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Drams Down Under 🥃 – Milroy’s of Show Whisky News

Australia’s finest | From experimental bottlings to hyper-local whiskies, Australia’s distillers are celebrated far beyond its borders. Here are four to try today. Bold, pioneering and dynamic, Australia’s distillers are at the forefront of an increasingly diverse global whisky category. Some makers are doggedly pursuing flavour creation on their own terms, freely crafting whisky outside of the legal requirements of, say, single malt Scotch or bourbon. Others are taking a hyper-local approach, making their whiskies using grains grown on their doorstep and maturing in casks from nearby wineries. Whatever the philosophy, the spectrum of styles coming out of the country is remarkable. Not sure where to start exploring? These are the whiskies to give you a taste of Australia.

🥃 Starward Left-Field, £32.95
🥃 Hobart Whisky Signature, £120
🥃 Spring Bay Bourbon Cask, £130
🥃 Remnant Whisky Co. Herd Not Seen, £115

See all Australian whisky

Whisky Myths: Colour = Flavour – Edinburgh Whisky Academy News

Whisky Myths: Colour = Flavour

It might be tempting to think that a darker whisky is automatically richer in flavour than a lighter one but that’s not necessarily true. Whisky starts life as a clear liquid called new make spirit. Its colour develops during maturation in casks. The final hue can vary widely depending on a number of factors…📖  Read the Post

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.

HATOZAKI WHISKY LAUNCHES TRIPLE CASK RESERVE: A NEW PERMANENT LABEL – Japanese Whisky News

HATOZAKI WHISKY LAUNCHES TRIPLE CASK RESERVE: A NEW PERMANENT LABEL

 The latest expression from Master Distiller & Blender Kimio Yonezawa joins the core range of premium world whiskies finished at the Kaikyō Distillery in Southern Japan 

New York, New York – Hatozaki Whisky is pleased to announce the release of their newest expression, Hatozaki 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. The new bottle is now available in the US for a suggested retail price of $74.99 (750-ml).

Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve represents the precision and artistry honed by Kimio Yonezawa over decades of study and application of the highest standard of whisky-making techniques. 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. Known as “ume,” Umeshu plum liqueur is a popular Japanese liqueur crafted from steeping local green plums in Japanese distillate. This maturation, unique to Triple Cask Reserve, imparts delicate, complex flavors of zesty citrus, refreshing herbal notes like tea, and subtle sweetness.

“Finishing a whisky in Umeshu plum liqueur barrels is rare in the whisky world, and I wanted to explore how the flavorful plum liqueur influence would transform the blend,” says Kimio Yonezawa. “The intense plum aromas add a layer of depth and subtle sweetness that sets it apart from other traditionally distilled whiskies.”

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the southern coast of Japan, Hatozaki Whisky is a signature expression of Yonezawa’s modern whisky making. Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve emerges as an elegant yet accessible whisky, best sipped slowly and savored with friends and family to create memorable moments. It is now available in most major US markets. 

HATOZAKI TRIPLE CASK RESERVE, 92 PROOF/ABV 46%

COLOR: Golden

NOSE: Fragrant oak spice with black tea and oranges, followed by dried apricots and a touch of vanilla harmonizing with the lightly toasted sweet barley aromas.

MOUTH: The palate opens with a gentle oak spiciness, accompanied by hints of dried peel and flavors of Umeshu. The mid-palate maintains a lightness, revealing more pronounced wood tones and a delicate presence of the spirit.

STYLE: Round, subtle, delicately sweet 

Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve joins the brand’s core range of whiskies including Hatozaki Finest Whisky ($45.99, 750ml, 40% ABV), and Small Batch Whisky ($65.99, 750ml, 46% ABV). All Hatozaki whiskies contain no coloring or chill filtration. 

ABOUT HATOZAKI WHISKY

Hatozaki is produced at the Kaikyō Distillery off the southern coast of Japan, where the maritime climate and seaside terroir are ideal conditions for fine whisky maturing. Fourth-generation Master Distiller & Blender Kimio Yonezawa brings blending heritage, skill and passion to the tradition of whisky-making in Japan. The Hatozaki portfolio includes two permanent expressions, Hatozaki Finest Whisky and Small Batch Whisky, and the Omakase Collection: a line of limited edition expressions exclusive to the US, hand-selected by Yonezawa to create unique cask finishes that have included Mizunara, Sakura and other Japanese oak influence. Hatozaki presents a portfolio of expertly crafted whiskies in the Japanese tradition of craftsmanship that are worthy of sipping, savoring, and enjoying with family and friends. 

ABOUT THE KAIKYŌ DISTILLERY

Founded in 2017 by Kimio Yonezawa, the distillery is the culmination of Yonezawa’s keen interest in whisky and embarking on a passionate, decades-long journey of discovery. For many years, he traveled the world studying the time honored techniques of Scotch and American whisky making, then channeled his passion for fine spirits into founding his own distillery in his home country of Japan. The philosophy of the Kaikyō Distillery includes honing past traditions and contributing to the future craft of distilling. In addition to whisky, the Kaikyō Distillery produces 135° East Gin and Akashi-Tai Sake. 

ABOUT MARUSSIA BEVERAGES USA

Marussia Beverages USA is a national importer of premium spirits, sake, and wines including brands such as Hatozaki Whiskies, Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs, Torabhaig Scotch Whiskies, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueurs, 135° East Japanese Gin, and Akashi Tai Sakes. Marussia Beverages USA is part of the global group Marussia Beverages, with 14 distribution companies and 16 production sites throughout the world, achieving a turnover of 294 million euros in 2022. In respect for the deep roots of tradition paired with a taste for innovation, Marussia Beverages mission is to create and distribute quality, brands that elevate expectations and provide authentic consumer experiences.

The Creators Collection ‘Whispers of Spring: A journey of reawakening’ – Scotch Malt Whisky Society News

Whispers of Spring: A journey of reawakening is an ode to spring. Each of the four bottles in the collection is designed to take you on a sensory journey, offering a unique take on traditional flavours. These casks have been left to mature to perfection over decades in refill wood. The result is a story of transformation and renewal.

Our Head of Whisky, Euan Campbell says, “Sometimes it’s fun to explore the technical and process side of whisky, and sometimes it’s best to let the whisky take you to a time and place and simply revel in sheer enjoyment. Our Whispers of Spring collection does just that. These whiskies present you with fresh floral aromas, juicy fruits and green shoots. They all carry significant age statements and are perfect contemplative drams, to enjoy while considering the year ahead and what spring renewal will bring”  

This Creators Collection celebrates the beauty of new beginnings and the timeless tradition of whisky-making, reimagined for the modern palate.

Whispers of Spring: A journey of reawakening is now available online.

WATCH THE VIDEO

BUY THE COLLECTION

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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

SPRINGBANK 2001 – PRIVATE BOTTLING – Bartels Whisky News

SPRINGBANK PRIVATE BOTTLING

2001 – AGED 23 YEARS

ONLY 12 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

A rare, limited release from Springbank Distillery.

A private cask bottling from a first fill sherry butt containing only 387 bottles.

SHOP NOW

Midleton Very Rare 2025 Edition Whiskey – Hard To Find Whisky News


Midleton Very Rare

2025 Release

70cl · 40% ABV

£219.95

This milestone release pays tribute to 200 years of whiskey making excellence at the Midleton distillery. The Midleton Very Rare 2025 is a whiskey of remarkable depth and balance; meticulously composed from six distinct distillate styles, each representing generations of mastery, innovation, and dedication that have become synonymous with Midleton Very Rare.

Nose: Opens with sweet waves of caramelised apple, toffee fudge and vanilla, while the subtle herbal and floral notes of freshly picked garden mint and lavender slowly build over time, complementing the woodland spices of cinnamon and nutmeg thanks to the rich influence of the American oak.

Palate: Textured layers of sweet honeycomb with soft fruits and delicate herbal undertones. White pepper with a mild hint of chilli oil work in tandem with the nuanced citrus and orchard fruits while the sweet nature of this intriguing whiskey continues to build with decadent flavours of treacle, toffee, vanilla, and sugar glazed fruits.

Finish: Rich and lingering. The fruits begin to softly fade, leaving the oak and pot still spices with the final word.

The Harris Journal: Spring Days And Lifting Spirits – Scotch Whisky News

Iona and Charli from our team recently had the pleasure of bringing a taste of our island to the Big Apple. While taking part in NYC’s Tartan Week they took time to share the rich culture and language of Harris with new friends just across the bridge in Brooklyn. Plenty of drams of The Hearach and Isle of Harris Gin cocktails were shared alongside live Gaelic singing by the Lochs Gaelic Choir, all the way from our Outer Hebridean home.

A big thanks to Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean, for the stunning spread of Scottish flavours served that truly brought the evening together. Special thanks also to Bakkafrost P/F for the exquisite native salmon.

Slainte mhath!

GET MORE NEWS FROM OUR US TRAVELS

The Good Dram Show – Episode 590 ‘Tullibardine’ – Scotch Whisky News

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be explaining why the term, to do a Tulli has become a thing, as they say! The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum.

Episode 590 – Explaining How To Do A Tulli..!

Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

Featuring

Tullibardine 1993 (18 year old) John Black’s Selection No6 55.1%
Tullibardine No Age Statement Sauternes Finish 46%
Tullibardine No Age Statement Coume del Mas Banyuls Finish 46%
Tullibardine No Age Statement Sherry Finish 46%
Tullibardine No Age Statement Port Finish 46%
www.tullibardine.com

Dewar Rattray ‘Single Cask’ Tullibardine 1990 (21 year old) 46%
www.adrattray.com

Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Announces Limited Edition Release for Fèis Ìle 2025; ‘Amarone’ – From Italy to Islay.

Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Announces Limited Edition Release for Fèis Ìle 2025; ‘Amarone’ – From Italy to Islay.

Aberargie, Scotland : 16th April 2025 : Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is proud to announce the launch of a new and exclusive limited-edition release in celebration of the world-renowned “Fèis Ìle” meaning, the Islay Festival. This bottling will be available from select retailers from 16th May 2025, at an RRP of £78.00.

This one-of-a-kind whisky, a true tribute to the island’s rich heritage and its masterful cask maturation processes. It will be available to whisky enthusiasts in the UK, EU, and other select international markets.

A Bold Union: Peated Islay Spirit Meets Amarone Wine

The new release showcases the synergy between two distinct forces – the bold, smoky character of Islay single malt and the opulent intensity of Amarone wine. This limited edition bottling was crafted by carefully selecting a parcel of high-quality, first-fill Amarone casks – an exceptional choice for whisky maturation.

Amarone della Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most luxurious wines, known for its deep, dark cherry and chocolate notes, made through a unique process called appassimento, where grapes are air-dried before fermentation, concentrating their flavours. The result is a whisky that combines the bold flavours of Islay peat with the luxurious, fruit-forward richness of Amarone wine.

Fèis Ìle Attendees

For any lucky whisky lovers that will be attending Fèis Ìle this year, Mac-Talla are hosting some exclusive events over the festival. All details can be found here.

Notes 

  • Release Date: 16th May 2025
  • RRP: £78.00 ABV: 53.3%
  • Tasting notes: Prominent notes of stone fruits wrapped up in rich dark chocolate with a long finish of warming peat at the end Available Markets: UK, EU, and select international markets
  • Age of Liquid: NAS
  • Finish: 18 months finishing, marriage of two casks(1 butt of First Fill Amarone, 1 partial refill European Oak Butt), returned to Amarone casks for a further 6 months.
  • Casks Used: 2 casks
  • Press preview: Thursday 8th May 6pm-8pm at The Scottish Gantry in Edinburgh, details below:

Stockists: Mac-Talla Amarone will be available from select whisky retailers from 26th May – for more details on stockists visit: https://mactallawhisky.com/stockists

Douglas Laing Blended Malt Scotch Whisky of the Year – 2025 – Scotch Whisky News

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Of The Year

We’re thrilled to announce that Scallywag Orange Wine Cask Finish has been awarded a Gold Medal with an impressive 95 points at the International London Spirits Competition 2025 — and crowned Blended Malt Scotch Whisky of the Year.

This Winter Limited Edition is a celebration of bold innovation and Speyside heritage. Matured in Orange Wine casks sourced from Spain, it offers an indulgent escape to a snowy mountainside retreat, where après-ski comfort meets exquisite craftsmanship.

Expect zesty citrus bursts, rich Malt character, and a warming, full-bodied finish — the perfect dram to toast life’s finer moments.

 Scallywag Orange Wine Cask Finish

🏅 Whisky Producer of the Year – Douglas Laing


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