Get ready to turn up the volume on your celebrations, because our Big Outturn is nearly here to ignite the party vibes and make this festive season truly unforgettable! We’re pulling out all the stops with a selection of whiskies that will have you dancing, laughing and toasting until the early hours.

So, dust off your dancing shoes, gather your loved ones, and let’s make this festive season one for the books. Our Big Outturn is your ticket to an unforgettable party experience – a celebration of life, love and the joyous moments that bring us all together!

Click on to preview all DAZZLING drams in our Big Outturn or simply continue scrolling to soak up the party vibes.

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

READ NEW OUTTURN

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

ralfy review – Ralfy Book-reading (Part one of two)

ralfy review – Ralfy Book-Reading (Part two of two)

Dunphail Distillery fills first casks and opens second funding round

Dunphail has announced, that on Thursday 26^th October, it achieved the landmark of filling and laying down its first casks. Using the initial runs of new make spirit collected from the first two weeks’ of full production at the distillery, ten sherry butts were selected as Dunphail’s maiden maturations and were laid down within the distillery’s on-site warehousing.

The larger format casks were carefully chosen because of their inherent alignment with the distillery’s robust and intense spirit.  Founder and Master Distillery Dariusz Plazewski explained: “The remarkable character and profound flavour of Dunphail’s spirit has been entirely derived from our traditional production processes – full on-site floor malting and kilning, alongside long, open-topped fermentations and directly fired stills. Our spirit is the product of our historical outlook on production combined with our forward-looking, innovative approach to whisky appreciation. Our first casks combine these elements perfectly – reflecting the fruit-forward, rich and full-bodied nature of both the sherry butts and our exceptionally characterful spirit. Now we wait. But, we’re all delighted to have started the clock for the arrival of Dunphail’s single malt whisky!”

Alongside the announcement of filling its first casks, Dunphail also revealed that it had opened a second funding round. A target of an additional £2m is being sought through an equity offering which will support further production, the expansion of sales and marketing capability and further development of the distillery’s tours and visitors experiences.

Plazewski commented: “Our calling is to produce world-class, full-bodied, fruit-forward single malt whisky using the full range of processes, each one shaped by generations of rich distilling heritage. We intend to establish Dunphail Distillery as one of the finest whisky producers within Scotland and are keen to work with investors who share our vision. Through an additional equity offering we’re looking forward to delighting out customers with thought-provoking single malt whiskies, whilst offering a truly exceptional distillery and visitor centre experience.”

Dunphail Distillery based in Morayshire commenced production in October 2023, having self-constructed the 200,000 LPA site by converting an existing farm steading. The distillery’s visitor centre and shop opened earlier this year, offering daily tours and tastings of Dunphail’s Dava Way whiskies to a growing number of visitors.

Dunphail New Make Spirit (filling strength 63.5%)

Crafted from 100% on-site floor malted and kilned Laureate barley

Nose: Crisp, clean and vibrant. The character and purity of the spirit are demonstrated with waxed lemons and limes alongside a scattering of hedgerow berries. The fruit-forward notes are then enriched by oven baked buns, buttered bread and freshly cut grass resulting in a captivatingly broad assortment of aromas.

Taste: Oiliness and texture runs throughout establishing a remarkably rich and fulsome mouthfeel. Lemon curd, zested limes and orange peels sit alongside substantive pastry character – brioche, malt loaf and barley cakes. Undertones of minerality and ginger spicing unravel to reveal a spirit that possesses an extraordinary distinctiveness.

Finish: Boundless energy still persists, as expressive notes of citrus progressively fade into a malt-driven conclusion.

About Dunphail Distillery 

Dunphail produces world-class full-bodied, fruit-forward single malt whisky using the full range of traditional production processes, each one shaped by generations of rich distilling heritage. We take a meticulous approach to whisky making, combining knowledge with passion to ensure that everything we do is driven by the foundations of flavour and quality. We craft the finest whisky the way it used to be made – taking the traditions of the past to shape the whisky of tomorrow.

KILLOWEN POITÍN NOW RELEASE – DAGDA’S OATS & NEW 700ML RUM&RAISIN

This weekend is Poitín Now weekend – a weekend where the best of Irish spirit enthusiasts descend on Dublin from all over the country & world and celebrate our native spirit – Poitín

For one day & two sell out shows Bar 1661 becomes Nerdistan for us like minded poitín lovers. As is becoming tradition Killowen has thought long and hard, and created a poitín suitable for the occasion.

The Dagda’s Oats

The Dagda is Irelands Zeus, Thor or Oden – and aside from reproducing, killing, and flattening mountains he was famed for carrying a pot of oats that never emptied, enabling him to feed people endlessly. Only fitting that we should make a wonderful peated oaten poitín in his name and memory.

FLAVOUR EXPECTATIONS

Imagine a peaty crème brûlée, with white chocolate sauce and potstill spice – all these come together in this chewy alcoholic custard. A spirit fit for the king of the Gods.

Killowen’s signature Rum & Raisin is growing

Killowen Rum and Raisin has grown so much in popularity in the past 3 years that it has now grown in bottle size too. This jump in size from 500ml to 700ml means that we still have all the same great flavours and high strength of 55%, the only difference is you get more in your bottle. This delicious single malt is finished in our own Rum casks and PX sherry casks to give an amazing flavour profile that delivers long into the nose pallet and finish.

This Bottling, although large, will carry the same RRP – we know that will make you happy coming into Christmas.

Available everywhere in a store near you, right now or very soon.

Créatúr

For those who don’t know of Fionnán O’Connor yet and his wonderful new book project the following is for you:

Quote from Fionnán’s website

Nearly 10 years in the planning, Créatúr is the second book by Irish whiskey historian and A Glass Apart author Fionnán O’Connor.  Scheduled for publication in 2026, you have a chance now to purchase a bottle of his whiskey and book in advance

Créatúr is a book about whiskey and the people who make it. And the people who made it. And the making of it too. It’s a book about the way we drank and the ways we just might. In 2024 it’s one for the road. No bullshit, just the créatúr. Along the way, we’ll be talking to some wonderful friends doing things that I admire, as well as with some folks who don’t always get a look-in: barley farmers, publicans, tillage researchers, ethnomusicologists, lab analysts, mixologists, folklorists, a Phylloxera historian, a peatland scientist, Willie Murphy, all sorts… Ultimately, Créatúr is a little bit fluid and hopefully no less pungent for it either.

As connoisseurs of Irish Whiskey – we owe it to those carrying out independent research so if you wish to support by buying a bottle and copy and signed book in advance, jump on the following link: https://creatur.ie/shop/

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

Celebrate HM King Charles III 75th Birthday with Highgrove’s Exclusive Commemorative Whisky

This limited-edition blends heritage Plumage Archer barley from Highgrove Estate, matured in Bourbon, Port, and ex-Red wine casks. We will be bottling on His Majesty’s birthday on 14th November 2023. Adorned with a commemorative label and presented in a royal blue tube, this collector’s item offers a sensory journey befitting of this special day.

Highgrove King’s 75th Birthday Vatting Whisky

Tasting Notes
Nose: Star Anise and Blackcurrant
Palette: Custard, Nutmeg and Red Fruits
Finish: Lingering Spices and Dark Chocolate

Highgrove King’s Birthday Single Malt Whisky ABV: 50% | RRP £175 for a bottle.

Available exclusively to purchase from: www.highgrove.com

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

Cotswolds Distillery

Phillip’s Field, Whichford Road Stourton Shipston-on-Stour,

Warwickshire CV36 5EX

Laphroaig Elements 1.0

This new Laphroaig Elements 1.0 is the first release in the iconic Islay distillery’s new experimental Elements series. Made in two sizes of mash tun, with two types of wort, cloudy and semi-cloudy, and matured in bourbon casks. Bottled at 58.6% abv.

£170.00

The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow

We are pleased to share the third release in The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow is available to purchase from our online boutique, with limited availability. Created in collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney, Amber Meadow takes inspiration from natural Scottish grasslands, and is a single malt redolent of warm meadows and mature barley fields, with a rich, citrus scented finish. The presentation box features photography by Mary McCartney of The Macallan Estate.

DISCOVER

ARRAN THE SIGNATURE SERIES EDITION 1

SOLD OUT!

The Signature Series from Arran distillery, a brand new limited edition series comprising of four special bottlings, specially chosen by Lochranza Distillery Manager, Stewart Bowman.

First in this series is ‘Remnant Renegade’, the casks used for this expression containing whisky from as far back as 1997 right up until more recent casks filled in 2017. Ex-Sherry hogsheads and butts along with ex-bourbon barrels, with the largest percentage of whisky used coming from 2010 – 2012 vintages.

The Signature Series has been created with having an ‘investment’ into opening and enjoying whisky. An interesting and exciting limited edition release but still affordable!

Arran Remnant Renegade is presented, non-chill filtered, without additional colouring and at 46% vol.

Free UK Shipping on orders over £95

Fast EU & Worldwide, Tax Free Shopping

Slàinte

BENROMACH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY DOUBLE MATURED IN FIRST-FILL BOURBON AND BORDEAUX WINE CASKS

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched the latest addition to its Contrasts range – a 12-year-old double matured limited release which has been matured in both first-fill bourbon and Bordeaux wine casks to create an imaginative twist on the signature Benromach style.

This whisky started out in first-fill bourbon barrels before a final five years maturation in Bordeaux red wine casks, creating delicate honey and floral notes, with zesty tangerine, dark forest fruits and toasted oak flavours on the palate. A medium-bodied finish is complemented by Benromach’s signature soft peat smoke.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “Creating the newest Benromach Contrasts release has been a very exciting project – allowing us to add another intriguing whisky to our range.

“Double maturing this whisky in both bourbon and Bordeaux wine casks has helped create an interesting depth of flavour, balancing both sweet and fruity notes with our signature soft smoke brought about by our lightly peated malt. It has also influenced the colour of the whisky itself, producing a much darker, richer dram.

“There’s a very limited number of bottles available for purchase. We expect this whisky to be a popular dram so urge those looking to sample the whisky to be quick to secure their bottle.”

With an ABV strength of 46%, this whisky is available for purchase via Independent Whisky Specialists at a recommended retail price of £59.99.

For more information on Benromach Distillery or Benromach Double Matured Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish, please visit: www.benromach.com

Tasting Notes:

 Benromach Bordeaux

RRP: £59.99

ABV: 46%

Nose: Subtle hints of rose followed by honey and ripe red fruits.

Taste: Smooth and sweet with flavours of zesty tangerine and dark forest fruits are balanced by toasted oak.

Finish: Medium-bodied and fruity finish underpinned by subtle peat smoke.

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life by owners Gordon & MacPhail in 1993.

At Benromach, the team keep things simple: a handful of distillers relying entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky.

Their processes honour the knowledge and experience used to make Speyside whiskies decades ago, because at Benromach they believe making whisky by hand delivers genuine character. For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, and the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door.

The Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 13 (Ben Nevis)

COMING SOON!!!!!

The Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 13 (Ben Nevis) will be available to purchase on pre-sale this coming Friday 17th November at 10am The Fisherman’s Retreat journey into cask exploration has entered new heights with our latest release of this Scottish, single cask, single malt whisky!

Edition 13 is almost here and we didn’t have to wait long for this juggernaut of a dram to come to fruition. At only four years of age this Ben Nevis single malt whisky has matured beyond its years after being carefully nurtured in a first fill American oak, ex-Yalumba fortified wine barrel which has led to a truly remarkable transformation. The journey from newborn spirit to bottle has taken less time than usual thanks to this casks unique size which has given a greater spirit on wood contact. We can only describe this single malt whisky as a thing of beauty, not only pleasurable on the eye, but it will dazzle your senses and entice your tastebuds with every sip.

At 54% Abv and with only 173 bottles produced it won’t be around for long!

Appearance:

What an amazing colour for a whisky of this age, getting it in a glass is the first priority! Beautiful deep rich tones of mahogany, orange bronze, and deep red autumnal leaves. A roll of the glass reveals a waterfall of natural oils slowly creeping down to rejoin this mesmerising liquid.

Nose:

Wow! Everything that makes me want to drink whisky is in this glass! Rich, fruity notes take the lead, raisins, figs and Christmas pudding all standout, a few more swirls of the glass release toffee, bananas and hints of vanilla and marzipan. With every pass this dram becomes more intriguing.

Palate:

This is one powerful dram, at 54% abv it doesn’t hold back, big bold flavours take charge from the start, the initial hit of fruit is sublime, figs, raisins, and more vanilla than on the nose, the sweetness is incredible but yet not overpowering the spirit that it came from, an oily and creaminess encompasses the whole of the mouth with a finish that is gentle and lasting throughout.

Finish:

A fantastic and flavoursome whisky that works its magic from nose to palate and does not disappoint. Both the Ben Nevis spirit and Yalumba’s Fortified Wine cask have given their all to produce a dram of outstanding quality. A 4-year-old whisky that can go toe to toe with the big boys all day long.

Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 13 (Ben Nevis, Yalumba Fortified Octave) will be available to purchase at £80 (Normally £90) from Friday 17th November at 10am on our website