ARTMEIS
First Launch Edition

Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1990

Friday the 17th of December, 2021, Fife, Scotland

style=”text-align: justify;”>Specialist online Scotch whisky merchant and bottler, TheWhiskyBarrel.com, is proud to release the first bottling of its ARTEMIS whisky series commemorating the first flight of the Artemis space program. A new single cask Scotch whisky selected from a single cask of Bunnahabhain whisky distilled on the Isle of Islay, Scotland.

ARTEMIS First Launch Edition

Artemis 1 is set to be the first launch of the Orion spacecraft. A test flight orbiting the Moon before returning to Earth is scheduled to launch in 2022, to be followed by a crewed lunar landing expected in 2025; the first since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Bunnahabhain 1990 Vintage Single Cask

Selected from a single hogshead cask distilled at Bunnahabhain distillery, Islay, yielding 285 numbered bottles at natural cask strength 54.8% abv.

Nose: Cosmic barley fields, galactic stem ginger, clusters of lavender honey, pulsar of lemon zest and brown bread nebula.

Taste: Orbital barley sugars, ginger eclipse, lemon juice pulsars, hot chilli rocket fuel, honey starburst, solar salt and pepper.

Finish: Milk chocolate supernova, pink grapefruit dwarf and a cereal flyby.

PRICING

Each bottle retails at: £220 GBP inc. VAT / €215 EUR / $244 USD / c$312 (+ P&P)

Q) What is the product called?
A) – ARTMEIS First Launch Edition Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old

Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
A) Thursday 16th of December, 2021.

Q) Where is it available?
A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

Q) How much is it?
A) Each bottle retails at £220 GBP inc. VAT / €215 EUR / $244 USD / c$312 (+ P&P)

Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) How many bottles are there?
A) 285 bottles.

Q) What is the ABV of this product?
A) Natural cask strength.

Q) Why has this product been launched?
A) Limited Edition single cask exclusive for TheWhiskyBarrel.com online whisky shop.

Notes

The Whisky Barrel is a specialist online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and was established in 2007. In 2019 The Whisky Barrel won The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade. The Whisky Barrel is also a winner of the Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

*N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

The Whisky Barrel    E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com
Visit www.thewhiskybarrel.com
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MIX, MINGLE AND JINGLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE FIRST-EVER MONKEY SHOULDER WHISKY

BRASS MONKEY COCKTAIL MIX, CREATED WITH THE LEGENDARY COCKTAIL EMPORIUM IN TIME FOR THE MOST FESTIVE TIME OF YEAR.

Available online and at select retailers, the limited edition Brass Monkey Mix was exclusively created by the Cocktail Emporium and will be available nationwide for cheeky monkey gifts and stockings this holiday season.

Who’s ready for an epic and deliciously mixable holiday collab?

The makers of the legendary Monkey Shoulder Whisky; the scotch whisky “Made for Mixing”, are partnering with the cocktail gurus at Cocktail Emporium to bring you the ‘Brass Monkey’, a special cocktail mix designed to help make a refreshing and mix-ready splash this holiday season.

Developed to create the perfect Brass Monkey signature cocktail at home, the Monkey Shoulder cocktail mix features a combination of Pickett’s Medium Spicy Ginger Beer Syrup and Black Cloud Cabaret Aromatic Bitters. To make the perfect holiday cocktail, cheeky monkeys mix Monkey Shoulder Whisky, Brass Monkey Mix, soda water and a slice of fresh orange.  The perfect holiday mixer for the merriest season of the year.

“The Brass Monkey Cocktail Mix simplifies the cocktail-making process for both the party hosts and cocktail enthusiasts on your list this season,” comments Beth-Anne Perry, Country Marketing Director, William Grant & Sons.  “With an approachable and easy-to-sip cocktail that tastes mixologist-made, it’s a Monkey must-have for this holiday season.”

The Mix was created exclusively by the Cocktail Emporium, Canada’s go-to cocktail supply shop for industry and at-home bartenders.  With three locations across Toronto and an online store with international shipping, Cocktail Emporium is known for its cool and innovative bar essentials, perfect for mixing cocktails monkey style.

“Mixing it up with the Cocktail Emporium was a natural partnership for Monkey Shoulder Whisky, a scotch whisky designed with cocktails and bar enthusiasts in mind,” adds Perry.  “As the go-to spot for all things cocktail, it is a perfectly epic partnership.”

It’s Monkey Shoulder’s versatility that makes the whisky so conducive to cocktail creation. Monkey Shoulder offers a hint of zesty orange, vanilla, honey, and spiced oak followed by mellow vanilla notes with a hint of spice. The smooth, complex and fruity character is bold enough to stand out in a drink but balanced enough not to take it over – this isn’t monkey business; Monkey Shoulder has been perfecting its craft for almost two decades.

Available globally with an eye-catching bottle, intriguing name, and a mischievous attitude, Monkey Shoulder created a stir as the scotch that leaps out from the whisky crowd. Monkey Shoulder is a marriage of 100% malt whisky from Speyside, Scotland. It is crafted in small batches to achieve a richer taste, and aged exclusively in first-fill Bourbon barrels for exceptional smoothness. Monkey Shoulder has received numerous accolades, including designation as Drinks International’s Top Trending Scotch Whisky Brand 5 years in a row and recently taking the Gold medal at the International Spirits Competition 2021.

The Brass Monkey Mix is just one of the cocktail culture disruptions created by Monkey Shoulder Whisky for the industry and at-home bartender in mind.  In addition to its curated list of Monkey Shoulder Scotch Cocktails created by globally recognized mixologists, Monkey Shoulder Whisky has nationally launched the exclusive bartending tool The Claw, hosted the Ultimate Bartending Championship in Toronto and Vancouver, and partnered with the some of the largest names in the DJ music scene, including Toronto’s Skratch Bastid.

“Monkey Shoulder Whisky continues to challenge perceptions about Scotch whisky and redefine expectations for cocktails – and the holidays are the perfect time to mix, mingle and enjoy,” adds Perry.

“We look forward to sharing this legendary collab with our mixing and mingling Canadians of legal drinking age this holiday season.”

The Brass Monkey Mix retails for $8.95 and can be purchased online at the Cocktail Emporium website at https://bit.ly/3o4lEFB

Here’s how to mix up the BRASS MONKEY!

You’ll Need:

1. 45 ml of Monkey Shoulder Whisky
2. 15 ml Brass Monkey Cocktail Mix
3. Bottle of soda water
4. Fresh orange slice

How to Mix:

1. Start with some Festive pep in your step!
2. Combine Monkey Shoulder Whisky and Brass Monkey Mix in a Tom Collins glass over ice.
3. Top up with soda water.
4. Garnish with a fresh orange wedge.
5. Crank up the monkey music mixes and serve it up.
6. Cheers & ENJOY!

For additional information about the Cocktail Emporium, please visit www.cocktailemporium.com.

This week, we are delighted to be releasing an official single cask bottling which is now available online and in-store. It is cask #351, a first-fill Ruby Port barrique which was filled on the 8th May 2015. Aged full-term at the distillery, this single malt whisky was bottled on-site at 58.4% ABV on the 19th November 2021. A wonderfully rich and spicy single malt with notes of peach stones and sweet orange fondant, followed by a long, sweet finish.

Please note, orders are limited to one bottle per customer.

LEARN MORE

A real star of Diageo’s 2021 Special releases, this is the sort of whisky made for cold evenings and warm fireplaces. Talisker has been in business supplying hearty, fortifying drams to the people of Scotland since 1830 and is rightly held up as one of the world’s great distilleries. This limited expression is bold and briny on the palate with white pepper, apple butter, nori and lots of earthy smoke. The label features a Scottish Christmas sea monster – don’t google it or anything but they’re a real and very traditional part of yuletide in the highlands.

Buy now >

A Highly Limited Japanese Collectible
Hombo Shuzo Mars Shinshu Komagatake “Limited Edition 2021” Single Malt Japanese Whisky

(700ml) (Elsewhere $215) ($179.99)

“There is little doubt that this special release will disappear quickly and enter the pantheon of unobtainable Japanese legends.”

— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer—

Japanese whisky has been taking the world by storm, and demand always seems to outpace supply, with no signs of slowing down. So, when we have a highly sought-after, limited edition in stock in any quantity, it’s time to shout it from the rooftops. The Hombo Shuzo Mars Shinshu Komagatake “Limited Edition 2021” Single Malt Japanese Whisky picks up right where the best-selling 2020 rendition left off. This fabulous spirit is distilled and matured as a single malt in the small village of Miyada in Nagano prefecture, and the quality and authenticity here are unimpeachable. It’s common practice for other brands to bring in spirits from other countries and bottle them as Japanese or use a rice base to bump up production levels, so it’s often difficult to know when you’re getting true Japanese character and style. With Mars Shinshu, however, whiskey aficionados can rest assured, they’re getting the real deal. Like all previous releases, this one will disappear in a flash, so anyone looking to get in on the hottest trend in the world of collectible whiskey shouldn’t hesitate for a moment to lock in a healthy supply. While you’re at it, be sure to browse the table below for our complete selection of other offerings from this one-of-a-kind producer.

Hombo Shuzo Mars Shinshu Komagatake “Limited Edition 2021” Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml) (Elsewhere $215) ($179.95)

K&L Notes: The much-anticipated, limited-edition 2021 single malt release from Japan’s highest elevation distillery is finally here. The Mars Shinshu Komagatake is 100% distilled and matured in Nagano. It was patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry American oak sitting in the shadow of Mt. Komagatake, the largest peak in the Kiso mountain range. Prunes, honey, vanilla, and tropical fruits mark the nose and blend into a palate of sweet oranges, green melon, and dusty cocoa powder. The finish is long and smooth with notes of vanilla and persimmon. The United States will see just 3,456 bottles of this highly prized release. Nonchillfiltered and bottled at 48% ABV.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 03, 2021

The Hombo Shuzo company has a complicated history. They’ve been distillers for over 100 years, originally producing Shochu. In 1949, they founded a whisky distillery based on Masataka Taketsuru’s original still designs after his famous studies in Scotland. The original stills have been moved several times and decommissioned and recommissioned over the last 70 years, but today they operate at the Mars Shinshu distillery. Shinshu sits at nearly 800 meters below Mt. Komagatake, making it the highest altitude distillery in Japan and giving it unfettered access to impeccable mountain water. It is one of two distilleries operated by the Hombo Shuzo parent company of Mars (the other being Tsunuki in the south).

While the Mars portfolio is tiny compared to the giants of Japanese whisky, their reputation for stunning quality is unquestioned. Here in the 2021 Komagatake LE release, it’s clear yet again that they are making some of the most compelling whiskies in Japan. The color is a striking liquid amber, and the smell of fruit leaps from the glass upon first pouring. There is a perfect balance to the nose—fruity, spicy, warm, lifted, and a touch floral. Fresh apricots and dried persimmons mingle with cinnamon, vanilla, and golden apples. Stone fruit blossoms heavy with sweet nectar make for a nice contrast to the lower earthy tones that shyly hide underneath all the fruit. Honey and salted nuts come to mind.

The palate softens even further and nose brings out more overt sherry notes and hints at fresh grass. The finish is just a skosh hot, but in a very pleasant way, not overwhelming at all, just brash enough to be noticeable. All in all, this is an exceptional dram, and unlike so many Japanese labels on the market today, it’s actually made wholly in Japan by a company with a long history of production. The high-altitude aging at the Shinshu distillery in Nagano is arguably perfect for slow and complex development of flavors. There is little doubt that this special release will disappear quickly and enter the pantheon of unobtainable Japanese legends.

Also Available from Mars Shinshu:

We’re extremely fortunate to have such broad access to what K&L spirits buyer Andrew Whiteley calls “some of the most compelling whiskies in Japan,” and while the lion’s share of attention is paid to the highly coveted Limited Edition series (and rightly so), we encourage our savvy spirits clientele to get very familiar with the depth of offerings from one of our favorite distilleries in the world.

BENRINNES DISTILLERY

25 Year Old 1996 Celebration Of The Cask

Cask #962101

£259.75

Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single sherry butt #962101 October 2021 by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers for the Celebration of the Cask. 482 bottles. You most definitely won’t be disappointed with this exceptional Speyside single malt. Luxuriously rich, yet elegant with sultanas and hints of Christmas spice that is perfect to be savoured this festive period.

Johnnie Walker

Gold Label Cracker

1 x 20cl Bottle

Gold Label was designed so that its flavours unfold in waves, with rich fruit and vanilla alongside spicy and sweet woody notes and a gentle smokiness that can be enjoyed in a classic Scotch cocktail, neat or over ice.

Encased in a branded Johnnie Walker cracker, this 20cl bottle would make the perfect gift for any blended Whisky lover.

£19.95

Add To Basket

ralfy review 907 – Kilkerran 12yo @46%vol: (2021)

WhistlePig Rye Whiskey kicks off UK and European focus with Moët Hennessy

Following the announcement of the international partnership between Moët Hennessy and WhistlePig in 2020, the rye whiskey brand and leading luxury drinks company are launching a full sales and marketing drive in the UK and Europe this month, with larger scale activity planned for 2022.

The collaboration includes Moët Hennessy acquiring a minority stake in the highly awarded Rye whiskey distillery and brand from Vermont.

The product focus for the UK in 2022 will be WhistlePig’s award-winning core range of Rye Whiskies: WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Aged 10 Years, Old World Rye Aged 12 Years and Estate Oak Rye Aged 15 Years. Next year will also see the introduction of more limited edition releases to the UK and European markets, as well as a younger rye to encourage new drinkers to explore the brand and rye whiskey category overall.

On and off trade activations are being planned throughout the year with specialist partners in both channels, with the emphasis on industry education and advocacy.

Jeff Kozak, CEO of WhistlePig said: “We are delighted to be taking WhistlePig to market in both the UK and Europe, having the chance to showcase our very special range of whiskies to consumers who might already know of us, but have not yet had the chance to hear our story or taste our highly decorated range of whiskies.”

“The continued interest in American whiskey from consumers within the European market, alongside the dynamism we are starting to see again in the on trade offers the perfect opportunity for our brand and whiskies to hopefully flourish.”

Since being founded in 2007, WhistlePig has been one of the driving forces in American craft whiskey and innovation, with rye at the heart of everything they do. The distillery has won multiple global awards for its range of rye whiskies, ensuring that the WhistlePig name is synonymous with world-class spirits and a pioneering leader in the creation of rye whiskey.

The core range of whiskies includes a spirit that has been matured in Vermont Oak, grown on the land surrounding the distillery. Vermont Oak is some of the most northern Oak in the world, which means more growth rings and more depth of flavour in the final matured spirit.

Alexei Rosin, Managing Director at Moët Hennessy UK said: “It is an exciting time for American whiskies and our partnership with WhistlePig offers a fantastic opportunity to expand our spirits expertise, whilst building a portfolio of both luxury and craft boutique brands.”

The WhistlePig range of rye whiskies are available via Clos19.com and Majestic, as well as other specialist retailers and on trade accounts, RRP from: £80. For trade enquiries, please contact Moët Hennessy UK.

About WhistlePig:

Founded in 2007, WhistlePig has become the #1 distiller in the ultra-premium and luxury rye whiskey category in North America, featuring the bold and often untapped flavour of Rye.

As the most decorated Rye whiskey – having received the coveted ‘Best in Show Whiskey’ title from the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, WhistlePig is widely viewed as the world’s finest Rye. With the opening of its distillery on its 500-acre Vermont farm in the fall of 2015, WhistlePig has also become one of the leading farm-to-bottle Rye whiskeys in the world.

For additional information please visit whistlepigwhiskey.com.

About Moët Hennessy:

Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of LVMH, regroups twenty-four Maisons, recognised internationally for the richness of their terroirs, the quality of their products and the craftsmanship with which they are created.

Please drink responsibly.

THE GLENALLACHIE DISTILLERY WINS

VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR

The Speyside distillery was crowned, along with  

multiple category wins for its products 

After an extraordinary year of innovation and achievement, the Single Malt distillery lead by industry veteran Billy Walker won big at the Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards for 2022.

The awards, both run by Whisky Magazine, “celebrate the best and brightest people and places in the sector” and “commend the best whiskies from around the world”.

Having beaten out all competition at last year’s ceremony to win World’s Best Single Malt, The GlenAllachie was named Visitor Attraction of the Year for 2022. The judging panel cited the overcoming of the adversity stemming from the pandemic as the main contributing factor to the bestowing of the title.

The distillery began offering revolutionary “virtual” tours from the safety of their on-site tasting room in May 2021. The experiences included an in-depth tour video, followed by a discussion with hand-made replicas of the various stages of the production process, and concluded with a tutored tasting of four drams presented in a complimentary keepsake bag with a Glencairn glass.

The company also excelled in the product awards, scooping category wins for The GlenAllachie 12-year-old in its age banding within the Speyside Single Malt group, and MacNair’s Lum Reek 12-year-old in the Blended Malts Under 12 years class.

In addition, The GlenAllachie 15-year-old picked up a gold medal at the esteemed awards, entered by hundreds of products.

Reflecting on the monumental wins, Walker states:

“I’m beyond delighted for the GlenAllachie team for securing such hotly contended accolades at these coveted Whisky Magazine awards. The past two years have been incredibly challenging for the entire industry, however I’ve been witness to the inspiring grit and determination of our team. These incredible awards are a testament to each and every one of them. I will be proudly raising a dram in admiration this Christmas.”

In early 2021, Walker was inducted to the Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting contribution to the Scotch whisky industry.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts an almost 50-year tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2021 stands at an eye-watering £1m/$1.2m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

The GlenAllachie focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4m to 500,000 Litres of Alcohol, and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester rich, fruity spirit.

We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

Our other brands are MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits, encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum, and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Instagram – @theglenallachie_