whisky

My desk has been full of samples of late, from a diverse range of distilleries, with little time to write introductions to each. I have therefore elected to focus on tasting notes for this issue, from the historically rich Never Say Die Bourbon to the smoky depths of Morris Single Malt Smoked Muscat. I have included a large array of whiskies, from the peated complexities of Bruichladdich, to the innovative maturation processes seen in whiskies like Abasolo 100% Ancestral Corn from Mexico. 

In this article, I look at two American whisky distilleries that are making waves. Westland from Seattle has created a name for itself making single malt whisky and Uncle Nearest that is currently valued at $900m having only been founded in 2017.

Established in 2005 by a group of friends passionate about whisky, Stauning blends traditional techniques with modern ideas. The team have swiftly carved out a niche for themselves with a commitment to craftsmanship and using local ingredients. At the heart of Stauning's philosophy is a desire not to replicate the time-honoured traditions but to refine and reimagine them for the modern era.

This edition kicks off with Idle Assembly rum, a gem I stumbled upon on Instagram (Clandestine Whisky Magazine) and felt an urge to explore further. My journey into the world of rum is fairly recent, yet it has quickly drawn me in. The category is so varied and presents a more complex proposition than whisky in many ways. 

The Macallan is synonymous with unparalleled quality, craftsmanship, and a steadfast commitment to whisky making. This year, as The Macallan commemorates two centuries of excellence, enthusiasts like myself are buzzing with excitement to hear of the new releases that promise to mark this bicentennial celebration. Their 200th birthday is also an opportunity to reflect on the brand's contributions to the whisky world, and to toast all that they have achieved so far. 

The Whisky Exchange 

Irish whiskey, alongside rum, are two categories I want to delve deeper into during 2024. They both excite me in different ways. Irish whiskey is gaining momentum and there is a real keenness to explore flavours and different finishes. This may not be for the purist, but I actively seek out the different. Single Irish Post Still Whiskey is made from both malted and unmalted barley, making it quite different from Scotch in its flavour profile. 

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Stoll and Wolfe was established in 2016 by Dick Stoll, a legendary figure in the whisky industry, and Avianna & Erik Wolfe. This partnership drew deep inspiration from the historic legacy of Pennsylvania distilling, a region once celebrated as the heart of American rye whisky. 

McTavish Spirits - The Warchief

A few weeks ago, I received an invitation for a one-on-one interview with Hollywood star Graham McTavish, to taste his new 7-year-old Bottled in Bond Bourbon, aptly named "McTavish - The Warchief" I approached the interview with a degree of scepticism, my past encounters with celebrity-endorsed spirits have left me under-impressed, given their tendency to prioritise branding over the quality of the whisky itself, often resulting in disappointment.

Mossburn Distillery Collaborates With FourSquare

At the heart of Mossburn's whisky production is the art of blending. They are passionate about the craft of combining different whisky stocks to create harmonious and complex final expressions. They meticulously select casks from various distilleries, each contributing its own distinct flavour profile, and blend them to achieve a balanced and memorable whisky.

Ardbeg The Rollercoaster

Ardbeg, one of Islay's predominate distilleries launched The Rollercoaster last week. This two-bottle set comprises a 1981 and 1989 expression representing the years the distillery closed and then reopened.