FEBRUARY 2026 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

Finally, our first auction of 2026 is underway! We have a small but mighty auction this month and true to form it’s packed with interesting bottles, like this newest offering from Macallan. Diamonds Are Forever was the seventh James Bond film, marking Sean Connery’s return as 007 and his final official appearance in the famous spy franchise. First aired in 1971, the plot follows Bond investigating diamond smuggling to uncover a plot by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Charles Gray) to use the gems in a laser-weapon satellite. Released in early 2026 to mark the 55th anniversary of the film, this bottling was distilled in 2007, a clear nod to the franchise.

Matured in bespoke hybrid Casks of Sherry-seasoned European and American oak and (unusually for Macallan) the addition of American Oak Casks that had previously held red wine. Aged for 18 years then bottled at 45.5% abv with the last two numbers of the abv percentage thought to signify the number of years since the blockbuster James Bond film was first aired. This limited edition expression shows not only an age statement but also the year of distillation and is bound to be a wee gem in this month’s auction.

Distilled at the Mortlach Distillery, aged for 19 years and then bottled at natural Cask strength in 2002, this Manager’s Dram is one of the iconic bottlings made available to the workers of the distilleries in what is now the Diageo portfolio. Annually released from a single distillery, the manager is tasked to choose the finest casks to produce this yearly malt, which is then bottled at Cask strength in limited numbers.

One of only 12,000 produced, this fascinating Bowmore was released in 1999 as a limited edition. Although the distillation date is not indicated, It’s thought that the expression was distilled some time in the 1980’s, matured using a combination of Bourbon Barrels and Sherry Casks then finished for a final period of 18 months in Bordeaux Wine Casks from wineries owned by Suntory.

Dalbeallie Dram was bottled in honour of the local train station situated beside the Tamdhu distillery, nestling in close proximity to the river Spey. The train station actually played an important part in the history of the much loved Speyside distillery, with the trains carrying consignments of Spanish Sherry Casks there. Released in 2018 during the annual Spirit of Speyside Festival, Dalbeallie Dram was completely matured in Sherry Casks and bottled at Cask strength. This is one of only 1,000 bottles produced.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our February auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 22^ndFebruary from 8pm GMT.

Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

$274.99

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Whisky Advocate

Earthy notes of dried leaves, wet wool, and a hint of maltiness start things off on the nose, then citrus and red apple. The palate is sweet and balanced, offering warm apple tart, cinnamon, cooked blueberries, raisins, toffee, and Christmas cake, with a slight and appealing hint of soapiness. A lengthy finish brings chocolate cake, glazed orange, pfeffernusse cookies, and winter spice. A delicious holiday warmer. (DF, Winter-2021)

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

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

This month, we’re encouraging you to try a blind tasting. Aside from offering a new way to fall in love with flavour, it’s one of the easiest ways to explore what you enjoy in a whisky. Take away the name and Tasting Note or the flavour profile and see what happens.

One thing that you don’t have to go into blind is the quality of what’s in your glass. There’s a reason our Tasting Panel get into the good stuff before you. While their job is the stuff of dreams for many a member, their work ensures that you never get a dull dram.

So throw on the blindfold and open your mind to what’s in your glass – what you find might surprise you…

READ ABOUT BLIND TASTINGS

MORE ABOUT THE TASTING PANEL

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

The Rt. Hon. John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland Officially Opens Luss Distillery

First Minister unveiled the new landmark visitor experience from Loch Lomond Group 

The Rt. Hon. John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland, officially opened Luss Distillery, a new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor experience by Loch Lomond Group on the banks of Loch Lomond, marking one of the most significant new whisky tourism investments in Scotland in recent years.

Unveiled ahead of the peak tourist season, Luss Distillery represents a major commitment by Loch Lomond Group to Scotland’s spirits industry, rural tourism, and long-term economic growth, while creating new employment opportunities and supporting the local community.

Situated in the heart of the historic village of Luss, at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, the new destination has been designed as an immersive discovery experience for whisky and gin connoisseurs, as well as those newly curious about Scotch whisky and premium spirits.

The purpose-built site comprises four distinctive buildings, including a working distillery, immersive whisky and gin discovery areas, a dedicated tasting room, retail space, and a café overlooking Loch Lomond. Together, they form a vibrant brand home for Loch Lomond Group’s multi-award-winning whiskies and spirits. The retail experience also showcases the Group’s wider portfolio, including Glen Scotia and Littlemill single malts, alongside other premium spirits and Champagne.

Following a soft opening in late 2025, Luss Distillery is expected to welcome up to one million visitors during 2026, capitalising on Luss’s status as one of Scotland’s most visited locations and a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers.

During the official opening event, the First Minister toured the new distillery and visitor experience, reflecting on the economic contribution of Scotch whisky and the positive impact the project will bring to the region, before unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Following the visit, Loch Lomond Group presented the First Minister with a bespoke bottle of Loch Lomond 14-Year-Old Luss Exclusive Cask, featuring personalised engraving. One of just 291 bottles produced, the exclusive release showcases the distillers’ unrivalled capability in flavour creation and is available only at Luss Distillery.

Colin Matthews, Founder and CEO of Loch Lomond Group and Council Member of the Scotch Whisky Association, said:

“Scotland is celebrated worldwide for its tourism, its exceptional Scotch whisky and spirits, and the natural beauty of places such as Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands. At Luss Distillery, we have brought these elements together to create a truly memorable destination – one that welcomes seasoned whisky and gin enthusiasts, as well as those curious to discover the people, place, the craft and passion behind our brands.

“We have long held ambitions to open a destination like this here on the banks of Loch Lomond, and it is a real privilege to have the First Minister mark this occasion with us as we look ahead to a busy spring and summer season.

“Scotland’s spirits sector is facing challenging times, which makes continued investment more important than ever. As one of the largest independent distillers in Scotland, we remain steadfast in our commitment to quality, history, authenticity and innovation, and we will continue to play a prominent role in developing Scotch whisky and the wider spirits industry to ensure it remains relevant, exciting and appealing to modern consumers.

“We call on the First Minister and colleagues across the political spectrum to continue their strong support for this great historic industry and the meaningful contribution it makes to Scotland and the wider UK.”

Colin concluded: “Every detail at Luss has been designed to celebrate the character of our spirits and the extraordinary landscape that inspires them, and we look forward to welcoming visitors throughout 2026.”

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney said: “It has been a pleasure to open the new Luss Distillery on the banks of Loch Lomond. The distillery and visitor centre not only adds to the quality of the tourism offering in Luss but also to Scotland’s international reputation as a world class destination for visitors.

“This investment by the Loch Lomond Group is extremely welcome, particularly when there are serious challenges impacting on the whisky sector, both at home and abroad.

“The spirits sector may be defined by its 170 export markets, its approximately £5.3 billion contribution to the Scottish economy, and the thousands of jobs it sustains, but it is the history and stories behind it, like those told here, that capture people’s imagination and bring visitors from across the world. Telling the story of the history and quality of our produce and its importance to Scotland’s economy, like that at Luss Distillery, is a key priority of my government and we will continue to do all we can to support this vital industry.”

The design and experiential concept for Luss Distillery was led by Scottish creative studio Paul Hodgkiss Designs, alongside Diverse Contracts and brand experience agency Hot Pickle, working with a wider team to deliver the construction and realisation of the project. From the earliest stages, the vision was to create a building that belongs to its setting rather than competes with it, drawing inspiration from the natural rhythms of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

The result is a contemporary distillery that celebrates sustainability, heritage, and community in equal measure.

Luss Distillery will be open daily from 10am to 5pm.

For more information, visit https://lussdistillery.com/

For more information about The Loch Lomond Group, visit www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the Loch Lomond Group

Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria, Scotland and is home to many multi-award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.

Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.

Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. www.lochlomondgroup.com

Embark on an extraordinary Islay journey with this Bruichladdich 32 Year Old 1991, part of the Old & Rare Platinum range and drawn from a Single Refill Hogshead. Limited to just 35 bottles, this unpeated expression demonstrates Bruichladdich’s signature coastal elegance—featuring refined notes of sea air, orchard fruit, and soft oak polished by over three decades of patient maturation. Unchill-filtered and bottled at natural strength, it offers a pristine window into Bruichladdich’s artisanal approach.

£619.49 GBP

Nose: A gentle marine freshness meets delicate pear, subtle citrus, and a faint backdrop of malt sweetness, elevated by light floral hints Palate: Creamy waves of vanilla, honeyed cereal, and soft apple, underscored by a balancing note of salty brine that reflects its Islay origins Finish: Long and gracefully warming, revealing sweet barley, mild oak spice, and a lingering whisper of sea breeze as it fades.

• Exemplifies Bruichladdich’s unpeated Islay style at a venerable 32-year age
• Single refill hogshead maturation imparts delicate, nuanced oak influence without overpowering the spirit’s maritime charm
• Part of the Old & Rare Platinum lineup, guaranteeing exceptional rarity and impeccable cask selection
• Only 35 bottles worldwide, making it a trophy addition for connoisseurs and collectors

Celebrate the harmonious marriage of Islay’s coastal identity and Bruichladdich’s refined spirit in this truly exclusive release—where over three decades of aging produce a whisky of incomparable grace and character.

In Whisky Conference

11 March 2026

The Scotch Whisky industry is coming together!

Join us for a full day of insight, discussion, and connection at the

In Whisky Conference 2026.

Whether you’re focused on growth, sustainability, innovation, or leadership, this is the event designed to explore the challenges — and opportunities — shaping the future of whisky.

📅 Wednesday 11 March 2026

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, Cambridge Street, Glasgow

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now – secure your spot today!

BOOK DELEGATE TICKETS

 Exclusive Whiskies

We have a selection of whiskies that you’ll only find at The Whisky Exchange and nowhere else. Explore our exclusive range of bottles including our Blair Athol 2007 from the Winter Collection, the Jameson 22 Year Old Small Batch or the Redbreast 19 Year Old.

​SHOP NOW

ralfy review 1115 – Lagg N.A.S. Palo Cortado Fin: @56.2%vol:

 Jim Beam and Kenan Thompson Encourage Disappointed Football Fans to Turn Lemons Into Jim Beam & Lemonade with an Exclusive Kit That Aims To “Refresh Your Season”