Cù Bòcan breaks new ground with Creation #9, a whisky inspired by sweet and salty popcorn

Cù Bòcan, the experimental single malt crafted each winter at Tomatin Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, has released its oldest expression yet: Creation #9, a whisky inspired by the sweet and salty taste of cinema popcorn and designed for a whole new occasion to enjoy a dram.

Sweet at first and salty on the finish, Creation #9 offers a flavour combination that has you reaching for another handful. That same playful indulgence carries through to the pack’s striking popcorn box aesthetic which evokes classic cinematic nostalgia and makes it the perfect companion for movie night.

The ninth instalment in Cù Bòcan’s limited-edition Creations series, Creation #9 draws its distinctive flavour from an unlikely pairing of American virgin oak and Manzanilla sherry casks, continuing the brand’s drive to defy expectations of what a peated Scotch can taste like.

At over 17 years old, the larger share of the spirit spent its entire life maturing in American virgin oak casks, which are rarely used for such a lengthy maturation. The result is slowly built layers of vanilla, honey and caramel sweetness.

The remaining spirit spent 13 years in refill hogsheads before a four-and-a-half-year finish in Manzanilla sherry casks. Made from Palomino grapes in Sanlúcar de Barrameda on Spain’s Cadiz coast, Manzanilla is a pale, bone-dry fortified sherry whose casks carry a signature salinity, layering salted caramel, toasted almond and coastal freshness into the spirit.

Together, the two casks create the sweet and salted popcorn note that defines Creation #9.

Jamie Muir, Distillery Manager at Tomatin, said: “Creation #9 set out to prove that patience pays off in the most unexpected ways.

“The American virgin oak has given the single malt its deep, sweet backbone, but it’s the Manzanilla sherry cask that elevates the expression, bringing in the salty, savoury edge that balances all the sweetness.

“The result is one of the most unexpected flavours we’ve crafted. It’s exactly the kind of discovery that makes the Creations series so exciting, and the perfect excuse for a movie night.”

Creation #9 arrives in a bold red-and-white carton with sharp, diagonal detailing reminiscent of a classic popcorn box, a playful nod to the whisky’s stand-out flavour. Its engraved contours echo the wisp of Cù Bòcan’s signature smoke and the staves of the casks that shaped it.

Bottled at 46% ABV, natural in colour and non-chill filtered, Cù Bòcan Creation #9 is now available from Tomatin Distillery’s website and from specialist whisky retailers in the UK and worldwide, priced at £45. It is limited to 3,800 bottles globally.

For more information, visit https://tomatin.com/cu-bocan.

Cù Bòcan Creation #9 tasting notes

Nose: Vanilla, honey and caramel sweetness balanced by salted popcorn, toasted almonds and a hint of coastal salinity. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cocoa add warmth and depth.

Palate: Bright lemon zest and crisp orchard fruit, layered with toasted oak and gentle spice.

Finish: Long and gently spiced, with lingering dry oak and a subtle maritime freshness.

About Cù Bòcan

Cù Bòcan is a Highland single malt distilled, matured, and produced at the Tomatin Distillery near Inverness, renowned for its portfolio of brands including Tomatin Highland single malt, The Antiquary, Talisman and Big T.

Peat has been part of Tomatin’s story since its founding in 1897, when the distillery drew on local supplies to fire its stills. Though production shifted to an unpeated style mid-century, Tomatin revived peated runs in 2005 — sparking the birth of Cù Bòcan.

In 2005, the decision was made to produce a peated single malt and for the last week of production that year a batch of optic barley peated to 15ppm was used to produce about 60,000 litres of lightly peated spirit which was filled into a variety of different cask types.

Then, on September 3rd 2013, this lightly peated whisky produced at Tomatin was released as Cù Bòcan – a single malt at 15ppm matured in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak casks. Since then, the Cù Bòcan brand has grown with a number of vintage releases as part of the brand’s limited-edition collection.

Cù Bòcan – ‘ghost dog’ in Gaelic – is named after a spirit thought to haunt the distillery’s hometown of Tomatin.

Cù Bòcan rebranded in August 2019. It is an experimental Highland single malt that explores innovative maturation to create whiskies full of intrigue and surprise. It is made with lightly peated Scottish barley, distilled every winter in limited batches and matured in a variety of interesting casks to unlock unusual flavours.

Michael Mittermeier Presents His First Whisky: Lucky & Punch, Two Limited Single Casks from St. Kilian, Exclusively on Spiritory

One sweet cask, one smoky, named after his comedy club Lucky Punch. Limited to 500 bottles each, available to preorder from today. On 23 October, Michael Mittermeier signs them in person in Munich.

Munich, 14 October 2026: Michael Mittermeier, Germany’s comedy legend and a self-confessed lover of good whisky for many years, has now created his very first dram. Together with the award-winning St. Kilian Distillers, he presents Lucky & Punch, two single cask single malts named after his comedy club. There are only 500 bottles of each, and every single one is available exclusively on Spiritory, where preorders open today at 11:00 CEST.

From the Stage to the Cask

For Michael Mittermeier, six-time winner of the German Comedy Award, whisky has never been a sideline. He has been a great fan of Scotch single malt for years. In his video podcast “Mittermeiers Whisky Montag”, every glass came with a story, told the way only a comedian can. So his first whisky had to carry more than his name. It had to bring his art and his passion together.

Lucky Punch is the comedy club he has run with his wife Gudrun since 2023, with venues in Munich and Vienna. A place for the unexpected hit that lands against all odds. For his first whisky, Mittermeier split the name in two: Lucky for the softer, sweeter cask, Punch for the one that hits harder.

“For me, making whisky is an interplay of creativity, craft and tradition, quite comparable to comedy. While I present my art on stage, whisky unfolds its magic in the glass and on the tongue, and I am proud to now present my very own first expressions. The makers at St. Kilian really know their craft, and together we have landed two real hits. With Spiritory, we also have a retail partner that stands for fine whisky.”

MICHAEL MITTERMEIER

Two Casks, Two Characters

The whiskies were not chosen from a catalogue. Mittermeier travelled to St. Kilian in Rüdenau, Lower Franconia, walked through the warehouse, tasted his way extensively from cask to cask and picked the two that would carry his name. Theresult is a pair that could hardly be more different: one shaped by a sweet fortified wine from Portugal, the other by heavy peat and Tawny Port.

“Where else do you find that: a mega comedian from Bavaria who is also an absolute whisky expert and loves whisky! This collaboration was made for us at St. Kilian, and now it’s full throttle with Lucky & Punch.”

ANDREAS THÜMMLER, FOUNDER OF ST. KILIAN DISTILLERS

St. Kilian Lucky by Michael Mittermeier 50cl

Lucky comes from Cask Nr.9394, a former Moscatel de Setúbal cask. Distilled in July 2022, it was bottled as a single cask at 46.7% vol, with no added colour and no chill filtration, and is limited to 500 bottles of 500 ml. In the glass it opens with floral and winey notes and fresh orange, joined by dried fruit, caramelised walnuts, honey and toffee, carried by creamy vanilla and gentle oak spice. On the palate it is soft, round and balanced: honeyed sweetness and fruit gradually give way to creamy toffee and fine nutty notes. The long finish lingers on vanilla, sweet toffee and caramelised walnuts.

St. Kilian Punch by Michael Mittermeier 50cl

Punch comes from Cask Nr.5914, a former Tawny Port cask, and is heavily peated at 80 ppm. Distilled in November 2020, it was bottled as a single cask at 48.3% vol, with no added colour and no chill filtration, and is likewise limited to 500 bottles of 500 ml. In the glass it opens fruity with red fruit and ripe figs, backed by gentle oak spice and a touch of cinnamon. On the palate it is creamy and full-bodied, the ashy smoke settling gently over the fruity, spicy notes without overpowering them. The long finish belongs to dark chocolate and well-integrated smoke.

Only on Spiritory

Lucky & Punch is sold nowhere else. Both whiskies are available exclusively on Spiritory, where preorders open on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at 11:00 CEST. Each bottle costs €59 plus shipping. Both whiskies are also available together as the St. Kilian Lucky & Punch by Michael Mittermeier Set. Anyone who preorders up to and including 16 October with store pickup can collect their bottle at the whisky unveiling at the Spiritory Shop in Munich and have it signed there by Mittermeier in person. All other orders are delivered to whisky lovers and collectors in 11 European countries, with shipping from 26 October 2026.

“Lucky & Punch brings together everything Michael stands for: humour, timing and a real passion for whisky. We are delighted that these two single casks are available only on Spiritory, and we can’t wait to unveil them with him at our Munich shop on 23 October.”

JANIS WILCZURA, CEO OF SPIRITORY

Whisky Unveiling in Munich

The whisky unveiling of Lucky & Punch takes place on Friday, 23 October 2026, from 5:00 pm at the Spiritory Shop at Stemmerhof, Plinganserstraße 6, 81369 Munich, Germany. Michael Mittermeier will be there in person to sign the preordered bottles as well as the bottles available to buy in the shop. Since there are only a few of them, preordering is the surest way to get Lucky & Punch.

About Michael Mittermeier:

Michael Mittermeier, born in 1966 in Dorfen, Upper Bavaria, is one of Germany’s best-known comedians. Since his breakthrough with “Zapped” in 1996 he has toured with programmes including “Paranoid”, “Achtung Baby!”, “Wild” and “Lucky Punch”, and has performed in English in New York and London, at the Edinburgh Fringe and at Just for Laughs in Montreal. He has won the Deutscher Comedypreis six times, the Deutscher Kleinkunstpreis in 2021 and the Bayerischer Kabarettpreis in 2026. Together with his wife Gudrun he runs the Lucky Punch Comedy Clubs in Munich and Vienna. A long-time whisky enthusiast, he shares his favourite drams in his video podcast “Mittermeiers Whisky Montag”.

About St. Kilian Distillers:

St. Kilian Distillers was founded in 2012 by Andreas Thümmler and partners in Rüdenau, Lower Franconia, and describes itself as Germany’s largest whisky distillery. Under master distiller Mario Rudolf it follows the Scottish tradition and has won national and international recognition, including Distillery of the Year (2023) and World-Class Distillery (2023 and 2025) at the World Spirits Award, and Best Whisky Distillery National 2024 at InterWhisky’s Der Whisky-Botschafter Award.

About Spiritory:

Spiritory is an exchange-based live marketplace for spirits enthusiasts and collectors. The platform enables users to buy and sell their favourite spirits in a transparent and secure way. Users benefit from transparent and secure processing, but can also find inspiration, manage their portfolio, and access thousands of important data points. As Europe’s leading marketplace, the company also enables the straightforward digitalisation of retailers, brands, and distilleries. Founded in Munich in 2022, Spiritory today serves customers in 11 European countries and, together with distilleries such as St. Kilian, also brings exclusive releases to market that are available nowhere else.

St. Ola® (Orkney) 25 Year Old 2001 Unicorn 2nd Release The Allfather

£99.98

Nose Heather honey, ripe orchard fruits and polished oak with sea air, citrus peel, gentle smoke and soft aromatic spice. Palate Mature and layered, with honeyed malt, baked apple, orange oil and subtle peat alongside maritime salinity, warming spice and elegant oak. Finish Long and refined, with lingering honey, soft smoke, citrus, spice and a distinctly coastal Orcadian character.

St. Ola® 25 Year Old 2001 Unicorn – 2nd Release: The Allfather is a rare Orcadian single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 2001 at a mystery Orkney distillery and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel as part of the acclaimed Unicorn Series. Matured in a single hogshead cask #TWB154 and bottled in 2026 at natural cask strength of 52.5% ABV, this exceptional release yielded just 202 bottles.

Presented unfiltered and at natural cask strength, it is the second chapter in The Whisky Barrel’s mature Orkney trilogy. Entitled The Northern Legacy, the trilogy brings together three 25-year-old TWB single casks that matured side by side and reached their peak together. Each offers its own distinct expression of Orcadian single malt while sharing the maturity, maritime character and unmistakable sense of place associated with Scotland’s far northern islands. This second release follows the now sold-out sister cask, The Longship, continuing the story with another highly limited 25 year old Orkney single malt. The second chapter, The Allfather, draws inspiration from Orkney’s deep Norse heritage. Here, the Unicorn encounters Odin – The Allfather – seeker of wisdom, keeper of countless tales and one of the central figures of Norse mythology.

The bespoke Unicorn artwork reflects that heritage, continuing a trilogy rooted in Orkney’s landscape, history, culture and enduring northern identity. At 25 years old, this single cask displays the poise and complexity that comes with long maturation. Honeyed malt, orchard fruit, maritime freshness, soft smoke and gentle spice are layered with polished oak, creating a mature yet vibrant expression of Orcadian single malt. Bottled at 52.5% ABV, the whisky retains excellent texture and depth while preserving the character of the spirit.

• 25 year old Orcadian single malt Scotch whisky
• Distilled in 2001 at a mystery Orkney distillery
• Matured in single hogshead cask #TWB154
• Bottled in 2026
• Bottled at natural cask strength of 52.5% ABV
• Exceptionally limited release of just 202 bottles
• Unfiltered and bottled at natural cask strength
• Bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel
• The second release in The Northern Legacy trilogy
• Follows the now sold-out sister release, The Longship
• Release title: The Allfather
• Part of The Whisky Barrel’s acclaimed Unicorn Series
• Bespoke artwork inspired by Odin, Norse mythology and Orkney’s northern heritage

The St. Ola® 25 Year Old 2001 Unicorn – The Allfather is the second release in The Northern Legacy, a trilogy of rare Orcadian single casks selected exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. Following the sold-out first release, The Longship, this 25 year old single malt continues the story with just 202 bottles drawn from hogshead #TWB154 at 52.5% ABV. It is a compelling release for collectors and enthusiasts of Orkney whisky, 25 year old single malt, cask strength Scotch whisky, mystery distillery bottlings, Norse-inspired whisky, and The Whisky Barrel Unicorn Series.

Hibiki Harmony 2026 Limited Edition Chiso Collaboration

Two icons of Japanese craftsmanship come together in this remarkable limited edition bottle. Created by Kyoto’s prestigious Chiso Kimono House, the artwork adorning Hibiki Japanese Harmony’s 24-faceted bottle reimagines traditional auspicious motifs in a striking contemporary style.

Sakura and Tachibana bloom together – with other cherished flowers – to represent happiness and longevity. Inspired by the whisky’s radiant amber glow, the design captures the harmony, elegance and vibrant character that define Hibiki. The colour palette matches the amber liquid inside as it reveals its honeyed sweetness flecked with candied orange peel.

We imagine pouring some on a crisp autumnal day, the light flicking through the bottle as its seasonal shades dance across the table. A truly special release with excellent gifting potential.

​SHOP NOW

ralfy review 1148 Extras – Two Laphroaigs compared & contrasted.

THE DALMORE EXTENDS CIGAR MALT RANGE WITH NEW EXPRESSION: CIGAR MALT SIGNATURE RESERVE AGED 18 YEARS 

Single Malt Whisky, The Dalmore has introduced a new, permanent expression to their Principal Collection, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years. A considered extension to the existing Cigar Malt range, this whisky is an elevated choice for consumers who enjoy a red wine influenced flavour profile from The Dalmore, coupled with the depth and complexity offered through their expertise in multi-cask maturation.

Following on from The Dalmore’s ever-popular Cigar Malt Reserve, which was first released over two decades ago, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years also features Cabernet Sauvignon barriques as part of its five-cask assemblage.

Intentionally designed to remain expressive over time, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years is yet another example of The Dalmore’s talent for multi-cask maturation. Following an initial maturation of 16 years in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels, this whisky is further enhanced with finishes in Matusalem Sherry Casks, French Oak Marsala Casks, French Oak Cabernet Franc Barriques, and French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Barriques. Each cask was carefully and intentionally selected to ensure every element played a defining role in the final whisky.

The American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels provide sweetness and lift at the foundation of the whisky. Matusalem Sherry Casks bring depth, dried fruits, and nutty richness that anchor the profile, while Marsala Casks introduce ginger warmth and spice, keeping the finish active and expressive over time, as well as contributing to a palate filling texture.

From the red wine casks, Cabernet Franc adds an aromatic nuance and a subtle savoury complexity that helps to define the darker flavours and keep the whisky precise rather than heavy, whilst Cabernet Sauvignon raises tannin and structure.

Expect aromas of chocolate orange, dried fig, and dark fruit balanced with hints of aromatic oud and sandalwood. To taste, enjoy forest berries, sticky dates balanced with orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and cinnamon spice. A long and lingering finish awaits, with layers of dark fruit, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Natural colour, non-chill filtered and at an ABV of 46%, The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years is a sublime five-cask marriage that rewards intentionality and presence. It is a bold whisky which demonstrates exquisite multi-cask maturation at a prestigious age statement, ideal for experienced whisky drinkers looking for more.

The packaging concept has also been carefully considered and elevated to best present the whisky held within, both on shelf and at the moment of enjoyment.

Available globally, the whisky is presented in a luxurious gift carton in a bold scarlet which smoothly unfolds via a subtle pull tab, for a premium unboxing experience.

The Dalmore first embraced cigar culture with the introduction of Cigar Malt Reserve over two decades ago, with that whisky now long established as the perfect complement to a fine cigar.

With this considered extension to the Cigar Malt range, The Dalmore now offers an elevated whisky choice for the cigar aficionado and whisky connoisseur alike. Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years has been intentionally designed for a richer, more complex cigar experience, for when the cigar, or the occasion itself, demands more from the moment.

The depth and complexity of this whisky stands up to the power of a more prestigious cigar, ensuring harmony. Specifically bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky retains the clarity and definition needed to refresh the palate between draws. For those who seek the perfect pairing between their finest cigars and an exceptional Single Malt, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years delivers depth, richness and the confidence required to elevate cigar pairing moments, into an enriched experience.

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years is available globally, including from www.thedalmore.com from 19^th October 2026, priced at £299/$387. Members of The Dalmore Guild will have an early access opportunity to purchase from 15^th October.

 Ideal for luxury whisky drinkers and cigar aficionados alike, The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years offers an elevated choice. It is a composed and elegant Single Malt that reveals its depth gradually, rewarding intentionality and presence.

www.thedalmore.com

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years. 46% ABV

 Aroma:          Chocolate orange, dried dig, and dark fruit balanced with hints of aromatic oud and sandalwood

Palate:          Forest berries, stick dates balanced with orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and cinnamon spice

Finish:           Long and lingering, layers of draft fruit, nutmeg, and cinnamon Natural colour and non-chill filtered.

About The Dalmore:

Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore creates Single Malt Whisky of rare depth and complexity, with each sip a testament to time better spent.

The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland, as a reward for a moment of exceptional bravery, a moment that truly mattered. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1867.

The Dalmore whisky makers are a chain of visionary artists, pushing the boundaries of excellence, for nearly two centuries. The distillery’s collection of unique stills produce a remarkably rich depth of spirit, that is particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation, offering a house style of chocolate, orange and warming spice.

This decadent spirit is laid to rest in the rarest, most exclusive casks from the finest winemakers in the world, with their casks specially curated to offer the most exquisite whiskies. The Dalmore is a whisky not merely made, it is created to enrich.

In 2026, The Dalmore’s brand home reopened to visitors, with a reimagined

and immersive guest experience that offers an exceptional reward for The Dalmore consumer. Guests will be hosted entirely private in groups of up to 8. Bookings available via www.thedalmore.com

The Dalmore Guild is free to join and is a way for members to be the first to hear about news, products, events and experiences from The Dalmore. Join via www.thedalmore.com

OCTOBER 2026 AUCTION IN FULL SWING!

Our October auction is now well underway, with a superb selection of rare, collectible and historically significant whiskies still on offer. From sought-after vintage bottlings to modern releases that mark important milestones in distillery history, there is plenty to capture everyone’s interest. Among the highlights is The Macallan Genesis, released in 2018 to celebrate the opening of the distillery’s new, state-of-the-art facility. Beyond the whisky itself, Genesis pays tribute to the architectural vision and design processes behind the environmentally conscious building. With production limited to just 2,500 bottles, this highly prized release represents a significant chapter in the history of The Macallan.

Originally reserved for employees across what is now Diageo’s portfolio of distilleries, the Another rare highlight in our October auction is this Glen Elgin 14 Years Old Christmas bottling from 1990, a fascinating piece of Scotch whisky history that was never made available to the public. Similar to the coveted Manager’s Drams, this expression was gifted exclusively to employees of United Distillers in 1990. The spirit was distilled around the mid-1970s and matured in ex-bourbon barrels before being released as a special Christmas bottling. Exceptionally rare and seldom seen at auction, this is a remarkable opportunity for collectors to acquire a whisky that was never intended for the wider market.

Also featuring in our October auction is this Glenfarclas 1994 Single Cask #979, a distinctive Speyside single malt from one of Scotland’s most respected family-owned distilleries. Distilled in February 1994 and bottled in October 2004, this expression spent a decade maturing in a single sherry cask, allowing the spirit to develop its character over time. With just 84 bottles produced, this is a particularly scarce release and an appealing addition for collectors of vintage Glenfarclas and single-cask Scotch whisky.

Another standout for collectors in our October auction is this Dallas Dhu 1982 24 Years Old Cask Strength, bottled exclusively for Historic Scotland. Distilled in 1982, barely a year before the closure of the historic Speyside distillery, this expression was matured for 24 years in a single cask, #3739, before being bottled at natural cask strength of 56.3%. As Dallas Dhu is long since closed, releases such as this offer a fascinating glimpse into its lost history. Limited to just 590 bottles, this is a rare and highly sought-after single malt, combining exceptional provenance with the enduring appeal of a distillery frozen in time.

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.

Mystery Malt By Thompson Bro “US Exclusive” Series No. 4 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

$89.99

David Othenin-Girard ~ K&L Buyer

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

Our October Outturn is live and with it, we’re full steam ahead into all things peat as we get ready to share the Society’s second feature-length documentary, Scotch & Smoke: A Flavour Odyssey II. But first, let’s talk about this month’s whiskies.  Keep scrolling for a brief snapshot of three of this month’s peaty offerings. Looking for more recommendations? Don’t forget to catch up on our monthly podcast to see what’s out now and what’s ahead.

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Phil will return next week!