Boulevard Magazine’s Post

In the 1980s and 1990s, dozens of Scotch Whisky Distilleries closed their doors. Some, like The Imperial, for ever. Lots were demolished. The Casks of the Scotch Whisky they made, they didn't get demolished, somebody bought the. Who this 'somebody' is, is just one of the many Scotch Whisky Secrets. There are rather a lot of them. The complex story of 'who owns what Cask' is extremely complicated and I won't go into it, here. Mainly, because I don't know. Nobody does! What Casks are left? Geographically, where are these Casks? How many Casks are there, all over Scotland? To be Scotch it HAS to be in Scotland. Suffice to say, the 'Scotch Cask Transfer' saga of 'who owns what' makes the 'who pays the wages of a Loanee Professional Footballer?' look relatively straightforward. What IS clear though is that the 'Old and Rare' aspect of Scotch Whisky is absolutely huge. Nobody's prepared to say HOW huge. Because nobody knows. #ScotchWhiskyTruths

Bowmore Aston Martin 10-year-old Perhaps I should begin with a declaration. I adore Bowmore Distillery. Back when I was taking my initial tentative steps into the world of whisky, Bowmore’s 12-year-old was something of a favourite and the distillery was the first I visited when I first set foot on the island back in 2014. It remains a favourite stop today. I’ve always found the people at the distillery to be especially warm and friendly and the tasting bar, which overlooks Loch Indaal, is a lovely spot to enjoy a dram or two. Then there’s the experience of sipping whisky in the famous No 1 Vaults, something every whisky lover should do, at least once. That said, my relationship with Bowmore as a brand has occasionally been somewhat strained over the years. My issue doesn’t lie with the distillery itself – it’s always been my impression that the people working there take great pride in the place but there is perhaps a feeling that decisions taken further up the chain aren’t always to the benefit of the product that makes it to the shelf. Bowmore is owned by Suntory and it is they who truly shape the product, which is only natural – the owners have a particular market in mind and tailor the product accordingly. If the market craves heavily sherried, low strength whisky, then that’s what Bowmore will be. In the great scheme of things, we whisky geeks, who seek out higher strength, naturally coloured whiskies, simply aren’t much of a priority. I accept this as the way of things but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Bowmore is a fantastic spirit and its single malt can be as good as anything in Scotland when presented at its best. I suppose, there’s a feeling of a missed opportunity. Of wasted potential. Read more… https://lnkd.in/efkPFq-Q

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

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

Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall of High Wire Distilling Company are leading a revitalization of Jimmy Red corn, a heritage grain known for its distinct flavor and historical significance in whiskey production. 🥃✨By focusing on sustainable practices and working closely with local farmers, they’ve created a bourbon that connects deeply to South Carolina’s roots. As President of the South Carolina Craft Distillers Guild, Scott advocates for policies that elevate local distillers and enhance the state’s craft spirits reputation. 🥃🌾 🎤 In this interview, Scott shares his passion for heritage grains, distilling innovation, and the impact on South Carolina’s craft distilling community. 📖 Exclusive Interview by Malvika Patel - Click the link to read more: https://lnkd.in/dHevTvYc . . #HeritageGrains #CraftDistilling #SouthCarolinaSpirits #JimmyRedCorn #Sustainability Rachael Sykes Morgan Moore Logan Metcalfe Kelly Pettus Beverage Trade Network Bartenders Business Sid Patel Ankita O. Burnt Church Distillery Hilton Head Distillery Palmetto Distillery Striped Pig Distillery Rotten Little Bastard Distillery Sleeping Giant Distillery Hollow Creek Distillery South on Whiskey Whiskey & Whitetails SpiritRebel Whiskey Bourbon N' Bubbles Grain & Barrel Spirits High Spirits Hospitality Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Southern Spirits Cigar & Spirits Magazine Local Choice Spirits Carolina Spirits O'Darby's Fine Wine & Spirits

Read my newest review of Savage & Cooke Distillery! Savage & Cooke

Papa's cocktail 🥃 No one knows one day the papa's cocktail will give the returns more than🤑 the traditional investment. Papa's cocktail means alcohol. The sin industry is growing like anything...but but but..the returns are not that easy like emptying the bottle. 😵 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙡𝙩 ☝Whiskey is a type of whiskey produced by a single distillery using malted barley as the primary grain. The term “single” refers to the fact that it is made from the product of a single distillery, rather than a blend of whiskeys from multiple distilleries. 𝘽𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙣🤝 is the term for a whiskey made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn. Single Malt Whisky in auctions: Three of the top six lots were bottles from legendary Japanese distillery Karuizawa. The closed distillery frequently features at the upper end of auctions and this month was no exception with the top two spots going to this Karuizawa 1980 32 Year Old Noh Cask 7614, sold for £8,200, and a Karuizawa 1972 40 Year Old Cask 8833 that fetched £6,000. Third of the entrants in the top six was a Karuizawa 1981 Founder’s Cask 2084 that sold for £4,100. This gorgeously decorated Hibiki 17 Year Old Mount Fuji sold for £1,600 while a Chichibu 2012 Virgin Oak Barrel #1685, one of only 100 bottles selected for Chotto Mate, reached an impressive £700. (Whisky.Auction ) Bourbon Whisky : The latest Whiskey Exit from Vino Vest a batch of high rye bourbon sold for 30.74% above their initial purchase price. Initial purchase price $1415 and Final value $1850. Single Malt (Vinovest ) This is an new age investment... explore more and let me know you like #papa_s_cocktail or #Mom_s_Mocktail 😀

Bimber unveils first age-statement whiskies London distillery Bimber has launched two limited edition eight-year-old single malts – the first age-statement whiskies in its portfolio. The two expressions, Harmony of Eight and eight-year-old Single Cask Edition, are said to mark a new chapter for Bimber, reflecting eight years of dedication to traditional whisky-making methods. The Harmony of Eight is made with single-farm barley that has been floor-malted at Warminster Maltings and distilled in directly-fired copper pot stills. Aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks, the expression displays a ‘vibrant and fruit-forward profile,’ reflecting its eight years of maturation. Limited to 1,090 bottles presented at 50% ABV, Harmony of Eight will be available on the Bimber website from today (5 December) with an RRP of £130 (US$165). The second single malt, eight-year-old Single Cask Edition, is limited to 268 bottles and offered at 56.8% ABV. The whisky matured in an American oak ex-Bourbon cask, selected by the 2024 Bimber Klub tasting panel. The single-cask release was made available on 4 December exclusively for distillery members for £160 (US$203). Speaking of the launch of the two expressions, Ewelina Chruszczyk, director of Bimber, said: “We are immensely proud to introduce our first age-statement whiskies – a reflection of eight years of passion, precision, and unwavering dedication to our craft. These releases are more than just a measure of time; they embody the journey we’ve taken, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the bright future that lies ahead for Bimber.” Earlier this year, the distillery debuted its Shoulder of Giants single cask range. Bimber Distillery in Park Royal, London, was established in 2015 by Dariusz Plazewski. After his arrest in February 2024, Plazewski relinquished his responsibilities for the company’s two distilleries, Bimber and Dunphail.

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

This is the great and only truly original American distillery empire left. The first formal cocktail was served in New Orleans and it was named the Sazerac, after the French brandy used in its concoction. Sazerac, the liquor empire, and a lot of these names, goes back to the bar and salesman which pushed it in its early decades. Like most of these lists, they're beauty contests of what was available to shove into bottles at the time. Distillery profitability is all about managing your inventory to optimize its cash flow in the present. 15 years ago, when aged stocks were in surplus, something like Old Charter 8-year, not just 8, was a fabulous bargain and, as a dusty, is worth some coin. Ancient Ancient Age 10-year was an even more fabulous bargain; same with its dusties. The Ancient Ancient Age 8-year from Japan is a fabulous bargain, ~$25, if you want to schlep it in your luggage. He doesn't even bother to discuss the 3 primary age-varietals of Weller, much less all its specialty bottlings. There's at least 5 varieties of Blanton's. Regardless, the tasting notes are less important than getting to know the brands on sight. Sazerac's corporate site provides good overview of all the brands they bottle; maybe not Kirkland Signature 1L bottle $23.99, a bourbon steal which, somehow, actually is a better value than Old Grand Dad BIB, and comes from their 1792/Barton's (other Sazerac brands) distillery complex. Explicit age-graded dusties from the era of surplus 15+ years ago are still undervalued whisky today. I spent years digging through bottom shelves looking for these plastic-topped mutts which were mostly targeted at winos with taste and often sold at fine liquor emporiums like gas stations. I once drove fear into a station which was primarily a front for methamphetamine sales when I saw their rich supply of Old Charter 8-year minis and demanded to see all their inventory and proceeded to dismember the closet where they stored all their booze and dirty mops. They calmed down, while their hands never left their guns, when I handed over $400+ in cash for the greatest liquor score of my life. They guzzled some Popov minis and Red Bull to settle their nerves as I kept ripping at old boxes. https://lnkd.in/gxnW9EFr