THE LAKES DISTILLERY LAUNCHES ITS SECOND WHISKYMAKER'S RESERVE BOTTLING

The Lakes Distillery, has announced the launch of the second bottling in its Whiskymaker’s Reserve series, of English single malt whiskies.

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2 (60.9% ABV) is a no age stated, cask strength single malt, which has been matured in a combination of bourbon, Pedro Ximénez sherry and red wine casks.

The Lakes Distillery launches its second Whiskymaker's Reserve bottling

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2, follows on from the first release in the series which launched in September, with all 5,992 individually numbered bottles selling out within five weeks.

This latest bottling, is said to be an artistic exploration of maturation and blending; of flavour evolution and defining a sherry-led house style for The Lakes single malt.

Commenting on the launch, Dhavall Gandhi, Whiskymaker at The Lakes Distillery, said: “We are delighted to have received such a positive reaction to The Lakes Single Malt. The response has been fantastic and although you can no longer buy direct from the distillery, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1 will continue to be available in a variety of specialist whisky stores and retailers, whilst their stocks last."

He went onto say: “At The Lakes, we understand how flavours are created throughout the entire whisky-making process. The result is a rich and varied artist’s palate, and The Whiskymaker’s Reserve is a series of artistic interpretations, each a different variation on a theme, brought together to create something new and unique.”

Limited to 4,788 bottles, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2, is now available from the Lakes Distillery website, for a RRP of £65.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

DIAGEO LAUNCHES ITS 2019 SPECIAL RELEASES COLLECTION

Following an initial tease of details back in July, Diageo has today announced the launch of its 2019 Special Releases Collection.

This year’s ‘Rare by Nature’ inspired releases, which were selected by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, are comprised of eight cask strength single malt Scotch whiskies, from some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries.

The 2019 Diageo Special Releases Collection

The 2019 Special Releases Collection, is said to celebrate whiskies with distinctive maturation techniques, rare finishes and unexpected taste profiles, bringing to life each distillery’s unique character.

The 2019 Special Releases Collection:

Cardhu 14 Year Old (55% ABV) Double matured in ex-Amontillado sherry seasoned hogsheads. RRP £120.00.

Cragganmore 12 Year Old (58.4% ABV) Matured in medium peated, refill American oak casks. RRP £85.00.

Dalwhinnie 30 Year Old (54.7% ABV) Matured in refill hogsheads and butts. RRP £500.00.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (56.5% ABV) Matured in refill American oak casks. RRP £110.00.

Mortlach 26 Year Old (53.3% ABV) Matured in fresh-toasted first-fill Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks. RRP £1500.00.

Pittyvaich 29 Year Old (51.4% ABV) Double matured in Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso sherry seasoned bodega casks. RRP £330.00.

Talisker 15 Year Old (57.3% ABV) Matured in freshly charred American oak hogsheads. RRP £110.00.

The Singleton of Glen Ord 18 Year Old (55% ABV) Matured in fresh charred American oak hogsheads. RRP £130.00.

Commenting on the 2019 Special Releases, Ewan Gunn, Diageo Global Whisky Master, said: “Discerning drinkers around the world will delight in this new collection. From the hand selected Single Malt Scotch to the visually arresting bottles, they each tell a strong story of the extraordinary place and the people who have shaped each dram. These prestigious and limited-edition bottlings offer fans an opportunity to collect and explore some of our rarest stocks.”

The 2019 Special Releases Collection, will be available in limited quantities from specialist retailers this Autumn.

Posted by Steve Rush

GORDON & MACPHAIL LAUNCH SPECIAL LIMITED RELEASE IN HONOUR OF GEORGE URQUHART

Gordon & MacPhail, has today announced launch of a new 62 Year Old, limited-edition bottling, to honour George Urquhart, member of the second generation of the company’s owning family, in what would have been his centenary year.

Gordon & MacPhail Mr George Centenary Edition 1956 from Glen Grant Distillery (51.7% ABV) was laid down to mature in a first fill Sherry Butt, which was hand selected by Mr George Urquhart himself, on 13 December 1956.


Gordon & MacPhail Mr George Centenary Edition 1956 from Glen Grant Distillery


Joining the business in 1933, George Urquhart began his career working alongside his father, John, who had become sole owner of the company in 1915, after John Alexander MacPhail’s retirement and James Gordon’s passing.

George Urquhart, went on to develop a deep understanding of Scotch whisky, especially the unique interaction that occurs over time between spirit and cask. He was instrumental to the success of single malt, championing it at a time when the vast majority of whisky went towards the production of blends.

Over many decades George Urquhart forged new relationships with many of Scotland’s distillers and became arguably the world’s foremost expert in how to combine oak, spirit and time to create single malt whiskies.

Commenting on the news, Mr George’s Grandson Stephen Rankin, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige, said: “My grandfather’s drive, commitment and foresight helped to ensure that single malt Scotch whisky grew in popularity. His introduction of the Connoisseurs Choice range in 1968 was a landmark moment for the sector, launched as several new export markets opened and growth in demand for single malts came from countries including Italy.”

He went onto say: “Our specially selected Mr George Centenary Edition embodies the qualities that made Mr George a master of his craft; patience, depth of character and exquisite taste. Not only was Glen Grant one of his favourite drams, the year 1956 is especially significant as this was the year George became Senior Partner at Gordon & MacPhail, marking the first step in a new direction for the company.”

Limited to just 235 bottles, Gordon & MacPhail Mr George Centenary Edition 1956 from Glen Grant Distillery, will be available later this month, from selected specialist retailers, for a RRP of £5000,00.

Posted by Steve Rush