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SPRING 2024: CASK FINISHING
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There might not be an official Highland whisky festival in May – but we’re celebrating the region in our own Society way, and you’re invited! The May Flavour Hunter festivities continue as we get ready to dive into a world of Highland magic as we’ve lined up three Highland rare release small-batch bottlings that’ll blow your socks off.
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
Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “The lyne arm is part of the still – also called the lye pipe – and it’s what connects the top of the still to the condenser unit. The slope of the lye pipe is really important with regards to reflux in the final spirit.”
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Cù Bòcan releases limited-edition Creation #6 single malt whisky
Award-winning Highland whisky Cù Bòcan, the experimental spirit distilled at the Tomatin distillery every winter, has unveiled a new limited-edition single malt, Creation #6.
Launched in 2013 and inspired by the lightly-peated spirit historically produced at Tomatin more than a century ago, Cù Bòcan uses unique cask maturations to create a collection of vibrant flavours.
Creation #6 (46% ABV, non-chill filtered, RRP £60) is made with lightly peated Scottish barley and is a fusion of liquid matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for nine years and characterful Jamaican Rum casks for ten years.
The result is an intriguingly smoky spirit boasting a surprisingly lively character. A tantalizing burst of the Caribbean captivates the senses, carrying notes of toasted Jamaica ginger cake, bonfire toffee, and banana and walnut loaf, followed by rum-soaked pineapple and raisins and all rounded off with a subtle hint of Daim crunchy almond caramel.
On the palate, it has a deliciously dark depth of flavour which begins with amaretto cherries and salted caramel-coated liquorice, before a burst of spiced plum jam and a kick of Fisherman’s Friend lozenges. A velvety satin-like texture envelopes the palate before a lingering treacle finish.
This latest release is presented in Cù Bòcan’s impressive bespoke bottle. Ascending contours engraved into the glass emulate the signature wisp of smoke in the whisky’s character, while horizontal lines nod to the staves of casks which are so central to the production.
The external packaging comes in striking orange and mint green with a textured finish to mimic the peat, which captures the whisky’s smoky character.
Scott Adamson, Blender and Global Brand Ambassador, said: at Tomatin Distillery, said: “Cù Bòcan is renowned for exploring innovative maturations, creating whiskies full of flavour guaranteed to bring intrigue and surprise. Continuing this tradition, Creation #6 is a bold experiment where Europe and the Caribbean meet to create a whisky that is rich, sweet, and lively. Infused with the signature subtle smoke and vibrant rum and raisin, it promises an unforgettable sensory journey.”
Cù Bòcan Creation #6 is available online and in specialist shops worldwide.
https://www.cu-bocan.com/stockists
Cù Bòcan is a Highland Single Malt distilled, matured, and produced at the Tomatin Distillery (near Inverness), famous for its portfolio of brands including Tomatin Highland Single Malt, The Antiquary, The Talisman, and Big T.
In 2005, the decision was made to produce a peated single malt and for the last week of production that year a batch of Optic Barley peated to 15ppm was used to produce about 60,000 litres of lightly peated spirit which was filled into a variety of different cask types.
Then, on September 3rd, 2013, this lightly peated whisky produced at Tomatin was released as Cù Bòcan – A single malt at 15ppm matured in a combination of Bourbon, Sherry, and Virgin Oak casks. Since then, the Cù Bòcan brand has grown with a number of vintage releases as part of the brand limited edition collection.
Cù Bòcan rebranded in August 2019. It is an experimental Highland Single Malt that explores innovative maturation to create whiskies full of intrigue and surprise. It is made with lightly peated Scottish barley, distilled every winter in limited batches and matured in a variety of interesting casks to unlock unusual flavours.
The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo International, https://www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/
Website: www.cu-bocan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cubocan
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cubocanwhisky
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cubocanwhisky
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfCCt2Wkep2Z_pr3PnpVHw
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Looking to expand your whisky collection? Head to our May 2024 auction to see what your missing! Bid now!
Auction closes from 8pm (GMT) Tuesday 14th May
www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk
Glenfarclas – 50 Years Old
Bicentenary of John Grant’s Births
To celebrate the bicentenary of John Grant’s birth, 1805 to 2005, we have this very special whisky: The Glenfarclas 50 Year Old – Bicentenary of John Grant’s Birth. This single malt Scotch spent five decades maturing in sherry casks, creating a truly remarkable flavour profile. Only 110 bottles were ever produced, making this a collector’s dream.
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It’s almost that time again – Fèis Ìle is just a few weeks away and we have an exclusive festival release with only 580 bottles available, almost ready to leave our warehouses and head to selected retailers. Distilled in 2009, this release has been 15 years in the making. Who better to tell you about the process of creating this special bottling than our Operations Director Graeme Mackeddie. Take a look below to read this ode to Mac-Talla Fèis Ìle 2024 Limited Edition.
In 2019 during routine sampling of casks in our warehousing at Aberargie, we identified a small parcel of 2009 bourbon barrels of Islay single malt that showed potential to be something quite special. At the time, the whisky was ten years old, resting in refill bourbon barrels – its particularly fruity notes, and soft peat belied its age. A notable whisky, which piqued our interest at the time.
Some weeks passed, and the opportunity to acquire a parcel of Caribbean rum casks through family business ties presented itself. As a self-confessed lover of rum, and in particular maturation and finishing of Scotch Whisky in rum casks – it didn’t take long to formulate a plan. That plan? To introduce Islay single malt of notably fruit-forward character, to some fresh, vibrant rum casks – with the ambition to put a specific emphasis on those fruit notes, and nurture the whisky into something quite special.
On the 6th of September 2019, a rotation of twelve fresh rum casks were filled with the 2009 Islay spirit, and laid down in rack 57A, one of the highest and warmest spots in Warehouse No.1.
Over the months and years I visited the casks regularly, eager to see how they were developing. Our patience was duly rewarded – and in time the whisky came on as we’d hoped. The fruitiness of the bold Caribbean rum started to shine through. At the same time, lingering, chewy vanilla notes developed along with some subtle spice – these notes complimented the tropical fruit notes beautifully.
Unlike many casks in use in the rum industry and then in subsequent use within the whisky industry, this particular parcel of rum casks started life in the rum industry as virgin American oak barrels, and saw only one use before setting sail to us. The results are rum casks that are both active in terms of the influence its previous contents has, but also the influence of its wood. The active American oak generates flavours and aromas of vanilla, coconut, brown sugar along with some subtle cinnamon and cloves. The cask’s former contents of rum combined with the fruit forward Islay whisky offer a generous cacophony of tropical fruit notes, with pineapple and papaya particularly prevalent.
When I was set the challenge of finding something special to bottle for Fèis Ìle 2024, I knew exactly what I’d like to bottle. From the twelve casks, I’ve hand-selected two casks to bring together, that showcase the tropical fruit character of these 2009 rum casks perfectly.
COMING SOON…
Available from selected retailers and at our Mac-Talla Fèis Ìle events and Islay Whisky Shop from the 16th May. Make sure you keep up to date by following us on social media.
Tormore 31 Year Old 1992 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Commemorating the 55th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing, 1969. Single cask first fill Oloroso sherry hogshead bottled February 2024. 263 numbered bottles exclusive to The Whisky Barrel. “For Mankind” is a salute to the courage and ingenuity of humanity, inspiring whisky enthusiasts to embark on their own journey of discovery.
Cosmic ginger and sandalwood leading to a crater of spearmint and solar flares with sweet sherry and a space time odyssey of juicy raisins. A long oily finish explores a galaxy of dark chocolate with an explosive chilli spice big bang!
Tormore Distillery was established in 1958 in the Speyside whisky region to supply malt whisky to blending houses. It was designed by Sir Albert Richardson, President of the Royal Academy and is set in stunning landscaped gardens. Resplendent with green-coppered roofs, decorative pagoda roofs, a clock tower and clock which still chimes Scottish tunes, a rectangular curling pond, topiary and houses for the staff. Tormore Distillery is now operating with eight stills in its tall still house and Tormore malt whisky is still mostly flowing into scotch blends. Whilst official bottling are sparse it features amongst the ranges of a number of independent bottlers including Signatory Vintage and Connoisseurs Choice.
12 months of unlimited next day delivery & more!Exclusive access to Ballots as you enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year – only £14.99! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs.
Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a few bottlings by the Dutch distiller Zuidam in their Millstone whisky range. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 554 – A Little Show With Clogs On…! Filmed in The Study Nottingham.
Featuring
Millstone Dutch 5 Grain Whisky ‘Special No4’ 46%
Millstone 1999 (12 year old) Sherry Cask Matured 46%
Millstone 1996 (26 year old) 42.4%
Millstone 2013 (4 year old) Peated American Oak & Moscatel ‘Special No14’ 46%
Millstone 2005 (10 year old) Heavily Peated ‘Special No7’ 46%
Millstone 2010 (6 year old) Peated PX ‘Special No11’ 46%
Bladnoch Distillery unveils 2024 Single Cask Collection
Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, has released an exceptional new single cask collection into its portfolio of Lowland single malt Scotch whiskies.
Marking the final release in a five-year series, the Bladnoch 2024 Single Cask Collection features six unique single malt whiskies, each hand selected by Dr Nick Savage, Bladnoch’s Master Distiller, to showcase some of the distillery’s finest casks.
The annual release collection depicts the distillery’s taste-first approach to whisky making, bringing together a diverse selection of cask types and aged spirit to offer a variety of taste profiles.
Bladnoch Distillery has a rich history and heritage spanning over two centuries and the new single cask range draws upon the extraordinary spirit laid to rest in the distillery’s 207-year-old bluestone warehouses, which are perched on the edge of the River Bladnoch in the Lowland whisky region of Scotland.
The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Dr. Nick Savage, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery. The 2024 Single Cask Collection marks a key milestone for the distillery by featuring two single cask releases which were distilled in 2017, under the new ownership.
Varying in cask type and rarity, each of the whiskies in the single cask range has been bottled at cask strength and is non-chill filtered with natural colour.
Dr Nick Savage, Master Distiller at Bladnoch Distillery, said: “Our taste-first philosophy, rooted in our whisky-making knowledge provides us with the freedom to explore a wide array of cask types and vintages to demonstrate the breadth and quality of the distillery’s maturing stock and showcase our bold Galloway spirit.
“There is an incredible breadth of taste experiences within this year’s selection, from the sweet, floral notes of the first single cask whisky to the herbal, nutty, oak characteristics of the final vintage single malt whisky.
“Only the most remarkable casks which have displayed exceptional, unique characteristics or extraordinary maturation have been selected from our 207-year-old bluestone warehouses to craft the Bladnoch 2024 Single Cask Collection.”
The first five whiskies in the collection have an RRSP of £160 and the rare vintage Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/06 has an RRSP of £450. They will be available from Bladnoch.com in the UK from 5pm UK time on 23 April 2024 before rolling out in international markets including Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Taiwan.
The Bladnoch 2024 Single Cask Collection brings the five-year series to a close and sets the tone for future releases from the distillery. A new single cask collection, which will mark the start of a new series will be unveiled in 2025.
A bold Galloway spirit, liberated by taste and elevating whisky making in the Lowlands region, Bladnoch focuses on providing whisky lovers with the opportunity to appreciate whiskies which appeal to their tastes, rather than being constrained by traditional whisky conventions. Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and is enjoying a bold and powerful revival.
Tasting notes
2024/01
Apple Crumble. Floral. Sweet.
Nose: Salted caramel with subtle orange blossom
Palate: Apple crumble with vanilla pod custard
Finish: Sweet yet refreshing
Colour: Golden syrup
ABV: 57.6%
2024/02
Cream soda. Lemons. Coconut.
Nose: Earthy honey with lemons
Palate: American cream soda with coconut
Finish: Sweet turning to dry
Colour: Golden sun
ABV: 52.6%
2024/03
Bonfire. Toffee Apple. Apricots.
Nose: Smoky treacle with heather
Palate: Bonfire toffee apples and apricots
Finish: Sweet and sticky smoke
Colour: Bold Galloway sunset
ABV: 58.3%
2024/04
Popcorn. Minty. Creamy.
Nose: Baked apples with mint leaf tea
Palate: Buttery popcorn and fudge pieces
Finish: Sweet and creamy
Colour: Deep amber
ABV: 51.2%
2024/05
Coffee. Herbal. Dry.
Nose: Chocolate, coffee beans and nutmeg
Palate: Herbal spices with dark chocolate
Finish: Dry and peppery
Colour: Honey
ABV: 49.9%
2024/06
Herbal. Nutty. Oak.
Nose: Floral pinecones with walnuts
Palate: Almonds with plum jam
Finish: Oak warmth and dryness
Colour: Blood orange
ABV: 50.1%
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.
