The Macallan Unveils The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

The Macallan has unveiled The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao, the first limited edition whisky in an innovative new series of single malts that will see the brand progress its journey towards sustainable packaging.

Inspired by The Macallan’s deep-rooted connection to nature for nearly 200 years, The Harmony Collection is an exploration into the world of sustainable packaging. Fusing together innovative techniques with materials from the natural world at the end of their life to see them reborn with a renewed purpose.

Crafted from a harmonious combination of European and American oak casks, the result is an exceptionally rich single malt whisky characterized by a deep, dark chocolate profile, which pairs perfectly with the richest chocolate for a luxurious sensorial experience.

In homage to its chocolate inspiration, The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is encased in a beautiful fully recyclable and biodegradable presentation box, made using natural by-products in the chocolate-making process. The box is crafted without compromise using discarded husks from cacao pods and brings together The Macallan’s renowned craftsmanship with contemporary packaging techniques aimed at minimizing waste.

SRP $100.  Available for pre-order on ReserveBar.  The Macallan is owned by Edrington Group, which is privately held.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on The Macallan Unveils The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao

Mount Gay Debuts New Expression: Andean Oak Cask

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Mount Gay Rum, the world’s oldest running rum distillery dating back to 1703, released  its newest expression as part of the Master Blender Collection: Andean Oak Cask, the fourth limited-edition in the exclusive series that celebrates over 300 years of expertise and innovation.

For the 2021 small-batch release, Master Blender Trudiann Branker turned to Andean Oak, a non-traditional wood choice, to explore another layer of aromatic complexity. The casks were used for 11 months to finish the ageing of a single batch of rums distilled twice in traditional copper pot still and aged 14 years in ex-Bourbon casks. 

Branker’s innovation began once she had discovered that virgin Andean Oak Casks had never been used in any previous Mount Gay Rum expressions. Over the course of 11 months, she carefully nurtured a specially selected batch of rum until she reached a beautiful marriage of flavors and aromas imparted on the liquid by this unique oak tree, the only oak native to South America. Standing at nearly 82 feet tall, Andean oak trees are found across the mountainous ranges of 18 departments of the Colombian Andes at an altitude ranging from 1,000-3,200m.

Upon entering the bonds at Mount Gay, Branker was intrigued by the light-colored wood and the very subtle aromas of vanilla traditionally found in American oak, alongside the spicy and smoky notes found in Andean Oak. It was there that the idea for the newest expression in the Master Blender Collection was born. 

“I was inspired by the incredible feedback we had following my release of The Port Cask Expression and I wanted to push my boundaries further,” she said. “Using a totally new cask paired with a traditional pot still rum created something entirely new, bold and layered that I think rum enthusiasts around the world will thoroughly enjoy.”

The result is described as a delicate, yet opulent layered blend of spice, nutmeg, vanilla, ripe pear and toasted coconut on the palate. Dominantly vanilla on the nose, Mount Gay Andean Oak Cask offers a spiciness on the palate that perfectly complements the fruity notes of the aged pot still rum. This rum evolves as time goes by, revealing depths of flavor over the course of a tasting journey.

Mount Gay Rum is owned by Remy Cointreau and was quoted in the over-the-counter market at $20.20, up 45 cents.

Posted in New Products | Tagged , | Comments Off on Mount Gay Debuts New Expression: Andean Oak Cask

Johnnie Walker Offering a Scotch from ‘Ghost’ Distillery Pittyvaich

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Pittyvaich opened in 1974 and closed after only 18 years of life in 1993, But Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker reached into its reserves and is offering it as Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich.   It’s 43.8% ABV and will be available in the UK, but not the U.S.

It’s the fourth release in the limited edition Ghost and Rare series and is a blend that includes two other “ghost” whiskies from the distilleries of Port Dundas and Carsebridge. He combined these with exceptionally rare Scotch from a quartet of Speyside distilleries including Mannochmore, Auchroisk, Cragganmore and Strathmill as well as the Highland whisky of Royal Lochnagar.  Diageo closed in NYSE trading at $193.23, up 21 cents.

 

Posted in New Products | Tagged , | Comments Off on Johnnie Walker Offering a Scotch from ‘Ghost’ Distillery Pittyvaich

Bombay Sapphire Debuts a Murcian Citrus-Based Gin

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Bacardi Ltd.-owned Bombay Sapphire, the world’s No. 1 premium gin by value and volume, unveiled Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Mercian Lemon, a new super premium expression created to celebrate the region of Murcia in Spain and the stunning citrus that it produces, while shining a light on the long-standing relationships Bombay Sapphire has forged with its dedicated suppliers and farmers.  ABV: 47%.

Posted in New Products | Tagged , | Comments Off on Bombay Sapphire Debuts a Murcian Citrus-Based Gin

Redemption Whiskey Launches Limited Edition Cognac Cask Finish

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

To create this limited-edition offering, Redemption collaborated with Ferrand Cognac, one of the world’s most revered Cognac houses, to finish the award-winning High Rye Bourbon in Cognac casks.

The resulting whiskey delivers bold and spicy notes balanced with an elegant, warming sweetness akin to Cognac. It has a warming, long finish of buttered pecan, praline, and baking spice.

“We challenged our artisan teams at Redemption and Ferrand Cognac to create a small production Redemption offering worthy of gifting to the most discerning whiskey lovers,” said Tom Steffanci, President of privately held Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, which produces Redemption. “The resulting whiskey exceeds all expectations. It is a great example of our ongoing commitment to push the boundaries of what’s possible with our rye-forward whiskeys.”

Posted in New Products | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Redemption Whiskey Launches Limited Edition Cognac Cask Finish

Who & What —

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Campari Group, sixth largest player in the premium spirits industry, hires Jesus Susunaga Acosta as the new Maestro Tequilero for Casa San Nicolas, effective immediately. The new Master Distiller will oversee the entire Casa San Nicolás product line, contributing in the maintenance of the highest quality standards of the present award-winning Mexican spirits, such as Espolón and Cabo Wabo, as well as future innovations in the Arandas plant in Jalisco, Mexico.  In over-the-counter U.S. trading, Campari closed at 14.75, up 18 cents.

Posted in Who and What | Tagged | Comments Off on Who & What —