THE BALVENIE LAUNCHES THE PENULTIMATE CHAPTER IN ITS COMPENDIUM SERIES

William Grant & Sons, has announced the launch of the fourth and penultimate chapter of its Balvenie DCS Compendium series, comprised of five distinct vintages, completely different to The Balvenie’s usual style, that would have otherwise never existed.

The exclusive collection, is said to bring to life the lasting mystery, magic and alchemy inherent in whisky maturation, highlighting how Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE’s, 56 years in the industry has mastered the art of nurturing the unexpected.

The Balvenie Compendium Series, Chapter Four

The oldest bottling in this latest chapter, is the 1971 matured in refill European oak Oloroso sherry butts. Its high level of richness and spice led David to initially think that a clerical error had been made and the liquid had in fact been matured in refill casks. Researching further, he found that no error had been made and the liquid’s unique profile was a pure and unexpected rarity.

Each set is accompanied by The Balvenie DCS Compendium book, written by former Balvenie Global Ambassador Dr. Samuel J. Simmons. The book, individually signed by David, details each of the five DCS Compendium chapters and documents his personal thoughts in curating the compendium.

The full Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Four, is comprised of:

1971 - 47 YR – European oak Oloroso sherry butt (49.9% ABV)
1982 - 36 YR – European oak Oloroso sherry hogshead (51.1% ABV)
1992 – 26 YR - European oak Oloroso sherry puncheon (49.8% ABV)
1999 – 18 YR - Refill American oak hogshead (46.8% ABV)
2009 – 9 YR - First-fill American oak bourbon barrel (64.6% ABV)

Commenting on the launch, David C. Stewart MBE, said: “Despite spending many years studying the science and art of whisky maturation, there are still occasions when I find myself pleasantly surprised with the unexpected direction a liquid has taken. The nature of whisky making is unpredictable and in the case of The Balvenie DCS Chapter Four, means a selection of remarkable and distinctly different liquids have been released that would otherwise never have seen the light of day.”

He went onto say: “Each of the five liquids in Chapter Four present highly unusual and unexpected characteristics that we wouldn’t have thought possible from the type of oak they matured in and the maturation time they’ve been given. It’s incredibly exciting. Chapter Four gives us the opportunity to celebrate these twists and turns and allows us to release an extraordinary series of vintages, strides apart from our usual styles.”

The Balvenie DCS Compendium: Chapter Four ‘Expecting the Unexpected’, will be available next month, from Harrods, Hedonism, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and The Whisky Shop, for a RRP of £29,000.

Posted by Steve Rush

THE LONDON DISTILLERY COMPANY LAUNCHES THE CAPITALS FIRST WHISKY IN OVER 100 YEARS

The London Distillery Company, has announced the launch of the first whisky to be distilled in London, for over 100 years.

The London Distillery Company Rye Whisky LV-1767 Edition (54.3% ABV) has been distilled twice and aged for four years in new English oak barrels.

The London Distillery Company Rye Whisky LV-1767 Edition

This inaugural whisky release, pays tribute to London’s whiskey production of yesteryear. An independent craft distilling business based on the ‘Beer Mile’ near Tower Bridge; The London Distillery Company was originally founded in 1807 and re-established in 2011.

The London Distillery Company, has created its Rye Whiskey LV-1767 Edition in recognition of the last company to successfully produce whiskey in London; Lea Valley Distillery, which ceased production in the early 1900s.

The LV-1767 Edition, is said to boast a chocolate and roasted coffee aroma, with banana and pear notes following. On the palate it offers intriguing, natural taste tones of rich cinnamon and stewed peaches to complement the peppery beeswax note from the oak. 

Commenting on the launch, Matt McGivern, Head of Distilling and Operations at The London Distillery Company, said: “Everyone at the London Distillery Company are so honoured to be re-establishing the distillation of whiskey in London after so many years; when I joined the business the first product I tasted was the Rye unaged and I knew it was special – the team have treated the cask like a precious jewel, and now the hard work of TLDC teams past and present come to bear with the Rye Whiskey LV-1767 Edition and I couldn’t be prouder.”

He went onto say: “In new English oak casks the liquid has matured quickly into a beautifully deep and sumptuous drop, with powerful notes from start to finish. We’ve allowed a few highly regarded experts to reaffirm our belief that this is a special liquid and to confirm that this product is truly deserving to be called London’s first Whiskey in a generation.”

Limited to 251 bottles, The London Distillery Company Rye Whisky LV-1767 Edition, will be available next month from specialist retailers, including Fortnum & Mason, for a RRP of £251,00.

Posted by Steve Rush

SCOTCH WHISKY EXPORTS HIT £1.97 BILLION IN FIRST HALF OF 2018

Scotch whisky exports increased in the first half of 2018 to £1.97 billion, according to analysis of official HMRC figures published today by the Scotch Whisky Association.

The figures which show a 10.8% rise in the value of exports against the same period last year, also shows the volume of exports increased by 5.6% to almost 558 million bottles.

Scotch whisky exports hit £1.97 Billion in first half of 2018

Single malts continue to grow in popularity, with exports up 14.4% to £550 million in the first six months of the year. They also now make up 28% of the value of all Scotch shipped overseas. Exports of blended Scotch whisky also grew significantly, rising 8.9% to an export valuation of £1.26 billion.

Scotch whisky, which has been exported all over the world for 150 years, is now being shipped to major emerging markets at a faster rate than ever before. Exports to China in the first six months of 2018 were up 34.8%, to £36.3m, with India increasing by 44.4% to over £56m.

The US remains the largest export market by value at over £400m, with France largest by volume at almost 90m bottles. The European Union remains the biggest regional destination for Scotch, accounting for 39% of the volume of Scotch Whisky exports and 31% of their value.

This underscores the importance to the Scotch Whisky industry of the UK achieving a smooth exit from the EU and the real downsides of a 'no deal' Brexit, which could have an impact on growth in this developed regional market.

Commenting on the news, Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: "It's hugely encouraging to see Scotch Whisky exports continue to grow - and at double-digit rates - in the first half of this year. Scotch Whisky is a luxury spirit, crafted with care in Scotland, and enjoyed all over the world -in established markets like the EU and emerging markets like India and China. As the UK leaves the EU, the industry wants to continue to trade with the EU as easily as it has while being able to pursue growth opportunities globally.”

The Scotch Whisky Association, has also warned that the industry needs support at home if Scotch whisky is to sustain growth in the long term. With the UK Budget under two weeks away, the association is calling for a duty freeze on Scotch whisky. A freeze in duty will prove the UK government's determination to champion the industry and back Scotch's continuing export success story.

Posted by Steve Rush