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Irish Whiskey Technical File Public Consultation – Irish Whiskey News

Irish Whiskey Technical File Public Consultation

Take Time Before You Respond – Informed Feedback Carries Greater Weight

Following last weeks publication of the draft Irish Whiskey Technical File for public consultation, we are encouraging everyone to take some time before submitting any formal response.

This is a very positive step but our advice at this stage is not to rush.

There are two important reasons for this:

1. More informed analysis will emerge over the coming days.
A number of respected technical experts and experienced figures from across the Irish whiskey industry will be reviewing the document in detail and sharing their insights. Their analysis will help navigate some of the more complex language and provide valuable context for what the proposed changes may actually mean in practice.

2. There appear to be one or two inaccuracies within the published draft.
We understand these may be addressed or clarified during the consultation process, so it is worth allowing time for any corrections or explanatory guidance before forming final conclusions.

The consultation remains open until 4 September 2026, so there is no advantage in submitting an immediate response. Taking the time to fully understand the proposals will help ensure that any feedback is informed, accurate and carries greater weight.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and share further analysis and guidance as more information becomes available.

What this means for Killowen?

Killowen set up their distillery to make real Pot Still Irish Whiskey; we have not laid down a single cask of the current GI-restricted whiskey in five years. As such, everything we have in bond will safely and rightfully become official Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey upon the correction of this technical file. This means the world to us, as we bet the house and put our keys on it from day one. The very first whiskey we ever distilled was real Pot Still that is not yet legally recognised as such. We all owe it to history and to our culinary heritage to correct this.

Useful public resources:

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – Public Consultation (consultation portal and documents)
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/

Useful detailed reading resources:

https://arrow.tudublin.ie/tfschcafdoc/7/

Useful light reading resources:

https://www.irishwhiskeymagazine.com/magazine/premium/historic-mashbills/

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

Bunnahabhain An Cuan Garbh No. 1 White Port Cask Finish Single Malt ~ Scotch Whisky News

Bunnahabhain An Cuan Garbh No. 1 White Port Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Meaning “the rough seas” in Scots Gaelic, An Cuan Garbh marks the second chapter in the Westering Home Collection by Bunnahabhain. Where the first chapter of Turas Math began with preparation, this release reflects the crossing itself: a passage defined by challenge, transformation, and discovery.

Finished in white port casks from Portugal’s Douro Valley, it carries the richness of distant shores and the reward of the journey’s end.

£137.95

Colour Golden Amber.

Nose Honeysuckle, elderflower, orchard fruit, candied citrus and honey warmth.

Palate Peach, apricot, candied lemon zest, honeyed almonds, toasted malt and ginger spice.

Finish Lingering nutty warmth with sweet candied fruit.

 

The Whisky Cellar Strathmill 15 Year old 2009 Private Cellars Collection at Aberdeen Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

The Whisky Cellar

Strathmill 15 Year old 2009 Private Cellars Collection

ABV: 56.9% 70 cL

This single malt was distilled on the 25th of February 2009 at the Strathmill Distillery in the Speyside region of Scotland. It was aged for 15 years, including finishing in a single refill of Oloroso sherry cask, adding notes of ginger cake, poached pear and all spice to the fruity malt. It was bottled by Whisky Cellar at natural cask strength, without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

£80.00

Tax included.

Strathmill Distillery, founded in 1891 in the Speyside town of Keith, is a quiet workhorse of the Scotch industry, best known for supplying its light, grassy spirit to blends. Originally a corn mill before its conversion, the distillery produces a delicate, subtly fruity whisky shaped by long fermentation, gentle distillation, and maturation largely in refill bourbon casks. The resulting style leans toward soft vanilla, cereal sweetness, fresh orchard notes, and a clean herbal edge. Though rarely seen as a single malt outside occasional independent bottlings or its Flora and Fauna release, Strathmill has a loyal niche following for its understated, classic Speyside elegance.

SPRINGBANK 1994 VINTAGE – Scotch Whisky News

SPRINGBANK 1994 VINTAGE

45.1% ABV

NOSE
Tropical fruit: dried pineapple and mango. Ripe melons, honey. Earthy, ‘old school Springbank’, sandalwood.

PALATE
Caramelised lemon meringue, custard cream, mango & pineapple, wood, toffee popcorn.

FINISH
Earthy, coconut, fresh basil, gorse bush.

UK RRP £1,000

Whisky Wednesday Reviews…….. – Scotch Whisky News

The details we await……….

Rare Find explores four distinct journeys of maturation in latest single cask collection – Scotch Whisky News

The art of contrast

Rare Find explores four distinct journeys of maturation

in latest single cask collection

Rare Find, the award-winning Edinburgh-based independent bottler announces the launch of its latest collection of single cask whiskies, exploring the diverse relationship between spirit character and cask influence.

Following continued momentum throughout 2026 and growing demand for the company’s distinctive single cask releases, Rare Find’s newest collection brings together four carefully selected whiskies that demonstrate how different styles of maturation can shape, enhance and transform some of Scotland’s most compelling distillates.

From the clarity of 1st fill bourbon to the richness of Napa Valley red wine to the intensity of 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter casks, each release offers a unique perspective on the art of maturation. Together, they showcase the remarkable breadth of flavour that can be achieved when exceptional spirit is paired with exceptional wood.

This latest Rare Find collection brings together four distinctive single cask expressions that explore the relationship between spirit and wood across Highland, Speyside and Islay whisky styles. As with all Rare Find releases, each whisky is bottled without compromise – at natural cask strength, natural colour and without chill filtration.

Blair Athol 12-Year-Old

Matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

Blair Athol is renowned for its rich, characterful spirit and distinctive Highland style. This single cask release has been matured a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, a perfect partnership that enhances the distillery’s natural depth and elegance while allowing its classic honeyed character to shine through.

Deanston 14-Year-Old

Matured in a 1st fill Napa Valley red wine barrique

Known for its bright and approachable Highland character, Deanston’s waxy, cereal-led spirit has been matched with a first-fill Napa Valley red wine barrique. The result is a whisky that balances the distillery’s trademark sweetness with layers of ripe fruit, gentle spice and rich complexity.

Dalmunach 9-Year-Old

Finished for 17 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

As one of Speyside’s modern distilleries, Dalmunach produces a light, fruit-forward spirit that responds beautifully to active maturation. A 17-month finish in a first-fill oloroso seasoned quarter cask has amplified the whisky’s naturally vibrant character, adding depth, richness and a generous sherried influence.

Mystery Islay 9-Year-Old

Finished for 18 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

This unnamed Islay distillery produces a bold coastal spirit shaped by its maritime surroundings and traditional production methods. An extended finish in a first-fill oloroso sherry quarter cask has introduced layers of dried fruit, spice and richness, creating a compelling interplay between smoke, salinity and sherry influence.

Speaking on the new collection, James Zorab, Whisky Supply Manager for Rare Find, commented: “Every cask tells a different story, and this collection is all about showcasing those contrasts. Whether it’s the modesty of bourbon maturation, the influence of premium wine casks or the intensity that quarter cask sherry maturation can bring, each whisky demonstrates how carefully selected wood can reveal different dimensions of a distillery’s character. Together, they represent exactly what Rare Find seeks to achieve – exceptional single casks that offer something distinctive, memorable and genuinely worth discovering.”

The Rare Find Summer 2026 Collection will be available via Rare Find stockists from 2nd July 2026.

Rare Find Summer 2026 Collection

Blair Athol 12-year-old

Maturing in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

56.1%, 205 bottles

£75.00

NOSE Buttery shortbread, golden syrup, baked apples, vanilla, and a hint of white pepper.

PALATE Rich and syrupy with orchard fruits, pastry, iced buns, and a touch of lemon.

FINISH Long on brown-sugar apples with subtle oak.

Deanston 14-year-old

Matured in a 1st fill Napa Valley red wine barrique

57.3%, 268 bottles

£95.00

NOSE Balsamic strawberries, fresh raspberries, buttery flapjack, with hints of cinnamon and ginger.

PALATE Ripe berries, plums, sultanas, golden syrup, and a touch of peppery spice.

FINISH Long, fruity, with drying cask spice. 

Dalmunach 9-year-old

Finished for 17 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

60.6%, 126 bottles

£70.00

NOSE Lemon sponge, vanilla custard, toffee, hedgerow berries, and a hint of ginger.

PALATE Fresh apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, and redcurrants, with toffee, chocolate walnut, and gingerbread.

FINISH Long, fruity, with developing citrus notes.

Mystery Islay 9-year-old

Finished for 18 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

57.9%, 186 bottles

£85.00

NOSE Briny, medicinal, lemon zest, maritime smoke, olive, sea salt, and malt.

PALATE Creamy toffee, berries, smoke, iodine, citrus, nuts, and mineral peat.

FINISH Long on driftwood, smoked lemon, and salt.

About Rare Find

Each Rare Find release is an unrepeatable, limited-edition whisky sourced from sought-after distilleries. With every bottle, we celebrate liquid excellence – meticulously selecting, maturing, and finishing in the highest quality casks to deliver whisky that’s rare by design.

From the millions of casks maturing in Scotland, only a small percentage are destined for single malt bottlings, and from those, only the best become a Rare Find.

www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk

INTRODUCING THE ISLE OF HARRIS SINGLE MALT WHISKY – Scotch Whisky News

INTRODUCING THE ISLE OF HARRIS SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Change is in our nature. Like the island itself, everything is always in motion as the seasons change and the cycles of life continue to turn.  So, after more than a decade of distilling we’re entering an exciting new chapter here at the Isle of Harris Distillery.

We are introducing a wonderful new addition to our spirits range, once again proudly from the Isle of Harris but now putting the island’s name to the fore, as we do with our much-loved gin and distillery enterprise.

We’re delighted to now give you an exclusive look at our new signature dram, aptly named the Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky.

Made, matured and married entirely on the Isle of Harris, the new release encapsulates the lightly peated, fresh and vibrant island style created by our team of local distillers.

Our new whisky is a delicious and approachable single malt that invites a more relaxed way of enjoying our island spirit, without compromising quality or character.

This is a dram crafted for drinking with good friends and family, made to be poured, shared and savoured.

With notes of butterscotch, floral sweetness and gentle spice, this latest dram is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks for a smooth and complex profile.

The new whisky will be on sale on-island from 14.07.26 and in our online store from 22.07.26 .

As a valued Journal subscriber, we’ll be delighted to share more details with you next Friday about the opportunity to pre-purchase your bottle ahead of the wider online release.

Meantime, explore more and enjoy a new short film via the button below!

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

The Isle of Harris Distillery Team

BUTTERSCOTCH, FLORAL, FRUITS

“There’s butterscotch and iced cherry Bakewell tart on the nose. A pastry-shop sweetness gives way to bright fruit and delicate floral notes, with hints of boiled fruit sweets and a lingering warmth of spice. Rich buttery caramels unfold on the palate with a touch of sweet clove and ginger. All this is balanced by the signature dry, flinty character of our Isle of Harris spirit. The finish is long and creamy with a gentle hint of Outer Hebridean peat smoke.”

SHONA MACLEOD – DISTILLERY BLENDER

“The Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky emphasises how far we’ve come as a distillery over the last 10 years. From the outset, our ambition has been to create spirits that share the story of our island with the world. This new expression has been crafted with moments of relaxed enjoyment very much in mind – an easy pour for time spent with friends – and with a desire to introduce our spirits to a wider community”

RON MACEACHRAN  – EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

MEET OUR NEW DRAM

K&L California ‘Glenmorangie “Harrison Ford” Highland Single Malt’ ~ Scotch Whisky News

Glenmorangie “Harrison Ford” Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
$99.99 

The Glenmorangie Harrison Ford Limited Edition is an exclusive Highland single malt Scotch whisky born from a collaboration between the Hollywood icon and Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden.Developed after Ford starred in the brand’s witty “Once Upon a Time in Scotland” campaign, the release features a unique maturation process.

It marries classic, bourbon cask-aged Glenmorangie with a finish in toasted Portuguese red wine casks. Key details of the collaboration and whisky include. The Flavor Profile: Bottled at 46.5% ABV (93 proof), it delivers a zesty “bite” with notes of Seville orange, lemon, grapefruit, apricot, and toffee, finishing with hints of leather and oak.

 

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

KILKERRAN HEAVILY PEATED BATCH 14 – Scotch Whisky News

KILKERRAN HEAVILY PEATED
BATCH 14

58.3% ABV

NOSE
Honeycomb, wholemeal toast, chargrilled sea food, smokey bacon.

PALATE
Lemon shortbread, melon, ham.

FINISH
Nicely balanced: Peat smoke and a sweet, buttery mouthfeel.

UK RRP £53 – £55

ralfy review 1135 – Talisker 2009 D.E. @45.8%vol: (TD-S:5LX) – Scotch Whisky News

ralfy review 1135 – Talisker 2009 D.E. @45.8%vol: (TD-S:5LX)


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