Fancy investing in a whisky cask?

Holyrood is an exciting new distillery in the heart of Edinburgh. Auld Reekie has turned out to be a particular inspiration and is represented in their two smoky expressions. Through their cask programme, you can purchase a cask of heavily peated or lightly peated spirit, allowing you to make your own mark on Scotland’s whisky industry. W Club members receive a £250 discount until the end of August so join the club now.

Register your interest →

Cask programmes can make for excellent investment opportunities. If you decide to sell on the whisky from your cask, you could be making yourself quite the profit! Alternatively, you could pitch in on a cask with a group of friends or fellow whisky enthusiasts. Even if you don’t decide to sell on the whisky from your cask, you have a whisky of your very own to enjoy with family and friends.

If you are keen to find out more, you can check out Holyrood’s website here and read all about their cask programmes. If they sound right up your street, you can register your interest via our form below.

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Holyrood Distillery
Lightly Peated Cask

Aged in a lightly toasted port wood, the lightly peated cask makes for a beautiful subtly smoked malt. The cask is filled with a combination of heavy peated malt and Rauch malt to create the smoky flavours, and East Lothian malt and Caramalt to add a sweeter note to the spirit. Edinburgh Ale yeast is used to create refreshing citrus flavours in the expression which wonderfully balance the more powerful smoky notes. The single malt will then spend ten years maturing in a 225 litre lightly toasted first fill port barrique.

£3,500.00
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Holyrood Distillery
Heavily Peated Cask

The heavily peated expression is a true smoke bomb. It is made from 50% Islay peated malt, 38% Maris Otter, and 12% Amber malt which adds some sweetness to the smoke from the Islay malt. Some beer yeast is added to draw in citrus flavours, as well as Kviek yeast which is used in Norwegian Ales. The expression is then poured into a 250 litre Spanish sherry hogshead of your choice – either first fill Pedro Ximenez sherry or first fill Cream sherry – before a ten-year maturation.

£5,000.00
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Ledaig 20 Year Old

Peated Malt Distilled at Tobermory Distillery

Ledaig (Tobermory) 20 Year Old

Selected exclusively for the United Kingdom market for the Connoisseurs Choice series.

Single refill sherry butt bottled May 2022. Expect stewed red fruit flavours, to cocoa powder, orange zest and a  spicy finish with smoke, aniseed and toffee

Ledaig 20 Year Old 2001 vintage Island single malt Scotch whisky distilled at Tobermory distillery. Single refill sherry butt #285 bottled May 2022 for the United Kingdom market by Gordon & MacPhail for the Connoisseurs Choice series. 498 bottles. Bright apple and autumunal spice aromas gve way to brown sugar. Stewed red fruit flavurs lead to cocoa powder and orange zest. Full spicy finish with smoke, aniseed and toffee.

Buy – Ledaig 20 Years – £160 / $160* / €157*

Tobermory Distillery was established by John Sinclair in 1798 and is situated in the harbour town of Tobemory on the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. Equipped with four stills fitted with unusually twisted lyne arms to create a light and fruity Tobermory malt spirit. The distillery produces an unpeated single malt whisky called Tobermory and a peated single malt whisky called Ledaig. In addition to the core range which includes the Lediag 18 Year Old some excellent young aged Ledaig is available from independent bottlers including Signatory.

Summer 2022 Berry Bros. & Rudd has landed

Established in 1698, the famous Berry Bros. & Rudd wine and spirit merchants know a thing or two about whisky. And this Summer batch of independently bottled drams are truly stunning! We are intrigued by the Staoisha: a powerfully peaty 9-year-old dram from Bunnahabhain. Have a browse of each and see which ones take your fancy.

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MIZUNARA CASK WHISKY REVEALED AS

SECOND RELEASE IN 50^TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES

Prominent whisky maker Billy Walker marks astonishing milestone with

second release in commemorative Past, Present & Future Series 

The GlenAllachie Distillery today announces the penultimate bottling in The Past, Present & Future Series as an ultra-rare Japanese cask finished Single Malt Scotch Whisky: The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50^th Anniversary Present Edition 16-year-old Mizunara Virgin Oak Cask Finish.

Launched in May, the landmark range honours foremost whisky master Billy Walker’s remarkable half-century-long career in the Scotch whisky industry, with each release symbolising a key milestone for the veteran blender.

The Present Edition is revealed today as a Mizunara Virgin Oak Cask Finish (UK RRSP 280), Walker’s first-ever use of the highly unusual oak species, representing the pioneering wood policy he is currently implementing at The GlenAllachie Distillery.

With a particular focus on experimenting with interesting and rare casks from small-scale, premium producers, the Speyside distillery’s annual cask budget for 2022 stands at an eye-watering 2 million (US $2.6m).

The ground-breaking 16-year-old underwent a lavish maturation journey beginning in rich Pedro Xim鮥z and Oloroso Sherry wood before being transferred into incredibly uncommon Mizunara virgin oak casks with a medium level of toasting and charring.

Mizunara is a very scarce species of Japanese oak rarely utilized in the whisky sphere due to its expense and the multitude of challenges it poses to production.

Its tendency to twist as it grows creates issues for stave production, and its porous nature – which on one hand is beneficial, allowing for greater interaction between whisky and wood – makes it much more inclined to leak during maturation, impacting the final outturn. Additionally, the trees must grow to be around 200 years old before being felled; twice the age of most oaks used for casks.

Following a luxurious two-step maturation journey, the consequential chestnut-hued single malt boasts indulgent notes of dark chocolate fondant, forest fruits, stem ginger and coconut shavings.

Due to the scarcity of Mizunara oak, the release is limited to just 2,900 bottles globally; each proudly presented at a high strength of 48% ABV, without added colouring or chill filtration.

Walker, who was inducted into Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame last year, has spearheaded The GlenAllachie Distillery since 2017. In that time, it has racked up enviable awards including the fiercely contested title of World’s Best Single Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2021).

Commenting on his historic release, Walker said:

“As a Master Distiller, I’m regularly asked what proportion of the flavour profile of a whisky I attribute to the wood, to which I answer at least 70 per cent. As a chemist, I find supervising the flavour development of our whisky as it interfaces with interesting cask types truly fascinating. One thing I’ve absolutely learnt in the last 50 years is that there are no short cuts to achieving quality.

“I’m incredibly proud to release my first ever Mizunara virgin oak finished whisky; a cask type that has of course been on my radar to experiment with, not deterred by its undeniable challenges! I was confident that it would perfectly complement the bold nature of The GlenAllachie, and we’re delighted with the outcome. A very proud moment for a special personal milestone.”

The Present Edition joins the first release in the range, The Past Edition: 16-year-old 100% Sherry Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky, released to great acclaim in May 2022.

The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50^th Anniversary Present Edition can be purchased through global specialist retailers, with a UK RRSP of 280.

ABOUT BILLY WALKER’S CAREER:

Graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1967 with a BSc Honours Degree in Chemistry, a youthful Billy Walker had the perfect foundations to enable him to build an intimate knowledge of the science behind whisky making and flavour development.

Billy’s whisky journey began in 1972 at Hiram Walker & Sons – the company behind Ballantine’s at the time – where his role covered almost all aspects of production. After four years, he moved on to Inver House Distillers, taking up the position of Master Blender in 1976.

Fast-forward to 1982, Billy joined Burn Stewart Distillers where he went on to spend two decades, most notably playing a key part in the resurrection of Deanston and Tobermory Distilleries. When the company was sold, an entrepreneurial Billy was left to decipher his next move.

The next twelve years saw him acquire BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh Distilleries, each of which were either mothballed, closed or under exposed to the market. It was at this point in his career where Billy truly made a name for himself within the industry, leading the brands’ rejuvenation and subsequent phenomenal success.

Billy’s next move was to his current position as owner and Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, encompassing The GlenAllachie single malt, White Heather blended Scotch and MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits. 2021 saw Billy delve into a new spirits category for the first time, releasing a new experimental rum line under the MacNair’s label; Exploration Rum.

It’s from this incredible record of success that Billy has earnt widespread acclaim and recognition for being one of the most prominent whisky figures of his generation.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts a 50-year tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2022 stands at an eye-watering 2m/$2.6m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

The GlenAllachie focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4m to 500,000 Litres of Alcohol and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester rich, fruity spirit.

We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

Our other brands are MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits – encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum – and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie | Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie | Instagram – @theglenallachie_ 

TASTING NOTES:

The GlenAllachie 50^th Anniversary Present Edition – Mizunara Virgin Oak Finish 16-year-old – 48% ABV

• Colour: Intense Chestnut.
• Nose: Bursting with dark chocolate, heather honey and grilled almonds, with hints of sandalwood, ginger, orange zest, caramelised pecans and coconut shavings.

Taste: Waves of heather honey, cinnamon and crystalised ginger, followed by demerara sugar, dried dark berries, hazelnuts and fig syrup

“House Malt” Blended Malt 2012 Sherry Vintage 70cl 57.1%

This Blended Malt in the name (it’s ‘tea-spooned’, so 99.9% from a single distillery), this is a 2012 Sherry Vintage, aged entirely in a first-fill Spanish Oak Oloroso sherry butt. Distilled on the 4th of July 2012, it’s everything you would expect it to be, full of rich, dark fruit, roasted Arabica coffee, bitter chocolate, and toasted nutty old dunnage character. Another triumph from the House Malts’ offerings showcasing all we love about first-fill sherry and bottled at 100 ̊ proof (57.1%).  Only 729 bottles were produced.

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anCnoc celebrates modern makers with new Craft Cast campaign

anCnoc Highland single malt whisky is taking drinkers into the world of the modern maker this year, with a new partnership and event series celebrating some of the UK’s most dedicated craft producers.

The anCnoc Craft Cast will shine a light on the hidden corners of workshops and studios where the magic of craft production happens – telling stories of the people who share anCnoc’s passion for crafted products, made well.

The first partnership kicked off this month with Glasgow’s Overtone Brewing Company. One of Scotland’s most exciting and experimental craft beer producers, their creative brewing team takes inspiration from the culture of music to craft small batches of hop-forward beers for their growing fan base.

On Friday 15^th July anCnoc and Overtone hosted an evening to explore craft beer and whisky, with guests enjoying beer and whisky pairings and a unique, after-hours glimpse behind the scenes on Overtone’s small brewery floor.

A mix of makers, media and craft fans savoured drams, sipped on an array of beers and even had a chance to get creative and dive into the world of design, developing new names and labels for future Overtone beer releases.

For anCnoc’s team, these partnerships are a celebration of the values they hold dear as whisky makers: traditional techniques and skills, slow hand-crafted processes and products imbued with the personal care and passion of the people who make them.

Stuart Baxter, Global Whisky Ambassador for anCnoc led the tastings for Craft Cast guests on the night. He said: ‘We hear the word craft a lot these days, and it’s easy to forget what it really means for true craft makers and the products they make. With the Craft Cast we’re on a mission to dig a bit deeper, stepping into the communities of some incredibly skilled craftspeople to explore their world and celebrate the values we have in common over a dram. The brilliant beer makers at Overtone were a natural first partner for us, and it was a pleasure learning more about the creativity, commitment and energy they put into every can of beer, at what was very relaxed and enjoyable evening’.

Kayley Barbour, Head of Overtone’s Brand Marketing added: “We’re very grateful to be working with anCnoc as part of their Craft Cast campaign and the event couldn’t have gone better, the brewery has never felt more alive. The entire campaign is an amazing opportunity for creative businesses to work together, think outside the box and engage customers in different ways.”

To accompany the Craft Cast campaign, anCnoc has commissioned long term collaborator, New York based Scottish illustrator Peter Arkle, to create a suite of hand-drawn illustrations to bring anCnoc’s passion for craft to life.

Also, inspired by the Overtone Brewing partnership, anCnoc has created a new microsite which will offer fun tips and help drinkers to find their perfect beer and anCnoc whisky pairing via a short quiz.  Visit: https://www.ancnoc-untapped.com/

Global Whisky Ambassador for anCnoc Stuart Baxter (middle) with the Overtone Brewing team

www.ancnoc.com

https://www.facebook.com/ancnocsinglemalt/

www.instagram.com/anCnoc_whisky

www.twitter.com/anCnoc_whisky

anCnoc Highland single malt Scotch whisky (pronounced a-nock) is crafted at Knockdhu Distillery in the small village of Knock in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Established in 1894, the distillery was built in an area with an abundance of the natural resources needed for making whisky: pure spring water and plentiful supplies of peat and barley.

Sitting in the shadow of the ‘Black Hill’ (Knockdhu in Gaelic) which gives the whisky its unusual name, Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce and his long-standing team dedicate themselves to the traditional craft of making excellent whisky every day.

In an industry where many distilleries aim to be bigger and better, Knockdhu is known as one of the smallest and most enchanting distilleries in the Scottish Highlands. And little has changed in the way whisky has been made here over the decades. Two copper pot stills replicate the original 1894 design, old fashioned worm tubs condense the vaporised alcohol, and Gordon’s team (and many dogs) make up one of the smallest workforces in the industry. Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do, including the ‘wetlands’ they’ve created in the land surrounding the distillery to naturally process the co-products of production.

As a result, anCnoc is a celebration of traditional whisky making, with skills handed down from one generation of Distillery Manager to the next, retaining the slow, hand-crafted techniques that make single malt Scotch whisky so highly prized around the world. But there’s nothing old fashioned about the finished products. These are light, fruity, refreshingly modern single malts, bottled and sent out to the world for everyone to enjoy.

ABOUT OVERTONE BREWING

Inspired by the culture of music, Overtone aims to bring people together, incite conversation and make memories through the enjoyment of craft beer.

Brewing in Glasgow since 2018, Overtone have quickly established itself as one of Scotland’s best and most creative craft breweries, encouraging a new thirst for New England style IPAs. There are new releases every week: from experimental hop combinations to exciting fruited sour blends, with a high standard and consistency that has won over the craft beer scene.

Head Brewer Dan Miller is from New Hampshire in the US and brings with him a knowledge of American style beers. This has allowed Overtone to consistently produce award winning New England IPAs that are loved by craft beer fans nationwide.

Milton 1949 Private Collection

An incredibly rare release from Milton, now known as Strathisla, and the oldest distillery in Speyside. This liquid has slumbered for over seven decades in a first-fill sherry puncheon.

This single malt was distilled at Milton (now known as Strathisla), the oldest distillery in Speyside. Distilled in 1949, the expression spent an eye-watering 72 years maturing in a first fill sherry puncheon before being bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2022 at 48.6% abv.

The nose is full of baked forest fruits, fresh vanilla, and plenty of sherry influence before leading to an inviting palate with notes of apple pie, vibrant citrus, and caramel. The finish is lingering with toffee apple and a gentle hint of smoke.

£50,000.00
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SPECTACULAR SPICY & SWEET SPECIAL

Our Spicy & Sweet flavour profile is a spectacular sensory adventure, perfect for these summer months and seasonal food matching, bringing layers of wonderful soft spice into sweet dishes.

BECAUSE we love this flavour profile (and YOU our members), we’re continuing our summer sale this weekend with a saving finale – save 25% on a selection of outstanding bottlings from our Spicy & Sweet Flavour Profile. Enjoy this HOT NEW offer now until midnight on Sunday, 31 July.

But be quick, bottlings are limited in availability and once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. There are 8 amazing bottlings in our Flavour Finale Sale – click over to our website now to explore OR keep on scrolling for some tasty recommendations.

HOW TO REDEEM:

Simply apply our coupon code to your online basket: (JOIN THE SOCIETY TO FIND OUT!)
Your saving will be applied automatically to all bottles within our sale selection

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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

We are running a Yamazaki ballot!

We are sure you’ve heard all about this super-popular release. And we have our hands on some! But we are running a ballot so you have a fairer shot at having a chance to purchase a set. Sign up below to receive any updates on this one coming up in the next wee while.

Interested? Sign up! →

Yamazaki Tsukuriwake 2022

This limited edition collection from the House of Suntory’s Yamazaki distillery consists of four cask-finished expressions showcasing the diversity in whisky making in just four bottles – Puncheon, Spanish Oak, Mizunara, and Peated Malt.

Puncheon is at the heart of Yamazaki. Spanish Oak is matured in some of the finest sherry casks Spain has to offer. Peated Malt highlights the gentle smoky notes. Mizunara (Japanese oak) celebrates the wood that gives Yamazaki its distinctively Japanese character.

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Woodinville “K&L Exclusive” Cask #7039 Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

Westward K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #277 Cask Strength Single Barrel American Single Malt Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $100) $70.00 View

Westward has long been producing some of the finest American single malts available due to a few very intentional choices and Scottish-like climate. We’ve selected one of their oldest available casks and it’s a classic. Westward only uses Pacific Northwest grown barley and it’s all malted just 10 miles from the distillery at Great Western Maltings. This two-row barley is malted to spec—high color pale malt—which would be something akin to a medium or medium + coffee roast. This brings out an array of beautiful toasted flavors ranging from filberts, almonds, and coffee to chocolate nibs and cereals. Perhaps the biggest flavor differentiator is in the yeast choice. The vast majority of distillers use an highly efficient distiller’s yeast, not so here. Westward employs the Chico Strain ale yeast—the very same yeast that accounts for Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale’s famous flavor. Combine that with a low and slow 5-day ferment and the tropical fruit esters in the whiskey are off the charts. Sweet mash leads to a little extra variation from barrel to barrel making the selection that much more special. Our barrel was aged in brand new #2 char 100% American oak for over 5 years in Clackamas, OR. The predominantly cool and wet climate with a short hot summer isn’t all that different from Scotland allowing for that ester development combined with barrel extraction that makes great single malt so special. Distilled 4-21-16. Bottled 6-10-21.

Woodinville “K&L Exclusive” Cask #7918 Cask Strength Straight 100% Rye Whiskey (750ml ) $74.99 View

The first Woodinville single barrel of Rye outside of Washington State is here! Bold, spicy and bringing the heat at 57.61% ABV, this is a worthy first cask of what is hopefully many more to come. Woodinville sources all of their grain from a single farm in Quincy, Washington which is also where the barrels age – the large climatic swings of Eastern Washington are perfect for aging whiskey.