ralfy review 1021 – Yoichi NAS @45%vol:

Glenmorangie debuts 25-year-old Pommard wine cask finish exclusively

at its Heathrow Boutique

– Comprising just 1,000 bottles globally, the new Travel Retail release is superbly complex –

Rich and deliciously decadent, Glenmorangie Pommard Cask Finish is the result of one of Glenmorangie’s first experiments with prestigious Pommard red wine casks. Inspired by the intense, fruity wines which emerge from that renowned appellation in Burgundy, France, this 25-year-old single malt is contained within just 1,000 bottles globally.  It is now available exclusively at Glenmorangie’s newly opened boutique at Heathrow Airport Terminal Two, where consumers can enjoy a range of whisky experiences including food pairings, mixology and tastings.

Described as one of the most delicious wine-cask finishes ever to emerge from Glenmorangie, this precious single malt marries opulent aromas of lemon sherbet, plums and cherries, with tastes of red apples, ginger and honey-coated cashews, for extraordinary complexity.

Glenmorangie’s whisky creators are endlessly imaginative on their mission to dream up delicious new whiskies. They craft their more delicate, fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma. Then they age it in the world’s finest casks. A wine lover himself, Dr Bill, Director of Whisky Creation, had always adored the classic fruit flavours of Pommard’s renowned red wines. The appellation in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune takes its name from Pomona, the Roman goddess of abundance, known for protecting and cultivating fruit trees, just as Dr Bill nurtures his whisky stocks. And, fascinated to see how Pommard casks might shape Glenmorangie’s whisky, he began experimenting with that French oak many years ago.

As part of those experiments, he selected a smooth, soft Glenmorangie, aged more than 10 years in bourbon casks. Imagining a particularly rich, full-bodied whisky, he transferred it into Pommard casks for an exceptionally long finish. When he tasted the whisky years later, he was astounded by its complexity. Balancing the French oak’s power with classic burgundy cask notes of blueberry, redcurrant, leather and chocolate, this 25-year-old single malt is considered by Dr Bill to be one of Glenmorangie’s most delectable wine-cask finishes. It is contained within a stunning oak presentation box, decorated with illustrations of vines which come together in a depiction of Pomona herself.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie said: “The red wines of Pommard are among my very favourite wines in the world. And hoping to bring their classic, fruity red burgundy notes to Glenmorangie, I first started experimenting with Pommard wine casks around 2008. Created from a small number of casks, and with just 1,000 bottles available, Glenmorangie Pommard Cask Finish is truly one of the most fabulous and delicious wine-cask finishes ever to emerge from Glenmorangie.

“When I first tasted it, I could hardly believe its complexity. The aroma is very perfumed, with notes of lemon sherbet, plums, cherries and honey. The taste is like a basket of fruits: red, juicy apples, honeydew melon, crystallized ginger and a hint of milk chocolate. This is a delectable whisky that I’m sure global travellers will savour and enjoy.”

The Glenmorangie Boutique at Heathrow T2 opened in October 2023 providing an opportunity for travellers to be immersed in Glenmorangie’s delicious and wonderful world and explore an array of signature and highly exclusive single malts from the Highland distillery. Whisky lovers can find Glenmorangie Pommard Cask Finish there now before it becomes available in other select travel retail outlets later this year.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

An image of the Glenmorangie Boutique at Heathrow Terminal 2 is available here

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Facebook: @glenmorangie

Instagram: @glenmorangie

For exclusive access to news, events and new expressions, join Glenmorangie’s World of Wonder: https://www.glenmorangie.com/members

RRP: £2,100 at the Glenmorangie Heathrow Boutique

TASTING NOTES

Glenmorangie Pommard Cask Finish is bottled at 51.8% ABV

Colour: Burnished Orange

Aroma: Rich, decadent and aromatic, with rounded, fruity esters, along with some lemon sherbet, orange blossom honey and baked red apples.  There are some deeper fruits, like plums and cherries, and even a touch of sweet spearmint.  With a splash of water, even more fruitiness is revealed, with melon, pear and plum, and finally a gentle earthy or mossy note is encountered.

Taste: The texture is zesty and sherbet-like, and is followed by the most inviting array of flavours – ripe red apples, syrupy-sweet honeydew melon, crystallized ginger, chocolate-coated raisins and a touch of cappuccino coffee.

Finish: The flavour lingers long in the mouth, with finally a hint of cashew nets coated in honey and sweet chili, and a suggestion of amber and incense.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About Dr Bill Lumsden and the Whisky Creation Team:

Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout more than 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the magic of a walk in the woods (A Tale of the Forest) the joy of a cake moment (Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), a beautiful barley field near the Distillery (Glenmorangie Allta) and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he has taken his place in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice.

About Glenmorangie Pommard Cask Finish:

Dr Bill Lumsden has long been a wine lover. And the renowned red wines of the Pommard appellation, in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, are among his favourite red wines. He began experimenting with finishing Glenmorangie in Pommard casks around 2008, intrigued to see how they would evolve the whisky’s smooth, fruity style. For this whisky, he chose a parcel of Glenmorangie distilled in April 1998, and transferred it into Pommard casks in October 2008. It would require skilful ageing in these casks, to balance the power of the French oak. A quarter-century after it was first created, he knew Glenmorangie Pommard Cask Finish was ready to share. Astonishing in its complexity, Dr Bill believes it is one of Glenmorangie’s greatest-yet wine-cask finishes. The bottle is encased in a presentation box crafted from oak to reflect the casks which brought it to life. Illustrations of vines adorn the box along with Glenmorangie’s signature linework, which combine to reveal the face of Pomona, the Roman goddess of abundance, after whom the village of Pommard is named.

About the Glenmorangie Boutique at Heathrow T2

In October 2023 Moët Hennessy Travel Retail in partnership with Dufry and London Heathrow airport, unveiled “The Wondrous Glenmorangie Boutique”, the world’s inaugural Glenmorangie boutique. Inviting travellers to immerse themselves in Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky’s wonderful world, the boutique is a significant milestone in the Moët Hennessy Travel Retail and Glenmorangie’s mission to share exceptional experiences with whisky lovers old and new.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Tamdhu 20 Year Old Rare Find

A 20 year old single malt from Tamdhu Distillery bottled by Gleann Mòr Spirits Company for their Rare Find Collection. Finished for 8 months in Spanish Oak Hogshead, and seasoned for 18 months in a Montilla-Moriles Oloroso Sherry Cask. Bottled at 51.1% ABV, at natural colour and with no chill filtration. Only 245 Bottles have been produced.

NOSE: Fruity and sweet, brimming with dried fruits, caramel and coco powder.

PALATE: Extremely Juicy delivering raisins, plum and cherry.

FINISH: Long, and dances between baking spices and dried fruits.

£135.00

Our historic single malt whisky takes its name from the Scottish Gaelic word for a native of Harris.

Like many words in our language, it can sometime be a little tricky to trip off the tongue.

So, let’s help you say The Hearach!

Film by Laurence Winram lwinram.com
Soundtrack by Fraser MacBeath frasermacbeath.squarespace.com

WATCH THE FILM

The Arran Distilleries
Tasting Event
10th May 2024
7pm

Discover the new and the old from the Isle of Arran as we bring together expressions from both distilleries in this exciting tasting event. Lochranza and Lagg Distilleries are owned by Isle of Arran Disitllers and we are very pleased that Mariella Romano will be joining us in her role as Brand Ambassador to showcase some excellent whisky, including some great limited editions.

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ralfy review 1020 Extras – More about Indian single malts.

Loch Lomond Whiskies introduces two new single malt whiskies to celebrate The Open

Dual release marks golf’s most prestigious tournament at Royal Troon this July

Loch Lomond Whiskies, the official Spirit of The Open, has unveiled two limited-edition single malt whiskies to mark The 152^nd Open at Royal Troon this summer.

The Open Special Edition 2024 (RRP £45; 46% ABV) and The Open Course Collection 2024 (RRP £290; 47.1% ABV) have been released to commemorate the prestigious golf tournament, and will pay tribute to the people, players and courses throughout the history of The Open.

The Open Special Edition 2024 has been crafted by Loch Lomond Group’s Master Blender, Michael Henry, in collaboration with Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassador Colin Montgomerie.

The exquisite single malt explores the influence of aromatic French Chardonnay casks on the Loch Lomond signature style. Matured in American Oak casks, to create the fruit, honey and soft smoke style only found in Loch Lomond single malt whisky, it is then finished in the finest hand-selected Chardonnay wine casks, creating additional depth of aromatic and luscious flavour.

These exceptional Chardonnay Wine casks play an integral role in crafting a subtle whisky with notes of honey blossom, vibrant orchard fruit and toasted oak that perfectly complement the soft smoke on the finish.

Each pack carries Colin Montgomerie’s signature and is presented in a striking deep blue premium display case. It is also available in a gift pack with two dual-branded Loch Lomond Whiskies and The Open glasses, retailing for £50.

The Open Course Collection celebrates every Open championship over the past three centuries, from the first tournament at Prestwick in 1860 to the present day.

Distilled in 2000, it has been matured in American Oak casks for 23 years before a six-month finish in the finest Manzanilla sherry casks from Jerez. The result is a single malt which is natural in colour and perfectly encapsulates Loch Lomond Whiskies’ signature style alongside notes of baked apple, nutmeg, lime and cinnamon and hints of marzipan and toasted oak. This rare 24-year-old single malt is limited to only 4,500 bottles worldwide.

Both whiskies have been crafted in a combination of Loch Lomond Distillery’s unique Straight-Neck pot stills and traditional Swan Neck stills. Each expression is non-chill filtered to be enjoyed as nature intended.

The Open is the oldest golf tournament in the world and the sport’s original championship, which brings together professional players from across the globe to compete for the coveted Claret Jug.

Returning to Scotland this year, The 152^nd Open will be held from 14-21 July 2024 at Royal Troon in Ayrshire. Founded in 1878, Royal Troon is renowned as one of the world’s greatest links courses, and last hosted The Open in 2016.

Michael Henry, Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender, said:

“Our 2024 golf editions showcase the complex flavours we can create at Loch Lomond Whiskies, and are prime examples of our distilling capabilities. Our Straight-Neck pot stills are essential to our whisky-making approach and allow the character of the whisky to be shaped at the point of distillation.

“It has been a privilege to continue our work with Colin Montgomerie ahead of his return to his home course at Royal Troon this summer, and we’re proud to see the product of our collaboration reach the shelves.”

Colin Montgomerie, professional golfer and Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassador, said:

“I’m proud to see The Open return to Royal Troon this year. It’s a course which will always hold great personal memories for me.

“Golf and whisky making are both intricate pursuits, so I feel a natural synergy with the craft and passion of the team at Loch Lomond Whiskies. I’m looking forward to continuing my partnership with the distillery this summer as an official ambassador.”

Both expressions are available to purchase from Loch Lomond Whiskies online store from specialist whisky retailers, and from Loch Lomond Whiskies’ stand at The 152^nd Open at Royal Troon from 14-21 July 2024.

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies, visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

Tasting notes

Loch Lomond The Open Course Collection 2024

• Nose: Honey, vanilla fudge, pineapple, candied citrus peel.
• Taste: Salted caramel, baked apple, lime, nutmeg and cinnamon.
• Finish: Long with marzipan and soft smoke.

Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition

• Nose: Lemon citrus, green apple, pear, vanilla.
• Taste: Vibrant orchard fruit, fresh peach and pear, blossom honey and toasted oak.
• Finish: Medium length with cinnamon spice and soft smoke. 

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan Scott (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies.

The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distillers in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Last year, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchange’s coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.

Our first outrun of 2024 is here!

2023 is well and truly behind us and we have just released our first outrun of the year. In line with our goals we released an older dram,a ‘sherried’ dram and the lower cost dram. In a happy coincidence we have released another Ardmore barrel which we last released in Q1 2023.

For the first time we are a releasing a Braeval and a Glen Ord under the Lady of the Glen brand. We also have the second batch of the St Bridget’s Kirk Solera which is proven very popular!

We hope you enjoy this selection and as always your feedback is most welcome! Please note that in order to better support our retail partners this outrun and future outruns will not be sold through our website.

Links to stockists can be found via the tab on our homepage.

Lady of the Glen

Royal Brackla 2008 – Refill Barrel
Glenrothes 2006 – Refill Hogshead
Glen Ord 2012 – 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel
Craigellachie 2013 – Recharred Oloroso Hogshead Finish
Braeval 2009 – Refill Butt
Benrinnes 2011 – Oloroso Hogshead Finish
Ardmore 2013 – Refill Barrel

St Bridget’s Kirk
Solera Batch #2

All releases were bottled at our site in Dalgety Bay by hand.

NEW PRODUCT RELEASE

Whisky Sponge Edition No.90 Bladnoch 34-Year-Old 

To mark the milestone that is Whisky Sponge Edition No.90, we have bottled the remainder of our Bladnoch 1990. It is 34 years old, has spent the entirety of its life in refill barrel and has been bottled at natural cask strength.

We bottled a small amount of this as a Special Edition last year and left the remainder to continue maturing with additional head space in the cask to enhance the oxidative aspects and fruity qualities. We think the result is stunning and this is a whisky for anyone who loves old fruit bombs.

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Morrison Distillers
Tasting Event
Thursday 2nd May 2024
6pm

Kick off your Spirit of Speyside weekend with this great line up of fascinating whiskies. Morrison Distillers have one of the most fascinating histories in the world of whisky, going back over 60 years. Join in the journey with their range of single malts in the Carn Mor range, as well as a focus on what makes Old Perth one of the most sought after ranges of blended whisky on the market.

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