Bruichladdich 13 Years Old 

Micro – Provenance Cask 1447

This single malt is part of Bruichladdich’s Micro-Provenance Series, created to explore the small influences that shape the flavour, from barley type to age and location. Distilled in 2011 from Appaloosa barley and aged for 13 years in a single cask that previously held Pauillac red wine, imparting deep fruity notes and warm spice. Bottled at natural cask strength, without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

£110.00

Shop now

SPRINGBANK 10YO FINO CASK MATURED

This new Springbank 10yo bottling is the fourth edition in our five-part Sherry Series, matured for four years in refill Bourbon hogsheads followed by six years in fresh Fino hogsheads made from American oak. 11,400 bottles are available worldwide.

NOSE The latest release in our sherry series opens with notes of blood orange, brandy snaps, vanilla custard and tinned fruits.

PALATE Notes of cinnamon sugar, fresh mint, praline, morello cherries and lemon curd emerge on the palate.

FINISH Notes of key lime, cola bottles and maple syrup round off this dram.

55% ABV

UK RRP £96 – £100

Cadenhead’s 2025 Releases

Hazelburn 10 Year Old, 46%, 100% ex-Bourbon.
Named and recreated after one of Campbeltown’s lost distilleries. Hazelburn is a triple distilled single malt that can take very well to many different cask types. This being fully matured in ex-bourbon is screaming that it could be my favourite.

Springbank Local Barley, 55.2%, 60% bourbon & 40% sherry.
The Local Barley is an annual release made from barley grown in or around Campbeltown. Each year a local farmer is commissioned to grow barley on our behalf to continue producing this ‘grain to glass’ limited edition. Different farms, barley varieties, cask maturations and length of time the whisky spends in the casks from one batch to the next allow our customers a unique tasting experience every time. This is the latest Local Barley release from November 2025

Springbank 10 Fino Cask, 55%, 40% bourbon & 60% sherry.
Fourth in a five part sherry series, the whisky has been matured for four years in bourbon casks followed by six years in Fino sherry casks.

Springbank 5YO 100 Proof, 57.1%, 100% ex-bourbon.
A newer general release from the folks at Springbank. A younger, punchier style to sit in next to Longrow Gold as it’s less peaty, boozier rival.

Kilkerran 16YO, 46%, 60% bourbon, 40% sherry.
First released in 2020 and picking up a very strong following every since, this years release of Kilkerran 16YO is hitting some huge heights for a lot of loyal fans.

Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 13, 58.6%, 90% bourbon, 10% sherry.
A turn around from the lighter peated style of regular Kilkerran releases. The Heavily Peated range comes in at 45PPM and can vary in its cask maturation. This batch release is predominantly ex-bourbon with a slither of sherry casks giving some more depth.

Springbank & Kilkerran Tasting Pack (Nov 2025) 6x2cl Whisky Samples

Savour the moments that matter this season with Tomatin

Highland distiller Tomatin has unveiled its ultimate festive whisky guide for 2025, a curated collection of drams designed to capture the spirit of the season – from cosy Christmas Eve firesides to joyful Hogmanay toasts.

The festive period is built on moments to remember, sharing time with loved ones, honouring family traditions and creating memories that last long after the decorations are packed away. Guided by its ‘To What Matters’ ethos, Tomatin celebrates these occasions with whiskies that embody warmth, generosity and togetherness.

Crafted with care in the Scottish Highlands, each expression reflects Tomatin’s heritage, award-winning quality and enduring sense of community, making it the perfect companion to celebrate the season. From the rich and indulgent Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask single malt to the luxurious Antiquary 21 Year Old blended Scotch, there is an exquisite whisky for every stage, whether it’s a dram left out for Santa, a thoughtful gift under the tree or a toast to ring in the New Year. 

The night before Christmas – Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask
RRP £52.50 | ABV 40% | 70cl

The anticipation of Christmas Eve deserves a dram that feels timeless. Fully matured in sherry oak casks, Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is rich and nostalgic, with notes of caramelised apple, orange peel and warm spice that echo the aromas of festive baking. Perfect for a quiet fireside moment or left out for Santa, it’s a whisky that captures the magic of the night before Christmas.

Unwrapping the day – Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port
RRP £78 | ABV 46% | 70cl

Christmas Day is about giving, sharing and celebrating together. Matured in bourbon and port casks, Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port combines velvety flavours of red berries, honey and soft oak – indulgent yet welcoming. Whether poured as the first toast of the day or enjoyed after a festive meal, it’s a gift that lingers in the memory.

Fireside indulgence – Tomatin 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry
RRP £126 | ABV 46% | 70cl

After the laughter and bustle of Christmas Day, the days that follow call for a slower pace. Tomatin 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry is a whisky made for fireside indulgence – rich, complex and award-winning. Matured in traditional oak and Oloroso sherry butt casks, it offers layers of tropical fruit, marmalade and cocoa. Best enjoyed with time to spare and good company close by, it’s the whisky that makes the quieter moments of the season feel just as special.

A twist on tradition – Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old
RRP £97.50 | ABV 50% | 70cl

As the days between Christmas and New Year bring reunions and late-night conversations, Cù Bòcan adds a spark of curiosity. Distilled only in winter, this smoky and experimental lightly peated 15-year-old single malt layers sweet spice, citrus and toasted oak for a whisky that feels playful, modern and full of character. It’s the dram for friends who like to break with tradition while still celebrating it.

A final toast – The Antiquary 21 Year Old
RRP £96.50 | ABV 40% | 70cl

Hogmanay is Scotland’s most treasured celebration and The Antiquary 21 Year Old is the whisky to raise when the bells strike midnight. Elegant and refined, this historic blend marries Highland and Speyside malts with Lowland grains, offering smooth layers of fruit, honey and gentle spice. It’s an expression to carry tradition into the year ahead, and the perfect way to close the season.

For further information about Tomatin whiskies and to buy, visit https://tomatin.com

Tasting Notes

Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask
 Nose: Caramelised apple, pear, sultana, orange peel, apricot and hints of aged leather.
 Palate: Chocolate fudge, manuka honey, dried fruit and nut.
 Finish: Cinnamon spice.

Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port
 Nose: Top notes of fresh peach, mandarin, watermelon, and apple with deeper forest fruits like cherry and blackberry. There’s a touch of milk chocolate and a pop of honeycomb. Notes of clove and cardamom grow in intensity before another wave of fruit.  
 Palate: The freshness on the nose has been preserved into a raspberry and strawberry jam, apricot compote, glace cherry, and crystallised ginger. Caramelised figs, prunes and nutty tones are indicative of the rich tawny port that once occupied these casks.  
 Finish: A silky texture coats the mouth with jammy fruits and Byzantium spice.

Tomatin 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry
 Nose: VORS Oloroso Sherry; dried apricot, plum, nougat and distinctive nutty tones. Sweet notes of vanilla fudge and cinnamon baked pears are balanced with a faint suggestion of cigar box and leather-bound books.
 Palate: A wonderful marriage of Oloroso Sherry and well-aged Tomatin provides bursts of tropical fruit and mellow savoury notes. Incredibly complex with marmalade, cooked apple, butterscotch and granola, cocoa powder and salted caramel all coming through.
 Finish: Full bodied and rich with continued nutty undertones and uplifting orange zest lingering on the palate.

Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old
 Nose: Sun-dried fruit, marmalade, flamed orange peel, autumn bonfire and warm spice.
 Palate: Plum, cinder toffee, coffee, smoked meat and earthy tannins.
 Finish: Long with dried fruit, tobacco smoke, dark chocolate and Christmas cake.

The Antiquary 21 Year Old
 Nose: Camphor, hessian, cut hay, burning heather, dark mocha, saffron and vanilla.
 Palate: Spiced plum, wild strawberries, dark chocolate, charred game and orange.
 Finish: Sea salt and red fruits.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

This year, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

The Glenlivet Embarks On A Tropical Adventure With The Launch Of Its 12 Year Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach

The Glenlivet, the definitive Speyside single malt, announces the launch of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach. This is the first release in the ‘Beyond Speyside’ series, which captures the essence of distinctive destinations around the world. This innovative expression combines the signature smoothness of The Glenlivet with the vibrant, sun-soaked flavours of Jamaica, offering whisky enthusiasts a unique and adventurous tasting experience. 

Inspired by Treasure Beach, a hidden gem on Jamaica’s south coast, this 12 Year Old single malt scotch whisky is selectively finished in casks that previously held Jamaica Rum, imparting tropical flavour notes of coconut, juicy pineapple, and velvety caramel for a fruity and smooth finish. These qualities authentically encapsulate the vibrancy and warmth of Jamaica’s beautiful coastline, creating a truly distinctive whisky experience. 

“We’re constantly looking for ways to push boundaries in single malts,” says Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Expert. “The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach, demonstrates our commitment to innovation and giving whisky drinkers new flavour experiences. By embracing distinctive cask finishes, we’re offering whisky lovers a truly unique and memorable experience, taking The Glenlivet from Speyside to the shores of Jamaica.” 

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach, is presented in a bold and modern bottle and carton design that reflects the vibrant spirit of Jamaica. The release will be available exclusively in the US at select retailers for a retail price of $54.99.  

XOP Rare Port Dundas 40 Years Old

40 Years One Single Cask Refill Hogshead ABV: 47.6% | Vol: 70cl

£566.67 Regular price £666.67

SPRINGBANK 12YO CASK STRENGTH

The upcoming release of Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength is matured exclusively in Bourbon casks — this is the first batch to use 100% Bourbon casks since 2021.

NOSE A sweet and inviting introduction to this dram, we have notes of fruit salad candy, raspberry ripple, dried mango, frosting and dark chocolate.

PALATE The complexity builds in the palate, with notes of smoke cayenne pepper, crushed chillies, toffee and charred steak.

FINISH Gentle peat smoke emerges in the finish, along with notes of pink grapefruit, cocoa powder, glazed cherries and salted pretzels.

55.5% ABV

UK RRP £70 – £72

www.simpsonsmalt.co.uk

ralfy review 1106 Extras – The history of ‘Golden Promise’ barley.

L-R: Fraser Souness, Gordon & MacPhail, David Shawah, iGroup, Tristan Barter, iGroup, Dora Petherbridge, Curator (US and Commonwealth Collections), National Library of Scotland, Alison Stevenson, Director of Collections, Access and Research, National Library of Scotland

Rare Book Celebrated with Rare Drams in Donation to National Library of Scotland to Mark 100th Anniversary

Edinburgh, November 12th 2025 — In a celebration of natural heritage and enduring legacy, Gordon & MacPhail, one of Scotland’s most prestigious independent Scotch whisky companies, together with Mr. Pote Narittakurn Lee, Chairman of iGroup (and owner of Gordon & MacPhail’s distribution partner in Thailand), have collaborated to donate a rare 21st century edition of John James Audubon’s Birds of America to the National Library of Scotland.

This meaningful act of philanthropy marks a double milestone: the 100th anniversary of the National Library of Scotland and the 130th anniversary of Gordon & MacPhail. The donation reflects a shared commitment to preserving knowledge, nature, and culture for generations to come.

Established in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail blends deep heritage, family stewardship, and rare whisky curation. Over more than a century, the company has shaped global appreciation for single malt whisky—crafting and maturing some of the world’s most sought-after expressions. This legacy of patience and precision finds a kindred spirit in J.J Audubon’s painstakingly detailed tribute to avian life.

“This donation honours our shared appreciation for Scotland’s natural world, its literary and artistic traditions, and the importance of preserving cultural treasures,” said Mr. Lee, whose company iGroup have pioneered digital publishing in the Education space for over 40 years. “We are proud to support the National Library of Scotland’s vital role in safeguarding the nation’s heritage.”

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, added: “Just as our whiskies capture the essence of place and time, Audubon’s Birds of America captures the delicate beauty of the natural world. It’s a privilege to mark our 130th year with a gesture that celebrates both legacy and landscape.”

The National Library of Scotland will house the edition within its special collections, providing public access to a timeless fusion of science, art, and storytelling.

This donation not only commemorates landmark anniversaries but also symbolises a deeper connection between nature, craft, and the Scottish spirit—a shared legacy of excellence in both words and whisky.

A special event, with invited guests will, celebrate the donation with a tasting of some of the world’s rarest and most exclusive Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail.

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist. Based in Elgin and operating on an international level, Gordon & MacPhail is owned by the third and fourth generation of the Urquhart family. Bringing together over 130 years of expertise in Scotch whisky production with a passion for building a business that will continue for generations to come, Gordon & MacPhail owns both Benromach Distillery in Forres and The Cairn Distillery in Grantown-on-Spey, as well as maturing and bottling some of the world’s rarest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies under its Gordon & MacPhail brand.

About iGroup

iGroup connects people and organisations with the knowledge and tools they need to learn and discover. iGroup began in the book business and grew into the leading provider of digital content and technology-led solutions for libraries across the Asia–Pacific region. For over 40 years, we’ve supported libraries, universities and research communities. With local teams in 20+ countries and a global partner network, we combine on-the-ground insight with global reach to facilitate knowledge exchange, accelerate research, and empower teaching, learning and discovery.

About John James Audubon’s Birds of America

John James Audubon’s Birds of America (1827–1838) is widely regarded as one of the most significant achievements in natural history publishing, featuring 435 life-size, hand-coloured plates that combine meticulous scientific observation with exceptional artistry. The first ten copper plates in the volume were engraved, printed and watercolour-finished by an Edinburgh company headed by William Home Lizars. Produced in the monumental “double elephant folio” format, with each print measuring 99cm by 66cm, the work has inspired generations of ornithologists, artists, and nature enthusiasts.

This 21st-century edition faithfully captures the beauty and detail of Audubon’s original, making it accessible to new audiences for research, learning, and enjoyment.

Welcome, willkommen and bienvenue one and all to our now live 174th auction!  We have a tremendous array of drams available this month, a bevy of beauties if you will, including a rather excellent ‘buy-it-now’ option.  With so much to choose from we thought we’d give you a leg up and highlight a few interesting bottles to get your watchlist moving.

Our first highlight is something you really won’t want to miss, particularly for collectors of Japanese whisky, this is the Hakushu ‘First Class’ for Moegi no Mura.  This vanishingly rare Hakushu was bottled in 2024 in collaboration with the nearby Moegi Village (Moegi no Mura) tourist complex, and is one of only 4 bottles made available for public sale!  Bottled at 51% this incredibly exclusive dram is a marriage of five Hakushu vintages from 1977, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 2006.  We are unlikely to see to see this up for sale again anytime soon so if this one catches your eye you might need to act fast.

Next up we have not one but two incredible bottles from a Speyside behemoth, the Glenfiddich 1958 Private Vintage Single Cask #8642 and Glenfiddich 1959 Private Vintage Single Cask #3934.  This really was the distillery that started the whole single malt boom and these two drams distilled at the tail end of the 1950’s are a terrific example of why this distillery is so revered. Both bottled in 2006 these are whiskies of the absolute highest quality with an understated elegance of design rarely matched in the whisky world.

Every month in our highlights there has to be the obligatory ‘bucket list drinker’, and this month that honour goes to this Springbank 1967 28 Year Old 75cl.  Pungent, oily and marvellously delicious older Springbanks have attained near mythical status among many serious whisky aficionados over the years.  Distilled in 1967 this rich-looking liquid then spent the best part of three decades ageing before being wrapped up in this classy and elegant little bottle you see before you.

And finally, we have a bottle of something special available as a ‘Buy-It-Now’ option this month, this is the Highland Park 20003 22 Year Old Integrity Malts.

Integrity Malts is an independent whisky bottler founded in 2024 by two whisky enthusiasts united by a shared obsession with authenticity, flavour, and honesty in whisky making.  They only release whisky that is non-chill filtered, bottled at natural cask strength, and without artificial colouring, just as nature intended!

This is a finely balanced dram, starts with a rich heavy punch of stone fruit which develops into a sweet caramel finish with just a slight hint of peat smoke.  We have 116 bottles available, so fill your boots.As always we have an enormous selection of drams to suit every budget on offer this month, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist.

Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.