Maker Notes

On 6th December 1970, three single casks were filled with Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Over the following half-century, that Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured undisturbed in those self-same barrels.

The relationship between each individual cask, the distillate and the surrounding air brings about a marvellous alchemy; each cask yields a whisky that is slightly different from those around it. To celebrate the differences in personality between individual casks, we have therefore chosen to bottle each of these “sibling casks” separately.

MARK GILLESPIE OF WHISKYCAST’S TASTING NOTES – CASK NO. 10586:

The nose is malty with gentle kisses of peat smoke, vanilla beans, dark chocolate, and touches of dried apricots, mango, and papaya. The taste starts off light and fruity at first, followed by a nice balance of spices, barley sugar, and a hint of smoke. The finish has a whiff of peat smoke, along with chocolate and a lingering touch of spices. Overall, it’s luscious and vibrant with a gentle smokiness. (96 Points)

CASK NO. 10588:

The nose is rich with orange marmalade and notes of vanilla beans, Manuka honey, a touch of smoke, and a good maltiness. The taste can be described in one word – wow! There is a great fruity character with apricots and orange peel balanced by touches of oak tannins, vanilla beans, barley sugar, and a hint of spice that lasts through the long finish along with touches of tropical fruits and a hint of oak. (95 Points)

The available cask will be shipped

CLYNELISH 10 YEAR OLD SPECIAL RELEASE 2023 SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Introducing Clynelish 10 Year Old Special Releases 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - The alluring rhythmic beat of a sweetly honeyed bass anchors a richly composed melody. Gradually, from this sea of smooth harmonies, there comes a call to transcend scales. A solo breaks free, its golden, shimmering tones rising to sublime heights in a haunting, captivating hymn to jazz. The honeyed flavours and smooth, waxy textures of Clynelish play the sweetest of melodies. Along with the mesmerising solo wildcat on the bottle, they inspired our Malt Master to create a whisky to express all the sweet and soulful richness of classic American jazz. Exclusively aged in ex-bourbon American Oak, this expression sings with notes of rich caramel and vanilla spice. Mellow aromas on the nose begin a mineral and maritime theme, then become sweeter and rounder, their golden melody anchored by an earthy bass note. Smooth and sure, the vanilla-sweet, rich and powerful taste is soon shaped by a hint of saltiness and a soaring peppery solo that reaches its smooth crescendo in the long, spicy finish.

TASTING NOTES

PALATE: Smooth and sure, the vanilla-sweet, rich and powerful taste is soon shaped by a hint of saltiness and a soaring peppery solo.

FINISH: Smooth crescendo in the long, spicy finish.

Since the time of the Ashikaga shogunate in the 16th century, tiny villages situated along the mountains of Kyushu in southwest Japan have been producing shochu. Shochu is a unique Japanese spirit, typically distilled from barley or potatoes (as compared to sake, which is a type of rice wine), and has a signature earthy flavor. While shochu has been distilled in Japan for over four hundred years, it is only in the past decade that shochu has experienced a resurgence in 2003, Japanese production of shochu surpassed production of sake for the first time. New to market, Mizu Shochu is distilled from two-row barley, which is sown in the early spring and harvested in the summer. After local farmers in Saga, Japan harvest the barley, it is polished, washed, and steamed before tojis (master distillers) Wada-san and Okoba-san begin fermenting the grains. In order to begin fermentation, the tojis add steamed rice that is coated with black koji microbes to the mash, along with a touch of yeast and pure water sourced from Black Hair Mountain. The koji microbes, which release a gentle citric acid during fermentation, impart a distinctive aroma and flavor to the shochu, and bring out the subtle sweetness of the barley. Following fermentation, Mizu Shochu is distilled in a single pass (traditional shochu is only distilled once) and, after being left to rest for at least six months, brought to 70 proof using water from Black Hair Mountain. Much like American law with respect to bourbon, Japanese law prohibits adding any sugars, sweeteners or flavors that affect the taste of shochu once it has been distilled. The higher alcohol content of Mizu reflects its status as a "genshu-style" shochu shochu that allows the tojis to show off their skill and craftsmanship using the finest ingredients available to them, resulting in rare, artisanal shochu a cut above typical shochu. As a result, Mizu Shochu has a robust aroma of cantaloupe and freshly cut grass that is complemented by hints of bananas, raisins and brown sugar. The flavor is smooth and slightly creamy, with mellow notes of fresh, slightly sweet grains that lead to touches of caramel and vanilla on the finish. Mizu Shochu is also known by its full name, Mizunomai (?), which means "dance of the beautiful crane."The shorter form of Mizu is a play on the Japanese word for water, which is evoked by the smoothness and purity of Mizu Shochu. Mizu Shochu is available exclusively through for a limited period of time.

Situated in the province of Munster, the Cork Distilleries Company was founded in 1877. Two years after it opened its doors, the distillery began bottling its first whiskey, and in 1882, the company hired a young Corkman named Patrick J. O'Flaherty as their salesman. The classic charmer spent 4 decades selling his whiskey in Ireland. Known for his easygoing personality and generosity, he would ensure everybody around him always had a great time and was always buying rounds for the patrons in the pubs he visited, becoming a universally-loved character. The whiskey's original name was soon forgotten with everybody was starting to order "Paddy whiskey". In 1912, the distillery officially renamed the whiskey Paddy Irish Whiskey in his honor. Today, Paddy Old Irish Whiskey is made from the finest malted and unmalted barley harvested from the East Cork countryside, together with water sourced from river Dungourney. It's a triple-distilled blend of grain, malt, and pot-still whiskey, each component contributing an integral part to the smoothness of the finished spirit: a floral sweetness from the grain, toasted biscuit from the malt, and creaminess from the pot-still. Light, balanced, and pure, it has a rich golden color and deep spice, honey, and vanilla notes. It is matured in 3 different oak casks, before being bottled at 80 proof.

Ketel One Vodka (made in Netherlands) and Fair Cafe Liqueur, make for a rich, elegant classic.

THIS IS HOW WE DO OUR THING
True to ourselves. True to our friends. We love the simple things in life. And sharing them with our crew - Every chance we get. That's how we Get Country.

MADE TO BE SMOOTH & EASY DRINKING
Old Camp is Peach Pecan, easy drinking whiskey that doesn't sacrifice anything to be smooth. We say, "Whatever you do, Never go in alone. And always do it right."

The 1st and only peach pecan whiskey on the market, Old Camp is blended using American whiskey and aged for at least 2 years in American White Oak barrels. It has an aroma of fresh citrus, sweet Georgia peach and nutty southern pecan. The flavor is balanced with nutty caramel and a crisp spiced peach finish. Kick-start the party. Best enjoyed as a shot, over ice or especially in mixin’s like Old Camp Iced Tea or Lemonade.

Situated along the northern coast of South America, Guyana was colonized by the Netherlands in the early 17th century. Much like other European countries at the time, the Dutch used their settlement's tropical climate Guyana enjoys an average temperature of up to 89.6 F and up to 137.8 inches of rain annually as a source of raw, fresh ingredients that were unable to be harvested on the European continent. In 1658, Guyana began exporting sugar back to the Netherlands and within a decade, farmer's along the Demerara River began distilling their excess cane sugar into rum. By the turn of the century, the tiny Caribbean country had over 300 unique distilleries. Today, Demerara Distillers Co. the last remaining rum distillery in the country pays homage to Guyana's rich tradition of distilling fine rum with El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum. El Dorado Rum is made from fresh, raw sugar cane cultivated in Guyana's rich, alluvial soil. After the sugar cane has been harvested by hand, it is transported back to Demerara Distillery by barge. There, the molasses is fermented with a proprietary strain of yeast specifically designed to control the Brix of the wash (Brix is the measure of dissolved solids in a solution). Following fermentation, the rum is distilled through Demerara Distillers' antique wooden and copper stills (the stills, which are up two centuries old, were used when the country was still a settlement). El Dorado 15 Year Old Rum is matured in bespoke, 45-gallon American oak casks for a minimum of twelve years. The hand-coopered barrels are allowed to mature in a custom-built warehouse, where Guyana's intense heat and tropical climate forces the rum and wood to mingle. El Dorado 15 Year Old Special Reserve is a combination of specially selected rums aged up to 25 years. These selected rums are distilled in Enmore and Diamond Coffey stills, the Port Mourant double wooden pot still and the Versailles single wooden pot still before being blended to perfection and aged in old bourbon oak casks. El Dorado 15 Year Old Special Reserve has won continuous major awards over the past decade, possessing the most intriguing and complex character in its class. Perfect for long sipping, straight or on the rocks.

The second release in The Macallan Home Collection is a tribute to our extraordinary Estate, inspired by the natural beauty of The Macallan's birthplace and the River Spey.

The stunning painting on the front of the pack is the work of photo-realist artist Michelle Lucking, and captures the River Spey in its majestic winter beauty. The Spey, which flows gently through our Estate, is an enduring source of inspiration and an essential part of our whisky-making process. We are proud custodians of our 1.5-mile stretch of the river, protecting its waters and the wildlife around it.

Michelle works with her fingers to bring her subjects, most often water, to life. She has used natural pigmented pastels to create a collection of six original pastel paintings of the River Spey, three of which are included in the art folio. The colours she has chosen echo the earthy hues of umber, russet and gold found within our whiskies.

THE EXPERIENCE

COLOUR: Raw Umber

NOSE: Rich raisin and sultana, cinnamon, apple, pear, sweet oak, treacle sponge & vanilla

PALATE: Sultana, rich velvety butterscotch, toasted oak, chocolate & nutmeg with a hint of anise

Raicilla, a type of Mezcal originating from Jalisco with a history of over 600 years, found its unique identity in the 1780s. Crafters cleverly renamed their mezcal to Raicilla to avoid a tax enforced by the Spanish crown, successfully convincing tax collectors of its distinction. Despite its deep roots, Raicilla remains relatively unknown, largely overshadowed by the global fame of tequila, particularly in Jalisco. Yet, Jalisco boasts a remarkable variety of agave species and diverse landscapes, contributing to Raicilla's diverse flavors and historical depth. La Venenosa Raicilla, founded by chef Esteban Morales in 2011, aims to unveil these hidden gems globally. Esteban journeyed across Jalisco, curating a collection of six unique Raicillas crafted by skilled distillers, each employing traditional techniques and sourced from different regions, showcasing the varied agave types and production methods.

TASTING NOTES

Aroma: lavender, lemon grass, pineapple

Taste: lavender, lemon grass, pineapple

Texture: shiny and silky, long bitter finish

Vineyard
We meticulously selected the best fruit from Napa Valley and Lake County to bring out the vibrant aromas and flavors that make this varietal so appealing. These regions’ warm days and cool nights are ideal for promoting Sauvignon Blanc’s beautiful and vibrant aromatics, as well as its balanced acidity.

Harvest
Drought conditions characterized the growing season of 2021. Less water to the vines produced lower yields, but incredibly high quality. Moderate temperatures throughout the growing season with minimal heat spikes contributed to an early harvest with excellent fruit expression, vibrant acidity, and lower sugars in the grapes. Our Sauvignon Blanc harvest started on August 12th and was completed by the 16th.

Winemaking
After harvest, the fruit was immediately de-stemmed and sent to the press. A cool fermentation in 100% stainless steel tanks followed to better preserve the bright and crisp Sauvignon Blanc fruit characteristics.

In crafting the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Dragon edition, inspiration flows from the majestic Wood Dragon—an emblem symbolizing unwavering vitality, imagination, and the promise of burgeoning prosperity.

Every nuance in the bottle's design is a testament to artistry. Picture the Wood Dragon emerging from an ancient forest, its powerful silhouette resonating with the iconic 'keep walking' ethos that defines Johnnie Walker. This edition not only celebrates the formidable zodiac creature but also pays homage to the indomitable spirit it encapsulates.

In parallel with the aging process of the finest whiskies in wooden barrels, the Year of the Wood Dragon, set for 2024, signals an era of thriving fortune. Born amidst the lush embrace of nature, the Wood Dragon embodies ambition and promise. This limited edition becomes a symbol of hope, vitality, and the optimistic future that awaits. Each sip, a journey into the essence of a mythical creature, a celebration of prosperity, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Johnnie Walker.

Maker Notes

On the nose, our Allomi Cabernet offers enticing aromas of currant, blackberry, and elegant expressions of lavender. Juicy black fruit are met with plush, well-integrated tannins, espresso, and a hint of oak spice.

Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 1% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot

Prior Vintages
90 POINTS - Wine Enthusiast, 2019 Vintage
92 POINTS - James Suckling, 2018 Vintage

Almost as much as he loved a good spirit, the Doctor loved an ice-cold soda. So one day he sat down and perfected a concoction that brought the two different drinks together. Ever since, this root beer spirit has been known to make opposites attract.

Arrrrrrrdbeg is a limited-edition single malt from Ardbeg. Matured in ex-rye casks, smoky aromas of banana, pear, rye bread, lemon and vanilla toffee fill the nose. The palate offers notes of spicy pepper, melon, kiwi, aniseed and smoked toffee above a bed of savoury peat smoke.

Rum: Cruzan Tropical Punch

A blend of Cruzan rum from the Virgin Islands with flavor of tropical fruit.

Size: 750mL

Proof: 42 (21% ABV)

Origin: US Virgin Islands

Distillery: Cruzan Rum Distillery

Detailed Description

Cruzan Tropical Fruit Rum is the perfect rum for the best rum punch on your block this summer.

Cruzan Tropical Punch Rum Tasting Notes

Nose: Aromas of sweet cherry punch with citrus notes.

Palate: Taste with added hints of vanilla.

Finish: Warming finish.

Distillery Information

Cruzan is a Rum producer in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Owned by Beam Suntory, Cruzan was founded in 1760, and lays claim to being the most honored rum distillery in the world. For eight generations the distillery has been owned and operated by the Nelthropp family. The Cruzan Rum Distillery (formerly known as Estate Diamond) has been in operation for over 250 years and counting, and they proudly offer tours of the historic estate in Frederiksted.

In the 1650s, a Dutch doctor named Franciscus Sylvius was searching for a remedy to the kidney and stomach ailments that he often encountered in his practice of internal medicine. At the time, Dr. Sylvius was a Professor of Medicine in Leyden, and he attempted to infuse juniper berries into a spirit distilled from grain in order to create a panacea. The resulting elixir eventually became known as gin, and was so popular that within a few decades, the Dutch were exporting 10 million gallons annually. For the next 250 years, nearly all the gin produced in the world was barrel-aged since the spirit was stored and transported in oak barrels (at the time, glass was too fragile and plastic and stainless steel containers were still not available). In order to craft a more traditional gin, "we've rested our signature vapor basket gin in our charred oak barrels previously used to age our spiced rum," says Darek Bell, the founder and Master Distiller at Corsair Artisan Distillery. Since opening its doors in 2009, Corsair has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named the 2013 Craft Distillery of the Year and 2013 Innovator of the Year by Whisky Magazine. Corsair's Artisan Gin remains one of the few gins produced using a gin-head (otherwise known as a carter head or vapor basket). This method, allows the flavors and essential oils of the gin's sustainably grown botanicals to be gently extracted using vapor; this technique yields a less bitter spirit than maceration resulting in a more aromatic, clean-tasting gin. This gin head style gin is made using 100% organic botanicals, which yields a brighter, more well-balanced spirit. Using a vapor basket essentially highlights the unique mixture of botanicals use in the spirit, such as citrus, cucumber, cardamom and coriander. Among other accolades, this crisp gin has struck Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the World Beverage Competition, and the International Review of Spirits Awards BTI.

Chervona Premium American Vodka stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Distilled with precision and care, this vodka embodies purity and sophistication, boasting a clean, crisp taste that is both smooth and refined. Its meticulously crafted character derives from the finest American grains, resulting in a spirit that exudes subtle sweetness and a silky texture. This versatile vodka serves as a perfect foundation for a myriad of cocktails, allowing its exceptional quality to shine through in every sip. Whether enjoyed neat, in a classic martini, or as the base of innovative mixes, Chervona Premium American Vodka promises a sophisticated drinking experience that embodies the true essence of American craftsmanship.

DOUBLE CASK

The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old, a perfectly balanced single malt whisky matured for 18 years in both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

DRIED FRUITS, GINGER, TOFFEE

Two oaks, creating the perfect harmony within one exceptional single malt whisky. Our Double Cask whiskies are aged in two types of oak, in specially selected hand-crafted casks seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry. American oak imparts delicate flavours of vanilla, citrus and butterscotch. European oak delivers the unmistakable subtle spice of The Macallan. Once matured, two exceptional whiskies unite to create a distinctive single malt with a sweeter, warmer taste and character. Enjoy it neat, over ice or in a serve.

THE EXPERIENCE

COLOUR: Amber honey.

NOSE: Dried fruit, ginger and toffee. Rich orange with hints of clove and nutmeg.

PALATE: Rich raisin and sultana with notes of caramel, vanilla and ginger, balanced by wood spice and zesty citrus.

FINISH: Warm oak spice with ginger, turning to sweet orange.

IN COLLABORATION WITH STEVE MCCURRY

Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years, with scores of magazine and book covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world to his name.

He followed our journey of The Macallan cask from its origins in the forests of America and Europe, through the cooperages and Bodegas of Spain, and to our distillery in Speyside, Scotland. There the casks meet our new make spirit and are patiently matured until they are harmoniously united to create a distinctive single malt with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

FROM THE CASK

Every Macallan single malt reveals the unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit for which The Macallan has been known since it was established in 1824. It is an expression of our enduring desire to go beyond ordinary, to seek out the extraordinary, and create peerless single malts. Our reputation for the extraordinary is characterised by the exceptional oak casks for which The Macallan is renowned. Sourced, crafted, toasted and seasoned under the watchful eye of the Master of Wood, the hand-picked casks are delivered to the demanding specifications of the Whisky Mastery Team. It is the oak that makes the greatest contribution to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours at the heart of this single malt whisky. Once filled, the maturing spirit remains undisturbed in the same casks for the necessary number of years it needs to be worthy of its destined Macallan expression. It is these oak casks that make the greatest contribution to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours which lie at the heart of The Macallan single malt.