We’re speeding into the busiest time of year, where the call to squeeze in a catch-up with friends echoes through the dark evenings. It’s the time of year when Society whisky invites you in, whether it’s enjoying a bottle with friends at home or heading to our Members’ Rooms for a dram or two with a pal.  There’s an incredible amount of whisky to discover this First Friday, including our first ever small-batch blended malt using mezcal casks, Smouldering Mojo. Take a look and enjoy the drams!

EXPLORE THE OUTTURN HUB

TAKE ME TO THE BOTTLES

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

Chivas Brothers unveils The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Year Old, 1 of 1 — a one-of-a-kind auction release in partnership with Sotheby’s

London, November 2025 – Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky and makers of The Glenlivet and Aberlour, today reveals the second release in its landmark partnership with Sotheby’s to bring never-before-released whiskies to discerning collectors.

The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Year Old, 1 of 1 represents the pinnacle of more than five decades of craftsmanship, innovation and maturation expertise. Master Blender Kevin Balmforth collaborated with sherry suppliers in Spain to craft a bespoke seasoning blend — combining Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez and Palo Cortado — which seasoned a new Spanish Oak cask before the whisky was laid down over four years ago. The ageing journey was a combination of this bespoke sherry butt and American oak barrel, adding layers of vanilla and toffee to complement The Glenlivet’s hallmark orchard fruit and honeyed richness. The combined result of these two casks is a singular, exceptionally aged single malt offering extraordinary depth, shaped by a finishing process unlike anything in the brand’s history, one that exemplifies Chivas Brothers’ craft of truly one-of-a-kind whiskies defined by rarity, provenance and masterful artistry.

This exclusive single malt lot is presented in a 24 carat gold-plated spherical glass decanter, adorned with  gold engravings of heather branches. Its bespoke bar top features an exceptional 137.73 carat lab-grown Paraiba Tourmaline simulant.   The whisky is accompanied by a bespoke sculptural plinth crafted by acclaimed artists Fredrikson Stallard, featuring  3D-printed heather branches plated in 24 carat gold that rise from a base of Guatemalan green marble. Inspired by Speyside’s dramatic terrain, the design echoes the whisky’s complexity and the rugged beauty of its Scottish homeland.

The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Year Old, 1 of 1 will be offered solely through Sotheby’s Finest & Rarest Whisky auction, running from 6–20 November 2025. Proceeds will support the National Trust for Scotland’s excavation work within the Cairngorms, where erosion threatens archaeological remains that could unlock new understanding of prehistoric life in the region. The initiative builds upon a five-year partnership between The Glenlivet and the Trust.

This announcement follows the recent record-breaking Distillers One of One® Charity Auction, held with Sotheby’s on 10 October 2025, where The Glenlivet SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965 achieved a record selling price of £650,000 — the highest bid ever recorded for the brand at auction and highest ever single bottle lot record at The Distillers One of One auctions to date. As Scotch cements its position as the world’s leading status spirit, Chivas Brothers’ diverse portfolio of high-end and exceptionally rare whiskies is perfectly positioned to meet the demand for rare, investment-grade and prestigious Scotch.

Jacques-Henri Brive, Global Head of Luxury Development at Chivas Brothers, said: “Through our partnership with Sotheby’s, we are unlocking exclusive access to previously unseen rare Scotch from the archives of Chivas Brothers — broadening the horizons for luxury spirits collectors around the world. The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Year Old, 1 of 1 reflects our legacy of creating the world’s finest high-aged Scotch, giving the most discerning collectors an opportunity to own their own slice of Scotch whisky heritage.”

Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits at Sotheby’s, said: “It’s a real honour to continue our partnership with Chivas Brothers, offering collectors exclusive access to some of the rarest Scotch whiskies in existence. Even as the auction market steadies for fine and rare whisky, demand for truly exceptional liquid remains unwavering — and Chivas Brothers is uniquely positioned to meet that appetite with whiskies that are defined by scarcity, provenance and artistry. With The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition 56 Year Old, 1 of 1, we are once again bringing an extraordinary expression of luxury Scotch to the global stage.”

The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, 56 Year Old, 1 of 1 carries an estimate of £35,000-£70,000. Bottled at 42.7%, this expression offers notes of poached plums, sticky dates and luscious dark chocolate ganache on the nose, with a taste of fresh blackberries, ripe banana and cherry compote and a velvety sweet, complex finish with enduring notes of dark chocolate.

* Early interest in the auction can be registered here

Copenhagen Distillery Unveils Newest Whisky Expression: REFINED No.3

Capturing Denmark in a bottle, REFINED No.3 is a perfect balance of innovation and craftsmanship

‘Distinctively Danish’ whisky producer, Copenhagen Distillery proudly announces the release of REFINED No.3, the highly anticipated newest expression in its acclaimed portfolio.

Limited to just 1,362 bottles, REFINED No.3 is crafted from 100% malted barley, including carefully cold-smoked portions, and matured in virgin and specially seasoned Hungarian oak casks.

Copenhagen Distillery’s unique seasoning process imbues the barrels with a proprietary blend, infusing each drop with a distinctly Danish character. The careful cask treatment adds layers of complexity that positions REFINED not just an expansion of the portfolio, but a bold statement in its own right.

REFINED No.3 presents a whisky of sophistication, depth and balance, with expressive layers of robust spice, herbal notes evocative of classic Danish bitters, complemented by subtle hints of liquorice and toasted rye bread. On the palate, expect delicate phenols, gentle smokiness, herbaceous sweetness, and discreet spiciness, showcasing both refinement and complexity in equal measure.

Lasse Öznek, Master Distiller at Copenhagen Distillery, comments: “With every release, we take another step toward our ultimate vision of crafting the perfect whisky – though in truth, the journey will never truly end, because experimentation is in our nature. REFINED No.3 is the latest expression of that exploration, and exemplifies our spirit: innovative, distinctly Danish, and layered with complexity from our unique cask seasoning process. It’s a whisky that captures both tradition and innovation, and we are very proud of it.”

Building on this philosophy, REFINED No.3 pushes boundaries with its balance of bold character and elegance. Crafted to showcase both innovation and heritage, it brings together Copenhagen Distillery’s forward‑thinking methods and its dedication to shaping a new Danish whisky tradition.

More than a new expression, REFINED embodies the very essence of Copenhagen Distillery’s mission – to craft whiskies that are unapologetically Distinctively Danish. The unique cask treatments add unexpected layers of flavour, highlighting the distillery’s uncompromising approach to innovation, craftsmanship, and bold expression.

REFINED No.3 (58.3% ABV) is priced at €265. The whisky will be available to purchase in the UK from The Whisky Exchange Online, as well as leading speciality whisky retailers worldwide and online in Northern Europe via the Copenhagen Distillery website.

Sip Into Autumn with the Fettercairn 1824 Martini 

Looking for a crisp new serve this autumn? Fettercairn 1824 Martini is a refined twist on a cult classic – perfect for dinner party season. A contemporary reimagining of the timeless Old Fashioned, but without the mixer, it uses ingredients that gently enhance the tropical fruit flavour of the whisky. Accents of golden citrus, sweet honey and warming spice echo the flavours of the season while a crown of Crémant sparkling wine gives a vibrant, distinguished finish.

To make it at home, simply combine…

• 37.5ml Fettercairn 16 Year Old
• 12.5ml kumquat liqueur
• 10ml Fettercairn honey syrup
• 15ml lemon juice
• 4 dashes of banana & coffee bitters

Shake all ingredients briskly with ice, fine strain into a chilled Champagne coupe, and top with Crémant sparkling wine. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist for a touch of finesse. Serve in your most elegant Martini glass, well-chilled.

Fettercairn 16 Year Old is available from a range of retailers, including The Whisky Shop, RRP £87.

We know it’s early, but for the organised amongst you, Christmas has quietly arrived at Wolfburn. Our Twelve Days of Christmas Collection is now available, beginning with Partridge in a Pear Tree and Two Turtle Doves: two exceptional 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, available in 70cl and 35cl bottles.

Matured in bourbon and sherry casks, each offers a beautifully balanced taste of floral sweetness, soft spice, and gentle Highland warmth, the perfect start to the season’s celebrations.

Back by popular demand, our Luxury Christmas Crackers also make a welcome return, now available in both timeless black and festive red. Each cracker holds a different 5cl miniature of Wolfburn Single Malt, bringing a touch of elegance and Highland charm to your Christmas table.

Our Christmas shop is now open, with more festive treats arriving soon, so pour yourself a dram, have a browse, and get ahead of the rush.

SHOP NOW

New [M]acallan Exclusive | 16 Year Old single cask for TWB 🧡🍊

Discover our exclusive new Secret Speyside 16-Year-Old, distilled at Macallan and matured in a single ex-bourbon hogshead before being bottled by Signatory Vintage in October 2025 at 61.8% ABV exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. Expect layers of orchard fruits, creamy vanilla, toasted coconut, and gentle oak spice — a beautifully refined expression where Macallan’s signature elegance shines through. Just 267 bottles available — a true collector’s treasure. Bottled at 61.8% reveal classic orchard fruits, gentle oak spice, apple tart and honeycomb. Distilled at the “secret” Macallan distillery—an insider’s treat without the marquee price tag. Perfect for collectors and Speyside aficionados seeking a rare single-cask Macallan.

£95.95 / $134 / c$150 / €92,95

Eagle Rare Side of Rye American Whiskey Pack

(Eagle Rare K&L Exclusive 375ml, Obtainium 14 Year Old Rye, Smoke Wagon Malted Rye)

(2x750ml, 1x375ml)

$150.00 View

This lovely pack of American whiskies combines the extremely delicious Eagle Rare K&L Pick with two very unique American rye whiskies. The value of the three whiskies on their own is close to $200, but we’re able to offer this exceptional pack of American Whiskies for nearly $45 off our normal retail price. An excellent way to fill out the rye side of the cabinet while obtaining one of the most limited and exclusive offerings of the year.

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

The Good Dram Show – Episode 613 ‘Integrity Malts’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the first releases from a new Independent bottling company called Integrity Malts. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum. Episode 613 – Bottling Whisky With Integrity..! Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

Integrity Malts Glen Moray 2013 (12 year old) 56.6%
Integrity Malts Highland Park 2003 (22 year old) 47.7%
Integrity Malts Bunnahbhain Staoisha 2020 (5 year old) 65.1%
Integrity Malts Ardmore 2015 (10 year old) Pedro Ximinez Quarter Cask Finish 55.9%
Integrity Malts Ardmore 2015 (10 year old) Ex-Laphroaig Quarter Cask Finish 55.9%

https://integritymalts.co.uk

Tomatin continues grocery success with 10-year-old single malt whisky

 Highland distiller Tomatin has released an exceptional new bourbon matured 10-year-old single malt whisky created specifically for the grocery and convenience channels.

Available in Waitrose and on Amazon from 9 November 2025, Tomatin 10 Year Old has been carefully curated to offer a taste of luxury at an affordable and accessible price point. The release, bottled at 40% ABV and retailing at £42, further establishes Tomatin in the UK grocery channel and introduces a new aged single malt from the distillery to the sector.

The new expression follows the success of Tomatin Double Cask which was launched in Tesco and on Amazon earlier this year, and is being rolled out in export markets over the next 12 months. The supermarket range’s refreshed outer packaging is designed to enhance shelf stand out in both grocery and convenience environments. 

Scott Adamson, blender and global brand ambassador at Tomatin, said: “Our new 10-year-old single malt isn’t a traditional whisky, and this is all down to our cask choice. It’s impossible to hide a bad whisky in a bourbon barrel, and the art of maturation in these very special casks is something we’ve perfected over the years to create a quality, honest whisky.

“Having spent much of the past decade experimenting with different cask types and appreciating the range of flavours which can be crafted through maturation, Tomatin 10 Year Old is exquisite in its simplicity. As a distillery, we do bourbon very well, and we’re proud to release this exceptional whisky.”

Gordon Hynd, UK sales director at Tomatin, said: “Tomatin is going from strength to strength in the grocery and convenience sectors as we further establish the brand in these channels. Tomatin 10 Year Old is a welcome age-statement addition to our supermarket range which, as with Tomatin Double Cask, has been developed with customer requirements front of mind – creating a whisky synonymous with accessible luxury.

“This single malt has been designed to expand on our existing range and increase distribution to our UK retail partners, in addition to the existing channels already represented by the rest of our distillery’s core products.”

While most Tomatin whiskies have been matured in sherry, port or wine casks, Tomatin 10 Year Old is exclusively matured for a decade in bourbon casks, creating a single malt with a sweet, fruity, buttery profile designed to appeal to the curious consumer.

Tomatin 10 Year Old delivers aromas of lemon sherbet sweets and crunchy green apples followed by buttery croissants, white chocolate and macadamia nuts. On the palate, lemon meringue pie, honey and a touch of toffee are complemented by apricot and peach before a clean and fresh finish.

Presented in a premium 70cl bottle, Tomatin 10 Year Old is encased in refreshed outer packaging featuring ochre detailing which elegantly symbolises the tree rings found in oak – a nod to the distillery’s first-class wood policy and enduring commitment to knowing the history of each cask that passes through its warehouses.

With a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century, Tomatin has been a home for the whisky making team’s dedicated craftsmen and their families since the distillery was established in 1897.

For more information on Tomatin 10 Year Old, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tomatin 10 Year Old tasting notes

Nose: Aromas of lemon sherbet sweets and crunchy green apples followed by buttery

croissants, white chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Palate: Lemon meringue pie, honey and a touch of toffee are complemented by apricot and peach.

Finish: Clean and fresh.

Notes 

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

This year, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/