Wylye Distillery

Hidden in plain sight 

It’s rare to discover a distillery that’s been laying down casks for three years and only has one person at the helm. But without fanfare, Sam Barber, the owner and distiller at Wylye, has been producing single malt from a repurposed collection of old farm buildings, tucked away in the Wylye Valley in Wiltshire. With well over one thousand casks in his warehouse, Sam is ready to welcome guests to explore the charming Windmill Farm and share his whisky.

Purpose

Having grown from a whisky enthusiast to maker, Sam believes this simple agricultural product is fundamentally about a relationship between drinker and distillery. And that’s why he has one simple purpose: “to create a single malt distillery in the Wylye Valley which becomes a home for whisky drinkers around the world”.

Place

The Wylye Valley lends itself as an area for a malt distillery. Its belt of fertile soil allows Sam to source barley from a local grower and use a nearby traditional floor maltings. Set within four buildings and surrounded by rolling hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Windmill Farm is found in the ancient village of Wylye. And with its own water source, it’s here that Sam mashes, distils and matures all of Wylye’s spirit. 

Process

Sam has a half tonne brewhouse with five temperature-controlled washbacks, running a balanced double distillation on two traditional Forsyths copper pot stills.

Sourcing wood from three cooperages, he matures Wylye’s casks in an old tin roof pole barn, embracing the valley’s seasonal swings. Instead of finishing, all of Wylye’s distillate is filled into casks for full-term maturation giving various options for vatting in the future.

To reveal the character of Wylye’s new make in its most expressive form, ex-bourbon barrels are the bedrock of the warehouse, but Sam also uses ex-solera butts and has a seasoning program with wineries in Montilla-Moriles and Jerez-Xérès-Sherry.

Visits

Dining and tasting rooms sit in a restored dairy, complete with a bespoke bar, log burner, cosy interiors and a growing library of books on spirits, beer and wine. Also featuring a vatting lab and drinks terrace, the picturesque Windmill Farm will host trade, media and private customers, giving guests the chance to sample Sam’s whisky and discover more about Wylye.

Sam said: “The first bourbon barrels I laid down in July 2023 have now turned three. Having spent more time with these vessels than my family – often to the latter’s relief – I’ve become quite attached and it won’t be easy letting them go. But I also want to give my whisky a chance to evolve and reach its full potential, so I won’t be bottling just yet. It is, however, time to start letting drinkers know what I’ve been up to, sharing a few drams of Wylye, and allowing people to experience what makes Windmill Farm such a special place to make single malt”.

To follow Sam and Wylye go to: IG: @wylyedistillery or visit: www.wylyedistillery.com

Our August 2026 Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 23rd August.

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!

Glenfarclas – 62 Year Old (1954) Pagoda Ruby Reserve (Collector’s Gold Edition) Bottle #1

Highland Park – 8 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail) 1970’s (100 Proof) 75cl

Bowmore – ‘Black Bowmore’ 30 Year Old (1964) 2nd Edition

Glenfiddich – Pure Malt (1950s)

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.

Drookit Dug 10 Year Old Batch 4, Little Brown Dog

£44.50

On paper, this might look like nothing more exciting than a 10 Year Old blended Scotch whisky. But the headline figures don’t really tell the story of what’s gone into Drookit Dug Batch 4.

This is the final release from the original vatting of casks selected for Batch 2 of Drookit Dug. The casks were chosen because they had experienced more angels’ share than expected, leaving a whisky now bottled at 45.1% ABV, but still at cask strength.

The full cask breakdown can’t be disclosed, but the blend contains a large proportion of Highland malts, alongside some very old grain whiskies that are considerably older than the 10 Year Old age statement suggests.

After being vatted since Batch 2, the whisky continued to mature in second- and third-fill hogsheads, allowing further oxidative and reductive maturation without introducing excessive oak influence. This extended maturation has brought the blend to a richer point in its evolution.

Batch 4 is the final instalment of this particular vatting, bringing an end to a blend that has developed something of a following among whisky drinkers who appreciate what lies beyond the numbers on the label.

Bottled at a relatively approachable 45.1% ABV, it retains the depth and character associated with cask strength whisky while remaining an easy-going session dram made for sharing. And if the suggestion of using champagne corks wasn’t just a joke, it would certainly fit a whisky you might not want to put back in the bottle once you’ve opened it.

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

XOP North British 35 Years Old 43.1%

£154.17

A rare 35 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky from the North British Distillery, bottled by Douglas Laing in their prestigious XOP (Xtra Old Particular) range. Distilled in July 1988 and matured in a Refill Hogshead, this natural cask strength release (43.1% ABV) is presented with no colouring or chill-filtration. With just 167 bottles worldwide, this is an exceptional opportunity to secure a truly scarce aged Scotch Whisky.

Our Xtra Old Particular range carries only aged and rare Single Cask Scotch Whiskies from some of Scotland’s most acclaimed and celebrated Distilleries, including those that are long-closed. Each one a marvel in its own right, XOP is bottled at Natural Cask Strength, exceptionally old and truly spectacular. Packed with extraordinary flavour, our Exceptional Single Cask Whiskies exemplify our ‘As Natural As It Gets’ Philosophy by serving a rich reward for those looking to savour a dram straight from the cask.

Say hello to The Smoke and Symphony pair. These two whiskies shouldn’t have much in common, yet there’s an unlikely harmony of fruity flavours that brings them together.

Cask No. 29.313: Jaffa baklava is an Islay malt wreathed in wood smoke complete with herbal fruitiness and mulled-wine spice. Cask No. 84.39: Symphony in yellow is a bright Speyside refrain of yellow fruity aromas, sweet spice and vanilla cream.

This unlikely pairing puts smoke, sticky honey and figs next to poached pears, yellow roses and warming spices, creating a melody that’s really something else. Compare, contrast and enjoy.

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BUY NOW

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

The Lost Close Unveils Independently Bottled, Story-Driven Whisky

Edinburgh, 29th July 2026 – The Lost Close, an underground historic whisky attraction just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, today announces the launch of a new independently bottled whisky. The release marks the latest milestone in The Lost Close’s ongoing commitment to story-led whisky experiences.

The Lost Close No. 3 is a 30-year-old North British grain whisky with an ABV of 44.6%, distilled in Edinburgh in December 1995 and matured in a single refill hogshead for three decades. This rare release not only represents exceptional cask selection but also tells the story of one of Edinburgh’s most significant distilling institutions: the North British Distillery. With just 238 bottles produced, The Lost Close No. 3 is a whisky deeply rooted in Edinburgh’s heritage.

Founded in 1885 and operational by 1887, North British was established as a co-operative to challenge the monopoly on grain whisky production held by the Distillers Company Limited (DCL). Over its long history, the distillery has endured significant global events, having been repurposed for munitions production during World War I and temporarily closed during World War II due to shortages of raw materials.

These dates place North British only around 60 years younger than The Lost Close itself, reflecting the longevity and resilience both share within Edinburgh’s cultural heritage.

This particular cask was expertly selected in partnership with Chris Cusiter, former Scotland international rugby union player and now CEO of CASC Whisky Ltd, an independent Scotch whisky bottler. Single cask expressions from North British remain comparatively rare, particularly at this age. While grain whisky is typically matured for use in blends, relatively few casks are left to age for 30 years before being released as single cask bottlings, making this an increasingly remarkable discovery.

Chris Cusiter commented: “A whisky like this is just as much about the story as it is the flavour. You’ve got over 30 years of quiet maturation, tied to a distillery with real history in the city, it all adds to the experience. What I loved about this cask is that it delivers both a beautifully balanced, elegant whisky, and a deeper sense of place and time behind it.”

Katie Scott, Head of Events and Experiences at The Lost Close, said: “The Lost Close No. 3 fits perfectly within our whisky range. It’s a beautiful example of the kind of story-driven spirit we love to share. Every tasting with us is led by our expert Storytellers, and no two experiences are ever the same. This whisky gives us something truly special to explore with guests, connecting flavour, history and Edinburgh’s unique heritage in a meaningful way.”

Mature North British grain whiskies are especially prized for their ability to develop complexity while retaining a silky, elegant texture. After three decades in cask, The Lost Close No. 3 reveals a rich and refined profile. On the nose, it is clean, light and estery, with notes of green apple and underripe pear. The palate is light and airy, with butterscotch, toffee and hints of fresh coconut, leading to a vibrant, quick and citrussy finish.

Distilled during a pivotal cultural moment, the whisky also captures a snapshot of 1995, a year when Scottish culture was experiencing a global revival. Braveheart had reignited global fascination with Scotland and Trainspotting was being filmed on the streets of Edinburgh. The Lost Close offers guests the opportunity to experience another unique aspect of Edinburgh’s history, stepping into a close that was ‘lost’ following the Great Fire of 1824 before being found again in 2019.

The independently bottled range builds on The Lost Close’s growing reputation for expertly curated whisky experiences. By leveraging in-house expertise, the team will continue to expand its portfolio with distinctive, story-led expressions designed to elevate the guest experience.

The Lost Close No. 3 is now available exclusively at The Lost Close for £135, located just off Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile on Barrie’s Close.

About The Lost Close:

Discovered during excavation works in 2019, The Lost Close lies hidden beneath Edinburgh’s old courthouse – a remarkable underground space. What remains today is all that’s left of an unknown close destroyed during the Great Fire of 1824, now thoughtfully restored to offer a series of premium tasting and storytelling experiences. From whisky tastings to immersive events, The Lost Close invites guests to explore a unique part of Edinburgh’s past, where history, craftsmanship, and atmosphere come together in an unforgettable setting.

https://thelostclose.com/

Invergordon Uncharted Whisky Co. You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet Single Grain Whisky 50 Year Old · 1974 Vintage 70cl · 46.1% ABV

Celebrating 5 years of Uncharted Whisky- and what better way to celebrate but by cracking open a 50 year old cask of something truly extraordinary? You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – a 50-year-old single grain whisky from Invergordon, finished in first-fill bourbon cask and bottled at natural cask strength.

Half a century of patience has given this whisky an unparalleled depth of flavour. The soft creamy spirit paired with the fresh bourbon has created a whisky of absolute distinction. The bourbon cask adds brightness and zing to a beautifully structured spirit, layering fresh vanilla and orchard fruit over a foundation of oak, caramel, and soft spice.

This was distilled in 1974, the year that Bachmann Turner Overdrive topped the charts with the classic “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”. We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to describe our sentiment on the Uncharted trail so far or the twists and turns that lie ahead.

Limited to just 268 bottles to split between all of our global markets, this is a time capsule and a rarity.

£249.95

Colour Deep amber-gold with honeyed bronze highlights and a warm mahogany glow.

Nose Fresh vanilla pods mingle with toasted coconut, honeycomb, and a gentle touch of oak.

Palate Waves of baked apple and tropical fruit unfold across the palate, paired with crème brûlée and warming spice for a creamy, layered richness.

Finish Long and lingering, this finish threads sweet oak with buttery pastry, bright citrus peel, and a soft, generous caramel echo that lingers warmly on the palate.

At The Whisky Shop, we have lots of new releases we’re excited to share with you, and tomorrow, keep an eye on your inbox as we have an exciting announcement!

Our first pick of the week is the brand new Glenallachie 21 Year Old Cask Strength (Batch 7). An opulent, layered single malt, designed to showcase the distillery’s luxuriously sherried style in its purest form. Expertly crafted by Master Distiller Billy Walker from select Pedro Ximénez and oloroso puncheons and hogsheads.

Rich in colour, flavour and finesse, Batch 7 is proudly presented at cask strength of 51.9% abv, free from added colouring or chill filtration.

The nose is richly aromatic, mocha and sticky gingerbread meeting honeycomb, spiced orange and candied hazelnuts, all warmed by a gentle waft of baking spice. Bold fruits, both sweet and dark – black cherries, poached red apples, damsons and raisins – meet brown sugars, buttercream and nutty dark chocolate on the palate, with honeyed oak, treacle and candied ginger lacing the lingering, softly tannic finish.

Why not have a look through our new releases, or let us tell you more about our picks for this week!

Private Stock Family Favourite Distillery 5 Years Old 50cl £41.67

Matured in a Single Sherry Butt, personally selected by Cara Laing, this Private Stock was bottled directly from the Douglas Laing Family’s Private Whisky Collection. Offered proudly at a high strength, it is presented exactly as the Distiller intended: without added colour or chill-filtration, and at 58.5% ABV. Each bottle is hand-signed by Cara Laing.

American whiskey: Bourbon, rye and beyond

American whiskey is a huge subject, and one that ranges far more broadly than just the big, familiar names (as good as they are). Bourbon is the biggest-selling type of American whiskey and must be made with at least 51% corn (maize) in the grist. The balance of flavours varies in great part on what that other 49% consists of – wheat for smoothness, rye for spice, or more corn for sweetness.

Learn more