WITH SOFT SMOKE AND CREAMY HARMONY, 15-YEAR-OLD ARDBEG TRUDERNISH BRINGS A NEW CHARM TO DISTILLERY’S CORE RANGE

 < Islay Distillery reveals eye-catching new look for all its permanent whiskies >

Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky today unveils a dram of soft smoke and creamy harmony – its first permanent 15-year-old, Ardbeg Trudernish. Inspired by the ancient settlement of Trudernish on Islay’s “Enchanted Cape”, this beguilingly silky whisky is aged in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks for an indulgent charm. Its release, which has already been recognised with a Double Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, comes as Ardbeg reveals a new look for its entire core range, to be rolled out globally from autumn 2026. The bold designs playfully bring to life the unique stories and flavours of each dram.

According to the legends of the Enchanted Cape, the pure water of the well at Trudernish (which is notoriously hard to find) never freezes over. Like the quest in search of the Trudernish well, this 15-year-old Ardbeg transports drinkers to Islay, revealing delicious, creamy flavours hidden beneath its smoky exterior.

Seeking a rich new dimension to Ardbeg’s peaty paradox, Ardbeg’s whisky makers matured their smoky, balanced spirit in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks over 15 years, for mellow creaminess and softer smoke. A trace of earthy peat flits from the glass, as aromas of woodsmoke drift across dried herbs and chocolate lime. Tastes of vanilla and nuts are folded into decadent notes of creamy fudge sauce. The whisky’s harmony of flavours is enhanced by its ABV of 48.8%.

The packaging for Ardbeg Trudernish showcases a distinctive new look for the Distillery’s bottlings – to be rolled out across the brand’s entire core range. The presentation boxes and labels stand out in Ardbeg’s classic black, with each expression now differentiated by its own earthy accent colour. In a nod to Ardbeg’s Celtic heritage, whimsical woodcut-style illustrations depict every whisky’s individual story, alongside its cask recipe and an evocative flavour snapshot.

Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden MBE said: “A new whisky is always a momentous occasion at Ardbeg – and our first permanent 15-year-old, Ardbeg Trudernish, is truly one to celebrate. Aged in a combination of bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks, our spirit’s signature smokiness is brilliantly mellowed by rich, creamy flavours, softened with age. You’ll find aromas of peat and woodsmoke engulfed in melted vanilla ice cream. There are tastes of peat, dark liquorice and nuts wrapped in milk chocolate and a long smoky finish. A silky thread of vanilla runs throughout. I guarantee this whisky’s take on Ardbeg’s peaty paradox will charm smoky malt lovers everywhere.”

Ardbeg Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven said: “Ardbeg Trudernish is the perfect dram to toast Ardbeg’s new look. Our core range is brimming with the stories and flavours of Islay – from our classic Ardbeg Ten, to the dark and mysterious depths of Ardbeg Uigeadail. These striking new designs will make it easier than ever to explore each one – and perhaps discover new favourites… such as Ardbeg Trudernish!”

Ardbeg Trudernish (48.8% ABV) RRP £80  is available to purchase from Ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, the Distillery Visitor Centre, and specialist retailers from 15^th September 2026. 

Ardbeg Trudernish Tasting Notes:

ABV: 48.8%

Colour:             Straw gold

Aroma:              A soft wave of earthy peat and gentle woodsmoke is wrapped in rich vanilla cream, evoking the scent of melted vanilla ice cream with fudge sauce. Sweetness blends with floral notes and subtle hints of pine resin and heather honey. Orchard fruits like green apple and pear add freshness, while a hint of cracked black pepper and dried herbs lend complexity. A splash of water reveals ripe melon, kiwi, and soft berry notes layered over fragrant vanilla and heather-sweet peat.

Taste: Creamy and full-bodied, with bold Ardbeg peat merging into a smooth wave of sweet vanilla cream. Classic notes of soft pine, woodsmoke and damp forest floor lead into dark liquorice, chocolate lime, and a touch of herbal mint. More soft orchard fruits and floral sweetness are paired with nuts wrapped into milk chocolate. The texture silky, with the vanilla running like a thread through each layer.

Finish:           Long and soothing, with peat embers, vanilla pod and toasted nuts lead into a long and smoky finish.

RRP:                  £80

Ardbeg Trudernish’s namesake

The ancient settlement of Trudernish can be found in the south-east of Islay, up the coast from the Ardbeg Distillery. Trudernish is known as part of Islay’s so-called Enchanted Cape – an area rich in myth and legend. Some say, that if a person takes home a pebble from the nearby Claggain Bay, they are destined to return to Islay one day. And there are further fables about the Trudernish Well. Hidden in dense woodland, it is believed to begin its journey high in the hills at Loch Uigeadail (Ardbeg’s water source). Legend has it that the soft, pure water of the well never freezes over (much like whisky!). 

Packaging transformation

The packaging for Ardbeg’s entire core range has been transformed to better share the whiskies’ stories and flavours with smoky malt drinkers.

Key changes include:

Presentation box

• • Woodcut-style illustrations by artist Johnny Greenteeth, which tell the whiskies individual stories, each with a playful depiction of Ardbeg’s canine mascot Shortie (detail on each whisky’s illustration is below).
  • Ardbeg’s classic dark hues and traditional, Celtic-style ‘A’ and knotwork are still celebrated – now enhanced by different earthy colour accents on each pack, to aid range navigation.
  • The boxes include enhanced storytelling and tasting notes, a new flavour snapshot description, and details of the whiskies’ cask recipes.
  • Ardbeg Wee Beastie remains as a naked bottle, as it has been since its release in 2020.

Labels

• • More detailed tasting notes, the flavour snapshot and cask recipe now included.
  • A background image of the woodcut-style illustrations features on the back label.

Bottle

• • Now manufactured in the UK and a slightly lighter shade of green.
  • Capsule made of polylam, more easily recycled than PVC.

The individual whiskies’ stories are illustrated in the following ways:

• Ardbeg Wee Beastie: In a naked bottle (as it has been since its release in 2020), with claw marks on the label to show its feisty personality. Bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Described as ‘A Monster of a Dram’.
• Ardbeg Ten: Amid rolling clouds and waves, are dotted the Distillery’s classic codes: the 8th-century Kildalton Cross, Ardbeg’s pagoda roofs, its iconic Warehouse 3 (with ARDBEG written in huge black letters for all approaching from the Atlantic to see) and the familiar shape of an Ardbeg still. Shortie looks on from a rocky outcrop. Aged in American oak bourbon casks. Described as ‘The Giant of Smoky Complexity’.
• Ardbeg An Oa: The Gathering Vat in which Ardbeg An Oa’s whiskies are married is depicted among mountains, tumultuous seas and swirling storm clouds, which Shortie rears up to view. Aged in new charred oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry and bourbon casks among others. Described as ‘Where Smoke Meets Sweet’.
• Ardbeg Uigeadail: Against a mountainous backdrop, Ardbeg’s water source Loch Uigeadail looms. A tumbledown building and a boat add to the intrigue, while Shortie digs in a peatbog. Aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Described as ‘Dark and Mysterious Depths of Flavour’.
• Ardbeg Trudernish: Landmarks from the “Enchanted Cape” are illustrated, including the Trudernish well, a standing stone and the nearby beach (from which, legend has it, if you take a pebble, you are destined to return to Islay), as well as the Distillery. Shortie peers over a nearby wall. Aged in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso Sherry casks. Described as ‘A Smoky Dram of Creamy Harmony’.
• Ardbeg Corryvreckan: The whisky’s namesake, the Corryvreckan Whirlpool is at the centre of the packaging – whisky barrels caught in its vortex. In homage to the legend of the Corryvreckan (in which Norse Prince Breacan is challenged to moor his ship in the whirlpool for three days – but is sucked into its watery depths) is brought to life with a depiction of his ship teetering on the edge of the whirlpool – mooring ropes flying. Shortie watches safely from the shore. Matured in American oak bourbon and new French oak casks. Described as ‘A Whirlpool of Turbulent Flavours’.

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the 2023 New York Wine Spirits Competition, and received a Platinum medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2025, Ardbeg was named Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, while Ardbeg Wee Beastie was crowned Best Overall Scotch at the New York World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg’s boutique hotel on Islay, Ardbeg House, was named Hotel of the Year 2026 by The Times newspaper.

Sustainability

Ardbeg is dedicated to sustaining its island home and community. With a vision of enhancing Islay for future generations, Ardbeg has devoted itself to restoring parts of the island’s precious peatland – a vital habitat for wildlife and a key carbon store. Working with the landowner, Ardbeg has begun transforming Kintour peat moor near the Distillery, cut for use in Ardbeg’s maltings decades ago. Ardbeg has also committed to a landmark conservation partnership with RSPB Scotland, Suntory Global Spirits and Diageo to restore 1,000 hectares of peatland in The Oa nature reserve. Over time, these projects aim to return Islay’s peatland to its native state, increasing biodiversity, helping mitigate against the effects of climate change and safeguarding the island’s natural heritage.

Meanwhile, Ardbeg has established the £1million Ardbeg All Islay Fund, which supports enterprising projects and organisations on the island. This five-year fund gives contributions to local sports clubs, musical and cultural organisations, helping to make Islay a better place to work and live. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Whisky & Whiskey | Featuring The Wax Top Collection

Live Auction, 3 – 18 September

From left to right: Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Bourbon #8 “Chocolate Monster” 25 Year Old 90.2 Proof 1981 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $13,000–18,000), A.H. Hirsch Reserve 18 Year Old 46.5% ABV 1974 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $20,000–30,000) & Bowmore ARC-54 Year Old 44.3% ABV 1968 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $40,000–60,000)

The Wax Top Collection, a meticulously curated offering of 328 bottles, represents the single largest collection of Willett Family Estate ever to come to auction at one time. It offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most sought-after bottles from one of America’s most revered whiskey labels.

The wider sale features more than 250 additional bottles, spanning a comprehensive selection of Pre-Prohibition (pre-1900s) and Prohibition-era whiskeys, rare and collectible Scotch, and an impressive array of sought-after Japanese single malts.

Among the highlights of The Wax Top Collection are rare Willett Family Estate Single Barrels and the ever-sought-after “Epic Ryes,” including Doug’s Green Ink (est. $10,000–15,000 each) and Iron Fist and Velvet Glove (est. $10,000–15,000 each).

Also featured are the cherished 4/6/1993 vintage Willett Family Estate barrels, a mythical run of high-age-statement bottlings that are exceptionally well known among Willett collectors. Highlights include the Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Bourbon “The Wheated Patriot” 21 Year Old (est. $7,000–9,000), as well as several exceptional Wheated A, B and C Barrels that have never previously appeared at auction, including the highly sought-after C70A (est. $7,000–10,000).

Another standout is the exceptional array of A.H. Hirsch offered in the sale, including an A.H. Hirsch Reserve 18 Year Old 46.5% ABV 1974 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $20,000–30,000). A.H. Hirsch occupies a uniquely revered position among American whiskeys, prized not only for its rarity and exceptional provenance, but also for its place in the history of American distilling. All aged Hirsch was distilled in 1974, a pivotal year in the history of American whiskey and a landmark vintage for collectors.

The sale features a remarkable 21-bottle single-owner collection, titled “Acquired from The National Distillers Museum Collection”, with all proceeds benefiting World Central Kitchen. Among its highlights is a Mount Vernon Rye 1874 (est. $4,000–6,000), acquired by the consignor in 1993. The bottle’s label offers a fascinating connection to William Henry Fearing (circa 1844–1904), a prominent New York wine merchant and broker active in the late 19th century. Fearing’s name has also been identified on bottles of Madeira dating from the same period.

The wider sale includes two charity lots. The Very Olde St. Nick Estate Reserve Vintage Collection A is a one-of-a-kind collection of three large-format bottles of Very Olde St. Nick 17 Year Old. Presented in a 1-litre format for the first and only time, the three bottles are housed in a reclaimed chestnut wooden case created especially for this auction. Proceeds from this lot will benefit The Big Wave Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Half Moon Bay, California, which provides lifelong housing, day programmes, and a supportive community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Bowmore ARC-54 Year Old 44.3% ABV 1968 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $40,000–60,000) will also be offered, with proceeds benefiting The Foundation of Hope. Aged for more than half a century in exceptional casks within Bowmore’s legendary No. 1 Vaults, ARC-54 is an extraordinarily rare expression reflecting generations of distilling expertise. Housed in a visionary design that looks boldly to the future, ARC-54 brings together exceptional provenance, craftsmanship and rarity in a multidimensional expression of remarkable depth and intensity.

Carsebridge (silent)

50 Year Old

70cl · 40.3% ABV

£279.95

This magnificent bottling offers a rare opportunity to experience a 50yo whisky from another one of Scotland’s now silent distilleries – Carsebridge. This release is perfect for marking life’s rarest occasions.

Living Souls is a Scottish independent bottler dedicated to crafting limited edition, small-batch spirit masterpieces that redefine the norm. Their carefully curated portfolio captures the mysterious art of whisky making through an offering of exquisite single malt, blended malt and blended scotch whiskies.

Our 2026 Private Cask Offer has a limited number of freshly filled Kentucky ex-bourbon casks available for purchase. Each cask includes ten years of storage and insurance, with owners receiving samples at 4, 7 and 10 years of maturation before deciding when the whisky is ready to bottle.

When that time comes, your whisky will be bottled at the distillery with a personalised label unique to your cask. Each cask is priced at £6,000, with a £3,000 deposit securing your allocation before filling. It’s a rare opportunity to own and shape a part of the Isle of Harris story in a very personal way. For the full offer brochure and all the details, please email yourprivatecask@harrisdistillery.com

The Good Dram Show – Episode 646 ‘Thirty Something’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show. It’s titled thirty something because all the whiskies featured in the show are thirty years old or over. There is no link to the television series of the same name bar the typeface! Episode 646 – thirtysomething Filmed in The Study Nottingham. Filmed & Edited by Chris Goodrum.

Featuring

Douglas Laing Xtra Old Particular Strathclyde 1987 (30 year old) 50.5%
Douglas Laing Old Particular Carsebridge 1982 (33 year old) 44.9%
Douglas Laing Xtra Old Particular Caol Ila 1980 (36 year old) 57.4%
www.douglaslaing.com

Lombard Jewels of Scotland Glen Keith 1985 (30 year old) 41.9%
www.lombardscotchwhisky.com

Glenglassaugh 30 year old 44.8%
www.glenglassaugh.com

Benromach 35 year old 43%
www.benromach.com

Loch Lomond Whiskies Unveils Prestigious 31 Year Old Single Malt in the Waypoint Series

The expression is the oldest peated whisky ever released by the distiller

Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled Waypoint 31 Year Old, the latest and most prestigious expression in its coveted Waypoint Series – a collection of single malt whiskies inspired by the distillery’s iconic setting on the banks of Loch Lomond and its enduring spirit of exploration.

Available globally from 1 September, Waypoint 31 Year Old is the third and oldest single malt in the series, and the oldest peated expression ever released by Loch Lomond Distillery. This highly exclusive release is limited to just 2,600 bottles worldwide and has an RRP of £750.

Waypoint 31 Year Old joins Waypoint 16 Year Old and Waypoint 17 Year Old in the collection.

The latest release celebrates the rugged and rewarding trail between Inversnaid and Inverarnan on the north-east shores of Loch Lomond. One of the most challenging sections of the West Highland Way, the route follows the lochside through a landscape of serene beauty, iconic landmarks and abundant wildlife.

Crafted using Loch Lomond Whiskies’ signature straight neck stills, the single malt was matured in three types of ex-Bourbon American Oak casks before being finished for 12 months in Tawny Port pipes. While its maturation journey is significant, the character of the distillate remains at its heart, creating a superbly balanced peated single malt with notes of dark chocolate, raspberry and cedarwood. The whisky has already received international acclaim, earning an outstanding 99/100 score at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge.

The exceptional whisky is presented in an etched, handcrafted wooden case featuring an internal copper tube and artwork by illustrator Brett Breckon. His fantastical interpretation follows the route from Inversnaid to Inverarnan, capturing its serene beauty, iconic landmarks and wildlife, with subtle nods to Loch Lomond’s whisky making and the flavour profile of the 31 Year Old woven throughout the scene.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said:

“As you follow this extraordinary trail from Inversnaid to Inverarnan, every mile becomes more challenging, but the sense of achievement and reward grows with it. The route takes you through one of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes and encourages you to keep exploring and discovering the wonders that surround you.

“That same spirit of exploration lies at the heart of our single malts. Through the Waypoint Series, we seek to bring the landscape and stories of Loch Lomond to life through whisky making, creating expressions that capture the excitement of discovering something truly exceptional.

“The Waypoint Series is a celebration of our namesake, Loch Lomond. It has been one of my favourite collections to work on, and it is a privilege to introduce this highly exclusive and prestigious 31 Year Old expression to the series.”

Loch Lomond is the only distillery in Scotland to house both traditional swan neck stills and its unique straight neck stills, making it one of the most innovative and inventive distilleries in the world. To create the Waypoint Series, Master Blender Michael Henry embarked on his own journey of discovery, bringing the stories of Loch Lomond to life through whisky making. The result is a collection of distinct single malts that capture the distillery’s signature style and its imaginative approach to flavour creation.

Michael continued: “Our unique whisky-making capability, led by our straight neck stills, allows us to create distinctly fruity spirit with our signature character of fruit, honey and soft smoke. Heavily peated whiskies are rare within our collection, so bringing our oldest ever peated single malt to bottle is a huge honour.

“After 31 years of maturation, the whisky has developed a deep, rich rose colour and remarkable layers of dark chocolate, raspberry, cedarwood and woodsmoke. What makes it particularly special is how clearly the character of the original distillate still shines through, despite its significant maturation journey. It is a whisky of real depth and complexity, while remaining unmistakably Loch Lomond.”

Loch Lomond Waypoint 31 Year Old is non-chill filtered, natural in colour and bottled at 44.1% ABV.

Loch Lomond Waypoint 31 Year Old will be available globally from selected specialist retailers from 1 September, with an RRP of £750.

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies, visit: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

• Nose: Blackberry and honey.
• Palate: Dark chocolate, raspberry and cedarwood.
• Finish: Woodsmoke and dark fruits.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan Thomas (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck stills and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies.

The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distillers in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

In 2024, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchange’s coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.

In 2026, 37 of its malts received internationally acclaimed awards, including four double gold and platinum awards and two category winners.

Batch 41: Incognito It is a Scotch grain whisky, using grains and casks that are commonly used in the USA for whiskey production. This is an homage to that style of whisky, but with its feet firmly in Scotland. To summarise in the words of our whisky quality manager Julien: “This is not bourbon, it is most definitely Scotch grain whisky, but drawing its ingredients, methods and maturation style from a good bit of fun transatlantic inspiration.” Keep reading to learn more about this experimental release.

As we celebrate the experimental side of things this month, here are three ways this release is something a wee bit different:

Experimental factor No. 1: The Pot Still
Batch 41 was double distilled in a pot still in Western Scotland rather than in the usual column still used for most Scottish grain whiskies. This results in a fattier and more complex spirit.

Experimental factor No. 2: The Toasted heads
Batch 41 was matured in heavily charred heavily charred 24-month air seasoned new oak barrels from Kelvin Cooperage in the US with toasted heads. Bourbon producers are bound by law and must use charred new oak to mature their whiskey.

Experimental factor No. 3: The Mashbill*
The whisky team took a bit of trans-Atlantic inspiration for this one creating a mashbill of 58 per cent corn, 21 per cent malted barley and 21 per cent un-malted rye.

*The cereal mix that went into the mash used to create this whisky.

READ THE FULL FEATURE

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

Two New Expressions from Kanosuke

Kanosuke Single Malt 2026 Limited Edition

A limited edition from Kanosuke that seeks to evoke springtime in Fukiagehama park. This single malt is vatted together with whiskies that have spent time in apple brandy, bourbon, shochu, sherry and white wine casks for layers of complexity, echoed by a hint of peated whisky.

Aromas of orange blossom and beach vitex, white grape and apple lead to a soft and welcoming palate with notes of yuzu bean paste, vanilla, honey and calvados, before grapefruit and sea air join on the finish.

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Kanosuke Single Malt Sherry Casks Vatted

For something richer, this limited release emphasises the influence of oloroso and cream sherry on the distillery’s vatting process for its single malt, without losing the nuances that make Kanosuke so exciting. Black cherry, vanilla, raspberry and Japanese cinnamon lead into a full palate of soft raisins, light fruitcake, cloves and dark chocolate, with subtle dryness and mangosteen emerging on the finish.

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Cameronbridge

42 Year Old

1984 Vintage · 70cl · 50% ABV

Distilled at Cameronbridge in 1984, this exceptional single grain Scotch whisky was matured for 42 years in a single bourbon cask before being selected and bottled by Fragrant Drops in 2026. Drawn from cask number 3028692 and released at 50% ABV, it offers a concentrated expression of long-aged grain whisky shaped by more than four decades in oak.

£199.95

ralfy review 1143 – Clynelish 12yo @54.5%vol: (Lady of the Glen)