OBAN LAUNCHES NEW DISTILLERY EXCLUSIVE BOTTLING

Diageo, has today announced the launch of a new limited-edition distillery exclusive bottling, from its Oban Distillery.

Oban Young Teddy (50.8% ABV) is a non-age-stated single malt Scotch whisky, which was finished in Palo Cortado and Oloroso Sherry casks.

Oban Young Teddy

This latest release, which is the second to celebrate the legacy of the MacLean family at the Oban Distillery, was inspired by Teddy MacLean, who followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined the Oban Distillery family in 1985.

Nestled between ancient cliffs and the sea, Oban has been at the heart of town for the past 229 years, building and celebrating the community that grew around the distillery. Oban Young Teddy follows the release of Oban Old Teddy in 2019, which honoured Teddy MacLean, the first-generation master distiller and custodian of the cask, who worked at Oban distillery from 1953 until 1990.

Oban Young Teddy, is said to reflect the relaxed and quiet charm and approachability of the man who inspired it. The whisky opens with mild sweet scents of caramel, shortly joined by fresh sea salt air and dry sand. This multi-layered expression has gently matured to become warm and generous, yet unmistakably Oban in character – sharing spicier, sweeter aromas of dried fruits and citrus.

Commenting on the launch, Young Teddy MacLean said: “This bottling is incredibly special to me and my family as we continue to build the MacLean’s legacy here at the Oban distillery for generations to come. Over the years we’ve talked and debated the various elements and influences that deliver that unmistakable character of Oban, talking late into the night about how different sherry casks influence our whisky to create something we’ve never tasted before. Eventually the curiosity got the better of us and the result is this truly special whisky with rich, fruity flavours coming through. This is a gift to our distillery fans, from our family to theirs.”

Limited to 4,542 bottles, Oban Young Teddy, will be available exclusively from the Oban Distillery, from Monday March 20th, for a RRP of £195.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

GREEN SPOT LAUNCHES ITS LATEST WINE GEESE SERIES BOTTLING

Irish Distillers, has today announced the launch of the third release in its Green Spot Wine Geese Series.

Green Spot Quails’ Gate (46% ABV) is a single pot still Irish whiskey, which was initially matured in a combination of American oak and ex-Sherry casks, before being finished for 16 months in Pinot Noir casks from the Quails’ Gate winery in Canada.

Green Spot Quails' Gate

Located on the shore of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, Canada, Quails’ Gate Winery was founded by the Stewart family in 1908 after Richard Stewart Sr immigrated to Canada from Kildare, Ireland. Today, they produce some of Canada’s most exquisite wines, including their award-winning Family Reserve Pinot Noir.

This latest release which is the third instalment in the Green Spot Wine Geese Series, represents two stories of Irish endeavour from the two Irish families who inspired this special edition whiskey. Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey was originally produced exclusively for the Mitchell family, who commenced trading in 1805 in the heart of Dublin.

This limited-edition expression reflects the colourful history of the Mitchell’s whiskey bonding business which commenced in 1887, whereby they sent empty wine, sherry and port casks to the local Jameson Distillery to be filled with new single pot still spirit for maturation in the Mitchell’s cellar warehouse.

Commenting on the launch, Deirdre O’Carroll, Blender at Irish Distillers, said: “Green Spot, with its distinctive blend of green apple, vanilla and toffee flavours, has been a beloved Irish whiskey since the 19th century, thanks to the Mitchell family. Maturing Green Spot Irish Whiskey in the Pinot Noir casks from Quails’ Gate adds a fascinating and delectable assortment of rich red berries from the red wine seasoning that perfectly balances Green Spot’s orchard fruits and toasted wood finish for a flavoursome, complex expression. Whether a whiskey enthusiast or a wine connoisseur – or both – we hope this addition to the Spot family will be cherished by those in Ireland, Canada and everywhere in between."

Green Spot Quails’ Gate, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £54.00.

Posted by Steve Rush