FEBRUARY 2025 AUCTION ENDS SUNDAY!

It’s that time again, all good things must come to an end and so this month’s auction will draw to a close from 8pm GMT on Sunday 23^rd February. There is still time to bid on a selection of old, rare and limited bottlings, including this 1976 Private Bottling by Glenfiddich, number 38 of an unspecified but small release.

Or how about the full set 1-4 of the first instalment of the Glen Garioch Renaissance Chapters, which were released in 2014 to mark the reawakening of one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland in 1997 following a period that the distillery was mothballed. The series also marked a change in the well known peated style of Highland whisky that was associated with the distillery. Each chapter was released annually, all with the same vintage but a year older as the series progressed.

We have a range of bottles distilled in the 1970’s, including this 1978 at Royal Brackla, aged for 20 years before being bottled at a natural Cask strength.

We have a trio of vintage Glen Moray bottlings from the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s, including a 1974 Distiller’s Choice bottling, Signed by distillery manager Ed Dodson, bottle number 397 of only 676 bottles produced.

There is also a selection of House Label bottlings by the highly regarded independent bottlers Gordon and MacPhail.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our February 2025 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 23^rd February from 8pm GMT.

LOVE, WHISKY & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Today feels like a good excuse to talk about one of the things we love.

Art.

Last month we mentioned how our approach to whiskymaking has many layers of inspiration to it, and art is one such influence. So here we go, pulling back the curtain to show you how much art goes into your whisky… 

BUT WHAT DOES ART HAVE TO DO WITH WHISKY?  

At its core, whisky isn’t only defined by where it comes from, but by all of the human interactions that occur during its development.

This is one of the reasons why we don’t call ourselves blenders or distillers – we’re Whiskymakers, a term we invented back around 2006. People who ask questions, challenge, experiment, and look at the totality of creating whisky in a bottle.

Our philosophy is to always add dimensions, complexity and delight to what we create: there’s a picture in our heads and whiskymaking is about trying to pull it out and make it real.

Art as both inspiration and application is something that takes us from an idea for a whisky, to its bottle, to its flavour, to your interpretation of it. 

THE ART THAT GIVES US IDEAS

 There’s no one genre of art that we like or dislike. Love modern art? Great. Hate it? Fair enough. Old Masters are your thing? Interesting. Not? No problem.

The art that excites us are the pieces with a story and a reason for being. We love work that is authentic: where you can see an alignment between the philosophy behind it and the expression of it, even better if that expression is provocative.

“I begin with an idea, then it becomes something else.” We think a lot about this Picasso quote.

Inspiration can come from any and all art, but it doesn’t arrive as a fully formed idea, it’s a process to unlock it. Take our This is Not a Luxury Whisky which was inspired by the painting ‘Ceci n’est pas une pipe’. Is the painting of the pipe actually a pipe as it’s an accurate representation? And, ergo, if we call a whisky ‘luxury’ does it make it so? Is luxury just a title?

Inspiration doesn’t give us all of the answers at the start, we may not even have all of them at the end, but it always pushes us to be interested and interesting.

THE ART ON THE BOTTLE

 They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but ultimately you can’t help it. It’s why our labels have to be about more than just aesthetics. They have to signal that you’re going to get something different and open-minded, something that will lead you on a journey beyond flavour, tell you a story, and maybe drop a few Easter eggs along the way. The label needs to take you to a certain place, but where you go from there is up to you.

Back in the early 2000s, the original artwork on Compass Box bottles came from woodcut prints because it was a complete contrast to what everyone else was doing. Hedonism, the first whisky we released, was also the first bottled Scotch whisky to show a woman on its label.

Today, and every year, a new female artist delivers their own stamp to the artwork of Hedonism’s Limited Annual Release, bringing to life – in their individual way – the grace and strength that our original illustration represented.

When this year’s Hedonism launches in the coming days, we hope you’ll take a moment to look at the bottle and wonder what the woman on it is thinking. What is she saying to you?

THE ART OF FLAVOUR 

Our whiskies are meant to be thought provoking – designed to inspire the interest, not indifference, that draws you to the glass for a first sip, and then a second. This is why the creative process is rarely linear. Going back to Picasso: ideas evolve, take unexpected turns, and sometimes lead to somewhere else entirely. 

Orchard House is a perfect example of this… 

We wanted to pay homage to Oak Cross but didn’t have the perfect casks required in our library. We’d been aging whisky from the Clynelish Distillery ourselves, but it didn’t have that strong, active wood character we previously used in Oak Cross. 

What it did have was this wonderfully bold, spirit-forward distillery character, unlike anything we had created before, and so we ran with it. As whiskymakers, the initial restriction became an inspiration and an exciting avenue for exploring the flavours that would become Orchard House. In this case, constraints drove creativity.

A FINAL WORD ON WHAT’S INTERESTING 

Last month we asked what was interesting you and were genuinely overwhelmed, and fascinated, by the responses which took us from the Circle of Fifths music theory, to the royal House of Plantagenet, to the life and work of Henri Bergson.

Keep them coming, either by replying to this email or on Instagram, as you never know what whisky they might lead us to.

This is interesting

And this is interesting

And that’s very interesting

Old Particular Tormore 13 Years Old

BV: 48.4% | Vol: 70cl

Scottish Grain Whisky is characterised by its use of grains such as wheat or rye, as opposed to the traditional malted barley. Grain Whiskies are typically lighter in character than malts, and a well-aged Grain Whisky can be extraordinarily complex, whilst costing a fraction the price of similarly aged Single Malts.

Carsebridge (silent) Chinese Year Of The Dragon Xtra Old Particular Single Cask Whisky 46 Year Old·1976 Vintage

ralfy review 1066 – Mortlach 11yo @57.1% (Signatory 100 Proof)

Celebrate Defiance, Heritage, and Creativity with

HADRIAN’S WALL® Blended Scotch Whisky

HADRIAN’S WALL®, a premium Scottish whisky that embodies the bold spirit of defiance, heritage, and creativity. Inspired by the legendary Roman-era wall built to keep the Scots at bay, HADRIAN’S WALL® celebrates Scottish resilience, the rich heritage of whisky-making, and a touch of irreverent humour.

Expertly crafted from the finest grain and malt whiskies, this exquisite blend combines the smooth, robust flavours of prestigious Speyside and Highland malts with the elegance of Lowlands grain whisky. The result is a truly unforgettable experience that redefines whisky enjoyment.

The brand’s striking label design draws inspiration from urban street art and graffiti culture, featuring a gritty monochromatic aesthetic that captures the Scots’ irreverent spirit and their historical love of thumbing their noses at authority.  Hadrian’s Wall® Scotch whisky invites drinkers to embrace life with creativity, boldness, and a dash of rebellion.

“HADRIAN’S WALL® isn’t just about extraordinary whisky—it’s about celebrating the humour, defiance, and artistic flair that are ingrained in Scottish culture,” said André Levy, Chairman of Protege International. “From its tongue-in-cheek label to its unparalleled flavour, this whisky is a testament to the Scots’ enduring spirit of fun and resilience and their determination to celebrate the everyday victories of life.  Each bottle contains 70cl of liquid rebellion, proudly produced and bottled in Scotland.”

Key Features:

∙ Expert Craftsmanship: A harmonious blend of the finest Scottish whiskies.

∙ Unmatched Quality: Smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced for any occasion.

∙ Artistic Spirit: A label inspired by graffiti wall art, celebrating defiance and creativity.

∙ Cultural Heritage: A tribute to Scottish defiance and excellence in whisky-making.

 For more information, visit www.protege-international.com. Or email media@protege-international.com

HADRIAN’S WALL®

PRODUCED AND BOTTLED IN SCOTLAND

Alc: 40%

Size:70cl

SKU: HW1X700

BARCODE: 813548005150

Tasting Notes

A blend of the finest grain and malt whiskies from Scotland. The blend is created using a range of the highest quality Speyside and Highland malt whiskies blended expertly together with the grain whisky from the Lowlands of Scotland.

Origin: Scotland

Colour: Golden with brilliant clarity

Aroma: Clean with a hint of soft citrus and delicate vanilla.

Taste: Well balanced and mellow on taste with a delicate maltiness

Aftertaste: Long lasting sweetness

 Hadrian’s Wall – a seventy three mile long wall built in Roman times to keep the Scots from ruining the Roman Emperor’s day. 

To add insult to injury, the Scots would drink what would become whisky in daily celebration. 

Now, it’s available for everyone to drink in celebration of ruining any jumped up emperor’s day. 

After all, why should the Scots have all the fun? 

Indulge in our extraordinary Scottish whisky blend, expertly crafted from the finest grain and malt whiskies. This exquisite blend combines the highest quality Speyside and Highland malts with grain whisky from the renowned Lowlands region of Scotland, delivering a smooth and unforgettable experience that redefines whisky enjoyment. 

A Symbol of Scottish Defiance

About Protege International

Founded in 1999 by André and Mairade Levy (née Kelly), following the successful sale of their previous brands to a FTSE 10 company, Protege International is a dynamic and innovative company renowned for creating and managing some of the world’s most celebrated spirits brands.

As the owners of The Wild Geese® Irish Whiskey Collection, a multi-award-winning portfolio of premium whiskeys, Protege International has set new standards in excellence, authenticity, and craftsmanship. The company’s expertise extends beyond whiskey to a diverse range of spirits that have garnered global recognition and critical acclaim reflected in the over 72 major international awards its products have been awarded. 

Building on its legacy of excellence, Protege International has now added Hadrian’s Wall®, a Scotch Whisky, to its portfolio as well as an Irish spirit The Dullahan®, further showcasing its dedication to quality and innovation in the spirits industry. With a commitment to authenticity, creativity, strategic brand development and dedicated to excellence. Protege International continues to lead the way in shaping the future of premium spirits.

The Wild Geese, The Wild Geese Rare Irish Whiskey, The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes, the Descendants, the Shooting Party, The Wild Geese Soldiers & Heroes, Untamed, The Exiles, Unbroken Unbowed Untamed, The Rum Skull, Aileen’s Wave, Hadrian’s Wall, The Dullahan and After Hours are registered trademarks. The trade dress including The Wild Geese Flying Geese and 1691 are trademarks. The products comprised in The Wild Geese Collection of Premium Irish Spirits are sold under The Wild Geese Soldiers & Heroes in North America and Worldwide under The Wild Geese. Made under the authority of the trademark proprietor.

© 2002-2025 Avalon International Management Inc.

We have just launched our ’20th Anniversary Sessions’ at our Newcastle Whisky Festival. The first of these sees Eddie Ludlow team up with Dave Broom and a panel of industry guests to discuss and chat about the last 20 years of whisky and lounging! Of course, there will be some tasty drams in order to help lubricate lips…!

Included in the price of this session is;

– Early entry to the venue (11am or 4pm, ticket dependent)
– Entry to the 20th Anniversary session, plus drams
– FREE signed copy of, the soon to be published, ‘TWL 20th Anniversary Celebration Book’, with contributions from a whole host of TWL friends

Festival Highlights 2025:

• Over 150 Whiskies from around the world to sample
• All new retail and offers
• All new TWL merchandise 
• New ‘Round Table’ debates or masterclasses with the great and good of the whisky world! 
• The return of Whisky Heaven
• Jam and Dram – Live music at selected events, featuring our very own ‘Blind’ Eddie Ludlow!
• And much much more

Tickets for these sessions are now on general sale and, as a thank you to our loyal whisky-loungers, we are offering you 20% OFF these tickets. Don’t forget you need to have a festival ticket for the relevant session to be able to use these!
Just use code TWLWHISKY20 at the Eventbrite checkout to claim your discount.

In the meantime, you can still buy tickets for Newcastle 29th of March!

Scallywag

Signature Series: 13 Years Old

Macerated fruits, decadent dark chocolate and warm cinnamon spice.

ABV: 46% | Vol: 70cl

Experience the exceptional refinement of Scallywag 13 Years Old, the latest release in our Signature Series, available exclusively on douglaslaing.com. This extraordinary expression has been expertly crafted and matured for 13 years in the finest Spanish Sherry Oak Casks, delivering a rich and indulgent flavour profile that embodies the true spirit of Scallywag.

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Inspired by a long line of Douglas Laing family Fox Terriers, Scallywag Malt Scotch Whisky is a marriage of aged Speyside Single Malts matured predominantly in Spanish Sherry casks. The resulting Whisky reveals an explosion of rich, dark fruits, chocolate and spice interwoven with late vanilla. Award-winning Scallywag is bottled and released in genuinely small, precious batches. Part of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.

Scottish Grain Whisky is characterised by its use of grains such as wheat or rye, as opposed to the traditional malted barley. Grain Whiskies are typically lighter in character than malts, and a well-aged Grain Whisky can be extraordinarily complex, whilst costing a fraction the price of similarly aged Single Malts.

Cameronbridge 2022 Special Release Single Grain Whisky 26 Year Old

70cl · 56.2% ABV

£273.95

Legends Untold Chapter 2 – Elusive Expressions

Living up to the lore, this Cameronbridge expression is a regal spirit of abundant richness. Matured exclusively in refill American Oak casks, this Single Grain is sweet and smooth on the surface, but with hot spices bubbling away beneath.

Nose: Subtly spiced cereal hints and sweetness entwine to suggest ripe tropical mango, papaya, and peapods. Rising through this, traces of hard toffee and light, sustained shavings of oak hint at the spicy intensity on the palate. A splash of water reveals notes of cinnamon bun and salted toffee. Later, these fade appealingly to scented beeswax.

Palate: Silky and smooth-flowing in texture with an intense butterscotch-sweet taste, which mellows into rich caramel toffee. A balancing spicy-dry, oaky intensity appears mid- palate. Adding water softens the honeyed sweetness to creamy-smooth Swiss milk chocolate, with just a little salt mid-palate. Gentle spice now holds the sweetness in check.

Finish: Short and quite intense, with considerable warming chili spice. With water sweeter, the spice reduced.

AMERICAN SINGLE MALT

American single malt whiskey is on the rise. The variety of styles within this category comes from the ability to experiment – distillers aren’t bound by a specific type of still, cask, or minimum age requirement – unlike in other whisky-producing countries.

Distilleries like Copperworks, named our New Wave Whisky of the Year for 2025, are leading the charge, bringing a brewer’s mindset to their whiskies with flavours ranging from peach iced tea, fresh raspberries and chocolate chip cookies.

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