Tomintoul Distillery marks 60 years with team spirit spanning generations

Speyside single malt distillery, Tomintoul, is raising a toast to two major milestones in 2025: 60 years since it first began crafting its signature single malt, and 25 years under the stewardship of Angus Dundee Distillers.

At the core of its story are the people who have made Tomintoul what it is today. Four members of the original distillery team are still shaping its success today – Neil Robertson, blend centre supervisor and Andrew Lawson, head warehouseman, who were both part of the team before Angus Dundee Distillers took ownership in 2000, alongside Robert Fleming, distilleries director and master distiller, and Nikki Brand, PA to the distilleries director. Together, their decades of service embody the loyalty, craftsmanship and community spirit that define Tomintoul and offer a living bridge between its proud past and bright future.

Angus Dundee Distillers purchased Tomintoul Distillery from Whyte & Mackay in August 2000. Just days later, the very first cask under new ownership was filled – a moment witnessed and signed by key members of the team, including fourth-generation distiller Robert Fleming, who has gone on to lead the distillery and help build Tomintoul’s international reputation.

To commemorate these special anniversaries, members of the distillery team gathered to enjoy a dram of Tomintoul Single Malt in the warehouse, next to the very first cask.

Master distiller Robert Fleming, who last year celebrated his own career milestone with a remarkable five decades in the Scotch whisky industry, said: “Reaching our 60th anniversary is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone who’s been part of Tomintoul’s journey. From the heart of Speyside, we’ve shared our whisky with the world, and this milestone is a moment to raise a glass to that achievement – and everything still to come.

“Tomintoul has always been about more than just great whisky – it’s about the people who make it. To have Neil, Andrew, Nikki and myself still here 25 years on says everything about the pride and commitment of the team. This is as much a celebration of them, and of our community, as it is of the whisky itself.”

Tomintoul is known as an exceptionally smooth and complex handcrafted whisky thanks to the natural environment surrounding the distillery – from the fresh mountain air of the Cairngorms National Park to the soft, pure water from the Ballantruan Spring.

Earlier this year, its award-winning Tomintoul Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish launched in over 60 Tesco stores across the country, offering whisky lovers and those new to the category the opportunity to experience the depth and indulgent flavours that make Tomintoul so special.

The distillery also reinforced its community roots by pledging its continued support for the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, entering its second year as the official spirits partner of the voluntary emergency service.

Robert added: “From its beginnings in 1965 to its global reputation today, Tomintoul remains a distillery built on people, place and passion – and the next chapter looks just as promising.”

Visit www.TomintoulWhisky.com to find out more.

Tomintoul Distillery

Tomintoul Distillery is nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, within the whisky producing region of Speyside. The distillery, established in 1965, is named after the nearby village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland.

Tomintoul’s signature range includes the popular 10-Year-Old, 14-Year-Old and 16-Year-Old, as well as the multi-award-winning Cigar Malt and premium 21-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old.

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.

www.glenmoray.com

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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:

• 2015 Rioja Matured : Resulting from some the distillery’s first experiments with Spanish Rioja red wine casks, this whisky is deep and fruity, with notes of cherries, plums and leather.
• 2012 Peated Rioja Cask Finish: this whisky was distilled in 2012, and finished in Rioja red wine casks from Spain for gentle smoke and plummy tastes.
• 2010 Amarone Finish: distilled in 2010, this whisky was finished in Amarone wine casks from Northern Italy, for a vibrantly fruity single malt with unique depth.
• 2013 Amontillado Finish: exploring how the cask of this dry, nutty sherry can influence Glen Moray, this release, distilled in 2013, is rich with notes of leather, wood and spice.
• 2014 Oloroso Fully Matured: the first Glen Moray to be fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks, this complex single malt, distilled in 2014, is rich, nutty and sweet.
• 1998 Barolo Finish: distilled in 1998, this whisky was first matured in bourbon casks, then finished in three Barolo casks for a honeyed and deeply autumnal whisky.
• 2005 Tokaji Finish: distilled in 2005 and finished in oak casks that once held Tokaji Aszú wine, this sumptuous whisky marries Glen Moray spirit and the sweet, nutty notes of Hungary’s decadent dessert wine casks.
• 2008 Manzanilla Finish: distilled in 2008, this whisky brings to Glen Moray’s style, the salty tang of Manzanilla sherry casks, famously only ever produced along the sea estuary of the Guadalquivir river.
• 2006 Sauternes Finish: distilled in 2006, and matured in five Sauternes sweet white wine casks, this whisky is rich and sweet with notes of dark chocolate, Seville orange and spice.

International Beverage ‘Spirit of Our Community’ Awards return for third year

Local community projects across Scotland to share £25k fund

Premium global spirit business, International Beverage, has launched its community charity initiative for a third year, to mark the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting good causes across its whole Scottish network.

Launched in 2022, the International Beverage Spirit of Our Community Awards were founded to celebrate and reward the people and organisations working hard to make a difference to others in the Airdrie and Coatbridge community, where the business’s head office is based. In 2023 the programme was extended to incorporate an additional two regions which surround the company’s distilleries in both the Speyside and Highlands regions.

Now a bi-annual initiative, the 2025 awards will be split into three zones which any local charity or not for profit organisation can enter.

• Zone 1 the ML5 and ML6 Airdrie and Coatbridge region;

• Zone 2 within a 35-mile radius of Aberdeenshire’s Knockdhu Distillery and Speyside-based Speyburn and Balmenach Distilleries;

• Zone 3 within a 35-mile radius of Pulteney Distillery in Wick and Balblair Distillery in Tain.

In Zone 1, there is a £10,000 award on offer for one deserving charity, with two £1,000 runners up awards. Zone’s 2 and 3 will each offer a £5,000 award for the standout entry in their area, plus there will be five runners up across both zones which are set to receive £600 each.

Interested groups and charities now have 8 weeks to submit their entries to meet the deadline – midnight on Friday 28^th November. Every submission will be reviewed by a panel of judges, made up of members of the distillery teams alongside representatives from long standing local charity partners.

Awards organiser, International Beverage Business Support Manager Eileen Rae, is hoping to hear from a wide range of charities across Scotland – with causes that can demonstrate a tangible, positive impact on local lives most likely to stand out with judges.

She commented: ‘Our business has a long-standing commitment to supporting local communities and our Spirit of Our Community awards scheme is testament to this. We are very proud to be back for a third year, and to continue to hear stories from previous award recipents of the difference our support has made to their organisation and to people’s lives. 

‘There are so many fantastic charities and groups that carry out invaluable work in our local communities, and we really want to hear from them. Any organisation that needs a helping hand or has an initiative that needs funding, regardless of their size or cause, is encouraged to apply.’ 

The recipient charity of the 2023 Awards in Zone 1 was Airdrie’s Moira Anderson Foundation, which provides support to children and adults affected by childhood sexual abuse. Funding was used to provide more individual and group therapies and counselling alongside other services and preventative work. Charity Director Gillian Urquhart said:

‘Childhood sexual abuse is happening in our communities every day and it inflicts profound wounds that linger into adulthood and can cast a long shadow over survivors’ lives. This abuse is often hidden but sadly it is not rare. We received 803 new referrals last year, which is a truly daunting statistic, but we continue to rise to the challenge. The invaluable support provided by the Spirit of Our Community Awards has helped the children, young people and adults referred to us to reach their outcomes and not let their abuse define who they are and what they can achieve’. 

Additional recipients of the 2023 Awards included:

• £5000 to The Watermill Foundation, the Nairn-based trust that gives children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to race and ride bikes.
• £5000 to Ormlie Community Hall which provides social services and care to individuals and their families within a deprived area of the Highlands.
• A further £5,000 split amongst seven runners up: St Andrew’s Hospice, Diamonds in the Community, James Support Group, Seaboard Memorial Hall, Culrain and District Hall Committee, Young Enterprise Scotland Highland & Moray and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.

To learn more about the awards and to download an entry form, please visit HERE

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Limited Company. The premium spirits company’s portfolio is led by a range of high-quality brands including Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, PRAKAAN single malt whiskies and Phraya Rum from Thailand, Larsen Cognac, and Cardrona spirits and liqueurs.

A certified Great Place to Work, International Beverage’s success is shaped by its 700-strong team based across the business’ network of nine global sites spanning the UK, France, New Zealand, and Greater China following the company’s recent acquisition of Asiaeuro International Beverage (AIB). For more information, please visit www.interbevgroup.com/.

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

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery Invites Fall Partygoers to Customize Their Own Whiskey for Halloween

Be the Life of the Party with a Personalized Halloween Bottle 

FRANKFORT, KY (Sept 25, 2025) – This Halloween, even your bottles can be dressed up for the occasion, with J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery’s craft your bottle program. Whiskey fans can go online to www.jmattingly1845.com/crafting/make-your-own and choose between three different double staved™ mashbills (or recipes), including two bourbons and one rye whiskey.  Next, users select their bottle shape, customize their own label and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow. Bottles can be shipped to 46 states.  This program is available online and in person at the Distillery in Kentucky and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors. ​​

With Halloween spending projected to be at an all-time high this year, and nearly three-quarters of Americans intending to celebrate Halloween in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation, taking a bourbon with a custom label to your next Halloween party, or creating one yourself to display with your Halloween décor and enjoy as you hand out candy is a spell-binding way to spend All Hallows’ Eve.

“We really get into the Halloween spirit here at J. Mattingly 1845, and have seen some creative plays on words for labels, and wax bottle toppers that range from what you’d think of as traditional Halloween colors of orange and black, to even tri-color wax that looks like candy corn,” said Cameron Mattingly, Master Blender and Vice President of Production. “Since all of our whiskey is double-staved, the product inside the bottle looks and tastes just as good as it looks on the outside.”

Double-staving is a proprietary method developed by founder Jeff Mattingly over a decade ago and is the process of adding additional charred oak staves to each barrel at just the right moment in its aging cycle to coax out additional flavor. Pricing for the custom bottles starts at $99.50 for a 750 mL bottle, and shipping is available to 46 states.  Visit www.jmattingly1845.com to create your custom bottle today.

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth, and with connections to some of the most illustrious names in the distilling industry, including George Garvin Brown, the Willetts and the Samuels.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.  Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky.

        In 2010, Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron continues the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky, serving as Vice President of Production.  J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery continues to innovate, with their proprietary double-staving process and custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/.

For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com.

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.

Ferg & Harris unveils ‘Wings of Kintyre’ masterpiece ahead of 2025 Distillers One of One Auction

Luxury single cask, single malt whisky brand Ferg & Harris, has today (18th September) unveiled its most extraordinary bottling to date – Wings of Kintyre, a gilded masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, created exclusively for this year’s Distillers One of One charity auction.

The auction, which takes place every two years, sees unique whiskies and experiences auctioned to benefit the Youth Action Fund, a nonprofit organisation that supports disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

For Wings of Kintyre, the Ferg & Harris team have bottled a hand-selected, single cask of exquisite Springbank 31-year-old organic whisky – an exceedingly rare spirit finished in an organic cognac cask.

Produced exclusively with Folle Blanche grapes grown in the Champagne region, this superb quality cognac adds notes of orchard fruits and spiced warmth, enhancing the whisky’s signature Campbeltown coastal profile.

Bottled at 47.6%, this very special single malt is presented in an equally extraordinary bottle, reflecting the highest standards of distilling craftsmanship and the provenance and organic nature of the whisky. The design features a delicate barley stalk, detailed in 14 carat gold. The bottle neck is adorned with Victorian sea glass, smoothed by many years of crashing waves before being threaded onto low-carbon Scottish leather. It closes with a beautifully-designed asymmetrical glass stopper.

The bottle is housed in a striking presentation case which is the result of months of creativity and craftsmanship. The frame is hewn from sustainable oak by Scottish woodworker Eoghan Menzies. The untamed landscapes and soaring sense of freedom of Springbank’s home on the Kintyre Peninsula, plus Ferg & Harris’ distinctive blue magpie motif are the twin inspirations for a stunning stained-glass frontage, crafted by Inverclyde artist Alec Galloway and magically lit from within to showcase each exquisite detail.

Ferg & Harris Wings of Kintyre is valued between £2400 and £3500. It will offer guests the chance to own a unique and never-to-be-repeated Ferg & Harris whisky when they gather for the prestigious biennial auction, which takes place at Hopetoun House in Edinburgh on 10^th October.

Wings of Kintyre Tasting Notes

Colour Rich Amber – A soft, golden hue with warm undertones.

Nose Opens with welcoming aromas of freshly baked malted biscuits. Notes of creamy vanilla and light baking spices add warmth and finesse. As the whisky breathes, layers of baked orchard fruits such as spiced apple tart and stewed pears come forward, underscored by a gentle wooded depth.

Palate Bottled at its natural cask strength of 47.6% ABV, the whisky opens with notes of lightly sweetened oat biscuits, followed by ginger warmth, vanilla custard, and golden raisins. A burst of baked apple and citrus zest provides lift, while the enhanced oak contact from the small cask imparts an elegant backbone of toasted wood, nutmeg, and a hint of dry roasted almonds.

Finish The finish is long, clean, and structured, echoing with flavours of toasted oats, dry ginger spice, and a crisp, refreshing citrus peel sharpness.

Young Spirits co-founder Alex Harrison commented: ‘We are thrilled to share Wings of Kintyre with the world today. It has been a labour of love and represents many months of work by our team and the skilled craftspeople we are proud to call our partners in its creation.

‘Freedom to explore the possibilities of Scotch whisky is at the heart of every Ferg & Harris bottling, so there was a real synergy in creating this one of a kind Springbank whisky, which also embodies the freedom found in the rugged Kintyre peninsula where it is made.

‘The finished result is stunning, and an absolute gem for all the discerning whisky magpies out there! Along with all the lots in this year’s auction, we hope it raises as much money as possible for such a worthwhile cause’. 

The winning bidder of Wings of Kintyre will be invited to join Alex Harrison for a private tasting at Young Spirits headquarters in Edinburgh. They will also receive the 1.2 litre cask the whisky was finished in, personalised with their details. The lot also includes hand-waxed glass ampoules to allow the lot’s new owner to sample the spirit.

To register interest in this auction, visit the Distillers’ One of One website.

International Beverage Appoints New Master of Whisky Creation

International Beverage Appoints New Master of Whisky Creation

Premium global spirits business, International Beverage, has named Sarah Burgess as the company’s new Master of Whisky Creation.

In this newly established position, Sarah will spearhead a team of spirits makers and drive International Beverage’s unwavering pursuit to crafting high-quality, flavour-led whiskies. She will also collaborate closely with the company’s global brand advocacy team, sharing her technical expertise and creating connections through International Beverage’s portfolio of premium Scotch whisky brands including Old Pulteney, Balblair, Speyburn and anCnoc single malt whiskies as well as Hankey Bannister blended whisky.

Sarah, formerly the Whisky Maker at The Lakes Distillery, brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the role. Originally from Speyside, she began her career at Cardhu Distillery on her 21^st birthday. In 2003, she joined Diageo’s Auchroisk Distillery on a full-time basis overseeing maturation operations for the North while concurrently pursuing a BA (Hons) in Management from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Over the following two decades, Sarah managed operations at Diageo’s Oban, Glenkinchie and Clynelish distilleries before joining The Macallan in 2017 as their Lead Whisky Maker, where she focused on range creation, innovation and quality control.

In 2022 she became the Creative Director of The Craigellachie Collection before moving to The Lakes Distillery in 2023 as Whisky Maker. She was responsible for all elements of distillation and maturation, the visitor facility, creating new whiskies, and developed the distillery’s first permanent range for both the duty free and domestic markets.

Renowned for her innovative approach to whisky creation, Sarah’s appointment comes at a time when the premium spirits business continues to explore new ways to evolve and expand the business.

Managing Director of International Beverage, Malcolm Leask, welcomed the expertise that she will bring to the business, commenting: 

‘International Beverage is entering an exciting period of growth and we are delighted to have Sarah at the helm of our Scottish spirits portfolio. Her vast industry experience, passion and creative flair, make her the ideal custodian of our award-winning premium spirits brands. 

‘As a business we are committed to employing the best people to help drive our business forward and Sarah certainly fits the bill. We are looking forward to seeing her talent shine.” 

Speaking on her appointment, Sarah commented:

‘I’m thrilled to step into this new role where I’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of International Beverage’s whisky creation. I’m hoping to bring a fresh new perspective along with a steadfast commitment to enduring quality. I’m also looking forward to working closely with International Beverage’s global brand advocacy team, leading training initiatives and bringing our extraordinary spirits to markets around the world.’  

International Beverage

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Limited Company. The premium spirits company’s portfolio is led by a range of high-quality brands including Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, PRAKAAN single malt whiskies and Phraya Rum from Thailand, Larsen Cognac, and Cardrona spirits and liqueurs.

A certified Great Place to Work, International Beverage’s success is shaped by its 700-strong team based across the business’ network of nine global sites spanning the UK, France, New Zealand, and Greater China following the company’s recent acquisition of Asiaeuro International Beverage (AIB). For more information, please visit www.interbevgroup.com/.

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

ARDBEG EXPERIMENTS WITH AMONTILLADO CASKS
FOR THE SECOND VINTAGE IN ITS MILLENNIUM SERIES

 < Nutty and smoky 24-year-old whisky is throwback collection’s rarest yet >

Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky today shares the second ultra-rare release in its millennium vintage series: the delicately nutty and smoky Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 24 Years Old. Created at a pivotal moment in Ardbeg’s story, this highly limited bottling comprises some of the first Ardbeg ever finished in Amontillado sherry casks.

The year 2000 will go down in Islay history for many reasons. It was, of course, the era of the elusive millennium bug, which sparked fears of computerised chaos across the island and the world at large. But it also marked a new beginning at Ardbeg. Since being saved from extinction in 1997, the Distillery had been renovated and meticulously restored. And in 2000, it finally returned to full production. Created that year, each of the whiskies in Ardbeg’s Vintage_Y2K series is a smoky anomaly. They mark the malt’s revival by uniting unique spirit from the Distillery’s historic 51-year-old still (revered for its long service before being retired in 2001) with whisky-making techniques new to Ardbeg.

To celebrate that throwback spirit in the series’ second release, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation was inspired to experiment with his favourite sherry casks. And so, Dr Bill Lumsden MBE finished a parcel of that millennium stock in hand-selected Amontillado casks – a first for Ardbeg.  Combined with classic, bourbon-aged Ardbeg, the sherry casks bring to life an exceptionally delicate whisky, filled with notes of creamy toffee, almonds and tobacco. A year older and even more limited than the series’ first Vintage_Y2K release, the 24 Years Old bottling promises to be highly sought-after by collectors of Ardbeg. The whisky’s custom ABV of 47.8% has been especially selected to enhance its smoky flavours.

Dr Bill said: “The ultra-rare whiskies of our Vintage_Y2K series are hugely precious, since they mark the start of a new generation of Ardbeg. Older and even rarer than its predecessor, the 24 Years Old is a real treat for Ardbeg super-fans.

“Distilled in Ardbeg’s historic still, its spirit is some of the last created before it was retired. And while Amontillado sherry is an all-time favourite of mine, we have not used them before to finish an Ardbeg. Combined with classic Ardbeg, their wood creates a sublimely delicate whisky. Sherried notes of toffee and nuts meet bonfire embers and coal tar soap, with an edge of menthol. A fitting celebration of Ardbeg’s rebirth.”

The Ardbeg history books recorded another significant development at the Distillery in the millennium. As a few dedicated fans hatched a plan to ensure the Distillery’s doors never closed again, the Ardbeg Committee was born. A quarter-century later, that loyal fanbase is an Ardbeggian institution, spanning more than 140 countries and 200,000 strong. The Committee is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 24 Years Old was recognised with a Double Gold award at the International Spirits Challenge 2024.

RRP: £680 

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Ardbeg Vintage Y2K 24 Years Old Tasting Notes:

ABV: 47.8%

Colour: Bright Amber

Aroma: Pungent, deep, aromatic and spicy, with beautiful notes of creamy toffee, flowering blackcurrants, creosote, coal tar soap, antique leather and almonds. With a splash of water, hints of charcoal, graphite and damp moss emerge, along with a distinct sooty note. 

Taste:   Astonishingly powerful and spicy on the palate, with a burst of deep intense, smoky flavours. Coal tar mingles with woodsmoke, while antiseptic lozenges meet bonfire embers. The Amontillado sherry casks are present, albeit in the background, with subtle notes of toffee, leather, cinnamon and clove.

Finish:   Long and lingering, with hints of menthol, eucalyptus, linseed oil and charcoal.

RRP: £680

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Single 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 Visitor Centre Planner 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 17 Years Old was awarded Best Scotch Islay Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards, and the Distillery was also recognised with the Category Winner awards for Ardbeg 25 Years Old and Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Ardbeg Ten Years OId and Ardbeg 25 Years Old both won Double Gold awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025, and Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 23 Years Old won Double Gold at the International Spirits Competition. 

Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K series

This series of highly limited smoky anomalies from 2000, celebrates a momentous year for Ardbeg. When the Glenmorangie Company purchased Ardbeg in 1997, it inherited a Distillery ravaged by neglect. It took three years of renovations before full production was able to resume. By then, Ardbeg was under the expert eye of Dr Bill Lumsden, who made a number of changes, including a new cut point and more rigorous cask selection. Created that year, the whiskies of Ardbeg’s Vintage_Y2K series mark Ardbeg’s revival by uniting some of the final spirit from the Distillery’s historic still, with the very best of Dr Bill’s modern whisky-making techniques.

• Released in 2024, Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 23 Years Old was the series’ inaugural whisky. Crafted from some of Ardbeg’s very first spirit of the millennium, this single malt was aged in the finest bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks around, for notes of lemon balsam, linseed oil, soot and coffee.

Ardbeg’s historic still

While there were many changes during the Distillery’s renovation prior to 2000, the still in which the Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K whiskies were crafted was the same vessel which had served the Distillery for decades. However, the spirit of the Y2K series was some of the last to flow from that still, which was finally retired in 2001 after 51 years of operation. Now it stands proud in the Distillery’s courtyard, a landmark for the thousands of visitors who make the pilgrimage to Ardbeg each year. 

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.