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We’re here to make sure your drinks cabinet is well-stocked as we welcome the longer, sunnier days of June. We’ve got offers on some of our favourite Islay single malts, as well as plenty more stunning whiskies to experience – perhaps outdoors under dappled sunlight.
Remember, whisky isn’t just for winter.
Adam introduces Whisky Folk to a new partner in whisky – Signatory! These three whiskies are stunning value for money, and each offers a little something unique. Get your tickets for the upcoming Whisky Showcase featuring EIGHT more Signatory releases, and come visit us in store to sample these three beauties!
Tomatin’s 12 Year Old Sherry Cask makes its US debut
Award-winning Highland distillery, Tomatin, has announced that its latest addition to its core range, the 12 Year Old Sherry Cask, is now available in the USA.
Available nationwide, the whisky has been fully matured in sherry casks for 12 years.
This release builds upon the classically smooth Tomatin 12 Year Old, honing in on pure sherry maturation. The result is a remarkable dram that epitomises the exceptional craftsmanship, tradition and quality of the Highland malt, bringing together decadent, rich flavours imparted from the sherry casks.
Opening with sweet aromas of caramelised apple and sweet pears, complemented by a medley of citrus zest from sultana, orange peel and apricot with subtle undertones of aged leather on the surface. Deeper on the palate, it leads with indulgent notes of velvety chocolate fudge, golden manuka honey and the crunch of dried fruit and nuts. It has a lingering warm finish, with a hint of sweet cinnamon spice.
This latest release debuts a striking new design, encased in a vivid scarlet exterior embossed with opulent gold foil accents, paying homage to the intricate flavours imparted by the wood during the cask maturation process.
Scott Adamson, Blender & Global Brand Ambassador at Tomatin Distillery, said:
“The global demand for well-matured sherried malts, particularly in markets like Asia, has inspired this latest addition to our core range. Tomatin has a unique ability to balance tradition with innovation, embracing our time-honoured techniques and contemporary practices to push the boundaries of flavour exploration. For over a century, Tomatin has featured sherry casks in our maturation process, and this new release stands as the next evolution of this tradition.
Our 12 Year Old Sherry Cask captures the essence of our renowned 12 Year Old, enhancing its signature smoothness and focusing its aromatic profile to create a sherry cask whisky with a depth of flavour that is luxuriously indulgent”
This latest expression (40% ABV) brings Tomatin’s core range portfolio to seven, offering a diverse range of expressions matured in different cask types, each bursting with distinctive flavours and unique characteristics.
The Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is available now at select retailers. Visit phillipsdistilling.com to find your nearest location.
Tasting notes:
Notes
Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies. The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.
In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.
In 2023, Tomatin’s success continued when the distillery’s ‘Legacy’ was awarded Gold at IWSC. That same year, Tomatin also took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.
Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.
At the 2024 IWSC Awards, Tomatin Legacy was awarded the IWSC Trophy for no age statement single malt Scotch, demonstrating its exceptional quality as best in class.
This year, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.
‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.
Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/
It has been an incredibly exciting time at Killowen, with tastings, tours, events, and festivals galore. Amidst all the fun, three fruitful partnerships have emerged with some of the finest houses in Ireland: Green Acres Wexford, the Celtic Whiskey Shop Dublin, and The Temple Bar Dublin.
After a year of sampling, discussions, and label design, these esteemed establishments have released their own Barántúil—some of which are still available in their respective stores, while stocks last.
Killowen Barántúil x Green Acres Bruno Clair Cask
3 years 8 months in an Ex-Bourbon Cask + 4 months in a Chambolle Musigny Ex-Pinot Noir Wine Cask.
Origin: Domaine Bruno Clair, available exclusively at Green Acres.
Killowen Barántúil PX Sherry Cask Finish WLD Exclusive
3 years full term finish in a Pedro Ximénes Sherry Cask
GI compliant Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey available exclusively at the Celtic Whiskey Shop.
Killowen Barántúil x The Temple Bar
3 year old Peated Mixed Mashbill with a full term finish in a Pedro Ximénes Sherry Cask.
A rare release, rich in character available exclusively at the Temple Bar & Irish Whiskey Reserve.
Sláinte
The Killowen Distillery Team
Crafted for the Curious Whisky Lover, the Old Particular Wine Cask Collection is a tribute to exceptional Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky – elevated by the artistry of fine wine cask finishes. The collection launches with its first two captivating bottlings: the Fettercairn 14 Years Old, finished in a Red Pineau des Charentes Wine Cask, and the Jura 13 Years Old, finished in a Ruby Port Wine Cask.
Each release in this series embodies a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, with hand-selected casks chosen to showcase the remarkable synergy between aged Scotch and the nuanced influence of world-class wine barrels. The result is a portfolio of whiskies rich in depth, complexity, and character – each revealing its own story through layers of refined, expressive flavour.
Tasting videos for both releases are available via the QR code found on the neck tag.
LIMITED BOTTLES AVAILABLE.
Isle of Raasay Arbikie Barley Release 50.2%
A collaboration 6 years in the making, ‘Made with Arbikie barley’ is finally here! Born from a conversation between two founders, both passionate about creating unique and flavoursome whiskies. This UK exclusive release is our Isle of Raasay unpeated spirit made with Concerto barley grown on Arbikie Highland Estate, and matured in Ex Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey Casks. Selected from the very best whiskey casks and bottled just under 6 years old, ‘Made With Arbikie Barley’ offers vibrant flavours such as banana, pine sap and mint chocolate.
Keeper’s Heart 10YO Malaga Cask Finish
A ‘cereal’ winner here…sorry about that.
A ten year old Irish single malt that is matured in ex-bourbon casks for a majority of its life, before being finished in ex-Malaga wine casks. What could be wrong with this? In my opinion, not much, except distribution, currently.
When you look at other Irish whiskies that are matured in similar casks, Yellow Spot, for instance. It is a rather expensive proposal for something that is unusual, but available at good whisky bars for a decent price. This is something a little off the beaten path, and with someone like Brian Nation behind the final say of a whisky like this, you know the quality is going to be high.
If this was available in the UK then it’s something I’d snap up again in a heartbeat. This is tropical, gentle, has just enough spice to offer contrast, and is easily one of my go-to bottles this summer time. Hopefully it could become one of yours, too.
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Douglas Laing & Co. Unveils New Scallywag Noir Limited Edition Bottling
Following the success of its award-winning Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky range, independent Scotch Whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co. proudly introduces Scallywag Noir, an extraordinary limited-edition release designed to captivate the senses and embrace the allure of darkness.
Scallywag Noir is predominantly finished in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks sourced from Jerez, in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. This rich cask influence is said to “impart deep velvety sweetness, dark fruits, and warming spices “creating an indulgent and complex whisky experience. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 52.8% ABV, without chill-filtration or added colouring, Noir embodies the signature bold and unfiltered character of the Scallywag range.
Encased in a premium gold-foiled carton and featuring a brand-new bespoke-shaped front label, this release brings a fresh yet luxurious aesthetic to the beloved Scallywag family.
On the nose, Scallywag Noir is said to offer “a symphony of deep velvety sweetness, dark fruits, and warming spices. Each sip reveals an enigmatic complexity, with whispers of dark chocolate, spiced oak, and sherry-soaked raisins unravelling on the palate. The long, lingering finish is utterly indulgent, delivering notes of molasses, ripe figs, and black cherries.”
Scott Morrison, Senior Brand Manager comments:
“Scallywag has always been about rich, sherried indulgence, and with Noir, we’ve taken this philosophy to the next level. Pedro Ximénez casks lend a deep, dark intensity to the spirit, creating a whisky that is as luxurious as it is complex. Noir is an invitation to venture into the shadows and discover the richer, darker side of Scallywag.”
Scallywag Noir is available at select retailers, whisky specialists, and online at a suggested RRP of £65.00.
(Photo Credit: Hatozaki Whisky)
For the World Traveler:
Hatozaki Whisky Triple Cask Reserve
An original and rare expression, Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve embodies Master Distiller and Blender Kimio Yonezawa’s vision to create delicate, beautiful world whiskies in the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. A blend of hand-selected malt whiskies, the liquid is aged first in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks before finishing for an additional six months in superior Umeshu plum liqueur barrels. This maturation, unique to Triple Cask Reserve, imparts delicate, complex flavors of zesty citrus, refreshing herbal notes like tea, and subtle sweetness. 46% ABV | SRP: $74.99
Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits
For the Bourbon Collector:
An expression that pays homage to Baker’s trucking business, where he delivered grains to the James B. Beam Distilling Co. During this time, he developed an appreciation for different grains and their influence on whiskey. This high-rye recipe has 2x the standard amount of rye in Baker’s Bourbon and is a continuation of our innovation journey, celebrating Baker Beam and all that he did for our distillery. This liquid is distilled to a 107 proof and barreled and aged for a minimum of 7 years, allowing the bourbon to pull more caramel, dried fruit, and vanilla flavor from the barrel wood. 53.5% ABV | SRP: $74.99
Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits
Named in honor of Barry Berish, former Beam Chairman and CEO and a dear friend to Fred Noe. Barry was a legend at Beam and worked at the company for over 40 years. He passed away last year and thus this batch was named in his honor and memory. “Barry’s Batch” is made up of barrels from four production dates that were aged in 5 different warehouses. The age of the batch is 7 years, 2 months, and 4 days. 62.85% ABV | SRP: $99.99
For the Scotch Enthusiast:
Bowmore 15 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bowmore is a pioneering Single Malt Scotch house and the oldest licensed distillery on Islay; refining its craft for over 240 years, and still to this day. A rich, bright and complex Bowmore single malt whisky aged for 15 years in American oak ex-bourbon casks and sherry-seasoned European oak casks. Care and attention to detail is what creates the signature balance of light peated smoke, combined with rich fruit and sea salt which is so characteristic of the timeless house style. 43% ABV | SRP: $100.00
Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits
Laphroaig Elements 2.0 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Launched in 2023, the Element Series is the culmination of blending traditional whisky-making with new, progressive distillation techniques. The second addition to their Elements Series, Elements 2.0, disrupts the typical 55-hour fermentation process, increasing it to 115 hours. The resulting product, a bold whisky with emphasized notes of fruit, while maintaining Laphroaig’s iconic peaty character. 59.6% ABV | SRP: $165.00
A fine malt, distilled in 2009 and patiently rested in two knackered, plain oak refill hogsheads for 15 years. As golden hued as a Spring dawn with a rich, fruity taste. Savour the smoothness and the intensity and the intense smoothness in this Decadent Drams small batch bottling which has been done at natural cask strength.
Discover the hidden complexities and whisky flavours complexly hidden in this uniquely normal and naturally coloured whisky. Warning: May contain natural colour malt whisky with high traces of distillery character. One of only 254 bottled produced.
TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom
