ABERFELDY LAUNCHES TWO NEW MADEIRA CASK FINISHED TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVES

Aberfeldy Distillery, has today announced the launch of two new Madeira cask finished expressions, exclusive to global travel retail.

Aberfeldy Madeira Cask 16 Years Old (40% ABV) and Aberfeldy Madeira Cask 21 Years Old (40% ABV) were both finished in two types of Madeira casks; ex-Malvasia Malmsey and ex-Bual, for up to 12 months.

Aberfeldy 16 Years Old and 21 Years Old Madeira Cask bottlings

The Highlands based Scotch whisky brand, says maturing the whiskies in this particular combination of Madeira wine casks, helps elevate the maturing malt, heightening its level of complexity and adds to the typical honeyed richness of distillery’s house style.

In an industry where aged stock are becoming increasingly rare and many age statements are disappearing from labels, Aberfeldy also says that it remains committed to proudly displaying age statements as a sign of craftsmanship and quality.

According to the IWSR, Aberfeldy has moved up from 20th largest single malt Scotch whisky in 2012 to the 12th largest in 2017.

Commenting on the launch, Stephanie Macleod, Aberfeldy’s Malt Master, said: “Aberfeldy is a both an approachable yet complex dram, it has those similar sweet rich notes that Madeira wine is famously known for. By using Madeira casks I’m able to further develop the layers of flavour present in Aberfeldy’s honeyed-rich characters, resulting in a whisky with extra spiciness - the perfect complement to the Golden Dram.”

Aberfeldy Madeira Cask 16 Years Old and Aberfeldy Madeira Cask 21 Years Old, will be available later this month through global travel retail outlets, for the respective RRP’s of $110,00 and $195,00.

Posted by Steve Rush

RARE 70 YEAR OLD GLENLIVET EXPECTED TO FETCH BETWEEN £30K AND £40K AT AUCTION

The Glasgow based, McTear’s Auctioneers, has announced that it is expecting a bottle of 70 Year Old Glenlivet single malt Scotch whisky, to fetch between £30k and £40k at auction on Friday.

The Private Collection Glenlivet 1943, was distilled at the height of the Second World War, at a time when only a handful of distilleries in Scotland were producing whisky. It was matured for 70 years, firstly at the Glenlivet distillery and then at Gordon & MacPhail’s warehouses in Elgin.

The Private Collection Glenlivet 1943

On 14th January 1943 a sherry cask made of European Oak was filled with spirit by Gordon and MacPhail’s senior partner, John Urquhart.vIn 2013, following a careful 70-year maturation process, Stephen Rankin, a current director and great grandson to John Urquhart, started the long-awaited task of releasing the spirit from Cask 121 into 42 specially created hand-blown decanters.

Commenting on the auction, Graeme Maxwell, Whisky Expert at McTear’s, said: “We have seen some exceptional bottles come through the doors at McTear’s over the years and there is no doubt this sits as one of the most magnificent whiskies we have had the privilege to auction. The Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 is revered amongst whisky connoisseurs and we expect the bottle to attract considerable interest in the lead in to our Rare & Collectable Whisky Auction on Friday 17th August.”

The Private Collection Glenlivet 1943, is not the only memorable whisky to feature in McTear’s latest Rare & Collectable Whisky Auction. The 235 lot sale will feature rare examples of Macallan, Springbank, Dalmore, Bowmore and Highland Park.

Posted by Steve Rush

OLD PULTENEY LAUNCHES NEW CORE RANGE OF SINGLE MALT WHISKIES

The Wick based Old Pulteney Distillery, has today announced the launch of a new revamped core range of single malt Scotch whiskies.

The new range, is said by the brand to signal the start of an evolution for Old Pulteney, with a renewed vigour around the maritime malt, yet staying true its rich heritage and traditions.

The new Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky range

Defined and shaped by its coastal location, Old Pulteney has a highly distinctive character infused by the unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection. Each of the new whiskies tell their own story and bring their own part of the Old Pulteney legacy to life.

The new range is comprised of: Old Pulteney Huddart (ABV 46%) Matured in second fill American oak, ex bourbon casks then finished in ex-bourbon casks that had previously held heavily peated whisky.

Old Pulteney 12 Years Old (40% ABV) A repacked version of its current signature bottling, which is wholly matured in air dried, hand selected ex-bourbon casks, mostly second fill American oak.

Old Pulteney 15 Years Old (ABV 46%) Matured in second fill American oak, ex-bourbon casks, followed by a period of further maturation in first fill Spanish oak, ex Oloroso butts.

Old Pulteney 18 Years Old (46% ABV) Matured in second fill American oak, ex bourbon casks, followed by a period of further maturation in first fill Spanish, ex-Oloroso sherry butts.

The new Old Pulteney core range, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for the respective RRP’s of £32,00, £45,00, £70,00 and £115,00.

Posted by Steve Rush