THE SMWS LAUNCHES ITS FIRST INDIAN SINGLE CASK BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), has announced the launch of its first ever single cask, single malt whisky bottlings from India.

SMWS ‘Exotic rainforest fruits’ 6 Year Old (57.9% ABV) which is limited to 174 bottles, was distilled on 28th February 2010, then matured in refill ex-bourbon casks, before being bottled and releases under the society’s Sweet, Fruity & Mellow flavour profile.

The SMWS launches its first Indian single cask bottlings

SMWS ‘Lip-smacking and cockle-warming’ 6 Year Old (58% ABV) which is limited to 168 bottles, was distilled on 31st March 2010, then matured in refill ex-bourbon casks, before being bottled and releases under the society’s Juicy Oak and Vanilla flavour profile.

These latest two SMWS releases, which will be available exclusively to society members via a ballot, are from a prominent distillery in Goa on the western coast of India, which rarely releases aged single cask, single malts.

The warm, tropical climate of the region, where the average temperature reaches up to 30°C, has a significant impact on the whisky maturation process. While the casks are stored in an underground temperature-controlled cellar, the heat makes the whisky mature faster than it would in colder climates such as Scotland.

The warmer climate also leads to more whisky evaporating, the ‘angel’s share’ of Indian whiskies is around 8% compared to around 2% in Scotland.  This high level of evaporation makes it exceedingly difficult to age the whisky for longer periods, making these 6 Year Old bottlings exceptionally rare.

Commenting on the launch, Kai Ivalo, Spirits Director at the SMWS, said: “Our aim at the Society is to search the world for exciting single casks to share with our members. These two casks from Goa are perfect examples – it’s fascinating to see how the different climate and faster maturation process there has created such an amazing array of juicy, sweet and spicy flavours. This is the first time we’ve bottled from distillery 134 and we can’t wait to hear the feedback from our members.”

SMWS ‘Exotic rainforest fruits’ and SMWS ‘Lip-smacking and cockle-warming’, will be available exclusively to SMWS members, via a ballot on the society’s website on October 19th. RRP £145.00 each.

Posted by Steve Rush

GLENMORANGIE LAUNCHES ONLINE SERIES OF SHORT SENSORY FILMS

Glenmorangie has announced the launch of a series of three short films, which communicate the sensorial nature of whisky for the first time, allowing whisky lovers to ‘feel’ the taste of Glenmorangie through the screen in their pocket.

Each film is said to deliver an innovative visual and sonic experience through the phenomenon of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). Referring to a tingling sensation moving from the neck down the spine, ASMR creates a feeling of relaxed concentration which allows viewers to perceive stimuli more acutely.

Glenmorangie launches online series of short sensory films

The scientific community has only recently acknowledged the existence of ASMR. To aid understanding of its effects and benefits, Glenmorangie has commissioned a ground-breaking study led by multi-sensory scientist Professor Charles Spence of Oxford University and ASMR experts from Manchester Metropolitan University. Their research is the first attempt to create a sensory profile of the kinds of ASMR ‘triggers’ that work best.

Glenmorangie worked with creative agency Alter Projects who collaborated with Bompas & Parr to commission a research on ASMR, art direct and produce the three films. Glenmorangie has collaborated with inspired three renowned artists – Thomas Traum, Julie Weitz and Studio de Crécy – to celebrate its expressions in films which incorporate ASMR techniques to evoke a whisky’s terroir, creation and character.

Commenting on the news, Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, said: “At Glenmorangie we are always searching for innovative ways to delight single malt lovers.  By bringing the unique characters of our whiskies to life online in such a revolutionary way, we can share the spirit of Glenmorangie more widely – and perhaps inspire viewers to try our whisky the traditional way, too.”

The Highland based distillery, is the first to create bespoke content around such a unique original scientific research, using triggers relevant to whisky, which elicit increasingly emotional reactions. The three films will be available to watch later this month via: glenmorangie.com

Posted by Steve Rush

OLD PULTENEY LAUNCHES NEW VINTAGE CASK BOTTLING

The Old Pulteney Distillery, has announced the launch of of a new vintage expression, exclusively available from World Duty Free at Heathrow Airport.

Old Pulteney 1990 Vintage Cask (46% ABV) is a 26 Year Old single malt, which was matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish oak casks, before being finished in casks which previously held heavily peated whisky.

Old Pulteney 1990 Vintage Cask

This latest release from the Wick based distillery, is said to deliver notes of spice, vanilla, toffee, sweet honey, wood smoke, bitter orange marmalade and caramel apples on the nose. Followed by notes of praline, sultanas, citrus, vanilla and savoury smoke on the palate.

Commenting on the news, James Bateman, Director, Global Travel Retail at International Beverage, said: “We’re very excited about the exceptional new Old Pulteney 1990 we’re releasing exclusively with World Duty Free for Heathrow airport. We’re looking forward to giving Heathrow travellers something special to pick up and enjoy at their journey’s end.”

Old Pulteney 1990 Vintage Cask, is available at World Duty Free at Heathrow Airport, until January 2018, for a RRP of £288.00.

Posted by Steve Rush