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Out now: Your latest edition of Whisky Magazine – Whisky News

LATEST EDITION

It’s our special awards issue! After all of the ups and downs in the whisky industry over the past 12 months, our annual awards special edition is the perfect time to celebrate the brilliant products, people, and places that make up the whisky industry. This issue features the winners of the World Whiskies Awards 2026, as well as the latest Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame inductees and Icons of Whisky.

We also have some very special milestones to celebrate this issue, including an interview with Hollywood actress Karen Gillan on her work with Compass Box on its Hedonism whisky, as well as a look back at the Macallan 1926 to mark a century since the legendary bottling was distilled.

Bradley Weir, Whisky Magazine editor

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A.D. Rattray Cask Collection No.79 – Scotch Whisky News

 

CASK COLLECTION No.79

Our 79th Cask Collection release for Spring 2026 brings together five individual casks, each drawn from distilleries more commonly encountered as part of a vatting or blend.

Each of the five casks is presented as it was found: single cask, natural strength, undiluted and unfiltered. Through single casks, we take a closer look at the finer details – a glimpse beneath the surface of a typical release.

These are the building blocks: character, texture and structure at the heart of each distillery’s style, before they are shaped into something broader. Together, they offer a different perspective – not a polished core expression, but the singular character of a cask that must be harnessed to create the whiskies we know and love.

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Whisky Wednesday Reviews – Loch Lomond Open Edition 2026 – Scotch Whisky News

Loch Lomond Open Edition 2026, 46%

https://youtu.be/9BXE7aWm-Pw

This is one of the yearly releases in the whisky industry that really shows off how fun and engaging Loch Lomond are as a distillery.

Matured initially in ex-American oak and then finished in ex-Argentinian Malbec casks, this is a 46% offering from the folks of Loch Lomond that has a lot going on under the surface. I’m still genuinely unsure if it is peated, or contains a cask or low peated whisky, but I can certainly taste something ashy and sweet on the finish.

A sweet, interesting and different bottle of single malt, you don’t need me to tell you how good Loch Lomond are as a distillery, it’s something that is already very well established amongst those who know!

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
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Twitter.com/whiskytube
Youtube.com/whiskywednesday

Booker’s Bourbon Releases Its First 2026 Batch! – American Whiskey News

Booker’s Bourbon Releases Its First 2026 Batch!

The first Booker’s Bourbon Batch of 2026 is inspired by one of Booker Noe’s favorite cities in the world: New Orleans…introducing the Booker’s “Big Easy” Batch, a bold, high-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that pays homage to a place Booker returned to time and again – for the food, the people, and the unforgettable flavors that stayed with him long after each visit.

This Batch is made up of five separate production dates and were stored in five different storage warehouses. The age is 7 years, 2 months and 15 days and bottled at a bold 129.1 proof. The result is a bourbon that’s big and unmistakably Booker’s, with aromas of vanilla and spice, a warm and robust palate, and a long, lingering finish.

Booker’s Batch 2026-01 “Big Easy” Batch

  • Proof: 129.1
  • Age: 7 years, 2 months, 15 days
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Sipping Suggestion: Enjoy neat or with a splash of water to open up the flavors

Liquid Breakdown:

  • 16% was stored on the third floor of warehouse H, a nine-story house
  • 24% was stored on the sixth floor of warehouse G, a nine-story house
  • 16% was stored on the fifth floor of warehouse O, a seven-story house
  • 22% was stored on the third floor of warehouse J, a nine-story house
  • 22% was stored on the fourth floor of warehouse M, a seven-story house

Master Distiller Notes

The full batch background story is shared below, on behalf of Fred Noe, 7th Generation Master Distiller.

For a guy who lived in Kentucky, Dad sure found himself in the Big Easy plenty. He made his first trips down there as a young man, friends like Billy Roby by his side, the two of them eating and drinking their way around town. Some time after that, he and Mom visited on their honeymoon. In later years, they’d always point out the bar where they shared a drink as newlyweds. The place seemed to love him back too, during one visit they even changed the name of Bourbon Street to Jim Beam Bourbon Street for a day.

But it was the flavors of New Orleans that really held a special place in Dad’s heart. He couldn’t get enough if its food – a fresh oyster here, a bowl of jambalaya there. But you wouldn’t find his favorite dish on the menus of the fancy restaurants, no, it was the Lucky Dog street cart that caught his eye and stole his heart.

We were watching Bourbon Street’s famous barrel races from the balcony of our French Quarter hotel when he spotted that cart rolling down below. He sent me to get us some – and boy, you’d have thought it was the best damn bite he’d ever had. His love for those dogs became legendary in the city, living on even after he passed – in fact, when Freddie and I last went, a five-star restaurant served us up some on a silver platter. Dad found flavors he loved everywhere he went. I hope you’ll be as taken with this bourbon as he was with those Big Easy Lucky Dogs.

Mac-Talla unveils Cognac cask expression to mark 40 years of Fèis Ile – Scotch Whisky News

Mac-Talla unveils Cognac cask expression to mark 40 years of Fèis Ile

Islay single malt brand Mac-Talla has launched a limited edition Cognac cask-finished whisky to commemorate the 40th edition of Fèis Ìle.

Owned by Perth-based Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, Mac-Talla draws on four generations of Islay heritage, sourcing single malts matured exclusively from various distilleries on the island.

Created to mark the milestone edition of Islay’s renowned festival, the new expression combines the brand’s signature coastal peat smoke with a rich, fruit-forward influence from Cognac cask finishing. The whisky began its maturation in first-fill Bourbon barrels before undergoing a further two years in Cognac casks.

The resulting liquid offers a balance of tropical sweetness and gentle smoke, reflecting both Islay tradition and a more experimental cask approach.

Now in its 40th year, Fèis Ìle is one of Scotland’s most prominent whisky festivals. The 2026 edition will run from 22–31 May, featuring an extended 10-day programme of distillery open days, tastings, music and cultural events across the island.

Graeme Mackeddie, Production Director at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, said: “Fèis Ìle is a moment of real significance in the whisky calendar, and for its 40th anniversary, we wanted to create something that both honours Islay tradition and showcases a more progressive side of Mac-Talla. The Cognac cask finish brings a vibrant, fruit-led character that works beautifully alongside the whisky’s natural peat smoke and sweetness, resulting in a dram that is both distinctive and celebratory.”

Tasting notes: 

  • Nose: sweet almond croissants with a hint of sweet orchard fruits
  • Palate: Freshly baked pastries with poached pears, warm pineapples and toasted coconut. On the finish, there’s a hint of peat smoke and winter spices.
  • Non-Chill Filtered, no added colour
  • ABV: 52.4%
  • RRP: £78

Mac-Talla Cognac Fèis Ile 2026 is exclusively available from May 14th across the UK and EU. https://mactallawhisky.com/stockists

ABOUT MSWD

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) is an independent, family-owned company based in Perth, Scotland. Rebranded in 2020, MSWD represents five generations of Morrison whisky heritage under one name, with a focus on single-malt production, brand development, blending, and bottling. Its flagship brands include Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr and Bruadar.

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is solely owned and operated by one of Scotland’s oldest and most prominent whisky families, Jamie and Brian Morrison. There have been over five generations of the Morrison family involved in the whisky business, including grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers, making them one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families.

Their heritage gives them access to a wide variety of unique casks from pedigree distilleries across Scotland. Their family’s values run through everything they do, and they proudly showcase them beneath each of their bottles, reiterating their commitment to Patience, Intuition and Integrity.

In every whisky they release, they are committed to continue to impart the knowledge that has been passed down from generations of family whisky makers. Our chairman’s great-grandfather, William Walker, one of the pre-eminent whisky brokers of his era, worked closely with various distilleries on the island, even advocating on behalf of the Islay whisky trade to American businesses on the repeal of US prohibition in 1933.

Walker grew very fond of Islay, where he eventually purchased a home, and played an integral part in developing transport, trade and marketing of the Island’s produce.  His philanthropic nature was deeply appreciated by Islay residents – with the Glasgow Islay Association (of which he was a life member and chairman) noting in 1934 “In the Island itself, he has closely identified himself with every cause worthy of support”.

In 1963 a chance lunchtime encounter at a Glasgow restaurant led to Stanley P Morrison, the son-in-law of William Walker, purchasing Islay’s oldest distillery — Bowmore (established in 1779) — that evening. Morrison Bowmore Distillers was created and emerged as a globally recognised brand of quality Single Malt Scotch

Whisky, producing a characterful spirit with some legendary bottlings. Morrison Bowmore Distillers was acquired by Suntory in 1994.

To find out more about Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers visit www.morrisondistillers.com or for MacTalla visit www.mactallawhisky.com

Thompson Bros. Tullibardine 19 Years Old 2006 – Scotch Whisky News

 

Thompson Bros.

Tullibardine 19 Years Old 2006

ABV: 52.5% 70 cL

This single malt was distilled in 2006 at the Tullibardine Distillery, known for their honeyed, creamy, oaky Highland single malt. It was aged for 19 years, including 9 years in a single Pedro Ximenez Hogshead, creating a rich palate with cloves, dried figs and chocolate.  Bottled by Thompson Bros. without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

Nose Black cherries growing in a dunnage warehouse. Very deep and earthy, with almond flakes, wicker log basket, cranberries and raspberry jam.
Palate The PX really shows off here with lots of cloves, dried figs, coffee and chocolate, but all balanced by a pleasant cranberry acidity.
Finish Long with a black pepper spice and Cafe Patron.

£95.00

How does PX sherry cask influence Scotch Whisky?

Pedro Ximénez (PX) casks play a vital role in shaping Scotch whisky, delivering an extraordinary burst of sweetness, a stunning rich color, and layers of complex flavors like raisins, figs, and dates. These casks are often employed for full maturation or finishing, resulting in a luxurious, syrupy mouthfeel that beautifully complements notes of chocolate, molasses, and coffee, creating a delightful balance with peated malts.

Region Highland
Distillery Tullibardine
Cask type Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish
Bottling company Thompson Bros.
Outrun 194 Bottles
Whisky type Single Malt

Tullibardine Distillery, sitting at the gateway to the Highlands in the town of Blackford, traces its roots back to 1949 and is known for a clean, malty style shaped by gentle production methods and soft local water. The spirit is naturally sweet and creamy, often showing notes of vanilla, honey, cereal, and light orchard fruit, and the distillery leans heavily into cask finishing, using everything from sherry and port to Burgundy and Sauternes to layer on extra character. With its mix of modern equipment, a quirky post-war origin story, and a flavour profile that’s easygoing but adaptable, Tullibardine has built a reputation for approachable single malts with interesting cask-driven twists.

Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu “The U.S. Edition 2025” Cask Strength Single Malt ~ Japanese Whisky News

Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu “The U.S. Edition 2025” Cask Strength Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml) $249.99 View

It is no secret that we consider Ichiro Akuto to be the most important figure in modern Japanese whisky. While the “big guys” are busy navigating supply shortages and label law changes, Ichiro is at Chichibu, quietly pushing the boundaries of what wood can do to a malt. This year’s U.S. Edition is a total curveball, and frankly, it is one of the most exciting things we have tasted from him in years. While previous editions leaned into the elegant Mizunara or subtle peat, the 2025 release is a masterclass in beer-cask maturation. Vatted from a tiny lot of just 16 barrels, this is a blend of 5 to 9-year-old whiskies aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-IPA, and ex-Imperial Stout casks. That IPA influence is the “X-factor” here; it doesn’t make the whisky taste like a beer, but rather integrates a vibrant, citrusy “zip” that electrifies the Chichibu house style. This is bottled at a sturdy 52.5% ABV, non-chill filtered, and naturally colored. As always, the label is a work of art, this year featuring Mark Twain—a man who famously noted that “too much of anything is bad, but too much whisky is barely enough.” We couldn’t agree more.

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

Douglas Laing ‘The Epicurean Three Wood Edition’ – Scotch Whisky News

The Epicurean

Three Wood Edition

The Epicurean has always been the life of the party – versatile, charming and full of surprises.

Now, he’s showing off his most daring side yet with the new Three Wood Finish. This limited-edition Lowland Malt is matured in a trio of casks: Virgin Oak for bold spice, ex-Bourbon for smooth vanilla and honey, and Sherry for a rich, fruity depth.

The result? A lively, layered Whisky bursting with bright citrus, silky vanilla cream, and a gentle oak warmth.

Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. We don’t judge.

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The Good Dram Show – Episode 630 ‘Alistair Walker Whisky’ – Scotch Whisky News

The Good Dram Show – Episode 630 ‘Alistair Walker Whisky’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the latest releases from Alistair Walker Whisky in his Infrequent Flyers range. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum. Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Episode 630 The Allt-A-Bhannie Incident…!

Featuring

Infrequent Flyers Glen Keith 1993 (32 year old) 51.5%
Infrequent Flyers Mannochmore 2008 (17 year old) 50.4%
Infrequent Flyers Allt-A-Bhannie 2005 (20 year old) 59.1%
Infrequent Flyers Glenrothes 2009 (16 year old) 58.1%
Infrequent Flyers Glenrothes 2009 (16 year old) 58.1%
Infrequent Flyers Loch Lomond (Inchfad) 2016 (9 year old) 58.4%
alistairwalkerwhisky.com/products/

Glenmorangie The Thirty is a Rare Celebration of Age and Imagination – Scotch Whisky News

Glenmorangie The Thirty is a rare celebration of age and imagination

 — Distillery’s oldest core range whisky is a deep and compelling single malt —

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today releases the deep and compelling Glenmorangie The Thirty – now the oldest whisky in the Distillery’s core range. Nurtured to its best by imagination and skill, this spicy, berried single malt is a celebration of the art of cask finishing and long maturation. In stunning contrast to the Distillery’s signature style, The Thirty combines a parcel of rare whisky which has been long finished in Burgundy red wine casks with classic bourbon-cask matured Glenmorangie, for notes of dark fruits, cumin and clove.

For more than 180 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators have been relentlessly imaginative in their pursuit of excellence. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden MBE, they distil their spirit in uniquely tall stills to create Glenmorangie’s hallmark elegance. Their mission is to elevate their favourites and bring new possibilities to whisky. Aged to perfection, The Thirty is testament to their vision and expertise.

To build The Thirty’s character over three decades, Dr Bill draws on his unparallelled knowledge and expertise in wood finishing and cask selection. At this whisky’s heart is a parcel of rich, berried single malt, finished in Burgundy red wine casks for more than 15 years. Comprising two-thirds of the recipe, it reflects Dr Bill’s love of this French wine region – and his renowned experiments with Burgundy casks. Dr Bill balances the wine casks’ richness with another parcel of Glenmorangie wholly aged in classic bourbon barrels, to create a rich and spicy whisky with hints of the Distillery’s house style. The Thirty’s flavour profile is full of cherries, berries, cumin and clove, subtly threaded with more familiar notes of orange and peach.

Glenmorangie The Thirty is contained in a presentation box of rich, purple tones, which reflect the luxurious hues of Burgundy red wine. This colour is complemented by copper accents – a nod to the distillery’s uniquely tall stills – and hints of Glenmorangie’s signature orange.

Dr Bill said: “When time and the alchemy of whisky are brought together in exactly the right way, incredible single malts like Glenmorangie The Thirty are born. It takes three decades to nurture this whisky to its full potential – and we select only the casks which can stand the test of time. Showcasing a whisky long finished in Burgundy casks, The Thirty balances richer, fruity flavours with hints of our signature, elegant style. Unexpected aromas of raspberries and cherries lead into tastes of ripe peach and candied orange cut through by leather and spice. This single malt is our celebration of age and imagination, 30 years in the making.”

Glenmorangie The Thirty will be available to purchase from the end of March at glenmorangie.com, the Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain and Glenmorangie’s London Heathrow Boutique, with other markets launching throughout the year, RRP: £740/ €850.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on: Instagram and Facebook: @Glenmorangie

For exclusive access to new releases, news and events, join Glenmorangie’s community

RRP: €850

TASTING NOTES

Glenmorangie The Thirty is bottled at 43% ABV

Colour: Russet tones

Aroma:  Aromatic, deep and mysterious. Think chocolate truffles, honeycomb, cherry and raspberry, joined by baking bread, linseed oil and toffee apple. A splash of water releases more herbaceous top-notes of orange blossom, heather honey and hand-rolled tobacco.

Taste: A burst of fruits such as ripe peaches and apricot, honeydew melon, toffee apples, blackberries, and candied orange. Tannins are silky and well-integrated, mingling with hints of fudge, eucalyptus and leather.

Finish: Bold but mellow, revealing some gentle spices like aniseed, cumin and clove.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in unusually tall stills to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this pioneering crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

In 2025, Glenmorangie unveiled a new brand campaign, Once Upon a Time in Scotland, fronted by Harrison Ford. Taking the form of 12 episodes, the series explores Glenmorangie’s authentic truths, from its stunning Highland surroundings to the real people who create its complex and elegant whiskies.

About Glenmorangie’s whisky creators:

Glenmorangie’s Whisky Creation Team’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And they are constantly challenging themselves to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that their memories of a favourite place (A Tale of Tokyo), the beguiling flavours of freshly brewed coffee (Glenmorangie Signet) and more.

At the helm of the team is Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation, MBE. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he has taken his place in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice. In 2025, Dr Bill was made an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to the Scotch whisky industry. This prestigious British honour is awarded by His Majesty The King.

Working hand-in-hand with Dr Bill is Gillian Macdonald, The Glenmorangie Company’s Master Blender. Gillian combines art and science in her role, with her main responsibilities including the daily sensory analysis of the new-make spirit, core range recipes and the co-ordination of the Company’s sensory panel. Both Bill and Gillian manage the new whisky creation for Glenmorangie which involves nosing hundreds of casks a year for final recipe selection.

The art of creating aged whiskies such as The Thirty:

It takes experience, skill and perseverance to recognise which casks of whisky will benefit from a particularly long maturation. In the case of Glenmorangie The Thirty, this involves building character over time with techniques such as wood finishing, as well as marrying different casks together before bottling, to create a balanced flavour profile.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Ruth Mulcare


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