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.

Circumstance Distillery have launched the The Circ Club

Circumstance Distillery are delighted to announce they have launched The Circ Club and it’s just in time for Christmas.

The Circ Club, is a brand-new membership that will allow members a guaranteed opportunity to purchase all pre-releases, including Circumstance’s highly anticipated  inaugural whisky release in 2022.

Other benefits include, exclusive special offers, members discounts for tours and tastings and access to club member sales throughout the year. Perfect for Christmas gifting this festive season the annual membership is £25 a year.

Liam Hirt, founder of Circumstance Distillery commented “I’m thrilled we have created an exclusive spirits members club. We are all looking forward to learning together, growing our quality portfolio and having a lot of fun along the way!”

The membership is capped to a maximum of 100 people and once the club is full, new members will be added to the waiting list and they can join once a new spot becomes available.

To join The Circ Club click HERE

Win! Game of Thrones Whisky Collection

Winter is coming…and our latest Golden Dram prize highlights the Game of Thrones collection, featuring eight limited edition single malts in their stunning display chest. To be in with a chance of winning this highly collectible prize simply purchase any bottle from the selected Diageo range up until the 30th November. We will randomly select one lucky winner from these orders. Give it a shot!  Buy any of the bottles below during November 2021 for a chance to win a complete set of the Game of Thrones Single Malt Whisky Collection in a limited edition trunk presentation case. Closes 30th November.

Enter here now →

The Whisky Barrel in support of Poppyscotland

We need you support

With the poignant dates of November 11th and Remembrance Sunday, we took a moment to remember those who gave their life while serving in the Armed Forces. However, the Whisky Barrel campaign continues throughout November.

Whether you are already looking for a whisky gift or you would just like to provide a donation while shopping as normal, simply click ‘Add Gift Wrapping’ in the cart, and complete an order as normal. After the 30th November 2021 we will then donate all gift wrapping proceeds to Poppyscotland.

You support is hugely appreciated so please help us push the donations by ordering a whisky gift via TheWhiskyBarrel.com. Thank you.

#ScottishPoppyAppeal
#Poppy100
#BehindThemAlways

Find Out More >>

Gift something special

BESPOKE ENGRAVING

Take your gift to the next level by personalising a bottle of whisky with our bottle-engraving service. Choose from a wide range of bottles, select your font, write a personalised message for engraving, and leave the rest to us. What better way to show someone how much you care than a thoughtful message or greeting laser-cut onto their favourite bottle. A special bottle for special occasions.

Well, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to try this holy whisky grail! Mark has been kind enough to send me a sample of this literal gem in the eyes of Macallan collectors, and I can’t thank him enough for it, truly.

Released in 1996 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Private Eye Magazine at a wonderful sum of £36 per bottle. Macallan Private Eye has become one of thee must have bottles for whisky collectors all across the planet. I, luckily, am one of the few folks that have been privileged to try it, let alone score it. So here we go. https://youtu.be/d0yELUkx0-0 

MARK LITTLER

Whisky Investment Guide

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Instagram: @thisiswhiskywednesday
Twitter: @whiskytube
Contact: thisiswhiskywednesday@gmail.com

Glen Scotia partners with award-winning chef Gary Robinson to explore
‘perfect pairings’ with its new Seasonal Release single malt whisky

– Distiller teams up with The Balmoral Hotel’s Executive Chef to promote its limited-edition 12-year-old release, out now –

Campbeltown-based distiller Glen Scotia has partnered with Gary Robinson, Executive Chef at The Balmoral Hotel, to promote its new 12-year-old Seasonal Release, and explore the perfect pairing of whisky and food.

In a short new film captured at the hotel’s SCOTCH Bar and kitchens, the chef is joined by Glen Scotia ambassador Gary Mills as the maestros combine their expertise to discuss process, flavour and provenance while enjoying three new dishes created by Gary using the new limited-edition liquid.

Inspired by classic seasonal flavours including toffee, apple, orange citrus and warm spice, the Seasonal Release (54.7% ABV), uses a series of unpeated distillations from 2009 matured in first-fill Bourbon casks and American Oak hogsheads. After maturation for eleven years, the liquid is then transferred and finished in first-fill Oloroso hogsheads and heavily charred American Oak barrels for its final year, before marrying the casks together and bottling at cask strength. It follows the success of the distillers’ limited-edition Sherry Double Cask Finish last year.

The Seasonal Release menu from Gary includes:
• Whisky-cured salmon with apples and celery
• Barbequed pork belly with a sticky whisky-honey sauce & braised pearl barley
• Poached pear salad, whisky caramel and pecan toffee

Gary Robinson arrived at The Balmoral in June 2019 having travelled the world – gaining over 25 years of global culinary experience, most notably in the honourable position of Head Chef to HRH the Prince of Wales. Gary strongly believes in creating dishes that are as meaningful, sustainable and authentic as possible. Showcasing excellence within hotels, restaurants, private households and clubs, he is a strong advocate for classical cooking techniques that retain the natural goodness of homegrown ingredients.

Perfect pairings and the sense of uniting are intrinsic to Glen Scotia, from its whisky-making process where it combines casks and finishes to deliver classic Campbeltown flavours, to its role in the region where the whisky industry has helped to bind the small community together throughout centuries, who have in turn ensured the distillery endured.

Glen Scotia brand ambassador, Gary Mills, said: “The 12-year-old Seasonal Release is another fine dram that brings together those unmistakably seasonal flavours with Glen Scotia’s subtle maritime style, and the result is something very special indeed.
“While the concept of food and drink go hand in hand, it’s been eye-opening to collaborate with Gary Robinson to delve deeper into flavour profiling and consider how they marry together to enhance ingredients on the plate and in a dram – or even better to be enjoyed together.

“This sense of ‘togetherness’ is woven throughout Glen Scotia, which for centuries has endured by virtue of the unique spirit of its community. Food and celebrations, often centred around the town market cross, are part of the history of our tight-knit community in Campbeltown. We hope this partnership will provide some wonderful inspiration for our fans to make at home alongside a dram”

Executive Chef Gary Robinson added: “I’m always excited to get into the kitchen and experiment, especially with a fine dram from Glen Scotia. The new 12-year-old Seasonal Release is a hero ingredient in the three dishes I’ve created. Each dish showcases an indulgent seasonal flavour profile, with the whisky really enhancing each ingredient.

“I created these dishes with the vision that they are the perfect recipes to bring people together – not too complicated to recreate at home and each offers a really special meal for friends and family to come together, gather around a table and enjoy.”

The latest 12-year-old Glen Scotia is another unrivalled issue from the region steeped in so much history with whisky production. In the Victorian age, Campbeltown was known as the whisky capital of the world, with over 30 distilleries packed into the town and neigh on every inhabitant involved in its creation. Only three distilleries endured and prevailed to the present day, and Glen Scotia stands proudly among the last of the many. It benefits from years of local knowledge, experience, craft and whisky passion distilled down into the present Glen Scotia team of today The brand achieved global recognition this year after its 25-year-old single malt whisky was crowned Best in Show and thus Best Whisky in the World at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Seasonal Release retails at £75. It is available for purchase now from the Glen Scotia website (www.glenscotia.com) and through UK specialist retailers.

Notes

Glen Scotia Seasonal Release tasting notes
• Nose: toffee, apple, seaspray, vanilla
• Palate: warm spice, nutty, floral, orange citrus, melted brown sugar
• Finish: long nutty finish with pears & dried peel

About Glen Scotia

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. The distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s.To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the unique Campbeltown maritime style the brand has become world-famous for.

In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across 31 categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles.

Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts
Instagram: @glenscotiamalts
Facebook: @GlenScotiaWhisky

About The Balmoral Hotel

Many hotels claim to have landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their doorstep is a landmark. The Balmoral is a grand railway hotel located at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No 1 Princes Street. The Balmoral began life as a grand railway hotel in 1902 and offers 187 contemporary rooms and opulent suites. Excellent cuisine is guaranteed in the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant as well as the hotel’s all-day dining venue Brasserie Prince. Afternoon Tea is served in Palm Court and the hotel boasts a collection of over 500 single malt whiskies at SCOTCH.

Facebook – @BalmoralEdinburgh
Instagram – @thebalmoral
Twitter – @The_Balmoral

A Brilliant Blended Scotch from a True Innovator
Compass Box “Orchard House” Blended Scotch Malt Whisky (750ml) ($49.99)
“Orchard House delivers the goods … It’s a masterpiece at a bargain price and fully deserving of a prominent spot in the core lineup of Compass Box.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

Since it burst onto the scene twenty years ago, John Glaser’s Compass Box has come to redefine the Scotch business. Emerging at a time when single malts reigned supreme, Glaser took a gamble that the right Scotches, well-chosen and carefully blended, could find a broad and captive audience. Glaser, as it turns out, was right on the money, as Compass Box is among the most sought-after and celebrated brands in the world of whisky. The Orchard House is a new entry in the permanent range, and it’s made big waves since its debut. The value on offer here is simply second to none. Andrew Whiteley describes it as “a blended malt that highlights all of the beautiful ripe fruits in the pantheon of Scotch flavors … a full and complete whisky.” Expertly aged in Oloroso butts, this dram boasts a kaleidoscope of opulent complexity that could easily command twice the sub-$50 price. As it stands, Orchard House is one of the biggest bangs for the buck in our entire spirits inventory, a not-to-be-missed specimen for collectors and fans of all stripes.

Compass Box “Orchard House” Blended Scotch Malt Whisky (750ml) ($49.99)

K&L Notes:Few things in the whiskey world are as exciting as a new addition to the Compass Box core lineup. Known for phenomenal and creative blends and exceptional value, the Compass box team has knocked it out of the park with Orchard House. This essentially replaces the old Oak Cross that was discontinued several years ago, but it’s really a completely different whisky all together. It’s 100% malt whisky selected from distilleries known for their fruitiness. Lively and fragrant with a gentle oak influence, Orchard House was greatly influence by the late Dr. Jim Swan. His research inspired CB to fill their barrels at 58% ABV instead of the nearly ubiquitous 63.5% ABV in Scotland. This lower proof filling extracts more sugar from the wood than the higher proof fill. It also allows for less dilution of the aged spirit when bottling below cask strength. Two-thirds of the Orchard House blend is derived from these 58%-fill casks, adding more creamy vanilla, sweet citrus, and stone fruit components. Orchard House also features the effects of a changing barrel market. These are sort of like 1.5-fill barrels. It is now standard practice in the bourbon world to rinse down freshly emptied barrels with water. This allows for the maximum alcohol yield before final blending and bottling. It also takes a bit of the rougher edge off the oak for Scotch maturation. This change in practice has led to a serendipitous, gentler aging of Orchard House that really allows the CB team’s expertise to shine.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 21, 2021

Compass Box strikes again. It was a devastating loss when Oak Cross was cut from their core lineup, but the gaping hole that was left behind has finally been filled. Orchard House delivers the goods—a bushel full of them. This whisky has been purpose-driven since being laid down in barrel to showcase the incredible fruit profile of the distillery components. It’s a blended malt that highlights all of the beautiful ripe fruits in the pantheon of Scotch flavors. Its branches sit heavy with apples of every shade, stone fruit from succulent apricots and peaches to candied nectarines. Ripe pear abounds. It’s truly incredible. All that fruit, however, is still grounded by a full and complete whisky. This is where Compass Box really shines. Their mission is to build a whisky that is more than the sum of its parts. In a classic 1+1=3 magic trick, they’ve paired all that fruit with ex-Oloroso sherry butts and their custom French oak barrels for a robust palate with more than a sprinkle of spice. Cinnamon and nutmeg, a touch of ground black pepper, rancio complexity in just enough force to be the perfect touch, like that extra pinch of salt from a chef. Vanilla and honey pair perfectly with the malty goodness that is, of course, the foundation for any Scotch. It’s a masterpiece at a bargain price and fully deserving of a prominent spot in the core lineup of Compass Box.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 06, 2021

Such a beautiful and inviting Scotch! As soon as you pour a dram of this, you can tell that you’re in the company of a friend. True to its name, Compass Box’s new blended malt, Orchard House, is redolent of multiple orchard fruit aromas. Apple, pear, peach, and cherry step to the front of the line. When nosing this, from time to time it almost smells like Calvados, though never fully giving up its base cereal notes. Whipped buttercream floats through, cut by just enough spice (one of the contributions of Clynelish in the blend, I’m guessing). The palate keeps playing with the fruit and ups the ante with a bright citrus pop, though they are certainly grounded by earthy and leathery flavors providing excellent balance. I hear that Orchard House will be replacing Oak Cross in Compass Box’s core lineup, so while I was sad to see Oak Cross go, I’m pleased that it’s being replaced by this absolute stunner of a blended malt.

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2021

I would have bought this whisky at double the price. This offering from Compass Box is one of my biggest surprises of 2021—so much gentle fruit, deftly balanced with concentrated, natural malt and subtle rancio complexity. This is so much better than most single malt at the price and my favorite new release in many years. This is seamless and involved stuff!