Our Next Harvest Series Release

Something special is on the horizon… the fourth release of our annual Harvest Series Single Malt Whisky is nearly here.

Harvest #4 save the dates:

18th September 2025 – Available to buy in our retail shops only.

19th September 2025 – Available to buy on our website.

We will also send you an email the moment it goes on sale, so you won’t miss out! In the meantime, why not savour the last few bottles of Harvest Series Amber Meadow Single Malt Whisky release or explore the rest of our whisky collection below? Perfect timing as the nights draw in and the air turns crisp.

SHOP AMBER MEADOW

SHOP ALL WHISKIES

Our September Outturn sets the tone for Adventures together, the season that takes us into the last four months of the year. We celebrate the power of shared experiences and the fact that all Society journeys have one thing in common: they start with a single dram.

This is the magic of Society whisky and when you combine it with our global community, it really is extraordinary. With that in mind, it seemed fitting to turn this month’s Outturn cask introductions over to some of our members to hear all about their Society experiences. Keep reading to hear what they had to say.

September Outturn is now live.

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

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST-EVER TRAVELING TASTING EXPERIENCE, BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ON TOUR

The complimentary experience brings an award-winning tasting lineup to four U.S. cities this October 

FRANKFORT, KY (September 3, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery announces today a first in the Distillery’s history: this fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery is taking its award-winning bourbon on the road with a brand-new traveling tasting experience. This October, the Distillery will launch Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour, a tasting and retail experience coming to four U.S. cities: St. Louis, Kansas City, Jacksonville and Tampa. 

With Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour, step into the legendary world of Buffalo Trace Distillery as the team brings an elevated tasting experience directly to bourbon fans around the U.S. This experience offers guests a curated setting to explore four thoughtfully selected tasting pours, each accompanied by rich stories and insights from an expert host. Discover the fascinating history of Buffalo Trace Distillery and the bourbon icons who shaped the industry, all while sipping your way through a flight of storied bourbons. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to shop custom, city-specific barware available only at the experience while supplies last.

“We’re honored to have welcomed so many visitors to Buffalo Trace Distillery over the years, and it’s been a privilege to be part of the memories they’ve made with us,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We have long sought to bring our story to those who cannot, or have not yet, visited our Distillery. For the first time, Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour allows us to meet our fans where they are to share our history, craftsmanship, and award-winning whiskies. We’ve created an experience that tells the stories of our most impactful luminaries and brands that welcome everyone and allows space for discovery. On top of all that, bourbon is supposed to be fun – there will be guided tastings and maybe even a surprise or two.”

Each stop on Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour will offer a total of 10 complimentary tasting experiences spread out over four days with staggered afternoon and evening time slots. Each session will feature a guided tasting lasting approximately 1.5 hours and a lineup of popular brands including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, Weller Antique 107, and the new Sazerac Rye 100 Proof.

The dates and locations for each city are as follows:

• St. Louis, MO at the D’Amici Room – October 3-6
• Kansas City, MO at The First Creek Farm – October 9-12
• Jacksonville, FL at The Glass Factory – October 15-18
• Tampa, FL at Armature Works – October 19-22

“There’s something special about sharing a good pour with good company,” said Ed Bell, Sazerac Homeplace Director. “It’s a feeling people experience when they visit our Distillery, and now we’re excited to bring that same feeling to folks right where they live. We hope it’s a shared experience guests will never forget and one that inspires them to continue their own journey with bourbon.”

The experience is free to attend, though you must go online and reserve your ticket in order to participate. Tickets go live at 12PM noon ET/11AM CT on Wednesday, September 10th. Please limit four tickets per person. Ticket availability will be limited. Those interested can find tickets here.

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 it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history 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. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon Named “Bourbon of the Day” at Kentucky Downs for Third Consecutive Year

For the third consecutive year, Kentucky Senator Bourbon has been named as the Bourbon of the Day sponsor on September 7th at the iconic Kentucky Downs, one of America’s most exclusive and prestigious Thoroughbred racing venues. Known for its age-stated, small-batch character and deep Kentucky roots, Kentucky Senator Bourbon will once again take center stage during a meet that draws top horsemen, racing enthusiasts and spirited fans from across the country.

Continuing a cherished tradition, each winner on September 7th at Kentucky Downs will be presented with a custom-engraved bottle of Kentucky Senator Bourbon-a keepsake that perfectly pairs the thrill of victory with the craftsmanship of a fine, award-winning bourbon. These bottles not only celebrate the moment but also become lasting mementos, often displayed proudly long after the cheers of the winner’s circle fade.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon will be showcased throughout the September 7th race program at Kentucky Downs with a race entitlement, signage, key bar placements, program ads, a special cocktail, an interview and tv commercials on Fan Duel TV and trophy bottle presented throughout the day.

“We are thrilled to return to Kentucky Downs for the third consecutive year,” said Kentucky Senator Spirits co-founders Andre Regard and Damon Thayer. “This track is steeped in history and tradition- values we share in every bottle we produce. To have our bourbon poured and celebrated here is both an honor and an opportunity to share our story with a passionate, engaged audience.”

The Kentucky Downs spotlight provides more than just exposure- it places Kentucky Senator Bourbon alongside two of the state’s greatest cultural treasures: bourbon and horse racing. It is a unique stage to connect with new fans, deepen relationships with loyal supporters, and reinforce our mission to deliver a bourbon rich in character, heritage, and Kentucky Spirit.

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for at least six years (the same length as a U.S. senate term).

Founded by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, Kentucky Senator Bourbon revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler and Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.

Awards & Recognition

• Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s inaugural release, the Alben W. Barkley Release, was highlighted in Forbes’ Online Magazine 
• Fred Minnick, a noted Bourbon author, ranked Kentucky Senator Bourbon in his Top 100 Whiskeys of 2021, 2022 and 2023
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon has won Gold ASCOT Awards for taste and a Double Platinum ASCOT Award for marketing and brand design
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon recently won its first Double Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 2024 John Brown release

Private Stock Dailuaine 14 Years Old

Charged from one Sherry Butt, personally selected by Cara Laing, this Private Stock Dailuaine was bottled directly from the Douglas Laing Family’s Private Whisky Collection. Offered proudly at a natural cask strength, it is presented exactly as the Distiller intended: without added colour or chill-filtration, and at natural cask strength of 54.6%. Each bottle is hand-signed by Cara Laing.

SHOP NOW

Established in 1948, Douglas Laing is a proudly independent, family owned Scotch Whisky business in its third generation. Over 70 years of heritage have helped us to refine our processes, and deliver Whisky that is consistently exceptional in its offering.

Abiding to the philosophy of presenting Whisky as the Distiller intended, we add nothing and take nothing away from our spirit, enabling Whisky lovers around the world to come as close as they possibly can to sampling a dram straight from the Cask.

Our Whisky Philosophy

Established in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing, a man with a genuine love and serious passion for Whisky, Douglas Laing & Co. is a proudly independent, family owned Scotch Whisky Distiller, Blender and Bottler now in its third generation.

Over 70 years of heritage, history and expertise has helped us to refine our processes and create Whisky that is consistently exceptional in its offering.

Abiding by the philosophy of presenting Whisky “as the Distiller intended”, we are committed to bottling our Whisky “as natural as it gets” allowing enthusiasts around the globe to come as close as they possibly can to sampling a dram straight from the cask in the hallowed surrounds of a Scottish Distillery Warehouse.

RYELAW VINTAGE 2018

Fife Single Grain Scotch Whisky

70cl · 46.3% ABV

Ryelaw is produced at the InchDairnie Distillery in Fife. It is the only whisky in the world which is made using malted rye and distilled in a Lomond Hill still. Carefully matured in new oak casks sourced from the Appalachian Mountains for a spicier finish, the second vintage of RyeLaw has a prominent wood, rye and spice character. Distilled in 2018, this single grain Scotch is non-chill filtered and natural in colour.

Aroma: A robust mix of rye spice and oak, balanced by hints of vanilla and caramel sweetness.

Flavour: Bold peppery rye leads the palate, followed by drying oak and a smooth, lingering finish of delicate toffee.

£79.95

ADD TO BASKET

The Wall 39-Year-Old Rope Edition is finally here – one of the oldest Laphroaig whiskies ever bottled. With only 200 units worldwide, this limited edition is initially available exclusively at Laphroaig.com ~ Friends of Laphroaig and limited bottles are made available at select retailers worldwide.

The second edition in The Wall series, the Rope Edition, depicts the ropes of Puffer Boats that would carry sherry casks to our stretch of shore, a theme that’s reflected in this remarkable sherry-matured whisky, with a flavour profile that perfectly balances the influence of these casks with our signature peat.

Read More

ralfy review 1094 – Port Askaig single malt @ 59.4%vol (01/2023)

Unveiling Old Pulteney Polaris for 2025 Distillers One of One Auction

Masterpiece of Caithness craftsmanship features 47-year-old whisky, Old Pulteney’s oldest ever release  

International Beverage, unveiled Old Pulteney Polaris, its most extraordinary bottling of Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky to date, created exclusively for the 2025 Distillers One of One charity auction.  

This one-of-a-kind masterpiece of artisanal skill and artistry features a rare 47-year-old expression of the Maritime Malt, which is the Wick Distillery’s oldest ever release. 

It is encased in a stunning sculpture of Caithness slate and silver, which are both naturally found in the Distillery’s windswept coastal home in the far north of Scotland, with an additional enhancement of a secret copper disc at the base of the structure which has been carefully reclaimed from Pulteney Distillery’s stills.  

Polaris takes its name from the North Star, symbolising a bold, bright future for Old Pulteney as International Beverage plans a global celebration of the Distillery’s milestone 200th anniversary in 2026 – and the beginning of an exciting programme of new releases.  

For guests at this year’s Distillers One of One charity auction, Polaris offers the chance to own a unique and never-to-be-repeated piece of Old Pulteney’s history when they gather for the prestigious biennial auction, which takes place at Hopetoun House in Edinburgh on 10th October.  

Polaris follows on from Old Pulteney’s previous contribution to the 2023 auction – Bow Wave – which raised nearly £70,000 for the event’s main beneficiary: the Youth Action Fund, a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in Scotland. 

The Whisky 

Distilled and aged at Old Pulteney’s windswept home in Wick on the far north Scottish coast, this whisky captures an authentic maritime character that is unparalleled. Old Pulteney Polaris has been carefully matured for four decades in American oak casks with a final seven years spent resting in a single first-fill Spanish oak butt.  

 Selected for its elegantly complex and perfectly balanced character, this exceptional whisky boasts complex aromas of sea spray that the Maritime Malt is renowned for. On the palate, delicate vanilla and sweet cinnamon pastry come to the fore with a smooth, fine-textured taste featuring Scottish tablet and dark chocolate, ending with a finish of clotted cream. Bottled in 1.5 litre with an ABV of 43.6%, the Lot will include a 100ml tasting sample. 

The Bottle 

Honouring the industrial craftsmanship behind each drop of Old Pulteney, the Polaris bottle has been expertly designed and crafted in partnership with local artisans including Tain-based glass merchant Glasstorm to symbolize and celebrate the whisky’s coastal Scottish home. A deep blue glass bottle, represents the crashing waves of the Caithness coast, with intricate inciso cuts creating a rippled effect around the glassware. Caithness slate encases the bottle, symbolising the enduring cliffs found on this part of Scotland’s northerly coastline, and the bottle’s smooth front allows the luxurious mahogany hues of the whisky to shine through. Threads of Caithness silver run along the bottom of the dramatic slate structure to mimic the motion of waves and are beautifully intertwined with cords of copper. 

Renowned whisky expert, Dave Broom, praises its remarkable taste: ‘This deep amber whisky opens with a captivating nose of luxurious stone fruits, citrus zest, and a complex evolution toward oxidative notes like medlar and cob nut, lifted by the sensation of a cool seashore breeze. The palate is thick and waxy, mingling soft, late-harvest fruit with cedar-spiced tannins and a hint of salinity, evoking a windswept clifftop. A splash of water reveals greater mineral depth and incense-like spice, while the finish sees the return of fruit after the saltiness fades – mature and balanced.’  

Award-winning whisky writer, Jonny McCormick, further compliments the whisky’s incredible flavour profile: ‘Old Pulteney Polaris glows rich amber with burnished gold highlights. The first wave of aromas opens with a bold coastal nose of sea spray, molasses cake, nutmeg, and deep oak, before revealing layers of vanilla, espresso foam, and hints of baked apple and peppermint. On the palate, it’s silky and vibrant, with Scottish tablet, citrus peel, and a rolling wave of grilled pineapple, cherry cake, and toasted spice, all carried by a mineral backbone. The finish is indulgent and lingering, merging dark chocolate and coffee with soft oak, clotted cream, and a final lift of white chocolate and nutmeg.’  

Fiona Kennie, Marketing Director at International Beverage, said: ‘We are exceptionally proud to be sharing Old Pulteney Polaris with the word today, a project that has been a real labour of love for our team and the skilled designers and local makers in Caithness who have turned our vision into such a magnificent reality. Charity and making a difference in our community is at the heart of our business, so we are very excited to follow the progress of Polaris at this year’s Distillers One of One auction, where we hope our contribution will raise as much money as possible for such an important cause. And for whisky lovers, this is an absolute treasure and a fitting release to mark the countdown to Pulteney Distillery’s 200th milestone next year, when we will have more exciting new releases with rarity, craftsmanship and Old Pulteney’s authentic maritime character to share.’ 

 To register interest in this auction, visit the Distillers’ One of One website. 

Grandson Uncovers Treasure in Family Inheritance: Rare Macallan Lalique 50 Year Old Scotch Valued at $90,000

In a tale fit for the silver screen, a grandson, Liam Martin*, unearthed an extraordinary treasure amidst the bittersweet task of sorting their late grandfather’s belongings. Among a lifetime’s collection of keepsakes and heirlooms was something that initially seemed unremarkable—a dusty box with a bottle of Scotch tucked away in the back of the cellar. But little did they know, this humble bottle was a portal to history, luxury, and staggering value.

What the grandson discovered was no ordinary bottle of whisky. After a Google search and a meeting with experts at Iron Gate Auctions in Calgary, Liam along with his father learned their unassuming inheritance was a Macallan Lalique 50 Years Old —one of the most sought-after collector’s items in the world of fine spirits, valued at over $90,000 CAD.

The Macallan Lalique, renowned for its exquisite crystal decanter and the whisky it encases, is a rare edition cherished by connoisseurs and collectors alike. Often referred to as “liquid gold,” it represents a union of unparalleled craftsmanship between The Macallan distillery and French crystal masters Lalique. Each bottle is a time capsule of artistry, encapsulating decades of skill, passion, and heritage.

“This wasn’t just a bottle of Scotch—it was a masterpiece,” Liam shared. “We’re still in shock. To think that my grandfather quietly owned something so rare is surreal. He wasn’t the type to brag about his collection, so this feels like a final gift from him.”

In partnership with Iron Gate Auctions, the bottle will soon have its moment in the spotlight. On September 15th, 2025, collectors and whisky enthusiasts from around the globe will vie for the chance to own this one-of-a-kind treasure in a high-stakes online auction. Experts anticipate fierce competition, with bids likely to surpass its estimated value.

“This type of find is thrilling,” remarked Ajay Bhardwaj, Director of Spirits at Iron Gate Auctions. “The Macallan Lalique 50 is the first in the 6 pillars series released in 2005. It isn’t just a bottle of whisky—it’s a piece of history and a symbol of the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Only 470 decanters were made, and many of the initial Macallan in Lalique bottles were opened before the Six Pillars Collection was established as a series. The actual number of remaining 50-Year-Old Exceptional Oak Casks decanters is unknown, making it the rarest and hardest to find in the collection. This bottle will undoubtedly make headlines and create immense excitement in the collecting community.”

As Canada readies itself for this monumental auction, Liam is planning his next steps hinting at dreams of travel and paying tribute to his grandfather’s memory: “It’s like he’s sending us on one last adventure together.”

Whisky aficionados, collectors, and dreamers alike can register to participate in the auction and catch a glimpse of this historic bottle on Iron Gate Auctions’ website. As the countdown to September 15th begins, this consignor’s remarkable story serves as a reminder: even the most unassuming corners of an inheritance can hold treasures that ignite the imagination and inspire new beginnings.

Ajay Bhardwaj, Director Spirits, Iron Gate Auctions
www.irongateauctions.com
Email: ajay@irongate.wine
*Name protected for client’s privacy.