Douglas Laing Celebrates 75 Years of Whisky with the release of Six XOP Single Cask Diamond Anniversary Sets

Family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist, Douglas Laing & Co., have dug deep into their Scotch Whisky vaults to hand-select and release six of their most precious Single Casks as a sequence of ultra-premium 75^th Anniversary commemorative Whisky sets.

Established in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing, a gentleman with a genuine love and serious passion for Whisky, Douglas Laing & Co. are proudly independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky Distillers, Blenders and Bottlers now in their third generation. Over 75 years of heritage, history and expertise has helped refine their processes and create Whisky that is consistently exceptional in its offering.

The creative concept behind these luxury sets centres around the theme of “The Diamond Year” – boasting extremely rare spirit, proudly regarded as Douglas Laing’s gemstones, nestled within highly-bespoke packaging.

Douglas Laing take pride in creating hand-bottled, hand-labelled, exceptional Single Cask bottlings. Spending time nurturing and perfecting some of the finest Single Casks from Scotland’s most acclaimed and celebrated distilleries, the bottlings consist of a Speyside’s Finest 55 Years Old, Port Dundas 45 Years Old, Macallan 35 Years Old, Blair Athol 30 Years Old, Cameronbridge 45 Years Old and an elusive Port Ellen 40 Years Old.

These exceptional bottlings have been sampled by renowned Whisky expert & author, Charles MacLean. Giving them his stamp of approval, he commented: “This is an exceptional set of six rare old Malt and Grain Scotch Whiskies – all Single Casks so extremely rare – selected by Fred Laing and his daughter, Cara, to mark the 75th Anniversary of their family business, Douglas Laing & Co., which was founded in Glasgow by Fred’s father in 1948. I was delighted to have been invited to assess and profile the whiskies, with Fred and Cara, in their new tasting room, and can happily report their excellence!”

The same strive for perfection is reflected in Douglas Laing’s partnership with British Designer, Richard Brendon; whose crystalware features within the sets. Demonstrating the finest pairing of craftsmanship and design, the mouth-blown, hand-cut and intricate detail along with the timeless design of their crystal brings an element of the exceptional to every moment. A shared ethos of excellence and quality, makes this partnership truly exquisite.

Cara Laing, Director of Whisky, and third generation in the family business comments: “Our 75th Anniversary is a landmark and momentous occasion for us and one we continue to enjoy celebrating throughout the year. We are delighted to be launching our Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary Editions – Single Cask Whiskies selected from deep within the Douglas Laing family vaults. These latest editions reflect very much our focus and philosophy to release excellent Scotch Whisky at the peak of perfection, truly honouring this significant milestone in our family history in more ways than my grandfather could ever have imagined. Here’s to the next 75 years of Whisky adventures!”

Each exclusive XOP Diamond Anniversary Set includes: 

• 1 x 70cl bottle featuring a glass stopper and metal embossed label
• A mouth-blown and hand-cut diamond crystalware set by Richard Brendon, comprising 1 x large decanter dressed with a metal neck tag, and 1x contemporary crystal Whisky tumbler
• 1 x pewter coloured, weighty zinc alloy metal coaster with a black velvet coated back
• 1 x premium certificate, hand-signed by Fred and Cara Laing
• Packaged within a bespoke diamond shaped gift box with special, sturdy fitments 

About Douglas Laing:

www.douglaslaing.com

Twitter/X: @DLaingWhisky
Facebook: @douglaslaingwhisky
Instagram: @dlaingwhisky

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distiller, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill-filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Islands (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Our third outrun of 2023 is here!

Our Quarter 3 outrun has been released and we are very proud of how strong this outrun is! The outrun includes a broad range of distilleries, cask types and maturation periods. There are some very exciting casks in the outrun including a 27 year old Glenrothes and a rare Lochindaal from Bruichladdich. Please note that in order to better support our retail partners this outrun and future outruns will not be sold through our website. Links to stockists can be found via the tab on our homepage.

MacDuff 2009 bottled at 51.7% Ex-Oloroso Quarter Cask Finish
North British 1992 bottled at 47.7% Refill Barrel. Big Hearts charity release
Longmorn 2011 bottled at 58.0%. First Fill Ex-Pedro Ximenez Finish
Glenturret (Ruadh Maor) 2011 bottled at 58.0%. Ex-Tawny Port Finish
Glenrothes 1996 bottled at 51.0%. Hogshead
Glenlossie 2013 bottled at 56.6%. First Fill Ex-Oloroso Finish
Bruichladdich (Lochindaal) 2007 bottled at 60.1% Ex-Bourbon Barrel
Auchentoshan 2007 bottled at 54.7% Ex-Tawny Port Finish

All releases were bottled at our site in Dalgety Bay by hand.

To see more of how we operate and our hands on approach please check out our video filmed on site. We would again like to thank the talented Cook Brothers for their efforts. To view the video please drop by the website or check out our Youtube page

Our October 2023 collection schedule has now been finalised.  In October we will also be visiting Orkney.

Please click HERE for the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in this service. The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 11th September 2023.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.

It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.

A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Submission Form & Label

The Lakes

Whiskymaker’s Reserve No. 7

70cl | 52% ABV

The final release in The Lakes Winemaker’s series maintains the bold style synonymous with the distillery. Matured in the finest sourced Oloroso, Pedro Ximenez and Red Wine Casks. Non-chill filtered, natural colour, and bottled at 52% ABV.

Tasting notes: 

Aroma: Fragrant sandalwood, almond friands and orchard fruits with a touch of baking spice.

Palate: Rich and creamy with honeyed fruits, currants and a hint of dark chocolate.

Finish: Creamy and fragrant with warming spice and hints of cocoa nibs.

£84.95

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ralfy review 997 – Ardmore 11yo @56.6%vol: (James Eadie)

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY LONDON – THE DISTILLERY’S FIRST BRAND HOME OUTSIDE OF THE USA 

World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery to bring authentic American whiskey tasting and retail experience to the heart of Covent Garden in London. 

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (SEPTEMBER 20, 2023) – Buffalo Trace Distillery, distiller of some of the most sought-after whiskeys in the world including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Sazerac Rye, W.L. Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle, today announces the forthcoming opening of Buffalo Trace Distillery London, a first-of-its-kind American whiskey experience at 32-33 Long Acre in the highly coveted Covent Garden area of London in late 2023.

“Buffalo Trace Distillery’s relentless commitment to quality aging and distilling has cultivated fans around the globe,” said Jake Wenz, CEO and President at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Buffalo Trace Distillery London is the first home for our American whiskeys outside of Kentucky, USA, and we are honored to put down roots in the United Kingdom. Many spirits consumers are more familiar with bourbon’s global whiskey counterparts, and Buffalo Trace Distillery London aims to offer a space to learn more about – and hopefully, fall in love with – our bourbon whiskey. We are excited to share our pursuit of the world’s best whiskey with all those interested in London and beyond.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery London will invite spirits enthusiasts to taste the best of what American whiskey has to offer while introducing them to the storied history and authenticity of the third oldest distillery in the world and oldest continually operating distillery in the United States. Featuring an immersive, sensorial experience that brings a taste of Kentucky, the homeplace of Buffalo Trace Distillery, to London, guests will embark on a narrative journey culminating in an exclusive tasting experience at one of two inspiring bars.

“For over 200 years, our Distillery has been defined by a dedication to one craft: making the finest American whiskey,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “In the heart of Bourbon Country in Frankfort, Kentucky, Buffalo Trace Distillery has built a generation of enthusiasts, one at a time, by showcasing the timeless craft of whiskey making alongside a sharp focus on experimentation and innovation. Our London location will bring that genuine, authentic experience to a new generation of global fans, allowing them to discover all that American Whiskey and the award-winning brands of Buffalo Trace Distillery have to offer.”

Guests visiting Buffalo Trace Distillery London can select from one of two tasting experiences. The first offering – Taste of the Trace– will feature a guided tasting of three outstanding expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery’s core product lineup: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Sazerac Rye, Bourbon Cream and the option of a Buffalo and Ginger Ale cocktail sample. The second tasting experience – Tradition & Change: Crafting the Most Awarded American Whiskey – will feature a selection of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s premium expression lineup, including: White Dog Mash #1, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old, E.H. Taylor Small Batch, and a small pour of a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned. Tastings will range in price depending on selection, up to £29.99.

“Whether you’re an existing fan of American whiskey, or if the category is entirely new to you, we’re confident Buffalo Trace Distillery London will offer an experience and a pour that will delight every palate,” said Duncan.

The location of Buffalo Trace Distillery London has been completely renovated to create a guest-first experience aimed at attracting Londoners and tourists alike. The 2,000-square-foot space will pay homage to Buffalo Trace’s legendary bourbon craftsmanship with special finishes and custom materials that evoke the essence of the Distillery in Kentucky. In the retail store, fans will be able to purchase whiskey bottles and unique merchandise – in fact, some of the merchandise can only be found at Buffalo Trace Distillery London. Rarer whiskey offerings from Buffalo Trace will also be offered during special surprise times throughout the initial opening months.

Reservations are required to secure a tasting appointment at Buffalo Trace Distillery London. Prebooking is highly encouraged and can be arranged via BuffaloTraceDistillery.co.uk. Reservation appointments will open up in the next few weeks. In the meantime, fans can join the waitlist via the website to be the first to know once bookings are available. Guests will also have the option of ‘walking in’ and inquiring about availability in-person, appointments of which will be granted on a first come, first served basis.  Buffalo Trace Distillery London looks forward to welcoming guests from the UK and around the globe beginning later this year.

For more information about Buffalo Trace Distillery London visit BuffaloTraceDistillery.co.uk and to stay current on happenings and updates follow along on Instagram @buffalotracedistillery_uk.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery 

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies.  To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. Charitable organizations interested in receiving a hand-picked bottle of whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery are encouraged to register their establishment here.

Arran 25 Years Old

Arran 25 years old, is the oldest offering from their core range. It’s produced annually, with only 3000 bottles available per year worldwide. This single malt has been matured in ex-Sherry and Bourbon Casks and bottled without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

NOSE: Rich oak with a gentle nutmeg note. Sweeter aromas of baked ripe figs, sultanas and black cherries.

PALATE: Fruit cake with toasted almonds and cinnamon. The juicy zestiness of oranges and mandarins mellows perfectly with manuka honey, muscovado sugar, baked apricots and an interesting white pepper note, that provides even more complexity.

FINISH: Creamy and spicy with dark chocolate, walnuts and dark fruits compote.

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TAMDHU DISTILLERY

50 Year Old 1972 Private Collection (2022)

Cask #3430

£5,250.00

Tamdhu 50 Year Old 1972 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single refill American hogshead #3430. Distilled 21st July 1972 & bottled 10th November 2022 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Private Collection series. Just 143 hand-blown crystal decanters have been produced.

Nose: Sweet toffee apple aromas combine with orange peel and crystalised violets. Fragrant pear gives way to undertines of aged leather and cocoa powder.

Taste: Tart raspberry flavours lead to bright citrus zest and black pepper. Dried exotic fruit comes to the fore alongside toasted almonds.

Finish: Full and spicy finish with lingering sweet fruit and oak.

Tamdhu Distillery was founded in Speyside in 1896 and in production the following year. Designed by Charles Doig this distillery was originally equipped with two stills that were increased to four in 1972 and then six in 1975 in order to cope with the ever increasing demand for Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark blends of scotch to which Tamdhu was a major contributor. When the nearby railway station closed in 1965 the ticket office was subsequently converted into the Tamdhu Distillery visitor. But the visitor centre closed and then the distillery itself in March 2010 and with it the last working Saladin malting boxes in Scotland. A year later and Ian Macleod Distillers purchased Tamdhu Distillery and re-opened it in 2012. Single malts include Tamdhu 10 Year Old and Batch Strength.

VIRGIN OAK
CASK STRENGTH BATCH NO. 1
70cl | 2023 Edition | 58.5% ABV

Bottled at cask strength, this limited release packs a real punch. It was first filled in American Bourbon barrels to give that versatile and uniquely waxy, citrus character which sets Deanston apart. It was then finished in virgin American oak barrels. At cask strength, the versatility of this dram shines through. Sip neat or add a few drops of water or ice to open up.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Intense robust flavours of wood spice, creamy custard and candied fruit.
PALATE: Butterscotch, heather honey, crisp green apple and Deanston’s signature waxy character.
FINISH: Warm spice, with a twist of citrus and a hint of honey.

£59.95

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Great Value Whiskies Under £80

At The Whisky Exchange, we believe that excellent whisky doesn’t always have to come with an extravagant price tag. We’ve put together a selection of our favourite value-for-money whiskies, all under £80 and hand-picked by our head buyer Dawn Davies MW.

Whether you’re looking for a gift or something new for your whisky collection, you’re sure to find a bottle that fits your budget without compromising on taste. Explore our full list of great value whiskies from Scotland and around the world featuring some of our bestsellers.

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