Dram Of The Day; Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky 10 year old 46% Non Chill Filtered 70cl

Whisky by Taste: Light Delicate Whisky

Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky 10 year old 46% Non Chill Filtered 70cl

Tasting notes...

The colour is reminiscent of ripe golden barley

On the nose there is an initial rush of vanilla sweetness that gives way to the fruits of the slow distillation process - kiwi, banana, cantaloupe melon can be detected with just a dusting of cocoa powder. It is undoubtedly complex and yet the aromas are in complete harmony with the malt.

The palate reveals a hint of cinnamon that adds a spicy edge to the soft and sweet texture captivating the palate. The classic Arran citrus notes have rounded with age and reveal new depths of character against a background of sweet oak.

The Finish drifts over the tongue like golden syrup and fades ever so slowly to tempt another sip. This is a beautifully made whisky. Arran has come a long way in 10 years. Truly the best things in life are always worth waiting for!

To BUY ARRAN SCOTCH WHISKY 10 YEAR OLD 46% 70CL CLICK HERE

Highland Park Brings The Mighty Thor

DIRECT FROM THE GATES OF VALHALLA.

Mighty Thor remains one of the most renowned of all the Norse gods. A powerful and
brooding figure, it is said that using his hammer, Thor could carve valleys out of mountains
and that his enemies would quake in terror at the thunderous sound the weapon created.
Son of Odin, the ruler of Asgard, Thor was avidly worshipped by Viking warriors as the

defender of mankind and gods alike.

In honour of this great warrior and in celebration of its own unwavering Norse heritage, Highland Park has released Thor. This stunning 16 year old single malt is believed to be the first whisky ever designed specifically around an individual’s character.

With a natural strength like its namesake, drawing influence from the environment unique to Orkney, Thor is a truly elemental spirit. Distilled where sea turns to ocean, it represents a meeting point of nature’s
forces, exuding a dynamic and bold character on the surface, but with an unexpected softer side at its heart.

Thor represents the first coming for Highland Park’s stunning Valhalla Collection; a range of four unique whiskies, released annually, taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old. Not for the faint hearted, only those brave enough to accept the challenge of Thor
shall be rewarded with the ultimate experience; a whisky of divine power.

Bottled at a robust 52.1% abv this limited edition whisky comes housed in a unique wooden
frame, which echoes the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, stated, “Building on the success of The Magnus Series,
we wanted to create an exciting new range which offers Highland Park fans something both
affordable AND collectable.  This is no ordinary whisky and as we wanted it to truly reflect
Thor’s character you will find some of the classic Highland Park aromas in there; it has a
sweetness and a subtlety, but it will also surprise you with a little bit more smoke and
dryness and there definitely is a lightning strike on your palate also.”  The Valhalla Collection is about more than great whisky, it gives an insight to the very being of the brand, its inspiration and raison d’etre.

We’ve put Thor first, as he is such a mighty character and deserves his rightful place at the
very forefront of this range. Everything about this whisky bellows  power; this is quite
honestly a true whisky of the gods.”

Highland Park Thor -16 years old - 52.1% Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Rich amber, with an iron ore glow

Nose:    Concentrated and forceful, with an explosion of aromatic smoke,  pungent fresh
ginger, antique copper, stewed plums, and golden syrup. With water, earthy notes emerge,
like a garden after a heavy rain shower.

Palate: Thor’s high strength grabs the palate and refuses to let go.  Initially dry, with fiery
gingerbread then vanilla, blackberries, fresh mango, peach and hints of cinnamon. As its big
flavours swirl around the mouth, some softer, sweeter notes develop, giving Thor and
unexpected layer of complexity and depth.

Finish: The finish thunders on, leaving behind lingering notes of sweet vanilla and an intense
spiciness.

Ledaig 10 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

New release at increased strength

Ledaig 10 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Note:

Colour: Bright lemony gold.

Nose: Sweet briny smokiness with a distinctly island character that hints at mild antiseptic, creosote, wax polish, mint chocolate and floral seaside aromas.

Palate: Tantalisingly sweet yet medicinal flavours release sparks of spicy pepper with peaty smoke and vanilla malty creaminess.

Finish: Spicy white pepper and sweet vibrant liquorice and cloves with a lingering saltiness Un-chillfiltered @ 46.3%.

For More Information about the Ledaig/Tobermory Distillery Click Here

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Scapa Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2000 Gordon & MacPhail

Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Scapa Distillery.

The Orkney Islands are steeped in history and folklore, indeed Scapa Flow where the distillery sits still hides the ghostly wrecks of the German fleet scuttled after the end of World War 1.

The distillery was opened in 1885 andembarked on a century of production involving few changes of ownership. It

was silent for two years from 1934 and was rebuilt in 1959 with the floor maltings ceasing production a few years later. Further internal improvementswere made in 1978 including the installation of a Lomond type still.

Region: Island.St. Ola, Orkney.

Founded: 1885

Water Source: Lingro Burn.

Owner: Chivas Brothers.

Status: Operational.

Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2011 by Gordon & MacPhail.
Scapa Distillery Style Tasting Notes

Nose : Hay, honey, malty.

Palate : Medium bodied. Oily, honey, fruit, barley, toffee and toast.

Finish : Long, grassy and slightly salty with a hint of peat.

For More Information about the Scapa Distillery Click Here

To Compare Scapa Single Malt Scotch Whisky with other Single Malts Click Here

To Buy a Bottle Of Gordon & MacPhail Scapa 2000 Click Here

Tobermory Single Malt Whisky 10 year old New Style Bottling

New Higher Strength 46.3%
Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Mull. Presentation tube.

Tobermory Single Malt Whisky 10 year old 46.3% 70cl Tasting Notes..
Nose : Light gentle peat, malty, floral with a touch of smoke.
Palate : Light to medium. Malty, fruity, honey and nuts.
Finish : Soft and honeyed.

For More Information about the Tobermory Distillery Click Here

To Compare Tobermory Malt Whisky with other Scotish Malt Whiskies Click Here

To Buy a Bottle of this Tobermory Single Malt Whisky 10 year old New Style Bottling Click Here

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky Bicentenary 1977 Vintage Repatriation

International demand for this expression released in 1998 was on an unprecedented scale. Little wonder then that, no sooner had the bottling been launched, the entire release was sold out. To support this new release, some bottles were set aside for tasting and sampling. The Japanese allocation sold out with this reserved stock barely being touched. The existence of this forgotten cache only came to light in 2008. It was decided to repatriate the last 694 bottles of the Bicentenary 1977 Vintage, to celebrate its extended Japanese sabbatical and to offer the opportunity to enjoy this highly-prized and sought-after whisky to a new audience.

The Repatriation bottling comes in a bespoke oak box the embellishment of which follows classic Japanese graphic form. The front of the box features an outline of Japan as well as 1977 depicted in Japanese characters. The use of red as an extra colour is typically Japanese. The interior of the box features a design adapted from a traditional Japanese wave pattern. The design is embellished with Japanese characters that spell out the words Highland Park.

The bottle has then been wrapped by hand in specially printed Japanese washi paper, a reference to the wrapping paper which was the original inspiration of the French Impressionists, and the Japanese characters depict 1977.

ABV: 40%
Bottles produced:  694

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bicentenary 1977 Vintage Repatriation Tasting Notes

Appearance: Golden amber, liquid honey

Nose: Rich and sweet with a hint of smoky peat, picking up soft oak tones.

Palate: Medium to long, subtle oak with a hint of rich fruit cake.

Finish: Long, rich and deliciously complex,

More Information about the Highland Park Distillery Click Here

To Compare Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky Click Here

To Buy The Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky  Bicentenary 1977 Vintage Repatriation Click Here

Highland Park 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

With only 275 bottles produced, this prestigious edition is set to become an exclusive collectors’ item.

 Each bottle is unique, encased in an intricate ‘net cage’ of hand-crafted ornate Sterling silver created by Scottish jewellery designer Maeve Gillies, who took inspiration from Orkney’s elemental forces.


Maeve’s bottle design celebrates Orkney: its seas, island life, wild elements, incredible natural light and the passage of time.


Highland Park 50 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 
Recommended Retail Price: £10,000.  
Strength: 44.8% alcohol by volume

Appearance: Clear and bright with burnished mahogany hues.

Aroma: Complex and multi-layered; cigar box and old tobacco pouch at first.  Slowly the emphasis moves to fruit and spices; cooked damsons, raisins and nutmeg are prevalent.

Taste: At full strength it is rich and spicy, with excellent tannins and notes of muscovado sugar to the fore, with hint of wax.  When reduced, orange peel, camphor and cloves emerge.

Aftertaste: Long and very spicy, slightly smoky remnants.

More Detail about the Highland Park 50 year old Scotch Whisky Click Here

Jura Limited Edition 20 year old 51.2% Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask

Jura Single Malt  Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Mull.

To celebrate the establishment of the Jura Distillery in 1810

Douglas Laing  have chosen to release a Rare Single Cask of Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Distilled at the Isle of Jura Distillery.

They  would have liked to offer a 200 year old distillation - alas - that is not possible .

However this example of a 20 year old Jura does great service in displaying the qualities of the distiller.

Old Malt Cask Commemorative Bottling by Douglas Laing

Numbered bottle limited edition of 200 at Cask strength 51.2%

Un-chill filtered - no colouring - bottled at natural cask strength

More Details about the Jura Distillery Click Here

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The Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15th Anniversary Bottlings

limited to 5,640 bottles worldwide.
It has been finished in the highest quality Amontillado Sherry casks and has been bottled at cask strength (54.6%)

In the tradition of Arran Single Malts, this Single Malt Scotch Whisky is non-chillfiltered with no added colouring. Truly a unique expression of Arran in original, stunning packaging.

Tasting Notes

Nose: The aroma is complex with hints of dark chocolate, cherries and ginger.  Mint toffee and hazelnut emerge with water.

Palate: Rich and creamy on the palate with classic sherry wood notes of dried fruit and spice. A confectionary sweetness mingles beautifully with the intrinsic citrus character of the Arran Malt.

Finish: Much drier on the long finish with an intriguing peppery note developing.


The Arran Malt Open Day 15th Anniversary Bottling
This is a limited edition of 3 Bourbon barrels from 1995 especially selected and bottled for the Arran Malt Distillery Open Day on 3rd July 2010.

The first spirit ran from the stills at the Isle of Arran Distillery at 14.29 on  29th June 1995. To celebrate their 15th year they have selected 3 casks from 1995 (casks 90, 101 and 103) for this extremely rare anniversary bottling.

Limited to 600 hand-signed bottles, this exclusive bottling represents both the finest example of the distillers craft and a historic landmark in the evolution of the Isle of Arran Distillery.
More Details about the Arran Distillery Click Here

To compare Arran Single Malt Whisky With Other Scotch Whiskies Click Here

Arran Distillery Page Updated

Updated The Arran Distillery and  Tasting notes pages on my www.whiskymerchants.co.uk website.

New Whisky images and tasting notes added. Bottling details checked. navigation retuned.


Distillery live twitter feed installed 


Click here for more information about the Arran Distillery

Jura Single Malt Whisky 1992 Connoisseurs Choice 43% 70cl

From the Isle of Jura
Distilled 1992 Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail 2007 under the Connoisseurs Choice Label

Jura Single Malt Whisky 1992 Connoisseurs Choice 43% 70cl Tasting Notes..

Colour Pale Yellow

Neat
Nose: Perfumed with a slight waxy note and some green, leafy aromas.
Palate: Cereal notes initially with spicy, fragrant flavours. Drying - peppery.

To compare Jura Scotch Whisky Click Here

With Water
Nose: Husky - grist, the floral notes are again present and a slight nuttiness - coconut?

Palate: Creamy with delicate spices, floral and malty flavours.
Body: Light
Finish: Drying, grassy
Cask: Refill Sherry Hogsheads
Whisky Style: A delicate dram - enjoyable as an aperitif.

Jura Single Malt Whisky 16 year old 40% 70cl

Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Island of Jura.
Diurachs' Own.
Sumptuous yet gently spiced.

Isle of Jura Single Malt  Scotch Whisky 16 year old 40% 70cl Tasting Notes
Colour – Glassy golden highlights

Nose – Full and rich. Each aroma beautifully structured to reveal harmony at its best. Silk and honey with a hint of ginger spice encompass this floral bouquet.

Palate – Soft peaches and honey with a hint of citrus and marzipan will slowly arise, yet the backbone of its heritage continues to ebb away on the aftertaste, leaving the palate rewarded and satisfied.

Bronze award winner at 2004 International Wine and Spirit Competition.

More Information about the Jura whisky distillery Click Here

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Arran Single Malt Whisky 10 year old 46% Non Chill Filtered 70cl

Island of Arran Scotch Whisky.

Early in the 19th century there were more than 50 whisky distilleries on Arran, most of them illegal and carefully hidden from the eyes of the taxmen. The malt was acclaimed at the time as the best in Scotland, only rivaled by those from the 'Glen of Livet'.

Based at Lochranza the new distillery was founded in 1995 by Harold Currie, who was previously Managing Director of Chivas (Seagrams) and House of Campbell (Pernod Ricard).


Arran Single Malt Whisky 10 year old 46% Non Chill Filtered 70cl Tasting notes...


Distillery Edition

Colour Ripe Golden Barley.

Nose The initial rush of vanilla sweetness gives way to the fruits of slow distillation - kiwi, banana, cantaloupe melon - with just a dusting of cocoa powder. It is undoubtedly complex and yet the aromas are in complete harmony with the malt.

Taste A touch of cinnamon adds a spicy edge to the soft and sweet texture which captivates the palate. The classic Arran citrus notes have rounded with age and reveal new depths of character against a background of sweet oak.

Finish It drifts over the tongue like golden syrup and fades ever so slowly to tempt another sip. This is a beautifully made whisky. Arran has come a long way in 10 years. Truly the best things in life are always worth waiting for!

For more information about the Isle of Arran Distillery click here 

To compare Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky Click Here

Jura 18 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Nestled off the west coast of Scotland lies the magical Island of soft sea breezes, freshly caught shellfish and a bank that comes once a week. As good as life should be - one road, one shop, one community.One fine single malt whisky distillery.

Reminiscent of the magic and charm of the Island,The  Jura 18 year old single malt will carry you to the freshest aromas of crushed orange peel and spicy cinnamon. Entice your palate with the tempting nuances of marzipan, pine nuts, vanilla, rich creamy caramel and hints of seductive oloroso sherry.

Jura 18 year old Scotch Single Malt Whisky Distillery Edition 

COLOUR – Amber honey gold with sandy bottom highlights

NOSE – A warm sensual glow prevails with a rich array of orange spice cinnamon and creamy toffee. The long years in American White oak coupled with a generous proportion of Oloroso Sherry wood has nurtured and tamed this aged island malt to perfection. Soft whispers of marzipan and roasted coffee beans, completes this tapestry of excellence.

PALATE – Elegant and refined. The impact is immediate with intense marmalade and spicy toffee notes rolling over the palate in great profusion. Crushed almonds with a gentle hint of dark bitter chocolate and liquorish, provides a luxurious aftertaste. This noble spirit should be sipped and savored long in the mouth without the addition of still water to allow these warming attributes to fully reward the palate.
Pure 18 carat gold from the Island of Jura.


Updated Isle of Jura page and bottling details  Click Here


Compare Isle of Jura Scotch whisky Click Here

Tobermory Scotch Whisky 15 year old 1994, 46% 70cl Murray McDavid

Both Tobermory and Ledaig Single Malt Scotch whiskies are produced at the Tobermory Distillery, which is the only distillery on the picturesque Hebridean Isle of Mull.  

This means that of all the world-famous whisky distilling regions of Scotland (Speyside, Highland, Lowland, Islay, Island and Campbeltown) these two malt whiskies represent the only opportunity to experience Scotch whisky from this particular area.

Tobermory Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Mull.
Murray McDavid Bottling 1 of 1100 bottles

Cask Type - bourbon Non Chill - Filtered Colouring Free
Tasting Note: Vanilla, lemon, guava, butterscotch, peach, mint, spice.

For More information about the history and visitor centre at the  Tobermory Distillery Click Here


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Isle Of Arran Single Malt Whisky 1996 46% Murray McDavid 70cl

Islands region. The Isle Of Arran Scotch Whisky Distillery.
 
12 year old.
Cask type : Bourbon.   Enhanced in Chateau Margaux Casks.
Bottled in 2008 at the Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay.
Limited Release : 1500 bottles.


This whisky from the Isle of Arran's only distillery at Lochranza was distilled in the first few months of the new distillery's existence.

Tasting note : Butterscotch, malt, apricot, peach,dark ripe fruit, toasted oak.

Here a note of fruit has been introduced via fine French oak casks from Margaux.

More information about the Isle of Arran Distillery Click Here



Arran Single Malt Whisky Tasting Notes ..Click Here

Highland Park Single Malt Whisky 16 year old Calvados Finish

Orkney Island. Highland Park Scotch Whisky.

Alchemist Bottling Selected by Gordon Wright.

Bottled naturally. Not chill filtered. Caramel free.

Highland Park Single Malt Whisky 16 year old Calvados Finish Tasting notes :-

Colour: Rich golden colour.

Nose: Beautiful aromas of fresh green apples balanced by oak and seaside freshness.

Palate: Clean and dry mouthfeel with layers of creamy and velvety texture.

Flavours of malt and soft grains with a hint of peat.

Apple and vanilla are in balance giving a whole feeling of warmth.

Finishes long and clean with that Calvados edge.

To Compare Highland Park Single Malt Whisky Click Here

More information about the Highland Park Distillery Click Here

You can buy this Alchemist bottling of Highland Park at http://www.whiskys.co.uk/

Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky 18 year old

The first regular bottling of an older Talisker™. Time has rounded not tamed its power.


Strength: 45.8% ABV

Appearance: Amber.

Nose: Rich and fruity – Victoria plums, greengages, perhaps dried orange peel – with some butterscotch or rum toffee and a thread of smoke behind. The smoke soon advances into the foreground and the toffee note is joined by a light mintiness.
With water maritime characteristics emerge – dry boat varnish, edible seaweed. Still sweet; now with notes of iodine and the smokiness of an un-struck match.
Body: Full. Pleasant, smooth.
Palate: Sweet in front, then more assertive, with a whiff of smoke. The overall effect is warming. The development is towards smoke, coal-tar and toffee.
Finish: Medium length. Talisker’s™ characteristic chilli ‘catch’ in the finish is subtly present in the aftertaste.
 
More information about the Talisker Scotch Whisky Click here

Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky 57° NORTH

A classic, intense, vigorous Talisker with a unique strength of character. Which becomes deeper and more approachable when water is added. It’s like looking out to sea with a storm brewing…

Strength: 57% ABV
Appearance: Full gold.
Nose: Very clean and intense, with light smoke soon appearing. Creamy toffee, with pronounced fruit acidity. Hints of edible seaweed, heather blossom and a calming influence of vanilla that balances the crisp attack. Chalky and minty. In time, chocolate, then salt. The chocolate becomes slightly nuttier: like praline.

Water tempers the attack and brings out a slightly oily note. Initially there's a firework/struck match edge, then more seaweed, as if you’re at the high water mark on a sandy beach. Sweet yet salty, with a savoury sharpness.

Body: Medium.

Palate: Tart fruit, sweet to start, with smoke and tar abruptly exploding around the middle of the mouth. Sweet-centred, a little like liqueur chocolate, yet tempered by a savoury edge that stops things becoming too polite. Water deepens the effect and smoothes out the abrupt shift between sweet and smoke. Mouthfilling, silky and complex.

Finish: Oily. Fairly medicinal with a drying tartness. Tingling and peppery. Smoother with water.

More information about Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky Click Here

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Buy Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky at http://www.whiskys.co.uk/

Isle of Jura "Prophecy" Scotch Whisky

Prophecies abound on Jura. Perhaps the most celebrated one was told in the early 1700’s when the Campbell Clan, who dominated the island, evicted a wise old seer blessed with the gift of the third eye: an ability to foretell the future. Bristling with resentment, she prophesised that when the last Campbell left the island he would be one-eyed and his belongings would be carried in a cart drawn by a white horse. Few believed such talk…

Until 1938, when Charles Campbell, a veteran of the Great War and blind in one eye, fell on hard times. When he made his way to the old pier for the last time the cart on which he traveled was drawn by a single white horse.
Improbable as it may seem the seer’s prophecy had come to pass.

“ That day, the sound of the cart on the track could be heard for miles.”
Allan MacDonald, witness to a legend.

Prophecy is a single malt whisky that has been created to honour this tale of the third eye.

Meticulously crafted from a selection of the finest and rarest aged Jura single malt whiskies, Prophecy is a profoundly peated spirit.

Colour: Rich, amber gold with shimmering highlights.

Nose: The tarry bonfire notes slowly give way to hints of soft liquorice and nutmeg.

Taste: Powerful flavours of peat smoke, fresh cinnamon and spicy sea spray lead the first assault. Finally the tarry bonfire notes slowly give way to hints of soft liquorice and nutmeg.

The whisky has been bottled in a traditional style without chill filtration to preserve the true character and deliver an authentic taste of 1938.


More information about the Isle of Jura Distillery Click Here


The Isle of Jura "Prophecy" Scotch Whisky is so new that it hasn't reached the shops yet, www.whiskys.co.uk have some on order due in at the start of November. Click Here