Archive for September, 2025

Douglas Laing ‘Private Stock Dailuaine 14 Years Old’ – Scotch Whisky News

Private Stock Dailuaine 14 Years Old

Charged from one Sherry Butt, personally selected by Cara Laing, this Private Stock Dailuaine was bottled directly from the Douglas Laing Family’s Private Whisky Collection. Offered proudly at a natural cask strength, it is presented exactly as the Distiller intended: without added colour or chill-filtration, and at natural cask strength of 54.6%. Each bottle is hand-signed by Cara Laing.

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Established in 1948, Douglas Laing is a proudly independent, family owned Scotch Whisky business in its third generation. Over 70 years of heritage have helped us to refine our processes, and deliver Whisky that is consistently exceptional in its offering.

Abiding to the philosophy of presenting Whisky as the Distiller intended, we add nothing and take nothing away from our spirit, enabling Whisky lovers around the world to come as close as they possibly can to sampling a dram straight from the Cask.

Our Whisky Philosophy

Established in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing, a man with a genuine love and serious passion for Whisky, Douglas Laing & Co. is a proudly independent, family owned Scotch Whisky Distiller, Blender and Bottler now in its third generation.

Over 70 years of heritage, history and expertise has helped us to refine our processes and create Whisky that is consistently exceptional in its offering.

Abiding by the philosophy of presenting Whisky “as the Distiller intended”, we are committed to bottling our Whisky “as natural as it gets” allowing enthusiasts around the globe to come as close as they possibly can to sampling a dram straight from the cask in the hallowed surrounds of a Scottish Distillery Warehouse.

Hard To Find Whisky ‘RYELAW VINTAGE 2018: Fife Single Grain Scotch Whisky’ – Scotch Whisky News

 

RYELAW VINTAGE 2018

Fife Single Grain Scotch Whisky

70cl · 46.3% ABV

Ryelaw is produced at the InchDairnie Distillery in Fife. It is the only whisky in the world which is made using malted rye and distilled in a Lomond Hill still. Carefully matured in new oak casks sourced from the Appalachian Mountains for a spicier finish, the second vintage of RyeLaw has a prominent wood, rye and spice character. Distilled in 2018, this single grain Scotch is non-chill filtered and natural in colour.

Aroma: A robust mix of rye spice and oak, balanced by hints of vanilla and caramel sweetness.

Flavour: Bold peppery rye leads the palate, followed by drying oak and a smooth, lingering finish of delicate toffee.

£79.95

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Laphroaig: Introducing The Wall 39 Year Old Rope Edition – Islay Scotch Whisky News

The Wall 39-Year-Old Rope Edition is finally here – one of the oldest Laphroaig whiskies ever bottled. With only 200 units worldwide, this limited edition is initially available exclusively at Laphroaig.com ~ Friends of Laphroaig and limited bottles are made available at select retailers worldwide.

The second edition in The Wall series, the Rope Edition, depicts the ropes of Puffer Boats that would carry sherry casks to our stretch of shore, a theme that’s reflected in this remarkable sherry-matured whisky, with a flavour profile that perfectly balances the influence of these casks with our signature peat.

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ralfy review 1094 – Port Askaig single malt (01/2023) – Scotch Whisky News

Unveiling Old Pulteney Polaris for 2025 Distillers One of One Auction – Scotch Whisky News

Unveiling Old Pulteney Polaris for 2025 Distillers One of One Auction

Masterpiece of Caithness craftsmanship features 47-year-old whisky, Old Pulteney’s oldest ever release  

International Beverage, unveiled Old Pulteney Polaris, its most extraordinary bottling of Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky to date, created exclusively for the 2025 Distillers One of One charity auction.  

This one-of-a-kind masterpiece of artisanal skill and artistry features a rare 47-year-old expression of the Maritime Malt, which is the Wick Distillery’s oldest ever release. 

It is encased in a stunning sculpture of Caithness slate and silver, which are both naturally found in the Distillery’s windswept coastal home in the far north of Scotland, with an additional enhancement of a secret copper disc at the base of the structure which has been carefully reclaimed from Pulteney Distillery’s stills.  

Polaris takes its name from the North Star, symbolising a bold, bright future for Old Pulteney as International Beverage plans a global celebration of the Distillery’s milestone 200th anniversary in 2026 – and the beginning of an exciting programme of new releases.  

For guests at this year’s Distillers One of One charity auction, Polaris offers the chance to own a unique and never-to-be-repeated piece of Old Pulteney’s history when they gather for the prestigious biennial auction, which takes place at Hopetoun House in Edinburgh on 10th October.  

Polaris follows on from Old Pulteney’s previous contribution to the 2023 auction – Bow Wave – which raised nearly £70,000 for the event’s main beneficiary: the Youth Action Fund, a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in Scotland. 

 

The Whisky 

Distilled and aged at Old Pulteney’s windswept home in Wick on the far north Scottish coast, this whisky captures an authentic maritime character that is unparalleledOld Pulteney Polaris has been carefully matured for four decades in American oak casks with a final seven years spent resting in a single first-fill Spanish oak butt.  

 Selected for its elegantly complex and perfectly balanced character, this exceptional whisky boasts complex aromas of sea spray that the Maritime Malt is renowned for. On the palate, delicate vanilla and sweet cinnamon pastry come to the fore with a smooth, fine-textured taste featuring Scottish tablet and dark chocolate, ending with a finish of clotted cream. Bottled in 1.5 litre with an ABV of 43.6%, the Lot will include a 100ml tasting sample. 

The Bottle 

Honouring the industrial craftsmanship behind each drop of Old Pulteney, the Polaris bottle has been expertly designed and crafted in partnership with local artisans including Tain-based glass merchant Glasstorm to symbolize and celebrate the whisky’s coastal Scottish home. deep blue glass bottle, represents the crashing waves of the Caithness coast, with intricate inciso cuts creating a rippled effect around the glassware. Caithness slate encases the bottle, symbolising the enduring cliffs found on this part of Scotland’s northerly coastline, and the bottle’s smooth front allows the luxurious mahogany hues of the whisky to shine through. Threads of Caithness silver run along the bottom of the dramatic slate structure to mimic the motion of waves and are beautifully intertwined with cords of copper. 

Renowned whisky expert, Dave Broom, praises its remarkable tasteThis deep amber whisky opens with a captivating nose of luxurious stone fruits, citrus zest, and a complex evolution toward oxidative notes like medlar and cob nut, lifted by the sensation of a cool seashore breeze. The palate is thick and waxy, mingling soft, late-harvest fruit with cedar-spiced tannins and a hint of salinity, evoking a windswept clifftop. A splash of water reveals greater mineral depth and incense-like spice, while the finish sees the return of fruit after the saltiness fades – mature and balanced.  

Award-winning whisky writer, Jonny McCormick, further compliments the whisky’s incredible flavour profile: Old Pulteney Polaris glows rich amber with burnished gold highlights. The first wave of aromas opens with a bold coastal nose of sea spray, molasses cake, nutmeg, and deep oak, before revealing layers of vanilla, espresso foam, and hints of baked apple and peppermint. On the palate, it’s silky and vibrant, with Scottish tablet, citrus peel, and a rolling wave of grilled pineapple, cherry cake, and toasted spice, all carried by a mineral backbone. The finish is indulgent and lingering, merging dark chocolate and coffee with soft oak, clotted cream, and a final lift of white chocolate and nutmeg.  

Fiona Kennie, Marketing Director at International Beverage, said: ‘We are exceptionally proud to be sharing Old Pulteney Polaris with the word today, a project that has been a real labour of love for our team and the skilled designers and local makers in Caithness who have turned our vision into such a magnificent reality. Charity and making a difference in our community is at the heart of our business, so we are very excited to follow the progress of Polaris at this year’s Distillers One of One auction, where we hope our contribution will raise as much money as possible for such an important cause. And for whisky lovers, this is an absolute treasure and a fitting release to mark the countdown to Pulteney Distillery’s 200th milestone next year, when we will have more exciting new releases with rarity, craftsmanship and Old Pulteney’s authentic maritime character to share.’ 

 To register interest in this auction, visit the Distillers’ One of One website. 

Grandson Uncovers Treasure in Family Inheritance: Rare Macallan Lalique 50 Year Old Scotch Valued at $90,000 – Auction Whisky News

Grandson Uncovers Treasure in Family Inheritance: Rare Macallan Lalique 50 Year Old Scotch Valued at $90,000

In a tale fit for the silver screen, a grandson, Liam Martin*, unearthed an extraordinary treasure amidst the bittersweet task of sorting their late grandfather’s belongings. Among a lifetime’s collection of keepsakes and heirlooms was something that initially seemed unremarkable—a dusty box with a bottle of Scotch tucked away in the back of the cellar. But little did they know, this humble bottle was a portal to history, luxury, and staggering value.

What the grandson discovered was no ordinary bottle of whisky. After a Google search and a meeting with experts at Iron Gate Auctions in Calgary, Liam along with his father learned their unassuming inheritance was a Macallan Lalique 50 Years Old —one of the most sought-after collector’s items in the world of fine spirits, valued at over $90,000 CAD.

The Macallan Lalique, renowned for its exquisite crystal decanter and the whisky it encases, is a rare edition cherished by connoisseurs and collectors alike. Often referred to as “liquid gold,” it represents a union of unparalleled craftsmanship between The Macallan distillery and French crystal masters Lalique. Each bottle is a time capsule of artistry, encapsulating decades of skill, passion, and heritage.

“This wasn’t just a bottle of Scotch—it was a masterpiece,” Liam shared. “We’re still in shock. To think that my grandfather quietly owned something so rare is surreal. He wasn’t the type to brag about his collection, so this feels like a final gift from him.”

In partnership with Iron Gate Auctions, the bottle will soon have its moment in the spotlight. On September 15th, 2025, collectors and whisky enthusiasts from around the globe will vie for the chance to own this one-of-a-kind treasure in a high-stakes online auction. Experts anticipate fierce competition, with bids likely to surpass its estimated value.

“This type of find is thrilling,” remarked Ajay Bhardwaj, Director of Spirits at Iron Gate Auctions. “The Macallan Lalique 50 is the first in the 6 pillars series released in 2005. It isn’t just a bottle of whisky—it’s a piece of history and a symbol of the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Only 470 decanters were made, and many of the initial Macallan in Lalique bottles were opened before the Six Pillars Collection was established as a series. The actual number of remaining 50-Year-Old Exceptional Oak Casks decanters is unknown, making it the rarest and hardest to find in the collection. This bottle will undoubtedly make headlines and create immense excitement in the collecting community.”

 

As Canada readies itself for this monumental auction, Liam is planning his next steps hinting at dreams of travel and paying tribute to his grandfather’s memory: “It’s like he’s sending us on one last adventure together.”

Whisky aficionados, collectors, and dreamers alike can register to participate in the auction and catch a glimpse of this historic bottle on Iron Gate Auctions’ website. As the countdown to September 15th begins, this consignor’s remarkable story serves as a reminder: even the most unassuming corners of an inheritance can hold treasures that ignite the imagination and inspire new beginnings.

Ajay Bhardwaj, Director Spirits, Iron Gate Auctions
www.irongateauctions.com
Email: ajay@irongate.wine
*Name protected for client’s privacy.

Milroy’s of Soho ‘Blair Athol 15 Years Old DS Tayman Summer Edition’ – Scotch Whisky News

Blair Athol 15 Years Old DS Tayman Summer Edition 55.5% 70cl

A gorgeous, appropriately seasonal release from independent bottler, DS Tayman. Aged for 15 years, first in a new oak hogshead and then in a Syrah wine barrique, this Blair Athol expression is bright, vibrant, and stunningly summery. Just 261 bottles have been released without chill-filtration and at natural colour.

£57.50 GBP

Official tasting notes:

Nose: Sweet orange zest, with a touch of burnt toffee and subtle hints of wine.

Palate: Tangy orange peel and plums shouting ‘here I am’, with caramel toffee

Finish: A little candy floss, wine on the back palate and traces of spice follow

The Hearach Single Cask collaboration with Selfridges – Scotch Whisky News

We’re pleased to announce the second The Hearach Single Cask collaboration with Selfridges. This highly limited edition of just 225 bottles will be released on the 5th of September 2025 at 10am exclusively in their online shop and in stores.

Drawn from hand-picked cask No. 216, a First Fill Ex Buffalo Trace barrel, the whisky is 8 years of age and bottled at 58% abv. Expect creamy rice pudding, vanilla pods and buttery caramels to the fore on the nose. Nostalgic rock candy and cream soda follow with a touch of clove spice, developing into a lingering perfume of windowsill flowers on a sunny day.

On the palate the dram is aromatic and gently spiced along with the tang of dried apricots. Enjoy neat, then add a drop of water to release the lingering but subtle peat smoke. Look out for the new in-store displays showcasing our island story and spirits very soon also…

VISIT SELFRIDGES ONLINE

 

 

Wolves X Willett Family Estate 10 Year Old “Batch 3” Blend Of Straight Rye Whiskeys – K&L California American Whiskey News

Wolves X Willett Family Estate 10 Year Old “Batch 3” Blend Of Straight Rye Whiskeys

(750ml)

$239.99

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The Wolves is a creative collaboration based in California. They’ve released several single malts with Marko Karakasevic of Charbay Distillery, but it’s this project with the Willett Family Estate that have put them on the map. Batch 3 is being sold pre-arrival and will be available for pick up toward the second half of June. The distillery describes it here, “[it] opens dramatically, with a complex blend of orange peel, caramel, and baking spices, with flavors of gingerbread, tobacco, and toasted nuts, all wrapped in a velvety mouthfeel. The finish lingers beautifully, balancing vanilla and caramel sweetness with a pop of spice.”

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

COLEBURN DISTILLERY REAWAKENS AFTER 40 YEARS WITH VETERAN MASTER DISTILLER AND SPECIALIST ARCHITECTS – Scotch Whisky News

COLEBURN DISTILLERY REAWAKENS AFTER 40 YEARS WITH VETERAN MASTER DISTILLER AND SPECIALIST ARCHITECTS

L-R: Mark Winchester, Dale Winchester, Keith Cruickshank, Gwenda Smits

Steps taken to welcome back one of Speyside’s sleeping distilleries within Scotch whisky’s largest region.

 The reinstatement of a working distillery at the historic Coleburn site in Speyside marks a significant leap forward with the appointment of esteemed master distiller, Keith Cruickshank and distillery specialists, Organic Architects.

Founded in 1897 and completed in 1899 under the direction of the renowned distillery architect Charles Doig, the distillery was mothballed in 1985. Now, Coleburn is set to be reborn as part of a major revival that will return whisky production to this storied Speyside location, as part of a transformative vision by D&M Winchester Ltd.

The Distillery at Coleburn represents a notable step forward in the wider masterplan of establishing a world-class whisky and hospitality centre on the authentic grounds of Coleburn, Longmorn, anticipated to be the first of its kind globally.

Keith Cruickshank joins The Distillery at Coleburn as Master Distiller following 27 years at the helm of Benromach. Born and raised in the Speyside town that shares his name, Keith brings over three decades of whisky-making expertise to the role. In 1998, he became part of the team that restarted distilling at Benromach, where he was soon promoted to Distillery Manager under the guidance of industry mentor Bob Murray. With deep roots in Speyside and a lifelong dedication to the craft, Keith is ideally placed to lead Coleburn into its next chapter.

On his appointment, Keith Cruickshank said:

“It is a great honour to be appointed Master Distiller of The Distillery at Coleburn. This is a site with a rich heritage, and I am committed to restoring its distilling tradition with care, precision, and respect for the craft. My focus will be on developing a spirit that reflects the character of Coleburn and the wider Speyside region, using time-honoured methods and a thoughtful approach to production. Our aim is to produce Scotch whisky of the highest possible quality, rooted in authenticity and built to stand the test of time.”

D&M Winchester Ltd, owner of the Coleburn site, has commissioned Organic Architects, leaders in sustainable distillery design, to finalise architectural plans for the operational facility. With construction scheduled to begin shortly and completion targeted for 2027, the project signals a landmark moment in the resurgence of Speyside’s whisky-making legacy.

Mark Winchester, co-owner, commented:

“The development of The Distillery at Coleburn marks a milestone in our vision for this extraordinary site. We are thrilled to embark on this journey of reinstating the distillery with Organic Architects and have already made significant progress. Keith’s appointment as our Master Distiller brings invaluable experience, and we look forward to creating exceptional spirits and welcoming both those from the area and much further afield to the distillery in the years ahead.”

The vision for Coleburn Distillery centres on creating a true sense of arrival, with a seamless visitor journey that flows effortlessly through the site. Marrying heritage and innovation, the design blends the historic character of Coleburn with contemporary elements, delivering an experience that is both rooted in tradition and distinctly cutting-edge.

Bari Reid, Director at Organic Architects, commented:

“It’s great to be part of a project that will contribute to the future of whisky production in Speyside. This is a unique opportunity to bring modern distilling practices together with a strong sense of place. The site’s history and its surroundings have formed our approach – our plan aims to support low-impact production while reflecting the character of the region. We’re looking forward to working with the distillery team to help bring their long-term vision to life.”

Upon completion, the Coleburn Whisky Resort will include whisky lodges, Pagoda penthouse and bistro and is expected to create a significant number of jobs in the local area. Once operational, The Distillery at Coleburn is expected to produce one million litres of whisky annually.

About Coleburn Distillery:

Coleburn Distillery, located in the heart of Speyside, is being brought back to life as part of a landmark project to create a world-class whisky and hospitality destination. Once a working distillery, Coleburn is now being reinstated as a fully operational site, complete with a new distillery and visitor bistro in the first phase of development.

Future plans include whisky lodges, Pagoda penthouse and bistro, making Coleburn a true destination for whisky lovers and visitors from around the world. At its core, the project is about reviving the Coleburn spirit and offering a premium whisky experience rooted in heritage, craft, and place.

About Organic Architects:

Organic Architects was established in 2009. Based in Helensburgh on the west coast of Scotland.  The company is led by a team which includes former National Trust conservation architect Andrea Wise, eco-distilling specialist Gareth Roberts, as well as distillery construction specialist Bari Reid who is based on the Isle of Mull. Organic Architects was amongst the first architects to design a number of the new wave of craft whisky distilleries projects in the UK and internationally. They have become leading experts in environmentally friendly distilling and integrating complex process engineering with new and refurbished buildings.


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