Nick Green’s Post

Whisky Review: Yamazaki 12 Year Old Suntory Pure Malt Whisky Yamazaki Distillery, the oldest distillery in Japan, is almost synonymous with Japanese whisky. This is, in part, thanks to the popularity of the Yamazaki 12 Year Old, the longest-standing single malt expression in Yamazaki's core range. We review an expression bottled prior to 2004.

🔮 The Heart Cut's 'Ones to Watch' in Whisky for 2025 🔮 As we step into a new year, we're spotlighting four key trends that we see shaping the world of whisky in 2025: 🥃 American Single Malt: With its newly official category status (yay!), American Single Malt is only going to get bigger, and rightly so. Distilleries like Westward Whiskey, Westland Distillery, Balcones Distilling and Copperworks Distilling Company are leading the charge and are a constant in our home bar. 🌏 Japanese Whisky’s Craft Surge: Japan's distillery count has skyrocketed, and with that comes new ideas in regionality and innovation. Influenced by climate, distilleries in the south are making distinctly different spirits from those in the North, and we’re seeing craft producers like Kanosuke blending traditional shōchū-making techniques with whisky production, making something altogether different. ❄️ Nordic Whisky: From Finland’s sauna-born Kyrö Distillery Company to Stauning Whisky’s custom-built equipment, Nordic whisky combines engineering genius with the “New Nordic” food ethos of using local grains and methods to showcase regional character. 🔥 Reimaging Smoke: Distilleries worldwide are redefining smoky whisky by using what's local to them. Think cherrywood in California, heather and birch wood in Denmark, Manuka wood in New Zealand, and mesquite in New Mexico - each bringing a different idea of 'terroir' to smoke. Curious to try? Clink the below, which links you to what we're sipping from each trend And let us know what's on your radar! https://lnkd.in/ergF8AAd

What do you think of when you think of whisky? Ancient distilleries in the rainy Scottish highlands, right? That vision could be set change with the advent of premium whisky produced in Asia. Korkor K. on our Drinks team has noticed a shift in attitude - not just towards the ever-popular Japanese whisky, but another nation rising the ranks of global taste... "The world of whisky is truly globalising. The crown for this famous liquid—once inextricably linked to the Scottish Isles—has now officially crossed the Atlantic, with Japan triumphing in "The Judgement of Glasgow," a competition that pitted Japanese expressions against Scottish ones to see which would emerge victorious. Initially inspired by Scottish distillation techniques, Japan has perfected its own signature style, offering a less peaty, often lighter whisky that provides a distinct sipping experience. However, within Asia, an intra-continental battle persists between Japan and another whisky-making powerhouse: India. India, the second most populous country and the seventh largest in the world, has long declared its status as the largest consumer of whisky globally. Initially reliant on imports, Indian whisky has since turned inward, developing home-grown expressions from its own distilleries. Once considered closer to rum than whisky due to its heavy molasses content, Indian whisky has emerged as a distinctive beverage with its own appeal. Out client, Paul John Whisky —the award-winning single malt from the tropical shores of Goa—has become a front-runner in the Indian whisky category. It's fascinating to see other countries, from vastly different climes, enter the global competition for whisky dominance. A very exciting time for the industry!"

Himmaleh Spirits to begin production of World’s first Artisanal Himalayan Single Malt Whisky Himmaleh Spirits, the visionary craft distiller behind the acclaimed Kumaon & I gin, has announced a new malt distillery in the picturesque Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Featuring Forsyths pot stills from Scotland, the state-of-the-art distillery will now produce artisanal Himalayan Single Malt whisky. Spread across 9 acres the distillery’s malt unit boasts a production capacity of 900,000 LPA positioning it as one of India’s most ambitious artisanal distilleries. Made with 100% Indian barley, sourced from local farms, and distilled after a long fermentation process of over 90 hours, enhancing flavour depth and complexity. To make a truly world-class elixir, Shivaji Chandekar, Distillery General Manager, Himmaleh Spirits has collaborated with Christian Perez Solar, a celebrated whisky distiller and production manager at Scotland’s renowned Arbikie Distillery. Christian is an expert in sustainable distilling and producing unique spirits with a sense of place. “Our vision has always been to create spirits that are a true reflection of the land they come from. With the commencement of our Himalayan single malt whisky production, we are redefining what Indian single malts can achieve—rooted in tradition, yet progressive in craft,” said Samarth Prasad, Co- Founder, Himmaleh Spirits. Marking another significant milestone in the company’s journey to craft world-class spirits, each whisky bottle will capture the spirit of the region, from the harvesting of indigenous barley to malting, fermentation, distillation in Forsyths pot stills, maturation, and bottling. Aged in the pristine Himalayan climate, the whisky will reflect the inimitable terroir and artistry of the region. Situated close to Corbett National Park, the distillery offers a truly immersive experience. From its farm-to-bottle philosophy to its artisanal production methods, Himmaleh Spirits is reimagining India’s alco-bev landscape while inviting savants to be part of its journey.

American Single Malt gets official Standard of Identity from TTB. In a final rule, available now on the Federal Register’s Public Inspection page and scheduled to be published on December 18, 2024, we are amending the distilled spirits standards of identity regulations to include “American single malt whisky” as a type of whisky that is produced in the United States and meets certain other criteria. The adopted criteria for American single malt whisky specify that the product be a type of whisky that is mashed, distilled, and aged in the United States; is distilled entirely at one U.S. distillery; is distilled to a proof of 160 or less; is distilled from a fermented mash of 100 percent malted barley; is stored in oak barrels (used, uncharred new, or charred new) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters; and is bottled at not less than 80° proof. In addition, the criteria allow for the use of caramel coloring as long as its use is disclosed on the product label. The regulation will also allow the use of the term “Straight” for an American single malt whisky that is aged for at least two years. This final rule is effective on January 19, 2025. We have also established a 5-year transition period so that a label with the designation “American single malt whisky” or “straight American single malt whisky” may be used on distilled spirits bottled before January 19, 2030, if the distilled spirits conform to the applicable standards set forth in 27 CFR part 5 in effect prior to January 19, 2025.

Monday whisky knowledge - what is single malt whisky? Often considered ‘superior’ among experts, single malt whisky has been made in Scotland since the 18th century. Blended whisky is created from single malt whiskies and grain whiskies taken from different distilleries. A single malt whisky can only be produced from a single distillery. But it can also be made using a single variety of malted grain, typically malted barley. However, single malt whisky need not be the product of one single whisky cask. They are almost always a blend of whiskies taken from several casks. So as long as these casks are all from the same distillery, the final ‘blend’ is considered a single malt. #SingleMaltWhisky #WhiskyKnowledge #WhiskyEducation #MaltMonday For more information about single malt whisky, contact us today: https://ow.ly/HQ4l50SwApg

So here are a few interesting whisky facts for Friday...🤔🥃 Geographical Protection: Scotch whisky can only be produced in Scotland to be legally called "Scotch." It must adhere to strict production guidelines, including aging for a minimum of three years in oak casks. Five Whisky Regions: Scotland has five recognised whisky-producing regions: Speyside, Highlands, Islay, Lowlands, and Campbeltown. Each region is known for distinctive flavour profiles, like the fruity and sweet whiskies from Speyside or the smoky, peaty whiskies from Islay. Peat Influence: Peat is a natural fuel source in Scotland and is often used in the malting process. When peat is burned, its smoke infuses the barley with a distinct earthy, smoky flavour, which is prominent in whiskies from Islay, such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg. Single Malt vs. Blended: Single malt Scotch whisky is made from malted barley at a single distillery, whereas blended Scotch whisky is a mix of single malts from various distilleries and often includes grain whisky. Angel’s Share: During the aging process, about 2% of the whisky evaporates from the cask each year. This loss is referred to as the "Angel's Share. Oldest Distillery: The oldest licensed Scotch whisky distillery is Glenturret, founded in 1763, though distillation in Scotland has been practiced much earlier, with evidence dating back to the late 15th century. World Records: The most expensive bottle of Scotch whisky ever sold was a 1926 Macallan, which fetched over £1.5 million at auction in 2019! No Additives: Scotch whisky is made from water, barley, and yeast, with no artificial additives allowed. Any flavours or colours come solely from the cask aging process. These facts highlight Scotch whisky's rich history, diversity in flavour, and the traditions that have made it world-renowned. #WhiskyFacts #ScotchWhisky #WhiskyRegions #PeatInfluence Contact our whisky experts today to learn more: https://ow.ly/rvcG50TrtAG

Welcome to part 4 in a my series of reviews covering recent releases from the Dumbarton-based independent bottler, Dràm Mòr. In this installment, I’ll be getting to grips with a wee sample from Loch Lomond Distillery, arguably one of the most interesting whisky producers in all of Scotland. Loch Lomond is capable of producing a wide range of different spirits. Each new make style is given a unique name in order to differentiate them. Some are named after islands that can be found in the famous loch. Like Inchmurrin, for example. The Loch Lomond Distillery was established in Alexandria in 1964. There was an earlier distillery to hold the name but it was relatively short-lived and the two are unconnected. Over the plant’s relatively short life, it has undergone several upgrades and expansions. Production commenced on a solitary pair of straight-necked stills that look like a combination between pot and column still. In place of the traditional swan neck, there is a cylindrical column, inside of which, there is a series of plates that can be adjusted to alter the character of the spirit being produced. The number of stills doubled in 1990, before a set of traditional swan neck pot stills were added in 1998. Complicating matters further, a set of column stills were added in 1993, to allow for the production of grain whisky. This made the distillery entirely self-sufficient and able to create everything required for making blended Scotch in-house. Despite the distillery’s impressive flexibility and potential for creativity, however, it would be fair to say that its single malt didn’t always enjoy the greatest of reputations. Things have improved in recent years after first one, then a second, management buyout. A new core range, which showcases the spirit at 46% ABV, without chill-filtering or colour enhancement, paints the spirit in a much more positive light and celebrates some of the incredible flexibility that’s been built into the distillery. Inchmurrin is the name given to an unpeated malt, distilled in the straight-neck stills and this Dràm Mòr expression is a single cask, which has been finished in an oloroso sherry hogshead before bottling at 55.7%. https://lnkd.in/eTPrWa-P

Just released, 100% distilled in house. A peated single malt, a traditional 'pure' pot still and a post-modern pot still. 1. Oaty McOatFace To mark the tragic tenth anniversary of the ghasty Irish Whiskey GI, Blackwater presents a totally modern and non-compliant pot still whisky. In other words if ‘The Midleton Method’ wasn’t imposed on the entire industry and the department didn’t let a French multinational design a Technical File around two of its products, what might Irish pot still whisky have tasted like? Well here’s something to get you chops around. Double turfed, double oated, double distilled and double casked. Knocks spots of the other stuff.  2 Clashmore 1824 Prior to the establishment of Blackwater Distillery, Clashmore was the last distillery in Waterford and it closed by 1840s. The distillery chimney still straddles the river which runs through the heart of the village of Clashmore. The resulting whisky is something of an ode to the oat, matured exclusively in sherry wood (as was typical at the time), this expression is a real peak into the kind of Irish whisky that has been lost to time. 3 PMD 2: Return of the Dragon The dragon is back and this time he’s at cask strength. What’s more, this single malt is the first age statement whisky from Blackwater. It’s made from 100% Irish barley, grown and malted on the same farm. A real Irish whisky origin story, featuring a dragon, with a heart of fire and a belly full of schmoky stewed apples.

Chinese Whisky; We're somewhat late to the party but The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky Emeishan (叠川) is quite possibly the first Single Malt whisky coming out from Sichuan, China! We've had the good fortune of trying this in somewhat recent times, give the review a read! 1. The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky Emeishan (叠川) https://lnkd.in/gKMCAeuP Nose: minty nutty, good touch of grass and creamy spice Palate: deep thin nutty finish The first expression, young and new, we think it presents a very normal take on a young whisky, almost akin to bourbon but with a richer texture. We can expect interesting things from The Chuan Distillery.