GLENALLACHIE LAUNCHES ITS LATEST BATCH OF WOOD FINISH BOTTLINGS

The GlenAllachie Distillery, has announced the launch of the third batch of releases from its Wood Finish range.

The latest batch of releases from the Speyside based distillery are comprised of: The GlenAllachie 11 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Wood Finish, 12 Year Old Ruby Port Wood Finish and 13 Year Old Madeira Wood Finish. All of which have been bottled at 48% ABV.

The GlenAllachie launches its latest battch of Wood Finish bottlings

The 11 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Wood Finish, was initially matured in American oak barrels for over nine years. The additional period of maturation in richly seasoned dessert sherry puncheons is said to have resulted in a sweeter, fruitier flavour experience.

The 12 Year Old Ruby Port Wood Finish, was initially matured in American oak barrels for over ten years, before a second period of maturation in pipe casks which were previously used to age young, vibrant fortified wine from Portugal. As well as bestowing a vibrant ruby red colour on the spirit, the wood is said to have added a depth of spicy ginger, damson jam and grape must.

The 13-year-old Madeira Wood Finish, was re-racked from American oak barrels into casks that previously held wine made from Malvasia grapes – a richer Madeira style. This additional aging period is said to have imparted tones of juicy pineapple, sugared almonds and stone fruits.

Commenting on the launch, Billy Walker, Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie, said: “From the very outset of my days at GlenAllachie, I aimed to build a deep-rooted understanding of the spirit and how it interfaces with different wood types. This knowledge has allowed for increasing levels of innovation as the months and years have passed. The third batch of Wood Finishes are a fantastic representation of this innovation. We are delighted with the three very special single malts we have created, each bringing its own unique flavour experience.”

The GlenAllachie Wood Finish Batch 3 bottles, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, with RRP’s starting at £59.99.

Posted by Steve Rush

REBEL LAUNCHES NEW TAWNY PORT FINISHED BOURBON

Lux Row Distillers, has announced the launch of its third limited-edition Rebel Yell cask finish release, which will be available exclusively in the UK and select European markets.

Rebel Bourbon Tawny Port Finish (45% ABV) is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which has been aged for at least four years in American oak barrels and finished for six months in Tawny Port barrels.

Rebel Bourbon Tawny Port Finish

Rebel Bourbon Tawny Port Finish, is said to deliver a balanced aroma of sweetness, nuttiness and earthy notes on the nose, followed by notes of toffee, mocha, dried citrus, dark red fruits and spices on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, John Rempe, Master Distiller at Lux Row Distillers, said: “The Tawny Port flavours pair really well with Rebel Bourbon’s vanilla, oak and caramel profile. It’s a winning combination that creates a distinct, depth of rich flavours that’s unlike anything else in the Rebel family, whilst still retaining the Kentucky Straight Bourbon’s remarkably smooth finish. The secondary finishing elevates the original four-year ageing of Rebel in new charred white oak barrels, taking it to a different level that more years in the rackhouse wouldn’t achieve.”

Rebel Bourbon Tawny Port Finish, will be available from specialist retailers from November, for a RRP of £39.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

BRUICHLADDICH LAUNCHES ITS 12TH SERIES OF OCTOMORE BOTTLINGS

The Islay based Bruichladdich Distillery, has today announced the launch of the twelve series, of its heavily peated Octomore single malt Scotch whisky.

This latest batch of releases from the "cult classic" series which first launched in 2002, is comprised of three bottlings which have been aged for five years.

Bruichladdich launches its 12th series of Octomore bottlings

Octomore 12.1 (59.9% ABV) 130.8 PPM, which was distilled in 2015 from the 2014 harvest of 100% Scottish grown Concerto barley, was matured exclusively in ex-American oak casks.

Octomore 12.2 (57.3% ABV) 129.7 PPM, which was distilled in 2015 from the 2014  harvest of 100% Scottish grown Concerto barley, was matured in a combination of ex-American oak and Sauternes casks.

Octomore 12.3 (62.1% ABV) 118.1 PPM, which was distilled in 2015 from the 2014 harvest of 100% Octomore Farm grown Concerto barley, was matured in a combination of ex-American oak and Pedro Ximenez Solera casks.

As with previous editions, the 12.1 acts as the base and control of the experimental range.

The Octomore 12 bottlings, will be available from specialist retailers from October 1st. (RRP’s tbc).

Posted by Steve Rush