Annandale Distillery has a history that stretches back more than a century, marked by ambition, innovation, and revival. Once a vital part of the Scotch whisky industry, it fell silent for decades before its meticulous restoration. I learned about the distillery's revival recently at a wonderful dinner hosted by Professor David Thomson and his wife Teresa at Fortnum & Mason.
Laphroaig, one of the most storied names in Scotch whisky, has just unveiled the first release in a special series of limited-edition single malts dedicated to the trailblazers who shaped its iconic legacy. This inaugural bottling honors co-founder Donald Johnston and is accompanied by bespoke illustrations from renowned British artist Bill Bragg. This exciting release pays tribute not only to the Johnston brothers' uncompromising spirit but also to the 200-year history of one of Islay’s most revered distilleries.
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.
My tasting desk is rather full at the moment due to a break over the festive period, resulting in a longer-than-usual diary entry. As you might have noticed, I have started to incorporate wine into my musings, a trade I was in for many years. This diversification into wine feels like a homecoming of sorts, blending my past with the present. In this edition, I'm excited to share my thoughts on a few wines that have caught my eye—and taste buds.
This edition marks an evolution in my drink diaries, as I introduce wine alongside my whisky musings. As a former Sommelier in a Michelin-starred restaurant, it feels both natural and exciting to start sharing this passion with you. Just as I have written about whisky and all of its pleasures, I will write in a similar way about wine. Expect insights and stories behind some of the world’s most esteemed vineyards and hidden gems, with of course lots of tasting notes.
As you might expect, this time of year is pretty busy for all drink writers, and I for one have a desk of samples to taste through. This seems to pale into insignicance though compared to the sheer amount of Whisky Cask investment firms adverts I am being fed on social media. I urge you to avoid these and the promises of great returns unless you have specialist expertise. It is not regulated, casks are often vastly overpriced and you may not even own the cask you think you have bought. Buyer beware.
On to this editions tastings:-
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.
Sometimes an invitation arrives that I clear my diary for, such is my intrigue and thirst for whisky exploration. One such invitation was to attend an event at Canary Wharf where I would be afforded the opportunity to sample the rarest and oldest bottle of Highland Park whisky ever released. A 54 Year Old with a retail price of £39k.
I have always had a fondness for the warm and complex flavour of Irish whiskey. The history of this beloved spirit is intertwined with the magical history of Ireland itself, from the ancient Celts to the modern day. I first encountered it in the 1990s with Bushmills Black and Green, which was served at the restaurant I was a sommelier in.
