Upcoming ballots for three Springbank expressions…

Register your interest in the three new expressions from Springbank Distillery for 2023 – the 25 Year Old, 11 Year Old Local Barley, and and Oloroso Matured Hazelburn 12 Year Old. The ballot for these expressions will open on the 1st of March, so sign up to register your interest in each release below and keep up to date with how you can enter for a chance to purchase!

Register Interest

GOING BACK TO OUR ROOTS

Created to celebrate the iconic sherry cask that started it all and capture the excitement of the early days of the Society. Don’t miss this exciting new bottling and these other Maverick spirit suggestions.

MAVERICK

Cask No. SM.55

SMALL BATCH SINGLE MALT

Age: 12 years

Cask: 1st, 2nd & Refill Hogsheads Spanish oak oloroso, Spanish oak PX & Bourbon

SHOP NOW

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

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show, which I’ve titled ‘The Lowlands – Past & Present, which I think is self-explanatory.

https://youtu.be/NYW1tJN21io

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY DEDICATES NEW STILLHOUSE AND UNVEILS EXPANDED TOURS

New Still will Double Whiskey Production and be part of Hard Hat Tour

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Feb. 9, 2023) – Whiskey making will be at an all-time high at Buffalo Trace Distillery now that its new still house has officially been commissioned.  The new still stands 40 feet tall and can produce 60,000 gallons a day.  It is a duplicate of Buffalo Trace’s existing still, allowing the Distillery to double production on fan favorites such as Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Weller, Blanton’s, E.H. Taylor Jr., and the rest of the whiskies in its portfolio.

“We are really looking forward to starting up our new still so we can make more bourbon whiskey for our fans,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller.  “The new stillhouse is adjacent to the existing stillhouse.  We put a lot of work into matching our existing still to ensure the whiskey we produce remains consistent.  We will be in full production with both stills in the coming days.”

Fans will be able to see the new stillhouse up close when they take Buffalo Trace’s new Hard Hat tour, expanded with a new tour route and new sites.  The Hard Hat tour has always been a “must see” when visiting Buffalo Trace, but due to the Distillery’s on-going construction of the still house and other key elements of the tour, it has been unavailable since 2019.  Now guests will not only get to see the new still house, but some of Buffalo Trace’s other additions as part of its $1.2 billion expansion, including its new awe-inspiring cookers, which span three floors at 22 feet tall, peek inside the Distillery’s 93,000 gallon fermenters, and explore the new dry house, which can produce 12,000 pounds of dried grain per hour. The new Hard Hat tour will last approximately 90 minutes and includes a tasting after the tour. There is no charge for the tour or tasting.

Buffalo Trace’s Trace Tour, long the stalwart of bourbon tour offerings, has also been expanded, and will include more insight into the bourbon process and production through a mix of technology and new tour stops in the barrel filling and dumping areas.  The Trace Tour and Hard Hat Tour join Buffalo Trace’s Old Taylor Tour.  All tours and tastings are complimentary and start and end in Buffalo Trace’s Visitor Center, which was expanded in 2020 and now encompasses 33,000 square feet total, which has come in handy as Buffalo Trace welcomed 470,507 guests in 2022 to its Distillery!

“We are so excited to welcome new and repeat guests to come see our new stillhouse and experience our new tour offerings, said Tyler Adams, general manager, homeplace.  “The major expansion projects are now complete, so we have lots of new areas visitors can see on both our Hard Hat Tour and our expanded Trace Tour.  Plus, we’re really looking forward to having more bourbon for our thirsty fans in a few years, now that we’re doubling production.”

Guests who would like to visit Buffalo Trace are encouraged to visit its FAQ page on its website to learn about its product offerings for tasting and purchasing, recommendations on tour companies, and other tips and tricks.  Tour reservations are recommended and can be made here. Reservations for each of the tours, including the newly expanded Trace and Hard Hat Tours, are currently being accepted through March.  Visitors interested in any tour should join the waitlist on the reservation site if they do not see availability.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

FEBRUARY CÀRN MÒR RELEASE

Our latest Càrn Mòr  release is now available to buy from your local stockists! With a combination of sweet sherried whiskies and fruity drams, there’s something for everyone. Being released on Valentines day, it calls for the perfect gift for a loved one…or yourself  😉. Bursting with exciting expressions, including a Guyana rum finish, Sauternes finish from a variety of  regions across Scotland. Click here to find your local retailer.

Ardmore 2009 is a 13-year-old, Highland whisky that is primarily seen in blends. Spending its life in PX Sherry Hogsheads gives it a beautifully balanced palate. You can expect each dram to be packed full of sweet and savoury notes with a touch of peat smoke, reminiscent of  a succulent, sugar glazed ham.

For something a little different, we have Craigellachie 2010. This whisky has been finished for 24 months in French Oak Puncheons – first used for Cognac and then Guyana Rum. On the palate, it delivers savoury notes of roasted coffee and hazelnuts, balanced with ripe, tropical fruits… we think it’s a great dram.

This Linkwood 2013 began its life in First-Fill Bourbon barrels before finishing its maturation in French Oak Sauternes Casks for 18 months. This 9-year-old combines tropical fruit and spice with warming cinnamon and ginger. As it is limited to 1123 bottles you’ll need to be quick if you want to get your hands on one!

Glentauchers 2011 is another whisky which is usually found in blends. Bottled at 11 years of age has been finished for 24 months in Amontillado Sherry Butts, bringing notes of crushed amaretti biscuits and mascarpone over stewed apricots to the palate.

These expressions and more are on their way to a retailer near you.

NEW OLD PERTH PX LIMITED EDITION

Introducing, a very special Old Perth Limited Edition. The liquid, which was hand-selected from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers’ extensive collection of mature single malt Scotch Whiskies, has spent its entire life in a combination of Oloroso and PX Sherry Hogsheads and Butts; and for the past fifteen months, it has been mellowing in 1st-Fill Pedro Ximenez Casks from Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin, Spain.

Old Perth is limited to 7,800 bottles and available to buy since 3rd February in major drinks retailers across the UK. As always, this expression is non-chill filtered and no colour added. It is bottled at 56.2% adding to its powerful yet velvety palate. This deep garnet whisky will not disappoint, exploring beautiful deep fruit notes with sultanas, prunes and cacao. On the palate, it delivers raisins, dates, candied fruit, leading into dark chocolate and cocoa. This expression is retailing at £58…what a steal! To grab a bottle for yourself, click here .

THE ART OF
SINGLE CASK WHISKY

Single casks are often held up as the pinnacle of whisky making. Unlike most whiskies, where a blender has had the chance to mix casks to create the whisky they want, a single cask has sat relatively untouched since distillation. The flavour of the spirit within comes from the skill of the team who made it and the cellarmen who have nurtured the whisky through its maturation.

These aren’t whiskies that are constructed to fit into a range, but wild takes on a distillery’s style, influenced by the natural world around them rather than a blender’s hand. The final step of the process is choosing a cask that’s ready and worthy of being bottled. This is something that at first seems easy, but takes years of experience to get right: there’s more to it than trying a load of whisky and choosing your favourite.

Our team of whisky experts – led by The Whisky Exchange’s co-founder Sukhinder Singh – expect a lot from a whisky and our exclusive single-cask releases only hit the shelves if they meet the team’s exacting standards. If you’re looking for excellent whisky that doesn’t tread a distillery’s well-worn path, our exclusive single-cask selection is the place to find them.

  SHOP SINGLE CASKS 

Benromach Single Cask 20 Years Old Shop Exclusive

We are very excited to introduce our newest shop exclusive! This single-cask Speyside malt was distilled on the 27th of May 2002 at the Benromach Distillery. It spent 20 years maturing in a First-fill Bourbon Barrell before being bottled exclusively for our shop at cask strength, without chill-filtration or artificial colouring – as natural as it gets! T

his incredible dram opens with roasted hazelnut, buttery toffee and caramel on the nose. The palate is complex, rich and warm, with more hazelnuts, butterscotch and a whiff of smoke.

Only 203 bottles were produced.

£169.99

Shop now

ralfy review 965 – Ardnamurchan AD/10:22 @58.2%vol: (OSWA winner 2022|)

Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey to Launch This Spring

Master Distiller Stephen Beam continues family tradition of innovation with this latest permanent addition to the Yellowstone brand family

ST.LOUIS (Feb. 8, 2023) – Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey – the newest full-time member of the Yellowstone brand family and the latest inspiration from Limestone Branch Distillery Master Distiller Stephen Beam – is set to hit retail shelves in the coming months. Aged four years and bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV), Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey will be available nationwide starting in March at a suggested retail price of $54.99.

Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey boasts a 100% barley malt mash bill, which yields tasting notes that are a unique departure from its sister-spirit, Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Consumers of Yellowstone American Single Malt can expect a nose of cereal malt and honey, with a hint of peach blossom; a sweet, medium body with notes of honey, pear, stone fruit and dates; and a finish that contains notes of oak, with hints of cinnamon and English Walnuts.

“I’m proud of the success Yellowstone Select Bourbon has enjoyed since 2015 when I introduced my take on my family’s historic brand,” said Beam. “And I’m proud to once again continue my family’s tradition of innovation with the launch of Yellowstone American Single Malt. This is a brand-new category of American whiskey, and our offering is sure to become a favorite among Yellowstone Bourbon fans and fans of American Single Malt Whiskeys alike.”

Packaging of Yellowstone American Single Malt includes a more design-forward label featuring the brand’s iconic Lower Falls artwork and a more prominent version of the Yellowstone brand name, as well as blue top-wrap to differentiate Yellowstone American Single Malt from other Yellowstone variants.

The Yellowstone brand continues its tradition of supporting its namesake park through an ongoing partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), an independent organization working to strengthen and protect our national parks. To date, Yellowstone has donated nearly $370,000 to the organization, and the brand is committed to continuing the partnership.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Stephen Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest spirits in small batches. Stephen is a seventh-generation distiller with a history of distilling on both sides of his family – Beam and Dant. In 2015, he brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family. The distillery is now home to Yellowstone Select, Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey, Yellowstone Limited Edition, Minor Case Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin. For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or https://www.instagram.com/yellowstonebourbon/.

A RARE ESCAPE TO
AN ISLAND PARADISE

Our journey into the forgotten flavours of the past continues with The Extinct Blends Quartet, where our whiskymakers have taken inspiration from vanished characters and recipes, to create four unique blends using some of our most precious parcels of whisky. And this time, we’re reimagining a lost whisky from the Compass Box archives. From the lavish seascape of Ultramarine, the first release from the quartet, we escape to a secluded island paradise… You have arrived at Delos, the second Limited Edition from The Extinct Blends Quartet.

DELVE INTO
COMPASS BOX HISTORY

Delos is a study of one of our very own creations: Asyla. If you enjoyed Asyla’s sumptuous balance of grain and malt, the character of Delos may appeal to you. Just like that ‘lost’ blend, it’s delicate and soothingly sweet. Only with richer, rounder and more resonant flavours, thanks to the older stocks in its composition.

AN ISLAND OF
ANTIQUITY

Delos takes its name from a remote Mediterranean island, said to be the birthplace of the Greek god Apollo. It’s a place of great antiquity – tranquil and exotic, with a rich and compelling past. Much like the aged whiskies that make up its whisky profile. Soft waves of pear, pineapple, and orange oil break gently on the nose, before revealing sun-drenched guava, heather honey and chai spices on the palate.

While inspired by the style and recipe structure of Asyla, Delos has richer and rounder flavours from using older stocks of whiskies which amplify the character, bringing more grandeur to it and making it more resonant.

The delicate mouthfeel and transportive aromas within Delos are nevertheless familiarly delicious. For me, sipping Delos feels like a holiday.

JAMES SAXON

WHISKYMAKER

MADE FOR MOMENTS
OF SANCTUARY

Meditative, mellow and harmonious, we created Delos to bring sanctuary to those who drink it. Best served with music and some close friends. Pour it into a wine glass and escape to your own private retreat.

BUY NOW

Our mailing address is:

Compass Box Whisky Co.
Chiswick Studios
9 Power Road
London, England W4 5PY
United Kingdom