Achi news desk-
We take a look at some of the new Scottish expressions…
Port Charlotte
Named after the village of the same name two miles south of Bruichladdich Distillery, Port Charlotte Islay single malt was first distilled in 2001. Laid down by the founders who resurrected the distillery Isles of the previous year, the latest release, an 18-year-old, is bottling a true coming of age and the oldest expression of the very peaty single malt Scotch whiskey to be released to date.
The casks have been matured entirely on Islay throughout their lifetime, and – like all Port Charlotte single malts – the latest release has been distilled and bottled exclusively on the island.
ABV: 54.3%, RRP, £175. It can be purchased from www.bruichladdich.com
Notes: Figs, sweet sultanas, and raisins open immediately on the nose, followed by light waves of burnt heather and ash toffee. Primarily sweet and fruity on the palate, the oak influence brings toasted spices, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, moving into peat-infused scones, smoked popcorn, and salted caramel.
Lochlea
Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire has launched the fourth and final release of its Ail Nwnd series of the distillery’s seasonal releases: Aredig Uffriad (Ail Nwnd).
It marks winter on the farm when the fields are plowed in preparation for the spring sowing season in the coming months. It is also the only Lochlea whiskey with a distinctive smoky profile, achieved by being matured entirely in 200 liter 100% ex-Islay casks.
ABV: 46%, RRP, £51.50. It can be purchased from www.lochleadistillery.com/stockists
Notes: Nose: fresh green apple, Lochlea’s signature cereal. Palate: juicy fruit, freshly cut summer grass. finish: sea salt, lingering peaty embers
The Macallan
The Macallan has announced the launch of The Macallan Horizon – a unique single malt Scotch whiskey launched in collaboration with Bentley Motors.
The Macallan Horizon comes in a horizontal bottle with a spiral shape to represent the ‘horizontal trajectory of the automotive world’.
Six materials are used in the statement, which reflects The Macallan’s ‘six pillars’, which are the ‘foundation stones’ of the brand. The bottle is made of glass, with an aluminum ribbon wrapped around it. It is encased in a low carbon leather sculpture and set inside a recycled copper frame, made using previous Macallan stills.
The fifth element is wood, with the closure featuring an oak inlay and the sculpture finished with Bentley’s Crown Cut Walnut veneer, developed for his vehicles.
ABV: 46.6%, RRP, £40,000. It can be purchased from selected retailers. www.themacallan.com
Notes: Nose: Polished resinous oak with dark plum and cherry, alongside aromatic fresh leather and a leafy, herbal note. An abundance of dried fruit follows – sticky dates, raisins and sultanas leading to sweet cinnamon, nutmeg with a hint of clove. Palate/Taste: Amazingly rich and devoted. Dark treacle notes with ash toffee, crystallized ginger and burnt pineapple. Sweet vanilla pods and fudge develop, followed by Brazil nuts covered in dark chocolate and warm oak spice. Finish: Rich, long, complex oak.
Invergordon
Louise Aitken-Walker, Scottish rally legend and 1990 FIA Women’s World Rally Champion, joins renowned whiskey expert David Robertson to launch Invergordon 33 Year Old Single Grain Whisky. This rare and exceptional spirit commemorates her iconic victory 33 years ago.
The whiskey itself, hand-selected by Aitken-Walker and David, resonates with the ethos of endurance, performance and excellence that dominated her racing days. Only 490 bottles will be released. Each bottle carries her touch, with photography from her personal collection, capturing the milestones, fast tracks and scenic beauty of Scotland.
ABV: 46%, RRP, £385. It can be purchased from www.turasdana.com
Notes: Tropical fruit, Crème Brule, and lemon zest.
Bladnoch
Bladnoch, Scotland’s most southerly distillery, has presented Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, the first release in a new limited edition series.
Loch Maberry is the source of the Bladnoch River, which provides the water that has sustained Bladnoch Distillery since its establishment in 1817. The name of the series recognizes the significance of those who appreciate Bladnoch’s bold Galloway spirit, and the role that they play it keeping the flow of the distillery.
Episode 1 in the series pays tribute to Mr Arnold, a lifelong admirer of Bladnoch. Mr Arnold became familiar with Bladnoch when he owned a home in Garlieston, close to the distillery, in Wigtown Dumfries and Galloway. He first visited the distillery after becoming curious about single malt Scotch. After trying Bladnoch’s artisanal whiskey and learning more about the spare time skills needed to create it, he became a regular visitor to the distillery and a great admirer of the people who worked there.
ABV: 56.7%, RRP, £150. It can be purchased from www.uk.bladnoch.com/pages/stories-of-bladnoch
Notes: Nose: Dark blackcurrant jam with fir cones, orange peel and dark chocolate. Palate: Strawberries and cream with ginger covered dark chocolate. finish: A sweet and sticky, muted warming caramel.
Nc’nean
Chef, author and food writer Gill Meller is set to release his single cask whiskey this month in partnership with Scotland’s leading organic whiskey distillery, Nc’nean.
In July last year, Gill made the long winding journey from his home in the south west of England, to the small Nc’nean distillery on the west coast of Scotland to try and deliver a British ex rum cask filled with Nc’nean’s existing collection is maturing. whisky.
The British ex-Rum cask was previously matured at Devon’s B Corp certified Rum distillery, Two Drifters, who like Nc’nean are driven to create delicious tasting spirits that have minimal impact on the environment.
ABV: 51.4%, RRP, £ £89.95. It can be purchased from ncnean.com/collections/all-spirits
Notes: Orange peel and root spices.
Torvaig
Torabhaig, the Isle of Skye Single Malt Distillery, has unveiled Cnoc Na Mòine, the third limited edition chapter in its Legacy Series which traces the journey to a ten year old expression.
Meaning “hill of peat” in Gaelic, Cnoc Na Mòine is a peaty single malt formed from the Isle of Skye and reminiscent of the atmospheric mists and rugged beauty of the Hebridean island. Cnoc Na Mòine is also the distillery’s first release featuring a single malt matured in Sherry casks.
The whiskey showcases the effect that rich sherry casks can have on Torabhaig’s delicate smoky and briny character and helps this robust peaty spirit sing a complex and characterful maritime song full of elegance and finesse.
ABV: 46%, RRP, £58. It can be purchased from torabhaig.com
Notes: On the nose there are hints of orange peel and dead apricots with a subdued peat smoke aroma giving way to vanilla and freshly sawn oak. The peat smoke returns to the palate before the light spirit brings in pepper, balsamic acidity and light spice alongside fragrant touches of cedar and leather. The sherry influence shines through on the finish, balancing perfectly with the peat smoke and spice of the Torabhaig spirit.
Read more Whiskey news here.
Subscribe to read the latest issue of Scottish Field.
