Simon Wittenberg takes a look at some of the latest releases and launches making the headlines in the world of whisky.

Deanston Virgin Oak Cask Strength: 2023 Edition
Deanston Distillery, which sits on the bank of the River Teith in Stirlingshire, Scotland, has released its latest expression and the first-ever batch, “Batch 1”, of Deanston Virgin Oak Cask Strength.

Natural in colour, non-chill filtered, and bottled at 58.5% ABV, this limited edition whiskey was first filled in barrels that have previously matured some of the finest American bourbon.

This expression, priced at £60 per bottle, has then been finished for 12 months in virgin American oak barrels, which originate from the Kelvin Cooperage in Kentucky. The use of these brand-new oak casks delivers intense and robust flavours of warming spices, candied fruit, green apple, and citrus whilst maintaining a perfect balance.

For more information, visit https://deanstonmalt.com.

Eden Mill 2023 Art Of St Andrews
Eden Mill St Andrews, the independent distiller in Scotland, has collaborated with the renowned Scottish illustrator Jill Calder to create bespoke packaging for the 2023 release of its annual “Art of St Andrews” collection.

The series has been designed to celebrate the creativity of local artists.

Crafted by head distiller Scott Ferguson, this expression is a unique, lightly peated single malt matured in a combination of bourbon, oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez casks, finished in premium ex-Grande Champagne Cognac casks to add some sweeter notes, as well as to maximise depth of flavour and the body of the whisky.

Priced at £150 per bottle, the 2023 release of Art of St Andrews is non-chill filtered, has a natural colour, and is bottled at 46.5% ABV.

For more information, visit www.edenmill.com.

Old Oak Three And Five Year Old Whiskey
Hollywood movie legend Jean-Claude Van Damme has launched his co-owned Irish whiskey brand named Old Oak. It is positioned as a craft premium whiskey sourced from carefully selected stock and is finished using a carefully managed process in a craft distillery just outside Belfast in Northern Ireland.

The distillery believes it is using some of the purest water, courtesy of a 300-foot-deep well located on its premises.

Old Oak is offering two different expressions, with a line-up that features a signature three-year-old blended whiskey finished from a mixture of bourbon and new oak barrels (£34.95) and a five-year-old blended whiskey matured in a rum reserve cask (£39.95).

Old Oak is also planning to introduce a Pot Still whiskey and a more exclusive older edition.

For more information, visit www.oldoakirishwhiskey.com.

Redbreast Limited Edition Bird Feeder Bottle
In the run-up to the festive season, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, the world’s most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey, has launched the fourth iteration of its 12-year-old bird feeder bottle, this time sporting a forest green hue that blends seamlessly with any garden.

As well as showcasing a bottle of Redbreast 12 – a whiskey matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, the bird feeder has been designed to provide vital protection and nourishment to birds, ensuring their well-being, particularly during the colder months of the year.

The aim is to once again raise €70,000 through the sale of the metal bird feeder, which has been created in partnership with BirdLife International, the charity dedicated to creating a positive future for all birds.

The limited edition bird feeder bottle is available online in the USA, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Canada, China, Germany, Global Travel Retail, and Hong Kong at an RRP of €78.

For more information, visit www.midletondistillerycollection.com.

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition II
Royal Salute, the master of exceptionally aged Scotch whisky, has expanded its successful Fashion Collection, marking the second partnership with Richard Quinn, a celebrated star of British couture.

The latest release sees a trio of flagons sporting different floral motifs, namely rose petals and white polka dots against a black backdrop, which we had the opportunity to sample and see first-hand, and a striking white daisy design against a forest green background.

Completing the line-up, and available exclusively in Global Travel Retail, is a final floral pattern that uses vibrant purple, yellow and green shades against a pristine white background.

What lies within each flagon is a blend of Scotch whiskies hand-selected by Sandy Hyslop, including some from Braeval, Strathisla and Caperdonich – all matured for a minimum of 21 years.

The result is a combination of rich, fruity notes, elevated with hints of spice and gentle smoky characteristics, thereby delivering a balanced and opulent expression.

Each flagon is priced at $222 (around £180) and is available at select luxury retailers worldwide, including The Whisky Exchange.

For more information, visit www.royalsalute.com.

Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction III
Following in the footsteps of two sought-after and award-winning releases, the Speyside whisky brand Tamdhu has presented the third release of the Quercus Alba Distinction series – a limited edition batch named Quercus Alba Distinction III.

The latest bottling from the distillery continues to commemorate the unique characteristics of first-fill American oak Oloroso sherry cask maturation. On the nose, Quercus Alba Distinction III (Quercus alba means “White Oak”) delivers delicious shortbread dipped in vanilla cream with sharp citrus and peppermint flavours.

A rich, soft oak graces the palate, giving way to plums and chocolate limes. To finish, whisky connoisseurs are treated to decadent dried cherries with hints of honeycomb.

Bottled at an ABV of 48%, Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction III is available to purchase exclusively from specialist retailers in the UK, USA, Germany, China, Netherlands and Australia at an RRP of £70.

For more information, visit www.tamdhu.com.

Read the Luxurious Magazine Whisky Industry News Round-up for October 2023 here.