FEBRUARY VIRTUAL TASTING:

We hope you’re all excited about our Big Burns Bash livestream kicking off at 8pm this Thursday evening. We’re keeping the entertainment and the whisky flowing the following week, with our February Virtual Tasting. Join us online as we serve up five amazing drams in five very different flavour profiles. Society ambassadors Madeleine Schmoll, Steven McConnachie and Lee ‘Connas’ Connor will be doing the honours, along with some special surprise guests, from 8pm Thursday, 3 February at 8pm.

If you’ve never participated in one of our virtual tastings, all you need to do is purchase your pack now and then join us online with the drams on the night. We’ll stream the tasting live on our Facebook page and our YouTube channel, SMWSsilverscreen. If you can’t make it, order your pack now and watch the tasting back anytime at your leisure.

We’ll be in touch via email before the tasting with a printable tasting mat and suggested food pairings. We’ll also send the secret link to our shop, where you can purchase full-size bottlings of the drams featured in the tasting. On the night, all bottlings apart from Cask No. 3.330 will be available to purchase.

VIEW TASTING PACK NOW

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

Three Impeccably Rare, Old Single Malts from Redacted Bros.
“The source of these three special casks must remain a mystery, but I can say that it is from one of the excellent distilleries on the southern shores of the mystical Isle of Islay.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Scotch aficionados and collectors should hold onto their hats as we introduce a trio of spectacular, age-stated Islay single malt treasures from Redacted Bros. Composed of juice ranging from 29 years to 32 years old, these K&L Exclusive Casks are supremely collectible editions from one of our all-time favorite bottlers. There is no overstating the unbelievable quality and character on offer here, and considering the age statements on these casks, the pricing is nearly impossible to beat. As spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard observes, “Distillery bottlings from any of the three distilleries is this area would sell for ten- or twentyfold of what we’re charging. We’re not exactly certain where/how they were acquired, but sometimes it’s best not to ask too many questions.” Each offers a distinct and completely singular expression that can only come from a whisky in its golden years, and these three sublime examples are certainly in the “liquid gold” category. Highly limited quantities will require Scotch fanatics to strike while the iron is hot, so don’t delay.

*Pre-arrival items are expected to be available for shipment or pickup in May 2022.

1991 Isle Islay Malt 29/30 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($299.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 12, 2022

The source of these three special casks must remain a mystery, but I can say that it is from one of the excellent distilleries on the southern shores of the mystical isle of Islay. You can do the math. Distillery bottlings from any of the three distilleries in the area would sell for ten- to twentyfold of what we’re charging. We’re not exactly certain where/how they were acquired, but sometimes it’s best not to ask too many questions. This is the youngest of the three and was distilled on December 12th, 1991. There’s absolutely nothing like old, heavily-peated single malt scotch. The decades of aging polished the rugged edges of this rare gem. The nose has a purity of ocean character that cannot be achieved but from standing on the shores of the straights of Islay. The sweetness is astounding though, contrasting the decadent wafting smoke. It’s really very difficult to describe. Ozone, limestone, lemon, salt, gun smoke, kastuoboshi, diesel engine, orange oil, olive oil, olive leaves, and beeswax. On the palate, texture and richness with plenty of zesty citrus oil and smoldering, old fire pit. It’s just absolutely lovely. Don’t regret not buying plenty of this if you can manage it.

1990 Isle Islay Malt 30/31 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($299.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 12, 2022

The source of these three special casks must remain a mystery, but I can say that it is from one of the excellent distilleries on the southern shores of the mystical Isle of Islay. You can do the math. Distillery bottlings from any of the three distilleries in the area would sell for ten- to twentyfold of what we’re charging. We’re not exactly certain where/how they were acquired, but sometimes it’s best not to ask too many questions. The middle sibling was distilled on November 20th, 1990. This one is distinct from the briny olive nose that the younger one exhibits. Instead, more fresh green peat, tobacco leaf, salted pears, algae-covered old wood, stony beach, old kirsch. On the palate, it has plenty of leather, sweet lemon, rich smoldering underbrush, sage oil, and tobacco again. Altogether magical, but less oceanic and salty, more earthy and savory.

1989 Isle Islay Malt 31/32 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($349.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 12, 2022

The source of these three special casks must remain a mystery, but I can say that it is from one of the excellent distilleries on the southern shores of the mystical Isle of Islay. You can do the math. Distillery bottlings from any of the three distilleries in the area would sell for ten- to twentyfold of what we’re charging. We’re not exactly certain where/how they were acquired, but sometimes it’s best not to ask too many questions. This is the big daddy of the three casks. Distilled on November 15th of 1989. This one is the cleanest and most linear of the three casks. Sweet lemon rind, very clean white ashy smoke, salted plums. Vibrant, zesty, salty, and clean (comparatively) on the palate with a long, sweet citrus finish and a pure, lifted white smoke that lingers for ages. This is the easiest to love of the three and reminds me more of Ardbeg than Laphroaig, but many who taste all three will likely prefer this excellent whisky because it’s so friendly and open.

EDRADOUR DISTILLERY

22 Year Old 1999 Oloroso Finish (2021)

£299.90

Edradour 22 Year Old 1999 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Double matured in ex-oloroso sherry casks bottled 2021. Limited release of 1,331 bottles. 1999 vintage Oloroso sherry cask finish. A limited small batch bottling showcasing a less often seen vintage from Edradour.

Shop Edradour 22 yo »

Edradour Distillery was formed in 1825 by a group of eight local farmers. Situated at Milton of Edradour near Pitlochry and still just a farm sized distillery equipped with a Morton refrigerator to cool the worts and two wee stills with their spirit cooled in a single worm tub. Whilst ranked amongst the small working distilleries in Scotland its owners Signatory Vintage have plans to increase its size and output. Official distillery releases include the Edradour 10 Year Old, Barolo Cask and Sherry Cask Ibisco decanters.

Welcome to this weeks episode of the show, in which I’ll be taking a look at the Wolfburn range.

https://youtu.be/F3Ln-JQB9zc

#Ardbeg #Untamed #Islay #ArdbegFermutation #Smoky #Whisky 

 ARDBEG LIFT THE LID ON THEIR LONGEST EVER FERMENTATION WITH A NEW COMMITTEE EXCLUSIVE – ARDBEG FERMUTATION

A tale of Ardbeg’s ingenuity, the release of Ardbeg Fermutation brings about yet another unbelievable dram, with an equally unbelievable story…

From 1^st February 2022, Ardbeg will launch their new Committee-only limited edition Ardbeg Fermutation. The result of a happy accident, this 13 year old dram is the delicious consequence of an unplanned experiment that resulted in the longest fermentation in Ardbeg’s history.

In November 2007, The Ardbeg Distillery was about to face one of its greatest challenges. A broken boiler threatened the very existence of six washbacks full of precious liquid. The team tried everything they could to get the boiler going, but to no avail. Ever the optimist, Dr Bill (Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation) saw this conundrum as an opportunity to experiment.

He quickly instructed the Distillery folk to throw open the washback lids and expose the contents to the Islay air. Thus began an epic three week-long fermentation – the longest in Ardbeg’s history – which eventually gave rise to a wild, zingy and vibrant spirit.

Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “I’ve always wanted to experiment with longer fermentations, so I think an unintentional boiler breakdown was the best thing that could have happened! For context, most Ardbeg is only fermented for 72 hours, making three weeks unchartered territory for us.

The outcome is a dram that tastes like pure science fiction. Peat and smoke meld beautifully with fresh, floral flavours, while sharp, more malty notes give Ardbeg Fermutation a uniquely zingy profile.”

Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, said: “Blind luck is sometimes just part of the way we do things here at Ardbeg. But the creation of Fermutation wasn’t simply good fortune. Quick thinking, ingenuity and a little assistance from tiny beings in the atmosphere helped us get here. At 13 years old, this is of course an aged Ardbeg – something I’m sure our fans will be delighted to get their hands on.”

As a Committee-only bottling, Ardbeg Fermutation is only available to members of The Ardbeg Committee from 1^st February, RRP: £150. You can join The Committee by signing up at www.ardbeg.com/committee. Membership is free and all Ardbeg fans are welcome.

ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: @Ardbeg

Instagram: @ardbeg

TASTING NOTES:

Age: 13 Years Old

ABV: 49.4%

Maturation: Ex-bourbon casks, both 1st and refill

Colour: Pale Straw 

Nose:

Fresh, floral, herbal & tart. Hints of mixed herbs and cedar wood. Very zesty, vibrant, hints of smoked orange & grapefruit, lots of menthol & peppermint. With water, powerful bursts of diesel oil, tar, fresh paint and aniseed. As this dies down, a memory of freshly cut hay, and the tiniest hint of something savoury, like yeast extract or bread dough. 

Taste:

A lively, vibrant, sharp, ‘zingy’ texture, leading into very firm, distinctive flavours – malty/biscuit tones, powerful aniseed, cardamom, antiseptic lozenge, sweet mint toffee and cigar ash. 

Finish:

Finally, a lingering, salty, firm aftertaste of mint, tar, oak tannin & leather. 

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.  

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 130,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

The Loch Fyne Bargain Basement

SALE! Yep, some wee bargains to be had. Don’t forget to check out the latest updates and additions as the stock dwindles. Free delivery on orders over £75. Cheers!

View Whisky Sale here → 

Glen Scotia Double Cask

2021 may have been one of Glen Scotia’s greatest years, deservedly being recognised with accolades across their incredible range! We keep coming back to this absolute whisky shelf staple for it’s beautiful balance of fruit, spice and sea spray, and at this price you cannot go wrong, even if it’s for multiple bottles! Grab one for yourself and then a couple more for some pals.

WAS £45.00
NOW £31.90
Buy Now

Aerolite Lindsay 10 Year Old

What about this one for a smoky number? For those with an eagle eye, you may have already spotted that Aerolite Lyndsay is an anagram for ‘ten year old Islay’… A ten year old Islay single malt for £35 is not too shabby!

WAS £39.95
NOW £35.00
Buy Now

Join us for a Blether in 2022

Our Blether’s are Back

Join us every Thursday from 7pm on Facebook and YouTube as we Blether with guests from across the world of whisky. Our hugely successful “A Blether with” series has seen us chat with some true icons of the spirits world in 2021, including Billy Walker, Charles McLean and Mark Reynier to name but a few. In 2022 we have some fantastic guests lined up and would love to be able to share a dram with you to.

A Blether With… Dram Selection Box (February 2022)

We have made up these monthly tasting packs, with a carefully selected dram to connect to our guest for the evening. Wether it is a favourite dram, a whisky from their distillery or simply a great drop that we want to showcase.

Each pack contains 4 whiskies related to our guests (1 per week) and 2 bonus whiskies for you to enjoy at your leisure or during your favourite blether. We will also include our latest calendar of events so you know who is joining us.

£25.00

Shop now

Feel a part of it

We hope that this will help you feel involved in the blether, and we encourage you to join in by sharing your own thoughts on the drink, tasting notes and any questions you may have to our guest.

The Blether goes live from the 27th January at 7pm on our Facebook Channel and our YouTube channel.

The February pack includes 30ml samples of:

27th January – A Special Glen Scotia – Iain McAlister (Glen Scotia Distillery Manager)

10th February – Ben Nevis Single Cask 10 Year Old – Aaron Ross (Ben Nevis Distillery)

17th February – 28 Year Old Tweeddale – Alasdair Day (R&B Distillers)

Plus two secret but oh so lovely bonus whiskies!

Inverurie Whisky Shop

1 Burnside, Inverurie, AB51 3RY, United Kingdom

https://www.inveruriewhiskyshop.com

Aberfeldy 18 Year Old Côte-Rôtie Red Wine Finished Batch No: 2921 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

SKU #157603497 points Wine Enthusiast

$119.99 View

 This starts off with earthy, oaky aromas. The palate opens dry in tones of cedar and a hint of tingly spice. Adding water brings mouthwatering vanilla forward, along with coconut and a nutty tone reminiscent of pecan pie. The finish is long and drying, with plenty of baking spice and ginger tingles. Finished in Cote-Rotie red wine casks. *Top 100 Spirits of 2021* (KO)  (12/2021)

K&L Notes

The Golden Dram, as Aberfeldy is known, is an appropriate name derived in equal parts from the marked golden honey notes of the whisky itself and the fact that gold is still panned for in the Pitilie Burn – the distillery’s water source. The distillery is a critical componenet of the Dewar’s blend and has been since the Dewar’s built it in the 1890s. Today under Bacardi ownership (Diageo was forced to sell Dewars and it’s attendant distilleries in 1998 by the UK Monopolies Board) the single malts from Aberfeldy are finally getting the attention and focus they deserve. The core whiskey lineup has been revamped and the extremely sought after 18 year release has expanded from being exclusively released for travel retail to being more widely available. Still quite limited in availability, this release is finished in red wine casks – specifically for batch #2921 – the powerful Syrah wines from Côte-Rôtie. The result is a perfect mesh of Aberfeldy’s natural honey sweetness and the intense red fruits and structure of Côte-Rôtie.

Glenglassaugh 50 Year Old

An incredibly rare half-a-century old expression. Only 264 bottles have been made, and it has been bottled at 40.1% abv. The expression has spent 50 years maturing in the distillery’s warehouses and has even survived the distillery closing down!

£5,500.00
Buy Now

GLENGLASSAUGH 50 YEAR OLD DESCRIPTION