Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
22 / the tasting panel / november 2017 SCOTCH REPORT A Spotlight on Speyside by Ian Buxton A s I mentioned last issue, the pace of new Scotch whisky releases just keeps getting faster and faster— must be the time of year. With so much to mention, I've decided to focus exclusively this time on Speyside. First up, Diageo has confirmed the U.S. pricing for its 2017 Special Releases series, which contains rarities from the closed Convalmore distillery and Glen Elgin. The Convalmore 32 Year Old was perhaps my favourite from this year's stellar collec- tion—SRP is $1,400 for one of the 3,972 bottles available worldwide. At a rather more reasonable $32, the announcement that Copper Dog will launch this month in Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Denver is an exciting one. Copper Dog is an easy-drinking blend packed with typical Speyside character (fruits, honey, and spices—a soft and mellow whisky that speaks of its Highland home). There's a gap in the market for a well-made blended malt at a reasonable price point, and this new brand, a partnership between the renowned Craigellachie Hotel—located in the heart of Speyside—and Diageo, aims to appeal to drinkers looking for quality without breaking the bank. Two of the best-known Speyside distilleries have joined in the fun. The Macallan has released its Edition No. 3, which is a limited-edition collaboration between Master Perfumer Roja Dove and Macallan Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno. It's a 48.3% ABV regional classic: sweet fruit, vanilla, and rich fruitcake with suggestions of apricot, pear, and crisp green apple. Hints of ginger and cin- namon are balanced with a light, resinous oak finale (around $110 SRP). Not to be left out, Macallan's great rival Glenfiddich has come up with the Winter Storm, made from its 21-year-old whisky and the first expression to be finished in icewine casks (certainly the first I can think of). Winter Storm, 43% ABV and about $270 SRP, was created in collaboration with Canadian icewine makers Peller Estates and resulted in some unusual flavours. The release is described as "very limited," but more may be released next March, so stay tuned. Glenfiddich's stablemate is The Balvenie. A much smaller distillery, but held in high regard, it has now released The Balvenie Peat Week—the first new expression in five years to be added to The Balvenie's core range. We don't usually associate Speyside with peat, but as the distillery tells it, one week a year is dedicated to using only peated barley in its production in order to craft a different style of The Balvenie liquid with enhanced smoky notes. It's being launched exclusively in the U.S., U.K., Denmark, and Sweden; the SRP in the U.S. is $99 per 750 ml bottle. Believe it or not, there's more, including a Glenlivet 70 Year Old (yes, distilled in 1943) from Gordon & MacPhail. But there are only 40 bottles and they're £30,000 (around $40,000) . . . so I believe I'll stop right here! without breaking the bank. Two of the best-known Speyside distilleries have joined in the fun. The Macallan has released its Edition No. 3, limited-edition collaboration between Master Perfumer Roja Dove and Macallan Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno. It's a 48.3% ABV regional classic: sweet fruit, vanilla, and rich fruitcake with suggestions of apricot, pear, and crisp green apple. Hints of ginger and cin namon are balanced with a light, resinous oak finale (around $110 SRP). Macallan's great rival Glenfiddich C M Y CM MY CY CMY K