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The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever limited edition – Scotch Whisky News

The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever limited edition

The Macallan has unveiled a new single malt Scotch whisky expression: The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release.

Marking 55 years since the film lit up the silver screen, this limited edition release celebrates Bond’s connoisseurship of sherry wine, with a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, innovation and storytelling that connects The Macallan and James Bond.

Following The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release (2022), this expression continues the creative collaboration between the two iconic brands. Crafted by Whisky Maker Russell Greig, the release draws from the Diamonds Are Forever plot, including Bond’s knowledge of sherry and red wine.

Distilled in 2-007 and matured for 18 years, the single malt whisky mirrors the intrigue, duality and narrative turns that define both modern innovators – where not everything is as it seems. Bespoke hybrid casks – crafted from sherry seasoned European and American oak – are complemented with the novel inclusion of casks made from American oak which previously held red wine. This selection reflects moments in the film where Bond’s command of wine allows him to uncover vital clues. Together, the casks reveal a whisky shaped by true mastery – a whisky of bold depth and light sweetness, showcasing innovation in technique and craftmanship.

On the nose, The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release presents polished oak, vanilla bean, and rich dried fruits. The palate opens with smooth layers of caramel and cocoa-dusted truffles, revealing fruit driven complexity and a hint of nutmeg. The finish is long and refined.

Bottled at 45.5% ABV, the Scotch whisky’s natural colour recalls the red and orange Aztec sandstone of the Nevada desert surrounding Las Vegas, a key film location. The striking design of the bottle and presentation pack draws directly from the Diamonds Are Forever production art in the official Bond archives – from the laser-beam satellite to the film’s opening title sequence – offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of James Bond and reflecting The Macallan’s mastery of storytelling through both craft and design.

Russell Greig, The Macallan Whisky Maker, commented: “Like Bond himself, this whisky holds its secrets. It may appear dark and mysterious, yet on the palate it surprises with elegance and lightness. Each cask adds a layer to the story – a reflection of the film’s twists and turns, and a testament to the shared spirit of innovation that connects The Macallan and James Bond.

Jaume Ferras, Creative Director, The Macallan said: “The Macallan has a long standing connection with film and television, appearing in over 290 productions across the years. It is a privilege to honour the enduring legacy of James Bond on cinema, with stories and characters that continue to inspire audiences around the world.

“With this release, we honour that legacy – capturing the intrigue, elegance and innovative spirit that define Diamonds Are Forever. It is a celebration of timeless storytelling, brought to life through the craft and character that connect The Macallan and James Bond.”

The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release will be available exclusively via www.themacallan.com, The Macallan Estate Boutique, and at Heathrow Airport from 3 – 17 February 2026 at $750.00. The release will then be available at selected retailers worldwide from 5th March 2026.

Kilkerran Campbeltown Single Malt 12 Year Old – Scotch Whisky News


12 Year Old Bourbon & Sherry Oak

70cl · 46% ABV

This Campbeltown single malt was aged for 12 years in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. Beautifully balanced, it reveals notes of citrus peel, orchard fruit, and vanilla sweetness alongside gentle peat smoke and a subtle salinity. The palate is creamy yet vibrant, finishing long with hints of spice and maritime freshness. Crafted at the Glengyle Distillery, Kilkerran Single Malt embodies Campbeltown’s historic whiskymaking heritage. Known for its traditional production methods and lightly peated style, it offers a signature profile of honeyed malt, gentle smoke and a subtle maritime salinity.

£52.95

Big Peat 6 Years Old Double Grand Cru Edition – Scotch Whisky News

Big Peat 6 Years Old Double Grand Cru Edition

ABV: 50.5% | Vol: 70cl

£58.33

Savour the rare experience of Big Peat Double Grand Cru edition, a defining release within our Signature Series. For the first time, Big Peat’s iconic Islay smoke meets double Wine Cask influence – matured in Bordeaux oak and finished in Rioja – bringing layers of rich dark fruits, chocolate, espresso and warming spices. This is classic Big Peat reimagined, culminating in a lingering finish of charred oak and a subtle tannic grip. Limited to just 330 bottles, this is a release created for those who pursue rarity, complexity and craft.

Big Peat is a marriage of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies only from the island of Islay. With Caol Ila spirit bringing sweetness, Bowmore the perfect balance, Ardbeg a medicinal, earthy quality and Port Ellen, a degree of elegance, Big Peat represents all that is Islay in a bottle. Part of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.

“Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Barrels at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News

2005 Bowmore 20 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $169.99 View

2005 Clynelish 20 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $199.99 View

1998 Glen Garioch 27 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Barrel Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $200.00 View

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

Scotch Malt Whisky Society ‘Our whiskies don’t hang about…’ – Scotch Whisky News

At the start of February, we suggested giving a blind tasting a try. If you’ve ever tried one, you’ll know how revelatory an experience it can be. If not, there’s still time…in the form of this email! Below we’ve shared the Tasting Notes for four last drop bottlings. Intrigued? Click through to find your next favourite whisky.

READ MORE

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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

Sotheby’s 2025 Whisky Results – Whisky News

New York, February – Sotheby’s annual Wine & Spirits sales (auction and private) in 2025 totalled $127.5 million, a rise of nearly 12% on 2024. This marks the fourth-highest annual total for the category since the department’s launch at Sotheby’s in 1970, highlighting the continued strength and international reach of the Wine & Spirits business and positioning Sotheby’s as one of the global leaders in Wine and Spirits auctions.

“Our 2025 results underscore the strength and momentum of Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits business. Achieving $127.5 million in sales across auctions and private transactions reflects not only the resilience of the fine wine and spirits market, but also the continued confidence collectors place in Sotheby’s to steward the world’s most important cellars and collections. This success has been driven by a truly international buyer base, strong growth in new collectors, and our depth of expertise in presenting landmark single-owner collections. We are equally proud of the role we continue to play in prestigious charity auctions around the world.

Nick Pegna, Global Head of Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits

Key Takeaways

  • Over the last decade total sales have more than doubled from $47 million in 2015 to $127.5 million in 2025
  • Total number of auctions: 69 across eight selling centres
  • Growth in new buyers: 35% new to Sotheby’s
  • Geographic distribution of buyers: 34% EMEA / 33% Americas / 32% Asia – a near-equal split highlighting a uniquely balanced global buyer base, underscoring the resilience of the fine wine and spirits market and Sotheby’s ability to generate demand across all major regions
  • The global interest in wine and spirits has reached unprecedented levels, with bidders from a record 63 countries participating in auctions, highlighting the strength and reach of Sotheby’s global collector base and reshaping global market dynamics

By Region

For the second consecutive year, New York outperformed Hong Kong as our top-selling location, achieving its second-highest total sales to date. Alongside this, Sotheby’s reaffirmed its position as the market leader in Europe, which represented our strongest region globally. This performance was driven by robust results across France and the UK.

At the same time, we expanded our sales operations into Japan and Switzerland through the establishment of dedicated, full-time local teams and a permanent physical presence in both markets strengthening our global footprint and client proximity.

Regional breakdown:

  • USA: $37.3 million
  • Asia: $33.5 million
  • Europe: $56.7 million
  • UK: $21.3 million
  • France: $35.4 million
  • Spirits: $21.5 Million (31% of buyers new to Sotheby’s)
    • The most valuable bottle of spirits sold globally was at Sotheby’s
    • Four out of the top five spirits sold globally were at Sotheby’s
    • Seven out of the top ten spirits sold globally were at Sotheby’s
    • For the sixth consecutive year, the top lot globally within Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits division was a spirit

Selection of Valuable Lots Sold

The trusted auction house for prestigious charity and fundraising auctions

  • In October, The Distillers One of One® hosted its third biennial Charity Auction in partnership with Sotheby’s, at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh. Comprising a selection of 39 ultra-rare Scotch whiskies, from 35 companies and distilleries across Scotland, the auction brought an outstanding total of £2.9 million / $3.9 million (a hammer total of £2.3 million / $3.1 million), smashing the pre-sale estimate. Since its inaugural event in 2021, The Distillers One of One Auction has cemented its place as the world’s preeminent charity auction dedicated to rare Scotch whisky, with 100% of hammer proceeds donated to charitable causes. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors and collectors worldwide, the auctions have now raised £6.6 million to date, principally directed to the Youth Action Fund.

Partnerships with Leading Distilleries

  • Sotheby’s x Bowmore (Bowmore Arc-54 The Iridos Edition, sold for £112,500 / $149,715)
  • Sotheby’s x The Glenlivet (The Glenlivet 56 Year Old 1 of 1, sold for £62,500 / $81,388)
  • Sotheby’s x The Macallan (The Macallan Distil Your World Mexico Single Cask Edition 2005, sold for $81,250)
  • Sotheby’s x The Dalmore (The Dalmore 52 Year Old Luminary No.3 – The Rare, sold for HK$500,000 / $64,470)

The result ranks as the fourth-highest annual total for the category since the department’s founding at Sotheby’s in 1970, with higher totals recorded only in 2023 ($159m), 2022 ($150m), and 2021 ($132m).

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 at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

*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.

The Whisky Shop ‘Hirundine 12 Year Old’ – Scotch Whisky News

Hirundine 12 Year Old

Hirundine is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky matured for 12 years in American oak casks. Crafted in small batches, it balances traditional craftsmanship with a modern approach to storytelling and identity. Bottled at a smooth sipping 46% abv, you’ll find a nose of soft vanilla, honeycomb, and orchard fruits. The palate is full-bodied and warming, with notes of malted barley, baked apple, and a gentle touch of spice. A long, satisfying finish leaves a whisper of oak and lingering sweetness.

£75.00

WIN

Purchase any Hirundine release from The Whisky Shop and you could be in with a chance of winning an additional bottle of the limited edition Hirundine 02 – signed by Scottish Rugby greats Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe! Open to members of The W Club Rewards only.

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more

Art & Whisky on the Beach – A Spirit of Speyside Experience Like No Other 🎨🏖️🥃 – Scotch Whisky News

Join Us for Art & Whisky on the Beach

This Spirit of Speyside, Murray McDavid invites you to experience whisky in a truly creative way.

On Sunday 3 May 2026, join Dean Jode, our Head of Whisky Creation, at the charming beach huts of Findhorn for an inspiring seaside session overlooking the Moray Firth.

This is not your typical tasting…

As you sip a curated selection of three Scotch whiskies, Dean will guide you to explore each dram through art — drawing, painting or sketching not what you see, but what you experience in the glass. Flavours, textures, aromas and emotions will become your creative palette.

This is the Art of Maturation like never seen before.

Art & Whisky on the Beach with Murray McDavid — Findhorn Beach Huts

Sunday 3 May | 4:30pm-6:00pm

BOOK NOW

Your ticket includes:

  • 3 x 2cl drams
  • All art supplies
  • A relaxed, hands-on creative experience
  • Access to our on-site shop, including our 2026 Spirit of Speyside Festival Bottling

Driver’s Drams are available to pre-order if required.

Spaces are limited 🎟️

We look forward to raising a glass — and a paintbrush — with you by the sea 🎨

Slàinte,

The Murray McDavid Team

Aberargie Inaugural Release Now Available at Tyndrum Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

Aberargie Inaugural Release

After years of patience, craftsmanship, and quiet dedication, Aberargie Distillery is proud to unveil its first ever single malt scotch whisky — a true reflection of their Perthshire home and the people who shaped it.

£64.99

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Whisky Wednesday Reviews Redbreast Moscatel Finish, 46% – Irish Whiskey News

Redbreast Moscatel Finish, 46%

THE VIDEO

The Iberian Series from Redbreast has been one that has seemingly showed off the beauty and complexity of NAS whiskies. So many time when I worked in whisky retail, people would come in with screenshots of different releases, wanting to source a few bottles of them.

This is the Moscatel cask finish. Moscatel wine seasoned casks from Bodegas Quintapenas that were used in the final six months of the liquids maturation. Prior to that, there is a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks maturing this classic Midleton spirit.

The thing that baffled me the most was how lime-driven this whiskey is. Lime is such an unusual thing for me to come across in whiskey, but there’s been such a run of Irish releases recently that ladened with that aroma. Above this powerful citrus note is toffee, hazelnuts, macadamia, fresh butter and dark chocolate – classic notes and aromas from the wonderful world of Redbreast. A really nice expression that takes the classic brand into a slightly different light. Personally, this would be an incredible regular addition to the range.

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
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