Monday, October 16, 2017

ARDBEG ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF A NEW 23 YEAR OLD COMMITTEE MEMBERS BOTTLING

Ardbeg, has today announced the launch of a new 23 Year Old Committee Members bottling, which is said to commemorate a time when the iconic Islay distillery was nearly lost forever.

Ardbeg Twenty Something (46.3% ABV) was produced using whiskies matured in both ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso Sherry casks, which were laid down to mature during a time when the distillery was on the brink of closure.

Ardbeg Twenty Something

In the 1980s and 1990s, production slowed to a trickle and the future of the Ardbeg Distillery hung in the balance. During this period, only a small number of casks were laid down with the belief and vision to keep Ardbeg alive.

Today, Ardbeg endures thanks to the perseverance of that small group of whisky enthusiasts (including a young Mickey Heads, Ardbeg’s current Distillery Manager) who believed in the Distillery, and in no small part to the loyalty of the Ardbeg Committee, whose quest is to “ensure the doors of Ardbeg never close again.”

In recognition of their unwavering support, Ardbeg Twenty Something will be released exclusively to Ardbeg’s loyal fan base, the Ardbeg Committee, in gratitude for their enduring support of the Distillery.

Ardbeg Twenty Something, is said to deliver notes of sweet wood smoke, vanilla cream, sherry, burning pine cones and chocolate on the nose. Followed by notes of rich chocolate, vanilla pods, dried fruits and fennel on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Mickey Heads, Distillery Manager and Chairman of the Ardbeg Committee said: “This magnificent whisky was created within the retired iconic still which stands proud outside our Distillery today. It’s a glimpse back into Ardbeg’s turbulent past and reaffirms just why the Distillery couldn’t be allowed to be disappear. Ardbeg Twenty Something is for all those who believe heart and soul in Ardbeg whisky, which is why it’s fitting that this most rare of drams – a 23-year-old – will be enjoyed by Committee members.”

Ardbeg Twenty Something, will be available to Ardbeg Committee members from November 2nd, for a RRP of £430.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

Friday, October 13, 2017

SMWS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NEW SINGLE CASK BOTTLING EXCLUSIVE TO SWEDEN

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), has announced the launch of a new single cask bottling, which will be available exclusively in Sweden.

SMWS ‘Burning scarecrows by the sea’ (62% ABV) is a 10 Year Old single cask, single malt, matured in a refill hogshead ex-bourbon cask.

SMWS 'Burning scarecrows by the sea'

This latest SMWS release, which is limited to 234 bottles, and from their Peated flavour profile range of single cask bottlings, follows the news in August of the society’s partner bar in Stockholm and increased activity in Sweden.

The SMWS tasting panel, have described the whisky as having notes of “pebble beach, seaweed, sun-dried driftwood, bonfire, smoked mackerel and cigar boxes” on the nose, with “blow-torched pineapple and toasted marshmallows” on the palate.

Commenting on the news, Patrik Axelsson, Swedish SMWS Ambassador, said: “The release of ‘Burning scarecrows by the sea’ exclusively in Sweden is a great opportunity for our existing members and other like-minded spirits enthusiasts to enjoy a classic example of the single cask whisky that makes the Society unique.”

SMWS ‘Burning scarecrows by the sea’ is now available exclusively to SMWS member in Sweden, via the society’s website, for a RRP of £69.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

Thursday, October 12, 2017

JIM MURRAY ANNOUNCES HIS 2018 WORLD WHISKY OF THE YEAR

Colonel E.H. Taylor Four Grain Bottled in Bond Aged 12 years, has been named "World Whisky of the Year" in the 2018 edition of Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.

Scoring 97.5 out of 100 points, the whisky which hails from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, gives a nod to the four grains: corn, rye, wheat and malted barley, that the legendary bourbon pioneer worked with back in the 19th century.
Colonel E.H Taylor Four Grain Bottled in Bond Aged 12 Years

Colonel E.H Taylor Four Grain Bottled in Bond Aged 12 Years, is said to boast a finish which was described by Jim Murray as a “slow, lightly oiled, gently spiced chocolate fade, which goes on…and on”.

Buffalo Trace, recently discovered the long-lost remains of Col. Taylor’s iconic O.F.C distillery, which stood on the same spot in Frankfort, Kentucky, until ravaged by fire in 1872. Tours are now available on what has been dubbed ‘Bourbon Pompeii’.

The Second Finest Whisky of the Year accolade, was awarded to Redbreast Aged 21 Years, which scored 97 out of 100 points. This is the best result for an Irish entrant in Whisky Bible history and only the second time the Emerald Isle has made the top three.

The Third Finest Whisky of the Year title, was awarded to the Glen Grant Aged 18 Years Rare Edition, which also scored 97 out of 100 points. Last year it was awarded second place.

Commenting on the news, Mark Brown, Buffalo Trace President, said: “We are beyond excited. The timing could not coincide more perfectly with the recent discovery of Taylor’s original distillery.”

Over 1,200 new whiskies were tasted for the latest edition of the Whisky Bible. Last year the title of “World Whisky of the Year" was also awarded to an American whisky; Booker’s 13 Year Old Rye Whisky.

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2018, which is the 15th edition in the series, will be available later this month, for a RRP of £12.99.

Posted by Steve Rush