Review | Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8 years old

The American bourbon brand of Wild Turkey has released a special commemorative whiskey to celebrate the remarkable career of Jimmy Russell, the long-serving Master Distiller. This year marks the 70th anniversary since Russell began working at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky on September 10 1954. His remarkable career includes establishing Wild Turkey as a global brand and being inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame. 

The Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8 years old features whiskeys of 8- and 9-years of age that were hand-selected by son Eddie Russell and grandson Bruce Russell, who both work at the distillery in senior positions, from Jimmy's favourite rickhouses. 

Review | Glen Grant The Glasshouse Collection

The Speyside distillery of Glen Grant has revealed a new set of whiskies named The Glasshouse Collection. The trio represent the oldest permanent expressions to be released by the distillery. They also represent the final bottlings created by legendary Dennis Malcolm OBE, the legendary Master Distiller who is due to retire shortly after over 60 years at Glen Grant. 

The collection is inspired by James 'The Major' Grant - a key figure in Glen Grant's history. He was an avid plant collector and travelled the world during the Victorian era, bringing specimens back to Scotland to grow in a huge greenhouse that he built on the distillery grounds. The different names refer to how the light changes during the day in the glasshouse. 

Review - Wild Turkey Rye

This rye whiskey was first released in 2015 and is bottled at 81 Proof (proof is the old American system of measuring alcohol strength and equates to 40.5% ABV).  It joined the popular Wild Turkey whiskey range - this includes the 81 Proof bourbon, 101 Proof bourbon and a stronger version of the rye, called 101 Proof Rye.  The mash bill for this whiskey is 51% rye, 37% corn and 12% barley, and it has been matured in American white oak casks.  The Wild Turkey Rye is available through specialist whisky retailers in the UK and Europe, but is widely available throughout the USA. A bottle should cost between around £30 each.

Review - Glen Grant 12 years old, 12 years old Non Chill-Filtered & 18 years old

These three new whiskies are the latest additions to the expanding single malt range of Glen Grant, the often unsung distillery in central Speyside.  The new 12 years old and 18 years old expressions will join the current 10 years old in a revised domestic range, while the 12 years old Non Chill-Filtered will be available exclusively through the travel retail market.  They have all been created by Dennis Malcolm, the legendary Master Distiller at Glen Grant.

Review - Glen Grant 5 years old

We picked up this young expression of Glen Grant single malt when on a trip to Italy.  We had to buy it as we had never seen it before and it seemed a very good, budget price.  It turns out that this particular expression is only available in selected southern European markets, with Italy as the main market, plus South Africa.  It struck us as different to have such a young age statement displayed, especially with the current trend for 'no age statement' bottlings.  This 5 years old single malt is bottled at 40% ABV and is widely available through Italy.  A bottle should cost around €20-25.