Tomatin 14YO, 40%

I am ashamed to admit that I’ve never purchased a bottle of Tomatin single malt before. That might shock some and not others as there is so much choice in the world of whisky. This bottle was kindly sent to me form the folks at Tomatin due to its release in the US coming up quite soon. That aside, I am absolutely baffled by the amount of flavour that is kicking around in this bottle of whisky. It is easily one of the most complex and understated bottles of single malt whisky that I’ve ever tried. Layered with beeswax, honey, apricot, peach and dark chocolate. This bottle of Tomatin is something that has totally blown me away in regards to the flavour it has, and the way it delivers that flavour. This is outstanding and I apologise to Tomatin for not paying the brand as much attention as it clearly deserves.

THE REVIEW

ARDBEG COMMITTEE TOASTS TWO SPIRITED NEW LEADERS

< Distillery’s fans will be even closer to its drams, under Co-Chairs’ plans >

(Left to right: Jackie Thomson, Bryony McNiven and Gillian Macdonald)

The Ardbeg Committee today welcomes its next generation of leaders, as Distillery stalwart and Committee Chair Jackie Thomson passes the smoky torch to Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and Visitor Centre Planner Bryony McNiven, an Islay native. The first pair of Chairs in the Committee’s 25-year history, these peaty devotees seek to bring Ardbeg’s fans even closer to the Distillery’s whisky making, as they expound the joys of their smoky malt to whisky lovers everywhere.

The Committee was formed in 2000 to safeguard the future of Ardbeg, which had teetered on the brink of extinction just a few years before. Now more than 200,000 strong, it is made up of dedicated fans in more than 130 countries, all devoted to ensuring that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. This year, Committee members celebrate 25 years as guardians of the whisky they call The Ultimate Islay malt.

A mainstay at Ardbeg since its revival, Jackie has served as Distillery Centre Manager for 27 years, and Committee Chair for the last four. Renowned for her easy smile and relentless enthusiasm, she has welcomed visitors and championed Ardbeg’s cause in countless ways. Most memorably, leading the Distillery celebrations each year on Ardbeg Day, the annual celebration of all things Ardbeg, in her own inimitable way. Jackie’s extraordinary contribution to Ardbeg’s rise from the ashes has been duly recognised by her industry peers: in 2023, she was inducted into the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame.

Reflecting on her time at Ardbeg, Jackie said: “My mind is a-buzz with so many fantastic memories. From the outlandish costumes I’ve donned for Ardbeg Day to the musical extravaganzas we have hosted. We’ve survived power cuts, madcap experiments and a global pandemic. We have welcomed wedding parties, film crews and many Committee Members who have made the pilgrimage to Islay. It’s been a peaty privilege to get to know them all.

“I couldn’t think of two better women to pass the baton to. Bryony has worked alongside me as Ardbeg’s Visitor Centre Planner for the past seven years. And Gillian is Ardbeg’s Master Blender, no less. Together they have a shared knowledge of Ardbeg the whisky and Ardbeg the place, that is quite unique.”

As friends and colleagues who once worked side-by-side in Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team, Gillian and Bryony have bold plans to continue Jackie’s work – and to do even more to integrate the Committee’s views into Ardbeg’s whisky making. Gillian said: “It goes without saying that Jackie will be sorely missed by our Committee and by all at Ardbeg. Hers are big boots to fill, but Bryony and I will do our best as Co-Chairs – perhaps by wearing one each!

“In my role as Ardbeg’s Master Blender, some of my favourite moments have been creating Committee releases and letting them loose on the people whose opinion really matters. I’ve always loved meeting and talking to the Ardbeg faithful, then going back to the lab with their fiery passion ringing in my ears. As Chair, I’m excited to bring the fans and the drams even closer together.”

Following in the footsteps of her father, who worked at Ardbeg for 35 years, Bryony said: “I’ve lived and breathed Ardbeg all my life, being the daughter of a stillman. For a while I was based in Sweden as an Ardbeg brand ambassador, before working alongside Gillian in the Whisky Creation Team. But the Distillery is where my heart is, so now I’m back on Islay where my job in the Visitor Centre is to make Ardbeg the most welcoming Distillery on Earth. As Committee Chair, I can’t wait to pick up where Jackie has left off – sharing good drams, spreading the Ardbeg love and having fun!”

To play a part in the Distillery’s future and keep up to date with all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee for free at ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee

www.ardbeg.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Instagram: @ardbeg

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 130 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.

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.

About Jackie Thomson

A leading light in the Distillery’s rise from the ashes to its cult status today, Jackie has been in charge of Ardbeg’s Visitor Centre since it officially opened its doors in 1998. Since then, she has been instrumental in creating an engaging and welcoming experience, making the Distillery a must-visit destination for visitors to Islay. What is more, Jackie has orchestrated the iconic Ardbeg Day celebrations for two decades, ensuring that it is one of the biggest days in the Distillery’s calendar and the crescendo of Islay’s annual Fèis Ìle festival of music and malt.

In 2021, Jackie became Chair of the Committee. Bringing her infectious enthusiasm to the role, she has inspired new single malt drinkers and Ardbeg enthusiasts across the globe.  From her outlandish Ardbeg Day costumes, to her unusual choice of vessel from which to drink Ardbeg (a Viking horn), Jackie has set a high Ardbeggian bar for her successors. 

About Gillian Macdonald

With 13 years at Ardbeg under her belt, Master Blender and Head of Whisky Creation Gillian knows more about creating the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt than almost anyone else. On a daily basis she ensures the quality of Ardbeg’s permanent whiskies, and noses hundreds of casks each year, destined for new releases. Gillian, who became the UK’s first female distiller when she joined the industry in 2003, holds a first-class Honours degree in Chemistry with Industrial Experience. A self-confessed “tramp-through-a-peat-bog” kind of Ardbeggian, she also has a real soft spot for Shortie, Ardbeg’s canine mascot.

About Bryony McNiven

Bryony’s ties to Ardbeg run deep — her dad was a stillman at Ardbeg for 35 years. A summer job during her chemistry studies led to roles as a brand ambassador in Sweden and six years in the Whisky Creation Team. She returned to Islay in 2018 as Visitor Centre Planner, where no two days are the same. From leading tours to sharing drams and keeping the visitor centre ticking over, Bryony is proud to call her favourite place in the world home.

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.

Our June auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) Friday 13th June until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 22nd June 2025.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Glenlivet – 55 Year Old (The Eternal Collection) First Edition

Karuizawa – 35 Year Old (1981) Single Cask #6183 (Dekanta) Tokyo & Osaka Cities of Japan

 Hanyu – Ichiro’s Malt Card Series (Diamonds)

 Midleton – Very Rare (Forêt de Tronçais) Edition 1

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

A Glengoyne Single Cask, Exclusive to Selfridges. Arriving Soon.

A Whisky Worth the Wait

For 14 years, Cask No. 1013 has been carefully maturing its whisky magic. Now, an extraordinary moment approaches. On 18th June, we proudly introduce a Glengoyne Single Cask, Exclusive to Selfridges.

This dram delivers notes of spiced stewed fruits, salted caramel chocolate, and toasted oak. It promises a rich, sensory experience unlike any other. Only 259 bottles exist, making this a rare treasure for true connoisseurs. Available from Selfridges online and across UK stores from 18th June.

LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE

As ever at Little Brown Dog we are only able to bottle a small number of each of our releases. We choose them carefully, each one is a whisky we’d drink ourselves, each one is different, there’s something special about it, that’s why we chose it. We like nothing better than talking about whisky and answering any questions you might have, so find us on social media. All of our available releases are on our website too.

VIEW ALL PRODUCTS

Our Two to One whiskies are ultra small-batch bottlings created by our whisky team to take you on flavour journeys you won’t find anywhere else. In this month’s Outturn, we have three different sherry cask-matured delights ready for you to explore.

ALL TWO TO ONE BOTTLINGS

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

WHISKIES FOR SUMMER

Whisky isn’t just for winter.

The long and peaceful evenings of June allow for contemplative sipping outdoors, perhaps with something complex and elegant like the Benriach 2008 we released for The Seasons: Summer collection. This single cask was chosen for its summery notes of mango sticky rice, vanilla ice cream, warm toffee and a touch of smoke. The right dram makes summer all the more memorable.

SHOP NOW

LOST LANTERN LAUNCHES SUMMER 2025 ESTATE DISTILLERY COLLECTION

Celebrating the Rise of Farm Distilleries in America

Vergennes, VT (June 3, 2025) — Lost Lantern, the award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey, is proud to announce its Summer 2025 Collection, celebrating the rise of estate distilleries, one of the most exciting trends in American whiskey today.

Estate distilleries—those that make whiskey using grain grown entirely on their own land—make spirits with a true sense of place, shaped by the climate, the land, and the people who steward it. While estate wineries have long been celebrated in the wine world, true estate distilleries were almost unheard of until recently. Out of more than 3,000 distilleries in the United States, only a small handful grow their own grain. Lost Lantern’s new collection fêtes four that do: Frey Ranch (NV), Corbin Cash (CA), and new partners Whiskey Acres (IL) and Far North Spirits (MN).

“Though they come from different corners of the country and vastly different climates, these distilleries share a common ethos: crafting whiskies that truly reflect the land, while also prioritizing its stewardship,” explains Lost Lantern Co-Founder Nora Ganley-Roper.

“It’s no surprise that all are four are founded and owned by multi-generational farming families who’ve worked their land for a century or more,” adds Co-Founder Adam Polonski. “Now they have found a new way to share the bounty of their land with whiskey lovers across the country.”

Rooted in that heritage and commitment to place, Lost Lantern’s Summer Collection also introduces two new estate blends, called Farmers’ Fields Bourbon and Farmers’ Fields Rye. These limited-edition blends are unique to the Collection and feature Lost Lantern’s signature navy label, denoting a multi-distillery blend, along with a color-coded strip over the closure: red for bourbon, green for rye.

The collection will be available starting Wednesday, June 25th via LostLanternWhiskey.com, Seelbachs.com, select retailers in CA, NY, MA, RI, and at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT. All releases are non-chill-filtered, bottled at cask strength, and have no added color.

FARMERS’ FIELDS ESTATE BLENDS

Farmers’ Fields Bourbon

117.9 Proof | 428 bottles | $100

A blend of estate-grown straight bourbons from Far North (MN), Frey Ranch (NV), and Whiskey Acres (IL). Bold, rich, and earthy.

Farmers’ Fields Rye

117.4 Proof | 538 bottles | $100

A rich, spicy, fresh, and herbal whiskey made from a blend of estate-grown ryes from Corbin Cash (CA), Far North (MN), Frey Ranch (NV), and Whiskey Acres (IL).

SINGLE CASK RELEASES

Frey Ranch Estate-Grown Nevada Straight Bourbon

125.3 Proof | 200 bottles | 6 Years Old | $100

Frey Ranch Distillery in northern Nevada is a fifth-generation family farm turned estate distillery. This straight bourbon (67% corn, 12% malted barley, 11% rye, 10% wheat) showcases rich notes of cornbread, cinnamon, and oak, with a warm, earthy palate of cherry pie and vanilla ice cream. Available exclusively in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Whiskey Acres Estate-Grown Illinois Straight Bourbon

118.1 Proof | 176 bottles | 5 Years Old | $100

Whiskey Acres in DeKalb, IL is a fifth-generation family farm with a focus on unique grain varietals and modern farming. This straight bourbon (75% yellow dent corn, 15% wheat, 10% malted barley) is bright and balanced, with notes of honeyed cornbread, nutmeg, and roasted coffee. The palate is soft and rounded, with layers of oak, spice, vanilla, and caramel.

Frey Ranch Estate-Grown Nevada Straight Rye

118.5 Proof | 230 bottles | 6 Years Old | $100

Lost Lantern’s first Frey Ranch straight rye was made from 100% winter rye and aged in a 53-gallon barrel. It opens with bold aromas of mint chocolate brownies and warm oak, followed by a bright, fresh palate of mint chip ice cream, vanilla, and balanced oak spice. Deep, complex, and full of flavor.

Corbin Cash Estate-Grown California Straight Rye

133 Proof | 108 bottles | 7 Years Old | $130

Corbin Cash Distillery in California’s Central Valley began as a century-old sweet potato farm but always grew rye as a cover crop. This hot-climate straight rye, made from 100% Merced rye, is rich and intense, with baking spice, full oak, and notes of marzipan, golden raisin, and honey-drizzled almond cake. Perfectly balanced. Online exclusive.

Far North Estate-Grown Minnesota Straight Rye

111.5 Proof | 226 bottles | 4 Years Old | $100

Far North Spirits, the northernmost distillery in the contiguous U.S., grows rye and corn on a century-old family farm. Lost Lantern’s first MN single cask is a straight rye (65% Hazlet rye, 25% heirloom corn, 10% malted barley) with aromas of lemon bars, vanilla buttercream, and herbs. The palate is grain-forward and custardy, with layers of rye spice, pink peppercorn, and fresh grass—a classic cold-climate rye.

Frey Ranch Estate-Grown Nevada Straight Wheat Whiskey

121.3 Proof | 233 bottles | 6 Years Old | $100

Made from 100% soft white winter wheat, this has a warm, spicy, fruity nose, with notes of cherry blossoms and spring flowers. The soft, creamy palate has hints of strawberries and cream, rounded oak, and gentle spice. Like all the best straight wheat whiskies, this is subtle and complex yet with real heft.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, Vermont. Named Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Lost Lantern has also seen both founders honored as Drinks Innovators of the Year by SevenFifty Daily and named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40 for 2025.

Lost Lantern seeks out the most distinctive whiskies from across the U.S., releasing them as single casks and blends, always with a commitment to transparency. The company has now featured whiskies from more than three dozen distilleries in over 20 states.

For more information, to explore current and past releases, visit the tasting room, or sign up for the newsletter or Discovery Club, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @lostlanternwhiskey.

Ardnamurchan “Single Barrel #75″ K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $129.99 View

The spectacular Ardnamurchan distillery on the far western coast of Scotland is without a doubt one of the top new distillers in Scotland. Owned by Adelphi Distillers Ltd, the famous bottler of high quality single cask single malt, they’ve spared no expense at creating the most sustainable distillery, achieving 2024 ‘Global Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ in the Whisky Magazine’s Icon’s of Whisky awards. This single cask of cask strength single malt was filled into a fresh ex-Old Forester bourbon barrel with Ardnamurchan’s unpeated malt on February 24th, 2017 and bottled at full cask strength on March 19th, 2025, more than 8 years later despite the 7 year age statement. Distilled from Concerto malt sourced from Broomhall farm. The distillery records and makes public every detail of the process and your bottle includes a QR code linking you to that information. This is the very first Ardnamurchan single cask ever bottled for a retailer in the USA.

Ardnamurchan distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery on the Ardnamurchan peninsula of Lochaber in the Highlands, Scotland.The distillery is considered one of the remotest distilleries in Scotland and takes its name from the peninsula. The distillery was built and is owned by Adelphi, an independent bottling company. Plans for the distillery were submitted in 2011 and approved by the local council in April 2012. The construction began in 2013 and the distillery was completed in May 2014.

Ardnamurchan commenced production in 2014. The first official whisky of the distillery (meeting the 3-year statutory requirements) was released in 2017. In 2018, local children were given a charitable gift of Ardnamurchan whisky casks as an investment. As of 2020, the distillery had filled over 10,000 casks.

The distillery is powered by renewable energy to reduce the carbon footprint of the distillery. It is powered by both hydro-electric power and a large bio-mass boiler using timber from the nearby Ardnamurchan forest. The boiler provides heat to the distillery floor maltings. The distillery draws the water for its whisky production from springs above the distillery and uses the nearby Glenmore river as a source for cooling water.

The distillery produces two styles, peated and unpeated West Highland whiskies.

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