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PENDERYN DISTILLERY RELEASES AN ODE TO PORTUGUESE FORTIFIED WINE WITH TWO HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SINGLE CASKS – Welsh Whisky News
PENDERYN DISTILLERY RELEASES AN ODE TO PORTUGUESE FORTIFIED WINE
WITH TWO HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SINGLE CASKS:
Six Year Old Moscatel de Setúbal Wine Cask and a Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask
The two new Single Malt releases, exclusive to the U.S. market, are the latest selection from the Single Cask program, which identifies and showcases some of the most unique and coveted whiskies produced at Penderyn Distillery.
Penderyn Six Year Old Moscatel de Setúbal Wine Cask
(Cask No. W19 – 60.8% ABV)
Penderyn Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask
(Cask No. PT318 – 59.59% ABV)
Brecon Beacons, Wales – January 28, 2022: Award-winning Welsh whisky company Penderyn Distillery has announced the release of two new whiskies exclusively for the U.S. market: Penderyn Six Year Old Moscatel de Setúbal Wine Cask and Penderyn Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask. Both Single Casks are solely available in the U.S. through importer ImpEx Beverages. The new cask strength whiskies land stateside in anticipation of St. David’s Day, the March 1st National Day of Wales. It was on this day in 2004 that Penderyn Distillery launched its first whisky in the presence of HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and ever since has used this time of year to release some of its most-anticipated products.
Penderyn Six Year Old Moscatel de Setubal Wine Cask (Cask No. W19 – 60.8% ABV) is matured in Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks and then finished in Moscatel de Setúbal casks, which formerly served to age the renowned Portuguese fortified wine. The result is a nose that is fruity with floral aromas like orange blossom, peach, apples, white grape, and gooseberry. The palette features sweet citrus flavors, orange peel, apricot, raisin, figs, and a nutty oak spice. The finish is sweet and fades to oaky dryness with a hint of cacao. Limited bottling of 268, with a recommended retail price of $120, on store shelves in CA, MA, NY/NJ, NE, IL, KS, AZ, NV, TX, DC/DE/MD, WA, TN, OR, and MN.
Penderyn Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask (Cask No. PT318 – 59.59% ABV) has been matured in Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks and then finished in Tawny Port casks. Rich, creamy notes of vanilla, caramel, plums, and black grapes on the nose give way to a palate of red berries with gentle tannin and pepper spice. The finish is warm and creamy with black fruit and a hint of dry oak. Limited bottling of 300, with a recommended retail price of $120, on store shelves in CA, MA, NY/NJ, NE, IL, KS, AZ, NV, TX, DC/DE/MD, WA, TN, OR, and MN.
Periodically, Penderyn selects its best casks to offer discerning followers new examples of its outstanding world-class Single Malt whisky. Historically, those chosen for release in the U.S. are met with rave reviews and top ratings and are the first age statement Penderyn Single Casks to be released in the world. These special releases are handpicked in partnership with Sam Filmus, president of ImpEx Beverages, who assists Penderyn’s distilling team in making the final selections.
In the last year, Penderyn Distillery has continued to build on its legacy as a world-class producer of whiskies by securing top industry accolades, including receiving a Double Gold Medal for its Peated whisky, and Gold Medals for the Portwood and Rich Oak whiskies in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Penderyn Distillery garnered an impressive five Gold Medals at The Spirits Business’ annual World Whisky Masters event for its Madeira, Peated, Myth, Celt, and Rhiannon whiskies. Additionally, Penderyn Sherrywood and Rich Oak brought home a Double Gold Medal from the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, with Myth bringing home a Gold.
For more information about Penderyn Distillery, visit Penderyn.wales. For inquiries on where to buy Penderyn in the U.S., please reach out to office@impexbev.com.
About Penderyn:
Penderyn is an independent distillery located in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, UK. Recognized as one of the most influential Welsh exports, Penderyn is credited with reviving the country’s whisky industry after more than a 100-year absence. Renowned for its high-quality Single Malt whisky and other distillates, Penderyn is also recognized for respecting the long heritage of whisky production and combining it with an innovative approach to distilling. Penderyn is exported to over 40 destinations, including Europe, Canada, the USA, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Australia, and China.
BUNNAHABHAIN DISTILLERY 50 Year Old 1968 Signatory 30th Anniversary Cask #12397 at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News
Bunnahabhain 50 Years
1968 vintage. Celebrating Signatory Vintage 30th anniversary in 2018. A truly stunning whisky. Bunnahabhain 50 Year Old 1968 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill sherry butt #12397 bottled January 2019 for the Signatory Vintage 30th Anniversary series. 323 bottles.
Bunnahabhain Distillery was established in 1881 on the north eastern tip of the Isle of Islay by the shore of Bunnahabhain Bay and overlooking the Sound of Islay. All the building materials were transported by puffer and unloaded at the distillery pier. Now tucked away at the end of the single track ‘main’ road with spectacular scenery all the way. Bunnahabhain Distillery is equipped with four huge pear shaped stills and produces Scottish malt whisky which is released in blends and in single malt and single cask bottlings. A participant in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Core editions include Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old.
Barrell Craft K&L Exclusive Single Barrels – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey News
Barrell Craft 6 Year Old “Triple Cherry” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #Z4C3 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $99.99 View
The exceptional blenders at Barrell have proven time and time again that they can make distinctive whiskies by finishing and blending various stocks. But sometimes you don’t need to add or change anything to create an exceptional bourbon. So few distillers in Kentucky are willing to bottle at cask strength that we jumped at the chance when barrell offered us real Kentucky Bourbon at full strength. Of course, the sources are hidden, but It almost doesn’t matter where it’s distilled in Kentucky, everyone is making exceptional juice and when you’re able to be picky you come across gems like this. We went through a few sets of samples to find this exceptional 6 year. Most will look at the lower age and jump on the two 8 year barrels we have, which are exceptional in their own right, but no barrel of whisky we bottle this year is going to match this ridiculously delish cask for its pungency and balance. Another example of how Kentucky bourbon need not be old to be superlative.
Barrell Craft 8 Year Old “Blakely’s Barrel” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #Z4A8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $99.99 View
This wonderful barrel of 8 year old Kentucky was selected by K&L’s Los Angeles Spirits Specialist, Will Blakely. The fact that it’s aged so long and bottled at cask strength makes it unique and special enough, but the complexity and character of the special cask cannot be overstated. Distilled on September 26th of 2013 at an unknown distillery from an unknown mashbill. The fact that the mashbill cannot be given away is a clue to the origin of this bourbon as several distillers use similar mashbills. In any case, what we do know is that this a proper Kentucky bourbon distilled with rye as the small grain in the mashbill. The barrell numbering system indicates when and where in their warehouse they came so each of these new barrels could be from a different source. This one is particularly powerful and rich. Best for those that love to chew their bourbon before they swallow it! A short barrel with tons of woody influence, it doesn’t stray into the astringent or bitter and remains balanced and lifted in spite of its age and oak driven character.
Barrell Craft 8 Year Old “Old Ills” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #Z4A9 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $99.99 View
From a set of three amazing casks of Kentucky bourbon that we selected, this 8 year was sourced from an undisclosed distillery and selected by LA Store Manager Illya Haase. The unknown mashbill included rye as the small grain, but little else is known about the source. It was distilled on September 26th of 2013 and bottled in December of 2021 just a few months after turning 8 years old. Very few of the single casks we have to offer make it to this age and almost none from Kentucky and fewer still at cask strength. That makes this barrel and its two siblings some of the rarest and most special bourbons we have the great pleasure of offering. Expect a big spicy style here, we know Illya loves a bourbon that gives you that Kentucky hug. Long, rich and complex, finding a more satisfying experience in American whisky is a difficult task when barrels like this are around.
Whisky of the Month – Benromach 2010 Cask Strength – Whisky Exchange News
BENROMACH
CASK STRENGTH
VINTAGE 2010
70CL | 58.5%
£51.95
WAS £59.95
SAVE £8
A fruity and softly smoky cask strength 2010-vintage single malt from Speyside’s Benromach distillery. It’s a combination of 18 first-fill bourbon and sherry hogsheads, delivering notes of stewed fruit, cinnamon-baked apples, dark honey, red berries, cracked black pepper and soft smoke.
The Whisky.Auction Preview – Whisky Auction News
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Watch this Bowmore 1956 Sherry Casks and more at Whisky.Auction
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee
Maker’s Mark® Becomes Largest Distillery In The World To Achieve B Corp Certification – American Whiskey News
Maker’s Mark® Becomes Largest Distillery In The World To Achieve B Corp Certification
With Industry-Leading Environmental and Community Focused Efforts, Iconic Kentucky Bourbon Joins a Growing Global Movement of Companies Using Business for Good
London, UK (January 26, 2022) – Maker’s Mark has earned B Corporation Certification, making it the largest distillery in the world and the first in Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Country to achieve the distinction, which recognises companies working to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The B Corp Certification affirms years of industry-leading efforts by Maker’s Mark intended to benefit the greater good and signals a major milestone on the brand’s environmentally conscious mission to “Make Your Mark. Leave No Trace” – now and for the future.
“Since 1953, my grandparents instilled a sense of responsibility here at Maker’s Mark that started with the way we make our bourbon and extended to the way we impact the lives of our teams, our customers, our communities and our shared environment,” said Rob Samuels, 8th Generation Whisky Maker and Grandson of the Founders at Maker’s Mark. “That commitment to a higher purpose continues to live on, both here in Kentucky and beyond. I am so proud of our team’s tireless efforts that have earned us B Corp certification, and I’m even more excited to continue pioneering social and environmental initiatives that benefit the future of bourbon and greater good for all.”
Maker’s Mark achieved B Corp Certification by meeting and exceeding rigorous benchmarks across five categories of the B Impact Assessment: Community, Customers, Environment, Governance and Workers. Key efforts recognised as part of the scoring and certification include the following:
- Maker’s Mark is a spirits industry leader in its environmental practices, implementing innovative programs at its property on Star Hill Farm to preserve the natural resources that go into making its whisky and better the world around it. Initiatives include a distillery-wide zero landfill initiative; an onsite recycling program that is the first in Marion County, Ky. and open to community members; the establishment of a natural water sanctuary protecting the watershed at Star Hill Farm; and the implementation of a solar array that powers the extensive Maker’s Mark warehouse complex.
- The bourbon producer is renowned for its community and philanthropic efforts, having invested millions of dollars in the hospitality industry, local Kentucky causes and the arts since its founding more than 65 years ago. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has acted as a principal partner to The LEE Initiative, which aims to address issues of equality and diversity in the restaurant industry. During the COVID-19 global pandemic, Maker’s Mark and The LEE Initiative have worked together to feed more than 1.5 million hospitality workers in cities across the United States.
- Maker’s Mark has earned a decades-long reputation as an employer with workplace opportunities that exceed the industry standard. The company offers generous benefits and compensation, including the highest wages in its community; opportunities for advancement, job training and tuition assistance for employees; and six months paid maternity leave.
B Corp Certification is just one step Maker’s Mark is taking to “Make Your Mark. Leave No Trace,” as part of its long-term environmentally-focused mission which couples bold, regenerative actions with comprehensive efforts to leave nothing harmful behind. Beyond the initiatives assessed as part of B Corp Certification, Maker’s Mark has introduced several innovative efforts to create a more sustainable future for the spirits industry, including the establishment of the world’s largest repository of American White Oak trees for research purposes; a first-of-its-kind genome mapping project of the American White Oak species; and regenerative farming practices to enrich soil for more robust and flavorful varieties of grain.
Maker’s Mark joins more than 4,000 Certified B Corporations around the world – including Patagonia, Allbirds, Burton Snowboards and Sipsmith® Gin – that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. Aspiring to use the power of business to address social and environmental issues, B Corps become certified through rigorous verification by B Lab and undergo verification every three years. The Certification is designed to help consumers identify companies with a mission that align with their values.
For more information about Maker’s Mark and its efforts for good, visit www.MakersMark.com.
For more information about B Corp visit www.Bcorporation.net.
About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way. That time-tested approach seems to still be working just fine 60+ years later, as Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded a Double Gold medal at the esteemed San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2021. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Maker’s Mark Private Selection, the brand’s first-ever custom barrel program. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com
About B Corporation
Certified B Corporations meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, legally expand their corporate responsibilities to include consideration of stakeholder interests and build collective voice through the power of the unifying B Corporation brand. There are more than 4,000 certified B Corporations from over 150 industries and over 75 countries, representing a diverse multi-billion-dollar marketplace with 1 unifying goal.
About B Lab
B Lab is transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates standards, policies, tools, and programs for business, and we certify companies—known as B Corps—who are leading the way. To date, our community includes 280,000 workers in over 4,000 B Corps across 77 countries and 153 industries, and more than 150,000 companies manage. To learn, visit www.bcorporation.net.
WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2022 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.
Strathisla 2008 vintage UK single cask – on sale now 🏁 – Whisky Barrel News
STRATHISLA DISTILLERY
13 Year Old 2008 Connoisseurs Choice UK Exclusive
Sherry Cask #17603108
Selected exclusively for the United Kingdom market by Gordon & MacPhail. 2008 vintage first fill sherry hogshead matured whisky from Strathisla distillery which is limited to just 344 bottles. Strawberry and raspberry notes, ginger and clove spice, rich honey and sherry. With tasting notes like these it’s no wonder this whisky is selling so fast…
Buy – Strathisla 13 Year Old 2008 Connoisseurs Choice >>
Nose: Sherry aromas combine with ginger and clove spice. Strawberry and raspberry notes develop and lead to rich honey.
Taste: Sweet and smooth stewed red berries complement Autumnal spice. Orange oil develops alongside aniseed and soft grapefruit.
Finish: A medium bodied finish with fruit and spice.
Strathisla Distillery was founded in 1786 and is one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. This distillery was built on the site of a brewery on the banks of the River Isla in Speyside. Now equipped with two pagoda roofs over the old malt kilns, classical stone walls and slate roofs, a water wheel now catching your gaze from the front wall and pulling you into the splendid heather garden Strathisla participates in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. The Gordon & MacPhail distillery labels range includes vintage 1960s and 1970s well fine malt whisky releases.
SMOKEHEAD TWISTS TRADITION THIS VALENTINE’S DAY WITH NEW LIMITED-EDITION STOUT CASK EXPRESSION – Scotch Whisky News
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SMOKEHEAD TWISTS TRADITION THIS VALENTINE’S DAY WITH NEW LIMITED-EDITION STOUT CASK EXPRESSION
STILL PACKS A PEATY PUNCH: SMOKEHEAD UNLEASHES BOLD & UNEXPECTED FLAVOUR COMBINATION WITH RELEASE OF TWISTED STOUT
Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, one of the fastest growing single malts in the UK and globally, is once again twisting tradition with their latest release, Twisted Stout. The brand-new limited-edition expression has been part finished in stout casks, priced at RRP £49.99 and with an ABV of 43%, it is only available to purchase exclusively from www.smokehead.com
Still packing that unmistakably Smokehead peaty punch, Twisted Stout brings a smoother, sweeter, and silkier experience with this delicious and different whisky.
Intertwined with the intense smack-in-the-tastebuds smoke you’d expect from Smokehead, the creamy, malty stout flavour adds unfamiliar notes of rich chocolate and treacle toffee, vanilla ice cream, roasted nuts, and toasted biscuits.
Wrapped up in a striking new pack design, the ever-courageous brand’s new and innovative release is available to buy now only from www.smokehead.com
Commenting on the launch Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director said “Our unique and disruptive Smokehead thinking has led to some convention challenging, trail blazing, rule breaking whiskies over the years that don’t follow the usual traditions and rituals.
“We’ve clearly struck a chord with those who do things their way, live life on their own bold terms, and pick a whisky that’s as disinterested in the status quo as they are. Twisted Stout is as far away from a standard single malt as the combination of tastes, aromas and flavours inside the bottle.
“So, while all our releases come with an original twist, our latest might just be our most twisted yet. Which is just how we like things.”
SMOKEHEAD TWISTED STOUT TASTING NOTES:
THE FIRST IMPRESSION
The usual island intensity of Smokehead comes cloaked in sweet aromas of chocolate and treacle toffee. Maritime air meets a decent pint on the shore. Unexpected. Unusual. And unsettling for the senses.
THE FULL-ON FLAVOUR
You’re past the point of no return now. Hot and soothing at the same time. Salty smoke weaves its way around dry roasted nuts, toasted marshmallow, vanilla ice-cream and… is that someone putting a pot of fresh coffee on?
THE FINALE
New flavours unlocked. Old favourites reunited, wood smoke and spices. Malty, toasted biscuits. Zingy citrus. Dark and delicious. A fitting sign-off from the twisted lovechild of whisky and beer.
Smokehead also grabbed the headlines recently with the launch of the first-ever pre-mixed single malt in a ready to drink can serve. Kick-starting the brand-new ready to drink range with two eye-popping serves: ‘Smokehead mixed with Cola’ and ‘Smokehead mixed with Ginger and Lime’, both available to buy online via Amazon, Smokehead.com and other UK selected retailers.
The Smokehead core range (see below) is also available globally via online and instore.
CORE SMOKEHEAD EXPRESSIONS:
SMOKEHEAD
Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the original expression, an intensely rich yet subtly sweet dram. With immense smoke and notes of sea salt and spice, this is a vigorous whisky that stands out from the crowd.
HIGH VOLTAGE
If Smokehead is an assault on your senses, then High Voltage is an all-out attack. The breath-taking intensity of the peat and smoke is a red light for the faint of heart.
RUM REBEL
The rich, smoky, salty Islay whisky rebel is finished in spicy, sweet Caribbean rum casks creating culture colliding carnage and a melding of mouth-watering tastes.
SHERRY BOMB
Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a peaty Islay single malt that has well and truly earned its name. Blasted by rich, sweet and spicy Spanish sherry casks, it had emerged as a fiery, explosive, heavy hitting dram that has even turned our skull red.
*Smokehead always encourages responsible drinking*
f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky
i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky
#smokehead
NOTES:
About Smokehead:
- Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
- Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky.
- Award-winning premium Scotch whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and smoky sweet taste.
About Ian Macleod Distillers:
- Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
- Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
- Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.








































