In new scotch whisky releases: Springbank finally unveils the second Countdown Collection Release, Torabhaig updates The Legacy Series, and Aberfeldy experiments with wine casks.
Springbank 26 Year Old Countdown Collection
Springbank Distillery has revealed the 2024 release in the Countdown Collection, counting down to the distillery’s bicentenary in 2028.
The 26 year old whisky was matured in three re-fill bourbon hogsheads and bottled at 51.2% ABV with a retail price of £2,500 (~$3,185). Only 500 bottles were available via ballot.
Those who are willing to open and drink this expensive dram can expect “[a]romas of Nectarines, key lime pie and pineapple juice are complimented with subtle background notes of marzipan and coconut”. On the palate: “ vibrant fruits from the nose continue alongside citrus notes, ginger, sesame oil, brazil and pistachio nuts”.
The Springbank Countdown Collection has been the source of conjecture within the industry. Many wondered, following the release of the 27 year old in 2023, whether Springbank would increase or decrease the age statements of their whiskies during the countdown. It seems this release may have given us the answer. Can we expect a 25 year old in 2025?
In addition to this, Springbank seems to have remodeled its pricing structure for this limited edition collection. Read our analysis of the Countdown Collection pricing here.
Torabhaig Cnoc Na Mòine
Torabhaig Distillery has unveiled the Cnoc Na Mòine, the third installment in its limited edition Legacy Series. The Legacy Series chronicles the distillery’s journey towards releasing a 10 year old scotch whisky.
Torabhaing Distillery began distillation on the Isle of Skye in 2017, meaning that a 10 year old is still some way in the future. However, the distillery has been releasing single malt expressions teasing a signature profile to rival Talisker.
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Cnoc Na Mòine, meaning “hill of peat” in Gaelic, is a no-age-statement single malt that has been lightly peated to reflect the “atmospheric mists and rugged beauty of the Hebridean island”.
Tasting notes for the new scotch whisky release include notes of peat smoke, vanilla, pepper, cedar, and leather.
Of the new release, Torabhaig Whisky Maker, Neil MacLeod Mathieson said: “There is an intriguing complexity to peated whisky, an endless depth to explore. There are many faces and moods to peat, so a balance has to be found between strength and refinement, between elegance and robustness. Each expression in the Legacy Series captures our progress towards this vision and is a liquid snapshot of our whisky journey here on the Isle of Skye”.
The Torabhaig Cnoc Na Mòine is available from specialist retailers for a suggested RRP of $70.
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish
In partnership with Finca Ambrosia, a winery in Argentina, Aberfeldy Distillery has unveiled the latest addition to its Wine Cask Collection: The Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish scotch whisky.
The whisky was distilled on December 14th, 2001, and matured for over two decades in re-fill sherry and bourbon casks. It was then reracked into Malbec French Oak casks. The casks used for finishing had previously matured Viña Unica by Finca Ambrosia after being coopered and toasted in Burgundy, France.
Aberfeldy’s Malt Master Stephanie Macleod, and Finca Ambrosia Winemaker Daniel Pi combined forces and knowledge to produce a whisky that carries the notes of oak over from the Malbec barrels.
Macleod spoke of the harmonious match between scotch whisky and wine, saying: “This delicate yet complex Finca Ambrosia cask finish opens with intriguing notes of sweet, toasted cereal, herbal sage and hints of rosemary. It then begins to develop with ripe strawberries, drizzled in Aberfeldy’s signature Highland honey notes and then it’s delicately sharpened with notes of blackcurrant. Melting to floral notes of rose and violet, and a background hint of cinnamon spice. Settling on the palate the fruit sings and rejoices, soothing to a creamy vanilla and endlessly smooth finish”.
The Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish is available direct from Aberfeldy and selected retailers for an RRP of $279.99.
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