Speyburn Whisky Unveils Brand Refresh

Speyburn single malt Scotch whisky has unveiled a brand refresh, marking the next exciting chapter for the 126-year-old distillery located in the iconic whisky region of Speyside, Scotland.

As part of a significant investment into the brand, Speyburn has introduced vibrant new packaging across its portfolio with a more premium look. Speyburn’s complete collection will carry the striking new design, initially rolling out across its widely distributed entry and mid-range products before being introduced across higher-aged expressions later this year.

Informed by consumer insight, both Speyburn’s primary and secondary packaging have undergone a refresh to replace the brand’s existing look. The new primary packaging labels highlight the flavour cues of each whisky with embossed labelling for a more premium feel, while Speyburn’s proprietary bottle remains. The distillery’s pagoda-shaped roof is also prominent on both the bottle and outer pack alongside the year Speyburn was founded, 1897, as a nod to the provenance of this iconic distillery.

The secondary packaging, with a bright, eye-catching colour palette, more prominent branding and graphics conveying key flavour attributes, allows for greater visibility on shelf. Illustrations at the bottom of the outer pack capturing the cask finish of each expression along with details of the cask finish story on the rear side of pack are sure to be welcomed by those new to the world of whisky and seasoned whisky enthusiasts alike.

To accompany the new look, Speyburn has also undertaken work on the pack copy, opting for a simpler tone which better communicates Speyburn’s accessible taste profile and makes decision making easier for consumers. The popular Bradan Orach has also been renamed ‘Speyburn Bourbon Cask’, with this new identity believed to better resonate with whisky fans and make it easier for consumers to navigate the brand’s portfolio.

To round off the refreshed collection, the revamp also sees a brand-new expression introduced to Speyburn’s portfolio, ‘Speyburn Rum Cask Finish’. In a first for the brand, Speyburn has rested its Scotch whisky in rum casks, for an innovative take on Speyburn while retaining the accessible flavour profile that this award-winning whisky is renowned for.

Jack Cook-Broussine, Speyburn Brand Manager, said: “We have introduced a complete brand refresh across Speyburn in line with our commitment to invest in this brand. Speyburn has always prioritised simplicity, taste and quality, so we wanted the new packaging and collection to reflect this. Having listened to our consumers, Speyburn’s new look will make it easier for shoppers to understand what we have to offer as well as attracting a new wave of Speyburn fans as we continue to grow this brand in markets around the world.’

Nick Cadbury, Creative Director at threebrand, the design agency behind Speyburn’s new look, commented: ‘The whisky category Speyburn targets is very competitive and has seen a visual transition from more contemporary design plays to attract a less experienced consumer. We aimed to take the core brand DNA and represent it with the right balance of accessibility, provenance and stand out. We’re very excited with the result.’

Speyburn is a classic single malt with a taste profile traditional of the Speyside region. The refresh follows on from the distillery permanently opening its doors to the public for the first time in 2023 as the brand continues to grow and enter new markets.

Ranging in price from £25 to £35, the refreshed Speyburn Bourbon Cask, Speyburn Rum Cask Finish and Speyburn 10 Years Old will be available from 23rd May 2024 in the UK via Amazon, and thereafter, there will be a phased global rollout.

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

(700ml)(European Import)

$195.00 View

David Othenin-Girard
K&L Buyer

While we’re committed to offering rare bourbon at standard mark up, we’re also not blind to the fact that the market is on fire for these special products. While our competitors charge north of $150 for the standard expression of Blanton’s, we’re still only asking $55. That’s while it can feel so hard to get some of these rare bourbons at K&L. So when the opportunity came up to purchase these re-imported stocks, I insisted that we do so in a fair an equitable way. Of course we could charge $400 a bottle for this special bourbon and likely still sell most of it, but it just goes against my ethos of what a great wine and spirits store should be for their customers. So while these stocks are above standard price for this US version of this product, they’re being offered at our standard mark up, well below market price. It’s a small price to pay for access to these special stocks, especially when considering what the market seems to be comfortable charging for the standard release. In any case, this is dang good bourbon and never disappoints. Like all Blanton’s it’s aged in the famous warehouse H and is the high rye mashbill. This bottle is drawn from barrel No. 397, which was dumped on February 7th of 2022 and bottled at 63.05%. Your bottle will almost certainly be different, so please be aware of the unique character of each barrel. The nose is absolutely explosive with rich aromas of caramel sauce, orange peel, Tahitian vanilla, cherry compote and vibrant woody spice. The palate starts extremely sweet and creamy before the rye and barrel spice begin to wallop the mid-palate. The intense spice and old school woody character balances the heavy woody sugars perfectly and while exhibiting plenty of the Kentucky Hug that bourbon lovers enjoy, it doesn’t feel burn-y or ethanol like at all. The long chewy palate gives way to a rich oxidative finish full of nutty sweet chocolate and dried red fruits. A few drops of water add more fruit and tame the spice a bit, but I like this best right out of the bottle. There’s no question that the price of entry on this one is high, but if you’re prepared to spend this kind of dough on any other modern bourbon this should be a contender for top dog!

From Buffalo Trace Distillery, Blanton’s holds the distinction of being the world’s first regularly released single-barrel bourbon. This exceptional brand was launched in 1984 and named for the legendary leaders of that historic distillery outside of Frankfurt, Albert B. Blanton. The brand, which is produced and distributed by Sazerac at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is owned by the previous owners of the distillery, a Japanese company called Age International. Over the last several years, Blanton’s has become one of the most sought-after and inaccessible whiskies on the market. This, their rarest and most elusive expression, is previously completely unobtainable. For instance, in 2021 K&L was allocated a measly 3 bottles company wide. Now that new regulations allow 700ml bottles to be sold, another channel is open for us to obtain this special whiskey. Each barrel is different, bottled at full cask strength without chill filtration of any kind. Proofs range from 115-135 proof and cask numbers cannot be checked in advance of purchase. This rare expression is truly one of Kentucky’s finest.

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

THE MACALLAN HARMONY COLLECTION

This fourth release in the Harmony Collection, we focus on our own area of expertise and mastery which is represented by oak. Oak runs through every facet of The Macallan and our exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, distinctive aromas and flavours of our whisky.

LEARN MORE

The Good Dram Show – Episode 570 ‘Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes (Batch 2)’

Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a selection of releases in batch 2 of the Brave New Spirits Whisky Heroes Series. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 570 – Agent Ivy Takes On The Blazing Mutant..!

Filmed in The Revamped Study Nottingham

Featuring

Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes (Batch 2) – Agent Ivy In Cadiz’ Blair Athol 2011 (13 year old) 55.9%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes (Batch 2) – Gathering on the Seven Hills’ Glendullan 2009 (15 year old) 55.1%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes (Batch 2) – The Relic Of The Shore’ Inchgower 2012 (12 year old) 51.2%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes (Batch 2) –Peatfire Paladin’ Caol Ila 2012 (12 year old) 53.6%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes (Batch 2) – Blazing Mystery’ North British 2011 (13 year old) 58.6%
Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes (Batch 2) – Rise of the Ardphroaig Mutant’ Ardmore 2013 (10 year old) 55.9%

BRAVE NEW SPIRITS

Bladnoch Distillery unveils new Peated Collection of Lowland single malt whiskies

Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, has released a new Peated Collection of Lowland single malt whiskies to celebrate the rarity and uniqueness of the distillery’s peated history.

The Bladnoch 2024 Peated Collection features four single malt whiskies made with peated barley, each hand selected by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage to showcase the distillery’s innovation and taste-first approach to whisky making in crafting its bold Galloway spirit.

Drawing on the extraordinary peated casks maturing in Bladnoch’s 207-year-old bluestone warehouses, the new limited annual release collection comprises Alinta Reserve and three Peated Single Cask expressions, each displaying distinct flavours and characteristics, for those who love a dram with fire. It follows the distillery’s inaugural Peated Collection in 2023.

Alinta is derived from indigenous Australian languages and evokes images of fire and flames. Alinta Reserve is a limited batch release of only 2,000 bottles selected annually by Nick from a special reserve of Bladnoch’s rare peated casks. For the 2024 release, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks have been chosen, presenting a nose of smoked apricot jam with woodland trees, a palate of smoky cola cubes with cinnamon and nutmeg and a very long and warm campfire finish.

The three Peated Collection Single Cask whiskies have been created using the distillery’s 2009 maturing stocks, which are 100% peated and exceptionally scarce. Under the distillery’s previous ownership of brothers Raymond and Colin Armstrong, Bladnoch produced spirit made exclusively with peated barley for the entire year.

When Master Distiller Dr Nick Savage joined in 2019 following the acquisition by Australian businessman David Prior in 2015, he discovered a treasure trove of whisky maturing in the warehouses, including peated single malt. Staying true to Bladnoch’s spirit of experimentation, Nick created the Peated Collection to pay homage to this unique period in the distillery’s history. Today, Bladnoch Distillery undertakes an annual peat production during the month of October, continuing the Armstrong brothers’ legacy of distilling peated spirit.

Each year, Nick accesses these remarkable 2009 stocks to identify and release three Peated Single Casks, selecting Tokaji, Bourbon and Rum casks for 2024.

• Matured in a 2009 Tokaji Barrel and with an ABV of 51.7%, the first Peated Single Cask expression is limited to 224 bottles and reveals cut grass, chocolate orange and campfire notes. On the nose, apricots with fresh cut grass prevail, while on the palate there is smoky chocolate orange, and the finish is characterised by campfire glow.
• Imparting smoky barbecue with apple and lemon aromas, smoky banana cake flavours and a dry and smoky finish, the second Peated Single Cask whisky has matured in a 2009 Bourbon Barrel. With an ABV of 55%, it is limited to 192 bottles.
• The third and final Peated Single Cask release in the collection, the 2009 Rum Barrel edition is a single malt whisky limited to 158 bottles. With an ABV of 54.2%, it delivers notes of tropical fruits and smoky honey on the nose, smoky apple pie with Refreshers sweets on the palate and a very sweet and long finish.

Dr Nick Savage, Master Distiller at Bladnoch Distillery, said: “Bladnoch has a rich history and heritage spanning more than two centuries and the Peated Collection shines a light on the breadth and quality of the distillery’s maturing stocks.

“When I joined the team, I discovered an incredibly diverse range of whisky maturing in the warehouses, including exceptional peated single malt from our 2009 stocks, and our Peated Collection is a celebration and a tribute to this unique part of our history.

“Our taste-first philosophy, rooted in our whisky making knowledge provides a platform to showcase our bold Galloway spirit, which is symbolic of the area and the community.”

Each single malt in the Bladnoch Peated Collection is non-chill filtered and natural in colour. Bladnoch Alinta Reserve retails for £120 GBP and each Peated Single Cask whisky is priced at £200 GBP.

The Bladnoch Peated Collection is available to purchase HERE

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

Product information

Bladnoch Alinta Reserve, 2024 Batch Release

Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask matured

Cola Cubes. Campfire. Woodlands.

Nose: Smoked apricot jam with woodland trees.

Palate: Smoky cola cubes with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Finish: A very long and warm campfire.

ABV: 46.7%

Bladnoch Peated Single Cask 2024/01

Tokaji Barrel matured

Cut Grass. Chocolate Orange. Campfire.

Nose: Apricots with fresh cut grass.

Palate: Smoky chocolate orange.

Finish: Campfire glow.

ABV: 51.7%

Peated Single Cask 2024/02

Bourbon Barrel matured

Smoky. Apples. Bananas.

Nose: Smoky BBQ with apples and lemons.

Palate: Smoky banana cake.

Finish: Dry and smoky.

ABV: 55%

Peated Single Cask 2024/03

Rum Barrel matured

Tropical Fruits. Sweet. Smoky.

Nose: Tropical fruits and smoky honey.

Palate: Smoky apple pie with Refreshers sweets.

Finish: Very sweet and long.

ABV: 54.2%

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.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

GlenAllachie 17 Year Old Mizunara & Oloroso | Masters of Wood

This exquisite new limited edition release is part of the Masters of Wood series from GlenAllachie distillery, ‘a super-premium arm’ of the Wood Collection. The series celebrates the exceptional casks Billy Walker and his team have to offer. This incredible new expression has been matured for 17 years in a combination of Mizunara barrels and superior Oloroso puncheons and hogshead casks. Bottled at 50% vol, natural colour and non-chill filtered.

Mizunara Japanese oak is very rare and very rarely used to mature whisky, it’s expensive and challenging for coopering and maturation. The trees must be grown to be around 200 years old before being felled, which is twice the age of most species used for casks.

£255.00

Nose

OLD PERTH SOLERA

Introducing Old Perth Solera, their latest limited edition release. This exceptional whisky showcases the blenders distinctive approach to whisky creation, using an original 70-year-old bodega sherry cask solera system. This whisky harks back to a by-gone era of sherry maturation using traditional techniques to showcase the exceptional liquid matured in some of the most sought after casks.  While Old Perth is already known for its exceptional sherry-influenced whiskies, Old Perth Solera goes beyond the core range with its unique historical connection. Each sip offers a taste of time itself, exploring a style of sherry no longer seen in modern production. The whisky is intensely rich, with concentrated flavours that evolve when allowed time in the glass.  Limited to only 840 bottles, and bottled at cask strength of 57.6% ABV.

£64.00

SHOP NOW

SHOP ALL FROM MORRISON DISTILLERS

Still deciding which cask to put your name on? Don’t take too long as these casks are being snapped up rather quickly – the first one selling out within days.

Here’s how it works: You select your new make spirit and monitor the cask’s maturation through to 2033. Then, on the Society’s 50th anniversary in 2033, you’ll be able to bottle your own whisky with a specially customised label and share the delights of your 10-year-old dram.

We have casks from five distilleries available, including three new additions to our 50th Anniversary selection. Let’s dive in…

First let’s head to Distillery 10. With spirit made from barley peated to somewhere between 35-45ppm, this Islay distillery is made to scratch that peaty itch. Or perhaps you might venture to the Highlands with Distillery 11, an unpeated highly fruity spirit full of sweet barley notes. And of course, there’s Distillery 123 with an unpeated spirit produced in the southern Highlands from air kilned barley. Expect flavours and aromas of fresh green apples, toffee, and a hint of nuttiness.

These new additions join the remaining few casks from Distillery 8 and Distillery 42, giving you a truly diverse range of flavours and cask styles to choose from – there really is something for all tastes!

Gather your friends or go solo, but be sure to secure your cask and be part of the Society’s story through to 2033.

JOIN THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CASK CLUB TODAY!

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

Rare Character 8 Year Old “Quinta Do” K&L Exclusive Barrel #WPB-16 Cask Strength Indiana Bourbon Whiskey

This new school American bottler is already making some big waves. Founded by the always impressive Pablo Moix, noted purveyor of exceptionally rare and delicious whiskies. Pablo has a way of finding exceptional casks and has been selecting barrels for over two decades at his bars and restaurants. That experience has opened doors that few have had the ability to walk through. The result is access to stocks of unprecedented quality and unique character. His line of single barrels, each adorned with an original work of art, is poised to be the next great whisky brand – Rare Character

(750ml) $109.99 View

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

ralfy review 1050 – Caol Ila 8yo @57.1%vol: (Wilson&Morgan)