Clynelish 12 Year Old

70cl | 48.4% ABV

Unctuously mouth-coating with peppery spices and buttered gingerbread, this Clynelish Single Malt was charged from a single refill hogshead.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Sweetly herbal, gently honeyed, subtly creamy, distinctly gristy and hinting at salt

Palate: Unctuously mouth-coating with peppery spices, buttered gingerbread, and barley

Finish: Initially ginger, ahead of salted (vanilla) toffee, with a mix of sugar and oak

£118.95

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Established in 1948, Douglas Laing is a proudly independent, family owned Scotch Whisky business in its third generation. Abiding to the philosophy of presenting Whisky as the distiller intended, Douglas Laing’s Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular Collections enable Whisky lovers around the world to come as close as they possibly can to sampling a dram straight from the cask.

The Single Cask

Imperial 25 Years Old

ABV: 52.8% 70 cL

The Good Dram Show – Episode 569 ‘Samples for the next Gauntleys Bottling’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the samples that I received for consideration to be the next Gauntleys of Nottingham bottling.

The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 569 – The 1880 Collection No4: The Contestants..!

Filmed in The Revamped Study Nottingham

 Featuring

Glen Elgin 2013 (currently 11 years old) 63.5%

Glen Elgin 2011 (currently 13 years old) 57.4%

Linkwood 2012 (currently 12 year old) 58.3%

Ardmore 2016 (currently 7 years old) 61.5% 

THE GLENLIVET REDEFINES TRADITION WITH THE RELEASE OF ITS OLDEST SINGLE MALT

The 55 year-old expression – the highest age statement ever to be released by The Glenlivet – is unveiled as it marks a 200-year legacy. 

The Glenlivet, the iconic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, has unveiled a masterpiece that celebrates its excellence in whisky craftsmanship and design, embodying the originality that has defined it since its inception in 1824: The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition, 55 Year Old, in collaboration with computational architect, Michael Hansmeyer.

A true rarity, The Glenlivet’s oldest and most ambitious expression to date comprises just 100 beautifully crafted bottles, while every aspect of the new release has been considered with meticulous attention to detail. Crafted from a seasoned sherry cask and carefully matured over more than five decades, this precious single malt offers a complex flavour profile and astonishingly long finish.

In partnership with pioneering artist, Michael Hansmeyer, the 55 Year Old single malt whisky sits within a strikingly beautiful sculpture that takes inspiration from the home of The Glenlivet. Mirroring the eternal essence and flow of the River Livet, which is located deep in the Spey Valley where The Glenlivet was born, Hansmeyer brought his unique expertise in computational architecture to create this highly original art piece.

With hand-sculpted jesmonite and rose-gold plating, the sculpture perfectly houses the spherical decanter of the 55 Year Old. In a stunning display of contemporary modelling through computer programming, this art piece brings subtle intricacies that are testament to the craftsmanship at the heart of every creation from The Glenlivet.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master who was responsible for directing the final maturation years of the 55 Year Old whisky, describes the taste experience as “a medley of autumn fruits, sun-drenched Seville oranges and sticky dates enveloped by the spiced warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, alongside the sweet, warming flavours of homemade blackcurrant jam and vanilla fudge, balanced with zesty citrus notes on the palate.”

Speaking about the inspiration behind the sculpture Michael Hansmeyer, computational architect & programmer, explained:

“My work captures the intersection of architecture and the arts. It is a laboratory for experimenting with new possibilities, and that is where I saw the harmony in collaborating with The Glenlivet. Weaving threads of intelligent technologies to create something that escapes conformity and classification to celebrate such an aged whisky has been a thrill. I created this sculpture as a tribute to the complexity of The Glenlivet’s oldest expression and the rugged beauty of the distillery’s Scottish landscape, capturing the spirit of where innovation meets tradition.”

This exceptional 55 Year Old single malt is the First Edition of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection – a new range of highly collectable precious whiskies, released annually. All future releases, each taken from a single, extraordinary cask, will be aged for one additional year and will be accompanied by an original artform crafted by a new visionary artist. Together, this will create a collection to cherish.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master added:

“The 55 Year Old is the highest age Scotch ever released from The Glenlivet Distillery, and combined with the incredible talent of Michael, it tells of the timelessness of The Glenlivet. Thanks to decades of collaboration from our team of cask experts, past and present, the introduction of The Eternal Collection represents a monumental moment for whisky connoisseurs and luxury appreciators to add a pivotal piece of Scotch whisky legacy to their collection. It epitomises The Glenlivet’s commitment to excellence within Scotch innovation as we continue to push to creative new heights in single malts.”

The First Edition of The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, will be released in September 2024. The masterpiece was first unveiled during an exclusive 200 year anniversary celebration hosted at The Glenlivet’s iconic distillery in Speyside, Scotland. The Glenlivet Distillery is open for guests to explore the full portfolio from The Glenlivet and enjoy interactive visitor experiences.

In tandem with the launch of its oldest single malt, and to further honour its 200^th anniversary, The Glenlivet has partnered with Sotheby’s to create a unique auction lot.  A bespoke 55 Year Old single malt whisky presented with a one-of-a-kind Hansmeyer sculpture will be available exclusively at auction from 18^th October – 1^st November 2024, with all proceeds to benefit National Trust for Scotland, dedicated to conserving Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, First Edition: 55-Year-Old in collaboration with Michael Hansmeyer, will be available exclusively at The Whisky Exchange for RRP €50,000. For more information, visit theglenlivet.com or follow @theglenlivet. To register early interest in the one-of-one auction, visit www.sothebys.com/theglenlivet55.

MIZUNARA AND OLOROSO CASK FINISH LAUNCHED BY THE GLENALLACHIE

 Award-winning Scotch whisky brand releases rare Mizunara and Oloroso-finished whisky

Leading independent Scotch whisky distillery The GlenAllachie debuts the first single malt to join its Master of Wood series: a 17-year-old Mizunara & Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish.

Spearheaded by whisky maker of 52 years, Billy Walker, the multi-award-winning Speyside producer is known for its flair for sourcing and managing both quality and unusual casks from around the world.

The new 17-year-old expression (UK RRSP £260.99) features whisky matured in rare Mizunara oak barrels combined with spirit from rich Oloroso Sherry puncheons and hogsheads.

Mizunara is a scarce Japanese oak seldom used for whisky maturation due to its high cost and the challenges it poses in coopering and maturation. Its tendency to twist as it grows can create issues during stave production, and its porous nature means its casks are inclined to leak.

Translating to ‘water oak’ in English, Mizunara has very low tannins but high levels of vanilla-flavoured compounds. Its casks typically impart notes of sweet spices, sandalwood and charred oak.

Produced in Spain’s Andalusia region, Oloroso is a dry Sherry style subjected to lengthy oxidative ageing without a ‘flor’ yeast layer. It is known for its dark colour and pronounced nutty, dried fruit qualities.

The unique expression is the first in the brand’s new Masters of Wood series: a super-premium arm of its Wood Collection reserved for its most luxurious and experimental wood finishes.

The distillery’s tagline ‘Whisky in Good Hands’ and the new Masters of Wood series solidify The GlenAllachie’s standing as cask experts within the Scotch whisky arena.

The Mizunara & Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish is presented at 50% ABV, without artificial colouring or chill filtration.

Commenting on the high-end expression, Walker shares:

“As a chemist, I find both cask management and blending truly fascinating. This release combines the finest and rarest of casks with carefully considered blending. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with Mizunara, a very uncommon Japanese oak that provides exceptional character but, in turn, throws plenty of challenges our way. Having said that, the result is beyond worth the trials and tribulations.

“The flavour delivery from the Mizunara barrels, interwoven with the nutty, spicy character of the Oloroso casks, culminates in a spectacular single malt with delectable notes of apple strudel, runny honey, chocolate-covered hazelnuts and stem ginger. This is indulgence at its finest.”

With a UK RRSP of £260.99, The GlenAllachie 17-year-old Mizunara & Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish will become increasingly available from today at specialist retailers globally.

ABOUT THE GLENALLACHIE:

At The GlenAllachie, each decision in creating our award-winning Speyside single malt merges logic with instinct. In the experienced hands of legendary whisky maker Billy Walker, a culture of precision, patience and perseverance has been instilled in his small yet accomplished team of whisky experts.

Being independent offers us the freedom to prioritise what matters most: quality. The pursuit is not of consistency, but perfection. Never resting on our laurels, we work tirelessly to refine and enhance each batch of whisky, striving to better the last.

The result of seamlessly coordinated collaboration is a range of carefully crafted and cask-perfected whiskies, each personally approved by Billy. With a quietly confident team of passionate whisky enthusiasts behind The GlenAllachie, you can be sure we have our whisky in good hands.

Our other brands are Meikle Tòir Peated Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits—which encompasses Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum—and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

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TASTING NOTES:

The GlenAllachie 17-year-old Mizunara & Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish – 50% ABV

• Colour: Intense Mahogany.
• Nose: Heather honey, dried orange peel and crystalised ginger, with notes of cocoa, toasted tobacco leaves and fresh vanilla pods.
• Taste: Baking spices, dried blood orange and grilled honeycomb, followed by bursts of rich cocoa, poached cinnamon apples and fig syrup, with pecans and demerara sugar.

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Harris Reed Edition

The third release in Royal Salute’s Fashion Collection was made in collaboration with visionary designer, Harris Reed. This whisky, aged for 21 years, features a blend of ripe stone fruits, dark chocolate, and subtle spice. Ideal for collectors and enthusiasts of fine spirits.

£250

Blended Scotch Whisky 70cl / 40%

We are delighted to introduce you to our newest limited edition; The 32.  Celebrating the inextricable bond between our whisky and those who create it, The 32 is inspired by John Smith who led The Glenrothes through turbulent times as the Distillery Manager from 1897 – 1929.  With tasting notes including stewed plums, treacle toffee and Earl Grey tea, this whisky is the taste of a by-gone era, giving flavour and fragrance to the memory of a moment, and a man that continues to shape our present.

This exquisite limited edition, priced at £1950, is available exclusively to private clients and partners.

THE WHISKY

NOSE
Stewed plums, treacle toffee, cinnamon, oak and Earl Grey tea.

TASTE
Dried figs, dark chocolate and almond brittle. A bite of candied orange rind and lingering spice of gingerbread.

FINISH
Luxurious and complex with velvety sweetness and depth.

FIND OUT MORE

Ballindalloch 2015 Sherry Butt UK Exclusive Cask #112

This single cask has been chosen by Guy Macpherson-Grant specifically for the UK market. Cask number 112 is an oloroso sherry butt which was originally filled on 12th March 2015 and bottled on 27th August 2024 with an outturn of just 648 bottles.

£102.00

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

https://youtu.be/187T8bf_sbU

Welcome to Octomore October!

We’re back in week two with Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2. Also peated to a level of 108.2 ppm and then bottled at 57.9% ABV. The 15.2 release is quite unusual for many reasons. Typically, this bottle range was only available through Travel Retail, so this is more of a first experience with one of the .2 releases. Another thing is the cask maturation on this liquid. We have primary ageing in second fill wine and bourbon casks, that alone would be very interesting. Then, we have a finishing process in first fill Cognac barrels.

Personally, I was quite disappointed by this release. I’m a fan of spirit driven whiskies, especially when they’re young and peated. But this does come across as a little acrid, almost vinegary, and just missing some building block from the start.

It’s a fun bottle of booze, but for the money you’d be better off buying the .1 release, or a few different bottles of heavily peated whisky from across Scotland.

Penelope Bourbon introduces premium 2024 Estate Collection

Highly sought-after releases showcase the finest blends, barrels and finishes of aged barrel stocks

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 25, 2024) – Penelope Bourbon introduced its new Estate Collection of limited-availability aged whiskey and bourbon releases – Founders Reserve, Private Select and Single Barrel. The collection represents the pinnacle of Penelope’s craftsmanship, from hand-selected barrels to meticulously crafted blends. The new premium releases spotlight masterful innovations in aged wheat whiskey, exquisite blends of aged straight bourbon whiskey and exceptional hand-selected single barrel bourbon.

The 2024 Estate Collection reflects Penelope Bourbon Founder and Master Blender Danny Polise’s passion for bourbon making as a journey of discovery and reinvention. To create the collection, Polise and his team evolved the brand beyond Penelope’s well-known 4- to 6-year-aged offerings by selecting 9- to 11-year superior-aged barrels to develop the releases.

“It was a thrill to explore the warehouses and hunt for the perfect barrels to create the collection,” said Polise. “We pride ourselves on the details in blending, and took a hands-on approach to find specific nuances and variations in order to curate these releases. The result is an outstanding premium collection illustrating the breadth of both fine distillate and blending.”

The exceptional craftsmanship of the Penelope Estate Collection demonstrates the brand’s commitment to offering a portfolio of high-quality aged products sought out by aficionados, and hand-crafted in limited allocations by Penelope’s signature standards.

“Innovation and quality are at the heart of everything we do, and the 2024 Estate Collection takes those characteristics to an entirely new level,” said Michael Paladini, founder, Penelope Bourbon and vice president of strategy, MGP Ingredients. “These three releases showcase the best of the best in our rickhouses, allowing us to create one-of-a-kind aged whiskeys that take Penelope to new heights. Each product in the Estate Collection is unique – from the blend to the age and the mash bill. There’s something in this collection for everyone.”

Penelope Founders Reserve features 24 barrels of experimental straight wheat whiskey with a mash bill of 95% wheat and 5% barley malt aged 11 years in charred new American oak barrels at the historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Polise and the Penelope team tapped into the distillery’s rich heritage to seek out and batch unique and rare spirits in five lots, and bottled the whiskey at cask strength to give each its own character, offering connoisseurs a unique and varied tasting experience. Each bottle of Founders Reserve is packaged in a dark green box featuring rich gold embossed Penelope Bourbon Estate Collection branding. The interior of the box lists complete details for all five lots.

Founders Reserve imparts an aroma of rich caramelized sugar and vanilla bean with a touch of cherry, flavors of maple buttercream frosting with hints of white pepper and a bit of oak, and a savory finish with lingering notes of brown sugar and toffee. Each of the five lots features a unique proof point:

• Lot B: 118.4 proof (59.2% ABV)
• Lot C: 116.6 proof (58.3% ABV)
• Lot D: 109.5 proof (54.75% ABV)
• Lot E: 107.6 proof (53.8% ABV)
• Lot F: 108.2 proof (54.1% ABV)

Very limited quantities of Founders Reserve will be available for a minimum suggested retail price of $199.00 at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, and through e-commerce partners in select markets beginning in the October/November timeframe.

Penelope Private Select is an annual release that pushes the boundaries of what blended bourbon can be. This innovative expression showcases the unique characteristics of the finest 9-year-aged straight bourbon barrel stocks hand-selected from two different states. Bottled at 101.2 proof (50.6% ABV), the 2024 release features a mash bill of 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat and 5% malted barley.

Penelope Private Select opens with rich caramel, vanilla custard and cherry fruit on the nose, with flavors of marshmallow, caramel, sweet cherry and black pepper on the palate. The finish of this distinctive bourbon features notes of vanilla crème brûlée, allspice and light smoke. A limited quantity of 6,000 (6-in) cases ship to retailers nationwide in September/October with a minimum suggested retail price of $79.99.

Penelope Single Barrel reveals the character that lies within the finest aged bourbon stocks. Each 10-year-aged barrel has been hand-selected from various warehouses and floors, revealing profiles too exceptional to blend. With two rye mash bill options – 21% and 36% –Penelope Single Barrel is a celebration of the individuality and complexity that can only be found in a single barrel of well-aged bourbon.

• Single Barrel 21% is made from a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. Bottled at 98 proof (49% ABV), this premium release opens with aromas of vanilla, caramel, dried fruit and sweet cherry followed by notes of caramel, buttercream frosting, maraschino cherry and light rye spice on the palate with a finish featuring dried cherry and marshmallow with lingering spice. Single Barrel 21% ships to Open states in October at a minimum suggested retail price of $89.99

• Single Barrel 36% is made from a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley. Bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV), this distinctive innovation features an aroma of butterscotch, vanilla and light fruit on the nose and flavors of candied caramel, vanilla and chocolate cocoa. The long rye spice finish features notes of lingering butterscotch and roasted nuts. Single Barrel 36% ships to Control states in October at a minimum suggested retail price of $89.99.

To learn more about where to find Penelope Bourbon Estate Collection releases, please visit PenelopeBourbon.com or the product locator here. A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has been one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey

brands. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope boasts a series of straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions that are all uniquely blended and finished. Remarkably smooth and flavorful, Penelope is perfect whether sipping neat or mixing in a cocktail.

Penelope’s core expressions, Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect and Toasted Bourbon, have received over 40 combined awards and industry accolades. In 2024, the brand won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength (96 points) and Toasted Rye (99 points); Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards for Barrel Strength; and Double Gold for Rio and an Innovation Award for Toasted at the SIP Awards.

In addition to its cornerstone expressions, Penelope continues to introduce new and innovative limited releases within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases and Estate Collection lines.

Today, Penelope Bourbon is sold in 49 states and seven countries. Proving that with enough love, care and hard work, anything is possible.

For more information about Penelope, please visit penelopebourbon.com and follow on social media @penelopebourbon (Instagram / Facebook).