Ardbeg Smoketrails – Manzanilla
Ardbeg distillery released its first expression in a new Traveller’s Exclusive series: Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition. It is a marriage of classic American oak casks and Manzanilla casks from Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Expect the classic Ardbeg smoke with an extra coastal boost.
Ardbeg Smoketrails comes at 46% ABV and launches 5th October accross nine UK airports before rolling out in global duty free from 1 November. In practice though it seems to be on the shelves already, for £ 67 (around € 75).
Whisky Show 2022 bottlings
The UK’s leading whisky festival is taking place in London this weekend: Whisky Show 2022. For this occasion five bottlings are released, one Linkwood 2006 show bottling and four bottlings in a series called From Grain to Green.
This year the labels feature heat sensitive ink that reacts to changing environmental conditions. The warmer it gets, the more they show. Each label highlights a different aspect of climate crisis.
There’s something for everyone: Imperial 1996, Linkwood 2006, Clynelish 2011, Caol Ila 2013 and Ledaig 2006. Stay tuned for our review, coming up next week.
Fettercairn 18 Year Old
Fettercairn 18 Year Old is a new single malt which claims to be the first ever whisky finished in locally sourced Scottish oak. The wood is sourced from the Highlands and is part of an innovation programme set up by whisky maker Gregg Glass. Scottish oak supposedly highlights the tropical fruits of the spirit.
Fettercairn 18 Year Old rolls out to select markets beginning in October and carries a suggested retail price of £175. It will become an annual release.
Aberfeldy Red Wine Collection
For its yearly releases in the Red Wine Collection, Aberfeldy distillery announces two new expressions:
- Aberfeldy 15 Year Old – Cabernet Sauvignon finish (Napa Valley)
- Aberfeldy 18 Year Old – Tuscan red wine finish (Bolgheri)
The collection started in 2019 with the 15 Year Old Pomerol finish. The new additions sell through the Dewars online shop before rolling out to the UK, India, Taiwan, China, USA, France and Germany. The price of the 15 Years is € 59 while the 18 Years goes for € 99. Too bad they’re bottled at a modest 43% ABV.
Method & Madness Oats & Malt
Irish Distillers introduces its latest experimental whiskey in the Method and Madness series. Method and Madness Oats & Malt is the second release so far from the company’s micro distillery within Midleton. Oats bring extra aromas of marshmallow and fudge to this whiskey.
Oats & Malt has a bottling strength of 46% ABV and will be available from today in Ireland, the UK and online. The RRP is € 95.
Also interesting
Last but not least, here are some things that may not have been widely announced but that grabbed my attention in shops recently…
- Green Spot 10 Years 2010 – Vinsanto Cask #363130 (MoM exclusive)
- Ardnamurchan AD/12:16 CK 1302 (TyndrumWhisky exclusive)
- Diageo Special Releases 2022
- Compass Box Ultramarine
- Tormore 1993 Sherry Cask (G&M Connoisseurs Choice)
- Burnt Oak 24 Year Old
- Tobermory 21 Year Old Oloroso
- Glenfarclas Tyndrum Gold – Batch 7
- Bushmills Black Bush 80:20 PX Sherry
- The Lakes Whiskymaker’s Editions Infinity
- Glentauchers 2006 (G&M for Whiskybase 15th anniversary)
- Aberlour 31 Year Old Batch 10 (Boutique-y Whisky)