Scallywag Winter Edition 2025

Rare Ice Wine Cask Finish

Winter calls for something a little more daring.

The Scallywag Winter Edition 2025 takes Speyside Malt on an unexpected adventure – matured in Rare Ice Wine Casks from Eastern Europe and bottled at natural cask strength (52.4% ABV). The result? A Whisky that’s crisp, indulgent, and mischievously different.

Bright orchard fruits, honey, and candied orange meet warming winter spice, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts – a dram that’s every bit as bold as the season deserves.

With its frosted, cracked-ice effect bottle, it’s as striking on the eye as it is on the palate.

CRACK OPEN WINTER

Ferg & Harris unveils ‘Wings of Kintyre’ masterpiece ahead of 2025 Distillers One of One Auction

Luxury single cask, single malt whisky brand Ferg & Harris, has today (18th September) unveiled its most extraordinary bottling to date – Wings of Kintyre, a gilded masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, created exclusively for this year’s Distillers One of One charity auction.

The auction, which takes place every two years, sees unique whiskies and experiences auctioned to benefit the Youth Action Fund, a nonprofit organisation that supports disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

For Wings of Kintyre, the Ferg & Harris team have bottled a hand-selected, single cask of exquisite Springbank 31-year-old organic whisky – an exceedingly rare spirit finished in an organic cognac cask.

Produced exclusively with Folle Blanche grapes grown in the Champagne region, this superb quality cognac adds notes of orchard fruits and spiced warmth, enhancing the whisky’s signature Campbeltown coastal profile.

Bottled at 47.6%, this very special single malt is presented in an equally extraordinary bottle, reflecting the highest standards of distilling craftsmanship and the provenance and organic nature of the whisky. The design features a delicate barley stalk, detailed in 14 carat gold. The bottle neck is adorned with Victorian sea glass, smoothed by many years of crashing waves before being threaded onto low-carbon Scottish leather. It closes with a beautifully-designed asymmetrical glass stopper.

The bottle is housed in a striking presentation case which is the result of months of creativity and craftsmanship. The frame is hewn from sustainable oak by Scottish woodworker Eoghan Menzies. The untamed landscapes and soaring sense of freedom of Springbank’s home on the Kintyre Peninsula, plus Ferg & Harris’ distinctive blue magpie motif are the twin inspirations for a stunning stained-glass frontage, crafted by Inverclyde artist Alec Galloway and magically lit from within to showcase each exquisite detail.

Ferg & Harris Wings of Kintyre is valued between £2400 and £3500. It will offer guests the chance to own a unique and never-to-be-repeated Ferg & Harris whisky when they gather for the prestigious biennial auction, which takes place at Hopetoun House in Edinburgh on 10^th October.

Wings of Kintyre Tasting Notes

Colour Rich Amber – A soft, golden hue with warm undertones.

Nose Opens with welcoming aromas of freshly baked malted biscuits. Notes of creamy vanilla and light baking spices add warmth and finesse. As the whisky breathes, layers of baked orchard fruits such as spiced apple tart and stewed pears come forward, underscored by a gentle wooded depth.

Palate Bottled at its natural cask strength of 47.6% ABV, the whisky opens with notes of lightly sweetened oat biscuits, followed by ginger warmth, vanilla custard, and golden raisins. A burst of baked apple and citrus zest provides lift, while the enhanced oak contact from the small cask imparts an elegant backbone of toasted wood, nutmeg, and a hint of dry roasted almonds.

Finish The finish is long, clean, and structured, echoing with flavours of toasted oats, dry ginger spice, and a crisp, refreshing citrus peel sharpness.

Young Spirits co-founder Alex Harrison commented: ‘We are thrilled to share Wings of Kintyre with the world today. It has been a labour of love and represents many months of work by our team and the skilled craftspeople we are proud to call our partners in its creation.

‘Freedom to explore the possibilities of Scotch whisky is at the heart of every Ferg & Harris bottling, so there was a real synergy in creating this one of a kind Springbank whisky, which also embodies the freedom found in the rugged Kintyre peninsula where it is made.

‘The finished result is stunning, and an absolute gem for all the discerning whisky magpies out there! Along with all the lots in this year’s auction, we hope it raises as much money as possible for such a worthwhile cause’. 

The winning bidder of Wings of Kintyre will be invited to join Alex Harrison for a private tasting at Young Spirits headquarters in Edinburgh. They will also receive the 1.2 litre cask the whisky was finished in, personalised with their details. The lot also includes hand-waxed glass ampoules to allow the lot’s new owner to sample the spirit.

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

Autumn has arrived in Harris, the mountain streams are running white and wild, and tonight we’re waiting for Storm Amy to sweep in from the Atlantic. Islanders know the ritual well, everything tied tight, sheds and gates checked, and any outdoor jobs swiftly done before the real gales arrive. There’s a certain thrill to the first stormy night of the season when the wind howls across the crofts as we stay safe and warm indoors. So, in the spirit of inclement connection, pour a dram with us as we shelter from the weather and share few things we’ve been up to over the last few weeks. Whether you’re near or far, as the windows begin to rattle we hope all is well with you in your own corner of the world!

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

The Isle of Harris Distillery Team

The Hearach single malt whisky is our first, historic dram from the Isle of Harris.  It takes its name from the Scottish Gaelic word for “a native of Harris”, and it’s something that islanders are very proud to be called. We talk about our whisky being woven from people and place, influenced both by the men and women of our community who make it, and the elemental island it comes from. Made from spirits matured in first fill ex-Bourbon casks, Oloroso, and Fino sherry butts, we further ‘marry’ our recipe to bring additional harmony before bottling. The result is a complex, elegant single malt, full of Harris character that rewards time well spent in its company. Order your bottle and open to discover more…

BUY YOUR BOTTLE TODAY

SPRINGBANK 8YO

Cask Type: Fresh Madeira

Distilled: February 2017

Bottled: August 2025

Contents: 70cl Bottle

Strength: 54.7% ABV

Outturn: 1761 Bottles

The Springbank Society’s second offering of 2025 is a small batch release of Springbank, fully matured for eight years in six Fresh Madeira Hogsheads and bottled at 54.7%.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE Rhubarb stalk and leather notes initially, followed by fruit compôte and brandy sultanas alongside gentle peat smoke.

PALATE Upon first taste, there’s forest fruits; namely blackberries and raspberries. Following on, we get tinned peach syrup, vanilla custard, pepper and dark chocolate.

FINISH Moving into the finish, there’s a clay/mineral note, followed by prunes and a coastal saltiness.

To join the Springbank Society contact them at society@springbank.scot

Introducing Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK RUBY

Black Ruby is the latest expression from Johnnie Walker, a dark fruit interpretation of its benchmark Black Label blend. The whiskies richer character comes from its red wine finish, resulting in layers of dried figs, plums, cherries and honeyed sweetness, lifted by fresh berries and warming spice. This is great neat, or a superb base for cocktails like the Rob Roy or Whisky Sour.

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ralfy review 1098 Extras – Comparing two Indi: Ardmore’s (contrasts)

North Port distillery dates from 1820 being established by the Guthrie family in the east coast town of Brechin. Preceding the all changing 1823 Act this is a relatively early establishment date and could be due to an act of 1818 which made legal distillation a degree more attractive. In 1809 founder David Guthrie set up the town’s first bank and along with other family members served as Provost (mayor). His son Dr Thomas Guthrie theologian, philanthropist and founder of Edinurgh’s ragged school has a statue on Princes Street, Edinburgh marking his many noteworthy deeds.

The distillery’s name dates from 1823 when Guthrie’s other sons, David and Alexander, took over and comes from the northern gate in the cathedral city walls. The company was originally called Townhead Distillery Co. but re-named in 1823 as Brechin Distillery Co. then again to Guthrie, Martin & Company just a year later. In 1893 the company became a limited partnership. By the late 19th century annual output was around half a million litres.

In 1905 there were “alterations and additions” followed by internal improvements in 1926. Like all malt distilleries it did not produce between 1917 & 1919 due to restrictions for the war effort. The owning company was bought by DCL and Manchester based W.H. Holt & Company Ltd. in 1922 and later transferred to SMD (Est. 1914) on the dissolution of the DCL/Holt partnership.

There was a period of closure between 1926 and 1937, then again between 1940 and 1947. Internal steam heating of the stills replaced direct firing in 1964. The maltings closed in 1968 when the nearby Glenesk drum maltings were commissioned.

The floor maltings were demolished in 1972 whilst the malt kiln was repurposed. Curiously power was once via an underground waterwheel using overflow from the distillery dam. This water was also used for cooling and travelled to the wheel by a 400m long tunnel cut through solid rock.

PHOTO CREDIT whiskybase.com/royalscotsman

There was a 5 tonne cast iron mash tun, 5 wooden washbacks, two onion shaped stills with worm tubs. Production capacity was .75ML. DCL subsidiary Mitchell Brothers used the malt for the Italian market in ‘Glen Dew’’ a vatted malt as well as in their Heather Dew blend.

After closure in March 1983 the property was sold in 1990 to be developed and the distillery was demolished in 1993/94 with a supermarket and carpark taking its place. Working against the case for mothballing the distillery was its poor condition, limited scope for expansion and superiority of spirit produced elsewhere.

Mark Davidson, aka The Jolly Toper Profile

International Beverage Appoints New Master of Whisky Creation

International Beverage Appoints New Master of Whisky Creation

Premium global spirits business, International Beverage, has named Sarah Burgess as the company’s new Master of Whisky Creation.

In this newly established position, Sarah will spearhead a team of spirits makers and drive International Beverage’s unwavering pursuit to crafting high-quality, flavour-led whiskies. She will also collaborate closely with the company’s global brand advocacy team, sharing her technical expertise and creating connections through International Beverage’s portfolio of premium Scotch whisky brands including Old Pulteney, Balblair, Speyburn and anCnoc single malt whiskies as well as Hankey Bannister blended whisky.

Sarah, formerly the Whisky Maker at The Lakes Distillery, brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the role. Originally from Speyside, she began her career at Cardhu Distillery on her 21^st birthday. In 2003, she joined Diageo’s Auchroisk Distillery on a full-time basis overseeing maturation operations for the North while concurrently pursuing a BA (Hons) in Management from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Over the following two decades, Sarah managed operations at Diageo’s Oban, Glenkinchie and Clynelish distilleries before joining The Macallan in 2017 as their Lead Whisky Maker, where she focused on range creation, innovation and quality control.

In 2022 she became the Creative Director of The Craigellachie Collection before moving to The Lakes Distillery in 2023 as Whisky Maker. She was responsible for all elements of distillation and maturation, the visitor facility, creating new whiskies, and developed the distillery’s first permanent range for both the duty free and domestic markets.

Renowned for her innovative approach to whisky creation, Sarah’s appointment comes at a time when the premium spirits business continues to explore new ways to evolve and expand the business.

Managing Director of International Beverage, Malcolm Leask, welcomed the expertise that she will bring to the business, commenting: 

‘International Beverage is entering an exciting period of growth and we are delighted to have Sarah at the helm of our Scottish spirits portfolio. Her vast industry experience, passion and creative flair, make her the ideal custodian of our award-winning premium spirits brands. 

‘As a business we are committed to employing the best people to help drive our business forward and Sarah certainly fits the bill. We are looking forward to seeing her talent shine.” 

Speaking on her appointment, Sarah commented:

‘I’m thrilled to step into this new role where I’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of International Beverage’s whisky creation. I’m hoping to bring a fresh new perspective along with a steadfast commitment to enduring quality. I’m also looking forward to working closely with International Beverage’s global brand advocacy team, leading training initiatives and bringing our extraordinary spirits to markets around the world.’  

International Beverage

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Limited Company. The premium spirits company’s portfolio is led by a range of high-quality brands including Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, PRAKAAN single malt whiskies and Phraya Rum from Thailand, Larsen Cognac, and Cardrona spirits and liqueurs.

A certified Great Place to Work, International Beverage’s success is shaped by its 700-strong team based across the business’ network of nine global sites spanning the UK, France, New Zealand, and Greater China following the company’s recent acquisition of Asiaeuro International Beverage (AIB). For more information, please visit www.interbevgroup.com/.

Old Perth Unveils Limited Edition 21-Year-Old Whisky: a rare vatting of whisky distilled at Macallan & Highland Park Distilleries   

2nd Oct 2025 Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) is proud to announce the release of its Limited Edition Old Perth 21-Year-Old, an extraordinary and rare expression born from a unique moment in whisky history.

The whisky’s origins date back to 2015, when casks from two legendary Speyside and Orkney distilleries were combined. At the time, the Highland Park component, distilled in 2004, was already 10 or 11 years old, while the Macallan portion was significantly older. This unusual marriage was transferred into hand-selected Oloroso Sherry Butts, where it has matured gracefully for a further decade, making the youngest whisky in the vatting 21 Years Old.

First revealed to whisky enthusiasts as an Old Perth 12-Year-Old release in 2017, followed by 13- and 14-year-old expressions the year following under Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, this vatting quickly became a sought-after gem. Now, Old Perth is proud to present it in its fully matured form: a 21-Year-Old limited edition—a whisky of remarkable depth, complexity, and heritage.

“This release is as much about serendipity as it is about craftsmanship,” said Graeme Mackeddie, Production Director at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers. “An operational ‘accident’ back in 2015 has given us a whisky that can never be recreated. The union of Macallan and Highland Park, enhanced by long maturation in Oloroso sherry butts, has produced a liquid of exceptional character and rarity.”

Bottled at 43.6% ABV, the whisky is described as offering rich sherried fruit, warming spices, and gentle oak. Its long finish combines Macallan’s elegance with Highland Park’s subtle smokiness.

A limited number of bottles will be available from 3 October 2025 via specialist retailers in the UK and Europe, priced at RRP £178.

The Old Perth 21-Year-Old showcases:

• Distillery Heritage: A unique fusion of whiskies distilled at Macallan and Highland Park Distilleries.
• Cask Influence: Matured exclusively in Oloroso Sherry Butts.
• Unrepeatable Rarity: A whisky born of chance, bottled with intention.

This limited-edition release embodies the essence of Old Perth’s commitment to delivering whiskies of outstanding quality and provenance.

The Old Perth 21-Year-Old will be available in select specialist retailers in the UK and Europe for a RRP of £178 on the 3^rd October 2025.

Tasting Notes:

Rich layers of sherried fruit, warming spices, and gentle oak, with a lingering finish that speaks to both the Macallan’s elegance and Highland Park’s smoky complexity.

For more information, stockist listings or image assets, visit: www.oldperthwhisky.co.uk/stockists