The first release in our new Sinclair Series, this non aged statement Ledaig Rioja Finish is ruby red in colour and perfectly balances peat smoke with sweet, fruity Rioja. Like all our single malts, this is non-chill filtered and natural colour.
NIKKA THE GRAIN is composed of old
Coffey grains (corn and malted barley) and
Coffey malts (100% malted barley) from
the now closed Nishinomiya distillery, as
well as Coffey grains and Coffey malts from
Miyagikyo. The finishing touches are added
by Barley Grain (malted and unmalted
barley) and Barley Grain and Corn & Rye
(malted barley, corn, rye), all distilled in
pot stills at the Moji and Satsumatsukasa
distilleries, which originally specialized in
Shochu production. Each spirit was carefully
selected from these four sites. Bottled at
48% ABV, NIKKA THE GRAIN reveals
a creamy texture and complex palette of
complementary aromas.
The ivory white label is design like a canvas.
Each of the four lines symbolizes the unique
aromatic input of the four distilleries.
NIKKA THE GRAIN celebrates Nikka
Whisky’s heritage and commitment to
offering whisky lovers across the globe
unique tasting experiences.
A 2000 Ardmore single malt from independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail that was matured in refill sherry hogsheads until it was bottled in 2021 as part of its Distillery Labels collection. Aromas of blood orange, candied apple, vanilla, smoke, grapefruit and lemon peel fill the nose, complemented by notes of bonfire embers, baked apple, orange zest, black pepper, milk chocolate, aniseed and soft smoke throughout the palate.
The release echoes the flavours of springtime by using our excellent first-fill Makers Mark ex-bourbon casks, specially selected by our production director, John Campbell. The spirit has been maturing longer for this crop of Sowing Edition, and we have selected casks from the top of the warehouse to maximise flavour. Our Sowing Edition First Crop was tremendously well received, and we are confident customers will enjoy the progress we’ve made for this year’s release.
The baby Tomatin in the family, light and approachable. Unusually for an entry level malt they use a suprising amount of virgin oak in the maturation process.
A 2008 Glentauchers bottled in 2022 by Gordon & MacPhail for their splendid Distillery Labels series of licensed semi-official bottlings. This is the first 2008 vintage Glentauchers from G&M - and also the first G&M Glentauchers Distillery Labels bottling at the new higher strength of 46%.
The oft-overlooked Glentauchers made its debut for Gordon & MacPhail with a 1979 vintage in the same series (then known as the Licensed Bottlings) over thirty years ago in 1991 and has appeared dozens of times since. These Licensed bottlings were originally bottled at 40% until 2006-07, when the strength was upped to 43%. The younger vintage and age statement releases in the Licensed Bottlings range were officially renamed Distillery Labels around 2012.
Aged in oloroso, Pedro Ximenez, Rioja and some new American oak barrels.
Classic Sherried notes of indulgent dark chocolate and dried fruits, coupled with sweet spices and red berries.
A blended malt comprising of coastal single malts, first aged in American oak casks, before finishing in casks specially coopered with heavily charred European oak heads. This finish adds richness and enhances the smoke in this dram.
Light initially, with fruit notes, nutty flavours and a sweetness from slight hints of vanilla and caramel. Becomes more full-bodied in its finish, as rich dried fruit attempts to dominate the palate. Made on Islay.
With a smooth and creamy sweetness, hints of fruit, malty honeyed spiciness and soft vanilla, the crisp Deanston 12 year whisky finishes with a satisfying tingle of cloves.
In a handy 5cl size.
Famous Grouse Smoky Black was renamed from Black Grouse at the end of 2015. This blend is based on peated Islay malts, and offers 'reassuring smoothness with aromatic, peaty flavours'.
Super pale, like fino sherry, but don’t be mistaken to thinking that it's gentle….a hefty dollop of iodine and peat smoke, with ginger and some green apple notes. Certainly my favourite from this Islay Clan
Aroma : A pungent burst of smoked cream, peppermint and toffee, with Ardbeg’s classic fennel and pine resin. Distant earthy bonfires mix with herbal and fruity (banana & tropical) notes, along with fragrant candle wax.
Taste : An extremely vibrant, hot peppery mouthfeel, leads in to a burst of sherbet lemon sweetness (candied apples, pears & oranges), hints of carbolic soap and tar, more creamytoffee, aniseedand chilli pepper.
Finish : A long, mellow, lingering aftertaste, with lots of cream, fudge and delicate antiseptic notes. An elegant, soothing style of Ardbeg.
Colour
Bright Auric
Aroma
Very fresh, herbal, with hints of vanilla, pear, freshly
cracked black pepper, honey-glazed ham. Rich Turkish
coffee, sappy pine resin.
With water, more herbal notes like vetiver and fennel,
along with aniseed, green apple and leather.
Taste
A rich, explosive mouthfeel with lots of chocolate, tar,
creosote and smoked bacon, followed by a burst of
antiseptic lozenges, eucalyptus and more aniseed.
Finish
A long, salty and mouthcoating finish with hints of
cocoa, fudge and savoury meats.
The initial rush of rich vanilla sweetness gives way to the fruits of slow distillation – kiwi, banana, cantaloupe melon – with just a dusting of cocoa powder.
