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Springtime Scotch Whiskies

Spring is always a time for fresh optimism and renewal

For whisky drinkers it signals a distinct transition from the heavier sherried or peated styles of Winter to something more refreshing, bright and uplifting to suit the longer and warmer days.

 

Here is a selection of Scotch whiskies that fit the bill. All are core products and readily available from regular whisky retailers. They are vibrant, expressive, and perfect for a gorgeous Spring Day, whether sipped neat, over ice or mixed in a cocktail.

Bladnoch | Samsara

The Bladnoch distillery is the oldest one remaining in the Lowlands region of Scotland. It is close to the village of Wigtown and further south than parts of northern England, including the city of Newcastle. Samsara sits in the core range and means ‘rebirth’. It is a fragrant and vibrant marriage of aged malts matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Californian red wine casks.

Vanilla fudge and soft baked apple sit alongside some delicate, warming baking spices to begin. Then come raisin and sultana mixed with cocoa powder and golden syrup. A late oaky vibe also comes through to give extra depth. This is exceptional neat but also makes a fabulous Manhattan or Old Fashioned style cocktail.

Compass Box | Artist Blend

One of the most uplifting and vibrant blended whiskies out there. It offers great value for money and combines whiskies matured in ex-bourbon, ex-Palo Cortado sherry & French oak casks. Compass Box kicked off the artisan blending scene and are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. The Artist Blend is inspired by the architecture and design of the city of Edinburgh.

This delightful blend leads with aromas of floral Spring meadows and candyfloss. Red apple, fresh cut grass and malted cereals evolve and are supported by vanilla sugar, sherbet lemon and creamy coconut. This whisky can be served neat or even straight from the freezer to further enhance its bright nature. Fabulous.

Glenmorangie | The Original 12 Years Old

This classic Highland single malt got a rebrand last year. The age was increased to 12 Years Old, and the transition was seamless. The recipe, maturation and price remained the same. Glenmorangie’s tall stills, the highest in Scotland at five metres, produce a deliciously light and elegant style of spirit that is loved the world over. This makes it a must for our Spring selection.

Sweet notes of honey, butterscotch and vanilla custard are dominant and well supported by luscious green apple, peach and coconut. 100% ex-bourbon cask maturation is difficult to beat and offers no hiding place for the spirit. Glenmorangie shines in these conditions and this expression does not disappoint. An absolute classic.

Kingsbarns | Coaltown

Peat still has its place as the warmer temperatures and longer days arrive. Especially when done in a subtle and delightful way like this. Kingsbarns were one of the early pioneers of the Fife craft whisky distilling boom. Using ex-Islay whisky casks to mature their spirit for this bottling is another innovative step. Coaltown is named after a nearby local village and is the brand’s third core product.

The result of maturing in ex-Islay whisky casks is that you get a subtler influence of peat. It has a greenness and freshness to it. Candied lime and green capsicum mingle with heather honey and vanilla toffee. Everything is wrapped up in a gentle, medicinal smoke that wisps around everything, making the style easily accessible.

Loch Lomond | 12 Years Old

Loch Lomond is an underrated yet multi-award-winning distillery that you need to explore, if you have not already. It won a staggering 58 awards worldwide last year and was named as the IWSC’s Distiller of the Year. This 12 Years Old, subtitled Perfectly Balanced, is a marriage of spirit distilled through traditional swan-necked stills and Loch Lomond’s unique straight-necked still.

The whiskies have been matured in three varieties of American oak casks – ex-bourbon, re-fill and re-charred. The result is exquisite. Expect notes of peach and pear married with heather honey and a fresh grassy characteristic. It feels luscious and creamy in the mouth and has a soft, sweet and gentle smokiness sitting in the background.

 

by Matt Chambers
Master of Whisky at Whisky 1901
02/04/2025

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**Disclaimer**: Important information. Please read carefully before making any purchase. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Whisky 1901 Ltd is not a regulated financial institution and is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Any references to “investment,” “broker,” “adviser,” or similar terminology are used descriptively only and should not be interpreted as regulated financial services.

Whisky 1901 Ltd does not provide financial or investment advice, does not assess suitability, and does not make recommendations. Any decision to purchase whisky casks is made solely by the customer, based on their own judgment and, where appropriate, independent professional advice.

Whisky is sold as a physical, tangible asset and not as a financial product. Purchasing whisky carries risks that differ from regulated investments such as stocks or bonds, and customers should make purchase decisions independently and based on their own research.

Key Risks and Considerations:

1. Please be aware that whisky casks are unregulated in the UK and that the value is variable, meaning it can both increase and decrease. 

2. Understand that you have 14 days to change your mind and request a full refund under our cooling-off period.

3. All Clients of Whisky 1901 Ltd must be aged 18 years or older to make a purchase, in accordance with UK law and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol to minors.

4. Please note that the volume of spirit will decrease over time due to evaporation, known as “the Angels’ share”.

5. Please be aware that “New Make” spirit must be matured for a minimum of 3 years, during which its alcoholic strength could be reduced. However, for the product to be classed as “Whisky”, it must retain a minimum strength of 40%.

6. Please understand that as a buyer you may get back less than the amount paid. Additionally, past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

7. The sale price offered by Whisky 1901 Ltd includes a discretionary commercial markup. This markup is applied to the acquisition cost of the whisky and reflects both the costs incurred in connection with the provision of services including, but not limited to, storage, movement and maintenance of casks, insurance, and associated administrative and software infrastructure and a profit margin retained by Whisky 1901 Ltd in the ordinary course of business.

As a result of the markup applied, there is a material difference between the Company’s acquisition cost of a cask and the price at which it is sold to investors.
Investors should be aware that this markup creates a difference between the Company’s acquisition cost and the price at which the cask is sold. This spread may impact the potential for future returns and may affect the ability to achieve a profit on resale. Comparable casks may be available from other sources at different prices. Prospective purchasers should conduct their own due diligence and consider obtaining independent financial advice before making any investment decision.

8. Please recognise that the cask price can fluctuate and the price of casks can go down as well as up, neither of which are guaranteed.

9. Whisky casks are a long term maturing asset and therefore it is advised to be held for a minimum of 5 to 10 years.

10. Whisky casks are an illiquid asset. There is no guaranteed secondary market, no guaranteed timeframe for resale and no obligation on Whisky 1901 LTD to buy back or sell the cask on your behalf.

11. Please understand that the products and services we offer may not be suitable for all customers. If you have any doubts, we advise you to seek advice from an independent financial advisor.

12. Finally all whisky casks are stored in HMRC bonded warehouses in Scotland and are comprehensively insured against risks including fire, theft and accidental damage, insurance policy is updated annually. The customer understands that any cask investment can be physically verified via a company organised visits to warehouses where tastings can also be accommodated.

 

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