New: Ardbeg Spectacular, Springbank 1999, Berry Bros…

Ardbeg Spectacular

The limited release for Ardbeg Day 2024 (June 1st) is called Ardbeg Spectacular. It is the first Ardbeg whisky to mature in Port barrels. It is said to provide flavours that are new to Ardbeg, with dark chocolate alongside candied fruit and smoked pecans. Aromas of vetiver and lavender are mentioned in the nose. The price will be € 120.

Not sure why this is announced for Ardbeg Day if you can already buy it from several retailers…

Springbank 1999 / Aberlour 33 Year Old (Whisky Sponge)

Springbank 1999 / Aberlour 33 Years (Whisky Sponge)

Decadent Drinks released two new single malts:

Springbank 1999 (Westie Sponge)
Matured in a first-fill sherry butt, extremely classical and powerful. This comes in a hand-blown cognac style bottle.
Aberlour 33 Year Old (Whisky Sponge)
A combination of a 1989 (richer and spicier) and a 1991 hogshead (more floral and fruity). Mature Aberlour at cask strength.

Glenrothes 32 Year Old

The label for a Glenrothes 32 Year Old appeared online. It could fill the gap between the 25 and 42 year old expressions. It comes at a slightly low 43%, with tasting notes like stewed plums and treacle toffee hinting at sherry cask maturation.

With yet another colour scheme and a kind of fake parchment look that we hadn’t seen before, it seems The Glenrothes fired their marketing department. Visual consistency of the labels seems to be problematic lately, luckily they have the unique bottle shape.

Cù Bòcan Creation 6

Cù Bòcan Creation #6

From Tomatin distillery comes the sixth limited edition of their peated Cù Bòcan. The whisky is a mix of spirit matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks (for nine years) and Jamaican rum casks (for ten years). Interesting combination, I think, almost rum and raisins.

Creation #6 comes at 46% ABV with a price tag of £ 60. Available from their online shop or through several retailers like The Whisky Exchange.

Berry Bros. whisky core range refresh

Berry Bros. core range refresh

Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, refresh its core range of single malt whiskies. The Classic range showcases various regions and cask styles and gets a new label design. The series introduces age statements for the first time.

There will be four expressions:

Speyside Sherry Cask 12 Years (£ 45)
Speyside Traditional Cask 16 Years (£ 100)
Islay Traditional Cask (£ 45)
Irish Reserve (£ 45)

Also interesting

Last but not least, here are some things that grabbed my attention in shops recently…