BENROMACH LAUNCHES NEW VIRGIN OAK RELEASE

The Speyside based Benromach Distillery, has announced the launch of the latest release from its Contrasts Range.

Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak (46% ABV) is a 10 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, which was matured in Virgin American Oak casks.

Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak

Benromach's Contrasts Range features whiskies designed as a twist on the delicately smoky profile of brand’s core range, with other releases including Contrasts Triple Distilled and Contrasts Double Matured Bordeaux Wine Cask.

Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak, is said to deliver notes of dried banana, lemon and vanilla fudge on the nose, followed by notes of Seville orange zest, butterscotch and smooth smoke on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “Every drop of this single malt whisky is made by hand using the sharpened senses of our distillers who put their heart and soul into creating our whisky. Having matured for ten years in Virgin American Oak casks, the result is liquid that is packed with fruity aromas from the offset, followed by zesty citrus and sweet butterscotch flavours. It’s a cracking dram. With a limited number of bottles available for purchase, this is the perfect dram for whisky enthusiasts looking to explore something a bit different.”

Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak, is now available from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £60.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

MOUNT GAY LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION COFFEY STILL RUM

The Barbados based Mount Gay Distillery, has today announced the launch of the seventh release from its Master Blender Collection.

Mount Gay Master Blender Collection: The Coffey Still (58% ABV) is a limited-edition single batch copper Coffey Still Barbados Rum, made using molasses and matured for four years in heavily charred ex-Bourbon barrels.

Mount Gay launches new limited-edition Coffey Still rum

This bespoke release is the first Coffey Still release by Mount Gay since the still was recommissioned in 2019. This edition is in Tribute to Blues, celebrating the legacy of the late Distiller who was a pivotal figure at Mount Gay in his career spanning over 50 years. 

As the World’s oldest running rum distillery, Mount Gay is passionate about the heritage of rum. This years Master Blender Collection offers a glimpse into how rum was made back in the 19th century when the Coffey Still was invented, bridging the gap between history and modernity. One of the first types of column stills invented, the distillery has a rare 100% copper Coffey Still that operates as one of three globally. In disrepair for decades, the still was recommissioned in 2019 and this is the first time a distillation has been released since.

This would not have been possible without the work of Blues, also known as Reynold Hinds. An icon in the field of distillation, Blues worked at Mount Gay for over 50 years, creating the liquid loved today and teaching the art of distillation to many. It was Blues’ extensive knowledge that allowed engineers to restore the historic still and its recommission in 2019, which otherwise would have been lost. Today, it is called the Blue’s Still at Mount Gay in recognition of this hero. He contributed immeasurably to the craftsmanship of Mount Gay until his passing in 2021. 

Mount Gay Master Blender Collection: The Coffey Still, is said to deliver notes of pear, vanilla, nutmeg and leather on the nose, followed by notes of grapefruit, oak, honey and cinnamon on the palate.

Commenting on the release, Trudiann Branker, Master Blender at Mount Gay, said: "Creating this expression was a journey into the heart of Mount Gay's history. Blues' influence on the rums we all enjoy today is immeasurable, and this release is a tribute to his legacy and the craftsmanship that defines Mount Gay.”

Limited to 5,004 bottles, Mount Gay Master Blender Collection: The Coffey Still, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £220.00.

Posted by Steve Rush