Clynelish Reserve: Game of Thrones Edition
Founded in 1819, Clynelish has been operating nearly uninterrupted for over two hundred years, even when it was known for a time as Brora distillery. Though it produced single malts early on, almost all the distillery’s output has been a primary highland component to some of current owner Diageo’s Johnnie Walker series. Maybe because new single malts are rarely seen from this distillery, the Clynelish Reserve was seen as a standout when Diageo released a Game of Thrones set in early 2019 to celebrate the hit show’s final season. There is no age statement or anything to stand it apart like cask finishing.
Whisky Wisdom: Interview with Andy Morrison, Part 1
Whisky Wisdom continues the exploration of unique people in the whisky world by asking them a few questions, hopefully over a dram of whiskey. Minglewood Distilling Company, located in the heart of Wooster, OH, has a special twist in that it is also the current location of one of our founding members, Kate. The following is from lightly edited correspondence with Andy Morrison, co-owner of Minglewood along with his father Mark, bookended with Kate’s own thoughts.
Dewar’s 21 Year Double Double
Dewar’s scotch is a brand of blended scotch with a history as storied as many single distilleries. Created in 1846 by John Dewar and expanded by his sons so that by the turn of the century, their scotches were winning awards and being gifted to multiple US presidents by Andrew Carnegie. The Dewar’s brand have constructed or bought distilleries to add to production and they currently own Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Macduff and Royal Brackla. While each of these produce single malt offerings, part of their output is allocated to the Dewar’s blended mix. The Dewar’s 21 Year Double Double is thus named for the four-stage process where two parallel batches of single malt and single grain whiskies are aged and blended on their own before finally being married together in ex-sherry casks. Curiously only a 375ml bottle, though the box offers a nice presentation. Heavy marketing around sensation – “Ultimate Smoothness” and “silky smooth finish” versus taste or smell.