The latest releases from The Last Drop

The latest releases from The Last Drop
© photo provided

The Last Drop Distillers Releases 2022 Collection

The extremely limited investment-grade releases of The Last Drop Distillers always create a stir. Falstaff tasted the rare spirits.

The launch of the 2022 Collection of The Last Drop Distillers took place in London at the Chelsea incarnation of Beaverbrook Townhouse, which has a locker for dry ageing fish. It was thus accompanied by red bream with white truffle, smoked A5 wagyu, and finally, Cognac-infused chocolate ‘cigars.’

Rebecca Jago, managing director of The Last Drop, introduced the Collection, joined by chief operating officer, Nick Morton and Cognac expert, Clive Carpenter. Select attendees heard how the firm, founded in 2008, has released just 11,000 bottles over 27 bottlings. These have included a powerful 46-year-old Jamaican rum, a soulful 100-year-old Pineau des Charentes, and a deeply hued 150-year-old Tawny Port.

Investment-grade bottles & miniatures

New for 2022 is the trio of bottlings encapsulated in much enhanced packaging including new livery and open-fronted wooden boxes. Each of the 700ml bottles is accompanied by a 50ml miniature, meaning purchasers may sate their curiosity as to the contents without impulsively opening their big-ticket, investment-grade bottles.

A new podcast

As well as extolling the pleasures of the well-rested, yet infinitely drinkable amber elixirs, Jago, who is the daughter of the late drinks industry legend, Tom Jago, who developed Baileys Irish Cream and founded The Last Drop with Dr. James Stuart Espey OBE, was keen to draw attention to her monthly podcast The Remarkable. It celebrates the lives of achievers from disparate fields, including Arctic explorer Ben Saunders, creator of backgammon boards and poker sets, Alexandra Llewellyn and master blender Colin Scott.

READ THE TASTING NOTES HERE

98 POINTS

  • Release No. 27: The Last Drop 1977 Glenturret, 44 Years Old 

Toasted sweetcorn, Manuka honey and rice cake on the generous nose, then melted Caramac bar and green grape on the rich, chewy palate showing the sweet nuttiness of the Madeira finish. From Glenturret, whose illicit operations are said to date from 1717. 163 bottles available. 700ml, 45% ABV, £4,500/$5,912.

97 POINTS

  • Release No. 26: The Last Drop Hors d’Age Petite Champagne Cognac, 70 Years Old 

Impressive clarity visually. The savoury nose includes sultanas and orris, then, after some time in the glass, hints of old oak, though the gentle, still vital, vivacious palate does not show tannins. Extremely moreish. Distilled in a small (12 hectolitre), wood-fired alembic still in 1950 and only removed from its cask in 2021. 375 bottles available. 700ml, 45% ABV, £3,250/$4,270.

96 POINTS

  • Release No. 25: The Last Drop 20–40 Year Old Japanese Blend 

Fresh meringue, red apple then brushed autumn grass on the nose, followed by camellia and lime marmalade on the palate, which evokes the texture of a plump oyster. Poised and much gentler seeming than its strong proof would suggest. The blend includes whiskeys from 1980-2000 from the shuttered but now reopened Hanyu distillery. 177 bottles available. 700ml, 60% ABV, £4,200/$5,518.

Douglas Blyde
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