Whisk[e]y

This 'teaspooned' whisky is for all intents and purposes mostly the beloved 1989 Balvenie with that tiny amount of Glenlivet added in order to declassify the cask

From the bottler: 

Distillers can be very protective of their hard-won malts, especially those who carry the most prestigious of names. From time to time, they must relinquish the hold on their casks, when one is sold to an independent bottler, for instance. Before spirit changes hands, the distiller - green-eyed and flush with passion - will take a single teaspoon of another distillery’s single malt, and add it to the spirit in the cask. Just a dash it takes, but that whisky can no longer bear the name its distillery of birth.

The distillery of origin is a darling of Dufftown, where nine stout stills produce a spirit rich in fruit and notably honeyed. Her sister, nestled close by in the Moray countryside, is where the ‘teaspoon’ of malt originated. Though nameless, together they are a powerful and stunning pair.

Independent bottlings of spirit distilled at the Balvenie distillery are rarely found on the market, and though the distillery is notable for having experimented with different cask types, this ex-bourbon cask allows the distillery character to sing finely and clearly, while accentuating the sweet vanilla and stone fruit character.

From the bottler:

This venerable whiskey is reminiscent of the Springbank 25 year olds of the early 1990s, and so we believe the cask is one seasoned in the old style, a rare find in today’s market. Characteristic of Campbeltown whiskeys, salt dominates on the nose, followed closely by the rich fruitiness notable in Springbank whiskey, offering up dried apricots and spiced pear. Peaty notes creep up slowly, as the coastal style makes an impact with smoky, chocolate rich notes on the palate. A rich, oily middle and a long finish, the richness complemented by lighter lemon notes and barley sugar.

Made by master blender Ken Usami. Shinobu's Daimyo-no was created as a symbol of the samurai spirit, which aims for perfection with patience. Daimyo refers to powerful samurai who ruled over Japan from the 12th to 19th century. Carefully selected grain and malt whiskies are aged in several types of oak barrels and blended, resulting in a perfectly balanced and harmonious flavor with a rich aroma.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Toasted grains, ripe orchard fruits, vanilla, and subtle nutty undertones.
Palate: Perfectly balanced sweetness, oakiness, hints of caramel, and a touch of spice.
Finish: Long-lasting, lingering warmth with a gentle hint of dried fruit.

One of WhistlePig’s oldest whiskeys, Estate Oak Rye is for the true connoisseur of Rye. It takes its name from our Vermont Estate Oak, where it finishes its long, 15 year life. Sustainably harvested right off our 500-acre farm, the wood has more rings than the standard American oak used in whiskey barrels, imparting more flavor during maturation. Custom toast and char profiles takes the flavor even further, just like a perfectly toasted marshmallow. Hitting the bottle at 92-proof, the liquid is assertive and wise beyond its 15 year age statement, and boasts a score of 97 points from Wine Enthusiast. A pure expression of Vermont’s finest, our favorite way to enjoy WhistlePig 15 is fireside on a crisp evening with a perfectly toasted marshmallow. 97 Points from Wine Enthusiast, one of the highest rated Rye Whiskeys of all time. Certified Kosher.

WhistlePig’s vanguard of finishing lies within our Old World Rye, Aged 12 Years. A Rye styled by Old World sensibilities at 86-proof. This whiskey is the marriage of three finishes, each with their own distinctive flavor profiles.

After maturing for 12 years in New American Oak, the spirit is divvied into one of three barrels –Madeira (63%), Sauternes (30%) and Port (7%). Finished to perfection and blended into a symphony of flavor. It started as a grand experiment and ended as the first Rye whiskey of its kind, giving you Rye in all its glory.. and then some. Just like a fine wine, our Old World Rye’s rich fruit and spice notes are great with an epic meal.

The Spirit of Mortimer”, is compromised of but 50 barrels, hand selected from amongst our oldest and finest. Nearly 14 years old, it has undergone an extensive and unique multi-barrel aging process. Bottled at full barrel-strength, the Boss Hog represents our purest, most powerful, and most primordial expression of the world’s finest rye. Dedicated to Mortimer WhistlePig, our deceased Kune Kune pig mascot and namesake. Mortimer’s physical monument will be the “Spirit of Mortimer”, a flying pig chiseled by hand by Danforth Pewter Works right down the road from us in Vermont. Mortimer’s spiritual monument will be the unrivaled whiskey within the bottle. Here’s to you, Mortimer!

Red Spot is reborn! Mitchell & Son’s Spot Whiskey range dates back many moons, but over time a few expressions have disappeared from shelves, including Red Spot - but those days are over. The relaunched Red Spot is a 15 year old single pot still Irish whiskey, comprised of three different whiskeys aged separately then blended. One is matured in Oloroso sherry casks, one is aged in bourbon casks, and the final one is initially aged in bourbon casks before being finished in Marsala wine casks.

Nose: Stewed berries and booze red wine, with a touch of new leather giving it a savoury edge.

Taste: Apple turnover, black pepper spiciness, caraway, blackcurrant jam, soft vanilla.

Finish: Lasting oaky warmth and a final hint of damson.