CHIVAS REGAL EXPANDS PORTFOLIO GLOBALLY

 CHIVAS REGAL 25 YO RETURNS ALMOST 100 YEARS AFTER DEBUT IN THE USA

ADDS HOST OF SINGLE AND BLENDED MALTS

Amazingly enough, no Chivas family member is, or was ever connected with the Chivas Regal brand of whiskies. In 1900, the then Master Blender and co-owner of Chivas Brothers, Charles Stewart Howard, decided to create a new blend that would pay tribute to the legacy of the founding brothers, James and John Chivas. Using select malts from the 20 YO Royal Loch Nevis and other aged malts procured from the Highlands and Campbeltown, Howard found a malt-dominated recipe fitting the bill. 

Introducing the term ‘Regal’ for the first time ever, Howard created in 1909, all of 9 years later, what he believed to be the finest whisky ever made, a 25-year-old whisky called Chivas Regal that met all regulatory parameters for bottling and labelling as the oldest Blended Scotch Whisky of its era, establishing it as the world’s first and oldest luxury whisky. The ABV was reduced to 46% to make it an excellent base for a Highball. It made its debut in a specially designed heavy green glass bottle — with gold and silver trimmings as well as a cork made in Portugal — in the USA to a glamorous reception in 1909. It was discontinued in difficult times in 1936.

As the 20th century came to a close, work carried on at a stepped-up pace in the vast Scotch Whisky empire, as more and more millennials came of drinking age. Anticipating the boom, the fifth Master Blender at Chivas Brothers, Colin Scott, with the help of then Deputy Master Blender Sandy Hyslop’s wide expertise in blending, particularly Single and Blended Malts, set about creating new whiskies for the international market, while retaining tight control over the flagship 12 Year Old which was then ranked No 2 globally to Johnnie Walker's Black Label Blended Scotch.

The new blends introduced by the Chivas family to the market were:

• Chivas Regal Mizunara, the world’s first blended Scotch whisky a portion of which is selectively finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks
• Chivas Regal Extra, selectively matured in Oloroso sherry casks.
• Chivas Regal Ultis, a NAS Blended Malt, with single malts from Allt a'Bhainne, Braeval, Longmorn, Strathisla and Tormore.
• The iconic Chivas Regal 18 YO Gold Signature, launched in 1997 and then repackaged in 2004.
• The Chivas Regal Extra 13 YO honouring the Chivas Bother's 13 King's Street address.
• The Chivas Regal Extra 13 YO honouring Manchester United soccer club's 13th League Title.
• The Chivas Regal 15 YO launched in 2018.
• The iconic Chivas Regal 18 YO Blue Signature, launched in 2018 and reserved for the burgeoning Vietnam market.

Single Malts: Chivas Brothers entered the Single Malt Market too, in 2018, with its usual flourish, as elaborated later.

It was during the period of experiment and research for the launch of the 18 YO that he saw fresh avatars of the old brands that were used to create the original Chivas Regal 25 YO of 1909, the world’s first luxury and oldest Blended Scotch that was first made available in the USA and then the rest of the world. Names had changed over the century, but that was when experience and past knowledge, including that of Hyslop, came to the fore. He then decided on recreating the first Chivas Regal product ever, the 25 YO of 2009.

Only the rarest 25-year-old Scotch whiskies were put together for this legendary blend. Every drop was meticulously blended to rekindle the delicate intensities and subtle textures made famous by the original Chivas 25 YO. Some of the casks available needed a year or two to reach 25 years and Scott utilised the time to study the notes passed down the ages and the closest-to-original single malts. It was paraded with the fanfare of 1909 when reintroduced to the world in 2007. Unfortunately, the component malt whiskies could not wait till 2009, for an exact 100 years of history.

Since then, each batch of Chivas Regal 25 is built up from scratch in the blending room. The blenders bring in cask samples from extensive stocks in warehouses all over Scotland and build up the blend in miniature amounts, then assess the quality before blending all the casks together. Then a double-check is carried out, where every individual cask is nosed again before blending the casks together.

Single Malts: Chivas Brothers have a strong presence in the Single Malt market too.

The Secret  Speyside Collection was launched by Chivas Brothers in June 2019, featuring fifteen rare Single Malts from four highly sought-after distilleries. This is its biggest Single Malt collection release till date, with the launch of fifteen aged Single Malt Scotch whiskies from four seldom-seen, yet definitely sought-after Speyside, Scotland distilleries.

The Collection is a meticulously curated selection of 18-30 year old whiskies from four elusive distilleries. Each has its own rich and unique history for Single Malt fans to discover: the vanished distillery of Caperdonich, the pioneering Longmorn distillery, the landmark Glen Keith distillery, and the remote Braes of Glenlivet distillery.

The Caperdonich Collection: This collection contains the only available Single Malts from this distillery, which was taken down in 2011. 

The Longmorn Collection: Blending unique insights in technology and craft, Longmorn was designed by founder John Duff in 1894 to create a whisky of outstanding quality. One of Scotland’s best kept secrets, Longmorn has long been considered world class by distillers, blenders and connoisseurs, often referred to as ‘every distiller’s favourite apart from their own.’

The Glen Keith Collection: This batch marked the first official age-statement release this century from the landmark distillery.

The Braes of Glenlivet Collection: This series was the first official bottling from one of the highest distilleries in Speyside.

The Chivas Regal Extra 13 YO Scotch Whisky

BOTTLED SEPARATELY FOR TWO CAUSES:

Brand: Chivas Regal Extra 13, Selectively Finished in American Rye Cask

Type: Blended Scotch Whisky 13 YO   40% ABV  70/75 cl

The Chivas Extra 13 Blended Scotch Whisky selectively finished in American Rye Casks (L) is inspired by the Chivas Brothers’ 13 King Street Emporium in Aberdeen, where they imported different spirits, exotic spices, and luxury food items from across the globe. Imparting its own unique combination of characteristics onto the Chivas blend, this finish brings new and contrasting flavour notes to the spirit for the first time.

The Chivas Regal Extra 13 YO (R) was created as a new line of whiskies dedicated to Manchester United and used to support the Beyond Sport Foundation, which promotes the use of sport to address social issues in communities around the world. This particular release was their 13 YO Scotch whisky, which was aged in American Rye Whiskey barrels for 13 years. The number 13, considered unlucky for some, is of significance here because it commemorates the 13 English League titles won by Manchester United.

CHIVAS REGAL THE ICON
BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

The pinnacle of the Chivas range. This iconic blend is made up of more than 20 of Scotland’s rarest whiskies, some of which are from ghost distilleries now lost forever. A skilfully balanced blend that moves from irreplaceable casks to a handcrafted crystal decanter, Chivas The Icon takes centre stage in any drink cabinet. Because success is a blend, in life and in Scotch. After all, Chivas Regal The Icon is Scotch whisky crafted to perfection. Coveted by whisky aficionados the world over, these precious rare malts are blended together and matured to craft a timeless icon that’s only released in highly limited qualities every year.

For more than a century, the name Chivas Regal has represented a promise of excellence, setting the standard for luxury Scotch whisky. Chivas The Icon is a blend for contemporary connoisseurs who wish to taste a new era of luxury. A taste of the past, yet an icon for the future. This exclusive whisky is best drunk neat, on the rocks or with a drop of water.

Each decanter used for Chivas The Icon is hand-blown and hand-finished by dedicated master craftsmen at Dartington Crystal. Etched with careful precision and dressed in finely crafted metalwork ensures a sublime finish reminiscent of the iconic green Chivas Regal bottle that captivated high society over a century ago.

Addenda:

Alan Winchester, Master Distiller, The Glenlivet, Pernod-Ricard-owned Chivas Brothers, expands on this special collection:

Q: How did the idea of the Secret Speyside collection come about?

We know the global whisky community is constantly seeking rare and exciting expressions to add to its collection. When our experts unearthed 15 single malt whiskies from four of Speyside's revered, yet seldom-seen, distilleries, we knew we could create a truly remarkable collection. We wanted to give whisky connoisseurs a chance to discover these hidden treasures. With Speyside's rich history and heritage in distilling some of the best whiskies in the world, we saw an opportunity to create a collection that would not only taste impeccable but also inspire the drinkers to discover the fascinating stories behind the bottles.

Q: When you picked these 18-30-year-old whiskies, what were the criteria for selecting the four distilleries that you picked?

Firstly, the liquids had to be of the highest quality, showcasing the flavours from across the region. The four distilleries boast individual characteristics, meaning that while all are from the Speyside region, each produces different-tasting liquids, which gives the collection a great deal of depth - there truly is something for everyone.

Secondly, but of equal importance, was that the distilleries had to encapsulate Speyside's rich heritage and have a story to tell. The four distilleries we chose to serve as a testament to the region because they each tell their own unique tale of Speyside's history. Yet, because they remained relatively undiscovered and hidden from the public, they have become revered and their liquids rare.

Q: What is it that unifies these single malts?

The Secret Speyside collection offers whisky connoisseurs the chance to uncover, sample and collect 15 single malts from the heart of the Speyside region that have rarely been made available in the past. While they are unified by their rarity and how each distillery has a unique story to discover, each single malt is distinct and rich in character, offering unplumbed depths of flavour from smooth and fruity to peated and smoky.

Q: What is it about Speyside that makes it the 'heart' of whiskies the world over?

Each whisky region in Scotland has its own character and taste, but Speyside whiskies are renowned for their incredibly high quality, and that is why this region has the largest concentration of distilleries in Scotland, possibly in the world. Speyside sits in a fertile valley of rivers and glens and the sheer purity of these waters is one of the key elements in making Speyside whiskies so great.

Q: And why are these whiskies deemed a 'secret'- is it because they are rarely sold as single malts?

The bottles in this collection have been sourced from four of the region's seldom-seen, yet highly sought-after, distilleries, making the bottles quite rare. Some are even in finite supply and, once gone, they will be gone forever, so this truly is a remarkable collection.

Q: Have all or some of them been featured in Chivas blends - and if so, which ones?

We don't give away exactly which whiskies we use in all of our blends, but due to the quality of the single malt from these distilleries, we can safely assume that they have appeared in some of the highest-quality blends we've created for Chivas.

Q: What's of particular interest is the six expressions (peated as well as unpeated) from the now-closed distillery Caperdonich. Can you tell us about these six whiskies?

Caperdonich, meaning 'Secret Well' in Gaelic, is an extremely intriguing distillery because it no longer exists. The distillery closed in 2011 and was taken down brick by brick, meaning Caperdonich has earned the nickname of 'The Vanished Distillery'. This collection contains the only available single malts from Caperdonich, giving connoisseurs a rare opportunity to discover these precious liquids, with a finite supply. What's more, people have the unique chance to compare the peated and unpeated expressions of the same age - 21- and 25-year-olds. The unpeated spirit is full of ripe orchard fruits that give Caperdonich's sweet single malt a complex body and long smooth finish. When gently peated, a sophisticated smokiness adds an extra element and depth of flavour.

Q: Can you tell us about the Glen Keith distillery - the single malts from there in this collection, and also their age - since it's rare to find such aged single malts from Glen Keith. What is the distillation there that gives these aged single malts their unique taste?

The first Speyside distillery built in the 20th century, Glen Keith, rose from the ruins of an old mill on the banks of the River Isla, besides a deep pool of crystal-clear water, and this collection marks the first official aged release this century from the landmark distillery.

Each of the three whiskies from Glen Keith in this collection - a 21-year-old, a 25-year-old and a 28-year-old are exceptionally smooth as Glen Keith's pot stills are taller than most, giving an extra 'copper kiss' to the single malt. This results in complex, intensely smooth expressions of the classic fruity Speyside style.

Q: Can you tell us about the new expressions from Longmorn distillery - how old they are, how they were aged and their tasting notes?

The three whiskies in this collection are an 18-year-old, a 23-year-old and a cask-strength 25-year-old, each bringing a more intense take on the soft, creamy toffee and rich flavour profile that is unique to Longmorn whiskies. Longmorn has long been considered world-class by distillers, blenders and connoisseurs alike, often referred to as 'every distillers' favourite apart from their own'.

Q: And the last distillery - Braes of Glenlivet -is very high and has a unique water source. Could you tell us about the distillation and single malts from there that are in the collection - how old they are and their tasting notes?

The three whiskies from Braes of Glenlivet in this collection are a 25-year-old, a 27-year-old and a cask strength that is 30-year-old. Made using the purest water from the Preenie well, two miles deep in the Braes hills, the resulting whisky is smooth, balanced and packed with tropical fruits.

Q: Why are these malts so rare?

These malts are so rare because they have seldom been available prior to this collection but come from some of Speyside's most revered distilleries.

Q: Why are they Collectors’ Items?

This collection allows whisky connoisseurs to discover Speyside's hidden treasures and serves as a testament to the region itself. For some of these, the liquid is so rare that it's the only opportunity to taste the incredible whiskies that these distilleries have produced and would make a fine addition to any collection.

Addenda courtesy Priya Kumari Rana in businesstoday.in/ 2020-10-29

 

 

HIGHLAND PARK TO RESUME ITS BAYREUTH FESTIVAL BOTTLINGS

HIGHLAND PARK: PROMINENT ORKNEY ISLANDS DISTILLERY
REMOTE, WILD AND WINDSWEPT

For over 220 years, Highland Park has smoked its barley over 4,000-year-old peat, hand-cut from Hobbister Moor, just 11 km from the distillery. Mo other distillery in the world uses peat like theirs, dense, heather-rich peat that burns slowly and with an astonishing intensity to create a complex floral aroma in their kilns. The origins of the intensely balanced, smoky sweetness found only in Highland Park.

Although wind-blasted, the climate is surprisingly temperate thanks to the Gulf Stream, with its lack of extremes (an average of 2°C in winter to an average of 16°C in summer). Definitively perfect for a long, even-paced whisky maturation in island warehouses. The barrels are safe from the wind-chill factor.

From the heathery Fogg layer down through the dense, compacted Yarphie to the ancient coal-like Moss, the core of their peat dates back 4,000 years. It is cut out, one shovel at a time and occasionally with a mechanical digger. Regardless, it’s still not easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

16 km from the northernmost reaches of the Scottish mainland lie the scattering of 70 or so islands which make up Orkney. They were settled in by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. To this day, only 20 are inhabited. Here the conditions are ruthless, elemental and tough for making a living. This beautiful yet isolated cluster of islands is pounded relentlessly by winds that frequently reach speeds of over 160 kph in the winter. No tree can survive such an onslaught, so the moorland peat is woodless but rich in fragrant heather, which produces the unique aromatic smokiness of their whisky. In Orkney, unrelenting winds make for unbelievable whiskies.

The distillery is perched atop high ground on the southern edge of Kirkwall, and stands watch over the town. As well as a collection of ancient stone buildings, they have 23 warehouses and 2 pagoda-topped kilns. Technically, the warehouses number up to 25… it just appears two have gone missing.

Highland Park has resumed its special editions of its single malt whisky in conjunction with the Richard Wagner Bayreuth Festival. Highland Park’s first expression was the Brünnhilde of 2019 which will be followed this year by its Erda. Originally planned for last year, its launch was postponed due to the global pandemic. The third and final edition of the trilogy will be seen next year, 2022.

COMBINING NORDIC AND GERMANIC MYTHS AND LEGENDS!

Why a collaboration between a German festival and the Scottish distillery Highland Park? Beam Suntory's press releases have all the answers. Under the tagline “Combining legends" it states that the partnership recognises the shared passion for Nordic legends as much as it values its heritage and craftsmanship. The ancestors of the Highland Park team are Vikings, who once settled in the home of the Scottish distillery, Orkney. Even today, the myths of the warriors lie behind new bottlings from Highland Park, as well as Brünnhilde. The eponymous figure from the epic "The Ring of the Nibelung" by the founder of the festival, Richard Wagner, served as an inspiration for the name of the new single cask bottling. The German composer often used Nordic and German mythical and legend sources for his masterful pieces of music.

THIS YEAR’S BOTTLINGS

Two Single Cask Bottlings: In the Ring of the Nibelungs, Erda is presented as the Goddess of Earth, the offspring of Brünnhilde and Wotan (speculation as to whether Wotan will follow Brünnhilde and Erda next year is rife). Erda appears in two of the four parts of Richard Wagner's Ring of the Nibelungs. On the one hand, she is the primordial mother who represents the matriarchy of her epoch; on the other, in Rheingold, she becomes the harbinger of the end of the rule of the gods and the previous world order. To express this diversity, they decided to use two different aromatic single casks: “Erda - Earth Mother“and “Erda - Sleeping Prophet.“

The two Highland Park Erda bottlings are presented in the familiar Highland Park Single Cask Whisky sackcloth bags and are available as of today, and as specified last time, exclusively through the Spirituals shop, the official commercial partner of the Bayreuth Festival.

Official Tasting Notes

Highland Park Erda - Earth Mother

Ex-sherry cask No. 6394, limited to 341 bottles
Distilled 2006, age: 13 years Alcohol content: 58.7 % ABV
Colour: naturally dark, autumnal golden brown
Nose: ginger cake, caramelised dates, dried spices, heather and peat notes Palate: spicy, sweet and smoky, with notes of nutmeg and cedarwood
Finish: long-lasting sweet and spicy notes

Highland Park Erda - Sleeping Prophet

Ex-sherry cask No. 6393, limited to 273 bottles
Distilled 2006, age: 13 years
Alcohol content: 58.7 % ABV
Colour: naturally light straw gold
Nose: delicate lavender, heather, peat, lemon peel and fresh vanilla pods
Palate: peat smoke, creamy vanilla and honey-sweet violets
Finish: gently lingering floral and peat notes

GLENALLACHIE TAKES TOP SPOT WITH NEW RELEASES

GLENALLACHIE RELEASES NEW UK-EXCLUSIVE SINGLE CASKS 

FOLLOWS UP WITH WINE CASK EXPRESSIONS

Acclaimed Speyside distillery Glenallachie sits on the eastern edge of Ben Rinnes mountain where it is rather exposed to the elements and is often to be seen sitting within the snowline. A modern building and a distillery which is rather pleasing to the eye, Glenallachie was commissioned in 1967 with two stills which increased to four in 1989 in order to meet blenders ever increasing demand for Glenallachie malt whisky. Whilst official releases are few independent releases are more numerous with those from Signatory Vintage and Cadenheads proving popular.

Closely following their World’s Best Single Malt award win (World Whiskies Awards, 2021), The GlenAllachie Distillery, led by industry veteran Billy Walker, revealed a new tranche of Single Casks on 21 April 2021 bottled exclusively for UK specialist retailers.

Each instalment of single cask expressions highlights Walker’s distinguished expertise in wood management, using only the finest quality casks expertly sourced from across the globe, and carefully monitoring the maturation journey. Having been inducted into Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame in February 2021, Walker holds widespread acclaim within the whisky industry for his considered hands-on approach and innovative philosophy.

This latest tranche of GlenAllachie Single Casks consists of four cask strength single malts carefully selected from amongst the distillery’s extensive stocks within their 16 on-site warehouses, spanning more than 50,000 casks. Each expression is bottled at natural strength, without added colouring or chill-filtration.

This batch includes a wide array of cask types and ages; from a 1989 Rioja Barrique to a 2007 Virgin Oak Barrel, a classic example of experimenting with the influence of wood. Their single casks are bottled at cask strength to let the natural character and charm of the spirit reign supreme. This, along with the fact they do not colour or chill filter the whisky, means the consumer can enjoy maximum flavour and mouthfeel. The GlenAllachie UK-Exclusive Single Casks are available now from British specialist retailers.

The new releases come hot on the heels of The GlenAllachie Distillers Company’s much anticipated first Blended Scotch Whisky offering, White Heather 21-year-old, with just 2,000 bottles available worldwide.

The batch includes: 

1:  1989 Cask #4011 – a 31-year-old Rioja Barrique (RRSP £535) 49.1% ABV. Ageing in this smaller sized cask allows for greater interaction with the wood, which in turn bestowed elegant coffee and dark chocolate tones upon the whisky.

TASTING NOTES:

GlenAllachie 31yo Rioja Barrique, cask #4011 – 49.1% ABV

Colour: Bronze.

Nose: Ripe bananas, raisins, pineapple and hints of mocha.

Taste: Brimming with raisons and almonds, followed by pineapple, mocha and cinnamon.

2:  2005 Cask #901042 –                                            

Bottled in early 2021, this expression is a 15-year-old Sherry Butt (RRSP £110) at its cask strength of 63.0% ABV.This expression was distilled in 2005 and is of 523 individually numbered bottles produced. 

TASTING NOTES:

GlenAllachie 15yo Sherry Butt, cask #901042 – 63.0% ABV

Colour: Rich Mahogany.

Nose: Mocha, vanilla and molasses, with cocoa, almonds, nutmeg and ginger. Taste: Layers of dark chocolate, treacle and mocha, with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and orange zest.

3:  2007 Cask #6871 – 

This bottle is from a 13-year-old Virgin Oak Barrel (RRSP £99) 59.6% ABV, with an outturn of just 272 bottles. Presented at cask strength, the expression promises a nutty, gingery character.

TASTING NOTES:

GlenAllachie 13yo Virgin Oak Barrel, cask #6871 – 59.6% ABV

Colour: Sunset Bronze.

Nose: Vanilla, plantains and apricots, with orange peel, ginger and nutmeg.

Taste: Layers of heather honey, treacle and figs, with orange zest, cinnamon and nutmeg.

4:   2009 Cask #5000 – 

This bottle is from an 11-year-old Grattamacco Super Tuscan Barrique (RRSP £90) which delivered ruby-coloured spirit. Bottled at 58.3% ABV, and with its smaller cask size, this certified Organic Barrique has given notes of almonds and stone fruits.

TASTING NOTES:

GlenAllachie 11yo Grattamacco Red Wine Barrique, cask #5000 – 58.3% ABV

Colour: Ruby-Blush.

Nose: Waves of heather honey, toffee and cocoa, with peaches, almonds, orange zest and nutmeg.

Taste: Layers of toffee, heather honey, cocoa and peaches, fused with red berries, ginger and nutmeg.

AND ITS MAIDEN WINE CASK SERIES

Just a week later, Billy Walker produced The GlenAllachie’s inaugural bottlings release with its new Wine Cask Series.

Walker carefully selected premium barriques formerly used to age fine wines across France, Italy, and Spain to create three expressions to kick off the limited edition range: an 11-year-old Grattamacco Cask Finish (UK RRSP £58.99), a 12-year-old Sauternes Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60.99), and a 13-year-old Rioja Cask Finish (UK RRSP £63.99).

After initial aging in American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, the whisky was transferred into the adroitly chosen wine casks to undergo almost two years of additional maturation under Walker’s close supervision within The GlenAllachie’s on-site warehouses. As well as the terroir of the wine, factors such as the oak species, the cooperage and level of toasting were all considered in the cask selection process. Each of these aspects ultimately influence the characteristics of the resulting whisky.

The debut instalment of the Wine Cask Series features:

1. An 11-year-old expression finished in certified Organic Super Tuscan barriques made of French oak from the Grattamacco winery in the Bolgheri area of Tuscany, Italy.

TASTING NOTES 48% ABV

Colour: Rich Ruby Blush.

Nose: Waves of honey, peaches and apricots, with toffee, almonds and orange peel.

Taste: Toffee, heather honey, red berries and peaches, fused with apricots, orange peel and nutmeg.

Finish: medium, on overinfused fruit tea, clove and caramel.

2.  A 12-year-old expression that completed its maturation journey in French oak casks which previously held Sauternes, a dessert wine originating from Bordeaux in South-West France, after a medium level of toasting.

TASTING NOTES 48% ABV

Colour: Rich Golden.

Nose: Waves of heather honey, peaches and grapefruit, with hints of cinnamon and almonds.

Taste: Heather honey, treacle and pineapple, with peaches, sweet grapefruit and cinnamon.

Finish: medium, with more honey and cinnamon.

3.  A 13-year-old whisky which underwent secondary maturation in medium-toasted Spanish oak casks from Rioja, one of Spain’s premier wine regions.

TASTING NOTES 48% ABV

Colour: Golden Blush.

Nose: Waves of red berries, honey, grape must, orange peel and almonds.

Taste: Rich heather honey, sultanas, almonds and red berries, with barley sugar, grapefruit, orange peel and a hint of aniseed.

Finish: medium, on sultanas, light black pepper heat and toffee.

Every whisky in the range is available in very limited quantities, with only around 6,000 bottles per release. The bottlings are presented at 48% ABV, without added colouring or chill filtration.

The Wine Cask Series has a trio of really interesting expressions. Cask-finishing is perhaps the most exciting part of wood management because it allows an extra layer of complexity to be added to the whisky, whilst ensuring that the distillery character is not overpowered by the influence of the Oak. Selecting and working with these wine barriques is labourous but results in a great variety of bottlings: the Grattamacco delivers a nutty, stone fruit character, the Sauternes reveals an elegant grapefruit and elderflower tone, and the Rioja overflows with red berry sophistication.

GLENALLACHIE DEBUTS FIRST BLENDED WHISKY, WHITE HEATHER 21 YEAR OLD

The GlenAllachie launched its first blended Scotch whisky, White Heather 21 Year Old a few months ago. The new limited-edition offering is a small-batch blend with a high single malt content crafted by Speyside brand‘s renowned master distiller, Billy Walker.

To create the GlenAllachie White Heather, Walker harked back to his early days in the whisky industry at Hiram Walker, where he first practised the art of blending. He sourced single malt and grain whiskies from the Highlands, Islay and Speyside, which spent 18 years maturing in a combination of first-fill American barrels, sherry butts and second-fill barrels and hogsheads.

The final recipe – which includes some vintage GlenAllachie – was crafted in the GlenAllachie Distillery lab, then laid the blend down for an additional three-year maturation in a mix of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso puncheons and Appalachian virgin oak casks.

This particular 21 year old release of White Heather has been created using a high malt content which include single malts from Glenallachie along with whiskies from undisclosed Islay & the Highlands distilleries along with some older grain whiskies.

Walker used his 50 years in the industry to blend select whiskies that, when interfaced with each other ultimately amplified the overall flavour experience, a truly memorable small-batch aged blend that sits proudly alongside even the very best single malts. It’s a fine balance bringing together the character of such different whiskies and cask types.

This re-creation from the brand that was originally discontinued in the 1980’s, and which was acquired by The GlenAllachie in 2017, is said to deliver notes of heather honey, butterscotch, peat reek and hints of tannins on the nose. Followed by notes of heather honey, butterscotch, orange peel, soft tannins, peat and smoke on the palate.

The resulting whisky perfectly balances gentle peat from the Islay contribution, archetypal Speyside fruity notes, the heather honeyed sweetness of the Highlands, and a rich and rounded foundation from the grain components.

Bottled at 48% ABV and free from chill filtration and artificial colouring, just 2,000 bottles of the GlenAllachie White Heather 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky are available worldwide through specialist retailers for the price of £120 ($165 USD) per bottle.