Ballantine’s Unveils Its First Ever Single Grain Whisky With Double Cask Finish

Ballantine’s, the world’s second most popular Scotch whisky*, has released its latest expression, Ballantine’s Single Distillery. Crafted by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, the new Scotch was created using the finest grain whiskies from a single distillery and was selectively finished in both rum and extra charred American oak barrels.

Ballantine’s Single Distillery uses wheat grain whiskies from Strathclyde Distillery, delivering a whisky with fruity and floral flavours. Strathclyde Distillery has played a significant role in Ballantine’s blends for many decades, so it was a natural fit to honour its grain whiskies through this new expression.

The new release brings to life Ballantine’s expertise in whisky blending with its double cask finish; with the rum cask bringing exotic notes and the extra charred American oak barrels adding  aromas. The resulting Scotch boasts a beautifully balanced taste profile, with an exceptional depth of flavour and extra smoothness, offering subtle hints of white peach, charred pineapple, and red apples, lemon zest and toasted almonds.

Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender at Chivas Brothers, commented:

“One of the things I enjoy most about my job as Master Blender is to be able to experiment and continue to push boundaries, just like our founder George Ballantine, who was doing things his own way and breaking conventional codes of whisky as far back as 1827. Ballantine’s Single Distillery was created to challenge perceptions of grain whisky and offers a whisky that really showcases the quality of the grain used. The addition of the double cask finish results in an exceptionally smooth Scotch, making for a refined drinking experience to savour during those finer moments in life.”

Ballantine’s Single Distillery and its delicate and refined palate offers whisky fans a Scotch that delivers on character and sophistication, without compromising on the distinctive tasting notes that make Ballantine’s so special. The new expression is housed in an amber-coloured bottle with a metallic copper crest, combining craft and elegance, whilst maintaining elements that make Ballantine’s recognisable, like its iconic square shaped bottle.

Ballantine’s Single Distillery is a permanent addition to the Ballantine’s range, and will be available from November 2024, with a RRP varying per market. For more information, and to stay up to date with all the latest Ballantine’s news, visit www.ballantines.com or follow us on Instagram @ballantines.

30 Years of Whisky Excellence: The Coastal Embrace Collection

To celebrate 30 years of pioneering whisky craftsmanship, we’re thrilled to introduce the Coastal Embrace Collection—a stunning limited edition series of 28-year-old blended malt Scotch whiskies.

Each ‘chapter’ in this remarkable collection is a tribute to Scotland’s iconic coastal distilleries, aged and finished in top-quality casks from renowned wine and spirit producing regions that add unique depth and character to every dram.

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Join us on a journey through the Art of Maturation, as each chapter in this exclusive series combines Scotland’s coastal heritage with extraordinary influences from around the world. With names like Highland Park, Laphroaig, and Bunnahabhain, these whiskies embody the rugged, timeless spirit of Scotland’s shores.

Sláinte,

The Murray McDavid Team

Aceo Ltd. 5 Royston Road Livingston, Edinburgh EH54 8AH United Kingdom

The 162nd auction is now at the midway point, but there is still plenty of time to get involved.  From our experience the auction usually ends sometime after 10pm on Sunday night, leaving you ample time to secure that bottle you have your eye on.  We have some really interesting bottles in this month, so here are a few you might have missed.

First up is a genuinely historical bottle, the Cardow 70° Proof John Walker & Sons.  The first distillery purchased by John Walker & Sons in 1893, Cardhu – or “Cardow” in this case – had been operating from 1824 before it became the home of Johnnie Walker.  To this day Cardhu is one of the main constituents of the world famous Johnnie Walker.

There are few things finer in life than a well-aged 1st fill sherry Speyside, and they don’t come much finer than this Mortlach 1957 Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail.  Another whisky that contributes to many Johnnie Walker bottlings, Mortlach has also been releasing single malts for many years.  This particular expression was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for their Private Collection series which has become synonymous with quality releases.

As always, we have a wide range of drams with something to suit everyone, so now is the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites for your watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Thinking of selling your bottles? 

We still offer 0% commission to all sellers making Scotch Whisky Auctions the best place to sell bottles.

For all relevant information just click here.

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OLD ORKNEY MALT – 21 YEAR OLD

Our third official Old Orkney bottling. This 21 year old is composed of equal parts 1999 from an ex-bodega sherry butt, with 2003 from a plain oak refill hogshead. That mix was married for around six months in a 2nd fill sherry butt to allow it to harmonise and to emphasise the sherry aspects of its character.

This is rugged, old school, sherry-driven and intricately peaty Highland Park. A gorgeous old Orcadian dram! We decided this was pretty special and as such opted to put it in our lovely Whiskyland Cognac glass – just to add an extra wee flourish.

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ralfy review 1056 – Benromach 2013 Vintage @59.7%vol:

Multi-award-winning Scotch whisky distillery picks up another accolade to end the year

Loch Lomond Whiskies has been awarded the highly coveted Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year trophy at this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), bringing Loch Lomond Group’s tally of prestigious award wins to more than 100 in the past 12 months.

Founded in 1969, the IWSC champions the best wine and spirits producers from around the world.

The renowned accolade was presented only weeks after Loch Lomond Distillery took home 16 awards at the San Franscico World Spirts Competition 2024, including a rare platinum award for Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old single malt whisky, and double gold awards for seven whiskies across the range, including Loch Lomond Classic, Loch Lomond 10 Year Old and Loch Lomond 18 Year Old.

IWSC judges praised the distillery for its holistic approach, noting that “Loch Lomond is the whole package with excellent whisky, and the clear work to push the brand to the next level.”

The presentation of the 2024 Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year trophy follows multiple IWSC category wins for Loch Lomond Whiskies, with its 12 Year Old Inchmurrin single malt winning ‘Best in Class for Scotch Whisky Under 15 Years Old’.

The dual IWSC and SFWSC success follows two previous award wins for Loch Lomond’s 18 Year Old, which was named top Scotch in the Gentleman’s Journal Drinks Awards 2024 and The Whisky Exchange’s Whisky of the Year 2024.

Loch Lomond Distillery’s raft of prominent accolades is testament to the exceptional quality of its whiskies and demonstrates the significant momentum behind the independent distiller which continues to gain success on the global stage.

According to the latest IWSR 2023 Scotch Whisky report, Loch Lomond is the world’s fastest-growing top 25 malt whisky brand, a title the distillery has now achieved twice in the past three years.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Group, owners of Loch Lomond Whiskies, said:

“To close the year with another prestigious award win is wonderful – a real highlight of our year.

“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’ve always been bold in our approach to whisky-making. While we respect tradition, we’re not afraid to push boundaries. The recognition we’re receiving from top spirits experts only reinforces our belief that we’re on the right path as one of the most exciting distillers around. We are looking forward to continuing this into 2025 and beyond.”

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.

For more information about Loch Lomond Whiskies, please visit: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

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

The full list of Loch Lomond Distillery’s 2024 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 Inchmurrin 12 Year Old – Best Single Malt 15 Years and Under
• Loch Lomond Perfectly Balanced 12 Year Old – Gold Outstanding (98/100)
• Loch Lomond 10 Year Old – Gold Outstanding (95/100)
• Loch Lomond Distillery 2024 Scotch Whisky Producer trophy

On November 28th, the Isle of Harris Distillery team celebrated some wonderful successes at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2024 in Glasgow.

We were delighted to receive awards for Newcomer of the Year and Product Launch of the Year for our inaugural single malt The Hearach, and take home the crowning achievement of the evening, the title Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year for 2024.

The distillery was commended for leading with vision, and a commitment to community and local partnerships with a culture of ‘people first’.

“Winning these prestigious awards is a truly special moment for us. The Hearach has been a long time in the making, and to see it so well received by industry experts is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of our incredible team. Each bottle reflects the unique character and spirit of Harris—our island, our people, and our heritage. These accolades inspire us to continue creating exceptional single malts that share the story of this remarkable place with whisky lovers around the world.”

Simon Erlanger, Managing Director.

The Isle of Harris Distillery extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Scottish Whisky Awards for this recognition and to loyal supporters like you who have embraced the work we do.

On behalf of the team, thank you for being part of our story and success, and have a great weekend from all of us here in Harris!

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller

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AMONTILLADO CASK MATURED

The Amontillado Edition marks the midway point of our Springbank Sherry Series.

The 3rd of five annual releases, with staggered maturations in different types of sherry cask from the richest Pedro Ximenez to the lighter Manzanilla which will conclude the range in 2026.

UK RRP £90 – £95

 There is an earthy, mustiness on the nose, along with notes of hazelnut, maraschino cherries and blood orange.

PALATE

Notes of cured meats, gorse and tobacco box are balanced with sweet hints of coconut and treacle.

FINISH

A dry finish with notes of wood shavings and tarragon.

One second whisky expression connects us to the hot and dusty hills of Huelva, where the men and women of sherry-makers José y Miguel Martín ‘cooper’ casks with age-old craft and care before they are filled by their wineries in Jerez.

Their Oloroso sherry is a dry, dark and nutty wine and its influence in turn imparts an unmistakably bold richness to our spirit when the casks begin maturing our island whisky far from their original home.
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“Initially there are aromas of cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves, and there are green notes of mixed herbs and the creaminess of white chocolate. When sipped, I can taste wood smoke and walnuts shells. The dram develops with a herbal hint of dried thyme closely followed by burnt oranges. Spices then come through, like vanilla pods and a subtle sense of cloves, before a long leather and liquorice finish.” 

Harrison Wood, Drinishader, Assistant Blender

WINTER SPICES – GREEN HERBS – WHITE CHOCOLATE – WALNUT – WOODSMOKE – DRIED ORANGES – LIQUORICE

£75.00
Includes Presentation Box & Free Delivery

ORDER A BOTTLE OF THE HEARACH OLOROSO