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Global drinks specialist, The Whisky Exchange, has announced the launch of its personalised labelling service on hand-picked, single-cask whiskies, just in time for Christmas!
“I know they’ll like it, but it just feels a little impersonal.” We’ve all said something to this effect whilst standing in the booze section of a shop, a bottle of a loved-one’s favourite tipple in either hand, trying to decide which will make the ideal present.
We get you, and so does The Whisky Exchange. That’s why it’s launched an online Personalised Label service, where you can add your own unique message to a bottle of fantastic quality whisky (or gin, if that’s more your scene), bringing an extra intimate element to a gift that any spirit lover would cherish.
Outward Charm
You have the chance to choose from nine striking labels, including a few new ones specially designed for the festive season.
Once the artwork has been selected, you can select a quote (or write your own), adding up to two further lines of Dedication text below, and finishing the label off with a commemoration date.
Each label also comes information about the whisky (region, age, number of bottles per cask) so that the recipient will know what they are drinking.
It’s What’s Inside That Counts
Yes, this personalised touch is certainly a lovely aspect, however there are plenty of other online stores that let you create similar labels. So what makes this worth sitting up and taking note of? Well, quite simply, it’s who is doing it!
As one of the world’s most well-known and respected drinks specialists, The Whisky Exchange knows what it’s doing and has access to the very best spirits out there. Therefore, you can rest assured that what’s inside these bottle is of exceptional quality instead of just any old of liquid plonked inside of a novelty present.
The Liquid
The Whisky Exchange has hand-picked five single-cask whiskies for their individual characters and how they reflect the style of their region and age. As single-casks, they are each limited to a certain number of bottles, making them a snapshot in time and an excitingly unique gift.
10-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
51.2% ABV | Limited Edition, 1 of 294 Bottles
Distilled at Islay’s Caol Ila and matured in a single refill hogshead for 10-years, this is a fresh and maritime whisky with a youthful punchiness.
Nose
Fresh and smoky – beach bonfires burn as waves crash around you. Sweet smoke and rock pools are joined by singed lemons and yellow wine guns. Hints of tarry rope hide in the back.
Taste
Richer than expected, and packed with fruit. Lemons, limes and tangerines are joined by a big hint of warming spice and lashings of mineral-infused smoke. Tarry liquorice sits at the back and salt and pepper is sprinkled on top. The finish flashes with sea spray, leading into barbecued apples and black pepper.
Price
Add your own label and purchase it from The Whisky Exchange for £69.95.
12-Year-Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
49.6% ABV | Limited Edition, 1 of 306 Bottles
A well-balanced, malty yet fruity 12-year-old Glen Elgin single malt that has been matured in a single bourbon barrel for more than a decade.
Nose
A malty middle is wrapped in candied citrus peel and dried fruit. Spiced sponge cake leads to fruity boiled sweets. Floral notes develop – violets and candied petals – along with a touch of heather honey.
Taste
Barley sugar, fresh apples and pears start, followed by a handful of sweets: Tom Thumb drops, candy bracelets and crunchy Refreshers. Richness builds: fruitcake, stewed orchard fruit and a spoonful of cocoa. The ending is a spiced affair – think autumnal apple desserts, cinnamon biscuits, spiced dark chocolate, and cardamom toffee.
Price
Add your own label and purchase it from The Whisky Exchange for £69.95.
18-Year-Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
48.4% ABV | Limited Edition, 1 of 276 Bottles
A rich and fruity 18-year-old Highland single malt from a mystery Island distillery, it has been matured exclusively in a single refill hogshead before being bottled in 2019 by The Whisky Exchange.
Nose
Rich and fruity. Notes of raisins and currants are hidden behind mango, papaya and smoky hessian sacks. Malty toffee builds through the middle, along with a touch of chocolate-y smoke.
Taste
Hessian sacks filled with smoky dark chocolate. There’s fruitiness following not far behind, led by raisins. A bed of toffee and apples lies underneath and rich chocolate notes build. These fold into baked apples, gently spiced oak and a lingering cocoa.
Price
Add your own label and purchase it from The Whisky Exchange for £99.95.
21-Year-Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46.8% ABV | Limited Edition, 1 of 186 Bottles
This 21-year-old single malt from Imperial has been matured in a single bourbon barrel for over two decades, creating a sweet, floral character. An old-fashioned style of whisky, sweet and spring-meadow-tinged, with notes of almond and apple, and a hint of mint.
Nose
Grassy meadows, sultanas and crisp apples. Candy bracelets develop, along with barley sugar, orchard fruits and sugared almonds. There’s a background of lemon zest with a pinch of orange for good measure.
Taste
Sweet at first, with the grassy notes from the nose balanced by creamy touches, sweet apples and a little bit of syrup. Mint fondant hints pair with almonds, gentle oak and freshly snapped Garibaldi biscuits.
Price
Add your own label and purchase it from The Whisky Exchange for £130.00.
25-Year-Old Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky
48.6% ABV | Limited Edition, 1 of 450 Bottles
A sweet, fruity 25-year-old single grain whisky from Cameronbridge distillery, matured in a single cask for a quarter of a century before being bottled in 2019 by The Whisky Exchange.
Nose
Elegant polished oak, with beeswax and hints of honey. Fruity edges of waxed apples and bananas develop. Toffee and caramel build through the centre, bringing with them a gentle spice.
Taste
Sweet and caramel-led, things kick off with fruity toffee sauce and treacle toffee. The darker notes build to reveal hints of liquorice and blackcurrant. Brulée topping and old oak hide at the back. Egg custard and blackcurrant jam fade to leave toffee and polished oak. This is a wonderfully elegant old grain whisky.
Price
Add your own label and purchase it from The Whisky Exchange for £135.00
The range will be available all year round for any celebratory occasion. Speedy delivery options also make this the ideal last minute gift.