Join the world's finest malt whisky club, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Find your nearest branch

Welcome to WhiskyIntelligence.com where we'll be gathering information on the whisky industry and scotch whisky news in the form of press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes and comments.

Please submit your press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes or comments.

THE DALMORE EXTENDS CIGAR MALT RANGE WITH NEW EXPRESSION: CIGAR MALT SIGNATURE RESERVE AGED 18 YEARS – Scotch Whisky News

THE DALMORE EXTENDS CIGAR MALT RANGE WITH NEW EXPRESSION: CIGAR MALT SIGNATURE RESERVE AGED 18 YEARS 

Single Malt Whisky, The Dalmore has introduced a new, permanent expression to their Principal Collection, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years. A considered extension to the existing Cigar Malt range, this whisky is an elevated choice for consumers who enjoy a red wine influenced flavour profile from The Dalmore, coupled with the depth and complexity offered through their expertise in multi-cask maturation.

Following on from The Dalmore’s ever-popular Cigar Malt Reserve, which was first released over two decades ago, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years also features Cabernet Sauvignon barriques as part of its five-cask assemblage.

Intentionally designed to remain expressive over time, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years is yet another example of The Dalmore’s talent for multi-cask maturation. Following an initial maturation of 16 years in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels, this whisky is further enhanced with finishes in Matusalem Sherry Casks, French Oak Marsala Casks, French Oak Cabernet Franc Barriques, and French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Barriques. Each cask was carefully and intentionally selected to ensure every element played a defining role in the final whisky.

The American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels provide sweetness and lift at the foundation of the whisky. Matusalem Sherry Casks bring depth, dried fruits, and nutty richness that anchor the profile, while Marsala Casks introduce ginger warmth and spice, keeping the finish active and expressive over time, as well as contributing to a palate filling texture.

From the red wine casks, Cabernet Franc adds an aromatic nuance and a subtle savoury complexity that helps to define the darker flavours and keep the whisky precise rather than heavy, whilst Cabernet Sauvignon raises tannin and structure.

Expect aromas of chocolate orange, dried fig, and dark fruit balanced with hints of aromatic oud and sandalwood. To taste, enjoy forest berries, sticky dates balanced with orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and cinnamon spice. A long and lingering finish awaits, with layers of dark fruit, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Natural colour, non-chill filtered and at an ABV of 46%, The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years is a sublime five-cask marriage that rewards intentionality and presence. It is a bold whisky which demonstrates exquisite multi-cask maturation at a prestigious age statement, ideal for experienced whisky drinkers looking for more.

The packaging concept has also been carefully considered and elevated to best present the whisky held within, both on shelf and at the moment of enjoyment.

Available globally, the whisky is presented in a luxurious gift carton in a bold scarlet which smoothly unfolds via a subtle pull tab, for a premium unboxing experience.

The Dalmore first embraced cigar culture with the introduction of Cigar Malt Reserve over two decades ago, with that whisky now long established as the perfect complement to a fine cigar.

With this considered extension to the Cigar Malt range, The Dalmore now offers an elevated whisky choice for the cigar aficionado and whisky connoisseur alike. Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years has been intentionally designed for a richer, more complex cigar experience, for when the cigar, or the occasion itself, demands more from the moment.

The depth and complexity of this whisky stands up to the power of a more prestigious cigar, ensuring harmony. Specifically bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky retains the clarity and definition needed to refresh the palate between draws. For those who seek the perfect pairing between their finest cigars and an exceptional Single Malt, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years delivers depth, richness and the confidence required to elevate cigar pairing moments, into an enriched experience.

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years is available globally, including from www.thedalmore.com from 19th October 2026, priced at £299/$387. Members of The Dalmore Guild will have an early access opportunity to purchase from 15th October.

 Ideal for luxury whisky drinkers and cigar aficionados alike, The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years offers an elevated choice. It is a composed and elegant Single Malt that reveals its depth gradually, rewarding intentionality and presence.

www.thedalmore.com

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years. 46% ABV

 Aroma:          Chocolate orange, dried dig, and dark fruit balanced with hints of aromatic oud and sandalwood

Palate:          Forest berries, stick dates balanced with orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and cinnamon spice

Finish:           Long and lingering, layers of draft fruit, nutmeg, and cinnamon Natural colour and non-chill filtered.

About The Dalmore:

Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore creates Single Malt Whisky of rare depth and complexity, with each sip a testament to time better spent.

The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland, as a reward for a moment of exceptional bravery, a moment that truly mattered. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1867.

The Dalmore whisky makers are a chain of visionary artists, pushing the boundaries of excellence, for nearly two centuries. The distillery’s collection of unique stills produce a remarkably rich depth of spirit, that is particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation, offering a house style of chocolate, orange and warming spice.

This decadent spirit is laid to rest in the rarest, most exclusive casks from the finest winemakers in the world, with their casks specially curated to offer the most exquisite whiskies. The Dalmore is a whisky not merely made, it is created to enrich.

In 2026, The Dalmore’s brand home reopened to visitors, with a reimagined

and immersive guest experience that offers an exceptional reward for The Dalmore consumer. Guests will be hosted entirely private in groups of up to 8. Bookings available via www.thedalmore.com

The Dalmore Guild is free to join and is a way for members to be the first to hear about news, products, events and experiences from The Dalmore. Join via www.thedalmore.com

Click Whisky Auctions OCTOBER 2026 AUCTION IN FULL SWING! – Auction Whisky News

OCTOBER 2026 AUCTION IN FULL SWING!

Our October auction is now well underway, with a superb selection of rare, collectible and historically significant whiskies still on offer. From sought-after vintage bottlings to modern releases that mark important milestones in distillery history, there is plenty to capture everyone’s interest. Among the highlights is The Macallan Genesis, released in 2018 to celebrate the opening of the distillery’s new, state-of-the-art facility. Beyond the whisky itself, Genesis pays tribute to the architectural vision and design processes behind the environmentally conscious building. With production limited to just 2,500 bottles, this highly prized release represents a significant chapter in the history of The Macallan.

Originally reserved for employees across what is now Diageo’s portfolio of distilleries, the Another rare highlight in our October auction is this Glen Elgin 14 Years Old Christmas bottling from 1990, a fascinating piece of Scotch whisky history that was never made available to the public. Similar to the coveted Manager’s Drams, this expression was gifted exclusively to employees of United Distillers in 1990. The spirit was distilled around the mid-1970s and matured in ex-bourbon barrels before being released as a special Christmas bottling. Exceptionally rare and seldom seen at auction, this is a remarkable opportunity for collectors to acquire a whisky that was never intended for the wider market.

Also featuring in our October auction is this Glenfarclas 1994 Single Cask #979, a distinctive Speyside single malt from one of Scotland’s most respected family-owned distilleries. Distilled in February 1994 and bottled in October 2004, this expression spent a decade maturing in a single sherry cask, allowing the spirit to develop its character over time. With just 84 bottles produced, this is a particularly scarce release and an appealing addition for collectors of vintage Glenfarclas and single-cask Scotch whisky.

Another standout for collectors in our October auction is this Dallas Dhu 1982 24 Years Old Cask Strength, bottled exclusively for Historic Scotland. Distilled in 1982, barely a year before the closure of the historic Speyside distillery, this expression was matured for 24 years in a single cask, #3739, before being bottled at natural cask strength of 56.3%. As Dallas Dhu is long since closed, releases such as this offer a fascinating glimpse into its lost history. Limited to just 590 bottles, this is a rare and highly sought-after single malt, combining exceptional provenance with the enduring appeal of a distillery frozen in time.

These featured lots are just a glimpse of what’s on offer in our October Auction. Visit clickwhiskyauctions.com to browse the full auction and discover many more remarkable bottles. Bidding closes from 8pm BST on Sunday, 18th October. Remember, you have to be in it to win it! Register today to bid on your favourite drams.

Mystery Malt By Thompson Bro “US Exclusive” Series No. 4 Single Malt ~ Scotch Whisky News

Mystery Malt By Thompson Bro “US Exclusive” Series No. 4 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

$89.99

David Othenin-Girard ~ K&L Buyer

There have been few greater pleasures in my 20-plus years exploring whisky than the opportunity to taste blind. It happens so infrequently, and I have officially exhausted my credits asking my wife to organize tastings, that I simply never get to do it. So when our friends at Thompson Bros first mentioned this project a couple of years ago, I was absolutely floored. They proposed sourcing a huge variety of single casks and bottling them without revealing any specific details until the bottle was opened.

I assumed the federal regulators might object, but it turns out the required information can be concealed beneath the capsule. The craziest part of the project is the extraordinary effort the brothers have made to balance the quality of every six-pack. Buy a sealed case and you are guaranteed six completely different single casks, carefully selected so that the overall quality remains remarkably consistent from case to case. It is a ready-made blind tasting requiring virtually no effort, and the list of possible casks is genuinely exciting and unusual.

The project has now attracted significant international attention, and distillers increasingly see it as a calling card for their stocks rather than some goofy side project. As a result, the brothers have been able to source particularly compelling barrels for the series. I opened six and could not have had more fun. With a little care, you can easily avoid identifying the distillery when opening each bottle. Simply leave the foil around the cap intact, note which side conceals the round sticker underneath, and keep it facing away. You will have an instant blind tasting of the highest order. For several of these casks, this is the first expression from this distillery ever sold in the US.

The list is HERE of what you might encounter: PLEASE NOTE ALL CASKS ARE BOTTLED 48% without Chill-filtration. Distillery AGE No. Bottles Cask Type Speyside 29 Year 89 Btls Refill Sherry Butt Inchmurrin 28 Year 24 Btls Refill Sherry Butt Inchgower 27 Year 29 Btls Refill Bourbon Hogshead Bruichladdich 21 Year 8 Btls First Fill Bourbon ASB Teaninich 17 Year 30 Btls Oloroso Hhd Tormore 17 Year 173 Btls Sauternes Cask Royal Bra 16 Year 19 Btls Refill Hhd Craigellachie 15 Year 64 Btls Refill Hhd Teaninich 12 Year 36 Btls Stout Barrel Bunnahabhain 11 Year 27 Btls Refill Hhd Wolfburn 11 Year 8 Btls Sherry Hhd Lochranza 10 Year 79 Btls Refill Sherry Hhd Kingsbarns 8 Year 133 Btls First Fill Bourbon Torabhaig 7 Year 149 Btls First Fill Bourbon Nc’Nean 5 Year 159 Btls STR Dornoch 5 Year 56 Btls Rye & Bourbon Lagg 5 Year 21 Btls First Fill Bourbon Glasgow 5 Year 10 Btls American Oak Virgin ASB Lochlea 4 Year 162 Btls Refill Bourbon Raasay 4 Year 120 Btls Dutch Oak Virgin Hhd,

Perhaps the most exciting new product coming from Scotland in many years is the fabulous Mystery Malt from our friends at Dornoch Distillery. This limited release has been gaining serious momentum among collectors and drinkers who appreciate the extraordinary range of casks the Thompson Brothers have assembled, all offered at a remarkably compelling price. Not a single bottle in the lineup fails to justify the asking price, and a significant portion of the selections would retail for many multiples of the bottle cost in almost any other format. Even more exciting, the distillery partners supplying these casks, often sourced directly from the producers themselves, have embraced the project as an opportunity to showcase truly exceptional barrels. Each cask is carefully selected to ensure that only the finest examples are included. In many cases, these releases represent the very first opportunity for U.S. drinkers to experience a new distillery. This batch features the first U.S. single barrels from Dornoch, Lagg, Nc’nean, and Kingsbarns. Whether you draw an older Bruichladdich or a youthful barrel from Lochlea, the promise is the same: an outstanding whisky experience. Visit https://www.mystery-malt.co.uk to unlock the details on this special, limited-release batch.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Scotch Malt Whisky Society ‘Get into the peaty stuff’ – Scotch Whisky News

Our October Outturn is live and with it, we’re full steam ahead into all things peat as we get ready to share the Society’s second feature-length documentary, Scotch & Smoke: A Flavour Odyssey II. But first, let’s talk about this month’s whiskies.  Keep scrolling for a brief snapshot of three of this month’s peaty offerings. Looking for more recommendations? Don’t forget to catch up on our monthly podcast to see what’s out now and what’s ahead.

READ MORE

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

Whisky Wednesday Reviews…….. – Scotch Whisky News

Phil will return next week!

Mike Rowe’s KNOBEL Tennessee Whiskey Launches 7-Year Special Edition to Honor mikeroweWORKS Foundation Milestone

Mike Rowe’s KNOBEL Tennessee Whiskey Launches 7-Year Special Edition to Honor mikeroweWORKS Foundation Milestone

Single barrel offering commemorates 18 years of Foundation’s core mission of reinvigorating skilled trades in the United States

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8, 2026 — KNOBEL Tennessee Whiskey, a whiskey created for the hard worker in all of us, is proud to announce the release of KNOBEL Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey – 7-Year Special Edition (18th Anniversary mikeroweWORKS Foundation Release). This special offering celebrates 18 years of brand founder Mike Rowe’s mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s successes in reinvigorating skilled trades in the United States.

Rowe, known for his role as creator and host of Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs, has long had a deep passion for helping the next generation get the training they need for in-demand jobs. This core focus of his mikeroweWORKS Foundation is reflected in turn in KNOBEL Tennessee Whiskey, both of which are loving tributes to his grandfather, Carl Knobel.

The KNOBEL Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey – 7-Year Special Edition (18th Anniversary mikeroweWORKS Foundation Release) is a rare offering drawn from just four barrels, bottled between 121.0 and 121.7 proof, or between 60.0% and 60.85% ABV. It is distilled in a true Tennessee style, being charcoal-filtered via the Lincoln County Process and aged in hand-toasted, new American oak barrels.

Not just any other single barrel release, this offering, like others for sale through the KNOBEL Tennessee Whiskey website, supports the Foundation. And, more than that, it celebrates, to date, an organization that’s awarded $22.5 million dollars in work-ethic scholarships to 3,350 individuals representing a new wave of skilled workers in the largest trade scholarship program in the country.

“What a privilege it’s been, to have a TV show, a foundation, and now a whiskey all inspired by the same man,” said Rowe. “Especially one so ridiculously delicious! And what an honor it’s been to share my grandfather’s commitment to hard work with so many, along with his name, and his dedication to the skilled trades.

“The money we’ve raised through KNOBEL Tennessee Whiskey will continue to help pay for trade school scholarships all over the country, hopefully, for many years to come.”

The KNOBEL Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey – 7-Year Special Edition (18th Anniversary mikeroweWORKS Foundation Release) is priced at $104.95 per 750 ml bottle and available through the KNOBEL website.

About KNOBEL Spirits LLC

Founded by Denise Longarzo, Mike Rowe, Volker Schauz, and Mary Sullivan, Knobel Spirits LLC is the company behind Knobel Tennessee Whiskey and a growing collection of whiskey expressions. Named in honor of Rowe’s grandfather, Carl Knobel, a skilled tradesman, the brand celebrates the people whose hard work and craftsmanship often go unseen. Knobel Spirits supports the mikeroweWORKS Foundation.

About mikeroweWORKS Foundation

The mikeroweWORKS Foundation champions skilled labor, elevating the trades and the people who do them while expanding the conversation about career opportunities in America. Through its Work Ethic Scholarship Program, the foundation has awarded more than $22 million to over 3,350 people pursuing skilled careers, with another $10 million being awarded this year. By sharing their stories, mikeroweWORKS highlights the opportunities these professions offer and helps ensure the trades receive equal consideration alongside other educational and career paths.

2014 Braeval 11 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Oloroso Hogshead Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt ~ Scotch Whisky News

2014 Braeval 11 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Oloroso Hogshead Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

$64.99

David Othenin-Girard ~K&L Buyer

This gorgeous barrel of Braeval probably won’t strike a chord with the distillery’s devoted fans because, well, there really aren’t many Braeval fans. That’s not to say we haven’t sold plenty of excellent examples over the years, but the complete absence of official distillery bottlings and lingering confusion around the name, originally Braes of Glenlivet, have kept this excellent little malt off almost everyone’s radar. It doesn’t help that much of the spirit is destined for blending and often filled into less-than-inspiring cask stock, which may explain why only the oldest Braevals have historically achieved true greatness. But take this lovely Highland malt and place it in a fresh Oloroso hogshead, and you have a recipe for something wonderful.

Here we go. The beautiful color tells us we’re firmly in sherry-bomb territory, a healthy auburn (1.4). The nose is explosive, with baking spices, roasted almonds, tinned stone fruit, and complex aromas of dark-roasted coffee. The palate is dense and chewy, offering surprising depth of roasted malt and zesty orange oil alongside rich, sweet dried fruit. It’s a classical, if not entirely unexpected, style. We might have assumed that enthusiasm for dense, dark, sherried malt would have faded decades after aficionados first embraced it, but drinkers both new and old still adore this profile. It may never have gone out of fashion, but it has certainly become far more expensive. For sherry lovers, this is the deal of the year. Hands down.

No other bottler is offering such a diverse selection of high quality casks at such compelling prices. The Thompson brothers entered the whisky business through pure passion, and that passion has opened doors within the complex and often opaque world of cask trading. As the exclusive US source for Thompson Bros whiskies, we are able to translate those relationships into remarkable opportunities for our customers. Hand selected by the team at Dornoch Distillery and approved by our own buying panel, this exceptional cask underscores the uncompromising commitment to quality that has become synonymous with the Thompson Bros name. A first fill Oloroso hogshead from Braeval is a genuine rarity from a distillery whose spirit is overwhelmingly matured in refill barrels and hogsheads, making this richly seasoned expression a particularly special find. Founded in 1973 as Braes of Glenlivet by Chivas Brothers, Braeval was conceived as a modern, highly efficient blending workhorse, perched high in the hills near Chapeltown in Speyside. Built during the post war blending boom and later renamed in 1994 to avoid confusion with The Glenlivet, the distillery has long supplied malt for the heart of the Chivas Regal range. Official bottlings remain scarce, and heavily sherried examples rarer still, which makes a first fill Oloroso cask like this all the more compelling. When a quiet giant of Speyside meets thoughtful cask selection, the results speak for themselves.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Year Old at Hard To Find Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

This signature 12-year-old single malt is non-chill filtered and matured exclusively in first-fill sherry casks, creating a rich and complex profile. Layers of fruitcake are complemented by vibrant notes of raspberry and orange, while freshly cracked black pepper and a subtle hint of smoke add depth and balance to the finish.

£44.95

Nose Spiced cinnamon buns and stewed raisins with ginger, butterscotch and hints of citrus and cocoa.

Palate Rich fruitcake with vibrant raspberry and orange, followed by cracked pepper and gentle smoke.

Finish Spice with lingering blackcurrant, subtle menthol and a touch of smoke.

New at The Whisky Exchange! – Whisky News

New releases, from Chichibu to White Peak

As always at The Whisky Exchange, there’s been a veritable cavalcade of new bottles arriving at our home base – and with The Whisky Show just wrapped up, there are all sorts of rarities and exclusives amongst them! Whether it’s Chichibu’s London Edition 2026, Johnnie Walker Blue Festive Blend, Hibiki Harmony 2026 Edition, or a show exclusive like the quite exceptional Port Charlotte 2005 single cask bottling, we have a bottle to suit.

SHOP NOW

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 619: Trip to Islay 2026 – Part 4 of 4 – Scotch Whisky News

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 619: Trip to Islay 2026 – Part 4 of 4

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, travels to the Queen of the Hebrides. He took Dearly Beloved and 8 friends to Islay. What an unforgettable journey it turned out to be. And he gladly shares his adventures with you. It turned into a four-part series of videos. In this 4th and final part he visits the Ardnahoe Distillery, Bunnahabhain Distillery and the Museum of Islay Life, before enjoying a delicious platter at the Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen and returning to the mainland for the trip back home.

https://youtu.be/bsFUlvhEMS4


Powered by WordPress