THE FIRST AND LAST WHISKY  DISTILLERY ON THE SCOTTISH MAINLAND

In 1821 William Smith founded a distillery on the outskirts of Thurso and named it Wolfburn after the watercourse it drew from, “burn” being the Scots word for stream or small river. Despite great success in its early years, the distillery suffered greatly after the war and by the 70s it was recorded on the first ever Ordnance Survey map in ruins.

In 2011 planning began to reinstate the Wolfburn brand and distillery. By 2013 Shane Fraser from Glenfarclas and Iain Kerr from Glenlivet have joined and the distillery is once again in operation. 150 years after its inception and just a short walk from the original distillery site. Since then, they have released  a number of well-received expressions and won a plethora of coveted awards.

SHOP ALL WOLFBURN WHISKY

Lady of the Glen New Release Focus

Quarter One 2021 Release

A great new line up from Gregor Hannah and his Lady of the Glen Range of whiskies. The first release of 2021 sees two fully matured Sherry casks, two full bourbon casks and a particularly wonderful Marsala finish. Fantastic Single Casks and hugely limited bottles available now from the Inverurie Whisky Shop.

View the Full Range

STAY-AT-HOME WITH CUPID:

CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY WITH THE WORLD’S MOST ENTERTAINING WHISKY CLUB

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society announces popular SMWS Home Dining experience is available for UK mainland delivery this Valentine’s Day

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is bringing its first-class Home Dining experience to you, wherever you are. With the entire country being asked to stay at home once more, SMWS continue to share the Society experience with all members across the UK this Valentine’s Day.

Home Dining kits are available for delivery across mainland UK on 4^th – 5^th and 11^th – 12^th February, priced at £95 for 2 people or £165 for four. They are also available for click and collect from the 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh or 38 Bath Street, Glasgow Members’ Rooms on 4-6^th and 11-13^th February priced at £85 for 2 people or £155 for 4 people: https://smws.com/home-dining

The Feast of Saint Valentine was established in AD 496, to be celebrated annually on 14^th February in honour of Saint Valentine of Rome. This year, the award-winning SMWS team from Edinburgh’s 28 Queen Street will prepare an exceptional three-course menu, served alongside chef’s own chocolate truffles and a special Cupid’s Whisky Sour cocktail, and of course three expertly paired SMWS drams.

For the true SMWS experience, you will also receive videos from Executive Head Chef James Freeman and SMWS ambassadors, helping you skillfully plate your meal and appreciate your delicious drams.

SMWS have launched dedicated social channels along with the hashtag #smwshomedining to support the growing appreciation of their Home Dining experience:

F: https://www.facebook.com/smwsathome/

T: https://twitter.com/SMWSathome

I: https://www.instagram.com/smwsathome/

Unique whisky experiences that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home are at the heart of this colourful whisky club, and annual membership starts from just £65: https://smws.com/whisky-club-membership

But being part of its ever-growing community of over 27,000 whisky fans goes beyond the Society’s outstanding single-cask spirits. Membership provides exclusive access to Members’ Rooms in Edinburgh, London and Glasgow as well as a calendar of UK-wide virtual tasting events. 

https://www.smws.com/

f: https://www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk

i: https://www.instagram.com/smws_uk/

t: https://twitter.com/SMWSUK

yt: https://www.youtube.com/user/SMWSsilverscreen/videos

#SMWS 

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 27,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 146 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages which can be tailored. Please see https://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

WHAT DIFFERENCE CAN ONE CASK MAKE?

Sometimes magic is most mesmerising when it takes you by surprise. We’d been searching for something to partner with a parcel of malt whisky from the closed distillery of Imperial, trying to make the most of its beautiful flavour. Then in 2019, the answer appeared out of nowhere. We realised that a remarkably precocious whisky from a Sherry cask experiment combined perfectly, and a new iteration of Magic Cask revealed itself. It was quite a revelation – one exceptional cask with such an extraordinary influence.

HOW THE MAGIC HAPPENED

After a year in ex-Bourbon barrels, we re-racked spirit from a heavyweight Speyside distillery into ten Oloroso Sherry-seasoned butts, prepared for us by José y Miguel Martín in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Cask #2 had no right to develop such compelling character in so short a space of time, but then, careful methodology always benefits from a little luck. When combined with the parcel from the Imperial Distillery that had been hiding its true calling for years, we discovered an exceptionally rich and layered blended malt Scotch whisky that we just loved.

A KIND OF ALCHEMY

Magic Cask offers aromas of marmalade and chai tea spices with hints of plum. Ripe, golden dessert apples dominate the luscious palate, supported by an oaky richness. Savour this whisky neat as a digestif to appreciate its power and depth.

Of course, an article like this can only tell you so much, which is why we’re hosting a virtual tasting on March 21st where you can really get to know Magic Cask. Click the banner below to sign up.

If you can’t wait that long, please reach out to your local specialist spirit retailer for availability or pick up a bottle from our online shop now. For those based in the U.S., you can expect to see it on shelves from the beginning of February.

Whisky Auctioneer’s January Auction is Now Live!

Our January Auction presents over 5,500 diverse whiskies including a new offering from Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection – the world’s largest private collection of whisky to come to auction. With thousands of whiskies to discover, we’ve whittled down some curated highlights picked by our in-house whisky experts for your attention…

SPECTACULAR BOTTLINGS FOR SCOMA

Our January Auction features two exceptionally rare releases from Islay bottled especially for SCOMA in Germany.

The cask strength Ardbeg is is one of the early Wm. Cadenhead “dumpies” from the early 1980s which are very rare and increasingly collectible. The ‘dark sherry’ Port Ellen bottled by James MacArthur remains one of the rarest and most sought-after of their bottlings, scoring a legendary 98 points from Serge Valentin on WhiskyFun.com.

REMARKABLE THE MACALLAN

Held over six dates in June and July 2014, The Ultimate Dinner was a series of charity events, co-hosted by The Macallan and the famous El Celler de Can Roca restaurant in Girona.

This exclusive single cask The Macallan was produced to accompany the eighth course of the dinner, and is one of no more than 12 bottled by the distillery, the majority of which would have been opened and poured at the dinner.

The events also featured charity auctions of rare, or again, exclusive bottlings of The Macallan. The latter is what we present here. A once in a lifetime opportunity, this single bottle of 1946 vintage The Macallan was drawn from cask #5 in 2014.

BOWMORE 12 YEAR OLD 1980s

Does rare Bowmore pique your interest? This unusual bottle of 12 year old whisky from the Bowmore distillery was exclusively produced for Japan. It bears the branding used by the distillery between 1979 and 1988 and is something of a curiosity.

BACK TO BACK BOURBON

American whiskey fans can rejoice at another extensive selection of rare novelties in our January Auction. Our top pick this month is the A.H. Hirsch Reserve 1974 15 Year Old, the second release of this legendary whiskey. Although stated as 15 years old, the whiskey was actually 16 years of age by the time it was bottled in 1990.

NOTEWORTHY NIKKA

One of just 1000 bottles, this incredibly rare vintage whisky from Nikka is sure to catch the eye of our Japanese whisky connoisseurs. Bottled in 1998, the whiskies in this blend were distilled in or before 1964 at Yoichi and Nishinomaya.

CASK OPPORTUNITIES

As we embrace a new year, there has been a lot of whisky in the news, including Bloomberg recently picking whisky casks as the hot alternative investment to watch for 2021.

If you are looking for a cask of whisky, our January Auction features some fantastic opportunities including casks distilled at Glenglassaugh, Ardmore and Dalmunach distilleries.

Tomintoul

Robert Flemming 1st Edition 30 Year Old Whisky

49.7% ABV | 70cl

This 30 Year Old Tomintoul Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been specially selected by Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, to commemorate his 30th anniversary as the custodian of Tomintoul Distillery, which began on 30th April 1990. Matured for twenty years in a Bourbon cask and ten years in an Oloroso Sherry butt, which yielded just 481 bottles, the First Edition is a rare and exceptional release.

Built in 1965 Tomintoul Distillery lies in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park, located close to Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland. Situated in the ancient Glenlivet Estate, the distillery takes its water from the pure, natural Ballantruan Spring, nestled in the Cromdale Hills. The natural environment, high altitude and exclusive use of the Ballantruan water source combine to produce the smooth and well balanced single malt that is Tomintoul, known as “the gentle dram”.

£499.95

Smokehead Whisky is not for everyone, but might be an ideal alternative whisky gift for Valentine’s Day! The bold Islay Single Malt Whisky brand has just released a Smokehead Skull Gift Tin, following the launch of Smokehead Rum Rebel, joining the original Smokehead expression.

Smokehead Rum Rebel, £54.99

Smokehead Original, £38.99

Smokehead Skull Gift Tin, £22.99

A bourbon that isn’t driven by heavy caramels and vanilla. A bourbon that is blended for a point of difference with stocks of the distilleries own now. A wonderful addition to your daily sipper cabinet.

High West was always abit of an illusion to me. Not easy to find in the UK, some very unusual titles and art work that is reminiscent of wanted posters from the late 1800’s. I’ve been a fan of their rarer options that I’ve been able to get hold of, but at £40 a bottle, the American Praire Bourbon is a must have. Cheers!

https://youtu.be/OQXiaj7_Eog

New single malt whisky distillery for Speyside Distillers as firm reveals plans for expansion

A major new distillery development has been announced for the Speyside region of Scotland.

Speyside Distillers, which operates the Speyside Distillery near Kingussie, has revealed its intention to build a new, state-of-the-art distillery in the region as part of its ambitious plans for expansion.

The firm – which is best known for its award-winning SPEY single malts – has also recently taken on two new members of distilling staff to assist with increased production.

Managing director Patricia Dillon said: “Last year was challenging for us, as it was for most businesses dealing with Covid-19. With our industry also facing the added problem of US tariffs, we have had to change our strategy to find new and innovative ways to drive our business forward.

Speyside Distillers Managing Director Patricia Dillon

“In 2019 we committed to increasing our distillate to meet rising demand, and this year we are producing five times our normal rates.

“Our plans for a new distillery will ensure that we can continue to distil the quantities of whisky required, while also allowing us room for further expansion.

“Although our full plans – including location and design – are currently under wraps, we’re looking forward to sharing more as they unfold over the coming months and years.”

Chief executive John Harvey McDonough is confident that this is the perfect next step for the SPEY brand and his Harvey family legacy. He said: “Building a new distillery is obviously a major commitment, and we are incredibly excited about the opportunities it shall bring for our single malt whisky brands.

John Harvey McDonough

“In recent months we have brought in two new team members – Martin MacLeod and Raymond MacKay – to assist long-serving employee Andrew Scorgie and distillery manager Allan Findlay, which will allow us to maintain the levels of production required to match demand.

“It’s important to us that we continue to embrace experience and history within the whisky industry, while also continuing to innovate and nurture new talent to ensure its bright future.”

Speyside Distillers operates the boutique Speyside Distillery near Kingussie, nestled in the foothills of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Exporting its high-quality spirits to 32 countries around the world, the distillery is well known for its single malt whiskies – SPEY and Beinn Dubh – made using traditional methods, as well as the popular Byron’s Gin. Although not open to the general public, the distillery’s award-winning spirits are available from its visitor centre, The Snug, in Aviemore.

For more information, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk and www.thesnugspeysidedistillery.co.uk or follow the distillery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Virtual Whisky Show: Old & Rare 2021

It’s that time again. As February rolls around, whisky fans from around the globe usually get ready to head to the UK to find some of the finest drams ever bottled from across whisky history at Whisky Show: Old & Rare. While that’s not going to be possible this year, we’re not going to let the year go unmarked. It’s time for Virtual Whisky Show: Old & Rare 2021.

How does that work?

Whisky Show: Old & Rare is very different to other whisky shows. The hundreds of bottles on offer are pulled from the collections of the world’s best bars and biggest collectors, and the show is all about the conversations and in-person sharing of drams – something that’s almost impossible to replicate online.

So, instead, we’ve decided to focus on one element of the show – the masterclasses. The chance to try some of the world’s finest whiskies, curated by the experts behind the show: The Whisky Exchange co-founder Sukhinder Singh, and whisky experts Angus MacRaild and Jonny McMillan.

This year’s show will run from 25-27 February and feature four masterclasses. Each class will be live-streamed on Facebook for anyone to watch, but we also have a tasting packs available if you’d like to taste along on Zoom with Sukhinder, Angus, Jonny, me and a whole host of guests from around the whisky world.

Find out more on the Virtual Whisky Show: Old & Rare website >

The Line-up

Sukhinder, Jonny and Angus have dug deep into their whisky collections and, after months of (occasionally heated) discussion, have created the four tasting line-ups, each examining something that they are passionate about in whisky – old-fashioned peat, waxy whisky, the wonder of old Longmorn and the overlooked masterpieces of Gordon & MacPhail.

Waxy Whisky
7pm Thursday 25 February 2021

When it comes to the character of old & rare whisky, waxiness is one of the most sought after flavours and textures. While the style is most commonly associated with Brora and Clynelish, there’s much more to the world of waxy whisky. This class looks into other distilleries and expressions distilled in the 1960s and 1970s, and asks ‘why?’ and ‘how?’. Our hosts will be joined by Roe and Co master distiller Lora Hemy, and whiskyfun.com creator and Clyenlish obsessive Serge Valentin to pull apart waxy drams and find out what makes them tick.

The drams:

• Glen Ord 30 Year Old Diageo Special Releases 2005
• Balvenie 1974 15 Year Old Signatory Vintage
• Clynelish 1972 24 Year Old Rare Malts
• Convalmore 1962 31 Year Old Cadenhead’s Authentic Collection
• Balblair 40 Year Old Single Malts of Scotland
• Clynelish 12 Year Old Green & Red Label

Learn more >
Buy the pack >

Longmorn
7pm Friday 26 February 2021

The way that whisky is made in Scotland means that we often don’t get a chance to try spirit from some of the greatest distilleries, other than in blends. Among those is Longmorn – one of Sukhinder’s favourite distilleries. Our hosts will be joined by The Whisky Exchange Old and Rare Spirits Manager Diego Lanza, and Catawiki whisky specialist Jeroen Koetsier for a look at what makes old Longmorn special. Expect old and elegantly fruity whisky with – especially if you ask Sukhinder – a touch of pink grapefruit.

The drams:

• Longmorn 10 Year Old Hill Thompson, bot.1960s
• Longmorn 15 Year Old Cadenhead Dumpy, bot.~1980
• Longmorn 1970 Berry Brothers, bot.1998
• Longmorn 1969 Signatory Vintage 10th Anniversary, bot.1998
• Longmorn 1970 36 Year Old Single Malts of Scotland
• Longmorn 1973 25 Year Old Hart Brothers, Port Wood

Learn more >
Buy the pack >

Gordon & MacPhail Old & Rare
4pm Saturday 27 February 2021

While Gordon & MacPhail is one of the best-known and -loved independent bottlers in the world, not all of its whiskies get the attention they deserve. Hiding in its extensive range of old and rare bottlings are the simply-presented, unassuming vintage bottlings. They are a surprisingly reasonably-priced way of trying long-aged whiskies, matured in excellent casks and distilled in the golden era of whisky production. I will be joined by Diego Lanza and Jason Vaswani from The Whisky Exchange’s Old & Rare spirits team to taste these old drams and look into the history of G&M’s bottlings.

The drams:

• Glen Grant 1966 45 Year Old
• Strathisla 1963 48 Year Old
• Glen Grant 1953 60 Year Old
• Strathisla 1972 40 Year Old
• Glenlivet 1955 56 Year Old
• Longmorn 1964 50 Year Old

Learn more >
Buy the pack >

Old-style Peat
7pm Saturday 27 February 2021

Peat may be one of the longest standing flavours in Scotch whisky, but it hasn’t been constant over the years. Changes in production and peat sources have changed the way that smoky, peaty flavours express themselves in whisky. While modern peat smoke can be wonderful, old-fashioned peat is a very different thing, and something worth examination. Our hosts will be joined by Scotch Whisky Research Institute senior scientist Frances Jack, and photographer, author and smoky whisky expert Marcel van Gils to dig deep into the history of peat and find out how and why things have changed.

The drams:

• Highland Park 1960 17 Year Old
• Port Ellen 1974 22 Year Old, Signatory Silent Stills, cask #6754
• Ardmore 1977 Samaroli 35th Anniversary, bot.2003
• Brora 32 Year Old, Diageo Special Releases 2011
• Glen Garioch 1972 Oddbins, bot.1990s
• Glenlochy 1965 37 Year Old Dun Eideann

Learn more >
Buy now >

See you at the show!

The tastings will all be live-streamed on The Whisky Exchange Facebook page for everyone to watch, but don’t forget that you can grab a pack to join in and taste along with us. You can find all the packs on The Whisky Exchange’s Virtual Whisky Show Old & Rare page.

And don’t worry if you miss a tasting – they’ll be up on Facebook and YouTube to watch again.

We look forward to (virtually) seeing you there!