REDBREAST LAUNCHES ITS THIRD DREAM CASK BOTTLING

Irish Distillers, has announced the launch of its third limited-edition, Redbreast Dream Cask bottling.

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition (51.5% ABV) has been produced using whiskeys aged for a minimum of 28 years, which have been matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, oloroso sherry butts and ruby port seasoned casks.

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition

Said to be inspired by the flavours of the Iberian Peninsula, Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition, is the first Redbreast expression to be fully finished in a single port cask, taking whiskey drinkers on a journey from the home of Irish whiskey to Portugal’s wine region.

The creation of the Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition, began during trials for the recently released Redbreast 27 Year Old, the oldest permanent expression in the Redbreast family. During this time, the Midleton Masters discovered a liquid worthy of the Dream Cask name, which uniquely comprises both a ruby port cask component and finish.

Created by Master Blender Billy Leighton, in collaboration with Blender Dave McCabe, this latest Redbreast release, is said to deliver notes of rosemary, mint, cedar, red peppers, citrus, ripe fleshy fruit, melon, kiwi, black cherry, marcona almonds, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose. Followed by notes of ripe plums, spice, dark chocolate, cinnamon, raisins, sultanas, exotic fruits and berries on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Billy Leighton, Master Blender, said: “It’s more than three decades since my predecessors went to the Douro Valley and hand selected the cask which would become Redbreast Dream Cask 2020. I’m delighted to be able to share its creation with whiskey lovers around the world. Our third Dream Cask was created with a very significant fortified wine component. This imparts a unique balance of flavours, with less vanilla sweetness and more fleshy fruits that are associated with port.”

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition, will be available exclusively through an online ballot hosted on Redbreast’s private members’ club; The Birdhouse from 15:00 BST on Monday May 25th. RRP €490.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY LAUNCHES FIRST BOTTLING IN NEW WHISKY LIQUEUR SERIES

The Cotswolds Distillery, has announced the launch of the first release in its new Amaro Whisky Liqueur Collection.

Cotswolds Amaro No 1 (40% ABV) has been produced using the distillery’s flagship single malt whisky, along with a blend of select botanicals including vanilla, citrus and spice.

Cotswolds Amaro No 1

Inspired by Amaro, the Italian herbal liqueur which is typically enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif, this latest release from the Cotswolds Distillery, is said to deliver notes of fresh peach, bitter black tea and subtle orange on the nose. Followed by notes of vanilla, bitter marmalade and spiced honey on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Daniel Szor, Cotswolds Distillery Founder, said: “I have always loved Amaro and wanted to create Cotswolds Distillery’s own Amaro liqueur. Launching Cotswolds Amaro No 1 on World Whisky Day seemed the perfect way to celebrate this wonderful day. The vanilla, spice and citrus complement our single malt whisky and we hope our delicious digestif will become a favourite after-dinner drink”.

This inaugural release in the new Amaro Whisky Liqueur Collection, will be followed by a second expression in the Autumn.

Cotswolds Amaro No 1, will be available exclusively from The Cotswolds Distillery from the May 16th (World Whisky Day) for a RRP of £34.95.

Posted by Steve Rush

BRUICHLADDICH ANNOUNCES NEW PORT CHARLOTTE RELEASE

The Bruichladdich Distillery, has announced the launch of a new 9 Year Old expression, from its heavily peated Port Charlotte Islay single malt Scotch whisky brand.

Port Charlotte OLC: 01 2010 (55.1% ABV) which was bottled with a phenol level of 40ppm, was distilled in 2010, using a 2019 crop of Scottish barley.

Port Charlotte OLC: 01 2010

The whisky was initially matured in a combination ex-Bourbon, ex-Syrah and ex-VDN (vin doux naturel) casks, before being finished in a Fernando de Castilla’s oloroso hogsheads in 2018.

Due to the rare and increasingly expensive nature of good quality and genuine sherry casks, over several years Bruichladdich has developed a relationship with the Jerez based Fernando de Castillahas bodega.

Fernando de Castilla, provides a limited number of butts and hogsheads, often in parcels personally recommended by its owner, Jan Pettersen. 

Commenting on the casks, Adam Hannett, Head Distiller at Bruichladdich Distillery, said: “These Oloroso hogsheads are superb casks. They’re smaller than your average butts, so they’ve quickly left a lasting impression on this complex single malt.”

This latest Port Charlotte release, is said to deliver notes of peat smoke, dark fruit, toffee, peach, honey, nutty nougat, baked orange, mulled wine spice. coffee, syrup, citrus, chocolate and crushed sea shells.

Port Charlotte OLC: 01 2010, is now available from the Bruichladdich online shop, for a RRP of £90.00.

Posted by Steve Rush