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

A GUIDE TO CHICHIBU

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.

LEARN MORE

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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.

Discover the story behind our latest Harvest Series release – Wychwood Harvest Single Malt Whisky (50% ABV) – in a brand-new feature-length film now live on our YouTube channel below. Crafted from a rare parcel of port and select bourbon casks, this bold and expressive single malt whisky delivers a truly memorable dram. Just 1,500 bottles have been produced, each inspired by a dramatic Cotswolds landscape painting by Andrea Bates, an Oxfordshire artist.

In the film, we’ll take you behind the scenes to the very heart of the Cotswolds, where you’ll hear from:

– Alice Pearson – Head of Production

– Rob Patchett – Head of Global Advocacy

– Andrea Bates – The artist behind this year’s painting, beautifully showcased on the tube

– Daniel Szor – Our Founder

– Michael Green – Our Barley Farmer

Join us as we celebrate the farming traditions, artistry, and passion that make the Harvest Series so special. This limited release is available to purchase now, exclusively from our website and retail shops, priced at £100 per bottle – while stocks last.

SHOP ONLINE HERE

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Scallywag Winter Edition 2025

Rare Ice Wine Cask Finish

Winter calls for something a little more daring.

The Scallywag Winter Edition 2025 takes Speyside Malt on an unexpected adventure – matured in Rare Ice Wine Casks from Eastern Europe and bottled at natural cask strength (52.4% ABV). The result? A Whisky that’s crisp, indulgent, and mischievously different.

Bright orchard fruits, honey, and candied orange meet warming winter spice, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts – a dram that’s every bit as bold as the season deserves.

With its frosted, cracked-ice effect bottle, it’s as striking on the eye as it is on the palate.

CRACK OPEN WINTER

Autumn has arrived in Harris, the mountain streams are running white and wild, and tonight we’re waiting for Storm Amy to sweep in from the Atlantic. Islanders know the ritual well, everything tied tight, sheds and gates checked, and any outdoor jobs swiftly done before the real gales arrive. There’s a certain thrill to the first stormy night of the season when the wind howls across the crofts as we stay safe and warm indoors. So, in the spirit of inclement connection, pour a dram with us as we shelter from the weather and share few things we’ve been up to over the last few weeks. Whether you’re near or far, as the windows begin to rattle we hope all is well with you in your own corner of the world!

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

The Isle of Harris Distillery Team

The Hearach single malt whisky is our first, historic dram from the Isle of Harris.  It takes its name from the Scottish Gaelic word for “a native of Harris”, and it’s something that islanders are very proud to be called. We talk about our whisky being woven from people and place, influenced both by the men and women of our community who make it, and the elemental island it comes from. Made from spirits matured in first fill ex-Bourbon casks, Oloroso, and Fino sherry butts, we further ‘marry’ our recipe to bring additional harmony before bottling. The result is a complex, elegant single malt, full of Harris character that rewards time well spent in its company. Order your bottle and open to discover more…

BUY YOUR BOTTLE TODAY

Introducing Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK RUBY

Black Ruby is the latest expression from Johnnie Walker, a dark fruit interpretation of its benchmark Black Label blend. The whiskies richer character comes from its red wine finish, resulting in layers of dried figs, plums, cherries and honeyed sweetness, lifted by fresh berries and warming spice. This is great neat, or a superb base for cocktails like the Rob Roy or Whisky Sour.

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Old Perth Unveils Limited Edition 21-Year-Old Whisky: a rare vatting of whisky distilled at Macallan & Highland Park Distilleries   

2nd Oct 2025 Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) is proud to announce the release of its Limited Edition Old Perth 21-Year-Old, an extraordinary and rare expression born from a unique moment in whisky history.

The whisky’s origins date back to 2015, when casks from two legendary Speyside and Orkney distilleries were combined. At the time, the Highland Park component, distilled in 2004, was already 10 or 11 years old, while the Macallan portion was significantly older. This unusual marriage was transferred into hand-selected Oloroso Sherry Butts, where it has matured gracefully for a further decade, making the youngest whisky in the vatting 21 Years Old.

First revealed to whisky enthusiasts as an Old Perth 12-Year-Old release in 2017, followed by 13- and 14-year-old expressions the year following under Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, this vatting quickly became a sought-after gem. Now, Old Perth is proud to present it in its fully matured form: a 21-Year-Old limited edition—a whisky of remarkable depth, complexity, and heritage.

“This release is as much about serendipity as it is about craftsmanship,” said Graeme Mackeddie, Production Director at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers. “An operational ‘accident’ back in 2015 has given us a whisky that can never be recreated. The union of Macallan and Highland Park, enhanced by long maturation in Oloroso sherry butts, has produced a liquid of exceptional character and rarity.”

Bottled at 43.6% ABV, the whisky is described as offering rich sherried fruit, warming spices, and gentle oak. Its long finish combines Macallan’s elegance with Highland Park’s subtle smokiness.

A limited number of bottles will be available from 3 October 2025 via specialist retailers in the UK and Europe, priced at RRP £178.

The Old Perth 21-Year-Old showcases:

• Distillery Heritage: A unique fusion of whiskies distilled at Macallan and Highland Park Distilleries.
• Cask Influence: Matured exclusively in Oloroso Sherry Butts.
• Unrepeatable Rarity: A whisky born of chance, bottled with intention.

This limited-edition release embodies the essence of Old Perth’s commitment to delivering whiskies of outstanding quality and provenance.

The Old Perth 21-Year-Old will be available in select specialist retailers in the UK and Europe for a RRP of £178 on the 3^rd October 2025.

Tasting Notes:

Rich layers of sherried fruit, warming spices, and gentle oak, with a lingering finish that speaks to both the Macallan’s elegance and Highland Park’s smoky complexity.

For more information, stockist listings or image assets, visit: www.oldperthwhisky.co.uk/stockists

Islay

We are in the beautiful Island of Islay home to heavily peated and maritime styles of whisky. This tiny island boasts ten distilleries each with its own unique smokey character, offering a chance to try the varying styles of peated whisky.   From new kid on the block Ardnahoe to old favourites like Bowmore, Laphroaig  and Lagavulin, there is something to enjoy for all!

HEBRIDEAN HEROES❯

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯