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….

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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!

https://www.beer52.com/whiskywhww

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.

Glendronach 21 Year Old “Parliament” Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $299.99 View

Part of the core range from GlenDronach, Parliament has been aged in a mix of oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and is non-chill filtered. Quite sweet sherry on the nose, with fresh leather, nutty peach notes, cloves, and pepper. Rich sherried fruits on the full palate, with more pepper, ginger, and plain chocolate. The finish is long, with licorice and oak tannins. Not to be rushed! (GS, Summer 2017)

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

Invergordon Murray McDavid – Mission Gold – Single Cask Whisky 50 Year Old·1972 Vintage

£499.95

Invergordon – Mission Gold Single Cask 50 Year Old Single Grain Whisky 43.7% ABV

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 555: Waterford Fenniscourt

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an Irish from a very recently closed distillery… It is a bit distressing, but Waterford has gone bankrupt after only ten years of operation. The distillery is currently under administration. However, that does not stop Mark from tasting this peated Irish whiskey in the so-called Arcadian Series. The whiskey is very young, just three years old, and matured in four different types of casks. It is said that the barley was processed with 38ppm. That’s actually quite a high peat level, but you know that not much of this remains after production, of course.

https://youtu.be/wTQiU7wsjME

Loch Lomond Whiskies launches global sampling campaign in celebration

of its golden year of success

Loch Lomond Whiskies is launching its largest-ever global sampling campaign, inviting whisky fans across the world to celebrate a golden year of achievement. The award-winning independent distiller is sharing its pride by giving more people the chance to experience the craftsmanship and character that have made it one of the world’s most acclaimed single malts.

Taking place from 24-30 March across key whisky markets, Golden Week will showcase why Loch Lomond Whiskies has earned its place among the finest single malts in the world. More than just a promotion, this initiative is a toast to the dedication and passion that have shaped the distillery’s success.

First opened in 1965, Loch Lomond Distillery has been quietly crafting whisky on the banks of its namesake loch for more than 60 years. In the past decade, investment in whisky-making innovation and global marketing has propelled the brand to new heights. Now enjoyed by millions worldwide, Loch Lomond Whiskies is the fastest-growing top 25 single malt brand in the world for two out of three recent years (IWSR). In 2024, it secured its most prestigious accolade yet—being named Distillery of the Year at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). This was just one of over 50 awards won in the past 18 months, including category-leading scores at the world-renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

2025 marks Loch Lomond Whiskies’ golden year—a celebration of its record-breaking success and the whisky that made it possible. Golden Week is the distillery’s way of sharing this pride, allowing whisky lovers to discover firsthand what makes Loch Lomond Whiskies whisky so special.

Working with retailers in over 10 countries, Loch Lomond Whiskies will offer exclusive promotions on its Scotch whisky products. To mark the occasion, the brand’s signature range of malt whiskies will carry golden stickers in recognition of its Distillery of the Year title.

Retailers including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange will run the Golden Week promotion in the UK, while global markets including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, China and the US will also participate via independent retailers. Dedicated Golden Week activity will also take place in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea over the coming months, furthering Loch Lomond Whiskies’ growth in these key regions.

As a special thank you to whisky fans, everyone who purchases a Loch Lomond Whiskies product during Golden Week will receive an exclusive invitation to a tasting event hosted by Loch Lomond Whiskies’ Master Blender, Michael Henry; Joel Harrison, renowned whisky writer and IWSC judge; and Mitch Bechard, whisky podcast host.

This exclusive tasting will take place on Wednesday 9 April at 7:15pm, streamed live via Loch Lomond Whiskies’ YouTube channel. Attendees will enjoy a deep dive into the distillery’s whisky-making craft, guided by some of the most respected voices in the industry.

During the event, whisky lovers will explore four standout expressions that showcase Loch Lomond Whiskies’ award-winning craftsmanship: Loch Lomond Original, Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Perfectly Balanced, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old, and Loch Lomond Steam & Fire.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said:

“Winning Distillery of the Year and earning over 50 prestigious awards in just 18 months is something we are incredibly proud of. But whisky is meant to be shared, and our greatest achievement is seeing more people discover and enjoy our unique style.

Golden Week is our way of sharing our success—one dram at a time. The best way to understand what makes Loch Lomond Whiskies special is to taste it, and we invite whisky lovers everywhere to join us in raising a glass to this moment.”

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies’ Golden Week sampling campaign, visit HERE

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan Scott (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies.

The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distillers in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Last year, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchange’s coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.

Compass Box Vellichor

Vellichor, n – the scent of second-hand bookshops.

On discovering this marvellous new word, they began a quest to recreate the fragrance using Scotch whisky. Parcels were considered, identified and pursued. The process can be compared to scouring second-hand bookshops for specific volumes.

Their search met with success when a distiller and bottler in the north of Scotland offered them casks of whiskies which had been blended together in the past, before being returned to ex-Sherry butts for further maturation. Whiskies, like old books, contain their own stories.

They combined these Sherry-matured stocks with bold and mature malt whiskies from the Macallan, Highland Park and Caol Ila distilleries. The aroma is highly evocative for anyone with a fondness for books; the taste evolves and intensifies as any good political thriller or historical romance should.

A tribute to the storytelling potential of blended Scotch whisky, and the atmospheres of their favourite book stores.

£400.00

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom