The Whisky Exchange unveils second Zodiac quartet
London-based spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange has launched its second set of releases in the Zodiac Series.
Inspired by the 12 zodiac signs and their unique traits, the series highlights single cask Scotch single malt whiskies.
The Zodiac Series will be released in three collectable sets, each containing an air sign, a water sign, an earth sign, and a fire sign.
Each set features artwork created by Jenna Morse from The Whisky Exchange design team.
The collection launched in February this year, with whiskies dedicated to Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Gemini.
The second four-bottle set of releases, known collectively as The Summer Solstice Release, features expressions for Cancer, Leo, Virgo, and Libra.
Chris Bolton, own-label product manager at The Whisky Exchange, worked closely with buying director Dawn Davies to select the casks for the series.
“It was a meticulous and complex process to choose these whiskies. Just like star signs, every whisky distillery has its own personality which fans learn to trust as an old friend,” Bolton said. “We started by converting the traits of each Zodiac sign into idiosyncratic flavour characteristics, then set about hunting down casks of whisky that most accurately reflected these profiles.
“For the Summer Solstice Collection, we matched persuasive and loyal Cancer with faithful Laphroaig for its patient ability to convert even sceptical Islay whisky drinkers, while charismatic and confident Leo is translated into whisky form by a bold and assertive Croftengea from Loch Lomond.
“Virgo’s practical and perfectionist traits could only be Clynelish for those enamoured by the technical side of whisky-making, while charming and gracious Libra needed a graceful and understated distillery like Glenlossie to truly bring the concept to life.”
Four signs
Celebrating the Cancer horoscope, and people born between 21 June and 20 July, the series’ 10-year-old single malt from Islay’s Laphroaig Distillery was distilled in 2015 and aged in a refill hogshead.
Bottled at 62.3% ABV, the expression displays notes of seaweed, smoky peat, shortbread, toasted oak, and patisserie spice.
The Laphroaig 2015 is limited to 321 bottles and retails for £94.95 (US$129).
The second sign, Leo (21 July-20 August), showcases the untamable character of the Loch Lomond’s peated whisky, Croftengea, with flavours of grilled pineapple, smoke, citrus and caramel.
Distilled in 2009, the whisky was aged in a single refill hogshead for 16 years and bottled at an ABV of 51.7%.
Croftengea Leo is limited to 292 bottles, with a retail price set at £99.95 (US$136).
Hailing from Clynelish Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Virgo (21 August-20 September) is presented as a 10-year-old single malt matured in a Bourbon barrel.
Sitting at 52.8% ABV, the whisky offers notes of lemon zest, pear, wild honey, waxy texture and soft coastal minerality, with hints of heather, vanilla, and gentle spice.
The Clynelish 2015 retails for £105 (US$143) and is limited to 255 bottles.
The last expression in The Summer Solstice Release, Glenlossie 2009, is dedicated to Libra (21 September-20 October).
Aged in a refill Bourbon barrel and bottled at 54% ABV, the single malt displays notes of orchard apples, white peach, honey, and subtle hints of vanilla, almond, and gentle spice on the palate.
The Glenlossie is limited to 238 bottles and retails for £84.95 (US$116).
All expressions from The Zodiac Series are now available at The Whisky Exchange website and London stores.
The four remaining whiskies will be released in the autumn to complete the collection.
Earlier this year, the spirits retailer launched its first loyalty programme called Friends of The Whisky Exchange.
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