Berry Bros debuts spring spirits range
British wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has released a new collection for spring 2023, which includes its first English whisky.
The Spring 2023 Release comprises eight bottlings: Spirit of Yorkshire 2017 PX Finish Cask #2237 (£125/US$155), Portsmouth 2019 Cask #5 (£69/US$86), Glen Elgin 2013 (£70/US$87), Ardmore 2012 Cask #9 (£75/US$93), Glencadam 2011 Muscat Finish Cask #800216 (£86/US$107), Benriach 2010 PX Finish Cask #08037 (£96/US$119), Glen Garioch 2011 Oloroso Finish Cask #08028 (£96) and Benriach 1991 Cask #46507 (£800/US$993). Doug McIvor, reserve spirits manager, commented: “The 2023 Spring Release is heavily centred on Britain and the talent that can be found on our shores. “Whether it be the traditional character of casks from Speyside and the Highlands or exploring the boundary-pushing techniques of English distilleries, whisky lovers are sure to be both intrigued and inspired by this release.” Berry Bros’ first English whisky is also the debut independent bottling from The Spirit of Yorkshire distillery, which has produced single malt since 2016. Jonny McMillan, reserve whisky manager at Berry Bros, said the whisky is the first of four English single malts to be bottled by Berry Bros as part of its 325th anniversary celebrations this year. The Portsmouth 2019 Cask #5 rum is the first to be released from Portsmouth Distillery, a craft rum distillery founded by two ex-Royal Navy officers. It was matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for three years. McIvor continued: “We are very pleased to welcome both the Spirit of Yorkshire and Portsmouth distilleries into this release. The 2019 Portsmouth rum is indicative of the promise to be found in Britain’s burgeoning rum scene, and our first foray into English whisky really encapsulates the spirit of its Yorkshire setting.” Six Scotch single malt whiskies make up the remainder of the collection, including bottlings from Speyside producers Benriach and Glen Elgin. The single cask BenRiach 2010 PX Finish is described as a ‘rich and vigorous’ malt, while the older Benriach 1991 Exceptional Cask offers a ‘deep and aged flavour profile’. The other whiskies hail from distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, including Ardmore, Glencadam and Glen Garioch. Earlier this month, Berry Bros acquired a minority stake in England’s largest whisky producer, The Cotswolds Distillery. Berry Bros' previous seasonal collection for winter 2022 included a 2014 Chichibu Japanese whisky.
