No Age Statement Whiskies Make Their Mark

 GIVING AGE STATED BRANDS A RUN FOR THE MONEY

As a growing number of Scotch producers admit a scarcity of aged stocks, NAS (no-age-statement) expressions are becoming more prolific, with a number of exciting new bottles launched in the past 12 months. Controversy over the emerging trend of NAS Scotch whiskies has been bubbling for some time, with numerous producers and fans lamenting the supposed loss of quality caused by a lack of age declaration in Scotch.

By law, products labelled as Scotch whisky must have been aged for at least three years, but consumers across the globe often rate the quality of Scotch, and as such the amount they spend on it, by how old it is. However, some producers and connoisseurs have argued such prejudice could actually limit innovation in the industry, particularly in light of a demonstrable lack of very old liquid.

Despite widespread contention, one thing is clear, as old stocks shrink and experimentation is more generally accepted in the industry, NAS whiskies are carving a niche in the Scotch market. 

Most whisky drinkers look to the age of a given whisky as an indicator of its quality. Because of that tendency, many whisky buffs balk when they see a no-age-statement (NAS) variety of whisky at their local liquor store. Conventional wisdom suggests that, like fine wine, the more time whisky has to age, the better it tastes. Thus, these seasoned aficionados dismiss NAS whiskies as inferior, says Joel Hauer of Scotchwhisky.com 

There is more to the story than conventional wisdom may suggest. NAS whisky should not be confused with cheap, low-quality whisky; the opposite is more often the case. An exercise could be conducted to separate the facts about NAS whisky from the myths and garner how the increased presence of NAS whisky has opened up new avenues of flavour, aesthetics, and creativity for distillers, bartenders, and whisky drinkers in a holistic view.

Popularity of NAS Whisky: Whisky as a whole has seen a surge in popularity starting this millenium. Global population has increased; so have alcohol consumers. Demand is increasing in a non-conformal young culture that is looking for taste and satisfaction, not history. As a result, once-plentiful supplies of aged whiskies have dwindled. Because fewer aged whiskies can be found on the shelves, NAS whisky has become more common.  

The older generations might align with those accustomed to drinking aged whisky, but there’s no need to blame whisky neophytes for depleting supply. NAS whisky can be every bit as tasty and sophisticated as aged whisky, and it has open the floodgates for whisky distillers to experiment with new blends that can revolutionise the whisky-drinking experience!

Although NAS whisky has experienced a popularity boom in recent years, it’s actually been around for a long time. Almost all standard blends are NAS. The once-staid Johnnie Walker has more NAS whisky blends than age stated, and it has been around for a good while, with a proven reputation of being one of the world’s most popular whiskies. 

If one sees a bottle of NAS whisky, it possibly contains a blend of multiple different whiskies of different ages. Variety can inject the perfect amount of flavour into one’s glass. The increase in the popularity of NAS whiskies has given distillers and mixologists more liberty to innovate in creating different blends. Do remember, single malts are also blends. An NAS whisky may get diehard purists worked up, but it’s an opportunity for whisky fans to move beyond age as the sole indicator of quality. Why be constrained by a traditionalist mindset that doesn’t actually reflect the quality of your drink?

Advantages of NAS Whisky: Distillers have used NAS whiskies to their advantage. Blending whiskies of different ages enable them to focus on other aspects of a quality spirit. These special elements include things like colour, flavour, and technique. Increased attention to flavour never goes unnoticed by discerning drinkers, not forgetting the wider palate of colour and other new aesthetic avenues for distillers and bartenders. Perhaps NAS is just what single malt needs – an unfettered and creative space for distillers.     

Haig Club Single Grain: Haig Club is a new brand from Scotland’s oldest grain whisky producer, the House of Haig, which dates back to the 17th century, originally named John Haig & Co Ltd, whose family included Field Marshal Douglas Haig. David Beckham is being heavily featured in the promotion of the new Diageo whisky. Perhaps worth noting is the rather unique packaging of an electric blue square bottle, shaped to look like an expensive aftershave.

Grain whisky is a little different to malt whisky. Instead of barley being used as the source of sugary goodness, other grains are used – historically maize, but mostly wheat these days. It’s distilled in a column still, unlike the attractive copper stills seen on a distillery tour and postcard, and comes out at a much higher ABV. All in all, it’s cheaper to produce and grain whisky tends to be used in blends for the most part. But there’s been an eye-catching trend of late for single grain whiskies. The Clan Denny range from Douglas Laing, and Nikka whiskies are particularly good and worth checking out.

Glen Garioch: Highland single malt Scotch distillery Glen Garioch has made a bold move to release its first ever virgin oak-aged whisky. Aged in brand new American oak barrels, Glen Garioch Virgin Oak Single Malt Whisky will be a limited edition release with an “intense flavour” that’s “not for the faint hearted”.

It’s a malt for real aficionados and this exclusive small batch really makes its mark. Glen Garioch’s intense flavour means it holds up well in a new fill cask, allowing the liquid to be fully matured in virgin oak and not just finished in the barrel. Bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky is described as having notes of chocolate cake, treacle syrup and orange marmalade.

Their coopers used the inner heartwood of 100-year-old oak trees grown in the North American mountains.  Each oak barrel was heavily charred to activate the wood’s vanilla and oak spices in readiness for the maturing spirit, bringing its own unique woody tones to the malt. The final result is a fusion of vanilla, caramelised wood sugars and oak spices – a match made in heaven and a stand out for malt enthusiasts. Just 120 700ml bottle cases will be made available in the UK. 

Lagavulin Offerman 11 Yo Edition: Created in partnership with actor Nick Offerman, Lagavulin Offerman Edition 11-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 46% ABV is a woody and peaty, fruity and spicy offering. The woody, peaty notes lead from the front, gently tingling the tongue in a cha-cha before fading to reveal a veritable waltz of sweet berry and orchard fruit notes. Aged in a mix of refilled and rejuvenated American Oak barrels, this whisky demands to be served neat in a traditional whisky glass, or with a little water for the faint hearted.

A very limited release Lagavulin, bottled for the U.S market only, this 11 year old Single malt has been matured in a mixture of refill and rejuvenated Bourbon casks. The whisky is said to carry the signature Lagavulin peatiness but with extra spices and notes of dried fruit to carry the smoke. The whisky offers a full-on tingle from the split second it hits your lips, with pronounced fresh berry character combined with spiciness. Elevated top-notes provide a more direct flavour journey than other Lagavulin expressions.

The Lagavulin distillery is said to be one of the oldest distilleries on Islay, founded in 1816. Miles and miles of peat bog in the west of the island provide the raw material which imbues the barley with their iconic smoky flavor, and the rich peaty water from the tranquil Lochan Sholum in the hills above the distillery makes the flavors so unique. It takes time, but patience is their finest virtue and rushing good whisky is just not how to take care of things in Islay. 

Oban Distiller’s Edition 2005/2019: The small seaside burg of Oban is home to one of Scotland’s oldest and coolest distilleries, also called Oban. It is the one Single Malt Scotch Whisky in which the rich, complex flavours of the Highlands meet and mingle with the peaty, maritime character of the Islands.

Balancing autumn fruits and sea air, Oban whisky owes its rich and rewarding Highland character to a very long fermentation process. The tiny lamp glass-shaped copper pot stills that make Oban’s Scotch are among the smallest in Scotland, and the liquor they distil is slowly condensed in wooden worm tubs outside among the rooftops, exposed to the salted sea air, bringing a distinct depth of flavour said to go very well with salted caramel.

Each year, the distillery releases a Distiller’s Edition that celebrates the fine work the distillers, coopers and blenders do every single year. This year’s single malt edition was distilled in 2005, matured in oak and then aged for six additional months in a Montilla fino cask (similar to sherry) for delicate yet rich fruit notes such as dried figs with honey and a hint of brine. Perhaps it’s the Spanish cask influence, but this Oban makes the classic vanilla cheesecake seem even more indulgent.

KILCHOMAN 2010 VINTAGE: Islay distillery Kilchoman released their first “age statement” expression this year, Kilchoman 10 Vintage. The single malt new make went into 42 ex-bourbon barrels and three oloroso sherry casks in 2010. After nine long years, the whisky was combined into a masterful blend of the good stuff.

Farm distilleries were by their very nature always self-sufficient and, while that is difficult these days with global demand for whisky on the rise, Kilchoman tried to stay true to that original model, rather than order maltings, but couldn’t cope.

It has two small malting floors and kilns which produce a medium-peated malt – the heavily peated with which it is mixed comes from Port Ellen. Inside the distillery, fermentation is long, helping to create fruitiness to balance the shoreline/shellfish-like phenolics, while an enlightened (and pricey) wood policy has seen a high percentage of first-fill ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks being used. The result is that Kilchoman has hit the start of its mature period at a remarkably young age.    

Talisker 15 Year Old : A terrific Talisker 15 year old, this expression was distilled on the Isle of Skye in 2002 and released to form part of the eagerly anticipated 2019 Diageo Special Releases. This bottling is the first-ever release of “The King o’ Drinks, been matured in heavily charred American oak Hogsheads, which enhances the sophisticated, peppery peat smoke that Talisker always possesses. It brings deep, smoky island flavours, with sea salt, cut grass and rich treacle being accompanied by gentle citrus fruits and warming spices.

The final result is a Talisker that offers up notes of sweet iodine and kelp, sugared malt, toasted nuts, cinnamon, caramel, nutmeg, gentle peat smoke, red cherries, slight chilli, woodsmoke, ash, peaches, vanilla, cream, and rich charred oak.

Bottled at a very generous (and rather spicy) cask strength of 57.3% ABV, and without chill filtration or colouration, this is Talisker as it should be: intense, complex and coastal. The maritime nature of the whisky is reflected by its label, which features images of the briny depths. This label is keeping with the general theme of the 2019 Special Release: “Rare by Nature”. As with all Special Release whiskies, this is of the highest quality while also limited in numbers.

Glenfiddich Cask Collection: Glenfiddich is to introduce a luxury range of whiskies in collaboration with Baccarat, as part of its Cask Collection series in duty free. The first edition to be unveiled is the new Glenfiddich Cask Collection Finest Solera, a luxury NAS 48% ABV Malt that will be available for around £1,950. The expression was created by marrying whiskies matured in American oak casks for at least two months using Glenfiddich’s solera-vatting process. A 2,000-litre tun was used to hold single malt from 20 casks, with only half of the liquid removed at any time, before being replenished with fresh casks. With new casks used for refilling the solera tun, every batch will differ.

Glenfiddich Cask Collection Finest Solera is presented in a hand numbered and signed 70cl crystal decanter – complete with a copper stopper and neck collar, plus red cartouche made with 24-carat gold – hand-blown by French glassware specialist Baccarat. The expression, of which only 600 decanters have been created, is available in exclusively travel retail outlets globally. Glenfiddich now has many  NAS expressions in the Cask Collection comprising the Select, Reserve and Vintage Casks, all bottled at 40% ABV, plus the Experimental Series: Project XX at 47% ABV, IPA Cask Finish at 43% ABV and Fire & Cane at 43% ABV. 

The Glenlivet 14YO Cognac Cask Finish: Glenlivet, the leading single malt in the US, produces a wide variety of Single Malt ageings and cask combinations, with the remaining spirit an indispensable component in some of the most famous blends. Glenlivet issues a few fourteen year-old special editions here and there. There are almost always very limited runs — special casks, limited joint ventures and pleasant Single Malt experiments. When you see the "14" you can bet there’s a story behind it.

The story behind The Glenlivet 14YO Cognac Cask Finish started as a limited edition in 2018 called "Captain’s Reserve" — aged fourteen years in ex-Bourbon and Sherry casks, before finishing in ex-Cognac casks made of Limousin oak. In the arms race that is the modern whisky industry, it was surprising that it took this long for someone to crack out a brandy finish. We’ve seen everything from Chenin Blanc finishes to Mezcal finishes, and yet it took this long for a major market participant to put whisky in a barrel that had previously matured cognac.

The flavour profile was exceptionally well-received, so it has been renewed with a few tweaks. The Glenlivet released a special bottle this year exclusively for the U.S. market, The Glenlivet 14 Year Cognac Cask Select. This expression starts off by aging for 14 years in both ex-bourbon and sherry casks before going into high-end Cognac casks for six months of fine finishing.

The 14 year-old single malt is bottled at 40% ABV and is a straightforward by-the-numbers dram with a successful brandy finish. It tastes exactly like you’d expect it to – Glenlivet with an extra couple of years of maturation and a glazing of grape-forward brandy. For $40, that’s a slam dunk.

Glenmorangie: Glenmorangie’s single malts are acclaimed for their incredible smoothness, richness and intriguing complexity. Glenmorangie has the tallest stills in Scotland. Their long copper necks – the same height as an adult male giraffe – allow only the very finest vapours to rise to the top for a wonderfully pure and fragrant spirit, bursting with fruity, floral complexity. As this delicate spirit matures, the Distillery’s generations of expertise in wood is seen at the forefront. Their designer casks, created bespoke from hand-selected slow-growth American oak, have become a byword for excellence. They pioneered the art of extra-maturation – now widely used throughout the whisky industry – and have been experimenting with innovative wood finishes ever since. Even today, their Whisky Creation Team continues to challenge the bounds of possibility in single malt, as they seek to bring evermore wondrous whiskies to the world.

A very large proportion of their whiskies are NAS. They add to the famous core Glenmorangie range of The Original 10 YO, Quinta Ruban 12 YO, Nectar d'Or 12 YO, Lasanta 12 YO, Quinta Ruban 14 YO and the Malaga 12 YO. Add to these the exclusive to travel retail bottling of The Accord 12 YO, The Elementa 14 YO and the Tribute 16 YO and one has a range of superb whiskies that remain reasonably priced. The yearly release of an NAS whisky both supplements and compliments the core range.

Then come their award-winning whiskies in their Private Edition that consecrate the innovation for which the Glenmorangie Distillery is revered. Marrying skill with vision, pioneering whisky creators have designed a series of unique single malts that deserve to be shared with a select audience of Scotch whisky aficionados. As individual as they are rare, these experimental releases captivate the single malt collector. Sonalta (2010), Finealta (2011), Artein (2012), Ealanta (2013), Companta (2014), Tusail (2015), Milsean (2016), Bacallta(2017), Spios (2018) and Allta (2019) comprise this wide range of expressions.

The surroundings of the Glenmorangie Distillery are rich in heritage and legend. Their stories have inspired a collection of whiskies with innovative cask assemblages and intriguing extra-maturations, which bring the ancient provenance of superb single malts to life, for the travelling connoisseur.The three bottles that comprise the Legends Collection are the Tayne, The Duthac and The Cadboll.

Limited Editions: There are moments which deserve to be celebrated in single malt. Every so often, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators are inspired to bring such occasions to life, in memorable limited editions like the Astar 2009, A Tale Of Cake, A Mid-summer Night’s Dram 2015, Astar 2017 and A Mid-summer Night’s Dram 2017.

Glenmorangie Signet: This superb Glenmorangie was created with a marriage of whiskies produced from two unique types of malted barley: a single estate Cadboll variety and malted chocolate barley, better known as a basis for craft beers.

The Signet was distilled twice through Glenmorangie's copper-pot stills by a team of 16 distillers known as the 'Sixteen Men of Tain'. It was subsequently matured in bespoke American virgin oak casks before it was bottled at 46%, and received no chill-filtration. While it is NAS, it uses of some of the distillery's oldest and rarest stocks, 35 to 40 years old, in this Highland single malt. The Glenmorangie Signet is an outstanding whisky of unprecedented style and taste and won Whisky of the Year at the 2016 International Whisky Competition.

This edition takes it name from the ornate square design that adorns most Glenmorangie bottles. The signet itself originated from the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, a Pictish artefact that dates back to circa 800 AD.

The Famous Grouse: In 1980 The Famous Grouse became Scotland’s brand leader and still is, a remarkable four decades. It is also the leading blended Scotch brand in the UK. Sales rose steadily, and during the 1990s, The Famous Grouse grew by a staggering 25% – twice the rate of the premium Scotch sector.

Till date, The Famous Grouse has produced over 75 different whiskies, totalling in excess of 175 expressions, from 5 years old to 40. Only about 60 of these have age statements. The majority remain NAS expressions, which is normal for most standard blended whiskies. The brand also has sold a remarkably large number of blended malts, and a half-dozen odd single malts. Most of these have come after it was taken over by Highland Distillers which was then fully absorbed into the Edrington Group in November 1999.

The Famous Grouse Smoky Black: In 2006, the premiumised peated Black Grouse was released, essentially created for the Swedish market based on their taste preferences. In 2009 the distillery started working with some heavily peated malt. The specifications were for the barley to be peated to between 80 and 120ppm phenols, and the resulting spirit is called Ruaidh Maor (a hunting lodge at Loch Turret) to differentiate it from the regular Glenturret. In July 2015, while still retaining the traditional Famous Grouse bottling, the company rebranded The Black Grouse as The Famous Grouse Smoky Black. Neatly designed, the noble black grouse, otherwise known as a blackcock, Tetrao tetrix retains its haughty look of disdain, with a feather added to its neck. The initial years had the sleek black bottle clad in a crocheted overlay, with the feather sticking out cheekily.

The Black Grouse Alpha Edition bottle has a red cork like the eyecomb on the grouse and celebrates the annual lek, where hordes of male blackcocks strut about in full splendour trying to outdo each other and win over the watching and waiting female. The Alpha uses mainly Glenturret and Tamdhu single malts, with only traces of Highland Park and The Macallan. The expensive Alpha has a cork whereas the others use screwtops. Its ppm level is assessed as between 7-9. 

The grain whiskies are not bitter or overly sweet.  They are counter-balanced by the peated malt of the Glenturret. Priced at circa £20, Smoky Black is at the lower end of the market for whisky, but for a blend a little more lavish, it has more character than most of the blends with the same price tag. Such blends remain a very popular option for those who enjoy whisky yet cannot splash out on single malts every week.

Ardbeg Supernova 2019: The Ardbeg distillery was founded in 1815 by John Macdougall on the island of Islay. As with many other distilleries there have been a number of owners over the years and a lot of ups and downs. One thing has remained consistent, the name and the unique letter A that’s been trademarked. 2019 brought to the retail market a limited release of Ardbeg Supernova. Said to be the peatiest whiskey in the Ardbeg line up, it has been described as a “peat bomb” or “peat explosion.” Its last version was seen on retail shelves back in 2015. This single malt whisky matured in ex-bourbon barrels is 100% malted barley sold as a limited release in October 2019.

Ardbeg feels a little different. It has a stronger more rugged brand and when one thinks of Islay, then Ardbeg springs to mind. The 10-year-old with a good batch is simply hard to beat when its on form, as is the Uigeadail.

The Committee Supernova from 2019 is bottled at 53.8% ABV; it is non chill-filtered. Once you’ve broken that seal, then you’re set for an enjoyable punt with its contents. This year’s limited edition bottling, Ardbeg Supernova 2019, will change your sensory perceptions of what whisky can be. It’s a full body peat that wafts into your nose. The smell is quite voluptuous, strong, yet pleasant. But its not a “knock your socks off” smoky peat smell nor is it acrid. For a Scotch, the smell seems very balanced between peat and sweetness which seems weird for the being the peatiest whisky brand. An Ardbeg of stellar proportions, this dram is an abduction of the senses. Enter the realms of sweet treacle toffee, navigate thick clouds of aniseed, menthol and soot, before finally re-emerging through a dense nebular of peat and smoke. Whisky will never be the same again.

The Macallan New Limited Edition Distill Your World Bottling:

 

The Macallan Distilll Your World, 03 Nov 2020: The Macallan's Whisky Maker Steven Bremner and globally renowned chefs the Roca brothers, owners of 3 Michelin star El Celler de Can Roca, embarked on a journey of discovery to find the very heart and soul of London, unearthing its vibrant community spirit and uncovering the unique flavours and scents that define London. Limited to 2,000 bottles, The Distill Your World London Single Cask is exclusive to specific bars within London and The Macallan Estate.

This edition (57.5% ABV) is a non-age-stated single malt Scotch whisky, which has been produced using a combination of six first fill European oak Oloroso sherry seasoned casks.

The Macallan Distill Your World series, is the next step in the brand’s long-standing partnership with the Roca brothers. They have previously worked together on a range of ventures, including The Macallan Edition No.2 which was inspired by the brothers’ distinctive and dynamic characters.

The London Edition comes housed in a presentation box featuring a triangular engraving design to represent the map of London and red detailing inspired by the city’s red bricks.

ROYAL BRACKLA RELEASES NEW RANGE OF LAST GREAT MALTS

 THIS TIME IT COMPRISES 12, 18 AND 21 YEAR OLD EXPRESSIONS

Image: Scotchwhisky.com

Whisky making has taken place on its site since 1817, when a Captain William Fraser took out a licence for his Brackla distillery. Fraser’s whisky was well-received and, in 1835, it was the first to be granted a Royal Warrant and the rights to call itself Royal Brackla. Whisky from Brackla was known as ‘The King’s Own Whisky’, a blended malt. In 1879, it became closely associated with blending. The whisky was also reported to be a favourite of Queen Victoria when she ascended to the throne shortly afterwards, and was one of the malts from which famed commercialised blender Andrew Usher created the first blended whisky in the 1860s.

Royal Brackla remained a quiet producer of malt for blending until 2014, when Dewar’s announced that a five-strong range of single malts would be launched in 2015, part of a company-wide programme dubbed The Last Great Malts. In October 2019, Dewar’s unveiled plans for a revamped Royal Brackla range, comprising 12-, 18- and 21-year-old expressions, bottled at a higher strength of 46% ABV, without caramel colouring and each finished in different ex-Sherry casks. The new range was due to be rolled out from spring 2020.

Royal Brackla 12 Years Old, finished in ex-oloroso Sherry casks, is said to contain ‘the full bodied spice of oloroso and the bright summer breeze of Royal Brackla’ and will be priced at US$79.99.

The range’s 18-year-old is finished in ex-Palo Cortado casks and is said to be ‘enticing and complex’ with ‘big, succulent soft fruits’ on the palate, priced at US$154.99.

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old, finished in a combination of ex-Pedro Ximénez, oloroso and Palo Cortado casks, is said to contain ‘syrupy toffee notes with richly fragrant summer berries’ and will be priced at US$279.99.

The revamped range replaces Royal Brackla’s original 12-, 16- and 21-year-old expressions.

These days, not much is heard of Royal Brackla, although this is an old and, as evidenced above, historic brand. After major renovations in 1966 and 1997, Royal Brackla was sold by Diageo to Bacardi-Martini, who incorporated it into their Dewar's portfolio (also acquired from Diageo). The vast majority of Brackla's spirit now goes into Dewar's White label and Bacardi's other blends.

The distillery set-up is all about creating and then capturing esters – the fermentation is long, the lyne arms of the stills are angled upwards, the copper conversation a long one, the reflux plentiful. As well as having this fresh, perfumed fruitiness Brackla also possesses a clean acidity, and it is this which allows a cut though the powerful flavours given during ageing in ex-Sherry casks, the maturation style chosen by Dewar’s for its single malt releases. Scotchwhisky.com

 Bacardi does little to promote Royal Brackla, preferring to spend its malt marketing money on Aberfeldy. For this reason the malt is rarely seen on shop shelves. A 10 year-old is the standard bottling, although an official 25 year-old was briefly available several years ago. Independent bottlings of Royal Brackla are relatively regular, with Gordon & Macphail and Douglas Laing occasionally releasing interesting expressions. The 16 year old release from the Royal Brackla single malt Scotch whisky range, was perhaps the pick of the bunch with an abundance of spicy Oloroso character. It's also beautifully presented, with a particularly large punt.

JOHNNIE WALKER 200th YEAR AND OTHER SPECIAL RELEASES

 BOUQUET OF RARE RELEASES FROM JOHNNIE WALKER

THE 28 YEAR OLD MIDNIGHT BLEND

Released by Johnnie Walker, this 28 Year Old Midnight Blend is a limited-edition whisky and the fifth and final blend of the John Walker & Sons Private Collection.

A truly indulgent whisky, this blend features aged whiskies from distilleries including Cambus (grain) in the Lowlands, Strathmillon in Speyside, Caol Ila on Islay and Clynelish in the Highlands. When it comes to flavour, Midnight Blend’s complex character is layered with butterscotch, caramel and toffee flavours and a touch of fruitiness and spice.

The John Walker & Sons Private Collection is a series of annual, limited edition Scotch whiskies featuring extremely rare – and in many cases irreplaceable – casks of their finest single malt and grain whiskies drawn from the four corners of Scotland. It celebrates the innovative spirit and passion of the whisky experts, as they explore the rich flavours innate to Johnnie Walker.

The 28 Year Old Midnight Blend is the collection’s richest and most indulgent Scotch yet. It is a sybarite’s whisky, to be savoured after dinner. Only 3,888 individually numbered collectible decanters have been released,each bottle containing rare and precious whiskies aged for a minimum of 28 years.

200th Anniversary Releases

Johnnie Walker has launched three new whiskies and a limited-edition bottle design for its Blue Label expression to commemorate its 200th anniversary. The brand’s three new expressions are Johnnie Walker Legendary Eight, John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend, and John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend.

Johnnie Walker Legendary Eight is a blend of whiskies from eight ‘legendary’ distilleries that were operating when the brand was established in 1820. Its flavour profile is described as ‘smooth and mellow’.

John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend gains its inspiration from the launch of the brand’s Old Highland Whisky expression in the 1860s, which became the company’s first internationally distributed product. This ‘rich and complex’ spirit is based on ‘the flavours found in the Walker family’s grocery store in the 1860s’, and the blend contains whiskies made in distilleries operating in that time period.

John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend also takes the Walker family grocery store as inspiration, this time ‘re-imagining the exotic flavours that shaped his imagination. The expression is made with whiskies that are all aged a minimum of 28 years, with components from now-defunct distilleries including Pittyvaich, Cambus and Port Ellen.

In addition, the brand has unveiled a new limited-edition pack design for its Blue Label bottling, themed around the cities and countries that have played a role in the brand’s evolution. It features illustrations of landmarks and symbols that represent these locations.

The four new releases will be available from October on a limited basis.

The Masters’ Edition: The First 50 Year Old Johnnie Walker

  

The John Walker Masters' Edition is an elegant and triple-matured Scotch whisky that has been crafted from six exceptionally rare whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 50 years. The whiskies in the The John Walker Masters' Edition have been drawn from ancient distilleries that existed during the lifetime of founder John Walker (1805-1857). Five of the six distilleries whose irreplaceable whiskies feature in The John Walker Masters' Edition now lie silent.

The Edition features single malt whiskies drawn from some of the oldest available stocks from the closed Glen Albyn and Glenury Royal distilleries  and the much-celebrated Blair Athol distillery, which stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The three grain whiskies used in its crafting are drawn from the ghost distilleries of Caledonian, Cambus and Port Dundas.

Only 100 bottles of The John Walker Masters' Edition have been created. This exclusive Scotch whisky takes its name from the masterly expertise in whisky as well as presentation. A special release of The John Walker, it is presented in a bespoke, individually numbered, rare double-cased black crystal Baccarat decanter and comes housed in an elegant cabinet.

The Edition is a triple-matured Scotch whisky. Finished in small batches in a bespoke marrying cask made of 100 year oak staves. It has a natural cask strength ABV of 43.3% and an RRP of $25,000 (US). It is available in limited, selected markets.

This whisky is one of the most expensive blends ever produced. The top spot belongs to Royal Salute’s Tribute to Honour, which is priced at £150,000 a bottle. While the John Walker Masters’ Edition is older than the Tribute to Honour, Royal Salute’s parent company, Pernod Ricard, has also just released its own 50-year-old blend with Chivas Regal.

Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve

                             

The second release in Johnnie Walker's Master's Edition series sees a 40 Year Old expression in the market. Launched globally in March 2020, and limited to just 398 bottles, this Ruby Reserve is a rich, perfectly balanced 40-year-old Scotch, made in celebration of Master Blender Jim Beveridge’s ruby anniversary at Johnnie Walker by exploring whiskies that have matured for at least four decades, including expressions that were amongst the first whiskies Jim worked with.

From the very finest casks in the Johnnie Walker reserves, eight exquisite hand-selected whiskies have been picked, including whisky from the ‘ghost’ distilleries of Cambus, Carsebridge, Pittyvaich and Port Ellen. These rare whiskies are balanced beautifully with highly-aged expressions from the distilleries of Talisker, Royal Lochnagar, Glendullan and Cragganmore. The incredibly rare blend is priced at £15,000 (approx $19,450).

The ‘ghost’ whiskies from Cambus, Carsebridge and Pittyvaich bring layers of rich fruit flavour and are combined with the flavours of dark chocolate, plums and cherries found in the wonderfully aged expressions of Royal Lochnagar, Glendullan and Cragganmore and the soft aromatic sea salt notes of Talisker and Port Ellen – creating a beautiful, full-bodied whisky.The liquid is presented in a decanter befitting of its opulence. The Baccarat crystal decanter has a beautiful, hand-crafted golden-red colour to represent Jim’s ruby anniversary. It is also a hallmark of Baccarat’s finest pieces. To create it, clear crystal is gradually fused with 24-carat gold powder at exactly 540°C to achieve the iconic golden red finish.

 

Spirits Business Awards Limited By Covid-19

 TOP 10 AWARD-WINNING SCOTCH WHISKIES

The global Covid-19 pandemic saw many brands unable to submit products to the original Scotch Whisky Masters competition as planned. The Spirits Business therefore staged a second virtual tasting of Scotch whiskies in September 2020, yielding a large number of Master, Gold and Silver medals across diverse categories.

Single Malt: Highland & Islands-Ultra Premium
Glengoyne 18 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky:  

 

Just north of Glasgow, near the edge of the Highlands in the Campsie Fells, lies Dumgoyne Hill. Thanks to the crystal clear burn which carves its way down the hillside, the area became a favoured spot of illicit distillers. At one time, as many as 18 stills were said to be in operation in the vicinity.

One of them was owned by George Connell of Burnfoot Farm who applied for a distilling license in 1833, ten years after the passing of the infamous excise act of 1823. Over the years, Connell’s Burnfoot distillery would eventually come to be known as Glen Guin (valley of the wild geese) later anglicised to Glengoyne.

Despite its relatively southern location, Glengoyne is considered a Highland distillery as it stands a small fraction north of the designated line which separates the region from the Lowlands. This allowed Connell the benefit of the tax breaks offered to highland distillers whilst he could also enjoy access to the markets of Glasgow just 15 miles away.

Today, Glengoyne is owned by Ian MacLeod distillers. After increasing the sites production capacity, the current owners have seen the brand grow to become a well established fixture in the single malt market with a reputation for quality and consistency. The core range begins with a standard 10 year old and culminates in an exquisite 25 year old, with the proportion of sherry matured spirit in the blend generally increasing in older variants.

Glengoyne Distillery is known to have the slowest distillation in Scotland. Introduced in 2012, the Glengoyne 18 Year Old was revamped to replace the Glengoyne 17 Year Old. From the Highlands of Scotland, this single malt is matured in a mix of refill sherry casks and a generous portion of first-fill sherry casks. The packaging shows off the stunning golden tone and inviting glow imparted by the lengthy maturation. This is a wonderfully warming whisky for sure and an essential for any sherried whisky fan.

Sir Edwards 12 Year Old Blended Scotch 

Distilled and matured in Scotland then bottled by Bardinet (who owns the brand) in Bordeaux, France, Sir Edward's 12 years old 43% ABV is a rare blend with a very high malt content, according to traditional Scottish distilling methods. It is aged for a minimum of 12 years in oak casks in Scottish cellars. It is a Gold medal - Scotch Whisky Masters 2011 and San Francisco Spirits Competition 2012 winner.

Only the finest grain and malt whiskies go into Sir Edward’s – each one meticulously selected by master craftsmen. Blended to achieve the perfect marriage of flavours then aged in oak barrels, the resulting spirit is wonderfully rich and full-flavoured with subtle notes of wood and malt. Unmistakably Scottish, unashamedly proud and unquestionably great value, Sir Edward’s offers a true taste of Scotland.

After a woody nose with a touch of vanilla, this top quality product reveals a grainy impression with hints of prune. The long and subtle finish reveals hints of toast, toffee and candied sugar. To be enjoyed neat or "on-the-rocks".

Glen Marnoch 12 Years Old Speyside Single Malt

One of the most successful players in the supermarket genre is German chain Aldi when it comes to quality and affordability. Their range is known by the name Glen Marnoch and merely serves as a white label name to cover some of Scotland's major whisky regions. Their standard single malt Speyside whisky priced under £20 (US$25), won a Master medal. It was praised for its dominant Speyside Single Malt flavours.

There’s a great deal of interest around whisky in general whether it’s in the media or talking with strangers in pubs. You can also tell from the most popular articles on Whisky Rover that tend to be these supermarket releases including the odd limited edition from Aldi such as the Glen Marnoch Highland Single Malt Rum Cask Finish

There are Speyside, Highland and Islay variants of Glen Marnoch, meaning that the whisky will be sourced from more than one distillery. Its flavours suggest that Glen Moray, Dalmore and/or GlenDronach are in use. The fact that these whiskies were tasted blind is a positive. Nowadays, it’s all too easy to be swayed by a fancy label, famous name or marketing spin when dealing with a whisky. This award takes everythingback to its essence, the whisky. 

The fact that this Glen Marnoch matched and bettered some more notable whiskies during the judging does not come as a surprise. The quality of whisky produced across Scotland nowadays is of a consistent standard and blenders have an array of stock when producing a release. It’s a No Age Statement release which fits in with the price point and lack of information generally about the origins. Whenever faced with a single malt bottling, it comes down to the price and the whisky experience. Far too many nowadays are overpriced and deliver very little except being an official bottling from a distillery and some fancy marketing spiel about a loch monster or an ancient witch.

Kingsbarns Dream to Dram

Kingsbarns Distillery was officially opened on St Andrews Day 2014 and has been subsequently been awarded a 4 star visitor attraction award by Visit Scotland. The founder of the distillery is Douglas Clement, a former golf caddie who was inspired to open a distillery near the famous golf courses in the St Andrews and Kingsbarns area.

A Visitor Centre was simultaneously opened by the Wemyss family owners and Clement. Distilling started in January 2015, with the first cask filled in March that year. Scotch whisky has to mature for at least 3 years before it can be bottled, so the Kingsbarns Distillery shop is stocked with the range from the family owner’s other whisky interest, the award-winning independent bottler, Wemyss Malts.

Wemyss Malts’ approach to their malt whisky range is to name the whiskies after each whisky’s natural flavour and aromas to allow whisky drinkers to better imagine each whisky’s taste.

Kingsbarns Dream to Dram scooped a Master in a tasting of premium Lowlands single malt whisky. Kingsbarns’ inaugural whisky was distilled exclusively from barley grown in east Fife. The distillery’s whisky came of age in March 2018. Dream to Dram has been “primarily” aged in first-fill Bourbon casks sourced from Heaven Hill Distillery, while 10% of the liquid has been matured in shaved, toasted and re-charred wine casks.

The Wemyss family owners are from Scotland and their historic family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.

The  Wemyss family also own Wemyss Malts which is an independent bottler with a whisky range including blended malt whiskies; single malt single cask bottlings and the blended Scotch named Lord Elcho after one of the Wemyss family’s ancestors, all of which are available for tasting and sale at The Kingsbarns Distillery.

Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2009 Batch 4

In 2020, the Benromach family distillery is unveiling its new identity. Benromach single malts are made using a manual method based on the know-how of the master distillers, and are aged exclusively in hand-filled, individually weighed, stencilled by hand casks and stowed in traditional dunnage warehouses, because at Benromach they believe making whisky by hand guarantees genuine character. Crowned with a red cap symbolising the distillery's iconic chimney, and adorned with a new logo inspired by a panel formerly situated on the distillery's pagoda roof, the Benromach bottles salute the history and authenticity of this distillery, which was founded in 1898. This new cask-strength 10-year-old bottling was distilled in 2009. A real little aromatic bomb, it was aged exclusively in first-fill ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry barrels, 29 of them, to be specific, and bottled at 57.2% ABV, from which it draws its powerful notes of spices, candied black and red fruits, and chocolate. Like all Benromach expressions, it has a slightly smoky character of great refinement. A single malt to celebrate the emergence of the new Benromach identity, available in a limited edition.

The Benromach Distillery Company secured a number of medals during the competition including a Master for its Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2009 Batch 4.

Chivas Regal 18 Blue Signature 

Chivas Brothers, from Pernod Ricard, launched Chivas 18 Blue Signature, a unique Scotch whisky crafted in Scotland in 2018 as an exclusive tribute to Vietnam. 

The rich night blue colour of the Chivas 18 Blue Signature bottle represents hope, success, and growth in business. Chivas is one of the oldest Scottish Highland blended whiskies, crafted in the oldest Highlands distillery, Strathisla. Chivas blends are reputed for their premium aged mix while specially formulated with a higher whisky ratio, i.e. with a higher than average proportion of malts. As a result of being subjected to an extended ageing period in new first and second premium oak casks, the Chivas 18 Blue Signature has a rich, multi-layered flavour. This dedication to old-school distilling methods and the experience to produce only the best Scotch whiskies is evident every time you crack open a bottle. 

Chivas Regal made its debut in New York City in 1909 as a 25 YO premium deluxe whisky, the oldest crafted blend of the era. From there, Chivas Regal Whisky erupted into a global phenomenon, and today, over 4.4 million cases go through the hands of Scotch whisky connoisseurs. Chivas Regal 18 Blue Signature is a uniquely rich & multi-layered blend created by Colin Scott, one of the world’s most experienced Master Blenders. This highly awarded blend is produced using various malt and grain whiskies from distilleries all over Scotland, including its home, Strathisla distillery with its classic Speyside malt. Chivas 18 Blue Signature rewards the senses with 85 unique flavour notes in every drop.

Highland Park Viking Pride Travel Edition

The Travel Edition of Highland Park's 18 Year Old Viking Pride single malt is created from batches of 120 specially selected casks, and is bottled at the slightly higher strength of 46% ABV.

In their 18 Year Old Viking Pride Travel Edition, Highland Park celebrates doing things their own way (the hard way), and their commitment to the craft. Indeed, one crucial aspect of their craft is the marrying process.

The marrying process gives their whisky valuable time to harmonise in the cask before being bottled. A deliberately slow and unhurried stage, long since abandoned by many distilleries, cask harmonisation is what helps them achieve the intense balance that is their hallmark. By bottling their 18 Year Old at its marrying strength of 46% ABV, and using a high proportion of first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, the whisky’s delicious hints of heather honey, chocolate and cherries are intensified.

Viking Harmony is a rugged balance. It’s the painstaking result of hard work, sacrifice, and fierce dedication. It’s applying tough love and single-minded dedication to create distinctive single malts.

It’s setting up a distillery at the end of the world, knowing that harsh conditions create harmonious whiskies. It’s hand-turning malt, day in, day out, knowing that the hard way is the best way. And it’s making casks the same way our Viking ancestors made longboats, knowing that tradition still defies convention. Viking Harmony is what is dig out of a 4,000-year-old peat moor, 4 metres down, one shovel at a time… with the occasional use of a mechanical digger when more strength is required.

Nothing worthwhile comes easy. If you can appreciate that, then pour yourself a Highland Park, and raise your glass to what’s in it.

Scottish Leader Signature Blended Scotch Whisky

Distell’s Scottish Leader Signature was given a Gold in the Blended – Premium flight for having notes of “dried fruit and lots of cereal” with more of an Island malt influence than the original Scottish Leader, resulting in a smokier blend.

The brand has been revitalised with a new look and an enhanced recipe with a pronounced West Coast island single malt content. Modern, tall and proud, the bottle has clean-edged glass chamfers skilfully designed to show case the rich gold colours of the new liquid. ­The strength of the brand is also represented in the new soaring eagle brand icon, an inherently Scottish symbol, which conveys success, vision and power – the characteristics of a great leader and the essence of the Scottish Leader brand.

­The new, sophisticated Scottish Leader Signature has a more pronounced island malt influence than the Original, with a rich, smoky profile. The new range of Scottish Leader whiskies – enhanced Original and new Signature – are created to encourage people to share and celebrate occasions together, recognising individual and group successes across all aspects of our lives, large and small.

Scottish Leader Signature is an extra special whisky, combining the finest, hand-selected malt and grain whiskies. Inspired by centuries of tradition, the result is a distinctively rich Scotch whisky notes of honey and our signature hint of sweet Hebridean smokiness. Ideal for those seeking a premium blended Scotch that is a little bit different. Scottish Leader is an award winning, internationally respected, blended whisky.

Taisteal Explorer’s Single Grain Whiskies Bags Gold

Hong-Kong-based Milestone Beverages has added a blended whisky and an outstanding single grain to its Taisteal Explorer’s Scotch Series.

Milestone Beverages released its first product, a single malt Scotch, in 2018, which was praised for being affordable, versatile and delivering exceptional quality. The brand’s name is taken from the Gaelic word for ‘journey’. The Taisteal range comprises three different whisky styles: single malt Explorer’s Malt, single grain Explorer’s Grain and blended Scotch Explorer’s Blend.

The single malt is produced at Loch Lomond, one of only four distilleries in Scotland with an on-site cooperage. The distillery is famed for its unique pot stills, which have special distillation trays in the neck, permitting more contact with the cooling alcohol vapour, resulting in different flavour nuances.

The two new whiskies, Explorer’s Grain and Explorer’s Blend, are produced by Angus Dundee. The producer’s signature style is achieved due to the lye pipes, which run upwards at an angle of 15 degrees. Combined with master blending techniques, this results in an “elegant, aromatic, nutty and fruity spirit”.

Explorer’s Malt is said to deliver “mature woodiness” with a “mellow velvety smokiness” and “earthy hints of peat”. Meanwhile, Explorer’s Grain is described as having flavours of toffee and floral notes that lead to a “delicate, silky and fruity palate”. Completing the trio is Explorer’s Blend, which is said to have aromas of chocolate and vanilla fudge, combined with baked spices to create a “rich, balanced and nutty palate”. Each whisky has been bottled at 40% ABV and is available to purchase across Asia, including Hong Kong, and Europe.

The Gauldrons

Douglas Laing & Co’s Campbeltown NAS Blended Malt ‘The Gauldrons’ picked up a Gold medal. The Gauldrons, which represents the sixth region in Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts range, takes its name from the “dark sandy coves” in Campbeltown.

After serving with the Royal Air Force throughout WWII, Fred Douglas Laing (FDL) worked with an American friend largely to develop the King of Scots brand to sell throughout Europe and the USA. Soon, FDL took sole ownership of the business and set up preferred filling programs with Distilleries throughout Scotland. Many of these deals remain in place today, some based on a handshake over 70 years on.

Born in 1950, Fred Jr. joined Whyte and MacKay Distillers on a classic, quaintly old-fashioned apprenticeship. Working across all departments, Fred uncovered the secrets of blending and bottling, before joining his father in 1972. In 2015, Fred Jr. brought out the monstrously maritime Malt, Rock Island. This new arrival in turn officially formed the family of Remarkable Regional Malts.

2017 was a landmark year; Douglas Laing and Co. unveiled plans to build a new Whisky Distillery on the banks of the River Clyde. The final Remarkable Regional Malts family member was also unveiled – The Gauldrons from Campbeltown. Occupying a remote location, even by Campbeltown’s standards, on the extreme west coast of Scotland, The Gauldrons literally means “bay of storms”. But, it’s not just the dark storm clouds that set the pulse racing and the hair on the back of your neck stand on end…it’s the beachy 46.2% ABV The Gauldrons.