150 

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.


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