London Distillery Company pushes its spirit into new territory with the launch of New Forms

London Distillery Company (LDC) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of New Forms – an ambitious new series of single cask, single malt whiskies that explore the versatility and evolution of the distillery’s original spirit through the use of cask finishes never previously employed by the original distillery.

Launching on 12th June 2026, the initial releases in the New Forms series comprises three cask strength, single cask releases: Ex-Bourbon Cask, Fino Sherry Cask, and Moscatel Sherry Cask. Each whisky has been finished in first-fill casks selected to push LDC’s distinctive, heritage grain-led spirit character in bold and unexpected new directions, whilst remaining unmistakably rooted in the distillery’s DNA.

The New Forms series reflects the revived company’s ongoing exploration of its inherited stocks and its commitment to reimagining London whisky through thoughtful maturation and creative cask selection.

The sherry casks for the project were sourced from renowned Spanish cooperage Tonelería JL Rodríguez, with whom the LDC Whisky Maker Matt McKay has worked closely with in previous whisky projects. The selected casks have allowed the distillery’s barley-forward character to evolve in dramatically different ways across each expression – from the richness and sweetness of moscatel, to the saline precision of fino, and the amplified distillate clarity delivered by fresh ex-bourbon oak.

All three whiskies are bottled at natural cask strength, with natural colour and no chill filtration.

The presentation of the series reflects the concept at the heart of the project. Each whisky is housed within an individual gift carton featuring artwork designed to align with the others, forming a complete image when placed side-by-side. However, the cartons can also be arranged in any order – a visual representation of the shared spirit character that connects all three whiskies, despite their dramatically different maturation journeys.

The launch continues LDC’s renewed momentum following the company’s revival in early 2025 and further reinforces its position as one of the most innovative new voices within the modern English whisky category.

Speaking of the launch, Managing Director & Whisky Maker Matt McKay said: “New Forms is the most creatively exciting project we’ve undertaken since reviving The London Distillery Company. The original LDC spirit has always possessed a distinctive character – rich, expressive, and deeply barley-driven – but what continues to fascinate me is just how adaptable it becomes when matched with the right cask – where thoughtful maturation and a genuine synergy between wood and spirit can unlock entirely new dimensions of character. This series gave us the opportunity to push our spirit into completely new territories. Each cask has shaped the whisky in a dramatically different way, revealing unexpected layers of texture, flavour, and complexity, whilst still retaining the unmistakable DNA of the original distillery at its core. That tension between familiarity and transformation sits at the heart of New Forms.”

The New Forms series will launch on 12th June 2026 with an RRP of £75 per bottle or £200 for the complete three-bottle launch collection. The whiskies will be available directly from www.londondistillery.co.uk and through selected specialist retailers. 

London Distillery Company: New Forms

Available from www.londondistillery.co.uk and select retailers from Friday 12th June 2026

New Forms: Ex-Bourbon Cask
Finished for 12 months in first-fill ex-bourbon cask #11190
60.7% ABV | 222 bottles

Nose: Honey on buttered toast, ripe banana, sweet lemon zest and tropical juice with a touch of pineapple, vanilla blossoms and red peppercorns, subtle tart ripe nectarine, toasted grains.

Palate: A sweet and rounded profile with buttery caramel, toasted oak, sweet and warming cinnamon, bitter lemon zest and deep, rich char.

Finish: Lingering notes of oak and char, melted butter on toast, subtle fresh banana and tart green apple.

New Forms: Fino Sherry Cask
Finished for 8 months in first-fill Fino Sherry Hogshead #9001
61.4% ABV | 347 bottles

Nose: Candied lemon peel, fleshy golden plum, ripe nectarine, peach blossom, dewy rose petals, grape leaves, toasted porridge, brown butter, sweet baking spices, a hint of coconut oil, damp oak.

Palate: Bright citrus peel, tropical juice and warming spices, white pepper, clove, a hint of ground coffee, toasted oak, and a touch of saline.

Finish: A well-browned peach loaf, with lingering stone fruit, citrus oil, dusty oak and toasted baking spices. 

New Forms: Moscatel Sherry Cask
Finished for 8 months in first-fill Moscatel Sherry Hogshead #9008
61.6% ABV | 345 bottles

Nose: Caramelised orange peel, tart lemon, brown butter poached peaches, cooked apples with icing sugar, sauternes and dusty oak.

Palate: A rich, oily brown butter note, bright citrus and tart peach and nectarine, orange blossom, burnt toffee, cinnamon and a fiery touch of ginger.

Finish: Nutty toasted oak – almond and walnut skin, lingering bitter citrus peel and warming spices, with a breath of poached nectarine.

About The London Distillery Company

The London Distillery Company was established in 2011 as London’s first new whisky distillery for over a century. Trailblazing the revival of the capital’s distilling heritage, the company crafts exceptional spirits that reflect both tradition and modernity.

Committed to using only the finest ingredients and time-honoured methods, every bottle produced by The London Distillery Company expresses a dedication to craftmanship, blending expertise and a relentless pursuit of character and flavour.

www.londondistillery.co.uk/

Our 180th auction is progressing smoothly, but have no fear with the auction not closing until Sunday night you still have plenty of time to get your bids in.  With that in mind we’ve picked a few more bottles to highlight that you might have missed this month.

An exciting release this one from a well-respected member of the BenRiach stable, this is the Glenglassaugh 1963 51 Year Old Single Cask #3301.  The Glenglassaugh distillery has had a turbulent history since being founded by James Moir in 1873; opening and closing no less than 7 times in 125 years. Always popular with blenders, single malt releases were limited for most of its very irregular working life.  Housed very handsomely in a stylish bottle and presentation case this is a very special dram, aged in a single bourbon barrel for no less than 51 years!

And now for something distilled even earlier, this understated yet mightily distinguished dram is the Talisker 1955 Secret Stills Gordon & MacPhail.  The Secret Stills range was a step in a different direction for one of Scotland’s most celebrated indies Gordon & MacPhail and adds an element of mystery to their bottlings by simply listing the region in which the distillery is located.  This ‘Isle of Skye’ was the first release in the range and hails from Skye’s famed distillery, Talisker.

Next up we have a fabulous bottling from a Highland distillery which is much-revered for the quality of their output, this is the GlenDronach 1993 Hand Filled Cask #2463.  While GlenDronach’s core range is certainly not to be sniffed at, if you want to try something a little bit special their Hand Filled distillery bottlings are invariably delicious.  Only available from the distillery gift shop (and here, of course) these bottlings are unique and showcase GlenDronach’s inimitable style.

And finally, we have a finely aged whisky from one of the most collectable names out there, this is the Macallan 1993 32 Year Old Kingsbury.  With well-aged Macallan prices, even on the secondary market, being what they are many people are looking to indie bottlers for better value, and this 32 year old certainly ticks all the boxes.  One of only 221 bottles and drawn from a single 1st Fill Pedro Ximenez Hogshead this is yet another excellent release from Kingsbury.

As always, we have a wide range of drams with something to suit everyone, so now is the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites for your watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Thinking of selling your bottles? 

We still offer 0% commission to all sellers making Scotch Whisky Auctions the best place to sell bottles.

For all relevant information just click here

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Out now: Your latest edition of Whisky Magazine

This latest edition of Whisky Magazine explores the exciting themes of travelling. Firstly, we’ve put a spotlight on the magnificent whisky industry of Oceania. Whether it’s the incredible Tasmanian trailblazers who are producing genuinely world-class liquid, or the snowy valley of Cardrona in New Zealand, there’s so much to be discovered.

Elsewhere, we’re exploring the different ways whisky travels, whether through international bottlings celebrating global events, spirit maturing on the open seas, or sampling the hospitality of a new city in our bar guides.

It’s a wide and wonderful whisky world out there — dive in with us!

Bradley Weir, Whisky Magazine editor

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Your regular guide to distillery news, whisky tastings, interviews, and more.

Heaven’s Door 12 Year Old “Bootleg: Volume VI” Limousin Cigar Barrel Finished Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

$475.00

Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series Volume VI is the kind of whiskey release that could easily coast on the name attached to it, but this one has the specs to justify the attention. The sixth edition in Bob Dylan’s ultra-limited Bootleg Series is a blend of 12, 13, and 14 year old wheated bourbons, finished in Limousin oak “cigar” barrels, the tall, narrow casks prized for increased whiskey-to-wood interaction and a more assertive finishing impact. The result is a fascinating marriage of mature Kentucky bourbon depth and French oak refinement, with the naturally softer, sweeter profile of wheated bourbon given extra dimension from spice, dried fruit, polished oak, and a firm, elegant structure. As with previous Bootleg editions, the presentation is inseparable from the whiskey itself. Volume VI is housed in a ceramic bottle featuring Dylan’s Favela Villa Candido from his Brazil Series, making this as much a collector’s object as it is a serious bottle of bourbon. Fewer than 5,000 bottles were released worldwide, and while celebrity-backed spirits often deserve skepticism, Heaven’s Door continues to show that this is no vanity label. This is mature, carefully composed American whiskey with genuine ambition, impressive age, and a finish that adds complexity without overwhelming the bourbon beneath. A rare and compelling bottle for collectors, Dylan devotees, and serious bourbon drinkers alike.

This product is estimated to be available for delivery or pickup within 7 business days after your order is placed.

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

ralfy review 1132 – Glen Carren 10yo single malt @40%vol: (1970’s)

Sotheby’s New York Presents Annual June  Whisky Auction Calendar 

Whisky & Whiskey | Single Cask Summer

 Featuring Two Never-Before-Auctioned Pappy Van Winkle Single Barrels

June 11 – 26

New York, 9 June 2026 — Sotheby’s today unveils highlights from its annual June Wine & Whisky auctions, a distinguished series of online sales celebrating the finest expressions of winemaking and distillation from around the world. Spanning legendary Bordeaux, blue-chip Burgundy, iconic American bourbon and rare whiskies from Scotland and Japan, the auctions bring together exceptional bottles distinguished by remarkable provenance and rarity.

Taking place throughout June in New York and accompanied by public exhibitions, the sales feature a remarkable array of offerings, from historic vintages and impeccably maintained cellar collections to highly coveted limited-edition spirits. Together, they present collectors with an unparalleled opportunity to acquire some of the most sought-after wines and whiskies on the market today.

A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE SALES

Whisky & Whiskey | Single Cask Summer

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old Family Reserve Single Barrel “Connoisseurs of the Finest Bourbon Whiskey” 107 Proof (est. $15,000 – 20,000 each)

Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey | Single Cask Summer is led by two extraordinarily rare bottlings of Pappy Van Winkle, presented alongside celebrated releases from some of the world’s most sought-after whisky and bourbon producers, including Willett Family Estate, Michter’s, The Macallan, Karuizawa, and Old Fitzgerald. Running online from 11–26 June, the meticulously curated sale comprises more than 500 lots and is expected to achieve in excess of $1.2 million.

The headline lots are two exceptional bottles of Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old Family Reserve Single Barrel “Connoisseurs of the Finest Bourbon Whiskey” 107 Proof, each appearing at auction for the first time. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in November 2025, the bottles originate from an exclusive charitable barrel selection, with 100% of proceeds from the original release benefiting organizations supporting frontline California wildfire relief efforts.

The first bottle, drawn from Barrel #004, carries an estimate of $15,000–20,000. It was distilled on 21 January 2010, bottled in November 2025, produced  only 48 bottles, and aged for 15 years and 9 months. The second bottle, from Barrel #002, is likewise estimated at $15,000–20,000. Distilled on 5 January 2010 and bottled in November 2025, it is one of just 86 bottles produced and was aged for 15 years and 10 months.

Both barrels were selected as part of a philanthropic initiative supporting two nonprofit organizations actively engaged in California wildfire relief: World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, which provides meals to first responders and impacted communities, and Another Round Another Rally, which offers emergency assistance and educational support to hospitality industry workers.

Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist, commented: “These bottles are the rarest Pappy Van Winkle expressions to emerge in recent years. Neither has appeared at auction before, and they also carry a remarkable charitable story. These two barrels were hand selected by a fantastic group of whiskey connoisseurs who have all been actively involved with whiskey for years. It’s a rare opportunity to experience and collect these remarkable expressions. With only 48 sets possible – many have already been consumed – this is an incredibly limited offering of a Van Winkle single barrel.”

From left to right: Highlights from Heaven Hill and Karuizawa

Additional highlights of the sale include rare releases from Willett Family Estate, Michter’s, The Macallan, and Karuizawa, alongside a trio of highly sought-after Old Fitzgerald bourbons from the collection of Heaven Hill’s Executive Chairman. Whisky & Whiskey | Single Cask Summer is open for bidding from 11 – 26 June. For further details and to view the full catalogue, please visit the sale page.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building in New York City, featuring Marcel, 945 Madison Avenue  – a new continental restaurant designed by Roman & Williams.

 *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

Glencairn announces next-generation leadership team

to accelerate innovation and growth

Left to right: Glencairn’s next generation board of directors Aileen Logan, Jason Kennedy, Kirsty Nicholson, Scott Davidson, Robyn Macdonald and James Crilly

The award-winning, Scottish glassware company, Glencairn, has announced a series of strategic director-level appointments as it strengthens its leadership team to support its next generation of innovation, development and global growth as a premium glassware brand. Over the past two years, Glencairn has expanded into more than 80 additional countries, with its products now reaching customers in over 140 markets worldwide.

Glencairn has expanded its leadership team with three dynamic industry figures bringing extensive experience across the drinks and packaging sectors. The transition also signals the retirement of founder Raymond Davidson, who established the family company in 1981, and is widely respected for having played a pivotal role in building Glencairn Crystal into an internationally recognised name in the drinks industry.

Kirsty Nicholson, already one of the whisky industry’s most renowned creative women, has been promoted to director level having been with the company for 12 years and previously serving as Marketing and Design Manager. Kirsty has been nominated for various awards – she led the marketing team to win Marketing Campaign of the Year at the 2025 China-Scotland Business Awards and is also a finalist in this year’s Women in Packaging Excellence Awards. In her new role, Kirsty will continue to lead and inspire the marketing team as the brand evolves into its next chapter of global growth.

Robyn Macdonald has been appointed to the board bringing fresh expertise and creative leadership to Glencairn’s internationally renowned design capabilities. With more than a decade of experience in the packaging industry, she will play a key role in driving the company’s continued pioneering product innovation and will work closely with Glencairn’s global partners and clients to bring ambitious creative visions to life.

Having built more than 20 years of experience within the drinks industry, Aileen Logan has formally joined the leadership team after several years with the business. In her new role, she will play a key part in supporting Glencairn’s continued growth, with a focus on strengthening people, culture, and operational excellence across the organisation. She will also help shape the company’s future as it continues to evolve internationally.

The wider leadership team remains in place, with Jason Kennedy continuing to lead the sales team and James Crilly focusing on purchasing and procurement. Scott Davidson has been appointed as Managing Director, taking over the role from his brother Paul Davidson, who now becomes Chairman. 

Founded 45 years ago, Glencairn has grown from a small family business into an internationally recognised brand in premium glassware. It is known for its unrivalled craftsmanship serving the global whisky and spirits industry in the creation of bespoke decanters – often for the world’s rarest and most exclusive spirits. The company is also renowned for the iconic Glencairn Glass which is the world’s official glass for whisky, with over 50 million glasses being sold since it was launched 25 yeas ago.

In recent years, Glencairn has significantly expanded its product portfolio through a series of industry-leading innovations. A proud sponsor of the whisky industry’s prestigious Distillers One of One Auction, the company crafted the luxury decanters for more than a quarter of the one-of-a-kind lots featured in last year’s auction.

Scott Davidson, Glencairn Crystal Managing Director said: “These changes mark an exciting new chapter for Glencairn as we continue to evolve and position the business for the future whilst building on the family legacy that has shaped the company for more than four decades.

With our strong new leadership team in place, we are well positioned to guide the business through its next generation of growth – driving continued creativity, pioneering innovation and international expansion yet at the same time maintaining the craftsmanship, quality and customer focus that have defined Glencairn since the very beginning.”

The company’s continued success has also been recognised through a number of major recent awards. Last year, Glencairn received The King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation as well as the Manufacturing Innovation Award at the Insider Made in Scotland Awards. The company was named a finalist for the prestigious Exporter of the Year Award at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2025.

For more information about Glencairn, visit www.glencairn.com

12 YEAR OLD

70cl · 46% ABV

Laphroaig 12 Year Old Single Malt is a rich and distinctive Scotch whisky crafted on the wild shores of Islay, celebrated for its powerful smoky character and coastal influence. Matured in carefully selected American oak barrels, this expression adds a unique depth and complexity to Laphroaig’s iconic peated style, delivering a beautifully balanced and memorable dram.

NOSE:

Sea salt, seaweed, stewed green apple and heather honey with a slight rhubarb tang. Behind this can be found pleasing and mellow notes of vanilla, crusty pastry, hazelnut, dried orange peel, hints of ginger, lemongrass, and intermingling through it all are phenolic, tarry peat embers.

PALATE:

Carbolic soap intertwined with salt encrusted seaweed, smouldering campfires, blackcurrant, hints of stone fruit, thyme, liquorice root, aniseed and herbal thyme.

FINISH:

Sweet and powerful, with savoury notes leading to iodine and oily mackerel complexity.

From Islay to the world, the 12-Year-Old from Laphroaig is created for curious characters. It is a whisky for free spirits who aren’t content to sit still, and who won’t rest until they’ve tasted the rewards of a life well travelled. For those not content to stick with what they know, this is an outstanding Islay single malt to begin a new journey — a tantalising taste of its wind-swept home.

With no chill-filtration or added colour, this is the real deal done the Laphroaig way: complete with its unmistakably smoky style, and with a twist that takes things beyond the ordinary. Matured in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, carefully selected for the task, it offers a flavour that is as fresh as it is classic. This 12-Year-Old single malt presents a tasting profile for the curious, grounded in the traditions and character refined over generations on Islay. It begins on a rugged stretch of coastline — where it goes from there is entirely up to the drinker.

Big Peat Fèis Ìle 2026

PEDRO XIMÉNEZ SHERRY CASKS

Exclusive access to a bottle hand-signed by Fred and Cara Laing.

Crafted to mark the 40th Anniversary of Fèis Ìle, this limited edition brings together “his” classic marriage of Islay Single Malts in a release that honours the island, its spirit and its global Whisky community. Big Peat’s unmistakable smoky style is enriched through finishing in exceptional Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks, adding layers of indulgent sweetness, depth and complexity. Each bottle hand signed by Fred and Cara Laing.

ELEVATED THROUGH PEDRO XIMÉNEZ SHERRY CASKS.

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Explore Signatory Vintage

Signatory Vintage has long been celebrated for uncovering distinctive whiskies from across Scotland. Bottled with an emphasis on quality and character, its releases offer whisky lovers the chance to explore unique expressions beyond the original distillery bottlings.  From rich sherry casks and elegant refill maturations to boldly peated styles, Signatory Vintage remains one of the most respected names in independent bottling.

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