Must Have Malts to Offer Full Glenfarclas Pagoda Reserve for First Time

The Glenfarclas Pagoda Reserve, one of the rarest and most luxurious Scotch whisky collections ever created, will be made available as a full set for the first time since its original release in 2016. Only ten full sets were released worldwide. Must Have Malts, the online retailer and wholesaler of rare and limited whiskies, is the only known seller to hold a complete, intact set of the Pagoda Reserve and will now offer all fourteen bottles to interested connoisseurs and collectors.

The Pagoda Reserve was borne from a collaboration between three legends in the whisky world: the family-owned Glenfarclas Distillery, The Whisky Corporation, and internationally renowned glassmakers Glencairn. The collection was released in two parts. The original Pagoda Reserve Trilogy consists of Gold, Silver, and Bronze editions. The Final Pagodas are themed around the precious stones of Ruby and Sapphire. Each edition saw an extremely limited release, with as little as ten bottles made available of the rarest whiskies. The Pagoda Reserve features some of the oldest Glenfarclas single malts ever bottled, with ages ranging from 43 to 63 years and casks laid down as far back as the 1950s.

A Family Legacy

Glenfarclas is one of the last truly independent whisky distilleries in Scotland. Located in the famed Speyside region, the distillery started production somewhere in the late 18th century. In 1865, it was bought by John Grant and his son George. Over 160 years later, Glenfarclas is still owned and managed by the Grant family.

The Pagoda Reserve project is helmed by sixth generation member George Grant and is made possible thanks to the family’s extensive stock of maturing whiskies, which stretches back over eight decades.

The Pagoda: A Unifying Symbol

The Pagoda Reserve Series has been specially created for the Asian market in collaboration with The Whisky Corporation, located in Hong Kong and Singapore. Most of these bottles have never been in the market before and are now being made available through an investor from Singapore working together with Must Have Malts, who has decided to release them to the market. The series pays homage to the pagoda-shaped roof that can be found on distilleries all around Scotland—a popular symbol of Scotch whisky in the far east.

This quintessential feature, officially called the ‘Doig Ventilator’, was invented at the end of the 19th century by famous distillery architect Charles C. Doig (1855–1918), who drew inspiration for the design from Asian architecture. The kiln ventilator helps ventilate a distillery’s malthouse, where the barley is converted into malt. As most distilleries don’t operate their own maltings anymore, these days pagoda roofs are often purely decorative—but no less iconic.

Premium Crystal Decanters

The luxurious crystal decanters for the Glenfarclas Pagoda Reserve have been crafted by Glencairn Crystal, world-renowned for its distinctive tulip-shaped whisky glass. Scott Davidson, Product Development Director at Glencairn, describes it as “one of the most elaborate and complex projects that Glencairn has ever done.”

The decanters for the original Pagoda Reserve Trilogy were specially engraved with intricate graphics of Chinese Guardian Lions, and finished with precious metals of brass, silver, and gold. For the Final Pagodas, a staggering ten thousand rubies and ten thousand sapphires were used to embed the age statement. Additionally, each decanter is topped with a handcrafted pagoda-shaped stopper. “I honestly believe nothing will ever come close to what we have done here. It was off the charts,” says Scott Davidson.

About Must Have Malts

MustHaveMalts.com was founded in 2014 by Alwin Kuiken, Pim Wijers, and Thomas Verbeek, who are still at the helm. The organization operates internationally as an online retailer and wholesaler specializing in rare and collectible whisky and bourbon.

www.musthavemalts.com

Our August 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 23rd August.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Glenfarclas – 62 Year Old (1954) Pagoda Ruby Reserve (Collector’s Gold Edition) Bottle #1

Highland Park – 8 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail) 1970’s (100 Proof) 75cl

Bowmore – ‘Black Bowmore’ 30 Year Old (1964) 2nd Edition

Glenfiddich – Pure Malt (1950s)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

WhiskyFest New York Is Back!

Join Whisky Advocate editors on Friday, November 20th, for an exciting afternoon of expert-led seminars featuring top-rated whiskies and premium spirits. Keep the celebration going at the evening walk-around tasting you know and love. With a Seminar or All-Access Package, you’ll gain access to immersive educational tastings and sample more than 100 whiskies, tequilas, and other exceptional spirits—all in one unforgettable day. Purchase your tickets today!

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“How Do I Notice More Flavours?”

One of the most common questions we hear is: “How do I get better at tasting whisky?” Many people assume it comes down to a naturally gifted nose or an expert-level flavour vocabulary but as our teachers and contributing experts explain, it’s far more about practice, attention and a few simple techniques anyone can use.

In this new video and blog, Dave Broom, Joe Cabassa, Sandy MacIntyre and Gordon Steele share practical advice on how to build confidence when tasting whisky and start noticing more of what’s already in the glass.

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Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career. We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person

Another step forward in the big pursuit

Exclusive to us, this delightful Meikle Tòir (meaning ‘big pursuit’) 7 Year Old is a single cask release aged in Chinquapin casks. This lesser-known variety of American oak brings spice and cigar notes, marrying with the sweet mainland peat of Meikle Tòir in very pleasing fashion. Bottled at cask strength and with a little more age than for standard releases, this retains the smoky intensity of its younger siblings but shows a little more complexity, for a dram you can really get lost in.

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Kentucky Distillers’ Association Honors Sen. Stephen West With Top “100 Proof” Award

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is honoring Sen. Stephen West with its prestigious “100 Proof Award” for his bold leadership in championing landmark legislation to support and strengthen Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Sen. West, R-Paris, was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 50 in 2024, which allows Kentucky craft distillers to self-distribute up to 5,000 of their products annually – a transformational change for small and emerging distilleries across the Commonwealth.

KDA President Eric Gregory praised Sen. West’s leadership.

“Senator West understands that our craft distillers are entrepreneurs who need smart, targeted reforms like this to compete and grow,” he said. “Senate Bill 50 strikes that balance, preserving the integrity of Kentucky’s regulatory system while giving small businesses the tools they need to succeed.

“This forward-thinking policy strengthens rural economies, supports job creation and ensures the next generation of Kentucky distillers has the opportunity to thrive. On behalf of our members, we are proud to present Sen. West with our 100 Proof Award and thank him for his unwavering support of our craft.”

The KDA created the “100 Proof Award” in 2009 to recognize elected officials who exhibit exceptional care, diligence and initiative in promoting and protecting Kentucky Bourbon. Nominees must receive a unanimous vote from the KDA’s Governmental Affairs Advisory Group and the KDA Board of Directors.

It is the highest honor bestowed by the state’s iconic Bourbon industry on elected officials.

KDA officials recently presented Sen. West with a commemorative barrel head in Frankfort.

Previous recipients of the non-partisan award include U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, Gov. Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker David Osborne, Rep. Susan Westrom, Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and more.

For a complete list, visit https://kybourbon.com/industry/advocacy/.

Bourbon is one of Kentucky’s most treasured signature industries, generating $10.6 billion in economic impact every year, supporting 24,000 workers with $2 billion in salaries and benefits, and pouring more than $370 million into local and state taxes.

Bourbon also plays a vital role in the state’s tourism efforts through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure, attracting nearly 3 million visitors from all over the globe every year to this bucket-list phenomenon.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging craft distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s signature spirit. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

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EDINBURGH WHISKY BUSINESS CROWNED SCOTLAND’S STARTUP OF THE YEAR 

Edinburgh, An Edinburgh whisky company that is redefining how people create and own Scotch whisky has been crowned Scotland’s Overall StartUp of the Year 2026 at the UK StartUp Awards.

Tailored Spirits Co., the Leith-based bespoke whisky specialists also secured the title of Scotland’s Food & Drink StartUp of the Year in the Food & Drink category of the awards, marking a major milestone in the company’s rapid rise since launching in 2024.

The awards recognise the UK’s most exciting emerging businesses and celebrate founders demonstrating innovation, commercial success and growth potential. Tailored Spirits impressed judges with its distinctive business model, strong commercial performance and ambitious vision for the future of Scottish whisky.

In feedback, the judging panel praised the company for its “rapid growth and distinctive approach to creating bespoke spirits for clients and brands”, highlighting its £2.35 million turnover, growing team of eight and strong early commercial progress.

The judges added: “The business has turned a specialist product idea into a serious food and drink operation. We recognised a startup with impressive execution, clear market demand and the capability to build a premium Scottish drinks business with wider growth potential.”

Founded by whisky entrepreneurs Adam Harding, Carl Johnstone and Tom Costello, Tailored Spirits Co. was created to give whisky enthusiasts, collectors, businesses and private clients access to a part of the Scotch whisky industry that has traditionally remained out of reach.

Rather than operating as a traditional independent bottler, the company guides clients through every stage of creating their own whisky project – from sourcing exceptional single casks and shaping maturation to designing labels, building brands and bottling finished products.

Today, Tailored Spirits works with private clients, luxury brands, hospitality groups and entrepreneurs around the world, helping them create bespoke Scotch whisky experiences and products tailored to their own stories and ambitions.

Carl Johnstone, Co-Founder of Tailored Spirits Co., said: “We are incredibly honoured to be named Scotland’s Overall StartUp of the Year. To receive this recognition among so many innovative and ambitious businesses is a proud milestone for our team and a reflection of the journey we’ve been on since launching Tailored Spirits Co.

“The evening was made even more special by also being named Scotland’s Food & Drink StartUp of the Year. To be recognised both within our sector and across the wider Scottish startup ecosystem is a tremendous achievement and one that means a great deal to us.

“When we founded Tailored Spirits Co., our vision was to create the world’s leading bespoke whisky company, offering clients access to exceptional single-cask Scotch whiskies through a truly personalised experience. These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our amazing team, the trust our clients place in us, and the incredible support of our partners, suppliers and the wider Scottish whisky and entrepreneurial communities.

“Building a business is never done alone, and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who has played a part in our journey so far. While we’re honoured by this recognition and proud of what we’ve achieved, we firmly believe this is just the beginning of the Tailored Spirits Co. story.”

Tailored Spirits Co-founder, Tom Costello added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won the Food & Drink category at the UK Startup Awards for Scotland, and even more honoured to walk away with the overall award for Best Scottish StartUp.

“It’s mad to think how far we’ve come. We started out in the back of my wife’s plant shop, with our newborn son being passed between me and the two co-founders, Adam and Carl, in between feeds and naps. None of this would have happened without the support of our families and friends right from the start, so thank you to everyone who helped us build this.

“I’m hugely grateful to our brilliant staff, our dedicated team, and the network of partners and suppliers who help us deliver such fantastic service to clients all over the world. Now I’m genuinely excited to head to Hertfordshire for Ideas Fest to represent Scotland. This win was totally unexpected, but I’m honoured to fly the flag for our country, and who knows, maybe we can go all the way!”

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Founder of the UK StartUp Awards, said: “All of the winners show exactly why the UK startup economy remains so exciting. They are not just coming up with clever ideas; they are building businesses with real purpose, commercial credibility and the potential to scale.

“What impressed the judges was the evidence behind their ambition, from customers and partnerships to investment, innovation, impact and growth. Across every region, we are seeing founders creating jobs, opening new markets and challenging established industries.”

Following its Scottish success, Tailored Spirits Co. will now represent Scotland at the UK StartUp Awards national final in September as part of Ideas Fest, where the country’s leading entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders come together to celebrate innovation and business growth.

Find out everything about Scotland’s most exciting bespoke whisky bottler here: https://www.tailoredspirits.co.uk/ 

AUGUST AUCTION ENDING SOON!

With our August Auction drawing to a close, we’re taking a final look at some of the standout lots still open for bidding. The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak was introduced in the late 1990s and remained the flagship expression of the range long before the arrival of the Fine Oak series. Matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak casks, it became one of the defining bottlings of Macallan’s modern era, renowned for its rich, classic house style.

This example predates the comprehensive rebranding introduced in 2018 to coincide with the opening of Macallan’s new distillery. Representing the original presentation of the 30 Year Old, it captures an important chapter in the evolution of one of Speyside’s most iconic whiskies.

Released in 2011 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of The Benevolent, this special Glenfiddich single cask also marked 125 years since the laying of the distillery’s foundation stones. Distilled in 1993, it was drawn from Single Cask #29670 and bottled at natural cask strength. Although labelled as a 15 Year Old, the bottling date means the whisky was in fact matured for at least 17 years before release. Limited to just 500 bottles, it stands as a distinctive commemorative release from one of Speyside’s most celebrated distilleries.

Originally reserved for employees across what is now Diageo’s portfolio of distilleries, the annual Manager’s Dram series was bottled in limited numbers at natural cask strength. Each release was selected by the distillery manager from a small number of exceptional casks, offering a unique expression of the distillery’s character. Distilled at Talisker, the Isle of Skye distillery renowned for its maritime character and signature peppery spice, this expression matured for 17 years before being bottled at natural cask strength in 2011.

Another standout release from Diageo’s celebrated Manager’s Dram series, this special Oban bottling was produced in 1991 to mark the distillery’s 200th anniversary. Matured in sherry casks and bottled at natural cask strength, it commemorates two centuries of one of Scotland’s oldest and most distinctive Highland distilleries. Combining the rich influence of sherry cask maturation with Oban’s characteristically coastal style, it stands as a fitting tribute to this historic milestone.

These featured lots are just a glimpse of what’s on offer in our August Auction. Visit clickwhiskyauctions.com to browse the full auction and discover many more remarkable bottles. Bidding closes from 8pm BST on Sunday, 16th August. Remember, you have to be in it to win it! Register today to bid on your favourite drams.

Rothes Glen Unveils All-Inclusive Weekend Packages

Rothes Glen, the luxurious exclusive-use castle in the heart of Speyside, Scotland has announced its highly anticipated programme of Ultimate Weekends for 2027 – a collection of all-inclusive luxury escapes celebrating the very best of Scotland’s heritage, whisky, food and culture.

Experiences include private distillery tours, unforgettable falconry displays, guided foraging, and a range of bespoke experiences that showcase Scotland’s rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes. New for 2027 is the Ultimate Castle Conspiracy, where guests will spend a thrilling Traitors-inspired murder mystery weekend at Rothes Glen.

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Whether celebrating Scotland’s national poet, immersing themselves in the country’s renowned whisky heritage, enjoying festive traditions or simply escaping to one of Scotland’s most spectacular private castles, guests can expect an unforgettable luxury experience.

Weekend Packages at Rothes Glen

“Our Ultimate Weekends have been carefully created to offer guests far more than a luxury stay,” said Damian Riley-Smith, owner of Rothes Glen. “They’re an opportunity to experience Scotland at its most authentic and memorable, with exceptional hospitality, remarkable food and drink, exclusive access to Speyside’s finest attractions and experiences that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.”

Set amidst the stunning landscapes of Speyside, Rothes Glen combines elegant castle accommodation with world-class hospitality, making it one of Scotland’s most distinctive luxury destinations.

Torabhaig Signature Reserve Tokaji Cask Finish ABV: 59.3% 70 cL

This special release was distilled on the 6th of February 2020 at the Torabhaig Distillery on the Isle of Skye. The Tokaji Cask Finish created a richly layered whisky with notes of dried  fruit, apricot and treacle. It was bottled as a part of Signature Reserve Series, which consists of small batch bottlings, always drawn from a single cask. Bottled without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

£94.00

Torabhaig Distillery, opened in 2017 on the Isle of Skye, is a young but seriously characterful operation built inside a restored 19th-century farm steading overlooking the Sleat peninsula. It focuses on producing robustly peated single malt shaped by long fermentations, traditional copper stills, and Skye’s damp, maritime climate. The whisky leans into earthy smoke, coastal salinity, barley sweetness, and a clean, slightly herbal edge, often matured in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks to keep the flavours bright and structured. With its combination of old stone buildings, modern craft, and a clear dedication to smoky, island-driven whisky, Torabhaig has quickly carved out its own identity on Skye.