Scotch Whisky 91
The Macallan Introduce New Additions to The Double Cask Range
INTRODUCING THE MACALLAN DOUBLE CASK 15 YEARS OLD AND 18 YEARS OLD
THE PERFECT HARMONY OF AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN OAK
The Macallan has released Double Cask 15 Years Old and Double Cask 18 Years Old in a significant expansion of the highly successful range.
First introduced in 2016 with The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, the enticing collection is formed from a harmonious union of American and European oak sherry seasoned casks. Together they combine to create a perfectly balanced single malt Scotch whisky with a distinctive warm character that is punctuated with a contemporary soft sweetness.
Double Cask tells the story of a journey which brings together two different worlds. The voyage begins in the vast green forests of northern Spain and the French Pyrenees, where The Macallan sources its European oak. New oak from the lush forests of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky in America is also transported thousands of miles to Spain, where both types of oak are hand crafted into casks that are filled with sherry.
Once seasoned, the casks are shipped to The Macallan Estate on Speyside where they are filled with new-make spirit. Following years of slumber, The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team use their skill and expertise to select the best balance of spirit from both the American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to create Double Cask.
The result is a perfect partnership, with the sherry seasoned American oak imparting delicate flavours of vanilla, while the European oak delivers the subtle and unmistakeable spice and classic style of The Macallan.
The incredible wood journey which underpins Double Cask was recently showcased by a collaboration with iconic Magnum photographer Steve McCurry, who travelled across continents to witness The Macallan’s decisive story unfold. His exclusive photographic journal documents the people, places, skills and processes involved in the production of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks.
The new expressions will significantly enhance the existing Double Cask range, which lies at the heart of The Macallan’s portfolio of single malts and is a popular choice with whisky lovers around the world.
Displaying a golden butterscotch hue, The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old imparts aromas of dried fruit, toffee and vanilla, and delivers a warming finish with a creamy mouthfeel.
The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old has a rich amber honey tone, and imparts notes of dried fruits, ginger and toffee. A warm oak spice finish is balanced by citrus flavours of sweet orange.
Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “Bringing together American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to achieve the perfect balance of flavours is incredibly exciting for the Whisky Mastery Team, and we are proud to offer two new expressions to this distinctive range for The Macallan Double Cask fans to explore.
“With Double Cask 15 Years Old, the delicate and indulgent flavours of American oak including honey, citrus and chocolate balance The Macallan’s more traditional characteristics of rich fruits, sherry and wood spice. The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old offers slightly more complexity, with rich raisin and sultana subtly balanced by warming oak spice.
“Oak influence is the single greatest contributor to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours at the heart of The Macallan’s single malts.”
The new Double Cask expressions demonstrate The Macallan’s enduring desire to go beyond the ordinary, to seek out the extraordinary, and create peerless single malts.
The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old has an RRP of £100 and The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old has an RRP of £250. They will be available from specialist retailers such as The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and The Whisky Shop.
For further information visit www.themacallan.com
NEW EXPRESSION FROM AUCHENTOSHAN®
AUCHENTOSHAN® ANNOUNCES NEW SAUVIGNON BLANC EXPRESSION
The Amazon Exclusive Will Target Urban Drinkers With a Brand-new Addition to the Single Malt Category That’s ‘Better Shared’
Monday 11th November – Auchentoshan®, the urban malt inspired by the city of Glasgow, has today announced the launch of Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc, a new special edition whisky available exclusively on Amazon.
Available to purchase on 15th November (pre-order here), Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc is a unique combination of two worlds – the smooth triple distilled taste of Auchentoshan and the unique flavour of Sauvignon blanc casks that gives a fresh, vibrant take on Auchentoshan, setting out to reflect the ever-changing needs of the urban millennial.
The brand new urban malt is matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Sauvignon Blanc Barrique casks, which gives it a distinct, smooth and high-quality taste. Distilled at 47% ABV, the result is a unique single malt that’s ‘best served chilled’ allowing the fresh flavours of citrus and apple to excite the pallete.
The release of Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc follows the recent announcement of the brand’s vibrant new look packaging and brand positioning, aiming to reach a new generation of whisky drinker who are looking for a smooth and exciting whisky to be enjoyed together with friends.
Eileen Livingston, Senior Director of Scotch Whisky for Beam Suntory, comments: “Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc is a unique innovation that disrupts the category and provides consumers with a drinking experience out of the norm. This enables us to connect with urban millennials who are looking to sample new expressions and shared experiences.”
Ron Welsh, Master Blender for Auchentoshan, says: “We set out to create a never-seen-before whisky on the market. Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc was crafted to be enjoyed chilled, allowing us to innovate on the key occasions when the product is shared.”
Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc tasting notes are included below:
Ex-Bourbon barrel matured, followed by Sauvignon Blanc Barrique finish
47.0%
Pale Gold
NOSE
Subtle citric notes of white grapefruit with light sweetness of white peaches and green apple, light perfume of eglantine, honeysuckle, Scotch broom and Jasmine.
TASTE
Lightly peppery with zesty notes, green grapes, light acacia honey and lemon curd, vanilla sweetness, lychees and honeydew melon, but also dried grass and hay notes.
FINISH
The finish is hot and peppery with lingering notes of custard apple with a salty mouthfeel.
The limited edition whisky will be available as an e-commerce exclusive on Amazon from 15th November.
AUCHENTOSHAN – NEW LOOK URBAN MALTS
AUCHENTOSHAN® UNVEILS COOL NEW IDENTITY
Vibrant New Packaging Launched to Attract Millennials and Younger Whisky Drinkers
Auchentoshan, the urban malt from the city of Glasgow, has today started rolling out vibrant new packaging across American Oak, Three Wood and 12-year-old expressions. The new colourful design has been introduced to encourage younger drinkers to share, mix and enjoy an Auchentoshan together. Consumers can get their hands on the colourful new pack from early November.
However, it’s not all just about celebrating city life. Auchentoshan hopes to appeal to a new generation of whisky lovers who are looking to enjoy new and shared experiences. The new packaging will appeal to urban consumers and city dwellers who might not have experienced Auchentoshan before, and will be tempted to enjoy a smooth Auchentoshan tipple with friends.
Eileen Livingston, Senior Director of Scotch Whisky for Beam Suntory, said: “We want to move away from traditional stereotypes that are connected with Auchentoshan and single malt by encouraging younger drinkers to share and enjoy an Auchentoshan cocktail with their friends. The launch of our bold packaging to reflect our urban positioning is the first step to doing this.”
“Auchentoshan is triple distilled for a smoother taste and is therefore the perfect whisky to enjoy neat or mixed and shared with friends.”
Glen Scotia Releases Its Oldest and Rarest Expression
Distillery Announces Rare 45-Year-Old Single Malt Expression
One of Campbeltown’s three surviving distilleries, Glen Scotia, has added an exceptionally rare 45-year-old single malt to its award-winning range.
Encased in a stunning handcrafted walnut box, and limited to 150 bottles world-wide, Glen Scotia 45-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is not only the oldest expression to be released by Glen Scotia distillery but also one of the most exclusive. A whisky truly made by history, Glen Scotia 45 year old reflects the centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with Campbeltown.
Embodying all the signature characteristics of a Campbeltown single malt, the liquid is dominated by maritime influences. On the nose, it presents bold coastal elements, as well as sweet notes of ripe pineapple, crisp green apple, rose and vanilla.
The liquid was distilled in December 1973 before being filled into refill Bourbon casks two days before Christmas. Over three decades later, in 2011, the precious spirit was carefully re-casked into first fill Bourbon then laid to mature under the watchful eye of master distiller Michael Henry before finally bottling in 2019.
He said: “Glen Scotia 45-year-old is one of the most magnificent expressions to be produced by our Campbeltown distillery and we are excited that after 45 years we are now able to unveil it to the world.
“Distilled in 1973, this single malt is steeped in history and is extraordinarily rare. The liquid has been maturing in refill bourbon casks, tucked away in our bonded warehouses, for over three decades before being finished in first fill bourbon.
“It embodies all of the unique elements which Glen Scotia is known for, delivering a long mouth-watering finish with notes of sea salt and lime citrus. On the palate, the liquid presents caramel sweetness at first, then juicy fruit with pineapple, mango and water melon rounded by vanilla and honey.”
Non-chill filtered to ensure it is enjoyed as nature intended, Glen Scotia 45 year old is bottled at 43.8% ABV and presented in a striking case created by family-owned, UK-based luxury packaging manufacturer, Moran’s Wood Components. Each case is handmade using sustainably sourced British walnut and features contains a delicate tile engraved with the individual bottle number and tasting notes. Inside, the case boasts embossed leather lining.
Paul Moran, director, Moran’s Wood Components, said: “It was an honour to create such a beautiful box for the Glen Scotia 45 year old, a very rare and historic whisky. Inspired by the intrinsic link between wood and whisky, we also drew from Glen Scotia’s vision of incorporating quality materials and craftsmanship, to reflect the same principles that go into the distillery’s award-winning single malts.
“We constantly strive to push the boundaries, and everyone at Moran’s is extremely proud of this project.”
Campbeltown is Scotland’s fifth and smallest malt producing region. Throughout the Victorian era it was known as the whisky capital of the world and home to more than 30 working distilleries.
To raise awareness of the importance of the region to Scotland’s whisky heritage, Glen Scotia distillery has been campaigning for Campbeltown to be recognised the “whiskiest place in the world.” In July 2019, a parliamentary motion on the issue lodged at Westminster received cross party support.
Iain McAlister, distillery manager, said: “It might be the smallest region, but the contribution Campbeltown has made to Scotch whisky is incomparable.
“For over 100 years, our coastal town has been crafting some of the world’s most exciting expressions and Glen Scotia 45 year old exemplifies everything you would expect of a fantastic Campbeltown single malt. It truly is the perfect addition to any collection.”
Glen Scotia 45 year old will be priced at £3,795 and available from specialist retailers from October, including the Whisky Shop.
Highland Park Announce Whisky Sponsor News
HIGHLAND PARK BECOMES EXCLUSIVE WHISKY SPONSOR OF ESQUIRE TOWNHOUSE
- Highland Park has become the official whisky sponsor of Esquire Townhouse 2019
- As part of the partnership, the Orcadian distillery has collaborated with Esquire to launch the limited-edition Highland Park Esquire Single Cask
- Global Brand Ambassador, Martin Markvardsen, is hosting a series of masterclasses across the event
14 October, 2019: Highland Park has become the official whisky sponsor of Esquire Townhouse with Breitling, the prestigious annual event hosted by Esquire.
Taking place between 17-19 October at Carlton House Terrace, St James’s, Martin Markvardsen, Highland Park’s Global Brand Ambassador, is set to host a series of workshops where guests will be given the opportunity to learn all about the award winning brand, before indulging in some delicious whisky and food pairings.
To celebrate the partnership, Highland Park and Esquire have collaborated to create the Highland Park Esquire Single Cask. The limited-edition single malt whisky is the first-ever single cask from Highland Park to be released in collaboration with a UK media house and will be served throughout the weekend.
The unique expression, which has notes of heather-honey and aromatic smoky peat, will also be available via The Whisky Shop (www.whiskyshop.com), allowing those unable to attend the event – as well as those who loved it so much they want more – the opportunity to purchase it to enjoy at home. RSP £200 ABV 60.3%.
During the event a choice of delicious Highland Park cocktails will be served at the Esquire Townhouse bar including firm favourites the Orcadian Cooler and Salted Honey Old Fashioned.
Scott McCaffer, Brand Manager at Highland Park said: “As demand amongst whisky lovers for new and exciting expressions continues to grow, we’re delighted to launch our latest Single Cask in partnership with Esquire.
“Launching the whisky at Esquire Townhouse is a really exciting opportunity for us as it is the perfect opportunity to engage with likeminded consumers, as well as those interested in exploring the category.”
Alex Bilmes, Editor-in-Chief, at Esquire said: ““We are excited to be working with Highland Park to produce a bespoke Esquire single cask whisky – a genuine first for us. We are looking forward to launching it, and of course, tasting it at Esquire Townhouse in October.”
Esquire Townhouse is an award-winning luxury brand experience featuring a compelling programme of live celebrity interviews, panel debates and masterclasses spanning fashion, culture, food & drink, design and travel.
For more information on the event please visit: https://hearstlive.co.uk/esquiretownhouse/
