We were recently reflecting on Peter Kwasniewski’s epic global journey as he set out late last year to introduce The Hearach to the world. Of particular recollection was the launch event in Thun, Switzerland where, nestled amidst majestic mountains by the serene Thun Lake, our venue for the evening was the breathtaking Schloss Schadau Hotel.

The evening proved to be an huge  success, as we raised a glass of our whisky together with cherished friends of the distillers. Adding to the moment, we were joined by a local Gaelic singer, Amy Mackay, and the stirring melodies of Scottish bagpipes.

Peter told us… “This event will linger in our memories forever. It served as a reminder that whisky is not just a dram, it is a magical potion that evokes memories from years gone by and creates new ones together.”

Discover our spirits across the world via the button below…

GO GLOBAL WITH US

Last year’s ‘First Release’ of The Hearach single malt whisky sold out in our UK online store in less than five hours. In the following weeks, more bottles reached the shelves of our friends and partners across the globe and were snapped up just as swiftly.

We’re now pleased to build on this auspicious start with the next round of releases from our Outer Hebridean distillery. Next month brings batches 9, 10, 11, and 12 into being and we’re busy behind the scenes bottling each one, ready to share with whisky lovers the world over.

Join us here next week to find out the exact launch dates and how to get hold of what you need. Meantime, learn more about The Hearach and how its woven from People and Place…

DOMAINE DES HAUTES GLACES

Located in the heart of the French Alps, Hautes Glaces is the oldest organic whisky distillery in the world.

Hautes Glaces take complete control in producing their organic whisky. Self-produced seeds and yeasts; local cereals from organic, regenerative and collective farming; water recycling; renewable, local and circular energy; even eco-designed bottles made from wild glass.

We’ve got two almost identical drams released by Domaine de Hautes Glaces, both made exclusively from 100% Rye whisky as well as using identical production techniques. The difference lies within the micro-provenance, the plot where the rye was grown.

It’s fascinating the level of detail involved, head over to Abbey Whisky via the link below to learn more about these exciting new drams.

Available now at a reduced introductory price, along with free UK delivery if both bottles are purchased today.

Serge from Whisky Fun rated these highly, scoring them 91 and 89 points. 

As ever, if you have any questions or queries, please just get in touch.

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Hautes Glaces Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Circle Organic Whisky

£75.80

This elegant organic whisky from France is one of two ‘twins’ released by Domaine de Hautes Glaces, both made exclusively from 100% rye whisky as well as using identical production techniques. The difference lies within the micro-provenance, the plot where the rye was grown. ‘Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Circle’ was distilled during the Summer of 2019 from Rye grown on the slopes of the Vulson, the rhyolitic stone extinct volcano from which the distillery takes its water. Like it’s twin, it’s been matured twice, first in ‘feuillettes’ which are smaller (112L) casks crafted from a mixed of oak staves then in an ex-Cognac cask, one of those which had initially housed the second batch, the mirror expression of this exploration.

Rated 89 by Serge, Whisky Fun.

Hautes Glaces Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Square Organic Whisky

£68.00

This French Organic whisky is one of two almost identical drams released by Domaine de Hautes Glaces, both made exclusively from 100% Rye whisky as well as using identical production techniques. The difference lies within the micro-provenance, the plot where the rye was grown. ‘Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Square’ was distilled during the Summer of 2019 from Rye grown at the foot of the Mont-Aiguille cliffs, in limestone scree fed by the run-off waters of the Vercors and their sediments. Matured twice, first in ex-Cognac casks then in ‘feuillette’ casks, which are smaller (112L) casks crafted from a mixed of oak staves.

Rated 91 points by Serge, Whisky Fun.

Old Perth Palo Cortado Limited Edition

Old Perth’s name pays homage to the Scottish city of Perth, historically the home of many a whisky company. It was the blending capital of the world, where great blended malts were created.  The Old Perth series celebrates the blended malts aged in sherry casks. This limited release was aged in carefully selected Paulo Cortado sherry casks, bringing a complex bouquet of aromas to the whisky.  Paulo Cortado combines the delicacy of Amontillado with the body of oloroso.

NOSE Fragrant honeysuckle, vanilla cream and spiced biscuits.

PALATE Honeycomb, candied nuts and ripe orchard fruits.

£48.00£58.00

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JOHNNIE WALKER
BLUE LABEL
YEAR OF THE DRAGON

70cl | 40% ABV

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year is the perfect way to mark the beginning of a prosperous year ahead, making it a precious and memorable gift this Lunar New Year. Designed by the contemporary artist James Jean this year’s release is a dynamic interpretation of 2024’s zodiac animal the noble Wood Dragon. Regarded as the mightiest of all the Zodiac animals, the dragon is a symbol of life, creativity and future prosperity in traditional Asian culture, echoing the defiant optimism of the Johnnie Walker motto, Keep Walking.

£217.95

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Some whisky drinkers treat the idea of adding water to their drams as a cardinal sin. But what if we told you that one of the most renowned Tasting Panels on the planet – yep, the big leagues – always sample their whisky with water.

Why, you ask? Because it’s like unlocking a hidden treasure trove of flavours! After savouring your whisky neat, a splash of water can set off a flavour explosion you never knew existed. Plus, it’s the magic trick to tone down any boozy fierceness, especially useful with our bold cask strength whiskies.

Ready to defy the whisky norms? Join us for a tasting experience at one of our Members’ Rooms that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

ALL EVENTS

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

Bladnoch distillery partners with Enotria&Coe

Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, has partnered with leading wine and spirits distributor Enotria&Coe to accelerate growth of the single malt whisky brand across the UK.

As part of a three-year deal, Bladnoch will work with Enotria&Coe to expand the distillery’s core portfolio into new accounts throughout Bladnoch’s home market.

Over the coming months, Bladnoch and Enotria&Coe will work together to expand the brand across all UK channels, with a primary focus upon premium on-trade, independent wholesalers and prestige retail.

Established in 1817, Bladnoch is the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery, and master distiller Dr Nick Savage, who leads Bladnoch’s taste-first approach to whisky making.

Bladnoch whiskies are now available in more than 40 markets worldwide, including Australia, Taiwan and the United States.

Glen Gribbon, CEO at Bladnoch, said: “Our proposition to create a bold Galloway spirit with a proud heritage is unique, and as a result we have seen demand for Bladnoch grow at pace in recent years.

“Enotria&Coe prioritises building strong, long-standing relationships with customers and producers, an ethos which aligns seamlessly with ours, given Bladnoch distillery’s 207-year history. We look forward to beginning our journey with Enotria&Coe’s distribution team to expand our customer base and help more consumers discover our signature Lowland style.”

Ants Rixon, managing director at Enotria&Coe, said:

“As part of our strategy to grow a small, but perfectly formed spirits brands agency portfolio, we are delighted to announce our exclusive partnership with Bladnoch in the UK.

“The company’s ethos of embracing history and learning from it, innovating at all levels and aspiring to always do better (in partnership) resonates very clearly with what we are both trying to achieve.

“Our teams are excited to be working together and we can’t wait to showcase Bladnoch at our Annual Tasting on Monday 26^th February.”

Bladnoch’s partnership with Enotria&Coe, established on 1^st February 2024, follows the appointment of Bladnoch’s first brand ambassador.

Actor Mark Rannoch, whose stage and screen credits include the global hit TV series, Outlander, joined Bladnoch last month [January]. He made his debut appearance at Bladnoch’s inaugural Burns Supper and will help to promote the brand worldwide.

Bladnoch’s signature whisky Vinaya takes its name from the Sanskrit word for respect and gratitude, paying homage to the distillery’s founders, who paved the way for Bladnoch’s exciting new era.

The distillery’s core range also includes Liora, Samsara, Alinta, Bladnoch 11-Year-Old, Bladnoch 14-Year-Old, Bladnoch 19-Year-Old and Bladnoch 30-Year-Old.

With this exciting new era comes a pipeline of innovation from Dr Nick Savage including The Dragon Series, a collection of five exceptional single malt whiskies that celebrate the natural unpredictability and captivating beauty of the whisky making craft.

Hand-crafted from the pristine waters of the River Bladnoch, which flow alongside the distillery, Bladnoch whiskies are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

Join Enotria&Coe and Bladnoch on Monday 26^th February to taste through the range at Enotria&Coe’s Annual Portfolio Tasting at The Brewery, London. To register, click HERE

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

About Bladnoch Distillery 

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

About Enotria&Coe 

Enotria&Coe is the UK’s leading premium wine and spirits distributor.

With a portfolio of over 300 exclusive wine producers and over 1,500 spirits producers, Enotria&Coe supplies 12,000 on-trade sites across the UK. Enotria&Coe’s client base includes fine dining, specialist bars, hotels and events venues, such as Gordon Ramsay Group, Tom Kerridge, The Dorchester Collection and Lord’s Cricket Ground.

New limited editions

LONGMORN SINGLE MALT

Hard to come by outside of independent bottlings, Longmorn distillery has unveiled its first annual single-batch release: an 18-year-old and 22-year-old. Both matured in ex-bourbon casks, they display the typical creamy toffee character and rich sweetness adored by whisky connoisseurs worldover. This Speyside distillery has been around since 1894 and continues to provide whisky for many of the big-name blends on shelves today. This, however, is a 2023 distillery release from Longmorn, displaying the hallmark characters of dried apricot, candied citrus, coconut husk and a hint of vanilla throughout the palate,

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Sweetshop Symphony

A delightful riot of pear drops, marzipan, sherbet & sour apple candy.

Glen Moray exhibits a light style in its younger expressions, yet it is elegantly balanced and meticulously crafted. It possesses a medium-bodied character.

Distillery: Glen Moray

Region: Speyside

ABV: 57.3%

Whisky type: Single malt

Bottles in cask: 186

Matured in: Matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels sourced from North America which produces a rich and sweet malt.

Vintage year: 2007

Nose: Honey sweetness on the open, white chocolate with swathes of sticky caramel. Crumbled fudge topped with flaked sea-salt.

Palate: Buttery custard, crème brule. hard candied sweets, lemon peel & chocolate covered raisins.

Finish: Comforting cinnamon & freshly ground ginger.

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Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “Esters are one of the groups of flavour compounds that we find in malt whisky. You create an ester by combining an acid with an alcohol, and these esters then give you the fruity, floral aromas that we can get in some Scotch whisky. You can make esters in quite a few parts of the process. You do it in fermentation, you do it in distillation, and you also create them during maturation.”

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SPRINGBANK
25 YEARS  46%

UK RRP £500 – £510

NOSE
On the nose, we get intense cherry menthol sweets, rich blood orange, milk chocolate, stewed fruits and apple crumble.

PALATE
Upon arrival, we pick up lots of musty, earthy and oily notes from this whisky. There’s also subtle peat smoke, which is only apparent in the background. From the sherry casks, there’s demerara sugar, strawberry confectionery, liquorice and walnuts.

FINISH
This is a well balanced dram with a slight herbaceous note of tarragon and savoury deli meats in the finish.