Whisky News 52
Choose a Fine Malt Whisky Gift For Father’s Day 2020
Help Ease Lockdown With a Malt Whisky Gift This Father’s Day
Father’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to gift an exceptional whisky, patiently matured and rich with flavour, to show appreciation to your father figure on Sunday 21st June.
Bringing together the finest ingredients and flavours, here is a selection of stand-out Single Malts to gift this Father’s Day, including classic expressions from the sophisticated Bowmore, the iconic peated flavour of Laphroaig and the smooth triple distilled taste of Auchentoshan. All of which are perfect to raise a glass to.
If your Dad enjoys a true classic Islay malt, with strong peat character and depth, choose Laphroaig. For a complex flavour experience, gift him Bowmore for its combination of tropical fruit, mild peat and a hint of sea air. And for a fresh and fruity smooth malt that is easy to drink, neat or in a delicious cocktail, go for Auchentoshan.
Bowmore No. 1
Exclusively matured in first fill Bourbon casks, Bowmore No.1 Malt is singularly special.
Sip a dram of Bowmore No.1 and taste vanilla sweetness, cinnamon spice and oak smoke. This all culminates in a peat smoked, bourbon vanilla and lime finish.
Available for £29.90 at Master of Malt
Bowmore 12 Year Old
Drinkers of the Bowmore 12 Year Old can taste warm and delicious flavours on the palate with subtle dark chocolate taste notes.
Bowmore’s 12 Year Old is both complex and perfectly balanced. Subtle lemon and sweet heather honey complement Bowmore’s trademark peat smoke, leading to a delicious, long and mellow finish.
Available for £34.95 at Master of Malt
Bowmore 18 Year Old
For an extra special gift, treat your Dad to a Bowmore 18 Year Old. This mellow mahogany liquid is cosseted away in the finest, hand-selected oak casks and allowed to mature at its own sedate pace
This is one of Bowmore’s rarest bottlings, but there is no end to its enjoyment for drinkers.
Available for £77.90 at Master of Malt
Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Laphroaig 10 Year Old is a peat smoked liquid with a surprising sweetness, hints of salt and layers of peatiness. The perfect gift for your old man.
The Laphroaig 10 Year Old is the original Laphroaig, distilled the same way today as when Ian Hunter invented it more than 75 years ago. The iconic, quintessential Islay Single Malt Whisky.
Currently available for £44.90 at Laphroaig Shop
Auchentoshan Sour
Buy your Dad an Auchentoshan American Oak, the perfect expression for whisky based cocktails, and use it to treat him to an Auchentoshan Sour.
Vanilla and coconut are found within Auchentoshan American Oak. This versatile liquid is triple distilled and matured solely in American bourbon casks making it the perfect component for whisky based cocktails.
For a refreshing beverage, try an Auchentoshan Sour.
- 35ml Auchentoshan American Oak
- 20ml Simple syrup (to prepare: dissolve one part sugar in one part water over a hob and let chill)
- 20ml Fresh lemon juice
Add all of the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. You can do this in some Tupperware at home if you haven’t got a shaker yet. Just shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, then garnish with your choice of a cherry or a lemon wedge.
Available for £31.99 at Amazon
Raise a Glass and Celebrate World Whisky Day 2020
Celebrate World Whisky Day With These Exquisite Expressions From Around The Globe
World Whisky Day (16th May 2020) is just around the corner, and the question of which whisky to celebrate with remains a question on everybody’s lips.
There are few things more perfect than a fine whisky; patiently matured and rich with flavour, taking the drinker on an unforgettable taste journey.
Bringing together the finest ingredients and flavours, here is a selection of stand-out whiskies perfect to raise a Dram with for World Whisky Day, including classics from The Macallan, Maker’s Mark, The House of Suntory, and more.
Bowmore 15 Year Old
Bowmore is Islay’s oldest distillery, and home to the world’s oldest whisky maturation warehouse, the No. 1 Vaults.
Matured first in bourbon barrels then Oloroso casks, there’s no finer example of a sherry cask finish than Bowmore 15 Year Old. The final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks give Bowmore 15 Year Old the rich, deep colour and robust warming finish.
RRP: £60
Available to purchase from The Whisky Exchange and Amazon
The Macallan Estate
The Macallan Estate, created by Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess, is a tribute to The Macallan’s heritage and home.
It is an extremely special new single malt containing rare spirit from a proportion of the barley grown at Easter Elchies estate, which is distilled just once a year over the course of a single week. The liquid delivers a subtle hint of citrus which balances the traditional sherried richness, resulting in a complex single malt with an extraordinarily long finish.
RRP: £195
Stockists: The Whisky Shop and The Whisky Exchange
Highland Park 16 Year Old Twisted Tattoo
In collaboration with Danish tattoo artist and modern-day Viking Soul, Colin Dale, Highland Park 16 Year Old Twisted Tattoo’s bold design celebrates the tattoo as a mark of both standing apart and being part of a tribe – just like Highland Park.
The expression’s exquisite tasting notes include the likes of sweet vanilla, sun-ripened peaches, and full-bodied red wine, finished with a light peat smoke.
RRP: £80
Stockists: Master of Malt and The Whisky Shop
Laphroaig Lore
By maturing the liquid in small batches in five unique casks, Laphroaig has created a liquid that is rich, complex, varied and above all, storied.
Laphroaig Lore uses different aged liquids ranging from 7 to 21 years, which allows the richest possible flavour. As the name suggests, this offering from Laphroaig is inspired by the knowledge and traditions passed down from generation to generation of its distillery managers, blenders and craftsmen.
RRP: £80
Stockists: Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange
Maker’s 46
The first bourbon in Maker’s Mark’s wood-finishing series, Maker’s 46 was created by Bill Samuels, J., to amplify the flavours he loves most in Maker’s Mark.
The innovative wood-stave-finishing process starts with fully matured Maker’s Mark at cask strength, after which 10 seared virgin French oak staves are inserted into the barrel. The liquid is then finished for nine weeks in a limewood cellar, resulting in a bolder and more complex flavour, but without the bitterness typical of longer-aged whiskies.
RRP: £40
Stockists: Amazon and Master of Malt
Toki
Meaning ‘time’ in Japanese, Toki brings together old and new – the House of Suntory’s proud heritage and its innovative spirit.
A blended Japanese whisky that is both ground-breaking and timeless, the finish is subtly sweet and spicy with a hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger.
RRP: £35
Stockists: Tesco and Master of Malt
For more information on expressions from Edrington-Beam Suntory, please contact ebs-consumer@hopeandglorypr.com
Loch Lomond Group Reveals Travel Retail Expansion
Independent Distiller, Loch Lomond Group Reveals the Creation of Two New Roles
Kelvin Ng has been appointed to the Hong Kong-based position of Regional Director Asia Travel Retail, while the group is also recruiting for a GTR Commercial and Trade Marketing Executive to be based in its Scottish head office at Loch Lomond Distillery.
In the role of Regional Director Asia Travel Retail, effective from February 2020, Kelvin will be responsible for expanding Loch Lomond Group’s travel retail presence across the Asia-Pacific region, which has experienced significant growth in the single malt Scotch whisky category in recent years. He will be working with Loch Lomond Group’s GTR partners, distributors and customers in the region.
Kelvin will bring a wealth of experience in the international spirits business to the role, having worked in senior GTR and domestic roles for Halewood Wines & Spirits, MG Cellars and William Grant & Sons, amongst others, for over 25 years.
Based in Alexandria, Scotland, the successful GTR Commercial and Trade Marketing Executive candidate will have responsibility for developing customer relationships and driving forward implementation of the global brand strategy through the channel, as well as supporting the new product development pipeline.
André de Almeida, Managing Director, Global Travel Retail at Loch Lomond Group, said: “The GTR channel is a fundamental part of Loch Lomond Group’s growth strategy and the creation of these two new roles highlights our continued investment in this area. The strengthening of our team will significantly support our GTR operations worldwide and will help to facilitate further expansion into the channel on a global scale.”
Kelvin Ng, Regional Director, Asia Travel Retail at Loch Lomond Group, said: “I am very pleased to be appointed to this newly created role for Loch Lomond Group. I am looking forward to helping to offer a more diverse range of single malt Scotch whiskies to consumers travelling across Asia and to expanding the company’s footprint within the region.”
Loch Lomond Group has become more prominent in Asia in recent years and Kelvin Ng’s appointment marks the next phase in the group’s continued investment to strengthen its position in the growing market.
In 2018, Loch Lomond Whiskies entered a prestigious, five-year partnership with The R&A to become The Spirit of The Open which showcases the full range of Loch Lomond Whiskies on a global scale.
In 2019, Loch Lomond Group expanded its GTR operations into China Duty Free, which saw a number of expressions from its premium Loch Lomond Whiskies and Glen Scotia ranges being made available in Shanghai and Beijing International Airports amongst others. In the same year the company also established new Chinese headquarters, Loch Lomond China, to facilitate expansion of its brands within the country and development of the single malt Scotch whisky market in the wider Asia-Pacific region.
To further enhance awareness among Asian customers, Loch Lomond Group will attend the Tax Free World Association (TFWA) Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2020 – one of the largest travel retail events in the region – in Singapore this May.
Loch Lomond Group’s bespoke Loch Lomond Whiskies GTR range first went on sale in Glasgow Airport’s World Duty Free World of Whiskies store in February 2017, followed by the launch of the independent distiller’s Glen Scotia GTR range exactly one year later. In September 2018 the group introduced Littlemill Single Malt Scotch whisky from Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery to the channel.
For further information, visit www.lochlomondgroup.com
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/
