Single malt whisky from Eden Mill distillery in St Andrews has fetched a record-breaking price at auction for the first release from a distillery.
Bottle number 1 of 300 from the Limited Release First Bottling, the first drops of whisky to be distilled and bottled in St Andrews for nearly 160 years, achieved a record sale of £7,100 through Whisky Auctioneer.
With a number of bottles gifted to long-standing Eden Mill employees and auctioned, there are now only 100 of the Limited Release remaining which go on general sale today, each priced at £500. Those interested in purchasing a bottle are invited to register their interest by emailing casks@edenmill.com.
Paul Miller, co-founder of Eden Mill, said: “This auction has given whisky enthusiasts the chance to own a piece of history. For our first ever single malt whisky to be rewarded with the prestige of a world record sale is the pinnacle of what has been a journey filled with experimentation and passion, fuelled by the entire Eden Mill team’s tireless pursuit of bringing whisky distilling back to the region.
“The Limited Release offers whisky connoisseurs the chance to secure historic bottles containing the first drops of spirit distilled in St Andrews since the Seggie Distillery closed in 1860.
“The whisky is a marriage of spirit matured in American and French Virgin Oak quarter casks and an ex Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead since 2014, and we’re hugely proud of it. The liquid has been captured in bespoke bottles designed in Italy and blown in Croatia, and oak boxes handcrafted and engraved in Scotland with each bottle and box individually numbered.”
Sean McGlone, managing director of Whisky Auctioneer, said: “We were absolutely delighted here at Whisky Auctioneer to have been involved in the sale of the first bottling of Eden Mill Single Malt whisky. As an auctioneer, the only thing that excites us as much as old whisky, is a brand new one.
“It’s great to see new distilleries not just opening up across Scotland and contributing to our great industry, but also to see them doing such a great job. Eden Mill is a distillery with an already strong reputation and connection to a distilling heritage that we feel made their first bottles a perfect inclusion in our auctions.
“Whisky Auctioneer is dedicated to the provision of a first class service and expertise to our buyers and sellers, and we feel that this, coupled with the fantastic product Eden Mill have bottled, helped us achieve a record breaking sale for their first ten bottles of Single Malt.”
The launch follows the sell-out Hip Flask Series – a series of seven 20cl single malt whisky expressions released in April – which gave whisky fans the chance to sample the products of a range of experimental small-batch distilling methods.
First whisky distilled in St Andrews for 160 years
Eden Mill distillery in St Andrews has released its first single malt whisky as its Hip Flask Series goes on sale today (Tuesday 24 April).
Only 3,800 20cl bottles from the series of seven single malt expressions are available, priced at £25 each.
The release marks the first time whisky has been distilled in the region for nearly 160 years, when the Haig family owned the Seggie Distillery until it closed in 1860.
Paul Miller, co-founder of Eden Mill, said: “St Andrews has a rich history when it comes to whisky, and now over a century and a half later we’re picking it up where it left off – on the site of the old Seggie Distillery that Eden Mill now stands on.
“Each expression in the Hip Flask Series contains liquid matured in what we call ‘honey casks’ – first-fill and virgin oak casks that we’ve hand-selected from all around the world, from Speyside to Spain. As each cask only holds a small amount of liquid, releasing smaller bottles of each is a way for as many whisky fans as possible to discover a taste of what’s to come.
“The Hip Flask Series is about applying the pioneering and experimental nature synonymous with Eden Mill to single malt whisky, showing the power of trying different grains, processes, maturation techniques and woods to highlight what you can do differently within the realm of single malt Scotch whisky.”
The launch of the whisky follows the announcement of Eden Mill’s expansion to a new £4m distillery and brewery just metres from its current headquarters in Guardbridge. This expansion will see capacity increase tenfold to 200,000 litres per year as well as opening the door to new product development.
Paul added: “What people are tasting now is the start of a journey that will see the Eden Mill single malt evolve over ten, twenty and thirty years. The passion of our small team of distillers is evident in every drop of liquid we have released, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”
A 70cl bottling of Eden Mill single malt whisky is due to be released this summer, with those purchasing a bottle from the Hip Flask Series given the opportunity to be among the first to sign up to the exclusive waiting list.
The Hip Flask Series is available now at www.edenmill.com/singlemalt or at the distillery shop in St Andrews from Wednesday 25 April.
BENROMACH LAUNCHES ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH 20TH ANNIVERSARY BOTTLING
The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd celebrated a significant milestone in the distillery’s history today (23rd April 2018) with the release of the Benromach 20thAnniversary Bottling.
This special whisky celebrates 20 years since production started at Benromach after the distillery was refurbished and re-opened in 1998. Distilled in the first year of production, only 3,000 bottles of this highly anticipated limited edition single malt will be available worldwide.
Matured in first fill oak casks in the traditional dunnage warehouses at the distillery in Forres, Scotland, the 20th Anniversary Bottling is part of the classic range of Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies.
This single malt whisky epitomises Benromach’s classic style. It has an exceptional vintage character, with rich fruits, fresh citrus and charred oak with subtle spice and a light touch of smoke on the finish.
The 20th Anniversary Bottling is presented in a special Benromach bottle, nestling in an elegantly lined wooden box. It also features copper detailing, reminiscent of the distillery’s two gleaming copper pot stills. A beautifully written and presented hardback book accompanies the whisky and celebrates the time-honoured traditions that are employed into lovingly crafting this unique single malt Scotch whisky.
There will be 3,000 bottles and 400 of these will be available for purchase at the Benromach Visitor Centre in Forres.
Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, who joined as a Distiller in 1998 said: “When we began distilling again in 1998, we wanted to recreate the unique Speyside whisky taste which historically had a touch of smoke. The 20th Anniversary Bottling uses the finest ingredients to create a gorgeous whisky that has exceptional depth and smoothness.
“This new expression gives Benromach lovers around the world the chance to own and taste a moment in time from the distillery’s rich history. Part of the Benromach classic range of single malts, this is a rare and exceptional whisky and a fitting dram to unite Benromach consumers globally to celebrate our 20th anniversary year.”
Desired by many, owned by few, the Benromach 20th Anniversary Bottling captures the classic character of Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky – rich, smooth and beautifully balanced, with a hint of smoke. This is the traditional taste, which was almost lost forever, but brought back by the distillery when it reopened in 1998. Benromach is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to use traditional methods, without any automated machinery. The small team of distillers employ all their senses when crafting this classic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, managing the process by sight, sound and touch to create the unique, handcrafted and authentic Benromach taste.
The Benromach 20th Anniversary Bottling is available worldwide from Monday 23rd April 2018, with a UK RRP of £299. Prices in international markets may vary depending on local taxes and duty.
For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit www.benromach.com
Gordon & MacPhail’s new look Connoisseurs Choice leads portfolio relaunch
Scotch whisky maturation expert, Gordon & MacPhail, has announced the relaunch of its portfolio of single malt Scotch whiskies to continue strengthening the reputation of the brand globally.
The 122-year-old, family-owned company is streamlining its existing portfolio into five distinct ranges: ‘Discovery’, ‘Distillery Labels’, ‘Connoisseurs Choice’, ‘Private Collection’, and ‘Generations’. Each range celebrates Gordon & MacPhail’s single-minded commitment to the art of Scotch whisky maturation.
The first range to relaunch, with a distinctive new look, will be ‘Connoisseurs Choice’, which marks its fiftieth anniversary this year.
Stephen Rankin is Director of Prestige and a fourth generation member of the Urquhart family, owners of Gordon & MacPhail. He said: “Gordon & MacPhail has a 122-year history of forging strong and lasting relationships with distillers across Scotland and our loyal consumers. With four generations of experience in the whisky industry, we have continually evolved, innovated, and grown.
“As we begin a new chapter, we are streamlining our portfolio to make it more accessible for our consumers, placing their desire for products with heritage, authenticity, and provenance at the heart of each range. We want to take malt whisky lovers on a journey that will help them explore beyond their usual whisky choices.
“Each whisky tells a story, not only about the distillery of origin and the casks maturing the spirit, but also about the time and patience devoted to nurturing each whisky to the pinnacle of its maturation potential. Many of the whiskies in our ranges have been tended by multiple generations of my family.”
The newly refreshed ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ was first pioneered in 1968 by George Urquhart, second generation of the family, at a time when very few whiskies were bottled as single malts.
Stephen continued: “When my grandfather launched ‘Connoisseurs Choice’, he was considered eccentric for taking such an innovative approach. This range provided an opportunity for whisky lovers to explore whiskies that had never previously been bottled as single malts. As a result, he is heralded as one of the pioneers of the single malt category.
“Our ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ range remains true to my grandfather’s vision and philosophy while placing a greater emphasis on small batch, single and multiple casks, bottled as vintages. We hope consumers will look forward to each limited release.”
The brand-new ‘Discovery’ range will follow in late spring; ‘Distillery Labels’ will launch in the summer, and new look ‘Private Collection’ range will be released in the autumn; the next ‘Generations’ unveiling is still to be revealed.
2018 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the “Connoisseurs Choice” range, the new range launches now in Spring 2018. These will be small batch non-chillfiltered, single and multiple cask bottlings. The label will clearly state what vintage the whiskies are as well as having a different colourway depending on the strength or wood finish. (46% – Gold Colourway, Cask Strength – Grey Colourway and Wood Finish – Red Colourway).
The price of the new range starts at approximately £70, $70 or €70 and rise to approximately £500, $500 or €500 depending on local taxes and duties.
For more information about the new look ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ and streamlined portfolio, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com
Steve firstly you appear a very private man, having carried out my research (like a good interviewer), there is surprisingly little about you out on the net, why so private?
Steve McCarthy
Illustrators tend to toil away in secret with very little contact to the outside world, but I’m definitely not a recluse, in fact I generally get a great deal of inspiration from the people I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by in Dublin.
It’s quite possible I’m hard to find online, but If you happen to pass Grogan’s pub on South William Street any time soon, ask anyone and they will know all my business.
Did you always have an artistic talent?
I’ve always been curious, and I’ve always been a bit inside my own head – drawing seemed an easier way to communicate when I was younger, as I was very dyslexic, so you could say it was how I adapted.
I don’t really believe in talent, you never question your ability to speak your native tongue, and it’s well understood that to learn another language it’s just a matter of studying. Artistic skill is the same, it’s just another language.
Did you know that you would work within the arts?
I knew from an early age that drawing was my favourite solution to problems and when I needed to earn some money I turned to art and I still love drawing today.
I’ve begun to appreciate the problem solving aspect of creative work much more. I like the practice of being presented with a creative puzzle and using whatever tools necessary to solve it. The pencil is still my favourite tool though.
Having had a look at your website I was really drawn to the slightly darker side (my interpretation) of your drawings. Is there a dark side, or was it just my interpretation?
One of my favourite film directors is David Lynch, he is as comfortable with horror as he is with humour and he sees nothing wrong with walking a narrow line between the two, which is how I feel. I think comedy is much more vivid when its framed in tragedy, in the same way colours are so much brighter against the dark.
Are you a fan of whisk(e)y?
Yes absolutely, whiskey is such a big part of Irish culture especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
Do you remember your first whisk(e)y?
I don’t remember my first whiskey, probably because it was drowned in Diet Coke or some such mixer. I do remember when I was in my 20s, I’d just left my girlfriend’s house after spending the whole day breaking up, I guess we were distracted so we hadn’t heard there was a riot taking place in Dublin at the time.
I passed a burning car and a couple of over turned bins before realising what was going on – it was absolute mayhem – and in a lot of ways the mood suited how I was feeling right then.
Along my route I ducked into an open door which happened to be a bar, I sat down probably looking really sorry for myself and the bar man – all joking aside – placed a neat whiskey in front of me, he didn’t even ask what I wanted. The Barman just looked at me as if to say, “it could be worse”. It was the sweetest whiskey I ever tasted.
As it does in Scotland, whiskey plays a massive part in Ireland’s heritage, right back through the ages, how important is it as a part of Ireland and its history?
Whiskey plays a huge role in Ireland’s heritage. St. Patrick’s Day, as everyone knows, is one of the most important cultural holidays in Ireland and it wouldn’t be the same without a small glass of Jameson.
More recently I have learnt the history of Jameson right back through the ages to when John Jameson started distilling in Dublin at Jameson’s Bow Street Distillery in 1780. Jameson has been making whiskey the same way ever since.
How did the collaboration with Jameson come to be?
Every year Jameson celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by commissioning an artist to create a piece of original art for its limited edition bottle. I was picked out because my bold, colourful style together with a certain level of humour and wit was a perfect match for Jameson.
I was honoured to be chosen considering the famous artists who have produced artwork for the limited edition bottle in the past including my good friends, street artist James Earley and illustrator Steve Simpson.
What was your biggest source of inspiration for your design?
The biggest source of inspiration for my design of the Jameson’s St. Patrick’s Day bottling was the legend behind the Irish phrase, “to chance your arm”. Legend has it that in 1492, ‘Black James’ Butler and his men found themselves barricaded behind the door to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
On the other side was Gearóid Fitzgerald who, tired of the constant fighting between the clans, decided it was time to make peace. Fitzgerald ordered his men to cut a hole in the door before extending his hand through the gap as a token of friendship. Rather than cut his arm off with a sword, Butler shook it and the long standing feud came to an end, giving Dublin one of its most famous sayings: “to chance your arm”.
I was also inspired by age old Dublin landmarks that are loved in equal measure by the people of Dublin, and by me. In the background of my design you can view Ha’Penny Bridge across the River Liffey, the surrounding Irish mountains and the Smithfield tower.
Were you familiar with the bottles, and designers that worked on the previous bottles? Is there a desire to work within their themes, or did you want to get away from that?
I’m good friends with Steve Simpson and James Early – they really made it difficult for me. It was tricky but at the very least I wanted my bottle to have its own personality.
Both James and Steve put a lot of time and thought into what they did and made things very personal to them – all I wanted to do was keep that attention to detail going.
What was the most challenging part of designing the packaging?
There’s a massive amount of constrictions with what you can and can’t put on a bottle and, on top of that, it has to feel and look very much like a Jameson bottle at a glance.
Even though there were all these hurdles Jameson initially gave me free reign to develop the concept and then they guided me through the challenge of making that concept work within the constrictions.
Did it take a long time to design?
The whole project from being approached, to inspiration and crafting the design took 24 months.
Now that it’s in production, how does it feel to see all these bottles with your label on them? I take it you have one or two stashed away?
I do, but it’s funny, I haven’t had that moment yet, where you bump into your work when you’re not expecting it, I’ve had that happen with books and with smaller projects but nothing on this scale.
I almost want to book a flight to see how far away I could go and still spot my design – it often happens when you least expect it, that’s the best.
For people that maybe haven’t visited Ireland yet, what hidden gems would you recommend?
The Aran Islands, there’s just something unquantifiable about them, the communities are so full of creativity and ingenuity and they embody everything great about this little patch in the Atlantic.
What projects do you have planned next?
I’m illustrating a book, which is out in September. I’m also writing my own book that will hopefully be coming out the following year. Apart from that, I’ll be celebrating with my bottle – it’s been 24 months in the making, so I have a lot of time to make up for.
Thank you for that Steve, we will be sure to keep an eye out for your upcoming publications and enjoy your time with your bottle, you’ve earned it.
Jameson 2017 St Patrick’s Day release is now on sale, don’t miss out grab a bottle or two whilst you can as it will be very popular indeed.
Ardbeg is set to bring Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt to a close on Ardbeg Day, the global celebration of the single malt’s untamed spirit.
Ardbeg Day falls on Saturday, 3rd June 2017. This year, in homage to the sea that surrounds the Distillery’s remote Scottish island home, Ardbeg will again release a celebratory Limited Edition expression. Ardbeg Kelpie is the first Ardbeg to be matured in Virgin Black Sea oak casks. Renowned for the deep flavours that they impart and rarely used in whisky making – these casks bring a distinct intensity to the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky.
Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks, in his continuing search for intriguing casks, was inspired by the depth of flavour imparted by the Black Sea casks. Grown and seasoned in the Adyghe Republic, which leads down to the Black Sea coast, these casks impart incredibly deep flavours.
The whisky was then married with hallmark Ardbeg, matured in ex-bourbon barrels, to amplify Ardbeg’s characteristic style and create a whisky of incredible depth.
As the festivities begin on Islay, Ardbeg’s loyal following – the Ardbeg Committee – and their friends across the world will be invited to join underwater-themed events which pay tribute to the whisky’s namesake – the kelpie, this legendary water demon is said to lurk in the Atlantic Ocean off Islay’s shores.
Distillery Manager Michael (Mickey) Heads said: “Ardbeggians and their smoky malt friends will have the chance to celebrate with a dram or two of Ardbeg Kelpie. With a heart matured in Black Sea casks, this whisky’s extraordinary depth and its waves of salty seaweed and tarry rope, hint at what might be hiding under the sea…”
“For now, the finer details of our plans for will remain a closely guarded secret, but rest assured Ardbeg Day 2017 will be another legendary worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg.”
Ardbeg’s general release of Kelpie at 46% ABV, launches on Ardbeg Day (3rd June), the expression will be available to purchase from Ardbeg Embassies* for a two week exclusive period. Kelpie will then be available at Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists and department stores with a RRP of =£98.00.
The Committee only release of Kelpie at 51.7% ABV will be made available on 16th March 2017 at 9.00AM, exclusively from www.ardbeg.com
Ardbeg Day will be celebrated at the distillery on Saturday 3rd June 2017 and at participating Ardbeg Embassies around the world.
Ardbeg Kelpie is non-chill filtered for extra texture and mouthfeel.
Official Ardbeg Kelpie tasting notes at 46% ABV:
Colour: Burnished gold
Aroma: A wonderful, intense, ‘dancing’ nose, with lots of different, intertwined aromas – powerful, oily peat, dark chocolate, smoked fish, hints of seaweed, and a curious, sharp herbal note. Waves of spicy black pepper.
A splash of water brings forth some classic Ardbeg notes, such as creamy coffee, smoked fudge and pine resin. Even some hints of smoked coconut.
Taste: A peppery mouthfeel is followed by a crescendo of rich flavours. Treacle toffee, Turkish coffee, smoky bacon and lots of dark, dark chocolate. A curious burst of peachy, estery fruit, hickory wood, clove oil and a suggestion of black olives.
Finish: Seemingly lasting forever, with deep, deep, almost subterranean flavours of clove, tar, and rich toffee.
We are really pleased to be able to be involved in the #DavinTT2 Scavenger hunt.
This is being run by Johanne McInnis (@whiskylassie) and Graham MacKenney (@grahammackenney). The prize is an amazing, fantastic, super duper, huge Canadian goody basket (wait is it too late to enter?) and all you need to do, to be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize is answer this, and all the other, questions.
All the answers to the questions can be found in the book, Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert, by trained sommelier, whisky expert, Canadian Contributing Editor to Whisky Magazine and author Davin de Kergommeaux. You will find lots of interesting interview, reviews and whisky news on his website http://www.canadianwhisky.org
So with no further ado, here is #DavinTT2 – Scavenger Hunt Question 24……..
What change needs to take place at Glenora distillery to facilitate being able to increase production from the current 50,000 litres per year to up to 400,000 litres per year?
Remember this answer can be found in the book.
And the winner will be announced on December 29th. Good luck!
With a number of bottles gifted to long-standing Eden Mill employees and auctioned, there are now only 100 of the Limited Release remaining which go on general sale today, each priced at £500. Those interested in purchasing a bottle are invited to register their interest by emailing casks@edenmill.com.
BENROMACH LAUNCHES ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH 20TH ANNIVERSARY BOTTLING 
The 20th Anniversary Bottling is presented in a special Benromach bottle, nestling in an elegantly lined wooden box. It also features copper detailing, reminiscent of the distillery’s two gleaming copper pot stills. A beautifully written and presented hardback book accompanies the whisky and celebrates the time-honoured traditions that are employed into lovingly crafting this unique single malt Scotch whisky.
WhiskyCorner.co.uk 