We would like to re-introduce an old friend. Friar John is back, with a new label and a shorter name, though our dedication to the liquid remains exactly the same. Friar John ’26 is our annual single malt, released each year in tribute to the man at the heart of Lindores’ whisky legacy.

The name commemorates Friar John, the Lindores Abbey monk who, in 1494, was commissioned by King James IV to distil Aqua Vitae, creating the earliest written record of Scotch whisky. Every 1st June, our whiskymakers gather to mark the day he received that royal commission, selecting the finest casks in the warehouse to create an exceptional single malt in his name. It is both a celebration and a ritual: a yearly act of remembrance for the friar whose work over five centuries ago laid the foundation for everything we distil today.

THE CASKS
The recipe will continue to evolve every year, with a different cask selection chosen to mark the occasion. This year, Friar John ’26 is fully matured in Ruby Port casks and bottled at 52.5% ABV.

THE LIQUID
Mahogany in colour, with a rich, inviting nose of dark fruits, chocolate-wrapped raisins and warming cinnamon. On the palate, soft and beautifully textured, with caramelised dates, dark sugar syrup, and vibrant spice, balanced by oaky vanilla and roasted almonds. The finish is long, sweet and warming.

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