How to Pronounce Scotch Whisky Names

Ever found yourself at a whisky tasting, staring at a menu of distillery names that look like a secret code? You’re not alone! Pronouncing Scottish distillery names can be a challenge, even for native Scots. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a fun, region-by-region guide to help you sound like a whisky pro. Each region has an accompanying video with Vic Cameron providing the audio.📖 Read the Post | 🎬 Watch the Videos

2025 is the year of whisky with a taste for adventure, and March is the time to explore its hidden depths. This month we’re immersing ourselves in the world of maturation. It can take you on an adventure to places you might not expect, from Madeira and France to as far as Australia. Take a peek at some of the cask adventures that await in this month’s Outturn, which goes live on Friday, 7 March at 9am.

EXPLORE THE OUTTURN

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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

Old-School Scotch Collectible

2006 Glenlivet 17 Year Old “Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection” 1st Fill Single Sherry Butt #900810 Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

(Pre-Arrival, Elsewhere $180)

($139.99)
“We’re extremely lucky to have acquired a significant stock of this excellent barrel.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

This exceptional barrel from a renowned Speyside distillery harks back to a time when high-proof, sherry-matured malt was still available at a reasonable price. Filled in 2007 into a first-fill Oloroso sherry butt, it aged for 17 years before being bottled at cask strength, unchillfiltered and without added color. K&L has had the privilege of bottling several outstanding Glenlivet casks from this era, and this one is no exception. This value find goes for over $40 our pricing on the global market, but only K&L offers this remarkable deal. Expect a powerful nose of stewed stone fruit, heather, and rich dark chocolate. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a superbly aged Glenlivet at an unbeatable value.

This product is estimated to be available by 03/16/2025.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2025

There was once a time when we were able to sell 16-year-old Sherried Glenlivet from Signatory for $80. Then came many years when a similar-aged product would easily cost over $200, and we had to charge $140 for 12-year-old stocks. Now, we’re back to a world where Signatory is a leader in both price and quality, offering extremely high-quality stocks well under market prices.

This exceptional Glenlivet, presented in the iconic Signatory decanter bottle, is part of a well-known series of 06/07 barrels from the renowned distillery that Signatory seems to have been sitting on for quite some time. We’re extremely lucky to have acquired a significant stock of this excellent barrel. Some of these Glenlivets are ultra-clean and refreshing, but others are extremely complex, offering a very old-school vibe. This one is quite the latter. The color is burnt umber (1.7). A dense and complex nose of dried tobacco, dried plums, fruitcake, dark jams, and a deep roast-y rancio. Unctuous and bold, mouthfilling and forward, full of jams and sweet caramel candies, but with twinges of old wood, tobacco, and mineral oils to keep it sassy. This is world-class stuff and honestly should be sold for a lot more money, but here we are. We bought every bottle still available in the country.

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

Four Roses “2024 Limited Edition” Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon

(700ml – EU Export) (limit 1btl per)

$375.00

The widely loved Four Roses Limited Edition bottled for the European Market in 700ml bottles, re-imported and sold in advance of its arrival. This extremely rare expression is about as rare as it gets Stateside, but our suppliers in Europe are able to offer stock at well below market prices. This is a blend of bourbons aged 12 to 20 years old. 39% of the blend is OESF at 16 years of age, 31% an OBSV at 12 years old, 23% is an OESK at 15 years, and the last 7% OBSV at aged to 20 years. The distillery describes the character, “creamy vanilla, honey and brown sugar on the nose are followed by the flavors of ripe berries and tangy citrus on the palate. Intertwined are herbal notes and Four Roses’ signature mellow spice to balance out the layers of complexity and sweetness with a delicate finish.”

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

The Good Dram Show – Episode 584 ‘Holyrood Distillery’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show, in which I’ll be taking a look at the new Holyrood distillery based in Edinburgh. Episode 584 It Would Be Rood Not To Do This Episode..! Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

Charles Leclerc And Chivas Regal Hit The Right Note In New Global Partnership

Luxury Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal, has announced leading Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc as its Global Brand Ambassador in a multiyear partnership, highlighting the brand’s growing influence in modern sports culture.

Throughout the collaboration, Chivas Regal and Charles will encourage fans to forge their own paths in redefining success. The partnership will celebrate the achievement of personal goals and creativity along the way, exploring Charles’ passion points off the racetrack, with the first being music.

As a talented and self-taught pianist and composer, Charles has been sharing his love of music with fans over the past few years that has seen him release multiple tracks. The time, precision and passion he puts into mastering the notes on a piano is reflective of the craftsmanship required to blend the notes of an iconic whisky.

To celebrate this blending of success, Charles and Chivas Regal are hosting an exclusive, one-night-only pop-up piano bar which brings together the worlds of music and whisky. Dubbed Leclerc’s, the bar will open on March 11th in Melbourne, ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season opener in the city later that week.

The immersive event will give VIP guests and a limited number of lucky fans the chance to enjoy bespoke Chivas Regal x Charles Leclerc whisky cocktails, while experiencing a unique evening, centred around music, inspired by Leclerc’s passion for the piano. The event will also feature a special guest appearance from Charles himself, marking the first of many moments he and Chivas Regal will celebrate together.

Those heading to Leclerc’s will have the opportunity to experience a new side of the racing legend as they explore the fusion and notes of whisky and music like never before, in an evening that celebrates the artistry of piano and the craft of whisky.

Nick Blacknell, Global Marketing Director, for Chivas Regal, at Chivas Brothers says: “It’s no secret Charles has had incredible success in his life, but it is his tenacious spirit, commitment to excellence and off-track passions that inspired this partnership. The 88 notes of the piano draw perfect parallels with the 85 flavour notes of our iconic Chivas 18 Year Old expression, showing how both music and whisky blend passion with precision. We’re excited to bring fans on the journey to celebrate our wins together – the ethos that lies at the heart of Chivas Regal.”

Charles Leclerc, Global Brand Ambassador at Chivas Regal, adds: “Success is about blending all the right notes – on and off the track. My craft demands time, precision, and dedication, but what truly drives me is the journey, my passions, and the moments shared along the way. Chivas Regal embodies this same ethos, encouraging people to find their own rhythm and celebrate every win, big or small. I’m excited to redefine success together and share this experience with fans through our partnership.”

To be in with a chance of winning a coveted spot at Leclerc’s in Melbourne and meet Charles, fans can head to TimeOut Melbourne to enter and find out more. Closing date for entry is Saturday 8th March.

This marks the start of a collaborative partnership between Charles Leclerc and Chivas Regal, with further moments of celebration to come. Fans can keep up to date with the new partnership by following @ChivasRegal on Instagram or visiting Chivas.com.

Please enjoy Chivas Regal responsibly and never drink and drive.

About Chivas

Chivas Regal is the original luxury blended Scotch whisky. Launched in 1909, Chivas has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide – with a retail sales value today of over €2.07bn.

Chivas believes in celebrating the next generation of whisky drinkers who elevate themselves and those around them to forge new paths to success – which is why Chivas’ ethos is ‘I Rise, We Rise’, a nod to the importance of hard work, community and ripping up the rule book. These values were instilled by founding brothers James and John Chivas who pioneered the art of whisky blending in 19th century Scotland and became pillars of the community due to their tireless work ethic, hustle, and drive. Chivas continues this vision of collective success through its long-standing association with global sports culture, having enjoyed partnerships with Premier League football clubs for many years, and now in its latest move as ‘Official Team Partner’ of the Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 team in a new global partnership.

Chivas blends its spiritual home in Speyside, Scotland, with more than 100 countries across the globe, who together have made Chivas the global success it is today. The Chivas range blends timeless classics with modern innovation and includes: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Mizunara, Chivas 18, Chivas Ultis XX, Chivas 25, and Chivas Regal The Icon Chivas.

I Rise, We Rise.

www.Chivas.com

About Leclerc’s

To celebrate Charles Leclerc as Chivas Regal’s Global Brand Ambassador, the racing legend and the luxury Scotch whisky are hosting an exclusive, one-night-only piano bar pop-up in Melbourne on March 11th, ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The event brings together the two worlds of whisky and music, signalling the start of a collaborative partnership and marking the first of many moments he and Chivas Regal will celebrate together.

Chivas Regal x Charles Le Clerc Signature Serve – ‘The Leclerc Spritz’

Charles Leclerc’s signature serve. A twist on an Italian classic fit for the French Riviera.

• 30ml Chivas Regal 18 Year Old
• 30ml Elderflower Cordial
• 20ml Lime Juice
• 60ml Champagne
• Glass: Stemmed Glass
• Garnish: Mint Sprig

Discover the World of Single Malt Whisky at the Port of Leith Distillery

Located in Edinburgh’s historic Leith district, the Port of Leith Distillery provides a distinctive learning environment. With its vertical design and waterfront setting, it offers a modern perspective on whisky production (along with some spectacular views). We are thrilled to be hosting our flagship in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky at the venue on three occasions in 2025: 10 & 11 March, 12 & 13 May and 15 & 16 September.

Leo Miles, a tour guide at the Port of Leith Distillery, attended the Diploma in March 2024. Reflecting on his experience, he said: “Before joining the distillery, I knew very little about whisky. The Diploma provided thorough material, giving me a strong foundation and a better understanding of the industry’s past and future. Vic’s guidance was outstanding and the course helped me improve my tours by ensuring I can answer as many customer questions as possible. It also deepened my interest in whisky and the incredible world behind it.”

📖 Read the Post

White Heather 15 Year Old

Fifty years ago, GlenAllachie Master distiller, Billy Walker, began his whisky journey as a blender. he joined a team creating Iconic Blended Scotch Whiskies to be enjoyed across the globe.

In 2021, Billy honoured his roots in the industry with the relaunch of White Heather blended scotch whisky, and is now proudly showcasing his latest creation; a limited release fifteen year old.

Capitalising on his half century of experience, he has sourced the finest single Malt and grain whiskies from across the Highlands, Islay and Speyside to craft a recipe with a particularly high single malt content.

Using a combination of premium American and Spanish oak casks, the blend was laid to rest for an additional 3 years for the flavours to marry and the wood to impart additional depth and complexity.

White heather 15 year old delivers exceptional balance between honeyed sweetness and subtle peat smoke. Undertaking a complex dual maturation system in American and Spanish oak, experienced master blender billy walker frequently monitored the spirit development to ensure optimal flavour experience was achieved.

£54.90

Tasting notes:

Colour: Golden bronze
Nose: Waves of heather honey and butterscotch, followed by orange peel, pineapple, mint and a hint of peat.
Taste: Layers of treacle, heather honey and butterscotch, followed by orange peel, grapefruit and almonds, with mocha, ginger and a light whisp of peaty smoke on the finish.

LONGROW 100° PROOF

A brand new addition to the range, whilst also inspiring a bit of nostalgia, Longrow 100 Proof recognises the appreciation of this style of whisky from our distillery. The characteristic Longrow peat smoke is married with the subtle influence of red wine casks and bottled at proof strength, providing a fitting contrast to our flagship Longrow Peated. This whisky has been matured for almost 4 years in refill bourbon casks and over 2 years in refill pinot noir casks.

NOSE

The peat smoke influence presents in medicinal, TCP notes, along with notes of redcurrants.

PALATE

Softer, the peat smoke has a more earthy, musty element now, with notes of creme brulee, vanilla and almonds.

FINISH

Red cola cubes, strawberry laces and marzipan are at the forefront of the smoky Longrow finish.

UK RRP £60 – £64

Although the origins of 100° proof are often contested, it is widely agreed to have hailed from Britain in the 17th century when excise taxes were based on alcohol strength, thus “proof” of strength became a requirement.

The process for testing and proving strength involved pouring the spirit on to gunpowder and subsequently taking a flame to the gunpowder, with an explosion indicating that the spirit was “over proof”, failure to ignite indicating that it was “under proof”, and a steady flame burning indicating the spirit was “100 proof”.

The 19th century saw the development of a new, scientific calculation of strength devised by Bartholomew Sikes, who measured specific gravity of spirit and defined 100 proof strength as 4/7 alcohol purity, or 57.1% ABV.

Since the USA proof system works differently, proof is considered double the ABV, or 50%. This whisky is therefore known as 114 proof in the US market.

THE HEART CUT

Indie bottlers provide a great way to taste delicious whiskies from distilleries you might not be familiar with, as well as idiosyncratic expressions from those you already know and love. And while you’ll find indie bottlers with heritage spanning more than a century, there are also some exciting new brands in the mix, too.

Founded in 2023 by Georgie Bell and Fabrizio Leoni, The Heart Cut is a new-school bottler that curates outstanding single cask whiskies from exciting distilleries around the world.

SHOP NOW

Currently in the collection are 12 bottlings from distilleries ranging from St George in California, Stauning in Denmark, England’s East London Liquor Company and more. With a flavour-forward approach and distinctive 50cl bottles wrapped in eye-catching labels, it’s clear that this is a bottler looking to do things a little differently.