Winter Whiskeria 2021-22 by The Whisky Shop

Unconquerable Chalmers' extraordinary Soul JJjourney from Royal Marine to Invictus Champion to TV Star.

EDITION

IN THIS ISSUE

Winter 2021/22

New Releases: Winter Warmers Industry Insider: Bowmore and Aston Martin A Time in History: Bushmills The W Club: Whisky Wonderland

PRICE

£4.50

(where sold)

THE MAGAZINE OF

Auctions: St. Magdalene Distillery Visit: Johnnie Walker Mixing It Up: House of Suntory Expert Tasting: Glenglassaugh 50 Year Old

THE HARMONY COLLECTION The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is the first limited edition whisky in an innovative new annual release series of single malts which shines a spotlight on The Macallan’s sustainability journey. Inspired by The Macallan’s deep-rooted connection to nature for nearly 200 years, The Harmony Collection is an exploration into the world of sustainable packaging, which will fuse innovative techniques with materials from the natural world at the end of their life to see them reborn with a renewed purpose. To create this first edition, The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan embarked on a unique journey to Girona, Spain, where she immersed herself in the world of chocolate, exploring the chocolate-making process and uncovering the distinctive flavour profiles. Polly collaborated with world-renowned pastry chef, Jordi Roca, the youngest of the acclaimed Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca. As part of the exploration, she visited Jordi’s famed chocolate factory, Casa Cacao in Girona and

she also spent time with master chocolatier, Damian Allsop. Through this unique experience, Polly drew inspiration from the duo’s passion, knowledge, and creativity to create The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao, searching the sherry seasoned oak casks maturing at The Macallan Estate to identify rare, indulgent chocolate notes. In homage to its chocolate inspiration, The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is encased in a beautiful fully recyclable and biodegradable presentation box, made using natural by-products in the chocolate-making process. The box is crafted without compromise using discarded husks from cacao pods and brings together The Macallan’s renowned craftsmanship with contemporary packaging techniques aimed at minimising waste. Crafted from a harmonious combination of European and American oak casks, this rich single malt whisky is characterised by a deep, dark chocolate profile, which pairs perfectly with chocolate for a luxurious sensorial experience.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

As I See It

‘Tis the season

With the festive season fast approaching, The Whisky Shop’s Ian Bankier reflects on the delight that whisky can bring at this time of year.

It does come around faster each year – doesn’t it? Or is that just the way I see it…? With another Covid affected year drawing to a close, we all look forward to the festive season that’s fast approaching. This edition of Whiskeria has our usual splendid selection of articles and whisky news and our shop section has a Christmas gifting theme. There has been so much in the news this year about the value of rare whiskies to collectors and investors, it’s now being said that a rare whisky is a safer bet than a Hermès bag (for some of us, that could be a dangerous path to go down this Christmas!). Certainly, our whisky auction site at whiskyshop.com/ auctions has experienced record volumes of transactions and, separately, we have been fortunate to be able to source the very best and most valuable limited edition rare whiskies. Extremely old and rare Macallans have featured prominently. But I want to talk about experiencing and enjoying whisky, not collecting it. This is the time of year to meet up with friends and family, exchange gifts and indulge the senses. It’s whisky’s perfect season. Drams poured from a cherished bottle, sampled with loved ones, and discussed enthusiastically is a happy event that we should cherish. Our '12 Drams of Christmas' gift set offers variety – like a chocolate box. Whisky would not be the investment phenomenon it is today if

it were not so fundamentally good to drink. That’s a fact. This festive season let’s embrace this glorious thought and give whisky its place in our lives. That’s exactly what Johnnie Walker has in mind with its new visitor attraction, Johnnie Walker Princes Street. It’s a huge statement that says, ‘here is one of the finest blended whisky brands in the world, get involved and enjoy the experience.’ Equally, our W Club members know what to do. In our Club section in this issue of Whiskeria they offer their own suggestions on what to buy this Christmas. And in our Mixing It Up section we visit the House of Suntory and create some fascinating cocktails. Whether you visit us in store or click online, there is something for everyone’s taste and budget. We can even give you the option to discard unwanted packaging and make the world a little bit greener. From everyone at The Whisky Shop, we wish you a happy, healthy, and peaceful festive time. Slàinte! Ian P Bankier Executive Chairman

❝

This is the time of year to meet up with friends and family, exchange gifts and indulge the senses. It’s whisky’s perfect season.

Competition

Win!

A limited edition bottle of Hibiki Japanese Harmony. Elevate your spirits shelf with a stunning limited edition bottling of House of Suntory’s Hibiki Japanese Harmony. From its introduction in 1989 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Suntory, the Hibiki bottle has consistently been embraced as a work of Japanese art. The elegant bottle design symbolises ‘Japanese harmony’ showcasing the 24 seasons of Japan as jewel-like facets. Within 2021’s limited edition bottle design, the blossoms of Japan’s 24 seasons are intertwined with a flow of water, connecting one passing season to another. The whisky itself is the same blend of malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s globally acclaimed Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. These whiskies are meticulously blended and balanced to create a sense of ‘wa’— a oneness which unveils a full orchestra of flavours and aroma. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, SIMPLY VISIT:

whiskyshop.com/whiskeria-competition

Competition closes Monday 14th February 2022. T&Cs apply. Winners will be contacted directly.

Mixing It Up

THE MAGAZINE OF

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Glenkeir Whiskies Limited trades as THE WHISKY SHOP. Opinions expressed in WHISKERIA are not necessarily those of Glenkeir Whiskies Limited. Statements made and opinions expressed are done so in good faith, but shall not be relied upon by the reader. This publication is the copyright of the publisher, ASCOT PUBLISHING LIMITED, and no part of it may be reproduced without their prior consent in writing. No responsibility is taken for the advertising material contained herein. © ASCOT PUBLISHING LIMITED. Prices effective 20 October 2021. All prices in this edition of Whiskeria are subject to change.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Contents

Contents Winter 2021/22 11 24 26 30 34 38 42 50 62 75 98

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Contributors

Contributors I L LUSTR AT I ON : F R A N C ES CA WA DDEL L

Charles MacLean —

Whiskeria’s resident whisky guru, Charlie has been researching and writing books on the water of life since 1981. Charlie’s bestsellers include award-winning World Whisky and Scotch Whisky: A Liquid History and his extensive knowledge on the subject led to him becoming the script advisor for Ken Loach’s 2012 film The Angels’ Share. In fact, Charlie’s whisky expertise was so hot that he landed himself a part in the film – a feat he claims to be his biggest career highlight to date! Each edition we ask Charlie to try what’s new on the shelves of The Whisky Shop, and we’re sure you’ll agree that his sensational tasting notes never disappoint.

New Releases

Brian Wilson —

Formerly an MP, Brian held several posts during his political career, including Minister of Trade. Brian now lives on the Isle of Lewis where he pursues various business interests, notably in the energy sector. As chairman of Harris Tweed Hebrides, Brian is credited with leading the regeneration of the Harris Tweed industry. Brian’s first love is writing, and in his spare time he continues to write books and opinion pieces for national newspapers – as well as delving into the fascinating history of whisky for each edition of Whiskeria.

Gavin D Smith —

One of the world’s most prolific and respected whisky writers, Gavin is regularly published in the top magazines within the whisky scene. He’s written and co-authored more than 20 books on the subject, including A-Z of Whisky, The Secret Still, and Goodness Nose. Gavin has the envy-inducing task of scoping out the whisky industry’s new and best-loved distilleries for Whiskeria readers, visiting a new distillery each edition. With his exquisite palate and whisky credentials, Gavin is undeniably the whisky lover for the job!

Distillery Visit

A Time in History

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

New Releases: Winter 2021/22 Reviewed by Charles MacLean

Bushmills / Starward / Benromach / Black Bull / Bowmore / Highland Park Bunnahabhain / Nc’nean / The Singleton Diageo Special Releases

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

New Releases

Bushmills 1991 Madeira Cask The Whisky Shop Exclusive 70cl 30 Year Old Irish Single Malt

50.2% VOL £695

A deep amber hue; polished mahogany. A complex nose, with a sour top note of mandarin zest balanced by berry fruits and nose-drying nuts (almonds?); a trace of hard toffee in the development. A little water raises a suggestion of cappuccino coffee. A sweet and sour taste, with blackcurrants in the finish and aftertaste; sweeter at reduced strength, now with some spice.

“Mandarin zest balanced by berry fruits… a suggestion of cappuccino coffee.”

Bushmills proudly boasts of being ‘the oldest distillery in the world.’ The claim is based upon the fact that on 20th April 1608 Sir Thomas Phillips was granted a license by the Lord Deputy (King James VI and I’s representative in Ireland) “within the countie of Colerane… or within the territorie called the Rowte, in co. Antrim, by himselfe or his servauntes, to make, drawe and distill such and soe great quantities of aquavite, usquabagh and aqua composita, as he or his assinges shall think fitt.” Incontrovertible, you may think. In truth, the Lord Deputy granted such licenses to

people all over Ireland - it was a useful way of applying a royal monopoly to distilling, which had hitherto been widespread and uncontrolled, and also a grand way of earning either cash payments or ‘royalties’ (this is where the term originated). The very month before, Sir Arthur Chichester, the Lord Deputy, had granted patents to distillers in Galway, Munster and Leinster. Actually, there are references to distilling in this part of Co. Antrim in 1494 – the year of the first written reference to distilling in Scotland. What’s more, the man who may have brought the secrets

of distilling to Scotland in 1300, Fergus MacBeatha (or Beaton), came from “O’Cahanes country, otherwise called Colerane”… but that is another story. This well-aged expression has been finished for no less than 16 years in Madeira casks, after 13 years in a mix of ex-oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels.

A Time in History

Starward Red Wine Barrique The Whisky Shop Exclusive 70cl 3 Year Old Australian Single Malt

“Tart berry fruits and vanilla toffee on a subtle base of oak shavings.”

55.9% VOL £95

Deep amber with roseate lights, from a fresh red wine cask. Viscous. The nose, initially closed, soon reveals tart berry fruits and vanilla toffee on a subtle base of oak shavings. Water introduces a faintly mentholic note and slightly increases the toffee. A sweet and fruity taste at full strength, with some spice in the long, warming and lightly tannic finish. More mouth-filling and mouth-cooling at reduced strength.

The New World Whisky Distillery, creator of Starward, was founded in 2007 by the hugely talented David Vitale in Melbourne, Victoria. Like other Australian distilleries, it was a small operation, a fact which has limited the ability of Aussie distillers to create enough whisky to sell outside their home market, and which has no economies of scale. Then Starward received significant investment from Distill Ventures, an independent company partnered with Diageo which exists to help ‘visionary drinks entrepreneurs’ – like David Vitale – to enlarge their businesses. Ian Buxton reports that Distill felt “Starward was adding to and enhancing the world of whisky” and brought “a compelling

ambition for global scale [with] the right mix of skills, perseverance and ability to stay optimistic.” The New World board still retains full control of the distillery; the first tranche of investment, in 2016, allowed the build-up of stocks, and then in 2020 to more than double capacity by building a new distillery in Melbourne’s Docklands Precinct. Barley is sourced from between Hunter Valley in Northern Sydney and the Adelaide Hills and the spirit is matured in active apera (Australian sherry) and red wine casks from Victoria. The whiskies are aged for less time than standard Scotch, since the highly variable climate – Melbourne is famous for having ‘four seasons in a day’ – greatly

accelerates the maturation process. The widespread use of small casks (50-200 litres) by Australian distillers also expedites maturation, indeed, when I visited Starward in 2018 they used similar sized casks, but were very aware of the importance of filling larger casks to slow down maturation and build up stocks. The Australian writer Luke McCarthy sees this as a “huge moment for the industry… signalling the potential for Australian whisky to become a major player on the global stage… but the dream of taking Australian whisky to the world is now a genuine possibility. And if Vitale has his way, it’ll be Starward that turns it into a reality.”

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

New Releases

Benromach 2012 The Whisky Shop Exclusive 70cl 9 Year Old Speyside Single Malt

59.4% VOL £85

A rich amber hue (the cask is a first-fill ex-sherry hogshead); moderate beading. Initial prickle disguises the aroma, then notes of soft caramel emerge, supported first by a faintly vinous note, then cappuccino coffee. The taste is sweet throughout with a chilli-pepper finish at natural strength. Benefits from dilution: sweeter and more mouth-filling, with toffee and hessian in the aftertaste.

“Notes of soft caramel emerge… with a chillipepper finish.”

With the purchase of Benromach Distillery in 1993, George Urquhart, chairman of the long-established family owned company, Gordon & MacPhail, realised his lifetime dream of owning a distillery. George has been described as ‘The Godfather of Malt Whisky’ and did more than any other single individual to keep ‘the amber light of single malt’ burning during the post-war decades, when 99.9% of the malt whisky made went into blends. It had been mothballed in 1983 and all the distilling plant removed, except a spirit receiver. This was not a problem for G&M, since the former Benromach had been much larger than they required, and during the five years between purchase and commissioning the new owners did many experimental distillations before settling on the style of spirit they wanted – classic Speyside, light but with body. After they had gone into production, the former owner, Diageo, sent them a box of new-make samples from pre-1983. The spirit character was almost identical, yet the distillery had been completely rebuilt. As the late Ian Urquhart, who had succeeded his father in the family business, remarked to me: “The only constants between then and now were the location and the water source…” On this occasion Ian also showed me some spirit samples from the experimental phase, made with different barley varieties. As readers of Whiskeria may know, the general view of the Scotch whisky industry is that the variety of barley makes no difference to the flavour of the spirit; the most important contribution is how much alcohol the barley will yield. We nosed and tasted five samples; four were, to me, undistinguishable, but one was far richer and full-bodied. This turned out to be the famous variety, Golden Promise, which held sway throughout the industry in the 1960s and ‘70s and continued to be used by Macallan into the 1990s, in spite of having been surpassed by other higher-yielding varieties. For me it was an epiphany!

Black Bull 21 Year Old

70cl 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

50% VOL £110

Pale amber in colour; moderate beading. A rich nose, with light initial prickle. A complex and well-integrated aroma combining sweet and savoury notes – apple dumpling and soft leather, on a sandalwood base. A pleasant texture and a sweet taste, with fondant mid-palate and some spice in the warming finish.

“Apple dumpling and soft leather, on a sandalwood base.”

Black Bull comes from Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited, which began as a whisky blender and broker in Glasgow in 1938, and focussed on selling Scotch in post-Prohibition America. In the 1960s the company was bought by the legendary salesman, Abe Rosenberg, who had made a fortune importing J&B Rare into the US, where it rapidly became the best-selling Scotch, and the first ever brand to sell a million bottles per annum. Although his fortune was based on blended Scotch, Abe’s passion was malt whisky and he invested heavily in filling his own casks and laying them down for long maturation. When Euan Shand bought Duncan Taylor and its stock in 2002, eight years

after Abe’s death, he acquired “one of the largest privately held collections of rare Scotch whisky casks in the world” – more than 4,500 casks, some of which remain in the company’s inventory. He moved the business to Huntly, Aberdeenshire, established facilities for cask storage, coopering and bottling and closed the brokering side of the business to become an independent bottler, also diversifying into gin and rum. The Black Bull brand dates from the 1860s when it was created by the Dundee firm, George Wilsher & Co. By the end of the 1980s it was well known in the United States and also popular in Italy; the company and brand were acquired by Duncan Taylor

in the 1980s, and they have continued to blend it in the same way – with a 55% malt content, no chill-filtration and bottling at a range of ages from NAS to 40 years at 50% VOL. The whiskies have won many prizes in international competitions, including ‘Best Blended Scotch’ at the World Whiskies Awards in 2017. The company’s website remarks: “We have created blends that we like drinking ourselves and we want to share these with you, so we say throw off the modern day shackles and grab life by the horns!”

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

New Releases

Bowmore 21 Year Old French Oak 70cl 21 Year Old Islay Single Malt

48.4% VOL £160

Deep amber in hue, with a faint rosy blush, the nose is mellow and elegant, savoury overall, with maritime top notes (salt crystals) supported by edible seaweed, on a faintly charcoal base. A creamy texture and a lightly sweet and salty taste finishing with peat smoke. Smoky (tarred rope) with a drop of water and savoury in the mouth.

In France, there are five official forests in which oak is grown to make barrels – Limousin, Allier, Nevers, Tronçais and Vosges. Limousin is planted with Quercus robur (‘robur’ means ‘strong’), the rest with Quercus petraea (‘oak of rocky places’). Each has its own characteristics, and imparts different flavours to the maturing spirit. I have been unable to ascertain whether Bowmore French Oak is Q. robur or Q. patraea, so I will describe the flavour characteristics expected of each species and we can make a guess. Q. robur oak trees like deep and rich soils at low altitudes, often in open country, as a result of which the timber is prone to having knots and twists. The wood is loose grained and difficult to cooper, since it must be split, not sawn, and splinters easily. Being looser grained, it releases more tannins into the spirit, adding colour, astringency and fragrance. It is also higher in eugenol (clove-like flavours), guaiacol (spicy, also burnt flavours) and syringaldehyde (spicy, smoky flavours), than the more common American white oak (Q. alba). Limousin oak is especially favoured by Cognac distillers, and in general Q. robur is preferred for maturing spirits on account of its higher tannin levels. Q. petraea is the predominant oak in France, where it is a forest species, reaching upwards during the short summer growing season when the sap rises and the plant fights for light and air, with a long, straightgrain trunk and few lower branches. Ideal for coopering, Q. petraea is chosen by French winemakers for their best wines, having a tighter grain than Q. robur which, they claim, lends greater refinement. Judging by the colour and overall flavour profile of Bowmore 21 Year Old French Oak, I lean towards Q. petraea. The maritime character is quite pronounced, which makes me think the whisky may have been matured in Bowmore’s ancient No.1 Vaults warehouse, which is partly below sea-level, with salt-encrusted walls.

“Maritime top notes (salt crystals) supported by edible seaweed, on a faintly charcoal base.”

Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart 70cl 15 Year Old Island Single Malt

44% VOL £80

Deep gold in colour, the first impression on the nose is of oak shavings, soon joined by a thread of tarry peat smoke and a hint of boat varnish with light vanilla toffee in the development. The taste starts sweet, then faintly salty, the mouthfeel lightly spritzich (fizzy), finishing delicately smoky and spicy. Softer with a drop of water, but the overall flavour is unaffected.

“A thread of tarry peat smoke and a hint of boat varnish.”

Highland Park adopted the slogan ‘The Single Malt Scotch with Viking Soul’ in 2017. The 18 Year Old became Viking Pride and the 12 Year Old Viking Soul, followed by a slew of other Norse-related expressions, such as Loyalty of the Wolf, Valkyrie, Valknut, Harald and Thorfinn, Ice and Fire, Dark and Light. In October this year the popular 15 Year Old, named Viking Heart, joined them. The back label poetically describes the whisky as: “A wild harmony of toasted shards, mellow peat smoke, warm vanilla sponge cake, sun-kissed lemon zest, fresh pineapple and heather rich honey.”

It is bottled at natural colour and presented in a cream ceramic bottle, heavily embossed with imagery inspired by wood carvings from a 13th century church in Norway (as are the other Viking Legend expressions), and designed by the Danish artist, writer and occasional TV personality, Jim Lyngvild, who has been described as ‘a modern day Viking’ – as has Highland Park’s heroic senior ambassador, Martin Markvardsen! The bottle features a complex knot, known as the valknut, a device related to the triskele or triple spiral motif found in Celtic art. This is thought to symbolise the power

of Odin to bind and unbind, mentioned in the sagas and elsewhere. The god was empowered to lay bonds upon the mind, so that men became helpless in battle, but he could also loosen the tensions of fear and strain by his gifts of ‘battle-madness, intoxication and inspiration.’ Jason Craig, Highland Park’s Brand Director, writes: “The inspiration for the design came from an ancient ‘Stavkirke’ [wooden church], a World Heritage site in the tiny Norwegian village of Ornes, heavily decorated with extensive and ornate wooden carvings, which we thought would look amazing on a bottle.”

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

New Releases

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength 70cl 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt

55.1% VOL £75

18CT gold, with good beading. A mild nose-feel; top notes of malt loaf, with sultanas and raisins, becoming vegetal (sweet potato) and slightly mineralic, with a thread of smoke in the background. A drop of water raises the dry mineralic note (slaked lime) and fills out the dried fruits. A smooth texture and a sweetish, dried fruit taste, enhanced by a little water.

“Malt loaf, with sultanas and raisins… a thread of smoke in the background.”

This new cask strength expression of Bunnahabhain develops the flavour profile of the ever popular ‘standard’ 12 Year Old, first released as an official bottling in 1979. I am sure I don’t need to remind readers of Whiskeria that the benefits of cask strength bottling (known in the trade as ‘natural strength’) are two-fold: the liquid does not require to be chill-filtered and high strength alcohol holds together the flavour components in the whisky better. Whisky bottled at the familiar strength of 40% VOL, as demanded by the Liquor Traffic Control Board during the First World War, can go slightly hazy when diluted, either in the bottle or in the glass, or when

ice is added. The haze comes from ‘lipids’ in the liquid (technically, long-chain fatty esters) which precipitate when it is chilled, so can be removed by reducing the strength to around freezing then pressing the liquid through an ‘adsorption’ filter (multi-layers of blotting paper) which catches the particles and ‘polishes’ the spirit. Some consumers are perturbed by haze, but not connoisseurs, since these lipids contribute mightily to texture (mouthfeel effect) and overall flavour. They are better left in, although you might want to add a little water in the glass. Increasingly brand owners acknowledge this and offer their whiskies at natural or ‘cask’ strength – the latter term is not defined by law

and may simply mean ‘higher than usual’ strength. Bunnahabhain Distillery was founded in 1881 by James Robertson of Glasgow-based blenders and brokers Robertson & Baxter, in partnership with the Greenlees Brothers, distillers and blenders in Campbeltown, on a very remote site on the north-west coast of Islay. Designed for blending, the spirit was much lighter in style than the heavily peated malts from most other Islay distilleries; not only is the malt lightly peated, but the process water, which comes from a spring in the hills above the distillery, is piped down to avoid contact with peat.

Nc’nean Quiet Rebels Annabel 70cl NAS Highland Single Malt

48.5% VOL £66

Opulent gold in hue, with extraordinarily good beading. Considerable prickle initially masks the aroma, then top-notes of fondant and chocolate emerge, perhaps chocolate orange, on a base of shortbread; soft and rounded overall. A drop of water increases estery notes. Surprisingly sweet to taste, with light salty acetone in mid-palate, and chilli pepper lingering after a shortish finish.

“Fondant and chocolate emerge… on a base of shortbread.”

Nc’nean’s slogan is ‘Made by nature not by rules’ and it proudly labels its attractive bottle as ‘Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky.’ Designed by the late Dr Jim Swan, Nc’nean Distillery was commissioned in 2017. Founder and whisky maker, Annabel Thomas, tells me this is the first of a proposed series of seasonal releases. The vatting comprises six first-fill and three second-fill American oak casks, “then a small combination of interesting wine casks – three Tokaji, one Pedro Ximénez, one rejuvenated red wine cask. It’s safe to say I’m very proud of it!” Annabel and her team are passionate about sustainability. The distillery was

certified as producing zero carbon emissions in 2020 by Environmental Strategies Ltd, it operates on 100% renewable energy, recycles 80% of its process water and 99.97% of all waste generated on site. The barley used is all organic, and even the bottles are 100% recycled glass. The distillery’s curious name (pronounced ‘Nic-nee-an’ and literally translated as ‘daughter of the little saint’), is an abbreviation of Neachneohain, a queen of the fairies (also of the witches) in Gaelic folklore and sister of Queen Mab, of Shakespearean fame. The distillery cleverly interprets the name as ‘Queen of Spirits’ and claim she was “a fierce protector of

nature and a lover of all things wild. Never afraid to walk her own path.” Nc’nean Distillery is situated at Drimnin on the wild Morvern Peninsula, overlooking the Sound of Mull. The estate was bought by Annabel’s parents, Derek and Louise Lewis, in 2002; they did a superb job of restoring Drimnin House, several estate farms and cottages, and a Roman Catholic chapel commemorating Sir Charles Maclean of Drimnin, who brought out the clan Maclean for Bonnie Prince Charlie and died on Culloden Field, with three of his sons.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

New Releases

The Singleton 21 Year Old

The Singleton 25 Year Old

70cl 21 Year Old Speyside Single Malt

70cl 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt

43% VOL £180

Mellow amber in hue, with a soft nose-feel. The overall nose-feel effect is dry, with bosky top notes (a bramble thicket), backed by red berries and powdered ginger. A creamy texture and a sweet taste, with fondant in mid-palate, finishing with lingering ginger and white pepper. At reduced strength the texture is more mouthfilling and the taste sweeter. Very easy drinking.

The Singleton brand name was introduced in 1984 by Justerini & Brooks (a subsidiary of Independent Distillers & Vintners) to describe its single malt, Auchroisk, which nobody could pronounce! Ownership of the name passed to Diageo after IDV merged with them in 1997, and they applied it to three single malts, originally targeted at different markets: Glen Ord (Asia), Glendullan (North America) and Dufftown (Europe). The idea was that if any of these markets took off they could be supported by Singletons from other distilleries. These two expressions come from Dufftown Distillery. The slogan for the brand is ‘Perfectly Balanced,’ and to this has been added ‘Trinity Cask Harmony.’ This is explained on the back of the cartons: “Three different cask styles have been united to create a single malt even greater than the sum of its parts. Maureen [Maureen Robinson is Diageo’s ‘Master of Malts’] and her team painstakingly hand-selected and then harmonised slow crafted whiskies from European oak casks and refill ex-bourbon casks [in the case of the 25 Year Old], Pedro Ximénez oloroso seasoned and refill ex-bourbon casks [in the case of the 21 Year Old]… then marrying the final liquid in American oak casks [25 Year Old] and European oak casks [21 Year Old].” The results are impressive. Maureen Robinson is a true master with many years of experience and able to draw upon

43% VOL £330

Mellow amber in hue, with a soft nose-feel. A mellange of fresh fruits (apple, pear, passionfruit, papaya), with light acidity (pineapple) on a base of soft sponge. A drop of water introduces faint waxiness. A creamy texture and a sweet, lightly acidic taste. Slightly waxy/teeth-coating with water. Well balanced.

Diageo’s vast cask resources. As the carton says: “It is a labour of love celebrating different whisky characters transformed by ageing and oak, then skilfully united in a symphony for the senses unlike any other.” Dufftown-Glenlivet Distillery, as it was originally known, was established in 1895/96 within a converted meal mill by a consortium led by Peter Mackenzie, a wine and spirits broker in Liverpool who had been born in Glenlivet and who already owned Blair Athol Distillery. Mackenzie & Company (Distillers) Ltd. was bought by Arthur Bell & Sons in 1933, so passed into Diageo’s ownership when it acquired Bell’s in 1987.

“A mellange of fresh fruits (apple, pear, passionfruit, papaya), with light acidity (pineapple).”

“Bosky top notes (a bramble thicket), backed by red berries and powdered ginger.”

Diageo Special Releases 2021

“A sweet, perfumed taste like Parma Violets.”

Diageo has been releasing limited amounts of malt whisky from selected distilleries in its ‘Special Releases’ series since 2001. The bottles’ reputation for quality, combined with the care that goes into their selection from the vast number of casks at the company’s disposal and their relative rarity has pleased both consumers and collectors. Dr Craig Wilson, Master Blender and ‘Curator’ of the collection, writes: “It’s an exciting time as we’re starting to push the boundaries of what we can really achieve with flavour, whether that be from the way the spirit was made, or from the unique cask finish used, and what we’ve achieved with this year’s collection is just the very beginning.” This year the theme is ‘Legends Untold.’ The expressions each have curious names – The Lion’s Fire, The Rogue Seafury, The Moonlit Beast, etc. Diageo’s press release explains: “Legendary tales speak of eight mysterious mythological beings that roam the land and rule the waters, hidden from sight in the lochs and rugged highlands, known only to a privileged few. This year the mythical creatures of the distilleries are set to collide and come to life, revealing their true characters… This autumn the stories will be revealed as the spirits leap to life in unusual ways, as we share these legends for the first time.”

“Savoury overall but with a sweet tartness (roasted pheasant with rowan jelly!).”

Cardhu 14 Year Old The Scarlet Blossoms of the Black Rock 70cl 14 Year Old Speyside Single Malt

55.5% VOL £120

Bright polished brass with a roseate tinge, 9CT gold lights. American oak refill casks. A mild nose-feel. The overall impression is fresh, fruity and lightly acidic – white grapes, lychees, green apples, a trace of orange zest – with a suggestion of buttery pastry. A drop of water introduces a faint floral note. A creamy texture and a sweet, perfumed taste like Parma Violets. Lithe, light-bodied, and elegant – a Julie Andrews of malts!

Mortlach 13 Year Old The Moonlit Beast 70cl 13 Year Old Speyside Single Malt

55.9% VOL £135

The hue of golden syrup. Refill and virgin oak casks. Very good beading. A mellow, rounded nose-feel, lightly dry. The aroma is savoury overall but with a sweet tartness (roasted pheasant with rowan jelly!). A fine moorland base-note, with heather pollen and freshly crushed herbs. Water sharpens the aroma with a hint of lime. A big, soft, texture and a sweet taste overall with a savoury finish and a pinch of chilli pepper.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

New Releases

“Crispy edible seaweed, crystal salt and coarse black pepper on a wooden trencher.”

Oban 12 Year Old The Tale of Two Foxes 70cl 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt

56.2% VOL £105

Bright 18CT gold. American oak casks. Very good beading. A mellow nose-feel with considerable prickle. The top notes are maritime – crispy edible seaweed, crystal salt and coarse black pepper on a wooden trencher, maybe accompanied by lightly smoked fillets of white fish. A soft texture and a taste which starts lightly sweet, with a pinch of salt in mid-palate, and a shake of pepper in the finish. Full of picnic fun and sunlight!

“Dry Lapsang souchong tea leaves, mineral bath salts and sphagnum moss.”

Lagavulin 12 Year Old The Lion’s Fire

Lagavulin 26 Year Old The Lion’s Jewel

70cl 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt

70cl 26 Year Old Islay Single Malt

56.5% VOL £130

The colour of vinho verde; refill American oak casks. Exceptional beading. A dry nose-feel with light prickle. Fresh and maritime, with a top note of Himalayan salt, supported by dry Lapsang souchong tea leaves, mineral bath salts and sphagnum moss. Beneath these, dry cocoa powder, with a squeeze of lemon zest, all imbued with wood-smoke from a distant bonfire. An oily texture: the taste sweet to start soon followed by lemony acidity, with a sprinkling of Maldon salt, finishing with chilli pepper and bags of smoke.

“Light machine oil, with traces of linseed oil (an artist’s studio comes to mind).”

44.2% VOL £1,650

Deep amber, polished rosewood. A mix of PX and oloroso seasoned casks. A very mellow nose and wonderfully well-integrated aroma, of great complexity: light machine oil, with traces of linseed oil (an artist’s studio comes to mind), backed by warm hardwood and dry edible seaweed, with a hint of butterscotch. Fragrant smoke at base. A mouthfilling texture and a taste which starts briefly sweet, then lightly salty, finishing long, with smouldering beech leaves, leaving an aftertaste of chanterelle mushrooms. A truly exceptional whisky.

“A suggestion of puff-pastry, all on a mossy, bosky, woodland base.”

Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old The Spring Stallion 70cl 16 Year Old Highland Single Malt

57.5% VOL £200

Liquid sunlight. American oak refill casks. Very good beading. A mellow nose-feel with light prickle. The top notes are faintly fruity (orange zest, green apple) supported, after a while, by a suggestion of puff-pastry, all on a mossy, bosky, woodland base. A soft, creamy texture and a taste which starts sweet, with some acidity in mid-palate, dries gently in the finish and leaves a slightly woody aftertaste.

“Cereallike (porridge oats)… becoming medicinal (antiseptic) and maritime (crystal salt, iodine).”

“Crystalised angelica and orange peel, dried figs, and apricots… with marzipan.”

Talisker 8 Year Old The Rogue Seafury

Singleton of Glendullan 19 Year Old The Siren’s Song

70cl 8 Year Old Island Single Malt

70cl 19 Year Old Speyside Single Malt

59.7% VOL £90

Pale gold with greenish lights. American oak refill casks. Moderate beading. A mild nose-feel with only light prickle, in spite of its strength. The initial top notes are cereallike (porridge oats), rapidly becoming medicinal (antiseptic) and maritime (crystal salt, iodine). An oily texture and a big taste – salty and lightly sweet, finishing smoky with the typical Talisker chilli pepper in the finish. Virile and vigorous; elemental and traditional.

54.6% VOL £140

Full gold with khaki lights. Refill casks finished in Cognacseasoned casks. Very good beading. A mild nose-feel with some prickle. The top notes are dried fruits (crystalised angelica and orange peel, dried figs and apricots), backed by a scent of dry fruit cake, with marzipan. Buttery/ oily notes emerge with a drop of water. A soft texture and a sweet taste, finishing lightly savoury. Perfect with afternoon tea!

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

News

Whisky business 1

A mighty malt! Records have been smashed for the world’s largest bottle of Scotch whisky ever filled. Measuring 311 litres in volume and at 1.8 metres in height, this massive bottle of whisky is the brainchild of the upcoming whisky firms Fah Mai Holdings Group Inc and Rosewin Holdings PLC. The whisky combines two sister casks of a 32-year-old Macallan single malt which were expertly married together by the team at Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky. Taking over an hour to fill, the bottle shattered the previous record by 83 litres, set by The Famous Grouse in 2012. Named ‘The Intrepid,’ the bottle pays homage to 11 of the world’s greatest explorers, with their images appearing on the label. It aims to highlight their upcoming expeditions as well as promoting their charities. The bottle will head to auction later in the year, and it's hoped that it will break a further world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever bought at auction.

Bruichladdich goes green Bruichladdich is working to ensure that by 2025 its distillation process will be net zero. The distillery – which was the first in Scotland to achieve B Corp status – is shifting its business model to one of selfsufficiency and sustainability. The company is pioneering an innovative method to produce green hydrogen, by using green electricity and water electrolysis. This is a more sustainable option compared to the current most common method which uses natural gas and creates CO2 in the process. The distillery is planning to rely on renewables being installed across Islay over the next few years. Douglas Taylor, Bruichladdich’s chief executive has said this innovative strategy is based on their view to “think big, start small, but start today.” The Scotch Whisky Association has set a net zero target date of 2040, earlier than the UK and Scottish government targets, and so it is hoped that other distilleries will soon be heading in the same sustainable direction.

Rare Scotch breaks records again The rare Scotch whisky auction market is showing a positive recovery following a slump in the number of bottles sold in 2020 due to the double impact of Covid-19 and Brexit. Despite a challenging 2020, the market is forecasted for a record-breaking year based on trading in the first half of 2021. Figures by whisky analysts and brokers, Rare Whisky 101, show that nearly 85,000 bottles of single malt Scotch whisky with a value of over £36 million were traded in the first half of the year. If the current rate of growth is maintained, an estimated 172,500 bottles would be traded over the whole of 2021, a figure 20 per cent higher than in 2019. Our experts at The Whisky Shop Auctions see this as a trend which is set to continue in the new year, as a more optimistic market sets hold.

A Suntory history lesson ‘The oldest Japanese whisky to ever hit the market,’ is set for an exceptionally limited global release. Following an initial Japan-only rollout in early 2020, only 100 bottles of Yamazaki 55 Year Old will be released worldwide. Combining three single malts from the 1960s, Yamazaki 55 Year Old's oldest component was distilled by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii in 1960 and aged in Mizunara oak casks. This has been combined with whisky from 1961 and 1964 that was distilled by Suntory's second master blender Keizo Saji and matured in American white oak caks. These expressions were then picked and blended by current chief blender Shinji Fukuyo in collaboration with Shingo Torii, Shinjiro Torii’s grandson. Yamazaki will be donating $5,000 for each bottle purchased to The White Oak Initiative, which works to ensure the sustainability of American white oak forests. The historical significance of this release and the extremely low number of bottles available make this an exceptional opportunity for collectors and investors. Look out for this spectacular release at our Piccadilly boutique and online at www.whiskyshop.com.

Decades in the making A new record sale for The Dalmore has been made at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong. The only complete set of all six bottles, The Dalmore Decades No.6 Collection has been sold as a single lot at auction for £830,000. The Dalmore Decades is a collection of six exceptional whiskies which celebrate the craftsmanship of the Highland distillery over the past 60 years. Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist comments: “The Dalmore is truly an icon of the whisky world, and this collection encapsulates everything that the distillery stands for. In today’s premium whisky market, it also encapsulates the key elements sought after by collectors.” In addition, The Dalmore has announced it will donate £100,000 from the sale to the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, as part of their first philanthropic partnership launched in December 2020.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

The W Club

Whisky wonderland From one whisky lover to another; members of The W Club give their top tips on how to get into the festive spirit.

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Christmas is all about comfort food, earthy spices and pure indulgence. I plan ahead so that I have special treats ready for when unexpected guests come knocking. I like to make chicken liver parfait sealed with an aspic jelly made from Bruadar Whisky Liqueur and a slice of orange. I also make South African droewors, adding Laphroaig Quarter Cask to the meat for that added touch of smoke. The cloves and nutmeg in the droewors make this a superb snack to enjoy alongside a punchy Highland malt. — Daniel Durban, The Whisky Shop Piccadilly

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Being Jewish we don’t celebrate Christmas but that doesn’t stop us being festive and we usually don’t need any excuse to eat or drink! We have a festival called Chanukah – the ‘festival of lights’ – which normally falls around the same time. It lasts for eight days which gives ample time to get together for parties and family gatherings.

Eat this

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I’m a traditionalist and love turkey and its trimmings, but the Brussel sprouts have to be chopped and cooked in bacon, shallots and cream! — David McCorquodale, The Whisky Shop Edinburgh Victoria Street

During this festival, it’s traditional to eat fried foods. A nice doughnut usually goes down well with a sherried whisky, or a ‘latke’ – a fried potato cake – pairs perfectly with a peaty dram. — Jonathan Richman, The Whisky Shop Manchester

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

The W Club

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Drink this

Every festive season, a group of us usually get together and share something new or interesting – single casks of GlenAllachie are the current favourite or perhaps a new independent bottling. We look forward to being able to get together in person again this year – and we have really missed Phil’s tastings at The Whisky Shop in Manchester! — Jonathan Richman, The Whisky Shop Manchester

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My festive dram of choice is the spicy Glen Scotia Double Cask. Sherry, nutmeg and plenty of dunnage notes; it's Christmas in a glass!

When the weather turns cold, I always go for sherry cask drams such as Glendronach 18 Year Old Allardice or GlenAllachie 15 Year Old. The flavours of Christmas are rich and warming, and these drams certainly deliver.

— Daniel Durban, The Whisky Shop Piccadilly

— Torie Barker, The Whisky Shop Manchester

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My favourite Christmas drams are Tobermory 12 Year Old and Deanston 10 Year Old. In fact, the latter just makes me think of Christmas every time I drink it. A glass of Courvoisier – preferably XO, but VSOP is also very good – is the perfect way to round off Christmas lunch. — Barry Pilling, The Whisky Shop Norwich

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Christmas dinner is about having enough room for Christmas pudding and brandy cream. Plus, a Glendronach 15 Year Old or 18 Year Old to finish off the meal. Pure heaven! — Alan Mitchell, The Whisky Shop Edinburgh Waverley

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Santa always has a tipple left for him, and it seems to conveniently coincide with my malt of the moment! — David McCorquodale, The Whisky Shop Edinburgh Victoria Street

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Lincoln's Christmas Market is definitely worth a visit, taking place this year from 2nd – 5th December. It’s located in Lincoln's Cathedral Quarter, the oldest part of the city, and most of the stalls are in and around the castle and cathedral, which really adds to the atmosphere. — Barry Pilling, The Whisky Shop Norwich

Visit this

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Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to Manchester’s Christmas Market. It really gets me excited about Christmas, walking around, wrapped up warm, eating cheese and drinking mulled wine. — Torie Barker, The Whisky Shop Manchester

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Every festive season I visit Edinburgh's Christmas Market, as well as Kyloe Restaurant and The Chop and Ale House in Linlithgow – they are always decorated beautifully for Christmas. This year, I look forward to visiting the new Johnnie Walker Princes Street. — Stuart King, The Whisky Shop Edinburgh Waverley

Gift this I love to share whisky that others might have not tried before, or drams I’ve recently discovered. I put together samples from my own collection, along with other tasty treats. — Torie Barker, The Whisky Shop Manchester

I deliberately leave out my copy of 101 Whiskies to Drink Before I Die so that my family know which whiskies I haven’t yet tasted! — David McCorquodale, The Whisky Shop Edinburgh Victoria Street I usually buy a bottle of Edinburgh Gin for my wife – it’s a fantastic gin! — Stuart King, The Whisky Shop Edinburgh Waverley

The Whisky Shop

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Auctions

King of the castle We sit down with Tomas Karlsson, owner of the world’s biggest collection of St. Magdalene whisky, to discuss his love of the lost distillery inside the unique surroundings of his Glasgow castle. Tomas, tell us about your love for St. Magdalene. What appeals to you about this distillery? There are a couple of reasons. First, it’s a beautiful name of course, and I love the whisky. I started collecting lost distilleries, and then when I started to taste St. Magdalene, I found that it was my kind of dram. It is a Lowland whisky, so it’s quite easy drinking. How big is your collection? I have about 212 different editions of St. Magdalene, and in total almost 400 bottles. Are there other distilleries you are interested in, or is it just St. Magdalene? No, I drink mostly old blends; that is my kind of thing. The blends I drink go back to the 1960s and 1970s. Current blends are not quite the same.

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I know that for sure that I am the biggest collector of St. Magdalene in the world.

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Auctions Tomas' collection includes some incredible and rare bottles, including a bottle of St. Magdalene from 1891.

How do you think the quality of whisky from those years compares to the quality of whisky now? Today’s whisky is probably better in quality and more consistent, but it’s a computer that has made it. It is no longer as handmade as it was; today the machines do everything. When did you purchase your first bottle of St. Magdalene? I bought my first bottle around 2000, and I started collecting St. Magdalene properly in 2004. It was easy to find then, but not today. It has increased in price a lot in the last five years. St. Magdalene is still a rare, largely unknown distillery because it was closed in 1983. And people can still get confused because it can be known as Linlithgow Distillery as well as St. Magdalene. Do you drink your bottles? The one thing that I learned from the beginning is that whisky is made to be drunk and enjoyed. You just need to just find the right moment to drink it – it could be any morning, afternoon, or evening. I have duplicates of most of my bottles, so I can keep one and open one up to taste. I haven’t tried everything yet because I only have one copy of some bottles. What is your most prized bottle? An 18-year-old St. Magdalene from 1964 is one of my favourite bottles, while the oldest bottle I have dates back to 1891.

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The one thing that I learned from the beginning is that whisky is made to be drunk and enjoyed. You just need to just find the right moment to drink it.

When not enjoying a dram in his spectacular whisky room, Tomas plays a vintage fruit machine that he bought during lockdown.

With St. Magdalene closing its doors in 1983, do you know if there is any liquid left that is still to be bottled? Yes, I know that Beam Suntory still has one cask up in Pitlochry. They say that Diageo also has some, and Gordon & MacPhail has a couple of casks as well – I think its next release will probably be a 40-year-old. Do you think you are the biggest collector of St. Magdalene? I know for sure that I am the biggest collector of St. Magdalene in the world; but I have decided I am going to sell it all soon. I’m going to keep some bottles for drinking purposes, but I would like to find a buyer that can purchase the whole collection. I want more people talking about St. Magdalene and being educated about the distillery. Absolutely. Do you know what you would like to do with the money? I’ve already decided that I’m going to buy a house in the Canary Islands. I found one that I fell in love with and asked the broker if they would take my whisky collection for the price, because it’s probably worth more than the property. She said it was the first time she has ever been offered a whisky collection for a house!

We cannot ignore our surroundings; what an incredible place to live! Do you know what the history of the castle is? It was built around 1800, and then after ten years a ship owner bought it and built the tower because he wanted to see his ships coming and going along the River Clyde. I have lived here for five years, moving to Scotland from Sweden. Do you remember your first taste of whisky in your native Sweden? I didn’t like whisky at all, I was not a whisky drinker. Then, when I was much older, I started mixing it with Coca-Cola, and I began to get into it. Isn’t it funny that now one of your favourite things to do is pour yourself a neat dram? Yes, I just regret that I didn’t discover my love for whisky earlier, because then I’d be a rich man!

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

A Time in History

The land of the giants Showing strength in times of adversity, Brian Wilson explores the history of Bushmills Distillery and discovers how it adapted in times of hardship to become the globally recognised brand it is today. F EATU R E IL LU STR ATION: K AT IE SMIT H

Knowledge Bar Bushmills 1991 The Whisky Shop Exclusive

The Whisky Shop's latest Bushmills single cask exclusive has been finished for no less than 16 years in Madeira casks, following a maturation period of 13 years in a mix of ex-oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels. This spectacular expression follows on from last year's exclusive Feuillette cask bottling, which sold out at The Whisky Shop within a matter of hours. We don't expect this new release to hang around for long, either.

A triangle of destinations in the very north of Ireland make it, by any standard, a special part of the world. If your particular interests happen to be golf, geology and whiskey, then this is the centre of the universe. To the west, lies Royal Portrush Golf Club which hosted the Open Championship in 2019 and has just been named as venue for 2025. Drive a few miles eastwards and you will come upon that extraordinary phenomenon, the Giant’s Causeway, with its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns merging into the sea. Five miles inland, at the apex, sits the village of Bushmills and its eponymous distillery. It’s tough competition but it would be fair to say that Bushmills is possibly the best-known name of the three around the world. That all rests on the reputation of the world’s oldest licensed distillery. Like all good whiskeys – with or without an ‘e’ – Bushmills owes its existence to a pure and plentiful water supply. The River Bush flows more than 30 miles from the Antrim Hills. ‘Bush’ is a corruption of the Irish word for victory, ‘an Bhuais,’ but which particular victory is lost in the mists of battle-scarred time. What matters is that the river flows through a fertile valley with a mineral base that makes it particularly pure and suitable for distilling. The water from one of its tributaries, Saint Columb’s Rill, is exclusive to the distillery. As Master Distiller Colum

Egan says: “They called it after me before they knew I was coming.” Colum, who has been at Bushmills for 20 years, makes a direct link between geology and the distillery. “Basalt rock is very prominent in this area and that is really what the water flows over. It’s what lays the foundation for everything else. We have our own unique taste, and the water is fundamental to that. Bushmills is a lot about authenticity. It sounds simple but the hardest thing is to make the same thing every day. We have our consistent water source, we are very specific about the malted barley, we use the same casks. My favourite place to have a drink is on the basalt rocks – you could be in the same place, drinking the same whiskey, in the same environment a century ago.” Bushmills’ status as the world’s oldest licensed distillery stems from a disposition made by James I of Great Britain (and VI of Scotland) in 1608, against a background of political upheaval in Ireland; particularly the province of Ulster which has resonance down to the present day. The key player was a military adventurer, Sir Thomas Phillips, who was prominent in ensuring a rebel defeat in the Nine Years War which kicked off in 1593, prompted by Ulster chieftains resisting the spread of London rule. Their defeat is seen as the beginning of the end for ‘Gaelic Ireland’ and promptly led to the Plantation of Ulster. For his efforts,

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

A Time in History Bushmills credits its unique taste to the water drawn from Saint Columb’s Rill, a tributary of the River Bush, which flows past the distillery.

Phillips was generously rewarded with lands and powers within Antrim. The package bestowed by the King included, happily for future history and branding, the Bushmills licence to distil. This allowed Phillips “for the next seven years, within the countie of Colrane, otherwise called O Cahanes countrey, or within the territorie called Rowte, in Co. Antrim, by himselfe or his servauntes, to make, drawe, and distil such and soe great quantities of aquavite, usquabagh and aqua composita, as he or his assignes shall thinke fitt; and the same to sell, vent, and dispose of to any persons, yeeldinge yerelie the somme 13s 4d...” Precisely what happened within those seven years or the couple of centuries thereafter is largely lost in the haze, though it can be assumed that distilling continued throughout. Indeed, the Phillips licence was probably recognition that – particularly with whisky-hardened Scottish settlers being brought into the place – regulation was a better bet than suppression. Production of the illegal stuff was criminalised with harsher penalties however, in 1661. In 1743, Bushmills was reported to be “in the hand of smugglers.” However, the Bushmills Old Distillery Company was established in 1784 by Hugh Anderson and the earliest recognisable distillery buildings emerged thereafter. In 1860 a Belfast spirit merchant named James McColgan and his partner Patrick Corrigan bought the distillery. The latter died five years later and his widow, Ellen Jane, took over the company’s business affairs and turned out to be a formidable lady. Ellen Jane features prominently in a list of ‘women who helped to shape the worldwide whisky industry.’ She co-ran Bushmills with James McColgan after her husband’s death. While McColgan made the whiskey, Ellen

Jane negotiated lease terms which ensured nobody used Bushmills’ water from Saint Columb’s Rill, an asset that persists to the present day. An account of her life states: “Ellen Jane turned this already successful distillery into a serious international company that produced 100,000 gallons a year. She helped introduce electricity to the distillery and fought the old guard on past business procedures. At the time, distillers often sold unaged bulk whiskey to blenders and other distillers in need of supply. This clear liquid would have lacked the nutty and sweeter characteristics of Bushmills. However, every drop of Bushmills was barrel-aged on the property, retaining its rich barrel flavours and colour.” Bushmills was and remains a ‘grain to glass’ distillery. “When she sold Old Bushmills in 1880 for £3,000, Ellen Jane even negotiated a voting spot on the board of the new company, confirming her male peers’ respect in a country that typically did not offer women leadership positions. Not much else is known about Ellen Jane, but it’s interesting to think about how she would have ascended up today’s corporate hierarchy.” Indeed it is! Then disaster struck. In 1885, a fire destroyed the distillery but within a few years it had been re-built with a mission to expand global reach. What better way than to have your own steamship, the SS Bushmills, traversing the oceans to carry the product to such exotic destinations as Philadelphia, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong and Yokohama. Sadly, the records show the SS Bushmills ended her life in less glamorous surroundings, when she ran aground on Anglesey in 1911. By then, the United States was a huge market for Bushmills. The relative sweetness of Irish whiskey appealed to the American palate, and it is sometimes forgotten that half

of the 44 million US citizens who even today claim Irish descent say they came from an Ulster-Scots background. A whiskey closely associated with not just Ireland, but Ulster had a head start in the market. American Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, had a devastating effect on the Irish whiskey industry in general but Bushmills managed to survive and built-up large stocks to await it ending. Until then, Irish whiskey had been much bigger than Scotch in the American market, so that with only a handful of Irish distilleries left, there was a huge void to fill. The recent history of Bushmills has been one of growth, success and diversification into a range of distinctive whiskies, while never deviating from the core principles of production. Under the current owners, Casa Cuervo, there is a real pride in the history of the brand, a creative marketing strategy and an investment programme to match. The future has never looked brighter. Colum Egan says: “It’s fantastic. For a long time, Bushmills was very quiet on innovation but that has changed in the last few years. We had all this stock sitting in the warehouse. Now we have a range of different ages and different casks. There’s a new distillery being commissioned which will double production – all while staying true to the core values.” In a normal year, Bushmills hosts well over 100,000 visitors who enjoy first class distillery tours, full of the rich history which the distillery evokes, and with tastings to round off the experience. These have been offlimits for more than a year due to pandemicimposed restrictions. When they return, they will contribute to a unique tourist experience in this great corner of Ireland.

CAN YOU DESIGN A WHISKY THE WAY YOU DESIGN A CAR? IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE CAR.

The principles of the golden ratio inspired Bowmore and Aston Martin during the creation and development of The Masters’ Selection, their beautifully balanced single malt Scotch whisky. The mathematical principle is perhaps a little too esoteric to spend time upon here, but suffice to say it chimes perfectly with the respective companies’ shared passion for balance, proportionality and beauty. As Aston

bowmore.com Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. drinkaware.co.uk

Martin’s perfectly ordered symmetries define the character and shape of their unique cars, so Bowmore’s perfectly proportioned whiskies define the character and shape of their unique single malts. Renowned for their exemplary heritage, impeccable credentials and relentless dedication to craftsmanship, together they have designed an exceptional whisky inspired by both the art and science of beauty.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Industry Insider

Masters of their craft Bowmore and Aston Martin: two iconic brands with a shared vision of creating timeless beauty and a lasting legacy.

We sit down with Bowmore’s Master Blender Ron Welsh and Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman to learn more about their inspiring partnership and to discuss their latest collaboration, Masters' Selection Edition 1.

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The exciting thing is that we’re both working on things that will become classics in their time. — Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin

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The experience of that acceleration, that intensity in the car… that’s what I’m trying to put into the whisky. — Ron Welsh, Master Blender, Bowmore

Knowledge Bar Aston Martin

E NGL A ND WA LES

Birmingham

Gaydon

Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin has become synonymous with the idea of luxury. Its long association with the James Bond character adds to its pedigree as a British cultural icon. The ideas of beauty, craftsmanship, and art, inspire their design process and have influenced their models over time.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Industry Insider

Ron and Marek, what comparisons can be made between these two iconic brands? MAREK: I think history is really important. When you have a heritage so deep, you become a cultural icon really, because you’ve seen generations of workers, generations of change, generations of innovation happen. So I think the first synergy is that we are both brands with a deep heritage, and that heritage brings knowledge and that knowledge is exceptional. RON: Craftsmanship sits at the forefront of

both brands as well. It’s about taking materials that are either naturally grown or man-made, taking time to create something from those materials, and being very thoughtful about the process. Both companies have craftsmanship as their guiding light. It wouldn’t be Bowmore, and it wouldn’t be Aston Martin, if that wasn’t the case. Since the formation of Bowmore and Aston Martin’s partnership in 2019, what have the two brands learned from each other so far? MAREK: I’ve learned a lot about taste, in terms of excellence as well as flavour. When someone explains why and how and what the delicacy of the process is, then you have a different understanding of taste, and therefore a different understanding of the value of something. RON: My learnings are from my visit to the

Aston Martin factory in Gaydon. It was great to see Marek’s passion for Aston Martin, just as I’m passionate about Bowmore. On top of that, it was amazing to see the precision that goes into the making of the cars. We have precision but it’s not as intense as Aston Martin. Learning that and bringing that into how we produce a whisky has been so valuable. MAREK: The strange thing is that, due to the

pandemic, I still haven’t been to Bowmore! I feel I know the place because I’ve done plenty of virtual tours, but I still haven’t smelt and felt the atmosphere of Bowmore. I can’t wait to visit. Marek, tell us about the golden ratio, used at the heart of every Aston Martin design. MAREK: The golden ratio has existed for billions of years – it is effectively the way that nature puts things together. It’s been studied by great artists and philosophers, and it was written down. Physically, it is the proportion of shape and form to give beauty. It’s a measured beauty, and it exists everywhere we look. The nautilus shell is a perfect example; the segments of the shell will grow to fit within the golden ratio.

At Aston Martin, this methodology is at the core of what we do. The cars are created within that golden ratio, so they have visual beauty at their core. Ron, how were you inspired by the golden ratio to create Masters’ Selection Edition 1? RON: Using the golden ratio as a method of creating a whisky was certainly new to me, and something I’ve not known anybody else to do. Masters’ Selection Edition 1 combines three different cask types, four different cask sizes and five previous contents, ranged over three different decades. There’s complexity in there, in terms of cask styles and ages, but we’ve also used precision in terms of the proportions of the different styles. The proportion of first-fill sherry casks in the marriage is the exact golden ratio to the full amount of casks that are in there. The proportion that’s left over is split between hogsheads and barriques, using the golden ratio again, and the barriques are then split between different previous contents using the golden ratio once more. So we’ve used a number of different golden ratios, just like that nautilus shell. Talk to us about the liquid. How does it represent both Bowmore and Aston Martin? RON: The end goal was to reflect the elegance of an Aston Martin car. Just as an Aston Martin is beautiful to look at, the nose of this expression is so elegant. It’s stunning. Then we move on to the palate. There are dark fruits in there from the sherry casks, and a bit of spice coming through. That’s followed by a little nuttiness, and a bit of leather that reminds you of being inside an Aston Martin. MAREK: With Aston Martin you see the beauty

instantly, but then it’s about the enjoyment of driving; that’s why people fall in love with Aston Martin and come back to buy our cars again and again. Masters’ Selection Edition 1 is a whisky that looks and smells amazing, but it is the flavour that draws you back time and time again. You both have incredibly interesting jobs. Marek, tell us about your journey to becoming Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer. MAREK: I’ve been a lover of design, the arts and visual things from a young age, and I’ve always been passionate about drawing and learning how are things made. Part of that was because I grew up in Sheffield, in the industrial north of England, during a time when the steel industry was disappearing. My school used to do visits to places like Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet where we were shown how steel was first made before the Bessemer converter or the crucible pot, and I was fascinated by the process. From then on, I put my love of sketching and drawing together, and decided I wanted to be a designer. I’d always had a love for cars so inevitably it was my old man that said if you love cars, go and design cars. Don’t design toasters because you’ll always want to design a car! So, here I am. And Ron, what led you to working in whisky, ultimately becoming Bowmore’s Master Blender? RON: Well, just like Marek, it was at school that I discovered my love for… Whisky?! RON: Not quite at that point! I loved learning

Knowledge Bar Bowmore

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Bowmore

Edinburgh

Established in 1779 on the shore of Loch Indaal, Bowmore was the first licensed distillery on Islay. A distillery with a rich history, Bowmore ceased production during the Second World War when it was commandeered by the RAF as an Air Base between 1940 and 1943. The distillery operates using traditional techniques and remains hand crafted, using an old stone warehouse to store the casks, known as the No. 1 Vaults.

how things are made, and that led me on to university to become a chemical engineer. As a coincidence, my first job when I left university was making steel. MAREK: Oh wow, I didn’t know that. RON: As Marek said, the steel industry started

to disappear. I moved away from steel and looked at what else was out there in terms of production, and the opportunity came about to work in the whisky industry, which at that time was more of an industrial setting. I worked with the master blender at Strathclyde Distillery, learning about looking after the quality of the whisky, before moving into inventory. For me, the inventory side is very fascinating. It’s about mathematical equations and data and having the right quantities of whisky at the right quality. That moved me on to being a chief blender, and then on to being a master blender. I was with Laphroaig and Teacher’s for many years before taking the role with Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch, which all have fantastic inventories. Bowmore’s inventory is huge, varied and absolutely incredible. Every time I get a cask sample, I find a new style of Bowmore – still with that Bowmore DNA, but with a slightly different flavour due to being distilled in a different year, or with different raw materials. It’s just brilliant. What have been the stand-out products you have worked on throughout your careers? MAREK: The exciting thing is that we’re both working on things that will become classics in their time. Right now, I’m working on the cars that I know in 25 years will be cited as being true classics.

During my 16 years at Aston Martin, my stand-out product has got to be the One-77, which was our first production car sold at over £1 million. The car was made using a mixture of technology and traditional methodology, and we made only 77 of them. We’d had heritage cars that had gained in value, but this was a new car that was sold initially at £1.2 million, and they are easily double that price now. If I had to pick a second car, it would be the Valkyrie which is all about our future. We’ve been developing the car for about four and a half years now and the first cars will be delivered to customers this year. We’re making 150 and they sold out in 48 hours – and they are £2.5 million each! RON: In terms of defining moments for the

distillery, you have to cite Black Bowmore as the whisky that put Bowmore on the map. Those first three editions, at 29, 30 and 31 years old, are absolutely fantastic whiskies. Repurposing some of that third addition for our first collaboration with Aston Martin is a stand-out for me. MAREK: I was lucky enough to receive a tiny

bottle of Black Bowmore from Ron. It took me about four weeks to get through what should have been just a dram, because I didn’t want to finish it all at the same time! I’ve still got the bottle and I open it to smell it every now and again. RON: Last year’s Timeless series is another

highlight of my seven years at Bowmore. I love the differences in maturation style and distillation style of the whiskies, relative to the decades from which they came.

They are absolutely beautiful whiskies in lovely packaging. Masters’ Selection will become a classic as well. Marek, have you always been a whisky fan? MAREK: Absolutely. You can taste the craftsmanship that went into it; you can taste the heritage. You instantly get a feeling and a flavour of where it’s from, and I think that’s so romantic. You can stare into a fireplace with a glass of whisky, and just imagine. And Ron, have you had a drive in an Aston Martin yet?! RON: Funnily enough, I’ve had the opportunity and the privilege to drive four different Aston Martins. It’s part of the inspiration for creating the whiskies. The experience of that acceleration, that intensity in the car… that’s what I’m trying to put into the whisky. I think this has been a very successful first edition of Masters’ Selection, and you’ll just need to watch out for the editions coming after it. It’s a stunning whisky. Are we allowed to know how may editions will be in the series? RON: More than one! There is plenty more to come. This partnership is here to stay for some time. MAREK: This is a long-term thing because

there is a synergy. We’re just starting the journey, and we intend to do great things. Just imagine how many more ideas we’re going to cook up once I actually get to Bowmore. I think the most dangerous thing is putting Ron and I together in a room in person… it’s going to be nuts!

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Distillery Visit

Walk the line Gavin D Smith goes behind the scenes at Johnnie Walker Princes Street to discover why Diageo’s new Edinburgh whisky experience is the talk of the town.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Distillery Visit

The 1820 Rooftop Bar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers world-class cocktails overlooking Edinburgh’s spectacular skyline.

For generations of Edinburgh folk ’under Binns’ clock’ was a meeting place for friends, lovers and would-be lovers, but over time the clock stopped working, Binns department store became House of Fraser, and ultimately, House of Fraser as a high street retailer stopped working, too. The grand corner building on Princes Street in the West End of Edinburgh’s New Town was far too prestigious to remain empty for long, however, and in 2018 it was announced that distilling giant Diageo intended to turn the site into ’Johnnie Walker Princes Street.’ In early September of this year, the venture celebrating all things Johnnie Walker was unveiled to the public, taking centre stage within Diageo’s £185 million investment in Scotch whisky tourism – the largest single investment programme of its kind ever seen in the sector. Occupying all eight floors of the former department store and covering a vast 71,500 square feet, the attraction is described by Diageo Chief Executive Ivan Menezes as “A landmark investment in Scotch whisky

and into Scotland and it sets a new standard for immersive visitor attractions. It celebrates Scotland’s remarkable heritage, our incredible skilled whisky makers, and looks to the future by engaging new generations of consumers from around the world in the magic of Scotch whisky.” He adds that “Consumers are looking more and more to understand what’s in their products, how is it made, who are the people behind it? And as you look to the next generation of consumers coming through, there’s going to be an increasing demand. For instance, the thirst for product knowledge in China is extraordinary.” ‘Whisky tourism’ in Scotland was growing significantly before the arrival of the pandemic, with Scotch Whisky Association figures for 2019 recording that it was worth £85 million to the Scottish economy, accounting for almost 2.2 million visits, with an average spending figure in excess of £39 per head. Ivan Menezes declares that “We do believe out-of-home spending and experiences are going to come back very strongly. It’s right at the top of the list of what people want.”

Knowledge Bar A grand opening

S COTL A ND NORTH SEA

Glasgow Edinburgh

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, Johnnie Walker Princes Street is located in a prime position on the corner of the city's busiest thoroughfare, with grand views overlooking Edinburgh Castle. Opening its doors in September 2021 to coincide with Johnnie Walker’s 200 year anniversary, the new experience provides an exciting way for visitors to explore Scotland’s national drink.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Distillery Visit

Knowledge Bar A Timeline of Johnnie Walker

1805 John Walker is born on 25th July 1820 A teenage John Walker opens a grocery shop in Kilmarnock 1850 Walker’s ‘Kilmarnock whisky’ goes on sale

Visitors can shop from a range of spectacular whiskies.

1857 John Walker dies, his son Alexander (Alec) takes over the family firm 1860 Introduction of the square-sided bottle for Kilmarnock whisky 1862 Sales of Kilmarnock whisky reach 100,000 gallons (450,000 litres) per year 1865 Alec Walker launches Old Highland whisky, the predecessor of Black Label, registering it for copyright two years later 1877 The 24 degrees slanted label of Old Highland Whisky is copyrighted 1889 Death of Alec Walker – his sons Alexander II and George take over the business, with Alexander concentrating on whisky blending 1893 The Walkers purchase Cardhu Distillery on Speyside

BEST-SELLING BRAND

There is also the not inconsiderable fact that Johnnie Walker is the world’s best-selling whisky brand, accounting for 18.4 million x 9-litre cases in 2019, making it the sixth most valuable spirit brand globally, worth an estimated £2.89bn. It is available in no fewer than 180 countries, and is unchallenged as the most valuable commercial brand to come out of Scotland, having been established 201 years ago. All of which goes to explain why Diageo would choose to promote and celebrate its leading whisky brand in the country’s capital city of Edinburgh, but just what is all the fuss about on Princes Street? According to Diageo, the Princes Steet venue “Takes the concept of personalisation to a scale never before seen in a global drinks’ visitor experience. Visitors on the Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour tour will have their personal flavour preferences mapped with drinks tailored to their palate. With more than 800 flavour combinations available in the innovative dispensation systems, one person could visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street every day for more than two years and not have the same experience twice.”

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Up to 30 component whiskies are used in some Johnnie Walker expressions, and one statistic you are sure to carry away with you is that Diageo owns 10 million casks out of a Scotch whisky total of 22 million. So, effectively, the Johnnie Walker blending team has 10 million casks with which to work!

1908 Illustrator Tom Browne draws the ‘Striding Man’ image and managing director James Stevenson coins the advertising phrase ‘born 1820 – Still Going Strong’ 1909 The Old Highland Whisky expressions – 9-year-old Red Label, 12-year-old Black Label and 5-year-old White Label – are rebranded to include the Johnnie Walker name 1925 John Walker & Sons becomes part of the industry-leading Distillers Company Ltd (DCL) 1963 Johnnie Walker is declared the world’s best-selling whisky 1986 DCL is acquired by Guinness, which merges with Grand Metropolitan in 1997, forming Diageo

Guests can discover their perfect whisky match based upon their taste preferences, catering to whisky connoisseurs and novices alike.

1992 Johnnie Walker Oldest, the first edition of Blue Label is introduced, with many more variations to follow 2000 Johnnie Walker Black Label becomes the best-selling deluxe blend globally

It all begins in what was previously House of Fraser’s perfume and make-up section, now transformed into a welcoming, bustling reception and retail area. Here with the aid of an iPad and a friendly member of staff – one of 150 speaking a total of 23 languages employed on site – personal flavour preferences are logged, and a coloured wristband assigned according to your ’fresh,’ ’creamy,’ ’smoky,’ ’spicy,’ ’fruity’ or ’tropical’ tastes. Not surprisingly, every possible permutation of Johnnie Walker is on sale here, including an exclusive Celebratory Blend Princes Street Edition, a seasonally changing ’bottle your own’ option, and a vast array of Diageo single malts, not to mention a plethora of branded gift items. TAKING A TOUR

The reception and retail areas are open to members of the public, as are the attraction’s bars, but for those wishing to delve deeper there are three tour options – see www.johnniewalker.com for details and online booking. The most popular version, lasting 90 minutes and costing £25 per adult, is the aforementioned Journey of Flavour Tour

which gets underway in the Whisky Makers’ Cellar, where participants begin to get an idea of just what is involved in creating a blended Scotch whisky by veteran Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge OBE and his 11-strong team. Effectively, the cellar is a bonded warehouse in the centre of Edinburgh, as 26 hogsheads are maturing there, ultimately to be combined to produce a limited edition blend in late 2022. Each of the 11 members of the Johnnie Walker blending team have produced their own blend, available from a series of eye-catching steel and glass dispensers. Ambassadors serve drams from the dispensers according to personal flavour preferences, and play informative audio recordings of the blenders who created them, explaining which component whiskies they selected and what those whiskies contributed to their blend’s character. Back above stairs once more, it is time for some theatrics, as a highly professional performer interprets the history of the Johnnie Walker brand from its origins in a grocer’s shop in the Ayrshire town of Kilmarnock to its current best-selling status.

2010 Johnnie Walker Double Black and The John Walker are released, with the latter being presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter 2012 Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve (now Gold Label Reserve) and Platinum Label (now Aged 18 Years) are launched, along with a limited edition Diamond Jubilee decanter costing £100,000 2012/13 Johnnie Walker sells 20 million cases of whisky for the first time 2018 Introduction of White Walker in association with cult TV series Game of Thrones 2020 Johnnie Walker Blue Label 200th Anniversary Limited Edition and Celebratory Blend are released 2021 Opening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Distillery Visit

The Journey of Flavour Tour offers the chance to learn more about the Johnnie Walker brand and taste some drams.

❝ Johnnie Walker is the world’s best-selling whisky brand… worth an estimated £2.89bn.

Video screens, special audio effect and even a conveyor belt on stage all come into play, not to mention a top hat and cane, in this dynamic and undeniably impressive display. Arguably, the highlight of the entire tour. Next, it is cocktail time in a dedicated Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive of Diageo, and room equipped with what looks like a series Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie of high-tech coffee machines, which dispense Walker Princes Street, raise a flag to mark the opening of the new whisky experience. the appropriate style of highball for your flavour profile, courtesy of a microchip on the glass base that identifies the relevant recipe. A different expression of Johnnie Walker is used for each variant; for example, the effectively, the Johnnie Walker blending views of Edinburgh Castle, and a strategically ’tropical’ version is made with Johnnie Walker team has 10 million casks with which to work! placed life-size, saltire-clad Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, while ’fruity’ is concocted An Archive Room comprising old makes this an Instagrammer’s dream. from Black Label. documents and adverts relating to Johnnie Time to take a breath here and review Walker from Diageo’s superb and extensive the experience that has taken place in the MAKING JOHNNIE WALKER archives offers a great insight into the history past 90 minutes or so. While there is lots Next up is an exploration of how a number of the brand, but for those with a recurring of hi-tec gadgetry, leading one visitor to of key distilleries influence the character of thirst, it is time to visit the Tasting Room. describe it as “an audio-visual tour de force,” various Johnnie Walker expressions, with there is also plenty of human interaction more clever visual effects projected onto DRINKING JOHNNIE WALKER with very enthusiastic and charismatic the walls and ceiling. The room contains A choice of a Highball or Old Fashioned members of staff. four stations, each representing one of the cocktail made with whichever flavour profile A particularly good piece of news for four distilleries that have been rebranded you originally opted for is on offer, and from locals is that the much-loved Binns’ clock has as the ‘Four corners of Scotland,’ namely there on it is bars all the way to the very top been fully restored, with its hand-painted Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Clynelish and of the building. Highland figures once again marching out Caol Ila, and audio presentations by First is the Explorers’ Bothy Bar, of the clock to mark the hour and half hour, members of the Johnnie Walker team explain complete with 150 different whiskies and a while the tunes of Caller Herrin and Scotland their contributions to the Johnnie Walker mission to “Explore whisky in a more diverse the Brave are heard every 30 minutes. style, as well as those of other malts and light,” tying in with key messages of the tour Once again, the clock provides a meeting grains. The whisky making process is also that ’whisky is for everyone,’ and you should place for friends, lovers and would-be lovers, explored, along with the many permutations drink it any way you choose. while the old department store itself is of maturation. The pièce de résistance, however, is playing its part in bringing dynamic new life Up to 30 component whiskies are used the eighth floor 1820 cocktail bar where, to Princes Street, and providing a source of in some Johnnie Walker expressions, and according to Diageo, “Drinks are paired with knowledge and pleasure for whisky lovers one statistic you are sure to carry away with a carefully curated menu sourced from, and from home and abroad alike. you is that Diageo owns 10 million casks out representing in culinary form, the four corners of of a Scotch whisky total of 22 million. So, Scotland.” An open terrace offers spectacular

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Interview

Unconquerable soul

An interview with JJ Chalmers PHOTOGR A PHY: BR IA N SWEENEY ST YLIST: VIXY R A E, ST EWA RT CHR IST IE LOCAT ION: JOHNNIE WA LKER PR INCES ST R EET, EDINBURGH

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Interview

At the age of 23, JJ Chalmers had achieved his dream of becoming a Royal Marines Commando, but his first tour in Afghanistan left him with life-changing injuries suffered during an IED blast. Facing the biggest challenge of his life, JJ’s positivity prevailed, showcasing remarkable strength throughout his recovery and going on to become an Invictus Games medallist and forging a successful broadcasting career. A decade on, we sit down with JJ at Johnnie Walker Princes Street to enjoy a dram together and reflect on his extraordinary story.

JJ, you’ve been on an unbelievable journey. If we start from the beginning, did you always want a career in the military? I was raised in a house where you served, you were part of your community, you did something – so that’s why a life in service attracted me. I was also intrigued by the notion that, despite going through some really difficult things, I would get the opportunity to have some extraordinary experiences around the world and do these things with my best mates by my side. Why did you choose the Marines? I went to a school that had a Royal Marines Cadet Section and that gave me an insight into the Marines versus everything else. Our Cadet leaders were superheroes as far as I was concerned. I wanted to see if I could become a Royal Marine Commando. I wanted to see if I was capable of doing that. I always look for an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and if anything, that has only been increased and exacerbated by surviving.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Interview

Knowledge Bar JJ Chalmers

JJ Chalmers was born on 20 December 1986 and lives in Dunfermline with his wife Kornelia and their two children. Joining the Royal Marines Reserves in 2005 whilst studying at the University of Edinburgh for a Bachelor of Education, JJ then transferred to full military service in 2010. 2011 – JJ sustained severe injuries in an IED blast whilst on deployment in Afghanistan. 2014 – JJ competed in the inaugural Invictus Games in London and became a three-time medal winner (one gold, two bronze) in recumbent road cycling events. 2016 – JJ returned to the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida as an ambassador and presenter with the BBC. He later presented Channel 4’s coverage of the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio. 2017 – JJ joined the BBC Sport Team, appearing on many live sporting events including The London Marathon, the Invictus Games in Toronto and Sydney, and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast. 2020 – JJ competed in the eighteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the quarter finals with professional partner Amy Dowden. 2021 – JJ becomes a presenter on Money For Nothing and appeared on CBeebies Bedtime Stories. He presented coverage for both the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan.

How did you feel about going to Afghanistan? Looking back on it now, it all seems extraordinary, but at the time it was so ordinary. It was my first tour, and everything I had done in my life up until then fed into this eventuality which was going to Afghanistan. Because that’s what everybody in my life did. It was my job. There were still moments when I woke up in the morning and thought to myself that this time next year I could be dead. You just have to compartmentalise it. On the flip side, I wasn’t afraid. This was my dream. I was finally getting to do the thing which I had prepared myself for. It was during your first tour in 2011 that you were caught in a bomb blast. Can you describe what happened that day? Because I took a big clattering to the head, I don’t remember much of the day, but I have about 20 flashing images, from waking up in the morning, to being blown up at one o’clock in the afternoon. Our mission that day was to go and clear a suspected bomb making factory. There were about 30 of us on the ground, working in three teams. My team was the one tasked with actually going into the bomb making factory while the others secured the perimeter. When you look back at it that was pretty a dangerous place to be going, but to be selected to do that was a big responsibility and one I was really quite proud to have. We went in, secured the compound and made it as safe as we possibly could, but the enemy is pretty sneaky in the way that it buries these devices in order to catch you out. On that day we got caught out. Unfortunately, one of my friends stepped on a pressure plate which activated a pretty big old bomb.

Do you remember anything from the blast? About ten kilos of homemade explosives went off in a confined space, which just exacerbated the situation. I was stood at the exit, meaning all of the debris came my way and tore me to pieces. From my memory, it all happened in the blink of an eye. From a pretty normal Friday afternoon in Afghanistan to lying on my back in more pain than I’ve ever experienced. The first thing was confusion; pure disbelief that this had actually happened. I tried to give myself first aid and that was the point I realised that both my arms had essentially come off. There were ten of us in that compound; five of us plus our Afghan interpreter had been killed or injured. It was as catastrophic as these situations get.

How did you cope with that? I had to readjust my expectations. Postaccident, the first thing I built was a Meccano helicopter, and I had to compare that progress to where I had been the week before. If I compared it to where I was a year ago – an assault engineer in the Marines who used to jump out of helicopters for a living – then I’d find myself in trouble. I just had to get beyond where I had been the day before. That was the most important thing at that stage.

Did you struggle with your mental health? I was lucky that I didn’t get a specific mental health condition like post-traumatic stress disorder, but moreover I was lucky just to do the right things without knowing I was doing them. What I mean by that is being open, honest, speaking to others around me and sharing my thoughts, good or bad. Talk to us about your recovery. How long Unfortunately, there were a lot of us going did it last? through essentially the same thing. We were From the point of being injured, your life is all hurt in different ways, but the similarity made up of seconds or minutes. I just needed was that we all had the thing we loved taken to survive the next 20 minutes to make it to the away from us; the thing that defined us. We helicopter; another 20 minutes to get to the were all torn to pieces, but at least we were hospital. Once I got back to the UK, I started together in that. measuring things in days, then months, until Some of my best life experiences took I hit that sort of iconic one year mark. place when I was in the deepest, darkest I was injured in 2011 and discharged in depths of rehab, when all of us were pretty 2016, having had 30-odd surgeries in that useless but we were still working really hard time. What I’ve since realised a decade and having a really good time doing it. It was no later, having been back into hospital for different to what we used to do in the Marines. various other surgeries and catching different infections, is that I’ve survived the It’s clear to see that your positivity has unsurvivable but that comes at a cost. The prevailed throughout it all. cost is having medical concerns that nobody People ask me if my positivity is a result of knows the answer to, because no one has ever being injured. It’s absolutely turned it up done this before – which is kind of cool. a lot, but I would have never been in that situation if I didn’t have the positivity or the What helped you get through your determination, because I would have quit recovery? on day one of becoming a Marine. The main thing was having a really good The blast gave me the biggest challenge of family network around me. I was so lucky to my life, and one that I had no choice but to do. have that. My wife Kornelia was amazing. You can’t really quit, and even if you thought She just did everything. I never had to ask. you could, when you’re informed that your friends in the blast have lost their lives you What was the biggest challenge? suddenly realise that it would be the greatest As a Royal Marine I defined myself as being disservice to feel sorry for yourself in a world tough, but that had been taken away from me where you’re lucky. and all of a sudden I didn’t know what I was. Physically, I had to relearn how to use my hands. I couldn’t feed myself for months. My right hand didn’t work in the slightest, so I spent months moving marbles from one pot to another to learn the first steps.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Interview

Knowledge Bar Invictus Games

Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women. Using the power of sport, The Games “inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.” William Ernest Henley’s 1875 poem ‘Invictus,’ encapsulates the staggering human spirit at the heart of the Invictus Games and serves as inspiration for its name.

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For the unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

You were a participant in the first ever Invictus Games in 2014. Were the games a driving force for you? Absolutely. Rehab was very physical, but very mundane in its physicality. Sport was a way to make my recovery more exciting and dynamic. Competition is also a massive part of that. Like in the Marines, healthy competition drives you to be better. Cycling was my main sport and it unlocked a massive part of me that I had lost. It allowed me to get out into the great outdoors, feel independent and most importantly, it gave me ambition. Winning a medal for cycling at the Invictus Games was something I could never have dreamt of doing, so all of a sudden I had achieved something beyond my capabilities. How amazing is that? Incredible. And you’ve now gone from participant to presenter. How did your broadcasting career in sport begin? When I got to the end of the Invictus Games and I won my medals, that felt amazing, but who was I going to be on Monday morning? I realised that I needed to take all of this ambition, determination and drive that I had rediscovered and apply it to the next thing. I had actually thought about broadcasting when I left school, but I didn’t know where to start. Being part of the first Invictus Games allowed me to get to know people at the BBC and ask the right questions. With many of my friends competing at the next Invictus Games and going on to the Paralympics, I joked that I should come out and be a pundit at Rio, and that became a reality. At this year’s Tokyo Games I was the first presenter with a physical disability to have presented both the Paralympics and the Olympics, which is pretty damn cool. How do you drive parity between disability and able-bodied sport? You do so by working across both of them. That’s how to say these things are one and are as important as each other. The mindset is the same, the ambition is the same, the level of commitment is the same; that’s what being an Olympian is. It was a massive honour to work across both. You’ve since gone on to work across a variety of television shows. I’m really lucky with my broadcasting career. Sport was my way in but I’m what you term a general presenter, which there aren’t many of these days. Not many people go straight from the Olympic Games to the Chelsea Flower Show to doing a feature for The One Show about the world’s biggest rabbit!

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At this year’s Tokyo Games I was the first presenter with a physical disability to have presented both the Paralympics and the Olympics, which is pretty damn cool.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Interview

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As a Royal Marine I defined myself as being tough, but that had been taken away from me and all of a sudden I didn’t know what I was.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Interview

Or CBeebies Bedtime Stories? Or CBeebies Bedtime Stories, which was an absolute dream come true! That’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done on telly. Let me tell you that. And you participated in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Was that a whole different kind of challenge? Strictly was such a different challenge. I had no dance experience. But that was the point – I like to challenge myself. I’ve done things in my recovery like climb Mount Kilimanjaro and learn to scuba dive, but those things sit within my comfort zone. So when I was looking for the ultimate challenge, I wanted something that was going to be physically and mentally tough. And it was tough. I was as physically fit as I have ever been in this body, but it was the most disabled I’ve ever felt in this body. Each week we had to test and adjust the routine to find out what I could actually do. It took a lot of encouragement from my amazing dance partner and choreographer to convince me that I didn’t look as bad I thought, and it was ok. Mentally, I was overwhelmed by everything; the choreography, the wardrobe, the speed at which the show moves… but it was amazing to step into the world of dance and pretend to be that for a while. I couldn’t get my head around the fact that on a Monday morning, people would be standing around coffee machines or on Zoom calls chatting about us. I wasn’t used to that at all. Most people were very nice, but it is strange when you get people making a judgement about you as a person because you’re rubbish at the Pasodoble!

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I’m so proud that Johnnie Walker Princes Street exists in my town, in the same way that I’m proud of whisky because I’m Scottish. In the little spare time that you have, what do you do with it? My number one thing to do is spend time with my family; I’m completely blessed with my wife and two great kids. Gardener’s World and Money For Nothing are true reflections of my interests. I’ve always grown up in a green fingered house and now I like to work in my own garden, while Money For Nothing is literally filmed at my home! I love DIY and I’m always working away in my workshop, onscreen and off. Whisky is my go-to at the end of a long weekend working in the house or in the garden. I feel like I’ve earned it. Do you remember your first dram? Some of my earliest memories of Christmases and birthdays are of my dad having a dram at the end of the night. When I became old and sophisticated enough, I got to join in. Those are some of my happiest memories to this day. And you’re a cocktail fan, too? Yeah, well, I’m in showbusiness! I’ve got to be, eh?

What do you make of your first visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street? It’s amazing! Being an Edinburgh boy, I’m so proud that Johnnie Walker Princes Street exists in my town, in the same way that I’m proud of whisky because I’m Scottish. That sense that you can go to the other side of the world and there’s a little piece of your country on the shelf. There’s an amazing pride that comes from that. After a lot of hard work, mental and physical strength – do you feel you are in a good place? The thing is, my life is perfect. I’ve got an amazing family, and an amazing job. The way I got here was pretty tough and yes, I’ve got a disability and that’s bloody hard sometimes, but would I change it all? I wouldn’t wish my injuries on anyone, in the same way that I wouldn’t wish the last 18 months of the pandemic on anyone. But when you come out the other end of it and you’ve learned something about yourself – whether you’ve just survived or you’ve become an expert in making sourdough – there are parts of life that are better as a result of what happened. You can’t take the good without the bad so I accept what happened to me; I know I can’t change it, so why would I fret about it? It all worked out all right, my life is damn good. And I feel like I’m only just getting started. Look out for JJ presenting next year’s Invictus Games at The Hague, and follow him on Instagram (@jj.chalmers) to keep up with his latest projects.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Mixing It Up

A winter of mixed drinks Timeless and balanced, simple and delicious, Drinks Specialist Teddy Joseph’s menu of House of Suntory cocktails adds a Japanese twist to some of our favourite drinks. Inspired by harmony with Japanese nature and elevated by Japanese craftmanship, House of Suntory’s range of delicious spirits takes you on a flavour journey capturing the essence of Japan. Make these at home for festive parties with friends, or for a cosy night in. PHOTOGR A PHY: A R M A N DO FER R A R I

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Hibiki Sazerac Hibiki Japanese Harmony

60ml

Hibiki Japanese Harmony

2:1 Sugar Syrup

5ml

70cl | 43% VOL | £79

Mirin

1 dash

Absinthe

1 dash

Vanilla | Sandalwood | Black

Angostura

2 dash

pepper

Peychauds

2 dash

BOTTLE

INGREDIENTS

A delicate and well-balanced blend that is both subtle

GLASS

Brandy Glass

GARNISH

Discarded Grapefruit Coin

METHOD

Build all ingredients in glass.

and complex, crafted with more than ten malt and grain whiskies to create a harmony of flavours and aromas.

Stir before zesting grapefruit over the top.

COMMENTS

A harmonious blend of malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's acclaimed distilleries, Hibiki Japanese Harmony offers notes of honey and candied orange peel, with a hint of sandalwood and Japanese oak. This unique take on the classic Sazerac pairs these flavours with herbaceous elements from the absinthe and bitters, while the use of mirin delivers light floral accents. Sip this late into the night.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Mixing It Up

Haku Espresso Martini Haku Vodka

30ml

Haku Vodka

Coffee Liqueur

30ml

70cl | 40% VOL | £39

Espresso 30ml

BOTTLE

INGREDIENTS

Sticky rice | Cream | Cardamom

A super smooth spirit thanks to filtration through bamboo charcoal, this vodka is made

GLASS

Coupette

GARNISH

Coffee Beans

METHOD

Add all ingredients into a cocktail

with 100% Japanese white rice. Named after the Japanese word for 'white' or 'brilliant', it is soft, rounded and seriously mouth-filling.

shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish.

COMMENTS

Perhaps one of the most popular cocktails in the world, Haku Vodka is a perfect match for the Espresso Martini. Derived from Japanese white rice and filtered through bamboo charcoal, Haku is smooth and subtle, pairing perfectly with the rich flavour of espresso and sweetness of the coffee liqueur. A party starter!

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Mixing It Up

Roku Gin & Tonic BOTTLE

INGREDIENTS

Roku Gin

45ml

Tonic Water

120ml

70cl | 40% VOL | £35

Cherry | Green tea | Orange zest

Six uniquely Japanese botanicals set this gin apart. Crafted by Japanese artisans with meticulous

GLASS

Highball

GARNISH

Ginger Julienne Strips

METHOD

1. Add gin to glass.

attention to detail, these are harvested at peak flavour and distilled alongside eight traditional gin botanicals to create a complex yet perfectly balanced spirit.

2. Add ice and tonic water. 3. Stir before garnishing,

COMMENTS

The quintessential serve for any gin, this Roku Gin & Tonic is elevated by its unique ginger garnish, ready to kick off your Christmas party. Six julienne strips of ginger represent the six Japanese botanicals used to create Roku Gin: sakura flower, sakura leaf, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, sansho pepper and yuzu peel. The use of ginger accentuates the yuzu citrus and sakura top notes found in this wonderful gin.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Mixing It Up

Roku Puff Roku Gin

37.5ml

Roku Gin

Pineapple Juice

50ml

70cl | 40% VOL | £35

Lemon Juice

25ml

Ginger Syrup

12.5ml

BOTTLE

INGREDIENTS

Cherry | Green tea | Orange zest

Six uniquely Japanese botanicals set this gin apart. Crafted by Japanese artisans with meticulous

GLASS

Martini

GARNISH

Grated Nutmeg

METHOD

1. Add all ingredients to a

attention to detail, these are harvested at peak flavour and distilled alongside eight traditional gin botanicals to create a complex yet perfectly balanced spirit.

cocktail shaker. 2. Add ice and shake. 3. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish.

COMMENTS

A vibrant, fruity cocktail of pineapple and lemon that pairs wonderfully with Roku Gin.The addition of ginger syrup once again elevates Roku’s yuzu citrus and Sakura top notes, while adding a touch of spice. One to warm up a chilly winter night.

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Toki Highball BOTTLE

INGREDIENTS

Toki Whisky

45ml

Soda Water

120ml

70cl | 40% VOL | £40

Fresh basil | Green apple | Honey

A blend of malt and grain whisky from the acclaimed Japanese distilleries of Yamazaki,

GLASS

Highball

GARNISH

Pink Grapefruit Zest

METHOD

Build whisky and soda water

Hakushu and Chita, Toki pays homage to House of Suntory's proud heritage.

in glass. Add ice and stir before garnishing.

COMMENTS

Toki is crafted with a blend of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita whiskies to give a light, refreshing and perfectly balanced flavour profile. A perfectly balanced whisky calls for a perfectly balanced cocktail, and the Toki Highball delivers just that. The Japanese praise this simple, stylish cocktail as a refreshing way to drink whisky and for how well it pairs with Japanese cuisine. Enjoy it with a festive lunch.

GIVE THEM A TOUCH OF GOLD THIS SEASON Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

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ISSUE

Winter 2021/22

UNIQUE DIFFER ENT INTER ESTING

BUY ONLINE AT

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Step into Christmas

This year, celebrate the festive season in style. With gift sets, advent calendars, miniatures and more, we'll help you get into the Christmas spirit.

IN THIS ISSUE

Countdown to Christmas

Glorious Gins

Marvellous Miniatures

Whisky Warmers

Stocking Fillers

Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Countdown to Christmas

➀ 12 Drams of Christmas

Start Christmas early with our selection of gift sets and advent calendars.

➁ Scotland in a Box

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12x3cl | Various VOL | £69 → A unique Yuletide offering → Enjoy 12 fantastic drams over the Christmas season → Continue the festive spirit into the New Year

12x3cl | Various VOL | £69 → Don’t settle for one bottle, take a tour of Scotland! → Enjoy 12 samples from the best loved distilleries and lesser-known gems → The perfect way to celebrate with friends and family

➂ Drinks by the Dram

➄ Drinks by the Dram

The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar

The Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar

24x3cl | Various VOL | £149.95

24x3cl | Various VOL | £199.95

→ Go full-on Scotch this festive season → Explore drams from Bowmore, Dalmore, Glenfiddich and more

→ Now's your chance to explore the distilleries of Japan → Discover whiskies from Hibiki, Hakushu, Yamazaki and more

➃ Drinks by the Dram

➅ That Boutique-y Gin Company

The Bourbon and American Whiskey Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24x3cl | Various VOL | £135

24x3cl | Various VOL | £49.95

→ Be transported stateside with this collection of American whiskeys → Treat your tastebuds to Blinking Owl, Gentleman Jack, WhistlePig and more

→ Count down to Christmas with these show-stopping gins → Enjoy an exciting range of boutique expressions

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Glorious Gins Treat the gin lover in your life to the perfect gift set, beautifully packaged and ready to present. ➊

➀ Secret Garden Distillery Christmas Gin

50cl | 39% VOL | £36 → Only available pre-Christmas → Distilled with ginger, cinnamon and cardamom to give plenty of festive flavour → Don’t be left out in the cold without this top tipple!

➁ No.3 London Dry Gin

Gift Set with High Ball Glass

70cl | 46% VOL | £47.95 → A stunning gift set from London’s oldest wine and spirit merchant → A delicate balance of six botanicals come together in this award-winning gin → Presented in a stylish box with a beautiful high ball glass

➂ Silent Pool

Rose Gift Set

➄ Edinburgh Gin

The Winter's Cocktail Gift Set

70cl | 43% VOL | £69.99

50cl | 20% VOL | £35

→ A gin refined and enhanced with notes of rose → Serve with a splash of elderflower tonic → Presented in a luxury gift box, a pair of matching copa gin glasses complete the set

→ To be enjoyed hot or cold, Edinburgh Gin’s Mulled Gin Liqueur is a seasonal favourite → A spice pouch is included to create your own mulled wine → Two Edinburgh Gin branded glasses are included in the stunning gift box

➃ Retro Gin Fridge Gift Set

40cl | 46% VOL | £39.99

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→ Gin enthusiasts will delight with this unique gift set → Eight fun and fruity gins fill the retro mini fridge → The perfect gift for the person who has everything!

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Marvellous Miniatures

The best gifts come in small packages! Add these to a Christmas stocking.

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➀ The Loch Fyne

Blend & Botanical Gin Gift Set

2x5cl | Various VOL | £14 → The perfect introduction to Loch Fyne’s dynamic range → A smooth and mellow blend to be enjoyed alongside a botanical gin → A gift set asking to be shared!

➁ Talisker 10 Year Old 20cl Hot Chocolate Gift Set

20cl | 45.8% VOL | £25 → All the necessary ingredients needed to make a deliciously boozy hot chocolate → Includes Talisker 10 Year Old, cocoa powder and a stylish enamel mug → The perfect winter warmer!

➂ Loch Lomond

➄ Secret Garden

Seasonal Gin Gift Pack

12 Year Old Taster Pack

3x5cl | Various VOL | £26

2x20cl | 39% VOL | £30

→ Three single malt offerings from Loch Lomond Distillery → Enjoy fruit-driven distillery character with subtle peat and smoke → Explore Loch Lomond’s diverse and unusual expressions

→ Two delicious gins for the festive period → Lovingly crafted using 100% natural ingredients → Celebrate the season with this delicious gift set!

➃ Balvenie

➅ Glengoyne

Miniature Pack

Time Capsule Miniature Pack

3x5cl | Various VOL | £28

3x5cl | Various VOL | £25

→ The ideal opportunity to try three different Balvenie expressions → Includes Balvenie’s 12 Year Old DoubleWood, 17 Year Old DoubleWood and 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask

→ Three tipples from the team at Glengoyne Distillery → The perfect introduction to Glengoyne's sweet and fruit flavours → Fit for any special occasion!

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Whisky Warmers

➀ The Loch Fyne

Keep warm with these special whisky gifts.

➁ Dalmore Port Wood

Fynest Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old

50cl | 55.5% VOL | £150

Cashew nuts / Cinnamon / Glazed cherries

→ One of the first releases from our new Loch Fyne Fynest series → The series contains our finest single casks, handpicked over a number of years → Enjoy your own part of the collection displayed in premium packaging

Reserve Gift Set

70cl | 46.5% VOL | £80

Seville orange / Cherry / Sticky toffee pudding

→ An award-winning bottle of delicious Dalmore Port Wood Reserve → Enjoy a harmony of delicious Dalmore flavours → Presented with two rock glasses emblazoned with the iconic Dalmore stag

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➂ Jack Daniel's Single Barrel

➄ Cask Treasures

Nosing Glass Set

70cl | 40% VOL | £54.95

Glen Moray 2008 12 Year Old

50cl | 46% VOL | £70

Charred oak / Vanilla / Caramel

Tropical fruits / Vanilla / Treacle toffee

→ The signature offering in Jack Daniel’s single barrel collection → Each barrel is hand-selected for its one-of-a-kind flavour → A Jeff Arnett Master Distiller tasting glass is included in the set

→ A special Speyside single cask with a limited release of 352 bottles → Visit our stores or online to personalise your own label → A unique Christmas gift!

➃ Woodford Reserve

➅ Bruichladdich

Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup Gift Set

70cl | 43.2% VOL | £31.99

The Classic Laddie Scottish Barley Gift Set

70cl | 50% VOL | £52

Coffee / Coconut / Butterscotch

→ Make the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail at home → Includes Old Fashioned cocktail syrup alongside a bottle of Woodford Reserve → Get this in time for your Christmas cocktail parties!

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Honey / Vanilla / Malted biscuit

→ Showcases the classic, floral and elegant Bruichladdich distillery character → Made from 100% Scottish barley by the shores of Lochindaal → Presented with two finely crafted whisky glasses

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Stocking Fillers

From glassware to Christmas baubles, you may need a bigger stocking this Christmas!

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➀ The W Club Membership Gift Box

£59 → Unlock the mystery of whisky with our stunning membership box → Become a member of The W Club and receive exclusive benefits and offers → The perfect gift for the whisky enthusiast in your life!

➁ Pickering's Festively

Flavoured Gin Baubles

6x5cl | 37.5% VOL | £28 → Delight in Pickering’s collection of Christmassy gins → Six baubles in a festive array of colours → Bringing cheer to you and your Christmas tree!

➂ Malt Whisky

➄ Glencairn Copita

Yearbook

£14.99

£9.99

→ The ultimate whisky lover’s guide! → Keep up-to-date with the latest edition

→ Enjoy your favourite dram in a stylish Glencairn copita

➃ Pot Still Decanter & Glasses

➅ Glencairn Travel Set and Two Glasses

20cl | 40% VOL | £45

£35

→ A unique pot still-shaped decanter, made from mouth-blown glass → Filled with delicious Highland malt whisky → Placed on a handcrafted solid oak wood stand with two tasting glasses

→ Enjoy a dram with a friend, on the go!

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Customer Favourites Light / Floral

12 Year Old

70cl | 46% VOL | £52

18 Year Old

Sultanas / Honey / Apple

Matured in American oak, ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks, this 12-year-old whisky has an elegant complexity and warmth – the defining expression of Balblair Distillery.

➂ Balblair

15 Year Old

70cl | 46% VOL | £80

➀ Glen Moray 70cl | 47.2% VOL | £85

➁ Balblair

Apple / Dates / Caramel

An older sibling to Balblair 12 Year Old, this whisky perfectly balances unique distillery character with smoothness of age, thanks to a flavour profile of tropical fruits and a texture of melted chocolate. Gorgeous.

Heather / Honey / Fudge

A Speyside single malt from the Cairngorms, this expression is aged in the finest American oak barrels, specially selected to emphasise the whisky’s smooth character. It is a whisky that is celebrated for its long and mellow finish. "A deliciously buttery and nutty Speyside dram! A vanilla toffee kick combines with ripe berries, a touch of woodsmoke and lingering spiced fruits. One for enjoying by the fireplace.”

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Emma, Whiskeria Assistant Producer

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➃ anCnoc

➆ Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

12 Year Old

70cl | 40% VOL | £38

Banana / Butterscotch / Custard

70cl | 46.3% VOL | £47

Dried fruit / Honey / Chestnut

Produced at Knockdhu Distillery in the Highlands and matured in a combination of second-fill American oak, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, this is an award-winning expression that should sit proudly on your spirits shelf.

Bunnahabhain's whiskies are quite distinct from other single malts of the Islay region, in that the majority are produced with unpeated malted barley. Toast the versatility of Islay with this superb 12-year-old expression that showcases Bunnahabhain's ‘fruit and nut’ signature style.

➄ Fettercairn

➇ Auchroisk

10 Year Old

12 Year Old

70cl | 40% VOL | £47

70cl | 43% VOL | £48

Nectarine / Ginger / Pear

Hailing from the village of the same name, this whisky is a masterclass in fruity Highland flavour – perfectly embodying Fettercairn’s exotic fruit-driven character. It has been matured in American oak ex-bourbon for its full 12 years in cask. Simply delicious.

A special whisky due to being the only official bottling of Auchroisk Distilllery. This 10-year-old expression is part of Diageo’s Flora & Fauna series – an ode to superb single malts from lesserknown distilleries which normally provide liquid for blends.

➅ Loch Lomond

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14 Year Old

70cl | 46% VOL | £55

Orange zest / Cut grass / Roasted nuts

Green apple / Grapefruit / Vanilla

Matured in American oak and finished in lightly toasted French oak from the Limousin region for up to 12 months, Loch Lomond 14 Year Old delivers the unmistakeable fruit character found in the distillery's single malt.

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Customer Favourites Rich / Sweet

The Twelve

70cl | 46% VOL | £50

18 Year Old

Honey / Maraschino cherries / Cocoa

Part of the refreshed core line-up from Benriach, this new recipe brings intensified notes of baked fruits and a rich smoothness, thanks to time spent in a combination of sherry casks, bourbon barrels and Port pipes under the expert care of Master Blender Rachel Barrie.

➂ The Glenrothes 12 Year Old

70cl | 40% VOL | £45

➀ Loch Lomond 70cl | 46% VOL | £78

➁ The BenRiach

Vanilla / Cinnamon / Orange zest

Part of the Soleo Collection from The Glenrothes Distillery in Speyside, this 12-year-old single malt is described as the hero of the range and is matured entirely in sherry-seasoned oak casks. Bottled at 40% VOL, this is both an easy drinking and delicious dram.

Apple / Honey / Tobacco

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Matured in the finest oak barrels chosen by former Master Cooper Tommy Wallace, time has allowed this 18-year-old Highland malt to take on the sweeter character of the wood, while a subtle hint of peat and smoke ensures a balanced finish. “A huge, Orson Welles of a whisky! And a wonderful colour from American oak. Wood, leather, chocolate and honey... and that’s just on the nose. One sip coats the palate with lashings of fruit and toffee. This isn’t subtle – it’s layer upon fascinating layer.”

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→ Chris, The Whisky Shop Norwich

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➃ Old Pulteney

➆ The Dalmore

15 Year Old

70cl | 46% VOL | £75

15 Year Old

70cl | 40% VOL | £72

Honey / Salted caramel / Fruitcake

Terry's Chocolate Orange / Fruitcake / Sherry

An incredibly balanced single malt that has spent time in American oak ex-bourbon casks and finished in Spanish oak. Spice and sweetness combine with the refreshing coastal notes expected from this seaside distillery to create a delicious dram.

An older sibling to The Dalmore 12 Year Old, this expression has been matured for 15 years in a trio of ex-sherry casks, as well as ex-bourbon barrels. It offers all of the sweetness and spice expected of The Dalmore.

➄ The Dalmore

➇ Blair Athol

12 Year Old

70cl | 40% VOL | £50

12 Year Old

70cl | 43% VOL | £52

Cocoa / Marmalade / Milk chocolate

Walnut / Cinnamon / Fruitcake

This single malt is a Highland triumph: full-bodied, thick and sweet. A popular dram, known for its long and spicy finish, and a beautifully rich expression for its 12 years of age.

Established in 1798, Blair Athol is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries and is famed for producing the signature malt for Bell’s blend. A delicious dram, this is one of only a few official bottlings ever released from the distillery.

➅ Benrinnes

➈ Arran

15 Year Old

70cl | 43% VOL | £52

10 Year Old

Toffee apple / Sherry / Malted biscuit

This 15-year-old Speyside single malt is partially triple distilled at Benrinnes Distillery, resulting in a sultry expression that packs in plenty of body and character. It is another bottling from Diageo’s Flora & Fauna series, highlighting the versatility of distilleries producing liquid for blends.

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70cl | 46% VOL | £45

Apple / Cinnamon / Digestive biscuits

An award-winning whisky that captures the fresh and unique style of this island distillery. A worthy addition to your whisky cabinet, this expression offers a fantastic introduction to the flavours from Arran.

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

➁ Mortlach 12 Year Old

Customer Favourites Rich / Sweet

The Wee Witchie

70cl | 43.4% VOL | £50

Known as 'the Beast of Dufftown’, Mortlach’s spirit is distilled 2.81 times in a complicated process referred to simply as 'The Way’. Named after a tiny still that distils a portion of Mortlach’s whisky, this 12-year-old is a perfect example of the distillery’s intense character.

➂ Oban

Distillers Edition

70cl | 43% VOL | £79

➀ Mortlach 16 Year Old Distiller's Dram

70cl | 43.4% VOL | £80

Toffee / Marmalade / Raisins

Milk chocolate / Sea salt / Christmas cake

A distillery renowned for its innovation, each expression of Oban Distillers Edition undergoes double maturation in casks that have previously held a fortified wine. This edition has been finished in a Montilla Fino cask – a rare type of finish and a complete treat!

Gingerbread / Orange peel / Sultanas

An older sibling to Mortlach 12 Year Old, this dram offers plenty of sweet and sticky Christmas spice thanks to maturation in sherry casks. A combination of first-fill and refill sherry casks gives this 16-year-old a wider range of sherry flavour, from dried fruits to juicy berries. “If you haven’t tasted a sherry bomb yet, make Mortlach 16 Year Old your first one! Expect an intense whisky packed full of rich fruit flavours, dark chocolate and exotic spices. A top-notch, well-balanced whisky best served neat.”

➃ Glenfiddich Project XX

70cl | 47% VOL | £50

Cinnamon / Almond / Pear drops

The result of one of the most ambitious malt experiments undertaken by Glenfiddich, bringing together 20 whisky experts from around the world and combining each of their selected Glenfiddich casks. The result is something spectacular.

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→ Neil, Whisky Specialist

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➄ Glen Moray

➇ Benromach

15 Year Old

10 Year Old

70cl | 40% VOL | £55

70cl | 43% VOL | £39.99

Dark chocolate / Sherry / Fudge

Green apple / Toffee / Black cherry

Unquestionably Speyside in character, this expression showcases a carefully matured, complex and well-rounded whisky, aged in a combination of sherry and American oak casks, and influenced by Elgin’s unique climate.

Produced at the family-owned distillery in Forres and aged for a decade in first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, Benromach’s 10-year-old is a dram that is unmistakably Speyside in flavour. It is the proud winner of multiple gold awards.

➅ Highland Park

➈ The GlenDronach

18 Year Old Viking Pride

70cl | 43% VOL | £110

12 Year Old

70cl | 43% VOL | £49

Fruit salad / Cinnamon / Allspice

Named ‘Best Spirit in the World’ in the Spirit Journal on two separate occasions, this 18-year-old offers the perfect balance of harmony, complexity and refinement. A consistently excellent malt from Orkney's Highland Park Distillery.

➆ Glen Scotia

An award-winning expression from the distillery famous for its richly sherried offering – this 12-year-old is a firm favourite amongst our customers. Matured in both Pedro Ximénez and oloroso sherry casks, this expression offers an indulgent portfolio of flavours.

The GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice

Victoriana

70cl | 54.2% VOL | £73

Creme brûlée / Cocoa / Caramel

70cl | 46% VOL | £120

Inspired by the whiskies produced at Glen Scotia Distillery in the Victorian times, this expression has been relaunched at a slightly higher strength and bottled straight from cask to better reflect how historic expressions of this era would have tasted. Delicious!

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Marmalade / Sherry / Raisins

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Stewed fruit / Walnut / Cherry

An ode to James Allardice who founded the distillery and produced the very first drops of “guid Glendronach,” this expression has been matured in the finest oloroso sherry casks. Rich and dark, it offers remarkable depth of flavour.

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Customer Favourites Smoky ➀ Jura

18 Year Old

70cl | 44% VOL | £75

Dark chocolate / Coffee / Blackcurrant jam

Matured for 18 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and enriched by Premier Grand Cru Classé red wine barriques, this expertly crafted single malt is a unique island whisky that has truly come of age. “This soft, smoky dram is a fantastic addition to anyone’s drink cabinet. Light peat, brown sugar and orange on the nose leads to a smooth burnt toffee taste, with softer citrus and coffee on the finish.” → Donald, The Whisky Shop Glasgow

➁ Ailsa Bay

➃ Talisker

1.2

70cl | 48.9% VOL | £60

Port Ruighe

Vanilla / Shortbread / Campfire ember

Ailsa Bay 1.2 has undergone the distillery’s signature micro-maturation process – rapid maturation in ex-bourbon casks before ageing in virgin American oak casks for several years – achieving a single malt that’s even sweeter and smokier than its predecessor. Beautiful.

➂ Balvenie

The Week of Peat 14 Year Old

70cl | 48.3% VOL | £65

Peat smoke / Butterscotch / Honey

The second release in The Balvenie Stories series, this expression was created by Distillery Manager Ian Millar who was inspired by a trip to Islay. For one week each year, Balvenie distil peated malt, introducing fragrant notes of smoke to the distillery’s classic Speyside character.

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70cl | 45.8% VOL | £55

Cocoa / Plum / Spicy pepper

Rich and fruity, Talisker have taken their Isle of Skye malt and finished it in ruby port casks to achieve this delicious dram. 'Port Ruighe' (pronounced 'Portree') is the Gaelic spelling of the once bustling trading port on Skye.

➄ Caol Ila

Distillers Edition

70cl | 43% VOL | £75

Malted biscuit / Peat smoke / Cinnamon

A sweeter expression from the Islay distillery due to time spent in Moscatel casks at the end of its maturation process. The result is a delicious layer of sweetness and dried fruits on top of classic Caol Ila peat smoke.

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

Customer Favourites International

16 Year Old

70cl | 40% VOL | £75

Almond / Currant jam / Dark chocolate

Triple distilled at Northern Ireland's Bushmills Distillery, this 16-year-old Irish single malt has been matured in oloroso sherry casks and bourbon-seasoned casks for just over 15 years, before being finished in Port pipes for nine months to impart sweet, jammy flavours.

➂ Green Spot 70cl | 40% VOL | £46

➀ Maker’s 46 70cl | 47% VOL | £45

➁ Bushmills

Vanilla / Papaya / Chocolate

Produced at Midleton Distillery in Ireland and comprised of pot still whiskeys aged between seven and ten years old, this whiskey was once only available to buy at one grocery store in Dublin. It is now a whiskey held to high acclaim across the world – and rightly so!

Nutmeg / Mulled wine / Caramel

Filled into a barrel partly made of seared French oak staves, this stunning Kentucky bourbon packs plenty of spice and is named after the final recipe chosen by its creators – recipe number 46.

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“You can’t beat the versatility of this bourbon – perfect on its own or in an Old Fashioned. I love the original, but Maker’s 46 adds that extra notch of creamy, buttery goodness.” → Natalie, The W Club Manager

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➃ Writers’ Tears

➆ Roe & Co

Copper Pot

70cl | 40% VOL | £35

70cl | 45% VOL | £35

Apple / Ginger / Dark chocolate

Pear drops / Allspice / Vanilla

A delectable recreation of a fabled whiskey favoured in 19th century Ireland by literary greats such as Joyce, Beckett and Bernard Shaw. A marriage of one cask, two grains and three distillations, the original soon became known as the ‘Champagne of Irish Whiskey’. Today’s recreation follows the same production process before being aged in American oak bourbon casks.

Developed by Diageo Master Blender Caroline Martin, this is a whiskey that can be enjoyed neat or hold its own in a cocktail. A tasty blend of malt and grain from various distilleries across Ireland, this expression has been matured predominantly in first-fill bourbon casks.

➄ Bulleit Bourbon

➇ Tullamore D.E.W.

10 Year Old

70cl | 45.6% VOL | £49

14 Year Old

70cl | 41.3% VOL | £57

Apricot / Vanilla / Cinnamon

Vanilla / Honey / Apple

A top-notch Kentucky bourbon that has spent a decade in oak. With a mash bill of 68% corn, 28% rye and 4% malted barley, this is the go-to bourbon for a rich balance of creaminess and spice.

A delicious dram that has been triple distilled in true Irish tradition. Aged for up to 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels, this expression was then finished for a minimum of 6 months in a range of different casks, including oloroso sherry butts, Port pipes and Madeira drums.

➅ Redbreast

➈ Hibiki

Japanese Harmony

12 Year Old

70cl | 40% VOL | £50

70cl | 43% VOL | £95

Ginger / Marzipan / Dried fruit

This 12-year-old expression is an Irish single pot still whiskey full of aroma and flavour, praised by critics worldwide. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels and oloroso sherry casks, you can thank the latter for giving this whiskey its signature Christmas cake flavour.

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A blended whisky from House of Suntory that brings to life the harmony of Japanese nature and craftmanship. Grain whisky from Chita combines with malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu to create a delicate and well-balanced expression that is both subtle and complex.

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Vanilla / Sandalwood / Black pepper

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Whiskeria Winter 2021/22

UNIQUE DIFFER ENT INTER ESTING

Winter Whiskeria 2021-22

Articles inside

Expert Tasting | Glenglassaugh 50 Year Old

Customer Favourites

The Whisky Shop | Step into Christmas

Mixing it Up | House of Suntory

Interview | JJ Chalmers

Distillery Visit | Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Industry Insider | Bowmore and Aston Martin

A Time in History | The land of the giants

Auctions | King of the castle

The W Club | Whisky wonderland

News | Whisky business

Diageo Special Releases | 2021

New Releases | Winter 2021/22