In the 17th Century kitchens of Versailles, sugar met fire to create something extraordinary: the very first recipe for the crème brûlée. Now, that same spirit of indulgence and innovation returns – not on a plate, but in your glass.
A whisky where flavour rules and fire transforms sugar into delicious extravagances.
Brûlée Royale is here.
Arran 13 Years Old Private Cask Shop Exclusive
Introducing specially selected and bottled exclusively for Aberdeen Whisky Shop – Arran 13 Years Old Private Cask. Distilled on the 3rd of April 2012 and aged in a single ex-Sherry cask before bottling on the 27th May 2025. Bottled at cask strength of 56.6% ABV, at natural colour and no chill filtration. Limited to 292 bottles.
£95.00
This issue, we’re all about collaboration — whether within communities, between brands, or across disciplines. On the cover, Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has joined up with Chivas Regal to become the blended Scotch brand’s new global brand ambassador. We find out more about what the partnership means for Chivas Regal.
Bimber Distillery announces the launch of The Spirit of the Underground Release No.8
London 08/10/25: Bimber Distillery has today announced the launch of the eighth release in its ongoing and renowned The Spirit of the Underground Collection, produced in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL). facilitated by IMG Licensing.
Release No. 8, comprising four exceptional, hand-crafted single malts, embarks on a journey to celebrate four iconic new stations: Elephant and Castle, Marble Arch, South Kensington, and Kew Gardens.
Each release features stunning iconography that captures a unique facet of London’s rich history, paired with distinctive labels and packaging that reflect the historical significance of each station’s location.
All expressions in The Spirit of the Underground Collection were crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced using single-farm barley, malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings. It underwent a seven-day fermentation in bespoke American oak washbacks, constructed on-site. Distillation took place in Bimber’s direct fire, copper pot stills which possess an increased copper surface area, which results in a rich fruit-forward, layered spirit.
Bottled at natural cask strength and without filtration, each bottle in Release No. 8 showcases a unique yet perfectly harmonious balance of aromas and flavours, embodying Bimber’s passion and craftsmanship.
The Spirit of the Underground Release No.8 is comprised of:
| The Spirit of the Underground – Elephant and Castle
Re-Charred Cask Ref: 381/54 Nose: Juicy red apples and ripe pineapple, enriched with creamy crème brûlée, warming mixed spice, and deep oak character. Palate: Toffee apples and vanilla-poached pears, layered with aniseed twists, a spark of fresh ginger, and charred oak depth.
Finish: Long and evolving, carrying layers of toffee apple and warming spice. 320 bottles 70cl 56.5% abv |
The Spirit of the Underground – Kew Gardens
Ex-Bourbon Cask Ref: 253 Nose: Inviting layers of vanilla and caramel, bright citrus zest, gentle spice, and warm baked apples. Palate: Delicate notes of lemon drizzle cake alongside creamy vanilla, rich caramel, sweet oak, and a touch of wood spice. Finish: Long and lingering with a sweet, gently spiced warmth. 278 bottles 70cl 57.4% abv |
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The Spirit of the Underground – Marble Arch Tawny Port Cask Ref: 531/48 Nose: Bright raspberries with layers of toffee, vanilla sponge cake, baking spices, and rich oak. Palate: A vibrant red berry compote, spiced with cinnamon sticks, complemented by smooth vanilla and sweet oak. Finish: Red berries and warm baking spices carrying through. 340 bottles 70cl 56.9% abv |
The Spirit of the Underground – South Kensington Ex-Bourbon Cask Ref: 409 Nose: Fresh Granny Smith apples with notes of lemon muffins, buttered toast, and a touch of wood spice. Palate: Bright lemon curd tart drizzled with honey, layered with anise, white pepper, and toasted oak. Finish: Long and balanced, unfolding with lemon, honey sweetness, and gentle spice. 262 bottles 70cl 58.1% abv |
The Spirit of the Underground Collection, which will total 44 individual releases, features a selection of iconic single malt whiskies that celebrate the heritage and diversity of the distillery’s home city. With eye-catchingly unique designs, each bottle presents a different Tube station on the London Underground network – the oldest underground passenger railway service in the world.
Commenting on the launch of the eighth release, Steve Rush, Head of Marketing and Communications at Bimber Distillery, said: “We’re delighted to reveal the next four stations joining The Spirit of the Underground Collection. Two of these remarkable expressions have been matured exclusively in Ex-Bourbon Barrels, whilst the other two have been finished in a Tawny Port and a Re-Charred Cask – each contributing its own unique character to our fruit-forward single malt London whisky. Four new whiskies – each as distinctive as the iconic stations they celebrate.”
Ellen Sankey, Brand Licensing Manager at TfL, said: “It’s wonderful to see Bimber Distillery use our unique brand and heritage so creatively for this, their eighth collaboration with us. These collaborations show just how innovatively our designs can be used to bring new ideas and more than 160 years of history together for customers across the world.”
Release No. 8 will be available via ballot on Bimber’s Spirit of the Underground website from 10/10/25 to 14/10/25, with an RRP of £135.00 each.
About Bimber: Founded in 2015, Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. Our traditionally-focussed approach to whisky creation combines the finest ingredients with heritage production methods that are rarely seen today and an absolute commitment to quality. Our detailed approach has seen us recognised as a leading light in whisky production and garnered multiple industry awards. Producing a wide array of fruit-forward, textural single malts we deliver the ultimate craft whisky experience to a rapidly growing global community of Bimber whisky lovers.
About Transport for London: Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s strategy and commitments on transport. It runs the day-to-day operation of the Capital’s public transport network, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, London Buses and Elizabeth line services, as well as managing London’s main roads. TfL does all it can to support the millions of journeys that are made every day and keep the city moving, working and growing. TfL reinvests all income generated through fares and commercial revenue to run and improve services and is committed to reducing costs.
About IMG Licensing: IMG Licensing is the global leader in brand licensing, managing licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. With over 25 offices worldwide, IMG Licensing provides a unique one-stop-solution for innovative brand growth across a diverse portfolio of clients from business, entertainment, fashion, food, gaming and sports. IMG Licensing is part of WME Group, a global network of businesses that represent the world’s leading talent, intellectual property, and brands. For more information, visit imglicensing.com.
Our newest Creators Collection, Peat Plants II is the ultimate flight in West Coast peat. It’s a bold return to Scotland’s Western Isles, where wind, sea, and fire shape whiskies of raw intensity. Drawing from Islay, Mull and beyond, this collection dives deep into the medicinal heart of peat – denser, darker, and rich with salt air and smoke. These are elemental drams that howl with coastal character and blaze with untamed spirit. Peat Plants II: Elemental whiskies from Scotland’s Western Isles launches today, Friday, 10 October.
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
Glen Moray launches first Tequila cask finished whiskies
Limited edition duo are tenth addition to distillery’s Warehouse 1 Collection
Glen Moray Speyside single malt Scotch whisky has launched two limited edition whiskies that take its cask explorer mission to new levels – Glen Moray Tequila Cask Finish and Glen Moray Peated Tequila Cask Finish.
Joining the Elgin-based distillery’s award-winning, experimental Warehouse 1 Collection, the new intriguingly sweet and herbal single malts mark Glen Moray’s first foray into Tequila cask maturation.
Non-chill filtered and bottled at cask strength with natural colour, these drams are set to be a treat for both peat lovers and fans of Glen Moray’s famously smooth and fruity Speyside spirit – and will make the perfect gift for whisky lovers over the festive season.
Tasting Notes
2014 Tequila Cask Finish
Nose: sweet, soft notes of vanilla custard, scattered with currants and toasted almonds.
Taste: earthy tones, overlaid with freshly picked thyme and a subtle citrus note
Finish: intense spice gently fades into notes of aged leather and polished oak
ABV 55.2%
Natural colour, non-chill filtered
2014 Peated Tequila Cask Finish
Nose: rose petals, dark chocolate and smoked thyme
Taste: smooth, sweet and gentle. Ripe roasted bananas studded with hazlenuts
Finish: long and sweet with a lasting impression of burning embers
ABV 58.5%
Natural colour, non-chill filtered
These small batch editions are true to Glen Moray’s reputation for exploration when it comes to the influence of wood on whisky’s flavour.
Glen Moray Tequila Cask Finish is aged for eight years in Bourbon casks, then laid down in Tequila barrels for finishing. The result is a very special dram which brings even more complex sweetness to the distillery’s smooth and fruity style.
In contrast, to explore how their lightly peated whisky would interact with the tequila cask influence, Glen Moray’s craftsman finished an eight-year-old, Bourbon matured batch in the same way to create Glen Moray Peated Tequila Finish. The resulting luxurious whisky boasts vibrant aromas of dark chocolate and flavours of smoked banana.
Glen Moray Global Brand Ambassador Iain Allan commented: ‘With the innovative whiskies of our Warehouse 1 Collection, we invite whisky lovers to explore a raft of intriguing new flavours. And for this tenth release, we are celebrating our first-ever experiments with Tequila casks, resulting in two small-batch releases which take our smooth, fruity single malt to new heights. Uniting vanilla softness with subtle citrus and thyme, Glen Moray Tequila Cask Finish magnifies our whisky’s sweet complexity, while Glen Moray Peated Tequila Finish is an intriguingly floral and smoky single malt. They will make the perfect gift for any inquisitive whisky lover this festive season.’
Glen Moray’s Warehouse 1 collection is named after the distillery’s famed blue warehouse, where its craftsman store their most experimental whisky casks. Each release offers a rare, limited edition taste of Glen Moray’s classic Speyside spirit that is intriguing and collectible for whisky explorers and enthusiasts around the world.
Glen Moray Tequila Cask Finish (RRP £85) and Glen Moray Peated Tequila Finish (RRP £95) are bottled in 70cl. Only 474 bottles of each whisky are available from select specialist UK whisky retailers.
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Glen Moray – Cask Explorer since 1897
Crafted in the heart of Speyside since 1897, Glen Moray’s smooth, fruity single malt whisky embodies the classic Speyside style. It has been made on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin for over 125 years using skills passed down through the generations and a process that includes double distillation in copper stills and careful ageing in traditional warehouses. The distillery’s craftsmen are experts in maturing and marrying many different types of casks, creating the array of flavours which inspire Glen Moray’s extensive range. Inclusive and inviting, Glen Moray is perfect for enjoying on its own and in cocktails, by whisky aficionados and new whisky fans alike.
Warehouse 1 Collection
The Warehouse 1 Collection is named after Glen Moray’s most well-known warehouse, where its craftsmen age their most experimental whiskies. Inviting inquisitive whisky explorers to embark on a journey of discovery, its releases include:
Douglas Laing & Co. Unveil Winter Wonders with Dual Limited-Edition Releases
As temperatures drop and Whisky lovers reach for something warming, Douglas Laing & Co. proudly unveil not one, but two exceptional seasonal bottlings: Scallywag Winter Edition and, for the very first time, Big Peat Winter Edition. These annual expressions of two of the company’s flagship brands invite consumers to embrace winter in all its bold, rich and flavourful glory.
Scallywag Winter Edition: Frosted by Nature
Returning for its annual appearance, the Scallywag Winter Edition has been reimagined in striking new form for 2025. Sporting a frosted glass bottle and cracked ice design effect, the presentation mirrors the Whisky’s indulgent, wintry soul. This Speyside Malt has been expertly finished in rare Ice Wine Casks sourced from Eastern Europe and is said to deliver “a decadent dram brimming with dark chocolate, candied orange and warm festive spices”. Natural in colour, non-chill filtered and bottled at a natural cask strength of 52.4% ABV, it’s an intense, warming Whisky that captures the very essence of the colder months.
Scott Morrison, Scallywag Senior Brand Manager comments:
“As ever, Scallywag’s Winter Edition is a celebration of the season – but this year’s striking new look adds an extra layer of drama to an already flavour-packed Whisky. It’s a bottle designed to be both admired and enjoyed… can you find our Feisty Fox Terrier lurking beneath the ice?”
Big Peat Winter Edition: A Powerful New Chapter
In an exciting new development, Big Peat – Islay’s distinctive Malt with a cult-like global following – makes “his” first foray into Winter Editions. Hanging up “his” Santa hat in favour of something more curated this year, Big Peat presents a special limited release, carefully finished in hand-selected Madeira Wine Casks sourced directly from the iconic region, adding sunlit sweetness to “his” trademark smoky Islay Malt.
With this winter warmer you can expect “sweet Malt, sea spray and salted caramel on the nose, followed by a molasses-rich palate with burnt orange, coal dust and phenolic firepower.” Bottled at a punchy 53.6% ABV, and as always with no colouring and no chill-filtration, this limited release is an authentic and powerful winter dram for the devoted peat fan.
Chloe Wood, Big Peat Brand Manager comments:
“This isn’t a reinvention, it’s an evolution. Big Peat has always embraced the elements, and our Winter Edition showcases his depth and adaptability in the face of nature’s coldest, wildest season. Prepare yourself for something truly spectacular!”
Both limited editions are available in formats designed to captivate. Big Peat is presented in a striking carton, featuring embossing and gold foil detailing that reflect the Whisky’s bold character. Scallywag, meanwhile, is offered bottle-only to hero its iconic frosted glass bottle and cracked ice design. Each release is destined to appeal to Whisky connoisseurs, collectors, and seasonal gift-buyers alike.
With winter fast approaching, Douglas Laing invites Whisky lovers to embrace the season boldly, whether through Scallywag’s rich, sherried indulgence or Big Peat’s smoky, sun-touched storm.
Now available at select retailers and online with a suggested RRP of:
Scallywag Winter Edition: £60.00 / €68.00
Big Peat Winter Edition: £65.00 / €74.00
Scallywag: scott.morrison@douglaslaing.com / @scallywagwhisky
Big Peat: chloe.wood@douglaslaing.com / @bigpeatwhisky
Website: www.douglaslaing.com
For lovers of Japanese whisky, Chichibu needs no introduction. The distillery was founded by Ichiro Akuto in 2008 and has since become a benchmark for the next generation of Japanese distilling. Chichibu traces back to the Akuto family’s sake brewery, founded in 1625, combining centuries of experience with a modern approach. Ichiro carefully selects barley, experiments with fermentation, and ages the spirit in a range of casks – from bourbon and sherry to IPA and mizunara oak – producing releases with distinct flavours while keeping the distillery’s signature balance and precision. Ichiro is known for his love of mizunara oak, giving his whiskies their distinctive flavours of incense and spice. He bids at auctions each year to source the wood and even makes washbacks from mizunara.
1792 BOURBON WELCOMES COGNAC CASK FINISH
TO ITS PORTFOLIO
The brand’s first permanent cask-finished expression brings new flavor dimensions to its Award-Winning Small Batch Bourbon
BARDSTOWN, kY (September 18, 2025) – 1792 Bourbon, crafted at Barton 1792 Distillery, proudly introduces 1792 Cognac Cask Finish, the first cask-finished expression in its permanent portfolio. Building on the foundation of its Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, this release offers whiskey drinkers an opportunity to explore new dimensions of flavor through extended finishing in Cognac casks.
As the oldest fully operating distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky—the Bourbon Capital of the World—Barton 1792 draws on nearly 150 years of whiskey-making experience. 1792 Cognac Cask Finish builds on this tradition, using the same mashbill, fermentation, and distillation process as 1792 Small Batch Bourbon, which was recently named “Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon” at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
“We’ve experimented with a range of premium cask finishes, but Cognac immediately stood out for how naturally it complements our Small Batch Bourbon,” says Ross Cornelissen, Barton 1792 Master Distiller. “Extended finishing in Cognac casks reveals dessert-like notes and layered complexity, while showcasing the full-bodied character of the Small Batch Bourbon and its signature high-rye recipe.”
The distillery’s journey into finishing began with 1792 Port Cask Finish, an acclaimed early experiment. This experience laid the foundation for the milestone release of Cognac Cask Finish. The latest release from 1792 transfers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from charred American White Oak barrels into hand-selected ex-Cognac casks for its final maturation. These barrels are placed on the top floors of the rickhouses, where rising heat intensifies aging and interaction with the wood. After resting for a minimum of six months in Cognac casks, the bourbon develops soft fruit notes and a refined sweetness.
Bottled at 95 proof, 1792 Cognac Cask Finish opens with a deep, luxurious nose of dark cocoa and rich caramel. On the palate, ripe stone fruit—plum, apricot, and cherry—emerges alongside notes of Bananas Foster and creamy vanilla, finishing with sweet oak.
“1792 Cognac Cask Finish represents a new flavor chapter in this brand’s story,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, 1792 Whiskey. “We’re pleased to offer a whiskey that invites both new and experienced spirits fans to enjoy premium cask-finished bourbon. It’s already becoming a favorite among bourbon connoisseurs.”
1792 Cognac Cask Finish is available now at a suggested retail price of $37.99 (750ml) through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, reaching retailers, bars, and restaurants nationwide.
About 1792 Whiskey
1792 Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The 1792 portfolio includes Small Batch, Single Barrel, Bottled in Bond, Full Proof, Aged Twelve Years, Sweet Wheat, and more—each offering a sophisticated and complex flavor profile. Through flawless distillation, distinct recipes, patient maturation, and precise proofing, 1792 whiskeys have earned acclaim from novices and connoisseurs around the world. Recently, 1792 Small Batch was named Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, while 1792 Aged 12 Years, Full Proof, and Small Batch each received Double Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. To learn more, visit www.1792bourbon.com.
About Barton 1792 Distillery
Barton 1792 Distillery is an American family-owned company located in Bardstown, Kentucky. Named for the year Kentucky became a state, the Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is part of Barton Brands, which is owned by the Sazerac Company, one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies with over 400 years of history. Situated in the heart of bourbon country on 196 acres, the Distillery boasts 29 barrel aging warehouses, 22 other buildings including an impressive still house, and the legendary Tom Moore Spring. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, as well as seven limited edition expressions, are produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Small Batch winning Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. To learn more about Barton 1792 Distillery, visit www.1792bourbon.com.
