New: Lochlea Sowing Edition / Redbreast Kentucky Oak / Flaming Heart 2022

Ben Nevis 1996 (The Whisky Jury)

Last year The Whisky Jury acquired a cask of Ben Nevis 1996 from the twin daughters of an ex-RAF pilot called Idris McLellan. Not only is this good whisky, it also tells the warm story of this WWII soldier on the back label.

It was bottled from a refill hogshead after 25 years of maturation, and it’s expected to be launched within the next two weeks or so. Please have mercy on the retailers, who will only have a few bottles…

Lochlea Sowing Edition

Lochlea Sowing Edition is an upcoming release from this start-up Lowlands distillery. This will be the first of four annual bottlings, each with a different theme based on the four seasons. Matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, it aims to be a young, fruity whisky. Bottled at 48% ABV and released 21 March 2022.

Compass Box Flaming Heart 2022

The whisky inspired by a rock song – On tour again in 2022. Compass Box Flaming Heart is getting a new 2022 release, the seventh edition already and still based around Caol Ila, Laphroaig and Talisker single malts. Their trademark French oak custom barrels also play a role.

They say it’s the fruitiest Flaming Heart of recent years, and in the recipe there’s even 3% of The Nectar’s 15th anniversary bottling and 1,3% of Flaming Heart 2018. This limited release consists of 9540 bottles and it’s expected in the summer.

Redbreast Kentucky Oak Edition

Redbreast is planning a Redbreast Kentucky Oak Edition, bottled at 101 proof (50.5% proof). It is finished in American oak casks from the Taylor Family elk cave farm. According to the label we can expect hints of toasted almonds, cedar wood, toffee and rich oak spices.

Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask Reserve

Black Bush 80/20 is a new travel retail exclusive from Bushmills. This blended Irish whiskey is based on Black Bush and is composed of 80% single malt whiskey aged in sherry casks (part of which in Pedro Ximénez casks) and 20% grain whiskey.

Too bad it is bottled at a low 40% ABV. Available in select airports for € 32 (1 litre bottle).

Also interesting

Things that may not have been widely announced but that grabbed my attention in shops recently…