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 DISTILLERY

For Mankind 31 Year Old 1992

Cask #TWB1036

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!

£250.00

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.

The Good Dram Show – Episode 554 ‘Millstone Dutch Whisky’

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%

ZUIDAM DISTILLERS

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 release in the collection, Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/01 is a sweet and refreshing single malt distilled in 2017 and matured in a sherry butt cask. With an ABV of 57.6%, it presents floral, sweet notes with hints of apple crumble and is limited to 219 bottles.

• Imparting sweet notes of creamy soda, lemons and coconut and a sweet, dry finish, the Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/02expression was distilled in 2007 and matured in a single bourbon barrel. It has an ABV of 52.6% and is limited to 170 bottles.

• Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/03is a sweet and smoky peated whisky distilled in 2017 and matured in a canasta butt cask. With an ABV of 58.3%, it displays smoky notes on the nose and flavours of bonfire toffee apples and apricots on the palate and is limited to 676 bottles.

• Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/04single malt reveals popcorn, minty and creamy notes and a sweet and creamy finish. Distilled in 2008 and matured in a bourbon barrel, it has an ABV of 51.2% and is limited to 237 bottles.

• Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/05is a dry whisky imparting chocolate, coffee bean and nutmeg aromas and herbal spice with dark chocolate flavours and has an ABV of 49.9%. It was distilled in 2006 and matured in a sherry butt cask and is limited to 660 bottles.

• The final release in this year’s collection, Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/06is an extraordinary vintage single malt whisky with notes of floral pinecones with walnuts on the nose and almonds with plum jam on the palate. Distilled in 2001 and matured in an Amontillado sherry hogshead cask, this exclusive release has an ABV of 50.1% and is limited to 281 bottles.

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.

I could murder a Greggs Steak Bake!

A dram of fine single malt and food. Famous for their sausage rolls and bakes, how many times have I said this to myself? Thousands of times.

We have so many celebrity chefs these days who like to match a dram with food, ok, they can be good, but cannee beat this.

Diced beef in a rich and tasty gravy, wrapped in a golden puff pastry parcel. If you’re after a little taste of lunchtime lovin’ baked in the oven, then you’ve come to the right place. Packed with diced cuts of prime beef in a rich and tasty gravy, this golden puff pastry parcel has been a firm favourite for years.

AND, since they’re freshly baked in their shops every day, there’s probably one coming out of the oven RIGHT now. Unless you’re reading this at 4am. In which case, go to bed. And dream of tomorrow.

It’s safe to say that UK bakery chain Greggs is a national institution, with many of us partial to one of their baked pies, sausage rolls or iced buns. Then there’s of course the famous steak bake that has long been a favourite for those craving a lunchtime treat or on the go snack. Because who doesn’t love that delicious golden puff pastry packed with mouthwatering meat and a rich gravy?

And there’s more …

The Nation’s favourite Sausage Roll. Much like Elvis was hailed the King of Rock, many have appointed Greggs as the (unofficial) King of Sausage Rolls. Freshly baked in the shops throughout the day, this British classic is made from seasoned sausage meat wrapped in layers of crisp, golden puff pastry, as well as a large dollop of TLC.

LUNCHTIME MAYBE?

A steak bake with a delicious dram – maybe a double – of Glendronach 18 year old. The GlenDronach 18 year old Allardice is named after the distillery’s founder, James Allardice. The Highlander was matured completely in Oloroso sherry casks, and was originally released in 2009 following the distillery changing hands back in 2008. An exceptional fruity sherried single malt.

Paul

I ADMIT I COMMIT MURDER QUITE OFTEN.   PAUL MCLEAN  

www.whiskytours.scot

Europe Move Over Barley

European whisky is undergoing significant changes, with producers moving beyond their usual barley and looking for alternative cereals to craft innovative and distinct expressions. This has seen whiskies crafted from grains such as rye and more unusually buckwheat, pushing the boundaries of what a traditional whisky looks and tastes like.

In this unique Whisky 24 Hours session, we’ll be talking to distillers from across Europe and explore the reasons behind their experiments. For this session we’ve prepared a lineup to taste alongside the livestream featuring the complexities of Hautes Glaces’ rye expressions, the surprises of Eddu’s buckwheat whisky, and Zuidam Millstone’s enchanting rye offering.

Discover More 

The Whisky Exchange & Speciality Drinks Limited. Elixir House, Whitby Avenue, Park Royal, London NW10 7SF, UK.

Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 25 year old Distillery Label

About the Bottle: The Distillery Label range from Gordon & MacPhail is a testimony to the long and unique relationship built up between the independent bottler and the distilleries entrusting them with new-make spirit to mature in G&M’s own unique way. Cask Sherry

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Rich sherry aromas combine with fruitcake

Palate: Autumnal spices and undertones of orange compliment summer berries.

Finish: A long and lingering finish of almonds

£229.50

View Product

ralfy review 1026 – Kingsbarns Bellrock @61.1%vol: