The success of our historic single malt is in the safe hands of local men and women. Meet Scott Macleod, a valued member of our Warehouse and Cask Management team. Before embarking on his journey with us, Scott worked at the nearby Stornoway Airport but when he spotted a new job opportunity at the distillery his career really took off.

In October 2022, Scott began learning the art and science of oak, barrels, and cask-making while expanding his expertise in wood through visits to the esteemed Speyside Cooperage. When asked about his favourite aspect of the distillery, Scott told us…

“We are a young distillery practicing an old craft. Everyone is a good laugh and will never see you stuck.”

Thanks for all your hard work in our Ardhasaig warehouses Scott, we’ll keep the spirit flowing if you keep those casks rolling!

MEET THE HEARACH TEAM

Edradour 12 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 3

This is an amazing bottling from Edradour Distillery – a little gem of a distillery, producing at a small scale. The Cask Strength batch 3 was distilled in 2011 and 2012, and matured in 1st fill Oloroso Sherry Butts for 12 Years before being bottled in 2024. Bottled at natural cask strength of 58.6%, with natural colour and without chill-filtration.

£90.00

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ralfy review 1034 Extras – The true value of Independent bottlers.

WEAR THE GARMENT: BALLANTINE’S AND HIP HOP LEGEND RZA DROP CAPSULE COLLECTION WITH NEIGHBORHOOD

Ballantine’s and RZA have come together once again to create a limited-edition capsule collection, designed in partnership with Japanese streetwear brand, NEIGHBORHOOD

RZA Presents: Ballantine’s x NEIGHBORHOOD collection will be available to purchase from 26^th October 2023 at HighSnobiety Shop and END. clothing.

Ballantine’s, the world’s second largest Scotch whisky, presents the next phase in its partnership with Wu-Tang Clan frontman, RZA, dropping a limited edition capsule collection with streetwear brand, NEIGHBORHOOD.

The ongoing collaboration between Ballantine’s and RZA sees the pair celebrating self-expression through a series of drops that define what it means to ‘stay true’ to yourself. The first drop in the partnership brought together their shared love of music through a collaboration with Crosley Radio, and the latest drop with NEIGHBORHOOD puts fashion at the heart of self-expression.

The collaboration coincides with 50 years of hip hop, a cultural movement that has long shaped streetwear and fashion culture. Multi-hyphenate RZA, the de facto leader of one of hip hop’s defining groups, Wu-Tang Clan, has worked with Ballantine’s and the iconic Japanese streetwear brand NEIGHBORHOOD, to design the bespoke fashion and accessories collection, which is available from October 26th globally on HighSnobiety Shop and END. clothing.

The hero piece is a classic black ‘zip work jacket’, emblazoned with the mantras, ‘Stay True’ and ‘Craft With Pride’, above the outline of a Ballantine’s Chevron. In true NEIGHBORHOOD style, the jacket is crafted using TC twill for a boxy fit; and embroidered onto the left cuff of the jacket is RZA’s distinctive three-letter signature.

Within the collection are two stylish matching black twill accessories, adorned with the collaborative logos and RZA’s signature – a baseball cap and an eco-friendly tote bag. And for whisky fans, the collection also includes a bespoke Tsukamoto ceramic whisky decanter with an intricately designed skull motif and a Tsukamoto black clay drinks tumbler with an inner blue glaze.

When asked about the partnership, RZA said:

“Fashion is one of the greatest ways to show self-expression; we use clothes to express everything, from our style to other interests such as sports and music, and even our communities and neighbourhoods. The whole collection came out great, but having Ballantine’s ‘Stay True’ motto on the jacket is my favourite detail – it encapsulates our shared belief of doing things your own way.”

Mathieu Deslandes, Ballantine’s Global Marketing Director at Chivas Brothers adds:

“Ballantine’s and RZA have a shared DNA – one of legacy, history, excellence, and good taste – and a belief in staying true to who you are. This next step in our collaboration with the hip hop legend and NEIGHBORHOOD encourages people to express themselves in their own unique way, which is what Ballantine’s Stay True ethos is all about. RZA is known for subverting expectations which reflects the spirit of our founder George Ballantine, who was breaking conventional codes of whisky since the 1820s. We can’t wait for this capsule collection to drop to fans around the world.“

Haruchika Mitsui from NEIGHBORHOOD said:

“RZA has a unique style; while it has evolved over time, it remains unmistakably true to his essence – timeless and multi-faceted. Likewise, the items in this collection are physical expressions of different art forms – namely fashion and pottery – through multiple cultures: a Japanese streetwear brand partnered with New York hip-hop culture and the legacy of an iconic Scotch whisky.”

To get your hands on the limited-edition collaboration and to be the first to hear about exclusive content and future drops, visit Ballantines.com/RZA or follow @Ballantines on Instagram.

This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.

Hidden Barn Releases Seven-Year-Old Bourbon Finished in French Oak

Gold Medal Winner and Oldest Release to Date will be Available Starting July 7 

SPARTA, KY (June 27, 2024) –Hidden Barn, a bourbon brand launched in 2022, is releasing a seven-year-old double-barreled bourbon on 7/7 (July 7th).  The brand has been acquired by Royce Neeley from the Neeley Family Distillery, and continues to be created in partnership with Master Blender Jackie Zykan. This acquisition elevates the brand from its inception as an NDP (non-distiller producer) into having a brick-and-mortar home. The first release for Hidden Barn under the Neeley family of brands is a seven-year-old expression, aged five years in 24-month open-air seasoned barrels, and then barreled in new charred French oak barrels for an additional two years.

“We’re excited to continue partnering with Jackie on Hidden Barn, and to release what is ironically, her seventh blend of Hidden Barn Bourbon. Jackie has access to all my inventory for her blending,” said Royce Neeley, Master Distiller and owner of Neeley Family Distillery.  “Basically, I’ve given her the keys to the warehouse, and we can expect to see more one-of-a-kind releases in the future now that she’s got thousands of barrels to play with.”

The Hidden Barn Seven-Year-Old Bourbon has already snagged a gold medal with a score of 91 at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  The release is a blend of five barrels distilled at Neeley Family Distillery with a mash bill of 70 percent corn, 20 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley.  Like all Neeley Family Distillery distillates, this bourbon was double pot distilled after fermenting with wild-crafted Appalachian yeast, a practice of the Neeley Family dating back generations. The unique process also includes utilizing sweet mash as well as open cypress fermentation tanks to achieve products with rustic depth and dimension.

Through Jackie’s meticulous blending process, which starts with sampling from the multiple barrels available to her at the Neeley Distillery in Northern Kentucky, blends are constructed to represent harmony amid what seems unlimited diversity in profiles. For this particular blend, Jackie utilized just five barrels to achieve the final profile.  “It’s actually more difficult to create a blend with fewer barrels than one might think,” Zykan noted.  “People think starting with a smaller base is easier, since there are less flavor components in play, but it’s actually harder.  With big batches, it’s easier to achieve consistency and camouflage outlying components.  But with a smaller batch, such as this with only five barrels, everything has to be intentionally incorporated because any disconnect will show up immediately.”  This speaks to Jackie’s approach to blending, (and life), which is a focus on balance, structure and celebrating unique nuances.

With that in mind, Jackie notes the Hidden Barn Seven-Year-Old Bourbon has a gorgeous bouquet of overripe blackberry and red currant, coupled with crème brulee and a hint of spearmint.  Rich and full bodied on the palate, with a semi-dry rounded finish, coupled with toasted allspice, banana bread, and black pepper.  This whiskey was not chill filtered before bottling, and is bottled at cask strength, 109.4 proof.  Suggested retail pricing for the Hidden Barn Seven-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is $79.99. It will be released on July 7th at Neeley Family Distillery and will also be available online and at retail in Kentucky, Indiana, New York, California, Georgia, Colorado and New Mexico.

About Hidden Barn Bourbon

Hidden Barn’s name harkens back to the local communities who painted their barns black in solidarity with distillers during Prohibition.  This sense of community is continued today through the passion for quality whiskey and camaraderie shared by its three partners, Jackie Zykan, Royce Neeley and Nate Winegar.  Together, the three friends bring their own strengths – a superior palate, distilling prowess, and a powerhouse connector to form Hidden Barn Bourbon.  Previous Hidden Barn Series have earned Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023 and 2024 and Best Small Batch, 1st Place at the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival.  Hidden Barn Bourbon is owned by Neeley Family Distillery.   The brand is available online and in select states. For more information visit hiddenbarnwhiskey.com

Signatory Vintage Auchentoshan

24 Year Old Aged in a first-fill sherry butt and distilled in 1999, this is a rich and luxurious single cask expression from the Glasgow distillery. Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1999 Signatory Symington’s Choice 1st Fill Sherry Butt is an exquisite expression that exemplifies the craftsmanship and elegance of Lowland single malt whisky. Matured in a 1st fill sherry butt for 24 years, this exceptional release from Signatory Vintage offers a rich and complex tasting experience, perfect for connoisseurs and collectors seeking a truly memorable dram. Bottled April 2024. 689 numbered bottles.

£331.63

TWB Tasting Notes:

Nose: Elegantly complex with rich aromas of dark chocolate, figs, and dates, intertwined with notes of rich toffee, roasted nuts, and a hint of coffee. Subtle undertones of orange zest, cinnamon, and polished oak add depth and sophistication.

Palate: Luxurious and full-bodied, presenting a harmonious blend of sherry-induced sweetness and rich malt. Flavors of dried fruits, including sultanas and prunes, are complemented by luscious caramel, treacle, and a hint of molasses. Spicy nuances of nutmeg, clove, and a touch of black pepper enhance the complexity, while the oak influence provides a refined structure and creamy mouthfeel.

Finish: Long and warming, with a lingering sweetness and spice. The finish showcases notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit compote, and a gentle, lingering oakiness, leaving a satisfying and elegant aftertaste.

Auchentoshan Distillery was built by John Bulloch around 1800 and originally licensed in 1823 as Duntocher Distillery but renamed Auchentoshan Distillery during the 1830s. Auchentoshan is situated just north of Dalmuir, close by the northern bank of the River Clyde. Then it was in the countryside and now hugging the north western fringe of Glasgow yet not far from Loch Lomond. Auchentoshan is now one of the few distilleries in Scotland to produce malt whisky using a full triple distillation process. Expressions released by Wemyss, Hunter Laing and Cadenheads prove very popular.

Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “Husk is one of the components of the barleycorn. It’s the outer protective shell that protects the whole corn. And it’s vital that we protect that husk because that’s what we need in mashing to make the filter bed in our mashtun.”

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Westie Sponge 3 Springbank 1999 24 Year Old

Westie Sponge Three is a Springbank from 1999, which has been matured in a first-fill sherry butt for 24 years. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 54.5% abv.

£975.00

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The Good Dram show is on hiatus during the redecoration of the set and will return in a few weeks.

In the interim please visit the site to catch up on previously published reviews

GLENALLACHIE INTRODUCES DUO

OF REGIONAL EXCLUSIVE WHISKIES

Award-winning Speyside single malt brand

announces limited editions for the UK and Europe

Leading Independent Scotch whisky producer The GlenAllachie launches a set of two Regional Exclusive single malts aged in fine European wine casks.

Spearheaded by universally respected industry veteran Billy Walker, the Speyside distillery has earned a reputation for its peerless cask procurement and maturation capabilities.

The new duo of whiskies, which join the brand’s Wood Collection, consists of a 12-year-old Sauternes Wine Cask Finish for the UK (RRSP £67.99) and a 10-year-old Ruby Port Cask Finish for Europe (RRSP £61.99).

Each expression underwent initial maturation in Bourbon barrels before being transferred into casks chosen by renowned cask innovator Walker.

The 12-year-old UK exclusive enjoyed a secondary ageing period in hogsheads that previously hosted Sauternes: a white dessert wine from the famous French region of Bordeaux. The resulting whisky delivers “elegant layers of toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream, coconut shavings and peach torte.”

For Europe, the 10-year-old single malt spent additional time in hogshead casks that formerly held vibrant Ruby Port from Portugal’s celebrated Douro Valley. The rich wood has “bestowed a rose gold hue and flavours of forest fruits, ginger biscuits, honeycomb and mocha.”

Aged in on-site warehouses, the whisky was regularly monitored until Walker deemed the perfect level of wood influence was achieved.

Both single malts were bottled at 48% ABV without chill filtration or artificial colouring.

Commenting on the new expressions, Walker reveals:

“It is my view that ageing in quality casks provides 70% of a whisky’s flavour. These two Limited Edition single malts underwent an interesting maturation journey in the finest wood. We work with niche, boutique cask suppliers that align with our values and prioritise quality. We’re delighted with the outcomes here; each of the whiskies offers unique qualities: the Sauternes Cask Finish is smooth and fresh, and the Ruby Port Cask Finish is fruity and indulgent.”

The news follows the recent unveiling of the first Wood Collection expressions since the brand underwent a packaging refresh. Released in April, part one of the ‘Sherry Series’ includes single malts matured in Fino, Amontillado and Oloroso casks, with the second tranche expected later this year.

The GlenAllachie Wood Collection exclusives for the UK and Europe will become increasingly available from today, with RRSPs starting at £61.99.

ABOUT 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 12-year-old Sauternes Wine Cask Finish, UK Exclusive – 48% ABV

• Nose: Honeycomb, butterscotch and toffee sauce, with crystalised ginger, mocha and peaches.

• Taste: Tropical fruits, heather honey and baking spices, followed by demerara sugar, coconut and marmalade, with citrus notes, caramel and ice cream on the finish.

The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Ruby Port Cask Finish, Europe Exclusive – 48% ABV

• Nose: Orange zest, apricots and crystalised red berries, with notes of ginger, heather honey and rich dark chocolate.

• Taste: Raspberry coulis, crystalised honeycomb and red berry ice cream, followed by cinnamon, candied berries and mocha.