Crafted By Masters, Perfected By Time; Aberlour Unveils Its Oldest Permanent Expressions

Aberlour, the meticulously crafted Speyside single malt whisky, is elevating its permanent portfolio with the release of new 21 Year Old and 25 Year Old single malts. Built from Aberlour’s signature double cask maturation, these two, highly aged and single batch expressions are a sensory testament to the powerful union of time and craftmanship. The expressions will make their debut at Whisky Live Paris in September 2026.

For the Aberlour team of makers, time is the ultimate tool of their craft, one that requires daily vigilance and sensory precision to honour the decades of hands-on mastery captured within each cask. Under the expert guidance of Master Distiller Graeme Cruickshank, the new expressions have been drawn from decades-old casks, each one hand-selected for bottling at its absolute peak. Released annually in highly limited, small-batch runs, they represent a finite moment in the distillery’s 150-year legacy and an anticipated must-have for collectors, connoisseurs and seekers of rare craft.

A proud showcase of how age unlocks new heights of flavour complexity, the Aberlour 21 Year Old has been rested for over two decades in a combination of American oak and Sherry oak casks. This is the brand’s first annual permanent release, offered at an elevated ABV of 48%, this expression delivers a remarkably deep, complex character, shaped by the casks chosen for its journey. On the nose it reveals a luxurious bouquet of vibrant cherries, spiced baked apples, and rich toffee which leads to a palate of indulgent chocolate and warm ginger. The finish is a delicate, enduring whisper of spice.

The Aberlour 25 Year Old stands as the ultimate celebration of rarity and hands-on patience. Distinguished from the 21 Year Old by its ultra-limited scale, this remarkable single malt was crafted by marrying a small number of exceptionally rare, hand-selected casks; including a single first-fill Sherry hogshead. Bottled at cask strength and non-chill filtered to preserve its depth, this rare single malt offers an incredibly refined character, shaped by a small number of exceptionally rare, hand-selected casks. The result is an incredibly refined spirit, offering a sweet and fruit-forward nose. On the palate, a luxurious texture unfolds with indulgent notes of creamy vanilla balanced by the sophisticated warmth of spiced ginger and aromatic cardamom.

 “The introduction of these 21 and 25 Year Old expressions is a proud milestone for everyone at the distillery,” says Graeme Cruickshank, Aberlour Master Distiller. “Having personally guided the 21 Year Old on its journey from grain to glass, I know first-hand the patience, precision and care required to bring a whisky of this age to life. It is the ultimate reflection of what happens when craft meets time.”

“In many ways, our journey mirrors that of a master chocolatier. Just as crafting exceptional chocolate requires meticulous roasting to unlock deep sensory profiles, bringing a whisky of this age to fruition demands absolute sensory precision and patience. By meticulously curating these casks over two decades, we’ve ensured we’ve captured the wood’s influence at its absolute peak, creating the pinnacle of our heritage and the very definition of Speyside luxury.”

Protected in elegantly crafted display boxes, the presentation mirrors the artistry of the single malt within, ensuring these rare expressions stand as the centrepiece in any collection.

Both expressions will be released from September 2026, available at selects retailers worldwide.  To discover more about the craft of Aberlour, visit www.aberlour.com or follow the journey via @aberlour.

Our October 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) Friday 16^th October until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 25^th October.

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!

Karuizawa – 33 Year Old Golden Geisha (Cask #3579)

Macallan – 20 Year Old (Carta Nautica)

Ladyburn – 20 Year Old (1966) Cadenhead’s (75cl)

Hibiki – 21 Year Old (Arita Decanter) 2005 Release (60cl)

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.

Ask anybody what their favourite whisky is, and at least half the time, they aren’t going to mention what it tasted like. It may have had fruity notes, it may have been spicy, it may have been smoky, but they won’t remember that. Instead, they talk about where they were, who they were with, and exactly when it happened.

I recently asked a friend, who is just a couple of years into their whisky journey, what the best one is they’ve had so far. They couldn’t name it. But they remembered me bringing the bottle round, talking it through, and explaining the distillery’s journey to releasing it. That was enough for them to treasure this whisky as the current undisputed best whisky they’ve ever had.

Whisky’s biggest strength is the stories behind every brand and every bottle, and the fascinating people that are either part of the industry, or finding their way in.

Discover the latest content in the world of whisky, including the journeys of some genuinely interesting people, and some recommended whiskies that make great discoveries for the stories behind them.

Bradley Weir
Whisky Magazine editor

Visit Whisky Magazine

Glenallachie 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak

The fourth release from Glenallachie’s Sinteis series is again exploring how the interplay between virgin oak casks and carefully selected sherry casks can lead to fascinating expressions of the distillery’s single malt.

This release saw whisky matured in Pedro Ximénez and oloroso sherry casks, then transferred into rarely-seen Mongolian virgin oak to complete its ageing. This slow-growing species is noted for its tight grain and the intensity of flavour it can impart, with this expression a near-unique opportunity to discover its impact for yourself.

The nose opens with butterscotch, warm pastries, brandied fruit and cocoa, joined on the rich palate by hazelnuts, warm spices, gentle citrus, vanilla and honey.

​SHOP NOW

ralfy review 1149 Extras – A potted history of Teachers Blended Scotch.

The Glenlivet Captures The Sun-Soaked Spirit Of Provence In New Limited Edition

The Glenlivet, the iconic single malt Scotch whisky crafted in Scotland’s Livet Valley, today unveils its 12 Year Old Provence Edition: a new limited-edition release inspired by a region celebrated for its sun-soaked landscapes, vibrant flavours, and relaxed way of life.

The latest in The Glenlivet’s Beyond Speyside series, the Provence Edition invites whisky lovers to experience single malt through a distinctly Provençal lens. True to its Scottish roots while inspired by the character of Southern France, this expression demonstrates how a heritage Scotch can embrace new influences while remaining unmistakably itself.

Under the guidance of Cask Master, Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet’s cask experts created a first-of-its-kind expression for The Glenlivet, selectively finishing the whisky in three French wine cask types*, including rare cru classé casks from Château Sainte Marguerite in Provence, one of only 18 estates to hold the prestigious Cru Classé des Côtes de Provence designation.

The limited-edition release combines Château Sainte Marguerite white wine casks with Rivesaltes and Sauternes casks, each contributing its own character to the whisky. Château Sainte Marguerite casks deliver bright citrus and elegant floral notes, Rivesaltes casks add nuttiness and warming spice, while Sauternes casks bring rich marmalade and crème brûlée flavours.

The result is a beautifully balanced single malt, layering The Glenlivet’s elegant and mellow house style with delicate floral complexity and ripe orchard fruit notes. White peach, nectarine, pear and bright citrus are complemented by subtle spice, creating a flavour profile that brings a sun-ripened character to The Glenlivet’s signature style.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master, commented: “With the Provence Edition, we wanted to take The Glenlivet somewhere unexpected. The challenge was introducing new layers of flavour inspired by Provence while remaining unmistakably The Glenlivet. By actively monitoring the finishing process and carefully balancing the influence of Château Sainte Marguerite, Rivesaltes, and Sauternes wine casks, we have created a whisky that delivers vibrant orchard fruit, elegant floral notes and exceptional complexity; capturing the vibrancy and elegance that inspired this release.”

Aurélie Torre, Vice President of Marketing Specialty Whiskies adds: “The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition captures the spirit of The Glenlivet: rooted in our Scottish craft yet inspired by the spirit of the South of France. Through the first-ever use of French white wine casks in a Glenlivet expression, this release demonstrates how we can remain true to the character that has defined us for generations, while continuing to surprise and delight whisky lovers with a new taste experience. Its recent Gold medal at the 2026 Scotch Whisky Masters is a testament to the quality, craftsmanship and innovation at the heart of this single malt.”

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition is presented in a vibrant, elevated packaging inspired by the vivid landscapes and effortless elegance of Provence. Rich lavender hues, warm golden tones and refined design details evoke the region’s iconic vineyards, floral fields and Riviera glamour. The Glenlivet’s signature teal complements the Provençal colour palette, celebrating the meeting of Scottish craft and Provençal inspiration in a design that feels every bit as vibrant as the whisky itself.

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition is available in select markets around the world at recommended price of $54.99 USD. For more information, visit www.theglenlivet.com or follow @theglenlivet. 

* A portion of the whisky is finished in French wine and Provence cru classé wine casks 

OCTOBER 2026 AUCTION ENDING SOON!

Our October auction is drawing to a close, but there is still time to bid on some truly special bottles. Among the highlights is the Balvenie 15 Years Old Craftsman’s Reserve No.1  The Cooper, a highly sought-after release with a unique place in the distillery’s history. Named in honour of the six coopers responsible for preparing and maintaining the distillery’s casks, it celebrates the craftsmanship at the heart of Balvenie’s whisky-making tradition. With just 515 bottles produced and as the first and last Warehouse 24 exclusive of its kind, this is a rare opportunity for collectors to secure a distinctive piece of Balvenie history before the auction closes.

Another exceptional bottle in our October auction is this Dailuaine 17 Years Old Manager’s Dram, bottled in 2000, a rare release from a much-loved series traditionally reserved for distillery employees. These annual bottlings were selected by distillery managers from their finest casks and released in limited quantities at cask strength, making them particularly appealing to collectors. Distilled at Dailuaine and aged for 17 years, this expression was bottled at an impressive 59.5% ABV. With its exclusive origins and place in the celebrated Manager’s Dram series, it offers a fascinating opportunity to acquire a distinctive piece of Scotch whisky history!

Another standout in our October auction is this Tamnavulin 1973 25 Years Old New Century release, a rare vintage Speyside single malt of yesteryear. Distilled in 1973 and matured for a quarter of a century before its release, this bottling offers a glimpse into the history of Tamnavulin and the character of whisky produced during the 1970’s. With its impressive age and increasingly distant vintage, this is an appealing opportunity for collectors seeking older Speyside whiskies and distinctive releases from a bygone era.

Also featured in our October auction is this Glenfarclas 1991 Christmas Edition, a charming vintage release from one of Speyside’s most respected family-owned distilleries. Distilled in 1991, this special bottling captures a moment in Glenfarclas’s history, combining the appeal of an older vintage with the distinctive heritage of the Christmas Edition series. A characterful and increasingly hard-to-find release, this is an appealing addition for collectors of vintage Glenfarclas and those seeking something a little different for their whisky collection.

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.

Jay Erisman · Fine Spirits Buyer

Hey, Bourbon Month? Rye Was Here First!

Here on the banks of the Ohio River…on the correct side of the river for Bourbon…we are celebrating Bourbon all month long in September, National Bourbon Month. But what about America’s oldest whiskey? Isn’t that Bourbon? NO! No, it is not Bourbon: RYE WHISKEY was the first whiskey distilled, perhaps around 1760, in our soon-to-be-Union. The corn-led, corn-fed Bourbon category didn’t truly come to be until westward expansion and settlement reached Kentucky, and a literal raft of farmer-distillers reached these lands where corn grows so well. But before the Revolution of 1775-76, the predominant grain on the east coast and up into New England was rye. A hardy European grain, rye took well to the cooler temperatures and poorer soils of the northeast. Among the leading early rye distillers was none other than George Washington—you can visit a reconstructed distillery on the grounds of his home/plantation Mount Vernon today, who reported the demand for rye whiskey “in these parts” was “brisk.”

As European expansion moved westward, rye whiskey went along with the farmers. The Monongahela River valley in western Pennsylvania gained particular acclaim for its rye whiskey, an industry that would persevere until Prohibition, after which it Largely ceased. Another rye tradition was centered around Maryland rye, of which the brand Pikesville survives today (though distilled in Kentucky by Heaven Hill). Some of these farmer-distillers continued west into the environs of Ohio and onwards; today we have just one of them remaining, the absolutely incredible Indian Creek Distillery in New Carlisle, Ohio, and well worth a visit to see their 1820-vintage stills. Today American rye whiskey is healthier than ever, as veritable lakes of whiskey cascade out of America’s distilleries, none more so than our neighbor in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the ex-Seagram’s distillery known today as MGP continues to crank out  a thrilling mashbill of 95% rye. But there is one more tradition that was yet to be recovered…

In post-Civil War days, American distillers conceived of a new type of still, unique in the world, that somewhat bridges the gap between the perceived small-handed artisanship of the pot still and the higher industrial output of the column still. This was the three-chambered still, and it particularly was used to distill rye whiskey, often then used as a blending agent. No three-chambered stills would survive Prohibition, with none operating in America…until Todd Leopold had an idea.

Leopold Brothers ranks today as one of America’s greatest craft distilleries. Founded in 1999 in Michigan, they’ve worked in Denver, Colorado since the early 2000s. Brother Todd is the Master Distiller, in charge of everything from liqueurs and gin to whiskeys and brandies. A history buff as well, Todd was determined to resurrect the three-chamber style…and he did, commissioning a custom still from Vendome Copper & Brass in Louisville (here’s the fascinating story). The result today is arguably the greatest rye whiskey made in America (the world?) today. And wouldn’t you know it, we have some. Rippling and riveted with spiced and fruited flavors, this is an epochal rye whiskey the likes of which have not been tasted in over a hundred years.

So, take that, Bourbon! A comeuppance from your older-brother, big-sister whiskey, the RYE of America. Why doesn’t American Rye Whiskey get its own special month?