The world’s first collection of audio tracks and real-world sounds intended to alter and heighten sensory perceptions when drinking whisky is a collaboration between whisky blender Black Bottle and Charles Spence, an experimental psychologist at the University of Oxford. It has been made to coincide with the release of Black Bottle’s new limited-edition The Alchemy Series.
Available on alchemyseries.co.uk, the playlist explores the relatively new idea of ‘sonic seasoning’ – the realisation that sound can influence the experience of taste. The accompanying two new single-batch-produced expressions are Black Bottle Double Cask and Black Bottle Island Smoke.
Black Bottle Double Cask is a marriage of malts finished in sherry barrels, and 12-year-old grain whisky matured in red wine casks. Thus, this whisky is described as a blast of red berries and sherry notes, with a long dry finish of grapes and flamed toffee.
Black Bottle Island Smoke, meanwhile, features a 1984 blended malt at its heart, with the resulting dram described as smoky, salty and medicinal, with just a bit of sweet cereal and vanilla for balance.
Both expressions are non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46.3% ABV, and join Black Bottle’s original and 10-year-old expressions. The Alchemy Series is available to buy from major whisky specialists and on Amazon for £26.
Craig Black, global brand manager for Black Bottle, said: “Black Bottle’s history is just as bold and unconventional as our spirit, dating back to 1879 when [the company] was established by Gordon Graham and his brothers. Now, . . . we honour the Graham brothers and their journey into the unknown with the launch of the Alchemy Series.”
Brendan McCarron, master distiller, added: “. . . It has been fascinating working with Professor Spence on the impact that sound can have on our taste-buds. The sonic seasoning playlist gives whisky drinkers a truly personal experience, whilst also showcasing the bold and fearless flavours of our award-winning spirits.”
Whisky drinkers are actively seeking out exciting spirit experiences and brands with rich, authentic stories to tell. They are becoming less concerned with traditional whisky categories . . . The Black Bottle Alchemy Series offers the perfect concoction of authentic heritage, incredible spirit quality and bold, unconventional character.”
Available on alchemyseries.co.uk, the playlist explores the relatively new idea of ‘sonic seasoning’ – the realisation that sound can influence the experience of taste. The accompanying two new single-batch-produced expressions are Black Bottle Double Cask and Black Bottle Island Smoke.
Black Bottle Double Cask is a marriage of malts finished in sherry barrels, and 12-year-old grain whisky matured in red wine casks. Thus, this whisky is described as a blast of red berries and sherry notes, with a long dry finish of grapes and flamed toffee.
Black Bottle Island Smoke, meanwhile, features a 1984 blended malt at its heart, with the resulting dram described as smoky, salty and medicinal, with just a bit of sweet cereal and vanilla for balance.
Both expressions are non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46.3% ABV, and join Black Bottle’s original and 10-year-old expressions. The Alchemy Series is available to buy from major whisky specialists and on Amazon for £26.
Charles Spence (image: Sam Frost)
Craig Black, global brand manager for Black Bottle, said: “Black Bottle’s history is just as bold and unconventional as our spirit, dating back to 1879 when [the company] was established by Gordon Graham and his brothers. Now, . . . we honour the Graham brothers and their journey into the unknown with the launch of the Alchemy Series.”
Brendan McCarron, master distiller, added: “. . . It has been fascinating working with Professor Spence on the impact that sound can have on our taste-buds. The sonic seasoning playlist gives whisky drinkers a truly personal experience, whilst also showcasing the bold and fearless flavours of our award-winning spirits.”
Whisky drinkers are actively seeking out exciting spirit experiences and brands with rich, authentic stories to tell. They are becoming less concerned with traditional whisky categories . . . The Black Bottle Alchemy Series offers the perfect concoction of authentic heritage, incredible spirit quality and bold, unconventional character.”
