Macaloney’s Island Distillery Triumphs at 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards, Winning Top Honours –  Now viewing Strategic Partnership for Distribution to USA, China and France

Victoria, BC – January 20, 2025

Macaloney’s Island Distillery is proud to announce that it has been awarded the coveted Canadian Whisky of the Year 2025 for its peated single malt whisky, The Peat Project Moscatel cask. In addition, the distillery was recognized for an unprecedented 7 Whiskies of the Year / gold medal whiskies, more than any distillery in Canada, whether big brand multi-national or craft! Their Master Whiskymaker & Founder, Dr. Graeme Macaloney PEng., also was awarded Blender of the Year.

The Canadian Whisky Awards, held annually in January, recognize the finest expressions of Canadian whisky across all categories, with over 200 whiskies assessed in blind tastings by 14 experienced judges. Macaloney’s Island Distillery is no stranger to success in the world of whisky. It previously won 3 ‘World’s Best’, and 8 gold medals, including 2023’s World’s Best Pot Still (Kildara), at the global industry’s most competitive, World Whiskies Awards, UK. The distillery has quickly gained a reputation for creating bold, flavourful whiskies that blend tradition with innovation, engaging whisky connoisseurs and newbies alike with their tasting experience and compelling ‘craft’ back-story.

“Of our multiple gold medals at these Canadian Whisky Awards, 3 were peated single malt whiskies (54ppm Peat Project Moscatel, 54 ppm Peat Project Sugar-kelp, lightly peated 15 ppm An Aba), and another was our crowd-pleasing ‘Sherry-bomb’ (Cath-nah-aven)” said Dr. Graeme Macaloney. “Our Peat Project™ is a whisky industry break-though because it’s the first-ever exploration of terroir and island merroir, using peat. With our innovative, proprietary 2 tonne in-distillery peat-smoker we are crafting peated whiskies using peat from the USA, Islay-Scotland and Canada all with very different bouquets. And, this years Best Canadian Single Malt (Peat Project Sugar-kelp) had sugar-kelp seaweed added to the peat-smoking thereby exploring island merroir“.

Macaloney’s Island Distillery has set its eyes on global expansion! “We recently launched in Germany with excellent results and are now looking for a strategic investor to help us target the USA, China and France, which together with UK, Taiwan & Canada, represent the top 7 single malt markets”.

About Macaloney’s Island Distillery

Founded by Dr. Graeme Macaloney PEng., in 2013, Macaloney’s Island Distillery is one of a rare breed of ‘island’ distilleries, located in Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada. The distillery specializes in producing premium single malts and potstill whiskies. As a 5-star experiential tourist destination, Macaloney’s is host to over 180 cruise-ships annually and championed the world’s first international single malt whisky trail, the North West Whiskey Trail (www.northwestwhiskeytrail.com).

Ardnamurchan & Adelphi Masterclass with Graeme Mackay

The Adelphi name was originally associated with a distillery but that disappeared into the whisky loch of the early 1900s. The last owner’s great-grandson restored the brand in 1993 but this time as an indie bottler. Working closely with industry giant Charlie Maclean, the Adelphi bottlings have become whisky icons. More recently the team have expanded into production with the founding of the sustainability focused Ardnamurchan distillery in 2014.

Join us on 30 January at our Great Portland Street store for a masterclass exploring both Ardnamurchan’s whisky and Adelphi’s bottlings hosted by Graeme Mackay.

Book now 

Raise a dram to Robert Burns with Bladnoch this January

As the world prepares to celebrate the life and work of iconic Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on Saturday 25 January 2025, Bladnoch Distillery has recommended two of its finest Lowland single malt whiskies to toast Scotland’s national bard this Burns Night.

Commonly referred to as ‘Queen of the Lowlands’, Bladnoch is the southernmost distillery in Scotland and one of the closest to where Burns spent most of his life in Dumfries & Galloway. The water which gave life to this historic 208-year-old distillery sustained the whiskies of Burns’ era, making Bladnoch the ideal dram to complement Burns Suppers of all sizes this January.

Expertly handcrafted by master distiller Dr Nick Savage and his team, using water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, the Bladnoch Twinned Cask Collection comprises four whiskies – Vinaya, Liora, Samsara and Alinta – each natural in colour and non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

The collection is named to reflect the unique twinning of two cask types which are married together during the whisky-making process.

Bladnoch Vinaya, 70cl, 46.7% ABV, £50

Vinaya, a Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude, pays homage to Bladnoch Distillery’s original founders who paved the way for the brand’s exciting new era of innovation and production.

Non-chill filtered and natural in colour, Bladnoch Vinaya is matured in a unique combination of first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, a process which creates notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate.

A light and refreshing single malt, this is ultimate tipple to raise a dram to Scotland’s national bard on Burns Night.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers.

Bladnoch Alinta, 70cl, 47% ABV, £75

Bladnoch Alinta is the perfect smoky single malt whisky to toast the bard this Burns Night. Alinta, an indigenous word from several southeast Australian language groups, means ‘fire’ and ‘flames’, and evokes the notes of campfire embers found in each sip.

A sweet, smoky, peated spirit, Bladnoch Alinta takes its flavour from maturation in Pedro Ximénez sherry and ex-bourbon casks and is the ideal complement to the savoury earthy and peppery favours of haggis.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers.

Tasting notes

Bladnoch Vinaya

Colour: Summer barley field.

Nose: Sweet floral grass with boiled sweets.

Palate: Fresh green apples and chocolate with a hint of pepper.

Finish: Light and refreshing.

Bladnoch Alinta

Colour: Copper.

Nose: Smoky ice cream, delicate floral with sweet oak.

Palate: Campfire smoke, almonds and raisins with a white chocolate body.

Finish: Long with a sweet smoke.

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

It pains us to say that Storm Éowyn’s imminent arrival has forced us to close our three Scottish Members’ Rooms tomorrow (Friday, 24 January) until 6.30pm. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that he’ll have blown through by then and we can get the whisky flowing again tomorrow evening. Our London Members’ Room will be open as usual.

We don’t make these decisions lightly, but with a red weather warning in place and the safety of our members and venue staff paramount, we’re not taking any chances. Watch out for any updates on our social media channels – and stay safe!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

CELEBRATING

THE MACALLAN HARMONY COLLECTION GUARDIAN OAK

We are pleased to share that The Macallan Harmony Collection Guardian Oak is available exclusively at Singapore Changi Airport from 15 January 2025, and at The Macallan Global Boutiques and select duty free locations around the world from 26 January 2025 onwards. There will be limited availability worldwide.

The fourth release in The Macallan Harmony Collection has been created in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil to tell our oak story in an imaginative, visual and innovative way.

For a limited time, join us at The Macallan pop-ups at airports in Doha, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Singapore for the launch of Harmony Collection Guardian Oak, exclusive to travellers.

EXPLORE THE WHISKY

THE POP-UP EXPERIENCE

The symbolic oak tree is the central feature of the pop up. Immerse yourself in the sounds, scents and flavours of the Harmony Collection and the story of Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT, including the enchanting narrative of Davonna, guardian of the Scottish Highlands.

Discover more travel exclusives including Colour Collection, alongside tailored gifting and tasting options.

ABOUT THE WHISKY

Harmony Collection Guardian Oak is a unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. It is matured in a combination of first-fill sherry seasoned European oak casks and refill sherry casks, featuring rich notes of dried fruits, orange peel, dark chocolate, and warming nutmeg.

LEARN MORE

In-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky

Elevate your expertise and unlock the secrets of single malt Scotch whisky with our flagship Diploma course. Tailored for those working in the industry (in customer-facing roles) and enthusiasts alike (newcomers or seasoned connoisseurs), this immersive two-day course is your gateway to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world’s most revered spirit.

Certified by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), two modules – History & Business – are delivered online in advance for self-study. The format here is short, easy-to-follow multimedia lessons. In the classroom, you’ll meet with your cohort of likeminded whisky lovers and take a deep dive into modules covering the production process, sensory analysis and world whiskies with teacher Vic Cameron. With 30 years of Scotch whisky industry experience under his belt, you’ll love the technical detail he imparts and irreverent stories told on the enjoyable journey to mastering the final assessment.

Day 1 concludes with a private distillery tour and tasting (which includes plenty of revision prompts). Day 2 concludes with the final assessment (250 questions, multiple choice format). Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital badge and physical black lapel pin for immediate display. Your SQA Diploma certificate will be sent to you in the post in the weeks following the course.

The final bottling in our Winter Series is here! Cask No. 88.31: Supper sipper is the ideal dram for celebrating your own Burns Supper. This 15-year-old Sweet, Fruity & Mellow whisky offers deep, dark sweetness and zesty maltiness. The bottle comes with a special ‘alternative’ Address to the Haggis by our very own ‘Whisky Bard’ Robin Laing – for those who don’t necessarily love Scotland’s national dish.

A deep, dark sweetness was reminiscent of a cup of assam tea. The scent resembled those typical aromas of maltiness, caramelised orange zest and treacle tart. On the palate we were served a slice of rocky road: milk and dark chocolate, desiccated coconut, marshmallows, roasted unsalted peanuts and glacé red cherries. After we added water we found ourselves in cocktail territory, sipping a cosmopolitan with cranberry juice, maple syrup, lime and triple sec. The taste, however, was more like a mango old fashioned, with rye whiskey, mango syrup and a dash of bitters, served with a maraschino cherry. Following 11 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, we transferred this whisky into a first fill American oak PX hogshead.

VIEW THE BOTTLE

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

The Nth Las Vegas – Connoisseur Experience 1 Day Package

Toast the Bard with this multi-award-winning Scotch for under £40

As the world prepares to celebrate the life and work of Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on Saturday 25 January, Tomatin Distillery has recommended its Legacy single malt as the ideal dram to toast Scotland’s national bard this Burns Night.

Priced at only £36.50, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a drop of Scotland for less.

One of Scotland’s most recognisable historical figures, Burns’ legacy and influence can still be felt more than 200 years later. Holding a similar legacy in Scotch production, Tomatin Distillery has a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century. It has been a home for the whisky-making team’s dedicated craftsmen and their families since the current distillery was established in 1897.

Raise a glass of Tomatin Legacy this Burns Night – an exceptional single malt with history and heritage at its core. 

Tomatin Legacy single malt whisky (70cl, 43% ABV, £36.50)

An exceptional single malt Scotch whisky which celebrates the legacy of Tomatin Distillery and the enduring spirit of its people.

Once established in 1897 in the heart of the idyllic yet isolated village of Tomatin, the distillery needed a workforce to manage production; the local inhabitants were scattered shepherds and cattle drovers. The company began a construction project to accommodate its workforce and since then, the distillery has been at the heart of the community. Today, Tomatin is one of the few remaining distilleries which provides homes on site for the dedicated craftspeople who distil its single malt whisky. Legacy is a nod to this story.

This unpeated single malt boasts aromas of vanilla bean, white chocolate and cinnamon. Time spent in bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks brings a light sweetness to Tomatin Legacy, with a palate of gentle waves of fresh fruit peppered with ginger leading into a light, clean finish. 

Tomatin Legacy Tasting Notes

• Nose – Opens with a burst of bourbon barrel sweetness – aromas of custard cream biscuits, white chocolate, vanilla bean, white sugar and golden syrup, before hints of sandalwood, desiccated coconut and cinnamon give a nod to the use of virgin American oak.
• Palate – Waves of sweet vanilla and fresh fruit with a gentle touch of white pepper and ginger. The quality of the Tomatin spirit is on full display here, with Pink Lady apples, rhubarb, and candied orange peel.
• Finish – Fruit and oak combine to create a clean yet intriguing finish.

Available at https://tomatin.com/shop and specialist whisky retailers.

Notes 

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’s success continued when the distillery’s ‘Legacy’ was awarded Gold at IWSC. That same year, Tomatin also 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.

‘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 best of Burns Night

If you’re celebrating on 25 January, we’ve got the bottles for you.

Scots all around the world mark Burns Night on 25 January. The birthday of national poet Robert Burns, it’s a time for verse, haggis, and, of course, a dram or two. Looking for a bottle? We’ve got just the picks.

From Lochlea Our Barley (made on the very same farm Burns called home!) to Bowmore 12 Year Old, Craigellachie 13 Year Old to our very own Chain Pier bottling, our very own Chain Pier bottling, our selection offers the perfect snapshot of Scotch

Discover Burns Night recommendations