Midleton Very Rare 2026 Edition Irish Whiskey 70cl · 40% ABV

The 2026 vintage is composed from five distinct distillate styles, including a specially selected grain whiskey produced from a mash bill of barley and malted barley. This component contributes additional sweetness, floral character and complexity while complementing the richer texture and characteristic spice of the pot still whiskeys. The result is an elegant and finely balanced blend that retains the polished, fruit-led style for which Midleton Very Rare has become renowned.

Maturation in American oak brings vanilla, soft tannins, toffee and gentle wood spice, framing vibrant notes of citrus, apricot and orchard fruit. Bottled at 40% ABV, the whiskey delivers a smooth, coating texture with enough depth and structure to reward slow sipping, while its freshness makes the flavours immediately approachable.

Each Midleton Very Rare release is produced as an individual annual vintage, with its own carefully judged combination of mature pot still and grain whiskeys. The 2026 Edition therefore holds particular appeal both as a refined Irish whiskey to enjoy and as a collectable bottle for those building a vertical collection of Midleton Very Rare vintages. Presented in its ornate original gift box, it also makes an impressive gift for an Irish whiskey enthusiast or collector.

Douglas Laing & Co. Continues Strathearn’s Evolution with the Launch of Batch 03

Independent Scotch Whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co. proudly unveils Strathearn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Batch 03, the latest small batch release from one of Scotland’s smallest traditional distilleries.

Continuing the distillery’s journey of refining its distinctive Highland Single Malt, Batch 03 builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessors while introducing a richer, more indulgent interpretation of Strathearn’s evolving house style. Remaining faithful to the distillery’s signature cask recipe of ex-Bourbon, Virgin Oak and ex-Sherry Oak casks, this latest release places a greater emphasis on Sherry Oak maturation, adding further depth and richness to Strathearn’s naturally characterful spirit.

Comprising a vatting of 31 carefully selected casks, Batch 03 draws upon both inherited stocks and spirit distilled under Douglas Laing’s ownership, demonstrating the continued development of the team’s understanding of Strathearn’s unique spirit character.

On the nose, rich aromas of toasted malt and barley sugar are complemented by dark honey and warming spices. The palate delivers layers of buttery biscuit sweetness, chocolate and toffee before a long finish of oak, cocoa and soft leather leaves a lasting impression. Bottled at 50% ABV, with no colouring and no chill-filtration, Batch 03 continues Douglas Laing’s commitment to presenting whisky as the distiller intended.

Every production shift at Strathearn Distillery continues to produce just a single cask of whisky, reflecting the meticulous small-batch approach that has become synonymous with the Perthshire distillery. Crafted by a dedicated team of three distillers using Maris Otter Malt, Strathearn remains focused on producing a rich, creamy Highland Single Malt that balances tradition with innovation, while never compromising on quality.

Presented in Strathearn’s distinctive bespoke acorn bottle and premium packaging, Batch 03 proudly continues the distillery’s philosophy that “From small acorns, great oaks grow.”

Angela Brown, Lead Distiller at Strathearn, comments:

“Every batch is an opportunity to better understand and refine Strathearn’s unique spirit. With Batch 03, we’ve carefully increased the influence of our Sherry casks to add further richness and complexity, while ensuring the distillery’s signature creamy character remains at the forefront. It’s a whisky that balances tradition with progression, showcasing the quality of our spirit and the thoughtful approach we take to every stage of the maturation process.”

Strathearn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Batch 03 is now available at select retailers, whisky specialists and online at a suggested RSP of £65.00.

If you cast your mind back to the most basic parts of whisky-making you’ll know that Scotch whisky can only be matured in oak casks. Ergo, no oak, no whisky. But if you’ve ever looked at the cask types in our Outturns, you’ll notice there are quite a few to choose from.

This month sees SMWS Canada’s first appearance of a Cabernet Sauvignon cask, and the Society’s first ever whisky to have spent time in ex-Mezcal casks. It’s time to get into the wood stuff.

We’re continuing with the roll out of the Society’s new flavour profiles. The original twelve flavour profiles have evolved into eight mouthwatering categories – each with a new name, colour and character. This is a refinement and a refocus on flavour based on our historical archive of Tasting Notes and member feedback. Discover more here.

More of the new profiles will be introduced over time as we slowly retire the old profiles.

PEACHY KEEN

CASK NO. 113.86

AGE:  15 years

PROFILE:  Sweet & zesty

CASK:  2nd fill Cabernet Sauvignon hogshead

BREAKFAST, BUT MOSTLY DESSERT

CASK NO. 9.278

AGE:  19 years

PROFILE:  Juicy, oak & vanilla

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL

CASK NO. 122.83

AGE:  11 years

PROFILE:  Ripe, fruits & honey

CASK:  2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel

CHERRY MAKE MERRY

CASK NO. 24.184

AGE:  16 years

PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

CASK:  2nd fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead

SMOULDERING MOJO

DETAILS

AGE:  10 years

PROFILE:  Peated blended malt

CASKS:  Mezcal, bourbon & oloroso barriques, barrels & quarter casks

IN THE STEAM TRAIN DRIVER’S CAB

CASK NO. 16.99

AGE:  12 years

PROFILE:  Smoky & fruity

CASK:  2nd fill oloroso hogshead

BROWSE AUGUST OUTTURN HERE

RE-VISIT JULY OUTTURN HERE

VIEW ALL BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

THE MACALLAN HARMONY COLLECTION

We are delighted to introduce the sixth and final release in The Macallan Harmony Collection, Inspired by Fresh Coconut and Inspired by Toasted Coconut. These single malts are inspired by coconut; a note rarely present in The Macallan, brought forward through precise cask selection and maturation expertise. By drawing out these unique flavour notes, the Whisky Mastery Team has created two distinct whiskies defined by balance, complexity and natural character.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

THE MACALLAN COCONUT DREAMS

Spend time with us at The Macallan Coconut Dreams at The Macallan Estate, as we celebrate the final release in The Macallan Harmony Collection. This unique beach-inspired outdoor space invites guests to discover a series of tropical serves and sweet pairings, crafted by one of the world’s most innovative pastry chefs, Jordi Roca, served in collaboration with TimeSpirit. Open from 6 August – 27 September 2026 on select dates and times, subject to availability and weather conditions.

BOOK

Our newest Creators Collection, Elgin Marvels: Icons from Speyside presents two whiskies from the same town with two very different creation stories.

At 33 years of age, Cask No. 7.286: Fruit bomb frieze has been matured in a refill bourbon hogshead for the entirety of its creation. By contrast, Cask No. 35.405: Statuesque elegance has had a more complex journey – long before it ever arrived with the Tasting Panel.

The result is two whiskies that are united not only by their lengthy maturation but also by their intense fruitiness. Together they emphasise the diversity that can come from one small corner of Speyside.

Get into the Elgin Marvels tomorrow, Wednesday, 19 August at 9am UK time.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

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

Glenfarclas marks 190th anniversary with limited-edition release

Tuesday 28 July: Glenfarclas Distillery today marks its 190th anniversary with the release of a limited-edition bottling featuring five decades of whisky laid down by the family-owned distillery.

Glenfarclas 190, the final release in the Anniversary Trilogy, marks 190 years of distilling, taking consumers on a flavour journey spanning five decades. Reflecting the true full-bodied and robust character of Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the release is bottled at 51.4% ABV – formerly 90 British proof by the system used to indicate alcohol content for the first 154 years of production at the distillery.

Distillery Manager Callum Fraser said of the new whisky: “Glenfarclas 190 perfectly embodies the flavour of Glenfarclas – from the smooth, rich, velvety feel on the mouth to the flavours of green apples, sherry sweetness, spicy Christmas cake and long finish with a touch of dark chocolate and fresh tobacco. By drawing on spirit across five decades, we were able to pull out the fruitier notes from the 70s, rich sherried flavours from the 80s and 90s, and the toffee caramel notes from casks laid down in the 2000s.”

The release of Glenfarclas 190 follows the Speyside distillery’s anniversary expressions, Glenfarclas 175 and Glenfarclas 185. Presented in bespoke packaging inspired by labels through the decades, the release celebrates the distillery’s rich heritage and tells the story of its long and distinguished history. The liquid was hand-selected by Distillery Manager Callum Fraser, who was named Scotland’s Master Distiller of the Year at the 2026 Icons of Whisky Awards, alongside Managing Director Douglas Belford, who was recognised as a Master of the Quaich in 2025. Together, they selected the casks that make up this release, creating a whisky that reflects both the exceptional quality and traditional character of Glenfarclas.

Fraser continued: “In creating Glenfarclas 190, Douglas and I reviewed the incredible volume of casks in our warehouses and selected 78 casks to marry together to create this finished whisky. Testament to the traditional methods we use at Glenfarclas, including our direct fired stills, we hand selected each spirit and created a composition based on over 60 years’ industry experience. Balancing the creation of a whisky that’s 90 British proof with getting the flavour profile we wanted was intricate work, all done by hand and without the technology many modern distilleries rely on. It’s this ability to start with a blank canvas and uncover different flavours across our casks, experiment with volumes and marrying, and produce something uniquely Glenfarclas, that makes my job so fulfilling.”

Since it was first licensed in 1836, Glenfarclas Distillery has laid down its spirit in the finest sherry casks, sourced in recent decades from a family-run bodega in Jerez, Spain. Remaining true to its traditional direct-fired distillation methods, Glenfarclas continues to produce a spirit that is a testament to the time-honoured craftsmanship and expertise passed down through six generations of the Grant family.

John Grant OBE, chairman of Glenfarclas Distillery, added: “Celebrating 190 years of distilling at Glenfarclas is a proud moment. As custodians for six generations, our commitment to producing the finest single malt whiskies using traditional methods remains steadfast.”

A limited release, 15,000 bottles of Glenfarclas 190 will be released globally and will be available to purchase in the UK and international markets from August 2026 with a UK RRP of £95. Non chill filtered, and with no added colourings, Glenfarclas 190 offers a journey through 190 years of whisky production at Glenfarclas.

For more information on Glenfarclas Distillery visit www.glenfarclas.com.

About Glenfarclas

Glenfarclas Distillery was first licensed in 1836, and the Grant family has been producing the finest Highland single malt Scotch whisky, renowned across the world, at Glenfarclas Distillery since 1865. Located in the heart of Speyside, the independent family-owned and managed distillery creates handcrafted single malts using traditional distillation and maturation methods. Glenfarclas has two core ranges that can be purchased globally: the Aged Range and the Family Cask Range along with special limited-edition whiskies. The oldest family-owned distillery in Speyside, family members are, and always will be, fully involved in each and every element of the business.

Another step forward in the big pursuit

Exclusive to us, this delightful Meikle Tòir (meaning ‘big pursuit’) 7 Year Old is a single cask release aged in Chinquapin casks. This lesser-known variety of American oak brings spice and cigar notes, marrying with the sweet mainland peat of Meikle Tòir in very pleasing fashion. Bottled at cask strength and with a little more age than for standard releases, this retains the smoky intensity of its younger siblings but shows a little more complexity, for a dram you can really get lost in.

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In our first Points of Distinction, we explored the role of first-fill European Oak in shaping the character of Tamdhu Cigar Malt.

Rich, structured and deeply complex, European Oak brings a distinctive intensity to sherry cask maturation. This time, I’d like to turn our attention to a different oak and, if I’m honest, my personal favourite. For the second chapter in our series, we explore the Distinction Series, a collection of limited releases dedicated entirely to the influence of American Oak Oloroso sherry casks.

As Distillery Manager, I’m often asked whether I have a favourite style of maturation. While every cask has its place, I’ve always had a particular fondness for American Oak. There is an elegance to it – a brightness of fruit, a natural sweetness and a remarkable ability to bring balance to a whisky. The Distinction Series is our opportunity to celebrate that character in full.

Every Tamdhu is matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks. Yet within that commitment, the oak species plays a remarkable role in shaping flavour. Where European Oak brings structure, spice and depth, American Oak reveals a brighter, softer character. Rich orchard fruits, gentle vanilla sweetness and elegant balance emerge over time, creating a different expression of sherry cask maturation. Neither is better than the other. Each brings its own perspective. The Distinction Series exists to celebrate that difference.

Just as Cigar Malt explored the power of European Oak, Distinction celebrates the remarkable influence of Quercus Alba – American Oak. Its journey begins in the forests of North America before travelling to Spain’s renowned sherry triangle, where the casks are crafted over the course of six years.  The wood is left to air dry beneath the Mediterranean sun. Skilled coopers assemble and toast each cask before the all-important Oloroso sherry seasoning begins. Only then do the casks make the journey to Speyside. By the time they arrive at Tamdhu, years of dedication have already gone into their creation.

Across each release, one principle remains unchanged: a celebration of the influence and individuality of American Oak Oloroso sherry casks.

Distinction I

The inaugural release introduced the philosophy behind the series. A celebration of first-fill American Oak Oloroso sherry casks, it showcased the vibrant fruit character, natural sweetness, and elegance that Quercus Alba can bring to sherried whisky.

Distinction II

Building on that foundation, Distinction II revealed greater depth and complexity while remaining unmistakably shaped by American Oak. Rich fruit flavours and refined spice demonstrated how these exceptional casks continue to evolve over time.

Distinction III

A tribute to whisky dedication from beginning to end. From the forests of North America to the cooperages of Spain’s sherry triangle and finally the warehouses of Speyside, Distinction III celebrated every step in the remarkable journey of an American Oak sherry cask.

Distinction IV

The latest chapter is perhaps the purest expression of the series’ purpose. American Oak delivers its trademark elegance through aromas of malt loaf drizzled with crème anglaise, lifted by a subtle note of lemon zest and fresh mint. On the palate, smooth oak gives way to morello cherries and dark chocolate, before waves of sherried oak give way to a lingering finish of honey-dipped figs.

This series is available through selected specialist whisky retailers in the UK, USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Asia and Australia. Please contact your preferred stockist for availability and further details.

THE DISTINCTION SERIES

In our first Points of Distinction, we explored the depth and structure of European Oak through the Cigar Malt series. This chapter celebrates a different side of sherry cask maturation. American Oak has long been a personal favourite of mine. Its ability to deliver fruit, sweetness and elegance while allowing the spirit to shine is something I’ve admired throughout my career. The Distinction Series is our tribute to that character, from the oak forests of North America to the final dram in the glass.

That is our next point of distinction.

North British 2011 15 Year Old, The Octave Cask #5947879

This North British is one of only 81 bottles produced from a Moscatel octave cask. Distilled back in 2011, and bottled 2026. Cask No: #5947879. Distilled at North British Whisky Distillery, bottled by Duncan Taylor.

£44.00

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

THE MACALLAN 110 PROOF

The Macallan 110 Proof is now available for purchase from The Macallan Online Boutique. The Macallan 110 Proof, part of the Sherry Oak Collection, is an exemplary expression of The Macallan’s signature style. Matured for 12 years exclusively in sherry seasoned oak casks on our 485-acre Estate at Easter Elchies. Presented at 110 proof, a strength that enhances the bold, rich and fruity character that The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old is known for.

THE WHISKY

This naturally amber-hued single malt scotch whisky opens with the indulgent aroma of sticky dates and gentle cinnamon spice, unfolding into layers of rich oak and a subtle warmth of stem ginger on the palate. A bold whisky with exceptional depth of flavor, to be explored, shared and enjoyed.

PURCHASE 110 PROOF

Warm and evocative, this naturally amber-hued single malt scotch whisky opens with the indulgent aroma of sticky dates and gentle cinnamon spice, unfolding into layers of rich oak and a subtle warmth of stem ginger on the palate. A bold whisky with exceptional depth of flavour, to be explored, shared and enjoyed.

From our Timeless Collections available globally to our special limited release whiskies, each with a rich story to tell. Each and every Macallan single malt whisky reveals our unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit since 1824.

The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then we have built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland – and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship.

The Macallan distillery was founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher. The original name of the area was “Maghellan”, taken from the Gaelic word “magh”, meaning fertile ground and “Ellan”, from the Monk St.Fillan – who held a close association with the church that stood in the grounds of The Macallan Estate until 1400. Farmers had been making whisky on their Speyside farms in the area for centuries, using their surplus barley during the quieter winter months.