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Scotsman
a day ago
- Business
- Scotsman
The 13 best new Scotch whiskies for Father's Day - including £50 peated Speyside gem
Father's Day this year falls on Sunday 15 June, and if you're buying for a whisky loving dad or father figure then we've chosen some of the ebay new Scotch whisky releases that'll make ideal gifts. From a budget-friendly new Glen Moray to a 25 Year Old Aberfeldy - who are flying high from multiple award wins - here are our top whiskies to buy this Father's Day. This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Tamdhu 21 year old Speyside gem Tamdhu has recently launched a 21 year old whisky. The distillery, part of Ian Macleod Distillers, the family-owned whisky and gin company, has been creating fine whiskies on the banks of the River Spey since 1897. This very limited 'coming of age' 21-year-old release, like all Tamdhu single malts, is fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks to deliver a flavour profile and entirely natural colour. It is bottled at 47.5% ABV, unchill filtered and is a limited (on allocation) annual global release with a recommended retail price of £299 for a 70cl bottle. Not only is this a special whisky, ideal for a gift, it's presented in an elegant green cut-work gift box whose Spanish-Moorish design reflects the Southern Spanish sherry casks used in the maturation process. The display box, adorned with a metallic Tamdhu monogram, slides off to reveal the inner design case and a slide drawer with a tasting notes booklet. The closure is gold wood, decorated with a gold branded capsule. Tamdhu 21 year old is priced at £299 and you can buy a bottle here. Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 3 Award winning farm-to-cask Lochlea distillery has recently unveiled Cask Strength Batch 3 – the latest release in its annual series of limited-edition cask strength bottlings – and a first in flavour profile for the independently owned distillery. This year's release marks a bold evolution in Lochlea's Cask Strength series, combining rich Oloroso sherry with distinctive Islay peat - a pairing never before explored by the distillery. It also represents a significant milestone for Lochlea's master blender Jill Boyd, who joined the distillery in late 2024 and has led the selection and blending of Cask Strength Batch 3 from start to finish. Cask Strength Batch 3 delivers a captivating nose of ripe red fruits and savoury BBQ smoke, followed by a rich palate of cherries and dark molasses lifted by warming ginger cake, toasted rye and charred wood smoke. The long, layered finish lingers with baking spice, salty smoke, and oaky tannins intertwining with delicate floral notes of red roses to create a bold new take on Lochlea's signature style. Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 3 is priced at £67 and you can buy a bottle here. Glen Moray 12 Years Old Smoky Glen Moray single malt Scotch whisky is tempting whisky fans to explore a distinctively different side to its classic Speyside single malt, with the unveiling of Glen Moray 12 Years Old Smoky. 'Smoky Twelve' is set to be a treat for both peat lovers and fans of Glen Moray's famously smooth and fruity spirit - and it will make the perfect gift for dram lovers on Father's Day. This permanent new addition to Glen Moray's award-winning range is crafted in the traditional way at the whisky's historic distillery in Elgin, but uses peated barley to add subtle notes of sweet bonfire smoke to the spirit. True to Glen Moray's reputation for exploration when it comes to the influence of wood on whisky's flavour, the new single malt is then matured in two different types of cask: American oak for notes of vanilla and caramel with a smooth bourbon undertone; and European oak, bringing stronger vanilla flavours, with tannins, pepper, fruit and gentle spice. The result is a very special new dram: all the appeal of Glen Moray's wonderfully light and easy-drinking spirit imbued with the richness of peated malt and the deliciously complex flavours of maturation in two different types of wood. Glen Moray 12 years old smoky is priced at £49.99 and you can buy a bottle here. Aberfeldy 22 year old Oloroso Sherry cask finish Located in Aberfeldy, the heart of Scotland, Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery has recently celebrated 25 years since the opening of its visitor centre and immersive whisky experience. To mark this milestone, the distillery is unveiling an exclusive commemorative release: Aberfeldy 22-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This single malt is the latest addition to the Exceptional Cask Series - a collection of rare Single-Cask bottlings, Double-Cask expressions, and small-batch releases from Aberfeldy. After maturing in traditional oak casks, the new release has been finished in rich Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez, Spain, imparting a beautifully balanced complexity while enhancing the signature character of Aberfeldy. The result is a luxurious dram with sweet orchard fruits, succulent pear, and caramelised apples taking centre stage. Aberfeldy 22 year old Oloroso Sherry cask finish is priced at £195 and you can buy a bottle here. Lindoes Abbey Friar John Cor – Chapter III Lindores Abbey Distillery has recently released the third chapter in its acclaimed Friar John Cor Congregation series: Friar John Cor – Chapter III. This bold and complex limited-edition bottling continues Lindores' homage to the great Friar John Cor and his legendary distillation of 1494. Chapter III is matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon barrels, Amontillado, and Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry butts. After vatting, the whisky is allowed to marry in refill sherry butts, enhancing its depth, richness, and harmonious balance of flavours. It is bottled at 60.2% ABV. Lindoes Abbey Friar John Cor – Chapter III is priced at £70 and you can buy a bottle here. InchDairnie KinGlassie KinGlassgie Double Matured whisky Fife-based Scotch whisky-maker InchDairnie distillery has launched its first Single Malt Scotch Whisky releases. Further showcasing its reputation as a pioneer in flavour exploration in the whisky sector, the distillery launched KinGlassie Double Matured Aged 8 Years Fife Single Malt Scotch Whisky and KinGlassie Raw Aged 8 Years Fife Single Malt Scotch Whisky back in May. The two whiskies debuting comprise KinGlassie Double Matured and KinGlassie Raw, each providing a distinct take on the new KinGlassie range that ignites flavour discovery, revealing new dimensions in smoke. KinGlassie Double Matured is priced at £78.95 and you can buy a bottle here. KinGlassie Raw is priced at £78.95 and you can buy a bottle here. The Maclean Foundation Raasay whisky A new limited-edition single malt from the Isle of Raasay Distillery is the latest charity bottling from The Maclean Foundation – and every bottle sold will provide clean water for life to a person in Madagascar. This five-year-old single cask whisky, matured in virgin Chinkapin oak and bottled at a cask strength of 61.1% ABV, is the third in a series of single malt releases by the charity, which was founded by whisky writer Charles Maclean MBE and his three sons – world record-breaking ocean rowers Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean. As with previous Maclean Foundation whiskies – with Glen Scotia and Ardnamurchan – all profits will fund clean water boreholes in rural Madagascar through the charity's local partner, Feedback Madagascar. Just 246 bottles are available, exclusively from Royal Mile Whiskies, priced at £115. You can buy a bottle here. The Dram Team Scotch Whisky Tasting Map This is an ideal gift for dads that want to taste whisky from all over Scotland. The whiskies in this special collection from The Dram Team include a stunning 'Grain Barn' 30 year old Scotch; a super-premium 17 year old Islay single malt; a decadent 21 year old Speyside Scotch icon and two world-class 18 year old single malts. As well as 15 double measures of premium and super premium Scotch whisky, the set contains two Glencairn glasses, a distillery guidebook featuring more than 30 stunning images and a beautiful ready-to-frame distillery map. You can also subscribe to The Scotsman via our Whisky Club and receive the Whisky Map of Scotland poster and a sample bottle of The Red Comyn, a ruby port cask-finished whisky, selected for us by our partners The Dram Team and Claxton's. Find out more and subscribe here, or sign up to our Whisky Club here. Buy The Dram Team Scotch Whisky Tasting Map, priced at £295, here. Bladnoch Wave I: Time & Maturation Wave I: Time & Maturation is the first expression in a five-part limited edition series by Bladnoch. The Wave series demonstrates the marrying process of whisky casks, with each annual release revealing one of the five whisky making pillars used by master distiller, Dr Nick Savage. The Wave Collection is the second series in the master distiller's collection. As the first expression in series, Wave I is the ideal candidate for whisky connoisseur dads who are looking to build up their whisky collection. The dram option is the perfect pairing to accompany a bottle gifted for a collection, so whisky aficionados can taste the single malt and save opening their bottle for many years to come. The full-size bottle of Wave I and dram size are available exclusively at Bladnoch Wave I: Time & Maturation full bottle price is £150 and the dram is £15. Laphroaig Elements 3.0 The third instalment in Laphroaig's award-winning Elements series, this limited release was the result of a fire in the kiln that burned peat for longer and at higher temperatures than usual. Experimenting with heat brought out chocolate and coffee notes making this a very interesting whisky indeed. Laphroaig Elements is an award-winning series of whiskies that delves into the artistry of production that makes Laphroaig's whisky so richly flavoured and characterful. Tasting notes include: a nose of chocolate, charcoal and spice. On the palette there's bitter dark chocolate, peat, vanilla and butterscotch while the finish is long lasting and dry. Bottled at 55.3% ABV, Laphroaig Elements 3.0 is priced at £170 and you can buy a bottle here. Holyrood distillery Pitch Edinburgh's experimental whisky makers, Holyrood Distillery, recently named Icons of Whisky 'Distiller of the Year' at the global round of the World Whiskies Awards, have unveiled their latest release, Pitch. This is the final single malt in 'The Founding Series' that introduces the independent distillery's creativity and barrier-breaking approach to whisky making. Think chocolate and hazelnuts from the malt, with the yeast specially selected to boost the chocolate notes, giving it a richer flavour. The chocolatey spirit is then matured in Oloroso casks, dialling up nutty notes. It's like being chased by a fruit and nut bar determined to give you a giant hug. Pitch explores the untapped potential of red wine yeasts in whisky-making. Bottled at 49.4% ABV, it is priced at £64 and you can buy a bottle here. Ardbeg Smokiverse Marking 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee, Ardbeg's latest limited release will transport smoky malt lovers' tastebuds to a fruity new dimension. Ardbeg Smokiverse is the Islay Distillery's first whisky crafted from a high-gravity mash, resulting in a distinctly vibrant, tropical and fruity spirit. Ardbeg Smokiverse is priced at £95 and you can buy a bottle here. Glenmorangie Lasanta 15 Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky has reimagined Glenmorangie Lasanta, one of its most popular whiskies, to bring even more elegance to its rich spice and luscious sweetness. Now aged for 15 years in a refined combination of bourbon and sherry casks, this delicious favourite in the Distillery's core range has been enriched with newfound complexity and finesse. Glenmorangie Lasanta is priced at £58 and you can buy a bottle here.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The London Spirits Competition
A glass of single malt whisky and dried barley ears on malted barley grains Various single malt whiskeys worldwide took top honors in the single malt whisky category at the 8th annual International London Spirits Competition (ILSC). Not surprisingly, Scotch whiskies dominated the category, but there were other surprising winners. The 2025 competition saw several thousand submissions from more than 30 countries. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the world's top single malt whisky category winners. This year's judging panel, comprising over 70 top industry experts, including master distillers, master blenders, mixologists, and elite buyers, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience. Notably, the panel featured names like Dr. Emma Walker, Master Blender at Johnnie Walker, and Craig Wallace, Whisky Creation Leader and Master Blender at Diageo, as highlighted by Sid Patel, CEO of the ILSC. Glen Moray, 15 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky was the Single Malt Scotch of the Year. The Glen Moray 15 YO is a Speyside expression from the Elgin Heritage range, matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 40% ABV, it offers a balanced profile highlighting both cask influences. The nose features caramel and spicy oak aromas, complemented by sweet sherry, dried fruits, and chocolate, reminiscent of milk chocolate-covered raisins. Chocolate and raisin flavors are featured on the palate, accompanied by toasted oak and spicy-savory notes. Hints of cooked cereal/malt, baking cocoa, and tropical fruit, especially mango, add complexity. The long and spicy finish features a harmonious blend of chocolate, oak, and cooked malt. This whisky is well-regarded for its rich and complex flavor profile, offering a flavorful experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. Flight of Scottish whisky, tasting glasses with variety of single malts. Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky Winter Edition was the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky of the Year. Scallywag Winter Edition 2024 is a limited-release blended malt from Douglas Laing, crafted to capture what the distillery calls 'the essence of winter warmth and festivity.' This expression is exclusively matured in Spanish orange wine casks, imparting a distinctive citrus character that complements the rich Speyside malt profile. Bottled at a robust 53.9% ABV, it is presented at cask strength without chill filtration or added coloring, ensuring an authentic and full-bodied experience. The nose features distinctive aromas of ripe fruits and sweet jam, followed by fragrant spices that evoke mulled wines and spirits of the holiday season. The palate features candied orange slices, honey, and caramelized sugar, complemented by notes of chocolate-covered orange, candied fruits, and warm spices, with subtle undertones of black tea and oak adding depth and complexity. The finish is long and warming, with lingering cinnamon spice and vanilla notes. This Winter Edition is a harmonious blend of Speyside single malts, including contributions from renowned distilleries such as Macallan, Mortlach, and Glenrothes. The unique maturation in orange wine casks imparts a festive character, making it an ideal choice for the holiday season or cozy winter evenings. D'Yavol Vortex was the Blended Scotch of the Year. Vortex is a premium blended Scotch whisky introduced in 2024 by D'Yavol, a global luxury collective co-founded by Aryan Khan, Leti Blagoeva, and Bunty Singh. This expression reflects the brand's "Born-in-Origin" philosophy, emphasizing authenticity and regional character in its spirits. Vortex is crafted by blending carefully selected single malt and single grain whiskies from Scotland's Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, and Islay regions, resulting in a complex and layered profile. Bottled at 43.5% ABV and non-chill filtered, it retains its natural flavors and mouthfeel. The nose features classic Speyside aromas of orchard fruits, vanilla, and fudge, complemented by soft smoke. A harmonious blend of cooked cereal/malty sweetness and fruity notes is featured on the palate. A backdrop of rich, smoky peat provides depth and complexity. The finish is long and smooth, featuring lingering notes of subtle peat and seasoned oak. Although D'Yavol is a new company, it has already emerged as a consistent winner in international spirit competitions. Root Shoot Spirits, 4 YO Bonded American Single Malt Whiskey, was the Single Malt American Whiskey of the Year. Colorado's Root Shoot Spirits Single Malt Whiskey is a testament to the craft industry's commitment to sustainable, grain-to-glass distilling. Crafted entirely from 100% Colorado-grown and malted barley sourced from the fifth-generation Olander Farms in Loveland, this whiskey embodies a hyper-local ethos. Distilled in a traditional pot still, it matures for four years in first-use, medium-char American white oak barrels. It is bottled at 50% ABV under the Bottled-in-Bond Act. The nose features warm berry cobbler and honeyed granola aromas, complemented by hints of black cherry and brush/forest floor aromas. The palate features a harmonious blend of alpine florals, fresh mint, and cardamom, leading to ginger cookie flavors and candied citrus zest. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with a slight heat that enhances its complexity. The finish is long and complex, featuring rich pastry notes, faint cocoa dust, and lingering baking spices, culminating in a bright yet spicy finale. This expression has already won several medals in international spirit competitions, including being named one of the Top 50 American Single Malt Whiskeys. Root Shoot Spirits' commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices makes it a standout choice for those seeking an authentic taste of Colorado whiskey terroir. Whiskey and Ice Callington Mill Distillery, Pedro Ximenez Single Malt Whisky was the Single Malt Whisky of the Year. Callington Single Malt Whisky is a distinguished expression from Tasmania's Callington Mill Distillery, located in the historic town of Oatlands. This whisky is matured in ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks sourced from Jerez, Spain, which imparts a rich and complex character to the spirit. Bottled at 46% ABV, it has already won medals at several international spirit competitions. The whisky features cinnamon, almond, and toasted nuts aromas on the nose. The palate reveals complex layers of salty caramel, polished mahogany, dark chocolate, and chewy toffee, offering a rich and textured experience. The finish is long and fruity with lingering hints of dried dates and caramel. John Distilleries, Paul John Indian Single Malt Whiskey Brilliance, was the Single Malt Indian Whisky of the Year. Other standout whiskeys include Sazerac, Paddy Irish Whiskey, Blended Irish Whiskey of the Year, and Kiuchi Brewing and Distilling, Hinomaru Whisky Kome, Japanese Whisky of the Year. These single malt whiskies are all outstanding and compelling proof that single malt whisky is increasingly a global phenomenon. From Scotland to Australia, Colorado to India, a rich diversity of exceptional single malt whisky is waiting to be explored. If you are a fan of single malt whisky, it's time to expand your horizons and sample the world's best single malt whiskies, each offering a unique and exciting flavor profile. See also the World's Best Bourbon According to the London Spirits Competition.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This New Whisky Series Sources Lesser-Known Single Malts for Serious Scotch Collectors
There is so much whiskey and whisky out there to choose from, so it's notable when something comes along from a lesser known distillery that you likely haven't had a chance to try before (or haven't even heard of). These often come in the form of releases from independent bottlers who source barrels from various distilleries and release them as single-cask expressions. Case in point is a new series of eight bottles from American independent bottler Single Cask Nation, which turned to some unfamiliar scotch distilleries to come up with a lineup for hardcore whisky collectors. Single Cask Nation was founded in 2011 by Jason Johnstone-Yellin and Joshua Hatton. The company has focused on single malt scotch from distilleries like Aberfeldy, Caol Ila, and Glen Moray, but there have also been some interesting expressions from American distilleries like Catoctin Creek, Westland, and MGP, as well as an Australian rye and a couple of rums. 'Independent bottling is a longtime tradition in Scotland—one that gave rise to the global fascination and reputation of single malt whisky itself many now take for granted,' said Hatton in a statement. 'These eight bottlings highlight distilleries many people are not familiar with, but should be. Add to this, some of the cask maturation we've focused on with these releases helps to broaden the array of flavors in remarkable ways. There's a flavor ride here for any and all interested whisky lovers.' More from Robb Report Diageo's Non-Alcoholic Spirits Are up by 56%, Outperforming Its Alcoholic Brands Glenglassaugh Distillery Is Temporarily Closing Its Doors The Glenlivet Just Added an Ultra-Aged Whisky to Its Core Lineup, and We Got a First Taste RELATED: The 50 Greatest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies of the 21st Century The single malts included in the new Collection are as follows: Macduff 16 Year Old aged for 12 years in an ex-bourbon barrel and four years in an American Oak oloroso sherry hogshead; Ruadh Mhor 14 Year Old aged in a efill ex-bourbon hogshead; Knockdhu 14 Year Old aged for 11 years in an ex-bourbon barrel and three years in a Spanish oak Oloroso sherry hogshead; Inchmurrin 14 Year Old aged for 11 years in an ex-bourbon and three years in a new toasted oak barrique; Bunnahabhain 'Staoisha' aged for six years in an ex-bourbon barrel and four years in an American oak PX sherry hogshead; Pluscarden Abbey 16 Year Old aged for 13 years in an ex-bourbon barrel and three years in a refill PX Sherry hogshead; Auchroisk 13 Year Old aged for eight years in an ex-bourbon barrel and five years in an ex-Jamaican rum barrel; and Glen Moray 12 Year Old aged entirely in an ex-bourbon barrel. Whisky fans may be familiar with some of these names, but a few of them could use a little explanation. Ruadh Mhor is a label used by the Glenturret Distillery for its peated malts, and this whisky should appeal to fans of Ledaig, Croftengea, or younger Craigellachie according to the Single Cask Nation notes. Pluscarden Abbey is not the name of a distillery at all—Single Cask Nation is not at liberty to reveal which one produced this whisky, but it is a Speyside single malt. And Auchroisk is a Diageo distillery that once bottled whisky under the Singleton name, but now mostly produces whisky that is used in the J&B blend (this is said to be a favorite of the Single Cask Nation team). This new Single Cask Nation collection will available starting in March, prices ranging from $110 to $150 per bottle, at select retailers around the country. You can also find some previous releases available to purchase from websites like ReserveBar and Total Wine. Best of Robb Report Why a Heritage Turkey Is the Best Thanksgiving Bird—and How to Get One 9 Stellar West Coast Pinot Noirs to Drink Right Now The 10 Best Wines to Pair With Steak, From Cabernet to Malbec Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This New Whisky Series Sources Lesser-Known Single Malts for Serious Scotch Collectors
There is so much whiskey and whisky out there to choose from, so it's notable when something comes along from a lesser known distillery that you likely haven't had a chance to try before (or haven't even heard of). These often come in the form of releases from independent bottlers who source barrels from various distilleries and release them as single-cask expressions. Case in point is a new series of eight bottles from American independent bottler Single Cask Nation, which turned to some unfamiliar scotch distilleries to come up with a lineup for hardcore whisky collectors. Single Cask Nation was founded in 2011 by Jason Johnstone-Yellin and Joshua Hatton. The company has focused on single malt scotch from distilleries like Aberfeldy, Caol Ila, and Glen Moray, but there have also been some interesting expressions from American distilleries like Catoctin Creek, Westland, and MGP, as well as an Australian rye and a couple of rums. 'Independent bottling is a longtime tradition in Scotland—one that gave rise to the global fascination and reputation of single malt whisky itself many now take for granted,' said Hatton in a statement. 'These eight bottlings highlight distilleries many people are not familiar with, but should be. Add to this, some of the cask maturation we've focused on with these releases helps to broaden the array of flavors in remarkable ways. There's a flavor ride here for any and all interested whisky lovers.' More from Robb Report Diageo's Non-Alcoholic Spirits Are up by 56%, Outperforming Its Alcoholic Brands Glenglassaugh Distillery Is Temporarily Closing Its Doors The Glenlivet Just Added an Ultra-Aged Whisky to Its Core Lineup, and We Got a First Taste RELATED: The 50 Greatest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies of the 21st Century The single malts included in the new Collection are as follows: Macduff 16 Year Old aged for 12 years in an ex-bourbon barrel and four years in an American Oak oloroso sherry hogshead; Ruadh Mhor 14 Year Old aged in a efill ex-bourbon hogshead; Knockdhu 14 Year Old aged for 11 years in an ex-bourbon barrel and three years in a Spanish oak Oloroso sherry hogshead; Inchmurrin 14 Year Old aged for 11 years in an ex-bourbon and three years in a new toasted oak barrique; Bunnahabhain 'Staoisha' aged for six years in an ex-bourbon barrel and four years in an American oak PX sherry hogshead; Pluscarden Abbey 16 Year Old aged for 13 years in an ex-bourbon barrel and three years in a refill PX Sherry hogshead; Auchroisk 13 Year Old aged for eight years in an ex-bourbon barrel and five years in an ex-Jamaican rum barrel; and Glen Moray 12 Year Old aged entirely in an ex-bourbon barrel. Whisky fans may be familiar with some of these names, but a few of them could use a little explanation. Ruadh Mhor is a label used by the Glenturret Distillery for its peated malts, and this whisky should appeal to fans of Ledaig, Croftengea, or younger Craigellachie according to the Single Cask Nation notes. Pluscarden Abbey is not the name of a distillery at all—Single Cask Nation is not at liberty to reveal which one produced this whisky, but it is a Speyside single malt. And Auchroisk is a Diageo distillery that once bottled whisky under the Singleton name, but now mostly produces whisky that is used in the J&B blend (this is said to be a favorite of the Single Cask Nation team). This new Single Cask Nation collection will available starting in March, prices ranging from $110 to $150 per bottle, at select retailers around the country. You can also find some previous releases available to purchase from websites like ReserveBar and Total Wine. Best of Robb Report Why a Heritage Turkey Is the Best Thanksgiving Bird—and How to Get One 9 Stellar West Coast Pinot Noirs to Drink Right Now The 10 Best Wines to Pair With Steak, From Cabernet to Malbec Click here to read the full article.
