After more than a decade of distilling, the Isle of Harris Distillery has launched a new core expression encapsulating the Island’s Hebridean spirit. The Isle of Harris single malt, priced at £50, is made to be enjoyed by both seasoned whisky drinkers, and those who are entirely new to the whisky world. The malt offers an intentionally approachable flavour profile, encouraging owners to extend some of that island hospitality with your nearest and dearest through sharing a dram, or cocktail*.

Tasting notes from Shona Macleod, distillery blender at Isle of Harris: “On the nose, there is an immediate warmth: butterscotch and iced cherry Bakewell tart, like a pastry shop on a cold morning. As it opens, brighter fruit and delicate floral notes appear, with a gentle hint of spice. The palate brings rich, buttery caramels and sweet cloves and ginger balanced by the dry, flinty character that’s so typical of Isle of Harris spirit. The finish is light and creamy, with a soft echo of Outer Hebridean peat smoke.”

Explore the new single malt
£50

In 2015, the distillery was founded with the overarching aim of providing multi-generational local employment and creating a catalyst for positive change for the island community. Since then, the distillery has produced arguably one of the most recognisable Scottish gins over the last decade, and their more recent Hearach single malt, which has earned over 25 rewards since its initial release.

Every aspect of the distillery’s products are deliberate – from the iconic bottle design inspired by the cross-hatched lines of the island’s famous handwoven Harris Tweed, to the copper flecks in the bottle’s label, a nod to the copper stills used at the distillery. We can guarantee you’ll feel connected to the Outer Hebrides through every drop poured.

North British 33 Year Old

1991 Vintage · 70cl · 41% ABV

This remarkable expression from the North British Distillery was distilled in 1991 and matured for over three decades bourbon oak. Soft yet complex in character, this Scotch is a prime example of what a long aged single grain can achieve; notes of pear and golden apple weave through a smooth, pastry-sweet centre.

£79.95

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Fragrant Drops is a range of independently bottled Scotch Whiskies and other ambrosial libations, brought to you by George & Rachel of Keeble Cask Company Ltd.​ Based in Leith, Fragrant Drops source casks from across Scotland and beyond, sometimes finish them and eventually bottle them when they’re ready for you to enjoy.

ARBIKIE UNVEILS FIRST-EVER SINGLE ESTATE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

The Signature becomes the inaugural release in Arbikie’s much-anticipated single malt programme, marking a defining milestone for the independent Scottish farm distillery.

ANGUS, SCOTLAND – September 2026: Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery, the independent Scottish farm distillery, has launched The Signature, its first-ever Single Estate Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The release marks a defining moment for the family-owned business and for the small team behind it, bringing together more than a decade of whisky making and four centuries of family farming. Launching on the 7^th September 2026, the anniversary of Arbikie’s first ever cask being filled, The Signature lays the foundation for the distillery’s next chapter as the inaugural expression in its long-term single malt programme.

Produced from Odyssey barley grown on the Arbikie Estate in Angus, The Signature was grown, distilled, matured and bottled entirely on the family-owned farm. Matured for ten years in six bourbon casks and bottled at 48% ABV, only 1,000 bottles have been released worldwide, priced at £250 each.

Every stage of production took place on the Arbikie Estate, from barley grown in the family’s coastal fields to cask maturation in the estate’s former dairy warehouses. The result is a single malt shaped entirely by one place and by the people who know it best. The Signature opens with aromas of ripe peach, banana bread and lemon sherbet, leading to notes of brioche, apricot marmalade and citrus, before a finish of creamy vanilla, orange blossom and lingering spice.

“The Signature represents everything our team has been working towards since we filled our first casks ten years ago,” said Iain Stirling, Co-Founder of Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery. “It is our first Single Estate Single Malt Scotch Whisky, but more importantly it demonstrates what can be achieved when every decision, from the barley we grow to the casks we fill, happens on the same estate.

“We have never been interested in releasing a single malt simply because the market expected it. We wanted our first whisky to reflect our farm, our family, our philosophy and the dedication of everyone who has helped nurture it from field to bottle. After ten years of patience, we believe The Signature does exactly that.”

The launch builds on Arbikie’s growing international reputation for premium spirits, sustainability and single-estate distilling. The family-owned distillery is a certified B Corp and was named global Sustainable Distillery of the Year at the Icons of Whisky 2026.

The Signature marks the beginning of Arbikie’s Single Estate Single Malt collection, with future releases planned to explore the whisky’s evolution through age, cask character and the distillery’s field-to-bottle approach. Further details on forthcoming limited releases will be announced separately.

The Signature is available from the 7^th September 2026 at www.thearbikie.com and through Arbikie’s worldwide trade partners.

About Arbikie Distillery:

Arbikie Distillery is an independent, family-owned farm distillery on the Angus coast. Built around a field-to-bottle approach, Arbikie grows key ingredients on the estate and distils, matures and bottles its spirits on site. The distillery is a certified B Corp and was named global Sustainable Distillery of the Year at the Icons of Whisky 2026. Its customers include many of the world’s best resorts, hotels, bars, restaurants and retailers including Aman Resorts, Noma, Jean Georges, Fat Duck, Roka, Hilton, Marriott, Four Seasons, Wholefoods, Harrods, Atlas and the Connaught.www.thearbikie.com

About The Signature:

The Signature is Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery’s inaugural Single Estate Single Malt Scotch Whisky, crafted entirely from Odyssey barley grown on the family’s Angus estate. Distilled in 2016 and matured for ten years in first-fill bourbon casks, it is bottled at 48% ABV.

Nose: Ripe peach, banana bread and lemon sherbet.
Palate: Brioche, apricot marmalade and citrus.
Finish: Creamy vanilla, orange blossom and lingering spice.
RRP: £250
ABV: 48%
Availability: Limited to 1,000 bottles worldwide. Available from 7 September 2026.

Scottish oak and Glengoyne is the perfect match, let us tell you why

Known for their rounded, balanced and naturally fruity character – Glengoyne whisky provides a perfect canvas for Scottish oak which enhances and refines the spirit bringing a drier edge to the signature fruity liquid.  This 17 year old from Glengoyne is the fourth in their acclaimed Oak Masters’ Series, where they explore the world for outstanding virgin oak casks, and for this expression they haven’t had to look very far! The Scottish oak used in the maturation process was sustainably grown and harvested in Killearn, only 5 miles from the distillery – the rare wood is rich in natural tannin and provides structure to the whisky.

Any avid whisky drinkers will be used to seeing whisky matured in American or European wood casks, but maturing in Scottish oak is rare! Our trees grow slowly and with lots of twists, making them tough to turn into casks – but Glengoyne have persevered. Harnessing the natural resources Scotland has to offer, making this release all the more special. On the nose, you’ll find aromas of heather honey, stewed pear and oaty porridge. This opens into a full and beautifully balanced palate, with notes of toasted oak and fresh fruit, followed by a warming spice of ginger and nutmeg. The finish is long, gentle and nutty, with delicate tannins coming through alongside a lingering sweetness and subtle spice.

GET YOURS, WHILE STOCKS LAST >

The Brewer’s Coalition: The Bruery Black Tuesday- Available Now

We’ve partnered with The Bruery to bring you the newest release in our Brewer’s Coalition series — and just six barrels were selected for this limited-edition offering.

Crafted from 100% malted barley, aged over five years in premium ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in Black Tuesday Imperial Stout casks, this expression showcases rich malt character layered with the bold, decadent depth of one of America’s most sought-after stouts.

Aromas of blackberry jam and caramel lead into soft citrus, chocolate, and hints of anise on the palate, with a finish that’s velvety, complex, and enduring.

With only six barrels produced, quantities are extremely limited.

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Whisky Show bottlings now on offer

With Whisky Show 2026 on the horizon, we’re looking back at some of our previous show bottlings – now available at special prices. Explore our past highlights including the exclusive Kilchoman 2011 – a beautifully balanced cask-strength Islay whisky with pleasant aromas of apple blossom, white peach and sweet peat. There’s lots more including stand out drams from Ardbeg, Ben Nevis and East London Liquor Co, that you can’t find anywhere else.

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DISCOVER THE WHISKY SHOW

     The First Cask Has Been Filled

A new chapter has begun at Laggan Bay. In April of 2026, the first cask was filled at our new distillery on Islay. What was once a vision is now reality, with spirit laid down to mature on the island that inspires everything we do.

The milestone was marked by Distillery Manager, Malcolm Rennie, an Islay native whose experience and passion for whisky have helped bring the distillery to life.

Witness the First Cask Filling

Be Part of the Beginning

While the first cask has now been filled, only a limited number of founding casks remain in The Hundred – Laggan Bay’s Founding Casks.This rare opportunity allows you to own a cask from the earliest days of Laggan Bay and follow its journey from new make spirit to fully matured Islay whisky. As a founding cask owner, you’ll become part of a community connected to the distillery’s future. The first cask has been filled. Yours could be next.

 Built on Experience. Created for the Future.

Laggan Bay is the vision of Leonard Russell and Tom Russell. As part of family owned Ian Macleod Distillers, the team behind renowned Scotch whisky brands including Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank, they bring decades of whisky making expertise to this new chapter on Islay. Now, that same long term commitment is being poured into a new whisky story.

Slàinte mhath,
Laggan Bay Distillery

Laggan Bay Distillery

Glenegedale, Isle of Islay, PA42 7AS

  WEBSITE   |   THE HUNDRED – LAGGAN BAY’S FOUNDING CASKS   

The Society started with three things: a big idea, a cask of the good stuff and friendship. As we turn 43 years young this month, we mark our birthday and the start of many other new moments made for celebrating together – preferably with a glass of the good stuff in hand. September Outturn is live – let’s get into it!

TAKE ME TO THE BOTTLES

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

WITH SOFT SMOKE AND CREAMY HARMONY, 15-YEAR-OLD ARDBEG TRUDERNISH BRINGS A NEW CHARM TO DISTILLERY’S CORE RANGE

 < Islay Distillery reveals eye-catching new look for all its permanent whiskies >

Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky today unveils a dram of soft smoke and creamy harmony – its first permanent 15-year-old, Ardbeg Trudernish. Inspired by the ancient settlement of Trudernish on Islay’s “Enchanted Cape”, this beguilingly silky whisky is aged in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks for an indulgent charm. Its release, which has already been recognised with a Double Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, comes as Ardbeg reveals a new look for its entire core range, to be rolled out globally from autumn 2026. The bold designs playfully bring to life the unique stories and flavours of each dram.

According to the legends of the Enchanted Cape, the pure water of the well at Trudernish (which is notoriously hard to find) never freezes over. Like the quest in search of the Trudernish well, this 15-year-old Ardbeg transports drinkers to Islay, revealing delicious, creamy flavours hidden beneath its smoky exterior.

Seeking a rich new dimension to Ardbeg’s peaty paradox, Ardbeg’s whisky makers matured their smoky, balanced spirit in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks over 15 years, for mellow creaminess and softer smoke. A trace of earthy peat flits from the glass, as aromas of woodsmoke drift across dried herbs and chocolate lime. Tastes of vanilla and nuts are folded into decadent notes of creamy fudge sauce. The whisky’s harmony of flavours is enhanced by its ABV of 48.8%.

The packaging for Ardbeg Trudernish showcases a distinctive new look for the Distillery’s bottlings – to be rolled out across the brand’s entire core range. The presentation boxes and labels stand out in Ardbeg’s classic black, with each expression now differentiated by its own earthy accent colour. In a nod to Ardbeg’s Celtic heritage, whimsical woodcut-style illustrations depict every whisky’s individual story, alongside its cask recipe and an evocative flavour snapshot.

Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden MBE said: “A new whisky is always a momentous occasion at Ardbeg – and our first permanent 15-year-old, Ardbeg Trudernish, is truly one to celebrate. Aged in a combination of bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks, our spirit’s signature smokiness is brilliantly mellowed by rich, creamy flavours, softened with age. You’ll find aromas of peat and woodsmoke engulfed in melted vanilla ice cream. There are tastes of peat, dark liquorice and nuts wrapped in milk chocolate and a long smoky finish. A silky thread of vanilla runs throughout. I guarantee this whisky’s take on Ardbeg’s peaty paradox will charm smoky malt lovers everywhere.”

Ardbeg Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven said: “Ardbeg Trudernish is the perfect dram to toast Ardbeg’s new look. Our core range is brimming with the stories and flavours of Islay – from our classic Ardbeg Ten, to the dark and mysterious depths of Ardbeg Uigeadail. These striking new designs will make it easier than ever to explore each one – and perhaps discover new favourites… such as Ardbeg Trudernish!”

Ardbeg Trudernish (48.8% ABV) RRP £80  is available to purchase from Ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, the Distillery Visitor Centre, and specialist retailers from 15^th September 2026. 

Ardbeg Trudernish Tasting Notes:

ABV: 48.8%

Colour:             Straw gold

Aroma:              A soft wave of earthy peat and gentle woodsmoke is wrapped in rich vanilla cream, evoking the scent of melted vanilla ice cream with fudge sauce. Sweetness blends with floral notes and subtle hints of pine resin and heather honey. Orchard fruits like green apple and pear add freshness, while a hint of cracked black pepper and dried herbs lend complexity. A splash of water reveals ripe melon, kiwi, and soft berry notes layered over fragrant vanilla and heather-sweet peat.

Taste: Creamy and full-bodied, with bold Ardbeg peat merging into a smooth wave of sweet vanilla cream. Classic notes of soft pine, woodsmoke and damp forest floor lead into dark liquorice, chocolate lime, and a touch of herbal mint. More soft orchard fruits and floral sweetness are paired with nuts wrapped into milk chocolate. The texture silky, with the vanilla running like a thread through each layer.

Finish:           Long and soothing, with peat embers, vanilla pod and toasted nuts lead into a long and smoky finish.

RRP:                  £80

Ardbeg Trudernish’s namesake

The ancient settlement of Trudernish can be found in the south-east of Islay, up the coast from the Ardbeg Distillery. Trudernish is known as part of Islay’s so-called Enchanted Cape – an area rich in myth and legend. Some say, that if a person takes home a pebble from the nearby Claggain Bay, they are destined to return to Islay one day. And there are further fables about the Trudernish Well. Hidden in dense woodland, it is believed to begin its journey high in the hills at Loch Uigeadail (Ardbeg’s water source). Legend has it that the soft, pure water of the well never freezes over (much like whisky!). 

Packaging transformation

The packaging for Ardbeg’s entire core range has been transformed to better share the whiskies’ stories and flavours with smoky malt drinkers.

Key changes include:

Presentation box

• • Woodcut-style illustrations by artist Johnny Greenteeth, which tell the whiskies individual stories, each with a playful depiction of Ardbeg’s canine mascot Shortie (detail on each whisky’s illustration is below).
  • Ardbeg’s classic dark hues and traditional, Celtic-style ‘A’ and knotwork are still celebrated – now enhanced by different earthy colour accents on each pack, to aid range navigation.
  • The boxes include enhanced storytelling and tasting notes, a new flavour snapshot description, and details of the whiskies’ cask recipes.
  • Ardbeg Wee Beastie remains as a naked bottle, as it has been since its release in 2020.

Labels

• • More detailed tasting notes, the flavour snapshot and cask recipe now included.
  • A background image of the woodcut-style illustrations features on the back label.

Bottle

• • Now manufactured in the UK and a slightly lighter shade of green.
  • Capsule made of polylam, more easily recycled than PVC.

The individual whiskies’ stories are illustrated in the following ways:

• Ardbeg Wee Beastie: In a naked bottle (as it has been since its release in 2020), with claw marks on the label to show its feisty personality. Bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Described as ‘A Monster of a Dram’.
• Ardbeg Ten: Amid rolling clouds and waves, are dotted the Distillery’s classic codes: the 8th-century Kildalton Cross, Ardbeg’s pagoda roofs, its iconic Warehouse 3 (with ARDBEG written in huge black letters for all approaching from the Atlantic to see) and the familiar shape of an Ardbeg still. Shortie looks on from a rocky outcrop. Aged in American oak bourbon casks. Described as ‘The Giant of Smoky Complexity’.
• Ardbeg An Oa: The Gathering Vat in which Ardbeg An Oa’s whiskies are married is depicted among mountains, tumultuous seas and swirling storm clouds, which Shortie rears up to view. Aged in new charred oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry and bourbon casks among others. Described as ‘Where Smoke Meets Sweet’.
• Ardbeg Uigeadail: Against a mountainous backdrop, Ardbeg’s water source Loch Uigeadail looms. A tumbledown building and a boat add to the intrigue, while Shortie digs in a peatbog. Aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Described as ‘Dark and Mysterious Depths of Flavour’.
• Ardbeg Trudernish: Landmarks from the “Enchanted Cape” are illustrated, including the Trudernish well, a standing stone and the nearby beach (from which, legend has it, if you take a pebble, you are destined to return to Islay), as well as the Distillery. Shortie peers over a nearby wall. Aged in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso Sherry casks. Described as ‘A Smoky Dram of Creamy Harmony’.
• Ardbeg Corryvreckan: The whisky’s namesake, the Corryvreckan Whirlpool is at the centre of the packaging – whisky barrels caught in its vortex. In homage to the legend of the Corryvreckan (in which Norse Prince Breacan is challenged to moor his ship in the whirlpool for three days – but is sucked into its watery depths) is brought to life with a depiction of his ship teetering on the edge of the whirlpool – mooring ropes flying. Shortie watches safely from the shore. Matured in American oak bourbon and new French oak casks. Described as ‘A Whirlpool of Turbulent Flavours’.

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the 2023 New York Wine Spirits Competition, and received a Platinum medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2025, Ardbeg was named Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, while Ardbeg Wee Beastie was crowned Best Overall Scotch at the New York World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg’s boutique hotel on Islay, Ardbeg House, was named Hotel of the Year 2026 by The Times newspaper.

Sustainability

Ardbeg is dedicated to sustaining its island home and community. With a vision of enhancing Islay for future generations, Ardbeg has devoted itself to restoring parts of the island’s precious peatland – a vital habitat for wildlife and a key carbon store. Working with the landowner, Ardbeg has begun transforming Kintour peat moor near the Distillery, cut for use in Ardbeg’s maltings decades ago. Ardbeg has also committed to a landmark conservation partnership with RSPB Scotland, Suntory Global Spirits and Diageo to restore 1,000 hectares of peatland in The Oa nature reserve. Over time, these projects aim to return Islay’s peatland to its native state, increasing biodiversity, helping mitigate against the effects of climate change and safeguarding the island’s natural heritage.

Meanwhile, Ardbeg has established the £1million Ardbeg All Islay Fund, which supports enterprising projects and organisations on the island. This five-year fund gives contributions to local sports clubs, musical and cultural organisations, helping to make Islay a better place to work and live. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.