Bacardi Global Travel Retail announces the launch of the Exceptional Cask Series – a collection of ‘extremely rare, superlative’, aged single malt bottlings – hand-picked from the distilleries for Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla and Glen Deveron.
Bottled in small quantities, the new series comprises a limited number of extraordinary Single Cask, Double-Cask and Small Batch releases chosen by Dewar’s Master Blender and Malt Master, Stephanie MacLeod.
Only a handful of expressions will be released by each distillery. “Proudly showing the age of the whisky, all bottlings are numbered and will be available in very limited numbers due to the nature of single cask, double cask and small-batch whiskies,” says Bacardi.
Now available in select airport retailers in global travel retail, the initial series launch includes the Aultmore 1986 (31 years old) – Single Cask which was originally created especially for the DFS Master of Spirits 2018, and is now available with select retailers in Asia Pacific.
MATURATION
“The sherry cask maturation develops Aultmore 1986 with aromas of dried fruits and Christmas cake, a rich dark amber, almost mahogany colour,” says Bacardi.
“Often shrouded in fog, Aultmore distillery has developed a secretive air since it was founded in 1897. The mysterious Foggie Moss conceals the age-old water source, while the wild, wet undergrowth purifies it to the profit of Aultmore’s refined character creating a smooth, clean taste.”
In addition to the Aultmore 1986, Bacardi will be launching the Craigellachie 1992 (24 years old) Small Batch; Craigellachie 1999 (17 years old) Small Batch with Palo Cortado Finish; Aberfeldy 1984 (33 years old) Single Cask and Aberfeldy 1999 (18 years old) Small Batch Port Finish.
“Maturation is my favourite part of the whisky making process,” says Stephanie MacLeod. “Once the whisky is in a bourbon or a sherry cask, you might expect certain outcomes but you’re certain to have a few wonderful surprises along the way.
“It’s a question of working with the whisky and the different elements at play in maturation to achieve the right outcome. With Aultmore 1986, for example, I needed to consider all these nuances and sampled lots of different casks to discover those that displayed a new and different side to the Aultmore personality, while ensuring it’s drinkable at cask strength at around 50% ABV.”
‘INCREDIBLE RECEPTION’
Gaurav Joshi, Director, Bacardi Global Travel Retail Asia Pacific commented on the launch during this week’s TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition: “We’re extremely proud to offer the Exceptional Cask Series in Asia Pacific and we’re excited at the prospect of success with the range, following the incredible reception for Autlmore 1986 at DFS Master of Spirits in March.
“Asia Pacific is a region with many types of new and experienced whisky collectors and connoisseurs actively looking for their latest discovery in aged single malt.
“Offering them that chance in travel retail adds true dynamism and excitement to the channel and reinforces the fact that the quality and experience of airport shopping in the region leads the world.”