The GlenAllachie adds to Sherry Series with rare Palo Cortado matured single malt

Building on the success of a trio of initial releases, The GlenAllachie has today, April 21, unveiled the fourth chapter in its celebrated Sherry Series: the new 11-year-old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

First launched in April 2024, the Sherry Series explores the influence different secondary Sherry cask maturations can have on whisky of the same cask history, with this latest expression finished in one of rarest and most intriguing styles of sherry – Palo Cortado – showcasing the distillery’s commitment to exceptional wood management.

This new 11-year-old expression enjoyed a period of secondary maturation in Palo Cortado sherry casks and delivers a beautifully layered flavour experience with notes of ripe plums, dark mocha and warming cinnamon spice, balanced with refined dryness and depth.

Originally born of a happy accident in the mid 19th Century and now revered by connoisseurs, Palo Cortado is the rarest and most enigmatic sherry style. It begins as a young Fino (the driest and palest sherry style) before being refortified to 17.5-18% ABV, which causes the protective flor yeast to dissipate and triggers oxidative aging.

This unique process gives it a signature balance – the flavour profile sits between Amontillado and  Oloroso, combining the aromatic finesse of the former with the structure, body and richness of the latter.

Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie, Billy Walker, commented:

“With the Sherry Series, we set out to create expressions that spark curiosity and invite deeper conversation. The extended secondary maturation allows the spectacular nuances and variations of each sherry style to reveal themselves completely, taking centre stage in a way that’s both bold and refined.

In this bottling, we have combined The GlenAllachie’s signature heather honey character with Palo Cortado’s deeply complex, sweet and nutty aromas – creating a whisky with a remarkable spectrum of flavour that has surpassed our expectations.”

Each cask in The Sherry Series begins its journey in the renowned sherry-producing region of Cádiz, where premium casks are sourced from the distillery’s trusted bodega partners before being transported to Speyside. Each expression is initially matured in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels before undergoing secondary maturation in a single, expertly selected sherry cask type, allowing the distinct characteristics of the wood to shine through.

Bottled at a robust 48% ABV, this latest expression is presented at natural colour and without chill filtration, ensuring the whisky retains its full character and complexity.

With this latest release, The GlenAllachie continues to push the boundaries of cask maturation, offering whisky enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the nuanced influence of Palo Cortado sherry on Speyside single malt.

The GlenAllachie 11-year-old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky release is available now from The GlenAllachie Distillery and online at  www.glenallachie.com with a UK RRP of £62.99. It will become available globally in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit www.theglenallachie.com.

ABV: 48%
RRP £62.99
Natural colour and non-chill filtered

Tasting notes:
COLOUR: Polished Mahogany.

NOSE: Cinnamon spice, butterscotch and damson plum, with notes of heather honey, raisin butter and crystalised ginger.

TASTE: Toasted honeycomb, fresh brambles and baking spices, followed by maraschino cherries, mocha and plum jam, with treacle and chocolate.

About The GlenAllachie Distillery

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts over a half-century’s tenure in whisky. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, The GlenAllachie Distillery have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

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. The result 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 Distiller 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.

Our first outrun of 2026 is here! 

Our Quarter 1 outrun is now live, and we’re delighted to present a truly flavoursome and diverse selection of casks. This release explores a range of long ex-sherry finishes, each bringing its own distinct character. From the rich, dark sweetness of oloroso, synonymous with classic Scotch maturation, to the drier, more delicate influence of manzanilla, and the deeper, slightly sweeter tones of amontillado. Alongside these, we’ve included a refill barrel and hogshead, allowing the original distillate to shine through with clarity and elegance most notably in our Port Charlotte and Tamnavulin releases. We’re also excited to present one of the oldest Dalmunach bottlings we’re aware of, a remarkable 10-year-old matured in oloroso. We have a special Robert Burns edition of St Bridget’s Kirk celebrating John Barleycorn. With artwork done by local artist, Steven Shand.  This delicious blended malt whisky is a marriage of Glen Spey from a port cask, Caol Ila from a port cask and Glen Moray from an ex-bourbon barrel blended and married together in an ex-oloroso quarter cask. Bottled at 48.5%

Ardmore 12 Year Old – Refill Ex-Oloroso Finish | Auchroisk 11 Year Old – Ex-Manzanilla Finish | Blair Athol 11 Year Old – Ex-Amontillado Finish | Dalmunach 10 Year Old – Ex-Oloroso Barrel | Mortlach 13 Year Old – Ex-Oloroso Finish |Port Charlotte  20 Year Old – Refill Barrel | Tamnavulin 10 Year Old – Refill Hogshead  |St Bridget’s Kirk John Barleycorn Edition

Please note that in order to better support our retail partners this outrun and future outruns is not being sold through our website. Links to stockists can be found via the tab on our homepage. All releases were bottled at our site in Dalgety Bay by hand.

Tasting the Distillery Team Single Cask

A dram with the team in Warehouse 1-1

The countdown to festival season is officially on, but if you can’t wait until First Friday tomorrow, our Festivals Bundle 2026 offers a taste of all five of Scotland’s regions. These five bottles have been specially selected by our Whisky Team to celebrate the launch of festival season.

The Festivals Bundle 2026:

Cask No. 1.304:Sanlúcar sunset

Cask No. 53.521:Smoky umami heaven

Cask No. 93.230:Caribbean dreams in Campbeltown

Cask No. 149.24: A farmer in hospital by the sea

Cask No. 156.7: No mean confection

LEARN MORE

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

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 600: Arran 10 Year Old Arran Barley

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a new Arran. In 2025, Arran announced a new ten-year-old malt: the Arran Barley. As the name suggests, this malt was distilled using barley grown on the island. Mark first tasted it in November 2025 at the excellent Spirits in the Sky festival in Brussels and not long afterwards he received a bottle as a gift from a few colleagues, so it’s high time to sample it again, he feels.

https://youtu.be/a-RfmL9kBPs

ARDBEG FUSES SICILIAN SWEET WITH ISLAY PEAT FOR LIMITED-EDITION ARDBEG DAY RELEASE

< Whisky matured in Marsala dolce casks invites fans to experience the taste of la dolce vita… Islay-style >

Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg. This year on Saturday 30^th May, smoky malt lovers will embrace la dolce vita (the sweet life) Islay-style. At the Distillery and events worldwide, in tribute to Ardbeg Dolce fans will rekindle the glamour of 1960s Italian cinema with an Ardbeggian twist. This limited edition has a heart aged in Marsala dolce casks, for a dramatic fusion of Sicilian sweet and Islay peat.

Ardbeg Dolce combines rare malt matured in Marsala dolce casks (the sweetest style of Sicily’s fortified wine), with classic bourbon cask-matured Ardbeg. The whisky turns up the volume on Ardbeg’s “peaty paradox” – its trademark balance of sweetness and smoke. In Ardbeg Dolce, aromas of sun-ripened oranges and apricots set the scene. Flavours of dark chocolate star alongside olive groves, then cut to soft smoke and salted nuts.

On Ardbeg Day, the Distillery – and at Committee events around the world – will celebrate the whisky’s union of flavours by reimagining la dolce vita through an Ardbeggian lens. Drawing on the iconic style of Italian cinema in the 1960s, events will blend Mediterranean glamour with the rugged authenticity of Islay. Committee members and their friends will taste Italian delicacies with Islay hints, taste the limited edition, play retro games and dance to medleys of Mediterranean street music and Scottish folk.

Gillian Macdonald, Master Blender and Co-Chair of the Ardbeg Committee, said: “Uniting whisky matured in Marsala dolce casks and classic Ardbeg, Ardbeg Dolce is a dramatic blend of Mediterranean sweetness and Islay peat. Sweet notes of apricot, marmalade and dark chocolate rub shoulders with salty, smoky flavours and roasted nutty tones. Enjoy this limited edition in a Sicilian courtyard, on rain-drenched Scottish island or wherever you are. We think it’ll be an instant classic.”

Bryony McNiven, Distillery Manager and Committee Co-Chair, said: “For smoky malt lovers, life doesn’t get much sweeter than on Ardbeg Day. And this year, we’re celebrating the sweet life Islay-style. It’s time to dial up the 1960s spirit and enjoy ‘la dolce Islay’!”

Ardbeg Dolce will be available to buy worldwide from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers, and from the Distillery Visitor Centre.  Ardbeg Committee members will be given the opportunity to purchase the bottling on www.ardbeg.com on the 26^th May, four days before its official release from 30^th May, RRP: £85.

For more news on Ardbeg Day 2026 and all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee

Ardbeg Dolce Tasting Notes:

ABV: 47.8%

Colour:         Sunset Orange

Aroma:        Rich and complex. The smoke is mellowed by bursts of apricot, plump raisins, sticky date and tangy stewed apple. Orange marmalade lifts it all with a citrusy brightness. A splash of water reveals the deeper, earthier layers: roasted mushrooms, pine needles, salted fish, capers and olives. An Islay pantry meets a Sicilian garden.

Taste:           Spices lead the way in cinnamon, star anise and a flicker of liquorice heat. Then the sweetness unfolds with maple-smoked wood, baked dates with walnuts, honeycomb and dark chocolate. Dried fruits follow close behind, wrapped in lemon rind and balanced by a savoury twist of salted nuts and dried herbs.

Finish:           The finish is long and layered, with smoked applewood, drying tobacco, bonfire embers and rich, chewy peat oils.

RRP: £85/ €99

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.

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.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, Kentucky Senator Bourbon Announce Limited Single Barrel Release

LEXINGTON, KY – April 2026 – The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and Kentucky Senator Bourbon teamed up on a Single Barrel Bourbon offering to benefit fallen riders. The 140-bottle release is part of the Jim Bunning Release commemorating the legacy of the Hall of Fame Baseball player and former Kentucky Senator who worked tirelessly to advance Kentucky’s two signature industries, Bourbon and Thoroughbred racing.

“PDJF is so proud to be associated with such a fantastic premium brand as Kentucky Senator Bourbon. The founders understand Thoroughbred racing, and the risks jockeys face every time they get in the saddle, better than anyone,” said PDJF President Joe Clabes. “Their commitment to our cause is deeply appreciated by all our recipients. Great partnerships like this help us to sustain and increase the benefits we distribute each month and provide hope for those who have sacrificed so much for the sport we love.”

The barrel for this release was personally selected by jockey Julien Leparoux, PDJF President Joe Clabes, and Kentucky Senator Bourbon founders, Damon Thayer and Andre Regard. Leparoux is the winner of the 2026 George Woolf Award, which recognizes the rider selected by his peers whose career and personal character exemplify excellence in the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing. Damon Thayer is a former Kentucky State Senator and an inductee to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame for his legislative advocacy on behalf of the industry. Andre Regard, direct descendant of Bourbon pioneer Basil Hayden, carries on his family’s rich tradition.

“We are proud to be associated with the PDJF efforts to support fallen riders,” said Regard and Thayer. “We also thank our Single Barrel partners Frank & Dinos and Blinkers Tavern, and jockey Julien Leparoux for helping us select an excellent barrel of our bourbon. There are 140 bottles of this special release, and the sale of each one will benefit the PDJF.”

The Jim Bunning PDJF Limited Single Barrel Release is aged eight and a half years and bottled at barrel strength 126.4 proof. The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. The bourbon is distilled and aged in Kentucky and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Bottles can be purchased at Frank and Dinos in Lexington and Blinkers Tavern in Covington. Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC, Frank and Dino’s and Blinkers Tavern will be contributing a portion of their proceeds from the sales of commemorative bottles to the PDJF.

The bottles will be featured prominently and available to purchase at the 13th Annual Frank & Dino’s PDJF Fundraiser on April 20th. Tickets for this event can be purchased by contacting Frank & Dino’s before April 15th at (859) 303-4007. An additional event will be scheduled at Blinkers Tavern for a date to be determined.

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character, and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for at least six years (the same length as a U.S. senate term), but often longer.

Founded by Damon Thayer and Andre Regard, Kentucky Senator revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler and Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.

About PDJF

The PDJF supports former riders who have suffered life-altering injuries. With the addition of new board members, the organization is poised to strengthen its fundraising efforts, enhance outreach, and advocate more effectively for the needs of these injured athletes. For more information about the PDJF and its mission or to donate, please visit www.pdjf.org.

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Bruichladdich Micro Provenance 14 Year Old Single Cask #2308 TWS Exclusive

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

Port Dundas 26 Year Old 1999 Stiùbhart 50.6% 70cl

Older single grains are a delight, and this release from independent bottler Stiùbhart is no exception. Distilled at the now-closed Port Dundas distillery before the turn of the millennium, it’s been aged in a refill bourbon barrel before bottling in May 2025. A stunningly elegant whisky, with an array of sweet orchard fruit, baking spice, and vanilla notes. Gentle yet intricate, it’s a must-taste for single grain lovers.

£169.96

The Good Dram Show – Episode 632 ‘Japanese Whisky’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a selection of Japanese whiskies. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 632 – The Japanese Elephant In The Room…! Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

Featuring

Fuji Gotemba ‘Kirin-Fuji Sanroku’ Single Grain 50% www.fujigotemba-distillery.com 

Nikka Coffey Grain 45% Nikka Coffey Malt 45%

Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage 51.4% https://www.nikka.com/en/

Onikishi Sakura Blended Japanese Whisky 43% www.milestonebeverages.com/br

Yamakaki Limited Edition 2022 43% www.suntory.com/factory/yamazaki/