This brand new release from the Lakes Distillery, showcasing the best of the Lake District, Reflections is a collaboration with Lakes resident patron chef Simon Rogan from the incredible L’Enclume and with online exclusivity at House of Malt.
Together we celebrate, not just past achievements but also the possibilities that lie ahead. Reflections is guided by earthly connections, grounded by a sense of place and stimulative of deep contemplation at meaningful moments in time. Restrained, elegant and light, but also incredibly vibrant, Reflections is autumnal Lakes in character, with spiced pumpkin and fragrant woodspice evolving into apple compote and warming cinnamon and a long, reflective finish. Non-chill filtered and natural colour, bottled at 54% ABV.
Where is Calvados? Calvados, which is located in Lower Normandy. It is distinguished by the charming Pays d’Auge countryside with its apple orchards and half-timbered homes, some of which have what the French know as “colombage” thatched roofs. The area’s economy is dominated by agriculture, and the region’s famed culinary creations frequently use butter, cheese (particularly Camembert and Pont-l’Eveque), cider, and Calvados – the apple brandy that bears the region’s name. If you’re a lover of fresh cuisine, Calvados offers a huge variety of fresh fish and shellfish served “à la Normande” with a superb choice of local produce from market stalls offering colourful fresh fruit and vegetables.
What kind of alcohol is Calvados? Calvados is a cider or perry eau-de-vie and not an apple or pear eau-de-vie — i.e. it is obtained from fruit that has already been fermented. It is dependent on the terroir, the varieties harvested, their quality and quantity, and the nature of the cider or perry made from these fruits. A good example of a fine Calvados is Christian Drouin 10 Year Old
What’s the connection between Calvados and whisky? Since the ground-breaking 2019 amendments, Calvados casks have been permitted to be used for maturing or “finishing” whisky. Many distilleries have been experimenting with Calvados casks to delicious results. For example, Deanston 2007 Calvados Cask Finish is a superb, light golden coloured whisky with notes of sharp green apple, citrus zest and sweet caramel.
We highly recommend giving Calvados a try, have a look at the range available here, why not try side by side with a Calvados finished whisky to compare and contrast. Happy sampling – Team HoM.
There are many different styles of whisky glassware on the market, gone are the days of the exquisite crystal tumbler being the only vessel of choice, which still has its place, but what’s the difference in glasses and why does it matter? At the House of Malt, we want to help our customers enjoy their favourite tipple, the way they like it. We all have a favourite way of taking our whisky. Here’s how to get the best from your whisky glass according to your preferred drinking style:
The Nosing Glass: This is one of the smaller styles of whisky glass. Its unique ‘tulip’ shape is designed with aroma in mind. The glass allows the air to circulate around the whisky, directing the aromas to meet your olfactory senses with an eloquent burst of fragrant notes and characteristics (that’s the bit when you stick your nose in and sniff!). Or maybe you are a wafter? This is the art of wafting air across the top of the glass to gather the aromas, rather than nosing. We would recommend this style of glass for a sophisticated and straight-up single malt whisky such as Glenfarclas. Our very own House of Malt Glencarin Glass is an excellent choice.
The Heavy Tumbler: We told you they had their place, and it is right here for those who love to have their whisky ‘on the rocks’ or with a touch of water to open the flavour. The wider tumbler allows space for ice. You may have seen the trend to use extra large ice-cubes, this allows a larger surface area for chilling the whisky but a more solid form that will defrost more slowly than standard ice cubes: maximum chilling, minimum dilution. Norlan has developed a super RAUK Heavy Tumbler, which is the ultimate blend of advanced digital design and inventive product technique. Not only is this glass suitable for chilled whisky, but it also has extruded chevrons radiating from the centre, which serve to provide friction points for gripping ingredients used in muddled drinks. How about trying an old fashioned or a whisky sour.
The Highball Glass: If you like your whisky in a cocktail, then this is the glass for you. The tall glass allows space for plenty of ice and your favourite mixers to make a long refreshing whisky cocktail. Swizzle stick and umbrella are at your own discretion! Why not try Aberfeldy 12 in a delicious whisky highball.
It really is that simple, decide if you’re a straight up, chilled, or cocktail drinker and pick your favourite design from our broad range of whisky glassware. Why not tag us on social media with your favourite glass?
The Diageo annual collection explores unusual age points, experimental maturation techniques
Created by Diageo master blender Dr. Craig Wilson, the whiskies tend to be experiments in flavor, bringing out unusual profiles that are not often associated with the distillery the whiskies are sourced from.
This year, we welcome to the line-up the first ever release finished in pot-still Caribbean rum casks. Like the 2019 releases the “Rare by Nature” theme highlights the extraordinary nature that surrounds each distillery.
Below are 4 of these special releases, comprising of 8 in total.
Sign up for the stock-alerts for when these rare whiskies arrive into stock:
What do we know about this iconic distillery? Port Ellen hugs the coastline on the revered isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland, this distillery has achieved legendary status amongst connoisseurs in the know with whiskies that are among the most sought after, with the magic and mystique growing with age since the distillery’s closure in 1983. Plans are now in place and work has started on rebuilding a brand new distillery to re-open in 2021.
The stocks from Port Ellen before closure in 1983 are limited in quantity and highly revered by the whisky experts as they improve with age. Special releases of these stocks offer a unique opportunity to own a part of Port Ellen’s history. There are only 1380 bottles available of the 9 Rogue Casks release which makes it both the oldest and the most limited public release from the distillery.
Here at House of Malt towers, we do love a good Port Ellen, and being the oldest ever release from this iconic distillery we are very excited to try this one, aged whisky being ‘better’ is something that is not always the case – however Port Ellen ages incredibly well, and we think that this will be the best Port Ellen yet. Not a cheap bottle by any stretch, but enthusiasts and collectors will be fighting for this one.
House of Malt are taking pre-orders on this special release now, link below:
Nose: Delicate, grassy/herbal, burnt tangerine skin, very mild smoke at cask strength, opens up a little with the addition of water, crème caramel/roasted coffee, red fruit compote, ripe peach skin.
Palate: Much more pronounced bonfire smoke, pipe tobacco, leather, wood spice.
It’s open season for influenza and us mere mortals are easy pickings! We know this time of year well. We sit anxiously at our desks, playing Russian roulette with our colleagues as to who will be struck down with Sue from accounting’s lurgy next!
For once, science has brought us some good tidings that proves it’s not all doom and gloom. Whisky my friends, is good for you! It is your ally in this winter war against the sniffles. For the cure-less common cold whisky may in fact lessen the symptoms. We’re looking at you Hot Toddy! HT, the classic winter warmer of whisky, honey, lemon and hot water that your great Aunt swears by! Where the hot water lessens nasal congestion, the alcohol itself dilates the blood vessels allowing your mucus membranes to fight off the infection! WOAH!
It got us thinking…why stop at a hot toddy? We may not be dr’s here at HOM but we do know our whiskies so using the principles listed above, here are our suggestions to ease your seasonal ailments!
Arran Gold Latte
Cream liqueur and steamed milk meld seamlessly together with dark, rich espresso cutting through the sweetness. The caffeine in the coffee also has pain killing properties that will directly target a head cold and clear the fog a little.
A highland twist on the Irish classic. Big sherry cask whisky nods from Glendronach and rich and aromatic tones from the cafetière coffee. Not forgetting a generous helping of whipped cream.
50ml of Glendronach 12
200ml Medium Roast Cafetière coffee with a spoonful of brown sugar
This one has both vitamins to get you back to fighting strength and ginger, a natural cure for stomach woes. Take equal parts Apple Juice and Ginger Ale and bring to a simmer, add a couple of cloves and a stick of cinnamon. Pour into your favourite mug, jar or goblet of fire and add a generous shot of Bourbon. Garnish with an orange slice for yet more vitamin goodness.
As the unspeakably fast approaching, unmentionable festive period of gift giving dawns upon us we have been stocking up on goodies to give to loved ones or to bequeath to oneself to simply take the edge off of the coming excitement!
Gin David
Have you met David? Hailing from the rugged landscapes of Tuscany this handsome chap is not just a pretty face. The cleanest, most crisp gin to grace the shelves of House Of Malt it boasts prominent notes of juniper, coriander and sweet orange peel. It was created with a “Thirst of Magnificence” in mind and we happen to think it achieved this quite nicely. Ideal for the gin aficionado in your life that you’re looking to impress! https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/gin-david-luxury-gin/
Crystal Head Vodka Range
From the OG Ghostbuster Dan Ackroyd himself comes the Crystal Head Vodka range. From the highest quality peaches and cream corn this four-time distilled premium vodka is blended with pristine Canadian water and filtered through…DIAMONDS! We have the regular 70cl but for something rather outlandishly spectacular we also have the 1.75 litre magnums. As if that wasn’t enough food for thought we also have the epically designed John Alexander edition. For the ever so difficult to buy for… look no further because I bet they don’t have this! https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/?s=crystal+head+vodka&post_type=product&title=1&excerpt=1&content=1&categories=1&attributes=1&tags=1&sku=1&ixwps=1
Finally, from Kilchoman comes a gift that any smoke show whisky fan will delight in, Kilchoman Machir Bay & Sanaig 20cl Gift Pack. Embodying the best of both worlds we have Sanaig aged in both bourbon and sherry casks with hints of smokey plum, butterscotch and dried fruit and Machir Bay championing the sweet peatiness the distillery is renowned for. https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/kilchoman-machir-bay-sanaig-20cl-gift-pack/
Here at House of Malt we are
partial to the belief that every season is Whisky season. However, as the
greens turn to amber’s and gold and we’re greeted by the old familiar nip of
the cold, as the nights grow longer and darker, we find that to resist one’s
favourite dram becomes that much harder.
Seeing as we are spoilt for choice here in the whisky shop of wonder’s we thought that it was only fair that we share with you what is warming our cockles on these mild Autumn nights. From single malt to single grain, form Scotland to Japan we have a dram for every budget and every pallet.
Douglas Laing Old Particular Port Dundas 13 Year Old Single Cask Grain Whisky
First up is the Douglas Laing
bottling of the Port Dundas 13 Single grain. This one was distilled in July
2004 and matured in American Oak barrels until it’s bottling for the Old
Particular range in March 2018. On the nose we have Cadbury’s chocolate eclairs
and a hint of orchard fruit. The pallet is a delight of mixed berries and a
generous helping of clotted cream finishing up with tart citrus notes cutting
through the decadent sweetness. https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/port-dundas-13-year-old-single-grain-single-cask-scotch-whisky-old-particular/
Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (2019 release)
We’ve been making all the googley
eyes at Arran 10’s spectacular re-brand of late and it would be rude not to
revisit their core staple. Herbaceous on the nose channelling the plush, green
fields of Arran, this easy drinking single malt is reminiscent of sweet
cheesecake base and rich apple sauce. A slight bitterness on the end but it’s
so damn good looking we forgive it!https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/isle-of-arran-10-year-old-single-malt-whisky/
Hibiki Japanese Harmony Blended Whisky
Thanks to the fresh drop of Hibiki
Harmony at the shop we’ve been obliged once more to indulge in the treat from
the East. This is a honeyed berry bomb on the nose and the pallet kicks in with
an irresistible, buttery, sticky toffee pudding before giving way to a peppery,
oak abundant finish. Sweet
and fragrant and extremely moreish. This blend takes whiskey from the Yamazaki and
Hakushu distilleries, as well as grain whisky from the Chita distillery. 5
different cask types were used but we’ll
see if you can guess them?https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/hibiki-japanese-harmony/
Brora 40 Year Old 200th Anniversary Limited Edition
Setting phasers to stun for our
final pick we are lucky to have in our possession the exclusive Brora 40-Year-old
that was limited to a bottling of just 1,819 bottles from their 1978 Hogsheads.
At 49.2% abv we have wax
and leather intertwine seamlessly in this seductively smooth, powerful and
darkly sweet whisky. With a slight tease of Tobacco and reek at the end, this
is a rich delicacy for the coming winter months.https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/product/brora40yearold200/
