Savour the moments that matter this season with Tomatin

Highland distiller Tomatin has unveiled its ultimate festive whisky guide for 2025, a curated collection of drams designed to capture the spirit of the season – from cosy Christmas Eve firesides to joyful Hogmanay toasts.

The festive period is built on moments to remember, sharing time with loved ones, honouring family traditions and creating memories that last long after the decorations are packed away. Guided by its ‘To What Matters’ ethos, Tomatin celebrates these occasions with whiskies that embody warmth, generosity and togetherness.

Crafted with care in the Scottish Highlands, each expression reflects Tomatin’s heritage, award-winning quality and enduring sense of community, making it the perfect companion to celebrate the season. From the rich and indulgent Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask single malt to the luxurious Antiquary 21 Year Old blended Scotch, there is an exquisite whisky for every stage, whether it’s a dram left out for Santa, a thoughtful gift under the tree or a toast to ring in the New Year.

The night before Christmas – Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask
RRP £52.50 | ABV 40% | 70cl

The anticipation of Christmas Eve deserves a dram that feels timeless. Fully matured in sherry oak casks, Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is rich and nostalgic, with notes of caramelised apple, orange peel and warm spice that echo the aromas of festive baking. Perfect for a quiet fireside moment or left out for Santa, it’s a whisky that captures the magic of the night before Christmas.

Unwrapping the day – Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port
RRP £78 | ABV 46% | 70cl

Christmas Day is about giving, sharing and celebrating together. Matured in bourbon and port casks, Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port combines velvety flavours of red berries, honey and soft oak – indulgent yet welcoming. Whether poured as the first toast of the day or enjoyed after a festive meal, it’s a gift that lingers in the memory.

Fireside indulgence – Tomatin 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry
RRP £126 | ABV 46% | 70cl

After the laughter and bustle of Christmas Day, the days that follow call for a slower pace. Tomatin 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry is a whisky made for fireside indulgence – rich, complex and award-winning. Matured in traditional oak and Oloroso sherry butt casks, it offers layers of tropical fruit, marmalade and cocoa. Best enjoyed with time to spare and good company close by, it’s the whisky that makes the quieter moments of the season feel just as special.

A twist on tradition – Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old
RRP £97.50 | ABV 50% | 70cl

As the days between Christmas and New Year bring reunions and late-night conversations, Cù Bòcan adds a spark of curiosity. Distilled only in winter, this smoky and experimental lightly peated 15-year-old single malt layers sweet spice, citrus and toasted oak for a whisky that feels playful, modern and full of character. It’s the dram for friends who like to break with tradition while still celebrating it.

A final toast – The Antiquary 21 Year Old
RRP £96.50 | ABV 40% | 70cl

Hogmanay is Scotland’s most treasured celebration and The Antiquary 21 Year Old is the whisky to raise when the bells strike midnight. Elegant and refined, this historic blend marries Highland and Speyside malts with Lowland grains, offering smooth layers of fruit, honey and gentle spice. It’s an expression to carry tradition into the year ahead, and the perfect way to close the season.

For further information about Tomatin whiskies and to buy, visit https://tomatin.com

Tasting Notes

Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask
 Nose: Caramelised apple, pear, sultana, orange peel, apricot and hints of aged leather.
 Palate: Chocolate fudge, manuka honey, dried fruit and nut.
 Finish: Cinnamon spice.

Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port
 Nose: Top notes of fresh peach, mandarin, watermelon, and apple with deeper forest fruits like cherry and blackberry. There’s a touch of milk chocolate and a pop of honeycomb. Notes of clove and cardamom grow in intensity before another wave of fruit.  
 Palate: The freshness on the nose has been preserved into a raspberry and strawberry jam, apricot compote, glace cherry, and crystallised ginger. Caramelised figs, prunes and nutty tones are indicative of the rich tawny port that once occupied these casks.  
 Finish: A silky texture coats the mouth with jammy fruits and Byzantium spice.

Tomatin 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry
 Nose: VORS Oloroso Sherry; dried apricot, plum, nougat and distinctive nutty tones. Sweet notes of vanilla fudge and cinnamon baked pears are balanced with a faint suggestion of cigar box and leather-bound books.
 Palate: A wonderful marriage of Oloroso Sherry and well-aged Tomatin provides bursts of tropical fruit and mellow savoury notes. Incredibly complex with marmalade, cooked apple, butterscotch and granola, cocoa powder and salted caramel all coming through.
 Finish: Full bodied and rich with continued nutty undertones and uplifting orange zest lingering on the palate.

Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old
 Nose: Sun-dried fruit, marmalade, flamed orange peel, autumn bonfire and warm spice.
 Palate: Plum, cinder toffee, coffee, smoked meat and earthy tannins.
 Finish: Long with dried fruit, tobacco smoke, dark chocolate and Christmas cake.

The Antiquary 21 Year Old
 Nose: Camphor, hessian, cut hay, burning heather, dark mocha, saffron and vanilla.
 Palate: Spiced plum, wild strawberries, dark chocolate, charred game and orange.
 Finish: Sea salt and red fruits.   

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/

Laphroaig Elements 3.0 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Launched this summer, the third release in its pioneering Elements Series, Elements 3.0 explores the unexpected flavor impact of an extraordinary event at Laphroaig distillery. Following a kiln fire that burned longer and at significantly higher temperatures than usual, the resulting spirit led to a rich and distinctive whisky, with notes of chocolate and burnt caramel.

55.3% ABV | SRP: $165.00

Laphroaig 2025 Càirdeas: Lore Cask Strength

Launched this July, this expression marries five favorite distinct casks, each with its own story to tell, the result is a non-chill filtered whisky with an intense flavor profile. It’s a journey from zesty, salty high notes to the warmth of spices, wood and pepper of Islay peat. Lore Cask Strength offers a true taste of Laphroaig with added depth and impact, putting an exciting twist on one of Laphroaig’s classic and well-loved whiskies.

59.6% ABV | SRP: $110.00

(Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits)

Just in case you hadn’t noticed, we have been extremely busy here at TWL HQ! Our 20th Anniversary celebrations are now in full swing and we’re looking forward to seeing many of you soon. Read on for all the upcoming and current happenings…

It’s Finally Here!
The book you’ve been waiting for…

…but didn’t even know it. Our 20th Anniversary book, entitled, ‘Bringing Whisky to the People since 2005’. Some of you will know that this has been in the works since earlier in the year. I can confirm that it has been a real labour of love, for Isabel Graham Yooll (who organised the whole thing), and myself and Amanda, and in some ways much tougher than writing my book, Whisky – A Tasting Course. But, in other ways it has been even more rewarding.

What you need to know, is that the book contains interviews with some of our favourite people in the whisky industry, answering questions wide and varied. All centred around the key question: ‘Has the whisky industry changed more, in the last 20 years, than in the previous 200.’

We have certainly seen so much change, from our perspective, but we got the opinions and insight from the likes of Dave Broom, Charlie MacLean MBE, Dr. Nick Morgan, Dr. Bill Lumsden MBE, plus TWL stalwarts such as, Joe Clark, Jonny McMillan, Angus MacRaild (aka The Whisky Sponge) and Billy Abbott. Even myself and Amanda could not escape, so we’re in there too.

There are stories aplenty, some hilarious, plus there are lots of photos and images from TWL’s first 20 years. You might even spot yourselves! We have self-published the book and printed an initial 200 copies. It is available now, for £16.99 (including delivery), from our website. We hope you like it!

Buy TWL’s 20th Anniversary Book

Brave New Spirits

Islay/Speyside Blended Malt 19 Years Old

This blended malt was created by vatting malts from Islay and Speyside regions of Scotland. It was distilled on the 9th June 2006 and aged for 19 years in second fill Sherry butt before bottling on the 27th August 2025. Bottled by Brave New Spirits for their Cask Masters collection, at cask strength of 54.4% ABV, at natural colour and no chill filtration. Limited to 592 bottles. 54.4%

£99.00

ralfy review 1103 Extras – Advice on organic scotch whisky.

Discovering our Scotland Brand Homes

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Elevates Jackson Purchase Distillery to Heritage Member Status

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has advanced Jackson Purchase Distillery to Heritage Member status, marking the 17th distilling company to reach the highest membership tier within the organization.

Founded in 2021, Jackson Purchase is one of the fastest-growing distilleries in Kentucky, offering contract distilling services and selling new-fill barrels of Bourbon to craft brands, distillers in need of increased capacity, and companies that purchase barrels for future third-party sales.

Jackson Purchase is expanding the Bourbon industry’s footprint, bringing jobs and expanded economic impact to the Commonwealth’s Jackson Purchase Region.

Lloyd Jones, Jackson Purchase President and CEO, proudly expressed that the company continues to focus its success on crafting authentic Kentucky Bourbon for its customers, recently filling its 100,000th barrel at its flagship distillery in Hickman, Kentucky.

“We continue to grow by putting the craft of exceptional whiskey-making at the forefront of our business,” Jones said. “Moving to Heritage level in the KDA in just four years is a significant mark of our success, and we are honored to be part of the driving voice of Kentucky Bourbon.”

KDA President Eric Gregory congratulated Jackson Purchase on their noteworthy milestone and commended the steady leadership they have shown within the Kentucky Bourbon family.

“We applaud the commitment and investment that the Jackson Purchase team has made to the timeless craft of Kentucky Bourbon,” Gregory said. “We look forward to their leadership as a Heritage member, and working together to sustainably grow the Commonwealth’s signature industry.”

Jackson Purchase’s growth reflects the continued expansion of Kentucky’s spirits industry, a $9 billion economic engine that generates more than 23,000 jobs while attracting millions of visitors annually through the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Bourbon brings Kentucky an annual economic impact of $3.3 billion and nearly $77 million in local and state tax revenue.

Learn more about Jackson Purchase at jacksonpurchasedistillery.com.

Jackson Purchase Distillery advances as a KDA “Heritage” level member, aging more than 50,000 barrels annually. Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA)  is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Greg Hughes inducted as Keeper of the Quaich at 70th Banquet Celebration

07 October 2025 – Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, has announced a new inductee to the prestigious Keepers of the Quaich, an internationally recognised honour bestowed on those deemed to have made a significant contribution to the Scotch whisky industry.

Greg Hughes, President and CEO of Suntory Global Spirits, was inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich at the Autumn 2025 Banquet on 6th October in recognition of his contribution and influential role within the Scotch whisky industry.

Hughes’ induction marks a decade at Suntory Global Spirits, initially joining as General Manager of the U.S. market before moving into different roles within the business and being appointed President and CEO in October 2023. He is responsible for leading the executive team and organisation, driving global growth, brand development and the continued heritage preservation of iconic brands such as Bowmore, Laphroaig and Teachers, globally.

Greg Hughes said: “It is an honor to be named a Keeper of the Quaich, and to hold one of the most prestigious titles in the Scotch whisky industry. It’s the perfect way to mark ten years at Suntory Global Spirits and reflects the pride and passion I have in the heritage and craftsmanship in each of our brands, particularly those which make up our iconic Scotch portfolio.”

Chris Richardson, Managing Director, Scotch & Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, and himself a Keeper of the Quaich since 2023, commented: “At Suntory Global Spirits, we pride ourselves on upholding the values of the Scotch industry and bringing its extraordinary craftsmanship to consumers around the world. This is consistent with the overall purpose and intent of Keepers of the Quaich, so I’m delighted to see such a well-deserved recognition for Greg as our CEO. Greg’s nomination reflects his passion and presence within the organisation and the wider industry over the past 10 years. I know Greg will be honoured to receive this recognition.”

About Keepers of the Quaich

Keepers of the Quaich is an exclusive international society which recognises, rewards, and celebrates those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch Whisky industry, by working in, writing, or evangelising about it.

The Edinburgh-based Society receives applications for new members from all over the world to be inducted at a special ceremony twice a year at Blair Castle in Pitlochry. The Society has ten chapters around the world, in locations including Australia and Brazil, and there are currently 3,190 Keepers altogether.

www.keepersofthequaich.co.uk

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Our currently live 173rd auction closes on Sunday night, leaving loads of time to get your bids in.  We’ve selected a few lots we feel are worth highlighting that you might have missed this month.  Best of luck in the auction everyone.

First we up we have a rather unusual bottling. Kingsbury (also known as the Kingsbury Wine & Spirits Company) was founded in Aberdeen in 1989 by the president of Japan Import System Co. Ltd, Katsuhiko Tanaka, and this little gem is the Speyside 1989 30 Year Old Kingsbury Special Anniversary.  Bottled to celebrate three decades of successful trading under the Kingsbury name, this Speyside single malt has spent 30 years ageing in a sherry butt and given Kingsbury’s reputation for selecting casks it is more than likely delicious too.

Whenever this one crosses my path I just have to highlight it, most definitley a bucket list dram, this is the Laphroaig 1980 27 Year Old Friends of Laphroaig Edition.  Distilled in 1980 and aged for twenty seven years in 5 Oloroso casks before being married together into this tremendous concoction, this bottle really is a beaut.  One of only 94 bottles released for the ‘Friends of Laphroaig’ community, this is also a marvelously rare release for any serious collectors out there.

Another absolute cracker from Islay now, this is the Bowmore 1957 38 Year Old.  Distilled way back in 1957 this extraordinary dram then spent almost four decades quietly slumbering in select oak casks in the now legendary Number 1 Vaults.  Rich and smooth Bowmore doesn’t traditionally pack the high peated punch of other Islay distilleries but the quality of the spirit they produce remains second to none on Islay, or anywhere else for that matter.

And finally, we have something special from the famed sixteen men of Tain, this is the Glenmorangie 1974 Pride 1L.  This bottling is one of only 503 bottles released, and boasts its contents being the oldest of all official Glenmorangie releases worldwide at 41 years of maturation. As if this wasn’t impressive enough, this piece is a collaborative effort with piano craftsmen, Steinway & Sons.  Their influence and contribution can be seen on the immaculate finishing and stature of the display case.  Truly a thing of beauty and a worthwhile addition to even the most exclusive of collections.As always, we have a wide range of drams with something to suit everyone, so now is the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites for your watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Thinking of selling your bottles? 

We still offer 0% commission to all sellers making Scotch Whisky Auctions the best place to sell bottles. For all relevant information just click here.Having trouble with the button? Tap here to open WhatsApp.