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.

Macallan The Harmony Collection
Inspired by Fresh Coconut

Inspired by Fresh Coconut is the sixth and final part of Macallan’s Harmony Collection. Made in collaboration with TimeSpirit, the Macallan estate’s dining experience that’s overseen by the renowned El Celler de Can Roca restaurant in Girona. Through careful cask selection, this expression evokes fresh coconut and zesty lime, with layers of vanilla, gentle sweetness, tropical fruit and nuanced spicing.

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In our first Points of Distinction, we explored the role of first-fill European Oak in shaping the character of Tamdhu Cigar Malt.

Rich, structured and deeply complex, European Oak brings a distinctive intensity to sherry cask maturation. This time, I’d like to turn our attention to a different oak and, if I’m honest, my personal favourite. For the second chapter in our series, we explore the Distinction Series, a collection of limited releases dedicated entirely to the influence of American Oak Oloroso sherry casks.

As Distillery Manager, I’m often asked whether I have a favourite style of maturation. While every cask has its place, I’ve always had a particular fondness for American Oak. There is an elegance to it – a brightness of fruit, a natural sweetness and a remarkable ability to bring balance to a whisky. The Distinction Series is our opportunity to celebrate that character in full.

Every Tamdhu is matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks. Yet within that commitment, the oak species plays a remarkable role in shaping flavour. Where European Oak brings structure, spice and depth, American Oak reveals a brighter, softer character. Rich orchard fruits, gentle vanilla sweetness and elegant balance emerge over time, creating a different expression of sherry cask maturation. Neither is better than the other. Each brings its own perspective. The Distinction Series exists to celebrate that difference.

Just as Cigar Malt explored the power of European Oak, Distinction celebrates the remarkable influence of Quercus Alba – American Oak. Its journey begins in the forests of North America before travelling to Spain’s renowned sherry triangle, where the casks are crafted over the course of six years.  The wood is left to air dry beneath the Mediterranean sun. Skilled coopers assemble and toast each cask before the all-important Oloroso sherry seasoning begins. Only then do the casks make the journey to Speyside. By the time they arrive at Tamdhu, years of dedication have already gone into their creation.

Across each release, one principle remains unchanged: a celebration of the influence and individuality of American Oak Oloroso sherry casks.

Distinction I

The inaugural release introduced the philosophy behind the series. A celebration of first-fill American Oak Oloroso sherry casks, it showcased the vibrant fruit character, natural sweetness, and elegance that Quercus Alba can bring to sherried whisky.

Distinction II

Building on that foundation, Distinction II revealed greater depth and complexity while remaining unmistakably shaped by American Oak. Rich fruit flavours and refined spice demonstrated how these exceptional casks continue to evolve over time.

Distinction III

A tribute to whisky dedication from beginning to end. From the forests of North America to the cooperages of Spain’s sherry triangle and finally the warehouses of Speyside, Distinction III celebrated every step in the remarkable journey of an American Oak sherry cask.

Distinction IV

The latest chapter is perhaps the purest expression of the series’ purpose. American Oak delivers its trademark elegance through aromas of malt loaf drizzled with crème anglaise, lifted by a subtle note of lemon zest and fresh mint. On the palate, smooth oak gives way to morello cherries and dark chocolate, before waves of sherried oak give way to a lingering finish of honey-dipped figs.

This series is available through selected specialist whisky retailers in the UK, USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Asia and Australia. Please contact your preferred stockist for availability and further details.

THE DISTINCTION SERIES

In our first Points of Distinction, we explored the depth and structure of European Oak through the Cigar Malt series. This chapter celebrates a different side of sherry cask maturation. American Oak has long been a personal favourite of mine. Its ability to deliver fruit, sweetness and elegance while allowing the spirit to shine is something I’ve admired throughout my career. The Distinction Series is our tribute to that character, from the oak forests of North America to the final dram in the glass.

That is our next point of distinction.

Caperdonich Cask #7441 Caperdonich 50 Year Old 1972 Murray McDavid ULTRA

£7,979.95

Caperdonich 50 Year Old 1972 is an extraordinary and vanishingly rare Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, bottled by Murray McDavid for the prestigious ULTRA series.Caperdonich 50 Year Old 1972 is an extraordinary and vanishingly rare Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, bottled by Murray McDavid for the prestigious ULTRA series. Distilled on 7th November 1972 and bottled on 18th July 2023, this remarkable whisky spent over half a century maturing in single cask #7441, yielding just 100 bottles. As one of the oldest surviving examples from the long-closed Caperdonich Distillery, it represents a truly historic piece of Scotch whisky heritage. Five decades of patient maturation have transformed the spirit into a masterpiece of complexity and elegance.

The whisky displays a stunning tropical fruit profile often associated with legendary long-aged Speyside malts, layered with honeyed cereals, vanilla, waxy richness, and beautifully integrated oak. Murray McDavid’s ULTRA series celebrates exceptional vintage whiskies shaped by time, and this release stands among the finest examples of mature Caperdonich ever bottled.

The Caperdonich 50 Year Old 1972 Murray McDavid ULTRA is a truly exceptional vintage Scotch whisky, combining rarity, history, and extraordinary flavour developed over five decades of maturation. Rich with tropical fruits, honeyed sweetness, waxy complexity, and elegant oak influence, it is a once-in-a-generation whisky for serious collectors and connoisseurs of the world’s finest mature single malts.

Nose Fresh peaches, apricot cream, vanilla pods, and sweet barley sugars with hints of pineapple, pine resin, and delicate oak.

Palate Intensely tropical and vibrant, revealing flavours of pineapple cubes, honeyed cereals, sweet ginger, buttery pastry, and exotic fruits.

Finish Exceptionally long and elegant, with lingering tropical fruit sweetness, waxy richness, soft spice, and mature oak complexity.

Caperdonich Distillery, established in 1897 beside the North of Scotland Railway in the northwestern corner of Rothes, fired up its two stills just a year later. Unfortunately, it opened during a downturn in whisky demand and closed in 1902, remaining mothballed until 1965 before permanently shutting down in 2002. Demolished in 2011, Caperdonich remains a lost Scottish Speyside malt whisky distillery, with most of its production historically destined for blended Scotch. However, a small volume of Caperdonich whisky still appears through independent bottlers, notably in the Old & Rare single cask releases by Hunter Laing, preserving this distillery’s memory for whisky enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

North British 2011 15 Year Old, The Octave Cask #5947879

This North British is one of only 81 bottles produced from a Moscatel octave cask. Distilled back in 2011, and bottled 2026. Cask No: #5947879. Distilled at North British Whisky Distillery, bottled by Duncan Taylor.

£44.00

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

The Enduring Appeal of Ben Nevis

The West Highland Way: Ben Nevis distillery

Ben Nevis may not have the name recognition of a Mortlach or Springbank, but it is more than worth your time. Nestling below Britain’s highest mountain, the whisky made here has a reputation for being an ‘old fashioned’ Scotch whisky, but this is far from an insult.

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