We have an announcement brewing…
We are delighted to announce our most recent collaboration with Mufloni Beer Hunters, an award-winning brewery based in Pori, Finland. In Scotland, it’s common to order a ‘half & half’ at the bar, which is a measure of your favourite whisky alongside a half pint of beer. This tradition has undoubtedly inspired this new partnership and resulted in an artfully crafted barrel-aged stout.
Mufloni Beer Hunters has been in operation since 1998, and today they brew approximately 200,000 litres of their award-winning beer each year. Not content with the ordinary, they instead constantly seek out the extraordinary. From rare, limited editions, to innovative products that push the boundaries of traditional brewing – Mufloni Beer Hunters’ range continuously defy expectations. In their brewery in Pori Finland, Mufloni beers are made by hand from start to finish, and their nearby Beer Hunters Bar and Restaurant offers international craft beers from around the world.
Islay Mist & Mufloni Beer Hunters share similar values as brands, with strong family heritage and long-term vision, both focussed on planning for future generations to come and building their award-winning brands. This unique partnership is an opportunity to bring craft beer and whisky lovers together in the Nordics.
Mufloni’s new Islay Imperial Stout has been skilfully blended and aged in Islay Mist Casks, and was partially made using peated malt, one of the key components of Islay Mist whisky. Only 2,000 cans are available in ALKO stores throughout Finland, at 11% ABV from 25th September, and Mufloni is also set to release a limited number of cans of Islay Stout, which will be around 5.5% ABV.
Earlier this year, the Islay Mist team visited the Mufloni Brewery in Finland to take part in the brewing process that would lead to the new Islay Mist Stout. Master Blender of Islay Mist, Scott Sneddon was involved in the whole process, from hands-on brewing to lending whisky expertise.
“At Islay Mist, we take great pride in working with other like-minded businesses who are simply masters of their craft. Both brands aren’t afraid to try something different which makes them a great match, and we cannot wait for Finnish whisky and beer lovers to experience this blend.”
Master Blender, Scott Sneddon
Official Tasting Notes – Mufloni Islay Stout
Black in colour, with a generous layer of lacy beige foam.
Nose: Rich dark chocolate, with smoked whisky and a touch of coffee.
Taste: Rich in body, sweet and slightly oily. Notes of roasted malt, oak, vanilla, and chocolate are pleasantly complemented with a long smoky marine finish.
Islay Mist Blended Scotch Whisky launch a new, core expression, Islay Mist Double Peated.
Islay Mist Double Peated is an important brand extension for the Islay Mist range as it reaches out to blended Scotch drinkers who are looking for an expression with a more intense flavour profile. The Double Peated – as the name would allude – is twice as smoky as the Islay Mist Original meaning this blend contains a higher proportion of malt whisky from the island of Islay. Resulting in an expertly crafted whisky that is full of character with bold tobacco flavours, sea salt caramel sweetness and outstanding complexity.
As for the bottle itself, the label has been modified to include clouds of peat smoke against a dark, moody background; illustrating the increased level of peat as well as edgy and mysterious proposition.
The award-winning Islay Mist Blended Scotch Whisky can be traced back to Islay House in the 1920s and was initially blended to celebrate the 21st birthday of the son and heir of the then Lord Margadale. Islay Mist is the only blended whisky which can include ‘Islay’ in its name which shows true provenance to the island and its whisky-making heritage.
David Sloan, Managing Director at MacDuff International said ‘It gives me great pleasure to announce the release of Islay Mist Double Peated, a new innovation that will build on the brand love for Islay Mist Original and play a pivotal role in welcoming new consumers into the wider portfolio.
Islay Mist Original is recognised and often described as an elegant, multi-layered scotch with balanced smoke character. In the case of Islay Mist Double Peated, these characteristics very much remain, but have been elevated for a seasoned whisky palate.’
Shop Islay Mist Double Peated here: https://www.islaymist.com/product/double-peated/
On Thursday 18th August, Islay Mist Blended Scotch Whisky and MacGregor and MacDuff kiltmakers hosted a special launch event to showcase Scottish wedding suppliers and present the latest development to the collaboration; bespoke, tartan, personalised whisky favours.
Renowned wedding magazines and industry professionals, as well as lifestyle and whisky influencers were invited to attend the launch event which took place at the flagship MacGregor and MacDuff store in Bath Street, Glasgow.
Islay Mist signature cocktails alongside whisky-infused, Scottish-themed canapes were served on a unique wedding inspired table setting, revealing the latest development to come from our collaboration, personalised whisky favours. The launch also featured some of Scotland’s top wedding suppliers, such as; Joyce Young Bridal, House Martin Barbers, Cherry on Top Cakes by Jackie, Regis Catering and Jennifer Morrison Florist.
We first began the partnership last year in all MacGregor and MacDuff stores – Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow West End and Prestwick ‑ whereby customers who hired or purchased an Islay Mist kilt would be gifted an Islay Mist miniature in their sporran to celebrate their special day, as well as a 10% discount voucher for nearby spirits specialist store, the Good Spirits Co. to redeem off a bespoke tartan bottling of Islay Mist whisky.
Brand and Marketing Manager of Islay Mist Blended Scotch Whisky, Julie Christie explained that ‘From the outset of our collaboration with MacGregor and MacDuff, we wanted to highlight the importance of the ‘made in Scotland’ ethos and unify both our products to our targeted end consumer. The result has been tartan whisky miniatures which can be personalised with an individual’s name, event occasion and date, doubling up as the perfect offering for wedding favours or gifts for a special occasion. The price of the customised miniatures will be £3.50 per miniature and available to purchase here.
