Simon Wittenberg takes a look at some of the latest news and launches making the headlines in the world of whisky.
Glenglassaugh Serpentine Cask Collection
Glenglassaugh, on the northeast coast of the Scottish Highlands, has promoted the arrival of its new Serpentine Cask Collection.
It takes its name from the precious serpentine marble found in the area surrounding the distillery, and the portfolio is made up of three unique expressions. Each whisky has been taken from a single cask, is aged over 48 years old, and has been given an individual number.
Launched in Singapore, the expressions will be available worldwide. The 48 Years Old (46.1% ABV) is priced at £7,500 per bottle, whilst the 49 Years Old (42.1%) commands a price tag of £8,300. The flagship 51 Years Old (estimated at 44.2% ABV) retails for £10,600.
For more information, please visit www.glenglassaugh.com.
Glenmorangie adds Nissan ARIYA EVs to its fleet
Scotch whisky brand Glenmorangie has added two all-electric Nissan ARIYA coupé crossovers to its busy fleet of pool cars.
It is the ideal model for staff to travel between the company’s headquarters in Edinburgh, the distillery in Tain (Ross-shire), and its bottling hall in Livingston, West Lothian, where a recent multi-million-pound renovation has led to the installation of a number of EV charging points.
One of the ARIYAs is also assigned to the Ardbeg distillery on Islay, which has been a part of the Glenmorangie portfolio since 1997.
For more information, please visit www.glenmorangie.com and www.nissan.co.uk.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Limited Edition Design
Johnnie Walker has unveiled the intricate new Blue Label Lunar New Year Limited Edition Design created by James Jean, one of the most influential visual artists in the world.
The vivid imagery used for the Year of the Dragon features an innovative and dynamic interpretation of 2024’s Zodiac animal, the noble Wood Dragon.
The dragon is symbolic of life and creativity, as well as representing future prosperity in traditional Asian culture, echoing the defiant optimism of the Johnnie Walker motto, ‘Keep Walking’.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a whisky made using some of the rarest whiskies from the unparalleled Johnnie Walker reserves of maturing Scotch, including some irreplaceable casks sourced from long-closed ‘ghost’ distilleries.
For more information, see www.johnniewalker.com.
The Glenlivet 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition 12-Year-Old
The renowned Speyside distillery is celebrating two centuries since being founded and has launched The Glenlivet 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition 12-Year-Old to mark the occasion.
The new expression has been laid down in 100% first fill American Oak casks, and features notes of ripe, juicy pear, coconut shavings and creamy vanilla, complemented by aromas of fresh tangerines, pineapple slices and indulgent crème caramel.
The artwork for the limited edition single malt was selected through a crowdsourcing campaign, and the winning bicentennial design from Studio Berdi in Colombia encapsulates The Glenlivet’s journey from its inception by bold founder George Smith.
Carrying an RRP of £51.95, bottles are available now at The Whisky Exchange.
For more information, visit www.theglenlivet.com.