Brine

Balcones Brujeria

Though Balcones has a very wide portfolio with many takes on traditional American spirits staples like bourbon and rye, they are also don’t neglect one of the first things that put them on the map: their single malt. Having clearly invested in an American single malt from the beginning, time and continued experimentation has allowed them to craft various expressions of this cornerstone offering. For the distillery’s tenth anniversary in 2019, they released two single malts only available at the distillery store, both with cask finishes. The Balcones Brujeria, which approximately translates to “witchcraft” or “witchery”, is finished in a mix of ex-Oloroso and PX sherry casks.

By Adam | August 5, 2021 | Foreign | No Comments |

Caol Ila is the largest distillery on the island of Islay, producing over 2 million liters every year. The vast majority of that goes into Diageo-owned blends like Johnnie Walker Black Label, but there still remains some for eventual release as single malts. While the 12 Year is their single malt cornerstone, the distillery has been releasing a yearly series of unpeated whiskies over the past several years, including the 17 Year. The Caol Ila 15 Year is the first of a reported thirteen releases in the series.

By Adam | May 5, 2021 | Islay | No Comments |

There has been a growing trend for the past decade and more of fading age statements on scotches as distilleries are feeling the crunch in supply from demand in an exploding global market. Brands have replaced age statements with whiskies lacking them, to varying success, so it is a surprise to see a major distillery like Ardbeg release a new core offering to their line that carries an age statement. Even more unusual is that it is a young age. The unofficial benchmark for most single malts to list their age is 10 years, as evidences by the many 10 or 12-year scotches on the market. Going younger, especially to 5 years – only two years more than the minimum regulated age required to even be called a whisky in the EU – is even more against the grain. While the Wee Beastie is so named to market the rawness of youth, it already holds a place of interest simply for its bold choices.

By Adam | April 5, 2021 | Islay | No Comments |

Brine

Balcones Brujeria

Caol Ila 15 Year Unpeated

Ardbeg 5 Year Wee Beastie