A stunning 27-year-old Girvan that has all the things we adore about long-aged grain: unctuous cream and toffee, very satisfying and stupidly good value for money. You cannot go wrong!
The Whisky Blues
55.1% abv
70cl
Hogshead
WHAT IS CASK FINISHING?
You’ll find terms around cask finishing cropping up throughout the whisky world these days, but this approach to maturing whisky and other spirits only became commonplace in the 1990s. The practice refers to taking a whisky aged in one type of cask for the majority of its life, and putting it into another one for a final period of maturation, to add layers of flavour and complexity.
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 556: Caol Ila 8 Year Old Dram4Charity
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, enjoys a whisky released for charity. Dram4Charity, a collective of whisky-loving philanthropists, is launching a series of whiskies this year with all proceeds again being donated to the ALS Fund of Alain Verspecht. The series is named ‘Frames of Freedom’ and the labels are designed by Alain. The series kicks off with a release of 60 bottles of Caol Ila aged 8 years.
Johnnie Walker Vault opens the door to a new era of luxury Scotch whisky
Johnnie Walker officially unveils Johnnie Walker Vault, a new global luxury platform grounded in blending artistry – uniting bespoke blends, collaborations with cultural icons and luxurious experiences, all under one visionary banner.
GLOBAL – MARCH 10, 2025: Pioneering the next chapter in luxury spirits, Johnnie Walker, the world’s leading Scotch Whisky, announces the global launch of Johnnie Walker Vault in the brand’s most ambitious expression of blending artistry yet.
At the heart of the new platform is the artistry of Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Dr. Emma Walker, and her craft of telling personal stories from a carefully curated selection of exceptionally rare whiskies. Her mastery builds on craft passed down through centuries, working from a hidden creative ‘atelier’ deep beneath Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the award-winning visitor experience in Edinburgh. The Johnnie Walker Vault holds, at any given time, a selection of 500 whiskies from our rare, aged and ghost casks, personally curated and rotated by Dr. Walker to showcase the very best of the 10 million casks of Scotch available to her as Master Blender.
Johnnie Walker Vault will bring its unparalleled creativity and craftsmanship to life through rare products, experiences and collaborations.
Bespoke Private Blend Experience
Under a newly launched Private Blend experience, Dr. Walker will personally create unique made-to-measure blends for a select few, hand-selecting meaningful expressions from the invite-only Johnnie Walker Vault physical space, and crafting these into deeply layered blends. Each blend is tailored to the inspirations and individual palates of her guests.
For the first time, this experience will be launched and offered to the public with packages starting from £50,000, to include a luxurious agenda deeply rooted in Scottish heritage. From Michelin Star dining to a glamorous stay at the glorious Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, the programme is tailored to individual desires – culminating in the bespoke blending session with Dr. Walker. Following the experience, guests will be presented with their Private Blend in a crystal decanter handcrafted by artisans from the renowned French luxury house Baccarat. Their unique blend will also be chronicled in the Johnnie Walker Vault archive, leaving their own legacy alongside iconic whisky creations and allowing for future commissions.
Luxury Collaborations
Later this year, Johnnie Walker Vault will also invite its first creative partner within – a visionary artist in couture fashion – to co-create a limited-edition collection with Dr. Emma Walker, with further details to be revealed in Spring 2025.
Dr. Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker Master Blender, says: “Johnnie Walker Vault is our treasure trove. It’s where I can curate and share our rarest and most exceptional Scotch whiskies, and from these create unique blends which sing to my guest and showcase the blending artistry at the heart of Johnnie Walker. It is a very special place to me, but it’s also much more than just a physical space – it’s a platform through which I can take deeply personal stories and translate them into beautiful, one-of-a-kind blends. It’s a real privilege to be a part of capturing and bottling these wonderful stories.”
Julie Bramham, Managing Director of Diageo Luxury Group, adds: “The Johnnie Walker Vault reflects our commitment to the evolving desires of the luxury consumer and to transforming luxury spirits through elevated personalisation, unique experiences and exceptional products.”
She continues: “Building on more than 200 years of pioneering craftsmanship, Johnnie Walker has redefined quality whisky blending for the modern connoisseur. Iconic blends such as Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Johnnie Walker Black Label have consistently showcased the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Scotch whisky, and Johnnie Walker Vault will now continue this legacy. This is an exciting day for luxury Scotch whisky as we officially launch Johnnie Walker Vault to a global audience.”
Further information on Johnnie Walker Vault including registration for the bespoke private blending experience can be found HERE. Registrations go live from 12th March.
Johnnie Walker Vault comprises three pillars centred around bespoke blending, luxurious experiences, and creative collaborations.
Private Blends
Dr. Emma Walker and her team have access to over 10 million casks from over 30 distilleries, approximately half of the total number of casks currently resting in Scotland. These casks include aged stock of over 50 years, ‘ghost’ stocks from Port Ellen and Brora, appointment-only, luxury distilleries, and icons of the whisky world which have been meticulously re-envisioned and restored to their former glory. Access to this incredible archive paired with blending artistry, sets Johnnie Walker Vault apart as a marker of luxury in Scotch whisky.
Johnnie Walker Vault is the doorway to this library of rare and exceptional whiskies through which Dr. Emma Walker can create visionary, bespoke blends for private clients or commercially available storied blends for cultural collaborators. Each blend will serve as a precious ode to heritage and artistry, with the continuous ambition to create whiskies of the future.
Luxurious Experiences
Johnnie Walker Vault launches its exclusive private blending offering, inviting a select few people each year to a made-to-measure experience in Edinburgh, Scotland. Starting from £50,000 and centered around a one-on-one private blending experience with Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker in the Johnnie Walker Vault, packages can include:
Further information on Johnnie Walker Vault including registration for the bespoke private blending experience can be found HERE with registrations going live from March 12th.
Creative Collaborations
For the first time, Johnnie Walker Vault invites cultural leaders within to co-create with Dr. Emma Walker, blending the arts with whisky craftsmanship. In Spring 2025, Johnnie Walker Vault will debut its first collaboration in partnership with a globally renowned visionary artist in couture fashion.
About Johnnie Walker: Johnnie Walker is the world’s number 1 Scotch Whisky brand* (IWSR 2024 & the world’s number one International Spirits Brand* (IWSR 2024 Relative Market Share), enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above all else.
Today’s range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Blonde, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years, and Blue Label. Together they account for over 22 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2023). Johnnie Walker is also the number one best-selling Scotch and number one trending Scotch (Drinks International, 2024).
*In value 2023
About Diageo: Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s, Smirnoff and Cîroc vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.
About Baccarat: Founded in 1764, Baccarat, alchemist of joy and creator of enchanting worlds, is the fruit of a group of daring artisans who have transformed the four elements of nature – earth, air, fire and water – into crystal of unparalleled purity. By crafting true masterpieces, Baccarat has never ceased to surprise the world, garnering numerous awards at World Fairs and international exhibitions. This is how the name of a small town in eastern France, Baccarat, has over time become a symbol of the art of celebration and French joie de vivre. From Paris to Moscow, New York, Tokyo, Miami or Hong Kong, the unique experience of Baccarat’s art de vivre can be found within its Houses, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Ahead of its 260th anniversary, Baccarat continues its international development, firmly anchored in its roots, and driven by the ambition to always fly higher. Discover the captivating world of Baccarat on www.baccarat.com and on www.instagram.com/baccarat
Discover a Legacy of Generosity
At Glengoyne, every drop of whisky tells a story, and we’re inviting you to explore them with our new storytelling series.
We begin with a tale rooted in heritage, generosity, and unwavering care. It’s a story about our founder, George Connell, who took Glengoyne through its first steps in 1833. Discover how his legacy of craftsmanship shaped not only the distillery’s future but also the lives of those closest to him – ensuring security and care at every turn.
This is the first chapter exploring Glengoyne’s remarkable past, meaningful present, and bright future.
Join us as we celebrate the moments, people, and traditions that make Glengoyne more than just whisky – it’s a legacy in every glass.
Slàinte Mhath,
The Glengoyne Team
“Whisky distillery with living house and offices attached partly slated and titled in middling repair of proprietor and occupier John McClellan” 1851 Census
Inchgower Thompson Bros Single Malt Whisky 27 Year Old · 1997 Vintage
70cl · 52.3% ABV
Inchgower is often an overlooked distillery, known primarily as the backbone of many high-quality blends and rarely seen as a Single Malt. This 27 Year Old whisky bottled at 52.3% ABV by independent bottlers, Thompson Bros is one of 406 bottles produced.
Nose: Salty almond croissants, some marshmallows, pineapple, Percy Pigs, crunchy nut cornflakes, nutmeg, walnuts. Mango and ginger.
Palate: Tangerine, banana bread, osmanthus, pineapple cubes, Haribo hearts, hazelnuts lime and cashews. The Texture is super oily, with more mango.
Finish: Long and elegant with some marmalade and brine at the end.
What makes a sherry matured whisky stand out for you?
For some, it’s the colour, and for others it’s the strength, while some like to see what style of sherry is used, others want to know how long the whisky has been in an ex-sherry cask.
All these factors, as well as others can be used to define a ‘Sherry Bomb’. Sadly, the term has come to be used almost exclusively for really dark and rich colours, like the dram poured in the picture here.
This dram, is actually a wine cask matured Auchentoshan – but the colour suggests sherry, and here starts the problem. To read more about my thoughts on great sherry maturation, read my blog, which you can find by clicking the link below. If you just want to have a look at some of our exceptional range of Sherry matured whiskies, continue to scroll….
Beer52/Woven Blended Grain Whisky, 46%
How many of you have taken up a whisky subscription?
When John from Beer52 got in touch with me about running this on the channel, I instantly thought it was a brilliant idea. A 35cl bottle at 46% for £35 a month with one of the most detailed whisky magazines I’ve ever come across – Stramash.
The whisky on show today is a blended grain whisky put together by the geniuses at Woven! Woven is a rather wonderful blending company based in Leith, Edinburgh. They’ve built a reputation on creating some very unique blends by sourcing whiskies from Scotland, as well as across the world.
This particular blend that was put together for the Beer52 subscription is a mix of mid-90s Invergordon as well as some Port Dundas grain. The liquid also has a range of cask influences from ex-bourbon, virgin oak, ex-sherry, ex-port, and apera casks. Apera casks are essentially an ex-sherry barrel, but it’s an Australian sherry. They can’t legally call it that, so here we have the term ‘apera’ – but it tastes quite similar.
A huge range of rich, sweet flavour profiles that culminate in this rather incredible whisky that contains thirty-year-old stocks.
Check out the Beer52 website below, and be sure to use our discount code so that you only pay for the shipping of your first parcel!
Indulge In A Sweet Treat With Ballantine’s Sweet Blend: The Scotch’s Latest Spirit Drink With A Luscious Twist
Ballantine’s, the world’s second most popular Scotch whisky*, has unveiled its latest innovation: Ballantine’s Sweet Blend. This premium spirit drink masterfully intertwines the classic essence of Scotch whisky with sweet, indulgent notes of caramel and vanilla, resulting in a delightfully versatile and inviting pour.
Answering the rising demand for sweeter, more approachable spirits, Ballantine’s Sweet Blend is designed to elevate shared moments and celebrations. Its enticing flavour profile appeals not only to non-whisky drinkers, but also to whisky aficionados seeking a novel yet familiar indulgence. Whether enjoyed neat, over ice or with a favourite mixer, this versatile blend transforms any occasion into a joyous and memorable experience.
Bottled at 30% ABV, this premium spirit drink was crafted by a team of whisky experts lead by Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, and showcases the elegant nuances of traditional Scotch whisky with a luscious twist. The result is a perfectly rounded blend opening with delicate hints of hazelnut and butterscotch, followed by rich flavours of toffee apples, milk chocolate, crème brûlée and vanilla fudge, culminating in a smooth and creamy finish.
Since its inception almost 200 years ago, Ballantine’s has championed values of authenticity and staying true to oneself. This ethos guides the Scotch to innovate while honoring its rich heritage, ensuring that every creation remains genuine and true to its roots. Ballantine’s Sweet Blend exemplifies this commitment, encouraging whisky-drinkers to enjoy Ballantine’s the way they like it, allowing them to experience the elegance and quality of the Scotch in a manner that suits their personal taste.
Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender, commented: “Crafting Ballantine’s Sweet Blend was a truly rewarding experience. By layering the classic notes of Scotch whisky with sweet flavours, we’ve created a spirit that is both distinctive and incredibly versatile. This new creation breaks down the traditional barriers of Scotch whisky, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy its elegance of whisky in a fresh, new way.”
The presentation of Ballantine’s Sweet Blend is as refined as its taste. Housed in Ballantine’s iconic square-shaped bottle, the amber liquid within is highlighted by a distinctive bronze label, blending sophistication with a nod to Ballantine’s timeless heritage.
Ballantine’s Sweet Blend will be available to purchase from 24th February exclusively in Poland before rolling out in other markets. For more information and to stay updated with the latest from Ballantine’s, visit www.ballantines.com or follow us on Instagram @ballantines.
*Source: IWSR 2023
Made up of some of the rarest casks, this is a whisky known the world over for its finesse. At the top of the core Johnnie Walker range. Note: If you add an engraving to your order, the message will be displayed on the front of this bottle.
Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.
Nose: Full bodied with big aromas of dried fruit. Some woody notes, also polished mahogany, mixed berries and dry woodsmoke.
Palate: Honey and rosewater, fruit cake with spice and molasses.
Finish: Long with rich fruit and a wave of smoke.
12 months of unlimited next day delivery & more! Exclusive access to Ballots as you enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year – only £14.99! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs.
