If you’re a beer lover, you won’t want to miss the Society’s latest small-batch creation, Spruce on the loose – available now. This 17-year-old blended malt is the result of a collaboration with Perthshire-based brewer Wasted Degrees and its experiment with a stout flavoured with locally sourced spruce tips.

“There is a lot in common between Wasted Degrees and the Society,” says Jack Low from Wasted Degrees. “We mainly release different, limited batches of our ales, very much like the Society would release a single cask whisky or a ‘Heresy’ small-batch release.”

This new offering features whisky matured in barrels used to create a spruce tip-flavoured stout. Expect notes of dark chocolate and old pipe tobacco box lined with crystallised spruce sap and nutmeg-infused orange peel. Pair it with Wasted Degrees Amber Ale and you’ve got the perfect hauf ‘n’ hauf whisky and beer combo.

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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

Douglas Laing’s Gift Guide

Scallywag Winter 2024

Indulge in the Scallywag Winter 2024 Limited Edition – the ultimate gift for Whisky enthusiasts. Finished in Spanish Orange Wine casks, this exceptional Malt combines Scallywag’s rich Speyside character with vibrant, zesty citrus notes. Whether it’s for a loved one or a treat for yourself, it’s the perfect way to toast cosy winter evenings.

For more gifting inspiration, look no further than our Remarkable Regional Malts. These limited-edition Whiskies celebrate Scotland’s finest regions and offer a unique, thoughtful way to share the warmth of the season with loved ones.

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Living Souls 15YO Blended Whisky, 46%

The annoyance of people still talking rubbish about blended whisky is rather grating in the modern world of whisky. Just get over yourselves. Nobody cares if you only like single malt. People want to actively not talk to you at parties.

Anyway, this is one of the most brilliant after dinner whiskies I’ve ever come across. The scents and smells of Spain run through this thing like a bull on the streets of Pamplona. Red grapes, cherries, almonds, cider vinegar, deli meats, tapas selection, it is all in here in bucket fulls. A delightful addition to my bar, and one of the most pound for pound whiskies that delivers for the price point.

TWO RARE WILLETT DISTILLERY BOTTLES SIGNED BY POPE FRANCIS ACHIEVE REMARKABLE PRICES AT SOTHEBY’S SPIRITS AUCTION

“This sale was a fitting finale to Sotheby’s remarkable year in spirits auctions. The prices realized for these exceptional Willett Distillery bottles speak to their rarity, craftsmanship, and the meaningful story behind them. We are honored to have facilitated a sale that blends history, artistry, and philanthropy.”

Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist

The first bottle, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy, realized $13,750, while the second bottle, celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” also achieved $13,750. Together, these rare items marked historic highlights in the sale, which also featured some of The Macallan’s most coveted releases, exceptional offerings from the Van Winkle stable, and a bottle of Willett Family Estate signed by Tom Brady. 

Proceeds from the Pope Francis and Tom Brady-signed bottles will benefit Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, TX; Maxwell Street Legal Immigration Clinic in Lexington, KY; the Diocese of Lexington – Preaching/Giving Ministry of Fr. Jim Sichko; and PAWs 4 the Cause in Lexington, KY. These charitable contributions reflect the profound values of faith and generosity embodied by Pope Francis.

Fr. Jim Sichko, Diocesan Evangelist and Papal Missionary of Mercy, commented: “These bottles are not just collector’s items—they are symbols of hope and compassion, created to do good in the world. I am deeply moved by the generosity of the bidders, and I know the proceeds will make a lasting difference for the charities they support. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pope Francis,Bishop Stowe,OFM, conv., and Tom Brady for their inspiration and support in making this initiative possible—it’s a testament to the incredible impact we can have when we come together for a greater cause.”

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $159 million in 2023, surpassing the previous record total of $158 million in 2022. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private collection of wine ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest total ever achieved for a charity wine auction (Hospices de Beaune).

 *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

WHISKYLAND CHAPTER EIGHT TOMATIN – 30 YEAR OLD

Whiskyland Chapter Eight is a single refill hogshead of 1994 Tomatin, aged for 30 years and bottled at natural cask strength. Please be warned that this whisky is extremely fruity, juicy and exquisite. As such, please refrain from wearing the new All-Automatic Opinion Digitiser 3000 while tasting it. The intensity of the opinions it will induce could potentially be sufficient to crash the internet a destabilise Whiskyland. You will just have to sit quietly and drink this whisky by yourself or in the physical company of other people, like it was done in ye olden times.

£485.00 inc VAT

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OUR CHRISTMAS PICKS

We think whisky is for everyone and to be enjoyed at any time of year, but there’s no doubting that it feels particularly at home over the festive season. With that in mind, we’ve picked out some of our favourite drams for gifting or stocking up yourself. Check them out below.

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A GOOD OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS WHISKY 2024

Each year we craft a limited edition whisky that’s perfect for Christmas sipping, and our latest is a corker: a single malt from an undisclosed distillery in Speyside, with all the notes of fruit cake, warming spices, chocolate, citrus and dried fruits you’d hope for.

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GLEN GARIOCH 11 YEARS OLD 

Palo Cortado Finish

Aberdeen Whisky Shop Exclusive

Christmas Gifting

Explore the Wemyss Malts gifting collection, filled with thoughtful presents for the whisky lover in your life.

From our signature single malts to limited-edition single casks and stocking-sized surprises, there’s something to suit every taste.

Please note – our last order date for UK Christmas delivery is the 19th December.

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Ralfy Review – THREE Great Special Malts in 2024.

JAMES B. BEAM DISTILLING CO. LAUNCHES “BEAM PRIVATE BARREL CLUB” – THE DISTILLERY’S FIRST CONSUMER SINGLE BARREL PROGRAM 

Marking over 229 years since Jacob Beam started selling whiskey in 1795, fans of the iconic James B. Beam Distilling Co. can now select their own private barrel at the Clermont, Kentucky distillery

Clermont, Kentucky (December 10, 2024) – The James B. Beam Distilling Co., home of the world’s number one bourbon, Jim Beam^®, is excited to announce the launch of the Beam Private Barrel Club, a community of whiskey fans and enthusiasts who, for the first time, can buy and personalize their own single barrel directly from the distillery, creating an entirely new way to experience the iconic distiller. Knob Creek® will be the featured, inaugural brand to launch the program of which members can select a barrel of its award-winning bourbon or rye to be bottled exclusively for their enjoyment.  During this one-of-a-kind selection experience, consumers will have the unique opportunity to head deep into the rackhouses at the Clermont campus in Kentucky where generations of Master Distillers have famously hand-selected the very best bourbon for more than two centuries. Members can become a Master Distiller for the day, exploring the unique nuances of single barrels shaped by their location within the rackhouse, environmental factors, and individual barrel characteristics that influence flavor over time. In these historic spaces, where nearly 19 million barrels of bourbon and rye have aged more than two centuries, guests now have the chance to carve out their own piece of American whiskey history.

“The Beam Private Barrel Club is something we’ve been working on for years– even decades now,” shares Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller. “As we celebrate the 230^th year of Jacob Beam selling his first barrel, we want to commemorate this milestone by further welcoming whiskey lovers into our family offering members the ability to own a barrel, exclusively their own. As the sign says, come as friends, leave as family, and the new Beam Private Barrel Club does just that.”

How the Beam Private Barrel Club Works:

• Individuals, whiskey clubs, families, or friends become official members of the Beam Private Barrel Club by requesting a booking via the Beam Private Barrel Club Booking Link.
• The Beam Private Barrel Club member will be contacted by a Legacy ambassador at The James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s Clermont Campus. The Legacy Ambassador will confirm the Beam Private Barrel Club experience and be your point of contact for your barrel selection.
• On the day of the Beam Private Barrel Club Experience, a Legacy ambassador will guide guests through a behind the scenes tour of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Campus, including a stop in the Fred B. Noe Distillery where they will learn about 230 years of Beam Family production practices. This is a completely private, curated tour and not open to general consumers.
• Following a private tour, the group will be escorted to a rackhouse to test and taste a selection of single barrel bourbons or ryes, just as eight generations of Master Distillers have done.
• After the tasting, guests will select their favorite barrel which will be pulled aside and eventually bottled. Each barrel will be bottled into exclusive bottles with a personalized label that can feature up to 41 unique characters. Members will be provided bottling and collection dates by the Beam Legacy ambassador and will receive updates on the status of the custom barrel through the process.
• Once selected, guests can take part in a special lunch at The Kitchen Table, the notable on-campus restaurant, inspired by the original Beam family kitchen table.
• Following your visit, the Beam Legacy ambassador will date members on the progress of their barrel. Once the bottle is barreled, all bottles must be picked up and paid in full, from the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Beam Private Barrel Club – Details and Added Benefits:

• Bottling will take 90 to 120 days from barrel selection and the Member must pick up their cases and purchase the entirety of the barrel from the American Outpost.
• The selection process can accommodate up to eight guests per group.
• Pricing will vary depending on bottled yield, as each barrel will be determined on a per-bottle basis. The cost per bottle starts at $59.99, and typical barrels yield 100-175 bottles.
• To reserve your barrel, a non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit will be credited towards the final cost of your barrel.

Visit beamdistilling.com for more information about The James B. Beam Distilling Co. and the Beam Private Barrel Club. While the program and Distillery tours are limited to guests age 21+, guests of any age can visit the grounds and The Kitchen Table restaurant.

About The James B. Beam Distilling Co. 

Founded by America’s first family of bourbon, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. has crafted genuine American Whiskey since 1795. Its portfolio includes globally coveted and award-winning whiskey brands including Jim Beam®, Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, Booker’s®, Baker’s®, Little Book®, Legent®, Old Tub®, Old Overholt®, Old Crow®, and Old Grand-Dad®. Maintaining the whiskey traditions of eight generations of family distillers while advancing the category through innovation, the Beam family has defined what American Whiskey could be and should be for more than 225 years. The James B. Beam Distilling Co. crafts American Whiskey with genuine, quality ingredients that are distilled and aged without compromise at its family distilleries in Clermont, Kentucky.

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com