Bushmills has released a 23-year-old Irish whiskey matured in Madeira wine casks, with one catch – it is intended to be exclusively for travel retail venues. Bushmills 23 Year Old Madeira Cask was matured in Madeira oak casks for 23 years, bottled at 53.8% alcohol by volume [107.6 proof] and is said to offer notes […]
Bushmills has released a 23-year-old Irish whiskey matured in Madeira wine casks, with one catch – it is intended to be exclusively for travel retail venues.
Bushmills 23 Year Old Madeira Cask was matured in Madeira oak casks for 23 years, bottled at 53.8% alcohol by volume [107.6 proof] and is said to offer notes of black coffee, peach and walnuts.
Bushmills 23 Year Old Madeira Cask is being made available initially at London’s Heathrow airport before expanding to other travel retail venues for $505 per bottle.
O’Shaughnessy Distilling master distiller Brian Nation arrived in Minneapolis nearly three years ago after leaving Ireland’s Midleton Distillery, and it’s been an interesting transition. We’ll… Read More
O’Shaughnessy Distilling master distiller Brian Nation arrived in Minneapolis nearly three years ago after leaving Ireland’s Midleton Distillery, and it’s been an interesting transition. We’ll catch up with Brian and learn about the new Keeper’s Heart 21-year-old Irish single malt coming later this summer on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Beam Suntory has changed its name to Suntory Global Spirits, while Buffalo Trace takes a look at global expansion with its first home place in London.
A little Bourbon in that cup of tea to go with your fish ‘n chips? Buffalo Trace Distillery – producer of some of the most sought-after whiskeys in the world including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Sazerac Rye, W.L. Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle – will open doors and begin welcoming visitors at Buffalo Trace Distillery […]
A little Bourbon in that cup of tea to go with your fish ‘n chips? Buffalo Trace Distillery – producer of some of the most sought-after whiskeys in the world including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Sazerac Rye, W.L. Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle – will open doors and begin welcoming visitors at Buffalo Trace Distillery Londonon May 6th, 2024.
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden at 32-33 Long Acre, the new Buffalo Trace Distillery London invites worldwide spirits enthusiasts to experience a first-of-its-kind American whiskey experience at the Distillery’s first official home outside of Kentucky, USA.
Of the opening, Jake Wenz, CEO and President at Buffalo Trace Distillery, said: “Opening Buffalo Trace Distillery London is a momentous occasion for our Distillery and we are thrilled to bring our experience to the United Kingdom. At Buffalo Trace Distillery London, we’ll offer a space for spirits novices and lovers to learn more about a whiskey type they are perhaps less familiar with – bourbon. Our aim is to inspire visitors to broaden their palates, and perhaps their cocktails, and we’re hopeful after learning about bourbon and tasting it, they will add it to their drink list.”
What The Experience Brings
Buffalo Trace Distillery London features an immersive, sensorial experience that brings a taste of Kentucky to the nation’s capital. Guests will embark on a narrative journey highlighting the history of America’s oldest continuously operating distillery, culminating in an exclusive tasting experience at one of two inspiring bars. Tickets can be pre-booked now via BuffaloTraceDistillery.co.ukfor either of the two tasting experiences:
Taste of the Trace – a guided tasting of three outstanding expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery’s core product lineup: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Sazerac Rye, Bourbon Cream and the option of a Buffalo and Ginger Ale cocktail sample.
Tradition & Change: Crafting the Most Awarded American Whiskey – a more intimate experience featuring a selection of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s premium expression lineup, including White Dog Mash #1, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old, E.H. Taylor Small Batch, and a small pour of a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned. Tastings will range in price depending on selection, up to £34.99.
Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery,added: “In the heart of Bourbon Country, USA, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been dedicated to the craft of making the finest American Whiskey for over 200 years. Our deep commitment to the timeless craft of aging and distilling, alongside a keen focus on experimentation and innovation, has enabled Buffalo Trace Distillery to become the World’s Most Award-winning Distillery, earning the loyalty of fans around the globe. Our London location brings the same genuine and authentic experience fans love about our flagship home in Kentucky to a new generation of spirits enthusiasts, allowing them to discover all that Buffalo Trace Distillery’s award-winning brands have to offer.”
The location of Buffalo Trace Distillery London (32-33 Long Acre) has been completely renovated to create a guest-first experience aimed at attracting Londoners and visitors alike. The 2,000-square-foot space pays homage to Buffalo Trace’s legendary bourbon craftsmanship with special finishes and custom materials that evoke the essence of the Distillery in Kentucky. In the retail store, fans will be able to purchase whiskey bottles and unique merchandise – in fact, some of the merchandise can only be found at Buffalo Trace Distillery London. Rarer whiskey offerings from Buffalo Trace will also be offered during special surprise times throughout the initial opening months.
Reservations are recommended to secure a tasting appointment at Buffalo Trace Distillery London -prebooking can be arranged now via BuffaloTraceDistillery.co.uk. Guests will also have the option of ‘walking in’ and inquiring about availability in-person and appointments will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Hours of operation are as follows:
Dixon Dedman’s family history in the whisky business goes back more than a century. 2XO (for Two Times Oak) is his second act in the… Read More
Dixon Dedman’s family history in the whisky business goes back more than a century. 2XO (for Two Times Oak) is his second act in the Bourbon business after reviving the family’s Kentucky Owl Bourbon brand in 2014. Dedman has just released the latest edition in 2XO’s Icons Series, the Kiawah Blend, named for his family’s favorite vacation spot, Kiawah island in South Carolina. He’ll join us on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, we’ll have quarterly reports from Pernod Ricard and Remy Cointreau, along with details on “The Badonkadonk” and the week’s other new whiskies.
St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow – March 17, 2024 – but Jameson Irish Whiskey is beginning the celebration today with a big green bus that will tour throughout east London with BAFTA-award-winning Irish comedienne,, actress and brand ambassador Aisling Bea promoting the occasion. On Saturday, March 16, 2024, Bea will greet passengers onboard the double-decker […]
St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow – March 17, 2024 – but Jameson Irish Whiskey is beginning the celebration today with a big green bus that will tour throughout east London with BAFTA-award-winning Irish comedienne,, actress and brand ambassador Aisling Bea promoting the occasion.
On Saturday, March 16, 2024, Bea will greet passengers onboard the double-decker bus, which is decorated in Jameson imagery and fitted with a bar where guests can enjoy Jameson, ginger and lime cocktails.
Potential passengers can get a seat on the bus by signing up to a competition on Jameson’s Instagram account or just observe the tour as it begins at The Auld Shillelagh in Stoke Newington, before making its way to the Swift Shoreditch for some Irish Coffee and then finishing up at Boxpark Shoreditch for a Paddy’s Day party.
After the conclusion of the tour, the bus will be parked outside London’s King’s Cross Station from 12pm to 6pm on St Patrick’s Day, where innocent passersby will be able to enjoy a free Jameson, ginger and lime cocktail, as well as the chance to win bar tabs and Jameson merchandise.
Angel’s Envy is making people envious in Edinburgh and London as they collaborate with bars in those two cities to celebrate the Manhattan cocktail until Wednesday, February 21, 2024. More than 21 bars in the two cities will be making their versions on the cocktail [typically consisting of bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters] while using […]
Angel’s Envy is making people envious in Edinburgh and London as they collaborate with bars in those two cities to celebrate the Manhattan cocktail until Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
More than 21 bars in the two cities will be making their versions on the cocktail [typically consisting of bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters] while using Angel’s Envy Bourbon – with each drink claimed to be priced from $13.
The participating bars in London are:
Silverleaf
SOMA
A Blue Whale in The Bar
Cocktail Trading Co
Discount Suit Co
Equal Parts
Low Country Bar
Raffles London at The OWO
Royal Automobile Club
The Donovan Bar
Brown’s Hotel
TT Liquor
Shoreditch Arts Club
Funkidory
The Hoxton, Holborn
K Bar, The Kensington Hotel
In the Edinburgh, bars include:
Bon Vivant Restaurant
Commons Club
Duck & Waffle
Hey Palu
Lady Libertine
Lucky Liquor Co
Panda & Sons
The Devil’s Advocate
Wildcat
It’s been three years since Colin Gordon left Islay’s Lagavulin Distillery to move down the road and take over for the retiring Mickey Heads at… Read More
It’s been three years since Colin Gordon left Islay’s Lagavulin Distillery to move down the road and take over for the retiring Mickey Heads at Ardbeg. Since then, Ardbeg has commissioned a completely new stillhouse and visitor traffic has recovered from the pandemic. We’ll catch up with Colin Gordon on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, the clock is ticking toward a partial U.S. government shutdown that could affect whisky makers and consumers, while Scotland’s government is debating an increase in the minimum unit price for whisky and other alcoholic beverages. We’ll also hear from Campari CEO Bob Kunce-Concewitz on his company’s expansion plans, check in with Wild Turkey’s Eddie Russell on the latest expansion of the Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Series, and get a preview of this year’s Diageo Special Releases from master blender Stuart Morrison.
Some “jolly good” and interesting news today from Buffalo Trace. They’re taking the visitor experience across the pond to the land of London. Per their website, OPENING DATE listed as “LATE 2023”. Here is the PRESS RELEASE for more details: Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY) distiller of some of the most sought-after whiskeys in the […]
Some “jolly good” and interesting news today from Buffalo Trace. They’re taking the visitor experience across the pond to the land of London. Per their website, OPENING DATE listed as “LATE 2023”.
Here is the PRESS RELEASE for more details:
Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY) distiller of some of the most sought-after whiskeys in the world including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Sazerac Rye, W.L. Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle, today announces the forthcoming opening of Buffalo Trace Distillery London, a first-of-its-kind American whiskey experience at 32-33 Long Acre in the highly coveted Covent Garden area of London in late 2023.
“Buffalo Trace Distillery’s relentless commitment to quality aging and distilling has cultivated fans around the globe,” said Jake Wenz, CEO and President at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Buffalo Trace Distillery London is the first home for our American whiskeys outside of Kentucky, USA, and we are honored to put down roots in the United Kingdom. Many spirits consumers are more familiar with bourbon’s global whiskey counterparts, and Buffalo Trace Distillery London aims to offer a space to learn more about – and hopefully, fall in love with – our bourbon whiskey. We are excited to share our pursuit of the world’s best whiskey with all those interested in London and beyond.”
Buffalo Trace Distillery London will invite spirits enthusiasts to taste the best of what American whiskey has to offer while introducing them to the storied history and authenticity of the third oldest distillery in the world and oldest continually operating distillery in the United States. Featuring an immersive, sensorial experience that brings a taste of Kentucky, the homeplace of Buffalo Trace Distillery, to London, guests will embark on a narrative journey culminating in an exclusive tasting experience at one of two inspiring bars.
“For over 200 years, our Distillery has been defined by a dedication to one craft: making the finest American whiskey,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “In the heart of Bourbon Country in Frankfort, Kentucky, Buffalo Trace Distillery has built a generation of enthusiasts, one at a time, by showcasing the timeless craft of whiskey making alongside a sharp focus on experimentation and innovation. Our London location will bring that genuine, authentic experience to a new generation of global fans, allowing them to discover all that American Whiskey and the award-winning brands of Buffalo Trace Distillery have to offer.”
What To Expect: On-site Tasting Experiences
FIRST TASTE EXPERIENCE: Guests visiting Buffalo Trace Distillery London can select from one of two tasting experiences. The first offering – Taste of the Trace– will feature a guided tasting of three outstanding expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery’s core product lineup:
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Sazerac Rye
Bourbon Cream
Option of a Buffalo and Ginger Ale cocktail sample.
SECOND TASTE EXPERIENCE: Tradition & Change: Crafting the Most Awarded American Whiskey – will feature a selection of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s premium expression lineup, including:
White Dog Mash #1
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old
E.H. Taylor Small Batch
Small pour of a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned.
PRICING: Tastings will range in price depending on selection, up to £29.99.
“Whether you’re an existing fan of American whiskey, or if the category is entirely new to you, we’re confident Buffalo Trace Distillery London will offer an experience and a pour that will delight every palate,” said Duncan.
The location of Buffalo Trace Distillery London has been completely renovated to create a guest-first experience aimed at attracting Londoners and tourists alike. The 2,000-square-foot space will pay homage to Buffalo Trace’s legendary bourbon craftsmanship with special finishes and custom materials that evoke the essence of the Distillery in Kentucky.
In the retail store, fans will be able to purchase whiskey bottles and unique merchandise – in fact, some of the merchandise can only be found at Buffalo Trace Distillery London. Rarer whiskey offerings from Buffalo Trace will also be offered during special surprise times throughout the initial opening months.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Reservations are required to secure a tasting appointment at Buffalo Trace Distillery London. Prebooking is highly encouraged and can be arranged via BuffaloTraceDistillery.co.uk. Reservation appointments will open up in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, fans can join the waitlist via the website to be the first to know once bookings are available. Guests will also have the option of ‘walking in’ and inquiring about availability in-person, appointments of which will be granted on a first come, first served basis. Buffalo Trace Distillery London looks forward to welcoming guests from the UK and around the globe beginning later this year.
This whisky is the inaugural bottling of peated single malt from the London-based distillery of Bimber. The 1st Peated is entirely composed of spirit from the distillery’s first ever peated run, which took place in May 2019. Just four ex-bourbon barrel…
This whisky is the inaugural bottling of peated single malt from the London-based distillery of Bimber. The 1st Peated is entirely composed of spirit from the distillery's first ever peated run, which took place in May 2019. Just four ex-bourbon barrels have been selected for The 1st Peated by founder and Master Distiller Dariusz Plazewski. The whisky has been recorded as having an 'in bottle' reading of 14.4PPM (Phenol Parts per Million). It has been released at 54.1% ABV and was available via ballot only on the Bimber website in November 2022. There were just 1,140 bottles with each costing £130. They are going for at least double this amount on current whisky auction sites.
The Bimber distillery was founded in 2015 and is located in west London. The name comes from founder Dariusz Plazewski's native language - bimber translates as 'moonshine' in Polish - and pays homage to his family's distilling heritage. The first cask of whisky was laid down to mature in May 2016. Since their first bottling in September 2019, the brand has gone on to gain significant critical acclaim and become one of the most sought after whiskies by collectors. The annual production capacity is just 50,000 litres.
"This release represents a major milestone on the continued journey of Bimber. Not only is it the culmination of several years of investigation and passion, but being entirely produced by-hand, in-house – it also truly embodies our continued dedication to traditional production methods."
Dariusz Plazewski.
Our tasting notes
The colour is coppery gold and the nose is sweet and spicy. Delicious aromas of vanilla sugar and honey leap from the glass and are quickly joined by caramelised pineapple and expressive tropical fruits. There are also hints of candied lemon and lime. The peat smoke has a distinct ashy ember-like quality and this adds dryness. There is also a background herbal quality.
On the palate this whisky seems smokier than the nose suggested. This is balanced with a delicious sweetness and fruitiness. Crisp green apple combine well with caramelised pear and ripe, juicy tropical fruits - think of pineapple, papaya and a hint of apricot. There is also plenty of vanilla on show, plus hints of milk chocolate and sugared peppermint.
The peat smoke is soft and well balanced, but has the same ashy quality as demonstrated on the nose. This is reminiscent of dying embers but also has gentle notes of dried heather and lavender. With time a youthful peppery warmth develops and this seems to turn the smokiness up a notch. The peat is similar to Highland or Speyside style, rather than Islay peat.
The finish is of decent length and becomes drier, more ashy and peppery with time. The sweeter elements fade first, followed by the distinct fruity characters. This leaves the peat smoke and woody, earthy spices to drag the finish out and give a mouthwatering heat. A hint of peppermint comes through right at the end.
What's the verdict?
This is a lovely offering from Bimber and one that shows incredible promise. The whisky shows its youthfulness at times but has plenty of depth and character. The layer of smoke adds complexity and it will be interesting to see how this evolves with extra time in the cask. Bimber, and this peated expression, are definitely ones to keep an eye on and the hope is that they become more available with time.
London-based distillery Bimber has released a small batch single malt – Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4. Bimber Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4 has been matured in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks for six years – in Bimber’s second year of production – and was bottled at 51.2% alcohol by volume [102.4 proof]. Only 7,000 bottles […]
London-based distillery Bimber has released a small batch single malt – Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4.
Bimber Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4 has been matured in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks for six years – in Bimber’s second year of production – and was bottled at 51.2% alcohol by volume [102.4 proof].
Only 7,000 bottles of Bimber Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Batch No. 4 are being made available for $85 per bottle directly from the distillery as well as in a select number of overseas markets across Asia, Europe and the USA.
