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Maclean’s Nose
A nod to whisky legend and mentor to the team at Adelphi, Charles Maclean. This bottling is also a nod to the landmark that can be found on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Blended to have a West Coast Character with both a high malt content (70%) and a high proportion of ex-sherry casks.
BECOME PART OF A LEGACY IN THE MAKING WITH BALLANTINE’S 40 YEAR OLD MASTERCLASS COLLECTION
Ballantine’s, the world’s number 2 Scotch whisky, and believers of investing in time, unveils its stunning new 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection; a precious series that will see the annual release over five years of five exceptional expressions of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old whisky.
Serving as a tribute to past and present Ballantine’s Master Blenders, the collection celebrates the five essential skills that Jack Goudy, Master Blender between 1959 and 1994, passed on to his then apprentice and now world-renowned Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Every drop in the expressions which form the Masterclass Collection, will come from casks laid down by Jack Goudy, including rare whiskies from now ghost distilleries, and expertly blended by Sandy Hyslop. To preserve the authentic touch of both men’s hands, each chapter from the collection will be bottled at the natural strength after 40 years maturation in oak casks.
The first release in the collection, launched this year to mark Sandy Hyslop’s 40th anniversary in the industry, is named ‘The Remembering’. The blend is both complex and harmonious, with a carefully crafted influence from whisky of now closed Dumbarton Distillery, where Sandy Hyslop first learned from Jack Goudy in his journey to becoming a Master Blender. The distillery was also where traditional Coffey stills were used, resulting in a creamy smooth character enriched with an opulent sweetness from being matured in the finest American Oak casks. Inspired by the skill of sensory memory, and sensations evoked living on in the mind, ‘The Remembering’ is a perfectly balanced whisky, rich and complex, and bursting with flavours of spiced red apple and notes of warming clove spice and lavish toffee.
Commenting on the first release from the Masterclass Collection, Sandy Hyslop, said:
“This is an incredibly special and poignant collection to work on, as I was taken back to my early days spent in the warehouse with Jack. The fact that Jack nosed these whiskies holds special significance, and this first chapter is a tribute to the distinctive character of Ballantine’s and the guidance and inspiration on which I’ve built my own skills. The art of whisky crafting is fascinating, with many rules written long ago. The lessons I learnt from Jack are repeated to my own team now, and they’ll be continued to be passed on in years to come.”
Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: ‘The Remembering’ is presented in individually numbered bottles, with a design reflecting the exceptional rarity of this 40 Year Old blend, decorated by hand and infilled with gold. The stunning bottle is housed inside an elegant presentation box, dressed in a delicate 3D paper art piece, created exclusively for the Masterclass Collection by celebrated Scottish artist, Kyla McCallum.
The launch of ‘The Remembering’ also celebrates Ballantine’s first NFT release in partnership with BlockBar.com, the global marketplace selling wine and spirits authenticated via blockchain directly from luxury brands. Exclusive to BlockBar, 24 of the 108 physical bottles are engraved with “The Remembering” and “1st NFT Release”. Each bottle stored in BlockBar’s state-of-the-art facility in Singapore comes with a digital certificate of authentication. The owner may sell or gift the NFT at any time from purchase, or redeem the physical bottle from April 2024.
Only 108 bottles of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: ‘The Remembering’ will be made available for purchase globally from April 2023, to celebrate Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop’s 40th year in the industry, at specialist retailers and on BlockBar.com for RSP $11,000 USD. The fifth and closing chapter of the collection will be released in 2027 to mark the iconic Scotch’s 200th anniversary.
For more information, visit ballantines.com or follow @ballantines on social media
lievers of investing in time, unveils its stunning new 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection; a precious series that will see the annual release over five years of five exceptional expressions of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old whisky.
Serving as a tribute to past and present Ballantine’s Master Blenders, the collection celebrates the five essential skills that Jack Goudy, Master Blender between 1959 and 1994, passed on to his then apprentice and now world-renowned Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Every drop in the expressions which form the Masterclass Collection, will come from casks laid down by Jack Goudy, including rare whiskies from now ghost distilleries, and expertly blended by Sandy Hyslop. To preserve the authentic touch of both men’s hands, each chapter from the collection will be bottled at the natural strength after 40 years maturation in oak casks.
The first release in the collection, launched this year to mark Sandy Hyslop’s 40th anniversary in the industry, is named ‘The Remembering’. The blend is both complex and harmonious, with a carefully crafted influence from whisky of now closed Dumbarton Distillery, where Sandy Hyslop first learned from Jack Goudy in his journey to becoming a Master Blender. The distillery was also where traditional Coffey stills were used, resulting in a creamy smooth character enriched with an opulent sweetness from being matured in the finest American Oak casks. Inspired by the skill of sensory memory, and sensations evoked living on in the mind, ‘The Remembering’ is a perfectly balanced whisky, rich and complex, and bursting with flavours of spiced red apple and notes of warming clove spice and lavish toffee.
Commenting on the first release from the Masterclass Collection, Sandy Hyslop, said:
“This is an incredibly special and poignant collection to work on, as I was taken back to my early days spent in the warehouse with Jack. The fact that Jack nosed these whiskies holds special significance, and this first chapter is a tribute to the distinctive character of Ballantine’s and the guidance and inspiration on which I’ve built my own skills. The art of whisky crafting is fascinating, with many rules written long ago. The lessons I learnt from Jack are repeated to my own team now, and they’ll be continued to be passed on in years to come.”
Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: ‘The Remembering’ is presented in individually numbered bottles, with a design reflecting the exceptional rarity of this 40 Year Old blend, decorated by hand and infilled with gold. The stunning bottle is housed inside an elegant presentation box, dressed in a delicate 3D paper art piece, created exclusively for the Masterclass Collection by celebrated Scottish artist, Kyla McCallum.
The launch of ‘The Remembering’ also celebrates Ballantine’s first NFT release in partnership with BlockBar.com, the global marketplace selling wine and spirits authenticated via blockchain directly from luxury brands. Exclusive to BlockBar, 24 of the 108 physical bottles are engraved with “The Remembering” and “1st NFT Release”. Each bottle stored in BlockBar’s state-of-the-art facility in Singapore comes with a digital certificate of authentication. The owner may sell or gift the NFT at any time from purchase, or redeem the physical bottle from April 2024.
Only 108 bottles of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: ‘The Remembering’ will be made available for purchase globally from April 2023, to celebrate Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop’s 40th year in the industry, at specialist retailers and on BlockBar.com for RSP $11,000 USD. The fifth and closing chapter of the collection will be released in 2027 to mark the iconic Scotch’s 200th anniversary.
For more information, visit ballantines.com or follow @ballantines on social media
Bimber unveils its largest and oldest small batch single malt whisky release
London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the worldwide release of Ex-bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4 – the distillery’s largest and oldest small batch single malt to date.
The upcoming single malt whisky has been crafted from a vatting of the distillery’s oldest 1st fill American Oak ex-bourbon casks laid down in 2017 – Bimber’s second year of product.
Batch 4 is bottled at 51.2% ABV and consists of 7,000 bottles. It will be available at an RRP of £68 directly from the distillery from Thursday 20th April 2023 and also in a wide number of overseas markets (see notes to editors for full availability details)
The expression has been crafted to Bimber’s rigorous standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings before being fermented for seven days in bespoke, on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised alembic pot stills which possess an increased copper surface area, and produce a fruit-forward, textural and layered new make spirit.
Following maturation, each cask was disgorged into the distillery’s in-house constructed American oak marrying vat for a period of resting. During this resting cycle the complexities of each individual cask mingle, creating an ensemble which possesses balance and depth whilst retaining the character of Bimber’s distinctive spirit.
Speaking of the new Small Batch release, Bimber spokesperson Matt McKay said: “Whilst the number of Bimber enthusiasts continues to grow, as a small craft distillery we have struggled to keep up with the exponential demand for our products. As our largest ever release, we hope that Ex-bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4 will quench some of the continued global demand that we’re seeing for our London single malt whiskies.“
He added: “Similarly to our other Small Batch releases Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4 continues to offer an insight into our maturing single malt whisky stock – as we look toward the 7th anniversary of our spirit, this new release is not only a perfect entry point into Bimber, it’s also a milestone for the developing style and quality of single malt whiskies that you’ll be seeing from us going forward.”
Bimber Ex-bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4
A vatting of carefully selected first fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels
7,000 bottles
70cl
51.2% ABV
RRP £68
Distribution: Available directly from Bimber from Thursday 20th April 2023 and also from:
| Australia
Austria Belgium Canada China Denmark France Germany Israel |
Wonderland Drinks
Vienna Distribution Top Malts PWS Imports Aren Trading CRT Spirits LMDW The Spirit Curator |
Italy
Japan Macau Netherlands Norway Poland Switzerland Taiwan USA |
Beija-Flor
Acorn Limited Einer Drinks Tudor House Figee Fine Goods Aren Trading Glass Revolution |
About Bimber
Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.
Pre-Order Laphroaig Coronation Trio Now
Crafted to commemorate the ascension of King Charles III, this trilogy of Laphroaig expressions have been matured and bottled by Duncan Taylor. The three magnificent 70cl bottlings have been aged for 18, 23 and 26 years respectively. Extremely limited to just 150 numbered releases – secure yours now! We expect to ship mid July.
Duncan Taylor Laphroaig Coronation Trio
18YO: Restrained smoke gives way to gentle baked green fruits and a lingering sherried texture.
23YO: Chocolate dipped fruits mingle with earthy hints of smoked salty almonds and ripe cherries.
26YO: Ginger is accented by charred sherry oak and spice, maritime air compliments a subtle smokiness.
Crafted to commemorate the ascension of King Charles III, this stunning trilogy of Laphroaig expressions has been dutifully matured by Duncan Taylor and lovingly finished in sherry casks. The three magnificent 70cl bottlings have been aged for 18, 23 and 26 years respectively. Limited to just 150 sequentially numbered releases, each luxury set is presented in a clear case, illuminated by remote and gold mirror accents – adding a distinguished allure to the spirits within. A certificate of authenticity and a pair of handling gloves ensures a lasting brilliance.
Aged 18 Years: Restrained smoke gives way to gentle notes of baked green fruits. A subtle sherried texture lingers on the palate.
Aged 23 Years: Eloquent notes of chocolate dipped fruits mingle with hints of smoked salty almonds. Ripe cherries round off an earthy dram.
Aged 26 Years: Intriguing nuance of ginger is accented by charred sherry oak and spice. A dash of maritime air compliments a subtle smokiness, softened by long ageing.
Longmorn 33 Years Old
The Rare Collection
Longmorn Distillery perhaps has one of the most loyal followings of any distillery. However, it flies under the radar due to a large proportion of its output being used for blends. Indeed, its fruity character was central to the recipe of Finn’s Grandfather’s bottlings of Beneagles, which is why he was happy to have a number of casks from the distillery from the late 1980s. On the face of it, two of these casks are almost identical. Both are hogsheads with some Oloroso sherry influence giving an amber glow, as well as coffee, dark chocolate and a chewy texture that coats the mouth. Both could be bottled today as incredible examples of aged whiskies from this remarkable distillery. The only point of difference is that this cask chosen for bottling has taken on some added elements from the wood, giving it a more mature and complex taste than its sister cask (17154). It is undoubtedly ready for bottling now while it still has that underlying trademark Longmorn fruitiness.
Limited time deal.
£475.00
£525.00
As you can see from these photos taken by Ross, the Lindores Abbey orchard is blossoming beautifully. It’s also great to see that our honey hives are once again literally buzzing with life. With the new mashes going through we again have all the delightful smells of the distilling process wafting through the building, reminding us why we’re here.
It’s also good, after the usual quieter winter, to find ourselves inundated with visitors from all over the world. Lots of work for our tour guides – those who have been here for a long time and those who are just starting out. We’re always happy to read the comments in the visitors’ book about how well our tours are appreciated.
We hope to see as many of you as we can at the distillery this season!
Slàinte
Drew McKenzie Smith
Managing Director of Lindores Abbey Distillery
& Custodian of Lindores Abbey
GOLD!!!
We are delighted to announce that our Friar John Cor Cask Strength Congregation Batch – Chapter 1 has won GOLD at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023.
We returned to mashing in April after a brief period of maintenance, and we have used the first of the 2022 harvest which was subject to last year’s very dry conditions. This leads to lower starch in the barley and so we are expecting somewhat lower yields.
One of the bigger jobs we have tackled in the meantime is repairs to our heat exchanger. We have just released Casks of Lindores Bourbon #2. Between 40 and 50 casks were vatted together and then diluted to 49.4% ABV. Like the others, this is a No Age Statement bottling (NAS). However, since it’s about 18 months older than our first Bourbon Casks of Lindores, we can confidently expect it to be even better.
Our plan is to release a new Casks of Lindores bottling every six months, rotating between STR, Sherry and Bourbon, and this has been well received by our aficionados.
In more admin related news our new Inventory Management system is under way. Inventory is a complicated process when you recognise that every cask we fill has to be stored for at least three years and a day before we can use it, and during that time we have to be able to say where it is and what’s happening to it. We have now logged every cask, and next have to programme all adjustments in the same system, for full traceability; write procedures; and carry out staff training.
At Lindores we are always trying to reduce our energy consumption and one of the ways we do this is to make sure our barley comes from farms within a five mile radius of the distillery and that we use local firms whenever possible. Our barley is malted at Crisp Maltings in Alloa then transported back here; and then we place orders for malt with Crisp for next year. Meantime Crisp use some of our farmers’ crop for seed for next year, and sell the seed back to them when they are planning their planting. We keep in touch with the farmers and have a daily awareness of how next year’s crop is going; and the cows eat our draff. The team can watch the barley growing from the distillery hall. How many distillery teams could make such a claim?
Slàinte
Dean McDonald
Distillery Operations Assistant Manager
ONE TO ONE AUCTION
In October this year, one of our Tiron Oak Casks of new spirit will be auctioned for Charity by Sotheby’s at the Distillers One to One Auction at Hopetoun House – a great honour for us!!
We are celebrating this in our creation of a new cocktail: VIEUX ABBAYE – a spin on the New Orleans classic cocktail Vieux Carré.
If you would like to celebrate along with us, here’s how:35ml Lindores Tiron Virgin Single cask Whisky (or MCDXCIV will do just fine)25ml Lillet Rouge (French Sweet/herbal vermouth style aperitif)15ml Benedictine Liqueur3 dashes of plum bitters1 dash of angostura bittersStir down with ice then serve straight up in a coupe glass and garnished with a fan of fresh plum.This is a booze-forward cocktail designed for sipping – not a session. It tells the story with which you will all be familiar – how the monks of Tiron Abbey came to Scotland and established Lindores Abbey, cultivating the land for barley and fruit. And now we have it – eight centuries later – our world famous Lindores Abbey Distillery Whisky.
The One of One auction ,organised by The Distillers Charity, provides funds for the Youth Action Fund in Scotland which helps support young people to a better future!! (More on this marvellous initiative in next issue!!!!).
Tormore 1993 29YO
Cask Type: First Fill Sherry Butt
One of only 554 bottles
Stewed red berry aromas complement vanilla pod and medjool dates. Baked apple flavours intertwine with cinnamon spice and charred oak. A full finish with summer berries and soft herbal notes. This release is from Tormore Distillery. Coming in the ‘Cask Strength’ range of Connoisseurs Choice.
Distilled: 1993
Bottled: 30th May 2022
Batch number: 22/109
Cask number: 5053
Cask Type: First Fill Sherry Butt
Aged for 29 Years
One of only 554 bottles
Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail
Nikka Miyagikyo 2022 Limited Release “Aromatic Yeast” Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $269.99 View
Nikka Yoichi 2022 Limited Release “Aromatic Yeast” Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $269.99 View
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
ralfy review 975 – Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair @46.3%vol:
