We are delighted to share that the Glengoyne 25 Year Old has been crowned Best Scotch 2025 by the prestigious Whiskey Wash Awards. This accolade highlights what we have always cherished about this extraordinary dram – its unparalleled craftsmanship and exquisite character.

From over 120 different scotch whiskies reviewed, only 12 earned the coveted Double Gold designation. Yet, it was Glengoyne 25 Year Old, matured for a quarter of a century in hand-selected sherry casks, that emerged as the Best Scotch.

“Scotch whisky doesn’t get any better than this” said industry expert Nino Kilgore-Marchetti. This luxurious dram reveals notes of dried figs, rich chocolate, and butterscotch, with a finish as decadent as its heritage.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this award-winning expression—a true celebration of time, tradition, and unmatched craftsmanship.

Slàinte Mhath,

The Glengoyne Team

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BUY GLENGOYNE 25 YEAR OLD

Whisky Words: Lyne Arm

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll already know that in the intricate world of Scotch whisky production, every component plays a crucial role in shaping the final flavour. One element that literally does “shape” the final spirit, however, is the lyne arm. Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “The lyne arm is part of the still – also called the lye pipe – and it’s what connects the top of the still to the condenser unit. The slope of the lye pipe is important with regards to reflux in the final spirit.”🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

The Whisky Explorer Awards

“Premier Whisky Shop in Canada…”

..2nd Year in a Row!

It has just been announced that Kensington Wine Market has been picked as the Premier Whisky Shop in Canada for the 2nd year running in The Whisky Explorer Awards.

The award is part of the People’s Choice portion of the Whisky awards. We were nominated and voted on whisky lovers, which is what makes this award truly special for us.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us, we are truly humbled!

There are plenty of great whisky shops around — especially in Alberta as we continue to have the only fully privatized retail liquor model in Canada. There is plenty of competition in this province, and that makes us feel all the more privileged and thankful for being selected for awards by whisky lovers, like this.

If you would like to check out the winners in other categories for this year’s Whisky Explorer Awards, you can check out the latest edition of the online Whisky Explorer Magazine here.

The Awards are announced starting on page 42.

If you want to kill some extra minutes after that, you could also check out at my poorly-timed article on American Single Malt Whiskey!

It can be found on page 39.

Ahh, to go back to a pre-trade war world. Those were the days.

Cheers, Evan

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An Encounter with Dedicated Craftsmanship

I’m delighted to unveil a truly unique experience we’ve designed exclusively for those who, like us, are dedicated to the art of creating the finest whisky. Introducing The Residency: Tamdhu, hosted at our reawakened Lowland sister distillery, the historic Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk.

This remarkable opportunity brings the essence of Tamdhu, normally showcased only during the prestigious Speyside Whisky Festival, to a new location. Spaces are limited and tickets go on public release next week. I don’t want you to miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Tamdhu. So please use the link below and book your tickets now.

Immerse yourself in the heart of whisky-making as you sample four world-class Tamdhu single casks, each hand-selected by me. These exceptional casks tell the rich story of our exclusive Spain-to-Speyside sherry maturation process.

Uncover the subtleties of flavour, learn the hidden art of the malt master, and craft your own bespoke Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Whisky. You’ll leave with your own, unique 20cl bottle from this rare experience.

This bespoke experience guarantees an immersive and personalised adventure into the heart of sherry matured whisky.

Slàinte Mhath,

Sandy McIntyre
Distillery Manager

How to Pronounce Scotch Whisky Names

Ever found yourself at a whisky tasting, staring at a menu of distillery names that look like a secret code? You’re not alone! Pronouncing Scottish distillery names can be a challenge, even for native Scots. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a fun, region-by-region guide to help you sound like a whisky pro. Each region has an accompanying video with Vic Cameron providing the audio.📖 Read the Post | 🎬 Watch the Videos

Charles Leclerc And Chivas Regal Hit The Right Note In New Global Partnership

Luxury Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal, has announced leading Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc as its Global Brand Ambassador in a multiyear partnership, highlighting the brand’s growing influence in modern sports culture.

Throughout the collaboration, Chivas Regal and Charles will encourage fans to forge their own paths in redefining success. The partnership will celebrate the achievement of personal goals and creativity along the way, exploring Charles’ passion points off the racetrack, with the first being music.

As a talented and self-taught pianist and composer, Charles has been sharing his love of music with fans over the past few years that has seen him release multiple tracks. The time, precision and passion he puts into mastering the notes on a piano is reflective of the craftsmanship required to blend the notes of an iconic whisky.

To celebrate this blending of success, Charles and Chivas Regal are hosting an exclusive, one-night-only pop-up piano bar which brings together the worlds of music and whisky. Dubbed Leclerc’s, the bar will open on March 11th in Melbourne, ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season opener in the city later that week.

The immersive event will give VIP guests and a limited number of lucky fans the chance to enjoy bespoke Chivas Regal x Charles Leclerc whisky cocktails, while experiencing a unique evening, centred around music, inspired by Leclerc’s passion for the piano. The event will also feature a special guest appearance from Charles himself, marking the first of many moments he and Chivas Regal will celebrate together.

Those heading to Leclerc’s will have the opportunity to experience a new side of the racing legend as they explore the fusion and notes of whisky and music like never before, in an evening that celebrates the artistry of piano and the craft of whisky.

Nick Blacknell, Global Marketing Director, for Chivas Regal, at Chivas Brothers says: “It’s no secret Charles has had incredible success in his life, but it is his tenacious spirit, commitment to excellence and off-track passions that inspired this partnership. The 88 notes of the piano draw perfect parallels with the 85 flavour notes of our iconic Chivas 18 Year Old expression, showing how both music and whisky blend passion with precision. We’re excited to bring fans on the journey to celebrate our wins together – the ethos that lies at the heart of Chivas Regal.”

Charles Leclerc, Global Brand Ambassador at Chivas Regal, adds: “Success is about blending all the right notes – on and off the track. My craft demands time, precision, and dedication, but what truly drives me is the journey, my passions, and the moments shared along the way. Chivas Regal embodies this same ethos, encouraging people to find their own rhythm and celebrate every win, big or small. I’m excited to redefine success together and share this experience with fans through our partnership.”

To be in with a chance of winning a coveted spot at Leclerc’s in Melbourne and meet Charles, fans can head to TimeOut Melbourne to enter and find out more. Closing date for entry is Saturday 8th March.

This marks the start of a collaborative partnership between Charles Leclerc and Chivas Regal, with further moments of celebration to come. Fans can keep up to date with the new partnership by following @ChivasRegal on Instagram or visiting Chivas.com.

Please enjoy Chivas Regal responsibly and never drink and drive.

About Chivas

Chivas Regal is the original luxury blended Scotch whisky. Launched in 1909, Chivas has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide – with a retail sales value today of over €2.07bn.

Chivas believes in celebrating the next generation of whisky drinkers who elevate themselves and those around them to forge new paths to success – which is why Chivas’ ethos is ‘I Rise, We Rise’, a nod to the importance of hard work, community and ripping up the rule book. These values were instilled by founding brothers James and John Chivas who pioneered the art of whisky blending in 19th century Scotland and became pillars of the community due to their tireless work ethic, hustle, and drive. Chivas continues this vision of collective success through its long-standing association with global sports culture, having enjoyed partnerships with Premier League football clubs for many years, and now in its latest move as ‘Official Team Partner’ of the Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 team in a new global partnership.

Chivas blends its spiritual home in Speyside, Scotland, with more than 100 countries across the globe, who together have made Chivas the global success it is today. The Chivas range blends timeless classics with modern innovation and includes: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Mizunara, Chivas 18, Chivas Ultis XX, Chivas 25, and Chivas Regal The Icon Chivas.

I Rise, We Rise.

www.Chivas.com

About Leclerc’s

To celebrate Charles Leclerc as Chivas Regal’s Global Brand Ambassador, the racing legend and the luxury Scotch whisky are hosting an exclusive, one-night-only piano bar pop-up in Melbourne on March 11th, ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The event brings together the two worlds of whisky and music, signalling the start of a collaborative partnership and marking the first of many moments he and Chivas Regal will celebrate together.

Chivas Regal x Charles Le Clerc Signature Serve – ‘The Leclerc Spritz’

Charles Leclerc’s signature serve. A twist on an Italian classic fit for the French Riviera.

• 30ml Chivas Regal 18 Year Old
• 30ml Elderflower Cordial
• 20ml Lime Juice
• 60ml Champagne
• Glass: Stemmed Glass
• Garnish: Mint Sprig

Discover the World of Single Malt Whisky at the Port of Leith Distillery

Located in Edinburgh’s historic Leith district, the Port of Leith Distillery provides a distinctive learning environment. With its vertical design and waterfront setting, it offers a modern perspective on whisky production (along with some spectacular views). We are thrilled to be hosting our flagship in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky at the venue on three occasions in 2025: 10 & 11 March, 12 & 13 May and 15 & 16 September.

Leo Miles, a tour guide at the Port of Leith Distillery, attended the Diploma in March 2024. Reflecting on his experience, he said: “Before joining the distillery, I knew very little about whisky. The Diploma provided thorough material, giving me a strong foundation and a better understanding of the industry’s past and future. Vic’s guidance was outstanding and the course helped me improve my tours by ensuring I can answer as many customer questions as possible. It also deepened my interest in whisky and the incredible world behind it.”

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Talnua Distillery Announces Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Exclusive Olde Saint’s Keep 2025 Release

Arvada, CO – February 2025 – Talnua Distillery, America’s pioneer of Single Pot Still whiskey, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, taking place at the distillery on March 14 and 15 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This 21+ event promises an unforgettable experience filled with music, camaraderie, and the annual release of the exclusive Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey.

Whiskey enthusiasts and St. Patrick’s Day revelers alike are invited to join Talnua Distillery for two days of festivities featuring live music, pipe and drum bands, traditional Irish music sessions, and incredible food trucks. Guests can also enjoy the Trinity Mobile Cigar Lounge, offering a premium pairing experience for those looking to enhance their whiskey enjoyment.

Event Schedule: A full schedule of entertainment and activities can be found HERE

Introducing the 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey

A cornerstone of Talnua’s annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition, the 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey is an exclusive offering available only at the distillery beginning March 14. Crafted with a meticulous approach to tradition and innovation, this American Single Pot Still whiskey is triple distilled from a mash of 50% unmalted barley and 50% malted barley.

Aging in select barrels has imbued this whiskey with remarkable depth and complexity.

This year’s release was aged for 2 1/2 years in Ex-Bourbon barrels with both French Oak and American Oak staves. From there, the whiskey was transferred into barrels that first held Pedro Ximenez Sherry for 17 years followed by PX Solera Brandy from 1948 for 13 years.

The whiskey rested in those barrels for 2 years and 3 months, giving it a final age statement of 4 years and 9 months.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Apple Orchard, Buttery Maple, Baking Spices
Palate: Honey Graham Cracker, Dried Stone Fruit, Macadamia Nut Cookie
Finish: Cinnamon, Shortbread, Long Finish

At 100 proof (50% ABV), this whiskey delivers a bold yet refined profile, with limited availability of fewer than 1,000 bottles, making it a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this incredible celebration and to secure a bottle of the 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey. Join us at Talnua Distillery on March 14 and 15 for a St. Patrick’s Day experience like no other!

ralfy review 1067 Extras – independentspirits.co.uk

Icons of Whisky Award Winner

We are so proud to share that, in addition to winning gold for our Sherry Cask, our team are winning gold too! Our Head of Global Advocacy Rob Patchett has won the ‘Brand Ambassador – World Whisky’ in the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards!

Rob has been representing our brand around the globe since 2022, and this well-deserved recognition is a testament to his passion and dedication.

“It’s a great honour to receive this award with World Whisky being such an exciting category with so many brilliant people within it. Winning this award is a true testament to our amazing liquids and the wonderful global community that appreciate and champion our whisky.”

 — Rob Patchett, Head of Global Advocacy