ralfy review 1079 – Famous Grouse (Auction & vintage circa 1990’s) – Scotch Whisky News
May 23rd, 2025
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Douglas Laing continues exclusive Old Particular Wine Cask Collection with the release of two new limited-edition bottlings. – Scotch Whisky News
May 22nd, 2025
Douglas Laing continues exclusive Old Particular Wine Cask Collection with the release of two new limited-edition bottlings.
Douglas Laing & Co. today proudly announces the continuation of its Wine Cask Collection with the release of two exceptional Single Cask bottlings: Jura 13-Year-Old and the Fettercairn 14-Year-Old, each uniquely finished in hand-selected wine casks to enhance their distinct character.
Building on the success of last year’s Red Wine Cask Collection, this latest series once again explores the harmonious relationship between Scotch Whisky and the finest wine cask finishes. Douglas Laing’s Managing Director, Cara Laing, explains: “The art of whisky finishing is about complementing and elevating the spirit without overpowering its inherent charm. Our Old Particular Wine Cask Collection exemplifies this philosophy, offering whisky lovers a new dimension of flavour, complexity, and depth.”
The first two releases in this four-bottle series feature carefully matured Single Cask selections, each enriched by the influence of world-class wine casks:
- Jura 13-Year-Old – Finished in a Ruby Port Wine Cask, this Island Malt delivers a luscious medley of ripe plums and cherries on the nose, with a velvety palate of raspberry conserve, warming spices, and smooth honey’d malt. The long, complex finish reveals hints of stewed strawberries, floral notes, and rich cocoa.
- Fettercairn 14-Year-Old – A Highland Malt matured in a Red Pineau des Charentes Wine Cask. The nose entices with Malt and Highland honey, unfolding into ripe blackcurrant and figs. The palate is rich and warming, layered with juicy cherries, velvety cocoa and spiced oak. A long, indulgent finish lingers with caramelised sweetness, dried prunes and a final whisper of red fruit sophistication.
Both releases are bottled at 48.4% ABV, are non-chill filtered, and contain no added colouring, ensuring an authentic representation of the whisky in its purest form. With only 264 bottles of Jura 13-Year-Old and 222 bottles of Fettercairn 14-Year-Old available, these limited-edition expressions are expected to be highly sought after by whisky enthusiasts.
Key Bottle Details:
- Limited Single Cask releases.
- Hand-selected Wine Cask finishes.
- Presented in a premium black bottle.
- Accompanied by a bespoke neck tag with QR code for exclusive tasting video.
The Old Particular Wine Cask Collection is available now from select specialist retailers and online, with two further releases planned for later in the year.
ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.
www.douglaslaing.com
Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distiller, blender, and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single Malt and Grain Scotch Whiskies.
The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and remains family-owned, led by Fred Laing Jr. and his daughter, Cara Laing. Their philosophy is to bottle whisky as the distiller intended—at high strength, without chill filtration, and with its natural colour preserved—to showcase the whisky’s authentic character.
Douglas Laing’s award-winning portfolio includes its signature Remarkable Regional Malts, featuring The Epicurean, Timorous Beastie, Scallywag, The Gauldrons, Rock Island, and Big Peat. The company’s single cask range includes Provenance, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular and Premier Barrel, all renowned for their exceptional quality.
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The Friar John Cor Chapter 3 – Lindores Abbey | Now on Sale! – Abbey Whisky News
May 22nd, 2025
LINDORES ABBEY
THE FRIAR JOHN COR CHAPTER 3
The Friar John Cor series continues with this the third release in this magnificent story from Lindores Abbey Distillery! The Friar John Cor Chapter 3 has been crafted from Lowland single malt matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, Amontillado and Pedro Ximénez sherry butts. After vatting the whisky spent time back in those sherry butts to marry perfectly together. Bottled at natural cask strength, without additional colouring or chill-filtration. Pre-order this excellent limited edition release, with official launch date of 27th May 2025.
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House Of Suntory Toki at K&L California ~ Japanese Whisky News
May 22nd, 2025
House Of Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky
(750ml) $26.99 View
This blended whisky from Japanese powerhouse distiller Suntory is specifically formulated for a classic highball, made by mixing one part Toki with three parts sparkling water and serving over ice. Distillery notes: “A vivid blend of whiskies from Suntory’s Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries, Suntory Whisky Toki features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory Whisky blend: exquisite balance, harmony, and oneness. At the same time, its unique pairing of Hakushu American white oak cask malt whisky with Chita heavy-type grain whisky overturns the traditional hierarchy between malt and grain. These seemingly dissimilar but deeply accordant whiskies, together with select Yamazaki malts for additional depth and complexity, gives Suntory Whisky Toki its silky taste, vivid character, and bold inventiveness.”
Wine & Spirits ~ Review Date: 11/2016
While it may seem that our world is suddenly awash in Japanese single malts, the fact is that we’re already in a shortage. Last year, as demand continued to build for its limited stocks, Suntory took the age statement off its Hibiki, suggesting less of the precious older stocks were being used. This year, they’ve introduced Toki, a welcome addition to the portfolio. Whereas Hibiki is a burnished, complex sipper, Suntory’s latest release, Toki, is a light, bright, perky spirit with a surprising punch of flavor—apple, citrus and honey notes backed by a lingering smokiness. It makes an elegant summer whisky served on the rocks, but it also seems destined to usher the return of the whisky highball, which has become the drink of choice in Tokyo these days. It’s very refreshing when made as they do, stirred over rocks in a tall glass, then joined with super-bubbly soda water and a lemon twist. *Year’s Best Spirits 2016* (JM)
Whisky Advocate ~ Review Date: N/A
This is a handy core ingredient for many cocktails, combining single malts from Yamazaki and Hakushu with grain from Chita. Dying embers of burnt heather and aromas of sliced apples browning through careless neglect. A complex interplay between the smoky embers, roasted spices, tiger fruit, coriander, and whole peppercorn precedes a sweet taste of buttered popcorn, orchard fruit, and burnished orange, supported by increasingly provocative pepperiness. Quaffable and versatile. (JM, Fall 2017).
David Driscoll ~ Review Date: 05/2017
When the Suntory Toki first launched at $45, it was a bit of a stretch because of how hot the market was for Japanese whisky. I’m much more comfortable selling this in the mid-thirties, however, and with our new pricing we can do that. While you sip on your bottle of Yamazaki or Hakushu, you pour this one on the rocks, add some soda water, and make yourself a real mizuwari–the great whisky soda that dominates Japan’s drinking culture. The fruitiness on the nose really blossoms with the addition of bubbles, so don’t be shy here. Do Japanese whisky right and drink it how it’s intended!
Andrew Stevens~ Review Date: 06/2016
I, like so many others, really like a lot of what Suntory has to offer. There are so many wonderful whiskeys they put out, unfortunately many of these have gotten super expensive and rare. Fortunately, they are trying to fill in the gap with a more everyday whiskey, and the Toki is just the product to do that. A lightly fruited nose reminiscent of caramel apple and vanilla leads to a smooth and somewhat fruity whiskey. Baked apple and stone fruit notes are rounded with touches of vanilla and a somewhat creamy mouthfeel. Low heat finish rounds out the delightful little whiskey.
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
Douglas Laing Limited Time: Scallywag Port Cask Edition – Scotch Whisky News
May 22nd, 2025
Speyside
Scallywag Port Cask Finish
ABV: 48% | Vol: 70cl
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Scallywag’s Chocolate Edition #7, a tantalising fusion where the distinctive character of Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky harmoniously intertwines with the luxurious influence of the finest Port casks.
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Award-winning whiskies from around the world – The Whisky Exchange News
May 22nd, 2025
AWARD WINNING WHISKIES
We’ve put together an extensive list of award-winning whiskies, featuring standout bottles from the World Whiskies Awards and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. You’ll find the very finest expressions from distilleries like Yamazaki, Highland Park, Four Roses and Balvenie. Whether you’re choosing a gift or exploring something new, browse the collection today and and take home a truly exceptional whisky.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society ‘New Whisky Wanderers Casks’ – Scotch Whisky News
May 22nd, 2025
Our specially selected Whisky Wanderers casks are waiting to take you on an adventure. These wonderful whiskies celebrate the spirit of Scotland in unconventional ways that defy traditional expectations, and are available to buy NOW.
At the head of the trail, you’ll find our award-winning double gold beauty, Cask No. 12.87: Velvety smooth with a hint of spice. This incredible whisky was awarded Double Gold at this year’s International Spirits Challenge. Out of some 761 entries, only 19 casks in the competition were awarded this global accolade. Our Tasting Panel called it “breathtaking” and “truly irresistible.” We say, this 35-year-old Speyside whisky is one you need to try.
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
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Heaven Hill Distillery® Announces Release of 2025 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Launches Family Farms First™ Initiative
May 21st, 2025
Heaven Hill Distillery® Announces Release of 2025 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Launches Family Farms First™ Initiative
Through the Family Farms First Initiative, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is committing up to $300,000 through 2028 to support family farms in times of need.
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 2025) – Heaven Hill Distillery, America’s largest family-owned and operated distillery, proudly announces the launch of Family Farms First, an initiative dedicated to supporting family-owned farms, in partnership with nonprofit organization Farm Rescue. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is committed to celebrating and supporting the hardworking and passionate farm families who provide the high-quality ingredients essential to both America’s food supply and its finest whiskeys.
This milestone moment coincides with the release of the highly anticipated Second Edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This small-batch bourbon represents the next chapter in a story that begins with the seed and ends in the glass, highlighting Heaven Hill’s deep-rooted commitment to family, quality and craft.
Each annual edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass features a unique corn seed varietal, chosen in collaboration with Beck’s Hybrids to grow well in the soils of Central Kentucky. The 2025 release features corn seed varietal Beck’s 6225 and was grown by family-owned Peterson Farms on one of two sites in Nelson County, Kentucky. Made up of 52% corn, 35% rye and 13% malt, this unique mashbill, with a higher secondary grain content than Heaven Hill Distillery’s traditional bourbon recipe, was aged for six years at Heaven Hill’s Cox’s Creek rickhouse site. Non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel strength, the result is a 105 proof, richly layered spirit that showcases the integrity of family-farm-grown ingredients and the craftsmanship of Heaven Hill Distillery.
“In 2017, we embarked on a journey to create a one-of-a-kind Grain to Glass Whiskey by partnering with family-owned seed companies and farms,” said Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. “These innovative mash bills feature hand-selected, unique grain varieties grown locally by Kentucky family farms. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is a testament to the important legacy of family farmers, who are the lifeblood of our country.”
As Heaven Hill approaches its 90th anniversary in December 2025, the Family Farms First initiative underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting fellow family businesses—especially those within the agricultural community. The initiative is launching with a partnership with Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers overcome major hardships, injuries or natural disasters. Since 2005, Farm Rescue has provided free planting, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to over 1,000 farm families across eight states.
“Farm Rescue’s mission is to keep family farms intact during times of crises,” said Bill Gross, Founder and President of Farm Rescue. “Family farms, which make up 97% of U.S. farms, are vital to sustaining our communities and our future. Our collaboration with Heaven Hill Grain to Glass will bolster our ability to provide essential support to more farm families, ensuring they can continue their operations and sustain their livelihoods.”
Tim Sullivan, Executive Director of Farm Rescue, added, “Support from companies like Heaven Hill profoundly impacts our capacity to assist family farms in need. Their commitment to quality and community resonates deeply with our mission, and we are grateful for their partnership.” A portion of every sale of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass – up to $100,000 annually – will be donated to Farm Rescue.
“We are honored to partner with Farm Rescue as part of our Family Farms First initiative,” continued Shapira. “Their efforts align perfectly with our values at Heaven Hill, where we understand the dedication and resilience needed to keep a family business thriving for generations. This investment will make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who sustain our communities and our way of life.”
With every bottle of the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, consumers are not only enjoying a world-class whiskey but also directly supporting the families who cultivate the land it comes from—a bold spirit with a bold mission. Heaven Hill and Farm Rescue are working to ensure that American farm families don’t just survive, but thrive, for generations to come.
For more information about Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, visit: https://heavenhilldistillery.com/grain-to-glass/
For more information about Farm Rescue, visit: https://farmrescue.org/
About Heaven Hill Distillery
Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in nearly 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely®.
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Compass Box: Transparency – English Whisky News
May 21st, 2025
WHISKY IS FOR THE REBELS,
NOT THE RULE-MAKERS
We’ve just released Scot-Free – the world’s first English vatted malt which is made using whiskies from six different distilleries. Quite the departure from our Scotch roots, but with good reason. This one isn’t just about celebrating the growing English whisky scene. It’s about something that’s been a cornerstone of Compass Box since we started back in 2000: transparency.
TRANSPARENCY MATTERS
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have created their own robust single malt whisky Geographical Indications (GIs) that clearly define and authenticate their whisky production. The same is true for Australia and the USA. Each set of rules is slightly different, with those differences allowing distillers to reflect their place and culture.
England has proposed its own GI and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has publicly opposed it. This is despite the fact that England is seeking a definition of ‘single malt’ that Wales, and the USA, already have.
A GI is a kind of transparency: it clearly states that this whisky was made in this locality, to these standards. Words on a label mean something. There is more than one way to make delicious whisky, and differences are what make the world more interesting.
TRANSPARENCY TASTES GOOD
Take a bottle of our Orchard House. You’ll notice several technical details displayed on the label – like the fact it’s not chill-filtered and there’s no added colour – details we aren’t required to list but want to be upfront about.
Others think differently. They quietly add Caramel E150-A food colouring to their whiskies, both single malts and blends, without saying a word. It’s deceptive and wrong that producers aren’t obligated to give you this sort of information.
“Since 2000 the team at Compass Box have created a series of blended whiskies that push the boundaries of blended scotch. They started with the whisky itself, not only naming the component whiskies but telling consumers exactly what proportions they used.”
This quote from a Forbes article is one we’re really proud of, not least because it encapsulates what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. For anyone new around here, that article is also a good summary of our first 25 years of whiskymaking.
TRANSPARENCY MAKES A DIFFERENCE
We take a lot of inspiration from worlds beyond whisky, and one company that’s especially impressive on transparency is Tony’s Chocolonely. Their UK office is down the road from ours in Richmond, London.
Tony’s is focused on ending exploitation in the cocoa industry, and challenging their competitors’ opaqueness by being open and honest about their own sourcing, their challenges, and their progress. Just have a look at their website.
As we mention them, and given that we recently looked at how you can pair whisky and food, here are two transparently delicious pairings for the weekend ahead…
1. Orchard House & Tony’s Hazelnut Crunch
Our bright and fresh character in Orchard House finds a playful partner in the textured nuttiness.
2. Nectarosity & Tony’s Almond Honey Nougat
Nectarosity’s oaky richness complements that chewy sweetness in the chocolate.
A FINAL THOUGHT
Transparency is about doing what’s right. Sometimes that’s got us into trouble, like the time the Scotch Whisky Association said we could only disclose the age of the youngest component in our whisky – and no others – even though it made up less than 1% of it. No matter. We might ruffle a few feathers now and then, but ultimately you deserve to know what you’re drinking as you journey with us into uncharted territories of taste.
This is interesting
And this is interesting
And that’s very interesting
Last Chance Drams! – Abbey Whisky News
May 21st, 2025
Last Chance Drams!
We’ve listed below a small selection of products listed in our ‘Last Chance Drams‘ section over on our website. In this section we currently only have 1 bottle remaining in stock of that particular release and soon to be sold out! Grab one of these fine products while you still can. This section is always updating so worth visiting when browsing Abbey Whisky. As always, if you have any questions, please just get in touch.
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Slàinte
