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

ralfy review 974 Extras – American Single Malt Whisky arrives !

THE MACALLAN’S LATEST ADDITION TO FOLIO SERIES:

THE STORY OF THE BOFFINS BAFFLED

The Macallan has revealed the next instalment in the iconic series that celebrates the classic advertising campaigns of the brand – Folio 7.

The seventh release from The Macallan Archival Series highlights a campaign from 1984, telling the quirky story of a curious party of scientists who were invited to the Distillery to taste The Macallan single malt whisky for the first time.

The animations created for the campaign depict the scientists visiting The Macallan Distillery and enjoying a signature dram while discerning why whisky ages best in sherry seasoned casks. They are seen to be sniffing and sipping the amber-gold nectar in awe of their new discovery, before they depart in a flurry to investigate further the magic they have tasted.

First released in 2015, The Archival Series was created to commemorate The Macallan’s legendary print, press and film advertising campaigns of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. By gathering the stories, anecdotes, drawings and photographs that featured as part of the campaigns, the series of individual releases showcases how The Macallan grew from a remote farmstead on the River Spey to become a world-renowned whisky recognised for its incomparable craftsmanship and creativity.

Art Director, David Holmes and Copy Writer, Nick Salaman were tasked to bring the brand’s essence to life in the 1984 advert. On hearing the account of scientists visiting The Macallan Estate, David and Nick, together with illustrator Mary Hogan (Nee Roberts), created an advert with exquisite verve, The Boffins Baffled, now re-imagined once more in Folio 7.

Euan Kennedy, Lead Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “Crafted to pay tribute to the magic and curiosity of The Boffins Baffled advert of the 1980s, Folio 7 is a captivating single malt whisky which truly reflects the iconic status of the artwork it celebrates.

“Offering a fruity nose of apple and pear, raisins, milk chocolate and orange peel then give way to vanilla and baked fruits on the palate, leaving a long, creamy finish with warm spices. With its interesting flavours, Folio 7 offers a unique way to experience The Macallan and one of its most unforgettable advertising campaigns from decades past.”

The Macallan Folio 7 features an ABV of 43% and is priced at £350. It is accompanied by a special booklet commemorating the brand’s vintage advertising, presented in a beautiful book-shaped tin. Folio 7 will be available for sale from April 2023 when a ballot opens through The Macallan Online Boutique, as well as from The Macallan Estate Boutique and selected global travel retail Boutiques.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com.

Whisky Makers Notes

Colour: Golden honey

Nose: Dried fruits, baked apple and pear, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, chocolate, orange and oak.

Palate: Raisins, fig, milk chocolate, orange peel, vanilla, baked fruits with light spices.

Finish: Long and creamy with dried fruit and warm spices.

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland, The Macallan is renowned globally for its incomparable craftsmanship, creativity and innovation with each bottle of single malt whisky revealing its unique mastery of wood and spirit.

Social and environmental sustainability is at the heart of The Macallan, and as part of its commitment to establishing a positive legacy it revealed its award-winning new Distillery in 2018. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills and is located on The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate. To this day, the single greatest influence on The Macallan’s sought after portfolio of single malts is its sherry seasoned oak casks from which its whiskies derive their distinctive flavours, aromas and natural colour.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

Double Cask by Erik Madigan Heck

Each expression within The Macallan Double Cask Collection is a complex sensorial journey,  distinctively captured through this artistic collaboration with photographer Erik Madigan Heck.

The Double Cask Collection celebrates the coming together of two styles to create a unique character, underpinned by familiar flavours of The Macallan single malt whisky.

Inspired by classic, Flemish still life paintings of the 17th century, Erik has created a series of still life images that bring the flavour notes of each whisky to life through the lens of his unique, signature style.

EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

Discover Double Cask

The Macallan Double Cask Collection has a prominent, unmistakable sweetness which is attributed to the higher proportion of American sherry seasoned oak casks used for maturation.

The Macallan Distillery Experience, The Macallan Distillers Ltd,  Easter Elchies, 

Craigellachie, Moray, AB38 9RX, Scotland, +44 (0)1340 318 000

What’s New?

Happy Monday!

I cannot believe how long it has been since our last note, I am sorry! We have been busy organising events and planning for the future, with our 2024 calendar almost confirmed, it is now time to show you, our wonderful Whisky Loungers some love…

With a packed year of Whisky Festivals, Whisky Schools, Tasting Kits, and new collaborations, it is well worth watching this space. This time, however, we’re focussing on festivals, and particularly our return to the capital in a couple of weeks time. Read on!

Friday/Saturday, 12th/13th May 2023
The Jardine Stand (Alec Stewart Gate)
KIA Oval
SE11 5SS

It is just over two weeks until our London event and we want to see you there!

If you haven’t been before (or even if you have!), you will be delighted with the range of whiskies on show and tasting. We pride ourselves on being the ‘personable’ whisky festival, and everyone who comes along is made to feel part of our ‘whisky family’. Our lovely exhibitors feel it too – just ask them!

We have made some more ridiculously good value available, from just £50 for a pair of tickets!

Your tickets include a commemorative Glencairn whisky tasting glass plus all of your whisky samples.
We will also have rare and special drams available, via Whisky.Auction, plus cocktails made by our in-house expert bartenders. These are not part of the ticket price, but are very reasonable indeed. We defy you to have more fun for your money on a Friday or Saturday in London!

Click the link below to view the latest list of exhibitors and to buy tickets – but be quick if you want the best price!

LONDON WHISKY WEEKENDER Dets & Tickets!

Saturday 17th June 2023
The Assembly Rooms
54 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 2LR

Next up we’re in beautiful Edinburgh and the gorgeous Assembly Rooms. As you might tell, we love Edinburgh and what better city to present whiskies from all over the world to you? Our venue, the Assembly Rooms, is absolutely cracking and provides exactly the right backdrop and atmosphere for this event.

Once again, there are still some fantastic ticket offers, so you should definitely get booking before they’re gone!

EDINBURGH WHISKY FESTIVAL – Buy Now!

LATER IN THE YEAR…

There are still special offers available on tickets for all of these, but they won’t last! Just click on the banner of the festival you’d like to attend!

Why not check out news on the whisky world’s latest and greatest, from our very own Gateshead correspondent, Connas? He’s been doing his usual research into the good stuff, so you don’t have to! Follow the link below for this week’s edition.

READ HERE

That’s it for now, more soon, I promise, but I hope to see you at one of our events very soon!

Slàinte!

Eddie & Amanda
The Whisky Lounge Team

K&L Exclusive Casks from a Rye Icon at Excellent Pricing

An early pioneer of the craft whiskey boom, Whistle Pig is a unanimous favorite among collectors and connoisseurs of the finest ryes, with limited-release bottlings often fetching several hundred dollars (or more in the secondary market). At incredibly accessible pricing, these two age-stated K&L exclusive casks offer everyone the chance to experience the singular character of one America’s great rye whiskey icons.

Whistle Pig 6 Year Old “PiggyBack – K&L Exclusive Single Barrel” 112.7 Proof Barrel #6375 100% Canadian Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)

K&L Notes: Whistle Pig has expanded their single-barrel program to include the new Piggyback line. This makes for one of the most affordable single-barrel ryes out there and means it carries a 6-year age statement. At an assertive 112.7 proof, this barrel is sure to delight.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 18, 2023

Whistle Pig has always been a premium product. While that is still certainly true of their PiggyBack label, it’s delightful to have a more affordable product in the lineup, especially for single barrels. At nearly half the price of the 10-year, this is full-throttle, 6-year-old rye whiskey as a proper cask-strength single barrel. The color is a rich copper tone, the nose a mash of sweet wood, cracked peppercorn, toasted rye bread, and zippy mint. On the palate, vanilla and rich cream really mingle in with dark pit fruits like cherry and plum, as well as old-fashioned kettle pop corn with its mix of sweet and savory. A lively herbal line acts much like acidity in wine, providing contrast and lift to all the other flavors. This is very much in the vein of Heaven Hill’s Pikesville Rye, wildly drinkable at a full proof but with so much stuffing you can do anything with it. Your Manhattan game will never be the same.

Whistle Pig 10 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” 102.1 Proof Barrel #173988 Single Barrel Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)

K&L Notes: Whistle Pig’s 10-year single-barrel program has put out some veritable legends over the years. One of the early craft pioneers, they have benefitted tremendously from long-standing relationships for sourcing top-notch whiskey. The 10-year program still offers some of the most delicous rye around. This single cask comes in at 102.1 proof and is so sweet and easy-drinking that you’ll find yourself reaching for this bottle time and time again.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 18, 2023

This epic single barrel from Whistle Pig comes from Warehouse 1, Rick Y, Level 2. It is proper cask strength, but sits just a fraction over 51% ABV, a classic proof. It has a complex and heady aroma. While most rye has a distinct black pepper note, this is more of a roasted mild pasilla pepper, with all of the fruit, spice, and smoky notes that brings. A big dollop of sweet American oak brings vanilla and caramels into the fold. On the palate, more of a cherry cola or Dr. Pepper-type profile, sweet, a little nutty, a little fruity, a lot delicious. The finish is long and lingering with a greater focus on sweet spices like cinnamon, all-spice, and hand-frothed Mexican hot chocolate.

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

Celebrate Peat this May

May in the whisky calendar means one thing: Fèis Ìle, the Islay Festival, celebrating all things Islay, and in particular the island’s whisky.

For those of us who cannot make it up to the Hebrides, we are hosting a duo of peaty whisky tasting this month in The Whisky Exchange’s London stores. Then later in the year we will be welcoming some of your favourite Islay distilleries to the show.

Our first tasting this May is hosted by friend of the show Billy Abbott, and covers The Whisky Exchange’s peaty exclusives. Later in the month we will be welcoming Islay favourite Kilchoman for a tasting across their range and latest releases.

WHISKY SHOW DETAILS
29 Sept – 1 Oct 2023
Friday: 4:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday: 11:30am – 6:30pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 6:30pmVenue: Old Billingsgate, London EC3R 6DX

Tickets from £80

BOOK TICKETS NOW

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be looking at three distillery bottlings and three Independent bottlings of Laphroaig.

https://youtu.be/RSz7rYXc9m0

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF THE LAST OF US PART II WITH MOTH & WOLF: THE LATEST SCOTCH WHISKY FROM THE DIGITAL SPIRITS PROJECT

Fans can now get their hands on the limited-edition blended Scotch whisky as pre-orders open from Wednesday October 5^th 2022.

The Digital Spirits Project, created by the innovation arm of Scotch whisky producer Chivas Brothers, has partnered with Naughty Dog to launch Moth & Wolf, a limited-edition blended Scotch whisky inspired by the world of acclaimed PlayStation®4 video game The Last of Us Part II. 

For this partnership, The Digital Spirits Project has created an entirely new expression for a new generation of fans that taps into the global passion of gaming – a blended Scotch whisky matured in American oak barrels, inspired by the world of The Last of Us Part II, both in its taste and packaging. Following months of sampling, the final liquid pays tribute to the game’s iconic locations – Seattle, Washington and Jackson, Wyoming. Creamy vanilla notes represent the safe haven of Jackson, whilst hints of smoke and malt represent the hardened landscape of Seattle.

Moth & Wolf’s label and packaging is brimming with hidden references to The Last of Us that eagle-eyed fans will truly appreciate. The label features an exquisite radial design based on Joel’s watch, further complemented by the moth and wolf symbols which respectively nod to Ellie’s arm tattoo, and Abby’s Seattle-based faction, the Washington Liberation Front. Finally, the whisky’s vintage year of 2013 is a significant date in The Last of Us mythology, marking the beginning of the Cordyceps infection that ravaged the United States.

Moth & Wolf is the second launch by Chivas Brothers as part of its Digital Spirits Project, which seeks to open the Scotch whisky category up to a new generation of whisky drinkers. Through the Digital Spirits Project, Chivas Brothers collaborates with distilleries, content creators and artists in film, TV and gaming in order to create new spirit expressions that are unique and break category cues. Fans can come closer to their passions by getting their hands on authentic and immersive extensions of the collaborators’ digital and fantasy worlds.

Kevin Balmforth, Blending Manager at Chivas Brothers commented:

“As a massive fan of The Last of Us Part II, it was a huge thrill to be a part of this project and have two of my worlds collide – Scotch and gaming. With Moth & Wolf, I was heavily inspired by the game’s setting and atmosphere, and wanted to capture in a bottle the stark contrast between those safe, happier moments in Jackson and the gripping, intense scenes in Seattle. The result is a spectacular whisky that reflects the storyline’s complexity from the ground up, and I can’t wait for my fellow gamers and Scotch fans to get a taste.”

Neil Druckmann, Co-President of Naughty Dog shared:

“We’re excited to partner with Chivas Brothers in bringing a whisky inspired by The Last of Us Part II to life. The sheer dedication from the team to create a unique whisky that takes so much inspiration from the game is a heartfelt tribute to not only the studio but our community. We hope Moth & Wolf finds a special place on your shelf.”

Moth & Wolf is available for pre-order on Wednesday October 5^th 2022, 7am PDT/ 10am EDT at Reserve Bar (www.reservebar.com) with an MSRP of $75USD (70cl).

For more information on the Digital Spirits Project and Moth & Wolf, please visit https://www.digitalspirits.com/

This article is published as a mater of interest and is published well after it’s original release date