HEAVILY PEATED

OCTOMORE 14 EDITIONS

Love peaty whisky? Bruichladdich distillery has unveiled the 14th installment of its annual Octomore series. Octomore Islay single malts are widely regarded as the world’s peatiest Scotch whisky and explore the influence of different barley types, cask types and peat levels to create peated whiskies with a distinct character. This limited edition trio has been made with 100% Scottish barley, aged for 5 years and bottled close to cask strength (ranging from 57.7% to 61.4% abv).

Described as the backbone of the series, Octomore 14.1 has been matured in bourbon casks, whilst Octomore 14.2 explores the influence of European wine casks and Octomore 14.3 uses locally grown Islay barley to produce the most heavily peated whisky in the series.

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ralfy review 996 Extras – Chasing the peat monsters !

ELEMENTS OF ISLAY LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION

 BEACH BONFIRE GLOBALLY

Elements of Islay, the award-winning independent whisky brand, is releasing its limited-edition whisky Beach Bonfire to global markets following an initial launch at Islay’s iconic whisky festival Fèis Ìle earlier this year.

The team wanted to create a whisky that captured the essence of the island’s rugged wilderness and transport the drinker to the heart of this untamed land with each sip. Head Blender Oliver Chilton took inspiration from a bonfire night where colours, smoke, flames, and sand all collided on a beach – truly representing the unique spirit and terroir of Islay.

The new release, bottled at 54.5% to be consistent with Elements of Islay’s core range, is matured in new oak, bourbon refill and sherry casks. The result is a powerful, herbaceous Islay malt with a rich, complex profile, laden with bonfire ember smoke and a sweet spice finish. Similarly to the rest of the range, Beach Bonfire is non-chill filtered and retains its natural colour.

“We’re thrilled to be releasing Beach Bonfire to markets across the world following its limited release at Fèis Ìle 2023,” said Elixir Distillers Head Blender, Oliver Chilton. “Beach Bonfire takes three distinct Islay spirits matured in a variety of different cask styles to bring a singular location and experience to life through flavour. The chance to condense and reimagine the incredible atmosphere of Islay’s coast by bonfire light into a glass of whisky is another step on our journey as blenders.”

The whisky is the first limited edition release from Elements of Islay since the re-launch of its core range in 2022.

 Elements of Islay, Beach Bonfire, 70cl, 54.5% ABV, RRP £79.95, $115.00, €85.00 will be available in key markets across Europe in October 2023. It will be rolled out to Asia and the US from 2024. 

Tasting Notes by Oliver Chilton, Head Blender

Nose: Oyster shells and bonfire smoke blend with rich baking spices and subtle notes of cherry and tarragon. Hints of mint and black pepper temper lemon oil and caramel cooking on a wood burning stove.

Palate: Bourbon-soaked Amarena Cherries, with baked vanilla pods, cinnamon and light ginger are surrounded by rich wood smoke. Touches of traditional, medicinal Islay peat play against a wonderful herbaceous character.

Finish: Warm and long, with more wood fire and soft brown sugar. A gingerbread spice starts to develop long after the last sip.

BATCH 13 FROM ALISTAIR WALKER

North British 30 Years Old 1992

This special single-grain whisky was distilled in 1992 at the North British Distillery, a Lowland staple. After maturing for an impressive 30 years in a Refill barrel, it was bottled with no chill-filtration or artificial colouring at natural cask strength by Alistair Walker’s Infrequent Flyers collection.

NOSE: The classic combination of sweet and almost industrial notes that we come to expect from a well-aged single grain, superbly aldehydic – coconut macaroons and marzipan.

PALATE: Sweet and nutty (predominantly almonds). Coconut toasties, butterscotch and vanilla shortbread.

£122.99

TOMATIN 20yo UK Exclusive

£399.95/ $414 / c$671 / €466*

United Kingdom single cask exclusive. 2001 vintage PX sherry cask #24872 bottled at 57.4%. Only 658 numbered bottles. Tomatin 20 Year Old 2001 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single Pedro Ximenez Sherry butt #34872 bottled August 2022 for the United Kingdom market.

Nose – Rich with an intensely sweet opening bringing notes of maple syrup, candied walnuts, prunes and rum soaked sultanas. PX, despite being the sweetest wine in the world, has a way of presenting intriguing bitter aromas like dark chocolate, treacle, espresso and leather. With time, more dried fruit emerges with hints of dried apricot and raisins along with a touch of cinnamon.

Taste – An incredible mouthfeel, almost chewy, the sweetness spreads with notes of cherry and plum liqueurs followed by golden syrup and Jamaican ginger cake. All of the bitter aromas from the nose make an appearance but always under a sweet guise.

Finish – This is a bold whisky throughout and the mix of dark sweetness, bitter notes and spice lingers for quite some time.

Tomatin Distillery was established in 1897 and operated with two stills until 1956 after which there were frequent and numerous additions culminating in 23 stills in 1986 making Tomatin the largest distillery in Scotland at that time. However, eleven were subsequently closed and it is currently equipped with twelve but operating with eight. Tomatin Distillery is a Highland distillery situated close to the Cairngorms National Park and, sitting at an altitude of 315m, it is the third highest distillery in Scotland. The official range includes Tomatin 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old and the peated Cu Bocan range.

Tamdhu Cigar Malt, Release No. 3

The latest edition in the renowned Cigar Malt Collection. The Tamdhu Cigar Malt III is a 53.8% non-chill filtered single malt with an unmistakably rich flavour, meticulously matured to pair perfectly with a hand-rolled cigar.

Tamdhu Cigar Malt III undergoes a unique maturation journey, developing its complex natural colour and flavour exclusively within the finest first fill European oak Oloroso sherry casks. Each cask has been carefully curated, ensuring the wood has a strikingly robust character, capable of matching the opulence of a premium cigar. This commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures an unforgettable experience, perfect for whisky aficionados seeking a companion to their most cherished cigars or for non-cigar smokers, an exceptional dram on its own.

The boldness of first fill European sherry oak casks provides Cigar Malt III with a wonderful scent and a warm, rich colour while reflecting Tamdhu’s fabulous Speyside character . The whisky’s toasted gingerbread and honey aroma swirls into indulgent notes of creamy panna cotta and dried fruits. Mirroring the slow and deliberate puff of a cigar, this single malt gradually envelops the palate with its full-bodied layers, culminating in a satisfying finish that lingers with a jammy haze of apricots and rich praline. Each element artfully combines to deliver a captivating and unforgettable sensation.

Sandy McIntyre, Tamdhu Distillery Manager, said: “Following the resounding success of Cigar Malt II, we take immense pleasure in introducing the latest expression in this distinguished series: Cigar Malt III.

“Reflecting the timeless pairing of cigars and single malts, this exceptional release showcases an especially bold flavour profile that harmonises beautifully with the finest of cigars. Cigar Malt III is testament to Tamdhu’s unwavering commitment to full-term sherry cask maturation, boasting an unparalleled depth and character.”

From Tamdhu Whisky Distillery, Speyside.

£224.90

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Angel’s Envy “K&L Exclusive” Cask #230367 Private Select Port Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml)

($89.99)

K&L Notes: A true gem from the Angel’s Envy single-barrel program. The brand that brought cask-finished bourbon into the mainstream continues to bottle stellar Kentucky Straight Bourbon with that added kick of quality port wine barrels. For years, the only high-proof offering from the brand was the meager handful of cask-strength bottles we received each year, which sold for hundreds of dollars and were virtually unobtainable. Now we can lock in a full barrel at 55% ABV (the same proof as the highly sought-after Russell’s single barrels) and just a couple of points shy of full cask strength. As with any of our exclusive single barrels, we’re highly picky in choosing our casks, but with finished barrels our standards are arguably even higher, as it’s so easy to mess up the process. This one is the cream of the crop. We passed on multiple rounds of very good casks to find this one that is an absolute 10/10. The perfect combination of sweet corn, rich and spicy toasted oak, and that pop of clean red fruit provided by a high-quality port barrel. Straight out of the bottle, it noses like a classic Manhattan from a top-notch cocktail bar but with the added power of a neat pour of high-ABV Kentucky bourbon.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: September 06, 2023

Caramel in color with a slight tinge of garnet, this particular barrel is beautiful before you even open the bottle. Pour it into your glass and you’re greeted by a wide array of candied corn, toasted caramels, Madagascar vanilla, fleshy ripe plums, sweet dark cherries, charred oak, and a mélange of spice ranging from Tellicherry black pepper to Ceylon cinnamon and warm East Indian nutmeg. The high ABV delivers tons of power and intensity in aroma and flavor, but paradoxically, nearly no burn on the palate. In a blind proof trial, you’d be hard pressed to place this accurately, a testament to the amount of stuffing this particular barrel of bourbon carries. The finish is long, and the red-fruited sweetness from the port barrel lingers forever. Going back to nose your empty glass, you might forget whether you poured yourself a bourbon or a glass of Carpano Antica. It pays to be choosy—we had to cycle through several rounds of barrels to find just the right fit for the store, but in the end, this barrel was the perfect blend of Angel’s Envy’s sweet and easy-going profile and the intensity we want in our K&L exclusive casks.

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

ISLE OF HARRIS

THE HEARACH – SINGLE MALT

70cl | 46% ABV

The Hearach is the first, historic Single Malt Whisky from the Isle of Harris, located off the northwest coast of Scotland. The distillery’s inaugural release is strongly influenced by its Outer Hebridean island home and is a spirit of complexity and character. The Whisky is the first legal dram from the island and every drop has been distilled, matured, and bottled in Harris by the local men and women of the distillery.

The Hearach was matured in a combination of first fill ex-Bourbon casks, and Oloroso and Fino Sherry butts. The Hearach is lightly peated to between 12 – 15 ppm, bottled at 46% abv, non-chill filtered, and free from artificial colouring. A fruity and floral dram with flavours of toasted malt, sweet apple, vanilla and warming spice complimented by subtle wafts of smoke.

£64.95

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ORDERS WILL BE SHIPPED FROM THE 2ND OCTOBER

THE GLENALLACHIE DISTILLERY

DEBUTS PEATED WHISKY BRAND

Award-winning Speyside-based single malt producer reveals new peated Scotch whisky label

 Independent Scotch whisky distillery The GlenAllachie reveals its new peated single malt Scotch whisky brand: Meikle Tòir (pronounced mee-kuhl tor).

Spearheaded by celebrated Master Distiller Billy Walker, The GlenAllachie Distillery, which surpassed £20 million in sales for the first time last year, has won countless notable awards, including the hotly contested World’s Best Single Malt title (World Whiskies Awards, 2021).

The launch introduces Walker’s first core releases to have been fully overseen by him since he took ownership of the distillery in 2017.

Meikle Tòir, which means ‘big pursuit’, represents Walker and his expert team’s relentless seasonal peated campaign at The GlenAllachie, which began in 2018.

Using mainland peat from St. Fergus, the peated production runs for around six weeks per year, producing approximately 100,000 Litres of Alcohol annually.

The peated label’s core range consists of The Original (50% ABV, UK RRSP £51), The Sherry One (48% ABV, UK RRSP £50) and The Chinquapin One (48% ABV, UK RRSP £50), as well as annual small-batch release, The Turbo 2023 Edition (50% ABV, UK RRSP £51). Each whisky carries a five-year age statement.

All Meikle Tòir expressions were subjected to a lengthy fermentation time of 160 hours – nearly triple the industry average – which adds a fruity, ester-rich character to the subsequent whisky.

The Original 5-year-old was aged in expertly sourced first-fill Bourbon barrels, American virgin oak casks and Rye barrels, imparting “waves of stem ginger, sweet spice and oak-smoked sugar”.

After an initial period in American oak, The Sherry One underwent additional maturation in quality Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry puncheons. The result is a single malt with “impeccable balance between dark fruits, mocha, treacle and puffs of earthy peat smoke”.

The Chinquapin One was first aged in American oak before being transferred into superior Chinquapin virgin oak barrels from the Northern Ozark region of Missouri, USA. Drinkers can anticipate “smoked spices, roasted nuts, campfire smoke and crème brûlée”.

The Original, The Sherry One and The Chinquapin One all have a spirit PPM level of 35, with the mainland peat delivering a more sweet and oaky smoke style in comparison to the flavour contribution of a coastal peat.

The Turbo, a super limited annual bottling, captures ‘the heart of the heart’ of the peated distillate: the spirit cut with the highest phenol content.

The 2023 Edition, a run of just 2,500 bottles, was left to slumber in three American virgin oak casks and five Oloroso Sherry hogsheads for five years. The resulting whisky is said to offer “a powerful punch of peat, amounting to a spirit PPM of 71, alongside notes of toasted honeycomb, burnt orange peel and worn leather”.

All Meikle Tòir products are proudly bottled without added colouring and non-chill filtered for optimum drinking experience.

The eye-catching packaging features a hand-drawn illustration by prominent Scottish artist Iain McIntosh that depicts the rugged terrain surrounding the distillery, including the iconic peak of Ben Rinnes. The complementary “earthy” colour palette was chosen to hint at the smoky flavour profile.

Despite the additional costs associated, the brand exclusively works with UK-based packaging suppliers in order to reduce its impact on the environment.

The launch will be bolstered by a series of tastings across Scotland this week, both at barrel-top sampling events in retail stores and invite-only drinks evenings, concluding in Meikle Tòir’s presence at The Whisky Exchange Show in London at the weekend.

Commenting on the new brand, Walker remarks:

“This incredibly exciting launch is a key milestone for us all at The GlenAllachie. Five years in the making, it represents the culmination of our endeavours since we took over the reins at the distillery. Our intention has always been to release a peated single malt, and this is no surprise to those who have followed our journey from the start.

“Every element of the production process was carefully considered to ensure our vision was met. It’s not about accelerating the journey; it’s about expanding the experience. One of the key decisions was to significantly extend the fermentation period to 160 hours, creating thick, ester-rich distillate. Another was to use mainland peat, which delivers a more oaky style of smoke. These choices, along with the use of quality oak casks, are all factors steering us in our pursuit of peated perfection”.

Meikle Tòir will become increasingly available worldwide from today, with UK RRSPs starting at £50.

ABOUT MEIKLE TÒIR:

Guided by revered Master Distiller, Billy Walker, our team is on a ‘Meikle Tòir’ (meaning ‘big pursuit’). The goal: to carefully craft and cask-perfect a peerless peated single malt at our Speyside home, The GlenAllachie Distillery.

Being independent, we have complete freedom to do things our way. Every step of the whisky-making journey has been meticulously considered and masterfully optimised to steer the ensuing aromatic and flavour characteristics of the whisky.

Using premium mainland peat for an oaky, sweet smoke style; a process of extended fermentation, exacting distillation and expert maturation elevates the spirit to its pinnacle. After years of patient slumber, the spirit within each cask must meet Billy’s rigorous standards to reach the bottle.

Where pioneering passion and painstaking precision are paramount. All in the pursuit of peated perfection. 

Facebook: /MeikleToir         |             Instagram: @MeikleToir

 ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed spirits companies, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts over a half-century’s tenure in whisky.

Our brands include The GlenAllachie Single Malt, Meikle Tòir Single Malt, MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits – encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

TASTING NOTES:

Meikle Tòir The Original, 5-year-old – 50% ABV

• Nose: Baking spices, burnt honey and roasted coffee beans, leading to hazelnuts, smoked almonds and butterscotch.

• Taste: Wisps of sweet peat, with rich chocolate and heather honey, followed by cinnamon, ginger and oak-smoked sugar.

Meikle Tòir The Sherry One, 5-year-old – 48% ABV

• Nose: Cedarwood and cigar box, alongside butterscotch, mocha and orange peel, with hints of honey and plum jam.

• Taste: Rich dark chocolate, smoked honey and mocha, followed by fig syrup, treacle and burnt sugar, with puffs of peat smoke on the finish.

Meikle Tòir The Chinquapin One, 5-year-old – 48% ABV

• Nose: Aromas of smouldering oak embers, burnt liquorice and honeycomb, with wild heather, ginger, butterscotch and orange peel.

• Taste: Dark chocolate, crème brûlée and toasted almonds, leading to cinnamon, brittle toffee, aniseed and lingering campfire smoke.

Meikle Tòir The Turbo, 5-year-old – 50% ABV

• Nose: Manuka honey, worn leather and rich chocolate, with hints of toasted hazelnuts, dried sultanas and burnt orange peel.

• Taste: Intense peat, heather honey and mocha, followed by smoked spices, roasted chestnuts and charred oak.

The House of Suntory Launches Limited-Edition Hibiki 21-Year-Old Whisky and Hibiki Japanese Harmony Bottle Design in Honor of Centennial Anniversary

The pioneering house of Japanese whisky reveals two new limited-edition bottlings within its six-part celebratory centennial range. 

NEW YORK, NY, September 18, 2023 – As 2023 marks a momentous year for the House of Suntory, the founding House of Japanese whisky is thrilled to reveal the long-awaited centennial release of Hibiki 21-Year-Old and a limited-edition bottle design of Hibiki Japanese Harmony that honors the four seasons and is a nod to the past, present, and future. The two limited releases mark the latest centennial whisky offerings from the House of Suntory’s anniversary celebration, honoring a century since founder Shinjiro Torii established Japan’s very first malt whisky distillery in 1923.

Originally making its debut in 1989, Hibiki is considered among the most prestigious whiskies in the world and has become one of the most sought-after Japanese blended whiskies. Hibiki is a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. The limited-edition Hibiki 21-Year-Old is a delicate marriage of malt and grain whiskies that are meticulously blended to create an orchestra of flavors and aromas. For this special centennial edition, rare Mizunara oak is placed at the forefront, profoundly influencing the blend while still maintaining Hibiki’s character and essence.

“For the limited-edition Hibiki 21-Year–Old, our team took on the challenge of crafting a new blend to celebrate our centennial,” says Chief Blender of Suntory Shinji Fukuyo. “With meticulous precision, we managed to harness the challenging-yet-rewarding characteristics of Japanese Mizunara oak to accentuate the unique flavor profile for which our Hibiki whiskies are known. This special whisky showcases our continued dedication to craftsmanship at the House of Suntory.”

The centennial anniversary label design on the Hibiki 21-Year-Old bottle artfully displays a gradual transition of colors that evoke the sunrise in Japan, a symbol of life, vitality and the ever-flowing passage of time. In Japanese culture, the sun holds deep meaning, as it nurtures the surrounding nature and provides essential energy. It stands as a reminder to appreciate life and embrace the changes that come with each passing moment.

Tender gold in color, this extraordinary whisky embodies the spirit of “Wa,” or oneness, with enticing aromas. It offers refined and elegant notes of kumquat and jasmine with Japanese incense. The palate is subtly sweet and floral combined with spiced sandalwood and agarwood. The result is a long and deep finish with undertones of spiced Mizunara wood. Hibiki 21-Year-Old is bottled at 43 percent ABV. It is available globally in select markets with a suggested retail price of $5,000 a 700-ml. bottle.

The House of Suntory’s centennial Hibiki Japanese Harmony bottle design brings the art of “Monozukuri” craftsmanship to life—it’s this same relentless pursuit for quality, ingenuity, and expressiveness that has inspired the design of each of the house’s centennial limited editions. The Hibiki Japanese Harmony centennial edition packaging features motifs of snow, moon and flowers representing Japan’s changing seasons. The ‘Kakehashi’ (bridge) depicted on the bottle links Japan and the world to the past, present and future. The water flowing underneath is pure and clear, symbolizing the cleansing of hardships and calamity. The ‘Kakehashi’ symbolizes the emotional connection of the Japanese people to their country’s unique seasonality and its significance in everyday life, fostering an appreciation for time that deeply resonates and inspires Hibiki.

Amber in color, this luminous and delicate whisky presents notes of rose, lychee, a hint of rosemary, mature woodiness and sandalwood on the nose. On the palate, it offers aromas of honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel and white chocolate. The finish is both subtle and tender with a hint of Mizunara. Hibiki Japanese Harmony is bottled at 43 percent ABV. It is available globally in select markets with a suggested retail price of $200 a 750-ml. bottle.

Earlier this year, the House unveiled its centennial edition Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt whiskies. Limited 100th anniversary labels of the flagship Yamazaki 12 Year Old and Hakushu 12 Year Old were also released for the centennial. All four are available in select markets around the world.

The House of Suntory invites fans to join its new global membership program, offering exclusive benefits such as early access to new releases, priority invitations to consumer experiences*, distillery news, cultural insights and more. To sign up and learn more about the House of Suntory, please visit us online here.

*Limited number of invitations in key cities.

About The House of Suntory

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. This year, Suntory Whisky celebrates one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, the House of Suntory will be rolling out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.

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 inform consumers as they make 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