Macaloney’s Cath-Nah-Aven, 46%

https://youtu.be/Om50jNQsKXo

Travelling down the road of classic sherry influence, here we have the Cath-Nah-Aven. A single malt that is fully matured in the rich styles of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry.

This is of such familiarity to all of us who love whisky anyway, but in particular, for those of us who are fans of Speyside style whiskies – this is what the team at Macaloney’s have tried to pay homage to, with this syrupy, dark chocolate laden single malt.

A fun fact on their website is that this is sherry matured, but all of the wood is North American white oak (Quercus Alba) – whether or not these casks were seasoned (quite high chance) and then sold on to whisky manufacturers wo are in need of sherry barrels. This isn’t a new practice and has been occurring for decades. So just because your whisky might state ‘sherry seasoned casks’ chances are this is the type of barrel influence that you’ve loved for years and just not realised it.

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Timorous Beastie Highland Malt launches Final Bottling within its ‘Cheese Cellar’ Collection with the release of a Moscatel Finish Limited Edition.

Douglas Laing & Co. today proudly announces the third and final release in their Timorous Beastie ‘Cheese Cellar’ Collection. This innovative series has seen the award-winning Highland Malt undergo a range of carefully selected cask finishes, each chosen to craft the ultimate Whisky to complement artisan cheeses.

This final edition has been meticulously finished in White and Purple Moscatel casks, “imparting an exceptional depth of flavour to the spirit”. The result is said to be an exquisite expression, with tasting notes described as:

“Nose: A sweet spiciness on the nose gives way to dried fruits, caramel, and fresh orange peel.
Palate: The thick palate bursts with creamy malt and cereals, balanced by tangy marmalade and honeysuckle.
Finish: The sweet finish lingers on—anticipate orange blossom, a hint of spice, and apricot.”

To enhance the Whisky’s rich and complex profile, the ideal cheese pairing is Goat’s Cheese. The soft, tangy, and creamy characteristics of the Goat’s Cheese are said to “beautifully complement the Whisky’s sweet, fruity, and floral notes, creating a perfect harmony of flavour and texture.”

Housed in the signature tall black bottle of the Cheese Cellar Collection, this final release features the beloved Timorous Beastie mouse in a striking blue colourway, complemented by premium gold foil detailing and a deep blue wax dip seal. A foiled neck tag provides further insight into the expression’s tasting notes and its place in the series.

Bottled at 48% ABV and without colouring or chill-filtration, this whisky remains true to the Douglas Laing family philosophy of offering Scotch Whisky “as natural as it gets.

Scott Morrison, Senior Brand Manager, commented:

“With this final release in the Cheese Cellar Collection, we complete a journey of flavour exploration that Whisky and cheese lovers alike have embraced. The influence of the White and Purple Moscatel casks brings a refined sweetness and floral elegance, making this expression a fitting conclusion to the series.”

Strictly limited to just 4,200 bottles globally, Timorous Beastie ‘Moscatel Edition’ is expected to retail at £60.00 / €70.00. This final release marks the culmination of an exciting chapter for Timorous Beastie, celebrating the perfect marriage of Whisky and cheese in an exceptional collection.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards are a testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular, and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

DRAWING FROM NATURE

THE MACALLAN X CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH

Introducing The Macallan Art is the Flower and Tree of Life by The Macallan, two limited edition single malts inspired by world renowned Scottish architect, designer and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Honouring Mackintosh and his enduring legacy, this art collaboration brings a shared interest and deep reverence for nature and its perpetual motion to life.

These expressions have been respectfully crafted to celebrate the circularity of nature captured in Mackintosh’s 1902 stained-glass panel ‘The Spirit of the Rose’.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

THE MACALLAN ART IS THE FLOWER

Matured in sherry seasoned European oak casks with notes of rich dried fruits, raisin and fig, polished oak, cherry, almonds, orange and treacle. This expression celebrates the uniqueness of natural beauty and the circularity of life and nature, paying tribute to Mackintosh using his own art and poetic prose.

THE MACALLAN BALLOT ~ We are pleased to share that The Macallan Art is the Flower will be available to purchase online via The Macallan Ballot for the UK and eligible countries in the EU. We will notify you when the ballot is open for entries.

Diploma at the Port of Leith Distillery 🧡

We’ve still got a few spaces left on our next in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky (12 & 13 May) at the stunning Port of Leith Distillery. Join us for an immersive two-day experience where you’ll dive deep into the science, history and craftsmanship behind single malt whisky right in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant whisky scene. Whether you’re working in the industry or simply passionate about whisky, this is a rare chance to explore flavour, fermentation and distillation with expert tutor Vic Cameron and other like-minded learners.📖  Learn More

Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career. We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 12,000+ candidates globally enjoy our SQA-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Big Peat

Finished in Rum Casks

Big Peat has taken his classic Islay Malt recipe on a bold adventure – finishing it in specially selected Rum Casks. The result? A big, sweet, and smoky Buccaneer of an Islay Malt!

Nose Peated barley and smoke give way to a warming, spicy style plus toasted marshmallows.

Palate Oily and thick with a distinctly Islay character alongside flambéed banana, barbecued meat and honey’d Malt.

Finish Coal dust lingers with a charred pineapple and allspice sweetness.

SHOP NOW

ralfy review 1076 – Ballechin 10yo @46%vol: (2025)

Raise a Dram to Dad: Tomatin Distillery Unveils the Ultimate Father’s Day Whisky Gift Guide

Highland distiller Tomatin has recommended the perfect dram for every kind of dad ahead of Father’s Day (Sunday 15 June) – whether he’s a seasoned connoisseur, a thrill-seeking adventurer or a vintage soul who savours the classics.

With a carefully curated selection of single malts – including the richly indulgent 12 Year Old Sherry Cask, the bold and approachable Double Cask, and the luxurious 18 Year Old – Tomatin invites whisky lovers to celebrate what truly matters: time well spent together.

Crafted with care in the Scottish Highlands, each expression embodies Tomatin’s commitment to tradition, flavour and the enduring spirit of community.

For the thrill-seeking dad – Tomatin Double Cask

RRP £37 | ABV 40% | 70cl

Adventurous, open-minded and always up for something new, Tomatin Double Cask is the go-to gift for dads who embrace life with arms wide open. Matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, it’s bold, balanced and full of personality – the perfect companion for dads who prefer the scenic route, whether hiking through the Highlands or tackling new taste frontiers.

Available from Tesco and Amazon.

For the retro dad – Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask

RRP £50 | ABV 40% | 70cl

For the dad who loves old-school charm and enduring quality, Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is a classic reborn. Fully matured in sherry casks for 12 years, it delivers a nostalgic richness with modern flair. Think warm memories, Sunday roasts, and tales of “how it used to be” – this dram is as comforting and characterful as the man himself.

Available at https://tomatin.com/shop and specialist whisky retailers.

For the connoisseur dad – Tomatin 18 Year Old

RRP £126 | ABV 46% | 70cl

Tomatin 18 Year Old is a dram for those who know – and love – their whisky. Rich, complex and award-winning, this expression is matured in traditional oak and first fill Oloroso sherry butts, delivering a depth and sophistication that make it the jewel of Tomatin’s core range. Ideal for dads with refined taste, an appreciation for the finer things, and a whisky shelf worth showing off.

Available at https://tomatin.com/shop and specialist whisky retailers.

For more Father’s Day inspiration, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tasting notes 

Tomatin Double Cask tasting notes 

Nose: Aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears lead. 

Palate: Dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon.

Finish: Sweet and spicy.

Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask 

Nose: Caramelised apple, pear, sultana, orange peel, apricot and hints of aged leather.

Palate: Chocolate fudge, manuka honey, dried fruit and nut.

Finish: Cinnamon spice.

Tomatin 18 Year Old 

Nose: VORS Oloroso Sherry; dried apricot, plum, nougat and distinctive nutty tones. Sweet notes of vanilla fudge and cinnamon baked pears are balanced with a faint suggestion of cigar box and leather-bound books.

Palate: A wonderful marriage of Oloroso Sherry and well-aged Tomatin provides bursts of tropical fruit and mellow savoury notes. Incredibly complex with marmalade, cooked apple, butterscotch and granola, cocoa powder and salted caramel all coming through.

Finish: Full bodied and rich with continued nutty undertones and uplifting orange zest lingering on the palate.

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/

Introducing our latest Hearts and Crafts release

We are delighted to announce the release of our Hearts and Crafts Calvados Single Malt Whisky (55% ABV) – the sixth expression in our annual Hearts and Crafts series.

This series celebrates the Arts & Crafts movement, which flourished in the Cotswolds in the late 19th century and stood for the importance of traditional craftsmanship – the same values upon which the rural distillery was built. This latest expression embodies this spirit, meticulously crafted, thoughtfully matured, and undeniably inspired by the creative soul of the Cotswolds.

For this limited-edition release, our single malt whisky has matured in hand-selected Calvados casks, delivering rich notes of orchard fruits and a gentle, lingering sweetness that beautifully reflects the essence of traditional craftsmanship. A lighter, fruit forward and accessible whisky which is an elegant celebration of subtlety, sweetness and skilled maturation.

This whisky will go on sale for our general release today from 10am (Monday 5th May 2025).

Tasting Notes 

 Nose: Subtle notes of poached pear, baked pastry, and a gentle hint of oak bring warmth and depth to the nose, evoking the aroma of a rustic apple tart straight from the oven.

Palette: Delightfully sweet, this dram opens with pronounced stewed apple and sticky toffee pudding. Hints of vanilla custard and golden sultanas emerge mid-palate, adding softness and richness.

Finish: Clean and balanced, tapering gently into light wood spice with a trace of cinnamon and nutmeg. Lingering flavours of dried apple and sweet malt give it a graceful conclusion without overwhelming the palate.

Hearts and Crafts Calvados Cask Single Malt Whisky ABV: 55% | RRP £100 for a 70cl bottle

Launch of the 7th Annual

Scottish Whisky Awards

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 7th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards — Scotland’s national celebration of excellence in whisky production.

Over the past six years, the Scottish Whisky Awards have grown to become a benchmark of quality, craftsmanship, and innovation across our world-famous whisky industry. This year, we are proud to continue that tradition, shining a spotlight on the outstanding people, products and places that make Scotch whisky a true global icon.

Whether you are a distillery entering your latest creation, a brand championing tradition with a modern twist, or part of the team behind the scenes, this is your chance to be recognised on Scotland’s biggest Scotch Whisky stage.

Check out our entry guide.

Image © Peter Kwasniewski

Is location important to maturation? We think so. In the quiet coastal village of Ardhasaig, nestled between sea and stone, our island warehouses offer more than just shelter—they shape the best of our whisky.

The Outer Hebridean climate, with its salt-laden winds and shifting seasons help breath life into the spirit which fills every oak cask. Our single malt is matured in first fill ex-Bourbon, ex-Oloroso, and Fino sherry casks, each carefully selected to define the spirit’s character.

The result is a complex, elegant dram that unfolds slowly in the glass and reflects the elemental nature of our island home.

FROM THE ISLAND