Tag Archives: scotland

Ardbeg Galileo

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We have just managed to get our our hands on Ardbeg’s special release ‘Galileo’ 12yo whisky.  The name is inspired by a slightly mad experiment which involved launching some whisky into space in order to find out how much of an impact gravity has on the ageing of a whisky. Although this sounds slightly whimsical, it was actually NanoRacks LLC (a Houston based research company) who approached Ardbeg.  They wished to study the interaction between micro-organisms (present in the whisky) and charred oak in an environment with very low gravity and compare the results to the same organisms aged in the normal way at the distillery.

Each year, Ardbeg releases a very low production special edition Whisky and last year’s Alligator was snapped up very quickly.  This year, I predict a similar enthusiasm for the Galileo.  These special bottlings are the result of the most successful of the distillery’s experiments.  Dr. Bill Lumsden, Head of distilling in both Glenmorangie and Ardbeg recently told the Edinburgh Whisky Blog about various trials involving ex-Tokaji and some Brazillian Cherry Wood barrels that he had experimented with, but which he had not released because he was not happy with them.  He went on to say that at any given time the Distillery has tens of experimental casks hidden away for future releases.

The Galileo was distilled in 1999 (bottled 2012), aged in ex-Masala casks, is non chill-filtered and is bottled at cask-strength (49%).  The bottle itself looks fab and quite Art-Deco.  I am going to be grabbing one of these now for a Christmas present (and hopefully be able to try some), as they won’t be around for long.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A burst of intense smoky fruit escapes into the atmosphere. Add water and breathe in toasted vanilla, sizzling cinnamon and warm hazelnut.

Taste: An explosion of crackling peat ignites flavour explosions. Tangy lemon and lime juice, spiced toffee, followed by smooth buttermilk, bananas and currants. Smoke brims with creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows.

Finish: Long and smoky with tarry espresso.

Source: ardbeg.com

Getting in the Spirit

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We have been in the process of refreshing our spirits selection, and the first batch of new bottles has hit our shelves. There are some great new whiskies and rums…the only problem is fitting them all on the shelves!

Paul engaged in an epic game of 'Bottle Tetris'

One of the most exciting products we have brought in is the Spice Tree, a Blended Scotch Malt Whisky from artisinal whiskymakers, Compass Box. Many Single Malt Whisky enthusiasts turn their nose up at blended whisky, which suffers from a bit of an image problem thanks to the cheap, poor quality ‘supermarket’ blends that bring down the reputation of the category. Fortunately, there are companies out there that are working hard to change this image. Whiskymakers, such as Compass Box, prove that by using only the best quality spirits and barrels in the blend, a whisky can be created that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

The leader of the operation is Compass Box’s founder, John Glaser, who has been described by Saveur Magazine as “an artist”. John, a former Global Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker, started the company in his kitchen, where he fine-tuned his first blends. As Compass Box has grown he has maintained a strict attention to detail – all the casks are bought individually and hand-selected, and the quality of the spirit is carefully monitored. The whiskies are never chill-filtered, nor do they contain any added colour. It is this artisinal approach that has earned them four ’Whisky Innovator of the Year’ awards in the last 9 years!

Compass Box ‘Spice Tree’ Blended Scotch Malt Whisky
Compass Box have worked their magic with this blend, produced with 100% malt whisky, with Clynelish spirit being the primary ingredient. Tawny gold in colour, it has a sweet and spicy nose, with complex aromas of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. The palate is stunningly rich, with vanilla, lime and lemongrass flavours embellished by plenty of spice and stewed fruit.