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The island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides is known for heavily peated whiskies with a distinctive sense of place. So, if you like your single malts on the smoky side this is the perfect place to look. But what many people don’t realise, is that not all Islay whisky is smoky.
Our collection schedule for November 2025 has now been finalised. This month we have included a trip to Orkney. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service.
The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 10th November 2025.
Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions. Unfortunately this service is not available in London. Although we do have four collection points in London. Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to 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.
KANDOBLANC’S ‘DRAGON IN CLOUDS’ REACHES
A LANDMARK US $142,433 AT DISTILLERS ONE OF ONE AUCTION
-Highest lot price achieved by an independent company in this year’s auction-
KANDOBLANC – the visionary Maison at the intersection of art, culture and rare whisky – has achieved a landmark moment as its one-of-a-kind creation, Dragon in Clouds, sold for US $142,433 at the Distillers One of One auction in partnership with Sotheby’s – the highest lot price achieved by an independent boutique company and sixth highest all the 39 lots – more than doubling KANDOBLANC’s previous auction record.
The auction furthered KANDOBLANC’s commitment to cultural contribution, with 100% of proceeds from Dragon in Clouds donated to The Distillers’ Charity in support of the Youth Action Fund, which supports transformative opportunities for disadvantaged young people across Scotland. All 39 one-of-a-kind lots were presented at the event, collectively raising US $3,882,102 for charitable causes.
“Beyond the auction result, we see meaning in what this contribution enables”, said Dhavall Gandhi, founder and artistic director of KANDOBLANC. “Empowering the youth isn’t just about giving them resources; it’s about giving them opportunities to thrive. The impactful work of the Distillers’ charity is an investment in a brighter tomorrow for everyone. As a Maison devoted to cultural sustainability, we are proud and honoured to be part of this journey.”
Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One said: “It is very special to us to know that this exceptional sum that has been raised will have a direct impact on Scotland’s disadvantaged youth.”
Dragon in Clouds is a one-of-a-kind piece that embodies a rare convergence of artistic traditions, uniting Japanese craftsmanship with Italian glassmaking mastery. Developed over two years, the vision was brought to life through a cross-cultural collaboration that united KANDOBLANC with master artisans, artists, makers, designers, and visual storytellers from around the world.
At the creation’s heart lies a 60-year-old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, a spirit of extraordinary rarity and refinement. Matured for six decades in refill Sherry casks, it reveals a complex depth that is restrained and elegant.
Beyond its aesthetic achievements, Dragon in Clouds represents KANDOBLANC’s commitment to artistic sustainability and the preservation of artisanal knowledge and heritage techniques. By creating economically viable projects for master craftsmen, the maison ensures these ancient skills continue to evolve rather than merely survive.
Dragon in Clouds arrives at a moment when collectors and patrons are seeking objects with authentic cultural narrative and emotional depth. The Maison plans to unveil further details about its upcoming singular piece inspired by Mount Fuji.
The Distillers One of One auction took place at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh, on Friday 10th October with auction partner Sotheby’s. All proceeds support The Distillers’ Charity and its vital mission.
ABOUT DHAVALL GANDHI:
Dhavall Gandhi is the founder and creative visionary behind KANDOBLANC, a Maison devoted to uniting art, culture, and rare whisky through one-of-a-kind creations. Originally from India, Dhavall’s creative journey began with a heightened sensory awareness and a concept-driven imagination. As a child, he could identify pencil brands by scent alone and recall spaces through smell – early signs of a sensorial language that would shape his future.
Though academically trained in finance and economics, a formative trip to Scotland sparked his fascination with whisky. A later visit to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail crystallised his calling, leading to a Master’s in Brewing & Distilling and roles with Heineken, The Macallan, and The Lakes Distillery.
Profoundly influenced by Japanese aesthetics and philosophy, Dhavall founded KANDOBLANC in 2023 to honour and reimagine heritage craftsmanship through contemporary art forms. His debut creation AGA, unveiled at the Distillers
One of One auction, fused Murano glassmaking with Japanese kintsugi and set two world records. Through KANDOBLANC, Dhavall is shaping a distinct creative space — where rare whisky becomes a medium for cultural expression and a point of entry into the world of heritage craftsmanship. Each creation is designed to foster emotional connection and lasting meaning, guided by a belief that the most enduring experiences are those that move us.
ABOUT KANDOBLANC:
Founded in 2023 by Gandhi, KANDOBLANC represents a bold new paradigm in high craft, where rare whisky serves as both medium and narrative device within meticulously crafted contemporary heirlooms. The maison’s debut creation, AGA, unveiled at Distillers One of One in 2023, immediately established itself by setting two world records, while introducing Gandhi’s multidisciplinary vision to the international world of collectible design and superhuman craftsmanship.
KANDOBLANC’s vision is of cultural curation, where each piece bridges traditional mastery with contemporary artistic expression. Our philosophy centres on kandō, the Japanese concept of quiet beauty that moves the soul, manifesting through objects that transcend mere luxury to become vehicles for cultural preservation and emotional resonance.
Driven by his lifelong artistic quest, founder Dhavall Gandhi discovered profound resonance between his personal sensibility and an enduring reverence for Japanese culture. This connection informs KANDOBLANC’s philosophical approach, rooted in timeless artistic evolution and refined elegance.
Each of the creations begin with this foundation — a deep respect for heritage artforms coupled with an unwavering commitment to their preservation. Through a meticulous blend of creativity, culture, and philosophy, we honour the principles of artistic sustainability.
Our vision manifests itself in carefully crafted objets d’art and contemporary heirlooms, creating a lasting legacy in the form of a living museum of modern meaning. Yet, beyond creation, our work embodies a mission of cultural sustainability, preserving artisanal mastery and heritage craftsmanship.
At KANDOBLANC, we celebrate evolution, collaboration, and cultural convergence. Encapsulating a desire for whisky as a gateway to a new world, we celebrate the seamless unity of beauty and culture. Calling on the artistry of rare whisky as medium in the pursuit of creative expression and excellence.
ABOUT THE DISTILLERS ONE OF ONE® AUCTION CHARITY AND THE DISTILLERS’ CHARITY:
The Distillers One of One Auction is a biennial series of ultra-rare whisky auctions, which launched in 2021. To date, the Auctions have raised £4.3 million, principally awarded to the Youth Action Fund with the aim of supporting young people in Scotland, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. The Youth Action Fund’s portfolio charities are Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, Enable Works, Fare, Street League and The Talk About Trust. They are collectively managed by Inspiring Scotland.
More than 3,300 young people have been engaged through the Youth Action Fund since its inception in early 2022, benefiting from the work the fund’s dedicated charity partners have undertaken, and dramatically increasing their opportunities to enter the workforce. These young people have significantly improved their long-term prospects, either securing employment (33%), progressing to further/higher education (28%), pursuing other vocational training and apprenticeships (19%), or re-engaging with school (15%). The cumulative employability outcome (to June 2025) currently stands at 2,271.
A total of eighty-one unique lots have been donated across the 2021 and 2023 auctions, 37 of which broke world sales records for the distilleries who created and donated them. The Distillers One of One has earned its reputation as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for collectors: no two bottles are ever the same, and no lot will ever be recreated. Each lot is imbued with the spirit of craftsmanship and exclusivity, representing the pinnacle of Scotch whisky.
The Distillers One of One® is a trading name of The Distillers’ Ventures Limited, a company registered in England & Wales under company number 13264121 and registered office at 9 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4PE.
The Distillers One of One returned to Hopetoun House, near Edinburgh, Scotland, for its third iteration on 10th October 2025.
The Distillers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (no1193683) and Scotland (SC052075)
One of One® and Distillers One of One® are registered trademarks of The Distillers’ Charity
https://www.distillersoneofone.com/
@distillers_one_of_one
Benbecula Secures £1.5M Investment
We’re proud to share some exciting news: Benbecula Distillery has secured a £1.5 million investment from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland, delivered via Maven Capital Partners.
This is the fund’s first equity investment in the Highlands & Islands, and it marks an important milestone for us at the distillery and our island community.
The investment will help us scale production, expand our team on the island, and enhance our visitor experiences, ensuring we can keep laying down spirit for generations to come. It’s a vote of confidence in the Outer Hebrides’ potential and in our vision to craft a whisky that reflects this remarkable place.
Featured in Whisky Advocate
Cask Programme in the Spotlight
Since launching our 2025 Private Cask Programme in September, we’ve been delighted by the response, with strong interest from whisky enthusiasts around the world. The story behind the programme, and what makes it unique to the Outer Hebrides, was recently featured by Whisky Advocate, one of the world’s leading whisky publications. Read the full feature here → Whisky Advocate: Benbecula Distillery Cask Ownership
Casks are moving quickly but you can still secure your 2025 Benbecula Cask — just a few months left!
A premium blend of whiskies, aged up to 12 years in barrel with a minimum malt. Light in style with a rich backbone of malt whisky character. Cereal notes and a light sweetness allow for the whisky to be used in both highball and straight pours. The Yonezawa family’s experimentation with distilling started over a century ago, in 1917, and has been part of their legacy ever since. The distillery sits on the coast, swept by sea winds and salty breezes, which gives many benefits for the aging of whisky.
40% ABV | SRP: $45.99 |
(Photo Credit: Hatozaki Whisky)
The pot still is one of Scotch whisky’s most enduring symbols but its form and function have evolved dramatically over the centuries. In this first instalment, whisky historian Iain Russell explores how early cauldrons became copper stills, how taxation spurred innovation and how distillers balanced speed, flavour and tradition.
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Benromach 50YO
What were you doing in December, 1972?
Rested for just as long as needed, this stunning example of ancient Speyside whisky is to be truly marvelled at.
I got to try this for the first time at Benromach, as part of The Champions 2025 programme. Needless to say that the three of us were stunned when they rolled out that stunning looking decanter.
Matured for it’s entire life in a selection of sherry casks, this Speyside style delivers class, layers, subtlety and amazement upon every smell and taste.
There isn’t a lot of old Benromach kicking around, between the distillery and parent company, Gordon & MacPhail, old examples of this stuff are hard to find, even from source. That classic smokiness is still faintly there, but doesn’t show off as much as it does on more classic expressions.
What can I say, it’s a 50 Year Old single malt that I’ve been able to try twice, I am an incredibly lucky individual.
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Look Inside Loch Lomond Group’s Newly Opened Luss Distillery
Luss Distillery is now open for whisky enthusiasts to discover
Luss Distillery, a new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor experience centre by Loch Lomond Group is officially open.
The 5,362 sq.m site on the banks of Loch Lomond in the heart of the village of Luss was repurposed from the historic Luss smokehouse and surrounding land on Church Road. It has been transformed into a vibrant destination for whisky connoisseurs and curious spirits newcomers alike. The venue comprises of four distinctive buildings – a retail space and an immersive whisky discovery area.
The new state-of-the-art attraction will be a dedicated brand home for the independent distiller’s multi-award award-winning Loch Lomond Whiskies, known for its adventurous spirit. The retail space will also showcase the group’s extensive portfolio of other whiskies, champagne and spirits including Glen Scotia and Littlemill.
Set to draw thousands of budding explorers and tourists, the new destination will offer guided tours, a fully immersive discovery centre, whisky tastings, and a premium food and drink offering.
Colin Matthews, Founder and CEO of Loch Lomond Group and council member of the Scotch Whisky Association said:
“The opening of our new state-of-the-art Luss Distillery marks a major milestone for Loch Lomond Group. This investment reflects our commitment to innovation, quality, and growth in Scotland’s spirits industry, while also creating new jobs and supporting the local community.
“Luss Distillery is our new brand home and a destination where visitors can step behind the scenes, see how our whiskies are crafted with passion, and taste our expressions that have earned many international awards and acclaim.
“Every detail has been designed to celebrate the character of our spirits and the stunning landscape that inspires them, and we look forward to welcoming our first visitors this week.”
Luss Distillery was designed by Paul Hodgkiss Designs to invoke a calming connection to nature. The acclaimed designers used natural materials throughout, and framed designs to make the most of the striking scenic views that surround the destination. A symbolic beacon shape has also been woven into the DNA of the design in a nod to nearby Ben Lomond, once known as the ‘Beacon Mountain’.
Paul Hodgkiss, Interior Designer behind the project, said: “Designing Luss Distillery was a unique opportunity to celebrate the heritage and innovation of Loch Lomond Group’s celebrated brands.
“We wanted the design to feel rooted in its surroundings while welcoming visitors into a peaceful, contemporary space. A defining feature is the series of distinctive diamond windows, these not only create a strong visual identity but also flood the interiors with natural light, opening up dramatic views of the surrounding landscape.
“The result is a distillery that reflects the character of the spirits while connecting visitors to the beauty of Loch Lomond itself.”
Luss Distillery will be open daily from 10am-5pm.
Planning permission for Luss Distillery was secured in February from Argyle and Bute Council and Luss Estates.
For more information about The Loch Lomond Group, please visit www.lochlomondgroup.com.
About the Loch Lomond Group
The full list of Loch Lomond Distillery’s 2024 accolades includes:
San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024
IWSC 2024
Booker’s The Reserves 2025 (LTO)
The Reserves’ is an annual, limited-release series by Freddie, to commemorate his grandaddy, 6th Generation Master Distiller Booker Noe, and his contributions to the bourbon world. The 2025 batch tells the story of some well-traveled barrels: first used to age the beloved Booker’s 30th Anniversary release, then shipped to Jalisco where the Camarena family filled them with El Tesoro’s 85th Anniversary tequila. Finally, those same agave-seasoned barrels returned to Clermont, Kentucky, where Freddie Noe finished a hand-selected batch of Booker’s inside them. This is the very first time across the entire Beam portfolio that a product is finished in tequila barrels. 60.5% – 65% ABV | SRP: $129.99 |
Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 12 YR
the spring season of 2013. This prized liquid was aged for 12 long years in 4 distinct warehouses in Clermont, Kentucky to ensure incredible consistency and gently flavor mellowing over time. This unfiltered, cask-strength American rye delivers a distinct and rich liquid, full of balanced rye spice flavor complimented by notes of vanilla, caramel, and charred oak complexity. 53% – 65% ABV (varies per release) | SRP: $109.99 |
An expression that pays homage to Baker’s trucking business, where he delivered grains to the James B. Beam Distilling Co. During this time, he developed an appreciation for different grains and their influence on whiskey. This high-rye recipe has 2x the standard amount of rye in Baker’s Bourbon and is a continuation of our innovation journey, celebrating Baker Beam and all that he did for our distillery. This liquid is distilled to a 107 proof and barreled and aged for a minimum of 7 years, allowing the bourbon to pull more caramel, dried fruit, and vanilla flavor from the barrel wood. 53.5% ABV | SRP: $74.99
This limited edition bottling of special 13-year single barrel liquid explores how time and location in the warehouse drives distinction from barrel to barrel. Baker’s base bourbon is distilled to a lower proof and barreled and aged for a minimum of 13 years. This extra-aged expression allows the bourbon to pull more toasted nut, fruit, and vanilla flavor from the barrel wood. 53.5% ABV | SRP: $149.99 |
Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits
Discover a new level of Lowland refinement with this distinguished addition to our Signature Series. Our Epicurean 12 Years Old has been finished in prestigious Côte Rôtie casks – the celebrated Northern Rhône red wine barrels – bringing a luxurious richness to this classic Lowland malt. The result is a Whisky of vibrant fruit, subtle spice, and elegant depth. With only 240 bottles available worldwide, and exclusively online, this is a release defined by rarity and sophistication.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honeyed sweetness, raspberries, black cherry & spiced oak
Palate: Juicy dark fruits, toasted oak, vanilla & gentle tannins
Finish: Lingering cinnamon and thick molasses
