Ian Macleod Distillers, has announced the launch of a new limited-edition blended Scotch whisky, in collaboration with students at the Edinburgh based Heriot Watt University.
Ian Macleod Blending Room 01: Heriot Watt Release (44.4% ABV)
is a 3 Year Old Blended Scotch whisky, comprised of 45% Speyside, 15% Highland
and 40% Lowland whiskies, which were matured in a combination of First-fill
Bourbon (15%) and Refill casks (85%).
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| Ian Macleod Blending Room 01: Heriot Watt Release |
A team of four students worked with Ian Macleod Distillers to identify an ideal method for finishing blended Scotch whisky in a virgin American-oak cask, looking at four key variables: fill strength, blend formulation, time in cask and toast/char level.
The result is a one-cask release which is equal parts ‘A+
coursework’ and a Master Blender-certified dram. The whisky spent three months
finishing in virgin American oak, giving the whisky what is described as an
enriched nose of smooth toffee and coconut with a warming base of clove and
cinnamon. Followed by a luxurious coating of sweet coffee, rich chocolate, spice
and oak on the palate.
Ian Macleod Blending Room 01: Heriot Watt Release, is the
first collaborative bottling between The International Centre for Brewing and
Distilling, and Ian Macleod Distillers, and the project is set to become an
annual limited-edition release.
Commenting on the news, Emma Newton, Blender at Ian Macleod
Distillers, said: “Ian Macleod Distillers has a storied history in distilling
and long-earned expertise in blending, so I think it’s fitting that we’ve had
the chance to share this experience with the distillers and blenders of
tomorrow from the Brewing and Distilling MSc at Heriot-Watt University. As a
graduate of this programme, it has been a brilliant collaboration and the
studentsshould be proud as they’ve created a delightful dram!”
Limited to 250 bottles, Ian Macleod Blending Room 01: Heriot
Watt Release, is now available from the Ian Macleod Distillers online store,
for a RRP of £35.00.
Posted by Steve Rush