Dumbarton
25 Years, Unicorn

The Whisky Barrel Launches Fifth Unicorn Series Release

Limited to 264 bottles · £79 GBP inc VAT | Available now HERE

25 Year Old Dumbarton Single Grain Celebrates the Legendary “Scotch Watch” Geese

The Whisky Barrel is proud to announce the launch of the fifth release in its acclaimed Unicorn Series: a rare Dumbarton 25 Year Old 2000, matured in a single first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead and bottled at natural cask strength.

Distilled in 2000 at the now-closed Dumbarton distillery, this Lowland single grain Scotch whisky has spent 25 years maturing in first-fill PX sherry hogshead #TWB1040, developing remarkable depth and richness. Bottled in February 2026 at a powerful 56.6% ABV, the cask yielded just 264 bottles, available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel.

Dumbarton distillery, once owned by Ballantine’s, closed in 2002 and has since become increasingly sought after by collectors of lost Scotch whisky distilleries. Known for its creamy, vanilla-forward grain character, Dumbarton’s spirit lends itself beautifully to long sherry maturation — a style exemplified in this indulgent release.

A Tribute to the “Scotch Watch”

The Unicorn Series is renowned for pairing distinctive whisky with striking storytelling, and this release is no exception. The label pays homage to Dumbarton’s legendary Chinese white geese — affectionately known as the “Scotch Watch.”

From 1959 until 2012, these geese were employed to guard Ballantine’s bonded warehouses, forming a noisy and highly effective security force that grew to over 100 birds. Their iconic presence became part of Scotch whisky folklore before their retirement to Glasgow Green. The Unicorn label brings this unique chapter of whisky history together with Scotland’s mythical national emblem.

Tasting Profile

The 25 Year Old Dumbarton delivers waves of raisin syrup, dark chocolate and treacle on the nose, leading into a full-bodied palate of PX-soaked fruitcake, caramelised sugar and creamy vanilla. The finish is long, warming and luxuriously sherried, balanced by soft oak spice.

Limited Availability

With only 264 bottles produced, this is a rare opportunity to secure a cask-strength release from a closed Lowland distillery, presented under The Whisky Barrel’s celebrated Unicorn banner.

“Dumbarton is a distillery that quietly built a remarkable reputation after its closure. When we discovered this PX hogshead, it had the depth, richness and personality we look for in a Unicorn release. Pairing that whisky with the story of the Scotch Watch felt entirely fitting — it’s a tribute not just to the spirit, but to the character and history surrounding it” Alastair Brown, Managing Director, The Whisky Barrel

The Dumbarton 25 Year Old 200 Unicorn is available exclusively from:  The Whisky Barrel – Dumbarton 25 Year Old Unicorn

• Distillery: Closed Dumbarton distillery
• Age: 25 Years (Distilled 2000, Bottled 2026)
• Cask Type: 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (#TWB1040)
• ABV: 56.6% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Bottles: 264
• Price: £79 GBP (inc. VAT)
• Exclusive to: The Whisky Barrel, Fife, Scotland

*N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

The Whisky Barrel    E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com| Visit www.thewhiskybarrel.com |Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Instagram

FEBRUARY 2026 AUCTION IN FULL SWING!

The auction is well underway, which is the ideal time to take a closer peek into a selection of truly eye-catching bottles. The Macallan Time : Space Mastery is a celebratory single malt, designed to capture the evolution of The Macallan across two centuries. Crafted from a diverse selection of matured whiskies, it delivers layered richness and harmony, housed in a circular vessel that reflects the ongoing journey of craftsmanship from one generation to the next.

Distilled in 1999, this Dalmore remained quietly maturing until 2018, when it was unveiled as a distillery-only release. After aging in American white oak bourbon barrels, it was given a final flourish in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and offered as an annual exclusive, reserved for visitors to the Highland distillery.

This exceptional 25-year-old Longmorn was bottled at natural cask strength by independent bottlers Signatory Vintage in 2015 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Braemar Royal Highland Society (B.R.H.S.). Bottle number 430 of only 500 bottles released.

Launched in 1991 to widespread acclaim from both critics and consumers, the celebrated Flora & Fauna series quickly became a landmark collection, later expanded to include four additional distilleries. This particularly sought-after expression was discontinued in 2001 following the revival of Caol Ila as a standalone brand, making way for the now-familiar 12-year-old core release. Its short production run and strong reputation make it a compelling and increasingly scarce auction lot.

These bottles are just a glimpse of the rare and collectable whiskies available in our February 2026 Auction. Explore the full lineup at clickwhiskyauctions.com and register now to place your bids. Time is ticking — the auction closes Sunday 22nd February from 8pm GMT.

SPRINGBANK 18YO

The 2026 release of Springbank 18 Year Old is matured in a combination of Bourbon, Sherry, and Rum casks, offering a delicious contrast to the 2024 edition, which was matured entirely in Bourbon casks.

NOSE A vibrant introduction, there are notes of marzipan, white chocolate raspberries, marmalade and heather honey, with a leather note in the background.

PALATE There is a richness on the palate in notes of treacle, brambles and blackcurrants, balanced with hints of nutmeg and dark chocolate.

FINISH An ashy note appears in the finish, along with gooseberries, salted pretzels and cayenne pepper.

46% ABV

UK RRP £116 – £120

Year of the Horse – Chinese New Year Edition

The Year of the Horse is all about energy, confidence, and moving forward.

This Lunar New Year, raise a dram that matches the spirit of the season. The Big Peat Chinese New Year Edition is bold, smoky and full of character – the perfect companion for celebrations, gifting and New Year toasts. bDesigned especially for the occasion, this limited-edition release is made to be shared and enjoyed as you welcome good fortune and fresh beginnings.  This New Year, celebrate boldly. Ride into the Year of the Horse with Big Peat in hand. 🧧 Limited edition – available while stocks last.

ralfy review 1115 Extras – Our experience sees changes in brands over time. (like Bowmore 😐)

From first casks: Final allocations open of Lancaster Spirits Co. Founders Reserve Whisky Club

Owning a cask of single malt whisky can be an exciting but costly commitment. Lancaster Spirits Co. (LSCo) created its Founders Reserve whisky club in 2024 to offer a more accessible route, giving members the rare opportunity to follow the evolution of its single malt from the very first casks.

With just 500 Gold and 500 Platinum memberships ever released, availability is now extremely limited. The final places are being claimed quickly, and whisky enthusiasts are urged to secure their membership now to avoid missing out on this once-only opportunity to receive bottles of LSCo’s maturing single malt, alongside exclusive benefits that bring members closer to the distillery and its makers.

All Founders Reserve members receive a welcome pack featuring a 50cl bottle of new-make spirit, a bespoke LSCo Glencairn glass, and an exclusive membership card. Members also enjoy an annual tour of the distillery for two, discounted pricing on future purchases, and access to limited-edition releases.

Gold Founders Reserve membership includes five 70cl bottles of single malt, delivered annually from 2025 to 2029, as well as priority access to exclusive bottlings, early release notifications, and behind-the-scenes experiences such as tastings and meet-the-maker events.

Platinum Founders Reserve membership offers ten 70cl bottles, delivered annually from 2025 to 2034, as well as priority access to exclusive bottlings, early release notifications, and behind-the-scenes experiences such as tastings and meet-the-maker events.

All the bottles for each Founders Reserve release will be drawn from some of the first casks filled at LSCo in 2024. An amazing opportunity to taste some of the first single malt ever produced in Lancaster as it develops through the years.

The 2025 1-year old release is a combination of two bourbon barrels, a Rioja STR cask and an Oloroso cask, which has then been finished for eight weeks in Pedro Ximenez sherry hogsheads sourced from renowned producer Jose Miguel Martin. This carefully balanced vatting creates a harmonious and expressive spirit.

Membership also guarantees access to LSCo’s first three-year-old Founders Reserve bottling, with an additional opportunity to purchase the Inaugural Single Malt, scheduled for public release in 2027.

Christopher Pateman, Commercial Manager at LSCo, said: “Founders Reserve allows whisky lovers to experience our single malt from its earliest stages through to maturity. Every decision—from our heritage brewers’ yeast and local aquifer water to our carefully selected casks—has been made to build depth, complexity and character. With only a small quantity of Gold and Platinum memberships remaining, this is a rare chance to be part of our story from the very beginning.”

Alongside its single malt programme, Lancaster Spirits Co. also produces a range of multi-award-winning gins and vodkas.

To secure one of the final Gold or Platinum memberships, explore LSCo’s spirits, or book a distillery tour, visit https://lancasterspirits.co.uk

1/ For further information about the Lancaster Spirits Company or to place an order, visit: https://lancasterspirits.co.uk

Each of us experiences flavour through the lens of our own memories. You’re influenced by where you grew up, your hobbies and travels and by the foods you love.  With this in mind, it makes complete sense that our bottles only give you a hint of what to expect with their Tasting Notes and flavour profiles. The rest is left for you to uncover.  Our February Outturn is live and waiting. Which whisky will be your number one?

HONEY, I’VE MADE TOAST

CASK NO. 79.13

AGE:  15 years

CASK:  Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

SPANISH SPLENDOUR

SMALL BATCH HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT

AGE:  10 years

CASKS:  Refill ex-bourbon & 1st fill oloroso hogsheads

NORWEGIAN WOOD

CASK NO. 122.75

AGE:  10 years

CASK:  2nd fill hogshead #4+ char

MARMALADE PIE

CASK NO. 11.59

AGE:  9 years

CASK:  1st fill oloroso butt

TAKE ME TO THE CHIPPY

DISTILLERY 4 RARE RELEASE

AGE:  20 years

CASKS:  Refill ex-bourbon, HTMC & oloroso (ex-Islay) hogsheads

ALL THE FEELS

CASK NO. 53.498

AGE:  15 years

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead

BROWSE FEBRUARY 2026 OUTTURN HERE

VIEW ALL BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

KILKERRAN 8YO

CASK STRENGTH (BOURBON)

NOSE Notes of butterscotch and custard creams lead, with apple butter and white miso. Cream sponge and poached pear sweetness follows.

PALATE There is a creaminess on the palate in notes of shortbread crust and smooth caramel chocolate, with notes of gooseberries, white grapes, cigar box smoke and sandalwood developing.

FINISH Hints of green peppercorn and honeydew melon emerge in the finish, alongside an ashy note.

57.7% ABV

UK RRP £62 – £65

NOW AVAILABLE

THE MACALLAN DOUBLE CASK COLLECTION

The Macallan Double Cask Collection is the perfect combination of our sherry seasoned American and European oak casks. This Collection exhibits a smooth and creamy flavour profile and comprises 12, 15, 18 and 30 years old expressions. Explore the full Collection and discover elevated serves inspired by the character of our whisky.

DISCOVER MORE

Ardbeg 10 Cask Strength, 61.7%.

THE VIDEO

It is finally here! The bottle we’ve all been waiting for, Ardbeg 10 Year Old Cask Strength!

A combination of refill ex-bourbon casks with some experimental casks filled with an unusually high strength spirit, this Islay colossal is finally starting to fix what has been wring with Ardbeg in the past few years for me. A tonic of sorts.

For too long, the labels were a little gimmick drive, the releases were undesirable (personally) and the prices were a little outrageous. Luckily, this bottle is a limited release, but has a price tag that is not unreasonable in the grand scheme of modern cask strength whisky releases.

A powerhouse of smoky, savoury and sweet, this is a bottle that does not disappoint in anyway, and with some of the big competition that has been creeping up in the last few years, this bottle does go to show that when they want to, Ardbeg can always hit it out of the park.

WRITTEN REVIEW