TAMDHU LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION VINTAGE SINGLE CASK BOTTLING

Ian Macleod Distillers, has today announced the launch of a new limited-edition single cask expression, from its Tamdhu single malt Scotch whisky brand.

Tamdhu Distillery Manager’s Single Cask vintage - 2003 (56,2% ABV) which was matured in a first fill American oak sherry butt for 15 years, was chosen for bottling by Distillery Manager Sandy McIntyre.

Tamdhu Distillery Manager's Single Cask Vintage - 2003

This latest release from the Speyside based distillery, is said to be a complex and rich single malt whisky that delivers a nose of raspberries and clotted cream, citrus, banana, mint, spice and ginger nuts. The palate delivers a creamy mouthful, almost a slight chewiness, cinnamon with soft fruits and cocoa nibs.

Sandy McIntyre, who was crowned Distillery Manager of the Year at the  Whisky Magazine’s ‘Icons of Whisky Scotland 2019’ awards, joined Ian Macleod Distillers as Tamdhu Distillery Manager in November 2014, where he is responsible for all aspects of production and warehousing, including managing a team of 17. 

Commenting on the news, Sandy said: “In 2018, the Tamdhu Distillery team selected a Gold Award winning European sherry butt to celebrate the 120th year of Tamdhu. That cask was selected by the whole team here at Tamdhu by a majority decision, however it was not the cask I chose from those shortlisted.”

He went onto say: “This time around the single cask I have personally chosen is a 15 Year Old American Oloroso sherry butt, which plays very much to my individual preferences – a relaxing vanilla undertone with the balance of fruit from the Oloroso coming through behind it. A mellow dram that you can enjoy at any time of the day, but which is very smooth and particularly moreish that you will pick up time and time again.”

He concluded by saying: “The variation between the two single cask types shows clearly the colour and flavour influences that the American and European oak has on the new make spirit and allows us to marry the two together for our Tamdhu core collection single malt expressions. I hope people enjoy this as much as I do.”

Limited to just 595 individually numbered bottles, Tamdhu Distillery Manager’s Single Cask vintage – 2003, is now available exclusively from the Tamdhu website for a RRP of £250.00. Bottles will also be available directly from the distillery during this years Spirt of Speyside Whisky Festival, between May 2nd and 6th.

Posted by Steve Rush

EVAN WILLIAMS LAUNCHES NEW APPLE FLAVOURED BOURBON EXPRESSION

Heaven Hill Brands, has announced the launch of a new apple flavoured expression, from its Evan Williams Bourbon range.

Evan Williams Apple (35% ABV) is the latest flavoured expression from the world’s second largest-selling bourbon brand.

Evan Williams Apple

Said to be a natural fit for the Evan Williams flavour lineup, apple has seen heightened success across the brown spirits category as the flavour surpasses honey in popularity according to IWSR.

Commenting on the news, Julie Cole, Evan Williams Brand Manager, said: “Evan Williams Apple is an approachable flavour that stays true to the quality of Evan Williams Bourbon and personality of the brand. We look forward to bringing in new consumers to the Evan Williams franchise, as well as giving our current consumers more choice.”

Evan Williams Apple, will be available in the US this summer, for a RRP of $14.99 – 750ml.

Posted by Steve Rush

WALSH WHISKEY LAUNCHES NEW MARSALA CASK FINISH WRITERS TEARS EXPRESSION

Walsh Whiskey, has announced the launch of a new limited-edition Marsala finished expression, from its Writers’ Tears Irish whiskey brand.

Writers’ Tears Copper Pot - Marsala Cask Finish (45% ABV) is a blend of single pot still and single malt whiskeys, which were finished in Marsala wine ‘hogshead’ casks from the Florio winery in Sicily.

Writers' Tears Copper Pot - Marsala Cask Finish

This is the second time that Walsh Whiskey has finished whiskeys in Marsala casks from Florio. In 2017 the Carlow - Ireland based company released limited Marsala finish editions of its ‘The Irishman’ Founder’s Reserve and 12 Year Single Malt bottlings.

Commenting on the news, Bernard Walsh, Founder and Managing Director of Walsh Whiskey, said: “The sweet marsala effect was very well received when we treated some of The Irishman range to it two years ago so we wanted to afford Writers’ Tears - Copper Pot enthusiasts the same opportunity. We have balanced out the natural sweetness with a 5% stronger alcohol content of 45% ABV. I hope people will enjoy it as much as I do.”

Writers’ Tears Copper Pot - Marsala Cask Finish, will be available later this month in limited markets, including Ireland and Australia, for a RRP of €75.00.

Posted by Steve Rush