DIAGEO LAUNCHES THE FINAL BOTTLING IN ITS GAME OF THRONES SCOTCH WHISKY COLLECTION

Diageo, has today announced the launch of the final bottling in its limited-edition Game of Thrones, single malt Scotch whisky collection.

Game of Thrones Six Kingdoms – Mortlach 15 Year Old (46% ABV) was matured in first-fill sherry-seasoned casks, before being finished in American oak ex-bourbon barrels.

Game of Thrones Six Kingdoms - Mortlach 15 Year Old

This latest release, which was inspired by the finale of the HBO television series, is the ninth and final bottling in the Game of Thrones limited edition single malt Scotch whisky collection. It is said to pay tribute to the fate of Westeros, whose long-held Seven Kingdoms ultimately became six at the conclusion of the show’s climactic battle for the Iron Throne.

Commenting on the launch, Kavita Agarwal, Diageo Global Brand Director for Malts, said: “We saw an overwhelmingly positive response to the launch of the Game of Thrones Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection and as Game of Thrones fans continue to explore both the world of whisky and the world of Westeros, we are proud to introduce the final addition to the collection. Mortlach is one of our most sought-after super premium single malts, and seemed fitting as the perfect finale to complete the collection.”

Game of Thrones Six Kingdoms – Mortlach 15 Year Old, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £120.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

AMAZON'S THREE DRINKERS LAUNCH LIMITED-EDITION BLENDED WHISKY

The presenters of the Amazon Prime’s ‘The Three Drinkers’ series, have announced the launch of a new limited-edition Scotch whisky expression, ahead of their second series in December.

The Three Drinkers Scotch Whisky - Cask Selection No. 1 (45% ABV) is a 17 Year Old blended Scotch whisky, which has a flavour profile inspired by the different locations visited during the series. 

The Three Drinkers

This first official series release, is limited to just 300 bottles, each of which has been individually numbered and personally signed by the show’s three presenters and co-producers, Aidy Smith, Helena Nicklin and Colin Hampden-White.

One special bottle of The Three Drinkers Scotch Whisky - Cask Selection No. 1, has a ticket attached, giving a lucky winner the chance to win a luxury whisky tasting in London with the three presenters.

Commenting on the launch, The Three Drinkers, said: "We wanted to create a dram that combined all the classic notes of Scotch that we’ve experienced on our travels, so this whisky combines the fruit and spiciness of the highlands with the subtle smokiness of Islay and Jura.”

The Three Drinkers Scotch Whisky - Cask Selection No. 1, was created with support from Cask Trade, a new online whisky trading platform, and will be available from November 14th, from Master of Malt, for a RRP of £39.99.

Posted by Steve Rush

TULLAMORE D.E.W. LAUNCHES ITS XO CARIBBEAN RUM CASK FINISH EXPRESSION IN THE UK

Following its international launch in 2017, Tullamore D.E.W. has announced the UK release of its XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish, Irish whiskey expression.

Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish (43% ABV) is a blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskey’s, which were initially matured in bourbon and sherry casks, before being finished in first fill XO rum casks from Guyana.

Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish

Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish, is said to have been inspired by the brands ‘The Beauty of Blend’ spirit, which challenges preconceptions about how great whiskey is made; as well as championing the ways in which cultural diversity can inspire creativity and new experiences.

Evocative of the rum routes and the historic passage of the Irish, the whiskey is said to take drinkers on a journey from Ireland to the Caribbean, highlighting the intriguing cultural story.

While the earliest records of whiskey making are found in Ireland, what is less well known is that the Irish also played a role in the early development of rum in the Caribbean. In the 16th and 17th centuries more than 50,000 Irish emigrants arrived in the ‘West Indies’, where it is believed their experience of whiskey distilling became blended with local expertise, playing an instrumental role in the inception and growth of the Caribbean rum business.

Commenting on the news, John Quinn, Global Brand Ambassador for Tullamore D.E.W., said: “At our Tullamore Distillery, we are constantly experimenting with our whiskey making. Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish was just one of many trials inspired by our work on the Beauty of Blend, but immediately stood out to our whiskey makers as being something truly special. Many styles of Caribbean rum were tested, but carefully selected first fill XO Caribbean rum casks, previously used to age Demerara rum, imparted distinctive sweet tropical fruit and warm spice flavours to our original blend. The combination of Irish heart and Caribbean soul balance beautifully.”

Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish, will be available next month from specialist retailers in the UK, for a RRP of £26.00.

Posted by Steve Rush