Scottish distillery Loch Lomond has launched the first of three releases, a 45-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, as part of its The Remarkable Stills Series of single malts.

Bottled at 42.2% ABV, the expression has been created to celebrate the distillery’s straight neck pot stills, which give more control, allowing for greater separation of flavours, which helps create Loch Lomond’s classic fruity character.

“Our straight neck pot stills connect us to the spirit of innovation that was built into our distillery from the beginning and places flavour at the centre of what we do,” said master blender Michael Henry. “It is only fitting that we mark their significance to us through the Remarkable Stills Series.”

Distilled in 1973, the 45-Years-Old limited-release expression was matured in American oak casks and finished for 12 months in a first-fill oloroso Sherry cask.

On the nose, the expression has floral notes, alongside hints of orange blossom and melted brown sugar on the palate. The finish provides ‘warming cinnamon spice and tart green fruits’.

Henry added: “After 45 years ageing in American oak and oloroso Sherry casks, the whisky retains the character of the distillery, and showcases Loch Lomond Whiskies’ signature fruity flavour beautifully.”

For more information, go to lochlomondwhiskies.com

After a three-year break, French Cognac brand Hennessy has unveiled the next instalment of its Master Blender’s Selection series, Master Blender’s Selection No 5.

This Limited-Edition expression, bottled at 43% ABV, is composed of truly unique, unreplicatable blends that will never be replicated. This unique liquid is the result of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation, curated under the expert eye of Hennessy’s 8th-generation Master Blender, Renaud Fillioux de Gironde.

“I wanted to pay tribute to the artisans behind the scenes – exclusive Hennessy distillers who are experts and share with us, year after year, first-rate eaux-de-vie remarkable for their purity, finesse and potential,” explained Fillioux de Gironde

“Some have been with us almost since the Maison was founded over 200 years ago. It generally takes many years of training between generations for the son or daughter of the current distiller to take over.

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“It’s with these future generations that we’ll continue to grow and offer cognacs rooted in our terroir yet deeply contemporary in nature,” Fillioux de Gironde continued.

The Master Blender’s Selection No. 5 requires an unprecedented eaux-de-vie selection process, followed by a maturing process of at least seven years in French oak barrels. It offers aromatic complexity. Renaud has selected and combined different eaux-de-vie produced by these 18 unique families of distillers, merging their characters and personalities to create an unmatched cognac.

On the nose, it presents a sophisticated world with notes of spice and candied orange, while the palate is smooth, with delightful pastry notes of cocoa and sweet spices, a comforting creaminess. Then come notes of light tobacco and candied orange.

“Being the 8th generation Master Blender is a tremendous honour,” explained Fillioux de Gironde, “and I feel privileged to be able to continue the craft that was passed down to me by my uncle Yann Fillioux.

“With Master Blender’s Selection No 5, I opted for an innovative approach blend produced in a single batch that will never be replicated – this limited edition is a celebration of the collaborative spirit and expertise in the world of Cognac.”

For more information, go to hennessy.com

A new Texas-based venture, Round 2 Spirits, has launched Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, exclusively distilled from 100% Blue Weber Agave.

“By volume, vodka is the largest spirits category in the U.S., but let’s be honest, it’s been a long time since there was any meaningful innovation or true disruption in this space,” explained Lee Applbaum, President and COO of Round 2 Spirits.

“Weber Ranch Vodka is one of the most groundbreaking new products created in this category, and delivers a smooth, clean flavor profile unlike our competitors, largely because of the superior-quality Blue Weber Agave. Better ingredients are key to making a better product, and that’s absolutely true in our case.”

Weber Ranch Vodka marks a significant departure for a spirit commonly made from wheat, corn, or potatoes that take just a few months to harvest, compared to Blue Weber Agave which takes up to seven years to mature and is hand-harvested in Jalisco, Mexico.

Beginning its journey in Jalisco, Mexico, the agave is hand-harvested and distilled in Jalisco, before being transported to the Weber Ranch Distillery in Muenster, Texas. Once there, the liquid is further distilled in proprietary copper pot and column stills, filtered, and bottled.

The Vodka’s unique character is created through this second distillation and filtration with the addition of water from the local Trinity Aquifer.

The Vodka is naturally 100% gluten, carb, and additive free from garden to glass, and is said to exhibit an extraordinarily unique and clean taste profile that retains all the bright citrus notes from the agave, yet creates a velvety smooth mouthfeel unlike any other vodka.

“Blue Weber Agave is truly a special plant that creates a superior spirit, and that’s not just limited to tequila,” says Antonio Rodriguez, Weber Ranch’s master distiller, and the former production director at Patrón Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico.

“Weber Ranch Vodka is unmistakably a vodka, but because we’re using agave, we’re able to develop subtle, smooth flavour notes of tropical fruit and citrus that make this spirit not only better for classic vodka cocktails, but it works equally well in traditional agave-based drinks like a ranch water or Paloma. The tremendous versatility is the real magic of this spirit.”

Weber Ranch Vodka (80 proof) marks the first product release by Round 2 Spirits and will be available throughout the USA

For more information, go to weberranch.com.

Canadian Gin brand Empress 1908 announces the U.S. launch of its new premium, handcrafted, small batch expression, Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin.

Crafted with eight unique botanicals, including juniper berries, lemon, jasmine, star anise, cucumber and fresh lemon zest, the Cucumber Lemon Gin is inspired by traditional afternoon tea, with lively citrus notes and bursts with extraordinary flavour.

Complementing the juniper, the fusion of vibrant lemon zest and crisp garden cucumber offers a subtle hint of cardamom spice and the delicate aroma of jasmine.

“We always strive to create balanced, high-quality blends that inspire creativity and offer inviting flavours,” explained Eric Dopkins, CEO and Chairman of Milestone Brands.

“Following the overwhelmingly positive reception of our Elderflower Rose Gin last year, we leveraged our Master Distillers’ extensive botanical expertise to introduce our next innovative flavour: Cucumber Lemon.

We are excited to see Empress Cucumber Lemon Gin support Empress Gin’s mission of creating the most distinctive cocktails,” Dopkins continued.

Bottled at 42.5% ABV, Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin is best enjoyed in the signature Cucumber & Tonic cocktail, served with premium tonic water and garnished with a fresh cucumber slice and a lemon wheel to enhance the botanicals in the gin.

For more information, go to empressgin.com and follow the brand on social media via @Empress1908Gin.

US family-owned wine company Jackson Family Wines announces the launch of its first spirit, Stonestreet Kentucky Straight Bourbon ‘Founder’s Edition.’

Born out of the family’s success in horse racing and their establishment of Stonestreet Farms in Kentucky, the Founder’s Edition Bourbon is handcrafted and small batch, with only 131 barrels produced. The high-wheat mash bill bourbon is aged for a minimum of 5 years to create a distinctively smooth profile

Stonestreet, the bourbon’s emblematic name, is the middle name of company founder Jess Jackson, which has been passed down through generations. It graces their horse farm, estate vineyards, and their foray into the bourbon category.

“My family’s passion for excellence underpins everything we do. From racing our first thoroughbred in 2005 to the release of our inaugural bourbon, we will never stop pursuing what is possible while respecting those who have ventured before us,” explains Jackson, who will also serve as the brand’s Master Blender.

The nose boasts aromas of toasted caramel with sweet corn and a touch of lemon oil, while the palate has a rounded approach, a silky texture, and flavours of baked peach, vanilla, and toffee. It is best served neat, over ice, or as a beautiful addition to a classic cocktail.

Stonestreet Founder’s Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available in Kentucky and most major markets across the United States. 

For more information, go to stonestreetwhiskey.com

Tennessee Whisky brand George Dickel has released the latest in its award-winning Bottled in Bond series with George Dickel Bottled in Bond Spring 2011, Aged 12 Years.

This fifth release, with notes of overripe cherries, macadamia nut cookies, and toasted oak, was awarded Double Gold at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition with a score of 96.

“Something that makes this series so special is that whisky fans have the rare opportunity to try expertly crafted Bottled in Bond offerings at a great price,” explained Nicole Austin, Director of George Dickel & Luxury Whiskey.

“If you’re a fan of the category, you know the designation requires the liquid to be from just one distillation season, among other regulations. Our Bottled in Bond offerings are a testament to the quality of our inventory and the commitment at Cascade Hollow to consistently produce outstanding whisky.

“I can’t wait for both old and new fans of the series to try it,” Austin continued.

At 100 proof, this edition has a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley. It is chill charcoal mellowed like the rest of the George Dickel portfolio, creating a smooth and creamy mouthfeel for which the brand is best known.

For more information, go to georgedickel.com