DEWAR’S ABERFELDY DISTILLERY WELCOMES AUTUMN WITH MADEIRA FINISH EXCEPTIONAL CASK

As the colder months set in, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is welcoming the season with the latest addition to its ABERFELDY®  Exceptional Cask Series: ABERFELDY 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky.

A whisky made for slow sipping around the fire, this limited distillery exclusive brings together almost 21 years of ABERFELDY maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, finished in carefully selected Madeira casks for a further six years. The result is a richly layered single malt that combines ABERFELDY’s signature honeyed character with the distinctive roasted, nutty and caramelised notes associated with Madeira wine.

Madeira is a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of the same name, renowned for a unique ageing process that deliberately exposes the wine to heat and oxygen. This unusual method creates a distinctive balance of crisp acidity and soft sweetness, alongside flavours of roasted nuts, stewed fruit, caramel and toffee. It is these rich, complex characteristics that make Madeira casks a compelling partner for ABERFELDY’s naturally honeyed single malt.

For the ABERFELDY 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish, Stephanie Macleod, Malt Master at ABERFELDY, carefully monitored the whisky throughout its finishing period, assessing the development of flavour and character in each cask until the desired balance was achieved.

Stephanie Macleod, renowned Malt Master at ABERFELDY commented:

“A great cask finish should feel like a natural extension of the whisky rather than something imposed upon it. Madeira brings a wonderful combination of rich, nutty sweetness and vibrant freshness, which works beautifully with ABERFELDY’s naturally honeyed character. With a whisky of this age, patience is particularly important, and we carefully monitor each cask until the balance is just right.”

On the nose, ABERFELDY 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish is rich and inviting, a truly luxurious dram, displaying its age through deep, rich flavours enhanced by the influence of the Madeira cask. On the palate, robust notes of red apples drizzled with honey are complemented by hints of candied orange peel and a finish of sweet cinnamon spice.

Founded in 1898, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery sits in the heart of Highland Perthshire, drawing its water from the Pitilie Burn, known for its rich deposits of alluvial gold. The distillery is renowned for producing a distinctive single malt characterised by its rich, honeyed and gently fruity character.

The ABERFELDY Exceptional Cask Series showcases the distillery’s spirit through carefully considered cask maturation and finishing, exploring the ways in which different cask types can complement and enhance ABERFELDY’s signature character.

With only 276 bottles available, ABERFELDY 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask can be purchased exclusively from Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and its online store from today, October 20th, at an RRP of £600.

About Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery: Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is the home of both ABERFELDY Highland Single Malt and DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky. Established in 1898 by the Dewar family, the distillery was designed by revered architect Charles Doig, whose signature pagoda roof still dominates the skyline. Visitors can explore the distillery’s immersive tours, learn about the whisky-making process, and enjoy tastings of its acclaimed whiskies. DEWAR’S and ABERFELDY are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

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Chichibu: Four New Expressions

Few Japanese distilleries inspire quite the anticipation of Chichibu, and this year’s releases offer plenty to discover. From the much-anticipated London Edition to the return of The Peated, a sherry-influenced release from Chichibu II and a marriage of whiskies from both distilleries, this collection showcases the remarkable character and versatility of Ichiro Akuto’s whiskies.

Chichibu London Edition 2026

It almost feels like it wouldn’t be The Whisky Show without a new Chichibu London Edition release to accompany it. Thankfully, the ninth edition of this absolutely delightful bottle is up to Chichibu’s impeccable standards, marrying 16 casks of single malt distilled at Chichibu I into one extremely pleasing whole. Apricot and peaches centre notes of honey, grapefruit peel, white pepper and rich vanilla custard in an elegant, expressive and fruit-forward release.

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Chichibu The Peated 2026 Edition

This is the first standalone release of Chichibu’s heavily peated single malt since 2022, crafted from malt peated to 50 PPM during the distillery’s annual peated production run. Matured predominantly in ex-bourbon barrels, alongside oloroso sherry casks and re-coopered hogsheads, it balances elegant peat smoke with gentle sweetness, offering toasted baking spices, burnt caramel, roasted almonds, honey, banana and lingering grassy smoke.

Chichibu Distillery II Hint of Sherry

Hint of Sherry is the second single malt release from Chichibu II Distillery. Lightly peated, it was aged for five to six years in a combination of ex-sherry casks and ex-bourbon barrels. Flavours of layered complexity are defined by notes of peat smoke, dark chocolate, raisins and candied citrus, followed by vanilla, honey and baking spice, and a lingering finish of sweet smoke and lapsang souchong.

Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu Double Distilleries

A marriage of single malts from the two Chichibu distilleries that finds a pleasing harmony between the original distillery’s fruitier character and the newer sibling’s richer, fuller style. A mixture of casks were used for maturation and the complexity and depth this brings can be appreciated in the whisky, as jasmine and peach lead to honey and creamy vanilla on the palate, before citrus and baking spices see out a long finish.

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THE MACALLAN CARTA NAUTICA COLLECTION

The Macallan Carta Nautica Collection is an exceptional release of whiskies matured in sherry seasoned oak casks before embarking on a second maturation journey in casks that previously held bourbon. This distinctive maturation approach brings together the unexpected, creating distinctive expressions.

The Collection is a crafted culmination of influences from different continents and cultures, each connected by an epic body of water: the Atlantic Ocean.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

Across its depths, the finest oak staves and casks have navigated the waves from North America. Some venture directly to Scotland, the rest destined for the shores of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, where they are seasoned with sherry wine before finally reaching Scottish shores where our new make spirit will be transformed.

The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old will be available exclusively at Singapore Changi Airport from 28 September to 18 October 2026, before extending to key airport boutiques and select duty free locations around the world from 19 October 2026 onwards. There will be limited availability worldwide.

INTRODUCING

BENROMACH 25 YEARS OLD

The pinnacle of our signature range, Benromach 25 Years Old.

Exclusively matured in the finest Bourbon and Sherry casks, our TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OLD single malt delivers rich berry aromas complemented by toffee apples and soft smoke. Vibrant raisin and orange notes are followed by tropical fruit, dried banana and mature oak.

Bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered, the 25 Year Old is rich and incredibly well-balanced, while keeping the signature hint of smoke that Benromach is known for. Made by hand, this release marks a new milestone for the distillery and it’s a privilege to share it.

Benromach 25 Years Old is £250 and will be available to purchase online and at our Visitor Centre on the 22nd October.

Please note shipping is only possible to the UK for this release, but it will be heading to international markets very soon!

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Introducing The Oak & Maple Whisky Pub

Whisky Folk in Victoria have a brand new place to share drams.

THE VIDEO

Glen Scotia brings Campbeltown folklore to Luss Distillery this Halloween

Multi-award-winning Campbeltown distillery Glen Scotia is bringing the spooky folklore of Scotland’s smallest whisky-making region to Luss Distillery for an exclusive Halloween takeover.

Running on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, the event features two tastings – a journey through Glen Scotia’s limited-edition Icons of Campbeltown series, and a whisky experience exploring its core range.

Attendees at the Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown tasting will experience a line-up of single malts from the series and discover the inspiration behind each expression from the legendary folklore stories surrounding Campbeltown’s medieval market cross.

Located in the centre of Campbeltown, and long shrouded in myth and lore, the carvings on the 14^th century stone have inspired each annual ‘Icon’. Among them are the Dragon, the Wulver and, most recently, the Griffin for Release No.4 in the series – all mythical creatures who are said to have played a key role in Campbeltown’s legendary history.

For newcomers to the brand, or those looking to experience Glen Scotia’s true character, the core range tasting offers the chance to explore a quintessential Glen Scotia trio. From Glen Scotia Double Cask Sherry Finish, a classic Campbeltown malt which serves as a superb introduction to Glen Scotia, to the hero expression, Glen Scotia 12 Year Old, which showcases the distillery’s signature style, and Glen Scotia Victoriana, a modern take on a classic Victorian style single malt and a nod to Campbeltown’s history as the Victorian whisky capital of the world.

Ashley Smith, master blender at Glen Scotia said: “Campbeltown has a wealth of folklore and a rich history to draw on, which inspired the creative concept for the Icons of Campbeltown series. These tales give us a platform to tell the distillery’s story through this limited-edition collection, which are paired with our world-class whiskies for each release. Halloween weekend is the perfect time of year to experience the Icons of Campbeltown series and delve into the legends and bold character of Campbeltown.”

Tony MacLean, brand home manager of Luss Distillery said: “After the success of the Glen Scotia Mini Campbeltown Malts Festival earlier this year, we couldn’t wait to welcome Glen Scotia back for Halloween weekend. Our expert team knows Glen Scotia inside out, so whether you’re a devoted fan of its limited editions or are trying the renowned Campbeltown distillery’s whiskies for the first time, both experiences offer a chance to learn about Glen Scotia’s incredible, award-winning drams.”  

Taking place at Luss Distillery – the state-of-the-art spirits destination by Loch Lomond Group (owner of Glen Scotia, Loch Lomond Whiskies and Ben Lomond Gin) – the tastings offer a unique Halloween weekend activity for whisky fans looking to experience the spirit of Campbeltown, just an hour from Glasgow.

The Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown tasting (£19) is a 45-minute tasting including four drams and will run at 11.15am, 2.15pm and 4pm across the two-day takeover.

The core range tasting (£15) is a 30-minute tasting featuring three drams and will run at 10.30am on 31 October and 10.30am and 3.15pm on 1 November.

To find out more, or to book a Glen Scotia tasting at Luss Distillery during the Halloween takeover, visit: www.lussdistillery.com

About Glen Scotia

Glen Scotia has been crafting single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832. The town is the smallest of Scotland’s five whisky-producing regions with a big reputation for once being the Victorian whisky capital of the world when it was home to over 30 distilleries.

Today, Glen Scotia is one of only three surviving distilleries in the coastal town, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. Producing peated and non-peated whiskies, the distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. The distillery’s small team is on a mission to put Campbeltown back on the map for its distinctive character, found not only in its fruity, maritime and oily-textured single malts, but also in its traditional whisky-making methods using small stills to create big Campbeltown flavours.

Recognition of Glen Scotia’s style and craftsmanship continues to be acknowledged globally.

• In 2023, a single cask bottling, distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, won Best Single Cask Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards.
• Later that year, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old earned a Platinum award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, given only to entries that have won Double Gold for three consecutive years.
• In 2024, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old and Glen Scotia Victoriana both won Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2025, Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish was named the best Campbeltown no-age-statement whisky, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old won Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Glen Scotia Victoriana took gold at the same event.
• That same year, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old also won gold at the International World Spirits Competition.
• In 2026, the brand’s hero expression Glen Scotia 12 Year Old won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.
• Also in 2026, the limited-edition Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Release 2026 was named Taste Master in its category at the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old also added a further Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2026, its eighth consecutive year of recognition at the event.

DIGESTIF — Inside Iron Gate’s September Whisky Auction

Iron Gate’s Fine Spirits Auction closed as a perfect, white glove sale. 100% of lots sold! September was the first white glove sale of 2026 and the largest catalogue to date, indicating the appetite for fine whisky in the Canadian market is strong. The programme featured exceptional rarities, including a 1964 Black Bowmore, 1966 Gordon & McPhail Rare Old from Banff Distillery, Glenfiddich 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Pappy’s 23 Year Old Family Reserve.

View the results here: Iron Gate September Fine Spirits Auction

Key Facts & Figures:

• 100% sell through rate. A genuine white-glove sale.
• Across lots, 21% hammered above the high estimate, 59% within the estimate range, and 20% below the low estimate.
• Canada-wide bidder participation, from eight provinces and one territory.
• Number of auction registrants up 10% and number of active bidders up 20% from the June 2026 auction.
• Top performing lots include:
  • Lot 223 – Laphroaig 10 Year Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky, which hammered 247% above the high estimate;
  • Lot 95 – 1974 Scott’s Selection Glenglassaugh Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky Natural Cask Strength, hammering 175% above the high estimate;
  • Lot 284 – 1968 Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged over 30 Years has the most bids with 23.
• Older vintage bottlings of Macallan, Highland Park, and Bowmore also performed well, indicating that classic distilleries are still very much the focus of collectors.
• Lots with the lowest number of bids coincided with lots with the lowest value. This indicates a general preference towards more premium whiskies. However, it also reveals that it may be a good place to look for value or for beginners looking to sample a wide variety of single malt scotches and vintage blended whiskies.

Lot 35 – 1969 Celtic Trilogy 32 Year Old Celtic Football Club

From Ajay and the entire Iron Gate team, we’d like to extend a huge thank you to our consignors, bidders, and all participants in the auction. The success in the September sale makes us extremely optimistic for the November’s auction. The consignment window is now open for the February and April’s 2027 sale. If you are looking to consign spirits in a future, we recommend reaching out to ajay@irongate.wine at your earliest opportunity.

Since 1926, the Scottish poppy, with its four petals and no leaf, has been a quiet, enduring symbol of remembrance. What began with two ex-servicemen, tissue paper and a pair of scissors is now a national legacy. Today, 34 disabled ex-servicemen and women at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh make millions of poppies for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, plus 25,000 wreaths for the Royal British Legion, Poppyscotland’s parent charity. Their work turns remembrance into lifelong support for Scotland’s veterans, service personnel and their families.

To mark the centenary, we’re proud to launch our third charity partnership with Poppyscotland: a Wolfburn 12 Year Old Single Malt. Lightly peated and bottled at 46% ABV, it’s limited to just 1,926 bottles, a tribute to the year the factory was founded.

£15 from every bottle goes to Poppyscotland, so the legacy that began in 1926 keeps caring for today’s Armed Forces community. Join us in marking a century of dedication and the people who keep Lady Haig’s legacy alive.

Our festive diary is now open for gatherings of all shapes and sizes.

Expect exceptional food and whisky across our Edinburgh city centre, Leith, Glasgow and London Members’ Rooms. And if you can’t come to us, we can bring the Society to you with a whisky tasting experience wherever you are. No membership required.

You bring the people, we’ll bring the good stuff.

EARLY BOOKING OFFER
Book by 31st October and enjoy a Premium Malt of the Moment for all guests

BOOK A TICKET

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

Cu Bocan Creation 9, 46% – Whisky Wednesday.

THE VIDEO

Cù Bòcan #9, 46% – Haunted, Tasty Tomatin. The smell of peat at Tomatin; it means winter is coming! Launched in 2005 and utilising just two weeks of production per year at Tomatin. The barley is peated to 15ppm using mainland peat for a less iodine and more BBQ! 17 year old whiskies with some potent cask maturation! Full term virgin oak maturation makes up 80% of the contents and 20% is the Manzanilla (13 years ex-bourbon and four years in the sherry).

Only 3600 bottles for this year’s release and something that reminds me of toasted cinnamon French toast being eaten by an open fire. The Manzanilla provides this softly salty, nutty profile while the American virgin oak is loaded with coconut and butter. A truly creative process that allows unlimited creativity of cask maturation, combination and delicate peated flavours.

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
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