Lemon zest

Ardbeg Ardcore

With a slogan of “Like Biting a Spiky Ball” emblazoned on the label, Ardbeg Ardcore swings for punk fences with their 2022 Committee Release. The differing factor that makes this particular offering stand out is that approximately 25% of the barley used was roasted black malt, with the remainder being their normal distilling malt. The Committee Releases are named for the Ardbeg Committee, formed after Glenmorangie purchased and reopened the shuttered distillery – originally founded in 1815 – in 1997. This group is a place for Ardbeg enthusiasts to hear of news and other special opportunities, ostensibly so that the distillery never has to face closure again. They are also a fantastic marketing opportunity and released as part of Fèis Ìle, an Islay festival founded in 1986 to celebrate the island’s unique history and heritage within the world of whisky, a now ten-day event that takes place at the end of May.

By Adam | September 5, 2024 | Islay | No Comments |

Glengoyne is one of those rare distilleries that has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1833. Where other distilleries paused for wars or were bought and sold on the winds of economic change, Glengoyne persisted. The distillery focuses on six elements that comprise their current spirit: unpeated, patience, oak casks, maturation, natural color, and tradition. Some of those are more tactile than others but all can impact the final product. Glengoyne is also unique in its geography, sitting right on the border between scotch regions. The whisky is made in the Highlands region but then transported across the road and ages in the Lowlands region. The Glengoyne 15 Year is one of several age statement expressions comprising the distillery’s core range and made from a blend matured in either ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks.

By Adam | September 20, 2020 | Highland | No Comments |

Mortlach was the first official distillery in Dufftown, founded in 1823 and known as “The Beast of Dufftown”. Operating relatively uninterrupted since then across several owners, it has long passed under the radar of many enthusiasts since its output has gone primarily into blends with only the occasional special single malt release. This changed in 2013 when the brand relaunched with more emphasis placed on its single malt offerings. This Mortlach 16, the Distiller’s Dram, comes from a new trilogy announced in 2018. Like all expressions since 1896, it is distilled 2.81 times, and matured entirely in ex-Sherry casks.

By Adam | June 10, 2020 | Speyside | No Comments |

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