Signatory 30th Anniversary

Bunnahabhain 50 Year Old

Distilled in 1968 and bottled in January 2019, this remarkable single malt was released to mark the 30th Anniversary of Signatory Vintage, having matured for 50 years in a single refill sherry butt. This Bunnahabhain 50 Year Old 1968 is an extraordinary Islay single malt Scotch whisky, released to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Signatory Vintage. Distilled in 1968 and bottled in January 2019, this majestic dram matured for half a century in a single refill sherry butt #12397, yielding just 323 individually numbered bottles.

A 50-year-old single malt from Bunnahabhain, one of Islay’s most revered distilleries. Bottled from a single refill sherry cask, allowing the spirit to shine with mature complexity. Released in celebration of Signatory Vintage’s 30th Anniversary—a landmark in independent bottling. Just 323 bottles filled, making this a museum-worthy masterpiece. A whisky of exceptional age and elegance, this 1968 Bunnahabhain is a once-in-a-generation dram—stately, soulful, and supremely collectible.

Order The Hearach Decade Edition

The Hearach Decade Edition single malt whisky is now available to buy in our UK online store or at the distillery shop in Tarbert. Made with Harris hand-cut peat, just 2,357 bottles have been created and each is priced at £75.00 including free delivery.
The Hearach Decade Edition is more than a whisky. It’s a celebration of ten years’ work, a toast to the people who brought it to life, and a promise of what lies ahead.

ORDER THE DECADE EDITION

ralfy review 1095 Extras – Gaining ‘knowledge’ of whisky-hunting.

Jura adds two more years!

 Single Malt Scotch Whisky establishes Jura 12 Year Old as its entry level whisky, replacing Jura 10 Year Old; and reveals new look that makes buying whisky more accessible

As part of its mission to make whisky drinking more accessible and enjoyable to a wider audience, Jura, the Single Malt Scotch Whisky made on the Isle of Jura by a Scottish island community, has announced that Jura 12 Year Old will become the new entry level whisky to the brand’s aged range, replacing Jura 10 Year Old.

With two additional years of maturation, Jura 12 Year Old is bursting with delicious flavours of peach, citrus and walnut and perfectly encapsulates Jura’s fruity and balanced house style.

The move comes in response to consumer taste tests which showed that substantially more people, including younger and more frequent drinkers love the flavours of Jura 12 Year Old even more than Jura 10.

At the same time Jura has also revealed a new, easy-to-understand pack for its range of single malts, featuring a ‘first of its kind’ taste scale designed to help people easily identify ‘at a glance’ the three key flavours in each of its whiskies.

Research by the brand showed:

• around two thirds of people looking to pick up a bottle of whisky leave empty-handed because choosing a whisky is too confusing.
• one of the most important things people want is to have confidence and reassurance about how the whisky will taste.
• the overuse of technical terms on pack such as maturation and cask journey, does not always explain how they relate to taste, which is at the heart of a consumer purchase.

Jura’s new on pack taste scale aims to reduce this confusion by making it easy to identify ‘at a glance’ the three most prominent fruity and balanced flavours in each bottle of Jura. The scale rates each of the three flavours on strength from zero to six.  For example: Jura 12 Year Old has flavours of Peach rated at 4, Citrus at 3, and Walnut at 3.

Technical information about the whisky has been kept to a minimum on pack, using language that everyone can understand, and leading with flavour. However for those interested in further details on cask journey and maturation, an on pack QR code will take people to the Jura website for more information.

Claire Blackadder, Head of Brand for Jura, explained: “Making whisky that people love and can enjoy is at the heart of what we do. Consumers tell us they love Jura 12 even more than Jura 10, and we are thrilled that our teams have worked hard to make that happen and we can now bring Jura 12 to more people in more places. Those additional two years in cask enhance Jura 12’s depth and character, making it more appealing to new customers and gifters alike. 

“The new look pack has been designed to help make the process of choosing a whisky easier and more accessible for customers. People tell us that buying a whisky can be baffling, and with the overuse of technical terms customers often leave a store empty handed. Not everyone is a whisky expert, and the most important thing people want to know is what the whisky will taste like. With our new pack redesign and taste scale, customers will easily be able to decide whether Jura would suit the occasion, and have the confidence that they are buying a whisky packed with Jura’s signature fruity and balanced flavours that appeal to many.” 

Each bottle of Jura will also now display a larger age statement, alongside an enhanced bottle silhouette, to make it easy for those who love Jura to identify their favourite whisky. The makeover also heroes Scotland and the Scottish island community who produce Jura whisky from the brand’s beachside distillery.

The brand is also introducing a new travel retail-exclusive range called the Islanders Series. Comprising four expressions: White Oak Cask, 13 Year Old, 16 Year Old and 19 Year Old, the new travel retail range is inspired by the values of Jura’s islanders and features the same design principles as the core domestic range.

Jura 12 Year Old will replace the 10 Year Old on shelves in the UK in October 2025, before being rolled out around the world. The new look Jura pack will be hitting shelves in the UK in September before rolling out globally. The travel-retail exclusive Islanders Series is expected on-shelf in select outlets from October.

Isle of Jura Distillery:

• Nestled a few miles off Scotland’s west coast, the Isle of Jura is home to a vibrant community of around 200 people. Since 1810, Jura’s beachside distillery has been creating a truly unique island malt. The fruity and balanced flavours of the whisky captures the spirit of Jura, making it perfect for bringing people together.
• Jura 12 Year Old, just like a visit to our island home, this whisky is as unique and rewarding as it is enjoyable. Crafted in our exceptionally tall stills, this Scottish island whisky is a testament to our fruity and balanced house style. Taste Scale: Peach (4) Citrus (3) Walnut (3).
• Find out more at jurawhisky.com
• Since 1844, Whyte & Mackay Ltd’s roots have been firmly planted in Scotland. Our diverse collection of award-winning whiskies includes The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn, Tamnavulin, and innovative modern spirits, The Woodsman, and Shackleton Whisky, reflecting an unwavering dedication to crafting brands that stand out.

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Our September Outturn sets the tone for adventures together. Let’s celebrate the power of shared experiences and the fact that all Society journeys have one thing in common: they start with a single dram.  September Outturn is now live.

SWEET STRAWBERRY SYRUP WITH A LEMON TANG

CASK NO. 8.46

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  8 years

EXOTIC OPULENCE

CASK NO. 55.75

CASK:  1st fill HTMC hogshead

AGE:  16 years

ON THE SIDE OF EQUILIBRIUM

CASK NO. 100.45

CASK:  1st fill shiraz hogshead

AGE:  12 years

SO, THIS IS SOLSTICE…

CASK NO. 113.74

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

AGE:  12 years

SMOOCH A KIPPER

CASK NO. 11.60

CASK:  2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  9 years

BIG, BOLD AND OH-SO SMOKY!

CASK NO. 53.475

CASK:  Refill HTMC hogshead

AGE:  13 years

BROWSE SEPTEMBER OUTTURN HERE

VIEW ALL BOTTLES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
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Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
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Private Stock
North British 18 Years Old

In celebration of Douglas Laing’s 75th Anniversary, this Private Stock North British was bottled directly from the Douglas Laing Family’s Private Whisky Collection. Offered proudly at natural cask strength, it is presented exactly as the Distiller intended: without added colour or chill-filtration, and at a natural cask strength of 48.1%. Each bottle is hand signed by Cara Laing.

Nose Candied fruits with brown sugar lead to polished oak and spices.
Palate Ginger and allspice give way to marzipan and runny butterscotch.
Finish Medium-long with nutmeg, treacle, zesty, orange, and late warm spices (CSL).

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In celebration of Douglas Laing’s 75th Anniversary, this Private Stock North British was bottled directly from the Douglas Laing Family’s Private Whisky Collection. Offered proudly at natural cask strength, it is presented exactly as the Distiller intended: without added colour or chill-filtration, and at a natural cask strength of 48.1%. Each bottle is hand signed by Cara Laing.

A New Travel Retail Exclusive – Gran Reserva V

 A Whisky of Rich Colour and Refined Character

We’re delighted to introduce Tamdhu Gran Reserva V, a whisky exclusively matured in 100% First Fill European Oak Oloroso Sherry Casks, some of the finest and rarest in the world. Crafted with care and bottled exclusively for global travel retail, Gran Reserva V is a celebration of richness and refinement. From the first sip to the final note, it offers a journey through warm, spiced sweetness and velvety depth.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Elegant spice, warm butterscotch, roasted almonds

Palate: Orange zest and nutmeg over unmistakably rich oak

Finish: Cinnamon and cocoa, ending with smooth buttercream

46% ABV

RRP: £208.00 | €249.00 | $269.00
Available exclusively in global travel retail.

From departure to arrival, Gran Reserva V is a whisky that rewards those who seek depth, character, and timeless sophistication.

Slàinte Mhath,

Sandy McIntyre
Distillery Manager

FANTASTIC EXCLUSIVES

Get set for the Bank Holiday weekend with this flurry of four fantastic exclusive bottlings from The Whisky Shop.  We have teamed up with our friends at Ardnamurchan, Balblair Loch Lomond, Glen Scotia and Gordon & McPhail to select four exclusive casks for our customers.

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Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

Distillery profiles: Glen Esk

Glen Esk was commissioned in 1897 and was located just north of Montrose on the east coast of Scotland between Dundee and Aberdeen not far from Hillside station on the North British railway line. Dundee wine merchant James Isles and his business partner London wine & spirit merchants Septimus Parsonage combined to commission the distillery. The extant buildings on site were converted from a flax mill for the purposes of distilling, flax canvas being used for sails. The original choice of name was Highland Esk, ‘esk’ being derived from ‘uisge’ Gaelic for ‘water’.

Changing hands in the run up to WWI it was run by distillers J. F. Caille Heddle when Parsonage hit cash flow problems. At this point the name North Esk Distillery was adopted. There was a fire in 1910 although production resumed swiftly. Like other similar facilities the distillery was closed during the First World War and used as a billet by the army. After the war the halt to distilling continued although it was used for malting from 1919 after acquisition by Thomas Bernard & Co. The distillery was converted to grain production in 1938 when entrepreneur Joseph Hobbs, managing Associated Scottish Distillers Ltd part of Train & MacIntyre themselves a subsidiary of National Distillers of America took over. At this point the distillery’s name was changed to “Montrose”, employment level was around 30 staff. The promise of jobs and the boost to the local economy crucially persuaded the local council to grant wastewater disposal from the distillery into the area’s sewage network. This was a practice not appreciated by the fishing board which also had reservations over whether the system was adequate to deal with the additional pressure on the waste water facilities.

During WWII there was a forced closure between 1941 and 1945 and the distillery was once again used as a barracks by the military. DCL took over in 1954 although initially only making use of the warehousing and malting facilities. Grain distilling operations restarted in 1959 then there was a return to the making of malt whisky with the removal of the small column stills and installation of 4 new steam heated pot stills which started production in November 1964. At this point the distillery had yet another name change, this time to ‘Hillside”, the distillery was now under the wing of DCL’s Scotch Malt Distillers (SMD). Large drum maltings were added to the site in 1968 further increasing to 24 drums in 1973. Each drum held an impressive 31 tonnes of barley. DCL also had maltings at Burghead, Muir of Ord, Port Ellen and Roseisle. Floor maltings at their distilleries were stopped in the 1960s when rising demand called for output greater than could be met by traditional hand malting methods. Another name change, “Glen Esk” came on 1.5.1980 just 5 years before the distillery finally closed on 31.5.1985. The license was cancelled in 1992 however malting continues on site. Paul’s Malt Ltd acquired the plant in 1996, they were then taken over by Greencore Malt in 1998.

Only some crumbling warehouses remain of the distillery, the main buildings having been demolished in 1996. The make was associated with the successful blend Vat 69, the distillery being registered to brand owner William Sanderson & Sons of Queensferry during its DCL days.

Equipment at the time of closure: a copper domed mash tun, 8 wooden washbacks, 2 pairs of large stills which were based on Craigellachie distillery’s design. These were steam heated on installation in 1965, an early example of the method and had internal condensers. Output was 2.5ML. On-site storage was around 28,000 casks over 6 warehouse.

The last manager was G. Pirie, a Mr Dykes managed from 1965-1979.

photo credit whisky.auction

Official bottlings : there was a 5yo for Italy and a 12yo for the domestic market.

The 25th anniversary of the maltings in 1983 was marked with the bottling of a 24yo 1969 Glenesk at 60%. In the Rare Malt range there were 4 editions of Hillside: a 25yo 1969 at 61.9%, two from 1970 both at 25yo one at 61.1% and the other 60.1% as well as a 1971 again at a high strength, 62%.

Mark Davidson, aka The Jolly Toper Profile

Evan Williams Bourbon Expands “Bourbon Nation” with New Schools and Brand Ambassador Molly McGrath

Oregon, South Carolina, and Oklahoma join the roster as Game Day’s #1 Pour gains new voice in celebrated ESPN reporter

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon today announced a major expansion of its multi-year partnership with Learfield, the leading media and technology company in college athletics, as it welcomes three new schools—the University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, and the University of Oklahoma—to its growing collegiate lineup. The brand also proudly introduces Molly McGrath, nationally recognized ESPN sideline reporter, as the new Brand Ambassador for the Evan Williams Bourbon Nation platform.

Launched in 2024, Evan Williams’ Bourbon Nation initiative aims to unite collegiate sports fans through game day traditions, spirited celebrations, and responsible enjoyment of America’s second-largest selling Bourbon. With the addition of Oregon, South Carolina, and Oklahoma, Evan Williams is now the Proud Partner of eight iconic college programs, including the University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, The Ohio State University, and University of Alabama.

“From pre-game rituals to post-win celebrations, Evan Williams is the Bourbon that resonates with college sports fans and alumni,” said Molly McGrath, Brand Ambassador for Evan Williams. “As someone who lives and breathes college sports, I’m thrilled to bring that same passion to a brand that’s all about celebrating tradition, connection, and team spirit.”

Molly McGrath joined ESPN in July 2016 and currently serves as the sideline reporter for ESPN/ABC Saturday college football games. She has also hosted College Football Live, College Basketball Live, and contributed to the XFL on ABC as a sideline reporter. Previously, she worked on ESPN’s Thursday night college football package and covered men’s college basketball on both ABC and ESPN.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Molly as the new voice of Evan Williams Bourbon Nation,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President at Evan Williams. “Her credibility, energy, and passion for college sports make her the perfect ambassador to help us connect with fans everywhere.”

As a hallmark of the campaign, Evan Williams Bourbon Nation taps into the thrill of game day and the passion fans bring to the stands—serving up custom cocktails, fun fan promos, social media moments, and nonstop support all football and basketball season long. The enhanced partnership will activate across in-stadium signage, branded bar experiences, and dynamic tailgate events at all eight participating schools. Complementary campaigns include in-store and on-premise programs, local and regional media integrations, and digital promotions, all timed to launch with the 2025 collegiate football season and flow seamlessly into the 2025 collegiate basketball season.

“By expanding the Evan Williams Bourbon Nation platform and aligning with talent like Molly McGrath, we’re not just showing up for game day—we’re becoming part of how fans celebrate,” said Bill Hirsh, Senior Vice President of Corporate Sales at Learfield. “We look forward to growing this program even further.”

Evan Williams Bourbon and Learfield remain committed to promoting responsible consumption and elevating the fan experience through every kickoff, buzzer-beater, and celebration in between.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past nine years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely®.

ABOUT LEARFIELD: Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.