THE ARDMORE LAUNCHES NEW PORT WOOD FINISH EXPRESSION

Beam Suntory has announced the launch of a new Port Wood Finish addition to The Ardmore Highland single malt whisky range.

The Ardmore Port Wood Finish (46% ABV) was matured for 12 years in traditional American white oak bourbon barrels, then finished in rich European half port pipes.

The Ardmore Port Wood Finish

This latest release completes the current The Ardmore range of traditionally peated Highland single malt whiskies, which is composed of The Ardmore Legacy — the entry level of the Beam Suntory ‘Peated Malts of Distinction’ portfolio, and two Travel Retail exclusives; The Ardmore Tradition and The Ardmore Triple Wood.

Commenting on the new release, Gareth Brown, Senior Director Scotch, Irish and Japanese Whisky at Beam Suntory, said: “The repositioning of The Ardmore has given us a great platform to build on across our key International markets. The success of The Ardmore Legacy, and our recently launched Travel Retail expressions, has established our status in the peated single malt category and The Ardmore Port Wood Finish will further showcase the quality and approachable taste of our whisky. ”

He went on to say: “The Ardmore Port Wood Finish is an excellent whisky for anyone looking to try something made with traditional methods but offering a taste that sets it apart from everything else. The addition of a 12 year old age statement further showcases the credibility and premium values of the whisky.”

The Ardmore Port Wood Finish, will be available later this month from specialist retailers for a RRP of £49.99.

Posted by Steve Rush

THREE SHIPS LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EVER SINGLE CASK WHISKY

Three Ships, South African Whisky, has announced the launch of its first ever single cask expression.

Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Cask PX Finish (46.2% ABV) was initially matured for eight years and ten months in American oak barrels, then a small quantity was selected to mature for an additional 14 months in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Cask PX Finish

This latest release from the multi award winning South African whisky brand, forms part of the Three Ships Masters Collection, which will see a new limited edition being launched every year.

Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Cask PX finish, is said to be a complex whisky that delivers delicate sweet notes of prunes, dates, figs and fruitcake that have been influenced by the sherry cask, combined effortlessly with the elegant smokiness of the malt.

Commenting on the new release, Andy Watts, Master Distiller at The James Sedgwick Distillery, said: “Local whisky lovers have long been asking me to produce something extra special and while cask finishes have been produced for many years around the globe, it was time for Three Ships to make history for the South African whisky industry. Although the challenges presented by different cask finishes have occupied us for a number of years, we didn’t want to release a new whisky just to satisfy the demand. The product had to be right in every aspect and I believe what we have here was certainly worth the wait.”

Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Cask PX Finish, will be available later this month from selected specialist retailers in South Africa for R850.00 - £42.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

BARTON 1792 LAUNCHES NEW PORT CASK FINISH EXPRESSION

Sazerac has announced the launch of a second new expression in its Barton 1792 bourbon range.

Barton 1792 Port Cask Finish (44.5% ABV) was aged for six years in new American white oak barrels before spending another two years maturing inside used port wine barrels.

Barton 1792 Port Cask Finish

Commenting on Barton’s new release, Ken Pierce, Director of Distillation and Quality Assurance at Sazerac, said: “Barton 1792 Port Cask Finish has a rich aroma of apple and fruit mingling with noticeable vanilla. The taste is soft, yet balanced. Filled with toasted caramel, jam-like fruit, and a touch of liquorice. A clean, somewhat lingering finish completes the taste.”

Barton 1792 Port Cask Finish follows the release earlier this year of Barton 1792’s Sweet Wheat Bourbon. The brand is also planning to release more new expressions over the next few years.

Barton 1792 Port Cask Finish, will be available across the US later this month for a RRP of £39.99.

Posted by Steve Rush