JJ CORRY LAUNCHES THE WORLD'S FIRST EVER MEZCAL AND TEQUILA FINISHED IRISH WHISKEY

J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey, has announced the launch of a new Mezcal and Tequila cask matured expression.

J.J. Corry - The Battalion (41% ABV) is a blend comprised of 60% 9 Year Old grain and 40% 13 Year Old malt whiskey, which were finished in Mezcal and Tequila casks for 7 months.

J.J Corry - The Battalion

The Battalion is named in honour of the Battalion San Patricos, (Saint Patrick’s Battalion) a group of Irish men who fought for Mexico in the Mexican/American War of 1846-1848. The Battalion was comprised mainly of Irish Immigrants, many from the West Coast of Ireland, who had defected from the American side to fight for Mexico.

This latest release from the County Clare, Ireland, based J.J. Corry, which is the first ever Irish whiskey to be finished in Mezcal and Tequila casks, will be limited to just 700 bottles.

J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey, was founded by Louise McGuane in 2015, and has resurrected the lost art of Irish whiskey bonding under the JJ Corry brand name. The company is maturing whiskey in a purpose built bonded rackhouse on the McGuane family farm.

Commenting on the news, Louise McGuane, said: “We brought back the lost art of whiskey bonding a practice which had totally died out in Irish Whiskey. Our intention has always been to respect tradition but embrace change. As modern whiskey bonders we do exactly as J.J. Corry would have done, use the casks at his disposal to impart unique flavours in his blends. J.J. had access to rum, Bordeaux & sherry casks, we are lucky enough to be able to look as far afield as Mexico and beyond for flavours that work with Irish Whiskey.”

She went onto say: “Our latest release is a meticulously blended whiskey with tequila and mezcal cask influence. We decanted grain into Mezcal and Tequila casks and malt into mezcal casks to mature for seven months. We then vatted a grain tequila/mezcal blend we felt best expressed the agave notes we wanted to pull out of those casks.”

J.J. Corry - The Battalion, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £60.00 – 50cl.

Posted by Steve Rush

DOUGLAS LAING & CO LAUNCHES CHARITABLE BIG PEAT BOTTLING

Scotch whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co, has announced the launch of a special Big Peat bottling, in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Big Peat - The RAF Edition (46% ABV) is an Islay blended malt Scotch whisky, which includes whiskies distilled at Caol Ila, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Port Ellen.

Big Peat - The RAF Edition

The RAF Benevolent Fund has long been a cause close to the hearts of the Douglas Laing family, as the founder of the independently-run firm, Fred Douglas Laing, flew with the RAF throughout World War Two.

Founded in 1919, the RAF Benevolent Fund is celebrating 100 years of providing financial, practical and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF and their families. This year Douglas Laing & Co are also celebrating the 10th year, of their multi award-winning Big Peat range.

Commenting on the launch, Fred Laing, Managing Director of Douglas Laing & Co, said: “My father’s service in the RAF will long be a source of great pride for our family, and our unwavering desire is to honour his legacy, both in our charitable efforts and our commitment to building the Scotch Whisky business he founded.”

He went onto say: This latest initiative follows our Clan Denny Braeval “Spitfire” bottling of 2013 and more recently, our donation of a rare bottle of XOP Port Ellen Single Malt, collectively raising several thousand pounds for the cause. With £5 per bottle of this new release being channelled directly to the charity, we look forward to presenting our friends at the RAF with a cheque in the near future.”

 

Limited to just 1919 bottles, Big Peat - The RAF Edition, will be available next month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £48.99.

 

Posted by Steve Rush

GORDON & MACPHAIL LAUNCHES THEIR LATEST PRIVATE COLLECTION BOTTLING

Leading whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail, has today announced the launch of the latest expression in their limited-edition Private Collection range.

Gordon & MacPhail 1981 from Coleburn Distillery (55.9% ABV) is a single malt Scotch whisky, which was distilled and laid down to mature on March 11th 1981, in a refill Sherry hogshead cask.

Gordon & MacPhail 1981 Coleburn Distillery

Mothballed in 1985, the Coleburn Distillery in Longmorm, was traditionally used in blending, but for this latest bottling Gordon & MacPhail carefully matched the spirit with a first fill Sherry hogshead, for a single malt release.

Commenting on the launch, Stephen Rankin, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige and member of the fourth generation of the Urquhart family, said: “Our mantra has always been to ‘do right by the whisky’; recognising when it has reached its ultimate peak and then bottling it regardless of commercial pressures or notable birthdays.”

He went onto say: “Brought to you as a rare single malt, this 38-year-old release exhibits the true spirit of the Coleburn Distillery. My grandfather, George Urquhart, was always keen to champion the quality of the new-make from previously unheralded distilleries and this remarkable whisky perfectly exemplifies his vision. It’s one to celebrate and savour.”

Gordon & MacPhail 1981 from Coleburn Distillery, will be available next month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £1,250.

Posted by Steve Rush