Whisky Focus - Whisky News Archive 2017
 Whisky Shops Online   Whisky Books    Whisky Forum    Add To Favourites     
 
Home
Whisky News
The History Of Scotch Whisky
How Scotch Malt Whisky Is Made
How Scotch Grain Whisky Is Made
How Scotch Blended Whisky Is Made
Whisky Producing Regions Of Scotland
How To Drink Your Whisky
Similar Tasting Scotch Whiskies
Recommended Malt Whiskies
A-Z of Single Malt Whisky
A-Z of Blended Whisky
Independent Bottlers
Whisky Liqueurs
Whisky Cocktails
Other Whiskies Of The World
 

Whisky News Archive 2017
Welcome to Whisky News archive 2017 where you can browse through old whisky news articles, reviews and more.

For the latest whisky news, new whisky releases, reviews, events, interviews, distillery news and more see Latest Whisky News.
 

Whisky News Archives
  • 18th December 2017
    2017 A Record Year For Whisky Sales At Bonhams Scotland
    Sales figures for 2017 recently revealed by Bonhams Whisky department in Edinburgh has confirmed that the passion from rare whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors from across the world is not showing any sign of letting up. Bonhams has confirmed that 2017 has been its most successful year ever, with total sales of £919,000 lead by The Dalmore and The Macallan whisky brands.
     
  • 15th December 2017
    Lagavulin 16 Year Old Nick Offerman's 'Perfect Gift' For Christmas
    I just couldn't resist posting these videos which sees American comedy actor Nick Offerman suggest Lagavulin 16 as the 'Perfect Gift' for Christmas, I am sure will bring a smile to your face and perhaps even suggest to you that you should have a bottle of Lagavulin 16 year old on your Christmas list.
     
  • 15th December 2017
    Diageo Join The Pact Campaign Meets Target One Year Early
    Diageo has hit its goal for its anti drink driving campaign, #JoinThePact, a year early and have announced a tenfold increase in its next target - aiming to secure 50 million pledges by 2025.
     
  • 15th December 2017
    Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2017
    The world's toughest row, the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2017 is underway once again. On December 12th, 28 teams from around the world left the shores of La Gomera in the Canary Islands, to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to English Harbour, Antigua in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2017.
     
  • 14th December 2017
    Rare Wartime Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 Wins Packaging Award
    It seems that the folks and Gordon & MacPhail are not only good at bottling award winning whisky but they are also pretty creative when it comes to designing the packaging as the Elgin based independent whisky bottler has just picked up a Gold award in the Scotch whisky category of The Spirits Design Masters 2017 for it Glenlivet 1943 70 Year Old.
     
  • 14th December 2017
    Survey Indentifies Private Whisky Collections Worth £75 Million
    A recent survey of 1,542 rare whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors from across the world carried out by Rare Whisky 101 in partnership with Whisky Auctioneer has revealed private whisky collections worth an estimated £75million, and with an average value of £50,000.
     
  • 12th December 2017
    Glen Moray Classic Peated Review
    The distillery launched the Glen Moray Classic Peated in 2015 which would have, a couple of more years on and with Christmas fast approaching I thought I would revisit this peaty Speysider that offers whisky drinkers a hit of peat at a very pocket friendly price in comparison to the ever increasing prices of Islay peated whiskies.
     
  • 11th December 2017
    BenRiach 21 Year Old Four Oak Casks Review
    BenRiach 21 Year Old Four Oak Casks is a rather unconventional release from the Speyside distillery in that it is a combination of four types of cask: bourbon barrels, virgin oak, Pedro Ximenez and red wine casks. I loved the nose on this and the four different oak woods are certainly each making a contribution.
     
  • 11th December 2017
    Glenglassaugh Rare Vintage Cask Collection Batch 3
    Glenglassaugh distillery has unveiled Batch 3 in their Glenglassaugh Rare Vintage Cask Collection. This latest collection of 8 vintage Glenglassaugh single cask bottlings was distilled between 1965 and 1986 and was hand selected by former Glenglassaugh Master Distiller Billy Walker before he moved on to pastures new. The collection provides a rare glimpse into the history of Glenglassaugh and the 8 whiskies are likely to be the last Glenglassaugh expressions selected by Billy Walker who we already know had the ability to select some very special whiskies to be bottled as single cask bottlings.
     
  • 7th December 2017
    Whisky Industry Veteran Joins The Cotswolds Distillery Board of Directors
    T    he Cotswolds Distillery have announced the appointment of Wine & Spirits industry veteran Richard Watling to its Board of Directors. Richard will serve as Director of Sales & Marketing Strategy, helping the award-winning young distillery continue its growth in both national and international markets.
     
  • 7th December 2017
    InchDairnie Distillery’s First Release To Be A Scotch Rye Whisky
    With a £10 million investment behind InchDairnie it took only 18 months to get the modern technically advanced and energy efficient distillery distillery up an running and this week the distillery underlined its innovative intentions with the news that its first release, Ryelaw, will be a groundbreaking ‘rye whisky’ that brings together elements of Scotch whisky and American rye whiskey.
     
  • 6th December 2017
    Benromach Add An Assistant Distillery Manager To The Distillery Team
    With the ever increasing global popularity of Benromach single malt whisky the Forres distillery has announced that they have expanded their distillery team with the appointment of Jessica Haworth in the position of assistant distillery manager.
     
  • 1st December 2017
    Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare
    Diageo has announced the launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare the first edition in a new series of Special Releases. Crafted using just 8 whiskies including irreplaceable whiskies from 'ghost' distilleries that have long since closed. At the heart of this first edition is Brora single malt which was last produced back in 1983.
     
  • 1st December 2017
    Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Goes Global
    Following on from a successful trial run in Ireland in September this year Irish Distillers has announced that they are now launching their new Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition worldwide. Finished in the specially crafted IPA casks the whiskey features the signature smoothness of Jameson alongside hints of light hops, fresh citrus and floral notes.
     
  • 29th November 2017
    Bowmore 1966 50 Year Old
    Bowmore unveil Bowmore 1966 50 Year Old, the third edition in the Bowmore 50 Year Old Vault Legends Collection. It is one of those whisky's which mere mortals such as myself can only dream about and only those of you with very deep pockets or lottery winners will ever get to experience and if you are one of those people be aware there are only 74 bottle available worldwide and it will be in whisky shops from December.
     
  • 29th November 2017
    First Female Apprentice Coppersmith Begins Training
    The traditional craft of a coppersmith is hundreds of years old but up until now in Scotland it has always been a male dominated craft but I am pleased to say that this most traditional of crafts has achieved a new first with a female apprentice taking up the coppersmith’s hammer and torch, Rebecca Weir, 18, from Alloa has been recruited by Diageo Abercrombie as a first year Modern Apprentice.
     
  • 28th November 2017
    BenRiach 30 Year Old Authenticus
    You may have spotted this one on the shelves of the whisky shops already, The BenRiach 30 Year Old Authenticus is the latest addition to the Speyside distillery's peaty Authenticus series. This new 30 year old Authenticus replaces the 25 year old which had itself replaced the 21 year old Authenticus.
     
  • 24th November 2017
    Highland Park Full Volume Review
    Highland Park have turned up the first fill bourbon volume with the new limited edition Highland Park Full Volume. With no sherry influence on this whisky, Full Volume really does show what a high quality whisky they produce at Highland Park.
     
  • 23rd November 2017
    The Clydeside Distillery Now Open To Visitors
    Whisky production returned to the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow on the 7th November when the first spirit flowed from the stills of The Clydeside Distillery and today The Clydeside officially opened its doors to visitors for the first time.
     
  • 17th November 2017
    Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Edition
     Midleton has unveiled the next chapter in their virgin Irish oak finish collection, Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Edition. I am sure those of you who had the pleasure of the outstanding Grinsell’s Wood release will be keen to try this new batch of virgin Irish oak finished  pot still whiskey.
     
  • 17th November 2017
    Construction Work Begins On New Ardross Distillery
    Work is now underway on the new Ardross distillery in the Averon Valley near Inverness. Planning permission for the new £15 million distillery was given the go ahead by The Highland Council in February this year and with construction now underway it estimated that the Ardross distillery will go into production by summer 2018.
     
  • 16th November 2017
    Ardgowan Distillery Secures £1 Million Government Grant
    A project to build Ardgowan distillery, a new lowland malt whisky distillery and visitor centre in Inverclyde was given a substantial boost this week with the award of nearly £1 million from the Scottish Government.
     
  • 16th November 2017
    New Glenglassaugh Wood Finish Range
    The new Glenglassaugh Wood Finish range represents a new chapter for the highland distillery, they are the first wood finish whiskies ever released by the distillery and the range is also Whisky Maker, Rachel Barrie's and Brown Forman's first new expressions since taking the reigns at Glenglassaugh.
     
  • 16th November 2017
    Glenglassaugh Peated Port Wood Finish Review
    Peat and Port can make for a very enjoyable dram when the balance is right and I would say they have got the length of the port finish for this young peated Glenglassaugh spot on.
     
  • 16th November 2017
    Glenglassaugh Peated Virgin Oak Wood Finish Review
    The Glenglassaugh Peated Virgin Oak Wood Finish is an outstanding new addition to the Glenglassaugh range, a very enjoyable well balanced wood finish from Glenglassaugh. The light peat smoke and delicious sugars entertain from nose to finish with the virgin oak adding its touch to the pleasure. It is gentle but certainly not docile, a delightful whisky.
     
  • 16th November 2017
    Glenglassaugh Port Wood Finish Review
    The Glenglassaugh Port Wood Finish is a delicious, enjoyable, juicy port finished whisky, likely around 8 years old. The fruit has more to say than the oak but this works well, it is a lovely balance of grape and oak.
     
  • 16th November 2017
    Glenglassaugh Pedro Ximinez Sherry Wood Finish Review
    The Glenglassaugh Pedro Ximinez Sherry Wood Finish is a cracking young PX cask finished whisky, definitely one for the sherried whisky lovers, a lovely smooth sherried dram with delicious rum and raisin fudge, vanilla and oak spice.
     
  • 16th November 2017
    Old Particular Consortium of Cards Ace Of Spades Mortlach 13 Year Old
    Independent bottler Douglas Laing has unveiled the fourth and final planned bottling in their Old Particular Consortium of Cards Single Cask series this year, they are finishing the year with the     Old Particular Ace of Spades Mortlach 13 Year Old.
     
  • 14th November 2017
    Aldi Glen Marnoch 29 Year Old Review
     The annual limited release of a few special premium limited edition whiskies from the  budget supermarket Aldi has now become a Christmas tradition that is anticipated by whisky enthusiasts every year now. This year their premium Scotch single malt offering which has gotten the whisky community excited is the Glen Marnoch 29 Year Old. This is what I thought of this years offering.
     
  • 13th November 2017
    Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky Inaugural Release Review
     The Cotswolds distillery have launched their first ever single malt whisky, the limited edition Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky Inaugural Release. An outstanding young whisky with a lovely first fill bourbon influence combining well with some delicious fruit from the ex-red wine cask.
     
  • 13th November 2017
    The GlenDronach Peated Port Wood Review
    The GlenDronach distillery have announced the release of the GlenDronach Peated Port Wood. Made from malted barley dried with Highland peat, the peated whisky has undergone a final maturation in the port pipes, sourced from the Douro Valley in Portugal.
     
  • 13th November 2017
    Big Peat 25 Year Old Gold Edition
    It seems Big Peat has come of age, as Glasgow independent bottler Douglas Laing, the creative folks behind this popular peaty Islay Blended Malt whisky has announced the launch of Big Peat 25 Year Old Gold Edition.
     
  • 3rd November 2017
    Highland Park Single Cask Series Launches In Asia Travel Retail
    The Highland Park Single Cask Series proved overwhelmingly popular when it was first launched in travel retail at London Heathrow airport in May this year. Highland Park have now launched two 15 year old Single Cask bottlings in Asia with DFS at Singapore Changi Airport.
     
  • 3rd November 2017
    anCnoc Peatheart
    anCnoc Peatheart is Batch 1 of the latest addition to the so far outstanding anCnoc Peaty Collection range of whiskies. Matured for more than 10 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels it has a phenols content level of 12.8 PPM.
     
  • 3rd November 2017
    Rare Macallan 1878 Exposed As A Fake
    A rare bottle of The Macallan 1878, one of the world’s only known bottles of the whisky still in circulation which had been on sale for £7,700 a glass in the Waldhaus Hotel Am See in St Moritz has been officially exposed as a fake following an investigation by Rare Whisky 101.
     
  • 3rd November 2017
    North Hop Festival Returns To Aviemore For 2nd Time This Year
    Following the overwhelming success of the North Hop Festival in Aviemore in February the festival is returning to Aviemore for the 2nd time this year to do it all over again. The festival, which will be hosted by STV’s Nicola McAlley, will showcase Scotland’s thriving food and drink industry as well as highlighting some of the great local musical talent.
     
  • 2nd November 2017
    Thomson Family May Sell Largest Private Collection Of Whisky Casks
    The Thomson family, owners of one of Scotland's largest private collections of rare Scotch whisky casks have said that they may sell all or part of their collection if the offer is right. The announcement follows the recent record breaking sale where a full cask of The Macallan 30 Year Old whisky, owned by the Thomson family, sold for £285,000.
     
  • 1st November 2017
    The Famous Grouse Offers Free Distillery Tours To Military Personnel
    In support of Poppyscotland The Famous Grouse Experience visitor attraction is offering 'FREE' Distillery and Tasting Experience tours for serving and retired military personnel during the month of November.
     
  • 1st November 2017
    Diageo Reserve 10th World Class Bartender of the Year Competition
    Calling all talented bartenders, Diageo Reserve is kicking off their 10th World Class Bartender of the Year Competition with a nationwide roadshow – World Class Studios.
     
  • 31st October 2017
    Scotch Whisky Exports Value Up But Volume Down
    It appears that Single Malt Whisky, the luxury sector of Scotch whisky, has weathered the global economic crisis. The Scotch Whisky Association has released figures showing that Scotch Whisky exports increased in value by 3.4% in the first half of the year to £1.8 billion, boosted by the continuing growth in popularity of Single Malts across the globe.
     
  • 26th October 2017
    Midleton Dair Ghaelach Leads Irish Distillers Impressive Medal Haul
    Leading the way at the Beverage Testing Institute awards this year was a whiskey we rarely hear mentioned, probably due to its limited availability, and in my humble opinion it is amongst the best Irish single pot still whiskeys ever to be released, the Midleton Dair Ghaelach.
     
  • 25th October 2017
    The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter 3
    The Balvenie has unveiled the third annual instalment in its premium DCS Compendium series of whiskies, The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter 3 Secrets of the Stock Model. The stand out expression in this years release is The Balvenie 1961 55 year old, which is the oldest Balvenie ever released.
     
  • 25th October 2017
    Feel The Taste Of Glenmorangie
    The creative folks at Glenmorangie have been working on a new research project with multi-sensory scientists to create an experience which they say will enable you to ‘feel’ the taste of whisky. This is done through a technique called ASMR- Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.
     
  • 24th October 2017
    The Macallan Quest Collection Travel Retail Exclusive
    The Macallan has unveiled The Macallan Quest Collection which will be available exclusively in global travel retail from January 2018 and will replace their existing Macallan 1824 Collection which was launched in travel retail back in 2009.
     
  • 24th October 2017
    Highland Park Voyage of the Raven
     Highland Park has unveiled a new travel retail exclusive expression, Highland Park Voyage Of The Raven, which will be available in global travel retail from this month. The new expression marks the start of the transition between the current Warrior Series and a brand new Travel Retail exclusive range to be launched in Spring/Summer 2018.
     
  • 20th October 2017
    Glengoyne 30 Year Old
     Glengoyne Highland Single Malt have unveiled a new Glengoyne 30 Year Old expression which will join the Glengoyne range but given its age will only be available in limited numbers annually with 6,000 bottles available worldwide each year.
     
  • 19th October 2017
    Kilchoman Red Wine Cask Matured Review
    Review of the new Kilchoman Red Wine Cask Matured single single malt whisky. A different Kilchoman where the deliciously moreish fruit takes the lead but the gentle Kilchoman peat is determined and still has its say. A cracking young Kilchoman.
     
  • 19th October 2017
    Kilchoman 2009 Vintage Review
    Review of the new Kilchoman 2009 Vintage a combination of fresh and refill bourbon barrels as well as three 2008 Oloroso sherry butts     which has certainly added a very enjoyable, very gentle, sweet richness to the whisky to this years vintage release.
     
  • 18th October 2017
    SMWS 134.1 & 134.2 Paul John Indian Whisky
    The folks at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society are spicing things up this month, this time with a first for the society, the release of two new Indian single cask malts. The two new whiskies which were distilled at the Paul John Distillery are SMWS 134.1 ‘Exotic rainforest fruits’ and SMWS 134.2 ‘Lip-smacking and cockle-warming’.
     
  • 18th October 2017
    Spirit of North Hop A New Festival In Aberdeen This Month
    If you appreciate other spirits as well as Scotch whisky then why not get yourself up to Aberdeen on Saturday 28th October when some of the country’s finest distillers will descend on the Granite City for a brand new spirits festival; Spirit of North Hop where you will find a wide array of Scottish spirit firsts, it’s a festival not to be missed for any discerning spirits fan!
     
  • 17th October 2017
    Ardbeg Twenty Something 23 Year Old Committee Exclusive
    Ardbeg Twenty Something is a rare 23 year old whisky which will be available exclusively to Ardbeg Committee members from the 2nd November. Described as a beautiful dram, bursting with rich, deep flavours.
     
  • 17th October 2017
    Dalmore Whisky Maker Richard Paterson Completes 50th Anniversary Tour
    Richard Paterson has completed his 50th Anniversary world tour which saw the rare Domaine Henri Giraud Champagne cask finished Dalmore 50 year old sell out as well as the sale of the unique £987,500 Dalmore Paterson Collection.
     
  • 17th October 2017
    The Macallan Edition No.3
    Introducing the The Macallan Edition No.3, a collaboration between The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno and Master Perfumer, Roja Dove. Created from a combination of European and American oak casks it is said to deliver an intense experience of flavour and aroma.
     
  • 16th October 2017
    Redbreast 21 Year Old The Worlds Best Irish Whiskey
    Review of the Redbreast 21 year old which Jim Murray recently named 'The Worlds Best Irish Whiskey'. Following the announcement last week I thought I would revisit the Redbreast 21 and I can reconfirm my original review of the whiskey, a deliciously juicy mature Irish single pot still whiskey.
     
  • 13th October 2017
    Whisky Bible 2018 Best Whiskies
    Jim Murray has named an American Bourbon whiskey, Colonel EH Taylor Four Grain, as his World Whisky Of The Year in the latest edition of his Whisky Bible. In 2nd spot is the outstanding Irish Single Pot Still  Redbreast 21 Year Old and in 3rd place is the Glen Grant 18 year old.
     
  • 13th October 2017
    Glenmorangie Supports National Museum of Scotland Exhibition
    If you plan on visiting Edinburgh why not stop by     a new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland supported by Glenmorangie which will show for the first time how silver, not gold, became the most important precious metal in Scotland over the course of the first millennium AD.
     
  • 13th October 2017
    SMWS 10.127 Peated Bunnahabhain Sweden Exclusive Release
    Following the launch in August of the SMWS first official partner bar at The Ardbeg Embassy in Stockholm the Society has launched SMWS 10.127 ‘Burning scarecrows by the sea’, a 10 year peated Bunnahabhain single cask whisky exclusively in Sweden.
     
  • 12th October 2017
    UK Whisky Sales Fall After Duty Increase
    Following Chancellor Philip Hammond's hike in the spirits tax it will come as no surprise that a fall in Scotch whisky sales followed, in fact sales have fallen by 1 million bottles and the Scotch Whisky Association has launched a #dropthedramduty campaign urging Philip Hammond to cut excise duty on spirits.
     
  • 11th October 2017
    Bushmills #3 Char Bourbon Cask Reserve The Steamship Collection
    Review of the new global travel retail exclusive Steamship Collection, the Bushmills #3 Char Bourbon Cask Reserve. No surprises here, just as I expected, simply a clean, fresh, good quality, easy drinking, Bourbon cask matured Bushmills Irish single malt whiskey.
     
  • 10th October 2017
    Ian MacLeod Distillers To Re-Open Rosebank Distillery
    Ian MacLeod Distillers has announced that they will re-open the Rosebank distillery in Falkirk which closed back in 1993.     The independent family owned distillers, blenders and bottlers have revealed plans to bring the iconic Rosebank distillery back to life. They have entered into a binding agreement with Scottish Canals to purchase the Falkirk site and has separately acquired the Rosebank trademark through the support of Diageo.
     
  • 10th October 2017
    The Gauldrons Campbeltown Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
    Douglas Laing today unveiled The Gauldrons Campbeltown Blended Malt, the latest addition to their Remarkable Regional Malt range of blended malt whiskies which now boasts a blended malt representing all six of Scotland's whisky regions.
     
  • 10th October 2017
    Tullamore DEW XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish
    Tullamore DEW have unveiled a new expression in their travel retail line-up, the Tullamore DEW XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish. Starting with their original triple distilled, triple blend, triple wood matured Irish whiskey, the Brand’s whiskey-makers have given it an additional finish in first fill XO Caribbean Demerara rum casks.
     
  • 10th October 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet 1943 70 Year Old
    Gordon & MacPhail has released a rare World War II distillation of Glenlivet single malt whisky. The Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet 1943 70 year old single cask 121 is one of the oldest Scotch single malt whiskies ever released and the fact that it was distilled during the World War II, a period when very little whisky was distilled and the little that was produced has long since been drunk adds to this whisky's rarity.
     
  • 10th October 2017
    Benromach 1977 Vintage
    Benromach have released the next expression in their ongoing series of 1970's single cask whiskies, this time the Speyside distillery has released the Benromach 1977 Vintage 39 year old which has been matured in a single Refill American Hogshead, cask number 1268.
     
  • 9th October 2017
    Diageo To Re-Open Port Ellen & Brora Distilleries
    Whisky enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that Diageo announced today that they intend to bring two of their distilleries back from the dead, Port Ellen Distillery on Islay and their Brora Distillery in the Northern Highlands.
     
  • 5th October 2017
    Jura Sherry Collection Travel Retail Exclusive
    The new travel retail exclusive Jura Sherry Collection is said to represent the introduction of a new signature style for the island distillery. The range will comprise of four single malt whiskies, The Sound, The Road, The Loch, The Paps 19 Year Old which have all been enhanced in Sherry casks that previously held Pedro Ximénez.
     
  • 4th October 2017
    Port Ellen 1981 Sells At Auction For £9,375
    A rare bottle of Port Ellen 1981 sold today at Bonham's Edinburgh whisky auction for almost double its estimate. The sale is sure to     raise a few eyebrows amongst whisky drinkers, collectors and investors.
     
  • 3rd October 2017
    Loch Lomond 50 Year Old
    The Loch Lomond distillery have just joined the elite 50 years plus whisky club with the announcement that they are set to release their oldest and rarest expression to date, a limited edition Loch Lomond 50 Year Old. Described as brimming with rich oak spice and tropical fruit, naturally deep amber in colour with beautiful clarity there will be only 60 bottles available.
     
  • 3rd October 2017
    Bushmills #3 Char Bourbon Cask Reserve The Steamship Collection
    Bushmills has unveiled the latest addition to their global travel retail exclusive Steamship Collection, the Bushmills #3 Char Bourbon Cask Reserve. Described as having subtle notes of toasted oak, spices and crème brûlée with a long, rich and smooth finish.
     
  • 3rd October 2017
    Green Spot Chateau Montelena
    Irish Distillers have just unveiled Green Spot Chateau Montelena, the first Irish Single Pot Still whiskey to be finished in Californian Chateau Montelena French oak Zinfandel wine casks.
     
  • 2nd October 2017
    Glenfiddich Experimental Series Joins The Travel Retail Range
    Glenfiddich have announced that their Glenfiddich Experimental Series, which they launched initially to selected domestic markets back in September last year, will now be rolled out in travel retail.
     
  • 29th September 2017
    Ardbeg An Oa Review
    Review of     the new addition to the Ardbeg core range, Ardbeg An Oa, a vatting of whiskies from several cask types including; sweet Pedro Ximenez; spicy Virgin charred oak; and American ex-bourbon casks, amongst others.
     
  • 28th September 2017
    Bowmore Vintners Trilogy
    It seems the folks at Bowmore like trilogy's and here is another one, the Islay distillery has announced the launch of the Bowmore Vintner's Trilogy which will comprise of three age statement wine cask influenced whiskies; Bowmore 18 Year Old Double Matured Manzanilla, Bowmore 26 Year Old Wine Matured both of which will launch this month and a Bowmore 27 Year Old Port Cask Matured bottling which will be released in 2018 to complete the Bowmore Vintner's Trilogy.
     
  • 28th September 2017
    Johnnie Walker Launch Blenders’ Batch Espresso Roast &  Rum Cask Finish
    Johnnie Walker Blenders Batch Espresso Roast and Johnnie Walker Blenders Batch Rum Cask Finish are the two latest additions to the Blenders Batch range, a series of innovative and experimental whiskies from the worlds best selling blended Scotch whisky which aims to push the boundaries on what whiskies could taste like.
     
  • 27th September 2017
    Douglas Laing Yula 22 Year Old Chapter 3
    Glasgow based independent whisky bottler Douglas Laing has released the final whisky in its 3 part Yula trilogy of Island blended malt whisky, Yula 22 Year Old, the final instalment in the trilogy which charts the whisky's journey over the past 2 years.
     
  • 27th September 2017
    SMWS Eatery Named Restaurant Of The Year For Scotland
    The Scotch Malt Whisky Society which is well known for it top class unique single cask whisky has just been recognised for the fine dining it offers at the Society’s restaurant, The Dining Room, in Edinburgh which has just been named Restaurant of the Year for Scotland at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards in London.
     
  • 27th September 2017
    Diageo Reserve Presents The World Class Studios At London Cocktail Week
    London Cocktail Week returns for the 8th year next week, it is the world’s biggest cocktail festival which gives visitors access to an unrivalled collection of the city’s award-winning bars with the renowned self-guided Cocktail Tours, as well as a number of World Class activations hosted by Diageo Reserve.
     
  • 26th September 2017
    Ballantine's Single Malt Series
    Ballantine's has launched a new Single Malt Series of whiskies which comprises of three of the main signature single malt whiskies found at the heart of the Ballantine's blend. The three new Ballantine's single malts, Glenburgie 15 Year Old, Miltonduff 15 Year Old and Glentauchers 15 Year Old originate from distilleries that whisky drinkers rarely see any original distillery bottlings from as much of their output goes almost exclusively into the Ballantine's blend.
     
  • 26th September 2017
    Dewar's 25 Year Old
    As part of Dewar's whisky's continuing dedication to Age Statements, they have unveiled a new Dewar's 25 Year Old expression which will replace the outstanding highly rated premium Dewar's Signature no age statement blended whisky which sat at the top of the Dewar's core whisky range.
     
  • 22nd September 2017
    The Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Vaults Collection
    The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has just unveiled The Vaults Collection, a new series of prestigious single malt whiskies which launches with the two very rare single cask single malt whiskies, a Rosebank 26 year old  ‘In a Perfumed Garden’ and a Macallan 27 year old ‘Meeting an old master’.
     
  • 21st September 2017
    Old Forester Kingsman Golden Circle Statesman Bourbon
    Old Forester Statesman Bourbon which plays an integral role in the new Kingsman Golden Circle movie launches today.     Old Forester say that they chose a unique taste profile when selecting the Statesman bourbon specifically for the film, resulting in an exceptional balance of heat and spice.
     
  • 21st September 2017
    The Whisky Barrel 10th Anniversary Single Cask Laphroaig
    Specialist online whisky shop, The Whisky Barrel, has released a limited edition Laphroaig 6 Year Old 2011 Vintage single cask bottling to mark their 10th Anniversary. The single cask Laphroaig was bottled for them by The Creative Whisky Co for their Exclusive Malts series, this is the third release marking The Whisky Barrel's 10th Anniversary and I am sure being a single cask Laphroaig that it will be of interest to a few of you.
     
  • 21st September 2017
    Glenfiddich Winter Storm Experimental Series
    Glenfiddich Winter Ice 21 year old single malt is the third release in the Speyside distillery's Experimental Series which was launched last year. Finished for six months in French oak casks which previously contained Peller Estates Icewine which is a unique intensely sweet flavoured wine produced in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.
     
  • 19th September 2017
    Johnnie Walker Black Label Blade Runner 2049 The Director’s Cut
    Ever wondered what Johnnie Walker Black Label will look and taste like in the future, now you can know. Thirty-five years on since the iconic Scotch blend appeared in the cult sci-fi classic Blade Runner movie, the whisky is making a return to the big screen in its highly-anticipated sequel Blade Runner 2049. To mark the release of the cult movie, the iconic Scotch blend has announced the release of Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director's Cut which Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge has developed in collaboration with visionary Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve.
     
  • 19th September 2017
    Benromach Chateau Cissac Wood Finish 2009
    The folks at Benromach have just unveiled the latest addition to their popular series of vintage wood finish whiskies, this time they have announced the launch of a limited edition Benromach Chateau Cissac Wood Finish 2009 vintage.
     
  • 19th September 2017
    Speyburn 15 Years Old
    Speyburn have added a new 15 year old expression to its core range which will be available in limited quantities each year. The Speyburn 15 year old was matured in a combination of American and Spanish oak casks and bottled at 46% ABV and is presented in the new and I must say improved looking packaging.
     
  • 19th September 2017
    Kilchoman 2009 Vintage
    Kilchoman release 2009 Vintage a combination of fresh and refill bourbon barrels as well as three 2008 Oloroso sherry butts to add additional layers of rich cooked fruits.
     
  • 19th September 2017
    Old Pulteney 1985 Single Cask Edinburgh Airport Exclusive
    Old Pulteney 1985 is a Single Cask whisky which is exclusively available at Edinburgh airports World of Whiskies travel retail shop. A limited release of just 168 bottles, matured in an American Oak ex-bourbon cask for 32 years then bottle at a cask strength of 51% ABV.
     
  • 19th September 2017
    Yamazaki Mizunara Cask 2017 Edition
    Beam Suntory have unveiled the Yamazaki Mizunara Cask 2017 Edition, an 18 year old limited edition which they say contains whisky aged 18 to 50 years old. A limited release of 5,000 bottles worldwide which will be available from October.
     
  • 18th September 2017
    Glen Moray 18 Year Old Review
    The Glen Moray 18 year old is the oldest of three whiskies in the Speyside distillery's Elgin Heritage Collection. It has an undeniable First Fill oak influence, the 18 years in in First Fill American oak and with a non chill filtered bottling strength of 47% has made this a pleasure.
     
  • 18th September 2017
    Glen Moray 15 Year Old Review
    The Glen Moray 15 year old adds a bit of the diversity to Speyside distillery's Elgin Heritage Collection, it was matured in a combination of American oak and Sherry oak casks. An easy drinking enjoyable sherried dram from Glen Moray.
     
  • 18th September 2017
    Glen Moray 12 Year Old Review
    The Glen Moray 12 year old is the youngest of three whiskies in the Speyside distillery's Elgin Heritage Collection, it has a lovely balance between the malt, sweet vanilla, a touch of fruit and just the slightest grassy notes.
     
  • 14th September 2017
    Interview With Graham Logan Isle of Jura Distillery Manager
    Following the recent launch of the new Jura One And All 20 Year Old limited edition single malt whisky I got the opportunity to put a few questions to Isle of Jura Distillery Manager Graham Logan about what his job involves at the island distillery.
     
  • 14th September 2017
    Consortium of Cards The Crackerjack Port Dundas 28 Year Old
    Independent bottler Douglas Laing & Co has unveiled the penultimate release in its Old Particular "Consortium of Cards" series. This time we are being dealt an Old Particular The Crackerjack Port Dundas 28 Year Old single grain whisky which is adorned by the Jack of Hearts.
     
  • 13th September 2017
    Happy 120th Birthday To Glen Moray Today
    On the 13th September 1897, 120 years ago to this very day the very first drops of spirit ran from copper stills at the Glen Moray distillery. 120 years on the Glen Morays offers whisky connoisseurs an innovative range of single malts to suit all tastes and pockets, from the Glen Moray Classic right up to the outstanding Glen Moray Mastery released to mark the distillery's 120th anniversary.
     
  • 12th September 2017
    Loch Lomond Inchmoan 10 Year Old Travel Retail Exclusive
    The Loch Lomond distillery have unveiled the Loch Lomond Inchmoan 10 Year Old, a new peated single malt whisky from the distillery's Island Collection of single malts which will be exclusive to global travel retail.
     
  • 12th September 2017
    Glenmorangie Whisky Cask Bicycle
    Glenmorangie launch £5,400 limited edition bicycle made from whisky casks. Glenmorangie has teamed up with Renovo, an innovative US based specialist hard wood bicycle maker to create the unusual Glenmorangie bicycle.
     
  • 7th September 2017
    Aldi's Hogwash Blended Malt Review
    Hogwash Blended Malt Whisky is a no age statement whisky from the budget supermarket chain Aldi, a recent addition to their own label whisky line-up. The very pleasantly pleasing toffee, vanilla, orange and mild spiciness combined with the £14.99 price tag make this a palatable dramming whisky.
     
  • 6th September 2017
    Cabrach Distillery In Speyside Gets Go Ahead
    Moray Council gives the go ahead for a new Cabrach Distillery and visitor attraction in Speyside which will celebrate Scotland’s illicit whisky history, while creating 12 new jobs and training opportunities.     The Cabrach Trust which is the social enterprise behind the project will shortly be offering whisky lovers an opportunity to purchase shares in the Cabrach Distillery.
     
  • 5th September 2017
    Big Peat Christmas 2017
    Pack away your barbeques and put the patio furniture back in the garage, Christmas is on the way as Douglas Laing has unveiled Big Peat Christmas 2017 Edition, the 7th annual release in the peaty cask strength series.
     
  • 5th September 2017
    Glen Scotia 18 Year Old
    The Glen Scotia distillery in Campbeltown has released a new Glen Scotia 18 year old expression. It is worth noting that this is a new Oloroso sherry cask finished expression and not a repackaged version of the Glen Scotia 18 year old launched in 2013.
     
  • 5th September 2017
    Talisker Race To Skye Champion And His Winning Cocktails
    Diageo Reserve has named Andrew Lennie of The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen in Edinburgh as the winner of their inaugural Talisker ‘Race to Skye’ Competition following an intense final in the whisky’s homeland, the Isle of Skye. We have got the ingredients for Andrews winning Talisker cocktails.
     
  • 4th September 2017
    Glen Grant 1950's Collection
    Gordon & MacPhail launch the Glen Grant 1950's Collection, 6 vintage Glen Grant single malt whiskies which were distilled in 6 consecutive years in the 1950's, from 1950 to 1955 with an incredible combined matured age of 353 years.
     
  • 4th September 2017
    Benromach Triple Distilled
    It appears that the Benromach distillery have been getting a bit creative, the Speyside distillery today unveiled its first triple distilled single malt whisky which is very aptly named Benromach Triple Distilled.
     
  • 1st September 2017
    Jura One And All 20 Year Old Review
    Jura today unveiled their 2017 limited edition bottling, Jura One And All 20 Year Old, chosen by the team of Jura distillery workers who craft the remote Hebridean Island single malt whisky, it is simply delicious with a lovely rich juicy fruitiness from nose to finish which is complemented by creamy toffee.
     
  • 1st September 2017
    The Macallan Continues To Dominate Auction Market
    According to the latest figures published by whisky analyst, broker and investment experts Rare Whisky 101 The Macallan continues to dominate the secondary whisky market, accounting for just short of £300 out of every £1,000 spent on whisky at auction in the UK in the first half of 2017.
     
  • 1st September 2017
    Whisky Auctioneer Launches Wine Auctioneer
    I am sure most of you are familiar with Whisky Auctioneer, one of the world’s largest and most successful online whisky auctions, well it now seems like the Perthshire based company is now bidding for a share of the world’s online wine auction market with the launch of Wine Auctioneer www.wineauctioneer.com.
     
  • 30th August 2017
    BenRiach Single Cask Batch 14
    BenRiach Distillery today released Batch 14 of its popular single cask bottlings. Notably the BenRiach Batch 14 is a smaller and younger but no less interesting outturn of 7 whiskies, 5 peated and 2 unpeated single malts, each of which have been fully matured in a single cask, no cask finishes in this batch. With the youngest in this release being 9 year old and the oldest 12 year old, this should make it more accessible to whisky drinkers regards the price.
     
  • 25th August 2017
    The Balvenie Peat Week 14 Year Old 2002 Review
    Review of The Balvenie Peat Week 14 Year Old, the new peaty addition to the Balvenie core range which was made from 100% peated barley. It is no peat monster, it is a delicately smoked Balvenie but certainly a very interesting and enjoyable Balvenie.
     
  • 25th August 2017
    The Balvenie 14 Year Old Peated Triple Cask Review
    Review of     the travel retail exclusive Balvenie Peated Triple Cask 14 Year Old which was launched in June this year, the peaty Balvenie has been matured in a combination of the first-fill bourbon, refill bourbon and sherry casks to mature the whisky has worked very well.
     
  • 23rd August 2017
    Glenmorangie Astar Review
    The Glenmorangie fans amongst you will recall the Glenmorangie Astar which was first released back in 2008, well it is back, Glenmorangie have announced the release of a Glenmorangie Astar 2017 limited edition and this one is a cracker.
     
  • 22nd August 2017
    GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage
    From the Highlands to Hollywood, GlenDronach distillery has partnered with 20th Century Fox to mark the release of the "Kingsman The Golden Circle" movie with the launch of a limited edition 25 year old expression - The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage.
     
  • 22nd August 2017
    SMWS Exotic Cargo Blended Malt Whisky
    The folks at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society are known for their single malt single cask whiskies but it seems they have been getting a little creative, the SMWS has just announced the forthcoming release of their first ever Blended Malt whisky which they have named SMWS Exotic Cargo.
     
  • 21st August 2017
    Ardbeg An Oa
    The Ardbeg fans amongst you will be pleased to hear that the Islay distillery today announced the forthcoming release of a new addition to their core range, Ardbeg An Oa, a vatting of whiskies from several cask types including; sweet Pedro Ximenez; spicy Virgin charred oak; and American ex-bourbon casks, amongst others.
     
  • 21st August 2017
    Support British Bartender As He Competes With The Best In The World
    Support     Great Britain's Jamie Jones of No Fixed Abode who is currently competing with the best bartenders in the world to be crowned Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2017. You can watch the action live from Mexico each day.
     
  • 16th August 2017
    Diageo Special Releases 2017
    Diageo has now revealed the full details (all except the prices) of their Diageo Special Releases 2017. In total the 2017 outturn comprises of 10 whiskies, 8 single malt whiskies, 1 single grain and a No Age Statement blended malt which contains whisky from all 28 of Diageo's operational distilleries which they have rather appropriately named Collectivum XXVIII.
     
  • 10th August 2017
    Inchmoan 12 Year Old Review
    Review of the peaty Inchmoan 12 year old from the Loch Lomond Distillery's Island Collection. A lovely smooth gently peated single malt with a a nice touch of pepper and a little fruitiness to add to the pleasure.
     
  • 10th August 2017
    Inchmoan Vintage 1992 Review
    Review of the peaty Loch Lomond Island Collection Inchmoan 1992. Very shy on the nose but makes up for it on the palate and finish and at 48.6% this is a deliciously smooth dram. The peat has faded after 25 years as you would expect but still adds a very gentle touch to the fun.
     
  • 9th August 2017
    Dalmore Valour Awarded Gold At IWSC 2017
    Good to see the Dalmore Valour picking up an award, the travel retail dram has just been awarded a Gold Medal and a Gold Trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2017.
     
  • 9th August 2017
    Chill Out With A SMWS Ice Dream Dram
    Feeling the heat in London? Why not chill out this August with a SMWS whisky infused ‘Ice Dream Dram’. From today, 9th August, Londoners will be able to choose from 12 ‘Ice Dream Drams’ which will be available from The Society’s recently opened venue, Kaleidoscope Bar at 9A Devonshire Square.
     
  • 4th August 2017
    Douglas Laing Rock Oyster Sherry Edition
    Douglas Laing have unveiled Rock Oyster Sherry Edition which is a no age statement limited edition Island region blended malt and the first Rock Oyster expression to have a Sherry influence.
     
  • 4th August 2017
    Diageo Reserve Headline Sponsor Of Inaugural Edinburgh Cocktail Festival
    If you are lucky enough to be in Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Festival this month and you fancy trying a few cocktails or even trying your hand at creating your own then stop by the New Waverly development, just off the Royal Mile where you will find the inaugural Edinburgh Cocktail Festival, taking place.
     
  • 1st August 2017
    Littlemill 27 Year Old 2017 Private Cellar Edition
    The Loch Lomond Distillery Company, owners of the closed Littlemill distillery, have just unveiled a limited release Littlemill 27 Year Old 2017 Private Cellar Edition expression. It is the creation of Michael Henry, Master Blender at the Loch Lomond Distillery company, Michael selected eight casks from 1990.
     
  • 31st July 2017
    Glenmorangie Scoops 7 Gold's At IWSC Awards 2017
    Glenmorangie’s outstanding signature expression, Glenmorangie Original, upheld its industry reputation at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2017 awards by picking up a gold medal alongside six additional gold medals for the Highland distillery.
     
  • 28th July 2017
    Douglas Laing Set To Build Distillery In Glasgow
    Glasgow based independent bottler Douglas Laing has just announced their plans to build their very own £10.7 million malt whisky distillery right in the centre of their home town of Glasgow. They have just unveiled plans to build a new yet to be named urban whisky distillery and bottling complex on the banks of the river Clyde.
     
  • 27th July 2017
    Billy Walker Consortium Set To Buy Glenallachie Distillery
    The future looks good for Glenallachie as Pernod Ricard agree its sale to a Billy Walker lead consortium. Billy Walker is a familiar name to Scotch whisky enthusiasts, Billy has been involved in the Scotch whisky industry for over 40 years, most recently he was instrumental in establishing and building the BenRiach Distillery Company prior to its sale in 2016.
     
  • 26th July 2017
    The Dalmore 40 Year Old
    The Dalmore has unveiled a new Dalmore 40 Year Old expression, it spent most of its 40 years maturing in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, before being transferred into Gonzalez Byass Matsualem Oloroso sherry butts for seven years, which themselves had previously held 30 year old Oloroso sherry, it was finally finished in first fill bourbon barrels.
     
  • 25th July 2017
    Milk & Honey Whisky Auction Of First 100 Bottles
    A little later than I told you it would be happening, Israel's first-ever whisky, Milk & Honey, the first whisky distillery in Israel have announced the date when they will auction off 100 of the first bottles, produced by head distiller Tomer Goren, together with master distiller, the late Dr. Jim Swan, on the Scottish whisky auction site Whisky Auctioneer.
     
  • 25th July 2017
    Record Sales In Scotch Whisky Auction Market
    According to whisky analyst, broker and investment experts Rare Whisky 101, the UK auction market for Scotch malt whisky continues to see record sales, with the total value sold at auction surpassing £2 million in each of the last 3 months of April, May and June.
     
  • 17th July 2017
    Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2017 Vintage 2000
    If you will be lucky enough to visit The Dalmore distillery this summer then look out for their latest limited edition distillery bottling, The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2017 Vintage 2000.
     
  • 12th July 2017
    Rare Whisky 101 Cask Brokerage Service
    If you do own a cask which is still maturing in a warehouse in Scotland and you would like to maximise your profits on that cask then why not take a look at  Whisky analyst, broker and investment company Rare Whisky 101's new bespoke cask brokerage service which they have launched to meet increased demand from global whisky enthusiasts seeking rare whisky still held in wood.
     
  • 7th July 2017
    Glen Moray Mastery Review
    Review of the Glen Moray Mastery released to mark the distillery's 120th anniversary, containing whisky dating back to 1978 it has a delicious rich sherried maturity which is complemented by the Madeira and port influence, becomes quite savoury after a few mouthfuls.
     
  • 7th July 2017
    Jura Tastival 2017 Review
    A great first Tastival release from     Graham Logan, he has selected some very good Port casks and balanced them well with the first fill bourbon casks. The fruit has more to say in this marriage and the 51% ABV strength just adds to the pleasure.
     
  • 7th July 2017
    Talisker Race To Skye Cocktail Finalists Named
    Diageo Reserve’s Island Scotch single malt whisky, Talisker, has revealed the six bartenders through to the grand final event of its Talisker cocktail competition, Race To Skye, which will take place in the brand’s homeland, the Isle of Skye, in August.
     
  • 6th July 2017
    The Dalmore Vintage Port Collection
    It seems like The Dalmore is like buses, nothing for a while then three come along at once. The Highland distillery has just announced the launch of the limited edition Dalmore Vintage Port Collection which consists of three Tawny Port pipe finished whiskies, a Dalmore Vintage 1996, Dalmore Vintage 1998 and Dalmore Vintage 2001.
     
  • 6th July 2017
    Chivas Masters Global Champion 2017
    Following a challenging five day long final in Tokyo, Japan, Chivas Regal has announced that Atsushi Suzuki from the Sober Company in Shanghai, China, is the 2017 Chivas Masters Global Champion.
     
  • 6th July 2017
    Holyrood Distillery Appoints Master Distiller
    The planned Holyrood Distillery has moved another step closer to bringing malt whisky distilling back to Scotland's capitol city, Edinburgh. The distillery has recruited three experts from the whisky industry, including Jack Mayo as Head Distiller, Bill Farrar as Sales and Marketing Director and Laura Anderson as Director of Finance.
     
  • 4th July 2017
    Clan Denny Whisky Range Gets A New Look
    The design department at Douglas Laing have been busy once again, this time they have turned their attention to the packaging of the Glasgow based bottler's sister company, Douglas McGibbon & Company's Clan Denny whisky range, it now carries two distinct themes; time and origins.
     
  • 3rd July 2017
    Bacardi Takes Small Stake In Teeling Whiskey
    With Irish whiskey sales continuing to boom in the US market Bacardi has taken its first step into the Irish whiskey marketplace in a deal with Dublin based Teeling Whiskey Company. Bacardi has taken a minority share in Teeling Whiskey for an undisclosed amount. The deal also gives Teeling access to Bacardi's US distribution network.
     
  • 22nd June 2017
    Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old
    Fans of the American whiskey, Bulleit Bourbon, which has become enormously popular here in the UK will be pleased to hear that Diageo Reserve has announced that they will be launching the Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old expression here in the UK next month.
     
  • 21st June 2017
    The 2017 Chivas Masters Global Finalists
    Chivas Regal has announced the 15 national winners who will be heading to Tokyo to compete to be crowned the 2017 Chivas Masters Global Champion. The annual competition which is now in its fourth year tests the cocktail making skills of the worlds best bartenders and celebrates the innovation and the craftsmanship at the heart of mixology.
     
  • 20th June 2017
    Royal Salute 30 Year Old The Flask Edition
    Chivas Brothers have unveiled their second collaboration with London based designer Afroditi Krassa, the limited edition Royal Salute 30 Year Old The Flask Edition.
     
  • 16th June 2017
    GlenDronach Single Cask Batch 15
    GlenDronach distillery today officially unveiled Batch 15 in their very popular single cask bottlings series, and the first batch released under the watchful eye of GlenDronach's new Whisky Maker Rachel Barrie.
     
  • 14th June 2017
    Ciaran Lavery Acoustic Session 'Tell Them All' Live At Bushmills x Lowden
    Northern Irish Singer-Songwriter Ciaran Lavery performs his song 'Tell Them All' live in an acoustic session with unique Bushmills     x Lowden barrel wood guitar, filmed at the Bushmills distillery.
     
  • 14th June 2017
    The Balvenie 14 Year Old Peated Triple Cask
    Here is one for the Balvenie fans amongst you to look out for on your travels this summer, they has just released The Balvenie Peated Triple Cask 14 Year Old. We have seen some Balvenie whisky matured in peated casks in the past but this is an actual peated whisky which I am sure will get more than a few of you dusting off your passport as it joins the Balvenie's travel retail exclusive Triple Cask range.
     
  • 14th June 2017
    Old Particular King of the Hills Ben Nevis 20 Years Old
    Douglas Laing reveal second release in the Old Particular Consortium of Cards Series, this time we see the King of Diamonds in the form of a single cask bottling of Old Particular King of the Hills Ben Nevis 20 Years Old.
     
  • 12th June 2017
    Edinburgh's Holyrood Distillery Seeks Investors
    Have you got a spare £5.5 million burning a hole in your pocket and you do you fancy being part of Edinburgh's first Scotch whisky distillery in 90 years? Following on from being granted planning permission from the City of Edinburgh Council last year the folks behind Edinburgh's planned Holyrood Distillery are now seeking investors for the the project and have launched a £5.5 million funding drive to help fund the balance of their ambition.
     
  • 12th June 2017
    Bushmills & Lowden Guitars Launch Guitar Made From Whiskey Barrels
    Bushmills, Ireland's oldest licensed distillery has teamed up with County Down based guitar maker, Lowden Guitars, who are one of the world’s finest acoustic guitar manufacturers to create a new limited edition guitar made from Bushmills Irish whiskey barrels and ancient bog oak.
     
  • 9th June 2017
    Craigellachie 33 Year Old Travel Retail Exclusive
    Following on from the success of the Craigellachie 31 year old in the domestic market, Craigellachie distillery owners John Dewar & Sons have launched a Craigellachie 33 Year Old expression exclusively in global travel retail.
     
  • 8th June 2017
    Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition
    One thing Chivas Brothers is consistently very good at is producing outstanding premium blended whiskies so it is always good to hear that their luxury brand, Royal Salute, has unveiled a new limited edition expression, the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition. Royal Salute describe it as a more delicate tasting liquid.
     
  • 8th June 2017
    Jamie Jones Crowned Diageo Reserve GB’s World Class Bartender 2017
    Jamie Jones of The Social Company in London has been named Diageo Reserve GB’s World Class Bartender of the Year 2017 and goes on to represent Great Britain in the global final in Mexico City.
     
  • 7th June 2017
    Own Your Own Cask Of Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky
    Are looking for a unique Father's Day gift for your whisky mad dad, something which he can treasure for years to come or perhaps you just want to spoil yourself, have you considered buying your very own cask of single malt whisky. The Cotswolds Distillery are offering you the chance to purchase your very own limited edition cask of their first ever Single Malt whisky.
     
  • 2nd June 2017
    Rock Oyster 18 Year Old
    Douglas Laing has unveiled a new limited edition 18 year old aged Scotch Blended Malt under its Island region Remarkable Regional Malts range. Rock Oyster 18 year old is a vatting of single malts sourced from the region it represents, namely whiskies distilled on the Islands of Jura, Islay, Arran and Orkney.
     
  • 2nd June 2017
    Timorous Beastie 18 Year Old
    The folks at Glasgow based Douglas Laing have added yet another limited edition aged blended malt to their Highland region Remarkable Regional Malts range, this time they have unveiled a Timorous Beastie 18 Year Old.
     
  • 1st June 2017
    Milk & Honey Israel's First Single Malt Whisky
    The Milk & Honey Distillery, Israel's first whisky distillery, has announced the forthcoming release of Milk & Honey Israel's First Single Malt Whisky. The initial sales of the first 391 bottles of Israeli single malt whisky be later this month and sales of the first bottles numbers 1-100 will begin on July 7th through a special international online auction.
     
  • 23rd May 2017
    Irish Distillers Prestige Whiskey Range Continues To Impress
    Irish Distillers outstanding range of prestige Irish whiskey continues to impress judges as it scoops another 10 top tasting awards. I am a huge fan of the the whiskies the folks at Midleton are turning out these days so it comes as no surprise to me that they have walked away from these latest competitions clutching a bag full of gold medals and notably a couple of gold medals for whiskeys in their new Method and Madness range.
     
  • 22nd May 2017
    Redbreast Dream Cask Review
    Review of Redbreast Dream Cask as selected by Billy Leighton for the the Facebook Live Tasting on World Whisky Day on Saturday evening which turned out to be a stunning, deliciously juicy, fruity, complex pot still whisky which was over 31 year old.
     
  • 19th May 2017
    Loch Lomond Whisky At Ben Lomond On World Whisky Day
    If you are feeling energetic tomorrow then why not dust off your hiking boots and enjoy a wonderful walk with a unique whisky-themed twist. Loch Lomond Single Malt Whisky is planning to ‘take-over’ one of Scotland’s most iconic summits, Ben Lomond, on Saturday 20 May to celebrate World Whisky Day.
     
  • 19th May 2017
    Jura Whisky Gift Packs
    Finding the perfect dram for dad isn't easy, but Jura has made it easier this year, they have created two special edition bottles (complete with gift tag); each bringing the flavours in two classic Jura whiskies to life through attractive illustrated gift wraps and making it even more attractive each pack offers you a chance to win a trip to Jura.
     
  • 19th May 2017
    The Macallan Whisky Trolley At Oblix at The Shard
    The Macallan today unveiled its latest collaboration, with Oblix at The Shard, The Macallan Whisky Trolley serving The Macallan whiskies of all ages and styles all complemented with Scottish cheese.
     
  • 19th May 2017
    Strathearn Distillery's Liam Pennycook Named Young Distiller Of The Year
    Strathearn distillery has announced that their young Head Distiller, Liam Pennycook, has won the "Young Talent" award at the prestigious Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
     
  • 19th May 2017
    Oldest Brora Whisky Sells At Auction For £14,500
    A bottle Brora 1972 44 year old and one of the worlds rarest whiskies ever to come up for sale has sold at auction for £14,500.
     
  • 19th May 2017
    Bushmills Launch Series Of Tasting Videos
    Just ahead of World Whisky Day, which is tomorrow, May 20th, Bushmills distillery has launched a series of new tasting videos hosted by Colum Egan, Master Distiller at the Old Bushmills Distillery. ‘The Bushmills Taste Series’ is made up of four 60 second videos and aims to educate fans on which variant is right for them.
     
  • 19th May 2017
    Tamdhu 120th Anniversary Archive Appeal
    Do you have any old Tamdhu photos, artefacts or even memories or stories that you could share? If so the folks at the Tamdhu distillery would love to hear from you as they are seeking to build a brand archive and delve more deeply into the social history of the Tamdhu distillery's past.
     
  • 19th May 2017
    The Whisky Shop Shares A Dram On Caledonian Sleeper
    Earlier this week The Whisky Shop shared its knowledge and a few drams with passengers onboard the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness, including some of its Glenkeir Treasures.
     
  • 16th May 2017
    Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finish
    As the popularity of Canadian whisky continues its rise, Crown Royal, the Canadian whisky category leader has announced the release of Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished which is the second release from the Noble Collection, a series of annual, limited edition whiskies.
     
  • 12th May 2017
    anCnoc 2002 Vintage Review
    Review of the recently released anCnoc 2002 Vintage, another outstanding anCnoc vintage release, citrus, spice and all things nice. You could happily nose this all night and the palate confirms the nose. Another quality easy drinking anCnoc vintage and a cracking dram for a warm summers evening.
     
  • 12th May 2017
    Tamdhu Batch Strength 2 Best No Age Statement At Speyside Festival 2017
    This year saw Tamdhu Batch Strength 2 crowned as the Best No Age Statement whisky at the Spirit of Speyside Festival which is a still pretty unique in the way they judge the whiskies ensuring only the best whiskies as judged by real whisky drinkers are awarded with a best in category award.
     
  • 11th May 2017
    Rare Single Bottle Of Brora 1972 Up For Auction
    A rare original distillery bottling of Brora 1972 will come up for auction next week, what makes this bottling exceptionally rare is that it is the oldest official original distillery bottling of Brora ever to come up for sale and it is also the only bottle to have been drawn from the     ex-sherry butt #4817 it matured in.
     
  • 11th May 2017
    Jura Tastival 2017 Whisky Unveiled
    Jura today unveiled its new limited edition Jura Tastival 2017 bottling,     a non chill-filtered, cask strength marriage of first fill American Bourbon, ex Bourbon and Port Pipes.
     
  • 11th May 2017
    Compass Box The Double Single
    Compass Box has unveiled the third release of it highly rated Scotch blended whisky The Double Single. The two component whiskies in this third release are a single malt whisky from Glen Elgin Speyside distillery and a single grain whisky from the South Ayrshire coast Girvan distillery.
     
  • 10th May 2017
    Big Peat’s Pals and Provenance Caol Ila 6 Years Old Feis Ile 2017
    Independent bottler Douglas Laing has unveiled two special whiskies which they have bottled for Islay’s Annual Festival of Malt and Music, Feis Ile 2017. They have put together a special sherry finished Big Peat, named Big Peat's Pals Feis Ile 2017. The second limited release for this years festival is a single cask bottling, Provenance Caol Ila 6 Year Old Feis Ile 2017.
     
  • 8th May 2017
    Bowmore Return To Age Statements For Travel Retail Range
    Here is an announcement rarer than a 60 year old whisky, Bowmore Islay single malt whisky have announced that they are returning to Age Statements for their new look travel retail range which now includes 3 new expressions, a Bowmore 10 year old, Bowmore 15 year old and Bowmore 18 year old single malt whisky.
     
  • 8th May 2017
    New Look Bowmore Whisky Range
    You may have already spotted it on the shelves in whisky shops, the Bowmore whisky range has had a bit of a makeover with a new look label and box but it isn't just just a new cosmetic look the core range has a new addition to its line up, the Bowmore No.1.
     
  • 8th May 2017
    Glenmorangie Scoops 5 Golds At The International Spirits Challenge
    Glenmorangie Signet, Glenmorangie 18 Year Old, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 Year Old and the travel retail exclusive Glenmorangie Legends Collection whiskies Glenmorangie Tarlogan and Glenmorangie Duthac have picked up gold medals at the International Spirits Challenge 2017 awards.
     
  • 8th May 2017
    New Jura 10 Year Old Launches In The US
    Isle of Jura whisky has announced the launch of a new Jura 10 year old single malt whisky expression in the US. The new US Jura 10 was matured in First Fill ex-Bourbon Casks and then finished in Oloroso Sherry casks.
     
  • 5th May 2017
    Edrington Buys Back The Glenrothes Brand From Berry Bros & Rudd
    After 7 years in the hands of Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, The Edrington Group spirits company have announced that they have bought back The Glenrothes Speyside Single Malt Scotch whisky for an undisclosed sum.
     
  • 5th May 2017
    William Grant & Sons Acquire Tuthilltown Spirits
    William Grant & Sons has acquired the entire 36-acre Tuthilltown facility which includes the distillery that produces Hudson whiskey and a variety of other local craft spirits brands.
     
  • 4th May 2017
    Win A Chance To Taste The Exclusive Redbreast Dream Cask
    Sign up to Redbreasts members club, The Birdhouse, before Tuesday 9th May to be in with a chance of taking part in the exclusive Redbreast Dream Cask Facebook Live tasting on World Whisky Day.
     
  • 4th May 2017
    Diageo Reserve Unveils Some Luxury Fathers Day Whisky Gift Ideas
    With Father's Day now on the horizon, the competition for Father's Day whisky gifts starts to warm up and at the luxury end of the whisky gift market you will find some very interesting gift ideas at multiple price points for your dad. Diageo Reserve, the Luxury portfolio of World Class Scotch brands has unveiled a series of premium gift packs from three of it whisky brands, Talisker, Johnnie Walker and Haig Club.
     
  • 4th May 2017
    Douglas Laing Launch Scallywag 13 Year Old
    Beware of another shaggy dog story as Douglas Laing launch Scallywag 13 year old    , matured exclusively in sherry butts and the first whisky under Douglas Laing's Remarkable Regional Malts Speyside series to carry an age statement.
     
  • 4th May 2017
    Glenfiddich 1988 Rare Cask King Power Thailand Exclusive
    William Grant & Sons recently welcomed a fabulous turnout at its recent event to celebrate the launch of the King Power Thailand Exclusive, Glenfiddich 1988 Rare Cask. The limited 123 bottles of this rare whisky highlights the amicable partnership behind this collaboration, and can be found only at King Power duty free stores.
     
  • 28th April 2017
    Kilchoman 100% Islay 7th Edition Review
    Kilchoman has announced the release of Kilchoman 100% Islay 7th Edition, the oldest edition of the popular lighter peated Kilchoman whisky. Another outstanding release with perhaps a little more oak and vanilla than was in earlier releases and still enough sweet Kilchoman peat to keep any peat head happy.
     
  • 28th April 2017
    Benromach 1976 Single Cask Visitor Centre Exclusive
    Benromach have announced the release of Benromach 1976 Single Cask No. 2393 which will be available exclusively at the Benromach distillery visitor centre shop. The rather special single malt whisky was launched at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival to celebrate a successful year for the distillery and visitor centre.
     
  • 28th April 2017
    Highland Park Whisky Range New Packaging
    Highland Park have launched a new look for its core whisky range which takes inspiration from the distilleries Orkney Island home Viking history. Not only has the packaging been given a new look but the whiskies have been given a Viking related sub brand name such as the Highland Park 12 year old Viking Honour and the Highland Park 18 year old Viking Pride.
     
  • 27th April 2017
    Jura Tastival 2017 Tickets Out Now
    Isle of Jura whisky has announced that tickets are now on sale for Jura Tastival 2017. Tastival will see Jura put on a number of free and ticketed activities – from unique whisky tastings and tours, to live entertainment - including music from legendary Scots Trad band RURA - and a chance to join the Jura community at special meet and greets with the distillery team.
     
  • 27th April 2017
    Highland Park Valkyrie Viking Legend Series
    Highland Park have just announced the release of Highland Park Valkyrie, the first of a trio of limited edition releases in their new Highland Park Viking Legend Series. Highland Park Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, says that he has dialled up more smoky notes in the new Highland Park Valkyrie.
     
  • 26th April 2017
    Scotch Whisky Industry Go After Scam Whisky Tycoon
    Scotland's whisky industry has gone to war with a mystery Whisky Tycoon who claims to represent many of the biggest brands in world spirits. Major whisky companies such as Diageo, Pernod Ricard and William Grants & Sons are moving to challenge scores of firms set up in London to mimic their names.
     
  • 26th April 2017
    Waterford Distillery Receives €20m Funding From UK Banks
    Mark Reynier, who I am sure you will recall as the man who brought the abandoned Bruichladdich distillery on Islay back to life and who is now one of the folks behind Irish company Renegade Spirits, has secured €20m funding from Ulster Bank for whisky production at their Waterford distillery.
     
  • 26th April 2017
    The Macallan Masters of Photography Steven Klein
    The Macallan has unveiled its sixth Masters of Photography release, The Macallan Masters of Photography Steven Klein which is part of a ongoing special limited edition series which showcases the mastery and art of both photography and whisky making.
     
  • 26th April 2017
    Johnnie Walker Blenders Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish
    Johnnie Walker master blender Dr Jim Beveridge has been busy once again, this time crafting Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish. This is the second limited edition in the Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch portfolio, a series of innovative and experimental whiskies from the worlds best selling blended Scotch whisky.
     
  • 26th April 2017
    Diageo Set To Cut Jobs In Scotland
    Alcoholic drinks giant Diageo plans to cut roughly 100 jobs in Scotland, at a time when Britain's workforce is facing uncertainty over the nation's impending exit from the European Union.
     
  • 25th April 2017
    New Look For Pigs Nose & Sheep Dip Whiskies
    Ian Macleod Distillers has unveiled a new look for their Pig's Nose and Sheep Dip Scotch whisky brands. If you are not familiar with these two whiskies you can be forgiven for thinking that they are in some way novelty whiskies or a couple of whiskies to attract tourists of gift buyers. They certainly are not, they are two very serious premium whiskies from Ian Macleod Distillers who you may know as the owners of Glengoyne and Tamdhu distilleries.
     
  • 25th April 2017
    Andrew Clifton Joins William Grant & Sons Travel Retail Team
    In whisky business news, William Grant & Sons has welcomed a new member to its travel retail team; Andrew Clifton replaces André de Almeida, who left the company last year, as Regional Director for Europe & North America after five years on William Grant’s domestic team.
     
  • 24th April 2017
    The Scottish Craftsmen’s Association 20th Anniversary Whisky Experience
    Murray Cohen reviews five specially selected whiskies for the Scottish Craftsmen’s Association Twentieth Anniversary Whisky Experience     in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
     
  • 21st April 2017
    The Real Mary King’s Close ‘Cask Is King’ Tour
    This coming May, to celebrate Whisky month, historic Edinburgh attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close is launching ‘Cask Is King’, an exciting new experience for the budding whisky connoisseur. Every Thursday evening this May a limited number of guests will be guided through the dark streets of Mary King’s Close where they will enjoy a dram with a difference.
     
  • 21st April 2017
    Karuizawa Whisky Collection Sells For £770,000
    The world’s largest known collection of Karuizawa Japanese whisky has been sold in an online auction held by Whisky Auctioneer for a total of £770,000 which is believed to be a record for an auction of Japanese whisky.
     
  • 12th April 2017
    Highland Park Rebus 30th Anniversary 10 Year Old
    Highland Park have once again teamed up with Ian Rankin, they have just announced the release of Highland Park Rebus 30 10 Year Old, a special edition of 10,000 bottles to mark the 30th anniversary of the iconic Edinburgh detective John Rebus, one of crime fiction’s best loved creations.
     
  • 11th April 2017
    Glengoyne Celebrate Easter With Egg From The Highland Chocolatier
    To celebrate Easter Glengoyne, the Scottish owned Highland distillery has teamed up with The Highland Chocolatier to create the ultimate whisky-lovers Easter egg which will be on display in the Glengoyne distillery shop for from now and throughout the Easter period.
     
  • 7th April 2017
    Arran Amarone Cask Finish Returns
    Arran whisky fans amongst you will be pleased to hear that after a short absence the popular Arran Amarone Cask Finish is set to return. Arran has sourced more casks from Italy and have now finished a new batch of whisky in the Amarone casks and the latest expression should be available from this month.
     
  • 6th April 2017
    Malt Whisky Leading Scotch Revival
    According to a report from VINEXPO, the world’s leading wine and spirits exhibition single and blended malt whiskies are fuelling a revival of Scotch whisky sales worldwide and this year Scotch whisky began a new period of growth. The global spirits study 2015-2020 forecasts that sales of all types of Scotch whisky will start to climb from a plateau of 86.5 million 9-litre cases to reach 93.8 million cases by 2020.
     
  • 6th April 2017
    Accolades For Glenmorangie and Ardbeg At World Whisky Awards 2017
    As the whisky award season continues, Glenmorangie Lasanta and Ardbeg Corryvreckan have been named best whisky in their region at the World Whisky Awards 2017.
     
  • 5th April 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail's Mark Angus Becomes A Keeper Of The Quaich
    Mark Angus, Gordon & MacPhail whisky shop manager, has become a Keeper of the Quaich at an exclusive ceremony at Blair Castle, Perthshire. I am sure a few of you have come across Mark who has been enthusing visitors for nine years in Gordon & MacPhail's shop in Elgin, Speyside.
     
  • 4th April 2017
    Complete Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection Sells For $993,000
    On Sunday 2nd April, The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection – a set of six stunning Lalique crystal decanters containing the rarest of The Macallan’s single malts aged from 50 to 65 years old – was sold for a cool US$993,000 at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, with all net proceeds to be donated to Hong Kong based and other Asian charities.
     
  • 4th April 2017
    William Grants Brands Now Available In Gimpo Airport Korea
    In whisky business news, William Grant & Sons has announced that its brands will now be available from the second largest airport in Korea, Gimpo International. Starting from May, William Grant’s major brands Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Hendrick’s will be sitting proudly on shelves of Gimpo International travel retail.
     
  • 3rd April 2017
    Irish Distillers Whiskeys Impress At Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017
    I am a huge fan of the Irish Single Pot Still whiskey so it comes as no surprise to me to hear that Irish Distillers and their outstanding range of Midleton Distillery produced Single Pot Still whiskeys have once again impressed the judges at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and standing out from the crowd at this years competition was Yellow Spot which was awarded an almost perfect score of 99/100.
     
  • 3rd April 2017
    Benromach 1975
    The Benromach distillery today unveiled its latest vintage addition to its limited edition Heritage range, the Benromach 1975 single cask single malt whisky. The Benromach 1975 was matured for over 41 years in a single cask, Cask No. 3434, a refill American Hogshead which has produced an outturn of only 162 bottles.
     
  • 28th March 2017
    BenRiach Peated Cask Strength Batch 1 Review
    The BenRiach fans amongst you will recall that this time last year The BenRiach launched Batch 1 of BenRiach’s Cask Strength well today the distillery announced the launch of Batch 1 of a new BenRiach Peated Cask Strength expression to pair with its classic Cask Strength offering.
     
  • 28th March 2017
    Tamdhu 50 Year Old 120th Anniversary Bottling
    Tamdhu distillery in Speyside has unveiled a very special Scotch single malt to mark it's 120th anniversary, they have unveiled the Tamdhu 50 Year Old single malt whisky which has matured in a single cask no. 4678, a first fill European oak sherry butt.
     
  • 24th March 2017
    Glenmorangie Pride 1974
    Glenmorangie has unveiled the oldest and rarest whisky the Highland distillery has ever released, the Glenmorangie Pride 1974. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and ex-Oloroso sherry butts this is the third release in the Glenmorangie Pride series.
     
  • 23rd March 2017
    Johnnie Walker Platinum Rebranded As Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years
    It appears that Johnnie Walker are once again focusing on age statements following there move to rebrand the Johnnie Walker Platinum Label blend as Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years but fans of the whisky needn't worry as this is just a change of name, the whisky in the bottle is still the same.
     
  • 21st March 2017
    Johnnie Walker Blenders Batch Triple Grain American Oak
    Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr. Jim Beveridge and his team of blenders have been busy experimenting once again and just have revealed the Johnnie Walker Blenders Batch Triple Grain American Oak, the first whisky in the series to be released in the US. Crafted using three different styles of grain whisky - wheat, barley and corn, it is a blend of five whiskies in total including grain from the now closed Port Dundas distillery and malt from Cardhu and Mortlach on Speyside.
     
  • 21st March 2017
    Whisky Industry Welcomes European Commission's Proposals On Labelling
    The European Commission has adopted a report on the mandatory labelling of the list of ingredients and the nutrition declaration for alcoholic beverages. Following the conclusions of the report, the Commission has invited the alcoholic beverages' industry to develop, within a year, a self-regulatory proposal aiming to provide information on ingredients and nutrition of all alcoholic beverages.
     
  • 17th March 2017
    Bushmills Red Bush Review
    I cant think of a better day than St. Patrick's Day to let you know about a new blended Irish whiskey from the Northern Irish distillery Bushmills, they have revealed Bushmills Red Bush as the newest addition to their range of blended whiskeys.      It certainly is as it has been billed a very approachable and a very easy to drink Irish blended whiskey. It should appeal to both bourbon drinkers and those new to whisky.
     
  • 17th March 2017
    Strathearn Distillery Cask Ownership Scheme
    Strathearn Distillery, one of Scotland’s Scotland’s smallest distilleries, has announced that they will reintroduce their elite Private Cask Ownership Scheme, giving customers the chance to own their own whisky or rum cask. The scheme gives whisky fans the opportunity to purchase a 40 litre cask or a 100 litre oak cask with a variety of types on offer including Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Maderia, Portuguese Brandy and more.
     
  • 17th March 2017
    Diageo Reserve World Class 2017 50 Semi Finalists Announced
    Diageo has revealed the names of the 50 people through to the semi-final of the Diageo Reserve World Class 2017 bartender competition.     The semi-final: Future Trends event will take place at Diageo’s Customer Collaboration Centre on Wednesday 19th April 2017.
     
  • 16th March 2017
    Interview With Kirsteen Campbell The Famous Grouse Master Blender
    Following the recent The Famous Grouse ‘Masters of the Famous Blend’ event which I attended in Glasgow I got the opportunity to sit down with The Famous Grouse Master Blender Kirsteen Campbell and put a few questions to her about what her job involves with Scotland's favourite and the UK's best selling Scotch blended whisky.
     
  • 16th March 2017
    The Famous Grouse Masters of the Famous Blend
    I recently had the chance to attend The Famous Grouse Masters of the Famous Blend bartender engagement programme in Glasgow which brought together the Masters behind The Famous Grouse blended whisky and where the Famous Grouse Master Blender Kirsteen Campbell gave an insight into the complex art of blending Scotland's favourite whisky.
     
  • 15th March 2017
    World’s Largest Collection Of Karuizawa Japanese Whisky Up For Auction
    A collection of 290 bottles of the highly sought after Karuizawa Japanese whisky is set to be sold at auction, the collection which had been built up over the last 10 years by a European collector, has an estimated value of more than £500,000.
     
  • 15th March 2017
    William Grant & Sons Regains Foothold In The Japanese Duty Free Market
    In whisky business news, William Grant & Sons has regained a foothold in the Japanese Duty Free market following the appointment of JALUX, the trading arm of Japan Airlines, to distribute to the fragmented Japanese airport customer base.
     
  • 14th March 2017
    Bushmills Toast To Honour The Spirit Of St.Patrick
    St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions of people globally on 17th March and this year Bushmills Irish Whiskey has released a compelling toast to give people a different way to celebrate the true spirit of St. Patrick.
     
  • 14th March 2017
    Winner Of Glenfiddich Nissan Terrano Prize Draw At Hyderabad Announced
    William Grant & Sons have announced that Hyderabad resident, Mohammed Shazi Kandrikarlucky as the winner of the Glenfiddich Nissan Terrano prize draw at Hyderabad airport, a Mega Promotion that ran through the Diwali months of October and November last year.
     
  • 13th March 2017
    Bulleit Bourbon at London Beer Week 2017
    Bulleit Bourbon which ranks as one of the fastest-growing Small Batch Bourbons in America is set to be the frontier whiskey of choice at this years London Beer Week 2017. Over the course of London’s largest celebration of beers, ales, lagers and ciders, a selection of top bars will be serving limited edition Bulleit cocktails, all of which include beer as a key ingredient.
     
  • 10th March 2017
    Glen Scotia Dinner And A Dram With Charles MacLean
    I am sure this one will appeal to those of you planning on heading to this years Islay Festival which kicks off on the 26th May, as part of this year’s Campbeltown Whisky Festival, Glen Scotia distillery are offering whisky enthusiasts the chance to have dinner and a dram with world famous whisky writer Charles MacLean on the 23rd May and the Campbeltown Whisky Festival itself is on the 24th - 26th May.
     
  • 9th March 2017
    Jameson Distillery In Dublin Reopens After €11 Million Investment
    If you are planning a trip to Dublin you may want to call into the new look Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin as owners, Irish Distillers has just reopened the distillery to the public following a total investment of €11 million.
     
  • 9th March 2017
    Mickey Heads Celebrates 10 Years At The Helm Of Ardbeg
    It is now ten years since Ardbeg distillery manager, Mickey Heads took charge of the iconic Islay distillery and to celebrate his first decade at the helm of the acclaimed smoky, peaty Islay malt, Ardbeg are inviting fans across the world to share a toast to Mickey on twitter #3cheers.
     
  • 6th March 2017
    Method and Madness The New Premium Irish Whiskey Brand
    Just over a week ago I had the pleasure of attending the global launch in Dublin of Method and Madness, a new premium range of Irish whiskey from Irish Distillers. The new Method and Madness Irish whiskey range launches with a two Single Grain whiskeys, a Single Malt and off course a Single Pot Still Irish whiskey and each new whiskey offers its own touch of Method and Madness.
     
  • 6th March 2017
    Midleton Micro Distillery - Method and Madness Of The Future
    My visit and unique tasting at the Midleton Micro Distillery where Irish Distillers are employing both Method and Madness from the past and present to create some unique Irish whiskeys for the future.
     
  • 6th March 2017
    Method and Madness Ger Buckley Interview
    Following the recent launch tasting of Irish Distillers new Method and Madness whiskey range in Dublin I got the opportunity to sit down with Midleton Master Cooper Ger Buckley and put a few questions to him about what his job involves at one of the biggest whiskey distilleries in the world.
     
  • 6th March 2017
    Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Review
    Method and Madness     wouldn't quite be an Irish whiskey range if it didn't have at least one Single Pot Still whiskey in it and nobody does pot still whiskey better than the folks at Midleton and in line with the theme of the new range this was finished rather uniquely in Chestnut wood casks which is a world first.
     
  • 6th March 2017
    Method and Madness Single Malt Irish Whiskey Review
    This Method and Madness Single Malt whiskey is the first ever single malt release from the Midleton distillery and keeping to the theme of the new range this is no straight forward triple distilled Irish single malt whiskey, it has been finished for 12 months in unseasoned French Limousin Oak casks.
     
  • 6th March 2017
    Method and Madness Single Grain Irish Whiskey Review
    The Method and Madness Single Grain whiskey is no straight forward American Bourbon cask matured single grain whiskey, after maturing in ex-Bourbon barrels to achieve a light, perfumed flavour on the grain whiskey, it was then uniquely finished for around 12 months in toasted, virgin Spanish sherry oak casks from Galicia in North West Spain.
     
  • 6th March 2017
    Method and Madness 31 Year Old Single Grain Irish Whiskey Review
    Sitting at the top of the new Method and Madness range is something very special and very limited, Method and Madness 31 Year Old Single Grain Single Cask Irish whiskey a style of whiskey which is rare to see from Midleton and having had the pleasure of it I can say it is a quality mature single grain whiskey.
     
  • 3rd March 2017
    William Grant & Sons Has Engaging Approach At Orlando Duty Free Show
    William Grant & Sons returns to Orlando this year for the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas, where it will be presenting the latest concepts in its travel retail portfolio within a booth conceptualised to give existing and potential buyers the same engaging experience as it does travelling consumers. The main highlight will be the new modern and contemporary look packaging for the Glenfiddich Cask Collection which was originally launched in travel retail back in 2013 and was given a refreshed look at the end of 2016.
     
  • 3rd March 2017
    Kentucky Owl Bourbon Whiskey Launches In Americas Duty Free
    Following another year of strong growth in the Americas Duty Free channel, Stoli Group returns to the Duty Free Show of the Americas at Stand 531 with an expanded portfolio, including small-batch Kentucky Owl Bourbon the latest addition to the Stoli Group portfolio.
     
  • 2nd March 2017
    Loch Lomond Whisky Now Available In Travel Retail
    Last month Loch Lomond single malt entered the world of travel retail for the first time with the launch four of their expressions at the Highland distillery's local airport, Glasgow airport. The four travel retail whiskies are not new expressions, they are whiskies which we are already familiar with but they are presented in 1 litre bottles as all travel retail bottles should be but sadly are not these days.
     
  • 2nd March 2017
    Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Review
    Review of the Loch Lomond 12 year old, a     deliciously sweet fruity malt with just a touch of gentle spice. Great to see Loch Lomond turning out such quality whisky and at a very drinkable price. A thoroughly enjoyable malt whisky, don't overlook it.
     
  • 2nd March 2017
    Loch Lomond Original Review
    Review of the Loch Lomond Original, it was matured in American oak casks, it is a little around the rough edges, which probably adds to the pleasure but it is more refined than the NAS of old, still easy enough to drink and certainly a step up from a standard blend.
     
  • 2nd March 2017
    Inchmurrin 12 Year Old Review
    The Inchmurrin 12 year old from the Loch Lomond distillery's Island Collection was matured in a combination of three types of cask, Bourbon, Refill and Recharged casks just like the standard Loch Lomond 12 year old was but it is definitely a different whisky.
     
  • 2nd March 2017
    Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish 2009
    Benromach today unveiled the latest expression in their limited edition Wood Finish series of single malts, Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish 2009 and I am pleased to say that in response to the popularity of previous Sassicaia Wood Finish releases the folks at Benromach have more than doubled the number of bottles released for sale with this latest 2009 edition.
     
  • 21st February 2017
    Bonham's Inaugural Online Auction Dedicated To The Macallan
    Bonham's is hosting its first ever online only whisky auction, the auction which is offering more than 70 lots of The Macallan is based in Hong Kong and started on Friday 17th February and will run until 10th March 2017.
     
  • 21st February 2017
    Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) Bottlings Get A New Look
    The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), which is a rather unique international whisky club is approaching its 35th anniversary and to mark the occasion they have given their iconic green bottle a bit of a makeover.
     
  • 20th February 2017
    Master Blender Rachel Barrie Joins The  BenRiach Distillery Company
    Brown-Forman the new owners of The BenRiach Distillery Company have announced that they have appointed Rachel Barrie as whisky maker for their Scotch whisky portfolio which includes The BenRiach, The GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh distilleries. Rachel will take the reigns on March 1st from Billy Walker who was a was a key part of the growth of the BenRiach Distillery Company.
     
  • 17th February 2017
    John Walker Private Collection 2017 Mastery of Oak
    Diageo has unveiled the 4th edition of its super premium John Walker & Sons Private Collection blend, the John Walker Private Collection 2017 Mastery of Oak. John Walker Private Collection 2017 focuses on the wood and combinations of casking which influences whisky.
     
  • 16th February 2017
    Donald Trump Proposed US Border Tax Would Hit US Whisky Drinkers
    Alexandre Ricard, Pernod Ricard CEO, has warned that a proposed 20% US tax on imported goods which could hit Scotch whisky would have to be passed on to consumers.
     
  • 15th February 2017
    Jameson's St. Patrick’s Day 2017 Limited Edition
    I know a few of you now anticipate this special release every year, well its that time of year once again when Jameson unveil its limited edition Jameson St. Patrick's Day 2017 bottling ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day 2017 celebrations. This year the special limited edition label design has been inspired by the Jameson family motto, Sine Metu – or without fear.
     
  • 14th February 2017
    Dalwhinnie Distillery Welcomed Scottish Whisky Bar Workers
    Last Friday 10th February, the inaugural "International Scotch Day" the Dalwhinnie Distillery, Scotland's highest distillery at 326 metres above sea level, opened it doors for free to welcome a group of 25 representatives from some of Scotland’s traditional whisky bars and five-star hotels for a distillery tour.
     
  • 9th February 2017
    Glen Moray Celebrates 120th Anniversary Year
    The Glen Moray Glenlivet Distillery Company Limited was formed on the 27th January, 1897 and Glen Moray is set to mark its 120th anniversary year with the release of a special limited edition, Glen Moray Mastery.
     
  • 9th February 2017
    International Scotch Day February 10
    To mark the inaugural International Scotch Day tomorrow Diageo are opening the doors to its distillery visitor centres and it whisky archive. There will also be official International Scotch Day celebrations taking place all over the world, and fronting the proceedings is world-renowned supermodel, Coco Rocha and award-winning actress, Freida Pinto.
     
  • 8th February 2017
    Douglas Laing Old Particular Consortium of Cards Collection
    The folks in the marketing department at independent Glasgow based whisky bottlers Douglas Laing have been busy once again coming up with something to attract our hard earned whisky pounds, today they launched the Old Particular Consortium of Cards Collection with the Laphroaig 18 Year Old Queen of the Hebrides.
     
  • 7th February 2017
    Mossburn & Jedhart Distilleries Get Go Ahead From Scottish Government
    The Scottish government has given the go ahead for the £40 million Jedhart and Mossburn distilleries at the former site of the Jedforest hotel in the Scottish Borders.
     
  • 6th February 2017
    The Macallan 1991 Fine & Rare Collection
    The Macallan 1991 has been unveiled as this years addition to the Fine & Rare Collection,     a collection which was created to identify the very best of The Macallan’s finest maturing stock. The Macallan 1991 joins some of the rarest vintage Macallan single malts ever released.
     
  • 6th February 2017
    Laphroaig Four Oak Travel Retail Exclusive
    Laphroaig Four Oak is a new travel retail exclusive expression, as its name suggests the new whisky from the Islay distillery has been matured in four different casks but hopefully the new Four Oak is not a case of taking the Laphroaig Triple Cask one cask too far.
     
  • 6th February 2017
    Laphroaig The 1815 Legacy Edition Travel Retail Exclusive
    Laphroaig The 1815 Legacy Edition is a new travel retail exclusive expression, the creation of the current Laphroaig Distillery Manager, John Campbell, it doesn't carry an age statement and it was matured in first-fill American Bourbon barrels then it was finished in larger new European oak hogsheads.
     
  • 1st February 2017
    Tobermory Distillery To Close For two Years For Refurbishment
    The Tobermory distillery on the Isle of Mull will stop production on 31st March 2017 to enable refurbishment work to the distillery to go ahead. The refurbishment will see the distillery stills replaced but the production capacity will not be increased. The refurbishment will also be focused on improving the visitor facilities.
     
  • 31st January 2017
    Diageo To Launch Roe & Co Irish Blended Whiskey
    Diageo has announced that they are returning to the booming Irish whiskey market with the launch of a brand new premium Irish blended whiskey named Roe & Co. They have also revealed plans for a £18.6 million investment at the Guinness Power House site, St James’s Gate, Dublin to convert it to a whiskey distillery which will one day produce whiskey which will go into the new Roe & Co whiskey brand.
     
  • 31st January 2017
    Glenmorangie Bacalta The Latest Private Edition Release
    The Glenmorangie Bacalta is the latest release in the Private Edition series, finished in Malmsey Madeira casks this is sure to catch the interest of Glenmorangie fans around the world given Glenmorangie's     excellent track record with previous Private Edition releases.
     
  • 30th January 2017
    William Grant Sees Positive Results In A Challenging Market
    Despite a very challenging environment in 2016, William Grant & Sons says its business enjoyed a very healthy growth in many Global Travel Retail European markets in 2016, which is ahead of the trend and their competition.
     
  • 30th January 2017
    The Spirit Cartel Adds Two New Members To Its Gang
    The Spirit Cartel agency, based in London, represents some of the world’s most premium spirits, including Four Roses Kentucky bourbon has just added two new members to its gang, a tight knit bunch of hoods hell-bent on importing, flogging and drinking the best spirits from around the world.
     
  • 27th January 2017
    Talisker Atlantic Challenge Team Break World Record
    A team of American and British rowers have combined efforts to break the world record for the fastest four-man crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, known as the world's toughest row.
     
  • 27th January 2017
    Masterson's 10 Year Old Rye Named Canadian Whisky of the Year 2017
    The 7th annual Canadian Whisky Awards held this month in Victoria, B.C. has named Masterson's 10 Year Old Rye as the Canadian Whisky of the Year 2017. Masterson's 10 Year Old Rye is produced from a 100% rye mash which is quite uncommon even for a Canadian whisky.
     
  • 27th January 2017
    Chivas Starts Search For 2017 Global Chivas Master
    Chivas Regal has began their worldwide search for the 2017 Chivas Master, the annual competition tests the cocktail making skills of the worlds best bartenders and celebrates the innovation and the craftsmanship at the heart of mixology.
     
  • 25th January 2017
    Scotch Whisky Association Calls For 2% Excise Duty Cut
    As Scotland and many whisky drinkers around the world raise a glass to Scotland's bard Rabbie Burns tonight the Scotch Whisky Association has called for a 2% spirits excise duty cut to boost the Scotch whisky industry. The Scotch Whisky Association are urging the government to reduce the current tax of 77% on an average priced bottle of Scotch.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Midleton Distillery €10 Million Investment To Increase Production Capacity
    As the global demand for Irish whiskey continues to soar Midleton Distillery this week took delivery of three new copper pot stills as part of a €10million investment to increase production capacity at the Cork distillery by 30%.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    An Evening of Scottish Virtuosity 2017
    This years annual Vintages/LCBO sponsored "An Evening of Scottish Virtuosity" event in Toronto, Canada saw Gordon & MacPhail present some very rare premium whiskies from their extensive range, our guest writer, Murray Cohen, a Member of the International Order of the Companions of the Quaich and Scotch Malt Whisky Forum Member was there to review the event and of course, the whiskies.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 1952 59 Years 11 Months Review
    Review of the     Gordon & MacPhail Rare Vintage Glen Grant 1952 which was matured in 1st Fill Sherry and refill Sherry butt for an remarkable 59 years and 11 months before being bottled at 40% ABV. This whisky just shy of 60 years old provides a pervasive aura of satisfaction that required almost a lifetime to establish, a mellow beauty of aromas and flavours.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Port Ellen 1980 35 Year Old Review
    Review of the     Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Port Ellen which was matured in a refill American hogshead barrel and bottled at 46% ABV in 2016. Chewy and voluptuous, peppery and sweet simultaneously.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Rosebank 1990 25 Year Old Review
    Review of the     Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Rosebank 1990 which was distilled in 1990, matured in refill sherry hogshead barrels and bottled at 46% ABV in 2015. The sherry influence here is Picasso-like, juxtaposing and emphasizing aroma and taste elements.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail Caol Ila Cask Strength 2004 Review
    Review of the     Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength Caol Ila 2005, matured in a combination of First Fill and Refill Sherry Butts, peaty sweet with a sherry thrust; the sugary elements are like the icing on a single malt cake.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice Arran 2006 Review
    Review of the     Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Arran 2006, matured in 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels. A most enjoyable 8 year old whisky, light, fruit cocktail, mild spice, rum and raisin ice cream, buttermilk pancakes with an edge and candied pears.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Clynelish 2000 Review
    Review of the     Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Clynelish, matured in refill sherry casks and bottled in 2015 at 46% ABV. Full bodied, chewy and syrupy. Dark over-ripened sweet plums land on the palate with a delightful thud.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail Linkwood 15 Year Old Review
    Review of the     Gordon & MacPhail Linkwood 15 year old, matured in Refill Sherry casks and bottled at 43% ABV. This whisky entered the stage with a flurry of pleasantness but unfortunately a sulphur issue (experienced on my palate) has tied its hands.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Benromach 15 Year Old Review
    Review of the popular Benromach 15 year old classic Speyside single malt.     Aged in a combination of first fill bourbon and sherry casks, a meaty dram which seems to pull more weight than its 43% ABV.
     
  • 19th January 2017
    Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Tomatin 1997 Review
    Review of the     Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Tomatin 1997 by Murray Cohen. Matured in Refill Bourbon Barrels and bottled on the 16th October 2014 at 46% ABV, this 17 year old is a solid dram with some building intensity.
     
  • 18th January 2017
    GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 6 Review
    Review of the     GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 6 is the latest release in this popular series which offers whisky connoisseurs the opportunity to enjoy The GlenDronach as it is straight from the cask, non chill-filtered, natural in colour and, in the case of this batch, at 56.1% ABV cask strength.
     
  • 13th January 2017
    The Dalmore 50 Year Old
    The Dalmore has announced the forthcoming release of a new Dalmore 50 year old single malt whisky to mark its Master Distiller Richard Paterson’s 50th year in the whisky industry. You will need deep pockets for this one at £50,000 but the official tasting note does sound very enticing.
     
  • 10th January 2017
    Whisky Distillers Cashing In on Gin Boom
    The demand for the new generation of not so traditional versions of Gin is booming and this booming demand has been a gift for Scotch whisky makers, including some new smaller craft distilleries that have anchored their business with gin revenues while waiting for their Scotch to mature.
     
  • 10th January 2017
    Bowmore 50 Year Old 1961 Final Release
    Bowmore has released the last 50 bottles of its rare Bowmore 50 Year Old !961. Released in batches of 50 bottles over the past 4 years, the final bottles will forever be known as the last of their batch, but will also be the first of a six-part Bowmore 50 Year Old Collection Series which was distilled in the 1960's.
     
  • 6th January 2017
    Remy Cointreau Acquire Westland Distillery Company
    Rémy Cointreau owners of the Bruichladdich Distillery has once again expanded its single malt whisky portfolio with the acquisition of the Seattle, Washington State based Westland Distillery company for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition of Westland follows Rémy's recent acquisition of the French whisky distiller Domaine des Hautes Glaces.

 
View earlier whisky news stories. Select a year from our whisky news archives:

 

Submit An Article To Whisky Focus
If you would like to share your whisky news or experiences in fact anything to do with whisky we would be happy to consider it for addition to Whisky Focus. Whether it is your experience of a distillery visit or opinion on whisky, as long as it is whisky related and of interest to others we will be happy to add it to whisky focus.
Submit To Whisky Focus

Top Of Page
Whisky News Archives

 Online Whisky Shops



 New Whiskies
Check out the latest new whisky releases.
Worldwide delivery available. More Info
 
 Whisky Newsletter
Keep up to date with the latest whisky news and special offers More Info
 Drink Safely   Add Your Site   Other Whisky Sites    Links   Contact Us 
 

© 2022 www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk All rights reserved.