Vanilla

Scapa 16 Year

The Scapa distillery is one of the most northern distilleries in Scotland, located in the Orkney islands. It is also one of the smallest, with only three staff on site (the manager operates out of Speyside, and the distillery itself is part of the Chivas Brothers branch of Pernod Ricard). Sadly, the small staffing means the distillery is closed to the public. The distillery used to be larger and produce several different offerings. Currently, all production goes into making the Scapa 16 that was launched in 2009. What kind of spirit is produced in a land where it is almost always ever-day or ever-night?

By Adam | November 1, 2014 | Island | No Comments |

From one of the very few artisanal distilleries in the United States, McCarthy’s has only been in production since 2000. It hasn’t wasted any time, though, winning awards and other high marks in short order. McCarthy’s is also unique in that the whisky is made from peated malt imported from Islay, given that Oregon shares certain climate qualities with Scotland. The aging renders their young whisky surprisingly smooth.

By Adam | July 1, 2014 | Foreign | No Comments |

GlenDronach 14 Year Sauternes Finish

This proud distillery was forced to close its doors in 1996 but thankfully reopened in 2001. Ownership has changed hands several times since it was founded in 1826, ranging from such notables as Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott to Charles Grant, son of the Glenfiddich distillery founder. If such luminaries found merit in GlenDronach, we feel in good company sharing their appreciation.

By Adam | June 28, 2014 | Highland | No Comments |