• May/ 30/ 2018
• by whiskyfixadmin

Feis Ile 2018

We have the first batch of bottlings from this year’s Islay Whisky Festival available to buy now! This year has seen some of the best whiskies we have tried so far including the oldest bottling ever of Port Charlotte, and an 18 year old, cask strength Lagavulin with a lot of sherry influence.

There is always great interest in these bottles from collectors and drinkers alike, and once their gone, their gone… See the bottles below and click through to the website for more details.

Lagavulin 18 Year Old 2018 Feis Ile Whisky – The official release from Lagavulin to commemorate the 2018 Islay Whisky Festival. This year’s bottling is a heavily sherried cask strength offering. It has big rich fruity notes and lots of coastal influences such as seashells, bonfire smoke and oysters. Limited to 6,000 bottles.

Laphroaig Cairdeas Feis Ile 2018 – The new Edition of Laphroaig Cairdeas, bottled to celebrate Laphroaig day at the Islay Whisky Festival.

Matured in first-fill bourbon casks before being double matured in Fino sherry casks, this unique expression uses non chill filtration to create a whisky that has notes of toaste almonds, dried fruit, sea salt, perfectly complimenting Laphroaig’s intense peaty flavour.

Port Charlotte 2005 ‘Valinch’ Feis Ile 2018 – A single cask bottling of heavily peated Port Charlotte whisky, distilled in 2005 and matured for 13 years in an Oloroso sherry butt, this bottle was exclusively available at Bruichladdich Day 2018. The Distillery Valinch is limited to 956 indivdually numbered bottles with a cask strength of 59.3%.

Port Charlotte ‘The Heretic’ Feis Ile 2018 – ‘The Last of the First’. The very last five casks of from Port Charlotte’s first year of distillation in 2001, thus making it the oldest Port Charlotte ever to be bottled by some length. A marriage of five casks which previously held either bourbon, rum and red wine. Limited to just 1300 bottles, this is Whisky Fix HQ’s pick of all the Feis Ile 2018 bottlings. It is also the very first ‘PC’ to feature the distilleries new bottle design.

• May/ 7/ 2022
• by Euan Finlayson

Feis Ile 2022 Programme

• May/ 30/ 2022
• by Euan Finlayson

Glenallachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Edition

In celebration of Master Distiller Billy Walker’s half-century long career in the whisky industry, we are delighted to unveil the first in The Past, Present and Future Series: The GlenAllachie 50th Anniversary Past Edition.

This bottling represents Walker’s past when he made a name for himself by releasing heavily sherried expressions to great acclaim. A combination of nine 2005 vintage Spanish Sherry butts, this 100% Sherry matured malt is overflowing with rich espresso, heather honey, glazed figs and sweet spices.

Presented at natural cask strength of 57.1%, with no added colouring and non chill filtered for maximum flavour.

Limited release of 4,000 bottles worldwide.

• November/ 1/ 2018
• by whiskyfixadmin

Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection

Gordon & MacPhail have released a new addition to the elite Private Collection and its as extra special as ever. Two single sister casks of Longmorn Whisky have been chosen and botttled by Stuart and Richard Urquhart, with only 97 bottles of each available worldwide, 15 in the UK. Oh, and did we mention they are the oldest Longmorn whiskies EVER to be bottled at 57 years old. Both whiskies were distilled on the same day and filled into two different casks. one American ex-bourbon Oak and the other an ex-European Sherry oak cask.

There has been significant press surrounding this release from the UK and beyond. For further reading, click the links below.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/drinking-and-dining/new-luxury-whisky-has-collectors-queueing/

https://whiskyexperts.net/neu-gordon-macphail-veroeffentlicht-longmorn-1961-twins-mit-videos/

All Previous editions of Gordon & MacPhail’s new ‘Private Collection’ have gained significant financial growth in a short period of time and this release is guaranteed to follow suit.

For more information and the opportunity to buy click here

• March/ 31/ 2022
• by Euan Finlayson

Grand Vins d’Alsace – Gustave Lorentz

• March/ 7/ 2022
• by Euan Finlayson

Have Corporate Distilleries Changed The Industry?

There’s a lot to be said for the care and attention to detail put into the brewing process when it comes to whisky. However, in a growing number of cases, people are turning to mass-produced whisky, which, simply cannot compare to an artisan bottle. And with this in mind, today, we’re looking at how large distilleries have changed the industry. Plus, we’ll consider whether this represents a good or bad change for whisky lovers worldwide.

Industry Changes

There’s no doubt that the world has changed from the one we remember from our childhoods. Even in the past decade, many industries have become almost unrecognisable. Such is also the case for whisky production, which has seen numerous significant changes throughout the years.

Perhaps one of the most significant changes that the whisky industry has faced is the rise of large distilleries, which were few and far between before. However, it’s often tricky to see how these new, large corporations have drastically impacted the industry. With this in mind, today, we’ve outlined some of the key points you should know about big whisky distilleries as follows. And, we’ll consider whether that’s a good thing for your favourite bottles or not. 

Global Corporations Now Own Most Distilleries

Perhaps the most significant change in the global and national distillery field is ownership. Indeed, nowadays, most distilleries – even ones that might seem more artisan – are owned by large-scale multinational corporations. 

This fact is something that many whisky lovers don’t realise, but this also represents a prominent issue for your buying habits. Indeed, if you’ve been buying a “premium” brand of whisky to try and support small-scale family businesses, you may want to check your research to be sure.

Indeed, big-name businesses such as Diageo, Pernod Ricard, and The Edrington Group own almost sixty Scotch whisky distilleries between them before considering the other big brands with shares in seemingly small-scale production. 

This change has certainly muddied the waters a little when supporting genuine artisan production – and might be something you should consider carefully when buying your next bottle. It’s not quite as clear-cut anymore who owns what, so if you genuinely want to support premium artisan production, try to do your research first to check you’re buying from a genuinely independent business.

Whisky is Cheaper to Buy Thanks to Mass-Production – At a Cost.

Of course, it’s not completely bad to have more mass production of whisky; it’s certainly driven the costs down to buy a generic brand of whisky off the shelf for most consumers. However, while the literal cost of whisky is lower thanks to the buying power of global corporations and mass-production, there’s another hidden cost here you’ll need to compromise on: taste.

There’s no doubt that independently brewed whiskey is so much richer and bolder overall when it comes to flavour. This is due, in part, to greater care when selecting ingredients, a level of attention to detail that large-scale breweries simply cannot hope to rival. However, it’s also due to the artisan brewers’ skill, passion, and knowledge, who know their masterful craft better than anyone else.

These simple changes go a long way towards ensuring that independently brewed whisky is undeniably high-quality – and you can count on the most exquisite flavours as a result.

Fewer Development Opportunities for People Employed by Distilleries.

Another change worth mentioning is the change that large distilleries have had regarding the number of people working in whisky production and their skills. 

Indeed, with traditional whisky distilleries, there was quite a lot of hands-on work involved. However, the automation of whisky production has reduced the number of people employed by each distillery. What’s more, many of the workers for large-scale distilleries are lower-skilled, not given the opportunities to culture a rich understanding of how whisky production works. 

Fortunately, this trend may be slowly reversing, thanks to the rise of new independent distilleries once again. Hopefully, this may help nurture a new generation of whiskey artisan staff who genuinely understand the requirements for a bottle of fine whiskey. Training from large distilleries and hands-on involvement from independent distilleries would be crucial in this regard; only time will tell.

Independent Distilleries Have a Unique Niche and Market.

On the whole, the arrival of large-scale distilleries has been bad news for independent distilleries, who have historically struggled to keep up with production and cutting costs. However, this is changing, and there is now a new niche market for independent distilleries that focus on quality products over mass production.

This simple change helps ensure that, while many independent distilleries have been bought out over the years, there will always remain a small handful who genuinely love their craft and continue to produce some of the world’s finest whisky for passionate customers.

What Large Distilleries Mean for the Industry.

It’s pretty clear to see, in most cases, that the arrival of large distilleries has revolutionised the whisky industry – and not necessarily for the better. Indeed, in many cases, the rollout of mass whisky production has damaged the reputation of English whisky breweries, with average-quality bottles being sold on a wide scale. And while these aren’t bad by any means, they’re not necessarily reaching their full potential and wowing consumers.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom in the whisky industry. Indeed, while it might seem like a bad time to be an independent distillery for whisky, the reality is possibly a little different. In fact, at the start of 2018, the number of whisky distilleries operating in the UK had doubled compared to the same time in 2013. That’s a staggering jump. 

What’s more, it was forecasted that the total consumption would continue to grow by around 4.4% annually, offering new opportunities for those looking to get into the whisky industry overall as an independent brewery. 

As such, the future of the UK’s whisky industry is looking bright, and we’re optimistic that there will continue to be further growth and advancements as time goes by. And while big distilleries are likely here to stay for the foreseeable future, things are also looking bright for specialist independent and family breweries, too.

Are You Looking To Support Independent Distributors?

If you’ve been looking for a bottle of top-quality whisky, then approaching artisan, independent distilleries could be an ideal solution. Indeed, while there’s technically nothing wrong with mass-produced whisky, it simply cannot compare to the exquisite flavours offered by an artisan bottle. 

And, with this in mind, we’re pretty confident you’ll be a convert once you experience just how good whisky can be when buying from independent distilleries instead.

• February/ 18/ 2022
• by Euan Finlayson

How to Invest in Wine

• March/ 21/ 2023
• by Euan Finlayson

How to make casks for maturing whisky

The process of making oak casks to mature whisky is an intricate process. For the most part, either European Oak or American White Oak is used. Firstly, the oak logs are carefully selected and seasoned to remove any moisture content from the wood. The seasoned oak logs are then split into staves, which are the long, narrow pieces of wood that form the sides of the cask.

The staves are then shaped and toasted over an open flame to give them a specific level of char, which will affect the flavor profile of the whisky that is stored in the cask. This toasting process also helps to remove any impurities and resins that may be present in the wood.

Next, the staves are assembled into the shape of a barrel or cask, with metal hoops added to hold the staves together. The cask is then filled with water to test for leaks, and any leaks are fixed before the cask is deemed ready for use.

Before the cask is filled with whisky, it is often “seasoned” by being filled with another spirit, such as sherry or bourbon, for a period of time. This helps to infuse the cask with additional flavors and aromas that will be passed on to the whisky.

Finally, the cask is filled with new make spirit, and left to mature for a minimum of three years, as required by law to be called “Scotch whisky.” During this time, the whisky interacts with the oak and extracts flavors, colors, and aromas from the wood.

The type of oak used and the level of toasting or charring can significantly impact the final flavor profile of the whisky. This is why distillers carefully select their casks and may even use a combination of cask types to achieve a desired flavor profile.

To see this process first hand, we highly recommend a visit to the Speyside Cooperage in Craigellachie.

• May/ 27/ 2020
• by whiskyfixadmin

How To Preserve Your Wine Collection

How To Preserve Your Own Wine Collection

Is wine your favourite out-out tipple? Will you usually order a large glass of red or white while out for dinner? Do you favour it for its quality?

Do you wish for that same quality from home? Well now you can by preserving your own wine collection through ideal storage conditions. For this blog, we’ve collaborated with Elite Wine Refrigeration, a leading wine storage provider. We couldn’t go by without sharing some inside knowledge on how to nurture and enjoy a bottle (or two).

By following these top tips, you’ll be able to store and consume your favourite bottle from home, while preserving a full collection for the future. And do not worry, a pricey wine cellar isn’t needed; just a cool, controlled and fresh atmosphere to store your prized possession for an in-in night.

Step 1 – Block out UV light exposure

This may currently feel easier said than done, yet, by finding a dark space in your home, you’ll boast the ideal condition to store your wine. Many new wine drinkers will make the mistake of showcasing their collection on a wine rack. Great for support, yet ineffective for preservation, it’s likely that this wine rack will be exposed to UV light.

UV light can result in damage, as it would on human skin. Over a period of time, focused UV light can penetrate through the deemed protective glass. One of the first signs of damage is discolouration, soon followed by unwelcome changes in taste, smell and consistency. Yet, the biggest downfall of UV exposure is the interruptive effects it will have on the maturity of wine. Once this process is affected, irreversible results are likely, reducing the opportunity for long-term consumption.

So, unless you’re looking to consume that next bottle quickly, it’s time to hide your wine collection away. To protect it from UV light, and maybe others!

Step 2 – Control surrounding smells

The next step to optimal wine storage is controlling surrounding smells. This may be a new one to you, yet smell can transform the taste, mood and body of wine. By storing your wine around lingering smells, usually found from foods, mould or mildew, contamination is likely. In this instance, you’ll likely be put off by the lingering smells, making your wine non-consumable.

We recommend storing your wine in a neutral setting, also following the above guidelines on UV exposure.

Step 3 – Maintain temperature levels

For optimal storage conditions, temperature levels must also be maintained. It is important to note that all wines should be stored at 12°C. You may struggle to believe this with many surrounding misconceptions. You may believe that red wine should be stored at room temperature, while lighter wines in cool, refrigerated areas. This is unfortunately untrue, describing optimal conditions for serving wine.

To make sure that your wine can be initially stored in the best possible way, all wines, no matter their colour or price should be preserved at 12°C. If the temperature does drop, there are high risks of oxidization. If oxidization is new to you, this is a damaging process where excess air enters the bottle. Through this process, the taste and body of wine will transform, down to a watered-down texture. With this in mind, the originality of your favourite bottle will be gone.

If temperatures do exceed 12°C, there’s high potential of damage to the maturity of wine. To mature organically, elevating value and capacity, temperatures must be sustained. By going above this, the process will be disrupted, either maturing wine on an unwelcoming rate or spoiling the wine all together.

If you are struggling to maintain temperatures, investing into a wine cooler will be beneficial. However, ensure it is set away from factors such as lingering smells and UV exposure.

Step 4 – Regulate vibrations

If you do opt for a wine cooler, the next step is to regulate surrounding vibrations. Did you know that movement can damage the structure of wine? By lifting it up, moving it around from place to place, overtime, these vibrations will combine, with the potential of cutting through your wine.

This can again interrupt the sought-after ageing process. Yet, it can also disjoint the key ingredients found in the wine, transforming its taste and fragrance, for the worst.

To avoid vibrations, placing your wine in a quiet area will be encouraged. It is understandable if this is difficult in a busy home. Yet, gauging the area where low activity takes place will help you find the ideal place for your wine.

Step 5 – Sustain humidity levels

Humidity levels can cause just as much damage as uncontrolled temperature levels. 55-80% identifies the most ideal humidity levels. Anything in between the bracket will secure your wine for preservation.

Yet, if humidity levels do fall, you’ll be left with dehydrated air. Again, risk of oxidization is high, resulting in a diluted, unpleasant consistency. If humidity levels do increase, there is risk of a moisture rich air. This type of condition is known to advance the growth of mould and mildew, two very unpleasant fungi. If uncontrolled, fungus can contaminate the bottle, again classifying your favourite bottle as non-consumable.

To preserve your wine, you’ll need to sustain humidity levels. Again, this may be easier said than done. Yet, by following the above steps, while also prioritising optimal storage temperatures, you’ll have a good chance at managing your condition.

Key takeaways

Although purchasing a grand cellar would be ideal, this isn’t realistic for many wine drinkers. From the expense to finding the space, opting for a home DIY storage solution will work better. You can achieve similar quality, produced and preserved through a cellar, by following the above steps.

For the best results, make sure that you:

• Block out exposure to UV light.
• Control surrounding smells by carefully selecting your ideal storage condition.
• Maintain storage temperature levels at 12°C.
• Regulate vibrations or movement in your home.
• Sustain humidity levels, falling in between 55-80%.

By following the above steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a restaurant quality wine from your own home. Experience the in-in winery world by preserving your collection through optimal storage conditions.

For more info visit https elitefridges.co.uk

• November/ 23/ 2022
• by euan finlayson

How To Taste Wine; The Basics

When it comes to drinking wine, there is a big difference between drinking it and tasting it; having the ability to taste the flavours in wine takes training and skill, but do not worry; this can be learnt. 

When it comes to wine, there are a few things you need to know to taste it correctly. First, you need to make sure that your wine glass is clean. If there are any fingerprints or smudges on the glass, it can affect the way the wine tastes. Second, you want to pour a small amount of wine into the glass, about an inch from the rim. Swirl the wine around in the glass and take a deep sniff. You should be able to smell the different aromas of the wine.

These are just a couple of the main components; having provided wine for clients for several years right here at Oban Whiskey And Fine Wines, we have all the knowledge and expertise to help you truly understand how to taste your wine. If you have any questions or queries, contact our team today. 

Top Tips For Wine Tasting 

• Take notes! This may seem trivial, but if you are interested in learning how to taste wine properly, taking notes will help you write down what the wine tastes like, smells like and anything else. 
• Consider tasting blind; this is where you cannot see the wine and use your taste buds and nose to build a portfolio around the wine; this is a great way to test your friends and see if you can guess the wine without looking at the bottle. 
• Take the time to smell things such as Blackcurrant jam, cherries and other flavours you may regularly come across in wine to get your nose used to those smells; it is almost like training your nose to remember the scents associated with each product. 
• Trust your instincts! If it doesn’t smell right, it might not be; remember, a wine left open for a short period can change taste and smell. 
• Take a break if you taste or smell the wine and can’t pick anything out. Remember, your nose and taste buds can become overwhelmed quickly! 

What Do You Need For Wine Tasting? 

• Wine Glass; Please note you do not have to spend a lot of money on a fancy wine glass, nor do you need to have separate glasses for red wine or white wine; all you need to do is make sure it is clean every time and ensure there is enough room to swirl the wine around to release the aromas. 
• Something white; Whether this is a white tablecloth or even a white piece of paper, you will need a white surface to help you examine the wine. 
• Natural light; This can be either daylight or a neutral light that does not have a specific colour to it, such as a yellow hue. 
• The Right Temperature; Wine needs to be kept at the right temperature for a wine tasting to be carried out properly; red wine should be kept between 12-18 degrees, and white wine should be 7 to 10 degrees. This temperature will be ideal for both red and white wine tasting. It allows the wine to bloom correctly for the specific bottle. 

How To Wine Taste Like A Professional 

Now that you have the right tools, it’s time to start your wine-tasting journey. Here are a few professional tips on how to taste wine like a seasoned pro:

Appearance 

For wine tasting, we recommend pouring around 40cl into a wine glass; this is around two fingers width; it is the perfect amount of wine for a tasting; remember you are not pouring the wine to drink simply. Once you have your glass poured, pick it up and tilt it to get a good look at the wine. 

Smell

Now it’s time to start getting a real sense of the wine. Place your nose just inside the glass and take a short, gentle sniff. Be careful not to get too close, as you might miss some more subtle aromas if your nose is right in the glass.  Remember, take smooth inhales, and do not breathe hard; you can numb your senses. 

Taste 

Now it’s time to take a sip of wine. Again, be careful not to gulp, as this will not give you the best sense of the flavour profile.  Instead, take a small sip and roll it around your mouth before swallowing. Doing so will oxygenate the wine and allow you to taste it before you truly swallow it. Hold it in your mouth, explore the flavours and savour the wine! 

Finally, What Can The Wine Tell You? 

Wine is incredibly complex, and it can take a lifetime to learn everything there is to know about it. However, the basics are not that difficult to understand, and once you have them down, you can enjoy wine confidently. Once you have tasted the wine, you must consider a few things before deciding if you like it. Remember, you are not deciding whether you would like to drink it casually on a weekend evening; we mean whether you genuinely like it flavours and body of the wine. 

Ask yourself these questions;

• How did it taste?
• Did you enjoy the flavours of the fruit?
• What were the acidity levels like?
• How intense were the flavours?
• Could you taste or smell more than one flavour?
• How long did the taste last?
• Did you enjoy the wine on a complex level? (It is okay to say no)

Contact Oban Whisky And Fine Wines For Incredible Wines 

Oban Whisky and Fine Wines is a great place to buy wines. We have a wide variety of wines, from reds to whites, and we can help you find the perfect wine for any occasion. 

Our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you have about wine, and they’re always happy to help you find the perfect bottle.

Why not test your new-found wine-tasting skills and order a bottle today?