The Whisky Exchange unveils April exclusives

London-based retailer The Whisky Exchange (TWE) has released two exclusive spirit bottlings for this month.

For TWE, April is about highlighting independent bottlings and offering customers a wide selection of limited-release whiskies and spirits. The retailer has unveiled two exclusive expressions offered at natural cask strength. The first of the duo, Australian Rum 2014, was distilled at Australia's 'oldest' distillery and bottled by independent bottler Transcontinental Rum Line. The rum series features rums that are initially shipped from their tropical origins and then aged further in the cooler climate of continental Europe. Australia Rum 2014 for TWE spent four years ageing in Australia before being shipped to Europe, where it was aged for an additional six years. Offered at 64.2% ABV, the expression displays 'a pleasant oily texture, candied notes, and a subtle savoury edge'. The 2014 vintage rum retails for £89.95 (US$116). For whisky enthusiasts, the retailer has partnered with independent bottler Douglas Laing to offer a 28-year-old Ben Nevis single malt distilled in 1996. The whisky displays notes of toffee fudge, sultanas and candied peel on the palate, joined on the finish by nuances of baking apples, custard and orange zest. Bottled at 52.8% ABV, the single cask release retails for £375 (US$485). Both new releases are now available exclusively from The Whisky Exchange website and London shops. This month, the retailer will host its inaugural Welcome to Whisky show, aimed at newcomers to whisky. The show takes place at Glaziers Hall in London from 11-12 April, bringing together around 40 producers and more than 250 whiskies under one roof.