SINTEIS SERIES INTRODUCED

BY THE GLENALLACHIE

Speyside-based single malt distillery announces

pioneering new limited-edition line

Hot on the heels of winning the title of World’s Best Single Malt for its 12-year-old expression, leading Scotch whisky brand The GlenAllachie launches a limited-edition line called Sinteis (pronounced sin-teesh).

The new series is named after the Scottish Gaelic word for synthesis and is accompanied by the tagline “Two distinct casks. One harmonious synthesis.”

The independently run Scotch whisky company is spearheaded by iconic Master Distiller Billy Walker, whose career spans 53 years across numerous household name brands.

The first release, Sinteis Part I, is a 2014 vintage single malt (UK RRSP £74.99) aged in Chinquapin virgin oak and first-fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry puncheons.

Walker, a renowned cask innovator, personally selected the casks for the new limited edition from a stock of 50,000 across 16 on-site warehouses in Speyside.

Casks made of Chinquapin, a native American oak from the Ozarks of Missouri, typically impart notes of sweet spices and aniseed. In contrast, the Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks contribute flavours of dark chocolate and ripe fruits.

Sinteis Part I features eye-catching packaging created by Scottish designer Kayley Barbour. The carton showcases a hand-drawn symbol in foil depicting “the fusion of multiple wood types”.

This debut release of The Sinteis Series is presented at its natural cask strength of 57.8% ABV, unchill filtered and without the addition of artificial colouring.

Commenting on the launch, Walker shares:

“The team and I are thrilled to bring this alluring new series, with its unique concept, to curious whisky drinkers around the world. The concept allows me, as a blender, the creative freedom to think up something out of the ordinary.

“For this first release, I set out to make virgin oak – a relatively uncommon wood type for maturation – more approachable and appealing to a broader audience through carefully considered blending. Combining the familiar profile of Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks with the intriguing contribution of the Chinquapin virgin oak makes for a delicious, multifaceted drinking experience. It truly is a synthesis of the bold and the beloved.”

At UK RRSP of £74.99, The GlenAllachie 2014 Chinquapin & Pedro Ximénez Cask Matured is available at the distillery’s visitor centre and its online shop from today. It will become increasingly available worldwide in the coming weeks and months.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

At The GlenAllachie, each decision in creating our award-winning Speyside single malt merges logic with instinct. In the experienced hands of legendary whisky maker Billy Walker, a culture of precision, patience and perseverance has been instilled in his small yet accomplished team of whisky experts.

Being independent offers us the freedom to prioritise what matters most: quality. The pursuit is not of consistency, but perfection. Never resting on our laurels, we work tirelessly to refine and enhance each batch of whisky, striving to better the last.

The result of seamlessly coordinated collaboration is a range of carefully crafted and cask-perfected whiskies, each personally approved by Billy. With a quietly confident team of passionate whisky enthusiasts behind The GlenAllachie, you can be sure we have our whisky in good hands.

Our other brands are Meikle Tòir Peated Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits—which encompasses Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum—and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook         |          X          |         Instagram

TASTING NOTES:

The GlenAllachie 2014 Chinquapin & Pedro Ximénez Cask Matured, Sinteis Series – 57.8% ABV

• Colour: Intense Walnut.
• Nose: Liquorice, butterscotch and grilled honeycomb, with candied orchard fruits, cocoa and treacle tart.

• Taste: Ginger, butterscotch and candied lemon slices, followed by fig jam, blackberries and molasses, with cinnamon spice and rich cocoa on the finish.

NEW EDEN MILL DISTILLERY NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL

Independent Scottish distiller Eden Mill has completed commissioning of their new distillery, with both gin and single malt whisky now being produced on-site. Their first cask – a Scottish Oak cask – was filled on Monday 7^th April.

This momentous occasion marks the end of twenty-one months of building work following the handover from the University of St Andrews in June 2023.

The incredible space holds a mash tun, six washbacks, a gin still, wash and spirit stills, hot liquor tanks and a cask warehouse with space to store 300 casks. The state-of-the-art distillery has a capacity of 1 million litres of pure alcohol (LPA) per year and is a fantastic addition to the vibrant distilling scene that already exists within the region of Fife.

With just under 400 casks remaining from the single malt distilled at their original distillery located on the same site, Eden Mill is now turning their attention to restarting whisky production with a view to filling hundreds more casks with their new-make spirit, ready to be laid down to mature.

Located just ten minutes from St Andrews town centre on the University of St Andrews ‘Eden Campus’, Eden Mill will open a world-class visitor centre to tourists which will offer immersive gin and whisky experiences, a retail space and a top-floor cocktail bar featuring fantastic views over the Eden Estuary. The work on the visitor centre is expected to complete this summer, with a planned opening date of August.

Commenting on the news, Rennie Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer at Eden Mill said: “The new distillery marks a step change for our business and follows years of hard work by the whole team. To be able to announce that our new distillery is now fully operational is incredibly exciting and we are just a few short months away from being able to open our doors to the public and welcome visitors from all over the world.”

Adding to Rennie’s comments, Eden Mill’s Head Distiller Scott Ferguson said: “Following the installation of our copper stills in January, we have been progressing towards getting the distillery operational and refining our new-make spirit. My objective is to replicate the profile of what we used to distil at our original site – a light, sweet spirit with floral and grassy notes. I am looking forward to coming to work at this beautiful location every day and to overseeing the distillation of our excellent products.”

All electricity at Eden Mill’s distillery will be 100% renewable, coming from either the solar farm belonging to the University of St Andrews or from renewable tariffs on the grid. The business is working on various other sustainability initiatives, including their partnership with MiAlgae which was announced in October 2024.

Eden Mill 

https://www.edenmill.com/

Eden Mill distillery, established in 2012 on the banks of the Eden Estuary in St Andrews, was the first distillery to make spirits in the region in over 150 years. Today, Eden Mill has a unique selection of limited release Single Malts, and an extensive gin portfolio crafted from the finest botanicals, many sourced from in and around Fife.

Eden Mill has an ambition to create the finest gins and Scotch Whiskies with minimal environmental impact combining traditional distilling techniques with innovation. Eden Mill is building a stunning new distillery at the mouth of the river Eden, overlooking the iconic, historic town of St Andrews. The new distillery sits at the heart of the University of St Andrews Eden Campus, a unique site dedicated to sustainable businesses and research.

Whiskyland Chapter Thirteen Imperial 26 years old

A single refill barrel of Imperial 1998 bottled at natural cask strength of 44.4% after 26 years of age. This is on the lighter side, but is full of classical Imperial characteristics of waxes, honeys, white flowers and citrus fruit. A delicate and highly detailed whisky that demands a large dram and proper nosing glass and plenty of time and relaxation.

Decadent Drams Miltonduff 22 years old

Another multi-vintage, small batch bottling and probably one of our most ambitious attempts at this practice thus far. A 2002 2nd fill barrel of Miltonduff, married with a 1991 refill hoghsead. The result is wonderfully rich, complex, fruity, honeyed and waxy example with a lot of clear influence of time, but also a freshness from the younger component that builds wonderful complexity and depth into the final dram. We’re really happy with this one.

Decadent Drams Spirit Of Yorkshire 6 years old

A single 2nd fill, ex-Islay barrel of Spirit Of Yorkshire single malt. Distilled in 2018, aged for 6 years and bottled at the slightly reduced strength of 57.1%, this is the first example of Spirit Of Yorkshire single malt that features more than a whiff of peat smoke about it. It’s rich, creamy, full of natural cereal character and balanced by beautiful coastal and gentle smoke inflections.

Decadent Drams Inchmurrin 12 years old

Quite simply, a luscious single 2nd fill barrel of Inchmurrin 2012. Exuberantly fruity and highly exotic – the kind of profile that’s hard to find these days, and utterly beguiling. For us this is great value whisky! We bottled it with very slight reduction to help elevate that luscious fruit character a wee touch.

The Hearach Oloroso single malt is the second expression of our island whisky. Fully matured in ex-sherry butts sourced from our friends in Andalusia, it’s a celebration of connection between our two communities. The hot and dusty Spanish climate is perfect for making this special wine from Jerez and their casks in turn impart a unique influence on our island spirit. Expect orange peel, dried herbs, vanilla, cloves and more in this rich, bold, and aromatic edition of our dram as the sun shines on our respective homes this season…

ORDER THE HEARACH OLOROSO

Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “Phenols are the chemicals that we get in our peat smoke, that attach themselves onto the malt and then go through the distillation process into our whisky and gives us the peaty, smoky medicinal flavours that we get in our Lagavulin, Lahproaig and our Ardbeg.”

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career. We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 12,000+ candidates globally enjoy our SQA-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Macaloney’s Washington Peat Project

This might be the most intense way to introduce myself to a new brand of whisky, especially Canadian whisky!

Macaloney’s distillery has been in headlines for all of the right reasons over the past decade or so. From going toe to toe with The Scotch Whisky Association or producing domestic whiskies of numerous styles to the worlds plaudits.

Graeme Macaloney shares both Scottish and Irish heritage. It’s one of the reasons he likes to produce unpeated and peated single malt whiskies in a classic Scottish style, as well triple distilled, pot still whiskies. He and his team can produce anything you want. This ‘Peat Project’ single cask series is quite an interesting selection of peated styles. I can attest to the rest of the series, but this bottling has sourced peat from Washington state, just south of the US-Canadian border. It’s also been matured in an ex-Portuguese red wine barrique to add an additional element of fun.

You’ll have to watch the video to find out my full feelings for this very new style of sourced peat, but it certainly gets people talking. Peated whisky drinkers, we’ve tried and seen it all. So, for this to have some additional pull in the whisky industry is a very interesting point of international sales. Yes, these bottles are single cask release, but they’re remarkably interesting to those of us who enjoy things a little smokier.

Canadian whiskies across the board are in quite good demand across the UK. I wish we had some sort of international deal with Canada to source more of their regular and more interesting stocks, as this would go down a storm on this side of the Atlantic. Naturally, they’re probably well received in Canada and the US, as well as wherever else they’re sold. Let’s get more of this stuff in the UK!

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
Facebook.com/whiskytube
Twitter.com/whiskytube
Youtube.com/whiskywednesday

Heaven Hill Fills First Barrel at New Heaven Hill Springs Distillery,

Cementing Status as Largest Independent Bourbon Producer

Milestone marks return of distilling to Bardstown for the first time since 1996  

Bardstown, Ky. (April 2025) – Heaven Hill marked a historic milestone with the first barrel filled at the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown. Nearly three decades after a fire destroyed the original facility, the event celebrates the return of distilling to the Bourbon Capital of the World and ushers in a new era for Heaven Hill as the largest independent Bourbon producer in the world.

This first barrel also signals the start of production at the new $200 million facility, with full completion of the project anticipated in September. The project sets the foundation for Heaven Hill’s next chapter as the company approaches its 90th anniversary on December 13, 2025—exactly 90 years after the Shapira brothers filled their first barrel in 1935.

“Filling this first barrel is both a homecoming and a major step into the future of Heaven Hill,” said Allan Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands. “The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery reflects our deep roots in Bardstown, our long-term commitment to American Whiskey, and our investment in building for the next 90 years with care, intention and pride.”

The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery will initially produce 150,000 barrels annually, with capacity scalable up to 450,000 barrels. It joins the company’s historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, which has remained a cornerstone of Heaven Hill’s distilling operations since 1999. As the largest single-site Bourbon distillery in the country, Bernheim has played a critical role in carrying forward Heaven Hill’s legacy, producing award-winning whiskeys such as Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection and Elijah Craig. Together, these two world-class distilleries position Heaven Hill for continued leadership in American Whiskey.

With this expansion, Heaven Hill cements its position as the largest independent Bourbon producer in the world, a result of their dedicated leadership in the industry and decades of intentional growth—combining new investment in Bardstown with an established footprint in Louisville to support long-term flexibility, innovation and American Whiskey stewardship.

The new facility was designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating highly efficient production systems, advanced wastewater pretreatment, stormwater management and habitat restoration. Onsite energy creation and recovery systems further reduce environmental impact. These features reflect Heaven Hill’s commitment to protecting the natural resources that make Bourbon possible. That leadership was recently recognized when Rachel Nally, Heaven Hill’s director of environment and sustainability, was named Sustainability Officer of the Year at the 2025 Global Icons of Whisky Awards.

A full-circle moment rooted in history

To commemorate the occasion, Heaven Hill invited Charlie Downs, Master Distiller Emeritus, to serve as honorary master distiller for the day leading up to the first barrel filling. Downs is the only employee in company history to have worked in operations at all four of Heaven Hill’s distilling sites: the original Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown where he began his career in the 1970s, the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distillery, and now the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery.

From overnight shifts in Bardstown to crafting one barrel a day for visitors on Whiskey Row, Downs spent more than four decades shaping Heaven Hill’s distilling legacy. His return for the first barrel filling at the new Springs Distillery serves as a powerful bridge between the company’s past and its future.

“Filling this first barrel brings full circle a journey nearly 90 years in the making,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill master distiller and 2025 Icons of Whisky America Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year. “Having Charlie here to mark this moment connects our heritage to our future in the most meaningful way. It reflects the craftsmanship and commitment of the Springs team, whose work brought this facility to life and set the tone for the next chapter of Heaven Hill whiskey.”

The return to Bardstown represents more than the opening of a new facility—it is a legacy investment that honors Heaven Hill’s past, strengthens American Whiskey production today, and ensures continued leadership for decades to come.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in nearly 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Killowen Catch-Up 

At Killowen, we don’t over communicate! Instead, we publish the odd note with important and exciting updates.

First and foremost, we would like to begin by stating how truly thankful and humbled we are by all of you, our wonderful Killowen supporters, as we celebrate 6 years in business. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the loyalty, enthusiasm, and belief from everyone who has joined us on this journey. The past 6 years have been a blast, but the past year alone has definitely been one to celebrate!  Over the past 12 months, Killowen Distillery has proudly garnered prestigious accolades, just to name a few:

• Craft Producer of the Year 2025 at both the Icons of Whisky & Icons of Whisky Ireland Awards

• A coveted spot in the Top 50 Most Admired Whiskies in the World, ranking as the second highest Irish distillery on the list

We have released many wonderful Barántúils this year which we have been delighted to see being opened and enjoyed all across the world. This year saw the release of our first ever 5 year old whiskey, along with the launch of our Sagaland Series and a collaboration with The Irish Whiskey Collection at the Duty Free in both Dublin and Cork Airports. We also worked with some fantastic off-sales across Ireland such as Green Acres in Wexford, in which our Barántúil was finished in a bespoke Chambolle Musigny Ex-Pinot Noir Wine Cask from Domaine Bruno Clair.

So what’s next? We have a very exciting few months ahead with many more Barántúil releases coming your way! To kick us off, we are absolutely delighted to announce that a very special collaboration with none other than the iconic Temple Bar in Dublin is soon to be released via The Irish Whiskey Reserve. This particular whiskey spent its entirety in an Ex-Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask, but more information on this one coming very soon!  We will also be releasing the next instalment of our much anticipated Sagaland series and we can’t wait to share this with you all, as you know, this chapter of our Barántúil is very special to all of the Killowen team.

And just in case you missed our social media campaign, we have an exclusive auction happening from April 30th – May 4th with Irish Whiskey Auctions. This particular auction will feature some Killowen gems from the archives of none other than the man himself, Brendan Carty. Be sure to sign up as it’s one not to be missed!

Check out the bottles here

To all the Killowen fans out there, the OG’s and the newbies, thank you for making what we do here worth while! The past 6 years have been a blast and we are so excited to share with you all the amazing releases to come. We hope to see some of you at Whiskey Live Dublin on the 16th & 17th of May!

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

Dalbeallie 08, Tamdhu at it’s very best. 

 Available to purchase Thursday 1st May

Gordon and I sat down in the sun, at the historic Dalbeallie Station for a first taste of Tamdhu’s Dalbeallie 08. This latest addition to the Dalbeallie series is Tamdhu at its very best. Crafted with dedication, it celebrates our Speyside roots and the legacy of the station that once transported our precious casks to the world.

Nose – Ginger snaps, crème anglaise, and smoked almonds

Palate – Honey, baked pears, and sherry oak warmth

Finish – Dark chocolate, sticky dates, and rich oak

ABV – 60.8% ABV

Limited Release – 1000 bottles

Dalbeallie 08 (£100) is available on Thursday, 1st May at 9am on Tamdhu.com.

If you’re visiting us next week during the Speyside Whisky Festival you will be able to purchase in person at our distillery shop (Dalbeallie Station) open from 10.30am – 5.30pm 2nd and 3rd May.

Here’s to another exceptional chapter in Tamdhu’s story.

Slàinte Mhath,

Sandy McIntyre

Distillery Manager

2025 Cask Offering

Palo Cortado Hogshead (250L) –  £8,000

Our Master Distiller, Brendan McCarron, chose his favourite sherry cask to work with: Palo Cortado. This rare, unusual cask gives a deep and rich flavour, perfect to guide our unique spirit.

Bourbon Hogshead (250L) – £7,250

We are using high-quality, heavily charred American White Oak casks that match the spirit character of Benbecula.

With only 150 casks available, this is another rare opportunity to be part of our growth at Benbecula Distillery and expand your whisky experience. If you’re interested or have any questions, please reach out above or visit our site by clicking below.

LEARN MORE                    CALL US tel:07956077798