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In the 17th Century kitchens of Versailles, sugar met fire to create something extraordinary: the very first recipe for the crème brûlée. Now, that same spirit of indulgence and innovation returns – not on a plate, but in your glass.
A whisky where flavour rules and fire transforms sugar into delicious extravagances.
Brûlée Royale is here.
Arran 13 Years Old Private Cask Shop Exclusive
Introducing specially selected and bottled exclusively for Aberdeen Whisky Shop – Arran 13 Years Old Private Cask. Distilled on the 3rd of April 2012 and aged in a single ex-Sherry cask before bottling on the 27th May 2025. Bottled at cask strength of 56.6% ABV, at natural colour and no chill filtration. Limited to 292 bottles.
£95.00
This issue, we’re all about collaboration — whether within communities, between brands, or across disciplines. On the cover, Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has joined up with Chivas Regal to become the blended Scotch brand’s new global brand ambassador. We find out more about what the partnership means for Chivas Regal.
Bimber Distillery announces the launch of The Spirit of the Underground Release No.8
London 08/10/25: Bimber Distillery has today announced the launch of the eighth release in its ongoing and renowned The Spirit of the Underground Collection, produced in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL). facilitated by IMG Licensing.
Release No. 8, comprising four exceptional, hand-crafted single malts, embarks on a journey to celebrate four iconic new stations: Elephant and Castle, Marble Arch, South Kensington, and Kew Gardens.
Each release features stunning iconography that captures a unique facet of London’s rich history, paired with distinctive labels and packaging that reflect the historical significance of each station’s location.
All expressions in The Spirit of the Underground Collection were crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced using single-farm barley, malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings. It underwent a seven-day fermentation in bespoke American oak washbacks, constructed on-site. Distillation took place in Bimber’s direct fire, copper pot stills which possess an increased copper surface area, which results in a rich fruit-forward, layered spirit.
Bottled at natural cask strength and without filtration, each bottle in Release No. 8 showcases a unique yet perfectly harmonious balance of aromas and flavours, embodying Bimber’s passion and craftsmanship.
The Spirit of the Underground Release No.8 is comprised of:
| The Spirit of the Underground – Elephant and Castle
Re-Charred Cask Ref: 381/54 Nose: Juicy red apples and ripe pineapple, enriched with creamy crème brûlée, warming mixed spice, and deep oak character. Palate: Toffee apples and vanilla-poached pears, layered with aniseed twists, a spark of fresh ginger, and charred oak depth.
Finish: Long and evolving, carrying layers of toffee apple and warming spice. 320 bottles 70cl 56.5% abv |
The Spirit of the Underground – Kew Gardens
Ex-Bourbon Cask Ref: 253 Nose: Inviting layers of vanilla and caramel, bright citrus zest, gentle spice, and warm baked apples. Palate: Delicate notes of lemon drizzle cake alongside creamy vanilla, rich caramel, sweet oak, and a touch of wood spice. Finish: Long and lingering with a sweet, gently spiced warmth. 278 bottles 70cl 57.4% abv |
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The Spirit of the Underground – Marble Arch Tawny Port Cask Ref: 531/48 Nose: Bright raspberries with layers of toffee, vanilla sponge cake, baking spices, and rich oak. Palate: A vibrant red berry compote, spiced with cinnamon sticks, complemented by smooth vanilla and sweet oak. Finish: Red berries and warm baking spices carrying through. 340 bottles 70cl 56.9% abv |
The Spirit of the Underground – South Kensington Ex-Bourbon Cask Ref: 409 Nose: Fresh Granny Smith apples with notes of lemon muffins, buttered toast, and a touch of wood spice. Palate: Bright lemon curd tart drizzled with honey, layered with anise, white pepper, and toasted oak. Finish: Long and balanced, unfolding with lemon, honey sweetness, and gentle spice. 262 bottles 70cl 58.1% abv |
The Spirit of the Underground Collection, which will total 44 individual releases, features a selection of iconic single malt whiskies that celebrate the heritage and diversity of the distillery’s home city. With eye-catchingly unique designs, each bottle presents a different Tube station on the London Underground network – the oldest underground passenger railway service in the world.
Commenting on the launch of the eighth release, Steve Rush, Head of Marketing and Communications at Bimber Distillery, said: “We’re delighted to reveal the next four stations joining The Spirit of the Underground Collection. Two of these remarkable expressions have been matured exclusively in Ex-Bourbon Barrels, whilst the other two have been finished in a Tawny Port and a Re-Charred Cask – each contributing its own unique character to our fruit-forward single malt London whisky. Four new whiskies – each as distinctive as the iconic stations they celebrate.”
Ellen Sankey, Brand Licensing Manager at TfL, said: “It’s wonderful to see Bimber Distillery use our unique brand and heritage so creatively for this, their eighth collaboration with us. These collaborations show just how innovatively our designs can be used to bring new ideas and more than 160 years of history together for customers across the world.”
Release No. 8 will be available via ballot on Bimber’s Spirit of the Underground website from 10/10/25 to 14/10/25, with an RRP of £135.00 each.
About Bimber: Founded in 2015, Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. Our traditionally-focussed approach to whisky creation combines the finest ingredients with heritage production methods that are rarely seen today and an absolute commitment to quality. Our detailed approach has seen us recognised as a leading light in whisky production and garnered multiple industry awards. Producing a wide array of fruit-forward, textural single malts we deliver the ultimate craft whisky experience to a rapidly growing global community of Bimber whisky lovers.
About Transport for London: Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s strategy and commitments on transport. It runs the day-to-day operation of the Capital’s public transport network, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, London Buses and Elizabeth line services, as well as managing London’s main roads. TfL does all it can to support the millions of journeys that are made every day and keep the city moving, working and growing. TfL reinvests all income generated through fares and commercial revenue to run and improve services and is committed to reducing costs.
About IMG Licensing: IMG Licensing is the global leader in brand licensing, managing licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. With over 25 offices worldwide, IMG Licensing provides a unique one-stop-solution for innovative brand growth across a diverse portfolio of clients from business, entertainment, fashion, food, gaming and sports. IMG Licensing is part of WME Group, a global network of businesses that represent the world’s leading talent, intellectual property, and brands. For more information, visit imglicensing.com.
Tomintoul Distillery marks 60 years with team spirit spanning generations
Speyside single malt distillery, Tomintoul, is raising a toast to two major milestones in 2025: 60 years since it first began crafting its signature single malt, and 25 years under the stewardship of Angus Dundee Distillers.
At the core of its story are the people who have made Tomintoul what it is today. Four members of the original distillery team are still shaping its success today – Neil Robertson, blend centre supervisor and Andrew Lawson, head warehouseman, who were both part of the team before Angus Dundee Distillers took ownership in 2000, alongside Robert Fleming, distilleries director and master distiller, and Nikki Brand, PA to the distilleries director. Together, their decades of service embody the loyalty, craftsmanship and community spirit that define Tomintoul and offer a living bridge between its proud past and bright future.
Angus Dundee Distillers purchased Tomintoul Distillery from Whyte & Mackay in August 2000. Just days later, the very first cask under new ownership was filled – a moment witnessed and signed by key members of the team, including fourth-generation distiller Robert Fleming, who has gone on to lead the distillery and help build Tomintoul’s international reputation.
To commemorate these special anniversaries, members of the distillery team gathered to enjoy a dram of Tomintoul Single Malt in the warehouse, next to the very first cask.
Master distiller Robert Fleming, who last year celebrated his own career milestone with a remarkable five decades in the Scotch whisky industry, said: “Reaching our 60th anniversary is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone who’s been part of Tomintoul’s journey. From the heart of Speyside, we’ve shared our whisky with the world, and this milestone is a moment to raise a glass to that achievement – and everything still to come.
“Tomintoul has always been about more than just great whisky – it’s about the people who make it. To have Neil, Andrew, Nikki and myself still here 25 years on says everything about the pride and commitment of the team. This is as much a celebration of them, and of our community, as it is of the whisky itself.”
Tomintoul is known as an exceptionally smooth and complex handcrafted whisky thanks to the natural environment surrounding the distillery – from the fresh mountain air of the Cairngorms National Park to the soft, pure water from the Ballantruan Spring.
Earlier this year, its award-winning Tomintoul Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish launched in over 60 Tesco stores across the country, offering whisky lovers and those new to the category the opportunity to experience the depth and indulgent flavours that make Tomintoul so special.
The distillery also reinforced its community roots by pledging its continued support for the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, entering its second year as the official spirits partner of the voluntary emergency service.
Robert added: “From its beginnings in 1965 to its global reputation today, Tomintoul remains a distillery built on people, place and passion – and the next chapter looks just as promising.”
Visit www.TomintoulWhisky.com to find out more.
Tomintoul Distillery
Tomintoul Distillery is nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, within the whisky producing region of Speyside. The distillery, established in 1965, is named after the nearby village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland.
Tomintoul’s signature range includes the popular 10-Year-Old, 14-Year-Old and 16-Year-Old, as well as the multi-award-winning Cigar Malt and premium 21-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old.
We’re incredibly proud to share that Glengoyne Mizunara Oak has been awarded a Trophy Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2025 – one of only 9 trophies awarded out of 450 Scotch whisky entries this year.
The ISC Trophy Medal is based purely on taste, and assessed by a panel of judges within the industry in a blind tasting set up. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the craft, character and innovation behind this exceptional expression.
A whisky that’s as rare as the award itself. Matured in Glengoyne’s classic first-fill sherry and refill casks for ten years, then further matured for six long years in rare Mizunara Oak.
A Patient Masterpiece
Nose
Soft vanilla and sweet toffee, laced with sandalwood and hints of Japanese incense.
Palate
Warming spices, coconut, crisp green apples, and a whisper of liquorice.
Finish
Long, luxurious, and floral, like cherry blossom carried on a spring breeze.
Presented at 53.4% ABV, this 16 Year Old single malt whisky offers depth, complexity, and quiet poise.
Rooted in tradition. Raised in oak.
Slàinte Mhath,
Robbie Hughes
Distillery Manager
Experience the exceptional refinement of Scallywag 13 Years Old, the latest release in our Signature Series, available exclusively on douglaslaing.com. This extraordinary expression has been expertly crafted and matured for 13 years in the finest Spanish Sherry Oak Casks, delivering a rich and indulgent flavour profile that embodies the true spirit of Scallywag.
Inspired by a long line of Douglas Laing family Fox Terriers, Scallywag Malt Scotch Whisky is a marriage of aged Speyside Single Malts matured predominantly in Spanish Sherry casks. The resulting Whisky reveals an explosion of rich, dark fruits, chocolate and spice interwoven with late vanilla. Award-winning Scallywag is bottled and released in genuinely small, precious batches. Part of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.
Our newest Creators Collection, Peat Plants II is the ultimate flight in West Coast peat. It’s a bold return to Scotland’s Western Isles, where wind, sea, and fire shape whiskies of raw intensity. Drawing from Islay, Mull and beyond, this collection dives deep into the medicinal heart of peat – denser, darker, and rich with salt air and smoke. These are elemental drams that howl with coastal character and blaze with untamed spirit. Peat Plants II: Elemental whiskies from Scotland’s Western Isles launches today, Friday, 10 October.
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!
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