DOUGLAS LAING LAUNCHES FIRST RELEASE IN NEW ISLAND BLENDED MALT TRILOGY

Leading independent Scotch whisky specialist, Douglas Laing & Co, has announced the launch of 20 Year Old blend, the first release in a new three part Island Scotch malt whisky trilogy.

Douglas Laing Yula 20 Year Old (52.6% ABV) is the first of three limited edition batches, inspired by an ancient Islay legend, which tells of a beautiful Norse goddess Yula, who went in search of her long lost love with an apron full of stones. The stones fell out as she travelled, forming a string of islands and leaving behind a trail of her empty quest.

Douglas Laing Yula 20 Year Old Blended Malt Whisky

Comprised of several of the Islands most sought after, peated malts, Yula charts the spirit’s journey and celebrates the Laing family’s own proud origins on Islay.

Douglas Laing Yula 20 Year Old, is said to deliver clean, fresh oceanic notes to the nose, followed by notes of sweet barley, peat smoke, charred wood and butterscotch on the palate.

Commenting on the new release, Cara Laing, Director of Whisky at Douglas Laing & Co, said: “This exciting trilogy of Island Malts tells a tale both in terms of the ancient legend of Yula but importantly also the spirit story. Distilled in 1995, we'll see this cask strength maritime Malt evolve with each annual release while retaining that distinct oceanic, island character. In Yula, we believe we've combined two of life's greatest pleasures - a charming tale and a great Whisky!”

Limited to just 900 bottles, Douglas Laing Yula 20 Year Old, will be available from specialist retailers later this month.

Posted by Steve Rush

ARRAN ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NEW 'THE BOTHY QUARTER CASK' LIMITED EDITION EXPRESSION

The award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery has today announced the launch of a new limited edition release, inspired by the modest dwellings that were common to the highlands and islands.

Arran - The Bothy Quarter Cask (55.7% ABV) was matured in small barrels reminiscent of those used in the whisky trade in the 18thand 19th centuries.

Arran - The Bothy Quarter Cask

The multi-vintage Arran Single Malt selected for Arran’s The Bothy Quarter Cask was initially matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels, then transferred for secondary maturation into smaller American oak casks. This process produces far greater contact between the whisky and oak and a faster, more intense maturation.

Evoking the aromas and colours of autumn, Arran - The Bothy Quarter Cask, is said to deliver notes of sandalwood, malty barley and damp oak on the nose, along with signature Arran notes of fresh pineapple, green apples and toasted brioche on the palate, with an added kick of red chilli and refreshing citrus notes.

Commenting on the new release, James MacTaggart, Master Distiller at the Isle of Arran Distillery said: “The centuries-old history of whisky making on the island is at the heart of everything we do and with this new bottling we’ve captured those traditions. There are only 12,000 bottles available worldwide so we expect this edition to be highly sought-after. The picturesque artwork on the bottle, coupled with a superior dram laden with heritage, makes this a beautiful collector’s item as well as a fantastic whisky to drink and savour.”

Arran - The Bothy Quarter Cask, will be available from specialist retailers later this month for a RRP of £54.99.

Posted by Steve Rush

DIAGEO ANNOUNCES PACKAGING REFRESH FOR BUCHANAN'S

Diageo has announced a packaging refresh for its Buchanan’s blended Scotch whisky range.

Buchanan's, the largest premium Scotch brand in Latin America, will be introducing new packaging for three of its four blends: Buchanan's DeLuxe, Buchanan's Master and Buchanan's Special Reserve, with a refresh planned for its Buchanan's Red Seal in 2016.

Refreshed packaging for Buchanan's Blended Scotch Whisky

The brand which has also reported ten year double-digit growth in the US, is said to be updating its packaging to reflect the lifestyle of those who enjoy the brand and its modern positioning.

Commenting on the packaging refresh, Brian Cox, Director of Scotch whisky - North America at Diageo, said: "The packaging has been updated, but Buchanan's' unfaltering whisky and quality remain the same. As always, we remind people to enjoy Buchanan's in moderation and to drink responsibly."

Founded in 1879 by James Buchanan, the whisky's new visual identity maintains a nod to its heritage and history, as it propels into the future with a more contemporary look that includes cleaner labels, distinctive bottle redesigns that unify the portfolio.

The new refreshed bottles of Buchanan’s blended Scotch whisky, will be available from specialist retailers in its current markets, later this month.

Posted by Steve Rush