ralfy review 955 Extras – Beginning your Whisky-Journey.

Musicians from around the world collaborate to create track 

inspired by The Cairn Distillery

The new song, featuring Scotland’s Admiral Fallow, is part of The Cairn Distillery’s goal to inspire visitors to pursue long-held ambitions

Three musical artists, Admiral Fallow from Scotland, Madeleine Roger from Canada, and Yu Tsan Pin from Taiwan, have fulfilled a shared ambition to collaborate with other artists internationally. The new song is inspired by a visit to The Cairn Distillery and its surrounding location in the Cairngorms National Park.

The Cairn Distillery, which opened its doors in October, is the first new distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park for more than a century. Its owners, Moray-based family business, Gordon & MacPhail, aims to build on their 127-year heritage of producing exceptional Scotch whisky and creating legacies that inspire future generations.

Cairns have inspired people to explore and discover new paths for millennia. To reflect that tradition, The Cairn Distillery aims to inspire – and facilitate – visitors to pursue a path they have always wanted to explore. To launch the initiative, The Cairn has worked with three artists who shared a goal to collaborate internationally and create a new track. The result is a song written by Admiral Fallow and Madeleine Roger, appropriately called The Cairn, which has been remixed by the founder of the Kind of Blue record label, Taiwan’s Yu Tsan Pin.

Admiral Fallow, Madeleine Roger, and Yu Tsan Pin met for the first time when they visited The Cairn when construction was near completion. Nestled on the banks of the river Spey on the northern frontier of the Cairngorms National Park, the distillery has been designed to reflect and respect its environment; a modern home for the ancient craft of whisky-making. From its sedum roof which encourages insect life to thrive, to the Caithness stone pathways, every aspect is designed to respect the natural shapes and colours around it.

Before, during and after their visit to the Highlands, the artists worked together to create the track which was written by Admiral Fallow, with lyrics co-written by Madeleine Roger, a singer-songwriter who hails from Winnipeg, Canada.

Singer-songwriter Louis Abbott, who formed the Scottish musical group Admiral Fallow in 2007, commented on the collaboration: “I’ve always taken inspiration from the landscape around me. This is a very unique collaboration for us, given that there’s a brand-new voice coming into the sound of music that we make. To work with Madeleine and Yu Tsan and show them one of Scotland’s best sites and take in the views, sounds and flavours of the Cairngorms National Park, there was a lot of pride in that, and we’re really pleased with the end result.”

Canadian songwriter Madeleine Roger, commented on her visit to the new distillery: “Everything was so beautiful, and I really tried to get a sense of the landscape: the way the buildings are made, the vast openness and the rocky mountains, and the way of life there. We each had a lot of time to ruminate on our observations about the area and then find something meaningful in that – and I really hope that sense of curiosity comes across in the song.”

Ian Chapman, marketing director of Gordon & MacPhail explained: “Having secured such a beautiful and awe-inspiring location overlooking the river Spey, we wanted to ensure our new distillery complements the majesty of the landscape.  We are delighted with the result, and we hope visitors leave feeling inspired. With that in mind we are thrilled to have worked with three incredible artists to create a new track to celebrate the opening of the distillery doors. I believe the song perfectly showcases everything we want to achieve here.”

The Cairn is open seven days a week all year round, visitor experiences start at £25, with three options available. With magnificent views of its stunning location just outside Grantown-on-Spey, each immersive experience culminates in a whisky tasting in The Discovery Room. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the room provides a stunning backdrop for visitors as they taste the future today: blended malt whiskies created to give a sense of notes, flavours and aromas that will be seen in the character of single malts that will be released from The Cairn Distillery in the 2030s.

Food is also exclusively available to those who take a tour at The Gathering which offers tapas-style plates of the finest Scottish produce designed as the perfect accompaniment to an experience like no other.

To book your trip to The Cairn Distillery, listen to the new track and watch a short film about how the collaboration came together, please visit: thecairndistillery.com/beacon-of-inspiration

Notes 

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door and the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits, along with a high-quality retail outlet.

The company owns Benromach Distillery located in Forres in Moray.  Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods by a small team of distillers using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. The multi award-winning portfolio of single malts is enjoyed by whisky drinkers worldwide.

The company launched Red Door in the summer of 2018. Created at Benromach Distillery, this award winning, small batch Scottish gin now forms a strategic part of the company’s product portfolio.

Work commenced in July 2020 on The Cairn, the company’s second distillery, overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  The new site will add further distillation capacity and brand ownership to the company’s asset base and is a key part of the plans to continue building a long-term sustainable business.  A high-quality visitor experience offering tours and tastings will also attract visitors from around the world.

Since the founding of the business in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to Scotch whisky distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new-make spirit, before being left to mature for many years either at the distillery or in their bonded warehouses in Elgin.  The Gordon & MacPhail portfolio offers some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to discerning whisky drinkers globally.

The company’s wholesale business serves customers throughout the United Kingdom selling Benromach Single Malt, Red Door gin and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies into the on and off trade. The business also exclusively represents a number of ‘distributor’ brands and stocks premium whiskies and spirits.

The retail shop in Elgin remains the ‘spiritual home’ of the business, 127 years after it was first established in 1895.  The shop is home to a large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and is a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world.

Tamdhu Distinction 2

Distinction II highlights the nuanced flavour of American Oak Sherry casks. The second bottling in its Quercus Alba Distinction series, Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky celebrate the art of ex-sherry cask maturation. The only distillery in Scotland to fully mature all of its single malt in Oloroso sherry casks, Distinction II shows off the complicated flavour of American Oak Sherry casks. Bottled at 48% abv.

£75.00
BUY NOW

Nose: malt, vanilla, spiced oak, orange peel.

Palate: dark chocolate and plum.

Finish: sherry, oak and figs.

If anyone remembers the Spirit of North of Scotland, we also a have a special treat, with the last ever remaining bottles now available.  We bottled the cask in two parts as we were unsure how the interest would be initially, but we were blown away by how quickly it sold out.  So, if you wanted one, or want another one, don’t hang about.

CLICK HERE TO BUY

Ezra Brooks “Cask Strength” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #1225 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $49.99 View

The Ezra Brooks brand has seen a veritable renaissance over the years. Once relegated to the very dusty bottom shelves, the brand has garnered significant new interest thanks to the founding of a new distillery in the historic bourbon capital Bardstown, Kentucky. The excellent barrel is the first we’ve ever sold that was distilled at that new facility. Production is nearly identical to the previous sourced stock, but it’s inviting and unique character is undeniable. Enjoy this single cask, which is sold as “Cask Strength,” but cut to 120 proof, as its the first example of what will certainly become a historically important distiller for decades to come.

Ezra Brooks “Cask Strength” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #7851171 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $49.99 View

The old Ezra Brooks brand has seriously turned around its image over the last several years. What was once a staple of the bottom shelf has now become one of the most exciting brands on the market today. They’ve built a gorgeous new distillery on the outskirts of Bardstown and their parent company Luxco was recently purchased by Indiana distilling giant MGP. Now we’re seeing the first stocks coming from the new distillery being sold alongside the old stocks sourced from the Bernheim distillery in Louisville. Each barrel was hand selected by the buying team at K&L during their visit to the distillery in April of 2022. This barrel was sourced from Bernheim and distilled on November 21 of 2017. In quirky Luxco fashion, they list these barrels as “Cask Strength” on the label, but they’re all cut to 120 proof. This odd and frankly incorrect labelling does not preclude this whisky from excellence. Indeed, it’s extremely well balanced with unbelievable richness and endless complexity.

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

Our final collection schedule for 2022 has now been finalised. You can view the schedule and register your interest in a collection HERE

The deadline for requests is 12 noon on Monday 11th December 2022, after this time we will start working on the routes before contacting all customers with appointment details.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.

It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift. In addition a submission form and label should be completed. Submission forms can now be completed via your main accounts page.

A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery (to collection point) service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Submission Form & Label

Dalmore King Alexander III, Pedestal Gift Tin

Six different cask finishes are exquisitely curated to create a one of a kind whisky with a rich and enticing flavour profile. This limited release comes with a pedestal gift tin.

£235.00

Tasting notes:
The Aroma: Red berry fruits and hints of passion fruit

On the Palate: Citrus zest, vanilla pod, crème caramel and crushed almonds

Finishing Notes: Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger

JACK DANIEL’S – 2022 HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN

24 DAY ADVENT CALENDAR

5cl X 24 | 40% ABV

Back for 2022 the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Family of Brands Advent Calendar is here!

This is the perfect gift for yourself or someone else to count down the days to Christmas Day

This 24 door Advent Calendar contains the following miniature bottles:

4 x Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7

2 x Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack

2 x Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel

2 x Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye

4 x Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey

3 x Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple

3 x Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire

4 x Branded Shot Glasses

£69.95

Add To Basket

With December upon us, we’re getting into the seasonal spirit by sharing some ultra-rare gems – four truly exceptional bottlings that are sure to surprise and delight the senses. Say a BIG festive hello to our new Vaults Collection Cask No. 24.169 Bonkers for Conkers, our Closed Distillery bottling Cask No. 38.36 After-Five Attire and NEW small batch blended malt Smokus Fruticosus. . Each has been specially selected and created as an unmissable end-of-year treat.

Limited in availability, order now before they are gone forever. Keep on scrolling to discover more on each ULTRA-RARE release.

BONKERS FOR CONKERS

Cask No. 24.169

The last of its kind within our vaults, Cask No. 24.169 Bonkers for conkers is the ULTIMATE Christmas treat. From one of the most desirable distilleries in the word, this unicorn whisky is from our Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits flavour profile and for its age, still has plenty of zing. Beautifully balanced, enjoy exploring the luscious layers within this whisky with roasting chestnuts, dark chocolate, figs and hints of tobacco. We’re crazy in love, this is an experience not to be missed. Limited to two bottles per member (one for drinking, one for keeping for a special occasion).

LETS GO BONKERS

AFTER-FIVE ATTIRE

Cask No. 38.36

From our Old & Dignified flavour profile, this Closed Distillery bottling brings a beautiful elegance and sophistication. Expect polished apples, leather bound books, walnut loaf and antique wood with a touch of ash from a lit cigar. The perfect fireside dram that will impress all your loved ones, we recommended serving this after Christmas dinner. Limited to one bottle per member.

READY DRESS TO IMPRESS

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

Glen Moray’s Christmas Three!

Elgin Distillery Wraps up Trio of Warehouse 1 Exclusives for Gifting Season

Glen Moray has released three new treasures from its award-winning Warehouse 1 Collection today (24^th November), each celebrating the marriage of its classic Speyside single malt with some of Europe’s most revered wine and sherry varieties.

This tantalizing trio is comprised of Amarone Finish which showcases Glen Moray’s affinity with the full-bodied red wines of Italy; Amontillado Finish, adventuring beyond the whisky’s classic sherry maturation with dryer, deeper, richer notes; and Oloroso Fully Matured, Glen Moray spirit rested for eight years in Oloroso casks to release the rich, sweet notes of this characterful sherry.

These three limited-edition, UK exclusives have been bottled and released just in time for Christmas, making them the perfect gift for whisky lovers, old and new, who would love to unwrap a special dram to enjoy over the festive season.

Glen Moray Warehouse 1 Amarone Finish

Finished in casks that once held Italy’s legendary Amarone red wine, offering rich, ripe fruity notes that are the perfect complement to Glen Moray’s classic Speyside spirit.

Distillation 12.02.2010

Only 1194 bottles available

55.4% ABV

RRP £79.95

Tasting notes

Sweet and spicy notes of fig and cinnamon on the nose, transcending into a deep, rich chocolate cherry liqueur. Flavours of sweet brown sugar and notes of chocolate fade to reveal a burst of red cherry, with lingering fresh green peppercorn.

Glen Moray Warehouse 1 Amontillado Finish

Finished in casks that once held this dark sherry from the Montilla region of Spain, giving the finished whisky its dry, deep, rich sherry notes.

Distillation 12.08.2013

Only 1248 bottles available

57.5% ABV

RRP £74.95

Tasting notes

An intense hit of caramel and chocolate on the nose, which morph into earthy notes of leather and tobacco expanding into rich, warm woody flavours with chocolate and hazelnut. A gentle spice gives way to a buttery chocolate finish.

Glen Moray Warehouse 1 Oloroso Fully Matured

Dark, nutty Oloroso (“scented” in Spanish) plays an important part in finishing Glen Moray’s core range, but this is the distillery’s first expression to be fully matured in Oloroso casks. 

Distillation: 06.06.2014

Only 1950 bottles available

60% ABV

RRP £76.95

Tasting notes

Oaky and malty aromas combine with hedgerow fruits, rich cacao and a subtle hint of toasted chestnuts on the nose. To taste there is sweet liquorice, notes of rich autumn leaves and tannin, and a nuttiness that transforms to oaky spice and a long, lingering sweet, dried fruit finish. 

Launched in 2020 and with a clutch of awards to its name since then, Glen Moray’s Warehouse 1 Collection promises limited release whiskies matured in the Elgin distillery’s famous blue-doored warehouse, where rarer and more experimental casks are tucked away – always non-chill filtered and bottled at cask strength with natural colour. Previous releases include Sauternes, Barolo, Tokaji, Manzanilla and Madeira matured expressions.

Glen Moray’s Global Brand Ambassador Iain Allan believes that the light, smooth, fruity Speyside character of Glen Moray matured in unusual casks choices is a winning combination. He commented: ‘There’s something magical about Warehouse 1 and the unexpected and experimental casks that lie within it, and we have definitely bottled some of that magic with these three exceptional new whiskies. They are stunning single malts, continuing Glen Moray’s long heritage of cask exploration and of journeys around the world to source casks that bring bold, vibrant, sun-soaked flavours to our classic Speyside single malt whisky. Whether for full maturation or just for the finish, these casks bring extraordinary flavour and complexity to our whisky, with three distinctive expressions for whisky fans to savour over the festive season.’

Glen Moray’s new Warehouse 1 expressions are available now from specialist whisky shops. www.glenmoray.com

ABOUT GLEN MORAY

Glen Moray is one of Scotland’s best loved single malt whiskies. It has been crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, on what was once the Elgin West Brewery site on the banks of the River Lossie. Pure waters from the river, locally malted barley, distillation in traditional copper stills and maturation in American ex-bourbon casks combine to give the whisky its smooth, well-balanced, classic Speyside character. Glen Moray has always been a place where curiosity about flavour and cask maturation has been encouraged. Records dating back to the early days show new make spirit maturing in a wide variety of different casks – a highly unusual practice at this time. A passion for experimentation and a deep knowledge of wood have been passed down through generations of Glen Moray distillers. The result is today’s exceptional and extensive range of whiskies, offering a flavour and style to suit all tastes. Glen Moray is the 5th biggest malt whisky brand by volume in the UK and is growing in international markets.

ABOUT LMB-UK

LMB-UK is the UK subsidiary of the French, family-owned business La Martiniquaise-Bardinet: the world’s 7^th largest spirits group. Their industry-leading portfolio includes some of the world’s best-selling and best-loved brands across whisky, white spirits, brandies, rums, wines, ports and liqueurs. LMB-UK’s focus brands are the fast-growing top ten single malt whisky, Glen Moray; Cutty Sark blended whisky; Bardinet Brandy; the world’s No.1 port Porto Cruz; and the French craft liqueur brand Marie Brizard. Based in Scotland, LMB-UK is investing in growth and its team of spirits experts working across trade, sales and marketing, working alongside LMB production bases in Elgin (Glen Moray Distillery) and Bathgate (Starlaw Distillery).