Highland

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.

By Adam | July 5, 2021 | Highland | No Comments |

Almost all distilleries trade on a sense of history and tradition – for good reason – in association with their craft and their whisky. A smaller selection of brands are lucky enough to have a towering figurehead behind their iconic malts. Dalmore has Master Distiller Richard Paterson, who is a leader in cask curation. Specifically, a long association with sherry bodega and wine industry giant González Byass has resulted in a collection of unique casks to age the distillery’s whisky. Sherry casks are not the only ones in use, however. The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve is one of the few non-age statement offerings in the brand’s principle collection. Dalmore owner Whyte & Mackay also owns the Jura and Fettercairn distilleries, along with other spirit brands.

By Adam | December 20, 2020 | Highland | No Comments |

Glengoyne is one of those rare distilleries that has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1833. Where other distilleries paused for wars or were bought and sold on the winds of economic change, Glengoyne persisted. The distillery focuses on six elements that comprise their current spirit: unpeated, patience, oak casks, maturation, natural color, and tradition. Some of those are more tactile than others but all can impact the final product. Glengoyne is also unique in its geography, sitting right on the border between scotch regions. The whisky is made in the Highlands region but then transported across the road and ages in the Lowlands region. The Glengoyne 15 Year is one of several age statement expressions comprising the distillery’s core range and made from a blend matured in either ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks.

By Adam | September 20, 2020 | Highland | No Comments |