SCOTTISH WHISKY ENTREPRENEURS PARTNER WITH LUXURY TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

Edinburgh, Award-winning Edinburgh whisky business Tailored Spirits Co. has partnered with Cadogan Private Travel to elevate the whisky experience by providing private travellers coveted access to Scotland and its closely guarded areas of the whisky industry.

The partnership will see private clients offered experiences that go far beyond the traditional distillery visit, from exclusive access to bonded whisky warehouses and sampling a dram direct from the cask, to commissioning private bottles and immersive itineraries combining whisky with private castle stays and helicopter journeys across the Highlands.

The partnership reflects growing demand for luxury travel experiences that are not simply exclusive, but genuinely personal and difficult to replicate. By combining Cadogan’s highly curated luxury travel with Tailored Spirits Co.’s expertise and network across Scotland’s whisky industry, clients will be able to experience Scotch whisky at a deeper and more personal level.

For both businesses, the collaboration offers a new way to showcase Scotland, where luxury is defined not simply by comfort, but by authenticity, access and the opportunity to create something entirely personal.

Adam Harding, Co-Founder of Tailored Spirits Co., said: “Cadogan Private Travel understands that truly exceptional experiences come from deeply understanding clients and tailoring every detail to create truly one-of-a-kind memories. That aligns perfectly with how we approach whisky.

“Scotland itself is one of our greatest assets. Bringing people here and giving them access to the people, places and whisky they wouldn’t be able to experience allows us to showcase the country and its whisky industry in a truly intimate way.”

Founded in Edinburgh, Tailored Spirits Co. specialises in helping clients manage, mature, brand and bottle privately owned single-cask spirits, alongside commissioning whisky projects and limited-edition collections.

The company was recently named Scotland’s Overall StartUp of the Year 2026 and was also recognised at the Stelios Foundation UK Young Entrepreneur Awards 2026, following a period of rapid growth for the business.

Cadogan Private Travel has extensive expertise in ultra-luxury private travel, creating individually tailored journeys and providing its clients with access to the inaccessible, from private estates and exclusive events to experiences around the world.

Peter Anderson, Founder of Cadogan Private Travel said: “The partnership with Tailored spirits brings together exceptional experience-led travel with bespoke focus on spirits which is an excellent match. Curating high-end spirit purchasing is much more than just selecting a favourite liquid; it has become a truly immersive experience.

“Visiting the distilleries in Scotland is now a luxury experience, where every moment is curated and every whim is catered for. Cadogan Private Travel is proud to partner with Tailored Spirits who share so many of our values of attention to detail, providing the very best customer experience and a real passion for everything Scotland has to offer.”

Through the new partnership, the two businesses will work together to build whisky experiences around individual travellers, drawing on Tailored Spirits Co.’s relationships across Scotland to create unforgettable moments.

Find out everything about Tailored Spirits here: https://www.tailoredspirits.co.uk/ 

About Tailored Spirits Co.

Experts in spirits, specialising in whisky supply, creating exceptional brands and bottlings. Tailored Spirits Co. is an Edinburgh-based, global-serving company who guide clients through the complexities of spirits bottling projects and ensure their dreams are achieved.

W: https://www.tailoredspirits.co.uk/
I: @tailoredspiritsco
F: @tailoredspiritsco
L: @tailoredspiritsco

From standout bottles for the whiskey drinker to festive whiskies, there’s something for host gifts, holiday entertaining or anyone who is notoriously hard to shop for.

NEW Laphroaig 15 Year Old Scotch: Making its return as Laphroaig’s first 15-Year-Old expression in over a decade, this Islay single malt is matured in American oak bourbon barrels for a balance of peat, smoke and sweeter notes. Fresh citrus and subtle vanilla lead into sea salt, mackerel, cracked black pepper, cinnamon and clove, with a long, smoky finish. A strong pick for someone who appreciates a classic Scotch with a little more age and depth. 46% ABV | SRP $89.99 |

NEW Little Book The Infinite Edition III: A limited-release whiskey made for the serious bourbon lover on your list, Little Book The Infinite Edition III brings together whiskey from three generations of the Noe family: Booker, Fred and Freddie Noe. The third edition builds on the previous blend with three distinct bourbons, creating a rich profile of vanilla, butterscotch, oak, tobacco and dark fruit. Each year, a new whiskey is added to the evolving blend, making every edition its own piece of the family’s distilling history. 59.15% ABV | SRP $199.99

NEW Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11-Year-Old: A limited annual release for the rye whiskey lover on your list, this unfiltered, cask-strength American rye was aged for 11 years. Distilled and barreled in spring 2014 across three warehouses in Clermont, Kentucky, it delivers bold notes of vanilla, baking spice, caramel, charred oak and black pepper. Released once a year in small quantities, it’s a great pick for someone who appreciates a richer, more robust rye. 62.8% ABV | SRP $109.99 |

(Photo Credits: Beam Distilling or Laphroaig)

Why Does This Whisky Taste Like That?

Every stage of whisky production leaves its fingerprint on the final spirit. In the final article of our Why Does This Whisky Taste Like That? series, we bring together everything we’ve explored to show how each production decision contributes to a whisky’s unique character. If you’ve followed the series, we hope it changes the way you think about the next dram you enjoy.

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ralfy review 1151 Extras – The ‘Organic Whisky’ thing !

FIFE WHISKY BOTTLER NAMED RISING STAR IN TAIWAN

Saltire Rare Malt celebrates international recognition in one of the world’s most influential Scotch whisky markets

Falkland, Fife;  October 2026 – Fife-based independent Scotch whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt is celebrating another international success after being named a Rising Star Brand at Taiwan’s Golden Whisky Awards, as the Scottish business continues to make its mark on the global whisky stage.

Organised by Want Want China Times Media Group, one of Taiwan’s leading media organisations, the awards are now in their fourth year, recognising brands and businesses across the country’s thriving drinks industry.

The accolade marks another exciting milestone for Saltire Rare Malt, which is building its presence in the Taiwanese market alongside its official importer and distributor, FeelGood Inc.

Adding to the brand’s growing profile in the region, Saltire Rare Malt was recently showcased at a dedicated whisky tasting in Taipei, hosted by Steven Lin, one of Taiwan’s most prominent and influential whisky authorities, in partnership with FeelGood Inc.

A Master of the Quaich, one of Scotch whisky’s highest honours, Steven is a respected whisky educator and author, with the tasting providing a valuable opportunity to introduce Saltire Rare Malt to new audiences in Taiwan.

Founded in 2024 by friends and whisky enthusiasts Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, Saltire Rare Malt work to curate an exceptional collection of rare single cask and limited-edition Scotch whiskies.

From its home in the historic Fife village of Falkland, the independent bottler has rapidly expanded its international reach, with its whiskies now enjoyed by enthusiasts across Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa.

Keith Rennie, Co-Founder of Saltire Rare Malt, said: “It’s fantastic to see Saltire recognised in Taiwan, an important market for Scotch whisky and one where we’re continuing to build some brilliant relationships.

“We’re a small independent business from Fife with big international ambitions, so to see our whiskies gaining recognition and reaching new audiences on the other side of the world is incredibly exciting. It’s a brilliant moment for everyone involved in Saltire.”

The award adds to a growing list of achievements for Saltire Rare Malt, which was crowned Newcomer of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards and has since secured six finalist spots across four categories at the 2026 awards, including Independent Bottler of the Year and Excellence in Branding.

The Saltire Rare Malt Collection is available to buy online on their website at www.saltireraremalt.com

About Saltire Rare Malt Whisky

Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & Founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie. The pair have worked together for three decades, before moving into the whisky world to collect fine and rare single malts. A shared passion for the ‘water of life’ led to the creation of Saltire Rare Malt – a global vehicle to share their outstanding collection of Single Malt Whiskies.

The founders felt that 2024 would be a good year to launch the very first bottlings of Saltire Rare Malt, 530 years after the birth of Scotch Whisky – in the beautiful, historic town of Falkland. Among Saltire Rare Malt’s meticulously curated collection are ‘well-known labels’, ‘rare gems’ and casks from ‘lost distilleries’ with Single Malt Scotch Whisky releases that are ‘never rushed or hurried — they’re bottled when the right time arrives’.

W: www.saltireraremalt.com
I: www.instagram.com/saltireraremaltwhisky
F: www.facebook.com/people/Saltire-Rare-Malt-Whisky

About Falkland, Fife; The Birthplace of Scotch Whisky

Falkland is a beautiful Scottish market town in the Kingdom of Fife, built around the 12th century Falkland Palace. 1494 saw the first record of Scotch Whisky. King James IV, staying at the Palace, issuing the famous order: “8 bolls of malt to Friar John Cor, werewith to make the ‘water of life”. This can be considered the birth certificate of Scotch Whisky. Saltire Rare Malt is now situated in the market square opposite Falkland Palace. Over 530 years after the birth of Scotch whisky, its story has now come full circle.

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2010 Unicorn for TWB

£75.00

Our latest Unicorn Series exclusive takes us to the shores of Islay with a magnificent 16 Year Old Caol Ila, distilled in 2010 and matured in a first-fill Oloroso sherry hogshead. Bottled at natural cask strength of 54.2% ABV, this exceptional single cask combines Caol Ila’s signature coastal peat smoke with rich layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate and warming sherry spice. The bespoke Unicorn label plays on the iconic view from the Caol Ila stillhouse across the Sound of Islay towards the Paps of Jura. Just 275 bottles, exclusively for The Whisky Barrel.

Nose Soft peat smoke, raisins and orange peel with sea spray, dark chocolate, roasted nuts and rich Oloroso sherry. Palate Full and layered, with smoked citrus, dried figs and cocoa alongside honeyed malt, salted caramel, walnut and warming spice. Finish Long and smoky, with lingering dried fruit, sea salt, dark chocolate, orange zest and rich sherry oak.

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2010 Unicorn is a single cask Islay single malt Scotch whisky, bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel as part of the acclaimed Unicorn Series. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in October 2026, this 16 year old Caol Ila was matured in a single first-fill Oloroso sherry hogshead #TWB155, yielding just 275 bottles at natural cask strength of 54.2% ABV. Presented at natural colour and without chill filtration, it is a rich and distinctive expression of one of Islay’s most recognisable distilleries. Caol Ila is renowned for its elegant coastal peat, citrus freshness and maritime character, and the influence of first-fill Oloroso sherry oak adds impressive depth without losing that unmistakable distillery style. Expect layers of raisins, orange peel, dark chocolate and roasted nuts wrapped around soft peat smoke, sea spray and sweet malt. At 16 years old, the whisky shows excellent maturity and balance, with the sherry cask enriching rather than overwhelming the spirit. The bespoke label continues the storytelling at the heart of The Whisky Barrel Unicorn Series, depicting the unicorn looking out across the Sound of Islay towards the Paps of Jura from inside the famous Caol Ila stillhouse. It is a scene that connects the whisky directly to one of the most iconic views in Scotch whisky, capturing both the distillery’s setting and the maritime character of the spirit itself.

• 6 year old single cask Caol Ila Islay single malt Scotch whisky
• Distilled in 2010 and bottled in October 2026
• Matured in single first-fill Oloroso sherry hogshead #TWB155
• Bottled at natural cask strength of 54.2% ABV
• Exceptionally limited release of just 275 bottles
• Natural colour and non-chill filtered
• Bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel
• Part of The Whisky Barrel’s acclaimed Unicorn Series
• Combines Caol Ila’s elegant maritime peat with rich Oloroso sherry influence
• Bespoke label artwork inspired by the view from the Caol Ila stillhouse across the Sound of Islay to the Paps of Jura

The Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2010 Unicorn for TWB is a beautifully balanced single cask Islay malt, pairing Caol Ila’s coastal peat and citrus-led spirit with the richness of first-fill Oloroso sherry hogshead #TWB155. Limited to just 275 bottles at 54.2% ABV, it is an excellent choice for enthusiasts and collectors of Caol Ila whisky, Oloroso sherry cask Islay malt, cask strength Scotch whisky, single cask independent bottlings, and The Whisky Barrel Unicorn Series.

Caol Ila Distillery, founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson on a sheltered yet rocky northeastern stretch of the Isle of Islay, is celebrated not only for its breathtaking views across the Sound of Islay—where everything from naval battleships to whales has been spotted—but also for its status as the largest malt whisky distillery on Islay. Renowned for crafting both peated and unpeated expressions, Caol Ila offers iconic releases like the 12 Year Old and the Distiller’s Edition. Each year, the distillery plays a prominent role in Feis Ile, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, delighting enthusiasts worldwide with its Islay single malt heritage and coastal charm.

ANOTHER RECORD FOR JAPANESE WHISKY AT SOTHEBY’S

The Collection of Patron, Collector & Friend to Artists, Pauline Karpidas

HONG KONG, 29 OCTOBER 2026 – Records continue to fall for Japanese whisky at Sotheby’s. Just last month, an ultra-rare prototype from Karuizawa’s oldest cask, the 1960 vintage Cask #5627, sparked applause in the New York saleroom when it sold for US$625,000, becoming the most valuable bottle of Japanese whisky ever sold at Sotheby’s.

Yesterday at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, that benchmark was surpassed as The Yamazaki 50 Year Old 2005 First Release 54.0 abv achieved US$765,000 / HK$6 million at Sotheby’s Finest & Rarest Spirits: Premium Japanese Whisky Collection. The landmark auction also brought together all three editions of the Yamazaki 50 Year Old in a single sale for the first time, celebrating the extraordinary rarity and collectability of Japanese

* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead 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 app for iOS and Android.

Our Brewer’s Coalition Old Rasputin Stout Cask Finish has returned for a limited time—and his next disappearance could be permanent. Created in partnership with North Coast Brewing Co., this American Single Malt spent over five years in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout casks. Get yours before he vanishes again.

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