ralfy review 1011 – Thompson Bros: 6yo BSW@46%vol: (OSWA 2023)

Glenmorangie unveils first Calvados cask finish as 12-Year-Old small batch whisky 

 –Uniquely fruity and floral release is latest in Distillery’s Barrel Select series

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today reveals a uniquely fruity and floral whisky – its first ever finished in French Calvados casks. Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish is the fifth release in the Distillery’s Barrel Select Release series of small-batch single malts, which explores the flavours that arise from different cask finishes. Entwining scents of jasmine with baked apples and pears, this rare 12-year-old bottling offers new mellow depths to Glenmorangie’s signature fruity tones.

For 180 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky makers have been endlessly imaginative on their quest to create delicious single malt whiskies for more people to enjoy. Led by acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, they craft their delicate, fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma, then age it in the world’s finest casks. Some time ago, Dr Bill became fascinated by the soft, orchard notes of Calvados, which is distilled from apples (and sometimes pears) in France. And he began to wonder how these casks – never used before at Glenmorangie – might further enhance the whisky’s classic, fruity finesse.

Inspired to experiment, he took a whisky which had spent more than 10 years ageing in American white oak bourbon casks, for Glenmorangie’s elegant style. He transferred that whisky into casks which, for 20 years, had held Calvados du Pays d’Auge, from Normandy, in France. After a carefully judged finish, Dr Bill’s creation was ready to share. Soft and delectably rich, Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish unites mellow fruits of baked apples and pears with subtle notes of jasmine, narcissus and vanilla.

Dr Bill said: “At Glenmorangie, we are always experimenting with ways to create delicious whiskies. Since Calvados casks have never been used before at Glenmorangie, I was intrigued to see how their elegant, orchard notes would complement our whisky’s award-winning fruity style, with a judicious finish. Glenmorangie Calvados Finish is a wonderful addition to our Barrel Select Release series of small-batch single malts. Entwining scents of baked pears, vanilla and jasmine with tastes of toffee apples, lemon balsam and spice, this rare whisky takes all that is good about Glenmorangie, to richly delicious new heights.”

Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish is now available exclusively in the UK at Glenmorangie.com, RRP: £75.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

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

Follow Glenmorangie on Facebook and Instagram: @glenmorangie

Tasting Notes:

Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish is non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV

Colour: Bright Gold

Aroma: A most fragrant whisky at full strength, with notes of baked apples, pears, vanilla, almond and a slightly waxy note. With water, some fragrant, floral notes emerge, like narcissus, jasmine and heather honey. Finally, the aroma of baking sweet pastries is found.

Taste: The mouthfeel is oily and spicy at the same time, and leads into a burst of rich sweet flavours.  Baked pears, toffee apple, almond marzipan, star anise and chocolate praline are found, along with some lemon balsam, eucalyptus and a touch of charcoal.

Finish: Long, lingering and almost slightly cooling in nature.

RRP: £75.00

 About the Barrel Select Release series:

Glenmorangie’s Barrel Select Release series comprises small-batch bottlings exploring the flavours which arise from different cask finishes. The first release in the series was the indulgently sweet and rich Glenmorangie Malaga Cask Finish, a 12-year-old whisky finished in Spain’s Malaga wine casks. The second release was Glenmorangie Cognac Cask Finish, an elegantly oaky and fruity 13-year-old whisky, finished in Cognac casks. Glenmorangie Palo Cortado Finish was the third release in the series. This deeply sweet and nutty 12-year-old bottling was Glenmorangie’s first ever to be finished in rare Palo Cortado sherry casks. The fourth release was the nutty and spicy Glenmorangie Amontillado Finish, inspired by Dr Bill’s favourite style of sherry. Floral and gently fruity, Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish is the fifth Barrel Select release. 

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 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as an adult 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:

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 spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s homeland (the Cadboll Estate series), the magic of a walk in the forest (Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), 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. He features 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 was named twice Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge.

About Calvados:

Distilled from apples (and sometimes pears), Calvados is produced only in the department of Calvados within the Normandy region of France. Calvados Pays d’Auge is a sub-region of the department and has its own appellation d’origine contrôlée. The appellation’s renowned Calvados comes from fruit trees grown in the clay and limestone soils of the Pays d’Auge. It is double distilled in a traditional alembic pot still.

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.

LOCAL SINGLE MALTS

to Celebrate Burns Night

‘Freedom and Whisky Gang Thegither! ‘
– ROBERT BURNS

Our whisky shop is in the heart of Ayrshire, in the village of Kirkoswald. Our village is famously the place where Robert Burns attended school and some of the locals he met were the inspiration for characters in his poems.

Ayrshire is also home to a number of distilleries and so what better way to celebrate Burns Night and our Ayrshire heritage than by enjoying a dram of local whisky…

Single Malts from Ayrshire…

Robert Burns Single Malt

Lochranza Distillery on Arran is the only whisky distillery to produce a whisky that is officially endorsed by the World Burns Federation. A versatile, light and aromatic single malt, ideal to enjoy before or during a meal… perhaps with haggis!

SHOP ARRAN

Lochlea Our Barley

Lochlea is a family-owned farm distillery located in the heart of Ayrshire and was once home to Robert Burns. This is their first core expression, matured in 3 types of casks that all come together to give this malt extra creamy, fruity notes.

SHOP LOCHLEA

LAGG Kilmory Edition

Lagg Distillery on Arran, produces a heavily peated style of whisky that harks back to the illicit stills of the islands past. The Kilmory Edition is a pure embodiment of the earthy smokiness and vanilla notes that make LAGG Single Malts so special.

SHOP LAGG

Ailsa Bay Sweet Smoke 1.2

Our closest distillery, Ailsa Bay is only 8 miles from our shop. Just along the coast that looks out onto the magnificent Ailsa Craig. This heavily peated whisky is balanced with the right level of sweetness to cut through the smoke.

SHOP AILSA BAY

SHOP ALL LOCAL WHISKY

Laphroaig 34 Year Old, The Ian Hunter Story Batch 5

This 34-year-old ex-bourbon barrel matured single malt is the fifth and final release in their series of rare and collectable aged whiskies to celebrate the story of the legendary Ian Hunter.

Tasting notes:

Colour: Deep, rich copper.

Nose: Lightly peaty with notes of iodine and burnt wood. Floral green malt, sweet candyfloss and vanilla fudge, and subtle blueberry and raspberry accents.

Palate: Sweet and spicy, with hints of classic Laphroaig peat and cold barbecue ash. Salted caramel and butterscotch, roast chestnut, a hint of peach, dried flowers and white pepper.

Finish: Peaty and malty, with a lingering sweetness.

Maturation: Double matured in a combination of first fill ex-bourbon American Oak barrels and Pedro Ximénez European Oak Hogheads.

£1,100.00 >

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

Penelope Toasted Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(750ml)

$59.99 View

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

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 518: Glenkinchie 27 Year Old ‘The Floral Treasure’ DSR 2023

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries an 27 years old Glenkinchie. The Diageo Special Releases are a yearly returning series that is highly anticipated by many whisky lovers. This year’s edition included on of the oldest expressions from Glenkinchie, that Lowland distillery about an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh. Aptly named ‘The Floral Treasure’, Mark found it one of the best releases in this year’s offering.

https://youtu.be/-L0MShbj4lU

Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Honors Industry Veteran

With Prestigious “Esprit de Corps” Award

Kevin D. Smith, Former Master Distiller and Industry Executive, 

Honored For More Than Three Decades of Service and Leadership to Kentucky Bourbon

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Kevin D. Smith is a recipient of the “Esprit de Corps Award,” an elite recognition honoring leaders who personify the legendary group’s spirit of camaraderie and integrity.

The esteemed Esprit de Corps Award can be bestowed by the Chair of the KDA’s Board of Directors to individuals who have, “by demonstrable and honorable action,” gone above and beyond the call of duty to advance the mission of the KDA and Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Smith has 34 years of distinguished service to the KDA and the Bourbon industry, having worked at top distilleries in the state as the former Master Distiller and Vice President of Production at Maker’s Mark and the last eight years as the Vice President of Kentucky Bourbon Affairs for Beam Suntory.

In addition, Smith has served on numerous civic and charitable organizations, including Chairman of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce from 2022-2023, Chairman of the Governor’s Workforce Innovation Board, Chairman of the Japanese American Society of Kentucky and many more.

“If you’re involved in Bourbon, you know the name Kevin Smith is synonymous with respect, experience and leadership,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “I’m proud that KDA has recognized his many contributions to the betterment of our Association, our iconic industry and our beloved Commonwealth.”

KDA Board Chairman Chris Morris conferred the award to Smith at the KDA’s 2023 annual State Dinner in Louisville. Smith received a commemorative plaque and engraved medal in recognition of his exceptional service.

Morris said Smith joined the KDA Board of Directors in 2019 and served as Chairman in 2022. He also chaired the KDA’s Kentucky Spirits Collaborative, its Governmental Affairs Advisory Group, its Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) initiative, and was Secretary of the group’s non-profit Lifting Spirits Foundation.

“Kevin has been a vocal and vital leader of the KDA for the last decade and is widely respected for his ability to calmly communicate and collaborate with fellow distillers and partners to advance our signature industry and our venerable Association,” Morris said.

Smith said, “To be honored by my fellow distillers and Bourbon legends leaves me immensely grateful. I’m grateful for those who came before me in this industry, I’m grateful for those who work alongside me now, and I’m eager to see how our industry innovates and grows into the future, all right here in my Old Kentucky Home.”

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

While there is lots to look forward to this year, there’s one piece of news that the whole team is more than a little excited about, whisky time!

With our brand new, custom designed equipment arriving in the early spring, we’re all counting down the days until we can unwrap those shiny new stills, watch them slot into place at Nunton, and fire them up with our very first batches of North Uist Distillery whisky!

Distilled from our very own heritage bere barley, grown right here on the machair in partnership with our trusted keepers of the grain, as soon as the whisky starts flowing we will be getting those year one casks filled and stored with the promises of future drams.

Operation
Whisky.

While there is lots to look forward to this year, there’s one piece of news that the whole team is more than a little excited about, whisky time!

With our brand new, custom designed equipment arriving in the early spring, we’re all counting down the days until we can unwrap those shiny new stills, watch them slot into place at Nunton, and fire them up with our very first batches of North Uist Distillery whisky!

Distilled from our very own heritage bere barley, grown right here on the machair in partnership with our trusted keepers of the grain, as soon as the whisky starts flowing we will be getting those year one casks filled and stored with the promises of future drams.

Cask
Countdown (II).

If you weren’t lucky enough to get your hands on a Year One cask (and selling out in a record breaking two minutes, it is no surprise that many missed out!) we have great news, our Year Two cask offer will be going live in the coming weeks and this time there will be 100 casks up for grabs for those with the fastest fingers on the button.

While we’ll be sharing general whisky news here in the island dispatch, cask offer details including countdowns will go out directly to our whisky mailing list, separately from the island dispatch. If you would like to receive more information about cask offers and be in with a chance of buying one, please reply to this email and ask to be added to the whisky mailing list if you’re not already on it. If you’re not sure if you’re on it then feel free to drop us a note to check.

www.northuistdistillery.com

Psst! We know you’re going to love every sip of our latest issue of Unfiltered magazine. But here’s the real deal: the fun doesn’t end when you finish that last drop. We’ve got an abundance of extra content waiting for you – like the cherry on top after savouring a dram.

From juicy behind-the-scenes stories to exclusive sherry deep dives, you’re missing out on some seriously great bits if you’re not checking out the latest at SMWS. It’s like leaving the party early – the real magic happens when you stick around!

Here’s the lowdown on what you can’t miss:

Throughout 2024, we’re spotlighting our unique approach to sherry-cask maturation. Check out Julien Willems’ feature on our history in this area and a Q&A with Euan Campbell during a visit to the Sherry Triangle in Spain.

We’re also exploring the origins of flavour in the whisky-making process. Gavin D Smith kicks off the series by focusing on malted barley.

READ NOW

Our pals at the Outturn podcast, Unfiltered editor Richard Goslan, and Calum Lawson from the Society’s Spirits Team, are kicking off the year with an overview of what to expect from the monthly Outturn release of new bottlings, including some sherry-matured beauties. Tune in to discover how to make the most of your Society membership and snag the perfect bottling!

Pop in those earbuds and join the conversation

TUNE IN

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

Ross & Squibb Remus “K&L Exclusive – LISV Barrel #531″ Warehouse H, Floor 6, Single Barrel Barrel Proof Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

While any Bourbon drinker worth their salt is aware of Four Roses recipe coding system designating mashbills and yeast type, most aren’t aware of where that system actually came from. It was brought to Four Roses from Ross & Squibb (formerly Seagrams/MGP). The link between the two companies goes back to 1943 when Seagram’s, owner of the Indiana facility for many years, purchased Four Roses and shifted that brands focus to the Japanese market. The bond between the two companies strengthened even further when Jim Rutledge came over to run Four Roses after decades at Seagrams. LISV recipe from MGP denotes distillery, mashbill, distillation method, and yeast strain used just like the other famous Lawrencburg distillery. Here we have an unusual 51% corn, 39% rye, 10% malted rye mashbill (Mashbill I) and the V yeast strain (while they won’t confirm it, this is very likely the same V strain 4R uses, again thanks to the Seagrams connection). It’s bottled at 56.6% ABV without chill filtration. The L and S will always indicate ‘L’awenceburg, Indiana for the distillery and ‘S’ distillation method signifying traditional beer still to doubler distillation for the Remus barrel picks).

$59.99 View

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