Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 493: Virginia Highland Malt Whisky Port Cask Finished

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries something… special. Recently his American friend John came by again. And once again he had a bottle with him that Mark hadn’t seen before, let alone tasted. From Virginia, yes. The Virginia Distillery is located at the foot of the famous Blue Ridge Mountains. But when Mark read the label, he looked up, because it says very clearly: ‘A marriage of Scotch malt whisky and American whisky finished in port wine casks’. This is actually a blended malt because the American whisky is also 100% single malt. Mark calls it a hybrid. And you should know that the American in the mix matured for 5 years and that the whole thing was finished on port casks for another 12 months after marriage. The whisky has won the title of Best American Blended Malt 5 years and running at the World Whisky Awards in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021! Mark does wonder how many entries there were for that category. But enough of that, pop that bottle!

https://youtu.be/g1GjHX8rdnc

ISLE OF RAASAY X SELFRIDGES EXCLUSIVE SINGLE CASK RELEASE
HEBRIDEAN ISLAND DISTILLER LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE NEW RELEASE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SELFRIDGES

This peated Isle of Raasay single cask expression was hand selected by the Isle of Raasay team exclusively for Selfridges London, Manchester and Birmingham stores, and Selfridges.com.

This whisky was initially matured in ex-rye casks, building layers of peppery spice and black pepper to the flavour profile. The spirit was then further matured in an ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry quarter cask, resulting in delicious hints of almond, nuts and sweet fruit.

As always, this release was distilled, matured and bottled entirely on the Isle of Raasay, encapsulating the spirit and character of the Hebridean island. Bottled at natural cask strength with an ABV of 56.3% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered. Only 166 bottles have been produced in total.

The Isle of Raasay x Selfridges exclusive single cask retails at £99.99 for a 70cl bottle. It can be purchased from Selfridges London, Manchester and Birmingham stores, and on Selfridges.com from 6th July 2023.

BACKGROUND

Co-founders Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day first met in 2013 and formed R&B Distillers with the common goal of building Scotland’s leading artisanal distillery. Focusing on local production, provenance, quality and doing things differently. By 2015, they had identified the Isle of Raasay as providing the ingredients for the perfect spirit, and planning permission to begin work revitalising the Isle of Raasay’s nineteenth century Borodale House into a state-of-the-art distillery, visitor centre, and luxury accommodation was granted in 2016.

Starting with a blank sheet of paper, they set about designing a distillery to create exceptional whisky  that develops elegance, complexity, and depth early on in the maturation process and a handcrafted Hebridean gin that encapsulates Raasay’s style, character and impressive geological variety.

Since its establishment, the Isle of Raasay Distillery has brought job opportunities to the island, worked closely with other local businesses and become embedded in the island’s tight-knit community.

Part of the distillery’s ethos is to produce, mature, bottle and market every drop of spirit directly from the island. This seeks to maximise the influence of the island on the spirit, and the distillery on the island. To quote the inimitable Whisky Writer Dave Broom at our distillery opening: ‘we are not just making alcohol, we are making spirit.’

The distillery now employs more than 25 people on the island and the average age of the Raasay workforce is approximately 30 years old. An early indicator of creating inter-generational values and making sure this special island of 161 people continues to thrive. We can’t wait for you to come and visit our wonderful island and enjoy our Hebridean spirits for yourself.

THE ICONIC BOWMORE 1964 TRILOGY GOES TO AUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND

Available at auction for the first time in New Zealand, the team at Whisky Galore Auctions are proud to present the Bowmore 1964 Trilogy for sale.

Comprised of three bottles, the Bowmore White, Gold, and Black, this Trilogy represents some of the rarest whiskies ever released by the Bowmore distillery.

Filled into a small handful of cask types on the 5th of November in 1964 at the Bowmore distillery on Islay, the start of this series was first released in 2007 with the Black, following the White and Gold in 2008. This Trilogy has remained one of the most sought-after and iconic releases from any distillery on Islay, and given the small number of each bottle produced, their availability has dwindled over the years.

The reputation that these 3 whiskies have is not exclusively due to their rarity; they are regarded as among some of the best whisky that Scotland has ever produced. This lot contains three 700ml bottles including their presentation boxes:

Bowmore ‘Black’ Sherry Cask 1964 / 42 years old 40.5% 700ml
Bottled from five ex-Oloroso sherry casks for 42 years, only 827 bottles were produced of the Bowmore Black.

Bowmore ‘White’ Bourbon Cask 1964 / 43 years old 42.8% 700ml
Bottled from six ex-bourbon that matured for 43 years, only 732 bottles were produced of the Bowmore White.

Bowmore ‘Gold’ Fine Oak Cask 1964 / 44 years old 42.4% 700ml
Bottled from a selection of three ex-bourbon casks and one ex-Oloroso sherry cask that matured for 44 years, only 701 bottles were produced of the Bowmore Gold

This rare opportunity to own the trilogy of these iconic releases begins with bidding opening from the 12^th of July at https://whiskygaloreauctions.co.nz, with the sale ending on the 18^th of July.

We welcome bidders and interested parties from around the world – you can register to bid at https://whiskygaloreauctions.co.nz, and enquiries for further information can be made at info@whiskygaloreauctions.co.nz or by phoning Whisky Galore on +64 3 3776824.

Overseas bidders are encouraged to please contact WGA to confirm shipping and insurance arrangements.

ABOUT WHISKY GALORE AUCTIONS

Founded by whisky industry veteran Michael Fraser Milne (MQ), Whisky Galore Auctions was established to offer a specialist whisky auction service for New Zealand, serving clients around the country and overseas. Based at the Whisky Galore store in Christchurch, they are the leading specialist importers, sellers and auctioneers for whisky in New Zealand.

Something new from The Balvenie…

We can’t say much about this release, or anything at all, but The Balvenie will be launching the latest release from their Stories Range this week. This expression is limited and sought-after, so we would like to register interest ahead of time in anticipation of a ballot to purchase the product. Sign up below and have a shop of the rest of their range too.

Register Your Interest Here →

The Stories Collection allows The Balvenie to tell the stories of the people and places where the whisky is made, tales of character written in whisky. At the heart of their newest whisky sits a tale of craft, intuition and a generations-old cultural exchange that spans the European continent.

Register Your Interest in the new release here →

New Limited Releases from Finn Thomson

Caol Ila 11 Years Old

This cask bottling from Caol Ila Distillery was bottled at its prime after 11 years and 11 months of maturation in a single First-Fill Bourbon Barrel. Distilled on 18th of May 2011 and bottled on 10th of April 2023 without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

£79.99

Shop now

Mannochmore 13 Years Old

The humble bourbon cask aged whisky is often overlooked these days in favour of sherried and heavily peated malts. New, alternative casks took the industry by storm. This Mannochmore is a classic bourbon maturation since well-matured bourbon cask malts are still a joy to drink. Mannochmore has a very light style of whisky, which marries beautifully with delicate notes produced by bourbon casks.

£84.99

Shop now

Benrinnes 11 Years Old

This 11-year-old Benrines single malt whisky offers a unique combination of savoury spirit and sweet finish. Matured in a Pedro Ximenez sherry cask, this whisky is sure to provide a balanced and enjoyable flavour. Perfect for whisky connoisseurs looking for something special!

£79.99

Shop now

Royal Brackla 10 Years Old

This single malt is a throwback to the original style of the distillery, taking us back to 1835 when Royal Brackla was the first to receive a Royal Warrant and was renowned for its peatiness. Unlike in olden times, when smokiness came from peated barley, here the peat comes from a full maturation in an ex-Islay cask.

Shop now

£74.99

Discover the heritage of nine generations.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Batch A123” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

Elijah Craig creates a few barrel-proof spirits each year. According to Whiskey Wash, “Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon A123 is a fiery hot whiskey that will satisfy the quench of an experienced palate….the proof is in the proof! At 125.6 proof, this bourbon packs a punch and delivers a spicy, full-mouth-experience. Although the heat is intense, it drinks consistent with a high end bourbon and is well-worth it’s price.”*4.5/5 stars

John E. Fitzgerald “Larceny A123” Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

93 points Whisky Advocate

 Larceny’s first barrel proof release of 2023 makes a big splash with a bold whiskey that stands among the best bottlings in the series. The nose is layered with sweet cinnamon, oranges, cloves, and a sweet nuttiness. This never hides its proof but is well integrated from its nose through the long finish. On the palate, the nuttiness is even more evident with pistachio ice cream, toasted walnuts, pecan pie, and butterscotch. (SE)  (3/2023)

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

https://youtu.be/uDVWxK5zonU

I’ve not been able to get ahold of Midleton Very Rare for a while. With new master distillers coming in, and demand for the product seeing unprecedented new heights, I’m rather thankful to a customer for loaning me this bottle to review.

A combination of rather well aged single grain and single pot still whiskies, even at just 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare is a rather special and very tasty option when it comes to premium blended whiskies.

With a nose that is dense with the most tangy, exotic fruits that I’ve come across for a while. All backed up by a drier, richer palate of coffee, soft oak, Xmas spices, and white chocolate.

A whisky that I would take over Johnnie Walker Blue Label in a heartbeat, here we have the 2023 release.

New CEO takes the reins at Glenmorangie & Ardbeg amid record sales

 — Caspar MacRae comes to the helm, as Thomas Moradpour assumes Dom Pérignon Presidency —

After five record-breaking years at the helm of The Glenmorangie Company, President and CEO Thomas Moradpour is moving on to take the lead at prestigious champagne brand Dom Pérignon, also part of LVMH. He will be succeeded in post by Caspar MacRae, currently Global Marketing and Business Development Director, from July 3.

The Company, which owns Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky and Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky, has thrived under Thomas’s leadership. Since he joined the Company in 2018, it has more than doubled profits, delivering unprecedented year-on-year growth each year. Despite global instability, Thomas has created a stronger, more sustainable business, championing innovation and successfully executing ambitious expansion plans. Ably supported by Caspar and the executive team he has:

• Launched Glenmorangie’s ground-breaking innovation Distillery;
• Overseen the expansion of Ardbeg Distillery;
• Doubled the Company’s bottling capacity;
• Transformed Glenmorangie’s boutique hotel and purchased a hotel near Ardbeg;
• Established the Company’s prestige strategy, including the record-breaking £16million sale of Ardbeg Cask No. 3
• Set the Company on course to become one of the best places to work in the UK, with a raft of life-friendly policies and a culture which fosters creativity and innovation.

Caspar, who has worked hand-in-hand with Thomas, is committed to continuing the Company’s upward trajectory, in line with its long-term vision for growth. With 20 years’ industry experience, he has already played an instrumental role in the Company’s success. As head of its marketing and commercial teams since 2018, Caspar has overseen the transformation of the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands, and the development of award-winning campaigns for both whiskies. And he has super-charged its e-commerce business which has grown seven-fold since 2020.

Jonas Tåhlin, President and CEO of the Spirits Division at Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits arm of LVMH, said: “Congratulations to Thomas for his achievements at Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. Driving innovation and excellence, he has enabled the brands to flourish and grow, more than doubling their profits. I wish him success as he moves on within the LVMH family to Dom Pérignon. Caspar has already demonstrated his exceptional talent and leadership skills, and I have full confidence that the business will continue to thrive with him at the helm.”

Thomas said: “I’m very proud that since I joined The Company we have made it a more sustainable business, a greater place to work and the business is in even better shape. With Caspar’s leadership abilities and vision, I’m sure Glenmorangie and Ardbeg will raise the bar ever higher in the next chapter.”

Caspar said: “I have always dreamed of leading brands as renowned as Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, so I am thrilled to take the baton from Thomas. I look forward to working with the teams here in Scotland and around the world as we continue on our mission to ensure the success of our brands, our workforce and the communities around our Distilleries, long into the future.”

About Thomas Moradpour’s achievements:

• Opened Glenmorangie’s ground-breaking innovation Distillery, the Lighthouse, in 2021. This  multi-million-pound  facility promises to bring wondrous new tastes to single malt;
• Oversaw the expansion of Ardbeg. Including a new stillhouse, the expansion doubled the Distillery’s capacity when it opened in 2021;
• Built a new bottling line at the Company’s plant near Edinburgh. Operational from 2023, this has doubed the Company’s bottling capacity;
• Transformed Glenmorangie’s boutique hotel Glenmorangie House, in line with its wondrous brand positioning in 2021. The following year, the Company purchased a well-known hotel on Islay, giving the brand the opportunity to create a world-class whisky and hospitality experience;
• Established the Company’s prestige business, which offers rare limited editions to collectors, as well giving private buyers the chance to purchase single and rare casks. The private cask programme led to the record-breaking sale of Ardbeg Cask No. 3, which made headlines around the world when it sold to a private buyer for £16million.
• Set the Company on course to become one of the best places to work in the UK, with a raft of life-friendly policies and a culture which fosters creativity and innovation.

 About Caspar MacRae’s achievements:

• Championed the Company’s e-commerce business, which has seen a seven fold increase in profitabilty since 2020, and launched a new e-commerce experience and CRM programme in 2022.
• Led the transformation of the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands, and developed award-winning brand platforms for both whiskies. Glenmorangie has delighted audiences with its technicolour campaign featuring photography from Miles Aldridge. Meanwhile, Ardbeg has leaned into its cult status and idiosyncratic personality with brand campaign ‘Planet Ardbeg’, developed in partnership with renowned graphic novel creators.Leading the marketing and commercial divisions of the business resulting in a more than doubling of profits since 2018.

About The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.  

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 175 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie and Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Relaxed new names

Maltstock is getting nearer! Just 10 weeks until the start of our 14^th edition! With just a few tickets left, there’s still time to join the relaxed whisky fun. But please do not wait too long. You can get relaxed and get your tickets here: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

Maltstock program

Soon we will have our full program online. Please keep an eye om our Facebook page and newsletter for updates. We have already communicated some very exciting names that will be joining Maltstock this year, like Yumi from Chichibu and Iain, the master blender at Angus Dundee. Time to add a few more to the list!

Whisky Concerto

A name perhaps that doesn’t immediately ring a bell with everyone, but that will for sure be different after this Maltstock. We love the whisky Concerto team! And we’re very happy these relaxed people will come to Maltstock.

They are a relatively new independent bottler, based in Hong Kong. Apparently, concerto means gathering in Italian. How fitting. We have had the great pleasure of meeting Winnie, Richard and Michael a couple of times at various whisky fairs (Boy they travel).

Not only are they fun, relaxed and true whisky enthusiasts, they also bring excellent whisky every time! Be sure to visit one of their tastings at Maltstock. More on whisky concerto here: https://whiskyconcerto.com/

Milk & Honey

These Israeli hardly need any introduction anymore. Earlier this year they even won the single malt world’s best award at the Whisky Awards. And with a very relaxed welcome dram by Milk & Honey the past two editions, we have had first had experience in how good their whisky is.

Rumor has it there might be another (very, very) limited Maltstock edition this year. Watch this space. This year Jonny, who works in the production at the distillery, will come over and tell you all about their wonderful distillery and give you a taste of the relaxed Milk & Honey whisky.

As always, Maltstock not only provides great food, excellent tastings, but above very relaxed people! We hope to see you all in September.

Have a wonderfully relaxed day!

Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

Shop

Want get relaxed NOW and enjoy Maltstock in September?

Simply get your ticket here: https://www.maltstock.com/shop