Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 408: Gouden Carolus Sherry Oak

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a Belgian single malt. The Sherry Oak from distillery De Molenberg is a standard expression, which means always available. It concerns the Gouden Carolus single malt that – as always – is distilled from their Tripel, but after the regular maturation in bourbon barrels got a finish on oloroso sherry casks. It gives it a nice, warm glow.

https://youtu.be/Aj1EST-iSLY

ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERS ANNOUNCE NEW LOCHRANZA DISTILLERY MANAGER

ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERS CONFIRM STEWART BOWMAN WILL BE JOINING THE ISLE OF ARRAN TEAM AS LOCHRANZA DISTILLERY MANAGER FROM NOVEMBER 2021

Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd. have announced the appointment of Stewart Bowman to head up the Lochranza Distillery team. Bowman will be taking the reins from David Livingstone who left the company in September to return to Islay, having guided the Distillery & Visitor Centre through the many challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.

Bowman was previously Site Operations Manager at Brora Distillery, as well as working in production at the Cragganmore Distillery. Prior to this he was Head Brewer at BrewDog for eight years. His impressive background in the industry is set to bring expertise and knowledge to the Lochranza Distillery Manager role with Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd.

Director of Operations & Production for Lagg and Lochranza Distilleries, James MacTaggart said: “We’re all very excited to be welcoming Stewart to our wonderful company. His experience, passion and understanding of the industry will no doubt be a huge asset as we look to the future with Lochranza Distillery.

“This is a very exciting time for Isle of Arran Distillers, and we are so happy to be welcoming visitors back to our distilleries after what has been a challenging period for the industry. With Stewart on board we are thrilled to get going with what promises to be a very exciting time for the company.”

Production began at the Isle of Arran’s first distillery in Lochranza almost 25 years ago. The proximity to Loch na Davie provided the distillery with a special source of fresh water for distilling, holding the distillery in good stead for years to come. The second distillery opened in the south of the island in 2019 at Lagg, where a very unique style of peated single malt is being made.

Notes:

Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for:

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

Best Brewery/Distillery Tour – Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards (2017)

Best Visitor Experience – Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (2018)

Product Awards include:

Arran 10-year-old: Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 12 Years & Under, World Whiskies Awards (2019) San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018). Category Winner and Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch Under 12 Years’ Islands Non-Islay at the World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge 91 points (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge Cocktail Commendation for the Rob Roy (2018). Double Gold Medal China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards (2014)

Arran 18-year-old: Gold Medal & Category Winner ‘Best Single Malt 13 – 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards (2020)  Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 13 – 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards (2019) International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch 13-20 Years – Islands (Non- Islay) World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018) Scottish Field Whisky Challenge – Gold Award for Best Whisky £50-100 (2018)

Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’: Best Scotch Island Single Malt, World Whiskies Awards (2020 & 2019) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ for The Bothy Batch 3 World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

Arran Barrel Reserve:  Silver Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ World Whiskies Awards (2020)

Dram fine support for air ambulance island lifeline

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is raising a toast to two of the most respected names in the world of whisky after receiving a £20,000+ donation to support its crucial lifeline to the country’s islands.

Master Distiller Jim McEwan and Dramfool staged a series of special events to mark Jim’s retiral after a lifetime in the whisky industry.

Living on Islay, Jim and his family know first hand the value of air ambulance support for island and outlying communities and he had no hesitation in naming SCAA to receive funds raised during his swan-song sell-out events.

A virtual Masterclass tasting and a special single cask bottling were among the events which attracted support from whisky enthusiasts throughout the world.

Dramfool’s Bruce Farquhar explained that the support from Jim’s army of fans was “overwhelming” with global interest particularly piqued by the single cask bottling of Jim’s beloved Bruichladdich from his personal collection released to celebrate his contribution to the whisky industry.

“We were absolutely blown away by the interest and support we received for the online event and the special bottling,” he said. “Having more than 260 people over at least eight time zones and 12 countries tune in for tasting was amazing.

“Then to sell 314 bottles of the celebration Bruichladdich in just seven minutes was beyond all expectations – among the fastest sellouts of any release we’ve ever had.

“It is this enthusiasm and affection for Jim McEwan, Islay and the work of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance that resulted in such outstanding support from our clients.”

As Jim joined Bruce Farquhar and Colin Fraser from Dramfool to present a cheque for £20,549 to SCAA, he expressed his pleasure at being able to support a charity close to his heart.

“I’ve worked in Scotland’s greatest industry all my days and now, as I hand over to the next generation, it seems appropriate to give something back to a charity that has proved a lifesaver to the people of Islay and other remote communities across Scotland,” said Jim.

Islay-based SCAA volunteer Katherine Urquhart accepts the cheque from (from left) Bruce Farquhar, Jim McEwan and Colin Fraser.

“Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is funded solely from public donations and it’s crucial that we all try to help fund its life-saving flights. Everyone who supported our special events is helping to keep these guys in the air.”

Nick Harvey, Director of Fundraising and Communications at SCAA, said the support shown by Jim and Dramfool would help save lives.

“SCAA is a regular visitor to islands such as Islay and Jura to tend and airlift those seriously ill or injured,” he said. “Our pre-hospital care and speed in getting patients to mainland care can literally prove a lifesaver.

“We’re extremely grateful to both Jim and Dramfool – and the many hundreds who supported the events – for recognising the value of SCAA’s life-saving service. Our thanks to everyone concerned.”

Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Ghost & Rare: Pittyvaich

The heart of this ghostly limited edition blend is from Pittyvaich – a Speyside distillery which after an 18-year-long stint closed in 1993, known as one of Scotland’s shortest-lived distilleries. Blended with seven other rare whiskies from Johnnie Walker’s huge reserves, this celebrates the Speyside style in an elegant, limited edition dram. Get your hands on it before it becomes immaterial!

Nose: butterscotch, apples, pears, cinnamon.
Palate: stewed orchard fruits, blackberries, fruitcake, sweet berries
Finish: well-balanced, honeycomb, soft oak.

£275.00
Buy Now

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL GHOST & RARE: PITTYVAICH DESCRIPTION

Distillery Focus : Aultmore

Russell Brinklow debuts with his first Blog for Inverurie Whisky Shop as we head to Aultmore

We do enjoy an Aultmore at the Inverurie Whisky Shop with its beautiful summer flavours of peaches and lemonade, toffee and ice cream soda, fudge and milky coffee with some spice and the wonderful nose of freshly mown grass. One could be forgiven for thinking you were on a picnic in an orchard while sitting back and enjoying this dram.

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Introducing a new annual series from The Macallan

The Macallan A Night On Earth In Scotland reveals the story of Hogmanay; the world-famous Scottish celebration being a key influence in this creation.  Working with acclaimed Japanese-French illustrator, Erica Dorn, the multi-layered packaging is adorned with her abstract designs providing a unique unboxing experience. Raise a dram to 2022 with a toast of this delightful single malt!

Available now … £95 →

The Macallan
A Night on Earth in Scotland

Crafted by Lead Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess, this special whisky is inspired by her fond family memories of Hogmanay, resulting in this sweet, velvety dram showcasing evocative flavours of Scottish shortbread, dried oranges and rich spice.

Whisky Presentation Box Humidors by Dave

Humidors by Dave!

Have your favourite scotch whisky presentation box upgraded to a cigar humidor!

US$220

Contact Dave at daveswhiskyhumidors@gmail.com

Price does not include shipping or the presentation box. 

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 407: Gouden Carolus Rabelo

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a Belgian single malt. Every year, an Anniversary Edition of the De Molenberg whisky is released. This is the one from 2020, called Rabelo after the boats that were used in the Douro Valley to transport port barrels. It literally means ‘little tail’, a reference to the small rudder on the boat. After 36 months of maturation on a classic bourbon cask, this malt was given a finish of 28 months on a barrel that – you guessed it – previously contained port. White port, mind you. And the whisky is therefore just over 5 years old.

https://youtu.be/ZWBCxm_13RI

JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY’S HISTORIC COLLABORATION WITH THE FIELD MUSEUM IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Take the spirit of history on your travels

THREE OAKS, MI (November 9, 2021) — Journeyman Distillery is thrilled to announce that its artisan collection of Field Spirits, created in collaboration with the Field Museum, is now available for purchase at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport Terminal 1, just in time for holiday travels and shopping. First released in 2018 in celebration of Chicago’s Field Museum’s 125th anniversary, this series of historically-created spirits include a gin, vodka and rye whiskey made from botanicals that were first collected for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Crafted using locally-sourced Midwest grains and water from the distillery’s untreated underground aquifer, Journeyman Distillery prides itself in being exceptionally American.

Field Rye is made by macerating Journeyman’s most-awarded and best-selling Last Feather Rye whiskey with black mission fig, one of the world’s oldest sweeteners. By resting in the Last Feather Rye for more than three months, the black mission fig imparts subtle, all-natural and complimentary flavors of sweet melon, banana and strawberry to the spicy and fruity characteristics of the rye and is certified organic, kosher and gluten-free.

“It was an incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Field Museum, which has resulted in three historic, artisanal spirits that honor the Museum’s and the city of Chicago’s agricultural history. Distilling is all about history and preservation, and using the world’s oldest flavors to create the finest spirits is what Journeyman is all about,” says Journeyman Distillery founder Bill Welter. “A ‘Journeyman’ is also an adventurer who embarks on great unknown adventures, making it quite fitting for this collection to be available at O’Hare – for all kinds of journeys.”

“The partnership the Museum has with Journeyman continues to be incredible. It is rare to find a group of people who are as dedicated and invested in creating not just a product, but an experience with such authenticity and I am thrilled we get to share that now with travelers at O’Hare”, said Megan Williams, Director of Business Enterprises at the Field Museum.

Whether purchasing a gift on the way through town or restocking on the way back in, Field Spirits will be ready to travel and available at O’Hare International Airport as of November 20, 2021. Field Rye (SRP: $59.99)

For more information, visit journeymandistillery.com and fieldmuseum.org.

Founded in 2010, Journeyman Distillery crafts, bottles, sells, and serves organic and kosher certified spirits at the historic Featherbone Factory in Three Oaks, Michigan. The distillery prides itself on using the highest quality grains sourced from Midwestern organic farmers in its award-winning spirits as well as at its Staymaker restaurant. Journeyman products are distributed in 19 states across the country and available for purchase direct from the distillery. Learn more and find your spirit at journeymandistillery.com.

Journeyman Distillery
109 Generations Drive
Three Oaks, MI, 49128
United States

Gordon & MacPhail appoints new Finance Director

Premium spirits company Gordon & MacPhail has appointed Ben Cookman as Finance Director during a period of high growth, which sees the family-owned business working towards the opening of a new whisky distillery in the heart of the Cairngorms.

The appointment will see Cookman play an integral role in the organisation helping to shape and implement the Gordon & MacPhail business strategy, including delivering extensive capital plans and fuelling the growth of the company’s brands: Gordon & MacPhail, Benromach, Red Door and The Cairn.

Relocating to the north of Scotland from Bedfordshire, Cookman brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous role as Finance Director at Greenwoods GRM LLP and, prior to that, his position as Head of Finance at McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd.

Commenting on the appointment Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director, said: “Ben joins us at an exciting time for Gordon & MacPhail as we work towards opening The Cairn Distillery in summer 2022.

“Gordon & MacPhail is known for its commitment to creating the finest whiskies and now, as we look towards this new chapter of the company with the creation of a purpose-built distillery in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, it is more important than ever that we invest in not only our stocks and infrastructure but also the right people who will help us achieve our business aspirations.

“Ben brings with him not only the technical skillset and knowledge required for the role but also a passion for the spirits industry and a desire to grow Gordon & MacPhail both domestically and in international markets.”

Finance Director Ben Cookman added: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Finance Director at Gordon & MacPhail and look forward to helping the company achieve not only its current objectives, but also to support investment decisions that will secure its long-term success. One of the elements that attracted me to Gordon & MacPhail is this commitment, as a family business, to remain focused on the long-term future of the organisation.”

Set in a stunning landscape, The Cairn Distillery will be Gordon & MacPhail’s second whisky distillery. The Cairn will not only produce the finest single malt Scotch whisky but will also be home to a high-quality visitor centre, offering tours and tastings which will attract visitors from around the world.

For more information about Gordon & MacPhail visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

Further information about The Cairn Distillery can also be found here: www.thecairndistillery.com.

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail, a fourth-generation family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Renowned as a Scotch whisky maturation expert, the business also owns Scotch whisky distillery, Benromach, on the outskirts of Forres, and The Cairn Distillery near Grantown-on-Spey.

Scottish Gin brand, Red Door was added to the portfolio in 2018 and Gordon & MacPhail is the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits.  A high-quality retail outlet in Elgin, continues to serve locals and visitors alike, since 1895 when the business was established.

Benromach Distillery

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.

The Cairn Distillery

Work commenced in July 2020 on 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 launching in summer 2022 offering tours and tastings will also attract visitors from around the world.

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

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 most unique and rare single malt Scotch whiskies to discerning whisky drinkers globally.

UK wholesale

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

Retail

The retail shop in Elgin remains the ‘spiritual home’ of the business, over 120 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.