OTS p38-42 Whisky Dec08.qxp 03/12/2008 16:38 Page 38
feature · malt whisky
Toast the nation
Raising a glass in celebration or reflection is a common sight at this time of year, and many pub goers will be
requesting our national drink to bring in the New Year, or to simply savour over the festive period. OTS
therefore takes a timely look at what’s happening in the world of whisky.
It’s a boom time for the whisky the Twenty series,
industry, and many companies are in a the last of a line
good position to take advantage of the of Oloroso sherry
growing demand overseas. At home, butts, and is
the rising popularity of brown spirits in matured 21 years.
general has given whisky makers the Bottled at 46%, it
chance to repackage some products, will run for 18
and introduce new ones. months. The First
Due to this demand, along with Growth series,
continued consumer interest in meanwhile, is six
‘something different’, Burn Stewart Cuvées of 16 year
Distillers has re-launched its Deanston old Bruichladdich
Single Malt following a major re- – labelled A to F
packaging project and further – and refined in
investment in the production facilities Bordeaux first
at the Perthshire distillery. In recent growth casks.
years, Deanston has been widely 6,000 bottles
available in the US with over 75% of have been
its volume coming from that market. released. Burbon
However, Burn Stewart Distillers has 16 has been
now developed two new expressions launched to
which will see the brand increase its coincide with the
distribution within UK and Europe. 75th anniversary
Ian MacMillan, Burn Stewart’s of the repeal of
master distiller, became the manager Prohibition.
at Deanston distillery in 1991 and Bottled at 46% it
focused his attention on adding his will run for two
signature to the spirit produced there. years.
Ian insists on using only Scottish barley 2001
for distilling and every stage of Resurrection
production is still done by hand Dram, a small release of the first the assistance provided by the wider
and not by computer. Now Bruichladdich under the new Islay community in the success of the
this new liquid has ownership made by Jim distillery since 2001.
matured and is at its peak, McEwan’s trickle-distillation
it has been launched in has also be released. Going into print
time for Christmas. The “We’ve been rather busy,” Multi award-winning Balblair Highland
core product is 12 years says managing director Mark Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled
old, non-chill filtered and Reynier “producing a wide its oldest and most exclusive vintage
46.3% abv. variety of flavours and styles release to date – Balblair 1965.
that reflect the dynamism of Just 350 bottles of this rare and
Multiple releases from this distillery and team”. limited edition vintage will be released
Islay That dynamism is reflected and each bottle will retail at £1,250, so
The team at Bruichladdich again in PC7 – the third it’s one for the highest of high-end on-
have been busy of late release of the cult Port trade accounts. The vintage was
with a host of new Charlotte Islay single malt distilled on 23 March 1965 and slowly
products being whisky, distilled at the matured in single american oak ex
introduced. Golder Still, Bruichladdich distillery in sherry casks. Bottled in its purest form
matured in rare, “squat- 2001. At seven years of age at natural colour and strength of
hogsheads” for 23 years, it is available now on 52.3%, Balblair 1965 is bright golden
has a limited 4,900 allocation. Furthermore, there in appearance, superbly well-balanced,
numbered gold bottles at are six tin designs that distiller slightly smoky and with aromas of
51%. Sherry 21 replaces Jim McEwan says recognises honey, raisins, pears and lemons. On UIforward
· 38 · ots · december 2008 · www.55north.com/ots_home.asp
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