Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 23

PRESS PACK

LAST GREAT MALTS 2


FOR YEARS A SECRET KNOWN
ONLY TO A FEW, FIVE OF THE
MOST DISTINGUISHED MALT
WHISKIES THAT SCOTLAND HAS
TO OFFER ARE FINALLY UNVEILED.
INTRODUCTION
LAST GREAT MALTS 5
The launch of the Last Great Malts of Scotland,
a quintet of superlative whiskies, means that a
hidden treasure trove of rst-class Scotch can at
long last be revealed.
For generations these distinctive drams have been
distilled, then reserved and left to mature undisturbed
in oak casks.
Now, for the rst time Scotch acionados the world
over will be able to taste the single malts from these
ve fascinating distilleries.
Hailing from the Highlands and Speyside, each one
provides a delicious and intriguing indication of the
variety of avours and characteristics that these
regions have to ofer.
LAST GREAT MALTS OF SCOTLAND
LAST GREAT MALTS 8
Nestled within a lush valley in the foothills of the
Central Highlands of Scotland, Aberfeldy is a bastion
of traditional whisky-making in a region where few
distilleries remain. Built on land famous for deposits
of gold, and a stones throw from the birthplace of the
whisky patriarch John Dewar, the distillery rose up to
begin production in 1898.
Its location is not just picturesque, its also a practical
master stroke. Every distillery is beholden to its water
source and with the Pitilie Burn, Aberfeldy secured
one thats pure and fresh, but also rich in mineral
content, with a reputation for alluvial gold.
From its earliest days, Aberfeldy distillery has
employed local folk who understand the secrets of
superb whisky. Today, it still uses time-honoured
techniques such as long fermentation which creates
more avour-bearing esters, perhaps triggering
the hallmark honey notes of Aberfeldy single malt.
Another distillery tradition is the exclusive use of
Scottish barley: initially this came from local farms,
but it now arrives from across the country. Distillation
is also deliberately slow, while maturation takes place
in a combination of barrels, hogsheads and butts.
All these measures are undertaken to preserve the
delicate aroma of Aberfeldys precious spirit.
The resulting single malts are smooth, sweet and
ofer rich rewards for those who like to dig deeper,
with spices, citrus and hints of vanilla hidden in each
golden dram.
Hallmark Aberfeldy notes of heather
honey leading to citrus (mandarin)
and marmalade. Bursting with citrus
zest, honey and sweetness akin to
Moroccan cake but tempered by the
inuence of wood.

Aberfeldy 18 Years Old
ABERFELDY THE GOLDEN DRAM
LAST GREAT MALTS 12
Aultmore distillery stands within a strange landscape
in a remote part of the Speyside region, often
obscured from view by thick mists that arise from the
curious local terrain of the Foggie Moss.
Exuding an air of mystery, this sparsely populated land
has always felt isolated and in days gone by was well-
known for harbouring illicit stills. In 1897 Alexander
Edward decided to open a legitimate distillery in this
lonesome location.
Aultmores single malt is exceptionally smooth with a
clean, grassy, fruity taste, which can be traced to the
abundant springs of the neighbouring Foggie Moss.
Here, its hidden water source trickles down through
the boggy terrain. The natural ora of bracken,
gorse and heather lter and purify the water drawn
for whisky-making, helping to naturally rene the
character of Aultmores spirit. The distillerys malted
barley, entirely free from peat smoke, also adds to
the smooth taste of this uncommon Speyside whisky,
which continues to be distilled in handmade copper
pot stills.
Aultmores smoothness and nely balanced qualities
have not gone entirely unnoticed; industry insiders
classied its single malt as top-class many years
ago. Yet its velvety taste has long been shrouded in
secrecy; a rare treat reserved for canny locals and the
odd lost traveller.
Now, after more than a century of seclusion, this
hidden great of Speyside has been unveiled.
Born of fog, bog and brimming wee
burns, a verdant nose of dewy moss
and delicate ora, sweet liquid tracking
a secluded path, gliding through green
grass and fresh wild herbs.

Aultmore 12 Years Old
AULTMORE THE LOCAL SECRET
LAST GREAT MALTS 16
Taking its name from the craggy rock upon which the
village stands, Craigellachie sits above the conuence
of two great rivers in the heart of Speyside, the cradle
of so much of Scotlands single malt whisky. The rock
was a gathering place for the local Grant clan which
gave rise to their war cry: Stand fast, Craigellachie!
The distillery was built by seasoned distiller Alexander
Edward along with eccentric whisky baron Peter
Mackie. Designed by Charles Doig, the pre-eminent
distillery architect of the 19th century, Craigellachie
began production in 1891.
The taste of its whisky has long been described as
old-fashioned, even back in the distillerys inaugural
year. Yet despite often being dubbed eccentric and
stubborn, Craigellachie has stayed true to its traditions
and wont be changing its ways any time soon.
In a bygone era of whisky production many distilleries
cooled their spirit in worm tubs, but Craigellachie is
one of very few to have stuck by this method, which
involves long copper tubes in a large tank of water
that snake back and forth, gradually getting narrower.
Although they are much more expensive to maintain
than modern condensers, they bestow the spirit with
extra avour, creating a dram with a distinctive meaty
taste that rivals whisky twice its age.
Over the years Craigellachie has generated its
own folklore of larger than life characters, curious
anecdotes and tall tales. It makes no concessions
towards modern-day styles; it is an unapologetic
and unusual whisky, famously sulphury and
challenging in style.
Flames. Flared light. Fireworks. Breathe
in Bonre Night. Clove-studded baked
apples. Sulphury cordite. Hefty, malty,
mazy in the mouth. Bonnie sweet, but
with re in its belly.
Craigellachie 13 Years Old
CRAIGELLACHIE THE STUBBORN ROCK
LAST GREAT MALTS 19
Made where the River Deveron meets the open seas,
this welcoming and approachable dram has a tang
of coastal air about it. Its distillery is set up for a
light, fruity spirit thats replete with apple notes and
nutty warmth. Ofering calm from the storm, its the
perfect reside malt, favoured by shermen and salty
seadogs.
More information will follow in early 2015.
THE DEVERON THE CALM FROM THE STORM
LAST GREAT MALTS 21
Ensconced in fertile farmland in the Highlands, Royal
Brackla produces a regal malt from a resplendent
setting. This opulent spirit carries the name of The
Kings Own Whisky, which stems from its distinction
as the rst single malt to be granted a royal warrant.
Over 200 years after the distillerys inception in 1812, it
still crafts rare Scotch thats rich, robust and sherried.
More information will follow in early 2015.
ROYAL BRACKLA THE KINGS OWN WHISKY
LAST GREAT MALTS 23
STEPHEN MARSHALL
EMAIL: [email protected]
TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 778 615 1404
ADDRESS: John Dewar & Sons Ltd
1700 London Road
Glasgow, Scotland, G32 8XR, UK
SUZY CLARK
EMAIL: [email protected]
TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 141 551 4073
ADDRESS: John Dewar & Sons Ltd
1700 London Road
Glasgow, Scotland, G32 8XR, UK
CONTACT

You might also like