A New Era in Blended Scotch Whisky Begins 

ARDRAY® sparking delight in the familiar and reimagining the historic excellence of blended Scotch

New York, N.Y. (September 20, 2023) – Today we embark on a new era in blended Scotch whisky as we reveal ARDRAY® in the United States. ARDRAY is an exquisite, beautifully complex, yet approachable malt-rich blended whisky, created to challenge preconceptions and offer a fresh perspective in Scotch.

Bringing the unique terroir of Scotland together with the precision and artistry of Japan defines this moment. Realized by the award-winning Suntory blending team from Japan, ARDRAY brings together only the finest, most complex whiskies to celebrate the wonderful attributes that make Scotch so special.

ARDRAY’s journey began with a vision. A vision to create a whisky that wonderfully balances multiple layers of flavor. Beam Suntory’s Chief Blender for Scotch, Calum Fraser, worked tirelessly with Suntory’s blenders, architects of the superbly balanced recipe, to bring this to life. Calling on blend styles of the past when fewer, more characterful malts were blended to create whiskies of distinction, complexity, and depth, ARDRAY intertwines the past and the future.

With inspiration drawn from The Father of Japanese Whisky, Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii, his journey now comes full circle. A hundred years ago, inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, Torii-San envisioned a Japanese approach to create a subtle, refined, yet complex whisky that would suit the delicate palate of the Japanese. With this remarkable blend, we honor Torii’s quest, from a reinterpretation of Scotch for the Japanese palate to ARDRAY: a new, elegant interpretation, designed to celebrate the excellence of blended Scotch Whisky.

Built on the premise that blended whisky is an art form that deserves both respect and reappraisal, we have created ARDRAY to challenge preconceptions. In treating both malt and grain whiskies as equals, we have produced a whisky that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Drawing from just a handful of the finest Scotch distilleries from Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits and our partners at Edrington (owners of The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Highland Park), this is a blended whisky that captures the role of terroir and the production traditions of Scotland’s distilleries that define each of their unique spirit character. 

Calum Fraser

Calum Fraser, Chief Blender for Scotch, comments: “In creating ARDRAY, we have combined an exceptional selection of the very best Scotch whisky has to offer with the inspiring talent of Suntory’s blending team to create something new, refreshing and exciting. The time, care and attention to detail taken to source both malt and grain whiskies from some of Scotland’s most noted distilleries has allowed us to explore hundreds of blends of Scotch malt and grain whiskies to achieve ARDRAY’s optimum balance of multi-layered flavors. Driven by the desire to ensure the true beauty of this blend is greater than the sum of its parts. ARDRAY promises a rich and complex taste, with a distinctive harmony of flavors: a mild, gently floral, and citrusy fruitiness, with a vanilla custard creaminess and a rich, silky mouthfeel and lengthy aftertaste that is unmatched.“

Presented in a bespoke bottle each marked with the year of release, the striking artwork of artist Lia Melia adorns each one, capturing Scotland’s raw beauty. Its richly textured rippling pattern representing malt and grain highlights two fundamental ingredients in Scotch whisky. The unique feel of the glass bottle takes after the free-flowing water of Scotland’s streams and rivers, and the patterns made by the wind blowing across barley fields.

ARDRAY is bottled at 48% alcohol by volume (96 proof) and non-chill filtered to make the most of the full complex character of the whiskies in the blend. It is a malt rich blend of Scottish Malt and Grain Whiskies, blended in annual batches to achieve a unique harmony of flavors – the recipe will be adjusted according to the precise characteristics of the casks used in each batch.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: hints of apple, pear, and plum lying over a soft savory smokiness and hints of oregano and clementine.
• Taste: gentle floral and citrus fruitiness providing a lightness and elegance. As it expands, its vanilla custard creaminess and silkiness come to the fore.
• Mouthfeel: complex, multi-layered, and rich.
• Finish: long-lasting, with a mellow, cushioning sweet smokiness and soft hints of white pepper and oregano.

SRP: $85/700ml.

ARDRAY is now available at select retailers in Los Angeles and New York. 

ABOUT ARDRAY

ARDRAY is a malt-rich blend created using a handful of malts (from no more than 10 distilleries). The aim is only to include the finest and most complex Scotch whiskies, which is why it calls on single malts from the Beam Suntory portfolio (which includes Laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardmore and Glen Garioch), as well as spirits from partners at Edrington (owners of distilleries such as The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Highland Park). 

Combining the unique terroir and long-standing tradition with the precision and artistry of Suntory’s whisky blending in Japan, ARDRAY offers a fresh perspective on the excellence of blended Scotch and tells the story of our quest to reimagine the historic excellence of blended scotch through fresh eyes. ARDRAY, meaning ‘towards the light,’ reflects the guidance of Suntory founder, Shinjiro Torii, and the philosophy of monozukuri craftsmanship: a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to quality.

To make ARDRAY, grain and malt whiskies were blended at precise ratio increments to find the exact point at which the perfect harmony was achieved. For each batch, casks of each type of whisky are blended first to create ‘building blocks’ then minute adjustments (0.1%) to the recipe are made for each batch based on the exact character of each building block, to achieve the same harmony between malt and grain whiskies each time. We retain a proportion of each.

batch – of both the building blocks and the blend as it marries (Solera) – to blend with the next batch and harmonize the flavor of the whisky across the batches.

True appreciation of ARDRAY can also be enhanced further by serving it ‘Off-the-Rocks’ – a fresh perspective on how whisky should be enjoyed – circumventing the old debate over whether to enjoy with ice or water. Poured ‘Off the Rocks’ to achieve the perfect level of chill and dilution by straining the whisky over quality ice. For more information, visit Ardray.com or follow along at @ardraywhisky. 

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden®, and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki®, and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good, and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

September 2023 Auction ENDS TONIGHT – 09.10.23

Featuring over 8,500 rare whiskies, our September auction offers a unique opportunity to bid on some fantastic bottles for your whisky shelf or collection. This month is full of incredibly rare bottles, from a vast collection of Springbank, to iconic 1960s Bowmore, and a 12-bottle original case of Macallan 1938 35 Year Old appearing at our auction for the first time.

Browse our live auction.

Springbank 1966 Local Barley Collection

Willett Family Estate Highlights

Rare 1960s Cadenhead ‘Dumpies’ US Imports

Macallan 1938 G&M 35 Year Old 12 x 75cl / Edward & Edward

Bowmore 1972 Signatory Vintage 36 Year Old

The World’s Oldest Scotch Whisky: 24 November – 04 December

Believed to be distilled in 1833 and the oldest Scotch whisky in the world. this whisky was discovered in the cellars of Blair Castle, in Highland Perthshire. In November 2023, Whisky Auctioneer will have the privilege of presenting 24 individual bottles of Blair Castle c.1833 Scotch Whisky in a historic whisky auction.

Register your interest now and receive exclusive updates, content and more.

Interested in selling in our next auction? Fill out our Seller Form today.

LAPHROAIG

IAN HUNTER – BOOK NO 5: ENDURING SPIRIT

34 Year Old | 70cl | 45.5% ABV

Set into a beautifully crafted book that documents a part of Ian Hunter’s rich legacy. This fifth and final installment tells the tale of the lasting mark Ian left on Laphroaig’s iconic flavour, Whisky making practices and even on subsequent generations of the distillery team. It also features a 34-year-old nonchill filtered Whisky, double matured in a combination of first fill ex-bourbon American Oak barrels and Pedro Ximénez European Oak Hogheads.

£1,299.95

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TASTING NOTES:

NOSE
Lightly peaty with iodine and burnt wood notes. Floral green malt, sweet candyfloss and vanilla fudge, nimble fruit accents of blueberry and raspberry.

TASTE
Sweet and spicy, with the characteristic Laphroaig peaty reek and hints of cold barbecue ash kiln wall. Salted caramel and butterscotch, roast chestnuts, a hint of peach, dried flowers and white pepper.

FINISH
Peaty and malty, with praline notes and lingering sweetness.

Invergordon 

50 Year Old Single Grain

Get ready to indulge in a delightful range of 24 diverse bottlings that are sure to impress even the most selective whisky lover.

This month, we are all about treats and no tricks. Our autumn selection is here to satisfy your whisky cravings and introduce you to new and exciting flavours. From rich and smoky to light and fruity, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

To make things even better, you can find all our spookily good spirits on our website right now. But hurry, these whiskies are disappearing faster than a ghost in the night. Don’t let them vanish from your sight!

BROWSE OCTOBER OUTTURN

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

Glencairn Crystal proudly supports

second Distillers One of One Auction

The Scottish award-winning glassware company, Glencairn Crystal, is proud to support the second edition of the world’s most distinguished ultra-rare whisky auction; The Distillers One of One as a sponsor. The family-run business also created bottles and decanters for 11 of the 39 lots of extraordinary, never-to-be-repeated whiskies from distilleries around Scotland.

The auction will take place at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh on Thursday 5^th October in partnership with Sotheby’s.

Internationally recognised by the industry as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware manufacturers, Glencairn Crystal has over four decades of pioneering expertise in the industry, and its skilled team has hand-crafted nearly a third of all the beautiful vessels containing the whiskies up for auction; ranging from special bottlings to stunning one-of-a-kind bespoke decanters.

Handblown, exquisitely hand-engraved and decorated, many of these decanters hold incredibly unique whiskies from the oldest and rarest casks, spanning decades of whisky history, some over 50 years old. Several of the very special auction lots housed in Glencairn decanters are expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds, and in one case well over £100,000.

The Distillers’ Charity, the philanthropic arm of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, along with Sotheby’s organised the inaugural Distillers One of One auction in 2021 and its record-breaking hammer prices across over 40 different lots raised over £3 million. Over £2.4 million was donated to the Distillers’ Charity, principally to the Youth Action Fund, which aims to help disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

This year’s Distillers One of One auction will again raise money for The Youth Action Fund to transform the life chances of Scottish young people aged between 16 and 25. The Fund’s portfolio of six charity partners each bring their expertise and experience in achieving sustainable employability outcomes with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. These charities include; Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, ENABLE Works, FARE Scotland, Street League and Alcohol Education Trust.

Paul Davidson, Managing Director at Glencairn Crystal said:

‘Glencairn Crystal is proud to support the One of One auction and is delighted to have been asked to create so many of the unique bottles and decanters for the rare whiskies up for auction. We, at Glencairn, are keen to support the aims of the auction in as many ways as we can and wish them well raising money.’

For more details visit: www.glencairncrystal.co.uk  and www.sothebys.com

About Glencairn Crystal:

The award winning Glencairn Crystal Studio has been at the cutting edge of high quality decanter and glassware design, innovation, and creativity for over four decades.

Regarded internationally as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware manufacturers, the family run Scottish company has hand crafted prestigious decanters often for the rarest and most luxurious spirits ever released.

The team of experienced craftspeople at Glencairn Crystal – some with over 30 years experience working with crystal – are world experts in pioneering glassware design techniques and unrivalled in their decoration craftsmanship.

The company also produces The Glencairn Glass, the world’s favourite whisky glass, with over 5 million glasses being sold every year in every corner of the globe.

Deanston launches new Virgin Oak Cask Strength: 2023 Edition

 Batch #1 of the 1^st Virgin Oak Cask Strength release

First filled into American Oak ex-bourbon, before being finished in new American Oak casks for 12 months, this limited-edition release epitomises the distillery’s waxy, signature, house style

Direct from the cask to you – Deanston Distillery, based on the banks of the River Teith in Stirlingshire, has released its latest expression: the first ever batch of Deanston Virgin Oak Cask Strength.

A limited-edition expression, this whisky was first filled in barrels that have previously matured some of the finest American bourbon, for that versatile and uniquely waxy, citrus character that sets Deanston apart. Then finished for 12 months in virgin American oak barrels, all the way from the Kelvin Cooperage in Kentucky.  Finishing in these brand-new, oak casks, delivers intense and robust flavours of warming spices, candied fruit, green apple and citrus, whilst maintaining a perfect balance.

A true representation of Deanston’s unique waxy character and house style, Deanston Virgin Oak Cask Strength has no added colour, is non-chill filtered and packs a punch with an ABV of 58.5%.

This cask strength dram joins the award-winning Deanston Virgin Oak bottling – a much loved, core expression that the distillery has become renowned for.

Master Blender Julieann Fernandez said: “I’m thrilled to be able to share our first ever batch of Virgin Oak Cask Strength with the world. This release was inspired by the time I spend in the iconic former weaving sheds at Deanston, the perfect place for maturing whisky, nosing and tasting our Virgin Oak spirit directly from the cask.”

“As always with Deanston drams, the waxy character is present and coats the mouth beautifully. At cask strength, we are able to showcase bold and complex flavours of Virgin Oak that are perfectly balanced.”

Deanston Virgin Oak Cask Strength is available to purchase globally at selected specialist retailers and www.deanstonmalt.com and has an RRP of £60.

For more information on Deanston, visit https://deanstonmalt.com/

Tasting notes

Colour: Deep Gold

Nose: Intense robust flavours of wood spice, creamy custard and

candied fruit

Palate: Butterscotch, heather honey, crisp green apple and Deanston’s signature waxy character

Finish: Warm spice, with a twist of citrus and a hint of honey

About Deanston:

In 1785, the Adelphi Cotton Mill was established. Employing nearly 1,500 people at its peak, the mill founders saw an opportunity in the trade boom of the 1800s and seized it. With success came expansion, their own currency, and – in 1830 – a lade and one of the biggest waterwheels in Europe were installed, before being replaced by electrical turbines in 1949 – the same turbines we’ve come to rely on today.

When in 1965, the cotton mill of Deanston town closed for good, it seemed the community’s days of trading were over. Enter Brodie Hepburn and his entrepreneurial partners. Seeing potential, where others only saw challenges, the industrious consortium identified a new use for the building, lade, and weaving shed. And so, in 1966, Deanston Distillery opened for business, with the very first bottle of Deanston produced 8 years later, in 1974.

www.deanstonmalt.com

About CVH Spirits

CVH Spirits (formerly Distell International) was borne through partnership, knowledge, expertise, and success of our Distell founders Remgro, a visionary organisation who invest in companies that are positioned to succeed.

Created in 1997, CVH has spent the last 25 years as a pioneering investment company and one of the original ‘owner’ companies involved since the 2010 merger of Stellenbosch Farmer Winery and Distillers Corp.

With the changes in the Distell Group ownership, it has opened up a number of opportunities for the business, its people and the industry as a whole. CVH Spirits will remain a pioneering, stable business focussing primarily on the premium spirits sector.

Our desire to grow requires vision and focus but most importantly tenacity and exceptional talent. Our people are our legacy and our future. A remarkable group of people with a shared goal for lifting spirits and creating connections.

CVH is part of this legacy, and it stands for something special, something we all believe in…

C V H Spirits Collaborative | Visionary | Human

Our award winning brands include: Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Tobermory and Ledaig Single Malts. Scottish Leader and Black Bottle blended whiskies. Additionally, we are the international distribution partner for Amarula, select Distell export wine brands and the UK distributor of Angostura.

Wyoming Whiskey Introduces National Parks No. 3 and The Grand Limited-Edition Bourbons in Support of Grand Teton National Park Foundation

The Wyoming-based whiskey brand remains true to its commitment to protect America’s wide open spaces with its third National Parks limited release.

Kirby, WY (Sept. 21, 2023) –  Wyoming Whiskey announces the release of National Parks No. 3 and The Grand bourbon whiskies, marking the third iteration of its National Parks collection. The distinct Fall 2023 bourbon releases will pay tribute to Grand Teton National Park and support the park’s philanthropic partner, Grand Teton National Park Foundation (GTNPF) in their continued efforts to preserve natural and cultural resources, and enhance the national park experience for generations to come.

This year’s release features National Parks No.3, a straight Bourbon Whiskey which is aged for a minimum of five years and is inspired by the winding Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. Also included in the release is The Grand collection, which is made up of three unique single barrel rye bourbons, each aged ten years, and deemed to be exceptional at their natural barrel strength. With the release of these two new bottles, Wyoming Whiskey will be making a donation of $150,000 to Grand Teton National Park Foundation.

For Wyoming Whiskey co-founders, Brad & Kate Mead and David DeFazio, Grand Teton National Park plays a pivotal role in their lives. The Meads historically used parts of Grand Teton National Park land for their annual cattle drive, a vital part of their ranching business based in Jackson, WY. DeFazio is also an avid outdoorsman, and visits the park year-round for fishing, hiking, skiing and more. All to say, Grand Teton is part of the Wyoming Whiskey identity which makes this year’s partnership with GTNPF so meaningful.

“My attachment to Grand Teton National Park is deep and visceral, as I have enjoyed some of the finest days of my ranch life in the park,” said Kate Mead who is also a founding member of the GTNPF board of directors. “Supporting the Foundation is a simple way to show our appreciation for all that the park has meant to our family, and to Wyoming Whiskey.”

 “It is an honor for Wyoming Whiskey to be able to give back to the park and help to protect this beautiful land in our own backyard— a place so close to our hearts,” said Wyoming Whiskey Co-Founder David DeFazio.

“Grand Teton National Park Foundation is grateful for Wyoming Whiskey’s incredible support,” said Leslie Mattson, President of the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. “Their vision and commitment to national park conservation will help continue our work to steward, protect, and enhance all that is special in Grand Teton.”

Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 3 is the third annual release to honor our nation’s revered outdoor spaces. The label is inspired by the winding Snake River located in the 310,000 acre Grand Teton National Park. The whiskey itself subdues the more floral notes of last year’s National Parks No. 2 edition, and plays to the granite ruggedness of the Tetons. National Parks No. 3 is a 105 proof bourbon with a suggested retail price of $79.99 in select US markets as well as online marketplaces including ReserveBar.

Wyoming Whiskey’s The Grand collection is made up of three different 10-year-old single barrels that Master Blender Nancy Fraley identified as some of the best whiskey she has come across at the brand’s rickhouses in remote Kirby, Wyoming. Originating from the November and December 2011 Rye Bourbon stock at the distillery, Fraley originally discovered these exceptional barrels as she was working on the 10 Year Anniversary Edition blend in 2022. The barrels’ special character and quality led Fraley and the distillery team to bottle each one as individual single barrel bourbons within The Grand collection.

As a result, The Grand collection consists of three distinct offerings with each label showcasing the peak of The Grand Teton during the Fall, Winter or Spring. Each bottle will be sold within a beautiful wooden display box which is inspired by the peaks of the Grand Teton Mountain Range.  There are less than 400 bottles of The Grand available in select markets in WY, CA, CO and NY, each available for a suggested retail price of $499.99.

Wyoming Whiskey has donated over $400,000 to protect our nation’s national parks through its National Parks series. Last year, Wyoming Whiskey released National Parks No. 2 in partnership with Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. The collaboration celebrated Yellowstone National Park’s 150th anniversary and contributed over $150,000 to Yellowstone Forever. The Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 2 bottle was the second collectible limited-edition release in the ongoing series which debuted in April 2021, with the National Parks Limited Edition American Whiskey bottle. The inaugural release of Wyoming Whiskey’s National Parks series contributed over $120,000 to the National Park Foundation in 2021.

As always, Wyoming Whiskey is distilled from the ground up— the right way, not the easy way. All grains are grown in Wyoming and are non-GMO. The water used to produce Wyoming Whiskey is sourced from a local limestone aquifer that has not seen the light of day in over 6,000 years.

Sign up to become a Whiskey Baron to receive the latest news and special offers from Wyoming Whiskey. For daily updates, follow Wyoming Whiskey on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

About Wyoming Whiskey—The Whiskey of the West

Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has had a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. That goal has evolved to include all whiskies. The company and their products are a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them, and their whiskey.  They use the finest corn, winter wheat, winter rye, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources.  Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming. To learn more, visit http://www.wyomingwhiskey.com.

About Grand Teton National Park Foundation

Grand Teton National Park Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to partner with Grand Teton National Park to steward, protect, and enhance all that is special in the park. The Foundation initiates improvements, critical research, and projects that improve visitors’ experiences, creating a solid future for Grand Teton. Since 1997, the organization has raised over $100 million to engage young and diverse audiences in the outdoors, preserve cultural resources, protect wildlife and natural resources, and capital projects such as construction of the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, a $23 million campaign to preserve the 640-acre Antelope Flats parcel, the Inspiring Journeys campaign for Jenny Lake, and the purchase and protection of the last privately-held acre on the Mormon Row Historic District.

Christmas (although we’re not quite there yet!) is a time to indulge in the good life and revel in the magic of the season. From the enjoyment of decadent treats to the sound of laughter and joy, Christmas is all about coming together and enjoying each other’s company. So, let’s unwrap the magic and kick back with this EXQUISITE dram,

METICULOUSLY MESMERISING

Cask No. 35.381

Age: 31 years

Cask: Second Fill Oloroso Hogshead

DISCOVER MORE

The subtle scent of a nutty sponge cake moistened in a light lemony syrup, topped with pastry cream, walnuts and cinnamon combined with a glass of orange muscat, wafted through the air to mesmerising effect. The taste was that of a Waldorf salad made with rocket for a peppery bite and topped with toasted walnuts and juicy grapes enveloped in a creamy lemony dressing. Following reduction, we found Christmas spices, stem ginger, walnut cake and a sweet espresso on the nose. On the palate, marzipan and apple tart with caramel sauce. Following 27 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, we transferred this whisky into a second fill oloroso hogshead.

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