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129th Whisky Insiders Interview – Euan Campbell

Company:Scotch Malt Whisky SocietyJob:Head of Whisky CreationWebsite:smws.comSocials:@SMWSUKHow long have you been working in the whisky industry? I’ve been with SMWS for over 15 years. Prior to that I worked in a whisky shop for a few years too, so about 18 years in total.  What has been your biggest career highlight to date? It’s a hugely varied role, so I get the

Company:Scotch Malt Whisky SocietyJob:Head of Whisky CreationWebsite:smws.comSocials:@SMWSUKHow long have you been working in the whisky industry? I’ve been with SMWS for over 15 years. Prior to that I worked in a whisky shop for a few years too, so about 18 years in total. What has been your biggest career highlight to date? It’s a hugely varied role, so I get the

OHLQ Announces Four Roses Private Selection Barrel Strength – May 11 @ 9am Only

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced 13 barrels worth of Four Roses Private Selection Barrel Strength hitting stores for one day only on May 11 at 9am at select locations for a price of $99.99 + tax. This is the same as a release la…

The 13 bottles have the following tasting notes:

Barrel #PS-11-2V - Recipe: OBSO - Aromas of rich red fruit enchant the nose and palate, warmed with notes of oak and rye spice.

Barrel #MW-38-2B - Recipe: OESK - A nose of copious spice and vanilla opens to a rounded flavor with bakeshop notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, cherry, and brown sugar.
Barrel #LW-61-1P - Recipe: OESK - Aromas of rye spice and warm vanilla open to cascading flavors of rich molasses and warm baking spices.
Barrel #LW-41-1S - Recipe: OESV - This sweet expression features caramel and orchard fresh notes of stone fruit and pear.
Barrel #VW-90-1B - Recipe: OBSK - Boldly spice-forward, a baking spice aroma delivers a complementary sweet vanilla and cherry flavor.
Barrel #VW-90-1C - Recipe: OBSK - Warm spice, vanilla, and dark fruit combine for a bold, complex palate with a long, lingering finish.
Barrel #PN-52-1D - Recipe: OESO - A dynamic harmony of fruit flavors: ripe red apple, maraschino cherry, and stone fruit are perfectly paired with luxurious notes of toffee; a viscous mouthfeel leads to a rich finish.
Barrel #PN-52-1E - Recipe: OESO - Bright flavors of apple and dark fruit are balanced by a viscous mouthfeel rich with butterscotch and toffee notes.
Barrel #UN-48-2E - Recipe: OBSQ - Fresh floral notes captivate the palate, uplifted with light, berry-forward accents.
Barrel #UN-48-2F - Recipe: OBSQ - Bright, complex floral and fruit-forward notes are balanced by rye spice.
Barrel #SS-15-2C - Recipe: OESF - A unique aroma of mint, toffee, and honey on the nose and palate gain depth and complexity with touches of oak and spice.
Barrel #UN-56-1H - Recipe: OESQ - Cherry blossom and floral aromas open to a delicate fruit flavor that sparkles with notes of spice and honey.
Barrel #SS-22-1U - Recipe: OBSF - Boldly flavored with a viscous mouthfeel, prominent notes of mint, spice, and berry intrigue the palate.

You can check here on the day of release to see any stores in your area.

My Take

Just in time for Mother's Day, this is a good chance to score some Four Roses Barrel Strength. I'd prefer to have an age statement and proof for each barrel so it's hard to say how good of a deal these are. Also, I'm not sure how they justify the 33% price increase, but here were are.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below.

Source: OHLQ

Quick Fire Whisky Tasting Notes

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel RyeTennessee Rye Whiskey45% ABV / RRP: £55.00Nose: A gaggle of gloriously garish rye grains, oak cocktail bitters, grilled peaches, ripe avocado and bergamot oil kick off the nasal niceties. Followed by notes of warm cherry …

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel RyeTennessee Rye Whiskey45% ABV / RRP: £55.00Nose: A gaggle of gloriously garish rye grains, oak cocktail bitters, grilled peaches, ripe avocado and bergamot oil kick off the nasal niceties. Followed by notes of warm cherry pie drenched in Madagascan vanilla custard, toffee popcorn, foam bananas, ground cinnamon, dill pickles, poly cement (Airfix) glue and exuberant

Review | Lochlea Sowing Season (Third Crop)

The Sowing Edition (Third Crop) is the first release in the final set of seasonal single malts from the Ayrshire distillery of Lochlea. The seasonal range highlights key points in the farming year - Sowing Edition, Harvest Edition, Fallow Edition and Ploughing Edition - with each whisky pushing the Lochlea spirit in different directions. The four First Crop releases were bottled in 2022 and the Second Crops appeared in 2023. This new whisky kicks off the third and final round of the range.

Lochlea Sowing Edition (Third Crop) has been matured exclusively in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. These barrels are nine months older than those featuring in Sowing Edition (Second Crop) and were hand-selected by John Campbell, the Production Director at Lochlea. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. It is available in selected whisky retailers and more information can be found at www.lochleadistillery.com. A bottle will cost £51.50.

Lochlea was founded in 2015 by Neil and Jen McGeoch. It is located in rural Ayrshire to the south of Kilmarnock. They converted Lochlea Farm from beef production to growing barley for whisky making. All whisky is produced using barley grown on the farm. The distillery is in the old piggery and a converted cattleshed is the maturation warehouse. The independent family-owned distillery has an annual production capacity of 200,000 litres. Their inaugural whisky, Lochlea First Release, was launched in early 2022 and followed by their core product, Our Barley, later that year.

Our Tasting Notes

The colour is pale straw yellow and the nose is vibrant, green and fresh. Aromas of crisp green apple, icing sugar and white chocolate greet you and are quickly joined by vanilla sugar, lemon zest and hints of malted cereal, marzipan and something floral. This is reminiscent of delicate rose petals or pot pourri.

On the palate this whisky bold and uplifting. The crisp green apple is to the fore and has a pleasant tartness to it. This expressive note is joined by fresh vanilla pod, cocoa powder and hints of candied lemon and lime. An underlying bittersweet malted cereal characteristic binds everything together nicely. There is also a lovely grassy note that develops and adds depth - think of a freshly mown meadow.

With time other notes also begin to evolve - there is something peach-like sitting in the background and a hint of maraschino cherry. There is a hint of almond-like nuttiness, dessicated coconut and a suggestion of hazelnut praline too. The heat begins to build towards the finish with a hint of clove and menthol. The main driver of this however is an increasing note of white pepper.

The white pepper gives plenty of heat and a mouthwatering quality to the finish. The fruity and sweet elements fade to reveal this further, plus an increasing oaky and woody dryness. Some tannins come through right at the end as does a pinch of cocoa powder to accentuate this.

What's The Verdict?

We have followed the seasonal range and Lochlea's development with much interest. We are fascinated to see what the third and final round of the range will reveal and what they are planning for the future. Sowing Edition (Third Crop) is a bright, vibrant and lively whisky that is delicious and refreshing. We like youthful whiskies in good ex-bourbon casks and this is certainly one of those.

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 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.

OHLQ Announces George Dickel 15 Year Single Barrel Exclusives – Arriving Week of April 29

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced 11 barrels worth of George Dickel 15 Year Single Barrel hitting stores starting today (April 29) for a price of $69.99 + tax. BROWN SUGAR & CINNAMON HAND PIE – Barrel #04C04-1516 – 96.2 …

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced 11 barrels worth of George Dickel 15 Year Single Barrel hitting stores starting today (April 29) for a price of $69.99 + tax.

BROWN SUGAR & CINNAMON HAND PIE - Barrel #04C04-1516 - 96.2 Proof - Notes of cherry hand pies sprinkled with cinnamon entice the nose before flavors of chocolate-covered cherry and milk caramel candy please the palate.
BUTTERED RED CURRANT CRUMBLE - Barrel #04B27-2965 - 80 Proof - Luscious molasses and brown sugar aromas on the nose open to a complex, earthy palate of leather, raspberry, red currant, and dark cherry, with a buttery finish that coats the mouth.
CITRUS-VANILLA ZINGER - Barrel #04C04-1497 - 84.4 Proof - A floral ensemble of fresh dough, lemongrass, and a sweet spritz of citrus tempt the nose while the tongue is treated to notes of graham cracker with a black tea finish.
CLOVE-SPICED HONEY CAKE - Barrel #04C26-2943 - 80 Proof - Bakery aromas delight the senses with notes of caramel, butterscotch, and honey on the nose and a dense palate of butterscotch, clove, and banana.
DARK CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRY - Barrel #04C04-1544 - 101.2 Proof - Aromas of honey and caramel swirl together into the nose before the palate is treated to a rich dessert of chocolate-covered cherries, dark cocoa, and dark-sweet cherries.
FIRESIDE MARSHMALLOW BLONDIE - Barrel #06C31-13011 - 104.6 Proof - A sugary nose of cherry and brioche bread leads into an equally smoky and sweet palate of toasted marshmallows.
MAPLE GLAZED MARKET PASTRY - Barrel #04C04-1548 - 101.2 Proof - Reminiscent of a scrumptious breakfast pastry; brown sugar and maple delight the nose, while sweeter tones of brown sugar please the tongue.
POPCORN & PEANUTS NOSTALGIA - Barrel #04A20-21093 - 80 Proof - The subtle and savory dry nose opens to light notes of sweet popped kettle corn and salted peanuts.
TOASTED MARSHMALLOW HOT CHOCOLATE - Barrel #04B18-1606 - 93.4 Proof - A floral and peppery nose with rich aromas of milk chocolate combines with a sweet palate of smoked sugar.
TOASTED PINEAPPLE PARADISE - Barrel #04B27-21026 - 80 Proof - A vibrant nose of cherry, coconut, and chamomile prepares the palate for the tropical taste of paradise with pineapple-forward flavors accentuated by malty tones of bran and wheat.
SPICED FRUIT STRUDEL - Barrel #06C31-23501 - 104.6 Proof - Smoky aromas of grass captivate the nose, while a bold and spicy palate opens to a delightful dance of brûléed plums, raisins, and dark cherries.

You can check availability in your area here.

My Take

I'm not a huge Dickel fan, but this is a good opportunity to get your hands on a 15 year whiskey. The price is fine. It's online for a bit cheaper, but these are barrels exclusive to Ohio so I wouldn't balk at the price. Overall, this is one I wouldn't go out searching for, but if I saw it on the shelves, I'd give it a hard look.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below.

Source: OHLQ

Review | Aberfeldy 21 years old Malbec Cask Finish

This single malt whisky is the latest addition to the Wine Cask Collection from the Highland distillery of Aberfeldy. The Wine Cask Collection whiskies are created by Stephanie Macleod, the Malt Master for Aberfeldy. This latest edition - the Aberfeldy 21 years old Malbec Cask Finish - has seen the brand partner with Finca Ambrosia, an organic winery located in the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina.

The batch of single malt used was distilled in November 2001 and matured for over two decades in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry hogsheads. These casks were then combined and filled to French oak ex-Malbec wine casks that had previously held Finca Ambrosia’s Viña Unica expression.

The village of Aberfeldy is in the southern Highlands and the distillery is owned by John Dewar & Sons, a subsidiary of the Bacardi group. It is engrained in the history of the Dewar's blended Scotch brand - it was founded and built by John and Tommy Dewar in 1896 to make single malt for their popular White Label. This remains one of the world's best selling blends with a particular stronghold in America. The distillery has a current annual production capacity of 3.5 million and is home to the recently revamped Dewar's World of Whisky visitor experience.

The Aberfeldy 21 years old Malbec Cask Finish is bottled at 46% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. It is available from the distillery shop in the Highlands and in selected work markets. These include Australia, France, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK and USA. A bottle will cost £230/ US$280.

Our Tasting Notes

The colour is deep gold with a reddish amber tint and the nose is rich, sweet and aromatic. Caramel, fresh apricot and candied orange rise first and are quickly joined by further aromas of milk chocolate, dried cranberry and something floral. Underlying hints of espresso coffee, vanilla fudge and freeze dried raspberries are also evident.

On the palate this whisky feels instantly rich and malty. The bittersweet cereals come to the fore and are joined by sweet caramel, juicy apricot and dark dried fruits - think of raisin and sultana especially. The red fruit from the nose also begin to develop, as does an evolving note of orange oil. A hint of juicy tropical fruit sits in the background alongside some cocoa powder, milk chocolate and a suggestion of molasses.

The second half of the palate goes in a different direction. Woody notes and spices evolve and threaten to take control. A spiced peach and apricot compote-like characteristic is complimented by some white pepper, clove and cinnamon bark. Gingerbread and a scratch of nutmeg are also evident. Then the oak really comes through to create a woody dryness.

The finish carries on this theme with the sweeter and fruitier elements fading fast. This leaves the oak and spices to give a pleasant warmth and dryness - the gingerbread and cinnamon bark really come through now, as does some heavy tannins from the ex-red wine casks that leave your tastebuds parched.

What's The Verdict?

This is a delicious single malt from Aberfeldy and one that shows what ex-red wine casks can offer. The significant age of the whisky is complimented by the dried fruitiness, tannins and spices from its time in the former Malbec barrels. It does threaten to get too dry and tannic, but somehow just about holds its balance. The price is a little punchy and has crept up throughout the series (the previous bottling was half the price for an 18 years old), but well worth a try if you get the opportunity.

Jeptha Creed Distillery Launches 6-Year Wheated Bourbon

Jeptha Creed, a women-owned craft distillery offering a range of award-winning craft spirits, proudly announces the launch of its 6-Year Wheated Bourbon. Known for the ground-to-glass maxim, the Jeptha Creed family farm grows renowned Bloody Butcher Corn, a non-GMO heirloom varietal that imparts a uniquely sweet yet nutty flavor profile to Jeptha Creed’s diverse and growing portfolio.

“We like to say that we’ve gone about creating our bourbon the most difficult way possible. It was about 9 years ago since our original experimentation that led us to know we would create and age a wheated bourbon,” says Joyce Nethery, Master Distiller and CEO for Jeptha Creed Distillery. “We are beyond thrilled the day has come to release our 6-year-old bourbon. This milestone makes us even more excited to see the beautiful flavor our Bloody Butcher Corn will continue to lend to our aging bourbon for years to come.”

Available on May 2, 2024, Jeptha Creed 6-Year Wheated Bourbon (46.5% ABV/93 Proof) has a mash bill of 75% Bloody Butcher Corn, 20% Malted Wheat and 5% Malted Barley, leading to a beautiful golden Citrine Gem hue. The 6-Year offers an aroma of brown butter, toasted almond and croissant, a medium creamy mouthfeel with fresh baked artisanal cinnamon bread with a honey glaze, tobacco and a bit of chocolate, finished with long, light, refreshing notes of white pepper, dark cherry and crème brûlée.

“Since we are the only distillery we know of aging bourbon for an extended amount of time using Bloody Butcher Corn, we are always so excited to see what flavor notes our guests and fans pull from our spirits,” notes Autumn Nethery, Co-Owner and Marketing Manager for Jeptha Creed.

Introduced in 2016, Jeptha Creed is owned and operated by Joyce and Autumn Nethery, a remarkable mother-daughter duo, standing as the only such team in Kentucky’s whiskey-making landscape. The Nethery family owns over 2,000 acres throughout Shelby County, which includes the distillery property and their home farm. Through careful craftsmanship and attention to detail, Jeptha Creed Distillery has gained a loyal following and earned several prestigious awards, including numerous gold medals and recognition from esteemed spirits competitions. Jeptha Creed prides itself on being a ground-to-glass distillery, striving to be sustainable and thoughtful at every step of production. The 64 acres that make up the distillery property are covered in crops that produce grain, corn, fruits, and other ingredients that will go straight into the Jeptha Creed bourbon, vodka, moonshine, and brandy. Located along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, Jeptha Creed Distillery is open to visitors and offers tasting experiences, tours, and spaces to enjoy the delicious products.

The 6-Year Wheated Bourbon (SRP: $59.99) is available starting May 2, 2024, in the distillery gift shop, online spirit shop, and in select retail locations throughout KY, IN, TN, IL, MO, TX, FL, GA and CO. Find a store near you by visiting https://jepthacreed.com/where-to-buy/.

Got a Few Extra $1000’s Sitting Around… Woodford Has The Junk For You!!!

Woodford Reserve is commemorating the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby with several unnecessary and overpriced commodities! The first being the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition, which is a Cognac cask finished American Whiskey, aged in handcrafted couture barrels seasoned in the Kentucky Derby Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs®, and is presented in stunning Baccarat crystal.

In their words, this is 'a unique and extraordinary expression of American Whiskey for the low price of $15,000 + tax.'

I think we can all agree that $15k is ridiculous for one bottle. As if that wasn't enough nonsense, they also are selling a $5000 and a $1000 mint julep cup... at least those proceeds go to charity.

My Take

I say this a lot, but if you have this much money to spend on this, please rethink and donate to a charity of your choice. This is absolute nonsense and should be treated as such.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment below.

Source: Woodford

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey 12-Year-Old Rye returns after five years

After five years, a 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal, and a clamor of requests from bartenders and fans alike, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is announcing the return of its 12-Year-Old American Straight Rye Whiskey.Bulleit Rye 12-Year…

Bulleit Rye 12-Year-Old is a limited-availability extension of Bulleit Rye Whiskey, America's #1 selling rye whiskey1. The 12-Year-Old uses the same mash bill as the flagship Rye: 95% rye and 5% malted barley- one of the highest rye percentages on the market. Aged and matured to perfection in new charred American white oak barrels for a minimum of 12 years, this 2024 release incorporates whiskey from barrels aged up to 17 years in the blend. The result is a smooth, aged taste as before, but with nuanced differences from the 2019 release. On the nose, we get light, fruity, woody-oaky, floral, and vanilla-spice notes. Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), on the palate it is semi-sweet, clean, and crisp. The finish is enjoyable with a slight-woody vanilla spice taste.

Jesse Damashek, Senior Vice President of Whiskies & Liqueurs at Diageo commented:

Consumers and bartenders alike prefer rye's unique spicy flavor profile which adds a distinctiveness to classic cocktails. At Bulleit, we are proud to have been able to contribute to this fast-growing category ever since we launched our first rye expression in 2011.

In bringing back the Rye 12-Year-Old we are responding to the demands from whiskey lovers for more premium expressions in the rye category. Our first release in 2019 performed exceptionally in the on and off trade. What we've created with this 2024 release continues our long tradition of striving to satisfy the growing appetite for bold, distinctive, and delicious premium whiskey."

Bulleit Master Blender Andrew MacKay added:

This Bulleit Rye 12-Year-Old release remains true to the rye whiskies we've crafted before. The rye spicy character shines through the age of the whiskies and balances with those mature, elevated, and well-rounded flavors that originate from hand-selected barrels up to 17 years old. I do think it is best enjoyed neat or possibly with a single ice cube – which opens up some fruity character.

Bulleit Rye 12-Year-Old is available nationally (except for Maine) wherever fine spirits are sold, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $54.99 for a 750ml bottle. The whiskey is packaged in the iconic Bulleit bottle, with a new all-green label that prominently features the 12-year-old age statement.

My Take

This is an amazing price for a 12 year whiskey. I've already seen this out and about. I think this is one to pick up and give it a go.

What are your thoughts? Drop a note in the comment box below.

Source: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey