THE GLENALLACHIE UNVEILS PIONEERING WHISKY MATURED IN RARE MONGOLIAN VIRGIN OAK

The GlenAllachie Distillery today, Thursday 10th September, introduced the fourth chapter in its celebrated Sinteis Series – a 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximénez & Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

This 10-year-old limited edition marks the first Scotch whisky matured in elusive Mongolian virgin oak to be bottled for global release, reflecting The GlenAllachie’s pioneering approach to wood mastery and its continued evolution of the Sinteis Series. This fourth edition embodies an ethos of ‘A Convergence of Three: Three Casks, Three Stories, One Exceptional Whisky.’

‘Sinteis’ (pronounced sin-teesh), meaning ‘synthesis’ in Scottish Gaelic, captures the essence of The GlenAllachie’s cask innovation, uniting the bold and expressive virgin oak with the familiar warmth of sherry casks to create distinctive, boundary-pushing expressions.

While previous expressions in the series explored a dual cask approach, Part IV was initially matured in bourbon barrels before spending time separately in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. The whiskies were then combined and transferred to rare Mongolian virgin oak casks.

Mongolian virgin oak casks, crafted from Quercus Mongolica, are hard to source and unforgiving in character. Consequently, this wood type has remained largely unexplored in Scotch whisky. This oak is scarce in nature, having to be grown for over a century and naturally felled in order to be used commercially. Sourced from the forests of East Asia and noted for their tight grain structure and remarkable density, the wood reveals rich caramel, subtle sandalwood and oriental incense nuances.

Sinteis Part IV showcases this harmony with two types of sherry casks. Oloroso infuses the whisky with layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and nutty complexity, while Pedro Ximénez brings sweet toffee and treacle. The final whisky reveals dark chocolate, layered orchard fruits and warm pastries; a celebration of each cask’s distinct character, converging perfectly into one.

Commenting on the new release, Master Distiller Billy Walker said:

“The Sinteis series has allowed us to explore the interaction between different virgin oak and sherry casks. The series has explored dual-cask maturation in considerable depth already so for Sinteis Part IV I wanted to invite a pivoted approach that would be both a challenge and an adventure.

“We work intensively with Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, so moving the liquid into Mongolian virgin oak was certainly an exciting challenge. The wood’s unforgiving nature and rarity in whisky-making meant we had little precedent to work from. As a team, we trusted in our instinct and experience, and I’m exceptionally proud of the whisky we’ve created and to be able to showcase the beautiful character of Mongolian oak.”

Sinteis IV is bottled at a cask strength of 58.5%, with natural colour and without chill filtration, preserving the full character and integrity of cask maturation. Each release in the Sinteis Series is a limited-edition bottling, distinct in its own right.

The bespoke packaging features a hand-drawn motif inspired by Quercus Mongolica and united by an endless knot, based on the geometric ornamentation found throughout traditional East Asian art as well as the enduring relationship between wood, whisky and time. The balance between natural forms and precise geometry, accented with ornate gold foil, reflects the intricate balance of nature and craft found within this expression.

The GlenAllachie Sinteis Part IV, 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximénez & Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured, is available with a UK RRP of £75.99 from The GlenAllachie Distillery and online at www.theglenallachie.com from September 10. It will become available globally in the coming weeks.

The Sinteis Series – Sinteis Part IV, 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximénez  & Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured

• 10 years old single malt whisky
• Limited edition release
• Bottled at cask strength 58.5%
• Natural colour and non-chill filtered

Tasting Notes

Colour: Burnished Chestnut.
Nose: Baked pastries, and butterscotch, followed by brandied orchard fruits, cocoa and treacle tart, with cinnamon and crystallised ginger.
Taste: Candied hazelnuts, baking spices and plum syrup, followed by spiced baked orange, vanilla ice cream and mocha, with mānuka honey and fig jam.

About The GlenAllachie
Since re-emerging under independent ownership in 2017, The GlenAllachie has made bold, strategic choices rooted in flavour integrity over volume. By fine-tuning fermentation practices, streamlining production, and investing heavily in cask management, the distillery has cultivated a house style renowned for depth, complexity, and individuality.

Beyond the stillhouse, The GlenAllachie’s influence continues to grow, with high-profile and innovative releases such as The Sinteis Series, and age-stated limited editions earning global acclaim. The distillery’s commitment to transparency – bottling at natural colour, non-chill filtered, and often at cask strength – underscores its dedication to the discerning whisky drinker.
Prioritising the production of quality spirit, the GlenAllachie Distillery chose to reduce its production capacity from four million to around one million litres of alcohol and increase its fermentation period to 160 hours – almost three times the industry standard – for an ester-rich, fruity spirit.

The GlenAllachie also maintains a strong focus on sustainability and provenance, with local sourcing and traditional methods guiding much of its ethos. Supported by the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF), a state-of-the-art Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) system was installed at the distillery to capture and recycle waste heat from distillation, using it to reheat the stills. It is a distillery that not only honours Scotch whisky heritage but actively shapes its future.

About Billy Walker
With a career spanning over 50 years, Billy Walker is a legendary figure in the Scotch whisky industry, renowned for his transformative leadership of distilleries like Benriach, Glendronach, and Glenglassaugh. Celebrated for his innovative use of casks and unwavering commitment to quality, he is now the owner and Master Blender at The GlenAllachie.

Under his stewardship, the company has achieved widespread acclaim. Among its many accolades, the GlenAllachie 12-year-old was named World’s Best Single Malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.

It’s from this incredible record of success that Billy has cemented his reputation as one of the most prominent whisky figures of his generation.

Laphroaig
15 Year Old Islay Single Malt
70cl · 40% ABV

Laphroaig 15 Year Old brings extra depth to the distillery’s unmistakable Islay style, offering a more mature and rounded take on its bold coastal character. Now back in the core range after a ten year absence, it stays true to Laphroaig’s signature peat smoke while adding more richness, balance and complexity through 15 years of maturation on Islay.

£78.95

The return of Laphroaig 15 Year Old marks the arrival of one of Islay’s most celebrated age-statement whiskies as a permanent addition to the distillery’s core range. Matured exclusively in first-fill ex-bourbon casks for 15 years and bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration, this expression showcases a more refined and mature side of Laphroaig while remaining unmistakably true to the distillery’s iconic smoky character.

Produced on the rugged south coast of Islay, Laphroaig has been crafting distinctive peated single malts since 1815. The extended maturation allows the powerful medicinal peat smoke, maritime salinity and coastal influence to integrate beautifully with layers of vanilla, citrus and orchard fruit drawn from the American oak. The result is a whisky of remarkable balance, offering exceptional depth without sacrificing the bold personality that has earned Laphroaig its loyal following across generations.

Compared with the distillery’s younger expressions, the 15 Year Old introduces greater elegance and complexity. Richer oak influence, softer smoke and enhanced fruit sweetness create a rounded, sophisticated dram that appeals equally to long-time Islay enthusiasts and those looking to step into older peated whiskies. Its combination of maturity, natural presentation and classic Laphroaig character makes it one of the standout age-statement releases in the modern range.

Whether enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to reveal additional layers of fruit and spice, Laphroaig 15 Year Old delivers a memorable tasting experience. It is an outstanding choice for collectors of Islay whisky, fans of heavily peated single malts and anyone seeking a premium Scotch that perfectly balances smoke, sweetness and coastal complexity.

(la-FROY’g) Located on Islay’s southern coast, the Laphroaig distillery is known for its pungent, heavily peated single malt whiskies. The profound and unique character of these oily, smoky, medicinal whiskies has divided opinion since the distillery was founded. Once highly prized by blenders, Laphroaig is now the best-selling Islay single malt, enjoyed by whisky enthusiasts the world over, including King Charles who awarded the distillery a Royal Warrant in 1994. Founded on the west coast of Islay in 1815, Laphroaig is famous for its intensely smoky and peaty single malt whisky, characterised by distinctive notes of sea salt, smoke, iodine and earthy sweetness.

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ralfy review 1144 Extras – Distillery integrity = bottle competency.

Bowmore Releases 20-Year-Old Captivo Single Malt Collection with Visionary Design Practice Snarkitecture

The union of two worlds offers a journey of exploration, discovery and a portal into the extraordinary  

Islay, Scotland – Bowmore, Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, and internationally acclaimed design studio, Snarkitecture, have announced the release of the limited-edition Bowmore Captivo Collection.

The collaboration brings together two disciplines united by craftsmanship, creativity and the pursuit of discovery. Just as Bowmore’s whiskies reveal layers of flavour with every sip, Snarkitecture’s work encourages people to look deeper and experience the unexpected.

The Captivo Collection comprises two 20-year-old single malts – Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit and Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage. Each has a story of provenance and exploration, brought to life through the drinking experience and the vivid bottle and packaging designs.

Travelling from New York to Islay, Snarkitecture co-founder Alex Mustonen drew inspiration from the island’s natural landscape and the hidden depths of the distillery, including Bowmore No.1 Vaults, one of the world’s oldest maturation warehouses. Mustonen translated these influences into striking portal designs reflecting a journey of discovery, and a cultural fascination with stepping beyond the surface. The whiskies mirror this, with each expression offering a portal into Bowmore, created decades ago and experienced in the present.

Mustonen says: “Stepping into the world of whisky is a first for Snarkitecture. I drew similarities between how Bowmore’s whisky is made, and how I approach an architectural environment. In architecture, spaces and objects invite people to look again and question their assumptions. I discovered whisky-making shares a similar philosophy, rewarding time, patience, and curiosity.”

He continues: “I think about my projects as moments for people to cross thresholds into spaces that feel unlike day-to-day experiences. I approached the Captivo creative in a similar way, with the artwork acting as a portal into the world of Bowmore; into something extraordinary.”

Each whisky is represented by its own portal to reflect its individual character.

Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage showcases the influence that time and purposefully selected oak casks have on Bowmore’s spirit, and the journey the whisky undertakes to develop its flavours locked within the wood.

This expression has maturated for two decades in American oak ex-Bourbon casks and finally aged in American oak Oloroso sherry butts, to optimise richness and complexity. The whisky opens with notes of dark cherry, candied orange, and Manuka honey, complemented by an unexpected touch of cool eucalyptus and toasted oak, and finishing with smooth vanilla sweetness and a delicate whisper of campfire smoke.

Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit, which is a global travel retail exclusive, offers new dimensions of flavour with the influence of Spain, evoking the sense of adventure to bodegas and back to Islay.

This expression has matured in Spanish oak Oloroso sherry and American oak ex-bourbon casks, with an Oloroso sherry hogshead finish, providing tropical fruit and cracked black pepper notes, balanced by soft oak and smoked toffee, with a lingering finish of sweet peat smoke and a touch of charred mango.

Dr Calum Fraser, master blender, Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, says: “These beautifully aged whiskies are intentionally designed to reward exploration and reveal layers of flavour over time. While Bowmore’s signature style remains at their heart, balancing citrus, sweetness, and delicate smoky notes, each expression showcases the influence of different oak casks in a distinct way.  

“The richness of Oak Voyage and the smooth sweetness of Sherry Cask Pursuit demonstrate the remarkable impact of time and cask selection. Snarkitecture has captured that sense of discovery brilliantly, creating designs that express the individuality of each whisky, while remaining true to Bowmore’s heritage.”

The Bowmore Captivo Collection Oak Voyage (50.8% ABV) is priced at $360 USD / £312 GBP / 360 EUROS RSP*. Bowmore Captivo Collection Sherry Cask Pursuit (51.8% ABV) is $380 USD / £320 GBP RSP. Both are available now on Bowmore.com (ROW) / Bowmore.com (UK).

Oak Voyage will be available in Harrods in the UK from 1st September, followed by the US, Asia, Northern Europe and Canada, with Sherry Cask Pursuit available in select global travel retail later this year.

About Bowmore®

Established over 245 years ago in 1779, Bowmore is Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, and Scotland’s second oldest. This legacy affords the distillery an enviable inventory of maturing stock, iconic releases, and warrants its position as one of the most collectable whiskies in the world.

Bowmore’s premium single malts are crafted with intent and age like no other, to offer exceptional depth and layers of flavour. Its signature style is defined by rich and fruity notes and a delicate peated complexity.

Each stage of Bowmore’s whisky-making process is precise and measured. From its floor maltings and peat smoke to dry the barley, ensuring the smoky and fruity complexity, to the long fermentation and slow distillation, enhancing the signature citrus fruit taste. –

Bowmore’s expressions continue to be globally recognised. Recent accolades include:

• ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ and gold at World Whiskies Awards 2026 for Bowmore 21-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask
• Double gold for Bowmore 15-Year-Old and Bowmore 18-Year-Old, and gold for Bowmore 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask, at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026
• Gold at International Spirits Challenge 2026 for Bowmore 14-Year-Old Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish, Bowmore 18-Year-Old and Bowmore 25-Year-Old
• Gold at International Wine and Spirits Competition 2026 for Bowmore 9-Year-Old

The distillery welcomes visitors to be immersed in the spirit of the whisky and its Islay home. With the shore of Loch Indaal as the backdrop, experiences include sampling small-batch distillery exclusives, access to the ‘Vaults Secrets Tasting Room’ and stepping inside the legendary No.1 Vaults – one of the world’s oldest maturation warehouses – for the rare opportunity to taste whiskies drawn directly from casks. Adjacent to the distillery, Bowmore Cottages offer the perfect place to stay and explore the historic town of Bowmore.

About Snarkitecture

Snarkitecture is a New York–based design practice founded in 2008 that pushes the boundaries between art and architecture. Snarkitecture collaborates with clients and partners across disciplines to reimagine the familiar into sensory, experience-driven environments. The Snarkitecture team is dedicated to “making architecture perform the unexpected,” transforming the everyday into unfamiliar and memorable environments.

Snarkitecture has collaborated with some of the world’s most influential fashion houses and culture-shaping lifestyle brands, with works across scales and typologies, including retail, hospitality, residential, collectible design, and object collaborations. For more information about Snarkitecture, visit https://www.snarkitecture.com/ or follow Snarkitecture on @snarkitecture on Instagram.

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium American whiskeys, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki® and Hibiki®; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequilas and Roku® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Bartender Created Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society, and aims to have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.

The Glenturret Deux Terrains 21 Years Old

Whisky Magazine has partnered with The Glenturret to introduce one of the year’s most exclusive whisky releases.

Deux Terrains 21 Years Old is more than an exceptional single malt. It’s a collector’s delight from Scotland’s oldest working distillery, created for those who appreciate genuine rarity and uncompromising craftsmanship.

Matured with the influence of exceptional Sauternes casks, Deux Terrains unites two worlds: the celebrated vineyards of Bordeaux and the whisky-making heritage of the Scottish Highlands. The result is a whisky of remarkable elegance, depth, and complexity.

Only 500 individually hand-numbered bottles have been released worldwide. Once allocated, there will be no further release.

Available exclusively through The Glenturret, this is a rare opportunity to secure one of the distillery’s most limited bottlings.

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A Whisky Few Will Ever Own

Tasting Notes by Whisky Magazine

The Glenturret Deux Terrains 21 Years Old

Highland single malt Scotch whisky

42.8% ABV, RRP £750

Nose: The nose opens with a bright, tropical lift, with juicy pineapple and golden melon sitting alongside green apple and fresh croissants. Earthy vanilla pods, red cherry, cinnamon buns, and a touch of oak polish emerge with time.

Palate: Sumptuously creamy with a smattering of ginger, nutmeg and wood spices, the palate brings raspberry, orange peel and decadent milk chocolate notes, lifted by a subtle nuttiness and a crack of black pepper.

Finish: Medium to long, with lingering oak spices, dark chocolate, and dried citrus peels.

 Comments: A remarkably elegant, poised whisky that offers pleasing structure alongside inviting fruit and baking spice notes. One to savour.

A celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for terroir, The Glenturret Deux Terrains 21 Years Old represents an astonishing new chapter in the history of the distillery.

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Introducing Benromach 12 – a brand new flagship expression!

Introducing Benromach 12 – a brand new flagship expression! When we found out Benromach were working on a brand new sherry cask matured 12 year old – the excitement, and anticipation was real! So it’s a real treat to share the good news that a new signature release from sunny Forres has finally arrived at The Whisky Shop! Even better news is its priced at an excellent

£49. 

Benromach distillery has been carefully restored and has revived a lost Speyside whisky style using time-honoured methods. Marking an evolution in maturing stock, the 12 year old from Benromach becomes part of their signature range, this one is here to stay.

Matured in first-fill sherry casks and bottled at a higher strength of 46% abv, this whisky has great depth all while staying true to the distillery’s signature subtly smoky character. Delivering rich fruitcake, vibrant raspberry and orange notes with freshly cracked pepper and a touch of smoke, this whisky is guaranteed to be delicious. Delve deeper into the tasting notes above!

If you have been following us for a while, you will know how much has gone into getting our distillery to this point — two years of construction and a 200-year-old building that demanded nothing but the very best. But once the distillery was built, the next challenge was commissioning our copper pot stills!

Martin, and the team, have worked tirelessly over the past weeks, running through final checks, and making sure every single piece of equipment was performing exactly as it should.

And then — it happened. The first distillations ran at Stannergill Distillery. New make spirit, born in Caithness, made from local barley and pure Highland water. We cannot quite put into words what it felt like to watch that spirit flow for the first time. Years of dreaming, planning, and building — and there it was.

Fancy your own cask?

We are very excited now to be welcoming all of our Cask Owners to come along to fill their cask! If you would like to be part of the excitement with your very own cask then please get in touch for details or find out more on our website.

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Why You Should Try a Blind Whisky Tasting

Picture this: it’s just you and the liquid. No labels, age statements, flavour notes or price tag. That’s why our teachers and contributing experts love blind tastings. They strip away expectations and let you experience every dram for what it really is. You might even discover a new favourite you’d never have picked off the shelf.

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