Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/148134
SCOTCH rePOrt new hooks, new looks new eXPreSSiOnS And new PACKAGinGS KeeP enthUSiAStS hAPPY by Ian Buxton W Chivas Brother's Speyside malt Strathisla has also changed its look, moving to a completely clear bottle and totally revised graphics. Out goes the retro-look green molded bespoke glass bottle in favor of a pack remarkably similar to competitors such as Bruichladdich. Apparently it will "maintain the brand's relevance in today's malt market." Well, if they say so . . . There is good news from Chivas Brothers though, with the expansion and re-opening of the Glen Keith distillery, just down the road from Strathisla. The plant had been mothballed for some years but with worldwide demand for Chivas Regal and the company's other blends continuing to grow more volume is urgently needed. Volume is not what one very rich buyer can expect when they take delivery of The Richard Paterson Collection of Dalmore single malts, currently on show in Master Distiller Richard Harrods of Paterson with a rare London. You get expression of The just 12 bottles— Dalmore. albeit some of remarkable age—all in bespoke crystal decanters and housed in a handmade cabinet of rare woods. Only one Collection is ever to be created—and at a cool £987,500 (or 1.5 million U.S. dollars), perhaps that's just as well. Would that I could offer you some tasting notes! PHOTO COUTESY OF WHYTE & MACKAY atch out for supplies arriving soon of a most unusual single malt whisky from a rather obscure little distillery. This is Glen Garioch (say it Glen Geary) which, despite being one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland, has never enjoyed a high profile for its whiskies even amongst enthusiasts. But that may be about to change with the release of the Glen Garioch Virgin Oak expression. As connoisseurs of a fine dram will know, Scotch whisky is traditionally matured in casks which have seen previous use in storing bourbon or sherry wine. New oak is considered to add too over-powering a flavor. Or so it was always believed. Glen Garioch Virgin Oak may just overturn that orthodoxy. Most unusually, the whisky has spent all of its life in new American oak casks. A variety of ages from 12 years and younger have been vatted to create this small batch release (about $120, through Campari America). It's forceful, certainly; full of dramatic spice notes, butterscotch and oranges but well-mannered and immediately accessible. There's a beguiling complexity about the whisky which hints at an unusual bourbon (the influence of the wood) then gets right back to Glen Garioch's home in the rolling Aberdeenshire countryside. It's certainly one to look out for, and Glen Garioch goes right onto my list of "most improved" whiskies. Meanwhile brand owners will persist in the belief that pack changes represent improvement though as often as not it must surely result in confusion. Whatever. Latest brand to get the decorators in is Ian McLeod Distillers' Isle of Skye brand. According to the company, the design features a "new standout color palette on the label and bottle top that reflects the Red and Black Hills of the Cuillin Mountains." Hands up and come top of the class if you know where the Cuillins are to be found. ImpEx Beverages will explain all. 38 / the tasting panel / august 2013 TP0813_034-65.indd 38 7/24/13 9:47 PM