BLACKWATER DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF HERITAGE GRAIN PLAN

The Blackwater Distillery in Waterford, Ireland, has announced the launch of a five-year programme to bring native heritage grains back into the production of Irish whiskey.

In March this year, Blackwater was the first distillery in a generation to distil single malt from the ‘Hunter’ grain variety, once the most popular malting barley in Ireland.

Blackwater's Head Distiller John Wilcox

Blackwater has now distilled the first Pot Still Irish whiskey using 100% Hunter barley. The mash was made from equal parts malted, unmalted and green (germinated, but not been kiln dried) Hunter barley.

Hunter and Irish Goldthorpe are the first heritage barley grains to be used by Blackwater Distillery, and are just the start of an ambitious programme being run in conjunction with Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Commenting on the news, John Wilcox, Blackwater's Head Distiller, said: “This is a very exciting development and it’s amazing to taste the difference that comes from using heritage barley like Goldthorpe or Hunter.”

Over the next five years and working with local farmers, Blackwater Distillery will bulk out land race varieties like Old Irish and early 20th Century cultivars like Spratt Archer and bring them back into use. These traditional varieties are lower yielding but what they lack in bulk they make up for in flavour.

Posted by Steve Rush

CASK 88 LAUNCHES 50 YEAR OLD GLENLIVET EXPRESSION

Whisky specialist and independent bottler Cask 88, has announced the launch of limited-edition 50 Year Old Glenlivet expression.

Cask 88 Glenlivet 50 Year Old (44.5% ABV) which was distilled on October 10th 1968, was matured in a sherry hogshead cask.

Cask 88 Glenlivet 50 Year Old

This latest Cask 88 release, which is limited to just 272 bottles, was originally part of the historic cask collection of the New York based Abe Rosenberg, who was a dedicated importer of Scotch whisky to the United States following the era of Prohibition.

Abe Rosenberg, invested in a large number of young casks of single malt whiskies from many well-known and highly regarded distilleries. By the time of his passing in 1994, he had developed a collection of around 4,000 single casks.

Commenting on the news, Patrick Costello, Cask 88 Director, said: “Abe is known as something of a legend in the industry, thanks to his dedication to spreading the love of single malt whisky internationally. Sadly, Abe is not with us to sample this exceptional cask, we hope lovers of single malt whisky will offer a toast to his memory when they’re enjoying this fine liquid.”

Cask 88 Glenlivet 50 Year Old, is now available to reserve for delivery in June, via the Cask 88 website, for a RRP of £6,800.

Posted by Steve Rush

DETAILS OF THE FIRST EVER HEBRIDEAN WHISKY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED

Details of the first ever Hebridean Whisky Festival, which will feature free tours, tastings, music and a whole host of special events, have today been announced.

The festival which will be taking place across the islands of Skye, Raasay and Harris, will run from between May 21st and 25th.


Details of the first ever Hebridean Whisky Festival announced


Spread between the four distilleries along the Hebridean Whisky Trail, festival events will take place at Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay and Harris distilleries and the Aros Centre, Portree.

The first Hebridean Whisky Festival, kicks off on Skye at the Torabhaig Distillery on Tuesday May 21st, followed by events at Talisker - the oldest distillery on the trail, on Wednesday May 22nd.

On Thursday May 23rd, the Raasay Distillery - the youngest distillery on the Hebridean Whisky Trail, will be hosting whisky and chocolate tours. Then on Friday May 24th, there will be events held at the Isle of Harris Distillery.

Throughout the festival, the Aros Centre in Portree will showcase all the distilleries at a special Hebridean Whisky Festival tasting stand.

The festival finale is the ‘Big Day at Slig’ taking place at the Sligachan Hotel on Saturday 25th May in Skye. All four distilleries will come together in one place for a day of whisky tastings, Hebridean whisky cocktails, cask displays, craft ales and a visit from the Isle of Skye pipe band.

Posted by Steve Rush