Categorie: Whisky nieuws

Myers’s Original Dark (40%, OB, Jamaica, +/- 2022)
Aldea 6 yo (43%, Rum Explorer by Chateau du Breuil, Canary islands, +/-2022)
Black Tot ‘Master Blenders Reserve 2023’ (54.5%, Elixir Distillers)
El Salvador 2013/2023 (65.5%, L’Esprit Rhum, cask #MDH 2013-2, 264 bottles)
Foursquare 2007/2022 ‘Fortitude’ (62.9%, Man and Dram, Barbados)
Zodiac 2024 ? Verseau (63.6%, Famille Ricci, Trinidad and Nicaragua blend, bourbon, 420 bottles)
HD 9 yo 2014 (54.5%, Morisco Spirits, Jamaica, bourbon barrel, +/-2024)
Zodiac 2023 ? Belier (59.3%, Famille Ricci, Jamaica and Panama blend, bourbon)

HATOZAKI WHISKY ANNOUNCES NEWEST ADDITION TO

LIMITED “OMAKASE” SERIES:

HATOZAKI OMAKASE RYE THIRD EDITION MIZUNARA CASK FINISH 

Exclusive to the US market, the latest innovation is finished in Japanese Mizunara casks hand-selected by Master Distiller Kimio Yonezawa

New York, NY –  (April 12, 2024) – Hatozaki Whisky is pleased to announce the third and latest addition to its “Omakase” Series – Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish. Now available in the US for a suggested retail price of $95 (750ml), the new limited-edition expression showcases the profound aging and finishing techniques of Kimio Yonezawa, 4th generation Master Distiller & Blender.

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, the Hatozaki Omakase collection was born of Yonezawa-san’s vision to create elegant and genuine whiskies that reflect the character of his family distillery’s unique terroir and maritime influences. Honoring the age-old Japanese concept of “Omakase,” known as “chef’s choice” in Japanese dining, the “Omakase” collection mirrors the idea of trusting the maker’s intuition – allowing for delightful experimentation of flavors and new exploration.

“I am honored to introduce the newest blend in our Omakase Collection to the US market,” says Yonezawa-san. “I was excited to experiment with the flavors of rye, a popular category with American whisky drinkers, and see how they would respond to native Japanese oak influence. We are thrilled with the final blend and confident it will be a surprising and rewarding choice for the seeker of exciting new whiskies to try.”

In that spirit, Kimio Yonezawa presents an innovative new blend consisting of rye whisky, that is aged in new charred oak and then finished in Japanese Mizunara casks, the rare Japanese white oak sourced from the Hokkaido and Tohoku forests. This expression will be limited to less than 3,000 bottles, each numbered and sold exclusively in the US market.

Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish is a testament to the seasoned artistry of the Yonezawa family aging tradition, crafted in small batches of no more than 10 casks. The blend, consisting of at least 51% rye, is aged in new charred oak and then finished in traditional Mizunara casks. This dual maturation allows the Mizunara to impart its distinctive character, resulting in notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense – a refined encounter with Japanese elegance.

The new product joins Hatozaki’s core range including: Hatozaki Finest Whisky ($45.99 ,750ml. bottle, 40% ABV) a blend of premium malt whiskies aged for up to 12 years in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Sakura casks, the Japanese cherry wood; and Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky ($65.99, 750ml., 46% ABV), a vatting of 100% malt whiskies aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks, and native Mizunara oak barrels, yielding a rich profile of sweet cereals and malty dried fruit, with a light touch of smoke and honey on the finish.

HATOZAKI OMAKASE RYE THIRD EDITION MIZUNARA CASK FINISH, 42% ABV:

Color: Amber

Nose: Immediate rye cereal notes lead, accompanied by fresh oak spice and a hint of menthol. Develops with honeycomb, sawn wood, and tropical fruit. Concludes with yeasty bread and oak.

Mouth: Soft entry with a tickle of fire, mint, and black pepper. Transforms into a robust oaky flavor, soft spice, and a rounded finish. Lingering hints of coconut, orange peel, and cloves.

Style: Harmonious, full-bodied palate with nuanced layers of flavor. 

ABOUT HATOZAKI WHISKY

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea in Japan, Hatozaki is named for the Hatozaki Lighthouse sitting on the bay of coastline near the distillery, built in 1657 – a beacon of welcoming to all who visit and taste Hatozaki. The maritime climate and seaside terroir are ideal conditions for fine whisky maturing. Fourth-generation Master Distiller & Blender Kimio Yonezawa brings blending heritage from a long line of shochu distillers since 1917, and in 2017 he began producing Hatozaki whisky to honor the centennial of his family’s distillery and to carry on the tradition of Japanese distilling to a dynamic, evolving category he is most passionate about. The Hatozaki portfolio includes two permanent expressions, Hatozaki Finest Whisky and Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky, and a line of Limited Edition expressions, including the Hatozaki  “Omakase” whiskies – hand-selected by Yonezawa-san to create unique cask finishes that have included Mizunara, Sakura and other Japanese oak influence. Hatozaki presents a portfolio of whiskies that are elegant, smooth, and easy to enjoy. Hatozaki appeals to everyone in a delightfully welcoming way with a selection of balanced, mellow, and delicate whisky. 

ABOUT THE KAIKYŌ DISTILLERY

The Yonezawa family’s experimentation with distilling goes back more than a century and has been a part of their story ever since. Kimio Yonezawa is the fourth generation of this legacy, having taken a keen interest in whisky and embarking on a journey of discovery. He channeled his passion for fine spirits into establishing the Kaikyō distillery and did it all with a single goal in mind: to be instrumental in honoring the past and contributing to the future of Japanese whisky-making. In addition to whisky, the Kaikyō Distillery produces 135°East Japanese Gin and Akashi-Tai Sakes. 

ABOUT MARUSSIA BEVERAGES USA

Marussia Beverages USA is a national importer of premium spirits, sake, and wines including brands such as Hatozaki Whiskies, Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs, Torabhaig Scotch Whiskies, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueurs, 135° East Japanese Gin, and Akashi Tai Sakes. Marussia Beverages USA is part of the global group Marussia Beverages, with 14 distribution companies and 16 production sites throughout the world, achieving a turnover of 294 million euros in 2022. In respect for the deep roots of tradition paired with a taste for innovation, Marussia Beverages mission is to create and distribute quality brands that elevate expectations and provide authentic consumer experiences.

APRIL 2024 AUCTION ENDS TOMORROW EVENING!

Not long now! There is still time to bid on your favourite bottles, including three vintage bottlings from Balblair Distillery, distilled in 1979, 1988 and 1989 respectively.

Or, how about bottle #1 of this 1975 First Cask 24 Years Old Royal Brackla, drawn from a single cask.

Next up, we have a rare bottling from Port Ellen, distilled in 1982 at Cask Strength in 2007 for Banff gift shop ‘Parker’s. Bottle number 189 of only 220 bottles produced.

How about this wonderful expression of Banff, a closed coastal distillery. Distilled in 1978 then bottled 18 years later at Natural Cask Strength by Signatory, for their Silent Stills label.

There are two cracking bottles of old school Oban Manager’s Drams in our live April auction, including the 16 Years Old 200th Anniversary bottling.

Now for something completely different! We don’t usually sell memorabilia but we couldn’t resist these two fantastic vintage stencils from Mortlach and Pittyvaich distilleries; we wanted to give you the opportunity to own an important piece of whisky history.

These are only a few of the bottles in our April auction, to view more cracking drams visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends TOMORROW! (Sunday 21st April) from 8pm GMT.

WATERFORD DISTILLERY APPOINTS CRAFTWORK AS NEW UK DISTRIBUTOR

4th April 2024: Waterford Distillery, producer of the world’s most naturally flavoursome single malt whiskies, has appointed Craftwork as its new UK distributor. Craftwork will now expedite product roll-out for the full Waterford Whisky range.

Under the new distribution partnership, announced today, Waterford Whisky will benefit from expanded UK distribution operations. The award-winning products will reach even more UK consumers who value transparency, provenance and natural flavours.

As specialists in distributing premium beverage brands, the appointment of Craftwork marks a vital time of development for Waterford  – highlighting a commitment to the UK market as consumer demand for premium offerings remain high. In total, rum accounts for 14% of all spirit sales in the UK, and whisky owning a 13% share*.

With an established global reputation and recent expansion into the US market, European sales for both Waterford Whisky are growing at pace. With a wide variety of whisky bottlings to choose from, the line-up will include signature bottlings and a brand-new core range of original natural whiskies and rums, over the next two years.

Waterford Whisky were launched in 2014 and 2018 respectively by CEO and Founder, Mark Reynier, who boasts more than four decades of industry experience. Both brands combine world-leading terroir technology with locally-grown ingredients, to distil the world’s most flavoursome single malt whisky expressions.

James Cowan, Sales Director at Waterford Whisky says:

“Craftwork is established as an influential and leading distributer across the beverage segment within the UK market, and I am delighted to assign Waterford Whisky  to their existing product offering.

“We are excited at the prospect of building upon our existing distribution and look forward to a successful partnership, furthering both brands’ presence in the UK as a key territory to support growth.”

Mark Dawkins, Founder and Managing Director of Craftwork, added:

“At Craftwork, we are committed to working with the best producers, brand owners and products for our prestige portfolio. Couple that with our vision to grow our whisky and rum portfolio, and it doesn’t get any better than every credential of Waterford Distillery .

“We are delighted to be the new UK importer distributor and cannot wait to work with the team, on these brands, with our customers.”

*Data from CGA by Nielsen IQ

About Waterford Whisky  

Waterford Whisky produces the most naturally flavoursome single malts.

It is the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies.

It is agricultural produce, not a manufactured product.

Unashamedly influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Whisky obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to barley – the very source of malt whisky’s complex flavour.

Extolling a hundred exclusive farms of Irish-grown barley, the distillery searches for natural flavours via three paths: its Single Farm Origins pursue the individualism of terroir-derived flavour; its Arcadian Farm Origins express the intensity of flavour from alternative philosophies and long-forgotten varieties; whilst its Cuvée Concepts revel in the ultimate complexity, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

For more information, visit www.waterfordwhisky.com.

About Craftwork 

Craftwork, founded in 2018, has established itself very quickly as a full-service UK importer distributor, building an enviable portfolio of premium spirits.

A balance of heritage & tradition, coupled with modernity & innovation, from brand partners such Grupo Osborne from Spain, Scapegrace from New Zealand, Cockspur Rum from Barbados, Rebel Bourbon & Rye from Kentucky, Axia Extra-Dry Mastiha from Greece, and Biggar & Leith (Shanky’s Whip from Ireland, Butterfly Cannon Tequila, Stambecco Liqueurs and Hotel Starlino Aperitivo from Italy), make up their core premium & prestige portfolio.

This has enabled Craftwork to build a broad customer base across all trading channels, supplying Multiple Grocers, on trade wholesale & retail, and e-commerce extensively.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Bargo 459 as Newest Craft Member

Knox County To Benefit From Hometown Family’s 

Pursuit of Bourbon Excellence 

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Bargo 459 in Knox County is the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Bargo 459 is led by Matthew Bargo II, his wife, Susie, and their son, Matthew Bargo III.

Perched on Kentucky Highway 3041 overlooking the new Cumberland Run harness racing track, Bargo 459 is a small craft distillery where only a limited number of barrels are finished at a time. Its address is 133 Wes David Road in Corbin, Ky.

Their whiskey is all pot-distilled straight Bourbon that has been proofed with spring water from the Cumberland Gap and finished in either sherry or port casks. “We are focused on quality, not quantity,” said founder Matthew Bargo II.

Before developing his distillery and his whiskey, the elder Bargo said he researched thousands of articles, visited numerous Kentucky distilleries and interviewed older individuals who had been involved in creating moonshine during Prohibition.

“Making Bourbon is hard work,” he said. “Making good Bourbon is really hard work. Our goal is to consistently produce exceptional Bourbon that is a symphony of aroma and color with a rich lingering taste.

“In that spirited journey, we stand honored to join this esteemed association and harness its wealth of knowledge while contributing our own innovative approach. Our alignment with the KDA signifies our commitment to upholding the highest standards in Bourbon production.”

The distillery plans to release speciality small batch and single barrel runs with a diversity of cask finishes and limited-edition releases. It also is preparing to open a tasting room to welcome visitors to experience the Bargo 459 portfolio.

Learn more at https://bargo459.com/.

“Making Bourbon is hard work. Making good Bourbon is really hard work.”

— Matthew Bargo II, Founder, Bargo459

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “Kentucky’s Bourbon legacy is full of storied history and rich traditions that have been passed down and shared across the industry, and we applaud Matt and his family for their passion and dedication to our timeless craft.

“The KDA and our 100 distillery members and partners are excited to welcome Bargo 459 to our growing family of the Commonwealth’s finest distillers and the entire Knox County community that will benefit from their investment, their great whiskey and their tourism experiences.”

Bargo 459 joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 10,000 barrels per year. Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association

NEW IN AT
THE WHISKY EXCHANGE

Kilchoman Batch Strength

£64.50

SHOP NOW

Just landed at The Whisky Exchange, Kilchoman Batch Strength, the Islay distillery’s latest core release which has been matured in a combination of re-charred red wine casks, oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels. Kilchoman Batch Strength was aged in a combination of re-charred red wine casks, oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels. The result is a heavy dram with notes of stewed plums, citrus oils, bonfire smoke and hints of salted caramel.

 

ralfy review 1024 – Port Charlotte 7yo Local Barley @50%vol:

Strathmill 15 yo 2008/2023 (56.9%, Gordon & MacPhail, Connoisseurs Choice, for Kirsch Import, refill bourbon barrel, cask #804815, 141 bottles)
Strathmill 27 yo 1996/2023 (55.7%, Maltbarn, Seventies, sherry cask, 141 bottles)

Dailuaine 11 yo 2012/2023 (58.8%, Watt Whisky, refill sherry butt, 552 bottles)
Dailuaine 33 yo 1989/2022 (46.3%, OB ‘Casks of Distinction’, cask #4144, refill American oak hogshead, 88 bottles)
Glenfarclas 43 yo 1977/2021 (43.1%, OB, private for Jeroboams, fourth fill oloroso sherry hogshead, cask #7288, 215 bottles)
Glenfarclas 29 yo 1992/2022 (52.6%, OB for Kensington Wine Market 30th Anniversary, cask #2906, sherry butt)
Glenfarclas 20 yo 1969/1989 (58.2%, Signatory Vintage, dumpy, casks #52-54, 900 bottles)
Macallan 2003/2023 ‘Speymalt’ (59.1%, Gordon & MacPhail, #13603613, 1st fill sherry hogshead, 298 bottles)
Macallan 18 yo 1967/1986 (43%, OB, Corade Import France)
Macallan 18 yo 1965/1984 (43%, OB, Corade Import France)Macallan-Glenlivet 20 yo 1974/1994 (53.9%, Cadenhead, Authentic Collection, sherrywood matured)