Scotch Whisky is
Scotland’s national drink.Made from
just three natural ingredients – water, yeast, and cereals – it’s a spirit of
unrivalled quality. Taking care of these resources, from some of the most
beautiful parts of the country, is vital.
This industry,
more than five centuries old, has a long tradition of collaboration. In that
spirit, producers from each of Scotland’s five whisky regions came together to
create a limited-edition blended whisky to mark the 2021 COP26 conference in
Glasgow.
What is the
COP26 Scotch Whisky?
The COP26
limited edition Blended Scotch Whisky was blended and bottled in the host city
of Glasgow in 2021, and is comprised of whiskies produced at 26 distilleries
across Scotland’s five Whisky regions.
Each of the 900
hand crafted bottles was produced using sustainable materials: the bottle is
made of recycled glass, stoppered with a cork made of an innovative, fully
recyclable mix of wood and cork dust. The label is made from recycled plant
fibres, including barley, with the carton produced from 100% recycled
materials. Every bottle was carefully hand-filled just a stone’s throw from the
COP26 negotiations.
Showcasing Sustainable
Scotch
Through the
Scotch Whisky industry’s Sustainability Strategy, producers are setting an
example and moving the whole sector towards net zero by 2040. Ambitious targets
have been set, new technologies are being tested, and the industry is fully
committed to tackling the climate crisis and safeguarding Scotch Whisky for
future generations.
By working
closely with partners, regulators, innovators and other industries, Scotch
Whisky can be at the heart of the blueprint to protect the unique environment
that makes Scotland – and its spirit – so special.
The whisky was
created to showcase the Scotch Whisky industry’s sustainability commitments.
Earlier this year the industry launched its new Sustainability Strategy, which
commits the sector to reaching net zero emissions by 2040, as well as to other
ambitious environmental targets.
In recognition
of the industry’s commitment to sustainability, the Scotch Whisky Association
was confirmed as an official Race to Zero partner in October 2021 by the United
Nations COP26 Climate Champions team, a global campaign which commits
non-government sectors to reducing the impact of climate change.
UNDERSTANDING COP 26 BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY AND ITS MEANING
GREEN SPIRITS – THE WHISKY DISTILLERIES
DRIVING POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFORMATION
Scotch Whisky production, a
process that is steeped in tradition, is rooted in three natural ingredients –
cereals, water, and yeast. With a complex process from grain to glass, the
industry is determined to reduce the impact of energy-intensive distilling
operations, and preserve the natural environment that produces Scotch Whisky
for another 530 years and further.
Across Scotland, large and
small whisky distillers are re-examining and revising their production patterns
and identifying where they can be more efficient with their resources. By
adopting cutting-edge technologies, and working more collaboratively, these
distilleries are not just adhering to stricter environmental standards but are
also leading the way towards a sustainable and accountable spirits industry.
Building on this foundation,
members of the Scotch Whisky Association, who are partners to the Race to Zero,
are working hard to secure a sustainable future for the Scotch Whisky industry
– ensuring its products are produced sustainably, traded globally and enjoyed
responsibly.
Distilleries like
Bruichladdich, Glentauchers, and Ardmore are not only moving towards net zero
emissions but are also pioneering projects that leave a positive environmental
footprint. The examples below highlight the industry’s commitment to creating a
net zero and nature-positive world, showcasing innovative practices that go
beyond compliance to benefitting the health of our natural world.
Bruichladdich – Packaging
On a mission to use less and
to use better, Bruichladdich Distillery redesigned their flagship Classic
Laddie bottle, taking a number of steps to reduce their impact and lower
packaging emissions. The secondary tin which generated more than 1 kilogram of
carbon dioxide (1.13 Kg) in the production process was removed; the optimised bottle
design means that it is 32% lighter than the previous version, while still
keeping the iconic aqua colour – now with an organic ink coating. The recycled
glass content of the bottle has also risen to an average of 60%.
This lighter bottle means
shipping is more efficient, with more bottles on every pallet that enters or
and leaves the distillery – further cutting transport CO2 emissions when
shipping on and off Bruichladdich’s home on Islay. By optimising a number of
design choices, the new bottle reduces packaging CO2 emissions by 65%, and the
distillery will continue reviewing all elements of the production process to
reduce its impact across the entire value chain – from grain to glass.
The industry has become
accustomed to believing that single malt Scotch whisky must come with outer
packaging as a standard. Where most other spirits travel around the world in
just the bottle, the majority of single malts have an elaborate or heavy
secondary outer pack. That begs the question, why? Secondary packaging is not
always necessary, and it certainly militates against sustainability.
The distillery teamed with
Glasgow-based design agency Thirst to redesign the bottle. In addition to
Thirst’s contributions, Bruichladdich teamed up with a Swiss artist named Simon
Berger. Berger is known for working with glass. In order to create the
distillery’s latest iteration of The Classic Laddie, Berger shattered 15 panes
of recyclable glass.
The distillery’s aim of
creating more sustainable packaging comes at a highly critical time for the
Earth’s warming climate. An article published in October 2021 stressed the
grave impact global warming has had on Scotland’s distilleries. According to
The Independent, droughts caused by climate change could reduce Scotland’s
water supply by the 2080s, which could be catastrophic.
Whisky distilleries in the
region typically use 61 billion litres of water a year, per the Independent.
Severe droughts could force some scotch distilleries to stop producing the
spirit in its entirety.
Fortunately, many Scotch
distilleries have launched sustainability initiatives in the wake of the
climate crisis. In January 2021, the Scotch Whisky Association committed to
reaching net-zero emissions by 2040, according to The Scotsman.
By incorporating Mechanical
Vapour Recompression technology in combination with its existing Thermal Vapour
Recompression systems and hot water generation, Chivas Brothers’ Glentauchers
Distillery in Speyside is able to recycle close to 100% of the steam produced
in the falling film condenser and halve energy usage and carbon emissions.
The next step on Chivas
Brothers’ journey towards achieving carbon neutral distillation by the end of
2026 is the rollout of these integrations across all its viable sites,
including Glasgow’s Strathclyde Distillery. In the spirit of putting
collaboration ahead of competition, the lessons learnt from the integration
have also been made ‘open source’, with the intention that they benefit the
Scotch whisky industry on its journey towards a sustainable future.
Suntory Global Spirits
(Ardmore) – Peatland Water Restoration
Suntory Global Spirits
launched the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ initiative, committing to replenish as
much peat as is used to create their peated whiskies by 2030, and doubling this
target by 2040.
The programme is investing
over $4.4 million into the restoration and conservation of a minimum of 2,600
hectares of peatlands by the end of the next decade, which will help protect
high quality water sources across Scotland. With 14 hectares already restored
near the company’s Ardmore distillery, 70 hectares near its Bowmore and
Laphroaig distilleries on Islay, and another 160 hectares of restoration in
progress in East Ayrshire, Suntory Global Spirits is working with local
partners such as the RSPB, Forestry and Land Scotland and the James Hutton
Institute to further Scotland’s sustainability and biodiversity ambitions and
net-zero goals.
Beam Suntory Gives Laphroaig
Bottle a Greener Glow-Up
Beam Suntory is going
greener for its iconic green Laphroaig scotch whisky bottle. The company has
refreshed the design with one said to be more sustainable design, which the
company said will reduce its CO2 emission by 30%, in turn supporting its Proof
Positive sustainability strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its
value chain by 2040.
The new design keeps
Laphroaig’s signature green bottle design with black and white accents but
replaces the plastic bar top with a beech wood alternative. The secondary
packaging will also be substituted with a more recycling-friendly carton.
The packaging will also
introduce new details that include embossed Laphroaig lettering on the side, as
well as renaming "select" to "oak select" as a nod to the
role of casks in the whisky's flavour profile. There will be no change to the
actual whisky itself.
Pernod Ricard tested
single-mould paper-based bottles in the U.K. for their Absolut Vodka brand,
made of 57% paper with an integrated barrier of recyclable plastic. This will
soon extend to whisky bottles.
Amber Nectar Goes Green As
Whisky Has A Low Carbon Makeover
For whisky lovers, the
packaging that holds their precious bottle – and the bottle itself, with its
carefully designed contours, dimples, decanter-style elegance, in crystal clear
or tinted glass, with richly coloured porcelain flagons in velvet bags – is an evocative
starting point to the warming dram that awaits.
The story told in the dram’s
presentation taps into everything from history and heritage to landscape and
nature, wrapped up in aspirational packaging evoking luxury, elegance and
style.
Ever since a striding
Johnnie Walker appeared on the label, red coat swinging and tipping his top hat
in jolly greeting, whisky has been a successful marriage between what’s in the
bottle and the emotional tug sparked by how it is presented. But now the face
of whisky – or, at least, the boxes, tubes, presentation tins and bottles that
it comes in – is going through a very modern makeover.
This week, it emerged that
the Islay distillery, Bruichladdich, has broken with tradition and, in an
effort to reduce waste, energy usage and excess materials, is cutting back on
“unnecessary” outer packaging.
Its Port Charlotte range was
already being sold exclusively without its traditional, distinctive, black and
gold tin box. It follows last year’s “One Tin Lighter” initiative which offered
customers the chance to opt out of secondary packaging: more than half chose
the “no tin” option. According to Bruichladdich, revived in 2001 after seven
years in mothballs, production of each tin had produced 1.13kg of CO2.
Stripping back on presentation
is part of a drive to be more sustainable: behind the scenes, the Victorian
distillery is preparing to install innovative hydrogen combustion technology to
heat its stills and decarbonise the distillation process.
Others are also rethinking
their elaborate packaging: Chivas Brothers’ premium brand, Royal Salute, has
replaced its signature porcelain flagon – which often crops up, empty, on
online auction sites – with a more sustainable, although perhaps less
luxurious, coated glass flagon. What is lost in heritage – the flagon has been
a feature of the brand since its launch in 1953 – it makes up for by ticking a
giant green box: the move results in a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint of
the primary packaging.
It may be a sector which
loves to trumpet heritage, history and tradition but, with the industry aiming
to make all new packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, it seems
change is coming.
Signs of what lies ahead
emerged at COP26, when a limited-edition blended Scotch drawn from 26
distilleries across Scotland’s five whisky regions was released. It features a
bottle made from 97% recycled glass and with a stopper made from recycled wood
and cork.
Some distilleries are
exploring the use of thinner glass bottles, while Diageo has collaborated with
glass manufacturer Encirc to use waste-based biofuel-powered furnaces to
produce a pilot of 173,000 Black & White bottles made using 100% recycled
glass.
More recently, The Macallan
launched its Harmony Collection, a limited release series of single malts with
a sustainability message. The first, Rich Cacao, has a presentation box made of
paper derived from from cacao pods discarded during the chocolate-making
process.
In Wales, Bangor
University’s Biocomposites Centre in collaboration with Pulpex – a research and
development collaboration between Diageo and venture management company Pilot
Lite – has designed a paper bottle for spirits made from sustainably sourced,
FSC-certified wood pulp.
Whilst paper bottles may be
hard to swallow for drinkers who like their dram to ooze luxury, in Singapore
there are even fewer frills attached. There, some supermarkets now feature
spirits vending machines that dispense whisky, gin and vodka straight into
customers’ reusable bottles.
But does removing so much of
whisky’s luxury components and stripping back to basics take away some of its
precious magic?
Jim Murray, a well-known author
of books on Whisky, says a careful balance needs to be struck between reducing
waste while still retaining some of the rare qualities that make drinking
whisky feel like a special experience.
“Whisky is all about taste,
the feel of it in your mouth, the smell,” he says. “The outer covering that it
comes in adds to that sensual aspect. How a product is packaged can enhance or
detract from the sensuality of the whisky. Packaging is important but whisky
has a packaging problem. In recent years some of the packaging has got more and
more demented. Some bottles are so heavy that, once empty, they could be used
as weapons to kill – there is a serious amount of glass going on.”
Nonetheless, he feels a
twinge of regret at the demise of Chivas’s porcelain flagons. “There’s a
history of whisky going into ceramic containers,” he says. “I am a little sad
to see some of it go as it can be quite elegant and rather lovely. But if they
are going to cut down on the packaging, I hope this is shown in the price of
products coming down, too, but I suspect it won’t.”
For whisky brands, shedding
outer layers means exposing the naked bottle to the supermarket shelf, which
creates the dilemma of whether to convey their story of heritage and tradition
or groundbreaking sustainability.
According to Lynsey
Pritchard, client services director at Thirst, the creative agency that worked
with Bruichladdich on its new-look Port Charlotte brand, this will require a
creative approach.
“Some consumers will be
engaged with the sustainable message and automatically make that purchase,” she
says. “But some will feel deprived. It might be that the bottle or label has to
work harder. Brands might have to think of what they can do to enhance
customers’ interaction with the brand. We have seen online videos where the
distiller takes you through a virtual tasting, or it might be a Spotify
playlist to have with your dram.”
Whilst Scotch whisky has
been built on heritage and tradition, a new breed of consumer often seeks
brands that align with their modern values. When choosing a brand or making a
purchase, it’s going to be something you want to be seen with and share on your
social media. It’s quite new to the whisky industry but we see it in other
industries such as fashion and beauty; beauty has a big focus on natural, vegan
and refills. It can be argued that luxury has now become a purchase that
removes the guilt from indulgence – it’s not really about financial wealth or
special status, it’s about self-improvement and living guilt free.
Whisky producers are already
“thinking outside the box” it seems. Colourful bottles have appeared:
Bruichladdie’s The Classic Laddie comes in bright turquoise; Haig Club’s vessel
is rich, blue and square.
There’s also been a surge in
colourful, eye-catching arty labels such as The Boutique-y Whisky Company which
features bold cartoon graphic designs, collaborations with artists –
Glenfiddich has worked with some of the world’s most innovative artists for two
decades – and tie-ins with influencers and celebrities. Even venues feature:
The Dalmore’s The Luminary Series of limited edition malts has been curated in
partnership with V&A Dundee, blending whisky and architectural design.
The Scotch Whisky
Association (SWA) says the sector has made significant inroads towards becoming
a greener, more sustainable industry. It points out that greenhouse emissions
have been cut by more than 50% since 2008, while almost 40% of all energy used
by producers is obtained from non-fossil fuel sources, compared to 28% in 2018.
As well as the pledge to
have all new packaging recyclable or compostable by 2025, the industry has also
pledged to use water responsibly and play an active role in the conservation of
Scotland’s peatland.
The SWA’s Sustainability
Strategy, meanwhile, commits the sector to reaching net-zero emissions in its
operations by 2040.
At present, some consumers
do expect premium products like Scotch whisky to have a premium look and feel,
sometimes equating this to more elaborate packaging. How will this perspective be
challenged while reassuring consumers that using low-carbon – and less –
packaging will not reduce the premium nature of Scotch whisky and how it is
presented? This industry is committed to addressing the impact of the packaging
used to bottle and transport Scotch whisky around the world. Getting to net
zero is a clear priority, therefore tackling this agenda is critical.
LEADING WHISKY BRANDS AIM TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS
Leading global alcohol
monoliths Diageo and Pernod Ricard, among others are forging a path towards atmospheric
stability and salubrity. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of
innovation to not only deliver the premium quality and iconic design their
customers expect from them, but to do so in a way that reflects their
sustainability ambitions.
Paper-Based Whisky Bottles
Behind The Bar
Diageo recently tried out a
90% paper-based bottle for its Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch whisky,
suggesting that it could emit 47% less carbon than standard glass solutions. This
trial took place exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 in
Edinburgh. Bartenders served drinks from 250 70cl bottles to test their
feasibility in a bar environment; consumers were able to see the bottles, but
not purchase them. A report on the innovative experiment is awaited.
An external life cycle analysis
claims that the prototype could reduce carbon emissions by 47% compared to the
glass Johnnie Walker Black Label equivalent. It also claims to be approximately
60% lighter. Inside the bottle is a ‘very thin’ plastic liner that, according
to Diageo, does not impact the bottle’s recyclability, as it is not attached or
bonded to the Dry Molded Fibre outer layer. Therefore, it does not require
separation before the components are recycled.
PulPac, Setop DIAM, and PA
Consulting worked with Diageo to produce the bottle closure, which is made from
a combination of cork and similar Dry Molded Fibre paper technology to the
bottle itself; however, it is excluded from calculations and only intended for
use during the trial.
The stopper used in the
trial is not recyclable, but alternative solutions are reportedly in
development.
As a whole, the bottle’s
design maintains the same square shape as previous Johnnie Walker Black Label bottles,
yet cuts unique facets into the sides and embosses the company’s Striding Man
iconography onto the bottle and closure.
This trial took place as
part of the Bottle Collective with PA and PulPac. As the paper-based bottle is
tested and developed further, the partners plan to consider future improvements
to its recyclability.
These bottles break new
ground in packaging design and shows the potential to significantly reduce
carbon emissions, whilst seeking to maintain the elegance, luxury, and bottle
size expected in the premium drinks market.
PulPac’s Dry Molded Fibre
technology opens up new possibilities for cost-effective, lightweight, less
carbon intensive and more sustainable packaging. Feedback collected from
bartenders and the public following the market trial is being evaluated so they
can test and refine the bottle and technology further.
A previous trial saw Diageo
and PA Consulting work together to trial paper-based packaging for Baileys’
Original Irish Cream Liqueur. Designed for recycling in standard paper streams,
the 80ml bottles were served at Time Out Festival in Barcelona, Spain; the
design team used the lessons learned from the trial to inform the technical
aspects of a larger, more complex bottle shape for Johnnie Walker.
Johnnie Walker has also
unveiled its Blue Label Ultra bottle, which is the brand’s lightest 70cl scotch
whisky glass bottle and could potentially be the lightest in the world. The
company aspires to reduce the weight of its glass packaging and lower its
packaging-related carbon emissions.
At 180g without the closure,
Diageo says the new bottle was created by adopting a ‘test-and-learn’ model,
where the whisky brand worked with external glass makers to rethink how the
bottle was designed, made and transported. Apparently, the glass was
hand-blown, and the teardrop shape meant reforming the square Johnnie Walker
bottle for the first time.
As part of the Diageo Spirit
of Progress action plan, Johnnie Walker aims to reduce the weight of glass used
in its packaging, also hoping to reduce the amount of carbon emissions
associated with packaging. Citing a study by British Glass, the company says
actual savings would be project and product dependent, but ‘independent studies
show that, all else equal, for every gram of glass reduced that means over half
a gram less carbon emissions in production’.
Diageo says the technology
is not yet available to launch bottles of this weight at scale - however,
Johnnie Walker has been granted a UK patent, and a license to the patent will
be offered on a royalty-free basis to any interested parties, aiming to
encourage further progress in the industry. Reportedly, 888 bottles of the new
design will be produced and a limited number released for sale in 2025 in
selected markets worldwide, with an RRP of £1000.
The technical challenges
that light-weighting presents required incorporation of various design and
production specifications that could not have been envisaged at the start of the
journey; from the requirement of a tear drop shape to the addition of a
protective cage to allow for a round base, and the hand-making and filling of
each individual bottle to avoid damages in production. It is hoped that the
discoveries will have a positive impact within the wider industry and help
discover new possibilities for lighter, lower carbon packaging alternatives.
In July 2024, Diageo and
ecoSPIRITS announced a global agreement to distribute Gordon’s gin, Captain
Morgan rum, and Smirnoff vodka in reusable packaging at bars, hotels, and
restaurants via the ‘lower carbon, lower waste’ ecoTOTE technology. The
agreement is set to offer a ‘flexible framework’ in which Diageo can pilot and
scale circular packaging in 18 markets within the space of three years.
Laphroaig
Butterfly Cannon has
launched a new campaign for Laphroaig’s Scotch Whisky, hoping to enhance the
storytelling elements of its gifting strategy and encourage consumers to buy
Islay single malts as presents.
The new campaign is inspired
by the line of green wellie boots lined up in the boat room of the visitor
centre at Laphroaig’s distillery. These are reserved for the ‘Friends of
Laphroaig’ community, who are given the opportunity to claim a piece of Islay
land and are loaned a pair of wellies to walk to their plot. Butterfly Cannon
was inspired by this ‘overt symbol of Laphroaig’s connection with their land’
and took note of the boots’ flexible rubber, fold-over top, adjustable buckle,
and sturdy tread. It combined these features with Laphroaig’s signature green
colour, logo lockup, and an ‘L’ pattern on the tread of the boot to produce the
new, boot-shaped pack.
It is designed for reuse as
an outdoor container for such items as camping gear, art supplies, water
bottles, or other Laphroaig bottles. As such, it features a side strap for easy
carrying and is built for durability.
Chivas Regal 18 YO
Whisky company Chivas Regal
has unveiled a new look for its Chivas Regal 18, with a reported 25% glass
weight reduction on its flagship 70cl bottle and ‘fully recyclable outer
packaging’.
The updated bottle features
a taller, more rounded shape and a layered, multi-faceted label. A traditional
Scottish symbol, the Luckenbooth, is now positioned at the centre of the label
and embossed into the glass base.
The Chivas Regal shield and
crossed spears have also been embossed into the glass. The updated carton -
said to be fully recyclable - features gold detailing and a gold-coloured tin
lid.
The company states its
flagship 70cl bottle’s reduction in glass weight is expected to save over 500
tonnes of glass annually, based on FY24 volume sales. The new design brings
Chivas Regal 18 in line with Chivas Regal 12, which unveiled a new look in
2021.
The new Chivas Regal 18
bottle not only showcases Pernod Ricard’s dedication to luxury with its refined
design but also highlights ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact. By
reducing glass weight and transitioning to fully recyclable outer packaging, they
are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future. The new Chivas
Regal 18 bottle will be rolling out globally from Oct 2024.
An All-New Look For Chivas
Regal 12 YO
Starting 2022, the same,
signature 12-year-old blended smooth Scotch whisky was levelled up with a
bolder bottle in a richer shade of ruby. You’ll still see the familiar rounded
shoulders of the bottle design, but it now stands taller and prouder – and on
greener credentials, too. The 12 years spent in the cask are honoured with bold
XII numerals, sitting below the sleeker, emblematic Chivas Regal crest, which is
etched carefully into the capsule and glass.
In 2021, the first carton
was produced which depicted scenes from Scottish history and folklore. King
Robert the Bruce on his battle charger and scenes from the Battle of
Bannockburn were embossed into the foil carton, alongside images showing
Highland dress in the 16th to 19th centuries. The Chivas Brothers Crest also
depicted King Robert, with the Gaelic motto ‘Treibhireas Bunaiteachd’
(translated to ‘fidelity and stability)’ above him. The new Chivas Regal 12
bottle pays homage to its incredible history, while turning boldly to the
future.
Chivas Regal 12 now uses
100% recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging materials as we accelerate
towards our 2025 target of 100% recyclable, reusable, compostable or bio-based
packaging, which will save 92 tonnes of plastic per year. The reduced weight of
the new Chivas Regal 12 bottle saves more than 1,000 tonnes of glass each year,
with its completely plastic-free packaging saving 2.3 million plastic bottles.
Lastly, all-new delivery boxes lessen the energy needed in the recycling
process. Together, these components contribute substantially to reducing
Chivas’ CO2 emissions.
This year's collection is a
continuation of the Spirited Xchange that delves deeper into flavour
exploration, experimenting with various cask combinations that challenge
expectations, essentially about curiosity and what happens when you challenge
yourself to think ‘what if’. This has led Diageo to explore a variety of
exciting maturation techniques, from selecting a novel combination of casks for
The Singleton, to taking both Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red wine
casks to finish Mortlach and bringing a totally new dimension of flavour to its
unmistakably umami identity.
The Diageo Annual Special Release is a selection of
whiskies that fans of great malts eagerly await each year. Each release now
consists of eight whiskies; Diageo has more than 30 distilleries, some more
active than others, from which it can source these whiskies. Collectors around
the world usually chase each Release with unbridled fervor, hopefully to drink
and share these gems, but we all know that some will be squirrelling these
bottles away for a future date…
The Special Releases 2024 collection unveiled in New York on 30 Sep 2024
continues the Spirited Xchange theme. While the first year of Spirited Xchange
broke boundaries in whisky-making by blending global cultures and innovative
flavours, this year's collection dares to ask, "What if?" Diageo aims
to challenge expectations, offering fresh perspectives that push the limits of
flavour and craftsmanship for its iconic brands, showcasing its confidence and
unwavering dedication to excellence.
Every whisky in this collection serves as a
stage for innovation. It’s a journey to reimagine the essence of some of the
world’s most iconic brands, using experimental cask pairings and surprising
flavour profiles. The expertly curated ‘Spirited Xchange: Second Edition'
delves into unexplored realms of aroma and taste. The primary opening line in each case is: What if?
This collection, while
a compilation of rare and unique single malts that explore new flavours and
maturation techniques, includes five brands that featured last year, in
different form, of course and three new names. New for 2024 are the Benrinnes 21 Year Old; an unpeated Caol Ila that is not something seen often and a Glen Ord product, a 14-YO Singleton. A new version of Roseisle 12 Year Old which appeared in 2023 for the first time, and now gets a very similar follow-up, completes the lineup.
All whiskies are youngish to middle-aged, between 8 years and 14 years old, with the Benrinnes being the only release that is quite a bit older. As always, each whisky in the
collection is bottled at natural cask strength and without chill-filtration to
ensure it is presented in its undiluted authentic flavour.
Prices for the 2024 collection are about in
line with previous years—it opens at just $105 for a uniquely finished 8 year
old Talisker, and tops off at $480 for the ultra-aged Benrinnes. Their quality
justifies their price, says Diageo, trolled last year for unjustified prices.
Not only did many European retailers refuse to take bulk orders, but prices at several
retailers also dropped within three months of first release. Expressions of expensive releases are fairly easily available today at marked down prices:
Talisker Tidal Churn: An
8-year-old Talisker matured in bourbon casks and finished in stone-spun and
re-toasted American oak
Oban Coastal Orchard: A
10-year-old Oban aged in refill American oak and partially finished in
oloroso-seasoned American oak
Roseisle Origami Kite 2: A
second release from Speyside distiller Roseisle
Lagavulin Fireside Tales: A
Lagavulin with an ABV of 57.4%
Mortlach Midnight Dusk: A
Mortlach with an ABV of 57.5%
Benrinnes Grand Crescendo: A
21-year-old Benrinnes
Caol Ila Ambrosial Feast: An
11-year-old Caol Ila with a creamy, nutty mouthfeel and green apple flavors
The Singleton of Glen Ord
Autumn Walk: A Reappearing Singleton with an ABV of 54.7%
Talisker 8 YO ‘Tidal Churn’ 58.7% ABV OB
RRP £89.95
Finished in stone-spun Oak casks
“What if a whisky
could channel the power of ocean tides?”
This 8 YO Talisker was matured in both
refill and first-fill bourbon casks. It was finished in stone-spun oak casks, wherein
stone is rotated against the wood, gently eroding the existing char which is then
gently washed away by flowing water, and again in re-toasted American oak.
Singularly unusual casks which foster singularly unusual flavours. That initiates the answer!
Dive deep into the elemental power of the
ocean with Talisker 8 Year Old - Tidal Churn, an expression that channels the
raw energy of the tides allowing fruity notes of pear, apple, and vanilla to
emerge with bold clarity. The finished whisky, old gold in colour with an amber
hue and thick and slow beads is a testament to Talisker’s
maritime heritage, where waves of seaweed, pepper, spices, pear and apple rise
beneath the distillery’s signature maritime smoke creating a dynamic tasting
experience that surges with oceanic intensity. An answer constituted!
Experience Talisker’s smoky, sea-salted
character in all its glorious dimension—perfect for those who crave a whisky
imbued with the untamed power of the sea.
Nose: TCP/iodine, plaster, kippers, wet
vegetation (peat), wood smoke, grilled lemon and pineapple, almond paste,
vanilla custard and pepper.
Palate: Bold and punchy, with the typical
Talisker brine and peppers. It's both sweet and sour, and quite peaty (although
a bit less than on the nose). TCP, tar, smoked barbecue bacon, lime juice, green
pineapple, vanilla, and wood chips. Towards the finale it gets increasingly
spicy and a tad bitter.
Finish: Long, spicy (pepper) and woody,
with an earthy influence. Chili pepper, liquorice, wood chips, nutmeg,
shellfish and salted lime.
Overall: Like almost every Talisker, this is very decent. On the other hand these slightly weird casks don’t offer a unique fingerprint. It leaves one wondering why Diageo keeps pushing out so many 8 YO Taliskers as ‘special releases’.
Oban Coastal Orchard: 10YO, 58% ABV, RRP £108.95
Finished in charred American oak barrels
seasoned with Oloroso sherry.
“What if the
smallest seed could give rise to a magnificent orchard?”
Discover the charm of Oban 10 Year Old - Coastal Orchard, a whisky that evokes the vibrant beauty of a sea-sprayed orchard in full bloom. Hailing from one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, this exquisite 10 year old expression marries the rugged coastal influence with delicate orchard sweetness.
Oban’s Coastal Orchard is a vibrant expression that has been aged and harmoniously blended in American oak refill barrels and then partially finished in new freshly charred American oak barrels that have been seasoned with oloroso Sherry,
creating a flavour profile of coastal air and rich orchard fruits. One doesn't see that many cask strength Oban releases on the market, and it is always a nice refreshing change to try this Highland malt with a little sherry cask influence. The quest is straightforwrd: "What if the smallest seed could give rise to a magnificent
orchard?" As the answer, begin with "imagine the humblest of seeds taking root deep within a coastal bay. A
magnificent sea-sprayed orchard blooms, born of a tiny shell."
Continue on that line: With every tide’s fall a harmonious burst
of flora ripples with warm waves of nectar, bathing the coast in aromatic
bounty. Oban Distillery is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries but its
whiskies thrive with imposing character. This 10-year-old expression is matured
in refill casks, before being selectively finished in newly charred American
oak barrels, freshly seasoned with oloroso sherry, imparting baked apple notes
and subtle wisps of sea salted vanilla. Expect notes of charred oak, a bouquet
of spiced nutmeg, sweet cinnamon and hints of clove. There you have it!
Nose: Worty malt, good bourbon casks with
moderate caramel and vanilla plus soft coconut and milk lolly-geared lactones,
orchard stone fruits and a bit of marzipan nuttiness.
Palate: Way more sherry driven, a bit
vinous plus some mushroom/ nutty undertones. Some nice crunchy white fruits
running underneath plus hints of melon and peach, soft cask spices with
lactones and still a wee twinge of new-make. If your dram is from the lower
half of a 2-month old opened bottle, some oak/sherry extractive flavours come
up; since it is still a bit young to have had sufficient interaction, it does
still play a touch young. The rancio is very appealing, especially for those
that are big fans of Amontillado.
Overall: A testament to Oban Distillery’s artistry, this limited-edition release is both verdant and lush, with a fragrant, sweet-spiced character that speaks to its coastal heritage. Perfect for those seeking a whisky that blends coastal freshness with a richly layered orchard sweetness.
Matured in a combination of first-fill
ex-bourbon and refill casks.
“What if simplicity made
for perfection, like the folds of a kite?”
A paper kite swirls in the Scottish sky.
Simple and delicate, it rides the highland winds with wondrous endurance. Each
lift is a testament to artisanship.
From the cutting-edge Roseisle Distillery, their
second-ever expression boasts smoothly integrated aromas and soaring tastes
that defy the complexity of its marriage of three spirit streams in distinctly
different cask types. The Malt Master evokes a sublime Single Malt Scotch
Whisky that soars with profound flavour, building on the folds of a previous
flight, born of seemingly simple elements, matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon and
refill casks for 12 years.
A paper kite swirls in the Scottish sky.
Simple and delicate, it rides the highland winds with wondrous endurance. Each
lift is a testament to artisanship. The second ever expression from the cutting-edge
Roseisle distillery evokes a sublime Single Malt Scotch that soars with
profound flavour, building on the folds of a previous flight, born of seemingly
simple elements.
Matured in first fill ex-Bourbon and refill casks, the deep
amber medium-bodies spirit embedded with coppery lights provide rich flavours
blossoming with smooth creamy texture. Notes of ripe fruit and white chocolate
lie beneath the sweet vanilla aroma. Nuanced spice balance warm complexity, leading
to an experience of pure harmony from technical artistry with very fine beading
and good legs. Precise refinement to achieve exquisite balance.
Nose: Sweet vanilla, ripe fruit, and creamy white chocolate aromas.Pleasantly
mild, wine-like, supported by a slightly tart fruitiness reminiscent of unripe
redcurrants.
Palate: Hints of vanilla icing and vanilla
ice cream, balanced at once by a spirit-spicy complexity that carries a rich
fruitiness.
Finish: Quite long, finishing richly sweet
and lightly spicy with a controlled peppery warmth.
Overall: With its graceful composition,
Origami Kite II is a whisky that elevates the senses, offering a refined yet
powerful expression born of simplicity and precision. Can be had neat or on the rocks.
Matured in classic first-fill
ex-bourbon and refill casks.
“What
if smoke was tamed into inviting sweetness?”
This 12 year old
Lagavulin is billed as far softer, subtler, and sweeter than the Islay
distillery’s usual smoky, phenolic offerings, a result of extended time spent
in a combination of bourbon barrels, re-fill American oak hogsheads, and
re-fill European oak butts.
Awaken a Scotch whisky
that bears the tales of oak, like a warm memory that takes hold. Just as Islay
folk fall quiet settling into fireside storytelling, and a burning fire turns
to gentle embers, and open the gateway to the revelation of a softer dimension to the legend of Lagavulin.
The Lagavulin
character becomes sweeter and gentler in this medium-bodied expression thanks
to its maturation in first-fill bourbon and refill casks for a lush and glazed
aroma. A classic phenolic and powerful Lagavulin, this unusual expression shows
that there can also be a softer, sweeter, spicier side to the mighty king of
Islay. This is Lagavulin character made sweet under the command of active oak.
Bold smoke quietened to a hush, a testament to oak’s dynamic influence on bold
character: powerful peat tempers into inviting sweetness. Therein lies the
answer. Made for the curious at heart. Expect notes of thick
toffee, vanilla, and coconut, unfurling with aromatic spice.
Nose: Drying in feel,
and quite gentle. Fresh, clean phenols rise to the fore at once with aromas of
a smoldering bonfire on a distant beach.
Palate: Smoothly
creamy and really mouth-filling in texture, very sweet to taste at first then
quickly drying, with a sprinkling of salt and a controlled smokiness.
Finish: Long, finally
powerfully smoky and drying, with a twist of warming spice that also lingers in
the aftertaste.
Overall: It’s the
perfect whisky for a good fireside tale, a classically sweet expression of power.
Finished in Italian ramandolo and sangiovese wine
casks.
“What if a whisky could rival
the Aperitivo moment?”
Mortlach rarely gets an age statement in the Special
Releases, but almost always a funky cask finishing. True to form, Mortlach is
the sole non-age statement whisky among the Special Releases. This year, the
dram was aged in refill and first-fill bourbon barrels, then finished in
ramandolo and sangiovese wine—Italian sweet white and red, respectively—casks. Layered
crisp fruit, caramelised miso and a hint of cured prosciutto notes emerge for
an audaciously umami and fruity flavour, but that gives nothing away about how
long it was worked upon where, leaving one with a deep, bold, and deliciously
seductive Mortlach, whose wayward character with a bewitching tint in its radiance
that will take one from twilight into the night.
Step into the enchanting realm of Mortlach - Midnight
Dusk, a whisky that captures the decadent allure of twilight. Known as
"The Beast of Dufftown," Mortlach’s bold character takes on a new
dimension, rivalling the elegance of the aperitivo hour. The interplay of umami
and sweetness creates a captivating experience, layered
with earthy tones from the Sangiovese casks and the honeyed warmth of Ramandolo
wine, bold, seductive, and layered with intrigue. Truly complex with varying
interplay of sensations.
Nose: Heady top notes make a vinous first impression,
suggesting white grapes and Manzanilla sherry. Soon the aromas become fresh,
floral and fruity.
Palate: Layered crisp fruit on the palate, with
caramelised miso, the ultimate reference point for the umami—deeply savoury,
with toasty, funky salty-sweet richness and a hint of uncooked, unsmoked, and
dry-cured ham.
Finish: A wonderfully umami finish.
Benrinnes Grand
Crescendo: 21 YO, 55.4% ABV, OB, £284.35
Double matured for thirteen years in
wine-seasoned American Oak, European Oak, and rejuvenated casks with charred
ends.
"What if we doubled the volume on
fruity flavour?"
The orchestra takes centre stage for a sensory symphony. Thunderous flavour. Extravagant richness. Booming fruitiness, with the resounding bass line of double maturation.
This full-bodied spirit is deep and full-flavoured; the mature Benrinnes is a
vibrant, opulent dram that offers great waves of rich, fruity taste yet retains
a splendid balance and will be enjoyable at any time.
The Benrinnes 21 Year Grand Crescendo is a reimagining
of an iconic Scotch whisky brand through adventurous cask combinations. The
whisky here was first matured for 8 years in refill casks and then further
matured for 13 years in wine-seasoned American oak, European oak, and
rejuvenated casks with charred ends.
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Benrinnes 21 Year
Old - Grand Crescendo, an opulent whisky that amplifies fruity flavours to new
heights. With double maturation in both American and European oak wine casks,
this expression delivers an extraordinary symphony of flavours, booming with
extravagant richness and depth.
Aged for varying periods in multiple casks
to rejuvenate maturation, this 21 year old whisky unveils a crescendo of
overripe dark fruits, stewed pear, smashed fig, and caramelised apple. These
vibrant notes reverberate on the palate, creating a sensory experience that is
both thunderous and harmonious. Crafted with intentional complexity, Grand
Crescendo transcends the ordinary, offering layers of bold, fruit-forward
flavour that lingers long after each sip. Deep amber, with rose lights at first sight, one sees good beading and good legs, a harbinger of better things to follow.
Nose: Overripe dark fruits, stewed pear,
and caramelised apple, with a touch of oak spice.
Palate: Rich and bold, featuring smashed
figs, dark fruits, and layers of caramel and oak. Becomes deliciously sweet-savoury, with an unmissable lick of salt amid spicy intensity.
Finish: Very long and fruity, with warming oak
spices and a crescendo of sweetness. Dryness at the very end.
Overall: A whisky made for sybarites seeking
an indulgent and unforgettable experience.
Matured in refill, rejuvenated, and
rejuvenated ex-wine American & European Oak casks.
“What if there was a whisky worthy of mythical
ambrosia?”
A most unexpected Caol Ila (many wouldn’t
guess it so), this rare unpeated expression has little of the peated make’s
smoky and “fresh clean” nature yet brings the same urgency to a new and
compelling taste, exploring the lighter, smoother, fruitier side of the spirit.
Ascend into creamy, nutty bliss with this
2024 Special Releases offering from Caol Ila Distillery. Unusually unpeated, 57.3%
ABV Caol Ila 11YO Ambrosial Feast Single Malt Scotch Whisky can be enjoyed neat
or as you prefer. A rare expression, crafted with short fermentations and
cloudy worts, showcased in this year’s highly sought-after iconic Special
Releases collection and presented in a limited edition collectable carton
inspired by Renaissance and Rococopaintings. The aim was to
produce a creamy, nutty spirit with green apple notes marketed at full cask
strength. Both red and white wine casks were used to elevate it to Ambrosia,the food and drink of Greek
and Roman gods and goddesses, believed to grant immortality to those who consumed
it.
They succeeded in capturing a blissful
interplay between rich nutty character and delicious orchard fruit. Shorter
fermentation bore cloudy worts that made for an indulgent and gloriously
creamy, nutty mouth feel, while carefully partly-filling the pot stills allowed
higher copper contact to bring forth complementary fresh and vibrant green
apple flavours and spicy accents.
Matured for 11 years in that mix of
refill & rejuvenated wine casks in memory of the gods and goddesses of yore,
this cask make-up brings out a perfect balance of orchard fruit freshness and
spicy warmth. A whisky worthy of mythical ambrosia, Caol Ila Ambrosial Feast
invites you to ascend from Islay’s rugged shores to a realm of luxurious
flavour and sensory delight.
Nose: Nutty, creamy notes with fresh
green apple and a hint of spice.
Palate: Smooth, creamy mouthfeel with
orchard fruits, nutty undertones, and a peppery kick.
Finish: Creamy and rich, with lingering
fruity freshness and subtle spice.
Overall: A whisky worthy of mythical Ambrosia.
Singleton Of Glen Ord Autumn Walk: 14 YO,54.7%
ABV, OB, RRP £126.95
Matured
in a mix of experimental casks with European oak and Pyrenean oak cask ends.
"What if we made a whisky bathed in the soft warmth of autumn light?"
Imagine walking through a forest on the
slopes of the Pyrenees—a perfect moment of carefree joy. Autumn leaves blanket
the ground, their reds and oranges surrounding you. Golden rays filter through
the canopy, casting light across a gradient sky. That's the scenario that
inspired this single malt whisky's creation.
This 14-year-old expression from The
Singleton Glen Ord went through a compound maturation schedule. Here, three parcels of single malt were first aged in ex-bourbon, rejuvenated ex-wine casks and refill casks respectively. After 10 years, the blend was aged for four more years in a mix of experimental casks with European oak and Pyrenean oak cask ends. Ergo, an experience of vibrant orchard fruit flavours, fragrant aromatics, and grassy notes as crisp as the
mountain air, balanced by a comforting sweetness that blooms with vanilla,
toffee, and spice. Immerse yourself in a moment where Autumn's vivid light
meets the rich warmth of this exquisite whisky.
Nose: A mellow nose in feel; mild overall.
The first aromas suggest an orange cream cake filling, becoming orange sponge
cake with a hint of vanilla. Beneath this lie a faintly waxy suggestion of
flaked almonds and a light ‘green’ note, suggesting sugar snap peas or mange
tout. fragrant aromatics and grassy notes as crisp as the air unfolds. A drop
of water increases the waxy note.
Palate: A creamy texture, which is quite
tooth-coating. The taste starts sweet and centre palate, becoming tart, with a
strong hint of Seville orange peel, then drying gently as it shows its fierier
side with some peppery spiciness. A freshness balanced with comforting
sweetness that swells with vanilla, toffee and spice. A drop of water sweetens
the taste and reduces the tartness yet does not alter the overall profile.
Finish: Long, warming, and spicy, with a
mouth-cooling aftertaste. Still spicy with a dash of water.
Overall: An evocative blend of nature’s beauty and skilled craftsmanship, indulging in the vivid glow of autumn, where every sip mirrors the splendour of an autumnal landscape. Fruity and balanced from the least touted Singleton distillery.
