Stay tuned as every Friday we’ll be bringing you the news that matters in the whisky world as well as what’s being going on in our stores nationwide and this week’s brand new releases. This week has certainly be an eventful one, especially at Westminster on Wednesday night. The Prime Minister then had to wait to address the nation due to the football going to extra-time. Only in Britain! There's also been some news in the whisky industry, take a look below as we round up the biggest stories of the week.

Suntory Set To Release New Blended ‘World Whisky

Japanese distiller Suntory is due to release a new blend featuring whisky from the Suntory distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, USA, Canada and Japan. The new blend – Suntory Ao – is named after the colour blue in Japanese and represents the sea. The release of Suntory Ao is thought to be a move to bring more transparency to Japanese whisky, by naming it a ‘world whisky’. Currently some liquids can be classed as a Japanese whisky when blended with up to 90% neutral spirit when they may be more akin to a ‘world whisky blend’. According to Suntory the blend offers a sweet, wonderful aroma and a mature, full-bodied taste with a slightly smoky finish. It will be bottled at 43% ABV and will initially be available in Japan this April.  

US Growth In Spirits Beats Wine And Beer

According to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis US consumers, in 2018, purchased over 230 million nine-litre cases of distilled spirits giving an increase of 1.9%, with whisky driving tis growth. Whisky itself seen growth of 4.1%. Wine purchases in the US grew by 0.4% whereas beer purchases which dominate the US market was by by1.5%. Could this be the start of a trend?  

Diageo Launch Game Of Thrones Single Malt Collection

With the final season of Game of Thrones coming in April this year, HBO & Diageo have brought together eight single malts, one for each of the iconic Houses of Westeros as well as one for the Night’s Watch. Each of the eight whiskies from the limited edition collection are from a different distiller and four expressions in the collection feature completely new liquid bottled especially for the series with the Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old and Cardhu Gold Reserve rebottled and available in the US for the first time. Take a look at the full collection here.  

In-Store tastings

We had some fantastic tastings in Manchester and Bath last week. Take a look at some of the action from both events.
With next week being Burns Night we have some brilliant tasting events taking place in our stores. Our Manchester and Trentham events are open to the public with details below: Trentham Friday 25th January 2019 6pm – 7:30pm £25pp with a fine selection of whiskies to be unveiled on the night with haggis provided on the night. If you're interested in attending call 01782 644483, email [email protected] or pop into the store. Manchester Saturday 26th January 2019 7:30pm – 9pm £20pp and tasting the following whiskies:Robert BurnsFirst Editions Fettercairn 2008Arran 10 Year OldArran 18 Year OldJura SevenwoodBowmore 15 If you're interested in attending call 0161 832 6110, email [email protected] or pop into the store.  

New Releases

Check out a selection of our newer releases. Our full range can be found here
https://www.whiskyshop.com/cardhu-gold-reserve-game-of-thrones-house-targaryen CARDHU GOLD RESERVE GAME OF THRONES HOUSE TARGARYEN CLYNELISH RESERVE GAME OF THRONES HOUSE TYRELL DALWHINNIE WINTER'S FROST GAME OF THRONES HOUSE STARK LAGAVULIN 9 YEAR OLD GAME OF THRONES HOUSE LANNISTER
ROYAL LOCHNAGAR 12 YEAR OLD GAME OF THRONES HOUSE BARATHEON SINGLETON OF GLENDULLAN RESERVE GAME OF THRONES HOUSE TULLY   TALISKER SELECT RESERVE GAME OF THRONES HOUSE GREYJOY     OBAN BAY RESERVE GAME OF THRONES THE NIGHT'S WATCH