Discover Royal Salute 21 Year Old Harris Reed Edition II: The Second Chapter In Exceptional Craft And Visionary Design

December 2025 – Royal Salute, the master of exceptionally aged Scotch whisky, proudly presents the second chapter of its collaboration with visionary fashion designer, Harris Reed – the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Harris Reed Edition II. Marking the latest edition in Royal Salute’s esteemed Fashion Collection, this bespoke limited-edition 21 Year Old expression is a remarkable blend of heritage, craftsmanship and cutting-edge design. 

The new limited-edition flagon is available in two bespoke designs, both of which draw inspiration from iconic royal clothing. These stunning bottle designs reimagine royal crowns through intricate lace patterns, infused with Harris Reed’s contemporary edge. Each creation celebrates both heritage and modern artistry, serving as a collectible item that visually encapsulates the spirit of this unique partnership. 

Together, Harris Reed and Royal Salute Master Blender Sandy Hyslop have pushed the boundaries of luxury whisky and high-end couture, crafting a spirit that embodies both of their distinct artistic visions. Building on the acclaimed first edition in the partnership, this second collaboration delves deeper into Harris Reed’s diverse style, promising even greater collectability and creative depth. 

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Harris Reed Edition II Scotch whisky highlights a higher proportion of Longmorn and first-fill Sherry butt-matured whiskies, introducing elevated creamy and spiced notes, while Braeval malts and Strathclyde grain whiskies bring a delicate floral profile. The result is a spirit that is both delicate and boldly expressive, balancing feminine elegance with masculine depth, a reflection of Reed’s multifaceted personality. 

Harris Reed, Royal Salute’s Global Fashion Collaborator, commented on the launch: “Collaborating with Royal Salute for a second year has been an incredible journey of creative evolution. This year, Sandy and I delved even deeper into exploring the intersection of high fashion and luxury whisky, pushing boundaries to create something truly unique and collectible. This edition is a bolder, more intricate statement, and I believe it beautifully captures the spirit of innovation that defines both Royal Salute and my own work.” 

Sandy Hyslop, Royal Salute’s Master Blender, commented: “Crafting the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Harris Reed Edition II has been a real privilege, building upon the remarkable foundation of our first release. We’ve meticulously balanced the blend to reflect Harris’ distinctive style, introducing creamy and spicy notes that perfectly complement the vibrant fruit characteristics. This whisky is a testament to the harmony that can be achieved when the worlds of exceptional Scotch and visionary design truly converge.” 

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Harris Reed Edition II will be available from December as a domestic market exclusive in Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Poland across select luxury retailers with RRP varying across markets.  

For more information and to discover Harris Reed’s collection for Royal Salute, please follow @royalsalute or visit royalsalute.com. 

2011 Blair Athol 11 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” Single Sherry Butt Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

$74.99

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Our First-Ever Caribou Crossing Barrel Pick
Caribou Crossing “K&L Exclusive”
Single Barrel #1329 Canadian Whisky (750ml) ($64.99)
“There’s something so inviting and friendly about this whisky that makes it dangerously easy to drink.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Caribou Crossing Whisky has become such a sought-after gem in California that collectors snap up every bottle as soon as it hits the shelves. So, when they offered me the chance to select a barrel, it was an easy yes. After tasting thousands of single barrels of cask-strength bourbon, it was surprising to choose an 80-proof Canadian whisky. I’m so accustomed to the intensity of cask-strength bourbons that this felt like a new adventure.

When the barrel finally arrived, I was taken aback by the way the Sazerac apparatus labels their barrels. Not only did they include the distillation date—Christmas Eve 2017—but they also listed the mashbill as “bourbon,” which it definitely is not. However, it does contain at least 51% corn distillate, which piqued my interest. Unlike bourbon, these whiskies aren’t subject to the same stringent regulatory requirements regarding new oak, distillation temperatures, and more. But when I opened our first bottle, I was surprised to find an unmistakable maple note on the nose. Had they sweetened it with maple syrup? Of course not—that would be absurd. But there’s something so inviting and friendly about this whisky that makes it dangerously easy to drink.

This would be the perfect bottle to crack open on Christmas Eve. Not only can you tell your guests it was distilled exactly eight years earlier, but the winter vibes are undeniable. Let’s dive in: The color is a classic chestnut (1.2). The nose brings maple wood and sweet caramel to the forefront, with hints of winter spices and stone fruit adding complexity. It’s not overly spicy, just warm and inviting. The palate is soft and round, with a pronounced maple sweetness, subtle stone fruit, caramel candies and hints of clove-y spice. After a day of drinking cask-strength bourbon, this feels like a refreshing change. It’s whisky that will appeal to nearly everyone. It’s not boring or one-dimensional per se; it has enough character to be interesting, but it won’t knock you off your chair. It’s the kind of whisky that’ll make everyone at the table happy, and the striking elk on the top will capture everyone’s attention when you drop it on the table.

–David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Caribou Crossing “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #1329 Canadian Whisky (750ml) ($64.99)

This rare, exclusive Caribou Crossing is the very first in K&L’s illustrious history. One of the very few Canadian single barrels on the market and indeed, it claims to be Canada’s very first single barrel whisky. Caribou has aptly been dubbed Canada’s answer to Blanton’s. Of course, just because there’s a cute little caribou on the cap does not make a legend. But for many years, Caribou has been one of the only Canadians to bridge the gap with diehard bourbon lovers. It doesn’t offer a replacement for Kentucky-style whisky, but rather a counterpoint to the powerful oak-forward character of its southern brethren. Expect this single barrel to deliver a beautifully refined and expressive profile, featuring appealing aromas of toasted vanilla, nougat, and rich caramel. There will inevitably be extreme interest in this rare and unique selection, but if you’re lucky enough to snag one, there’s no question it will be among the best Canada has to offer. This unique single barrel was hand selected by the team at K&L Wine Merchants representing one of the oldest offerings we’ve ever seen from the distillery and a very special one indeed: the Christmas Eve barrel. It was distilled on December 24th 2017, making it nearly 8 years old.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection, A New Era Of Speyside Smoothness

The Glenlivet, the definitive Speyside single malt, is proud to launch The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection, a new aged range of 14, 16, and 19 Year Old expressions. This collection celebrates the mastery and vision of Cask Master Kevin Balmforth, showcasing The Glenlivet’s iconic smooth style. This new collection of aged single malts are exclusively available in Global Travel Retail (GTR), offering shoppers with passion for adventure the opportunity to discover something new. 

Drawing on over 200 years of whisky making expertise passed down through generations of cask masters, Kevin Balmforth has meticulously selected the finest casks to create a trio of beautifully rounded, well-balanced whiskies with an abundance of fruity notes that capture the very essence of Speyside, the heart of Single Malt Scotch whisky.  

The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection features three distinct expressions: 

• The Glenlivet 14 Year Old: Matured in American and European Oak, this expression offers a harmonious balance of flavour, with notes of baked apple and citrus zest, delivering a smooth and complex experience. The crystal waters of the Livet are reflected in the pack’s crystalline blue colour gradient. 

• The Glenlivet 16 Year Old: Aged exclusively in 100% American Oak casks, The Glenlivet 16 Year Old is a perfect pairing of whisky and cask, resulting in a sweet and creamy profile with notes of creamy toffee and ripe plum. The Speyside sunset inspires the pack’s bold red gradient. 

• The Glenlivet 19 Year Old: The pinnacle of the three and marking a first for the brand, The Glenlivet 19 Year Old features a selective finish in Scottish Oak, paying tribute to The Glenlivet’s terroir. Alongside maturation in American and European Oak, the Scottish Oak finish brings notes of stewed apples and blackcurrant spice, for a rich yet smooth drinking experience. Scottish Oak trees grow slowly due to the local climate, reaching maturation between 120 and 150 years. This not only makes Scottish Oak very rare, but it also means the grain is tight and porous, contributing to the rich spice flavours in the whisky. The pack design is inspired by the changing hues of the forests of Scotland, where the Scottish Oak resides.  

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master commented: “With these three distinctive expressions, we have concentrated on what makes our Single Malt Scotch Whiskies stand out: the mastery of the makers, the character of our stills, and above all, the smoothness of our liquid. By honouring our heritage while continuing to push the boundaries of flavour with carefully selected casks, we’ve curated a collection that is a quality expression of Speyside whiskies.”   

The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection also marks the reveal of an elevated and distinctive evolved contemporary design for The Glenlivet. The refreshed packaging includes a new brand monogram together with on-pack wave graphics, reflecting the meaning of The Glenlivet (‘The Valley of the Smooth Flowing one’). The new look honours The Glenlivet’s rich legacy, drawing inspiration from the flowing waters of the River Livet, the source of its exceptional character. 

The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection is now available exclusively in Global Travel Retail locations worldwide.

It’s the final issue of the year! It’s been a curious year in the world of whisky — turbulent, sure, but with many achievements along the way. In our 2025 issues, we’ve travelled the world through a glass, charting the whisky industry as it grows and changes. We look forward to sailing the good ship Whisky Magazine into 2026 with you aboard.

Our cover star for our last issue of 2025 is Adam Hannett, the recently appointed master blender for Bruichladdich. Although Hannett has worked with the Islay distillery for years, it hasn’t all been straightforward. He walks Alwynne Gwilt through his journey in whisky.

The sparkle of the new year beckons in our New Year’s bottling, Cask No. 59.85: We’ll take a cup of kindness yet. This Highland whisky offers memories of lino cuts, putty and modelling compound followed by sugared almonds and rich tea biscuits.

The Winter Series returns this year capturing the magic of the season in four single malt bottlings. From the crisp chill in the air at Hallowe’en to the joyful celebrations of Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night, we’ve showing off the season in all its flavours. 

The sparkle of the new year beckons in our New Year’s bottling, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet. It’s a time for new beginnings and for raising a glass to 2026 with this Highland offering from distillery 59.

Read more about The Winter Series here.

Tasting Notes

The nose started inauspiciously with childhood memories of lino cuts, putty and modelling compound, but eventually opened up to sugared almonds, rich tea biscuits with butter and honey, cinnamon toast and sweet, roasted malt. The palate, sweet and nutty, suggested chocolate hazelnuts and brazils, pralines, almond flakes, coffee-flavour chocolate honeycomb sticks, and maple syrup. The reduced nose turned jammy – jammy dodgers, chocolate swiss rolls, strawberry jam brioche and chocolate ice cream, with side orders of champagne and old books. The palate now became smoother and more rounded – bourbon biscuits, raspberry and coconut chocolate bars and vanilla milkshake, with hints of wood and spice in the aftertaste.

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

Looking to share a bit of the good stuff? Let them choose their next favourite Society whisky with one of our NEW gift certificates – available for spending in our online shop. Choose from one of our available selection or customise your amount. Best of all? Available now for instant delivery!

Your gift certificate will be sent via email at the time of your purchase. If you’re not quite ready to give your gift, you can choose to have it sent to you and share it with your recipient at a time of your choosing. Alternatively, you can enter the recipient’s email address, and it will be sent directly to them immediately after purchase.

Whisky purchases are reserved exclusively for members. Non-members can use certificates to purchase individual membership or our membership with a bottle product.

BUY GIFT CERTIFICATE

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

Warm their winter with a Highland masterpiece

Crafted in the rugged beauty of Highland Perthshire, Strathearn Batch 02 is a whisky built for fireside stories and slow December nights. Enhanced by richer Bourbon-cask influence, this rounded, creamy, beautifully balanced release delivers festive flavours of honey, orange zest, dark fruits, and toasted nuts.

Made to be savoured long after Christmas.

LEARN MORE & SHOP

Rhubarb, custard and Highland smoke: Cù Bòcan’s new Creation #7 whisky marks 20 years of peat at Tomatin

Cù Bòcan, the experimental single malt crafted at Tomatin Distillery in the Scottish Highlands each winter, has launched its boldest release yet – Creation #7 – celebrating two decades of peated whisky production at the distillery.

Inspired by the lightly-peated spirit historically produced at Tomatin more than a century ago, Cù Bòcan uses unusual cask combinations to craft exceptional whiskies which push the boundaries of flavour and challenge the ordinary in whisky maturation.

Creation #7 – the anticipated seventh edition in the Creations series – has matured in rare Pineau des Charentes Rouge and American virgin oak casks, resulting in a distinctive flavour profile of rhubarb, custard, heather smoke and sweet oak spice.

Drawing on Tomatin’s experience in using fortified wine casks, including in the recent French Collection, blender and global brand ambassador Scott Adamson selected the Pineau des Charentes Rouge casks to add a new dimension to the Cù Bòcan range.

He said: “Creation #7 is Cù Bòcan’s most limited Creations release to date and is more than a whisky but an invitation to explore. The Pineau des Charentes Rouge casks are rarely used in Scotch whisky maturation and influence the lightly peated spirit to unlock nostalgic and unexpected flavours.”

Cù Bòcan Creation #7 marks 20 years of peated spirit production at Tomatin, a seasonal ritual that has closed the distillery’s calendar since 2005. Cù Bòcan’s distillation coincides with incredibly low water temperatures, allowing for faster distillate condensation and resulting in a slightly oilier mouthfeel in the new make spirit.

The new release is presented in Cù Bòcan’s bespoke bottle, housed in a vivid pink and yellow carton — a visual nod to the dram’s rhubarb and custard profile. Its engraved contours echo the wisp of Cù Bòcan’s signature smoke and the staves of the casks that shaped it.

Natural in colour and non-chill filtered, Cù Bòcan Creation #7 is bottled at 46% ABV and is available from today (24 November 2025) on Tomatin Distillery’s online shop and in specialist whisky retailers throughout the UK and worldwide, priced at £45 RRP. Only 3,000 bottles are available worldwide, 1,400 of which are in the UK. For more information, visit https://tomatin.com/cu-bocan.

Cù Bòcan Creation #7 tasting notes

Nose: Rhubarb crumble with custard, ginger and cinnamon. Almond croissants with apple and toffee. Heather smoke and musk.

Palate: Whisp of smoke followed by toasted brioche, butter shortbread, strawberry and raspberry.

Finish: Long with a mineral edge.

About Cù Bòcan

Cù Bòcan is a Highland single malt distilled, matured, and produced at the Tomatin Distillery near Inverness, renowned for its portfolio of brands including Tomatin Highland single malt, The Antiquary, Talisman and Big T.

Peat has been part of Tomatin’s story since its founding in 1897, when the distillery drew on local supplies to fire its stills. Though production shifted to an unpeated style mid-century, Tomatin revived peated runs in 2005 — sparking the birth of Cù Bòcan.

In 2005, the decision was made to produce a peated single malt and for the last week of production that year a batch of optic barley peated to 15ppm was used to produce about 60,000 litres of lightly peated spirit which was filled into a variety of different cask types.

Then, on September 3rd 2013, this lightly peated whisky produced at Tomatin was released as Cù Bòcan – a single malt at 15ppm matured in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak casks. Since then, the Cù Bòcan brand has grown with a number of vintage releases as part of the brand’s limited-edition collection.

Cù Bòcan – ‘ghost dog’ in Gaelic – is named after a spirit thought to haunt the distillery’s hometown of Tomatin.

Cù Bòcan rebranded in August 2019. It is an experimental Highland single malt that explores innovative maturation to create whiskies full of intrigue and surprise. It is made with lightly peated Scottish barley, distilled every winter in limited batches and matured in a variety of interesting casks to unlock unusual flavours.