Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 544: Trip to Speyside 2024 – part 2 of 4

In September 2024, Mark organized a trip to Speyside for 13 like-minded whisky aficionados. In a short 4-part series of Ramblings, you can find out where they went and what they experienced. In this second part, you’ll find them visiting or stopping by Glen Spey, Glenrothes, Glen Grant, Caperdonich, Auchroisk, Glentauchers, Strathisla, Glen Keith, Strathmill, Aultmore, Inchgower and Glenglassaugh.

https://youtu.be/Ut_WXNiGFbs

EWAN MCGREGOR RAISES £135K FOR SCOTTISH CHARITY THROUGH

WHISKY AUCTION

 CEO of CHAS, Rami Okasha and Ewan McGregor

Renowned Scottish actor Ewan McGregor has raised £135,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) after auctioning 150 exclusive bottles from his own personal 1998 cask of Arran Single Malt Whisky from Lochranza Distillery.

Auctioned through the world’s leading online whisky auction platform, Whisky Auctioneer, 543 bidders from 28 countries placed over 7,000 bids on “Ewan’s Cut”. The auction also saw a 160% increase in monthly registrations. The hammer price reached £119,893, further boosted by £15,107, as Whisky Auctioneer waived its seller’s commission and donated its 12.5% buyer’s commission, ensuring that the maximum possible funds reach CHAS.

Bottle #1 of “Ewan’s Cut” achieved a hammer price of £4,350, setting a new record  for the highest price ever paid for a bottle of Arran single malt at auction. This rare 26 year old Arran Single Malt, matured in an ex-Sherry Hogshead cask, is one of the oldest whiskies ever produced by the Lochranza Distillery. The cask was gifted to McGregor by the distillery in 1998, with the team also generously donating their time and expertise to bottle and prepare the whisky for auction.

The Leith Agency worked in partnership with Ewan and his brother Colin McGregor to bring “Ewan’s Cut” to life on a pro-bono basis. The bottle design and name were inspired by Ewan’s illustrious career, featuring references to his iconic roles in films like Trainspotting and Star Wars, as well as his memorable Long Way Round adventure. Each of the 150 bottle labels reads like a mini film script, with no two labels alike.

Ewan McGregor said:

“What a total! I just want to thank each and every one of our partners for putting the time, effort and work into this endeavour.

CHAS has always been very close to my heart, and I am so proud that we were all able to raise such a sum for them. I know it’s the children they help and their families who will benefit a lot from this – so thank you very much to everyone involved and to those that placed generous bids in the auction.” 

Rami Okasha, CEO at CHAS said:

“We are very grateful to Ewan McGregor, a long-standing supporter and friend of CHAS, for kindly choosing to donate all the proceeds from this special auction to CHAS so we can continue to support children with life-shortening conditions and their families, bringing us closer to our founding mission of reaching every child and family that needs our help. 

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this exciting auction that enabled so much to be raised for CHAS. I would also like to express our sincere thanks to Isle of Arran Distillers, to Whisky Auctioneer and to the Leith Agency.

“Three children die each week in Scotland from an incurable condition. We can only be there for families with the support of kind donations like this. CHAS provides unwavering care to children who may die young and their families, at every step on this hardest of journeys. Proceeds received from this auction make a huge difference to children and families helping us to reach every family across Scotland who needs our help and to keep the joy alive even in the face of death.”

Euan Mitchell, Managing Director at Isle of Arran Distillers added:

“We are absolutely delighted that the auction of ‘Ewan’s Cut’ has successfully raised an incredible £135,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). This project has been a journey close to our hearts since Ewan McGregor first joined us at Lochranza Distillery back in 1998. To see his private cask of Arran Single Malt contribute to such a worthy cause is truly special.

It has been a privilege to collaborate with Ewan, Whisky Auctioneer, and the Leith Agency to bring this unique whisky to life, and we are deeply grateful for the support and generosity from everyone involved. The funds raised will make a significant difference in supporting the vital work of CHAS, helping families during their most challenging times.”

Joe Wilson, Head Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer said:

“This is an outstanding result for everyone involved but most importantly, the amount of funds raised for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) will have a lasting positive impact on so many children and families in Scotland.

“It’s always a privilege to work together on partnerships like this where we can not only offer a chance for people to bid on very special bottles of whisky, but also really help to make a difference to people’s lives.”

Richard Marsham, CEO of Leith Agency said:

“Leith are delighted to have been part of the Ewan’s Cut project in conjunction with Ewan McGregor and CHAS. It’s fantastic to see this level of money raised for such a great cause and that our bespoke label designs really helped push the auction prizes up with each bottle being a unique collector’s item.  And a big shout out to our friends at Isle of Arran Distillers and Whisky Auctioneer for making the whole project possible.”

To find out more about Whisky Auctioneer, please visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com

To find out more about Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), please visit https://www.chas.org.uk/

To find out more about Isle of Arran Distillers, please visit https://www.arranwhisky.com/

To find out more about Leith Agency, please visit https://leith.co.uk/

About CHAS

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) provides unwavering care to children who may die young and their families, at every step on this hardest of journeys.

• Our Unwavering Care 2024-2028 Strategy sets out how no family ever has to face the death of their child alone, with CHAS providing support at each critical stage of their palliative care journey – from the moment of a child’s diagnosis, to helping the child live well and by supporting the family after a child’s death.
• The Strategy was developed following in-depth consultation and feedback from families and stakeholders.
• CHAS is there to help every family member emotionally, clinically, and practically and provide integrated palliative and end of life care as well as respite care for the whole family in our two hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch.
• Our outreach team operates in every local authority area – providing highly skilled nursing care for children in their own homes (often in partnership with local teams), as well as a full family support service. This includes social work, income maximisation, energy advice, spiritual and bereavement support, transition to adult services for 16 – 21s, and therapeutic play.
• There is a joint CHAS/ NHS specialist team in every children’s hospital in Scotland. The only specialist Paediatric Palliative Medicine posts in Scotland are funded by CHAS. Our Diana Children’s Nurses provide specialist support alongside the NHS in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
• We are there at the end of life, supporting children to die with dignity, in accordance with their and their parents’ wishes and we also help in the difficult days after a child dies with ongoing bereavement support.
• The wonderful letters which form our logo are created by the children and families that use our services.
• Follow CHAS on Twitter and Instagram: @supportCHAS, or like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supportCHAS

About Leith Agency

The Leith Agency is an award-winning strategic and creative agency based in Edinburgh and Manchester with over 130 staff members. The agency was founded in 1984 and works with a number of global clients including The Macallan, Famous Grouse, AG Barr and The Scottish Government. 

About Isle of Arran Distillers

Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd is an independently owned producer of Single Malt Whisky on the Isle of Arran, with two distilleries situated at either end of the island.

Arran Single Malt is produced at Lochranza Distillery which was established at the north-west tip of the Isle of Arran in the village of Lochranza in 1995.  The site was carefully chosen for the quality of its water source, Loch na Davie, which is filtered through six waterfalls before it reaches the distillery in the foothills of the village.  Lochranza will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025.

Their second distillery opened at Lagg, at the south end of the island, in 2019 and produces the heavily peated Lagg Single Malt.

As one of the very first of a new wave of distilleries opening in the early 1990s, Lochranza Distillery has remained independent since day one, under the care of a dedicated small team of passionate whisky people.  Arran Single Malt is a mark of quality that whisky lovers respect and trust. The pioneering spirit of this independent team has ensured that this small Scottish island and its whisky is an important and globally respected part of the whisky industry.

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Perth, Scotland, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community. The business currently sees over 150,000 bids per month and has conducted deliveries to 74 countries across the globe.

The central Scotland headquarter’s success paved the way for international expansion with secondary offices now located in central London and the Netherlands.

Whisky Auctioneer endeavours to make the secondary market more accessible for buyers and sellers of any background and demographic, wherever in the world they are based. Its monthly global auctions feature the most comprehensive selection of old, rare and collectible whiskies and spirits online, and are unmatched in volume, variety of bottles offered and prices achieved. Alongside an unrivalled selection of rare Scotch whisky and Irish Whiskey, Whisky Auctioneer has also established the business as the market-leading specialist in presenting world whiskies for sale; from rare American whiskey and bourbon to iconic Japanese whiskies.

In February 2021, the online auction house made history during the iconic sale of The Perfect Collection, when a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old sold for a hammer price of £1 million. This was the first time a single bottle of whisky has sold at an online-only auction for one million pounds.

Our September Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (BST) Friday 18th October until 7pm (BST) Sunday 27th October 2024.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Singleton Of Dufftown – 53 Year Old (1964) Paragon Of Time

Hibiki – 40 Year Old

Karuizawa – 50 Year Old (1965) Single Casks (LMDW Exclusive)

Bowmore – 50 Year Old (1964) Black Bowmore The Last Cask

Balvenie – 50 Year Old (1963) Single Cask #4570 + #4567

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

SPRINGBANK 5yo 100 PROOF SHERRY

In April 2023, we released the Springbank 5yo 100 PROOF in Bourbon which was a great success. So, for this upcoming release, we have decided to bottle another Springbank 5yo at proof strength, however, this time in Oloroso Sherry. In total, 1900 bottles have been produced and are available exclusively to our Springbank Society members.

Cask Type: Oloroso Sherry

Distilled: June 2019

Bottled: October 2024

Strength: 57.1% ABV

70cl Bottle

£55

(UK Price including VAT)

To join the Springbank Society contact them at society@springbank.scot

THE SEASONS: AUTUMN

We are delighted to introduce the next three entries in our limited-edition series, The Seasons. The three single malt whiskies we have chosen to evoke autumn are earthy, rich and warming, perfect for brisk days and cool evenings.

Each one was drawn from a single cask and bottled without chill filtration or added to colour, to preserve a clear sense of distillery character. Autumn is in the air, and our new collection is the perfect way to savour the season.

   DISCOVER MORE 

J.G. Thomson
51 Year Old
Blended Grain Scotch Whisky
1972 | 70cl | 46.5% ABV

Exclusive to HTFW, award-winning distillers J.G. Thomson & Co. have released just 155 bottles of their extraordinary 1972 vintage blended grain Scotch whisky. Only available here for a limited period, this unique blend is both covetable and collectable.Don’t miss this chance to own a rare timepiece from a legend of Leith’s rich whisky history.

Crafted from vintage distilled components from 1972 and left to mellow for more than half a century in ex-bourbon barrels, this exceptional blend has had the time to develop intense depth and character – making it a one-of-a-kind dram and an exquisite alternative to malt.Bottled at 46.5%, non-chill filtered and with no added colour, serve neat to appreciate the unique flavours and aromas that over 50 years of maturation have created.

Nose: Alluring aromas of deep, earthy cocoa, sweet, dried mango and stewed rhubarb.

Palate: Orange blossom, cherry chocolate and marzipan to delight the taste buds. One sip will leave you wondering where it’s been all your life.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 543: Trip to Speyside 2024 – part 1 of 4

In September 2024, Mark organized a trip to Speyside for 13 like-minded whisky aficionados. In a short 4-part series of Ramblings, you can find out where they went and what they experienced. In this first part, you’ll find them visiting or stopping by Tomatin, The Cairn, Balmenach, Tormore, Cardhu, Tamdhu, Knockando and Craigellachie.

https://youtu.be/YwRsbTMotHc

Tamnavulin, the world’s fastest-growing single malt, unveils Port Cask Edition

The Single Malt known for its signature Speyside flavour and double cask maturation announces a new addition to its range

Tamnavulin Distillery, celebrated for its quintessential Speyside character and distinctive double cask maturation, is adding a Port Cask Edition to its core range.

As with every expression from Tamnavulin, the whisky undergoes a meticulous ageing process in two distinct casks, to create a whisky that is irresistibly sweet, velvety smooth, and teeming with complex flavours.

The journey of this remarkable new whisky begins in the heart of Speyside, where Tamnavulin’s new make spirit develops vibrant notes of ripe orchard fruits. The first maturation in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels crafts a rich and layered foundation, imparting delicate flavours of sweet biscuit, creamy vanilla, and subtle hints of apple and pear.

The whisky is then masterfully finished in a second cask, which has already led a life nurturing a fine Tawny Port wine. These casks have been carefully selected from Portugal’s celebrated Douro Valley, imparting a rich sweetness to the whisky through the cask over time as the spirit matures. The result is an accessible yet opulent and sophisticated expression that embodies the craftsmanship of Tamnavulin.

Building on the success of its acclaimed Wine Cask Editions, Tamnavulin’s master whisky makers, led by Kirsty Hodge, sought to find a partner to complement and elevate the characteristics of the distillery, leading them to the home of Port. The result? A breathtaking whisky that delivers a sensationally balanced expression with intricate layers of rich fruit.

Visually arresting with its deep mahogany hue, this whisky captivates from the very first pour. The nose reveals ripe red berries, plums, and dark chocolate, delicately layered with notes of rose syrup, sweet biscuit, and spiced orange. On the palate, it unfolds into a rich medley of honeyed poached pears, berry compote, dried fruits, and creamy caramel, unveiling a nutty finish.

This versatile whisky shines when savoured neat as well as elevating classic cocktails, or pair with aged Gouda cheese for an indulgent treat.

Tamnavulin Port Cask (ABV 40%) is now available in Tesco and Sainsbury’s and will launching in Asda from 17^th October with an RSP of £35.

About Tamnavulin:

Tamnavulin, named after the Gaelic term for ‘Mill on the Hill,’ draws its identity from the 16th-century woollen mill that once graced its historic site. It stands as the embodiment of the quintessential Speyside malt. Established in 1966 in the tranquil village of Tamnavulin, Scotland, the distillery’s journey has been one of both tradition and revival. Though the distillery closed its doors in 1995, it was brought back to life and meticulously restored in 2007. Since then, Tamnavulin has been dedicated to crafting exceptional single malt whisky that captures the true essence of Speyside—sweet, smooth, and fruity.

Nestled in the heart of Speyside, a region renowned for housing over half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries, Tamnavulin benefits from an environment perfectly suited for whisky production. Speyside’s unique microclimate, with its temperate conditions, provides the ideal setting for whisky maturation, while the region’s plentiful water sources contribute to the whisky’s purity and character. Inspired by this extraordinary location, Tamnavulin expertly marries time-honoured distilling traditions with cutting-edge techniques to craft its signature double cask matured Speyside malt—offering a single malt experience with twice the flavour and depth.

Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition

ABV: 40%

Cask: American Oak Barrels and Tawny Port Casks

Available in the UK and Sweden in 70cl format from August

RSP: £35 / 329 kr.

Colour: Deep Mahogany

Nose: Ripe red berries, plums, dark chocolate, rose syrup, sweet biscuit and spiced orange.

Taste: Sumptuous notes of honeyed poached pears, berry compote, dried fruits and creamy caramel with a nutty finish

Hidden Barn Bourbon’s “23B” Whiskey Wins Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best of Class at Top Shelf Awards Gala

SPARTA, KY (Oct. 9, 2024) –Hidden Barn Bourbon’s Series 1, Batch 23B has won Best of Class in the Small Batch Bourbon Up to 5 Years category at the Top Shelf Awards Gala, held Oct. 4, 2024.  The Top Shelf Awards are run by The Tasting Alliance, under which prestigious awards such as the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are held.

Hidden Barn Bourbon Batch 23B was distilled at Neeley Family Distillery and blended by Jackie Zykan. Batch 23B is a blend of 20 barrels aged five years old using Neeley’s flagship mashbill of 70 percent corn, 20 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley.  The judges described 23B as “a perfectly balanced bourbon” and awarded it a score of 98 points at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, held earlier in 2024.  Finalists were voted on again to choose Best in Class, and Hidden Barn 23B took the top spot, beating out four other competitors.

Master Distiller Royce Neeley and Hidden Barn Partner Nate Winegar were on hand to receive the award.  “The small batch bourbon category is very crowded, especially in the 5 years and under age range.  To have our 23B win Best of Class over all the other entrants is such an honor and a testament to Jackie (Zykan’s) blending talent,” said Royce Neeley.

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.  Batch 23B was bottled at cask strength at 110.1 proof with only sediment filtration.

Suggested retail pricing for the Hidden Barn Series 1, 23B is $74.99. It is available at Neeley Family Distillery gift shop, online and at select retail stores in Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

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

About The Tasting Alliance

The Tasting Alliance Competitions are considered the most influential in the spirits industry and its award programs include the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and the Singapore World Spirits Competition.  Each entry is judged double blind by a panel of spirits experts.    The medals are a testament to the hard work of the spirits industry’s distillers and producers and are a universally recognized indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

NEW Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11YR

Today, we celebrate the launch of the 2024 edition of Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11YR!  This unfiltered, cask-strength American rye delivers a distinct and rich liquid, full of balanced rye spice flavor complimented by notes of vanilla, caramel, and charred oak complexity. It was distilled and barreled in the autumn season of 2012 and laid down in 4 distinct warehouses in Clermont Kentucky to ensure incredible consistency and gentle flavor mellowing over time.​

 TASTING NOTES

Non-Chill Filtered for a more robust flavor

Color – Golden Tawny

Aroma –  Bold, vanilla underpinned with hints of tobacco spice

Taste – Allspice, sweet vanilla and caramel, charred oak

Finish – Pleasant, Full bodied with lingering notes of rye

Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11YR is 107.4 proof with an SRP of $99.99 for a 750mL bottle.