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Norm The IT Guy joins Adam in the Studio to put an end once and for all to the discussion of which whiskymaking nation is supreme. Well, not actually – but we compare a few drams and make a few discoveries along the way.
Trailblazing new light shines in scotch whisky as Port Ellen distillery is reborn
Diageo’s iconic “ghost” distillery returns after 40 years, re-envisioned to push the boundaries of whisky experimentation
Port Ellen, Islay, 19 March 2024 – In a landmark moment for Scotch whisky, Port Ellen Distillery, on the world-famous whisky island of Islay, reopened today with a bold vision to be a trailblazing light for the future of whisky distillation.
Perhaps the most legendary of all the so-called “ghost” distilleries that closed in Scotland more than 40 years ago, the rebirth of Port Ellen has been eagerly anticipated across the global whisky community. Port Ellen represents the final chapter in the £185 million investment by parent company Diageo, which has also seen the reopening of the other famous “ghost” distillery Brora, as well as investment in the company’s Scotch whisky visitor experiences.
Drawing on Port Ellen’s extraordinary heritage as one of the most pioneering distilleries of the 19th Century, the new distillery has been designed from the ground up to push the boundaries of innovation, experimentation and sustainability.
The striking new distillery building features ultra-modern design with an unobstructed line of sight through the glass stillhouse to the stunning coastline of Islay, across the bay to Carraig Fhada lighthouse.
At the heart of the distillery are two pairs of copper stills. The first pair – The Phoenix Stills – are precise replicas of the original Port Ellen stills and will distil the classic smoky liquid that has made Port Ellen single malt one of the most highly sought after whiskies in the world. The second pair – The Experimental Stills – will take the art and science of whisky exploration to levels of precision never before seen in Scotch whisky distillation.
The Experimental Stills are linked to a signature Ten Part Spirit Safe –a truly innovative piece of distilling equipment – that allows the Port Ellen whisky makers unprecedented opportunity for experimentation. While standard distillery spirit safes allow for three cuts of the spirit run – the head, the heart and the tails – the Port Ellen Ten Part Spirit Safe allows multiple cuts to be drawn from the heart of the run, accessing previously unexplored flavours and characters, and takes the whisky-making art to new levels of intricacy and complexity. The distillery has a dedicated on-site laboratory and a full-time laboratory technician to analyse and catalogue the new experimental whiskies that emerge.
Ewan Andrew, Diageo President of Global Supply Chain & Procurement, and Chief Sustainability Officer, officially announced the opening during a ceremony at the distillery. He said:
“This is a landmark moment for Diageo and for Scotch Whisky. Port Ellen is rooted in the land and the people of Islay, yet it is a name that resonates around the world as a watchword for quality single malt Scotch whisky.
“Port Ellen has a proud heritage of leading innovation and experimentation and we have been true to that legacy in the reborn Port Ellen, creating a distillery grounded in tradition but prepared to be a trailblazing new light in the firmament of the Scotch whisky universe.”
Ali McDonald, Master Distiller at Port Ellen said of the return:
“It is an honour to take up this new position at the helm of an iconic distillery and build on Port Ellen’s pioneering past. Port Ellen holds a very special place in the hearts of passionate whisky aficionados, and to see spirit flow off these stills once again is an incredible moment for the Islay community and wider whisky world. We are deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of Scotch through experimentation. I’m excited to see what we can now create.”
Aimée Morrison, Port Ellen Master Blender, spoke of the future of the distillery and its whisky:
“Port Ellen will be defined as a distillery that will push boundaries, with our on-site laboratory giving us the opportunity to delve into scientific research, offering us a deeper look into this Islay malt. We will better understand how the nuanced flavours from cask-to-cask shine in different ways; with the rolling smoke weaving its way through the heart of Port Ellen. Collectively we will endeavour to maintain the undeniable quality of Port Ellen, create whiskies for the future and take the amazing opportunity to learn as much as we can about the enigma of smoke.”
From today, Port Ellen Gemini, a new special release to celebrate the rebirth of the trailblazing Islay distillery, is available to purchase. Presented in spectacular crystal decanters, Port Ellen Gemini presents twin 44-Year-Old Scotch Whiskies, drawn from three exceptional 1978 European oak casks.
Port Ellen distillery will welcome the whisky community, connoisseurs, collectors and invited guests to experience the wonders of the new distillery. Available to book from June, the experiences range from a full day private immersion for connoisseurs, to shorter introductions to the production process. Port Ellen will also open its doors on the first Saturday of every month for anyone on Islay to visit and witness Port Ellen spirit be crafted once again.
The distillery brand home also features works by award winning artists, including multiple Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (of which Diageo is a long-term supporter) scholars Lucy May Schofield, Fung + Bedford, Eleanor Lakelin, and Harry Morgan, Daniel Brophy and Object studio.
About Port Ellen:
Port Ellen distillery was established in 1825. In 1836 management of the distillery was taken on by John Ramsay, who became a legendary figure on Islay and throughout the Scotch whisky industry for his pioneering approach. Under Ramsay’s guidance Port Ellen became an early single malt to be exported to the United States in 1865. He was also associated with experimenting in continuous distillation techniques at the distillery, experimenting with the use of early spirit safe technology and pioneering the bonded warehouse system, cementing Port Ellen’s reputation for innovation. Ramsay also contributed significantly to the development of Islay, extending and improving the pier at Port Ellen for the benefit of the whole island. Upon his death in 1892 ownership of the distillery passed to John’s wife Lucy Ramsay, who was a pioneering woman in Scotch whisky, running the distillery until her death in 1906. The Ramsay Halls in Port Ellen are named in commemoration of John and his family. In the course of the 20th Century the distillery became part of Distillers Company Ltd and closed in 1983 at the same time as many across Scotland because of a falling demand. In 2017, Diageo announced plans to bring Port Ellen, and its fellow “ghost” distillery Brora, back into production. Brora was reawakened in 2021.
About Port Ellen Gemini:
Port Ellen Gemini will be available in selected markets with a recommended retail selling price of £45,000 (inclusive of duties and taxes in the UK). Port Ellen Gemini Original has an ABV of 54.9% and Port Ellen Gemini Remnant has an ABV of 53.6%.
About Port Ellen Distillery Experiences
PORT ELLEN OPEN DAYS
● Port Ellen will hold an open day on the first Saturday of every month to ensure that passionate followers from around the world will have a chance to see inside the re-envisioned distillery and witness Port Ellen spirit be crafted once again.
● This will be a chance to meet the team, see inside the still house and learn of the latest experiments that have taken place.
● Running from June 2024, dates will be released up to a year ahead, bookable online. This will be a complimentary experience.
The Port Ellen Reborn experience is for those looking to learn more about the incredible production process at this cutting-edge distillery.
● New insights will be unearthed into the world of Scotch with guests having the opportunity to draw Port Ellen liquid direct from historic casks, experience a tasting in the warehouse as well as nosing experimental new make spirit, making it possible to glimpse the innovation at the distillery.
● A public tour accommodating up to twelve guests, it is a 90-minute experience priced at £200pp. Available to book online.
THE ATLAS OF SMOKE EXPERIENCE AT PORT ELLEN
● The Atlas of Smoke is Port Ellen’s mission to push the boundaries of experimentation in Scotch Whisky by investigating the mysterious flavours and dimensions of smoke. This experience offers Port Ellen devotees a next level immersion with a personalised guided tour by the experts on the ground.
● Guests will taste the stunning new Port Ellen Gemini twin whiskies, as well as draw direct from an historic cask, nose some of our experimental new make spirit and savour an additional dram.
● This private tour allows up to eight guests for a full day and is bookable only via the Diageo Private Client team which you can send an enquiry on via the website.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice
Old Pulteney Introduces Old Pulteney Harbour
The Latest Addition to its Multi Award-Winning Portfolio
Hailing from its northerly home in the Scottish Highlands, Old Pulteney Harbour is the new single malt Scotch whisky from Old Pulteney
Celebrating Old Pulteney’s connection to the sea, this delightful single malt is the perfect gateway whisky to your voyage with Old Pulteney
This easy-to-drink Scotch whisky introduces drinkers to the coastal character of The Maritime Malt
Matured in a quartet of hand-selected American oak casks, Old Pulteney Harbour is exclusively available to purchase via Tesco (UK stores and online)
Old Pulteney, The Maritime Malt, has today introduced the newest addition to its portfolio, Old Pulteney Harbour – available to buy exclusively at Tesco stores across the UK and online.
Tradition meets modernity with Old Pulteney Harbour. Whilst still taking on the same careful craftsmanship and process that gives The Maritime Malt its coastal character, the portfolio’s latest addition brings something new and vibrant to the brand’s multi award-winning collection.
Taking its name from the point which joins Old Pulteney’s hometown of Wick to the North Sea, Old Pulteney Harbour celebrates the brand’s connection to the sea. The easy-to-drink single malt introduces whisky drinkers to the character Old Pulteney is renowned for with the warm, welcoming flavours representing the beginnings of a new journey for whisky fans wanting to take a voyage with Old Pulteney.
This approachable whisky is matured by the sea in a quartet of hand-selected fine American oak ex-bourbon casks, each imparting unique flavour profiles and cocooned by the sea air of the remote coastal distillery. Second fill barrels, re-charred barrels, first fill ex-bourbon barrels and refill barrels are married together to create this vibrant whisky.
The bright gold whisky is deliciously fragrant with notes of creamy vanilla and coconut up front, followed by rich citrus of marmalade and tangerines, lemon drizzle cake sweetness and a spicy undertone of fresh oak. With an ABV of 40%, sweet tones of raisins and tropical fruits are perfectly balanced with darker tones of hot toffee and fresh tobacco leaf. The finish grows with rich fruit and spice to eventually turn into Old Pulteney’s signature mellow sea brine.
Malcolm Waring, Distillery Manager at Old Pulteney, said: “We’re very pleased to introduce Old Pulteney Harbour, our most approachable whisky yet. Old Pulteney has always been influenced by its home by the sea on the Caithness Coast, and Old Pulteney Harbour beautifully balances that powerful tradition with the smooth vibrancy of this welcoming whisky.”
Old Pulteney Harbour retails at £34 and is available to purchase across the UK exclusively at Tesco.
For more information on Old Pulteney, and Old Pulteney Harbour, please visit https://www.oldpulteney.com/
About Old Pulteney:
Old Pulteney is the only brand whose story, distillery, and whisky are shaped by the sea itself. The unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection makes its flavour unlike other single malt Scotch whiskies. The award-winning core collection, revitalised for the modern market in 2018, includes: Harbour, 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old, and 25 Years Old.
As the man behind the town’s 19th Century fishing boom, Sir William Pulteney put northerly Scottish coastal town Wick on the map, but today the Pulteney name is better known for its unique, single malt whisky. Distilled and matured by the sea, the award-winning whisky in our casks is cocooned by salty air swept ashore on Arctic winds. Since 1826, Pulteney Distillery has navigated changeable seas and conditions, including 25 years of prohibition. Old Pulteney is inseparable from the spirit of the harbour town it calls home which is why it will always be The Maritime Malt.
Instagram: @oldpulteneymalt
INTRODUCING
We are delighted to announce the launch of The Macallan Horizon, a sophisticated and bold single malt whisky. Building on our established relationship with Bentley Motors, The Macallan Horizon is an expertly crafted single malt whisky presented in a visionary horizontal vessel. It encapsulates the rich heritage of both The Macallan and Bentley Motors and our shared vision for the future.
Challenging the conventions of traditional whisky bottling and showcasing an unrivalled level of creativity, the vessel’s twist motif symbolises our extraordinary journey as we travel to the future.
The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell sought to capture the essence of a Bentley motorcar through the creation of a sophisticated and bold single malt whisky. Kirsteen painstakingly selected six first-fill sherry seasoned oak casks that exuded the right intensity of flavour, texture and natural colour. An extraordinary meeting of The Macallan’s signature style with Bentley’s timeless quality and design, this single malt is a true stimulation of the senses through taste and texture.
“I was specifically looking for resinous polished oak and fresh leather notes, to complement our classic rich dried fruits and warm spice notes. Bringing together the worlds of The Macallan and Bentley.”
KIRSTEEN CAMPBELL
The Macallan Master Whisky Maker
Designed and created in collaboration with Bentley Motors, The Macallan Horizon’s horizontal vessel defies traditional vertical whisky bottle aesthetics. Inspired by the horizontal trajectory of the automotive world, The Macallan Horizon represents a fusion of tradition and innovation, paying homage to the rich heritage of both The Macallan and Bentley Motors while embracing a forward-looking vision for the future.
Please savour The Macallan responsibly, don’t drink and drive.
The Macallan Distillery Experience, The Macallan Distillers Ltd, Easter Elchies, Craigellachie, Moray, AB38 9RX, Scotland, +44 (0)1340 318 000
Made in Speyside
This new and exclusive series features eight single cask whiskies selected by Chivas Brothers and The Whisky Exchange to showcase some of Speyside’s great distilleries. Each one has been bottled at a point where distillery character and the influence of ageing are in perfect balance.
Exceptional single malts, bottled at the perfect moment in their maturation. These limited-edition whiskies provide a snapshot of Speyside at the turn of the millennium. Exclusively at The Whisky Exchange.
Castle & Key Restoration Rye “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #3583 Barrel Proof Straight Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml) $64.99 View
Jack Daniel’s “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #24-00240 Cask Strength Tennessee Whiskey (750ml) $74.99 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
BALLANTINE’S AND RZA TURN UP THE HEAT WITH FLYING GOOSE SRIRACHA SAUCE
For the final drop in their partnership, Ballantine’s Scotch whisky and RZA spice things up with a mouth-tingling hot sauce, created with Flying Goose.
Wu-Tang Clan frontman, RZA, and Ballantine’s, the world’s second-largest Scotch whisky, have joined forces to launch a tongue-tingling, Ballantine’s-inspired hot sauce, made in collaboration with Flying Goose, the home of the original sriracha chilli sauce.
The partnership between the pair, which has so far seen the launch of a bespoke Crosley record player and speaker, and a fashion collaboration with Japanese streetwear brand NEIGHBORHOOD, is all about celebrating doing things your own way and going against the grain. RZA is now bringing the Scotch whisky and cult hot sauce, Flying Goose, together to create an unexpected condiment inspired by his passion for Asian food and culture, showing there’s really no wrong way to fuse your favourite flavours.
To create the hot sauce, Flying Goose took inspiration from Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel – a blended Scotch whisky aged for a minimum of seven years – resulting in a unique alcohol-free condiment reminiscent of the unmistakable taste of the Scotch, whilst keeping the heat of the brand’s iconic sriracha. The final product is a taste sensation of soft red apples, intermingled with ripe pear and creamy caramel, combined to create a bold flavoured sriracha sauce that will tantalise your taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef who regularly cooks up a storm in the kitchen or looking for ways to upgrade your takeaway, the limited edition vegan hot sauce is the perfect spicy sidekick to transform any dish. Mix it with a creamy tofu ramen like RZA’s secret speciality, use it as a dip for your favourite corn fritters or to spice up your fried chicken.
When asked about the partnership, RZA said:
“I’m vegan and I like to get extra creative with how I make and cook food, experimenting with bold flavours, textures and ingredients. I’m bringing Ballantine’s and Flying Goose together to break the mould of what incredible flavour should taste like, to bring something truly original, surprising and unexpected to the world. This condiment is a one-of-a-kind fusion, and I can’t wait for everyone to try it on different recipes at home.”
Paul-André Vacheron, Ballantine’s Marketing Director at Chivas Brothers adds:
“The final drop in our series with RZA is – quite literally – our hottest yet, blending the unexpected to create something truly against the norm. Much like the process of making whisky, we’ve gone to great lengths to ensure the blend and balance of flavours in this new Ballantine’s-inspired hot sauce hit all the right notes. We look forward to seeing people get creative with their sriracha – because there’s no wrong way to experiment with individual taste.”
Jittiporn Jantarach, CEO of Flying Goose, says:
“As a fan of Scotch whisky, I was delighted to have the opportunity to work with Ballantine’s and RZA to blend our unique skills and create a limited-edition sriracha hot sauce that is unlike any other. Try it in your favourite recipes to discover distinct tasting notes of soft red apples, ripe pears and creamy caramel – all with a Scotch-inspired kick.”
To get your hands on the limited-edition RZA Presents: Ballantine’s x Flying Goose Sriracha Sauce, with an RRP of £4.99, visit Sous Chef, Amazon.co.uk and www.Ballantines.com/RZA.
Ballantine’s has also partnered with Uber Eats to offer London-based fans a chance to snap up a bottle of the limited-edition spicy hot sauce. From 14th November, and for a limited time only, customers purchasing from five ramen restaurants** across London will receive a free bottle of the spicy condiment to celebrate its release.
For more information on Ballantine’s partnership with RZA, and to be the first to hear about exclusive content and future drops, visit www.Ballantines.com/RZA or follow @Ballantines on Instagram.
This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.
There’s just a few more short days to wait until the next release of The Hearach Single Malt Whisky!
Batch No.s 09 / 10 / 11 / 12
TUESDAY 26TH OF MARCH 2024
10.00 GMT
All batches will be on sale through our online store and at the distillery shop here in Tarbert that morning while stocks last. You can also buy bottles from our network of specialist retailers and independent stores across the UK from that date as well.
Our global friends can also find this new release of batches as they begin appearing in their countries from this month onwards.
We shared some kind words from the whisky writing world last week, and here’s a few more!
“The dram is so delicious…”
Joel Harrison, Club Oenologique
“Ultimately it’s delicious, moreish and sweet, with grassy and herbal notes and a thread of smoke”
Rosalind Erskine, The Scotsman
“It’s got a subtle smokiness that adds both complexity and texture…Although it’s youthful, it’s never overly exuberant or flat…In fact, there’s a lot going on here…”
Kristiane Sherry, whisky writer
“It’s easy going, very moreish, sippable and disappears quickly. It has all the hallmarks of an accessible whisky too – biscuits and key lime pie. What’s not to like?”
Dougie Crystal, Dramface
We’re also delighted to share the tasting notes from the next four forthcoming batches, each provided by our fellow islanders who sat down with us for a dram and a chat earlier this week.
Scroll down to read more and if you like what you see then please join us next Tuesday to buy a bottle (or 4!)….
Le gach deagh dhùrachd,
Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller
CASK TRADE NAMED AS ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING COMPANIES IN EUROPE
Cask Trade has been listed in the Financial Times 1000 fastest-growing companies in Europe.
The London-based cask whisky business is ranked 146th in the prestigious FT1000 list published this month (March).
Cask Trade is a cask whisky merchant for collectors, enthusiasts and independent trade bottlers and is the only cask focussed business to be recognised in the annual list.
Ranking Europe’s most promising companies exhibiting the highest levels of absolute growth and compound annual growth, the FT1000 report is published by the Financial Times in partnership with research company Statista.
As well as ranking within the top 15% of all companies in Europe, Cask Trade comes in as the 4th highest overall in the Food and Beverage sector and is ranked 29th highest of the UK businesses.
Commenting on the achievement, founder and CEO Simon Aron says: “It’s extremely rewarding for myself and the team to be recognised in the FT1000 list among the fastest-growing companies in Europe.
“In 2021 we opened in Asia with an office in Hong Kong. In 2024 we celebrate our fifth year and we are now proud to be selling casks of whisky and other fine spirits on every continent around the world,’ says Simon.
The FT1000 ranking comes hot the heels of Cask Trade being named as one of the UK’s most innovative new businesses when it was placed 24th in the StartUps 100 2024 index and follows a 21st position listing in the 2023 Sunday Times Hundred fastest-growing private companies in Britain.
Despite difficult trading conditions over the last few years, Cask Trade continues to grow its team and customers.
Recently celebrating their 5th anniversary, which will be marked by a tasting event in June, Cask Trade also offers market leading services including Auction Your Cask (founded in 2020) – the world’s first online auction platform for cask whisky and other cask spirits – and Regent Street Cask Bottlers (founded 2021) – a bottling service for cask owners looking to bottle their casks.
The FT1000 ranking, compiled with German research company Statista, showcases those European companies that have grown fastest. They are listed in order of highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue over the period 2019 to 2022. This year, a minimum average growth rate of 36.3 per cent required for inclusion.
To view the full FT1000 list visit: https://www.ft.com/ft1000-2024
ABOUT CASK TRADE:
Founded in 2018 by Simon Aron in partnership with several of the world’s foremost whisky masters, including Keeper of the Quaich Colin Hampden-White, Cask Trade buys and sells exceptional cask whiskies.
The company is unique because it owns all the casks it sells, giving the customer 100% transactional guarantee. Cask Trade only sells whole casks: it is not a whisky cask broker and it does not offer fractional sales.
A passionate whisky collector for more than 20 years, Simon Aron suffered many false promises from whisky investment companies and this drove his ambition to create a real and trustworthy marketplace for whisky collectors and investors, and bottlers:
The company’s casks are held in the best HMRC bonded warehouses, regularly visited and approved by Cask Trade whisky masters. All stock holdings have a complete paper trail.
• Delivery orders from supplier to Cask Trade
• Invoices for transfer of ownership, storage insurance, re-gauging, sampling or movement
• HMRC-issued WOWGR (warehouse keepers, warehouse premises, owner of goods and registered consigners): a fully regulated and closely monitored license requiring due diligence on suppliers as well as customers.
• HMRC-issued AWRS Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme: Licenced to wholesale, bottle and retail.
Included in its extensive list of customer services, Cask Trade’s rigorous processes means that the company will guarantee to buy back from its clients the casks they buy from and have had managed by Cask Trade.
It also offers:
• Regular sampling and re-gauging of casks
• Re-racking (sherry wine, port etc)
• Estimates of bottles and strength in cask (effects of angels’ share 0ver years of maturations)
• Financial modelling for each cask based on age and rarity with estimated % returns
• Costings for bottling, labelling and shipping (duty & tax)
• Regularly updated cask ownership guide which includes statistics from two authoritative third parties (independent of Cask Trade)
• Cask Trade will arrange for clients to receive samples of their whiskies and visit their barrels(s), upon request – wherever possible.
Cask Trade started the first live auction website dedicated to exceptional whisky casks: auctionyourcask.com.
Hosted four times a year and helping private owners/investors sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy, wherever possible.
Cask Trade validate all the sellers and confirm proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and no sellers’ fee customers receive the actual hammer price. The low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy rare casks.
