TALISKER LAUNCHES ITS SECOND BODEGA SERIES BOTTLING

Diageo, has today announced the launch of the second expression in its limited-edition Talisker Bodega series.

Talisker 41 Year Old (50.7% ABV) was distilled in 1978, and finished in Manzanilla Sherry casks from Delgado Zuleta, the oldest Sherry producer in the famed Sherry Triangle.

Talisker 41 Year Old

This latest release from the isle of Skye based distillery, which is the oldest official bottling to date from Talisker, is limited to just 2,000 bottles.

The Talisker Bodega Series, which launched in April 2018 with a 40 Year Old expression, finished in Amontillado sherry casks, is said to be an exploration of sherry cask finishes on the finest of Talisker’s single malt whiskies.

Talisker’s Master Blender, Dr Craig Wilson, helped to create this latest expression, alongside the Sherry Masters at Bodega Delgado Zuleta, who hand-picked only six casks for finishing, which once held the Bodega’s flagship wine La Goya; a very fine Manzanilla aged in casks more than a century old.

Commenting on the whisky, Charlie MacLean, Whisky Writer, said: “This is a magnificent example of Talisker, which initially holds back on the nose, but blossoms with spice in the mouth. It is a privilege to be able to taste such a memorable dram.”

Talisker 41 Year Old, will be available in August, from specially selected retailers, for a RRP of £2,900.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION ORIGIN SERIES

Diageo, has today announced the launch of a new limited-edition series of Johnnie Walker Black Label bottlings.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Origin Series, which is comprised of four 12 Year Old blended Scotch whiskies, is said to give consumers a guided tour of the whisky producing regions, with each edition delving deeper into the four signature notes of the blended Scotch whisky brand.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Origin Series

Each expression has been produced using whiskies from one Scotch whisky region, to capture the primary flavour characteristics of that particular area.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Speyside Origin (42% ABV) has been produced using whiskies exclusively from the Speyside region of Scotland, from distilleries including Cardhu and Glendullan.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Highlands Origin (42% ABV) has been produced using whiskies exclusively from the Highlands, from distilleries including Clynelish and Teaninich.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Islay Origin (43% ABV) has been produced using whiskies exclusively from the isle of Islay, from distilleries including Lagavulin and Caol Ila.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Lowlands Origin (42% ABV) has been produced using whiskies exclusively from the Scottish Lowlands, from distilleries including Glenkinchie and Cameronbridge.

Commenting on the news, John Williams, Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director said: "The Johnnie Walker Black Label Origin Series has been crafted to help people to discover and explore the distinct flavours profiles of the four corners of Scotland. At Johnnie Walker, we have access to an unparalleled range of fantastic single malts and this collection will be of particular interest to anybody who wants a greater understanding of how our small team of expert whisky-makers craft and balance those distinct flavour profiles to make Johnnie Walker Black Label."

The Johnnie Walker Black Label Origin Series, will be available later this month, from selected Travel Retail stores, for a RRP of £35.00 per bottle.

Posted by Steve Rush

GLENLIVET LAUNCHES ITS LATEST MYSTERY SINGLE MALT BOTTLING

The Glenlivet, has announced the launch of its fourth limited-edition mystery bottling, exclusively for the US market.

The Glenlivet Enigma (48% ABV) is said to put the senses of whisky enthusiasts and crossword fans to the test, by rewarding those who can solve a puzzle.

The Glenlivet Enigma

Crafted by Master Distiller Alan Winchester and released in a sleek black bottle, without any cask information or tasting notes, this latest mystery bottling follows on from the Speyside based whisky brands Alpha, Cipher and Code bottlings.

The Glenlivet Enigma, crossword puzzle allows players to digitally unlock tasting cues. Once all three puzzles have been completed, the tasting cues are revealed.

Commenting on the launch, Sona Bajaria, Vice President of Marketing, The Glenlivet, Pernod Ricard USA, said: "The Glenlivet mystery series is an opportunity for the franchise to push the boundaries around product innovation, design and storytelling. By challenging consumers to guess the mystery liquid's taste, feel and finish – and then put that to the test with an interactive digital crossword puzzle – Enigma offers a vehicle for us to engage with a variety of consumers in a way that's reimagining Scotch whisky tropes."

The Glenlivet Enigma, will be available in the US from July 10th for a RRP of $149.00. Full details and official tasting notes will be published by the brand later in the year.

Posted by Steve Rush