WHISKY SEASON:
LET US CELEBRATE KINDRED SPIRITS

As you are probably aware, in 2021, Artisanal Spirits Company, launched a new and exciting brand that focuses on carefully crafted Blended Malts and spirits, in the pursuit of new flavours to discover and share with the wider world of whisky lovers. We hope you will join us in celebrating the first anniversary of our sibling brand J.G. Thomson. To help you celebrate with us, we have made the whole J.G. Thomson range now available in your member shop.

Already award-winning, J.G. Thomson offers discerning drinkers a new collection of handpicked, limited-edition spirits and extraordinary new tastes to explore. And now after a successful year, we are delighted to announce that a new batch of whiskies have finally landed, right on time to celebrate whisky season and prepare your festive presents for December.

We are pleased to offer SMWS members a 10% discount on any bottle from the collection.

The range is founded on small batch blended malt whiskies, featuring Sweet, Smoky and Rich expressions, whose individual characteristics will evolve with every limited edition batch.

We’re proud and pleased to present these outstanding new spirits to SMWS members and hope you will enjoy exploring them as you continue your journey into the world of flavour..

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT J.G. THOMSON 

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/PpRHYjaW_2g

I’ve grown tired of Ardbeg in the past few years. Overly expensive bottles with fabulous yet distracting labels, with the whisky inside being underwhelming no matter which angle you look at it. I didn’t try all of the limited releases, granted. But from what I have tried, all the above applied.

But then I got to try this. Joe poured me a sample, and I was sold. A bourbon forward Ardbeg, over 50% with a young age on it. Wonderful, classic, what I want from Ardbeg, a whisky that is as interesting as most of the core range.

The Ardbeg 8YO for Discussion is something I haven’t heard many people talk about, I’ve seen a lot of people sell them despite still being available through Ardbeg’s website for a decent price. So, let’s start talking about this rather classic Ardbeg in a sea of expense.

Lux Row Distillers introduces Old Ezra 7-Year Straight Rye Whiskey

Newest addition to the Ezra Brooks brand family will be available in limited quantities starting in November

ST. LOUIS (Nov. 1, 2022) – Lux Row Distillers announced the newest variant in the Ezra Brooks brand family: Old Ezra 7-Year Straight Rye Whiskey. A limited allocation of 3,000 six-pack cases of Old Ezra 7-Year Straight Rye Whiskey will reach retail shelves across the country later this month at a suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Like other members of the Ezra Brooks brand family, Old Ezra 7-Year Straight Rye Whiskey is distilled using the highest-quality ingredients and charcoal filtered for mellow flavor and a smooth finish. Old Ezra 7-Year Rye features two rye mashbills (51% rye whiskey and 95% rye whiskey), is aged a full seven years and is bottled at full proof (114 proof, or 57% ABV) to deliver a full, complex flavor.

“With Old Ezra 7-Year Straight Rye Whiskey, we’ve delivered a rye whiskey worthy of the Old Ezra label,” said Lux Row Distillers master distiller John Rempe. “This tasty 7-year-old rye offers slightly sweet and oaky tones with hints of vanilla and honey, and it finishes with a warm touch of spice and tobacco. It’s certain to become a favorite among both rye fans and fans of the Ezra Brooks brand family.”

The introduction of Old Ezra 7-Year Straight Rye Whiskey comes on the heels of Old Ezra 7-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s recent “Best Overall Bourbon” win at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Like its bourbon namesake, Old Ezra 7-Year Straight Rye Whiskey features a high-end, custom-designed bottle. Its green, jewel-toned label is highlighted by a 7-year age statement and gold and copper foil accents.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

First 200 casks from new Caithness whisky distillery available in exclusive sale 

— Whisky Hammer partners with Dunnet Bay Distillers to sell Stannergill Whisky casks –

Whisky fans will soon have the chance to own a piece of liquid history as Whisky Hammer prepares to exclusively sell casks containing the first drops of Dunnet Bay Distillers’ Stannergill Whisky.

The Caithness-based distillery, which produces the internationally renowned Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, has just announced a £4m expansion into whisky, partnering with Ellon-based Whisky Hammer for an early bird investment opportunity.

Just 200 casks are available, with investors able to pre-order a 250-litre cask for £4,750. The sale will go live at 12pm (GMT) on Monday 7 November, with Whisky Hammer expecting it to attract buyers from around the world.

This is the second time Whisky Hammer has exclusively sold casks to raise capital for a new distillery. In 2020, its first cask sale for 8 Doors Distillery in John O’Groats saw all 200 casks sell in less than 48-hours.

Daniel Milne, co-founder and managing director of Whisky Hammer, said: “Dunnet Bay Distillers is known for producing high-quality spirits, so we’re extremely proud to be representing the first casks of what we’re certain will develop into an incredible dram.

“Cask investment continues to grow in popularity, with those who purchase a cask of Stannergill Whisky able to see their whisky reach different milestones and develop its character and personality. It’s an exciting process to be part of.

“Our sale represents the only time the Stannergill Whisky casks will be available at this price, so we’re expecting there to be a lot of interest.”

Following purchase, buyers will be able to chart the progression of their cask as it matures into single malt whisky in a dunnage warehouse, where the fresh sea air blowing from Dunnet Bay will contribute to the creation of a smooth, mellow spirit.

Dunnet Bay Distillers expects the whisky to be lighter and fruitier than many traditional Scottish whiskies, influenced by the distinctive coastal location of the distillery.

Claire Murray, co-founder and co-director of Dunnet Bay Distillers, said: “We are excited to launch these early opportunities for people not only locally but across the world to get involved by buying a stake in the new whisky.”

To find out more or to pre-order, visit www.stillspirit.co.uk/stannergill-whisky-launch

About Whisky Hammer

Whisky Hammer is a family run whisky auction service founded by brothers and keen whisky enthusiasts Daniel and Craig Milne, who are supported by a team of passionate experts acting as trusted advisors to both buyers and sellers.

Whisky Hammer hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract more than 200,000 buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe. It has auctioned a wide range of whiskies, both bottles and casks, recently achieving the world record for the highest value cask ever sold at auction.

The superior service offered by Whisky Hammer means it is trusted by some of the world’s most prominent whisky collectors and sellers, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.

Follow Whisky Hammer at @whiskyhammer on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.whiskyhammer.com

Greetings whisky-lovers From TWL HQ! 

We are genuinely chuffed to share with you the news that..

WHISKY SCHOOLS ARE COMING BACK TO LONDON ON 26th NOVEMBER 3rd DECEMBER and 10th DECEMBER!

We hope to have news of more around the country soon, so watch this space!

Here’s what you need to know…

Ever wanted to know more about the most diverse spirit in the world?

The Whisky School is designed for anyone with an interest in whisky and wants to learn more in an informal but informative fashion. All in the atmospheric and grand setting of the Malmaison.

Find out how whisky is made and discover the different styles produced all over Scotland and the rest of the World. The history, regionality and provenance will be discussed as well as in-depth looks at wood maturation and the new-make spirit.

PLUS attendees will get the chance to blend their very own whisky, choose a brand name for it and take a miniature of it home with them!

After completing the course and successfully passing a final exam, the ‘candidate’ will receive a signed certificate and more importantly the confidence to speak the ‘language of whisky’.

A rough outline of the ‘syllabus’:

Introduction.

History overview. Look at whisky regions of Scotland and tasting.

Production:

Looking at what makes each single malt ‘tick’. All processes looked at with particular emphasis on maturation and wood management.

Blending Workshop:

History of blending, tasting and hands-on blending workshop

World Whiskies:

History and production of world whiskies (Japanese, Taiwanese, Indian, American). Maturation/wood management.

Final Exam & ‘graduation dram’

The price includes:

All whiskies sampled (around 20-25)All course material2-course light lunch A Glencairn Whisky Tasting Glass to take home with you. A signed Whisky Lounge ‘Whisky School’ Certificate – for successful candidates!

BOOK NOW!

Nottingham Whisky Festival 19th November 12-4pm

That’s it. For now, but stay alert!We hope you are all well and look forward to seeing you all somewhere, soon!

Slainte!

Eddie

The Whisky Lounge Team

Blair Athol 2008 14 Years Old Infrequent Flyers

This single malt, bottled by Alistair Walker for his Infrequent Flyers Collection was distilled in 2008 at Blair Athol Distillery, located in the Highland region of Scotland. It was aged for 14 years and bottled from Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon at natural cask strength without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

NOSE

Intense aromas of cocoa, figs, apple strudel and baked fruits.

PALATE

Delicious, full-bodied, viscous and chewy. Molten brown sugars combine with dark chocolate and crème brûlée. Morello cherries, treacle and a touch of mocha. A hint of star anise perhaps? There is much happening here, but it all seems very well knitted together.

Only 680 bottles produced.

£88.99

Shop now

SHOP NOW

Bowmore 25 year old Single Malt Whisky Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

$599.99

View

Special order items are not in stock and are dependent upon quantity available from distribution. All special orders are final and non-refundable. 96-100 points Wine Enthusiast: “A new recipe, one that employs a higher proportion of Sherry-influenced whisky. Initial sniffings are briny, salty and cotton candy sweet; aeration adds scents of pastry, baked pear and butterscotch. Palate entry is rich, almost jammy and peppered with salty/winey flavors; midpalate explodes with deep tastes of maple, honey, brown sugar and toffee. Finish is long, nicely balanced between the sea salt and the sherry, and succulent.” (05/03)

Discover the art of Coorie in this winter by cosying up with our heart-warming selection of new single casks. The perfect remedy for the season, click over our website now to discover more OR keep on scrolling for some of our Outturn highlights and cask of the month.

DISCOVER MORE

ALL OUTTURN 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

Glen Scotia partners with London’s first sherry bar to launch
its latest limited-edition 12YO Seasonal Release 2022

Distiller teams up with Bar Pepito in Kings Cross to explore the flavour of Amontillado sherry that has been woven into its limited-edition 12-year-old release

Pepito’s Executive Chef shares recommendations for must-have food accomplishments to enjoy with a dram, evoking deeper flavours and enjoyment of award-winning Glen Scotia’s latest liquid

Scottish distiller, Glen Scotia, has partnered with London’s first dedicated sherry bar, Bar Pepito, to launch its new 12-year-old Seasonal Release (£80, 53.3% ABV), and explore the flavours of Andalusia featured in the dram.

Inspired by a winter’s day in Glen Scotia’s home, Campbeltown, the latest unpeated, cask strength, natural coloured release, available now, has been matured in first-fill bourbon barrels before a final twelve-month finish in Amontillado Sherry casks, which hail from the Montilla region of southern Spain.

Amontillado sherry starts as a Fino sherry before an ageing period of around ten years, which dissipates the ‘flor’, and through wood exposure and oxidation, produces a nutty, dry, and beautifully amber liquid.

The result for the Seasonal Release 2022 is a warm, nutty dram with lingering vanilla notes and a mildly dry finish. Subtle maritime nuances on the nose and palate are synonymous with the iconic Campbeltown malt style.

Working alongside Bar Pepito’s owner, Richard Bigg, and its Executive Chef, Nacho del Campo, Glen Scotia has explored the character of sherry and its exquisite flavour profile to craft a list of food accompaniments to enjoy alongside its latest expression.

Bar Pepito is the sister restaurant to Camino, also King’s Cross, which was borne after owner, Richard Bigg, travelled around Spain in his traditional Mini in the summer of 1984. The culture, people, and food & drink made an everlasting impression and a desire to create a piece of España back in the UK.

Chef Nacho del Campo joined Camino in 2008, and they opened Bar Pepito in 2010, after a career spanning 24 years working in Catalunya, Madrid, and Exeter. His passion for gastronomy paired with a love of sherry has accelerated the establishment to become one of the most sought-after authentic Spanish dining experiences in London.

Perfectly marrying Spanish cuisine with the unique new offering from Campbeltown, chef Nacho’s accompaniments include a variety of dishes using the Seasonal Release 2022, and items that can be gathered from any traditional Spanish deli:

• Whisky-marinated gordal olives with orange and cumin – Nacho advises to first make an emulsion with a bit of mustard, cumin, orange zest, whiskey and extra virgin olive oil for marinading
• Sliced Iberico de bellota ham
• Cheese selection – Nacho recommends well-cured cheese like Manchego or parmesan to go well with Glen Scotia. Alternatively, blue cheese like Valdeón, Stilton or Roquefort. Smoked cheese also works well.
• Luxury dark chocolate slices – Nacho says dark chocolate around 64% works well, he previously created a ganache with the Glen Scotia liquid and pistachio.
• Grilled tendersterm broccoli with almond Ajo Blanco sauce and sliced grapes
• Grilled Andalusian chicken with Mojo Picón sauce
• Grilled octopus tentacle with roasted beetroot hummus
• Rare fillet steak of Ibérico pork (grilled) with baba ghanoush
• Dark chocolate and Glen Scotia ganache with raspberries and pistachios

Chef Nacho del Campo said: “Spanish cooking is all about quality ingredients, very simply made, but always flavourful and fresh. The Glen Scotia Seasonal Release 2022 has a well-rounded profile that fits perfectly with Spanish cuisine. Whisky can add a real extra dynamic to food, so paired together they work very well.

“These dishes were created to enhance to experience, giving a touch of the Spanish way of life, with a twist from Scotland. Importantly, many can be recreated at home with a visit to one of the many Spanish delis around the country.”

Master Distiller, Iain McAllister and his team are behind the latest release from Scotland’s smallest whisky-making region.

He said: “Our Seasonal Release 2022 is a toast to the tight-knit community of Campbeltown. We can think of no better emblem for that community spirit than our Campbeltown market cross, which appears on the packaging of our latest annual release. It has long been a meeting point for local celebrations, which is what this dram is all about – best enjoyed when paired with good food and exceptional company.

“Our partnership with Bar Pepito and the team has been a fantastic voyage of discovery, exploring the Amontillado flavour which plays such an important role in our latest release. The dishes from Nacho, simple yet authentic, create a new and memorable experience for whisky drinkers to try at home.”

Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832. The small town on the Kintyre peninsula on the west coast is one of the officially recognised and protected whisky regions of Scotland. Once home to over thirty whisky producers, and with a distillery on every corner, it was known as “the Victorian Whisky Capital of the World”. Only a few distilleries endured to the present day, and Glen Scotia stands proudly among the last of the many.

In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Later that year, Glen Scotia was named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards. It is the first time a whisky distillery has received both accolades.

In 2022, Glen Scotia’s Victoriana won Best In Class in the Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Seasonal Release 2022 retails at £80 and is available for purchase from the Glen Scotia website (www.glenscotia.com) and through UK specialist retailers.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Maritime notes of sea spray with sweet honey and caramel
• Taste: Creamy vanilla and salted caramel balanced with warming spicy notes of cinnamon & nutmeg
• Finish: Long. A nutty finish with gentle warming cinnamon spice and a mildly dry finish

Notes

About Glen Scotia

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. The distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s.To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the unique Campbeltown maritime style the brand has become world-famous for.

In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across 31 categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles, making it ‘Best Whisky in the World’. Later that year, Glen Scotia was named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards. It is the first time a whisky distillery has received both accolades.

In 2022, Glen Scotia’s Victoriana won Best In Class in the Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Instagram: @glenscotiamalts

Facebook: @GlenScotiaWhisky

Follow Bar Pepito

Facebook – @caminolondon

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Twitter – @caminolondo