Belgian Owl whisky distillery assets to be auctioned:
historic stills, 20,000 bottles and 3,500+ casks

Antwerp,  Belgium (October 9, 2026)– Auctim is bringing the assets of The Owl Distillery, producer of Belgian Owl single malt whisky, to market through a series of online auctions. The offering includes the distillery’s professional production equipment, approximately 20,600 bottles of Belgian Owl whisky, and more than 3,500 whisky casks.

Historic Scottish stills at the heart of a Belgian whisky story

Founded in 2004, Belgian Owl built its identity around Belgian barley, the Hesbaye terroir and traditional single malt whisky production.

Among the most remarkable assets are two historic copper pot stills dating from 1898, originally from the former Caperdonich Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. The stills have capacities of approximately 11,000 and 8,000 litres, and the original Caperdonich spirit safe is also included in the sale.

Over the years, Belgian Owl gained international recognition, with several expressions receiving distinctions at the World Whiskies Awards.

The two historic stills now form part of a broader auction of the distillery’s production equipment.

Complete distilling, processing and bottling equipment

The equipment auction covers a wide range of machinery used throughout the whisky production process.

The catalogue includes malt storage silos, a roller mill, stainless-steel mash and storage tanks, whisky treatment and mixing equipment, cold stabilisation and filtration systems, a CIP cleaning installation, as well as technical utilities such as a steam boiler, compressors and industrial water-treatment equipment.

Another major asset is a complete automatic filling, labelling and packaging line from 2016, incorporating equipment from manufacturers including Tecna, Neri, Makro, Videojet and Enos.

The online equipment auction opens on 29 October 2026 and closes from 12 November 2026.

More than 20,000 bottles of Belgian Owl whisky

Alongside the production equipment, a separate online auction of almost 3,000 lots of Belgian Owl whisky, representing approximately 20,600 bottles, is already online and will open for bidding on 29 October 2026.

The offering spans a broad selection of releases, including 5 Years and 10 Years single malt, Pedro Ximénez finishes, Private Angels editions, single-cask bottlings, By Jove releases and Gold Diamond expressions.

The variety of lot sizes makes the sale relevant to private whisky enthusiasts and collectors as well as specialist retailers, importers and drinks wholesalers.

More than 3,500 whisky casks to be auctioned

A separate online auction of more than 3,500 whisky casks from The Owl Distillery is currently being prepared. Full details on the composition of the auction, timing and applicable collection and excise conditions will be announced separately.

From full acquisition to individual auctions

Earlier in 2026, The Owl Distillery was marketed as an opportunity to acquire the operational distillery and its assets as a whole.

As no buyer took over the entire operation, the assets are now being offered separately. This gives a broader range of buyers access to different parts of the distillery: from international distilleries and beverage producers interested in the production equipment to whisky retailers, importers, collectors and enthusiasts.

Equipment auction
View the equipment auction catalogue

Belgian Owl whisky auction
View the whisky auction catalogue

The world’s official whisky glass celebrates the double winner of this year’s Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Awards

Frances Crawford, the winner of both the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and McIlvanney Prize, was presented with a giant Glencairn Glass trophy.

It has been a year of firsts for this year’s Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival which has been sponsored by the world’s official whisky glass, the Glencairn Glass, for the last seven years. It’s the first year Bloody Scotland had an all-woman shortlist for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize. The first year four of those women made it onto the longlist for the McIlvanney Prize and now – for the first time ever – the same author has won both The Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and the McIlvanney Prize.

Congratulations to Frances Crawford whose novel A Bad, Bad Place (Transworld) has swept the board this year, only two months after picking up the McDermid debut prize at Harrogate.  Frances was presented with a giant Glencairn Glass trophy at the Bloody Scotland Festival in Stirling over the weekend (18^th – 20^th September).

Kirsty Nicholson, Marketing Director at Glencairn – sponsors of The Bloody Scotland literary prizes with The Glencairn Glass, said:

‘This has been a truly remarkable year of firsts for Bloody Scotland and we are delighted to celebrate Frances Crawford’s extraordinary achievement. Winning both the Debut and McIlvanney Prizes is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to her exceptional storytelling talent. It is particularly wonderful to see Frances’ journey come full circle, having won our Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition in 2023. A huge congratulations on this well-deserved success – we cannot wait to see what comes next!’ 

Frances Crawford started writing late in life. She secured a scholarship to study Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow and credits her tutor, Louise Welsh, with encouraging her to take her short story and develop it into a novel. She graduated aged 60 with MLitt (Distinction).  The short story won the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story competition in 2023. A Bad, Bad Place was published to great acclaim in February 2026 and will be published in paperback on 31 December.

Both of the prestigious literary prizes are awarded as part of the annual Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival which takes place every September. Based in Stirling, Bloody Scotland has brought hundreds of crime writers – new and established – to the stage along with enthusiastic festival attendees since 2012, with exciting events covering a range of criminal subjects from fictional forensics and psychological thrillers to tartan noir and cosy crime.

For further details visit: www.bloodyscotland.com and www.whiskyglass.com

About Glencairn Crystal:

The award-winning Glencairn Crystal Studio has been at the cutting edge of high-quality decanter and glassware design, innovation, and creativity for over four decades. Regarded internationally as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware specialists, the family run Scottish company has hand crafted prestigious decanters often for the rarest and most luxurious spirits ever released.

Glencairn Crystal also produces the Glencairn Glass which is recognised as the world’s official whisky glass. The glass recently celebrated its 25th birthday and the company now sell over 5 million glasses across the globe each year.

Last year, Glencairn Crystal was honoured with the Kings Award for Enterprise – the fourth time in the company’s history it has been awarded this prestigious accolade. The business was recognised for its excellence in the category of Innovation.

www.glencairn.co.uk

DEWAR’S ABERFELDY DISTILLERY WELCOMES AUTUMN WITH MADEIRA FINISH EXCEPTIONAL CASK

As the colder months set in, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is welcoming the season with the latest addition to its ABERFELDY®  Exceptional Cask Series: ABERFELDY 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky.

A whisky made for slow sipping around the fire, this limited distillery exclusive brings together almost 21 years of ABERFELDY maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, finished in carefully selected Madeira casks for a further six years. The result is a richly layered single malt that combines ABERFELDY’s signature honeyed character with the distinctive roasted, nutty and caramelised notes associated with Madeira wine.

Madeira is a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of the same name, renowned for a unique ageing process that deliberately exposes the wine to heat and oxygen. This unusual method creates a distinctive balance of crisp acidity and soft sweetness, alongside flavours of roasted nuts, stewed fruit, caramel and toffee. It is these rich, complex characteristics that make Madeira casks a compelling partner for ABERFELDY’s naturally honeyed single malt.

For the ABERFELDY 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish, Stephanie Macleod, Malt Master at ABERFELDY, carefully monitored the whisky throughout its finishing period, assessing the development of flavour and character in each cask until the desired balance was achieved.

Stephanie Macleod, renowned Malt Master at ABERFELDY commented:

“A great cask finish should feel like a natural extension of the whisky rather than something imposed upon it. Madeira brings a wonderful combination of rich, nutty sweetness and vibrant freshness, which works beautifully with ABERFELDY’s naturally honeyed character. With a whisky of this age, patience is particularly important, and we carefully monitor each cask until the balance is just right.”

On the nose, ABERFELDY 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish is rich and inviting, a truly luxurious dram, displaying its age through deep, rich flavours enhanced by the influence of the Madeira cask. On the palate, robust notes of red apples drizzled with honey are complemented by hints of candied orange peel and a finish of sweet cinnamon spice.

Founded in 1898, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery sits in the heart of Highland Perthshire, drawing its water from the Pitilie Burn, known for its rich deposits of alluvial gold. The distillery is renowned for producing a distinctive single malt characterised by its rich, honeyed and gently fruity character.

The ABERFELDY Exceptional Cask Series showcases the distillery’s spirit through carefully considered cask maturation and finishing, exploring the ways in which different cask types can complement and enhance ABERFELDY’s signature character.

With only 276 bottles available, ABERFELDY 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask can be purchased exclusively from Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and its online store from today, October 20th, at an RRP of £600.

About Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery: Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is the home of both ABERFELDY Highland Single Malt and DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky. Established in 1898 by the Dewar family, the distillery was designed by revered architect Charles Doig, whose signature pagoda roof still dominates the skyline. Visitors can explore the distillery’s immersive tours, learn about the whisky-making process, and enjoy tastings of its acclaimed whiskies. DEWAR’S and ABERFELDY are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

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Glen Scotia brings Campbeltown folklore to Luss Distillery this Halloween

Multi-award-winning Campbeltown distillery Glen Scotia is bringing the spooky folklore of Scotland’s smallest whisky-making region to Luss Distillery for an exclusive Halloween takeover.

Running on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, the event features two tastings – a journey through Glen Scotia’s limited-edition Icons of Campbeltown series, and a whisky experience exploring its core range.

Attendees at the Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown tasting will experience a line-up of single malts from the series and discover the inspiration behind each expression from the legendary folklore stories surrounding Campbeltown’s medieval market cross.

Located in the centre of Campbeltown, and long shrouded in myth and lore, the carvings on the 14^th century stone have inspired each annual ‘Icon’. Among them are the Dragon, the Wulver and, most recently, the Griffin for Release No.4 in the series – all mythical creatures who are said to have played a key role in Campbeltown’s legendary history.

For newcomers to the brand, or those looking to experience Glen Scotia’s true character, the core range tasting offers the chance to explore a quintessential Glen Scotia trio. From Glen Scotia Double Cask Sherry Finish, a classic Campbeltown malt which serves as a superb introduction to Glen Scotia, to the hero expression, Glen Scotia 12 Year Old, which showcases the distillery’s signature style, and Glen Scotia Victoriana, a modern take on a classic Victorian style single malt and a nod to Campbeltown’s history as the Victorian whisky capital of the world.

Ashley Smith, master blender at Glen Scotia said: “Campbeltown has a wealth of folklore and a rich history to draw on, which inspired the creative concept for the Icons of Campbeltown series. These tales give us a platform to tell the distillery’s story through this limited-edition collection, which are paired with our world-class whiskies for each release. Halloween weekend is the perfect time of year to experience the Icons of Campbeltown series and delve into the legends and bold character of Campbeltown.”

Tony MacLean, brand home manager of Luss Distillery said: “After the success of the Glen Scotia Mini Campbeltown Malts Festival earlier this year, we couldn’t wait to welcome Glen Scotia back for Halloween weekend. Our expert team knows Glen Scotia inside out, so whether you’re a devoted fan of its limited editions or are trying the renowned Campbeltown distillery’s whiskies for the first time, both experiences offer a chance to learn about Glen Scotia’s incredible, award-winning drams.”  

Taking place at Luss Distillery – the state-of-the-art spirits destination by Loch Lomond Group (owner of Glen Scotia, Loch Lomond Whiskies and Ben Lomond Gin) – the tastings offer a unique Halloween weekend activity for whisky fans looking to experience the spirit of Campbeltown, just an hour from Glasgow.

The Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown tasting (£19) is a 45-minute tasting including four drams and will run at 11.15am, 2.15pm and 4pm across the two-day takeover.

The core range tasting (£15) is a 30-minute tasting featuring three drams and will run at 10.30am on 31 October and 10.30am and 3.15pm on 1 November.

To find out more, or to book a Glen Scotia tasting at Luss Distillery during the Halloween takeover, visit: www.lussdistillery.com

About Glen Scotia

Glen Scotia has been crafting single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832. The town is the smallest of Scotland’s five whisky-producing regions with a big reputation for once being the Victorian whisky capital of the world when it was home to over 30 distilleries.

Today, Glen Scotia is one of only three surviving distilleries in the coastal town, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. Producing peated and non-peated whiskies, the distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. The distillery’s small team is on a mission to put Campbeltown back on the map for its distinctive character, found not only in its fruity, maritime and oily-textured single malts, but also in its traditional whisky-making methods using small stills to create big Campbeltown flavours.

Recognition of Glen Scotia’s style and craftsmanship continues to be acknowledged globally.

• In 2023, a single cask bottling, distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, won Best Single Cask Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards.
• Later that year, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old earned a Platinum award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, given only to entries that have won Double Gold for three consecutive years.
• In 2024, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old and Glen Scotia Victoriana both won Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2025, Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish was named the best Campbeltown no-age-statement whisky, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old won Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Glen Scotia Victoriana took gold at the same event.
• That same year, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old also won gold at the International World Spirits Competition.
• In 2026, the brand’s hero expression Glen Scotia 12 Year Old won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.
• Also in 2026, the limited-edition Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Release 2026 was named Taste Master in its category at the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old also added a further Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2026, its eighth consecutive year of recognition at the event.

GORDON & MACPHAIL APPOINTS NEW GLOBAL MARKETING DIRECTOR

Gordon & MacPhail, the Elgin-based, family-owned whisky specialist, is welcoming Jo Coomber as its new Global Marketing Director.

Jo brings more than 25 years’ experience in UK and international marketing, with a career spanning luxury, consumer brands and creative industries. She joins Gordon & MacPhail with extensive experience in board level Marketing and Leadership roles and with deep expertise in brand strategy, development and execution, alongside a strong track record of delivering commercially focused marketing programmes.

In recent years, Jo, who is a Fellow of the Marketing Society, has been a consultant, advising on brand development and marketing strategy for companies such as Suntory Global Spirits and Scottish design house Timorous Beasties. Her breadth of experience across both global organisations and distinctive luxury brands will bring valuable expertise to Gordon & MacPhail as it continues to build the strength and reach of its whisky brands.

Commenting on her appointment, Jo said:

“Gordon & MacPhail has a rich heritage, exceptional whiskies and an ambitious brand-led vision for the future. It is a personal privilege for me to be joining the business at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with the team and partners to deliver the next phase of our brand growth ambitions – both at home and internationally.”

This latest appointment reflects Gordon & MacPhail’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its senior team as the company accelerates brand development and international expansion.

Mark Geary, Chief Executive of Gordon & MacPhail, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Jo to the Gordon & MacPhail team. She will bring a wealth of experience to our Executive team and business as we deliver our ambitious growth plan.”

“Her proven track record in brand development and insight-driven marketing makes Jo the perfect fit as we continue to invest in our brands in key markets around the world.”

Jo’s appointment comes at an important time for Gordon & MacPhail, which continues to build on its long-standing reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise within the Scotch whisky industry. Her appointment will support the business as it looks to maximise the potential of its brands, including Gordon & MacPhail, Benromach Distillery and The Cairn, in both established and international markets.

Gordon and MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin. Established in 1895, it evolved from a local grocer to a globally respected name in the whisky industry.

For more information on Gordon & MacPhail visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist. Based in Elgin and operating on an international level, Gordon & MacPhail is owned by the third and fourth generation of the Urquhart family. Bringing together over 130 years of expertise in Scotch whisky production with a passion for building a business that will continue for generations to come, Gordon & MacPhail owns both Benromach Distillery in Forres and The Cairn Distillery in Grantown-on-Spey, as well as maturing and bottling some of the world’s rarest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies under its Gordon & MacPhail brand.
http://www.gordonandmacphail.com

One Whisky To Rule Them All: New Ringbearer Celebrates The 25th Anniversary Of Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring Film

Commemorating a quarter of a century since the release of the first Lord of the Rings film, this masterfully distilled single malt whisky from New Zealand is a collaborative release uniting intricate, multi-cask aging with the iconic magic of Middle-earth to create a refined experience for both LOTR fans and whisky connoisseurs.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., and MIAMI BEACH, Fla., — In honor of the official 25th anniversary of the first blockbuster The Lord of the Rings film The Fellowship of the Ring, LOTR-licensed collectibles creator Syzygy Forge, and renowned New Zealand single malt whisky distillery Pōkeno are proud to present Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky, a spirits reflection of, and whisky love letter to, the symbiotic relationship between Middle-earth and the unique landscape where the films were shot.

Syzygy Forge, official licensee of the world’s only collectible The Lord of the Rings spirits, was founded by lifelong Tolkien collector and enthusiast Jordan Costner. In search of something truly distinctive, a spirit that could connect the terroir of New Zealand with the warmth and character of something the folk of Hobbiton might proudly call their own, Costner and co-founder Shawn Mason discovered Pōkeno and its co-founder, Matt Johns, in the lands north of the Shire’s now-iconic filming location in New Zealand.

What began as a conversation soon grew into a collaboration, and from it emerged the idea for a whisky that felt as though it might have first been conceived over pints beside the fire at the legendary Green Dragon Inn.

“Working with Pōkeno gave us the opportunity to create something that feels genuinely connected to New Zealand,” said Costner. “Ringbearer is more than a licensed whisky. It’s a celebration of the land, the craft, and the place that helped bring Middle-earth to life on the big screen.”

Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky brings forth the best the New Zealand single malt whisky category has to offer. Johns, from the get go, wanted to build a whisky not only worthy of Middle-earth homage, but that also reflected his distillery’s relationship to the land around it. To this end, Pōkeno makes use of the finest barleys, sourced locally from South Island family farms and influenced by long, 90-hour fermentation cycles, to craft single malts which age exquisitely in a local sub-tropical climate extracting its Ainu (angel’s) share at a rate significantly higher than most other parts of the whisk(e)y making world, accelerating the maturation of the whiskies.

What has emerged as Ringbearer is an expression that is a fellowship unto its own. Carrying an approximate age statement of at least six years, this single malt is drawn from a generous mix of first-fill bourbon casks, virgin American oak barrels, French Muscat casks and, in a true New Zealand twist, rare, local Manuka honey-seasoned casks.

“We are very proud to be crafting creative and innovative single malts which are a true reflection of the climate and culture of our wonderful, mystical country,” noted Johns. “We have pushed the boundaries with Ringbearer with the use of Manuka honey seasoned casks which is the first time that this has been done.”

A vividly layered, dragon hoard gold colored New Zealand single malt, Ringbearer opens on the nose with a sweet vibrancy of creamy vanilla, white chocolate, and Manuka honey before dipping into white peach. A sip of this Miruvor-like elixir revives the palate with its spiciness and careful considerations of banana and melon, before evolving into rich honey on warm buttered toast. The finish? Long and richly lingering like a Lothlórien day, showcasing the Manuka honey sweetness and a fine warmth taking center stage.

One whisky to rule them all, one whisky to guide them, One whisky to bring them all in, and in the glass inspire them.

Pōkeno’s The Lord of the Rings Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky, imported exclusively into the United States by Alexander Murray & Company, in partnership with Syzygy Forge, is a 700 ml release bottled at 46% ABV and priced at $109.99. A limited edition global release, this officially licensed, 25th Anniversary collectible is presented in premium packaging the most skilled map makers of the Third Age would be proud to display amongst their cherished drawings.

Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky will be available through authorized retailers in select markets and online through licensed retail partners, where permitted by law. Additional purchasing information can be found through Syzygy Forge.

The Lord of the Rings Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky Quick Facts:
● Officially licensed
● Designed by Syzygy Forge
● Limited edition release imported into the US by Alexander Murray & Company
● Style: single malt whisky
● Mash bill: 100% malted barley sourced from local New Zealand farms
● Fermentation time: approximately 90 hours
● Distilled by Pōkeno
● Four different barrel types: first-fill bourbon casks (approximately 45% of the blend), virgin oak (approximately 35%), French Muscat casks (approximately 10%), and Manuka honey casks (the remaining 5–12%, varying by batch)
● At least six years of age
● 700 ml in size
● 46% ABV
● Price: $109.99

About Pōkeno Whisky:
Founded in 2017, Pōkeno is distributed worldwide to 30 countries, from the usual (US / Australia / UK) to the unexpected (Cambodia). The distillery is focused uniquely on creating world-class New Zealand single malt whiskies that are a true reflection of the country’s culture and climate. It has won prestigious global awards for six of its whiskies, most notably with its Triple Distilled expression from the Exploration Series named Best World Single Malt Whisky at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Awards, and Pokeno Alchemy named as one of the world’s top five small batch whiskies in the 2026 World Whiskies Awards.

About Syzygy Forge:
Syzygy Forge is a creator of officially licensed premium spirits and collectibles inspired by some of the world’s most celebrated stories. Working with leading artists, distilleries and production partners, Syzygy develops distinctive products designed to bring those worlds to life for collectors and enthusiasts.

About Alexander Murray & Co:
Founded in 2003, Alexander Murray & Co. is an independent whisky bottler and importer known for its exceptional single malt whiskies sourced from Scotland’s finest distilleries. Committed to quality and craftsmanship, Alexander Murray offers a wide range of premium whiskies enjoyed by connoisseurs around the world. With a passion for both tradition and innovation, Alexander Murray is proud to be at the forefront of whisky bottling and unique partnerships.

Cù Bòcan breaks new ground with Creation #9, a whisky inspired by sweet and salty popcorn

Cù Bòcan, the experimental single malt crafted each winter at Tomatin Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, has released its oldest expression yet: Creation #9, a whisky inspired by the sweet and salty taste of cinema popcorn and designed for a whole new occasion to enjoy a dram.

Sweet at first and salty on the finish, Creation #9 offers a flavour combination that has you reaching for another handful. That same playful indulgence carries through to the pack’s striking popcorn box aesthetic which evokes classic cinematic nostalgia and makes it the perfect companion for movie night.

The ninth instalment in Cù Bòcan’s limited-edition Creations series, Creation #9 draws its distinctive flavour from an unlikely pairing of American virgin oak and Manzanilla sherry casks, continuing the brand’s drive to defy expectations of what a peated Scotch can taste like.

At over 17 years old, the larger share of the spirit spent its entire life maturing in American virgin oak casks, which are rarely used for such a lengthy maturation. The result is slowly built layers of vanilla, honey and caramel sweetness.

The remaining spirit spent 13 years in refill hogsheads before a four-and-a-half-year finish in Manzanilla sherry casks. Made from Palomino grapes in Sanlúcar de Barrameda on Spain’s Cadiz coast, Manzanilla is a pale, bone-dry fortified sherry whose casks carry a signature salinity, layering salted caramel, toasted almond and coastal freshness into the spirit.

Together, the two casks create the sweet and salted popcorn note that defines Creation #9.

Jamie Muir, Distillery Manager at Tomatin, said: “Creation #9 set out to prove that patience pays off in the most unexpected ways.

“The American virgin oak has given the single malt its deep, sweet backbone, but it’s the Manzanilla sherry cask that elevates the expression, bringing in the salty, savoury edge that balances all the sweetness.

“The result is one of the most unexpected flavours we’ve crafted. It’s exactly the kind of discovery that makes the Creations series so exciting, and the perfect excuse for a movie night.”

Creation #9 arrives in a bold red-and-white carton with sharp, diagonal detailing reminiscent of a classic popcorn box, a playful nod to the whisky’s stand-out flavour. Its engraved contours echo the wisp of Cù Bòcan’s signature smoke and the staves of the casks that shaped it.

Bottled at 46% ABV, natural in colour and non-chill filtered, Cù Bòcan Creation #9 is now available from Tomatin Distillery’s website and from specialist whisky retailers in the UK and worldwide, priced at £45. It is limited to 3,800 bottles globally.

For more information, visit https://tomatin.com/cu-bocan.

Cù Bòcan Creation #9 tasting notes

Nose: Vanilla, honey and caramel sweetness balanced by salted popcorn, toasted almonds and a hint of coastal salinity. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cocoa add warmth and depth.

Palate: Bright lemon zest and crisp orchard fruit, layered with toasted oak and gentle spice.

Finish: Long and gently spiced, with lingering dry oak and a subtle maritime freshness.

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.

Michael Mittermeier Presents His First Whisky: Lucky & Punch, Two Limited Single Casks from St. Kilian, Exclusively on Spiritory

One sweet cask, one smoky, named after his comedy club Lucky Punch. Limited to 500 bottles each, available to preorder from today. On 23 October, Michael Mittermeier signs them in person in Munich.

Munich, 14 October 2026: Michael Mittermeier, Germany’s comedy legend and a self-confessed lover of good whisky for many years, has now created his very first dram. Together with the award-winning St. Kilian Distillers, he presents Lucky & Punch, two single cask single malts named after his comedy club. There are only 500 bottles of each, and every single one is available exclusively on Spiritory, where preorders open today at 11:00 CEST.

From the Stage to the Cask

For Michael Mittermeier, six-time winner of the German Comedy Award, whisky has never been a sideline. He has been a great fan of Scotch single malt for years. In his video podcast “Mittermeiers Whisky Montag”, every glass came with a story, told the way only a comedian can. So his first whisky had to carry more than his name. It had to bring his art and his passion together.

Lucky Punch is the comedy club he has run with his wife Gudrun since 2023, with venues in Munich and Vienna. A place for the unexpected hit that lands against all odds. For his first whisky, Mittermeier split the name in two: Lucky for the softer, sweeter cask, Punch for the one that hits harder.

“For me, making whisky is an interplay of creativity, craft and tradition, quite comparable to comedy. While I present my art on stage, whisky unfolds its magic in the glass and on the tongue, and I am proud to now present my very own first expressions. The makers at St. Kilian really know their craft, and together we have landed two real hits. With Spiritory, we also have a retail partner that stands for fine whisky.”

MICHAEL MITTERMEIER

Two Casks, Two Characters

The whiskies were not chosen from a catalogue. Mittermeier travelled to St. Kilian in Rüdenau, Lower Franconia, walked through the warehouse, tasted his way extensively from cask to cask and picked the two that would carry his name. Theresult is a pair that could hardly be more different: one shaped by a sweet fortified wine from Portugal, the other by heavy peat and Tawny Port.

“Where else do you find that: a mega comedian from Bavaria who is also an absolute whisky expert and loves whisky! This collaboration was made for us at St. Kilian, and now it’s full throttle with Lucky & Punch.”

ANDREAS THÜMMLER, FOUNDER OF ST. KILIAN DISTILLERS

St. Kilian Lucky by Michael Mittermeier 50cl

Lucky comes from Cask Nr.9394, a former Moscatel de Setúbal cask. Distilled in July 2022, it was bottled as a single cask at 46.7% vol, with no added colour and no chill filtration, and is limited to 500 bottles of 500 ml. In the glass it opens with floral and winey notes and fresh orange, joined by dried fruit, caramelised walnuts, honey and toffee, carried by creamy vanilla and gentle oak spice. On the palate it is soft, round and balanced: honeyed sweetness and fruit gradually give way to creamy toffee and fine nutty notes. The long finish lingers on vanilla, sweet toffee and caramelised walnuts.

St. Kilian Punch by Michael Mittermeier 50cl

Punch comes from Cask Nr.5914, a former Tawny Port cask, and is heavily peated at 80 ppm. Distilled in November 2020, it was bottled as a single cask at 48.3% vol, with no added colour and no chill filtration, and is likewise limited to 500 bottles of 500 ml. In the glass it opens fruity with red fruit and ripe figs, backed by gentle oak spice and a touch of cinnamon. On the palate it is creamy and full-bodied, the ashy smoke settling gently over the fruity, spicy notes without overpowering them. The long finish belongs to dark chocolate and well-integrated smoke.

Only on Spiritory

Lucky & Punch is sold nowhere else. Both whiskies are available exclusively on Spiritory, where preorders open on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at 11:00 CEST. Each bottle costs €59 plus shipping. Both whiskies are also available together as the St. Kilian Lucky & Punch by Michael Mittermeier Set. Anyone who preorders up to and including 16 October with store pickup can collect their bottle at the whisky unveiling at the Spiritory Shop in Munich and have it signed there by Mittermeier in person. All other orders are delivered to whisky lovers and collectors in 11 European countries, with shipping from 26 October 2026.

“Lucky & Punch brings together everything Michael stands for: humour, timing and a real passion for whisky. We are delighted that these two single casks are available only on Spiritory, and we can’t wait to unveil them with him at our Munich shop on 23 October.”

JANIS WILCZURA, CEO OF SPIRITORY

Whisky Unveiling in Munich

The whisky unveiling of Lucky & Punch takes place on Friday, 23 October 2026, from 5:00 pm at the Spiritory Shop at Stemmerhof, Plinganserstraße 6, 81369 Munich, Germany. Michael Mittermeier will be there in person to sign the preordered bottles as well as the bottles available to buy in the shop. Since there are only a few of them, preordering is the surest way to get Lucky & Punch.

About Michael Mittermeier:

Michael Mittermeier, born in 1966 in Dorfen, Upper Bavaria, is one of Germany’s best-known comedians. Since his breakthrough with “Zapped” in 1996 he has toured with programmes including “Paranoid”, “Achtung Baby!”, “Wild” and “Lucky Punch”, and has performed in English in New York and London, at the Edinburgh Fringe and at Just for Laughs in Montreal. He has won the Deutscher Comedypreis six times, the Deutscher Kleinkunstpreis in 2021 and the Bayerischer Kabarettpreis in 2026. Together with his wife Gudrun he runs the Lucky Punch Comedy Clubs in Munich and Vienna. A long-time whisky enthusiast, he shares his favourite drams in his video podcast “Mittermeiers Whisky Montag”.

About St. Kilian Distillers:

St. Kilian Distillers was founded in 2012 by Andreas Thümmler and partners in Rüdenau, Lower Franconia, and describes itself as Germany’s largest whisky distillery. Under master distiller Mario Rudolf it follows the Scottish tradition and has won national and international recognition, including Distillery of the Year (2023) and World-Class Distillery (2023 and 2025) at the World Spirits Award, and Best Whisky Distillery National 2024 at InterWhisky’s Der Whisky-Botschafter Award.

About Spiritory:

Spiritory is an exchange-based live marketplace for spirits enthusiasts and collectors. The platform enables users to buy and sell their favourite spirits in a transparent and secure way. Users benefit from transparent and secure processing, but can also find inspiration, manage their portfolio, and access thousands of important data points. As Europe’s leading marketplace, the company also enables the straightforward digitalisation of retailers, brands, and distilleries. Founded in Munich in 2022, Spiritory today serves customers in 11 European countries and, together with distilleries such as St. Kilian, also brings exclusive releases to market that are available nowhere else.

THE DALMORE EXTENDS CIGAR MALT RANGE WITH NEW EXPRESSION: CIGAR MALT SIGNATURE RESERVE AGED 18 YEARS 

Single Malt Whisky, The Dalmore has introduced a new, permanent expression to their Principal Collection, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years. A considered extension to the existing Cigar Malt range, this whisky is an elevated choice for consumers who enjoy a red wine influenced flavour profile from The Dalmore, coupled with the depth and complexity offered through their expertise in multi-cask maturation.

Following on from The Dalmore’s ever-popular Cigar Malt Reserve, which was first released over two decades ago, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years also features Cabernet Sauvignon barriques as part of its five-cask assemblage.

Intentionally designed to remain expressive over time, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years is yet another example of The Dalmore’s talent for multi-cask maturation. Following an initial maturation of 16 years in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels, this whisky is further enhanced with finishes in Matusalem Sherry Casks, French Oak Marsala Casks, French Oak Cabernet Franc Barriques, and French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Barriques. Each cask was carefully and intentionally selected to ensure every element played a defining role in the final whisky.

The American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels provide sweetness and lift at the foundation of the whisky. Matusalem Sherry Casks bring depth, dried fruits, and nutty richness that anchor the profile, while Marsala Casks introduce ginger warmth and spice, keeping the finish active and expressive over time, as well as contributing to a palate filling texture.

From the red wine casks, Cabernet Franc adds an aromatic nuance and a subtle savoury complexity that helps to define the darker flavours and keep the whisky precise rather than heavy, whilst Cabernet Sauvignon raises tannin and structure.

Expect aromas of chocolate orange, dried fig, and dark fruit balanced with hints of aromatic oud and sandalwood. To taste, enjoy forest berries, sticky dates balanced with orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and cinnamon spice. A long and lingering finish awaits, with layers of dark fruit, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Natural colour, non-chill filtered and at an ABV of 46%, The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years is a sublime five-cask marriage that rewards intentionality and presence. It is a bold whisky which demonstrates exquisite multi-cask maturation at a prestigious age statement, ideal for experienced whisky drinkers looking for more.

The packaging concept has also been carefully considered and elevated to best present the whisky held within, both on shelf and at the moment of enjoyment.

Available globally, the whisky is presented in a luxurious gift carton in a bold scarlet which smoothly unfolds via a subtle pull tab, for a premium unboxing experience.

The Dalmore first embraced cigar culture with the introduction of Cigar Malt Reserve over two decades ago, with that whisky now long established as the perfect complement to a fine cigar.

With this considered extension to the Cigar Malt range, The Dalmore now offers an elevated whisky choice for the cigar aficionado and whisky connoisseur alike. Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years has been intentionally designed for a richer, more complex cigar experience, for when the cigar, or the occasion itself, demands more from the moment.

The depth and complexity of this whisky stands up to the power of a more prestigious cigar, ensuring harmony. Specifically bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky retains the clarity and definition needed to refresh the palate between draws. For those who seek the perfect pairing between their finest cigars and an exceptional Single Malt, Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years delivers depth, richness and the confidence required to elevate cigar pairing moments, into an enriched experience.

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years is available globally, including from www.thedalmore.com from 19^th October 2026, priced at £299/$387. Members of The Dalmore Guild will have an early access opportunity to purchase from 15^th October.

 Ideal for luxury whisky drinkers and cigar aficionados alike, The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years offers an elevated choice. It is a composed and elegant Single Malt that reveals its depth gradually, rewarding intentionality and presence.

www.thedalmore.com

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years. 46% ABV

 Aroma:          Chocolate orange, dried dig, and dark fruit balanced with hints of aromatic oud and sandalwood

Palate:          Forest berries, stick dates balanced with orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and cinnamon spice

Finish:           Long and lingering, layers of draft fruit, nutmeg, and cinnamon Natural colour and non-chill filtered.

About The Dalmore:

Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore creates Single Malt Whisky of rare depth and complexity, with each sip a testament to time better spent.

The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland, as a reward for a moment of exceptional bravery, a moment that truly mattered. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1867.

The Dalmore whisky makers are a chain of visionary artists, pushing the boundaries of excellence, for nearly two centuries. The distillery’s collection of unique stills produce a remarkably rich depth of spirit, that is particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation, offering a house style of chocolate, orange and warming spice.

This decadent spirit is laid to rest in the rarest, most exclusive casks from the finest winemakers in the world, with their casks specially curated to offer the most exquisite whiskies. The Dalmore is a whisky not merely made, it is created to enrich.

In 2026, The Dalmore’s brand home reopened to visitors, with a reimagined

and immersive guest experience that offers an exceptional reward for The Dalmore consumer. Guests will be hosted entirely private in groups of up to 8. Bookings available via www.thedalmore.com

The Dalmore Guild is free to join and is a way for members to be the first to hear about news, products, events and experiences from The Dalmore. Join via www.thedalmore.com