Angus Dundee Distillers marks major milestone with first spirit filling at new Chinese distillery 

Angus Dundee Distillers, which owns Tomintoul and Glencadam distilleries in Scotland, has celebrated a key milestone in the development of its first malt whisky distillery in Chun’an, China.

The Chun’an Malt Whisky Distillery has now officially transitioned from construction to production with the ceremonial filling of its first spirit into the inaugural cask.

Overlooking the picturesque Thousand Island Lake, often celebrated as ‘the finest water under the heaven’, the distillery will marry traditional Scotch whisky-making with the distinctive environment and cultural heritage of the region.

Iain Lochhead, Director of Angus Dundee Distillers, said: “Chun’an Distillery is a unique opportunity to combine Scotland’s whisky heritage with one of China’s most inspiring natural landscapes.

“This area is popular due to the exceptional natural beauty of its lakes and mountains and the design of the site itself reflects this, embracing the aesthetics of the local Jiangnan Huizhou architectural style, with every element being built with precision and care.”

As a strategic investment by Angus Dundee Distillers in China, Chun’an Distillery draws deeply from the group’s Scotch whisky heritage. The distillery continues two centuries of traditional whisky-making philosophy practiced at Angus Dundee’s historic Scottish distilleries, employing authentic single malt production methods including traditional copper pot still distillation, rigorous yeast management, precise cut control and a diversified cask maturation programme.

With all elements in place, the First Spirit Filling Ceremony, attended by Angus Dundee directors and distinguished guests, marked the beginning of the whisky’s long maturation journey. The event, set against the spectacular backdrop of Thousand Island Lake, concluded with a farm-to-table luncheon inspired by the surrounding mountains and local terroir.

Looking ahead, the Chun’an Distillery site, which spans more than 20 acres, is set to become a fully integrated whisky destination with visitors able to explore immersive production galleries, tasting rooms, experiential dining, retail areas and extensive outdoor spaces for events and tourism. The visitor experience is expected to open mid-2026.

Iain Lochhead added: “The ceremonial filling of the first cask represents a defining moment for our Chinese venture. As we expand our presence in a market we believe will be central to the future of the whisky industry, we are proud to bring our experience and craftsmanship to this region, creating a world-class distillery and visitor experience.”

With Chun’an Distillery, Angus Dundee Distillers continues its mission to expand the reach of authentic single malt whisky while demonstrating how Scottish expertise can evolve in new terroirs. This landmark project signals the company’s commitment to crafting exceptional whisky and positioning Thousand Island Lake as a future centre for global whisky appreciation.

Angus Dundee Distillers

Angus Dundee Distillers, founded in 1950, owns the Glencadam Distillery, Tomintoul Distillery, and a modern blending and bottling plant in Scotland. It is an independent company engaged in the distilling, blending and bottling of high-quality Scotch whiskies and other spirits. Its products are exported to over 80 countries worldwide. 

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, premium 21-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old and a series of special cask finishes.

Old Ballantruan, the heavily peated Speyside malt, is also distilled at Tomintoul, taking its name from the distillery’s exceptional water source, the Ballantruan Spring. 

Visit www.tomintoulwhisky.com to find out more. 

Glencadam Distillery

Established in 1825, Glencadam Distillery is steeped in history, heritage and tradition, handcrafting single malt Scotch whisky in a process that’s remained unchanged for 200 years. In 2021, Glencadam Distillery re-installed a working internal waterwheel, modelled on the original which was used to power the distillery back in in 1825.

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Glencadam was mothballed for several years before it was purchased and re-opened by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003.

Today, Glencadam’s multi-award-winning range includes American Oak Reserve, Reserva Andalucía, the 10-Year-Old, 13-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old expressions, as well as a series of special cask finishes.

Visit www.glencadamwhisky.com to find out more.

Our first collection schedule of 2026 has now been finalised. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in our free collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 12th January 2026.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.

A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc. VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Arran 26 Year Old Cooper’s Gold 49.2% 70cl

£195.83 GBP

A very exciting private cask bottling here from the celebrated Arran single malt Scotch whisky distillery. This Cooper’s Gold edition was distilled back in August 1996 and was fully matured in an ex-sherry butt. Just 112 individually numbered bottles will ever be released. It offers a sumptuous spectrum of toffee, orchard fruit and toasted oak notes, all set in an invitingly smooth texture. A brilliant opportunity to try some long-aged Arran.

Benrinnes 2012 13 Year Old, Watt Whisky

£69.00

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 590: Auchentoshan 12 Year Old 2013 The Nectar of the Daily Drams

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, celebrates his birthday with one of his favorite malts. Traditionally, The Nectar of the Daily Drams bottles a few fun single casks to present at the unparalleled whisky festival Spirits in the Sky (every year in November). For the 2025 edition, to Mark’s great joy, there was also an Auchentoshan among them, selected from the warehouses of Signatory in Pitlochry. And as is tradition, he likes to taste a new Auchentoshan to publish on his birthday (fun fact: he turns 56 today and this one is bottled at 56.9%). Although the cask type is not mentioned on the label, it is clearly a sherry cask.

https://youtu.be/DMDN9eta1bU

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2025 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery announces the release of the Fall 2025 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series, an 11-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Comprised of barrels produced in the fall of 2014, and bottled in the fall of 2025, the sixteenth national release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the fall edition bares a black label, consistent across each of the brand’s fall releases. This edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series Fall 2025 edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The edition is available at a suggested retail price of $159.99.

This release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey shows a bright amber color, opening on the nose with rich bourbon sweetness layered with leather, subtle oak, and warm baking spices. The palate is rich and velvety, leading with honey and butterscotch before unfolding into notes of plums, peaches, and figs. Its finish is warm and sweet, with dark fruit deepening into soft milk chocolate as it gently fades.

“Every release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series reflects our dedication to tradition and meticulous craft,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill. “The 11-year-old Fall 2025 edition carries a richness and poise that exemplify what this series stands for and why the bottled-in-bond legacy remains so important to Heaven Hill.”

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class which showcases the authenticity and quality of the company’s American Whiskey portfolio. The legendary Old Fitzgerald line, which was acquired by Heaven Hill in 1999, is well known for its distilling pedigree and its history as a luxury brand first sold in the finest rail lines and steamships. The packaging was inspired by an original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter and pays homage to the history of the brand being traditionally bottled in artistic decanters of all shapes and sizes. The black label features the time-honored graphic of a key, commemorating an important element in original labels and the brand’s slogan since the 1940’s, “Your key to hospitality”.

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 more than 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. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

K&L Liquors’ 7 Year Old Every Drop “Living Legend” Batch No. KY-03-25 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

($49.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: November 04, 2025

There are few professional moments more gratifying than the work I’ve done on the recent releases of our new K&L Every Drop brand. This historic label, which predates the founding of our store by many decades, fell into my lap thanks to a thoughtful customer who won a little mini from the 1940s at auction and passed it my way. So when the opportunity arose to create a new, store-exclusive brand, I knew this magnificent, long-forgotten IP had to be revived. We painstakingly reimagined every detail of the label, staying faithful to the original design. From its classic clean lines to the timeless tag line “Supreme Quality” stretching across each bottle’s shoulders, it perfectly reflects our ethos. The label’s revival was inspired by an exceptional batch of rare bourbon that we had acquired by a stroke of good fortune: a great old whiskey from Frankfort, followed shortly by a second release of the same.

But how could we continue producing whiskies that lived up to those extraordinary beginnings? My premise was never that Every Drop must be mythical in rarity, but that every bottle, yes every drop, should offer our customers an experience of unmistakable quality, unique character and unmatched value. That’s a tall order, especially given that I have no control over the aging or production of the barrels we source. With only tiny samples representing entire lots, I set out with a wing and a prayer to find our third batch.

That search led to a parcel of mature bourbons from a certain distillery near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. While I can’t name it on the label, nothing stops me from saying it outright: it’s that ol’ Kickin’ Chicken in Tyrone. The question then became, how could a seven (nearly eight) year old Turkey compete with the best in class? The answer lay in blending and proofing. I’ve always found immense joy in blending on the small scale that I’ve been afforded, and this project gave me the chance to shape the final character through careful selection and proof adjustment. It’s exuberant, balanced, and endlessly satisfying. It’s unquestionably the best value on the shelf today in this style, which is quite distinct from regular WT or Russell’s Reserve. It just so happens that it’s a style I love. Expect an elegant balance of sweet oak, fragrant fruit, zesty spice, and a rich caramel backbone. It shines in cocktails and stands beautifully on its own.

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

Vat #3 Blended 30 Year Old 1994 Milroy’s Soho Selection 49.5%

£79.13 GBP

Regal, opulent and deliciously intricate, this 30-year-old blend is the grande dame of our Soho Selection collection. From silken grain to fascinating smoke, it brings together beach bonfire, sticky toffee pudding and even herbal notes. Plus it offers extraordinary value for a whisky aged for over three decades. Snap up a bottle while you can.

Tasting notes:

Nose: A stunning complex whisky opens with a subtle, Islay-like smoke on the nose, a tapestry of elastoplast, rosemary, iodine notes. This is followed by baked goods and creamy desserts – crème brûlée, sticky toffee pudding, and crêpes suzette. Roasted pineapple and ice cream wafer continue the sweet-smoky interplay.

Palate: The smoke turns even more herbal before developing into a beach bonfire profile. Rock candy and vanilla ice cream continue the coastal associations, ahead of ginger biscuit, melon, cinnamon, and custard notes.

Finish: Long and meandering with lingering beachy smoke, ginger and oak.

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

Bartels Ledaig 17YO, 50.7%

https://youtu.be/6vYvDSnpsC8

Bartel’s are an independent bottler that I only stumbled across last year, hopefully this video and review sends even more folks to their website (see below).

Sought after distilleries bottled at great ABV’s for a reasonable price, what ore could any whisky drinker really want? Between my first purchase of a Longmorn and then them sending me this bottle, plus some miniatures in the post, it’s a dream come true.

This is a peated whisky drinkers heaven. Loads of well integrated sherry and smoke, harmoniously giving you everything from salt and menthol, through to dark chocolate and fresh red fruits. It’s a juicier, richer style of sherry than your typical raisin and fruitcake trope.

Check out the website and grab yourself a bottle of something very tasty.

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