WhisltePig Rolls Out 25 Year-old Single Malt Whisky

Whistlepig

The Vermont-based distillery has been a leader in rye whiskey for years. Last year, WhistlePig branched out into single malt whisky with Beholden, though the brand has upped the ante on aging with the Badönkådonk. In WhistlePig’s collection of super-aged North American Single Malt, the Badönkdonk is the crown jewel – a Canada-produced North American […]

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Whistlepig

The Vermont-based distillery has been a leader in rye whiskey for years. Last year, WhistlePig branched out into single malt whisky with Beholden, though the brand has upped the ante on aging with the Badönkådonk.

In WhistlePig’s collection of super-aged North American Single Malt, the Badönkdonk is the crown jewel – a Canada-produced North American single malt that has aged 25 years in American oak barrels.

According to the distillery, the expression was then finished in cabernet sauvignon barrels from Silver Oak Cellars in Alexander Valley, California. This imparted notes of “stone fruits, cedar wood, and transcendental tastiness.”.

This super-aged single malt follows the 21-year-old The Béhôlden release, which saw only eighteen barrels bottled.

WhisltePig Rolls Out 25 Year-old Single Malt Whisky

Interestingly, WhistlePig jokingly refers to this release as part of its grail quest. Nonetheless,  the company has strengthened its campaign to prove that great single malts can be produced in North America.

The Badonkadonk’s aromatic nose reveals notes of stone fruit, such as plums and peaches, that blend harmoniously with a woody cedar essence. As the whiskey lingers on the palate, a subtle smokey flavor emerges, leading to a satisfying and lingering finish.

As mentioned above, Whistle Pig is known for its hilarious approach to whisky, and its advertisements are in no way different. In its release video for this 25-year-old sport, the company has collaborated with John Cleese.

Below is a hilarious promotional video starring British actor, John Cleese (Fawlty Towers, Monty Python).

“Our single malts stand apart not only for age but also maturation in the world’s best barrels,” said WhistlePig head blender Meghan Ireland in a statement.

“After finishing The Beholden in our own well-aged rye barrels (with a wink), we set our sights on the best of California wine country. Known for their superstar Cabernets aged exclusively in American oak barrels, Silver Oak is the perfect partner to push boundaries with.”

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Single Grain Estate Whisky Strikes Gold in San Francisco

single grain

According to a recent report on April Pad a Bristol whisky distillery has won a gold medal at the world’s largest spirits competition. Single Grain Estate Whisky from Circumstance was awarded the accolade at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Circumstance head distiller Andrew Osborne said: “We don’t make whisky to try and win […]

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single grain

According to a recent report on April Pad a Bristol whisky distillery has won a gold medal at the world’s largest spirits competition. Single Grain Estate Whisky from Circumstance was awarded the accolade at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Circumstance head distiller Andrew Osborne said: “We don’t make whisky to try and win awards. We make whisky to be drunk and to be enjoyed. That’s why we do it but it’s always nice to win something shiny.”

Notably, the distillery has built its name on a ‘Flavor First’ concept that was further emphasized in 2023. That year, the company released the Single Grain  Estate Whisky as its core product. At the time, Circumstance wrote on its blog that it returned to its core value.

Single Grain Estate Whisky Strikes Gold in San Francisco

Single Grain

”At least it was until we returned to our core value – ‘flavor first’. Within our ‘flavor first’ approach is the principle of layering flavors. We use multiple grains in mash bills to add multiple layers of flavor. We use brewing yeasts to add another layer. The extra long fermentations add another layer of the ethyl lactate build up. The casks add the final layer.”

In addition, the distillery lauded the grain combination used to create the new spirit, considering it to be a unique blend. The blog also stated:

‘The result is a whisky derived from 4 types of organic grain (malted barley, unmalted barley, malted rye, and malted wheat), 3 different brewing yeasts (saison, bavarian, and mead) and three different types of cask (ex-bourbon, new European oak, and oloroso sherry conditioned).’

Circumstance co-founder Liam Hirt added: “Our Single Grain Estate Whisky is an amazing dram but it was still a surprise to win a gold medal.

Whitehall Distillery released its first core release, Single Grain Estate Whisky, less than six months ago.

“The team are extremely talented and work hard every day so it is fantastic that they have received this recognition. This gold medal really puts Bristol and England on the whisky map.”

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Shelter Distilling Opens New Facility in Colorado

When Shelter Distilling planted their flag at the base of Mammoth Mountain in California, they did so with passion for adventure. For the last seven years they have been attracting like-minded individuals, coming together to share stories and a well-crafted beverage. With the growing popularity of Shelter Distilling spirits, the team knew they needed to …

When Shelter Distilling planted their flag at the base of Mammoth Mountain in California, they did so with passion for adventure. For the last seven years they have been attracting like-minded individuals, coming together to share stories and a well-crafted beverage. With the growing popularity of Shelter Distilling spirits, the team knew they needed to expand. Looking to continue their adventure and staying true to their values and fanbase, they landed in Montrose, Colorado. Now, adventure has another starting point and a distillery there to serve all visiting thrill-seekers.
“For Shelter Distilling, it is not just about promoting a quality spirit, it is also about promoting a lifestyle, said Director of Marketing and Branding and former Professional Snowboarder Matt Hammer. “Our people have a very strong seeking spirit and a desire to commune with nature. We want to be in those places too and connect with our people.”
The new distillery in Montrose will be located a mile and a half from the airport, enabling visitors the opportunity to begin and end their Colorado adventure with Shelter. The new facility will be 14,000 square feet with a restaurant, bar and event space in addition to the production and warehousing facility. This is a sizeable increase in space from the 3600 square feet they now inhabit in Mammoth Lakes. For those of you who frequent the Mammoth Lakes location, don’t fret! It is not going anywhere.
With all the additional space in Colorado, Shelter will begin a much-anticipated tour program and will offer event space to visitors to host a truly unique and memorable get together. There will also be plenty of Shelter cocktails and good food on hand for guests.
The production facility is expected to produce 15 – 25 barrels per week using state-of-the-art equipment. Shelter spirits undergo a meticulous process with a 3,000-liter Barison hybrid pot still, enabling them to regulate the column for optimal flavor for whiskey creations. Canned cocktails are produced using a Codi counter pressure canner, while beer is served directly from kegs and Brite tanks in-house and distributed for the wholesale market. There will be something on hand for every visitor’s taste.
“In our quest for adventure and innovation, we’ve found the perfect location for our expansion—a space that seamlessly blends retail and production into one,” said Shelter Co-Founder, Master Distiller and Montrose local Jason Senior.  “Montrose offers unique proximity to both Colorado grown ingredients and pristine mountain water, both of which are integral in the delicious flavors of our spirits.”
Shelter Distilling in Montrose will open May 18 at 11 a.m. The normal hours of operation are Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – midnight.

Blood Oath Reaches Its 10th Pact

Lux Row has reached a special anniversary this year with its 10th release in the Blood Oath series of Kentucky bourbon, this one double finished in Cabernet Franc and Merlot casks. A limited supply of 17,000 cases will arrive at retail this month at a suggested price of $129.99 per 750 ml bottle. As with …

Lux Row has reached a special anniversary this year with its 10th release in the Blood Oath series of Kentucky bourbon, this one double finished in Cabernet Franc and Merlot casks. A limited supply of 17,000 cases will arrive at retail this month at a suggested price of $129.99 per 750 ml bottle. As with all of Rempe’s pacts, Blood Oath Pact 10 is offered at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV).

Blood Oath Pact 10 combines some of the finest rare bourbons Master Distiller John Rempe could find, including two well-bred ryed bourbons and one finished bourbon each complementing the others. In honor of Blood Oath’s double-digit age milestone, Rempe achieved a double finish for this year’s special, secret blend. The first finish was perfected in Cabernet Franc barrels, imbuing rich flavors of tart raspberries and black pepper. The second finish was refined in Merlot barrels.

“We wanted to create something truly distinctive and unique to mark our 10th edition of Blood Oath and we did just that,” said Rempe. “For this offering I sourced three extraordinary bourbons that could be elevated even further through a double finish in Cabernet Franc and Merlot casks, and would ultimately deliver the kind of rich, fruit-forward notes and smooth drinking experience I wanted to achieve. It’s a superb blend and I’m excited to share it.”

Lux Row only releases one new Blood Oath Pact annually, and each limited edition features a distinct and thoughtfully designed label. This year, a black label with striking silver highlights adorns the Blood Oath Pact 10 bottle. And like its predecessors, each bottle of Blood Oath Pact 10 comes in a commemorative fire-branded wooden display box.

 

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The official launch of Blood Oath Pact 10 will include a total allocation of 51,000 bottles, 1,400 of which will be held for a future Trilogy release. The first Trilogy featuring Pacts 1, 2 and 3, was released in 2018, and the second Trilogy featuring Pacts 4, 5 and 6, was released in September 2021 in conjunction with National Bourbon Heritage Month. The next Blood Oath Trilogy, featuring Pacts 7, 8 and 9, will be offered later this year.

Emotional Resilience: Whiskey Drinkers’ Secrets

Cultivating emotional resilience is the cornerstone of thriving in life. It’s about more than just coping with the downs. It’s about bouncing back stronger, learning from each experience, and maintaining a joy for things. Below, we review whiskey drinkers’ practical strategies that can fortify your emotional resilience, ensuring you stay sharp, composed, and ready to …

Frank Sinatra (left) enjoys a drink
(Credit: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons)

Cultivating emotional resilience is the cornerstone of thriving in life. It’s about more than just coping with the downs. It’s about bouncing back stronger, learning from each experience, and maintaining a joy for things. Below, we review whiskey drinkers’ practical strategies that can fortify your emotional resilience, ensuring you stay sharp, composed, and ready to make the most of every opportunity.

The Whiskey Fans’ Guide to Thriving

Creating a Solid Foundation

Start with a clear understanding of why you’re doing what you are doing. Whether you are placing bets at Casino Nine or planning a weekend getaway, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what’s in it for you. Is it for entertainment, the thrill of exploration, or something else? Clarity about your motivations provides a stable emotional foundation, helping you navigate the ups and downs with a sense of purpose.

Goal Setting for Emotional Stability

Set realistic goals for your activities. These shouldn’t just be financial. Include personal development goals, like improving your strategic thinking or learning to manage your emotional responses more effectively.

The Power of Routine

Develop an outline that helps you enter each endeavor with a calm and focused mindset. This might include exercises, meditation, or reviewing your strategy notes. A consistent routine signals to your brain that it’s time to engage in a thoughtful, not emotional, manner.

Embrace the Learning Process

View each activity as a learning opportunity. Whether you win or lose, there’s always something to be gleaned. This perspective shifts your focus from the immediate emotional impact of the outcome to the long-term process of skill development.

Social Support Networks

Lean on your support network. This could be other whiskey fans, friends who share your interests, or relevant online communities where members exchange strategies and experiences. These networks can offer encouragement, advice, and perspective when facing challenges.

Mindfulness and Acceptance

Practice mindfulness to enhance your awareness of the present moment, including your thoughts, feelings, and the environment around you. Acceptance of your current emotional state allows you to acknowledge your feelings without being controlled by them.

Cognitive Restructuring

Learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that can lead to emotional distress. Replace these with more positive, constructive thoughts. For example, instead of thinking, “I always lose,” remind yourself, “Every mistake is a new growth opportunity.”

Physical Health as Emotional Armor

Never underestimate the role of physical health in emotional resilience. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition can significantly impact your ability to manage stress and maintain emotional balance.

(Credit: Image by freepic.diller on Freepik)

Scheduled Treats

Incorporate regular treats (like trying new whiskey brands or going out) into your routine. These pauses are vital for mental refreshment, allowing you to review your progress in any sphere with a clear head and decide whether to continue or call it a day.

Reflective Practice

End each task with a period of reflection. What went well? What could have been better? How did you manage your emotions? This practice reinforces learning and prepares you for future success.

Embracing the Learning Process

While emotional resilience is essential for success in life, it’s equally important to embrace the learning process and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Every win and loss provides valuable lessons that can help you refine your strategies, sharpen your skills, and become more resilient and successful over time.

Here are some ideas for how to embrace the learning process.

  • Always Reflect on Your Experiences

Take the time to reflect on your experiences, both positive and negative. Identify what went well and what could have been improved, and use these insights to inform your future decisions and actions.

  • Seek Feedback

Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from others, whether it’s from fellow whiskey drinkers, friends, or online communities. It may help you identify blind spots or areas for improvement.

  • Experiment

Whatever you are into, be open to trying new strategies, techniques, and approaches. Experiments allow you to discover what works best for you and adapt your approach accordingly.

  • Learn from Mistakes

Let’s emphasize it once again. Instead of getting stuck on losses or errors, see them as chances to learn. Figure out what went wrong and why, then use that information to make changes and steer clear of making the same mistakes in the future.

  • Celebrate Successes

Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Recognize and acknowledge your achievements, and use them as motivation to continue pushing forward on your life journey.

Wrap Up

Emotional resilience is your greatest asset in life, turning potential setbacks into stepping stones for success. As you’ve just seen, the central idea of whiskey drinkers’ philosophy is that the ultimate goal is to thrive, not just survive, bringing both skill and joy to anything you do!

 

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon, Aged 7 Years

I’d like to thank Smooth Ambler and their PR folks for providing this review sample with no strings attached.

I’d like to thank Smooth Ambler and their PR folks for providing this review sample with no strings attached.

Hey there, folks! So we are looking at a bourbon put out by a distillery in West Virginia tonight. I don’t have a lot to say about West Virginia, personally. I’ve driven through a few times, stopped at a few places, and spent the night at a couple of others. It is beautiful country, but the last time I spent the night there, the hotel advised me not to drink the water and to limit showers to the shortest duration possible due to pollution in the city’s water supply. And, well, that basically sums up my thoughts on West Virginia.

Luckily for us, this bourbon comes from Indiana. They don’t say which distillery in Indiana, but since it uses the same Mashbill as MGP’s “36% Rye” bourbon, I think we can safely assume the origin. Which is great, because MGP makes very good boubon.

Smooth Ambler distills their own whiskey as well, but they had breakout success with their curated line of Old Scout transparently-sourced bourbons and ryes back in the early 2010s. And that Old Scout line continues today with the reintroduction of a seven-year-old expression of Old Scout Bourbon. Available in stores throughout CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, WI, and of course, WV, this bottle’s suggested retail price is about $65 and is bottled at 99° proof. According to the Smooth Ambler website:

When we started “scouting” for whiskey in 2011, we wanted to find worthy whiskey we enjoyed, bring it to West Virginia, and blend and bottle alongside the whiskey we made at home. In our humble (*cough*) opinion, Old Scout became the standard for sourcing whiskey by being transparent, bottling deliciousness, and sharing it widely. Well, it turns out folks liked it, and we’re very proud we get to keep the practice going. That’s exactly what led us to the legendary Old Scout 7.

So, since we haven’t looked at anything from Smooth Ambler in a while, let’s see if they still have their sourcing and blending chops, shall we?

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon, Aged 7 Years

Purchase Info: This bottle was sent by the producer at no cost for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $64.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.33

Details: Distilled in Indiana. 7 years old. 49.5% ABV. Non-chill filtered. Mashbill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley.

Nose: Oak, brown sugar, bubble sum, and a touch of spearmint.

Mouth: Spicy and oaky with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, almond, and oak.

Finish: The flavor blossoms immediately upon swallowing. It is medium to long and warm, with notes of bubblegum, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak.

Thoughts: Dry and oaky in the mouth. Vibrant and flavorful on the finish. This bourbon is “saved” by the finish. The mouth is nice enough but unremarkable. The finish, however, is where this shines. Which, if I had my choice, is where I'd want it to be. I spend more time with the finish when I drink whiskey than I do with the mouth. All in all, this is a really good whiskey. I like it.


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Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala: 2024 Celebrity Lineup

The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala, internationally recognized as the “premier” Kentucky Derby gala and counted among the “Ten Best Parties in the World” by Condé Nast, share the 2024 celebrity lineup with BourbonBlog.com. We’re also including below one of our many interviews with actor Stephen Amell from several years back at Barnstable Brown…. Read more »

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Kid Rock

The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala, internationally recognized as the “premier” Kentucky Derby gala and counted among the “Ten Best Parties in the World” by Condé Nast, share the 2024 celebrity lineup with BourbonBlog.com.

We’re also including below one of our many interviews with actor Stephen Amell from several years back at Barnstable Brown.

As this is their 34th annual gala, the many celebrity guests will include…

Celebrity Guest List

Cole Hauser
Kid Rock
Tracy Morgan
Aaron Rodgers
Josh Groban
Sheryl Lee Ralph


Smokey Robinson
Jack Harlow
Wynonna Judd
Tina Knowles
Daryl “DMC” McDaniels
Clay Walker
Boyz II Men
Joey Fatone

Tracy Morgan Derby
Bobby Brown
Lee Brice
Pepa of Salt N’ Pepa
Mickey Guyton
Travis Tritt
Eddie Montgomery
Doug E. Fresh
Billy Gilman
Stephen Amell
Devante Adams
Randall Cobb
Larry and Dannielynn Birkhead
Holly Robinson Peete
Jordan Smith
Nappy Roots
Martha MacCullun
Natalie McQueen
A.J. Hawk

Cole Hauser

The star studded bash is held at the Louisville, Kentucky home of Patricia Barnstable Brown. “Our historic 35th year will be extraordinary,” said Patricia. “We’re so excited to celebrate with all of our friends!”

Barstable Brown 2024

About the Barnstable Brown Gala

The celebrity packed gala, known for its musical extravaganza, has raised and donated over $20 million, and benefits the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky. Founded by twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with their mother Wilma Barnstable and Patricia’s late husband Dr. David E. Brown, this year’s gala will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 beginning at 8:00 p.m.

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Beam Suntory is now “Suntory Global Spirits”

beam

Same powerhouse global spirits company. New parent name. “Beam Suntory” is now “Suntory Global Spirits“. PRESS RELEASE Today is an exciting day for our company as we are rebranding to Suntory Global Spirits, setting the company up for our next era of growth as a global leader across categories in premium spirits and Ready-to-Drink cocktails. The last […]

The post Beam Suntory is now “Suntory Global Spirits” first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

beam

Same powerhouse global spirits company. New parent name. “Beam Suntory” is now “Suntory Global Spirits“.

PRESS RELEASE

Today is an exciting day for our company as we are rebranding to Suntory Global Spirits, setting the company up for our next era of growth as a global leader across categories in premium spirits and Ready-to-Drink cocktails. The last decade since Suntory acquired Beam Inc. (10 years ago today!) has been marked by growth across the board, including:

  • Growing from a $2.5B company to a $5.5B company today
  • Building a global team of 6,000+ employees in 27 countries, with products sold in more than 70 countries
  • Becoming the #1 global player in bourbon and Japanese whisky
  • Delivering breakthrough innovation to consumers like Legent, Ardray and -196.

The foundation for our success is our shared values of a relentless commitment to quality and craftsmanship, an enduring respect for the wonders of nature, and a passion for giving back to our communities. 

We continue to be deeply committed to Kentucky as one of our homeplaces:

  • We have a team of nearly 1,500 employees in Kentucky, including more than 600 UFCW union jobs
  • Every year, our James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Maker’s Mark distilleries see more than 100,000 visitors each
  • In the past 10 years, we’ve invested more than $540 million in our Kentucky facilities, and have donated more than $15M to University of Kentucky
beam
James B. Beam homeplace, Clermont, Ky. Photo: Seth Thompson

“Suntory Global Spirits demonstrates our global leadership and premium position in the market, while enabling us to build upon the strong and positive brand recognition that Suntory has worldwide,” said Greg Hughes, President & CEO of Suntory Global Spirits. “The dedication that Suntory CEO Tak Niinami and Suntory Holdings have shown to advancing our culture and business growth – while also preserving the legacy of craftsmanship and interplay of traditions exemplified in brands from Jim Beam to Laphroaig and Maker’s Mark to Yamazaki – is extraordinary. Becoming Suntory Global Spirits is the natural next step in our evolution.”

The rebrand is expected to help the company drive value as one global team and focus on key priorities including American whiskey, Japanese Spirits, Scotch, Tequila and Ready-To-Drink, while providing flexibility for growth in the future.

Suntory Global Spirits: Distilleries

  • Ardmore
  • Bowman
  • DYC Segovia Distillery
  • Hakusku
  • James B. Beam
  • Laphroig
  • Maker’s Mark
  • Sauza
  • Sipsmith (United Kingdom)
  • Yamazaki

For the latest in Bourbon, visit www.gobourbon.com.

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Glenmorangie Triples Down On Cask Reserve

Highland distillery Glenmorangie is tripling down on casks as they have released a single malt called Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve that has been matured in three different casks: bourbon, new charred oak and rye. Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve was bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof) and is said to contain notes of cinnamon, […]

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Highland distillery Glenmorangie is tripling down on casks as they have released a single malt called Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve that has been matured in three different casks: bourbon, new charred oak and rye.

Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve was bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof) and is said to contain notes of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, pear and vanilla.

Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve is being made available in France, Germany, South Africa, the UK and the USA for $40 per bottle.

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Review | Filey Bay Porter Cask

This single malt whisky is the first special release of the year from the English distillery Spirit of Yorkshire. The Filey Bay Porter Cask is a small batch bottling and features spirit distilled in 2018. This spirit was filled to ex-bourbon casks tha…



This single malt whisky is the first special release of the year from the English distillery Spirit of Yorkshire. The Filey Bay Porter Cask is a small batch bottling and features spirit distilled in 2018. This spirit was filled to ex-bourbon casks that had previously held Rip Curl porter, a beer produced at the brand's sister brewery of Top Wold. The Rip Curl had been matured for 15 months in ex-Filey Bay cask. This beer, entitled Rip Curl Ebb & Flow 2023, is also available to purchase in limited quantities.

The Spirit of Yorkshire distillery is the brainchild of Tom Mellor and David Thompson. It is in the village of Hunmanby, between the towns of Bridlington and Filey. It was the first single malt distillery to ever be registered in the county of Yorkshire and gives a true 'field to bottle' offering. 

They grow all the barley needed for whisky production on a nearby farm owned by Mellor before producing, maturing and bottling all spirit on site. The milling, mashing and fermentation parts of the process take place at the Top Wold brewery, which is a couple of miles from the distillery. Production began in Spring 2016 and current production sits at just over 100,000 litres per year.

Filey Bay Porter Cask is limited to just 2,000 bottles. These will be available at the distillery visitor centre, via www.spiritofyorkshire.com and specialist whisky retailers in the UK and selected world markets. It is released at 50% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. A bottle will cost £78.

Our Tasting Notes 

The colour is vibrant gold and the nose is bright and sweet. Aromas of malted cereals and caramelised apple rise from the glass along with hints of vanilla custard, candied citrus peel (especially orange and grapefruit) and milk chocolate. Background aromas of warm baking spices, treacle sponge cake and baked pear create an enticing combination.

On the palate this whisky is deliciously fresh and green with a lovely sweetness and underlying robust maltiness. The bittersweet cereals underpin all the other notes that evolve to give the whisky depth and complexity. Notes of golden syrup and spiced apple crumble dessert lead the way and are quickly joined by vanilla custard, flaky buttery patisserie pastry and a pinch of cocoa powder.

There is also plenty of caramel and a developing note of citrus peel - this has a candied feel as on the nose. The whisky also becomes more chocolatey and spicy with time. Think of creamy milk chocolate here, plus woody baking spices such as cinnamon and cassia bark. There is a building heat towards the finish that is reminiscent of white pepper, clove and fresh ginger.

The finish sees the sweet and citrus-like characteristics fade. Of these the milk chocolate element last longest. This leaves the bittersweet cereals and warming spices to do battle. This creates mouth watering heat and dryness on the finish. Something green appear right at the end, which is reminiscent of green jelly babies.

What's The Verdict?

This is a lovely whisky from Spirit of Yorkshire and we are enjoying their experimentation with different cask types. This is pushing the flavour profile in differing and unorthodox directions, which is something they seem to do particularly well. Their whiskies really seem to be coming of age now.

We also received a bottle of the Rip Curl porter with our sample, so also look forward to tasting that in due course. Spirit of Yorkshire and their Filey Bay single malts are developing very nicely and we cannot wait to see what comes next.