Ardbeg An Oa Scotch Whisky
Rounded and smoky - like burning Applewood - with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates. A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana. With a drop of water, reminders of Ardbeg's classic fragrance lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar. A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candle wax, and hints of smoked herbs. An Oa gives a final subtle reminder of the sea with briny notes and seaweed but always accompanied with creaminess. A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg & cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes. Wood is always present in the spirit, gently nutty and reminiscent of a carpenter's workshop. A long, sweet finish, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty biscuit notes.
Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky
Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky 40% 700mlDistillery: Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. Asaka Distillery ABV: 40% Tasting notes:Orange blossoms on the nose, followed by oak, caramel, and fresh orchard fruit on the palate. Bringing serene balance and depth, this is a bottle from Japans new generation distilleries.Yamazakura - Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. chose the name Yamazakura to launch the distillerys premium whisky range because it is a combination of two important Japanese symbols in culture and society: Yama is the Japanese term for mountain, signifying the strength and poise of the spirit, while Sakura refers to cherry-trees, to relate the ephemeral beauty of the stunning blossom to the quality and sophistication of the whisky.About the Distillery:Sasanokawa Shuzos sake and shochu making dates back all the way to 1710. However, almost 200 years later, they decided to dive into the whisky making market in 1946 thus setting up Asaka Distillery. Their quality was able to stand toe to toe with large rivals like Nikka and Suntory in the northeast region of Japan. Most importantly, Sasanokawa Shuzo were also the ones who famously helped Ichiro Akuto (Ichiros Malt / Hanyu Distillery) save his whisky stocks and allowing him to build the Ichiros Malt brand. The distillerys mash tun and 5 washbacks are all stainless steel. Unlike other Japanese whisky distilleries using imported Forsyths stills, Asaka went with two copper pot stills made right here in Japan by Miyake Seisakusho. The wash still is 2000L, and spirit still 1000L, both using percolators for heating. The whisky is mostly non-peated and will be rested in primarily bourbon casks but also some sherry and wine casks.It's worth noting that the Chichibu Distillery and the Asaka Distillery have a relationship. Ichiro Akuto-san asked Sasanokawa Shuzo to store the leftover casks of the defunct Hanyu Distillery until he could get Chichibu up and running. So basically, Chichibu owes Asaka a favor! Ichiro Akuto-san brought back most of the casks and released his now highly sought after first release, the Ichiros Malt Series (otherwise known as the card series!). In fact, the Sasakanokawa Shuzo facility still has Hanyu casks in storage!
Crystal Head Vodka
Crystal Head Vodka is the realisation of the dream and vision of well-known actor Dan Aykroyd and colleague, fine artist, John Alexander. Both are avid researchers into the phenomenon that is the 5,000 to 35,000 year old Crystal Heads that have been found strewn around the globe from Tibet to the USA. This was the inspiration behind the extraordinary crystal head bottle and the purest vodka held within. With water sourced from the pure springs of Newfoundland, quadruple distillation through semi-precious crystals and with no additives, oils or sugars of any kind. Now available in the perfect 50mL serving size, the only thing needed to enjoy this miniature Crystal Head Vodka is a glass and one's own pure spirit.
CLEMENT 10 Year Grande Reserve
Amrut Fusion Indian Whisky
While India may not be the first country to mind when great world whisky is mentioned, the Fusion Single Malt is about to change all that. Considered by Jim Murray to be the 3rd best whisky in the world as part of his 2010 Whisky Bible, the Fusion is a phenomenal amalgam of flavours, aromas and texture the envy of most, even in Scotland. On the nose this spectacular whisky offers up notes of heavy oak, barley sugar and some subtle smoke characters that play ever so well with amazingly complex flavours like custard cream, toffee and dried fruits. While the whisky threatens to be completely overpowering, the balance on the finish is nothing short of ground breaking. There is simply no better way to extend your whisky horizons than with a bottle of Amrut Fusion.
Glenkinchie Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Golden brown in colour, Glenkinchie Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky displays sharp and brittle notes. Complex and refined, an astonishing balance between the sweet and dry flavours of vanilla and grape. The malted barley and cask wood offer nuttier tones and a complex oaky finish.
Meukow XO Cognac
Established in Cognac for over 150 years, Meukow has built a strong reputation as masters in the art of distillation, ageing and blending of fine Brandy. Meukow XO is a luxury Cognac; its harmonious and smooth taste the result of meticulous fruit selection, traditional double distillation, prestige oak usage and a long ageing process.
Hibiki Harmony Whisky
Hibiki, meaning resonance in Japanese, speaks to the soul and emotions of the most discerning whisky lover. Hibiki Harmony has a rich aroma and has a harmonious flavour.
Hakushu Single Malt Whisky
Produced from the pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, Hakushu Distillers Reserve is a green and fresh whisky with a crisp and vibrant taste. Now, for the first time ever, this whisky is available outside of Japan.
Glengoyne 15 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Glengoyne can claim to have the slowest distillation process in Scotland - a process that makes this distillery very unique, much like their positioning on the Highland/Lowland border. The 15 Year Old Single Malt is supremely complex, sweet and well rounded. There is a wonderful spicy oak finish that compliments the luscious palate that is enhanced by the process of air drying the barley, never peat dried. The hand-selected ex Sherry casks also provide a richness that continues into the finish of this fine whisky that is ideally suited to enjoying neat.