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Lochlea “Fallow Edition” First Crop – Aberdeen Whisky Shop News

Lochlea 

“Fallow Edition”

First Crop

The third in an annual series of limited seasonal bottlings, Lochlea ‘Fallow Edition’ (First Crop) reflects the season of autumn on the farm, when the fields are left fallow to rest after a busy harvest. This is the first Lochlea release to be matured solely in 100% ex-Oloroso Sherry butts. A rich purple label reflects the crisp leaves that cover the ground as temperatures begin to fall.

NOSE Ripe red fruits and freshly baked banana loaf.

PALATE Dried fruit, leathery notes and malt biscuits.

FINISH Medium length, with hints of aniseed and moreish floral rose pedals.

• PLEASE NOTE •

Strictly one per person

£50.00

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New from Lochlea Distillery! – Abbey Whisky News

LOCHLEA FALLOW EDITION – FIRST CROP

The third single malt release in the annual series of seasonal bottlings from Lochlea distillery. Lochlea Fallow Edition has been crafted from 100% ex-oloroso sherry butts, the first time we’ve seen a release from the distillery solely matured in this style of cask.

Lochlea Fallow Edition reflects the Autumn season when the ‘fields are left fallow’ and the purple label reflecting the crisp leaves covering the ground.

Available now in limited numbers via the link below

Slàinte Mhath

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BENROMACH ADDS LIMITED EDITION TRIPLE DISTILLED EXPRESSION TO ITS CONTRASTS RANGE – Scotch Whisky News

BENROMACH ADDS LIMITED EDITION TRIPLE DISTILLED EXPRESSION TO ITS CONTRASTS RANGE 

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched a new small batch single malt, ‘Benromach Triple Distilled’, into its ‘Contrasts’ range.

This limited-edition expression was created in a style which is deliberately different in character to its signature 10-Year-Old single malt. For this unique release, the spirit has been triple distilled, passing through the wash still and then twice through the spirit still, giving a lighter and fruiter style of spirit that complements its maturation in first-fill bourbon barrels.

Bottled at 46% ABV, the non chill-filtered whisky has a long, medium-bodied finish with citrus zest and a hint of soft smoke.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “We triple-distilled a small batch of this spirit in 2011 and after a little more than a decade, we are ready to share it. Benromach Triple Distilled retains our customary, subtle smokiness but the extra distillation, combined with a bourbon cask delivers a slightly sweeter single malt with tropical fruit notes such as pineapple, banana and coconut.

“And, like all of our whiskies, our small team of distillers created this expression by hand to produce a malt with genuine character.”

Benromach Contrasts: Triple Distilled is priced at £49.99. Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

For more information, please visit: www.benromach.com

Tasting Notes: 

Benromach Contrasts: Triple Distilled is a limited release which has been matured in first-fill bourbon barrels – 46% ABV.

    • Colour: Pale gold
    • Aromas: Vibrant tropical fruits, malt biscuit, vanilla pod and toasted oak
    • Palate: Ripe banana, poached pear, green apple and sweet honey
    • Finish: Medium-bodied and long, with citrus zest and a hint of soft smoke
    • Maturation: First-fill bourbon barrels
    • RRP: £49.99

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

Diageo acquires leading Texas super premium whisky distiller, Balcones Distilling – American Whiskey News

Diageo acquires leading Texas super premium whisky distiller, Balcones Distilling

Texas super premium whisky distiller, Balcones Distilling

2 November 2022: Today, Diageo announces it has acquired Balcones Distilling (‘Balcones’), a Texas craft distiller and one of the leading producers of American Single Malt Whisky in the United States.

Founded in Waco, Texas in 2008, Balcones is a celebrated player in the emerging whisk(e)y movement in Texas, with a diverse portfolio of award-winning super premium and above whiskies, including Texas “1” American Single Malt, Lineage American Single Malt and Baby Blue Corn Whisky. Balcones embraces Texas’ intense heat as well as its temperature fluctuations to create whiskies with differentiated flavours. The team also leverages distinctive high quality, and often locally sourced, original ingredients, including Texas-grown malted barley and roasted blue corn, to produce a range of highly decorated whiskies.

The super premium and above whisk(e)y segment has seen consistent volume growth in the US in recent years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.3% from 2016 to 2021.[i] Within that, American Single Malt Whisky has been a driver of momentum, with 18.2% CAGR over the same period.[ii]

Claudia Schubert, President, Diageo North America, commented“We are delighted to welcome Balcones Distilling into Diageo. The Balcones team are true innovators and pioneers in the emerging American Single Malt and Texas whisk(e)y movements, and their super premium plus whiskies are highly complementary to our whisk(e)y portfolio. This acquisition is in line with our strategy to acquire high growth brands in fast growing segments, such as super premium whisk(e)y, and we look forward to working with the Balcones team to support further growth for these world-class whiskies.” 

Greg Allen, Chairman, Balcones Distilling, said: “Balcones started with an idea driven by an innovative spirit and passion to create something original and authentic in the heart of Texas. Now, we couldn’t be prouder to have created these award-winning American Single Malt and Texas whiskies, but also to have helped initiate an exciting new era of whisk(e)y in Texas. We are thrilled that Diageo shares our belief in its potential and we look forward to seeing Diageo bring Balcones’ incredible whiskies to more consumers.”

The acquisition has been funded through existing cash resources.

[i] IWSR, volume
[ii] IWSR, US Single Malt Whisky category volume

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal and JεB whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company whose products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Balcones Distilling

Driven by a passion to create something original and authentic, Balcones Distilling marries centuries of distilling tradition with the bold flavours of Texas. Balcones is synonymous with quality and innovation in the whisky industry, known for emphasizing high quality ingredients and drawing influences from all over Texas. To date, the distillery has earned more than 500 national and international tasting awards and accolades for their whiskies and spirits.

Our new Exclusive Release from Little Brown Dog – Inverurie Whisky Shop News

 

New Exclusive Release

Inverurie Whisky Shop Exclusive Little Brown Dog Secret Highland Sherry Octave 50cl

£75.00

Bottle Notes:

From perhaps the smallest distillery in the North East of Scotland comes this Independent Whisky Release. They have hand picked this fantastic drop for the Inverurie Whisky Shop. Coming from a Secret Highland Distillery, the whisky was selected by Andrew and Chris of Little Brown Dog Spirits. The infinitely popular distillery are known for their flawless choice of casks and this is certainly no expection.

Cask Type: Sherry Octave

Distilled: 2011 Bottled: 2021

Limited Edition: 92 bottles

Mike’s Tasting Notes:

Nose: Big sherry punch of raisins initially, followed by orange peel and dry spices. Cola cube sweeties and hazelnuts

Palate: Infinitley drinkable. Savoury, subtle hints of oak and dry spices. Nutmeg with dry, nutty sherry notes. Orange peel, some dried figs and perhaps a touch of bitter chocolate

Finish: Long, and mouth sapping, leaving big notes of dried fruits and nuts.

52.1% ABV

50cl

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The Latest Tamdhu Distinction Release is now available! – Scotch Whisky News

Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction, Limited Release 2

Tamdhu matured in American oak has a wonderfully distinctive profile – it’s noticeably different from their European oak maturations. Quercus Alba has a tight grain, ideal for crafting quality casks. The oloroso sherry then modifies and seasons the toasted oak before the cask’s long journey to Tamdhu, where their new-make spirit is filled. Overtime, the combination of casks and spirit imports vanilla and rich fruit flavours, along with a wonderfully natural amber colour.

Only £65.50

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An Epic Hart Brothers Single Malt 3-Pack, BenRiach x2 & Longmorn at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News

An Incredible Trio of K&L Exclusives at $100 Off
The Essential Hart Brothers Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Collection (3x700ml) (Previously $285) ($184.99)
Our most incredible bundle deal of the year…

Today’s offer is quite simply the spirits deal of the year. A literal boatload of pending new arrivals means that we must make room in our spirits inventory, and our savviest Scotch aficionados get to reap the rewards. A trio of spectacular K&L Exclusive Cask single malts from Hart Brothers come together in an absolutely jaw-dropping bundle that can be had for $100 off the individual retail prices of these three singular whiskies, which have already made quite an impression on our diehard clientele. Starting things off, the Longmorn 10 Year Old “is nearly the perfect Speysider,” according to K&L Spirits Buyer David Othenin-Girard. The first-fill sherry butt will no doubt thrill fans of the style, as “it’s perfectly matched to the medium body of Longmorn’s profile,” according to David’s colleague Andrew Whiteley.

Also joining the party are two outlandishly great casks from the dynamic Benriach, starting with a 12 Year Old sherry-aged stunner, of which David declares, “No one will be disappointed with this exceptional cask. It’s fabulous!” Finally, Benriach’s 15 Year Old Port Pipe powerhouse is “a totally idiosyncratic cask that still seems to exemplify Benriach’s true nature. One of the best values from Hart Brothers this year … and right in line with what we’d expect—the unexpected!” In short, this is an unheard-of opportunity that we’ll almost certainly never see again, and quantities are highly limited, so collectors everywhere will want to jump in with both feet.

The Essential Hart Brothers Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Collection (3x700ml) (Previously $285) ($184.99)

K&L Notes: This is a unique opportunity to snag three excellent Speyside single malts with compelling profiles at a steep discount over MSRP. With a new container of Scotch inbounding to our warehouse anyday, we need to make some serious space fast! While we don’t typically run ‘sales’ like this, the savvy Scotch drinker won’t blink at picking up these beauties for their daily drinking needs or thoughtful holiday gifting that is right around the corner. This 3-pack includes two different bottlings of Benriach—one 12 year old expression aged in a choice sherry butt and bottled at 58.2% ABV, and the other a 15-year bottling aged in port pipe and bottled at 56.5% ABV. The third bottle in the pack is a scrumptious Longmorn 10 Year Old, also in sherry butt at a robust 56% ABV. The combined regular retail value of this pack is $285. If you choose to stock up the bar with these excellent whiskies in this one time offer, all three can be yours for just $185!

Longmorn 10 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Sherry Butt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Regularly $74.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 02, 2022

I love Longmorn, and I’m always surprised how difficult it is to get. I guess Chivas is aware of how dang good this stuff is, and you just can’t make that much blended scotch without the stuffing from these gems. So anyway, we jumped on the chance to own a cask of Longmorn, and we’re all the more excited to see it was aged in sherry cask. Now this sherry cask isn’t very dark, but my god it has a ton of character—indeed, color and character are not always correlated. The color is pale gold. This one pops immediately with a huge apple orchard fruit character. It’s so pungent it can’t only be the fruit of the malt at this age, but rather that gorgeous, high-quality sherry coming through. After that we get a big vanilla bean, wild honey, candied citrus peel, honeydew, and a bit of candle wax. On the palate, it’s very rich and oily. More apricot and honey, but also now some earthy malt and hints of fragrant heather. With water the nose becomes darker and maltier, which is very unusual and welcome. A bit more sherry funk comes out as well, losing its absolutely pristine nose in favor of even more intensity. The palate is downright thick now, a strange trick of water and whisky, where by the perceived density increases despite the obvious physical fact that you’ve diluted the product. Absolutely unparalleled vibrancy adds to the picture with countless fruit and botanical aromas flowing freely now. This is nearly the perfect Speysider for me. It exemplifies the dichotomy of elegance and complexity that the region’s best malts exhibit. There isn’t a better $75 malt on the market today in my humble estimation. For those who want elegance and depth over power and punch, this is the real deal.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 02, 2022

We rarely get to bottle Longmorn these days. While the world loves to talk about single malt, the fact is blends are still king, and Longmorn has been prized for over 100 years as a top-notch ingredient to add the stuffing to famous blends, from VAT 69 to Dewar’s and Chivas. In fact, due to its quality, Longmorn was one of the distilleries Nikka’s Masataka Taketsuru did a stint at in his legendary visit to Scotland. For years, you could find Longmorn without looking too hard at the independent bottling market, but it seems less and less is available today, certainly at reasonable prices. Official bottlings are hardly to be found, although they do exist. Fortunately for us, the Hart Brothers were able to come up with a first-filled sherry butt of 10-year-old Longmorn that checked all of our boxes. Bottled just shy of 11 years and with a beautiful golden amber hue, this famous malt offers a bushel of stone fruits and a full peck of apples, both fresh and baked. The slightest rancio notes sit behind all that fruit provided from a quality sherry butt. While not a bomb or wildly dark, it is listed as a first-fill butt, and frankly, it’s perfectly matched to the medium body of Longmorn’s profile. A warm and soft waxy character runs throughout, giving this a lovely texture and confirming the distillery’s critical role in the blending world. At 56% ABV it’s no slouch. With a little water, it almost louches so much oil comes out. The palate gets sweeter, and the texture is elegant and silky. The finish shows a dry tannin like the best red wines yet doesn’t lose that beautiful fruit from the first nosing. It’s a splendid cask and a screaming deal in the burning hot whisky market.

2009 Benriach 12 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Sherry Butt Unchillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Regularly $99.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 01, 2022

It’s a sherry butt from Benriach! This distillery has been absolutely on fire recently thanks to master blender Rachel Barrie and all these awards. But the thing that people really want from this excellent Speysider, one of the few to operate its own malt floors in Scotland, are single casks. So we bought three of them. Having three different casks allows us to really begin to understand quintessential character of Benriach, which is a distillery that’s hard to pin down in the first place, the diversity of its offerings being one of its most prominent features. This sherry butt will be the most appealing to many, thanks to the continued obsession by most malt lovers with dark sherry casks. Let’s have a taste! The color is a beautiful tawny. A nice dark one here! I let it rest for ten minutes before first nosing. OMG, the nose has that perfect oloroso spice and nutty richness. Immediately, we get old saddle leather, the darkest cacao, stewed red fruit, and candied citrus. On the palate, liquified Christmas pudding, sweet and richly spiced. Big notes of cola, sarsaparilla, shoe polish, red currants, and a slight flinty character (not quite gunpowder). This absolutely loves water as well, which softens the savory, leathery nose and opens the jammy red fruit and rich, savory nuttiness. The bold ‘Riach malt still manages to poke through the rich wine and wood flavors. Tasting these three casks in succession is a truly eye-opening experience. No one will be disappointed with this exceptional cask. It’s fabulous! While the sister distillery sold out in a flash, this humble cask of Benriach remains one of the very best casks in the shop, but it will only take a few people to realize how special this is for it to disappear like the ‘Dronach we had.

2006 Benriach 15 Year Old “Hart Brothers” “K&L Exclusive” Single Port Pipe Unchillfiltered Speyside (700ml) (Regularly $109.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 01, 2022

This is the third and final barrel in the triumvirate of Benriachs that we purchased from Hart Brothers this year. Fifteen years in port pipes and only $10 more than the 12-year on sherry? I’m very picky about my port pipes in Scotch, as I’m always very concerned about sourness and sulfur. This lovely pipe had neither, although it isn’t without its distinctive character. The color is an inviting chestnut with a red hue. The nose is a wild medley of dark red berries, linseed oil, chocolate powder, cherry chocolate truffles, and pungent old oak spice. It really reminds me a lot of the Balvenie Port Wood, with more intensity and less wood. On the palate, the red fruit, while present doesn’t totally take over, and a gorgeous toffee character balances the sweet-tart red fruit and the toasty oak. With just a drop of water, the red fruit and the oak come out more, and I prefer this at full strength. A totally idiosyncratic cask that still seems to exemplify Benriach’s true nature. One of the best values from Hart Brothers this year, whose slightly higher price point rewards in kind with over-the-top quality, and right in line with what we’d expect—the unexpected!

Rare luxury Scotch from House of Hazelwood 🥃 at The Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

Two stunning House of Hazelwood collections

The House of Hazelwood collection has become one of the greatest inventories of mature Scotch whisky anywhere in the world. Created over the span of one hundred years, the range tells the story of remarkable places, lost ways of working, first casks, last casks, the ambitions and achievements of several lifetimes – all of which are unrepeatable.

Discover House of Hazelwood →

Discover the private collection of the Gordon family, now available outside the family for the first time as the House of Hazelwood range of rare and vintage Scotch whiskies. Watch on YouTube →

Pulteney 1998 23 Years Old Connoisseurs Choice at Aberdeen Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

Pulteney 1998 23 Years Old Connoisseurs Choice

This single malt whisky was distilled at Pulteney Distillery, located in the Highland Region of Scotland, in 1998. It was aged for 23 years in a single Refill bourbon barrel and was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for their Connoisseurs Choice Collection exclusively for the UK market. Bottled at ABV of 56.6% with no additional colour and no chill filtration.

£195.00

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Scotch Malt Whisky Society November 2022 Outturn Alert- Scotch Whisky News

Happiness is a warming whisky, this First Friday enjoy shelter from the storm with our new cask collection created for appreciating the art of coorie – how to use the best of all things Scottish to enhance life and its pleasures.

Our November Nipper Outturn will go on-sale at 9am on Friday, 4 November. Click over to our website new to browse our new bottling list.

Feeling a nip in the air…we’ve selected a few winter warmers that are the perfect remedy for the season. Keep on scrolling our recommendations AND don’t miss this week’s special price additions to our CHRISTMAS COLLECTION.

READ OUTTURN

 THE NEW BOTTLES

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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW


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