Episode 418: March 30, 2013

Cutty Sark is marking two anniversaries within a week or so: the brand’s 90’s anniversary on March 23 and the third anniversary of its acquisition by the Edrington Group April 1. It’s a legendary brand that lost its way in recent years, but recorded its first annual increase in sales during 2012 after years of declining sales. Edrington’s first move three years ago was to put Jason Craig in charge of turning the ship around, and he joins us for this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth.

In the news, we’ll have plenty of new releases to talk about from Arran, Balblair, Four Roses, Kilchoman, and more…including a very special Bruichladdich single cask with a lot of sentimental value for former managing director Mark Reynier. This week’s tasting notes include a special limited edition Cutty Sark, a single malt from Germany, and a Kentucky classic.

Links: Cutty Sark | Arran | The Whisky Exchange | GlenDronach| The Tweedale Blend | Master of Malt | Balblair | Kilchoman | Loch Fyne Whiskies | Bruichladdich | Four Roses | Heaven Hill | George Washington’s Distillery | Dewar’s | Scotch Whisky Association | Diageo | United Spirits | The Times of India | Ernie Button’s Vanishing Spirits Portfolio