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.

For the first time, Glenmorangie’s distillers give visitors behind-the-scenes tours

 — Meet the makers who star alongside Harrison Ford in Glenmorangie’s Once Upon a Time in Scotland film series —

Dougie Murray

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers are inviting visitors to go behind the scenes with them at their award-winning Distillery, for the very first time. For a limited time, some of the most seasoned Distillers of Tain are running Meet the Makers tours, offering their unique insights into the creation of Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Since several of them star alongside Harrison Ford in Glenmorangie’s Once Upon a Time in Scotland series, filmed at the Distillery near Tain, visitors may want to take their selfie sticks with them…

For more than 180 years, the Distillers of Tain have been dedicated to Glenmorangie’s imaginative style of whisky making. With skills honed over generations, this small and close-knit team keep watch over their unusually tall stills, whose height allow for more taste and aroma. Then they age their elegant spirit in the world’s finest casks, to create Glenmorangie: one of the world’s most highly awarded Highland single malts. Revered for their skills around the globe, the Distillers play an important part in Glenmorangie’s witty and disruptive Once Upon a Time in Scotland series. Over 12 episodes, their expertise, character, warmth of personality – and their whisky – soon win over Ford, who plays himself.

Welcoming visitors for the Meet the Makers tours are Alan Duff Senior, his son Alan Duff Junior, Dougie Murray and Gordy Mackay. With almost a century of experience at Glenmorangie between them, these distillers are perfectly placed to explain the intricacies of their craft to visitors, taking the time to answer in-depth questions in the Still House and the Mash House – and share a few stories about their time at Glenmorangie. They may even reveal what it was like to star alongside Hollywood’s finest.

Gordy Mackay

Throughout the 12 episodes of Once Upon a Time in Scotland, ‘the Alans’ have enchanted global viewers with their cameos. The pair’s subtle Highland wit and obvious rapport with Ford, shine through in several memorable scenes. Meanwhile, Gordy is seen sharing a joke with Ford as the pair meet for the first time; Harrison mishears Gordy when he tells him he’s a Mash man in the distillery – to which Harrison responds: “There’s a mosh pit?!”.

In addition to the new Meet the Makers tour, the distillery will also be offering a daily Old & Rare Warehouse Tasting, where whisky fans can sample four rare Glenmorangies in one of the distillery’s traditional dunnage warehouses.

Glenmorangie’s Director of Hospitality and Corporate Affairs, Ellie Goss, said: “We are so excited to offer our unique Meet the Makers tours to visitors for the first time ever. This is a rare opportunity for whisky lovers, as well as locals who may have enjoyed our classic tour before, to learn about the inner workings of Glenmorangie from the real people who make it. With decades of expertise, our Distillers of Tain know everything there is to know about our exceptional single malt – and I have no doubt that they will give every visitor the same warm Highland welcome as they gave to Harrison Ford.”

To book a Meet the Makers Tour or an Old & Rare Warehouse tasting, visit www.glenmorangie.com/pages/distillery-tours

To see Glenmorangie’s team star alongside Ford in Once Upon A Time In Scotland, visit glenmorangie.com

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Instagram: @Glenmorangie 

For exclusive access to new releases, news and events, join Glenmorangie’s community at https://www.glenmorangie.com/members

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this team are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

In 2025, Glenmorangie unveiled a new brand campaign, Once Upon a Time in Scotland, fronted by Harrison Ford. Taking the form of 12 episodes, the series explores Glenmorangie’s authentic truths, from its stunning Highland surroundings to the real people who create its complex and elegant whiskies.

About the Meet the Makers Tour:

After being welcomed by a tour guide, visitors will be taken to the Mash House and the Still House to learn about Glenmorangie’s craft from the makers themselves. The behind-the-scenes tour ends with a visit to a traditional warehouse, where Glenmorangie is aged. Each tour includes a three-dram tasting of Glenmorangie’s classic whiskies. For those who want to dive even deeper into Glenmorangie’s flavours, the Distillery also offers an Old & Rare whisky tasting in a warehouse, including four drams, daily.

About the Distillers of Tain:

For more than 180 years, Glenmorangie has been perfected by its craftsmen, the Distillers of Tain. Passed down through the generations, their skills owe as much to instinct and feel as they do to meticulous, uncompromising precision. Throughout Glenmorangie’s heritage, the Distillers, who now number 20, are known and revered by whisky lovers around the world. In the past, they have been depicted on limited-edition packaging – and even inspired a studio album by guitarist Allan Holdsworth – which was named after them.

Alan Duff Snr, who has spent 30 years at Glenmorangie and Gordy Mackay (18 years) work together in the Mash House, where they oversee the mashing and fermentation stages of the whisky-making process. Dougie Murray, who has spent 31 years at the Distillery, works alongside Alan Duff Jnr in the Still House, where they oversee the distillation process, creating Glenmorangie’s complex and elegant spirit that’s ripe for maturation in oak casks. While he has spent only nine years on the team, Glenmorangie has long been a part of Alan Jnr’s life – he remembers coming to Distillery as a child, to drop his father’s lunch off for him.

About the Distillers in Glenmorangie’s brand campaign:

Notable clips from Once Upon a Time in Scotland starring these men, include the following:

• In The Campaign (episode 2), Ford arrives at the Distillery. After mistaking “Alan from the Warehouse” (Alan Jnr) for “Alan from marketing”, he gets a lesson from Alan on how to pronounce Glenmorangie correctly;

• In The Distillery (episode 5), Ford meets the whole production team. “Ahhhh… he’s your fault,” he says to Alan Snr, who stands next to his son. Then Ford jokingly instructs Alan Jnr: “Look after me car.” It is a rare Eagle Speedster Jaguar E-type;
• In the same episode, Gordon Mackay is introduced to Harrison, and explains he is a mashman. Humorously misunderstanding, Ford asks: “There’s a mosh pit? Ooooh!”
• In Teamwork (episode 10), Alan Snr introduces Ford to a particularly special whisky. Impressed by the Distillery’s heritage and the craft, Ford raises his glass to toast “the good people of Glenmorangy”. With comic timing, Alan Jnr corrects him once again: “It’s Glenmorangie.”

Finalists Revealed in the 7th Scottish Whisky Awards

The wait is over! We are delighted to announce the finalists in the 7th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards. After an intensive judging process, including a blind tasting of more than 1,200 samples, the panel has selected 43 distilleries and 192 Scotch whiskies as this year’s finalists.

The Scottish Whisky Awards celebrate the best in Scotland’s national drink, highlighting success across 11 taste categories and 7 business categories. These awards continue to provide a unique platform for the industry to come together, celebrate achievements, and showcase Scotch whisky on a global stage.

2025 FINALISTS

The winners of the 7th Scottish Whisky Awards will be announced at a celebratory dinner on Thursday 27th November 2025, hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central.

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ARTISTRY IN OAK
GORDON & MACPHAIL REVEALS DESIGN
BY ACCLAIMED ARCHITECT JEANNE GANG
FOR THE WORLD’S OLDEST SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

On Thursday 2 October 2025, Gordon & MacPhail is to reveal the ‘Artistry in Oak’ decanter design by internationally acclaimed American architect Jeanne Gang, marking the release of the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled – Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.

Gordon & MacPhail sought to commission a creative partner to design a unique decanter to house their most precious whisky to date. A partnership built on common values and a shared commitment to leave a legacy for future generations, Jeanne Gang’s design is shaped through her close observation of growth and form in nature. The four branches which suspend the glass decanter are made from solid bronze, providing an armature that cradles the precious liquid in the same way the oak cask has nurtured the whisky for eight and a half decades.

Only 125 decanters are available worldwide, each with an RSP of £125,000.

Over the last 130 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched its own specially selected casks with spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries. Managing a portfolio of casks requires a complex level of expertise which Gordon & MacPhail has honed to fully understand cask maturation matched to different styles of spirit. Patience is undoubtedly a virtue in this realm and Gordon & MacPhail’s whiskies are often the oldest expression ever to be released from a particular distillery.

The decanter design by Jeanne Gang is a celebration of the profound artistry, craft, care and time alongside nature that went into the liquid it encases. The maturation of whisky over very long periods of time is a very challenging proposition often quoted as more art than science. As the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled, this release is the ultimate expression of this art and testament to the foresight of George Urquhart and his father, John, who selected cask 336 in 1940 to cradle this liquid for decades to come.

“One of the greatest challenges was that this has never been done before. We’re the first to mature a whisky for 85 years. Every year that goes by is a year into the unknown. We have to appreciate we’re always dealing with mother nature so the key traits of this process are patience and trust,” comments Stephen Rankin Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, and member of the fourth generation of the family that owns the company.

Embracing the creative theme of ‘Artistry in Oak’, the design evokes the idea of a tree slowly entwining a piece of amber. Four separate branches spiral upward, wrapping around a suspended glass vessel that contains the amber liquid originally distilled at Glenlivet Distillery. American oak informed the branches’ design, a nod to the wood used to comprise the Gordon & MacPhail cask which cradled the spirit for 85 years.

“It was of utmost importance that the quality of the whisky itself be manifest in the design of the decanter. Made from handblown glass and cast bronze, I thought about how each material would exhibit its own inherent qualities while fulfilling its purpose to hold and protect the liquid,” explains Jeanne Gang.

The design was conceived as a single object, with the suspended glass vessel relying on the branches for support, evoking the reciprocity between whisky and its cask. Jeanne chose bronze for the four entwining branches that cradle the vessel because it is an enduring material; one that evolves slowly and beautifully over time, much like whisky. As bronze develops a patina, it mirrors the way whisky deepens in colour and character over the years.

“Standing tall and strong, the patinated bronze entwines the vessel, suspending it while revealing the amber colour of the whisky within. Together, the elements depend on and complement each other, in a reciprocal dance whose form, like the whisky it holds, is a product of both natural growth and the nature of its materiality,” expresses Gang.

As part of this landmark release, Gordon & MacPhail is supporting American Forests, the oldest national nonprofit conservation organisation in the United States – a leader in forest restoration – via the online auction of Decanter #1 in partnership with Christie’s.

“Given the importance of oak in our craft, this partnership was a natural fit, aligning with our mission to leave a meaningful legacy for ongoing generations via fundraising for the sustainable future of American oak trees,” adds Stephen Rankin.

The auction conducted online by Christie’s, opening for bids on Friday 7th November and concluding on Friday 21st November 2025, will see proceeds of the lot (minus costs) donated to the American Forests, to support their work dedicated to creating healthy and resilient forests in cities and large landscapes, including the regeneration and long-term sustainability of America’s oak-dominated forests essential for whisky maturation.

As well as Decanter #1, the lot will include a personalised whisky tasting hosted by Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige Stephen Rankin or Richard Urquhart, Sales Director, both fourth generation family members; a framed, signed sketch of an oak tree by Jeanne Gang, which informed the decanter’s design; and the cask end of cask 336 which nurtured the single malt Scotch whisky, presented in a bespoke frame.

Adam Bilbey, Christie’s Global Head of Wine and Spirits says: “Partnering with Gordon & MacPhail for Artistry in Oak is a moment of pride for Christie’s. The unveiling of Decanter No. 1 from Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old is not just a highlight of our season—it’s a celebration of time, tradition, and craftsmanship. Over the last 85yrs this extraordinary spirit has been carefully and patiently nurtured by Gordon & MacPhail, culminating in the extraordinary moment.”

A TASTE OF LIQUID HISTORY

At 85 years old, this historical liquid has spent decades maturing in a unique cask that has had a profound impact on its flavour. Cask 336 had previously held mature sherry before being re-filled on 3 February 1940 with spirit at the Glenlivet Distillery. This was a time when production across Scotland was much reduced due to the raw materials required being diverted for other uses or there being a shortage in them created by the war.

This long maturation has imparted deep, complex flavours to the whisky, with vibrant, full-bodied notes that remain remarkably robust at 43.7% ABV. The influence of the cask, combined with the rarity and incredible scarcity of the liquid, creates a whisky that is not only extraordinary in its taste but also a living piece of history.

Aroma: Soft, aged leather aromas lead to apricot compote, cinnamon, and subtle waxy, citrus fruit notes. Vanilla gives way to dried sultana and aniseed with underlying beeswax polish. Subtle smoky undertones develop.
Flavours: Smooth and vibrant with cracked black pepper and sweet dried tobacco flavours, followed by Seville Orange peel. Morello cherry and plum flavours are balanced by subtle oak.
Finish: A full-bodied finish with lingering herbal notes.

This exceptional release represents the pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship – an 85-year-old single malt matured over four generations. Not only is it the oldest whisky ever bottled, but its extreme rarity, scarcity and provenance, coupled with the artistry of Jeanne Gang’s design, make it an unparalleled collector’s piece.

GORDON & MACPHAIL 85 YEARS OLD FROM GLENLIVET DISTILLERY
AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE FROM 2 OCTOBER 2025, PRICED AT £125,000
GORDON&MACPHAIL.COM

CHRISTIE’S ONLINE AUCTION OF DECANTER #1
FRIDAY 7TH NOVEMBER – FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2025
PROCEEDS OF THE LOT (MINUS COSTS) DONATED TO THE AMERICAN FORESTS
CHRISTIES.COM

@GORDONANDMACPHAIL

About Gordon & MacPhail

For more than 130 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched its own bespoke casks with spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries. Managing a portfolio of casks is a complex level of expertise which Gordon & MacPhail has honed to fully understand cask maturation matched to different styles of spirit. It is this cask curation that allows Gordon & MacPhail to consistently deliver a range of perfectly matured whiskies. Their expert maturation management creates unique, complex but perfectly balanced single malts found nowhere else. At the very heart of business lies the sample room – an exceptional liquid library spanning more than a century of Scotch whiskies featuring a wide range of age profiles and character. But these exceptional snapshots in time are not heirlooms there to impress, they exist to help inform and shape future decision-making and provide an invaluable guide for generations to come.

GORDONANDMACPHAIL.COM

About Gordon & MacPhail’s Unique Relationship With Over 100 Scottish Distilleries Uniquely, Gordon & MacPhail is the only whisky company to have matched its casks to spirit from over 100 distilleries from all over Scotland. We then nurture it, often for many decades, then lean on experience handed down through four generations to know when to bottle it. Over its 130 history, Gordon & MacPhail built a strong bond of trust and mutual respect with these distilleries to allow the company to fill casks. These relationships were founded on the commitment that Gordon & MacPhail’s releases would complement not compete against those from the proprietary distillery, providing drinkers with interesting nuances in flavour. No other company has the
depth and breadth of whisky in terms of variety of source distillery of the original spirit and age up to 80 years.

About Jeanne Gang

Jeanne Gang is the founding partner of Studio Gang, an international architecture and urban design practice with offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Paris. Known for a distinctive design approach that expands beyond architecture’s conventional boundaries, she creates striking places that strengthen connections between people, their communities, and nature. Her diverse, award-winning portfolio across the Americas and Europe includes the Gilder Center at the American Museum of Natural History, which the New York Times called “a poetic, joyful, theatrical work of public architecture”; a new United States Embassy in Brazil; and an expansion of the Clinton Presidential Center. Intertwined with built work, Jeanne and the Studio develop research, publications, and exhibitions that push design’s ability to create public awareness and give rise to change – a practice Jeanne calls “actionable idealism.” A MacArthur Fellow and a Professor in Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Jeanne has been named one of TIME Magazine’s most influential people in the world.

STUDIOGANG.COM

About Christie’s

Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million. Christie’s has sold 7 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction, launched the first fully on-chain auction platform dedicated to exceptional NFT art and manages an investment fund to support innovative start-ups in the art market. Christie’s is also committed to advancing responsible culture throughout its business and communities worldwide. To learn more, browse, bid, discover and join us for the best of art and luxury at christies.com or by downloading Christie’s apps.

CHRISTIES.COM

About American Forests

American Forests is the first national nonprofit conservation organization created in the U.S. Since its founding in 1875, the organization has been the pathfinders for the forest conservation movement. Its mission is to create healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. The organization advances its mission through forestry, innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building.

AMERICANFORESTS.ORG

The World’s Favourite Whisky Glass Toasts Sixth Year Sponsoring Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Awards

Winning author Tariq Ashkanani presented with Glencairn Glass trophy

Tariq Ashkanani, the winner of this year’s McIlvanney Prize, was presented with a giant Glencairn Glass trophy at this year’s Bloody Scotland Festival (12th – 14th September)

The Scottish family glassware company, Glencairn Crystal, has continued its sponsorship of both The McIlvanney Prize for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year and the Bloody Scotland Debut Crime Novel of the Year, for the sixth year with its iconic Glencairn Glass for whisky.

The winners were announced at the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival which took place over the weekend from 12th – 14^th September in Stirling. This year’s winner of The McIlvanney Prize is Tariq Ashkanani and the Debut Prize went to David Goodman.

The winner of The McIlvanney Prize, Tariq Ashkanani, was presented with a giant Glencairn Glass trophy.

Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at the awards sponsor Glencairn Crystal, said: “A huge congratulations to Tariq Ashkanani on winning the McIlvanney Prize with his page-turning thriller The Midnight King, and to David Goodman on receiving the Debut Prize for his gripping first novel A Reluctant Spy.  Being a Scottish family company, we are proud to sponsor these distinguished annual awards with the Glencairn Glass, the official glass for whisky – both of which are deeply rooted in Scotland. It is an honour to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on such exceptional authors in the wonderful world of crime fiction.”

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.

Celebrating its 25^th Birthday this year, the Glencairn Glass is the world’s official whisky glass and winner of the Queen’s Award for Innovation. It has become the tasting glass for connoisseurs, collectors and distillers alike and more than 5 million Glencairn Glasses are now sold each year, with 50 million glasses sold to date across more than 140 countries.

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

Glencairn Crystal celebrates Manufacturing Innovation win at inaugural Made in Scotland Awards 2025

James Crilly – Glencairn Crystal Purchasing Director (left), Darren McGinn – Glencairn Crystal Sales Manager (centre) and comedian Susie McCabe (right)

The family-owned, award-winning crystal glassware business, Glencairn Crystal, has won the award for Manufacturing Innovation at the inaugural Made in Scotland Awards 2025. This latest accolade follows on from the company receiving the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation earlier this year and its recent shortlisting as a finalist in the Department for Business and Trade Exporter of the Year Award at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards, reinforcing its world-leading role as a pioneer in innovation-led design and manufacturing of crystal and glass.

Founded over 40 years ago and based in East Kilbride, Glencairn Crystal is globally recognised for redefining the traditional crystalware industry. With its commitment to craftsmanship and cutting-edge processes, the company has become an international expert in ultra-premium spirit decanters and glassware design. It has pioneered advanced decoration techniques and the application of metalware on glass and crystal, underscoring its reputation for innovation, quality, and design excellence.

The debut Made in Scotland Awards organised by the leading B2B media platform, Insider, took place on 25 September at the Voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow. The event celebrated the strength and diversity of Scotland’s manufacturing sector across industries including food and drink, automotive, energy, digital and transport. Hosted by Scottish comedian Susie McCabe, the ceremony honoured companies that are shaping the future of Scottish industry. Winners will now progress to Insider’s Made in the UK Awards next year.

Glencairn Crystal received the Manufacturing Innovation Award for exemplifying how established businesses can innovate at scale. Judges commended the company for successfully blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting edge processes, delivering real change in both product design and production. They praised Glencairn Crystal for evolving without compromising its heritage – demonstrating that innovation can be rooted in reinvention as well as in new ventures.

The company also produces the Glencairn Glass which is recognised as the world’s official whisky glass. This year the glass celebrates its 25^th birthday and the company now sell over 5 million glasses across international markets each year.

The Made in Scotland Award was accepted on behalf of Glencairn Crystal by James Crilly, Purchasing Director, and Darren McGinn, Sales Manager. Commenting on the win, James Crilly said:

“ Innovation has always been the driving force behind everything we do at Glencairn Crystal. From the earliest days starting out over 40 years ago, to becoming a global leader in premium glassware, we’ve never stood still. This award is not only a recognition of the new techniques and technologies we’ve introduced, but also of the passion and craftsmanship of our entire team. We will continue to push the boundaries whilst staying true to our family values and Scottish heritage.”

For further details about Glencairn Crystal please visit: www.glencairn.com and for the Made in Scotland awards: www.insidermedia.com/event/made-in-scotland-awards-2025

Insider Media:

Insider Media is the UK’s leading regional B2B media platform, providing essential business news and intelligence to professionals across every region of the country.

Glencairn Crystal Awards:

In May this year Glencairn Crystal was honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. The company first received the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2006 for the Glencairn Glass, followed by the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2012 and 2017. In July the company was also named a finalist in the Department for Business and Trade Exporter of the Year Award at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2025.

Other accolades include Whisky Advocate Industry Leader of the Year in the US in 2011. In 2019 Glencairn Crystal was one of only seven Scottish companies to join the London Stock Exchange Group’s ELITE programme for fast-growing companies, and recognition in the 2023 Scottish Export Index as one of the top 20 companies demonstrating excellence in international trade.

EAT, SLEEP & DRINK ARDBEG AT DISTILLERY’S BOUTIQUE HOTEL

< World-class whisky and hospitality experience opens on island of Islay >

#Ardbeg #ArdbegHouse

The world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky today opens the doors of its boutique hotel Ardbeg House, offering the island’s visitors and community an extraordinary opportunity to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg. Just a short hop from the Distillery on Islay, this world-class whisky and hospitality experience blends the ultimate in Scottish hospitality with the flavours and legends of Ardbeg’s island world.

Since Ardbeg was saved from extinction in 1997, the whisky has risen like a phoenix to become a niche, cult malt. Its following is so passionate that thousands make the pilgrimage to the Distillery each year. Today, Ardbeg House invites whisky lovers to steep themselves in the Distillery’s smoky universe, morning, noon and night.

Nestled on the shore in the picturesque village of Port Ellen, Ardbeg House (formerly the Islay Hotel) has been designed in collaboration with interior storymakers Russell Sage Studio to celebrate the best of Islay – complemented by handcrafted pieces from more than 20 Scottish and Islay artisans. There are 12 striking suites and bedrooms, which merge playful detail with Ardbeg’s own brand of luxury. Think copper wall art crafted from a retired Ardbeg still, a custom-designed boat chandelier, and buttons labelled “Press for Smoke” which reveal hidden smoky drams.

In the House’s boldly themed Signature Restaurant and the Islay Bar – a much-loved watering hole revived from Islay’s past – visitors and locals alike are invited to enjoy exceptional Scottish food and drink with an Ardbeggian twist.  From hand-dived scallops collected by one of the Distillery’s stillmen to inventive dishes infused with Ardbeg and drams only found on Islay.  Outside, The Untamed Courtyard will feature a handcrafted smoker and grill, courtesy of Ardbeg’s multitalented distillery technician Daniel Branson, offering guests the chance to savour barbequed dishes that mirror Ardbeg’s signature smoky notes.

Whether guests are diehard Ardbeggians or just discovering smoky malt, every detail of the House has been chosen to give visitors a warm Islay welcome:

• Islay life and its legends are celebrated at every turn, from a giant tapestry depicting a contemporary scene on the island. Upstairs, each suite or bedroom is themed to reflect a different aspect of Islay’s story. Guests can discover hidden surprises that evoke the spirit of Islay’s storied past, from its notorious smugglers’ hideaways to its captivating legendary figures, and the mythical creatures rumoured to inhabit its coastlines.

• Scotland and Islay’s food and drink are showcased in the House’s Signature Restaurant. At the heart of the room, the fire table serves as a striking “top table,” bringing guests together for a memorable and communal dining experience night after night. There are Ardbeg-inspired dishes made from local ingredients, along with a mouthwatering range of whiskies, including Islay exclusives Ardbeg Homecoming and Ardbeg House Reserve. For those who are feeling sociable, every Friday the restaurant’s shared Shortie’s Table (named after Ardbeg’s much-loved canine mascot), is a chance to join others and swap stories over a set menu with whisky pairings.

• Immersive experiences give guests the chance to discover more about Ardbeg and Islay: A daily Distillery tour is reserved for guests of Ardbeg House, for a deep dive into the peaty whisky where it all began. There are opportunities to explore Islay’s wild landscapes, abundant wildlife and stunning beaches. And at 18:15 (a nod to Ardbeg’s founding year of 1815), all guests are invited to the Islay Bar for a special ritual – whisky hour – to toast the day and taste Ardbeg Badger Juice. This intriguingly named small-batch whisky has a secret recipe. Poured from a special cask, it will be available only by the dram in the Islay Bar.

Ardbeg President and CEO Caspar MacRae said: “Islay has been Ardbeg’s home for over 200 years – and we are so excited to be sharing this world-class whisky and hospitality experience in the heart of Port Ellen, just a stone’s throw from the distillery. At Ardbeg House, we will immerse the island’s visitors and local community in local stories and Ardbeggian rituals – as well as sharing some very exclusive whiskies.

“Ardbeg House is a one-of-a-kind travel destination which will further enhance Islay’s reputation as one of the best places on the planet for whisky tourism. Whether or not our guests are smoky malt lovers when they arrive, we guarantee that by the time they leave, they will be lifelong fans of Ardbeg and Islay. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and locals through our doors to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg from today.”

Russell Sage said: “A stay at Ardbeg House is truly magical. From the buzz of the Islay Bar, home to locals and visitors alike, to the extraordinary décor in the bedrooms inspired by the myths and legends of Islay and tales from the distillery – a visit appeals to all the senses. This is the kind of place you have to experience for yourself, because there’s nothing like Ardbeg House – it is like nowhere else in the world.”

Ardbeg House offers a warm Islay welcome to all. Make a booking for both the restaurant and rooms for autumn 2025 and beyond at www.ardbeg.com/visitus/ardbeghouse.html

Photography: – Ardbeg House Islay Bar (credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke)

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @ardbeghouseofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ardbeghouseofficial

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF REQUIRED: 

• Russell Sage Q&A: An extended interview with Russell Sage.
• Design Fact Sheet: Full details of each room’s theme and design, along with detail about the artisans who took part in the House’s transformation.
• Eating, Drinking & Experiences Fact Sheet: Full details about the House’s restaurant, bar, local suppliers and the activities on offer to guests.
• Full credits sheet: including details of all partners and collaborators.

About Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay 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 is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Ardbeg House

Ardbeg House is a world-class whisky and hospitality experience on Islay, which offers the island’s visitors an extraordinary opportunity to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg. Situated in the bustling town of Port Ellen, this 12-bedroom boutique hotel blends the ultimate in Scottish hospitality with the flavours and legends of Ardbeg’s island world. Visitors and locals are welcomed to enjoy the best of Scottish food and drink at the House’s Signature restaurant and the Islay Bar, including exclusive Ardbeg drams. To book, go to www.ardbeg.com

Ardbeg House Reserve

Ardbeg House Reserve is a highly limited 21-year-old whisky available exclusively at Ardbeg’s boutique hotel, Ardbeg House – the ultimate Ardbeggian destination. Aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, just 800 numbered bottles of this cask-strength whisky exist. Uniting notes of sea spray, smoke and sweet figs in just 800 bottles, Ardbeg House Reserve is the ultimate memento of a stay on Islay. 

Ardbeg House Reserve Tasting Notes:

ABV:    52.9%

Colour: Mahogany

Aroma: Rich, malty and biscuity, with tangy notes of raisins and sultanas, along with hints of hickory-smoked ham, barbecued spare ribs, and a burst of treacle toffee. The merest splash of water opens the bouquet, to reveal touches of orange oil, honey, burning heather and a hint of old leather.

Taste:   The texture is thick, oily and viscous. It is followed by a powerful hint of oily, tarry peat smoke, tempered by the distinct sweetness of demerara sugar, figs in syrup, aniseed flavoured bonbons and a touch of nut toffee. This is then supplemented by flavours of charcoal, graphite, leather and damp peat bog.

Finish:   Lingering, slightly briny – like olives – with touches of eucalyptus, camphor, menthol and tar

RRP: £400 

Ardbeg Homecoming

This permanent, small-batch release is available exclusively on Islay, at Ardbeg House and at the Distillery. It is intended as the ultimate reward for those who make the pilgrimage to Ardbeg’s island home. Aged in bourbon casks, then in first-fill rum casks, the first batch of this cask-strength release has a distinctly tropical vibe, layering ripe banana, pineapple and spices on classic peaty notes.  

Ardbeg Homecoming Tasting Notes:

ABV:    47.7%

Colour:            Light gold

Aroma: A beguiling mix of smoky fudge, ripe banana and sweet barley malty notes on the nose initially. More fruits like apple and pineapple are layered below. With a splash of water, fragrant pine resin and mossy notes emerge. Then more classic notes of lime juice, fennel, and some subtle apple woodsmoke comes to the fore – ending with spice.

Taste:  The texture is smooth and creamy. Lots of smoky toffee, tar and soot mix with spiced coffee grounds and briny sea spray. These lead into sweeter flavours of banana candies, cocoa powder and shortbread, with a dash of cinnamon.

Finish:   Intense and long lasting. Lots of tarry, sweet smoke lingers, with antiseptic lozenge and menthol, ending in sweet, spiced coffee.

RRP: £120

 Ardbeg Badger Juice 

Available only by the dram in the Islay Bar, this intriguingly named small-batch Ardbeg is the creation of Master Blender Gillian Macdonald. The recipe of each highly limited and unrepeatable batch remains a secret. Guests are invited to enjoy a dram from a special cask at the bar at 18:15 each night – a nod to Ardbeg’s founding year, 1815 – for £5 per 25ml measure. 

BADGER JUICE: Batch 1 

Colour:             Bright gold

Aroma:            Curious, rich and oily, with a distinctive burst of extra-virgin olive oil, along with a hint of gingerbread, nutmeg and soot. A splash of water draws out some fresh, salty, sea-spray notes, tempered with a touch of sweetness, almost like salted-caramel toffee.

Taste:              A lovely, soothing texture, leading into flavours of lime sherbet, spearmint, fudge and aniseed, along with touches of antique leather and creosote. The smoke is always there, but in a beautifully integrated way, intermingled with sugar-coated almonds, menthol and tar. 

Russell Sage Studio

Russell Sage Studio, established in 2005, comprises a thriving team of dedicated interior designers, FF&E designers, planners, restorers and art and antiques experts. Since inception, the studio has built a reputation for creating unique interior stories for five-star hotels, exclusive members’ clubs, premium restaurants, luxury bars and private residences around the world.

The Glenmorangie Company previously collaborated with Russell Sage Studio to refurbish the award-winning boutique hotel, Glenmorangie House, in Easter Ross.

www.russellsagestudio.co.uk

Thomas Johnstone Ltd

With over 157 years of experience, Scotland-based Thomas Johnstone Ltd has a well-earned reputation for delivering excellence in specialist fit-out, manufactured joinery, and comprehensive M&E coordination. Appointed as the main contractor for the Ardbeg House refurbishment, Thomas Johnstone worked alongside Russell Sage Studio to deliver Ardbeg’s vision for a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience.

www.tjl.com 

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 Highland Single Malt whisky and Ardbeg Islay Single Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.