Sneak Preview: Special Releases and Signature Selections

With tickets selling steadily we anticipate a full house this Saturday, but have no plans to expand capacity: we were serious when we said we wanted to provide guests with a more intimate, relaxed experience, and our goal is to deliver on that promise with an edition of Spirit of Toronto that spoils, pampers and indulges you.

The event program is back from the printer, a moment we look forward to every year: it feels good to hold something tangible that encompasses the months of effort that go into organizing an event such as this.

While I can appreciate that many will grab their tasting glass and rush straight into the Hall, we’re welcoming you into a large space over two levels so I highly encourage the Type-A’s coming to take a moment and review our guidelines for making the most of your evening, browse the list and location of participating brands, and plot your course through some of the Easter eggs on offer, including one or two of the liquid gems being poured as part of this year’s inaugural Signature Selections.

More previews after the signature; see you this Saturday!

Slainte,

Johanna Ngoh
Founder and Executive Producer

Pouring this Saturday: Diageo’s Special Releases Collection

Like any card-carrying whisky stan I sit up straight and pay attention when Diageo’s annual Special Releases are announced. Much like Christmas for 9-year-olds, it’s become a yearly ritual for whisky lovers with all the hype, anticipation and disappointment that surrounds any once-a-year event, not to mention a sought-after, limited edition product.

For the uninitiated these Special Releases are hot takes on regularly available single malts, but bottled at cask strength, different ages and most often with a bespoke finish, and finding them at retail can be hit and miss. I’ve lobbied in the past to feature these baubles at Spirit of Toronto so it’s gratifying that six of the most recent releases will be poured on our main floor this coming Saturday, especially having recently visited three of the featured distilleries.

There’s little doubt that heavy hitters such as Lagavulin 12yo and Talisker 11yo will be quickly drained; these are two of Scotland’s Grand Cru distilleries that shine no matter the age or cask (pro tip: make haste if this is your jam). But as my first whisky love, the siren call of an Oban 10yo at cask strength is strong, even more so given the amontillado finish being touted, followed by the Clynelish 12yo, also decked out in sherry.

I have high hopes for the Singleton of Glen Ord 15yo finished in ‘wine casks’: they’ve just done a bang up renovation of the distillery’s visitor centre, which now easily serves the best cappuccino and tea cake to be found north of Edinburgh – truth! But that said I’m most curious about Cardhu 16yo, a whisky whose stock in trade is easy drinking honey, but finished this time around in “Jamaican Pot Still Rum casks” – yum.

So. Many. Choices! Unfortunately I won’t be imbibing, but I always look forward to living vicariously through our guests and hearing all about their faves.

Signature Selections

Speaking of a natter with guests, it never ceases to amaze how one person can gush about the untold riches they’ve tasted, while another bemoans the lack of selection, or that the bottle of their choice was empty by the time they reached the table.

As with life timing is everything, but to level the playing field we’ve dedicated a section of the program to Signature Selections – a catalog showcasing the ‘crème de la crème’ of brands who have gone the extra mile to pour something special for guests visiting their table. (Which bodes well for those of you who missed the Michter’s masterclass but still hope to taste their 20 Year Old.)

It’s important to note that bottles are being poured on a first come first served basis. Also note that some stands are being creative with the timing, such as the Drop Collective who will be opening the Redbreast 27 Year Old at 7:27:27pm (see what they did there? And yes, it’s worth the queue for a taste.)

To the victor go the spoils! Not entirely certain how this applies to Saturday, but it seems like a clever way to sign off…

Tickets to Spirit of Toronto can be purchased as follows —

• Web at roythomsonhall.com
• By telephone at 416-872-4255
• In person at 60 Simcoe Street but note that Roy Thomson Hall’s Box Office is only open three hours before any given performance, so call ahead to make sure staff is on hand to assist.

See you on May 6!

Glengoyne 11 Years Old

Pedro Ximénez Quarter Cask

Discover the velvety smoothness of Glengoyne 11 Years Old Pedro Ximénez Quarter Cask. Crafted in the Highland region of Scotland, this single malt whisky’s powerful yet refined 50% ABV has been achieved through careful maturation in an ex-bourbon barrel and finishing in a Pedro Ximénez cask – delivering sweet, rich sherry notes with no artificial colouring or chill-filtration.

Shop now

NOSE Rich dates give away the sherry finish, Werther’s Originals, leather, liquorice and tobacco.

PALATE Crushed walnuts, followed by a malty Guinness-like hue, falling into a sweeter end note of caramel and honey.

FINISH A rich warming finish that stick to your gums, dark chocolate and honey.

2023 FESTIVAL RELEASES

Flavour hunting season is underway here at the Society, don’t miss out on the thrill of the chase. Our 2023 festival bottlings have been carefully curated by our spirits team to WOW the senses, wherever your preferred tastes lies AND are selling fast.

Keep scrolling to see this week’s festival releases PLUS a very special offer on our Happy Hamper. Or follow your nose…and watch our Head of Whisky Creation, Euan Campbell, take us through this exciting and diverse range…

EUAN TALKS RARE RELEASES

ALL FESTIVAL RELEASES

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

https://youtu.be/ICQkR5_rOzA

Welcome to a 27YO single cask Macallan. Don’t often get to say that in general, let alone with a little sample sent in the post. This bottle is being sold via Mark Littler LTD and has been bottled by a client of his. Producing only 90 bottles that will be available via the link below, you can also view the huge history and links that this bottle has to huge chunks of Macallan’s history, outside of being distilled there.

I’ve had the privilege of trying this whisky prior to this video, it was a wonderful privilege to be able to try it again.

Macallan 27YO Mark Littler LTD

Loch Lomond Whiskies Reveals Last Edition in Exclusive Remarkable Stills Series

Loch Lomond 47 Years Old completes this rare series of exceptional single malt whiskies 

Loch Lomond Whiskies has completed its Remarkable Stills series of high-aged single malt whiskies with the release of Loch Lomond 47 Years Old.

The third and final release in this exclusive collection, Loch Lomond 47 Years Old is limited to 200 bottles globally, making it one of the rarest to be released by the distillery. It joins Loch Lomond 45 Years Old and Loch Lomond 46 Years Old to complete the range.

The Remarkable Stills Series is inspired by the distiller’s unique Straight Neck pot stills. These incredible stills give master blender Michael Henry the creative freedom to explore flavour in a more inventive way, carefully shaping the character of the whisky at the point of distillation, revealing distinctive fruit notes at a higher collection strength. As the only distiller in Scotland to use these innovative stills, Loch Lomond Whiskies’ approach to whisky-making is entirely unique, and allows it to craft an extraordinary flavour profile which is unlike anything else.

First distilled in the 1970s, Lomond 47 Years Old  began its journey in refill American Oak casks where it quietly matured on the banks of Loch Lomond for 43 years before finishing in 2^nd fill Oloroso Sherry casks, which adds additional dried, tropical fruit notes to compliment the distillery’s notable style characterised by orchard fruit.

Like its predecessors, Loch Lomond 47 Years Old is an unpeated whisky. On the nose it conveys toffee, orange and green apple with floral notes of rose followed by sultanas, cinnamon and nutmeg. The palette opens with a velvety mouthfeel, hints of caramel and vanilla are met with crisp green apple, melon and kiwi fruit complement floral notes of elderflower. The finish is long, initially sweet flavours of melted brown sugar followed by mouth-watering lime citrus and gently warming cinnamon spice. It is bottled at 44.3% ABV.

Natural in colour, the final product captures the story of Loch Lomond Whiskies’ innovative and imaginative spirit, underpinned by its unique capabilities.

Loch Lomond 47 Years Old is presented in a beautifully hand-crafted oak box with a copper centre inspired by the stills themselves.

Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender, Michael Henry said: “It is our unique Straight Neck Stills which set us apart from others. As the only distillery In Scotland to use these stills, our whisky making process is truly innovative and entirely one of a kind.

“Created in tribute to this incredible feat of engineering, our Remarkable Stills Series is as rare as the stills themselves. With only 200 bottles of each release available worldwide, every edition is as special as the one before it.

“Loch Lomond 47 Years Old is the final piece of this collection – a distinctively fruity single malt with an array of complex and complementary notes. It is a single-malt of exceptional character that perfectly captures the imagination and curious spirit of the Loch Lomond Whiskies distillery.”

Loch Lomond 47 Years Old Single Malt has an RRSP of £5750 and is available globally.  Each edition of the Remarkable Stills Series is limited to just 200 bottles making it one of the rarest collections of whiskies ever released by Loch Lomond Whiskies. Every bottle has been individually numbered to showcase its rarity.

Loch Lomond Distillery can trace its roots back to the Littlemill distillery, which was established in 1772 and is the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Its current malt and grain distilleries, in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, close to the banks of Loch Lomond, were commissioned in 1964 with first distillation in 1966.

For further information visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

Tasting notes

Nose: Toffee, orange and green apple with floral notes of rose then sultans, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Palate: Opens with a velvety mouthfeel, caramel and vanilla with crisp green apple, melon and kiwi fruit with floral notes of elderflower.

Finish: long, initially sweet melted brown sugar then mouth-watering lime citrus and gently warming cinnamon spice. 

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. lochlomondgroup.com

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day.
• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old; Loch Lomond 50-Year-Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain.
• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12-Year-Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards and a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco 2020 Awards.
• Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
• PLATINUM: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Inchmurrin 12 Year Old
• GOLD MEDAL – Inchmoan 12 Year Old
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Loch Lomond 18 Year Old
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 10 Year Old

Coronation Balmoral Whisky

This exclusive limited edition Balmoral Coronation Edition Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky celebrates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

In recognition of The King’s long and fond association with Royal Deeside, the whisky is drawn from specially selected casks from Royal Lochnagar Distillery, a mile from Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Royal Family.

The first two bottles, in bespoke cases on plinths of Caledonian Pine from the Balmoral Estate, have been presented by Balmoral to HM The King and HRH The Prince William, Duke of Rothesay. One bottle will be retained as a commemorative record by the Royal Lochnagar Archive.

A further 1000 individually numbered bottles, bearing a gold engraving of His Majesty’s Scottish Cypher, are available for purchase exclusively from Balmoral Estates.

PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR THIS EXCLUSIVE WHISKY AND WE WILL ARRANGE FOR COURIER DELIVERY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE CORONATION.

The Highland style of this celebratory whisky evokes the pine forests and grassy, floral nature of the surrounding area. Only five casks were chosen for this exclusive release. Aged 18 years, the distillery character still shines, mellowed by a long, gentle maturation in refill casks: European oak butts for richness and an American oak hogshead for sweetness.

On the nose, delicate notes of orchard fruits, freshly cut grass and orange peel emerge with dried ginger and liquorice; the medium-bodied palate is sweet and malty, with an abundance of fresh fruit, creamy butterscotch and oak spice towards the finish.

This whisky is bottled at a strength of 48% abv. This is a reference to both the year His Majesty was born (1948), and the first visit from Balmoral to Royal Lochnagar by the Royal Family – Queen Victoria & Prince Albert – in 1848; it is also the optimal strength for the perfect balance of flavours; with water, the light, fruity notes become more apparent

Distilled uniquely for Balmoral Estates at Royal Lochnagar Distillery.

Please note that this product can only be purchased if you are aged 18 years of age or over and is only available for shipping within the UK.

Our April Auction ENDS SOON!

We are thrilled to present yet another excellent assortment of whiskies available in our April auction! Whether it’s to expand your collection or to find that perfect drinking dram, be sure to check out our LIVE auction and secure your perfect bottle!

Auction closes from 8pm (BST) Tuesday 2nd May (TODAY)

www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

Interested in Selling Whisky?📆   We are already collecting for our next auction
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Keen followers of Wolfburn will remember the distillery visit by (then) Prince Charles, the Duke of Rothesay, back in 2019. Given his penchant for fine single malt we felt it appropriate to mark his Coronation with a commemorative release, based on the flavour profile most enjoyed by His Royal Highness during a private tasting held in the still house.

Slàinte Mhath

The Wolfburn Team

To celebrate the historical occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III we have crafted a special release, based on the flavour profile most enjoyed by His Royal Highness during his visit to Wolfburn Distillery.

Crafted from unpeated spirit matured for a little over seven years in first-fill bourbon barrels, this whisky shows off the best of Wolfburn’s signature soft, sweet spirit, with a remarkable depth of flavour, being bottled at an undiminished 57.8%. Consisting of just 600 bottles in total, this is truly a dram fit for a king.

TASTING NOTES

ON THE NOSE – Spring blossoms meet gentle oak smoke and dried fruit, all overlaid with a subtle sweetness.

ON THE PALATE – A mouthful of fruit cake: dates, almonds, maple syrup and dark chocolate are all present.  Give it time and subtle spices reveal themselves – gentle layers of cardamom and cinnamon.

FINISH – Hints of vanilla gently fade gently away with a warming trace of caramel at the end.

Non chill-filtered / Natural Colour
57.8% ABV.
70cl

Our top 10 whiskies this month feature bold and fruity single malts that have been finished or matured in ex-sherry casks, perfect for those that prefer fuller bodied whiskies with layers of dried fruit, soft spice and nuttiness. Each of these would make an excellent addition to any sherry head’s whisky collection.

Take your pick from an award-winning malty and honey-rich Glenlivet, a thick and full-bodied sherry bomb matured exclusively in oloroso sherry casks from Glen Garioch, a standout half-litre single malt from Aberlour with distinctive fruitiness and a rich raisin character, and more delicious drams from Highland and island distilleries.

TOP 10 WHISKIES

SPEYSIDE FESTIVAL SINGLE CASK RELEASE

Flavour Hunters rejoice…in celebration of the Speyside whisky festival this weekend, we’ve just released a sensational single cask. Bursting with brilliance, say hello to Cask No. 108.69 Sweet limestone pavement. This exclusive festival release brings savoury sweetness with strawberry tarts and custard with a dusting of icing sugar and gentle spice. Quite wonderful and a flavour experience not to be missed.

AVAILABLE at 2pm today, click over to our website to BUY or keep on scrolling to discover more. AND be sure not to miss our Flavour Hunter Festival RARE RELEASES, seek them out before they disappear forever.

SPEYSIDE SINGLE CASK

ALL FESTIVAL RARE RELEASES

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