Rhythm and Booze Records Releases Its First Whisky Blended Directly to Match an Artist’s Sound

The award-winning indie bottler and record label releases its fourth bottle in collaboration with fellow indie bottler Cask Le Sens, a superb blended Scotch inspired by the music of Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Nicole Cassandra Smit.

Tasting exceptional spirits while listening to great music is one of life’s great pleasures. Now, the indie bottler and record label that embodies this combination is back with its most ambitious release yet.

Rhythm and Booze Records, the world’s first combination independent record label and spirits bottler, has released its fourth bottle: Rhythm and Booze Records #4: Nicole Cassandra Smit — Blended Scotch Whisky, created in collaboration with whisky consultancy company and indie bottler Cask Le Sens. The release pairs an expertly crafted blended Scotch whisky with an exclusive collection of original songs by Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Nicole Cassandra Smit, recorded specifically for this bottle and available nowhere else.

As with all Rhythm and Booze Records spirits, the bottle’s front label showcases the featured artist, while a QR code on the back label leads to a private link where buyers can stream or download Nicole’s new songs to enjoy as they pour themselves a dram. The music is exclusive to the bottle and will not be available on any streaming platform.

This is the first Rhythm and Booze Records release to reverse the creative process: rather than curating a ready-to-bottle spirit to pair with the featured tunes, the creation of this whisky was directly inspired by Nicole’s music and blended together by Cask Le Sens co-founder Winnie Ng. The result is a blend that mirrors Nicole’s sound – initially sweet, easygoing and accessible, before revealing surprising depth and playful complexity the longer you sit with it.

Felipe Schrieberg, co-founder of Rhythm and Booze Records, describes the creative philosophy behind the release: “This is the first time we’ve created a whisky that was directly inspired by the music rather than the other way around. Nicole’s sound shaped the decisions made at the blending table. The result is something we’re genuinely proud of not just as a whisky or a music release, but as a single unified artistic statement.”

Winnie welcomed working on the ambitious challenge: “This is a project I have been longing to bring to life: curating a whisky that truly connects with music, to build a blend from scratch that fits the vibe and voice of a specific artist without any shortcuts and no pre-blended whisky in the recipe.”

To create the whisky, she included a significant portion of 35-year-old Invergordon grain whisky which contributes creamy, buttery richness at the heart of the expression. Malts sourced from Speyside and the Highlands provide structural integrity and fruity character.

Nicole is also thrilled about the new bottle featuring her music. Born in Jakarta, Indonesia and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, she draws on a rich and varied background, weaving together blues, soul, R&B, and pop across a deeply personal body of work. She first made her name on the Scottish live scene through sell-out performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and Jazz & Blues Festival, fronting acts including Nicole & The Back-Up Crew and lo-fi trio Smitten. Her 2022 debut solo album Third in Line blends soul and blues with experimental electronica.

For this release, Nicole revisits her lo-fi roots with a deeply personal collection of songs celebrating her heritage and family.

“I wanted these songs to feel intimate and honest,” Nicole says. “And I think the whisky captures that same feeling, something warm and welcoming on the surface, but with real depth and character underneath.”

Rhythm and Booze Records #4: Nicole Cassandra Smit – Blended Scotch Whisky is bottled at 50% ABV with only 300 bottles available and is available for £65 on the website for Cask Le Sens’ UK distributor Ruiseart Spirits as well as select retailers.

About Rhythm and Booze Records

Rhythm and Booze Records is an award-winning independent record label and spirits bottler, and the first of its kind in the world. Founded by award-winning whisky writer and musician Felipe Schrieberg and drummer Paul Archibald, the label pairs high-quality aged spirits with original music from artists spanning a broad range of sounds and styles.

About Cask Le Sens

“Le Sens” means “senses”, “direction” and “meaning” in French – reflecting our mission to guide whisky enthusiasts back to the pure joy of sharing and tasting whiskies, beyond the investment-focused market.

Co-founded by Hong Kong-born whisky enthusiasts Louie Lam, Winnie Ng and Richard Wong, Cask Le Sens specializes in whole cask trading, consultancy, and brokerage services, providing casks for enthusiasts, independent bottlers, bars, and whisky clubs, while also releasing their exclusive and collaborative bottlings.

Tasting Notes

– Body: Creamy and fresh

– Nose: Baked pears and vanilla custard lead the way, followed by butter cookies, cinnamon and caramel. Softer citrus notes of grapefruit peel round out the nose.

– Taste: Cookies take centre stage: stroopwafels, Swedish pepparkakor ginger cookies, Indonesian nastar pineapple tart cookies and traditional digestive biscuits all compete for attention. Orange citrus freshness persists at the edges, while cloves and prunes hint at additional depths.

Release details

– Name: Rhythm and Booze Records #4: Nicole Cassandra Smit — Blended Scotch Whisky

– Nicole’s EP

– Price: £65.00 (inc. UK VAT), 70cl

– ABV: 50%

– Outturn: 300 bottles

– Label Design: Adrian Borque

– Shop

Links

– Rhythm and Booze Records:
www.rhythmandboozerecords.com

– Cask Le Sens 

Introducing the first Single Cask Releases of Isle of Tiree Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Both Cask E7 & Cask E8 have been matured in Single Ex-Bourbon Quarter Casks.

A limited number of the two bottlings will be available to pre-order on Friday 27th March at 10am.

Orders will be dispatched w/c 20th April.

Visit Our Website  

With March has come two things: St David’s Day this past Sunday, and the blooming of crowds of daffodils, whose friendly yellow heads line every available flowerbed or roadside, it seems. The combination has me reflecting on Welsh whisky — a lesser-known category, but nevertheless a celebrated one.

Welsh whisky (or Wisgi Cymreig) is known for its light and delicate style, although the small, dynamic nature of many of the country’s distilleries allows for variation and innovation. Below, I have collated four Welsh whiskies worthy of joining your whisky shelf this March.

March doesn’t just herald spring, here at Whisky Magazine. It’s the month of two of our most-anticipated events: the World Whiskies Awards 2026 global results, and Whisky Live & Fine Spirits London. I really can’t think of a better way to celebrate the brilliant work happening in the whisky industry at the moment.

Bradley Weir, Whisky Magazine editor

Aber Falls

Single Malt Welsh Whisky

Aber Falls captures the flavours of North Wales in its core single malt, part of a family of whiskies that includes special cask finishes.

Tasting notes… Citrus, florals, spice. Smooth, approachable, and very drinkable

Penderyn

2015 10-Year-Old Bourbon Cask

Distilled on the Brecon Beacons using pure natural spring water from the national park, this Whisky Exchange exclusive is the perfect encapsulation of Penderyn’s spirit.

Tasting notes… Sponge cake and pastry. Sweet and fruity.

In the Welsh Wind

Brychan Blended Malt

Brychan has just been named Best Welsh Blended Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, meaning there’s never been a better time to try it.

Tasting notes… Chocolate, honey, fruit. Try this in a cocktail.

Dà Mhìle

Sherry Hogshead 2025 Release

At 9 Years Old, this organic single malt is Dà Mhìle’s oldest release to date. The distillery recommends pairing it with patatas bravas — how could we resist?

Tasting notes… Cherry, green apples, vanilla. A great achievement.

Distillery Corner: Tamdhu

Join Kirsty & Vic discussing Tamdhu; a distillery that’s become a firm favourite for sherry cask lovers (and for Vic, who says “the whisky is just fantastic”). Matured exclusively in first-fill sherry casks, Tamdhu delivers sweet vanilla, dried fruits and rich depth.

It’s a brilliant example of how quality spirit and quality wood come together. Shoutout too to the excellent Distillery Manager, Sandy McIntyre, who’s always been on hand to help us with filming and fun site visits. Superb guy.

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ralfy review 1120 Extras – Irish Whiskey in 2026 (IN My Opinion)

Maker’s Mark Unveils 2026 Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release

LORETTO, Ky., March 9, 2026 – Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the 2026 release of its Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release—an expression inspired by the distillery’s operations teams who guide the bourbon’s journey from first fermentation to final bottling.

“From the beginning, Maker’s Mark has been guided by my grandparents’ pursuit of exceptional flavor and deep respect for everyone who makes our whisky—from our grain growers to those who barrel and bottle our bourbon,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark. “We continue to honor our founders’ vision through the Wood Finishing Series, which showcases our innovative spirit, celebrates our quality and craftsmanship and recognizes the teams who make our whisky possible.” 

The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series features one-of-a-kind expressions crafted using an innovative wood stave finishing technique that amplifies the distinctive characteristics of the brand’s signature bourbon. The Stewards Release (2026) opens with bright aromas evoking cherry pie and vanilla bean, layered with tasting notes of honey, toasted marshmallow and candied ginger, culminating in a vibrant finish marked by stone fruit and salted caramel.

“Consumers today want exceptional whisky, but they’re also interested in the values behind the brand and the people who make it,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark. “Bartenders feel the same way. They want to know more about the process, the ingredients and the craftsmanship in what they pour. The Stewards Release brings that philosophy to life, inspired by the operational leaders at Star Hill Farm and the care that goes into every step of production.”

Marking the midpoint of a five-year journey, the Stewards Release (2026) is the third installment in the second Wood Finishing Series. Set to conclude in 2028, this series explores the people behind the proof and follows The Keepers Release (2025), inspired by the warehouse team who ensure every barrel of Maker’s Mark matures consistently to the founders’ taste vision, and The Heart Release (2024), inspired by the distillery team—the makers of Maker’s Mark, crafting its handmade bourbon in Loretto, Kentucky.

The Stewards Release will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% ABV / 109.6 proof, and the other at 56.65% ABV / 113.3 proof. Both will be available at U.S. retailers at a suggested MSRP of $74.99 beginning today. For more information, please visit www.MakersMark.com.

About Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark® is the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world. In 1953, founders Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr. broke from tradition—burning the family’s 170-year-old recipe to create a bold, balanced bourbon made with soft red winter wheat for signature sweetness and creaminess. From the start, the Samuels went to remarkable lengths to craft uncompromisingly delicious bourbon—a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today. Every bottle is still hand-dipped in red wax, every barrel rotated by hand and every decision guided by the brand’s higher purpose.

Staying true to its founders’ vision, Maker’s Mark has expanded its portfolio with award-winning, super-premium expressions, including Maker’s Mark 46, Cask Strength, and Cellar Aged, as well as Private Selection, the brand’s custom barrel program. In 2025, the distillery debuted Star Hill Farm Whisky, its first-ever wheat whisky. Award-winning and the first to earn Estate Whiskey certification, Star Hill Farm Whisky inspired the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, a bold commitment to advance regenerative farming beyond its business, inviting farms, bars and restaurants to join the movement.

Maker’s Mark is proud to be both B Corp and Regenified Certified – milestones driven by the sustainability leadership at Star Hill Farm, home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which strives to be the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world.

Learn more at www.makersmark.com.

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 whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium 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. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and 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

DISTILLING THE SPIRIT OF PARIS

The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell, and Joan Roca, chef at El Celler de Can Roca, set out to capture the essence of Paris, the capital of cuisine and birthplace of modern dining.

The experience was brought to life with acclaimed chef Anne-Sophie Pic as host, offering a refined lens on the city’s culinary spirit.

They immersed themselves in the rituals of “l’art de la table”, the French tradition of transforming meals into meaningful experiences. Through people, places and flavours, they captured the spirit of Paris. Their journey inspired both a single malt and a menu that reflect the city’s distinctive character.

READ THE STORY

“This whisky is a deeply personal creation, inspired by my time in Paris with Joan Roca and Anne-Sophie Pic. Paris embodies elegance, passion, and sophistication, and I embraced the challenging yet beautiful task of distilling its very soul – an essence that can now be savoured.”

Kirsteen Campbell
Master Whisky Maker

WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY

THE WHISKY

This limited-edition single malt captures the essence of Paris through the tastes, aromas and sensations of a journey.Notes of sandalwood and gentle spices open on the nose and linger on the finish, a subtle nod to the city’s storied perfume houses. Soft toasted oak evokes the incense of Paris’ historic landmarks, while notes of sweet nectarine and peach melba on the palate recall the elegance of classic French patisserie.

DISCOVER

Mac-Talla PX is the second expression in the range to focus on full Pedro Ximénez maturation, delivering a rich and opulent take on Islay single malt. Matured in a combination of first fill PX sherry butts and refill PX sherry hogsheads, this release brings together the depth of PX sherry influence with the unmistakable character of Islay spirit. Bottled at a robust 52.8% ABV, Mac-Talla PX offers a deeply flavoured style that shows the Mac-Talla range at its most indulgent.

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The Whisky Loch: A Lesson in Cycles

You know the saying history doesn’t repeat itself but it rhymes? Recent talk of maturing stockpiles amid slowing demand has prompted comparisons with the infamous “Whisky Loch” of the 1980s… a time when Scottish warehouses were quite literally awash with spirit that nobody seemed to need or know what to do with.

In another thoughtful piece for our blog, Iain Russell revisits that turbulent period: how overconfidence in booming markets led to surplus, closures, corporate upheaval and some surprisingly cheap mature whisky. He asks what lessons can be learned from the familiar pattern we’re seeing today.

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