whisky at Drinkology

Journeyman Not a King Rye Whiskey 0.5L 45% "Not a King" Whiskey is a reference to George Washington's original recipe for his rye whiskey. The mash is made up of rye at 60% and corn as a secondary grain at 40%. When you take the first sip, you notice the sweetness of the corn followed by the richness of the rye.

Isle of Jura Single Malt Whisky 18 years 0.7L 42% The history of the Isle of Jura distillery Isle of Jura is a single malt whisky distillery on the island of Jura in Scotland, Great Britain. It is part of the whisky region of the islands and is located in the village of Craighouse, the only settlement on the quiet island. The name "Jura" translates as red deer, of which around 5000 individuals live on the island and that is with a population of just around 225 people. The island is so remote that it can only be reached by ferry from the neighboring island of Islay, from which it is separated by a narrow strait. It is also worth mentioning that George Orwell wrote his famous work "1984" on the island. The distillery in its current form has been active since 1963, although legal distillation activities on the island have been documented since 1810, extending right up to the First World War. Distillation did not take place until 1958, and activities were finally resumed to create new jobs. The distillery now has 2 wash stills and 2 spirit stills and an annual output of 2,200,000 l. The distillery's water comes from the famous Bhaille Mharghdaidh spring Isle of Jura 18 YO While the Isle of Jura malts used to be heavily peated, a milder tone has been struck here. The Isle of Jura 18 YO is also subtly peated, but has a few other special features such as a unique barrel finishing process. The Isle of Jura 18 YO is first stored in small batch American oak bourbon barrels and is finally finished in red wine barrels from Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux. On the nose, this fruity and spicy whisky shows soft notes of vanilla, honey and caramel accompanied by dried fruits such as plums and dried apricots. The long aftertaste is characterized by coffee, liquorice, cassis and chocolate.

Bunnahabhain Single Malt Whisky Stiùireadair 0.7L 46.3% The special island Hardly any other island in Scotland is as popular among whisky connoisseurs as Islay, because there are a total of eight distilleries on the island's coast, all of which produce exceptional scotches. The unique thing about these whiskies is that they have very distinctive aromas, but they also take some getting used to. Since these whiskies have become very popular among lovers from Scotland to Europe and all over the world, it was the job of the sailors to ensure that there was sufficient supply from the whisky island. Thanks to the men of the sea The Bunnahabhain distillery is located on Islay in the very north, not far from the second major port, Port Askaig. Here, the island's northernmost distillery, with its white houses and warehouses, nestles against the rolling hills. The entire site with all of its buildings is a listed building because the buildings, which were constructed around 1881, have hardly changed over time. Built right on the water, the distillery even has its own small pier where traders used to dock to bring the raw materials barley and yeast and to load up barrels full of whisky and ship them around the world. Without the help of sailors, no whisky could be made and for this reason this Scotch is also called "helmsman" translated from Gaelic. Taste of nature The spirits from Bunnahabhain are among the less peated whiskies on the island, which leaves more scope for other, more delicate notes. For this blend, the master distiller selected different vintages of individual whiskies that had been stored in sherry casks. The Stiùireadair is dominated by flavours of dried, bitter-sweet fruits, which are accompanied by sweet caramel, fine spices and slightly nutty aromas. The flavour is rounded off by a salty note reminiscent of clear and cold sea water.

Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Whisky 27 Years Cask Strength 0.7L 41.7% Wise decision If you go ashore at Port Ellen in the south of the island of Islay, you will notice the large, scattered estates with white-painted houses along this stretch of coast, where the island's typical whisky has been distilled since the 19th century. The name Laphroaig, which has been distilling whisky here for more than 200 years, was family-owned then and now, in contrasting black on one of the large houses. In 1815, the two brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston bought a large piece of land on which they had plenty of space to raise cattle. To feed them, they grew grain and, like true Scots, distilled their whisky from the surplus. Since they managed to make a particularly good whisky with water from their own river, the brothers decided to switch completely to producing their unique grain spirit. Thus was paved the way for one of the most famous distilleries on Islay. Nature's involvement When it comes to taste, hardly any spirit is as dependent on its natural raw materials as whisky. Water and peat determine the character of the spirit at every distillery on Islay and in order to maintain quality, Laphroaig has taken everything into its own hands from the very beginning. The water comes from the nearby Kilbride River and is particularly soft and low in minerals as it is filtered through layers of peat, which also give the water a certain peaty taste. The peat used, which is responsible for the typical medicinal taste in the distillate, comes from the company's own moor and is dug by hand. After it has been dried for three months, it imparts its aromatic flavors to the barley when burned in the malthouse's ovens. After distillation between October 1988 and November 1989, the young spirits flowed into different barrels, bourbon and quarter casks, the contents of which were married in early 2017. Surprisingly fruity As with all Laphroaigs, a smoky, peaty note dominates, with maritime salty algae. The long maturation period created a wonderfully furrowed note that is reminiscent of sun-ripened nectarines and spicy limes and gives the whisky a modern, fresh touch despite its age. Green tobacco leaves and leather notes remain in the finish.

Suntory Whisky The Chita 0.7L 43% The little exotic Almost everyone knows that a good whisky comes from Scotland or Ireland. However, it is often single malt whisky and not the rarer single grain. The exotic Suntory The Chita is one of the few Japanese single grain whiskies that can easily keep up with the main whiskey producers. Suntory has established itself as an independent bottler for over 100 years and enjoys a professional and high-quality reputation. Fascinating combination The unmalted grain used for the single grain whisky comes from the region around Chita. The distillery of the same name, which has only existed since the 1970s, is located in the port of Nagoya. Chita is a pure grain distillery. Grains are produced here and stored separately for some time in white oak barrels, Spanish oak barrels and old port wine barrels, thus producing the blended Suntory The Chita. This spirit is fascinating on the one hand because of the combination of different types of maturation and on the other hand because of its rare occurrence on the German spirits market. Originally the whisky was only intended for the local and not the European market. If you take a closer look In terms of aroma, the Suntory The Chita is predominantly fruity. It is very charming and has an inviting freshness. Melons and citrus fruits marry with a sweet undertone of fine honey. Cornflakes and cereals are the typical flavor carriers for a single grain whisky and set the tone for an unmistakable taste. In the glass the whisky is golden brown and slightly oily. In the mouth the Suntory whisky unfolds a wide range of aromas such as vanilla, honey and muffins. A floral hint passes through the taste buds, accompanied by a nuance of fresh fruit. The finish reveals the strong side of the complex distillate. It is also very long-lasting and intense. Suntory The Chita is best enjoyed neat or on ice. In a cocktail, this rarity would almost be wasted.

Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey Miniature 0.05L 47% Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey is an elegant bottling from one of the USA's great distilleries. This pot still bourbon whiskey, which comes from old stocks, was bottled in an exclusive miniature decanter and offers an elegant nose and is extremely balanced. On the palate, Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey has notes of vanilla, coconut, creme brulee, cedar wood shavings, cinnamon and delicate mint tones with a hint of fennel.

Highland Park Single Cask Series 2002/2016 Sherry Hogshead, 0.7L 58.3% Kirkwall, an island in the Orkney Islands, is home to the Highland Park distillery, making it the northernmost distillery in Scotland. It should be noted that the name "Highland Park" does not, as one might assume, allude to the Highlands region, but rather refers to the location of the distillery - it belongs to the "Islands" region and is located on an elevated area, the "High Park". The distillery, which was officially founded in 1798, has shown a great deal of inventiveness in its history, which has made it one of the most important and famous distilleries today. It was once run by the church servant Magnus Eunson, who initially laid the foundations for the craft with his moonshine distillery. Today, Highland Park is one of the few whisky distilleries that places particular emphasis on its own careful control of the basic and raw materials used in production. Highland Park has its own malt house, where the barley can go through the important production steps. The drip firing is what sets it apart and gives the grain a phenol content of around 20 ppm. Even the peat required for this comes from the Hobbister Moor in the immediate vicinity. For the freshest and purest water supply, spring water from the Cattie Maggie spring is still preferred. The combination of all this know-how and tradition can produce the finest distillates that simply delight experts and every end consumer. Last but not least, the only whisky to be awarded a full 100 points by the largest Scottish newspaper, "The Scotsman", comes from Highland Park. Another pearl of this art of distilling is the 2002 Highland Park Single Cask Series. This whisky, which was stored for 13 years in the first-ever sherry hogshead casks, impresses with clear sherry aromas, but develops a certain complexity through plum and dried fruit accents, as well as nuts and fine smoke. This wealth of impressions finds its incomparable, mellow conclusion in the finish and resonates significantly on the taster's palate.

Highland Park Single Cask Series 2003/2016 Sherry Butt 0.7L 58.1% The designation as Scotland's northernmost distillery alone probably does not necessarily give Highland Park the fame it enjoys today. Rather, the distillery on Kirkwall, as one of the Orkney Islands, knows how to impress with its highly precise, conscientious work. However, one should not be fooled by its name. Because it is based on Orkney, the distillery belongs to the "islands" region, not, as one might assume, to the Highlands. To what extent the allusion in the name was chosen deliberately remains speculative, since the location of the distillery itself is literally based on the area on which it was built, the "High Park", and skilfully stands out from the typical Highlands aroma. A history of tradition dating back to the year of its foundation in 1798 still resonates in the working methods and production processes today. The foundation stone was laid illegally by the church servant Magnus Eunson, who at that time gained his first experience of moonshining and was able to skilfully hide his distillates in churches and even unused coffins. Today, Highland Park works less secretly and offers breathtaking products that are even on the international stage. Last but not least, the only whisky to be rated a full 100 points by the largest Scottish newspaper, "The Scotsman", comes from Highland Park. To guarantee such qualities, even today the barley as a basic product is processed in the company's own malt house and a phenol content of around 20 ppm is achieved under peat fire. The peat used is regional moor from Hobbister Moor to create an even clearer, more unique characteristic. Perfection reaches its peak in the use of the purest water from the Cattie Maggie spring. The 2003 Highland Park Single Cask Series is a particularly fine example of this art. After 12 years of storage in sherry butt casks, which were used for the first time, this single malt achieves a clear gustatory structure and knows how to impress with plum and dried fruit aromas, as well as a clear sherry structure. Fine smoke forms a pleasant contrast and thus enhances the complexity of the distillate. With a limit of 630 bottles, this whisky is clearly a very interesting rarity.

Adnams Triple Malt Whisky Non Chill Filtered For the environment: The history of the Adnams brewery goes back over 140 years. Adnams became known primarily for its large selection of beers and regional distribution within England. The Adnams brewery focuses primarily on sustainability during production. It is committed to a clean environment in numerous projects, such as protecting honey bees, cleaning beaches and producing climate-neutral drinks. The "Adnams Triple Malt Whisky Non Chill Filtered" produced in the Copper House Distillery has been on the market under this name since December 2013. For the whisky: Barley, oats and malted wheat are used for the whisky. To obtain the so-called wort, a sticky and sugary liquid, the grain must be ground and then mixed with hot water. The in-house and special Adnams yeast is used for fermentation to convert the sugar into alcohol. During fermentation, the temperature is carefully controlled again and again so that the unique aromas that are synonymous with an Adnams whisky can arise. Copper containers, also known as copper pot stills, are used for distillation. In these stills, the liquid heats up and can then be separated into different categories, such as head and heart. However, only the best, the heart, is used for Adnams whisky. Finally, the distillate is filled into American oak barrels to mature in Southwold for at least 5 years. The barrels are brought to the brewery's cellar especially for this purpose. The American oak has also helped to create the strong coconut aromas and the chocolate taste. A complex nose with spices, roasted oak, citrus fruits and sweet honey is revealed. The whisky seduces your palate with exploding spices and a long, satisfying finish. After five years of maturation in American oak barrels, the whisky also has nuances of vanilla and apricots. John McCarthy, the head distiller, recommends adding a splash of mineral water to the whisky in the glass, so that the aromas can fully open up.

Laphroaig Four Oak Malt Whisky, 1.0L 40%

Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey 0.5L 58,1% History and production of the Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey: The Journeyman Distillery was founded in 2011 by Bill Welter in the tranquil town of Three Oaks, in the US federal state of Michigan. Until a few years ago, the friendly master distiller worked in the family bank. This was sold and Welter looked for a new challenge. He traveled the world and lived in Scotland for a few years, where he fell in love with single malt whisky. The desire to distill whisky himself quickly grew in him. By a lucky coincidence he met Greg Ramsay. He runs his own distillery in Tasmania, Australia, where Welter was able to work for a few weeks. Bill Welter visited many more distilleries, mostly in the USA, and gained important experiences and impressions from every single one. Finally, the time had come for him to look for a suitable place for his stills. He finally found one in Three Oaks. The EK Warren featherbone factory, a former corset factory, was the perfect place for Welter to set up his own distillery. After an extensive renovation phase, production of his first-class organic spirits finally started in 2011. In addition to bourbon, wheat and rye whiskey, the craft distillery also produces various gin variations, vodka, rum and limited specialties. One specialty is certainly the Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey, which is made from 100% organically grown wheat. Whiskey made from wheat is quite rare, as the production process is very complex and can only be managed with a lot of experience and skill. The result is extremely mild and soft, with intense notes of vanilla and caramel. Storage in fresh American white oak barrels also contributes to the gentle taste of the Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey. The Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey is bottled undiluted, i.e. at cask strength, with a strong 58,1% alcohol by volume and, of course, without the addition of coloring. Taste of the Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey: On the nose, the Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey has rich notes of vanilla, caramel, oranges, coconuts and baked apples. In the background, there are hints of raisins, apricots and spicy oak. You definitely can't tell how strong the alcohol is when you smell the Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey. Rather, the aromas appear very delicate and harmonious, with no trace of alcoholic spiciness. The full power of the Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey is revealed in the taste. The high alcohol content ensures a powerful start. Notes of vanilla, toffees, marshmallows and biscuits are present. There are also spicy oak, black pepper and cinnamon. The Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey can easily tolerate the addition of water. This opens up the bouquet and light fruit aromas emerge. On the tongue, the Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey is then significantly milder and there is a gentle creaminess. The finish is long and surprisingly spicy. The Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey is an all-round successful product, which is unlikely to be found anywhere else. Perfect for pure enjoyment after adding water, it also plays a leading role in cocktails and mixed drinks.

Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label Whisky 0.7L 40% The history of Suntory If you list the largest spirits companies in the world, you can't ignore the Japanese company Suntory. Suntory's portfolio includes renowned brands such as the Scottish single malt distillery Bowmore and it can look back on a long history, which we would like to briefly tell you about. The foundation stone for today's Suntory Group was laid by Shinjirō Torii, who was only 20 years old at the time and opened a shop under the name Torii Shoten in 1899. Shinjirō Torii initially concentrated on importing and selling Spanish wines and brought a type of port wine onto the market under the name "Akadama". A few years later, he had an idea in his head that never left him: producing his own whisky! For this reason, in 1923 he hired the young and very talented chemist Masataka Taketsure, who had studied in Scotland and had already gained experience in distilleries. Together they opened Japan's first distillery in the Yamazaki Valley and almost simultaneously introduced the brand name "Suntory", which refers to the Japanese national symbol of the rising sun. The Kakubin Blend was finally introduced in 1937 and has long been considered the best known and best-selling Japanese blended whisky on the market. The taste of the Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label Whisky There are various blends under the name Suntory Kakubin, but the Yellow Label Whisky is the most important. It was matured in former bourbon whiskey barrels and appears in the glass in a strong golden color. On the nose it shows fine, sweet aromas of dried fruit as well as nuances of oak, malt and vanilla. On the palate, the Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label whisky is very complex with notes of freshly baked bread, tobacco and again vanilla. The aftertaste is medium-length and pleasantly smooth. Ideal for cocktails and long drinks!

Suntory Kakubin White Label Whisky 0.7L 40% The history of Suntory The Japanese company Suntory is one of the five largest spirits companies in the world and can look back on an impressive history. Suntory was founded in 1899 by Shinjirō Torii, who was just 20 years old at the time and opened a shop under the name Torii Shoten. While Shinjirō Torii initially concentrated on importing and selling Spanish wines, a few years later he decided to create his own single malt whisky. In 1923 he hired the young and talented chemist Masataka Taketsuru, who had studied in Scotland, and together with him opened the country's first distillery in the Yamazaki Valley. At about the same time, the name "Suntory" was first mentioned as a brand name, which refers to the Japanese national symbol of the rising sun. In 1937, the Kakubin Blend was finally launched for the first time, and has long been the No. 1 blended whisky in Japan. The road to market leadership was rocky, however, and only succeeded in the 1950s/60s when Suntory attracted attention with innovative marketing campaigns. The taste of the Suntory Kakubin White Label Whisky Kakubin - which translates as "square bottle" - is bottled in various qualities, with the "White Label" offered here being considered somewhat drier and lighter than the better-known "Yellow Label" variant. The Suntory Kakubin White Label Whisky is matured in ex-bourbon whiskey casks. On the nose, the Suntory Kakubin White Label Whisky shows fine notes of caramel, freshly baked bread and caramel. Malty aromas and nuances of cinnamon and the spice of oak are revealed on the palate. The finish is medium-long and delicately sweet and slightly fruity. As a fine example of a light Japanese blend, the Suntory Kakubin White Label Whisky is ideal for drinking neat or as an ingredient in cocktails, long drinks and highballs.

History and production of the Tullibardine Sovereign: Tullibardine is a relatively young distillery. Nevertheless, the past is very eventful and marked by numerous changes of ownership. Founded in 1949 by William Delmè-Evans, Tullibardine had to be sold just four years later. The new owners did not seem to have any luck with the acquisition and had to sell Tullibardine as well. This game was repeated several times until the large whisky company White & Machay put out feelers in 1993. To the great surprise of many observers, things still did not improve. White & Mackay's ambitious plans also failed and had to close the distillery again a year later. Tullibardine was in danger of disappearing into obscurity. Fortunately, a consortium of various whisky connoisseurs came together and breathed new life into the distillery in a large-scale rescue operation in 2003. Since then, Tullibardine's bottlings have been divided into two parts. The single malt whiskies that were distilled before 2003 all come from the previous owners' extensive cask inventory. These include several rarities that date back to 1952. The editions that are produced under the supervision of the consortium, on the other hand, shine with an innovative cask selection and great finishes. This is also the case with the Tullibardine Sovereign. The Tullibardine Sovereign matured entirely in first fill bourbon casks made from American white oak. This complements the typical citrus note with pleasantly sweet aromas, making this single malt whisky very beginner-friendly and easy to drink. Tasting the Tullibardine Sovereign: The Tullibardine Sovereign has a light, straw-yellow color that does not contain any added coloring. The nose initially reveals an interesting mixture of sweet notes and light fruitiness. In addition to vanilla, caramel candies and milk chocolate, lemons, candied oranges and apples can also be detected. In the background, the complexity is increased by various Christmas spices. Nuances of cinnamon, cloves, allspice and anise can be detected. On the tongue, the Tullibardine Sovereign is very soft and has a creamy texture. The vanilla sweetness known from the nosing is further enhanced by pears, covered apple pie, caramel malt and maple syrup. The aftertaste is increasingly dry and spicy, with notes of gingerbread, cinnamon and ginger. The Tullibardine Sovereign is a delicious, well-balanced single malt whisky with no rough edges, which also allows beginners to quickly access it and is a lot of fun even without extensive knowledge.

MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey 0.5L 45% About the Mississippi River Distilling Company The Mississippi River Distilling Company, or MRDC for short, is a relatively young American distillery that was founded just a few years ago. The idea to found the Mississippi River Distilling Company came from two brothers who wanted to make their dream of owning their own distillery come true. At the same time, they wanted to use their spirits to create a connection to their homeland and the location of the distillery in LeClaire, Iowa. LeClaire, Iowa is an almost magical place where nature is almost completely untouched and where crystal-clear rivers ensure fertile landscapes. The ideal place to distill high-quality bourbon whiskey such as the MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey! The MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey In 1846, William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, was born in LeClaire, Iowa. On his "road of life" he inspired many people and so the Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey was named after him. The aim of the distillers was to create a whiskey with the most unique taste possible with the MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey. They kept in mind that around 90% of American whiskeys are distilled by just eight distilleries. Although these whiskeys are very good, they often have more or less similar tastes. This should be different with the MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey, which is why the Mississippi River Distilling Company opted for a mash of 70% corn, 20% wheat and 10% unmalted barley. The resulting MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey matures for a year in heavily charred, small oak barrels before being bottled at 45% ABV. The taste of the MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey Just as the makers intended, the taste of the MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey Company cannot easily be compared with other American bourbon whiskeys. The unmalted barley brings nutty aromas to the whiskey, while the corn provides the light, fruity taste of the MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey. Despite its strong 45% vol., the MRDC Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey has a very smooth and long finish!

MRDC Cody Road Rye Whiskey 0.5L 40%

Togouchi Japanese Blended Whisky Kiwami 0.7L 40% Background information on Togouchi Kiwami: In the now difficult to keep track of the whisky market, it is very difficult for many manufacturers and producers to get attention. Unique selling points are becoming increasingly rare and can only be made clear to the customer with great effort. It is therefore a great help if you can tell an interesting story about the production of your whisky. The best example of this is the Japanese whisky producer Togouchi, which has operated its own distillery on the main island of Honshu since 1918. The so-called Chugoku Jozo distillery initially produced typical Japanese specialties such as fruit liqueurs, sake or the high-proof brandy shochu. Following their love of whisky, they finally began creating their own product in 1990. It should be noted, however, that Togouchi does not distill the whisky itself but buys various individual distillates from Canada and Scotland. A harmonious composition is then created from these in Japan. Since Japanese whisky makers are famous worldwide for their blending skills, it is not surprising that all of Togouchi's qualities have a complex and extremely sublime taste profile and have received numerous awards. What makes Togouchi whiskies unique and unmistakable, however, is the extraordinary maturation process. All whiskies are stored in a 361 m long, disused railway tunnel that runs through massive mountain rock. There, a constant temperature of 15 °C and constant humidity prevail all year round, i.e. optimal conditions for whisky maturation. The Chugoku Jozo distillery showcases the pinnacle of its art with the Togouchi Kiwami. The strictly limited special edition was only released on the French market. Fortunately, a few bottles made it to our shop. The Togouchi Kiwami is a blended whisky made from Canadian grain whisky and Scottish single malt that has been aged for many years. The aroma and flavor profile shows a typically Scottish character and a harmonious lightness, which clearly indicates a high malt content. Taste of the Togouchi Kiwami: As soon as you open the elegant clay bottle, beguiling aromas rise to the nose. A balanced composition of delicate sweetness, fruitiness and pleasant spiciness appears. Herbal notes then initially emerge in the nosing. Coriander, rosemary and lavender are present until citrus fruits, vanilla and heather honey come to the fore. An intense oak spice forms an unobtrusive base. Overall, the Togouchi Kiwami impresses with a full, extremely complex bouquet and a refreshing lightness that is also continued in the taste. On the tongue, the Togouchi Kiwami delights with a strong, intense start. Vanilla, caramel, candied orange peel, pickled ginger and raisins are accompanied by a full oak load. In the background, there are even subtle hints of smoke that blend wonderfully into the complex interplay. The finish is full-bodied and warming and remains on the tongue and palate for a long time. With the Togouchi Kiwami, the Japanese manufacturer has succeeded in creating a truly successful product that elegantly combines the advantages of Scottish whisky with Japanese blending art.

Hibiki Suntory Whisky Japanese Harmony 0.7L 43% History and production of the Hibiki Japanese Harmony: Japanese whiskies are undeniably trendy. The gentle character in combination with the fresh, fruity bouquet and the mild taste always inspires enthusiasm. And that applies to long-time connoisseurs and beginners alike. The Japanese whisky makers are known for their meticulousness, hard work and sense of tradition. This gives them a veritable reputation. The true skill, however, manifests itself in the incomparable blending art of the Japanese. In no other country in the world are such balanced and extremely harmonious whiskies created by mixing different individual distillates. The Hibiki Japanese Harmony falls into exactly that category, which is not surprising when you consider the name. For production, the company's own grain and single malt whiskies are combined in an elegant way. The Hibiki Japanese Harmony is therefore a perfect introduction to Japanese whisky culture. The constant striving for perfection for the Japanese whisky masters goes far beyond the actual production of the whisky. Therefore, the Hibiki Japanese Harmony is presented in a glass bottle designed with great attention to detail. The 24 finely ground facets on the outside symbolize the seasons of the lunar calendar and the label is made of handmade Echizen paper. This visually underlines the magnificent taste and the external appearance corresponds to the high-quality contents. Taste of the Hibiki Japanese Harmony: The Hibiki Japanese Harmony flows into the glass highly viscous and elegant. The color is reminiscent of polished amber and shimmers wonderfully in the backlight. Rich aromas of rose petals, lavender, apples, pears, cherries and lychees are interwoven on the nose. In the background, there is also a slightly herbal note with hints of rosemary, thyme and coriander. Spicy oak rounds off the aroma wonderfully elegantly and at the same time provides additional complexity. On the tongue, the Hibiki Japanese Harmony is wonderfully soft and gentle. Delicate notes of honey, vanilla, candied fruit, oranges and dark chocolate come to the fore and are supported by a solid oak base. The finish of the Hibiki Japanese Harmony is comparatively long and full-bodied. The pleasant sweetness remains, and hints of coconut and a great spiciness also appear. The Hibiki Japanese Harmony lives up to its name and is a perfect example of the elegance and complexity of Japanese blended whiskies.

Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years 0.7L 47% History and production of the Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years: The Glasgow Distillery Company was founded in 2011 in the heart of the Scottish city of Glasgow. Since then, gin and Scotch whisky have been produced there under the premise of producing only the highest quality, exclusive spirits. The 26-year-old Prometheus, which was released in 2015, made headlines around the world. Within a few days, all bottles were sold out and connoisseurs outdid each other with hymns of praise. It was only a matter of time before the Glasgow Distillery Company brought out its next product. Prometheus was once again the inspiration for the Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years. Prometheus is a titan from Greek mythology and is considered the creator of all people and animals and was the one who brought fire to mankind. The Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years does not come from the Glasgow Distillery itself. This can be deduced from the year the still young company was founded. Rather, this bottling is an exclusive, slightly smoky single malt whisky from an unnamed distillery in Speyside, which was stored in first-fill sherry casks for a total of 27 years. The Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years is delivered with a strong 47% alcohol by volume in an elegantly designed gift box. There are only 1500 bottles worldwide, and only 400 will be sold in Germany. This makes the Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years not only ideal for connoisseurs, but also for collectors of exclusive bottles. Tasting the Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years: You can see that the Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years has been aged for a long time even before the actual tasting. A deep, dark, slightly reddish color reminiscent of mahogany wood makes the anticipation rise immeasurably. On the nose, the Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years presents a beguiling bouquet of sweetness, fruitiness and delicate smoke. Notes of cream toffees, vanilla, milk chocolate, heather and candied citrus fruits are carried by a rich smokiness reminiscent of charcoal. The Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years seems like a harmonious combination of Islay and Highland malt. Over time, the fruit aromas become significantly stronger and the smoke decreases a little. The scent of baked bread and malt also comes to the fore. On the tongue, the Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years has a full, full-bodied character with intense hints of roasted nuts, freshly cut vanilla pods, nutmeg, cloves, dark chocolate and fruit bread. In addition, notes of orange zest, heather honey and candied fruit are surrounded by delicate smoke. The alcohol stays discreetly in the background and leaves a pleasant creaminess on the palate that lasts for many minutes. Overall, the Prometheus Single Malt Whisky 27 years is an impressive product that impresses with its high complexity, harmony and endlessly long finish. A whisky for special moments.

Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky 'Lore', 0.7L 48% Tradition meets skill Laphroaig is a traditional whisky distillery on the Scottish Hebridean island of Islay. The distillery's historic buildings are even listed as worthy of protection in the Scottish monument lists. The distillery is located in the middle of a small, natural bay. The distillery was officially founded in 1815. The brothers Donald and Alex Johnston were responsible for it and soon set new standards in the production of fine spirits, such as the Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky 'Lore'. The company is now owned by the Japanese-American Beam-Suntory Group. With the will of two brothers Lore stands for the transmission of acquired knowledge and old traditions. The Johnston brothers created the basic structure for Lore Whisky as early as 1800, 15 years before they actually became independent. Since then, the fine tipple has been further developed by several experienced master distillers for Laphroaig. For the most part, 15 to 21 year old distillates from the Scottish house were used for the single malt. These had previously been able to fully develop their collected aromas in first fill sherry butts, quarter casks, European oak barrels and ex-bourbon barrels. A small portion of younger malts were added, which give the single malt whisky a fresh kick. The blend is simply incredible! Fruity, sharp-witted companion On the nose, the Laphroaig appears full-bodied, with a smoky and maritime note. This is accompanied by delicious dark chocolate and a subtle hint of ash. The whisky is very mineral and intense on the palate, and its peppery notes are also impressive. The taste is a little heavy at first, but the fruity aromas still come through. There is a lot of oak and a little spicy forest honey that makes the tongue dance. Aromas of dried fruit such as raisins, figs and banana chips also come through, which characterize the Lore. The finish is long-lasting, intense and sweet to slightly bitter. To make the whisky a little easier to drink, you can also dilute it with a small splash of water.

Inchmurrin Single Malt Whisky 12 years, 0.7L 46% History and production of the Inchmurrin 12 years: The Loch Lomond Distillery was founded in 1965. This makes it a relatively young distillery. The distillery itself is picturesquely located on the southern tip of the lake of the same name, not far from the Scottish metropolis of Glasgow. What is special about Loch Lomond is the unusual design of the stills. The pot stills also have rectification columns with which the aroma and taste profile of the raw spirit can be individually adjusted. This makes it possible to produce strong, aromatic distillates in the same plant as soft, mild single malt whiskies. Another special feature is that Loch Lomond is the only company in the whole of Scotland to produce both grain and single malt whiskies. Interestingly, this makes it possible to offer a single blend whisky. Due to the exceptional equipment, Loch Lomond has a total of eight different types of whisky, some of which differ significantly in their character. A particularly smooth and mild single malt whisky is produced under the name Inchmurrin. The Inchmurrin 12 year old is part of the distillery's own standard bottling and comes with a natural color, a strong alcohol strength of 46% vol. and without the use of chill filtration. It was stored in three different types of barrels: first-fill, refill and newly burnt bourbon barrels made of American white oak. The winner of several awards, the name is based on an island in Loch Lomond on which Christian monks built a chapel in the 7th century. Tasting of the Inchmurrin 12 Years: The Inchmurrin 12 Years has an astonishingly dark color for its age, reminiscent of copper. The nose reveals a harmonious interplay of a variety of different aromas. Lemons, oranges, apples and pears are due to the distillery character. Notes of vanilla, honey, caramel and coconut are due to the intensive barrel storage in former bourbon barrels. A light floral note and grassy, earthy aromas round off the harmonious profile in a stylish and elegant way. On the tongue, the Inchmurrin 12 years is wonderfully soft and mild. Once again, there is a combination of fresh fruitiness and full-bodied sweetness. In contrast to the nosing, however, the fruits are darker in taste. Apricots, plums, peaches and pickled raisins, but also toffees, butter cake and vanilla form the backbone of the Inchmurrin 12 years. In the background, there are also hints of liquorice and spicy oak. The finish is medium-long, becoming drier over time and characterized by earthy, herbal notes. Overall, the Inchmurrin 12 years is a really successful Highland malt that knows how to convince with its softness and intense fruit aromas.

Glen Grant Single Malt Whisky 'The Major's Reserve' 0.7L 40% History and production of Glen Grant The Majors Reserve: Nowhere in the world is the density of distilleries as high as in Speyside. The "Speyside Malts", which are so popular with connoisseurs, are known for their fruity, gentle taste. With over 50 active distilleries as well as numerous malt and cooperage factories, this region in the north-east of Scotland forms the backbone of single malt whisky production. The small town of Rothes is of particular importance. There are a total of five distilleries in the community of 1,200 people, with Glen Grant being certainly the best known. The Glen Grant Distillery was founded in 1840 by the brothers James and John Grant. The good location - the Glen Grant stream, after which the distillery was named, brought clear water for the mash and provided the necessary power for the machines - laid the foundation for the rapid spread of whiskey. In addition, the construction of a railway line in 1858 made the transport of full whiskey barrels much easier. In 1872, John Grant's son finally took over the management of the business. Due to his stylish appearance and impeccable appearance, he was given the nickname "Major". A new product was recently created in his honor: Glen Grant The Majors Reserve. This is a mild, fruity, particularly light single malt whisky, which, due to its harmonious characteristics and very good accessibility, is particularly suitable for beginners who want to familiarize themselves with the subject of single malt whisky. Tasting of the Glen Grant The Majors Reserve: The Glen Grant The Majors Reserve has a light golden color and is dry and elegant on the nosing, with aromas of apples, pears and grapes. Overall very soft and delicate, additional notes of malted barley, freshly baked bread and nuts emerge. The Glen Grant The Majors Reserve ideally reflects the typical characteristics of a Speyside malt, without sacrificing complexity or harmony. On the tongue, the Glen Grant The Majors Reserve begins with a powerful start. The flavor profile is rather dry, the body medium-heavy. A fruity creaminess immediately spreads in the mouth, supported by stone and pome fruit notes. There is also a full-bodied maltiness and hints of hay and oak. In the finish, the Glen Grant The Majors Reserve shows delicate notes of herbs and spices. By adding water, additional fruit aromas are released and the taste becomes significantly sweeter and maltier. Overall, however, the Speyside character is retained. This makes the Glen Grant The Majors Reserve perfect as an introduction to the world of single malt whiskies.

Macallan Single Malt Whisky Rare Cask Release 2023 0.7L 43% History and production of the Macallan Rare Cask: "The Macallan", this name stands all over the world for outstanding single malt whisky of the very highest quality. Above all, the use of sherry casks has given the Macallan distillery its first-class reputation. Much earlier than the competition, Macallan recognized the enormous importance of cask selection on the taste of the whisky and therefore only used the best sherry casks for maturation. It was not until 2004 that the Fine Oak series was introduced, partly stored in bourbon casks. The single malt whiskies, which are equally popular with connoisseurs and collectors, are considered the flagship of Speyside. Located on the banks of the River Spey, the distillery was licensed in 1824 and is therefore one of the oldest legal distilleries in Scotland. In addition to storage, blending is another crucial factor in developing the taste. Unless it is a single cask whisky, single malt whiskies are created by mixing different casks. This has the advantage that consistent product quality can be guaranteed over a long period of time, and skilful selection allows you to work out a desired taste and aroma profile. At Macallen, this is the responsibility of Bob Dalgarno, who has been with the company since 1984 and who worked his way up from being a warehouse worker to becoming "Master Whisky Maker". With the Macallan Rare Cask, Dalgarno has now presented a masterpiece. From the huge stock of barrels in Macallan's warehouses, he personally selected a number of sherry casks and mixed them together. The vast majority of these casks were first-fill casks, which impart a particularly large amount of aroma and flavor components to the whisky. The Macallan Rare Cask is sold in a stylishly designed bottle and an elaborately designed box that underlines the exclusive character of the Macallan Rare Cask both visually and haptically. Taste of the Macallan Rare Cask: The Macallan Rare Cask is clearly influenced by the sherry casks used. The nose immediately reveals intense, rich aromas of dried fruit, mainly apricots, figs and raisins, honey and spices. In the background, fine cocoa tones can be detected, surrounded by spicy ginger. In addition, there is a subtle ester fruitiness that harmoniously rounds off the aroma and gives the Macallan Rare Cask enormous depth. The Macallan Rare Cask has a full, expressive body and a silky mouthfeel. The finish is long and mild, with a pleasant, extremely delicate smoky note. Overall, the Macallan Rare Cask is a truly outstanding single malt whisky for very special moments, which has a unique aroma and taste profile thanks to its complexity and harmony and is guaranteed to leave nothing to be desired.

Cotswolds Single Malt Test Batch Series 3x0.2L 62.97% The history of the Cotswolds Distillery: Dan Szor, who was born in New York and has worked in the financial sector for more than 30 years, fulfilled a long-held dream in 2014. He swapped the London financial trading floor for sprawling barley fields and his hedge funds for the quiet country life in the English Cotswolds. Well, it wasn't meant to stay that quiet. Almost single-handedly, he built a showcase distillery in the tranquil village of Stourton, using the best equipment available on the market. True to the motto: the best is just good enough. Two stills from Forsyths in Scotland were therefore installed for whisky production, and the in-house gin is distilled in a 500 liter still from the German manufacturer Holstein. Since completion in 2014, Dan Szor and his team have been experimenting with different barrel storages, botanical blends and unusual spirit creations. Success was not long in coming and the Cotswolds Dry Gin won the gold medal at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. Particular attention is paid to the production of the whisky. This naturally has to mature for many years in order to develop the full flavor profile. With the Cotswolds Single Malt Test Batch Series you now have the opportunity to experience the complex maturation process first hand. An experience that is as exciting as it is unique. The Cotswolds Single Malt Test Batch Series tasting set: An exclusive tasting set is available under the name Cotswolds Single Malt Test Batch Series, which consists of three grain distillates that have been stored for different lengths of time, each 200 ml and all at cask strength. First there is the highly aromatic raw spirit. Straight from the still, this "new make" is waiting for you to taste it. It forms the basis for the entire whiskey production and impressively demonstrates how powerful and complex an unstored spirit can be. The aroma reveals malted barley, honey, apples, pears and baked bread, accompanied by citrus fruits and a hint of liquorice. The start is extremely strong, the taste is characterized by grain and light fruits. The next bottle contains a barley malt distillate stored for five months in sherry casks. The dark color is more than remarkable for the relatively short maturation period. The same applies to the aroma and taste. Intense notes of dried fruit, oranges, candied ginger and black pepper are supported by a pleasantly sweet maltiness. Last, but not least, a malt distillate stored for ten months in former wine casks, which boasts beguiling aromas of dark berries, grapes and vanilla. Full-bodied in taste, an impressive experience is offered despite the short maturation period. With the Cotswolds Single Malt Test Batch Series you have the truly unique opportunity to experience the maturation process of a future single malt whisky up close, a great experience for every whisky lover.