Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at one of the ‘axis of evil’ distilleries. Has it changed? Will it be promoted? Watch and find out!

The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 527 

Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

Deanston Virgin Oak 46.3% Deanston 2007 (12 year old) ‘Calvados Cask Finish’ 57.4%

Deanston ‘Dragon’s Milk’ Stout Cask Finish 50.5%

Deanston ‘The Union Exclusive’ 2004 (15 year old) Pedro Ximinex Finish 55.7%

Deanston Hand Filled at the Distillery 58.9%

Bunnahabhain unveils annual 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2023 release 

Bunnahabhain Distillery has launched its third annual small-batch 12 Year Old cask strength release 

Bottled at cask strength, the expression showcases the classic unpeated sherried house style that Bunnahabhain is infamous for. 

A limited edition expression, it offers whisky lovers the chance to experience a taste of Bunnahabhain whisky in its purest form. 

Bunnahabhain Distillery has revealed its third annual small-batch cask strength release: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2023 Edition.

Matured on the remote, north-eastern coastline of Islay, and produced using natural spring water from the Margadale spring, the 2023 edition of 12-Year-Old Cask Strength is an undiluted celebration of the distillery’s popular unpeated sherried house style, synonymous with the Islay based distillery.

Following on from the success of the 2021 and 2022 editions, this release is a nod to Bunnahabhain’s 12 Year Old signature expression. It has been matured in a selection of first and second-fill oloroso sherry casks, before being balanced by a touch of bourbon with each cask being carefully selected by Master Blender, Julieann Fernandez.

At cask strength, the intensity naturally varies from batch to batch. This year’s release has an ABV of 60.1%, compared to 56.6% of 2022 and 55.1% of 2021. Retaining the beautiful flavours developed from the sherry casks during maturation, the 2023 release offers a fruitier dram than its predecessors, with notes of stone fruits and figs, followed by lingering hints of vanilla that complement the finish.

Commenting on the release, Julieann Fernandez said: “I’m really proud of this year’s 12 Year Old Cask Strength release. Even bigger and even bolder than its predecessors, with an ABV of 60.1%, it epitomises everything that Bunnahabhain is known for: unpeated, sherried and full of intense flavour, offering big hits of roasted nuts and cinnamon spice in every dram.

“Bunnahabhain is a robust and complex spirit – unpeated and oily but with sweet notes of dried fruits and cereal, and it means that the spirit can really take on the big flavour profiles that come from the full maturation in the sherry casks.

“Our Bunnahabhain fans span all across the world and it means a lot to us that we can offer them that unforgettable experience of trying a dram straight from the cask – even if you aren’t able to do it in person in our infamous Warehouse 9!”

Bunnahabhain’s 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2023 expression is available to purchase at the distillery or bunnahabhain.com. Priced at £85, the expression is non-chill filtered, allowing whisky lovers to enjoy as nature intended.

For more information, visit https://bunnahabhain.com/

Tasting notes

Colour: Deep mahogany

Nose: Floral and nutty with notes of marzipan, hazelnut, almond cream and morello cherries.

Palate: Roasted nuts and spice lead the way with cinnamon and cloves, fading to reveal soft notes of butterscotch, toffee, sultanas and a gentle hint of coffee.

Finish: Lingering notes of cloves, hazelnut and cocoa.

NEW LOST LANTERN FALL SINGLE CASK COLLECTION FEATURES

TOP-REQUESTED DISTILLERY PARTNERS

WEYBRIDGE, VT (September 13, 2023)— Independent bottler Lost Lantern is ushering in autumn with the release of its Fall 2023 Single Cask Collection, showcasing five new single casks from some of America’s most sought-after distilleries. This seasonal release spotlights whiskies from four returning Lost Lantern partners, all fan favorites: Balcones Distilling (TX), Smooth Ambler (WV), New Riff (KY), and Corbin Cash (CA). It also includes Lost Lantern’s first release from its most-requested new partner, Andalusia Whiskey Co. (TX).

Beginning September 27th, the Fall 2023 Single Cask Collection will be available for sale online at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com. Select releases will also be available in California in limited quantities. All offerings are non-chill-filtered, bottled at natural cask strength, and feature transparent labeling highlighting the source distillery.

• Lost Lantern Balcones Distilling Texas Single Malt Finished in a Peated Whiskey Cask (241 Btls | 120.4 Proof) SRP: $100
• Lost Lantern Smooth Ambler West Virginia Straight Bourbon (87 Btls | 121.4 Proof) SRP: $100
• Lost Lantern New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon (196 Btls | 116.2 Proof) SRP: $90
• Lost Lantern Corbin Cash California Straight Rye Whiskey 7 Years Old (146 Btls | 129.8 Proof) SRP: $120
• Lost Lantern Andalusia Whiskey Co. Triple Distilled Texas Single Malt (177 Btls | 105.2 Proof) SRP: $100

“The Fall 2023 collection is actually one that is deeply rooted in our customer’s desires,” explains cofounder Nora Ganley-Roper. “Our mission of shining a light on distilleries from across the country doesn’t end the first time we’ve released a whiskey from a distillery. Inspired by direct feedback, this collection revisits four of our most sought-after previous distillery partners—Balcones, Smooth Ambler, New Riff, and Corbin Cash—and introduces a much-requested newcomer: Andalusia Whiskey Co.”

Single casks are an essential piece of the Lost Lantern model, inspired by the long tradition of independent bottlers in Scotland. With the introduction of the 2023 Fall Collection, Lost Lantern has released 49 one-of-a-kind single casks from 24 of the most exciting distilleries in the United States since their debut in October 2020.

LOST LANTERN FALL 2023 SINGLE CASK COLLECTION

Lost Lantern Balcones Distilling Texas Single Malt Finished in a Peated Whiskey Cask

(241 Btls | 120.4 Proof) SRP: $100

Made from 100% Golden Promise malted barley, this whiskey was aged for 3 years in new oak and then finished for an additional 20 months in a cask that previously held peated single malt, imparting a distinct smoky flavor     . A follow-up to the April 2023 release of Lost Lantern Gentle Giant Balcones Distilling Texas Single Malt, named “Best American Single Malt” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Lost Lantern Smooth Ambler West Virginia Straight Bourbon

(87 Btls | 121.4 Proof) SRP: $100

Distilled and aged in the West Virginia hills, this straight bourbon whiskey was made from Smooth Ambler’s high-rye bourbon mashbill. Aged in a 53-gallon char 4 cask for 6 years, it is rich and spicy, with hints of orange, dark chocolate, and butterscotch. A follow-up to two 2022 Lost Lantern releases of Smooth Ambler’s wheated bourbon, both long sold out.

Lost Lantern New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon    

(196 Btls | 116.2 Proof) SRP: $90

New Riff brings a new lens to centuries of Kentucky bourbon tradition. Made from 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, this was aged for 4 years in a 53-gallon Char 4 ISC Cooper’s Select barrel. Rich baking spice on the nose and a full and rounded palate with hints of black cherry, dried ginger, and dark chocolate. A follow-up and fascinating comparison point to Lost Lantern’s recent release of a New Riff bourbon aged in a Char 1 barrel.

Lost Lantern Corbin Cash California Straight Rye Whiskey 7 Years Old

(146 Btls | 129.8 Proof) SRP: $120

Corbin Cash’s grain-to-glass whiskies, made by the Souza family, reflect the bounty and warmth of California’s Central Valley, one of the world’s great agricultural regions. Distilled from 100% estate-grown Merced rye and aged for 7 years in a 53-gallon barrel with an unusual level 5 char, this has rich, sweet, bold spice notes, like a carrot cake with walnuts and almond cream. A follow-up to Lost Lantern’s March 2023 release of another 7-year-old Corbin Cash rye, which won a Double Gold and was a finalist for Best Rye at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Lost Lantern Andalusia Whiskey Co. Triple Distilled Texas Single Malt

(177 Btls | 105.2 Proof) SRP: $100

This is Lost Lantern’s first release from Andalusia, a rising star in American single malt and their most requested partner. It is also one of the only ways to get Andalusia’s whiskey outside of Texas. This whiskey was made from 100% malted barley and distilled three times on a handmade copper pot still. Aged in new oak for 3 years, it is Lost Lantern’s first triple-distilled release. Warm and refreshing, like eating ice cream in a waffle cone on a hot day.

A MILESTONE YEAR FOR LOST LANTERN

2023 has been a landmark year for Lost Lantern. The brand introduced a fresh design aesthetic when they debuted their new Single Distillery Series this past spring. This new range, which launched with three releases, included “Gentle Giant,” a bottling that ultimately clinched the Best American Single Malt title at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Lost Lantern was honored as the global Independent Bottler of the Year at the prestigious Icons of Whisky Awards and founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski were recently recognized as one of SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators. Their ‘Summer of Bourbon’ release, the most extensive in their history, showcased six single casks, a bourbon under the new Single Distillery Series, and marked the debut of Lost Lantern’s first multi-distillery, multi-state bourbon blend. With the introduction of the upcoming Fall 2023 Single Cask Collection (comprising two single malts, two bourbons, and a rye), the company now also celebrates the full unveiling of its revamped product design across all their offerings.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey. In 2023, they were named Independent Bottler of the Year at the global Icons of Whisky Awards in London and named one of SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency. For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com.

Every year – the most updated whisky book on the market!
Malt Whisky Yearbook 2024 will be published 1st October

This is the 19th edition of a book that whisky enthusiasts look forward to every autumn.

The main part of the book covers no less than 821 malt whisky distilleries around the world with all the facts updated. New exciting articles by distinguished writers such as Andrew Derbidge, Ian Wisniewski, Johanne McInnis, Kristiane Sherry, Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison. More than 200 tasting notes, including independent bottlings.

New feature! Whisky Icons on the state of whisky. A listing of more than 150 of the world´s greatest whisky shops. The Whisky Year That Was – the most comprehensive summary you’ll find of the news and trends in the industry.

An entire chapter about the world’s leading independent bottlers.  All the latest info on bottlings and web sites as well as the latest statistics and figures. More than 500 colour photos.

The Malt Whisky Yearbook is the brainchild of editor Ingvar Ronde and was first published in autumn 2005. Since then a new and completely revised edition has been published yearly. What started out as a go-to book for whisky enthusiasts wanting to keep abreast of the ever-changing malt whisky world, soon became a tool also for the whisky industry. Many producers now buy it for their staff (brand ambassadors, tour guides, sales people etc.) to keep them informed about the latest developments.

The Malt Whisky Yearbook 2024 is sold through www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com for £15.95 plus shipping. Available for preorder now with shipping starting 1st October.

Ingvar has expanded his comfort zone this year (being an analogue creature) by posting a short clip on Youtube. For a good laugh, here it is

Ingvar Ronde – Editor Malt Whisky Yearbook and Keeper of the Quaich
ingvar.ronde@magdig.com
Published by MagDig Media Ltd.
Publication date; 1 October 2023
ISBN 978-1-7394492-0-9
Recommended retail price in UK; £15.95
Contact; ingvar.ronde@magdig.com
www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com

Veteran whisky writer Dave Broom has collaborated with House of Hazelwood to create a documentary film and a special blended Scotch whisky.

The PREVIEW:

A new documentary by Dave Broom and House of Hazelwood tells the story of two of whisky’s most important characters.

From the Gordon family home in Speyside, House of Hazelwood crafts extraordinary blends. Now celebrated whisky writer Dave Broom has partnered with House of Hazelwood to create a remarkable whisky and documentary film celebrating two very special characters: Charles and Sandy Gordon.

The Accelerator and The Brake 33 Years Old Blended Scotch challenges the very conventions of whisky-making. Under the watchful eye of Eilidh Muir, a member of House of Hazelwood’s whisky stocks team, Broom has selected a dynamic aged grain and an elegant malt, inverting their ratios with unexpected – and extraordinary – results. A masterpiece in whisky creation, the silken expression tells the story of two brothers who shaped the past, present and future of Scotch whisky as a whole.

Charles and Sandy Gordon were pioneers. One, a vibrant, pacy marketeer. The other, a steady, considered, numbers man. Together they built brands and distilleries. And they are celebrated in this blend, a component part summing up the spirit of each.

But their story doesn’t stop there. Broom travelled to Scotland not just to create a whisky, but also to capture the stories behind one of Scotch whisky’s greatest families. House of Hazelwood The Documentary airs on 19 September.

The five-part series explores bloodlines and whisky blending, and every aspect in between. Enjoy each episode individually or settle into the tale and watch in one sitting. Watch now and become part of the story.

WATCH NOW

Read the full story about The Accelerator & The Brake over on
whiskymag.com.

The Macallan Colour Collection is a celebration of the Natural Colours, complex flavours and aromas imbued by The Macallan’s sherry seasoned oak casks during the maturation process.

The Collection features five exceptional age statement whiskies crafted by The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team.

Designed in collaboration with eminent artist and graphic designer David Carson, he drew influence from the Jerez de la Frontera region of Spain, from where each sherry seasoned oak cask originates. Each expression’s packaging complements the natural hue of the whisky within.

A travel exclusive, the Colour Collection will be available in The Macallan Global Boutiques, in key airports and selected duty free locations around the world from September 2023.

DISCOVER

The Macallan Distillery Experience, The Macallan Distillers Ltd,  Easter Elchies, 

Craigellachie, Moray, AB38 9RX, Scotland, +44 (0)1340 318 000

Corbin Cash 7 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #105 Cask Strength Merced Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) $79.99 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

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes 

B.H. James Distillers as Newest Member

Bourbon’s Growth Across Commonwealth Continues to Impact New Regions & Communities

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced B.H. James Distillers in Logan County as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.  

Founded in 2022, B.H. James Distillers team includes founder and owner Shawn McCormick, Distiller JR Hunter, Assistant Distiller Tim McKinney and Bottling Assistant Felicia Hampton. The facilities include a small pot still operation with blending and bottling capabilities. A small tasting room and gift shop are open Wednesday through Saturday. 

“KDA is a tremendous resource for distilleries of every size. But for new craft distilleries like ours, the KDA advocacy work and connections to the industry are invaluable,” said McCormick. “Our burgeoning distillery has a bright future and I’m excited to share our story, product and small town with new audiences.” 

The distillery has a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and support from the local Adairville community, McCormick said. All corn, rye and malted barley are sourced locally to produce their line of Kentucky Grit® whiskeys. 

Their portfolio includes Burton James® Uniquely American® Whiskey, and Kentucky Grit® Whiskey.

Wanting to share their product further and bring new visitors to the community, the company will soon install an 800-gallon pot still distillation operation and open a new larger 25-seat tasting room with bar and gift shop.  

Learn more at www.burtonjameswhiskey.com. 

B.H. James Distillers joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 0 and 10,000 barrels per year.  

“The team at B.H. James Distillers is working to create a positive and lasting impact on their local community and we are excited to help them grow and share their story,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. 

“Bourbon’s recent growth in South Central Kentucky has expanded the industry’s reach, bringing good jobs and exciting Bourbon tourism potential to new parts of the state. We proudly welcome B.H. James to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.” 

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

UK Minister declares Titanic Distillers officially open for business

UK MINISTER FOR EXPORTS Lord Offord visited Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock this week to officially open Belfast’s first working whiskey distillery in almost 90 years.

The Minister, who took up his position at the Department of Business and Trade in April this year, performed the opening ceremony at the new distillery, where whiskey production is now under way for the first time in Belfast since the days of prohibition in the 1930s.

Lord Offord unveiled a commemorative plaque at the distillery which is based on the site of the historic Thompson Dock and Pumphouse, the birthplace of the Titanic.

As well as meeting with Titanic Distillers directors, the Lord enjoyed a brief tour of the £8M distillery and visitor centre, including a whiskey tasting with Head Distiller Damien Rafferty.

He also took time to chat with attending members of the Dockers Club in Pilot Street and Welders Club in Dee Street, in keeping with the company’s ‘Blood, Sweat And Years’ theme which celebrates Belfast’s industrial and maritime past, and is inspired by the people who worked in the city’s shipyard more than a century ago.

The retired workers, from both sides of the community, shared their stories with the Minister, who said he was honoured to be invited to perform the official opening.

“It is an honour to officially open Titanic Distillers at the iconic Thompson Dock today in Belfast,” said Minister for Exports Lord Offord.

“The distilling industry has been part of Northern Ireland’s fabric for generations, and it’s been a pleasure to meet with the team and members of the community to see their skills first-hand.”

The visitor centre at Titanic Distillers opened its doors to tourists in April this year.  Last month (August), the company received its Distillers License to start producing spirits and the stills have been fired up and pouring ever since.

Titanic Distillers director Peter Lavery reflected on the company’s journey to date.

“We are delighted to welcome Lord Offord here today to perform the Official Opening of Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock,” said Peter.

“Today is the culmination of many years’ hard graft to bring this amazing project to life – and while it marks the end of the first ‘construction’ phase, it also signals the start of another phase as we start producing a whiskey and a brand that the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland can be proud of, and that will represent us well all over the world.”

Fellow director Stephen Symington added: “We believe the famous Titanic name resonates around the world and we have very ambitious plans to take the product to a global audience – with coast to coast distribution in the US identified as a major commercial objective for the brand.

“With this in mind, it is very fitting that Lord Offord, in his role as UK Minister for Export, be here today to officially open our new distillery. Outside of our location’s massive tourism appeal and historic significance, we’re very aware that we are now a working distillery and we are all focussed on producing our own products to build on our success to date and make the most of the growing global demand for Irish Whiskey.”

The new distillery will produce single malt premium whiskey made from ingredients that have been carefully selected to produce the best possible flavour.

A unique house blend of malted barley and yeast is used to produce the ‘wash’ which is then distilled in the three Forsyth’s stills, situated on a mezzanine floor overlooking the Pumphouse’s original Gwynne pumping engines which are deep in the building’s pump-well.

The Thompson Dry Dock first opened in 1911 to service and accommodate the massive White Star transatlantic liners Olympic and Titanic.

All of the original pump equipment and associated internal historic features in the adjacent Pumphouse have been retained and are available to view as part of the associated visitor tours, while the exterior includes a new food and beverage area.

Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock is within walking distance of Titanic Belfast, the world’s biggest Titanic exhibition centre and Northern Ireland’s number one tourist attraction, having welcomed more than 7.5 million visitors since opening its doors in 2012.

Also resident in the Titanic Quarter is the SS Nomadic tender ship which ferried passengers to the great liner, and HMS Caroline, a decommissioned C-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy that saw combat service in the First World War and served as an administrative centre in the Second World War.

For more information, visit www.titanicdistillers.com.

Our September 2023 Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until Sunday 24th September 2023 3pm.

www.whiskyhammer.com

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

Springbank – 1952 (75cl)

Hibiki – 21 Year Old (Mount Fuji Limited Edition) 2014 Release

Brora – 22 Year Old (1972) Rare Malts

Balvenie – 40 Year Old

Port Ellen – 40 Year Old (1979) 9 Rogue Casks

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