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!
Benromach Contrasts: High Enzyme Malt
The Benromach Contrasts: High Enzyme Malt is a true representation of the rich history and craftsmanship of Scottish whisky. This 46% ABV single malt is presented in a 700ml bottle, showcasing the perfect balance of flavour and strength. On the nose, aromas of sweet honey and vanilla mingle with notes of ripe orchard fruits and subtle hints of smoke. The warm amber colour hints at the complexity of this whisky, which is reflected on the palate. The initial taste is of soft, creamy toffee, followed by a burst of juicy berries and a touch of oak. As the flavours develop, a delicate spiciness emerges, bringing a perfect balance to the sweet and fruity notes. The Benromach Contrasts: High Enzyme Malt is a must-try for whisky enthusiasts, offering a smooth and well-rounded experience that stays true to its Scottish roots.
Glengoyne Strength Scotch Whisky
The process of Scotland's slowest distillation can be tasted in every dram of this Cask Strength Single Malt by Glengoyne. Hand-crafted from inception to glass, this single malt also shows the dramatic effect of warm air drying of the barley rather that using peat smoke. Bottled at the higher ABV of 58.7%, the balance between the subtle flavours imparted from the slow distillation and the power of the un-chillfiltered single malt imparts flavours of digestive biscuits, ripe bananas and a hint of pepper. Robust and full-bodied, this is a whisky of the utmost strength that should be enjoyed with some pure distilled water to your taste.
Glenfarclas 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Don't be fooled by the nose into thinking this is a delicate and gentle Highlander, Glenfarclas is a brute at close quarters! Layers of flavour just keep coming and it is a true pleasure to savour.
Mars Iwai Bourbon Barrel Japanese Whisky
One of only two whiskies available from the Mars range, the Mars Iwai Bourbon Barrel Japanese Whisky displays beautiful amber gold hues, with hints of rose. Light, floral and sweet on the nose, deepened by cherries, roasted coconut and dark cacao. Extra sweetness experienced with notes of honey suckle and marshmellows. Palate is soft, gingerbread, raspberry and spiced honey make for a delicious first sip. Underlying flavours of dried fig and allspice give it that extra kick. Wonderful finish of spiced port and ginger.
Michel Couvreur Whisky The Unique
A blending of malted and un-malted cereals whisky distilled partly by Pot-still and partly by Coffey Still (continuous distillation) in Scotland. After 4 years in oak wood, it has been reduced to 44% alc./vol. with Pentland Hills' water. Matured partly in Scotland and partly in France, bottled without filtration.Opalescent tint.Slight iodine fragrances with a hint of almond, vanilla roundness, floral fineness. Nervous and round.To be preferably consumed chilled as an appetizer.
Glenfiddich Fire & Cane Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Think you know peaty whisky? Think again. Glenfiddich, the worlds most awarded single malt Scotch Whisky, has launched Glenfiddich Fire & Cane, an unexpected combination of their rarely-seen peated whisky with unpeated bourbon-aged single malt, all of which is finished in Latin rum casks. The result is a surprisingly sweet and smoky dram that blends rich caramel and spice notes with fresh green fruit and soft pillowy smoke. A worthy continuation of the series that's very interesting to pair with different types of food try it with spicy sausage or ice cream, for example!
Benromach Organic
MATURATION: Matured in organic, virgin oak casks. Pour yourself a dram of this beautiful Speysider, lift it to the light and notice the golden brown colour, imparted by our virgin oak casks. Even the wood we use for maturing the spirit is an intrinsic part of producing this beautifully balanced Organic Single Malt Whisky—a world-first when it was launched. With that in mind, enjoy the sumptuous AROMA WITHOUT WATER. It's delightfully sweet and malty at first, and after a few inhalations you may detect vanilla, toffee and banana influences coming through. Enjoy the TASTE WITHOUT WATER roll it around your mouth and savour the creamy pepper and sweet fruit flavours, particularly ripe bananas. Add a trickle of water to release the whisky and take in the AROMA WITH WATER; fresh and malty with darker, delicious hints of coffee and cocoa. You may smell some vanilla notes, and a touch of the fruit bowl coming through once again—this time with citrus fruits, especially lemons. Now for the TASTE WITH WATER; the smooth and mellow body has an exotic carnival feel with some gorgeous chilli spice and tropical fruit flavours, balanced with creaminess and a dark chocolate edge: a mouth-watering balance with a smooth and long finish. This whisky is certified Organic from start to finish, meeting rigorous UK Soil Association standards for growing the ingredients, distillation, maturation and bottling. Unique on launch in 2006, this organic certification is still very rare today.
Hunter Laing Scarabus Islay Single Malt
Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky
Our Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is the first whisky ever distilled in the Cotswolds. We use 100% locally grown, floor-malted barley and mature the whisky in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and reconditioned red wine casks. Rich, fruity and sippable with notes of honey, Seville orange marmalade and dark red fruits. Tasting Notes Nose: Notes of honey and butterscotch layered with light fruits (peaches & apricots), a hint of marzipan. Palate: Strong notes of tannin-rich malt, oils and dark sugar with lots of spice, caramelised Seville orange marmalade. Finish: Long and resinous, with dark red fruits and a hint of treacle.