METHOD AND MADNESS UNVEIL EXCLUSIVE WHISKEY TRILOGY INSPIRED BY JAPAN

Rare Japanese casks meet Midleton’s finest drops mixing tradition with intuition 

Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s best-known and most successful Irish whiskeys, has unveiled an exclusive collection of Single Pot Still whiskeys, each finished in rare Japanese casks as the Masters and Apprentices behind METHOD AND MADNESS continue to combine tradition with innovation for a world class taste experience.

The limited-edition series features three showstopping Single Pot Still whiskeys including a 33-Year-Old finished in Japanese Mizunara oak for three years, and two other perfectly balanced expressions, finished respectively, in Japanese Chestnut and Japanese Cedarwood casks for over 13 months.

Sitting at the head of the collection, the 33-Year-Old Mizunara is the oldest Irish whiskey to be finished in the sought-after Japanese oak sourced from the Hokkaido region in Northern Japan, where the temperate rainforest creates the ideal growing conditions for the oak used for barrel production. The relatively low wood density and medium charring of the cask impart elevated flavours of nutmeg and vanilla to the single pot still distillate originally laid down for maturation in ex-bourbon barrels in 1988. The whiskey was then refilled into this exceptional Mizunara cask for a further three years, resulting in a perfect harmony of spicy pot still and perfumed oak.  Bottled at 52.8% ABV, just 252 bottles of METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask will be available globally at an RRP of €3,000 (700ml).

While the Mizunara Cask represents the generations of tradition and craftmanship in which whiskey making and Japanese culture are steeped, the two younger expressions highlight the innovation and experimentation for which the distillery is renowned. Each of the single pot still distillates were first matured in bourbon and sherry barrels before a finishing period in Japanese Cedarwood Casks (ABV 48%) – a world first for the Irish whiskey category – and Japanese Chestnut Casks (ABV 48%), marking a new first for the industry.

Stunning packaging, designed by Swedish-Irish design team M&E, brings the influence of the different wood finishes to life on pack with a traditional black and gold label for the Mizunara and brightly coloured designs, inspired by the neon lights of Tokyo, for the Cedarwood and Chestnut releases. Elevating the trademark METHOD AND MADNESS marbling, the labels feature traditional Suminagashi designs – a Japanese marbling method dating back to the 12^th Century. Each of the three expressions is also adorned with a unique kanji, or character, from traditional Japanese calligraphy describing the wood type and age of the liquids.

The Japanese Cedarwood expression is characterised by notes of eucalyptus and fresh botanicals, imparted by the exquisite cedar barrels traditionally favoured for Sake maturation.  The cedar logs are sourced from the Kyushu region in southern Japan, where the warm wet conditions create a particularly fragrant and porous wood giving the whiskey its unique flavour profile of herbal tea, caraway seeds and clove spice alongside a delicate fruit finish.

Equally magnificent, the Japanese chestnut wood also hails from southern Japan, where the rocky terrain and abundant rainfall make for a relatively low wood density imparting notes of liquorice and lingering spice with flavours of orange zest and cooling menthol.  METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Cedarwood Casks and METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Chestnut Casks will be available in extremely limited quantities at the RRP of €95 (700ml).

Sprung from the minds of Masters and Apprentices, METHOD AND MADNESS is a whiskey that pays heed to tradition while exploring the unordinary. As the team’s continued quest for the uncommon cask led them, this time, to Japan, they connected with the esteemed Ariake Sangyo cooperage in Miyazaki. Working alongside these expert coopers, the team was able to procure a selection of rare and precious casks and ship them back to the Micro Distillery at Midleton, Co. Cork, for the final finishing phases of these three exceptional whiskeys.

Eva O’Doherty, Distiller at the Micro Distillery, comments: “Bringing these exceptional whiskeys to life has been a joyous journey of discovery, whilst working with each of the new wood types has continued to test and challenge our whiskey making skills.  Whilst we were confident we could apply tried and tested maturation methods for the Mizunara Oak Cask, the porosity of the Cedar and Chestnut wood – or Sugi and Kuri in Japanese – presented new challenges which required close observation to achieve the perfect balance of contribution.  It’s an honour to share this first-of-its-kind collection as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Irish whiskey making.”

Finbarr Curran, Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead, adds: “This truly exceptional trilogy represents not only our ambition and far-reaching partnerships with some of the world’s best cooperages, but three individual triumphs in skill and innovation – the ethos which continues to drive the METHOD AND MANDESS collection. It’s with great pride that we share this with the world.”

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask is available now from specialist retailers in Ireland, France, UK, USA and global travel retail. METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Cedarwood Casks and METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Chestnut Casks will follow in late March. The whiskeys will be available exclusively via the Whisky Exchange in the UK and distributed by Castle Brands in the USA from September 2022.

Tasting Notes 

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask 

Nose: Coffee cake, toasted nuts, worn leather

Taste: Nutmeg, vanilla, wood tannins

Finish: Pot still spice, subtle fruits, fresh oak 

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Cedarwood Casks

Nose: Eucalyptus, fresh botanicals, balsamic undertones

Taste: Herbal tea, caraway seeds, clove spice

Finish: Delicate fruits, sweet-scented wood, rich spices

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Japanese Chestnut Casks

Nose: Peppermint leaves, caramelised almonds, ground pepper

Taste: Liquorice, orange zest, cooling menthol

Finish: Herbal fruits, roasted coffee, lingering spices 

https://www.methodandmadnesswhiskey.com/en

@METHODANDMADNESSWHISKEY

#METHODANDMADNESS 

About METHOD AND MADNESS

Launched in February 2017 to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey, METHOD AND MADNESS is crafted in Midleton Distillery, harnessing the creativity of Midleton’s whiskey masters through the fresh talent of its apprentices. Taking inspiration from the famous Shakespearean quote, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t’, METHOD AND MADNESS is designed to reflect a next generation Irish spirit brand with a measure of curiosity and intrigue (MADNESS), while honouring the tradition and expertise grounded in the generations of expertise at the Midleton Distillery (METHOD) 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth up to 2019 and hitting sales of 8.6m cases in 2021. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard 

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €8,824 million in FY21. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index

EMERALD ISLE TO EDINBURGH:

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY CELEBRATE MILESTONE 150^th DISTILLERY RELEASE  

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has announced the release of its 150^th distillery bottling to lucky members just in time for St Patrick’s Day

Photo Credit Stevie Singh

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) presents its landmark 150^th distillery bottling this month – and it’s not a Scotch. Cask 150.1 is from a distillery in the south-west of Ireland, bottled with impeccable timing as we approach St Patrick’s Day on Thursday 17^th March. Whiskey from the distillery has never been bottled as a single cask, an SMWS first and a real treat for its members.

Distillery 150 has been bottled as 150.1*, ‘Let’s Go West!’ falling under the Society flavour profile ‘Spicy & Sweet’, available to members via ballot entry at £75.

In celebration, SMWS are hosting a special livestream event to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and their landmark 150^th distillery release. An evening of Irish music, whiskey chat, a pub quiz, competitions and much more, with hosts from US and Australia discussing the Irish-Scots connection. The event will be streamed live on Thursday, 17^th March at 8pm GMT. Find the live stream on the SMWSUK social and YouTube channels.

Since restrictions lifted and venues re-opened SMWS haven’t missed a beat, with Edinburgh’s Kaleidoscope Bar winning Whisky Magazine’s ‘Whisky Bar of the year 2021’.

Commenting on the landmark release, Kai Ivalo, Spirits Director said: “For our landmark 150^th bottling, we wanted to showcase the journey of our never-ending quest for quality and flavour. Choosing an Irish distillery to mark this milestone occasion truly shows the adventurous spirit of the Society – celebrating our vibrant spirit no matter its source.

“Our milestone 150^th distillery bottling demonstrates how far the Society has travelled. Having bottled from distilleries way beyond our own shores, we continue to explore a world beyond single cask, single malt Scotch that is at our core. We are celebrating both our beginnings and our future.”

This exceptional bottling is fantastic example of what to expect as an SMWS member. Belonging to the world’s most entertaining whisky club gives you access to exclusive experiences, a monthly members magazine Unfiltered, colourful tastings and events at the Society’s Members’ Rooms, partner bars as well as online – and of course, the finest selection of single cask whisky, bottled exclusively for members.

Begin a discovery of flavour with the Society now – join in the St Patrick’s Day celebrations and enjoy annual Membership & a Mystery Malt for just £99: smws.io/celebrate150

 *FULLL DISTILLERY 150 TASTING NOTES

150.1 Let’s go west
1^st fill ex-rye barrel
Region: Ireland
Flavour Profile: Spicy & Sweet
Age: 7 years
Date: 12 December 2013
Tasting notes:

We imagined walking through a Mediterranean pine forest in spring when the lavender and the cistus bushes are in full bloom looking like an artist’s palette with vibrant colours of green, purple and white. On the palate an incredible texture as we enjoyed a chocolate and physalis cupcake made with muscovado sugar and a pinch of pepper – thick, sweet, luscious. With water it felt like a gentle fresh sea breeze was cooling us off as we walked through the pine forest and the taste reminded us of savoury coconut flour biscuits with a moreish dry spicy finish. After three years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, this whisky was transferred into a first-fill barrel which previously matured rye whiskey.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

f: ttps://cutt.ly/OQF625Q

i: https://cutt.ly/ZQGqqpV

t: https://cutt.ly/bQGq4p8

yt: https://cutt.ly/oQGwr7o

#SMWS

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 30,000 members and branches around the world.
• The SMWS bottles rare single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from 150 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages that can be tailored. Please see: https://cutt.ly/aQGwfkH
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://cutt.ly/HQF6PTv
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk 

UK MEMBERS ROOMS

SMWS EDINBURGH

28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX

The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ

SMWS GLASGOW

40 Bath St, Glasgow G2 1HG

SMWS LONDON

19 Greville St, London EC1N 8SQ

A sherry cask is a cask that has been used to mature sherry first, and then used to mature whisky? After all that is the case for bourbon and wine casks.

While this might seem logical this is not the case and the term “sherry cask” is arguably one of the most misleading terms in Scottish whisky.

So if sherry casks have never been used to mature sherry then how do we get the sherry profile on whisky?

In this video Mark Littler explains the history of sherry casks from their first use in the 19th century through to their current use in the industry.

www.marklittler.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYzrmO_vPvY&t=190s

Don’t Miss a Rare Chance at a Glorious Highland Treasure

1997 Strathisla 24 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #47793 Single Refill Hogshead

Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($300.00)
“This exceptional cask is easily one of the most exciting we’ve come across in ages … it offers depth matched by only the choicest casks we’ve ever purchased.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

This is the kind of K&L Exclusive Cask that keeps our spirits team so diligently on the hunt. The folks at Gordon & MacPhail have done it once again, this time with a collectible masterpiece that should have single-malt aficionados tripping over each other to snag a bottle. The Strathisla distillery in the Highlands is highly coveted and seldom seen bottled on its own in the independent market, as most of the stock gets blended into Chivas. But when collectors get the chance, they know to jump in with both feet. At 24 years old, this refill hogshead is bursting with kaleidoscopic complexity and full of expression. Mature examples like this are as rare as hen’s teeth and show just why they’re so adored. A dizzying and enchanting overall profile makes for “one of the finest malts on the planet” according to Andrew Whiteley, while David Othenin-Girard describes it as “a seamless and simply incomparable experience.” This barrel epitomizes the excellence and rarity that define our Exclusive Cask program, and Scotch fans everywhere should take full advantage of the opportunity to own one of the world’s great whiskies at what amounts to a relative steal.

1997 Strathisla 24 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #47793 Single Refill Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($300.00)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: March 04, 2022

Strathisla comes into its full glory when it’s allowed to stretch its legs and reach full maturity. Unfortunately for lovers of single malt, the vast majority of the picturesque distillery’s spirit finds its way into Chivas long before it develops into one of the finest malts on the planet. Gordon & MacPhail, thanks to their deep roots in the independent bottling world, has the best selection of this magical little distillery’s whisky in their warehouses, destined for single malt glory. Here we have a cask as picture-perfect as a postcard. Bottled at 24 years old and an ABV of 57.3%, this refill American hogshead is laden with developed fruit and candied cereals. The nose is zesty and sweet like an apple pie and a lemon meringue combined into one hedonistic dessert. Faint whiffs of tropical fruits are interspersed between the fresh malt and candy-coated barley aromas. The palate is a bit piquant at full throttle, but a few drops of water and the beast really shows its beauty. It stretches into a soft and harmonious palate ranging from baking spice, flaky pastry crust, and ripe stone fruits on down the line to almond kernel, vanilla, butterscotch, and hot caramel. If you’ve ever had the fortune to experience Strathisla on its own, you’ll know how compelling the malt can be. If you haven’t had it before, you might as well start here at the top.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: March 10, 2022

This exceptional cask is easily one of the most exciting we’ve come across in ages. Yes it’s expensive, but it represents a style that is basically completely unavailable in the modern Scotch market. Strathisla is an exceptional distillery, and it’s no surprise that we’ve never yet imported a cask from any of our suppliers. The owners simply won’t let go of this prized juice, but our friends at G&M have the hook up. Aged for nearly two and a half decades in top-quality wood, and it’s very easy to see why it’s so coveted. No, it’s not some sort of sherry bomb or super-intense peater, but it offers depth matched by only the choicest casks we’ve ever purchased. With only 177 bottles in existence, there’s no question that the real malt lovers will fall in love with this product and snatch it up before we know it. Let’s have a taste. The color is a distinctive, deep gold. The nose offers a precise and robust attack of raw manuka honey, freshly snipped heather, sweet candied lemon peel, and wild herbs. On the palate, it’s creamy and waxy—a slight resemblance to the fabulous Clynelish—with sweet citrus and wild tropical fruits (guava, mango, lychee) that linger for many minutes during the finish. With water, an incredible mineral character emerges, adding to the citrus tones. Like the finest GG Riesling in the glass and now more chocolate on the palate as well. A seamless and simply incomparable experience that will be so familiar and inviting to many of the long-time malt drinkers, but likely a totally new experience for many others. There’s simply not a lot of malt out there like this one any longer. Invigorating in every sense of the word.

CELEBRATING DISTILLERY 150:
IRISH WEEK FRI 11–THU 17 MARCH

HAPPY 150TH

March has arrived and with it, the promise of spring and longer days. The first shoots and flowers provide much needed comfort after the long darkness.

This month also brings celebration, as the Society presents its landmark 150^th distillery bottling to members – and the whiskey is exceptional. More details to follow next week, in the meantime we’ve selected some lucky green bottlings from two contrasting flavour profiles to kickstart our Irish Week. Enjoy three new casks from Juicy, Oak & Vanilla, our flavour profile of the month, alongside our selection of Spicy & Dry whiskies for an aromatic alternative.

VIEW ALL WHISKIES

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 918 – Bowmore 15yo @ 43%vol (2022)

Crabbie launch 22 Years Old Orkney Single Cask Expression with Palo Cortado finish

Historic Edinburgh whisky producers John Crabbie & Co have today (7^th March) unveiled a new single cask bottling of 22 Years Old Orkney Single Malt Whisky, finished for extraordinary flavour in a rare Palo Cortado sherry cask.

Just 253 bottles of this special new dram are being released under the signature of renowned master blender Dr Kirstie McCallum, who took charge of the Crabbie’s whisky portfolio last year.

After spending 21 years in ex-bourbon casks, this peated Orkney single malt was transferred to a highly coveted Palo Cortado sherry cask, hand selected by Dr Kirstie, before being left to rest for a final six months at Crabbie’s warehouse in Edinburgh’s port of Leith area.

Tasting notes

Colour: bright gold.

Nose: hints of raisins, dried fruit, vanilla fudge and berries, balanced with peppery smoke.

Taste: layers of sweet berries and cream, with soft coffee caramel toffee. Dried fruit develops to a sweet, balanced peppered smokiness, with hints of dark chocolate and coffee.

Finish: long, lingering and smoky.

Bottled at 47.5%, the influence of this unusual sherry – described as Amontillado on the nose and Oloroso on the mouth – gives a wonderfully complex and rounded quality to the spicey smokiness of the finished whisky.

A nose of dried fruit, vanilla fudge, forest berries and a hint of peppery smoke lead to flavours of sweet berries and cream, caramel toffee, dried fruit and hints of dark chocolate and coffee, followed by a long, smoky finish.

This exclusive new bottling continues Crabbie’s legacy of whisky innovation and excellence, with the new expression being hailed as a rare treat for whisky fans. Dr Kirstie commented: ‘This beautiful, single cask Orkney single malt is a very special whisky, an unusual coming together of the wonderfully smoky flavours of the original bourbon-matured dram with so much depth and richness from one of the world’s rarest and most coveted sherries. And with only a few hundred bottles going on sale, I’m sure it will delight for drinkers looking for something special to enjoy.’

‘It gives me enormous pride to be continuing the founder’s legacy: of producing unique, unexpected and great quality whiskies for everyone to enjoy.’

With over 200 years of whisky expertise behind them, the modern day Crabbie team continue founder John Crabbie’s quest to seek out the finest, most interesting and eclectic Scotch whiskies to finish and bottle under his mark. Investment by parent company Halewood International in Crabbie’s new Bonnington Distillery has given fresh impetus to this pioneering Scottish brand, as they prepare to add their own whiskies to the range – distilled, matured and bottled in Leith, and set to launch this year.

Crabbie 22 Years Old Orkney Single Malt is bottled at 47.5% and is non-chill filtered with natural colour. It is available from Whisky Exchange and whisky-online with an RRP of £175.

crabbiewhisky.com

Instagram @john_crabbie_co

Twitter @crabbieswhisky

About Halewood Artisanal Spirits (www.halewood-int.com)

For all the latest news and launches:

Instagram:  @halewood_artisanal_spirits

Twitter: @HalewoodIntern1

Facebook: @HalewoodArtisanalSpirits

LinkedIn: Halewood Artisanal Spirits

Halewood Artisanal Spirits is an award-winning UK-based craft distiller. Its premium gin brands include Whitley Neill Gin, City of London Gin, Marylebone Gin and Liverpool Gin.  Halewood also has a strong portfolio of other high growth premium sprits, including Dead Man’s Fingers spiced rum, J. J. Whitley Russian Vodka, Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey and Crabbie Whisky.

The business operates 10 artisanal distilleries across the UK, Russia and South Africa including:  The City of London Distillery (the home of Whitley Neill Gin), The Liverpool Gin Distillery, Crabbie Distillery in Edinburgh, Aber Falls Distillery in North Wales, Bankhall Distillery in Blackpool, The Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery, Belgravia Distillery in South Africa and JJ Whitley in Russia. The company also operates the Hawkshead Brewery in Cumbria.

Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund Opens 2022 Grant Applications

Bardstown, Ky. – The Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund application period for the 2022 Veteran Community Action grants is now open. Eligible nonprofits that serve the veteran community can apply now through April 1, 2022 for the one-time grants.

As an American-made and American-owned Bourbon, Evan Williams is proud to support U.S. military veterans through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. First established in 2020, the fund continues the brand’s support of veteran communities since launching the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes program and limited-edition label in 2015. To date, Evan Williams has recognized 42 veteran heroes on its American Hero Edition bottles and donated $450,000 to nonprofits. For the third consecutive year through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, Evan Williams will be donating up to $75,000 to veteran causes with each grant totaling between $4,000 to $6,000.

The purpose of the foundation is to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories, raising public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community, and supporting nonprofit organizations that help veterans and their families through a specialized grant program. To learn more about the organizations eligible for support, or to apply for a Veteran Community Action grant, visit https://american-madeheroes.com/grant.php.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past seven years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

The monthly auction is now live over at Whisky.Auction, with more than 1200 lots, and it’s a bit of a Johnnie Walker bonanza including six Directors Blends never available at retail. Read on to find out more.

The auction is currently live, ending from 7.30pm on Tuesday 15^th March 2022.

Lots for Johnnie Walker fans…

Starting with the awesome Johnnie Walker Excelsior. This is one of JW’s rarest releases and only appears at auction once in a blue moon. It was made with whiskies distilled in 1947 and matured for around 50 years before it was bottled in 1997

Twelve years later Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Centenary Edition was released in 2009 to commemorate 100 years of Black Label, first created in 1909.

Six Johnnie Walker Directors Blends from 2009 through to 2013 are all in good condition and with impeccable provenance. This is a rare chance to snap up all of these beautiful blends which were never available at retail, instead being given only to esteemed friends of Johnnie Walker.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is a one of eight limited editions in a series that explored the flavour and characteristics from closed, or ‘ghost’, distilleries. This special variation includes malt from Port Ellen and grain from Carsebridge and Caledonian, all lost ghost distilleries.

One for the uber collector, there’s a Johnnie Walker Premier which was released for the Asian market and also includes whiskies from closed distilleries in the blend. This one is in excellent condition and comes with a numbered certificate

We do love a blend…

We love great Old Blends at Whisky.Auction, even when usually the focus is on single malts, so here are four superb examples all dating from the 1950s to 1960s:

• The iconic Buchanan’s Black & White, sealed with a spring cap
• Dewar’s Ancestor, bottled in the 1960s
• Ainslie’s King’s Legend, from the owners of Clynelish/Brora, bottled in the 1950s to 1960s
• Finally the ubiquitous Dimple, a great dram which can be picked up for a snip at auction