BRC E20 - The Wild Atlantic Way

On this last episode of the season, we introduce our new Whiskey Business segment where I report on new releases and other current events in the world of whiskey. Then in our Tales from the Still segment, I speak with Ryan Friesen about how he got in to distilling and how that took him from the Midwest, then down to Southern California before crossing the pond.

For complete show notes, visit Ep 20 - The Wild Atlantic Way

Whiskey Business

Wolfburn Appoints ImpEx Beverages as its Exclusive US Importer

January 2023 - Wolfburn’s Thurso Distillery has been producing world-class spirits by hand, using only the finest ingredients, and without haste since its resurrection in 2013.  Its smooth and warming flavor stems from the unhurried way in which the spirit is made. Long fermentation is followed by gentle distillation before the spirit is laid down in the best quality Oak casks. Their warehouses are beautifully dark and cool, providing the perfect environment for the spirit to mature into its signature Single Malt Scotch whisky. Commencing in 2023, Wolfburn has appointed California based ImpEx Beverages as its Exclusive US Importer representing the brand’s four core expressions and periodic limited releases.
 
Northland represents the first chapter in the history of Wolfburn. Bottled at 46%, unchillfiltered, with no color added; this expression is fully matured in American Oak casks.
 
Aurora is a beautifully sherried whisky made from spirit laid down in a combination of ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks bottled at 46%, unchillfiltered, with no color added.
 
Morven is a lightly peated whisky made from malted barley infused with smoke during the drying process. Bottled at 46%, unchillfiltered, with no color added; this special Single Malt is matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and quarter casks.
 
Langskip represents the very best of Wolfburn.  Bottled at 58% and fully matured in first-fill Bourbon casks.  It's a sweet, balanced, and beautifully easy-drinking dram. 

Hakata Whisky

Hakata Whisky is distilled and matured in Fukuoka, Japan by the Hikari Distillery (which was founded in 1912). The mash of the whisky is 100% barley. A fraction of this barley has been fermented with Koji providing healthy enzymes for fermentation and creating the highly sought after and delicious, savory taste known as Umami.  

The Sherry casks this whisky is aged in are kept in traditional style warehouses as well as a few open-air warehouses where they are exposed to humid summertime temperatures of 95 °F and winter temperatures of around 38 °F.  As a result, the whisky is bold and almost classical in flavor; retaining a freshness that is truly unique. 

Hakata appeals to the most discerning whisky drinker as well as the casual enthusiast.  The Sherry casks play a dominant role in this spirit, where Oak & Umami glosses over the palette and hugs the sides of the tongue. Its striking textural element and complex flavor take you on a timeless, elegant, and classic journey from beginning to end.

Pōkeno Whisky

In 2017 Pōkeno Whisky was founded with a vision to put New Zealand on the map as a producer of single malt whisky. It is the largest single malt distillery in the country.Today, the Pōkeno Whisky Company handles all processing on site at a state-of-the-art distillery with maturation warehouses, filtration and bottling facilities, and a fully functional cooperage.Everything done here is driven by a goal to create one of the world’s great Single Malts. Batch production, long fermentation, and slow distillation are just a few of the things that help make them different. As craft distillers, they are also able to focus on quality over quantity and on doing things their way, not the easy way.

https://impexbev.com/wolfburn-distillery/

https://impexbev.com/hakata/

https://impexbev.com/pokeno-whisky/#

ABOUT IMPEX BEVERAGES
 
In 2008, ImpEx Beverages was founded with the vision to import premium and rare spirits from around the world, with a special emphasis on the best of what Scotland has to offer. Today, ImpEx boasts an impressive portfolio, including some of the most notable small to medium sized distilleries and independent bottlers; importing Whisky, Gin, Rum, and Mezcal from Scotland, Wales, Japan, Israel, Mexico, England, India, and New Zealand with future anticipated additions from unexpected destinations. ImpEx also features a fine line of Liqueurs and Cordials produced in the US.
 

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