Tomatin brings wood expertise to life with striking new packaging across core range of single malts

Highland whisky distillery Tomatin is showcasing its dedication to exceptional cask management with a bold new packaging refresh across its core range of single malts, marking the next chapter in the brand’s visual evolution while staying true to the values that have defined the distillery for over a century.

The new design highlights the craft, care and expertise which goes into every cask, placing Tomatin’s first-class wood policy centre stage. As one of only a handful of Scotch whisky distilleries to have its own on-site cooperage, Tomatin’s enhanced presentation follows cooper, Allan Bartlett, being awarded ‘Cooper of the Year’ at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards.

At the heart of the redesign is a premium box adorned with a wood-grain motif, symbolising the natural tree rings found in oak. This reflects the distillery’s commitment to wood and knowing the history of each cask which passes through its warehouses, marking a thoughtful evolution from the previous landscape-led design. Each expression is distinguished by a vibrant colourway, from dark indigo, forest green and scarlet red to rich purple and teal blue.

The new packaging also introduces new label designs to further enhance visual impact and shelf presence in competitive retail and on-trade environments.

Range messaging has also been streamlined with clearer product names and simplified information architecture to clearly communicate each whisky’s character. These changes reflect Tomatin’s belief in focusing on what matters most – clarity, quality and authenticity in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The bold new look is being rolled out globally across Tomatin Legacy and Tomatin 12 Year Old Triple Cask, the latter being renamed from Tomatin 12 Year Old, with the remainder of the core range following in the months ahead.

The refresh builds on the success of the vivid scarlet red pack recently introduced for Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask, which will now also feature the enhanced label, delivering a more impactful, contemporary presence on shelves while preserving the award-winning Highland single malt whisky inside. Global travel retail expressions, including Tomatin 8 Year Old and Tomatin 13 Year Old, will also transition to the updated label throughout 2026.

Refined packaging marks a strategic step in Tomatin’s long-term plan to strengthen its presence and positioning in global markets and emphasise the craftsmanship which defines the brand. It follows the 2025 release of Tomatin Double Cask and Tomatin 10 Year Old, which were designed to stand out in grocery and convenience retailers and are achieving widespread success following launch in Tesco and Waitrose respectively.

Jennifer Masson, Head of Marketing at Tomatin, said: “This bold new packaging reflects what we do best at Tomatin – exceptional cask management, craftsmanship and attention to detail. It aligns our visual identity with consumer expectations in modern retail and on-trade settings and gives our whiskies greater presence in global markets. Our focus remains unchanged – creating remarkable single malts at excellent value for whisky lovers around the world.” 

For more information on Tomatin, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its refined and elegant whiskies. The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainability at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secure Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status.

Tomatin has a first-class wood policy and a commitment to knowing the history of each cask that passes through its warehouses. It is one of only a handful of Scotch whisky distilleries to have its own cooperage on-site, with cooper Allan Bartlett being named ‘Cooper of the Year’ at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards.

‘To What Matters’ lies at the heart of the brand’s ethos and is a belief in savouring what is truly important.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

New: The Glenlivet Wildflower Honey

The Glenlivet returns with a new limited-edition release in its Small Batch Series. Crafted to highlight the distinctive flavours that emerge through maturation, this collection now welcomes The Glenlivet 17 Year Old, matured in first-fill American oak casks to showcase a beautifully expressive profile centred on wildflower honey.

On the nose, expect freshly baked shortbread, alongside notes of Highland heather and honeysuckle. The palate unfolds with baked Granny Smith apples and orange marmalade, balanced by ginger spice, before a sweet, floral and complex finish.

SHOP NOW

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

A New Chapter on

Madison Avenue

K&L Wine Merchants is now open in New York City.

Formerly Park Avenue Liquors 270 Madison Avenue 39th & Madison

“For a long time, I’ve believed that if K&L were ever to expand beyond California, New York would be the right place to do it — not just because of the market, but because New York wine and spirits lovers are exactly the kind of customers K&L was built for: knowledgeable, passionate, and willing to reward a shop that does the work.”  Read the Full Letter on The Trail

— Brian Zucker

CEO, K&L Wine Merchants

VISIT US ON MADISON AVE

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

Is this the best whisky ever made?

Adam uses pure science to try and discover the best whisky ever made. More alcohol more better?

THE VIDEO

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON APRIL 1ST ~ HINT……

Lost Lantern Explores High vs. Low Proof in New Spring 2026 Collection

Curated pairings invite whiskey lovers to explore one of whiskey’s emerging debates

Vergennes, VT — This spring, Lost Lantern, the Vermont-based independent bottler of American whiskey, turns its focus to one of the most spirited discussions in whiskey today: high proof versus low proof.

While high-proof whiskies, especially hazmat whiskies (those bottled at 140 proof or higher), have developed a true cult following among dedicated whiskey drinkers, many whiskey lovers have yet to encounter these intense, powerful whiskies. At the same time, a growing faction of whiskey enthusiasts are gravitating toward lower proof whiskies, embracing their balance and approachability. Lost Lantern’s Spring 2026 Collection is a nod to both movements.

The Spring 2026 Collection was created in honor of Lost Lantern’s newest flagship release: Far-Flung Bourbon 100 Proof, the first non-cask strength whiskey in its award-winning bourbon series. Painstakingly slow-proofed to 100 proof, the whiskey is being released alongside the limited, cask strength Far-Flung Bourbon IV. The collection also includes eight cask strength single casks presented in four curated higher- and lower-proof pairings. Rather than declaring one style superior, the collection invites whiskey drinkers to explore how proof shapes aroma, texture, structure, and overall experience across styles and regions. The single casks include whiskies from three returning partners (Boulder Spirits in Colorado, Copperworks in Washington, and New Riff in Kentucky), as well as five new partners: Day’s Defile in Idaho, Montgomery Distilling in Montana, Dread River Distilling Co. in Alabama, ASW Distillery in Georgia, and Broad Branch in North Carolina.

“As the industry evolves, we’re seeing passionate camps emerge around proof,” said Nora Ganley-Roper, co-founder and Head Blender at Lost Lantern. “Some people seek intensity and power. Others prefer balance and approachability. We’re not choosing sides: we love both higher- and lower-proof whiskies! Instead, we’re exploring what each proof reveals about the whiskey itself and encouraging whiskey lovers to make these comparisons for themselves.”

“There is no perfect proof for whiskey,” said co-founder Adam Polonski. ”It depends not just on the distillery and the whiskey, but also on when and why you’re drinking it–whether you’re enjoying whiskey on the rocks with friends, or slowly savoring a very high-proof dram to close out an evening. Proof is just one part of a whiskey’s story, and this collection explores that.”

Spring 2026 Collection at a Glance

To encourage whiskey lovers to dive in and compare these whiskies to each other, the whiskies are being sold both individually and in bundles online and at select retail partners. 

Far-Flung Bourbon Pairing

• Far-Flung Bourbon IV – 120.7 proof | 120 bottles | $100
  • Far-Flung Bourbon 100 – 100 proof | 758 bottles | $80 

High–Low Single Malt Pairing

• Boulder Spirits Colorado Single Malt 7 Years Old – 138.7 proof | 173 bottles | $140
  • Copperworks Distilling Washington Single Malt – 120.6 proof | 210 bottles | $100 

High–Low Mountain Bourbon Pairing

• Day’s Defile Idaho Straight Bourbon 10 Years Old – 154.4 proof | 126 bottles | $140
  • Montgomery Distillery Montana Straight Bourbon – 104.6 proof | 207 bottles | $100 

High–Low Southern Bourbon Pairing

• Dread River Distilling Co. Alabama Straight Bourbon – 141.8 proof | 158 bottles | $140
  • Fiddler Soloist Georgia Straight Bourbon – 129.9 proof | 146 bottles | $100 

High–Low Rye Pairing

• Broad Branch Distillery North Carolina Straight Rye 8 Years Old – 141.6 proof | 174 bottles | $140
  • New Riff Distilling Kentucky Straight Rye – 115.1 proof | 172 bottles | $100

All releases are non-chill-filtered and have no added color, and all single casks are released at natural cask strength.

The Spring 2026 Collection will be available individually and in bundles on Wednesday, March 25^th via LostLanternWhiskey.com, Seelbachs.com, at, select retailers in CA, NY, MA, and RI, and at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT.

Explore the Spring 2026 Collection by Pairing

 THE FLAGSHIP FAR-FLUNG PAIRING

• Far-Flung Bourbon IV | 120.7 proof | 120 bottles | $100
  • Far-Flung Bourbon 100 | 100 proof | 758 bottles | $80

At the center of the Spring Collection is Lost Lantern’s flagship blend, Far-Flung Bourbon, released for the first time ever in two different proofs.

Both whiskies share the same blend of straight bourbons from seven distilleries in seven states: Baltimore Spirits Co.(MD), High Wire Distilling Co. (SC), Rich Grain Distilling (MS), SanTan Spirits (AZ), Still Austin Whiskey Co. (TX), Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. (IL), and Wollersheim Distillery (WI). Far-Flung Bourbon reflects the idea that great bourbon comes from all across the country.

“For this release, we took the exact same blend and expressed it in two ways,” explained Nora. “Proof isn’t just about alcohol level. It changes how aromas open, how texture develops, and how flavors integrate. Releasing both versions side by side lets people experience that shift in structure and balance for themselves.”

Far-Flung Bourbon IV at cask strength highlights depth and layered spice, while Far-Flung Bourbon 100 emphasizes integration, approachability, and harmony. Both showcase warm oak, bright spice, citrus lift, and layered vanilla, with proof shaping how each trait presents itself

HIGH–LOW SINGLE MALT PAIRING

• Boulder Spirits Colorado Single Malt 7 Years Old | 138.7 proof | 173 bottles | $140
  • Copperworks Distilling Washington Single Malt | 120.6 proof | 210 bottles | $100

Although produced in different states, these American single malts share key traits: unsmoked barley, traditional copper pot stills, and maturation in new oak barrels. This pairing reveals how proof interacts with malt character, oak influence, and climate-driven expression. 

Boulder Spirits (Higher Proof)

100% malted barley, aged 7 years in new oak. Spicy oak, clove, red pear, and pomegranate lead to a dense, powerful palate with underlying sweetness. A bold crossover for bourbon drinkers exploring American single malt. 

Copperworks (Lower Proof)

Distilled from five malted barleys with different roast levels and aged 3 years in new oak. Clove and milk chocolate on the nose, with honeyed cereal, cardamom, and baking spice on a balanced, malt-forward palate.

HIGH–LOW MOUNTAIN BOURBON PAIRING

• Day’s Defile Idaho Straight Bourbon 10 Years Old | 154.4 proof | 126 bottles | $140
  • Montgomery Distillery Montana Straight Bourbon | 104.6 proof | 207 bottles | $100

The Rocky Mountains are an emerging American whiskey region extending beyond Colorado into Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Utah. High elevation and dry air contribute to deeply concentrated spirits that can be bold and powerful, or rich and nuanced. 

Day’s Defile (Higher Proof)
The oldest whiskey ever released from Idaho, distilled at a now-closed distillery and aged further by Day’s Defile. Made from 76% corn, 11% triticale, and 13% malted barley, it bursts with French vanilla, black cherry, and intense oak. The palate is powerful, layered with clove and nutmeg. 

Montgomery Distillery (Lower Proof)
A wheated straight bourbon from Montana made from 70% corn, 20% wheat, and 10% malted barley, aged 4 years. Warm cinnamon and clove on the nose, with vanilla and milk chocolate on a soft yet structured palate.

HIGH–LOW SOUTHERN BOURBON PAIRING

• Dread River Distilling Co. Alabama Straight Bourbon | 141.8 proof | 158 bottles | $140
  • Fiddler Soloist Georgia Straight Bourbon | 129.9 proof | 146 bottles | $100

These two Southern bourbons reflect intensity and heat in different ways. 

Dread River (Higher Proof)
Made from 60% white corn, 30% winter wheat, and 10% malted barley, aged 6 years. Bold and powerful, with chocolate and leather on the nose and dried clove, oak, nutmeg, and baking spice on the palate. 

Fiddler Soloist (Lower Proof)
Made by the Atlanta-based ASW Distillery from 56% corn, 14% malted wheat, 10% malted rye, 10% malted barley, 7% smoked malt, and 3% chocolate malted rye, aged 7 years. Rich and chocolate-forward with cocoa powder, key lime, and dense oak on the nose. Deep and balanced on the palate.

HIGH–LOW RYE PAIRING

• Broad Branch Distillery North Carolina Straight Rye 8 Years Old | 141.6 proof | 174 bottles | $140
  • New Riff Distilling Kentucky Straight Rye | 115.1 proof | 172 bottles | $100

This rye pairing from the Upland South demonstrates how proof shapes spice, texture, and aromatic complexity. 

Broad Branch (Higher Proof)
Lost Lantern’s first hazmat rye. Made from 100% prairie rye and aged 8 years in a char 4 barrel. Minty and grassy on the nose with clove and butterscotch. Deep, powerful, and full-bodied with intense spice and dark chocolate. 

New Riff (Lower Proof)
Lost Lantern’s first Kentucky rye, made from a 95% rye, 5% malted rye mashbill. Warm oak, vanilla, lemon, and clove on the nose. Fresh, grassy, and balanced on the palate with milk chocolate and eucalyptus.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, Vermont. Lost Lantern seeks out distinctive whiskies from across the U.S., releasing them as single casks and blends with a commitment to transparency.

Named Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2026 Icons of Whisky America Awards and the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Lost Lantern has also seen both founders honored as Drinks Visionaries of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine, Drinks Innovators of the Year by SevenFifty Daily, named to the VermontBiz Rising Stars list, and named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40.

For more information, explore current and past releases, visit the tasting room, or sign up for the newsletter or Discovery Club at LostLanternWhiskey.com. Follow @lostlanternwhiskey on Instagram and Facebook.

Through Glasgow’s seemingly interminable rain, hail and gale we can offer this little ray of sunshine, our 178th auction is now live!  We have some really amazing drams in this month running the whole gamut of the whisky world.  With so much to choose from we have picked out a few highlights to get your watchlist moving.

All the way from the land of the rising sun, by way of France, comes this fantastic dram the Karuizawa 1965 50 Year Old Single Cask #8636 for La Maison du Whisky.  While not the oldest Karuizawa ever released this beauty isn’t far off, being distilled in 1965 and spending a frankly astonishing 50 years in cask before being bottled by French whisky specialists La Maison du Whisky.

Next up we have an unusual bottle from much closer to home, this is the Springbank Christmas 2011 Local Barley Private Shareholder Bottling.  While this bottling doesn’t have the jaw-dropping vintage of our last highlight it is almost certainly just as rare.  One of only 66 bottles released to private shareholders this one is, in the parlance of our times, rare as hen’s teeth.

This Midleton 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition was released to celebrate 30 years of Irish distilling giant Midleton’s ‘Very Rare’ range.   A blend of one pot still whisky and one grain whisky, it was then married in a 4th fill bourbon barrel.  The rather hefty and beautifully crafted presentation box also houses a little sample bottle, always a welcome addition to any lot.

Finally, we have another thoroughly aged dram bringing up the rear, this is the Glenlossie 1975 50 Year Old Kingsbury.  As if Glenlossie bottles weren’t rare enough, this 50 year old must be up there with the oldest Glenlossie ever bottled and is one of only 107 bottles released.  We have a number of excellent Kingsbury releases in this month so be sure to check them out.As always we have an enormous selection of drams to suit every budget on offer this month, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist.

Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

We have also made some changes to our privacy policy this month which can be found here.

The masterclass schedule for this year’s Spirit of Toronto is now online.

Behold no less than seven sessions, guaranteed to leave you with greater insight into the craft, process and thought that goes into the making of great whisky. Click below to explore this year’s offerings:

VIEW MASTERCLASSES

With tickets going on sale Tuesday April 7 at 10am, you now have a couple of days to mull over the schedule, though rest assured that there are no wrong choices here. In fact, I envy all of you and the stellar drams you’ll be tasting next month, while I get to look on with baleful eyes… #noregrets

Happy April,
Johanna

Johanna Ngoh
Founder, Spirit of Toronto and Whisky Social

PS: A reminder that a quarter of tickets to this year’s show have been pre-sold; the rest go on sale Tuesday April 7 at 10am through Roy Thomson Hall’s Box Office.

Every Society cask tells a story influenced by spirit, wood type and maturation. Every monthly Outturn tells 20+ different whisky stories. Every time you twist the stopper off one of our bottles, glug it in the glass and raise it to your nose could be the moment you find your next favourite whisky… but only while it lasts. One new Outturn. All the good stuff. Live now.

TAKE ME TO THE BOTTLES

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

ralfy review 1122 – Ardmore 8yo Sherry single cask @57.8%vol: (Adelphi)