Introducing Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch –

A celebration of Bladnoch’s most avid admirers

Mr. Arnold

Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, has introduced Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, the first release in a new limited-edition series celebrating and selected by individuals who have a deep affinity with its exceptional whiskies.

Loch Maberry is the source of the River Bladnoch, which provides the water that has sustained Bladnoch Distillery since it was founded in 1817. The name of the series acknowledges the significance of those who most appreciate Bladnoch’s bold Galloway spirit, and the role they play in keeping the distillery in flow.

Chapter 1 in the series pays tribute to Mr Arnold, a lifelong admirer of Bladnoch whose passion and enthusiasm exemplifies the dedication of the distillery’s highly skilled team. Its release also marks the commencement of the selection process for Chapter 2, which will be conducted via Bladnoch’s website.

Mr Arnold became familiar with Bladnoch when he owned a home in Garlieston, close to the distillery, in Dumfries and Galloway’s Wigtown.

He first visited the distillery after becoming curious about single malt Scotch. After trying Bladnoch’s meticulously crafted whiskies and learning more about the time-honoured skills required to create them, he became a regular visitor to the distillery and a great admirer of the people who worked there.

Dr. Nick Savage & Mr. Arnold

In recognition of his many years of appreciation, he was invited by Dr Nick Savage, Master Distiller at Bladnoch, to become the first member of the extended Bladnoch family to select a cask for bottling. Guided by Nick, Mr Arnold nosed and tasted a variety of samples before choosing Cask 89. Distilled in 2008 and matured in a first fill Californian red wine hogshead, Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch displays notes of fruity blackcurrant jam, ginger, and herbs and delivers a sweet and warming finish.

Mr Arnold said: “It is an honour to be the story of Chapter 1. Spending time with Dr Nick Savage, the Master Distiller, and learning about the process of cask selection was remarkable. His focus is on taste first, and I admire that.

“The sweet and warming flavours of the whisky we chose tell the story of my Bladnoch journey, and how welcome I have always felt at the distillery. Its richness reflects how my Bladnoch experiences have enhanced my life.”

Dr Nick Savage added: “Helping Mr Arnold to explore our casks and find the right one to capture his Bladnoch adventure, was incredibly rewarding and an experience I will never forget.

“As we blind-tasted and compared samples, it was a joy to see whisky making through his eyes and interpret what Bladnoch means to him. I look forward to selecting our next supporter for Chapter 2 of this unique series.”

Bottled at a cask strength ABV of 56.7%, Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch has a natural colour of bronze oak and is non-chill filtered. It is encased in a presentation box which also contains letters from Mr Arnold and Dr Nick Savage describing their experiences of collaborating to craft the whisky.

With an RRSP of £150, Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch is available from Bladnoch.com in the UK.

Following its release, the distillery is inviting individuals who wish to be considered for the selection of Chapter 2 to share their Bladnoch stories. Those interested should visit the Bladnoch website at Bladnoch.com for full details.

For more information about Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter 1, please visit STORIES OF BLADNOCH

Tasting notes

Nose: Dark blackcurrant jam with fir cones, orange peel zest and dark chocolate.

Palate: Strawberries and cream with ginger covered dark chocolates.

Finish: Sweet and sticky, calm warming caramel. 

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.

Holyrood Embra

This release is lightly peated and has been matured in a mix of bourbon casks, peated Islay quarter casks and American new oak casks. his whisky is a testament to their dedication to flavour above all else. It’s an unapologetic embrace of the natural results of the whisky making process, an invitation for drinkers to experience whisky with transparency and a departure from the norm. This release is lightly peated and has been matured in a mix of bourbon casks, peated Islay quarter casks and American new oak casks. Non chill filtered and natural colour.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Lemon zest, horse chestnut pith, with hints of peppermint and light hickory smoke.

Palate: Wafer biscuits, dark chocolate mousse and notes of earthy Highland peat smoke.

Finish: Light stew pears with a well rounded clean finish.

Only £62.50 >

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Dailuaine 16 Year Old Description

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

Oops…Spring hadn’t quite Sprung!

Regrettably, due to a technical issue, our Equinox & Solstice Spring Edition 2024 hadn’t properly linked to our web shop. Please accept our apologies, this is now available to buy!

DOUBLE PRODUCT RELEASE

EQUINOX & SOLSTICE SPRING 2024 EDITION TEANINICH 12 YEARS OLD

This year’s Spring Edition of Equinox & Solstice is a single refill hogshead of 2011 Teaninich, bottled at 13 years of age and reduced to this series’ trademark easy drinking strength of 48.5%. This cask already displayed a higher than usual show of Teaninich’s more highland, waxy side, but in addition to that, it also has a subtle but distinct layer of peat running throughout. Whether that is from the distillate or the previous cask, we don’t know, but the result is really tasty and very unusual – also a perfect balance of freshness and power for Spring!

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Bardstown Bourbon Company “Discovery Series #11” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(750ml)

$139.99 View

Bardstown’s #11 release in the Discovery Series, which celebrates the art of fine blended whisky’s is a very special release we are excited to share. This release combines barrels ranging in age from six to 13 years, adding depth and complexity on the palate. According to the distillery it offers up “A vibrant blend of rainier cherry, butterscotch, brown sugar, and roasted peanut leads to a spirited palate of toffee and cinnamon spice. The indelible finish of ripe red fruit and luscious oak rounds out this remarkable Kentucky bourbon.”

 David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member 

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

 Glen Mhor 8YO, 100 Proof

THE VIDEO

https://www.facebook.com/GlenMhor

One of three original Invernessian distilleries, Glen Mhor, was a distillery with quite a cult following despite not many people knowing who, where, or what was produced there.

Operating for less than a century, along with a surprising number of other distilleries, Glen Mhor was founded in 1982 and closed in 1983. The distillery pulled its water source from the ever famous Loch Ness and was a key component in Mackinlay’s blended whiskies, most notably the reissue bottlings of whisky that were found in the hut of Shackleton expedition. Glen Mhor was a key component in the rebirth of those blended malts for the public.

There isn’t much else to report about the distillery, minus the fact it worked with, and eventually took over its neighbour, the Glen Albyn distillery. Its capacity, still shape, and overall numbers are sadly lost to the history books.

DEWAR’S® BLENDED SCOTCH LAUNCHES MIZUNARA OAK FINISHED 21 YEAR OLD WHISKY

The newest iteration in DEWAR’s Double Double Series brings together distilling traditions of Japan and Scotland

DEWAR’S® BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY introduces the newest iteration from its award-winning Double Double series, Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara Oak Cask Finish. Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak casks, this expression was ranked #7 in Whisky Advocate’s list of Top 20 Most Exciting Whiskies of 2023, with a rating of 95.

DEWAR’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara Oak Cask Finish brings together the distilling traditions of Japan and Scotland, creating a rare blend that captures the essence of two cultures. Unlike American oak, Mizunara Oak requires more than 200 years to reach maturity and does not grow straight, posing a unique challenge in the process of forming it into casks. However, the extra effort is well worth it, as the liquid results in an intriguing balance of succulence, purity, and smoothness. The captivating amber colored whisky has been bottled at a strength of 46%.

Featuring a balanced mix of tasting notes, the Mizunara Oak imparts subtle hints of sandalwood and coconut, contributing to a smooth mouthfeel. The finish leaves behind a sweet, clean taste with a touch of creamy vanilla.

Every marque in the DEWAR’s Double Double series is crafted with a unique four-stage aging process spearheaded by five-time Master Blender of the Year, Stephanie Macleod. This process has earned DEWAR’s original iteration of Double Double 21 Year Old 1^st place at the International Whisky Competition for Best Blended Scotch 20-24 yrs in 2023.

Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for DEWAR’S commented: “The journey of creating this expression has been an exploration of flavors and craftsmanship. Together, my team and I introduced a distinctive twist to our award-winning DEWAR’s Double Double 21 Year Old by finishing it in Japanese Mizunara Oak casks, creating a new and exciting whisky. This latest iteration in the Double Double Series is a testament to our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to our connoisseurs.”

Brian Cox, Vice President of DEWAR’s North America commented: “The unveiling of DEWAR’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara is a toast to change and growth. This release reflects our steadfast dedication to crafting exceptional whisky experiences that not only bring people together, but also harmonize tradition and innovation. When enjoying this whisky, let it be a catalyst for shared moments of joy and celebration with friends and family in a timeless toast to the blend of Japanese craftsmanship and Scottish tradition.”

Available for $149.99, DEWAR’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara is available in 750ml bottles at spirits retailers nationwide and on Dewar’s.com.

For more information on DEWAR’S whisky products, please visit www.dewars.com or on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

THE ENGLISH DISTILLERY SCOOPS WORLD’S BEST SINGLE MALT AWARD

–        Norfolk distillery beats off stiff competition from around the world, including Scotland’s finest, to win one of whisky’s ultimate accolades…

–        Just 17 years after laying down its first casks

–        £59 bottles are available now, but be quick they’re selling fast!

A pioneering English distillery that opened its doors just 17 years ago is celebrating winning one of global whisky’s ultimate accolades after scooping Best Single Malt at the annual World Whiskies Awards.

Norfolk-based The English Distillery became the first operational whisky distillery in more than 100 years when it opened for business in 2006.

Now it has claimed an even more impressive first by beating off stiff competition from some of the world’s oldest and rarest whiskies with a sherry cask matured single malt whisky that it launched less than six months ago to critical acclaim.

Bottled by hand at its Breckland-based distillery, The English Sherry Cask is an unpeated single malt whisky, which has been matured from start to finish in the finest PX sherry casks to create a stunning expression that it said had been “well worth the wait”.

The distillery learned of its world-winning success in front of the whisky industry’s finest at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London on Wednesday evening (20th March) as awards organiser Whisky Magazine celebrated “the best people, places, and products in the whisky world”.

Founded by farmer James Nelstrop to fulfil a lifelong dream, the distillery – guided by the experience of legendary Master Distiller Ian Henderson – began to lay down whiskies in its dunnage warehouses, with the sole aim of making world class single malt whisky in England following a century’s absence of whisky making in the country.

Like all its whiskies, the winning whisky was made using barley grown locally and on the Nelstrop family farms. The entire distillation process of milling, mashing, distilling with a pair of traditional and beautiful copper stills, maturing in the finest oak casks and hand bottling, all take place at the distillery.

James’ son Andrew, who has led the 20-strong team at the picturesque distillery since his father’s death in 2014.

Andrew said: “We’re stunned. Whilst any whisky maker hopes to win an award, winning the big one is the realisation of my father’s sole goal of creating world class single malt whiskies in England, and sharing them with whisky lovers around the world.”

Father of two Andrew, whose wife Katy works alongside him as The English Distillery’s Marketing Director, added: “This is a super way to celebrate our 18th year of whisky distilling. It’s a testament to our distillers’ work and I know my father would have been hugely proud of this achievement, as are we.

“As the English Whisky category continues to grow with pace, this award is another milestone for whisky making in England, particularly when it’s judged against some of the finest single malt whiskies from around the world, including Scotland.”

The winning whisky boasts aromas of rich dark fruits from the sherry-filled casks, which combine in a nose of raw honey and vanilla, leading to a burst of sweet toffee, cherries and digestives on the palate. The result is a wonderfully balanced and rich whisky that is not outshone by the wood.

Bottled at 46% abv, non chill filtered and natural in colour, The English Sherry Cask is a no age statement whisky that is part of the distillery’s core range, which includes The English Original and The English Smokey (both RRP £47.50, 70cl bottle).

Stockist House of Malt describes the winning whisky as a “delightful newcomer to The English Distillery’s core range… with a luxuriously thick sherry character, brimming with flavours of crumbly biscuits, smooth vanilla caramel, simmered berries, and sun-dried figs”.

It is also available to purchase directly from the distillery’s online shop @ https://www.englishwhisky.co.uk/ and through leading global retailers including Bottle Apostle, The Spirt Specialist, and The Whisky World.

The English Distillery

The English Distillery is England’s oldest registered whisky distillery. Founded by the Nelstrop family in Norfolk in 2006, the distillery is still independent and creates multi-award-winning whisky from local barley.

The distillery has a unique place in history. In 1901 the last recorded whisky distillery in England swapped from whisky to gin production before being destroyed by fire. This saw the end of whisky distilleries in England until The English Whisky Co. Ltd was granted a license to distil whisky by HMRC. In 2006 it opened the first registered, operational whisky distillery in England for over 100 years.

Our founder James Nelstrop was the younger son of a Lincolnshire farmer. James spent his formative years farming in Lincolnshire before emigrating to Australia, where farms were bigger and opportunities were plentiful. James returned to England in 1976 and went to work the land in Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. He also set up farming charities in Russia to improve the agricultural industry as the country emerged from 30 years of communist control before returning to Norfolk.

As James neared retirement, a lifetime’s dream to make whisky became a possibility. The dream had grown from a throwaway comment made by James’ father, who said it was a “shame all this barley has to go to Scotland to be turned into whisky.”

The decision to build the distillery in Norfolk was quick and with only one caveat: The distillery would produce only the very finest single malt whiskies, regardless of the time it took to get there. This mantra has become the foundation of everything that we do at The English Distillery.

The distillery is now led by James’ son Andrew, who continues to follow in his father’s footsteps.

A SWEET TREAT IN TIME FOR EASTER!

In partnership with our friends at Mortlach, we are delighted to offer exclusive luxury truffles with every purchase of a Mortlach 12, 16 or 20 Year Old whisky. The truffles, inspired by Mortlach, have been created by the renowned Highland Chocolatier, Ian Burnett, and his team.

The perfect Easter Treat!

EXPLORE MORTLACH >

Mortlach 12 Year Old The Wee Witchie

Known as ‘the Beast of Dufftown’, Mortlach is distilled 2.81 times in a complicated process referred to simply as ‘The Way’. This single malt, dubbed ‘The Wee Witchie’, is matured in American and European oak ex-bourbon and sherry casks. Meaty and sulphurous, this expression showcases the raw character of the distillery.

£69.00
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Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

Founded in 1824, Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then, it has established itself as one of the most famous single malt producers in the world. As the distillery celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2024, it continues to uphold the same principals as its founders by creating exceptional whiskies.

From those early days, one of the things that distinguished this pioneer of single malt was its sourcing of excellent casks – originally from the sherry producers of Jerez in Spain and later from the United States.

 SHOP ALL MACALLAN 

MEET KIRSTEEN CAMPBELL

Hailing from Thurso in the Highlands, in 2019 Kirsteen Campbell became the first woman in Macallan’s 200 year history to take on the position of master whisky maker. Starting her career in 2001, at a laboratory responsible for determining the quality of new make spirits, Campbell discovered her love of Scotch whisky. This passion and her keen nose led her to Macallan, where she leads the distilling team and continues to drive innovation.