St. Ola Orkney
(Highland Park)
16 Years

THE WHISKY BARREL LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE ORKNEY 16 YEAR OLD 2009 ‘UNICORN’ — A SINGLE-CASK HIGHLAND PARK RELEASE WITH ICONIC ST MAGNUS CATHEDRAL LABEL

Fife, Scotland — 09 December 2025

Limited to 282 bottles · £79 GBP inc VAT

Available Now

The Whisky Barrel is proud to launch the Orkney 16 Year Old 2009 Unicorn, an exclusive single-cask release distilled at the secret Kirkwall distillery—known to whisky enthusiasts worldwide as Highland Park. Drawn from a single first fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead (#TWB1039) and bottled at natural cask strength 60.8% ABV, this rare release is limited to just 282 bottles.

This bottling forms part of The Whisky Barrel’s acclaimed Unicorn Series, inspired by Scotland’s elusive mythical creature and celebrating Orkney’s deep Norse heritage.

A Majestic Orkney Single Cask

Matured for 16 years in a rich first fill PX sherry hogshead, this whisky delivers the hallmark character expected of the Kirkwall distillery: layered peat smoke, heather honey, dried fruit richness, and deep maritime complexity.

This cask is the sister cask to the now sold-out Unicorn Orkney 21 Year Old, offering collectors and fans another rare opportunity to secure a Unicorn-series PX cask Highland Park.

Unique Label Featuring Scotland’s Northern Icon

The Unicorn label artwork—created exclusively by The Whisky Barrel—features:

• St Magnus Cathedral, Britain’s most northerly cathedral and the historic heart of Kirkwall
• Scotland’s national mythical creature, the Unicorn, depicted in The Whisky Barrel’s signature Unicorn-series style

The label celebrates Orkney’s architecture, heritage, and folklore, uniting Norse tradition with Scottish myth.

“The Unicorn series lets us combine exceptional Orkney whisky with the stories, landmarks and mythology that make Scotland unique. This 16-year-old PX hogshead is a stunning sister cask to our previous Unicorn release—rich, smoky, vibrant, and bottled at an astonishing price. We’re thrilled to offer such quality at £79, making this one of our most exciting exclusives of the year.” Alastair Brown, Managing Director, The Whisky Barrel

Tasting Highlights

• Nose: Heather honey, peat smoke, dates, treacle, dried cherries, and soft maritime salt.
• Palate: Rich sherry depth with chocolate orange, raisins, smoky heather, warming spices, and waves of PX sweetness.
• Finish: Long, powerful, and elegant with lingering smoke, dark fruit, and sweet oak.

The Orkney 16 Year Old 2009 Unicorn is available exclusively from: 🔗 The Whisky Barrel – Highland Park 16 Year Old Unicorn

Notes 

• Distillery: Secret Kirkwall Distillery (Highland Park)
• Age: 16 Years (Distilled 2009, Bottled 2025)
• Cask Type: 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (#TWB1039)
• ABV: 60.8% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Bottles: 282 Individually Numbered
• Price: £79 GBP (inc. VAT)
• Exclusive to: The Whisky Barrel, Fife, Scotland

*N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

Our Tasting Panel are a creative bunch. In addition to approving all the whisky we bottle, they’re the ones who write our Tasting Notes and give each bottle a unique name. While Christmassy flavours can be experienced at any point in the year, from time to time the Panel is overtaken by the spirit of all things festive. Keep scrolling for a selection of aptly named whiskies that celebrate the merry season ahead.

Not sure which bottle to choose? Our Membership and a bottle option will please all whisky lovers.

SHOP FESTIVE WHISKIES

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

Distillery Corner: Glenburgie

Located just outside Forres, Glenburgie is the fruity heart of Ballantine’s blends but also shines as a single malt in its own right. Join Kirsty and Vic Cameron as they taste the 15-year-old expression: “a full-bodied, sweet, fruity Speyside.”

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

THE VIDEO

SPEY 12YO Brume Doree/Golden Mist, 57.6%

Brume Doree or The Golden Mist to those of us who struggle outside of English, is a somewhat revolutionary style of cask toasting using 400 litre, custom made French oak barrels. By utilising a fine mist of water and controlled heart, it allows the wood to open up more, enhancing the liquids interaction with these custom oak barrels.

Taking the classic SPEY 12 Year Old and finishing the whisky in these casks, then bottling at cask strength gives you one of the most dessert orientated single malts that I’ve ever come across. This is waves of crème Brule, honey, melted chocolate, crisp biscuits and wafers, along with a gently spicy finish that doesn’t even appear to be cask strength, so quite easy drinking as well. With a 120 hour fermentation process, SPEY is one of the most incredible distilleries to go with this process, as it opens up the whisky to so many more interesting flavours, and offers drinkers a cask style that they may not have experienced before.

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HISTORIC CASTLETOWN MILL RESTORED AS A NEW WHISKY DISTILLERY

A new whisky venture from the founders of Dunnet Bay Distillers, producers of award-winning Rock Rose Gin, marks completion of a landmark restoration.
The Mill, which attracted the attention of King Charles, has been carefully converted into the home of Stannergill Whisky.

The long-awaited restoration of Castletown Mill, one of the most iconic historic landmarks on Scotland’s north coast, has officially been completed. To celebrate this milestone, its founders Dunnet Bay Distillers, have launched a crowdfunding campaign inviting whisky fans and enthusiasts of Scottish heritage to become part of the next chapter in the story of this northern landmark.

Castletown Mill, a former grain mill had lain unused for decades, prompting King Charles to express a desire for its preservation in 2007 as it grew increasingly derelict. Now sympathetically restored, the mill hosts the newly established Stannergill Distillery, along with a restaurant and shop, becoming a key new attraction in Caithness and on the North Coast 500 route.

With the distillery now completed, a crowdfunding campaign is being launched to encourage the local community, the Caithness diaspora and whisky enthusiasts to become part of the next step of the growth of Stannergill Distillery. It will help fund the construction of a new maturation warehouse and support the expansion of the team. In return, members will gain access to exclusive Stannergill experiences and limited-edition releases.

Crafted in the heart of the Northern Highlands, this coastal single malt is inspired by the refined elegance of a classic Speyside spirit, yet enriched by invigorating maritime influences. Each sip will deliver a vibrant orchard fruit and vanilla bouquet, layered with honeyed sweetness and subtle spice. The brisk North Sea air imparts a delicate salinity and mineral freshness, elevating the whisky’s complexity and lending a unique coastal character to its long, smooth finish. Born of pure Highland spring water and matured overlooking rugged northern shores, this spirit is both robust and approachable – a true embodiment of the Scottish Highlands’ untamed beauty and tradition.

Martin Murray, Founder of Dunnet Bay Distillers, said: “I’ve driven past the Mill for more than 25 years and always dreamed of bringing it back to life. Back in 2008, I enquired about purchasing it with a view to restoring it to a whisky distillery. It wasn’t possible at the time, but I didn’t let go of the idea and, although it’s taken nearly two decades, it’s great to see this idea finally become reality.  The setting and building couldn’t be better suited – it’s a perfect location for whisky-making and for welcoming visitors, with the main tourist road passing running right past the front gate.”
“Reaching this stage is an important step for us. The Mill is now ready to showcase the very best of Caithness. The crowdfunding campaign marks the start of an exciting new phase, as we continue to invest in local talent, expand production, and build a ideal destination for whisky tourism. We welcome others to join us on this journey.”

Co-founder Claire added: “This project represents more than whisky – it’s about bringing people together and giving new life to a place that means so much to the community. From the very beginning, we wanted Stannergill to reflect the history and character of this place. The Mill’s restoration shows what can be achieved with shared vision and care for heritage.”

The project has been designed by Organic Architects, Scottish specialists in distillery projects, who worked in consultation with Historic Environment Scotland and Highland Council to keep the site’s heritage and character. Local contractor, Norbloc Construction brought the design to life, delivering a high-quality build while supporting local employment throughout the project.

The distillery’s bar, tours and tastings are set to launch by Easter 2026, giving visitors an immersive insight into whisky-making.

For those wishing to join the journey and support the restoration of Castletown Mill, please visit https://stannergillwhisky.co.uk/restoring-the-past-rebuilding-for-the-future/

NOTES:
Stannergill Distillery is a small, independent distillery based in Castletown, Caithness, on Scotland’s north coast. It was founded by Martin and Claire Murray, the team behind Dunnet Bay Distillers, known for Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka. The distillery is located in the historic Castletown Mill, originally built around 1818 and carefully restored to create a modern whisky-making facility. Stannergill Distillery focuses on producing high-quality single malt whisky using local barley and sustainable practices. The site also includes a restaurant and shop, with the distillery’s bar, tours, and tastings set to launch by Easter 2026.

St Andrew’s Day marks a special moment for one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families: we are less than 100 days away from unveiling Aberargie’s Inaugural Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Set for release in March 2026, this long-awaited debut represents nearly a decade of patience, craft and family dedication—and we can’t wait to share it.

👉 Sign up for early access at: www.aberargie.com

A Homegrown Legacy, Nearly a Decade in the Making

Nestled just seven miles south of Perth, Aberargie Distillery was established in 2017 on the Morrison family’s 300-acre farm. Here, whisky making returns to its roots—quite literally—through a barley-to-bottle philosophy. Every grain used in Aberargie’s whisky is 100% farm-grown heritage barley, cultivated on the very land where the distillery stands. This complete in-house process includes:

Barley cultivation

Distillation

Warehousing

Blending

Bottling

This level of provenance ensures full traceability, terroir, and uncompromising quality from seed to spirit.

🎥 Go behind the scenes: View our new teaser video

The Return of Golden Promise

At the heart of Aberargie’s flavour is Golden Promise, a heritage barley variety once beloved by leading Scotch distillers in the 1960s and 70s. While lower yielding than modern varieties, it offers undeniable flavour benefits—producing a full-bodied, malty spirit with richness, oiliness and depth.

A Moment Years in the Making

Graeme Mackeddie, Head of Distilling, shares the excitement building inside the distillery:

“Since filling our first casks in 2017, we’ve been patiently waiting for the moment Aberargie would be ready to share with the world. With 100 days to go, there’s a real sense of anticipation. This inaugural release is flavour-first—shaped by heritage barley, natural depth and a deep sense of place.”

Managing Director Niel Hendriksz adds:

“This milestone is deeply meaningful. Every part of this whisky has been grown, distilled and matured on our land—a true homecoming for the Morrison family. We’re incredibly proud of what our team has created.”

A Return to Distilling on Family Ground

The upcoming launch marks the Morrison family’s return to distilling on their own land for the first time since 1994, following the sale of Morrison Bowmore. Today, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is home to Old Perth, Mac-Talla and Bruadar—but Aberargie is set to become the company’s flagship.

Be the First to Taste History

Want to be among the first to secure a bottle of Aberargie’s debut whisky?

👉 Sign up for early access: www.aberargie.com

👉 Learn more about Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers on our website.

We look forward to sharing this historic release with you next year.

Slàinte,
The Aberargie Distillery Team

Special Order

Special Order Only! Special order items are not in stock and subject to availability. All special orders are final and non-refundable. Will take 3-7 business days to receive this product before it can be shipped. A remarkable USA exclusive, this 50 Year Virgin Oak release reveals a deep red sunset color and a vibrant interplay of fruit, spice, and coastal nuance. Aromas of red flower currant, sun dried gorse, and blossom honey meld seamlessly with salted toffee and star anise. The palate is luscious and layered, blackcurrant, plum syrup, and silky guava glide into velvety cocoa and lingering ocean spice. Bottled at 42 percent, it delivers both richness and restraint, highlighting the rarely seen harmony of virgin oak maturation and maritime aging.enveloping the senses in a sun drenched embrace. Bottled at 42.1 percent, this is a graceful, ethereal malt that channels nearly five decades of coastal maturation into pure sensory poetry.

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

LATEST RELEASE
A NIGHT ON EARTH – THE FIRST LIGHT

£99.00*

A Night on Earth – The First Light is now available for purchase from our Online Boutique, with limited availability.The fourth release in the A Night on Earth series captures the joy of coming together to welcome the first rays of light at the dawn of a new year. The perfect gift for the festive season.

*Price includes UK VAT & Duty. Shipping fees and local taxes will be charged based on shipping location.

ralfy review 1107 Extras – Johnnie Walker Green Label comparison 1998 & 2018.