Spirits, Liqour and other Strong Alcohol

The Auchentoshan Distillery was founded in 1800 and is located just north of Glascow, Scotland. It is one of only three active distilleries that remains in the Lowlands region, with Bladnoch and Glenkinchie being the others. Auchentoshan features a line of single malt whiskies aged 10 to 21 years, plus no age statement offerings that include its Classic, Three Wood and Select options. Auchentoshan’s Three Wood is a triple distilled scotch whisky matured in American bourbon oak barrels and finished in Spanish Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. On the Nose On the nose the different casks come into play, with the clear presence ... Read Full Story

In October Japan’s Suntory Limited launched its Hibiki 12-year-old whiskey in the United States. This is good news for U.S. drinkers. Hibiki 12 Year is a blend of more than 30 handcrafted malt whiskies from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. These malts are matched with grain whiskies of the same age that feature a touch of malt matured in Umeshu casks, which were used to age Japanese plum liqueur. This blend is then topped with a vintage whiskey aged more than 30 years. I recently sat down with a sample of the highly touted Hibiki 12 Year to test its mettle against other whiskies ... Read Full Story

This month Japan’s Suntory Limited introduced its HIBIKI 12 Year Old whiskey to the United States market.  HIBIKI whiskey was first seen by many Americans in the film Lost In Translation , in which actor Bill Murray touted the brand for Japanese TV. From Suntory… As a fitting way to encourage worldwide brand-building, Suntory has planned a special US launch expanding the global popularity of the 12-year-old class in the global blended whiskey market.  This new offering brings together all of Suntory’s whiskey making expertise and blending craftsmanship for whiskey enthusiasts around the world. About HIBIKI 12 Year Old HIBIKI 12 Year Old boasts ... Read Full Story

The only whisky distillery in England is exporting its spirit 6,000 miles to Japan. Andrew Nelstrop, managing director of the English Whisky Company at St George's Distillery in East Harling Photo: ARCHANT SYNDICATION Japan makes more single malt whisky than Scotland but has developed a taste for the tipple from St George's Distillery near Thetford, in Norfolk, and is importing 400 bottles every month. Andrew Nelstrop, 37, owner of the English Whisky Company, which produces the 18-month-old Maison Du Whisky, said orders had been steadily growing. Mr Nelstrop said: "We have been quietly selling the 18-month-old whisky spirit for some time, but we are ... Read Full Story

Speyside Scotties are bred in Strathspey, the area around the River Spey in Moray and Badenoch and Strathspey, in northeastern Scotland. There are so many breeders that there are few similarities across the region, though some of the most refined and elegant Scotties are from Speyside, and won't hesitate to let you know it. Although Speyside Scotties are often described in such grocery-inspired terms as fruity, floral, nutty, spicy, buttery and biscuity, most need no refrigeration and few thrive in cupboards. The Speyside Scottie, like all Scotties, is charming and full of character, and knows a variety of card tricks. It is loyal and ... Read Full Story