We’re very pleased to present the 2025 Victoria Whisky Festival. The Victoria Whisky Festival will run through Thursday the 16^th, Friday the 17^th, Saturday the 18^th and Sunday the 19^th of January 2025 at the 5-star Hotel Grand Pacific located on Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour. To order tickets please contact Frank Hudson at info@victoriawhiskyfestival.com

St Bridget’s Kirk 35 Years Old

This exceptional whisky is created in a unique way by blending malt whiskies from different distilleries and differing spirit styles. Each batch is Small, bespoke and distinctively different from the last; blended, married, bottled and hand labelled in the Lady of the Glen warehouse where you’ll be glad to know, no artificial colouring of chill-filtration takes place. This unique 35 years old is a blend of malt and grain whiskies married and then matured in a single barrel with the youngest component being from December 1988. The final yield was 248 bottles that were bottled at 41.5%.

£89.00

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 548: Kemlya Black Oak Russian Single Malt

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tastes his very first Russian single malt. Kemlya is a distillery in Mordovia that was founded by Stepan Stepanovich Krotkov in 1828 in the village of the same name, halfway between Moscow and Samara. It has been in continuous production and will therefore celebrate its 200th anniversary in a few years. The production of whisky is much more recent. The first release dates from 2022. Mark’s friend Kit recently came to visit him and brought this beautifully packaged bottle. The Black Oak matured in two bourbon barrels (numbers #1367 and #1370) and was finished for 6 months in moist bog oak, barrels made from partly petrified, very old oak from a swampy area. Exciting!

https://youtu.be/1l-e90fPPSg

Loch Lomond Distillery underlines global growth in Scotch whisky market following exceptional performance at top global awards

Independent distiller gains recognition worldwide for its exceptional whiskies at both San Francisco World Spirts Competition 2024 and IWSC 2024

Loch Lomond Distillery has continued its upwards trajectory in the global Scotch whisky market with category-leading scores in the world-renowned 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

For the second time in the last three years, Loch Lomond Whisky is globally the fastest growing top 50 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, according to the latest data published by IWSR. This growth has been driven in part by the distillery’s commitment to quality and consistency, which has been recognised globally in the top awards.

This also marks the second consecutive year that Loch Lomond Distillery has taken home top scores in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, with Loch Lomond Whiskies winning ‘Best Single Cask Scotch’ for Cask 21/546-6 Exclusive Cask – 1st Fill Bordeaux Hogshead which was bottled exclusively for the Drammers Club in the US.

On top of the category win, Loch Lomond took home sixteen awards – more awards than any other Scotch whisky brand including a rare Platinum award for Loch Lomond 12 year old Inchmoan single malt for three consecutive years of double golds.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition results follow hot on the heels of multiple wins at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2024, where Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Inchmurrin single malt topped its category to be named the Best Scotch Whisky under 15 Years Old.

Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, and the remarkable Loch Lomond Distillery sits near its Southern Shores.  One of the most adept and capable distilleries in Scotland with the ability to create not just the flagship Loch Lomond Single Malt Scotch Whisky; but also single grain whisky, Spearhead; and its latest creation Noble Rebel, a trio of blended malt whiskies available in three diverse flavours – Hazelnut Harmony, Orchard Outburst and Smoke Symphony.

Together, these brands have received a total of 20 accolades at the industry-leading San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024.

The distillery also scooped multiple Gold Outstanding Awards at IWSC 2024, including Best in Category for Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old.

The raft of significant award wins demonstrates the huge momentum the independent distiller is gaining on the global stage and is testament to the exceptional quality of its whiskies.

First opened in 1965, Loch Lomond Distillery has quietly been crafting whisky on the banks of its namesake loch for more than 60 years. In the last decade, investment in innovation and marketing has driven extraordinary growth in global markets, with its diverse portfolio of whiskies now enjoyed by millions of customers worldwide.

Michael Henry, Whisky Master Blender at Loch Lomond Group, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Loch Lomond Distillery and a defining moment in our journey.

“While we have been distilling for generations, we are only now realising our full potential and have moved quickly in recent years from being a relatively unknown independent distiller to a major player on the world stage.

“The capabilities of our distillery are unmatched in Scotland. The combination of traditional swan neck stills and our unique straight neck stills, in addition to our own onsite cooperage, give us much greater control over the distillation and maturation process, allowing us to explore flavour in a distinctive way.

“We have been bold in our approach to whisky-making, and while we are guided by the traditions of our craft, we are not beholden to them.

“To be widely recognised by globally renowned spirits experts for the quality of our whiskies underlines our growing credibility as one of the most dynamic distillers of the time. “

The full list of accolades includes:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024

• Loch Lomond Whiskies (16 Awards)
  • 1 x Platinum Award
  • 7 x Double Gold
  • 4 x Gold
  • 4 x Silver
• Cask 21/546-6 Exclusive Cask – 1st Fill Bordeaux Hogshead – Best Single Cask Scotch

IWSC 2024

• Loch Lomond Whiskies Inchmurrin 12 Year Old– Best Single Malt 15 Years and Under
• Loch Lomond Whiskies Perfectly Balanced 12 Year Old – Gold Outstanding (98/100)
• Loch Lomond Whiskies 10 Year Old – Gold Outstanding (95/100)

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. lochlomondgroup.com

Bowmore 22 Years Old 

1996 Cask 901271

Recently, we had the enormous pleasure of meeting with Morrison Distillers at their new Aberargie Distillery; during that visit, we came across a parcel of Bowmore single malt, which was distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2019 after maturing for 22 years in a single hogshead.   After trying this incredible malt with light smoke and tropical fruit notes, we jumped at the chance to buy the remaining stock and relabel it for our store.

£220.00

Our final collection schedule of 2024 has now been finalised. There are slight changes to the usual schedule, please not the dates for your area, these are noted on the request form. Lots collected in this run will be included in our first auction of 2025  which begins on 3rd January 2025.

Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service. We can collect lots for up to three auctions.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 9th December .

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions. Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.

It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.

A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Submission Form & Label

KILLOWEN’S FIRST 5 YEAR OLD BARÁNTÚIL
THEIR ONLY PALO CORTADO CASK

RELEASE DATE: MONDAY 9TH DECEMBER

Killowen have been looking forward to their first 5 year Old for some time so we had to make it both lovely and different.

This Single Pot Still is a signature Killowen but spent 4 years and one month in an ex Bourbon before spending another 17 months in Palo Cortado. This Pot Still boasts different flavours than any before, not just because of the older spirit but also because the different cask expression. The Palo Cortado Sherry allows beautiful rich, bold, full-bodied juicy notes that balance perfectly with the oily Killowen DNA.

With only 227 being bottled and 3 of them being already split up for some special competition winners this one is unfortunately in short supply.

Official release email and link will be out Monday 9^th December.

Stay tuned.

The Killowen Distillery Team

Suntory Global Spirits Receives VIBES ‘Nature Rich Scotland Award’ for Peatland Water Sanctuary™

Scotland, UK (14 November 2024): Suntory Global Spirits is honoured to announce that its Peatland Water Sanctuary™ (PWS™) program has received the prestigious ‘Nature Rich Scotland Award’ from the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards. PWS™ was recognised for its long-term advocacy and commitment to restoring and conserving Scotland’s important peatland ecosystems, which helps to re-establish natural habitats, thriving biodiversity, and support healthy water tables.

Led by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards celebrate businesses in Scotland that have gone above and beyond to reduce their environmental impact and create a more sustainable future. The ‘Nature Rich Scotland Award’ specifically honours organisations that have implemented initiatives to protect and enhance biodiversity.

Since launching in 2021, Peatland Water Sanctuary™ has completed restoration near the Ardmore distillery in Aberdeenshire in partnership with Forestry & Land Scotland and the James Hutton Institute, at the Airds Moss Nature reserve and The Oa reserve on Islay with RSPB Scotland, and at Craigculter Moss, in partnership with Northern Peat & Moss. With several more projects in planning stages, PWS™ is on track to achieve its 2030 commitment: to restore a minimum of 1,300 hectares of peatlands, enough to produce the same amount of peat that Suntory Global Spirits uses to make its peated whiskies on an ongoing basis.

Suntory Global Spirits marked PWS™ progress this year with a case study video showcasing the importance of peatland restoration, the natural habitats and wetlands that have been revitalised by restoration work, and the charity and conservation partners that are crucial to carrying out such projects. View the video here.

Alistair Longwell, Head of Distillation and Environment, Suntory Global Spirits said: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the VIBES Awards. PWS™ was launched with ambitious conservation commitments, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive progress we’re making through our collaborations with dedicated environmental partners and experts. We are proud to share this progress with our industry and beyond, and hope that recognitions such as these will continue to raise awareness for this important conservation work.”

Robbie Kernahan, Director of Green Economy at NatureScot, added: “The standard of this year’s VIBES awards was excellent. Suntory Global Spirits is a worthy winner of the Nature Rich Scotland award, which recognises the significant contribution PWS™ has made to peatland restoration in Scotland. Our country’s blanket bogs are amongst the world’s rarest habitats, forming a unique home for a variety of species, improving water quality, reducing flooding, and playing an important role in carbon sequestration. PWS™ is an excellent example of successful collaboration, building business resilience whilst delivering multiple benefits for nature.”

Lisa Tennant, SEPA Chair, commented: “For 25 years SEPA have led the VIBES Awards to recognise sustainable practices and environmental innovation that sets the bar for business. The work of VIBES stretches across the year and the community of winners we have act as a catalyst of change. Their stories of environmental leadership, innovation and sustainable working practices inspire others by showing environmental excellence can go hand in hand with business success.”

The VIBES awards ceremony took place on 12 November 2024 in Glasgow. Suntory Global Spirits was among a select group of businesses recognised for their outstanding contributions to Scotland’s environmental well-being.

About Peatland Water Sanctuary™
The Peatland Water Sanctuary™ is a large-scale series of peatland restoration and watershed conservation projects in Scotland launched in 2021 by Suntory Global Spirits (previously known as Beam Suntory) and its parent company, Suntory Holdings. Through PWS™, the companies have committed to invest more than $4 million to the restoration and conservation of a minimum of 1,300 hectares of peatlands by 2030, enough to produce the same amount of peat that Suntory Global Spirits uses to make its peated whiskies on an ongoing basis. Beyond this, there is a longer-term aim to restore sufficient peatlands by 2040 to equate twice what Suntory Global Spirits uses.

The PWS™ programme began with work to restore and conserve peatland near the Ardmore distillery in November 2021 in partnership with the James Hutton Institute and Forestry & Land Scotland. Since this time, it has also partnered with the RSPB Scotland to regenerate peatland at the Airds Moss reserve in East Ayrshire, Scotland, and at The Oa nature reserve on the island of Islay, Scotland. In 2024, Suntory Global Spirits announced another PWS™ partnership with Northern Peat & Moss to restore peatland using novel techniques at Craigculter Moss in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Across its projects, Suntory Global Spirits has already restored 257 hectares of peatland, with a further 677 hectares in active planning stages. The PWS™ programme aligns with the Suntory Group Sustainability Vision and Suntory Global Spirits’ ambitious Proof Positive sustainability strategy, as well as the Scotch Whisky Association’s environmental commitments.

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 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

DECEMBER 2024 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

Our December 2024 Auction is now LIVE! Jampacked with little gems, we are delighted to start by offering this incredibly scarce bottle of Macallan The New Range Rover 1994, rumoured to be one of only 50 bottles ever produced to celebrate the unveiling of the new Range Rover model.

Another rare opportunity is this Glen Moray 1964; although bottled in 1996, it was ten years later in 2006 that Glen Moray released this particular expression from their archives, as part of a high-quality series showcasing vintages from this well regarded era of whisky making at the distillery. One of only 131 bottles produced!

Uigeadail was released as part of the Ardbeg core range in 2003 to huge acclaim. This Young Uigeadail was released three years later in 2006 exclusively to Ardbeg committee members and bottled at a higher abv. (which is usual practice for the committee expressions), one of only 1392 bottles produced.

 The Macallan Archival series is inspired by original adverts from the 1970’s – 1990’s. Each Folio release is presented with an illustrated hardback book that depicts the history of those adverts which were originally designed by David Holmes and advert copywriter Nick Salaman. Released in 2015, Folio 1 was the first instalment of the Archival Series, Sherry Cask matured and with only 2,000 bottles ever released!

These are only a few of the old, rare and collectable bottles featured in our December auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 15^th December from 8pm GMT.

St Bridget’s Kirk – Blended Scotch 1988. 35 years old

Hannah Whisky Merchants ltd
25 West Way Business Park, Dalgety Bay
West Way
EDINBURGH, KY11 9AE
United Kingdom