5 Warming Whiskies to Help Usher in the Colder Months

With the colder weather rolling in and most of us having to stay home, I thought a list of some of my favourite warming whiskies felt right. These are some of the ones I like to crack open if I want a bonfire feeling inside on those chillier nights. Now if you are not the biggest fan of smoky or peaty whisky, I may skip this list! If you love those flavours or open to getting into that peaty bite, then stay right here!

 

Bowmore Vault Edition 2nd Release – 50.1%

This 2nd release is focusing on the distillery’s smoky character and how it balances so well with the other flavours rolling in. The name referencing the distillery’s basement vaults that sit below sea level, the “No. 1 Vaults”. Wonderful flavours of stewed fruits, sweet creaminess, and of course a wood smoker BBQ!

Stalla Dhu Caol Ila 11 year – 60.4%

This newest release from our fantastic cask strength line up has quickly become one of my favourites. From the northern shores of Islay, Caol Ila has always been an understated winner in my book. This release doesn’t disappoint with that slight maritime sweetness, fresh cracked pepper, smoked almonds, and the not so overpowering campfire.

Laphroaig Lore – 48%

This no age statement release was created to represent the distillery’s over 200 years of knowledge and traditions. Lore is described as the “richest of the rich”, and I can honestly say it lives up to that. It is big, bold whisky that has waves of vanilla, dried fruit, with those telltale medicinal maritime flavours. This has been the perfect by the fire sipper!

Longrow 18 – Various

Not from the wonderful world of Islay, but equally delicious. From those fantastic folks at Springbank, this was bound to be good. Longrow is their heavily peated style and every release of the 18 I have had has been a winner! Very warming flavours of smoldering embers, lemon custard, roasted coffee, and a dry smoke.

Highland Park 18 – 43%

Couldn’t finish this list without mentioning that Viking elixir! Delivering some absolutely delicious whiskies from all the way up in Orkney. The 18 is a perfect representation of what the distillery is capable of. A very harmonious complexity that is velvety smooth and equally as rich. A soft sweet smoke, with rich honey and stewed cherries are only some of the flavours. This one brings out very indulgent tendencies.

Hopefully this list might help you decide on your next dram to savour on those colder nights!

Slainte

Anthony

Old Fitzgerald 9 year Bottled in Bond 2020

If you are looking for a super-premium American whiskey for that special someone this year, Heaven Hill has a good option for you! This Old Fitzgerald is part of the distillery’s series of well-aged wheated bourbons that are being released for each distilling season. This is the 2020 spring release that was pushed back because of the pandemic, but alas it finally arrived safely into our warehouse!

These bottled-in-bond bourbons have to be distilled at the same distillery, during the same distilling season, minimum of 4 years aging in a government bonded warehouse, then bottled at 100 proof or 50% ABV. So, it’s safe to say that to receive that designation it’s a bit stringent. And way way back John E. Fitzgerald was a treasury agent that used to patrol these bonded warehouses, often utilizing his palate for a bit taste testing.

The Old Fitzgerald name has been synonymous with quality bourbon for as long as it has been around, and that has not changed since the acquisition by Heaven Hill. These BiB releases are produced to offer whiskey lovers something a bit more special in the wheated bourbon space. The presentation is inspired by the original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter, honouring the brand’s long history and pedigree. The bottle will also don the tax strip that is a signature of transparency for Bottled-in-Bond products. The liquid inside the beautiful bottle pulls from different allocations from across their different rickhouses to pull a premium bourbon!

So if a wonderful premium wheated bourbon in an equally wonderful decanter is what you’re after, than this bottle is great for that collector…or drinker in your life!

Slanite

Anthony

“Rare by Nature” Diageo Special Releases

Fall is here and that means Diageo’s Special Release Collection has been let out into the world! Exciting Times! Sticking with the theme that debuted last year, “Rare by Nature”, this year’s collection is eight cask strength whiskies. All carefully chosen by master blender Craig Wilson to give the whisky drinkers around the world a unique look into what Diageo brands have to offer. The releases range from 8 – 30 years and offer a different look at your favourite distilleries!

The bottlings will be online soon and we will be sure to let you know when they go live! Until then, here is a short rundown of the Special Releases!

SINGLETON 17 YO:

ABV: 55.1%

DISTILLATION YEAR: 2002

CASKS: First ever release from 100% refill American oak hogsheads

REGION: Speyside

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Dufftown

An unusual and very fine example of The Singleton

Dufftown, exceptionally good at this age.

TALISKER 8 YO:

ABV: 57.9%

DISTILLATION YEAR: 2011

CASKS: From refill casks, then finished in pot – still Caribbean Rum casks

REGION: Isle of Skye

PLACE OF ORIGIN:   Carbost

A vigorous example of Talisker with bags of distillery character that is best enjoyed at reduced strength.

MORTLACH 21 YO:

ABV: 56.9%

DISTILLATION YEAR: 1999

CASKS: Finished in fresh – toasted Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso – seasoned casks

REGION: Speyside

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Dufftown

A classic example of ‘The Beast of Dufftown’, extraordinarily ‘well – mannered’ for its strength.

LAGAVULIN 12 YO:

ABV: 56.4%

DISTILLATION YEAR: 2007

CASKS: From refill hogsheads and butts selected for quality alone

REGION: Islay

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Port Ellen

An elusive aroma for Lagavulin, with a big taste, especially at natural strength.

CARDHU 11YO:

ABV: 56.0%

DISTILLATION YEAR: 2008

C A S K S: Refill casks and new and ex – bourbon American oak hogsheads

REGION: Speyside

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Knockando

Crisp and fresh, elegant and perfectly poised, this Cardhu would be a perfect accompaniment to an al fresco lunch – especially if chilled.

CRAGGANMORE 20YO:

ABV: 55.8%

DISTILLATION YEAR: 1999

CASKS: From refill and new fresh – charred American Oak hogsheads

REGION: Speyside

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Ballindalloch

A lively example of Cragganmore at natural strength, with considerable complexity, which benefits from a little water.

DALWHINNIE 30YO:

ABV: 51.9%

DISTILLATION YEAR: 1989

CASKS: From refill American Oak hogsheads.

REGION: Highland

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Dalwhinnie

A very pleasing expression of a famously accessible whisky; easy drinking at any time of the day.

PITTYVAICH 30 YO:

ABV: 50.8%

DISTILLATION YEAR: 1989

CASKS: Matured in refill and finished in first – fill ex – bourbon casks

REGION: Speyside

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Dufftown (closed distillery)

An outstanding example of Pittyvaich, proving that the make deserves to be better known, richly rewarding on both nose and palate and very easy to drink straight.

Slainte

Anthony

Key West Rum

Some of you may have already seen two of the bottlings that we have from Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. For those of you that haven’t, you are missing out on some fantastic rum that you would be hard pressed to find normally. We are the importer and distributor for the UK, so get them while you can!

Like the name suggests, the distillery is Key West’s first legal rum distillery since prohibition. The distillery was created in 2012 by Chef Paul Menta in a location that formerly held a 1900’s saloon and after that a Coca-Cola bottling facility in 1903. Their rums are Chef Distilled, they bring together both chef and distiller skills to bring out the best flavours. As they say, they are Chefs first and Distillers second, and that’s what led to the process name. They also salt cure their barrels in the ocean just off the Keys which creates a unique flavour and raises the PH level in the barrels to make it smoother. They take the new barrels down the street to the ocean and fill with sea water. The barrel is left to swell overnight, then drain the ocean water and then is left to cure.

Now the distillery produces an array of tasty rums, like Key Lime, Creme Brûlée, and Cuban Coffee flavoured! For now, we stock The Bad Bitch and the Raw & Unfiltered, both amazing rums

Bad Bitch is named after a Rum Runner called Spanish Marie who smuggled high proof rum from Cuba to Key West. Bad Bitch is aged in French Oak barrels that previously contained red wine, which creates a wonderful taste from the tannins with a smooth caramel-y finish.

Raw & Unfiltered was aged in new American Oak barrels with a number 3 char inside. Great flavours of vanilla, figs, plum, and has a peppery finish from the magnesium in the salt. A real representation of the Key West style.

Make sure to check our social media as we regularly have virtual tastings with Chef Paul Menta.

Slainte

Anthony

Forager’s Gin and Snowdonia Distillery

We have brought in some fantastic gin into the shops that are easily some of the best gins that we have ever had. We have brought in 2 bottlings so far, but will be adding more in the future. For the gin lovers out there, these gins are a must try. The freshness and quality is unmatched. I am always excited when we get gins that I have not tried, but the excitement goes through the roof when they turn out to be this good!

They come from Snowdonia Distillery in the North of Wales. I’ll give you a quick rundown of the operation.

  • Founded by the Marshall Family in 2015.
  • The first copper micro-distillery in North Wales after 100 years.
  • Founder and distiller Chris Marshall was an investment manager and professional skier before getting the distilling bug.
  • Chris brought in the best botanists, sensory analysts, master distillers, and master coppersmiths to create the best distillery.
  • Ran by Chris and a small dedicated team passionate for bringing the best spirits.
  • Focused on incorporating the local Welsh nature around them.
  • Hand foraged local botanicals.
  • Six times longer than the normal distilling process that helps release more flavours and capture subtler notes.
  • Limited 5000 bottle run per expression.
  • Have received multiple awards for their gins.
  • Their portfolio includes Forager’s Gin, Marsette Liqueurs, and a yet to be released rum.
  • The botanicals used: Juniper, Sea Buckthorne, Apple, Elderberry, Gorse flowers, and Bell Heather.

I have been so impressed with the two gins we currently have in stock and hope to visit the distillery at some point. We have received the Yellow Gin and Black Gin in stock. Yellow is aromatic floral with autumn fruits, a gin with such finesse that your senses will dance! The long maceration shows up in layers of flavour. The Black is clean, cutting edge, austere sophistication. Juniper driven with hints of rich citric tones from the Sea Buckthorne. The team is amazing at distilling these botanical and pulling out certain flavours!

Grab a bottle or two and we’ll keep you posted when we get new bottlings in from Snowdonia Distillery.

Slainte,

Anthony