Whisky information
Alistair Walker: Carrying Forward a Legacy in Whisky In the world of whisky, few names resonate as deeply as Billy Walker, a master distiller whose Midas touch has turned numerous distilleries into icons of Scotch whisky Including, Glenallachie , Glendronach , Glenglassaugh and BenRiach . However, the story does not end with Billy. It continues through his son, Alistair Walker, who is carving out his own niche in the whisky industry, merging tradition with a modern approach to whisky making. This article delves into Alistair Walker's journey, his contributions to the whisky world, and how he is both preserving and reinventing his family's legacy. The Legacy Begins: Billy Walker To understand Alistair's journey, one must first appreciate the foundation laid by his father, Billy Walker. With over five decades...
The largest Bourbon brand in the world is a topic that makes the hearts of whiskey lovers around the world beat faster. The world of Bourbon is steeped in history, tradition and craftsmanship, and competition between the major brands is fierce. Choosing the greatest Bourbon brand is no easy task as several factors come into play, including sales figures, reputation, heritage and the quality of the whiskey itself. In this comprehensive treatise, we will delve deeper into some of the most influential Bourbon brands, their history, their contributions to the Bourbon industry and why they are considered the greatest in their field. The History of Bourbon Before we get into the specific brands, it's important to give a brief overview of the history of Bourbon itself. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey produced primarily in the...
A Single Cask whisky is a unique and exclusive expression of whisky production, offering enthusiasts of this distilled beverage an unparalleled experience. This article delves into the world of Single Cask whiskies, exploring their characteristics, production process, and how they differ from other types of whisky, such as blends and Single Malts. What is Single Cask Whisky? A Single Cask whisky is a whisky that comes from one single barrel. Unlike blended whiskies, which are a mixture of different whiskies from different barrels and distilleries, or even Single Malt whiskies , which can be blended from different barrels of the same distillery, a Single Cask whisky offers the purest form of the distiller's art. Each barrel imparts its own unique flavor, aroma, and character to the whisky, meaning that each Single Cask...
Why Whisky Distilleries Are Located Near Water Water, the lifeline of our planet, plays a crucial role in the art and science of whisky distillation. It's no coincidence that many renowned whisky distilleries have found their home on the banks of babbling brooks, tranquil lakes, or close to pure, natural springs. This article delves into the heart of whisky production to answer the question: "Why are whisky distilleries always located near water?" The Basis of Whisky: Water as Foundation The history of whisky distillation is deeply rooted in locations rich in natural water sources. Water is not just essential for life; it's indispensable for creating whisky. From malting the barley to the final distillation process, water plays multiple roles, each with its unique influence on the end product....
The Auction of the Most Expensive Bottle of Whisky in History Whisky, a distillate with a rich history and complexity, has undergone a remarkable evolution over the years. From a humble drink to a collectible and investment vehicle, whisky has captured the hearts and cellars of enthusiasts around the globe. Among these bottles, some are so rare and sought after that they fetch astronomical amounts at auction . In this article, we explore the most expensive bottle of whisky ever auctioned, dive into the details of the sale, the buyer, and the original cost of the bottle. Which bottle of whisky is it? The title of the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold at auction goes to a special specimen from Macallan. It is the Macallan 1926 60-Year-Old, a bottle that is part of the distillery's highly limited "Fine...
Highland Park Distillery: A Heritage of Vikings and Peat The Highland Park distillery , nestled in the hills of Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, stands as a monument of Scottish whisky production, steeped in traditions that date back to the Vikings. With its unique geographical location, rich history, and dedication to craftsmanship, Highland Park represents a unique blend of culture and whisky production. This article delves into the characteristics that make Highland Park so special, explores how the whiskies of Highland Park have changed over the years, and corrects an error regarding the whisky production of BenRiach. What are the characteristics of the Highland Park distillery? One of the most distinctive characteristics of Highland Park is its deep connection to Viking heritage. The Orkney Islands were under...
BenRiach Whisky Distillery The BenRiach distillery is renowned for its unique approach to the whisky distillation process, where innovation goes hand in hand with a reverence for tradition. Located in the heart of the Speyside region in Scotland, BenRiach has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Despite challenges over the years, including temporary closures, the distillery has evolved into a renowned producer of some of the most complex and versatile whiskies on the market. In this article, we explore the characteristics of the BenRiach distillery, delve into their 30-year-old whisky, the Albariza series, and investigate how much whisky BenRiach produces. What are the characteristics of the BenRiach distillery? BenRiach is known for its diversity in whisky production, a trait stemming from a combination of...
Caperdonich Caperdonich , a name that whispers through the halls of Scotch whisky history, tells the story of a distillery that once thrived but then disappeared into the mists of time. Like a lost treasure waiting to be rediscovered, Caperdonich has a legacy deeply rooted in the tradition and innovation of the whisky world. Let us immerse ourselves in the history, craftsmanship and unique flavors of this illustrious brand. The origin Caperdonich was born in the smoky hills of the Scottish Highlands, in the heart of the Speyside region, known for its abundance of world-class distilleries. Founded in 1898 as Glen Grant #2, the distillery was later renamed Glen Grant 2, before finally being renamed Caperdonich in 1965. This was a period of prosperity for the Scotch whisky industry, but the turbulent times that followed would...
Tamdhu Distillery A name that resonates with connoisseurs and lovers of Scotch whisky around the world, Tamdhu has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1897. Located in the heart of Speyside , a region renowned for its excellent whisky production, Tamdhu is known for its tradition of traditional craftsmanship and excellent quality. Central to creating the unique flavor profiles of Tamdhu whiskys is the careful use of casks, an art that the distillery has complicated and perfected over the years. To fully understand the likes of Tamdhu's whiskies, it is essential to gain an in-depth understanding of the types of casks used in production. From the selection of the barrels to the maturation process, every aspect contributes to the unique characteristics of Tamdhu whiskies. The taste of Tamdhu One of the most...
The Closed Treasures of the Whisky World In the world of whisky, there is a mystique surrounding closed distilleries . These old, silent buildings are more than just physical structures; they represent the history, craftsmanship, and evolving landscapes of the whisky industry. In this treatise, we will delve deeply into five such distilleries: Caperdonich, Port Ellen, Brora, Littlemill, and Rosebank. Caperdonich Located in the Speyside region of Scotland, Caperdonich was founded in 1897 by James Grant, the owner of the nearby Glen Grant distillery. For decades, Caperdonich produced high-quality single malt whisky, often used for blended whiskies of renowned brands. However, in 2002, the curtains fell on Caperdonich. The owner, Pernod Ricard, decided to close the distillery due to market overcapacity and economic...
The Glendronach Cask Strength Batches In the world of Scotch whisky, there is a distillery known for its craftsmanship and dedication to tradition: Glendronach . Located in the majestic Scottish Highlands, Glendronach has a heritage spanning more than two centuries, during which it has built its reputation as a producer of some of the world's most prized whiskies. One of their most intriguing ranges is the Glendronach Cask Strength Series, a collection of powerful, undiluted expressions that embody the true essence of this distillery. Let's dive into the history of this series, the barrels used for it and what makes these batches so special. The History of Glendronach Before we dive into the Cask Strength Series, it's essential to take a step back and explore the history of Glendronach itself. Founded in 1826 by...
Why does Octomore have a high alcohol percentage? In the world of Scotch whisky, Octomore is a name that resonates with connoisseurs and newcomers alike. With its signature smokiness and astonishingly high alcohol content, Octomore arouses curiosity among enthusiasts from all over the world. But what makes this whisky so unique? Let's delve into the mysteries of Octomore and discover why it packs that distinctive powerful punch. The Story of Octomore Octomore is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay , a region known for its smoky whiskies. What sets Octomore apart from other whiskys is not only its smokiness, but also its remarkably high alcohol content. The Art of Distillation Octomore's high alcohol content is largely due to the careful...
Springbank 10 Years In the world of Scotch whisky, there is a name that resonates with heritage, tradition and excellence - Springbank . As one of the few distilleries that still carries out all malting, brewing, distilling and maturing processes on site, Springbank has carved out a unique position in the hearts of whisky lovers around the world. And within the wide range of expressions that Springbank offers, the Springbank has shined for 10 years as a timeless icon of craftsmanship and taste. Origin of Springbank 10 years To understand the enchanting journey of the Springbank 10 years, we must go back to the roots of the distillery itself. Located in Campbeltown , the once bustling capital of the Scotch whisky industry, Springbank was founded in 1828 by the Reid family. Over the years, the distillery has weathered...
TeaSpoon Whisky Whisky, a spirit that has long captivated the palates of connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike, has a storied history filled with tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. Among the myriad of whisky varieties available in today's market, there exists a gem that stands out not only for its exceptional taste but also for its unique story - TeaSpoon Whisky. TeaSpoon Whisky is a relatively lesser-known whisky variant that has been gaining traction among enthusiasts seeking something out of the ordinary. Its name itself sparks curiosity and invites exploration. What exactly is TeaSpoon Whisky, and what sets it apart from its counterparts? To understand TeaSpoon Whisky, we must delve into its origins. The term "teaspoon" in the whisky world refers to a practice employed by distilleries, primarily in...
Bowmore Distillery Hidden in the serene and misty coastal villages of Scotland is a priceless treasure - the Bowmore Distillery . Located on the banks of the beautiful Loch Indaal on the Isle of Islay, this distillery has symbolized craftsmanship, tradition and refinement in the world of Scotch whisky for over two centuries. With its rich history and unique character, Bowmore offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of Scotch whisky and remains an iconic destination for spirits enthusiasts. Bowmore's Review of History Bowmore's origins date back to 1779, when John Simpson founded the distillery on Islay 's scenic coastline. Since then, it has made its mark on the whisky world through its continued pursuit of perfection and innovation. Over the centuries, Bowmore has endured countless challenges,...
Why Are Whisky Distilleries Always Located on the Water? In the world of whisky, there is a fascinating tradition that has endured for centuries: distilleries that always locate near water. This phenomenon begs the question: why is water so crucial to whisky production? Let's explore this intriguing issue and discover why whisky distilleries are always located on the water. Water Quality: Water is one of the most important ingredients in whisky making. The quality of the water has a direct influence on the taste and overall quality of the final product. Distilleries prefer high-quality spring water that is free of contaminants. By locating near a natural water source, distilleries can ensure the constant supply of clean water, which is essential for creating excellent whisky. Cooling water: Heat is produced during the...
The World's Best-Selling Whisky In the world of spirits, whisky is a true icon, appreciated by connoisseurs and novices all over the world. It is a drink steeped in history, craftsmanship and culture. Among the countless varieties and brands flooding the market, there is one that takes the crown as the best-selling whisky in the world. But what makes this whisky so special? Let's dive into the world of whisky and discover its king. Whisky, a spirit drink distilled from fermented grain mash and matured in oak barrels, has its origins deeply rooted in the history of countries such as Scotland, Ireland and the United States. The production process is steeped in tradition and expertise, with every step from milling the grain to maturing the whisky being essential to the final taste and quality. Next to Jonnie Walker,...
Ardbeg Distillery In the world of Scotch whiskies, Ardbeg is known as a true legend. Located on the rugged coastline of the Isle of Islay, Ardbeg has built a reputation deeply rooted in tradition, craftsmanship and the passion of the people who make it. With its distinctive smoky and peppery flavor profile, Ardbeg has enchanted and intrigued many whisky enthusiasts. In this exploration, let's dive into the fascinating world of Ardbeg whiskies. The History of Ardbeg Ardbeg's history stretches back over two centuries, with its origins dating back to 1815, when it was founded by John MacDougall. Over the years, Ardbeg has had several owners and gone through periods of glory and adversity. However, the brand experienced a revival in the late 20th century, after being acquired by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. Under...
The Angel's Share Whisky In the world of whisky, where every drop is cherished like a precious jewel, there is a mysterious phenomenon known as the "Angel's Share" - the angel drink. It refers to the slow evaporation of whisky from barrels and bottles during the maturation period, causing some of its precious moisture to be lost to the air. Why is whisky disappearing? But what causes this disappearing miracle and how can we prevent it, especially when it comes to preserving a beloved bottle of whisky? First, let's look at the science behind the Angel's Share. During the maturation process in barrels, such as oak, whisky undergoes a complex interaction with the environment. The porous nature of the wood exposes the drink to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. These variables play a...
Glendronach Cask Strenght Single Cask A Scottish distillery with a rich history dating back to 1826, Glendronach has always stood out for its commitment to producing high-quality single malt whiskies. One of this distillery's most notable series is the Glendronach Cask Strength Series, a collection of powerful and complex whiskys that delight enthusiasts around the world. In this blog we delve deeper into the origins of this series and take a look at the various barrels that contributed to the characteristic flavor profiles. The Origin of the Glendronach Cask Strength Series The Glendronach Cask Strength Series first saw the light of day in the early 2000s, in response to the growing demand for undiluted, powerful whiskys among enthusiasts and collectors. The series quickly became a hit due to its intense flavor...