John Dewar & Sons has announced plans to release a range of new expressions and never-before-released single malts from Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, The Deveron and Royal Brackla, which together make up the ‘Last Great Malts’ Collection.
“We have been patiently reserving casks and we are now ready to share the five distinguished malts with whisky lovers around the world – each release features an age statement,” said John Dewar & Sons Single Malts Global Marketing Manager Stephen Marshall.
“Up until now, these amazing liquids have been Scotland’s best-kept secret, known only to a few. Now we’re appealing to single malt drinkers – people who like stories and enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the aromas of the world’s most complex spirit,” he added.
Aberfeldy, known as the ‘Golden Dram’, draws its water from the Pitilie Burn, whose waters contain deposits of alluvial gold. The dram, with its honey notes, displays a classic Central Highland style that is said to be rarely tasted in single malts today. Named ‘Highland Whisky of the Year 2014’ by Whisky Magazine, Aberfeldy is repackaged and available globally as a 12yo and a 21yo, with an 18yo exclusively available in travel retail. The company plans to launch a 16yo sherry finish and a 30yo in 2015.
Aultmore is a rare Speyside malt known locally as “a nip of the Buckie Road”. The distillery’s water filters down through the Foggie Moss, resulting in a dram with gentle grassy notes. Aultmore will be available from November with a 12yo, a 21yo in travel retail, and a 25yo in limited quantities.
Craigellachie has released a portfolio of single malts for the first time in history. The distillery stays true to its traditions of whisky-making, including the use of worm tubs – so called for their coiled copper tubing – to cool the spirit. A Speyside whisky with a “sulphuric, savoury, meaty” character, it was described as old-fashioned even in 1891 as it makes no concessions to modern-day trends. Craigellachie makes its way from the distillery doors this month, with a 13yo, 17yo, a travel retail exclusive 19yo, and a limited 23yo.
Coming in summer 2015 from The Deveron is a new range of 12yo, 18yo and 25yo single malts, made where the River Deveron meets the open seas. Said to be a favourite with the work force of the distillery, The Deveron combines soft fruity notes with an easy drinking style.
With a previous limited edition release of a 35yo £10,000 (US$15,000) bottle, Royal Brackla is a truly regal malt, said John Dewar & Sons. Founded in 1812, in the northern Highlands, it hails from the first distillery bestowed with a royal warrant and has since been lauded as “The King’s Own Whisky”. Described as heavily sherried, rich, fruity and full, Royal Brackla will be released in March 2015 as 12yo, 16yo and 21yo expressions.
John Dewar & Sons Dark Spirits Category Director John Burke said: “The single malt category is one of our industry’s great growth opportunities. We are blessed with five of Scotland’s finest, high-quality whiskies. We have great respect for the category and are confident that each of the Last Great Malts will be a fitting addition to the repertoire of the most discerning single malt enthusiast.”
The single malts – to be released in phases – will be available as a complete set of five or in various combinations of the expressions in ten initial markets worldwide, including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US and in global travel retail.
For more information on the new single malt expressions, the five distilleries, tasting notes, crafting, and heritage, visit www.LastGreatMalts.com
