The sparkle of the new year beckons in our New Year’s bottling, Cask No. 59.85: We’ll take a cup of kindness yet. This Highland whisky offers memories of lino cuts, putty and modelling compound followed by sugared almonds and rich tea biscuits.

The Winter Series returns this year capturing the magic of the season in four single malt bottlings. From the crisp chill in the air at Hallowe’en to the joyful celebrations of Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night, we’ve showing off the season in all its flavours. 

The sparkle of the new year beckons in our New Year’s bottling, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet. It’s a time for new beginnings and for raising a glass to 2026 with this Highland offering from distillery 59.

Read more about The Winter Series here.

Tasting Notes

The nose started inauspiciously with childhood memories of lino cuts, putty and modelling compound, but eventually opened up to sugared almonds, rich tea biscuits with butter and honey, cinnamon toast and sweet, roasted malt. The palate, sweet and nutty, suggested chocolate hazelnuts and brazils, pralines, almond flakes, coffee-flavour chocolate honeycomb sticks, and maple syrup. The reduced nose turned jammy – jammy dodgers, chocolate swiss rolls, strawberry jam brioche and chocolate ice cream, with side orders of champagne and old books. The palate now became smoother and more rounded – bourbon biscuits, raspberry and coconut chocolate bars and vanilla milkshake, with hints of wood and spice in the aftertaste.

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

The Whisky Exchange: 2025 In Review

As 2025 draws to an end we’re looking back on a year that’s been filled with many a fine spirit. We’ve narrowed that list down to just a dozen that have really caught our attention. Discover our 12 favourite bottles of the year now.

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ralfy review 1110 – Balmenach 9yo @57.1%vol: (Signatory)

Introducing Chivas Regal Crystalgold: The Game-Changing Innovation That Redefines Tradition

London UK – Luxury Scotch whisky brand, Chivas Regal today announces the global launch of its groundbreaking spirit innovation, Chivas Regal Crystalgold – defying what you think you know about its world-renowned range. 

Crafted from a bespoke blend and refined through a pioneering filtration process, Chivas Regal Crystalgold showcases technical excellence, delivering remarkable smoothness and transparency while preserving the depth of character and craft associated with the Chivas Regal brand signature style.  

Pairing the mixability and versatility of a clear spirit with the depth of flavour and craftsmanship of a dark, oak-aged spirit, Chivas Regal Crystalgold offers an elevated alternative to traditional clear spirits, perfect for those sundowner moments that call for something fresher and more sophisticated in taste. Where clarity, versatility and craft converge in one groundbreaking spirit, it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail for a truly distinctive, ultra-smooth drinking experience. 

“We’ve always believed that innovation should enhance tradition, not erase it and Chivas Regal Crystalgold is the epitome of that. It pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in blending,” said Sandy Hyslop, Master Blender, Chivas Regal. “Through years of experimentation, we have perfected a filtration process that removes colour while retaining flavour for a truly unique drinking experience. Our goal with Chivas Regal Crystalgold wasn’t just to innovate, it was to preserve everything people love about an oak-aged spirit, while presenting it in a way you’ve never seen from us before. The clarity is striking, but the flavour is unmistakably ours.” 

At the heart of this launch is Chivas Regal Global Brand Ambassador and F1 driver, Charles Leclerc, whose innovative mindset and pursuit of excellence mirror the ethos behind Chivas Regal Crystalgold. Known for his precision across all disciplines, including his off-track passion for chess, Leclerc embodies the ability to stay multiple moves ahead – a quality that also defines the meticulous art of spirit blending and innovation. Just as Chivas Regal Crystalgold offers a fresh perspective on tradition, Leclerc brings a sharp, modern lens to a world shaped by legacy and precision. 

“Since partnering with Chivas Regal, I’ve been inspired by its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and ability to balance heritage with innovation,” said Charles Leclerc, Global Brand Ambassador, Chivas Regal. “That philosophy deeply resonates with me – it mirrors the way I approach both my career and off-track passions, like chess, where strategy and precision are everything. Chivas Regal Crystalgold is the embodiment of that spirit. It’s about pushing boundaries while staying true to your roots.” 

To celebrate the launch of this groundbreaking innovation, Charles Leclerc and Chivas Regal have together created the ‘Leclerc Spritz.’ Comprising of a blend of citrus, elderflower and mint, elevated with champagne and Chivas Regal Crystalgold – it’s a modern twist on a timeless favourite, a bold innovation just like Chivas Regal Crystalgold itself.  

“With 75%* of consumers seeking spirits suited to afternoon-to-evening occasions, Chivas Regal Crystalgold meets a growing demand for spirits that are lighter and more versatile, while filling a unique space in our brand portfolio,” said Nick Blacknell, Marketing Director, Chivas Regal. “We’ve created a product that allows for both existing, and new generations of drinkers to experience a new type of spirit made by Chivas Regal. It’s a breakthrough in filtration and taste, but more than that, it’s a statement of who we are: bold, strategic, and ahead of the curve.”  

Chivas Regal Crystalgold will be available for purchase from October 2025, at an RRP of £51, from a range of retailers including Amazon, with its official debut taking place ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix on 30th September.  

To keep up to date with the latest from Chivas Regal, including content that brings to life Charles Leclerc’s passion for chess, follow @ChivasRegal on Instagram or visit chivas.com.  

Please enjoy Chivas Regal responsibly and never drink and drive. 

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE AND IS PUBLISHED HERE AS A MATTER OF INTEREST.

Gleann Mòr Spirits announces acquisition of Lowland Bond

Gleann Mòr Spirits, the Edinburgh-based spirits producer and bottler of Rare Find, today announced that it has completed the full acquisition of Lowland Bond, Fife’s premier excise warehouse. Gleann Mòr Spirits, previously a shareholder in the bond, has now acquired full ownership from the Edinburgh Whisky Company.

The acquisition significantly enhances Gleann Mòr Spirits’ capacity to meet the global demand for whisky and spirit maturation, storage, and distribution. With this addition, the company strengthens its ability to deliver world-class services to distillers, cask owners, and importers worldwide.

Opened in April 2023, Lowland Bond has already established itself as a landmark facility. Recognised as the tallest racked whisky warehouse in the UK / Europe, it offers 30,000 square feet of secure storage with the capacity to house more than 20,000 casks. Strategically located in Glenrothes, Fife, the warehouse benefits from Scotland’s deep-rooted whisky heritage and a highly connected logistics network, making it an ideal hub for the global spirits trade.

A spokesperson from Gleann Mòr Spirits commented: “The acquisition of Lowland Bond is a transformational step for our business. It provides us with the scale, capability, and flexibility to support our partners around the world. This acquisition, alongside our continued investment, ensures Gleann Mòr Spirits is ready to scale sustainably and seize the opportunities ahead.”

About Gleann Mòr Spirits

Gleann Mór Spirits is an award-winning independent, visionary spirits producer. Founded in 2015, the company crafts a wide range of distinctively delicious premium drinks, whilst adhering to an uncompromising approach to liquid creation.

The Gleann Mór brand family includes: Rare Find; London Distillery Company; Whisky Row; Leith Spirits; Edinburgh Rum, Glasgow Gin and Wester Distillery.

Discover the Hibiki Range

Hibiki is a collection of whiskies from Japan’s first whisky makers, The House of Suntory, launched in 1989 to mark their 90th anniversary. These bottles are the perfect entry point into Japanese whisky. Combining malt and grain from Suntory’s distilleries, the Hibiki range harmoniously balances different aspects of Japanese whisky, from delicacy and elegance to rich smoke and spice. From the elegance of Harmony to the richness of the 21 and the fruit of the 30 Year Old, Hibiki offers a deep insight into the flavour and character of Japanese whisky.

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Distillery Corner: Aultmore

Known as “the white distillery” overlooking Keith, Aultmore is a fruity, peach-tinged Speyside malt that’s long been at the heart of the Dewar’s blend. Now gaining recognition as a single malt, it’s a distillery well worth discovering, as Kirsty and Vic explain in this video.🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

THREE amazing malts for better flavour.

Glenfarclas Celebrates Success at the World Whiskies Awards 2026

Glenfarclas is delighted to share our incredible achievements from this year’s World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky, hosted by Whisky Magazine. The event brought together the finest names in the industry, and we are proud to have been recognised on this prestigious occasion.

Callum A. Fraser, our Distillery Manager, received the distinguished title of Icons of Whisky Scotland Master Distiller for 2026, a testament to his expertise and dedication to the craft of whisky making.

Callum Fraser said afterwards:

“I am incredibly honoured to be named Icons of Whisky Scotland Master Distiller. This recognition reflects not just my work, but the passion and dedication of the entire Glenfarclas team. We take great pride in crafting whiskies that stand the test of time, and these awards are a wonderful acknowledgment of that commitment.“

Adding to the evening’s success, our Glenfarclas 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky won Gold and was named Overall Category Winner for Scotch Whisky Speyside 21 Years and Over. This accolade highlights the exceptional character and craftsmanship that define Glenfarclas.

In addition, the Glenfarclas Production Team was recognised with a Highly Commended award, celebrating their unwavering commitment to quality and excellence in every drop of Glenfarclas whisky. We extend our gratitude to Whisky Magazine for hosting such a remarkable event and to our dedicated team and loyal customers who make these achievements possible.

For more information about Glenfarclas and our award-winning whiskies, please visit www.glenfarclas.com.

Our mailing address is:

Glenfarclas Glenfarclas Distillery Ballindalloch Banffshire, AB37 9BD United Kingdom