4.7/5 with 10,000+ reviews
Rugby World Cup 2023: Win a Year's Supply of Whisky!
You also have the chance to win a year's supply of whisky (12 bottles!), when you buy selected bottles of whisky from six brands representing countries that score on the pitch and in the glass. Read to the end for all the details!
Japan - Hatozaki 12 Year Old Umeshu Cask Finish
Named after Japan's oldest lighthouse, which resides in Akashi harbour, this twelve-year-old Hatozaki hails from the Kaikyo Distillery. The expression is made up of small batch single malts that have all been aged for at least 5 or 6 years. The blended malt was then filled into American oak casks, where it slumbered for twelve years, including a 6-month finish in Umeshu casks - a sweet and sour Japanese liqueur made from ume plums.
The nose is gentle and welcoming. The palate brings iodine, apricot, honey, malt loaf, and pear before leading into the sweet and jammy finish of yellow plums.
Ireland - Bushmills 16 Year Old
This single malt Irish whiskey is distilled at Northern Ireland's Bushmills, not far from the Giants Causeway. Claimed to be the world's oldest licensed distillery, Bushmills mature their 16-year-old in Oloroso sherry casks and bourbon seasoned casks for just over 15 years before treating it to a finish in port pipes for nine months.
The nose is floral with currant jam and a touch of vanilla spice. The palate is rich and juicy with cherries, dried fruits and sweet toffee. The finish is long and rich with dark chocolate and almond notes.
England - Gulliver's Fine Drop Margaux Cask
The official whisky of Engand Rugby! This fine English single malt whisky is distilled by The English Whisky Co, Norfolk and bottled by Samuel Gulliver & Co. 'The Fine Drop' is aged for six years, before being finished in ex-Margaux red wine, château-style casks from Bordeaux.
The rare cask pairing was chosen to reflect the host nation for 2023, and the name is a celebration of England Rugby's finest drop goal in 2003 that won the men's team the title of World Champions. Expect warm and welcoming aromas of dark cherry, spicy currants and roasted almonds.
Wales - Penderyn Portwood
Distilled in Wales' Penderyn distillery, the first in the country for over 100 years, this single malt was awarded old at the 2016 World Whisky Masters. Finished in port casks, the expression stands proudly as a part of their Gold Collection.
The nose has dried fruits and dark chocolate with cranberries, toasted oak and nutty dryness. The palate is rich and creamy with a drizzling of honey and some spice, before soft oak in the lingering finish.
Scotland - Loch Fyne Islay 9 Year Old
Presented by Loch Fyne Whiskies, a small shop and independent bottlers based in Inveraray, West Scotland, this single cask limited edition bottling hails from the isle of Islay. The smoky single malt has been matured for nine years in cask #860, from their unique and exceptional cask collection, and was decanted at 53.0% abv. One of only 450 bottles, a tiny yield.
Expect a light and gentle palate with complex sweet peat smoke and exotic spice flavour. The finish will engulf you with waves of gentle smoke and a floral haze that will have you looking for more.
Australia - Starward Fortis American Oak Red Wine Barrels
This single malt whisky hailing from Starward distillery in Australia has been matured exclusively in American Oak barrels, most from Barossa Valley wineries, where they once held powerful shiraz and cabernets. Some are charred for complexity, whilst most of left fresh to infuse the intense red wine notes into the expression. The result is a rich, full-bodied flavour balanced with the approachable velvety smoothness.
Expect upfront notes of Madagascan vanilla pod and toasty oak, alongside blackberries, fig and plum. The palate is all chocolate ganache, cinnamon, quince, banana bread and Muscadelle raisin with a lingering baking spiced finish.
How to Win
Buy a 70cl or 50cl bottle of Bushmills, Gulliver's, Penderyn, Starward, Hatozaki, or The Loch Fyne (excluding The Loch Fyne Botanical Gin) before the Rugby World Cup Final on Saturday 28th October and you can win yourself a year’s supply of these brands. We have six sets of 12 bottles to give away. Online you will be entered automatically, and if you buy in store we'll just ask for your email address.
For full T&Cs including prize bottles please click here
