Several months back (late 2023) I saw a Single Grain Scotch that was released in 2022. It was the Cameron Bridge 26-Year-Old. Bottled at a cask strength of 54.2% ABV (alcohol by volume), this single grain whisky is a special pour with the retail price to prove it ($300-$350). What you need to remember is that this is a “Single Grain”, not a “Single Malt” whisky. That means it contains more than just the malted barley that single malts use (usually barley with corn and wheat). Young single grains have long been staples in Blended Scotch whiskies, but when allowed to mature, they can be amazing!
The other whisky I’m reviewing is a new Talisker expression in its vibrant blue tube. The 2023 Special Release called “The Wild Explorador” arrived in Texas at the very back end of 2023 and its tube is really eye catching. The design was created by Rui Racardo, who has a signature style crafted with a fusion of intricate realism and a nostalgic retro element, resulting in captivating illustrations. The whisky inside is a 11-year-old cask strength Talisker that was finished in a combination of White, Tawny, and Ruby Port Casks. Bottled at a beefy 59.7% abv (119.4 proof), it comes in a 70cl bottle with an average price point of $120-$140.
Diageo has revealed the details of the 2023 Special Releases collection, its annual limited-edition lineup of eight cask-strength scotch whiskies. Released under the name Spirited Xchange, this year’s Special Release's expressions were curated for the first time by master blender Dr. Stuart Morrison. One key highlight is a 12-year-old single malt from Roseisle-it’s the first-ever bottling from this large distillery built along the Moray coastline (Speyside) back in 2010 to supply malt whisky for Diageo’s blends. There’s also a non-age stated Mortlach finished in whisky casks from Kanosuke Distillery in Japan. The oldest bottling in this year’s collection is a 27-year-old from Lowland distillery Glenkinchie, marking its first Special Releases appearance since 2016. The Singleton of Glendullan is included for the first time since 2021, but all the others in the collection-Mortlach, Clynelish, Talisker, Lagavulin, and Oban-were also featured in 2022. Each label is illustrated by a different artist, all of them aiming to create a visualization of the whisky’s tasting notes.
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As of March 2024, my current bottle count is over 2,600. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for three decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, our “Saints Alley" Bourbons & Rye whiskeys are on Total Wine shelves and customers are really enjoying them (be sure to ask for a sample when you're in the stores)! Currently, our Special Editions are moving fast and winning awards! So, keep an eye out for our "Nobleman Rye", the White Port & Cognac finished Bourbon, and our Special Edition "Herald" Bourbon that adds Pineau Des Charentes casks to the mix. It was just named "The Best Overall Bourbon" in a blind competition at Tales of the Cocktail's - 2023 New Orleans Spirit Competition! It won over a lot of really big names, and it just goes to show that when you take the big money branding away, our Saints Alley whiskeys can stand on their own! Given my decades of consumer experience, you know I’m working hard with my team to bring you whiskeys that we’re all proud of! Thanks for watching and please remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!
27 авг 2024
