Latest news with #LochLomond
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The International Wine & Spirit Competition
Glencairn whiskey tasting cups with a Scotch whisky barrel in the background. The International Wine and Spirit Competition is the world's largest and oldest spirits competition. It is also among the most extensive judgings of Scotch whisky globally. The IWSC has just released its 2025 Scotch whisky judging results. Below are backgrounds and tasting notes on the seven contenders for the coveted Scotch Whisky Trophy. The winner will be announced on November 12 at the IWSC Gala in London. The Loch Lomond Distillery, located in the Scottish Highlands, is renowned for its innovative approaches to whisky production. The distillery utilizes swan-necked and its unique, patented "straight-necked" pot stills to craft a diverse range of whiskies, from delicate, fruity expressions to richer, more complex drams. The 16 YO Waypoint Series Falls Of Falloch Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of Loch Lomond's Waypoint Series, a collection designed to showcase the versatility and depth of their whiskies. This expression is aged for 16 years in ex-bourbon oak casks and undergoes a cask finish to enhance its complexity and depth. The "Falls Of Falloch" branding evokes the natural beauty of the Loch Lomond area and symbolizes the purity of the waters used in production. The whisky is floral and fruity on the nose, featuring sweet honey, dried stone, and dark fruit notes of apricot and fig, accompanied by subtle vanilla, a herbaceous, freshly cut grass element, and seasoned oak aromas. On the palate, the whisky is smooth and creamy, balancing sweetness with a mild spiciness. It showcases caramel, citrus zest, cooked cereal/malted barley, nutmeg, and seasoned oak. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of honey, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. The oak influence fades gracefully, leaving a dry, slightly nutty aftertaste. Also from Loch Lomond Distillery, the 18-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky offers a remarkable exploration of their peated expressions. Unlike many Highland distilleries, Loch Lomond employs a unique malting process that combines peat and clean air to dry the barley. This resulting whisky expresses a subtler peatiness than its Islay counterparts while still presenting a distinctive smoky character. This expression showcases the distillery's mastery in creating complex, layered whiskies. It's aged for 18 years in a combination of American and European oak casks, imparting an array of flavors and textures that complement its distinctive peatiness. The nose features delicate notes of cold smoke, surrounded by honey, dried fruit notes of raisins and dates, cooked cereal, baked croissant, vanilla, toasted almonds, seasoned oak, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove. The whisky is complex and layered on the palate, with a pervasive smokiness and earthy peat quality, showcasing cooked cereal, sweet malt, barley sugar, caramel, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and a hint of candied orange zest. The peat has a slight medicinal quality, evoking iodine, fresh seaweed, and sea air, but it is well-integrated with the more subtle flavors. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering smoke, a slight savoriness, hints of vanilla custard, and a touch of dried herbs. Glass of Scotch single malt whisky with ice on a whisky barrel. Benriach Distillery, established in 1898 in the heart of Speyside, is renowned for its rich history of producing a diverse range of single malts, from peated to unpeated expressions. The distillery has consistently embraced experimentation, particularly with its cask maturation techniques. The Benriach 2013 Vintage Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt showcases the distillery's expertise in working with different types of sherry casks. This expression is part of Benriach's ongoing exploration of cask finishing, utilizing a combination of American oak, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. The three different types of sherry casks impart rich layers of fruit, spice, and oak, providing complexity and depth, as each cask type imparts a distinct influence. The nose features an unmistakable Sherry influence, exhibiting aromas of dried fruit, including raisins, figs, and dark cherries. The Oloroso cask imparts a rich, nutty character, while the Pedro Ximénez cask adds a syrupy sweetness of toffee and molasses. There are additional notes of orange zest, oak spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of clove, as well as a delicate layer of honey and vanilla sweetness from the American oak cask. The whisky is full-bodied and smooth on the palate, with a pronounced mouthfeel that showcases dried apricots, plums, and dark chocolate, complemented by cinnamon, ginger, and toasted almonds. As the whisky opens, a subtle oak influence provides structure, adding hints of old wood and a touch of leather. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering notes of sherry, dried fruits, and cocoa, and a slightly dry aftertaste. A'glac Charrann is an exceptional single malt whisky originally produced at the, now shuttered, Imperial Distillery. Secret Speyside is a specialty bottler that seeks out rare and unusual single malts. The name "A'glac Charrann" refers to the deep, rich traditions of Speyside whisky-making. The whisky was matured over nearly three decades in ex-bourbon casks of American oak. The nose features floral notes of heather and Scottish wildflowers, complemented by dried fruit aromas of apricot and golden raisins, as well as honey, almond, citrus zest, and vanilla cream. A touch of cocoa, subtle spices, and toasted oak add complexity. The whisky is robust and smooth on the palate, showcasing candied oranges, dried fruits, dark chocolate, toasted almonds, wood spices, and a subtle layer of seasoned oak. The whisky is creamy and full-bodied, balancing sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The finish is long, with lingering notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and toffee, slowly fading into a dry, slightly bitter aftertaste. Glenfiddich, one of the most iconic distilleries in Speyside, was founded in 1887 by William Grant and is still family-owned. The distillery is renowned for producing premium single malt whiskies that are globally recognized. This whisky was matured in American and European oak casks. The whisky is rich and complex on the nose, showcasing dried fruit notes of apricots, figs, and raisins, intertwined with honey, vanilla cream, citrus zest, and seasoned oak. Subtle notes of toasted almonds and marzipan add a sweet, nutty complexity. On the palate, the whisky is full-bodied and smooth, balancing sweetness and spice. The toffee and caramel flavors are complemented by dried apricots, dark cherries, and hints of toasted oak, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with a touch of dark chocolate. The whisky has a smooth, creamy, mouth-coating texture and a noticeable weight. The finish is long and layered, with lingering flavors of dried fruit, oak, and spice. Rosebank Distillery, once known for producing elegant and floral single malts in the Lowlands, has a storied history dating back to the 19th century. Known for its unpeated whiskies, Rosebank was celebrated for its delicate and refined flavor profiles. The distillery closed in 1993 but was revived in the early 2000s and is now operational again. The Legacy Release Three 32 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky honors the original distillery's style, showcasing a refined elegance, floral complexity, and a layered flavor profile. The whisky was matured in refill oak casks, allowing the spirit to develop its signature subtle, floral profile over time. The whisky is floral and aromatic on the nose, showcasing a bouquet of heather, honeysuckle, and violets, complemented by vanilla, creamy butterscotch, and a hint of ripe apple and pear. A subtle touch of oak lends depth, accompanied by whispers of marzipan, lightly toasted almonds, and candied orange and lemon zest. The whisky is smooth and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing sweet and floral notes, accompanied by fruity notes of ripe apples, peaches, and pears, as well as cinnamon and ginger spices, vanilla, and a hint of creamy honey. A soft, nutty undertone of almonds, a hint of white chocolate, and subtle oak notes add complexity. The finish is long and complex, with lingering floral and fruity notes and a gentle sweetness from the vanilla and honey leading to a delicate oak dryness. A seventh Gold Outstanding, yet-to-be-released expression from Ardbeg is still under embargo and will be disclosed later in the year. These six single malt Scotch whiskies are outstanding. They represent a mix of historic, revitalized, and new distilleries, all of which are shaping and expanding the aroma and taste profile of single malt Scotch whisky. It also highlights the remarkable resurgence of Loch Lomond, a distillery that has become one of the leading stars in Scotland's whisky industry. If you love Scotch whisky, you owe it to yourself to try every one of these expressions.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
SNP forced to axe national park plan after farmers' backlash
SNP ministers have axed plans to create a new national park in Scotland following a backlash from farmers and residents. Mairi Gougeon, the Rural Affairs Secretary, told MSPs an official report had concluded that there was not 'sufficient local support to proceed' with the park in Galloway. In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, she said responses to a consultation showed 54 per cent of people were opposed to the plan compared to 42 per cent in favour. Taking account only of the views of residents, 57 per cent opposed the scheme and only 40 per cent backed it. More than eight out of 10 farmers and foresters were also hostile to the park. Ms Gougeon accepted her announcement 'will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new national park in Galloway over many years'. The Tories welcomed the decision but warned it could take 'years to heal' deep divisions in the area created by the scheme. SNP ministers announced last July that the region in south-west Scotland had been chosen from a five-strong shortlist as the possible site of the country's third national park. The status meant the area would be set aside for conservation, with most of the landscapes and accompanying plants and animals protected in their natural state. A consultation proposed that it be called the Kingdom of Galloway National Park and covers up to 3,400 sq km, or 1,300 sq miles, making it around twice as large as the one covering Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. But farmers warned that it will lead to extra red tape for their businesses and prioritise tourism and visitor access over their needs, thereby damaging food production. NFU Scotland said 93 per cent of its members in the area opposed the plan. A third national park is the latest in a series of commitments made in the power-sharing deal between Nicola Sturgeon's government and the Scottish Greens to be axed or delayed. The coalition between the two parties, titled the Bute House Agreement, fell apart last year when Humza Yousaf, the then first minister, kicked the Greens out of government. The Telegraph disclosed on Saturday that Holyrood insiders expected the plan to be shelved but Ms Gougeon went further by scrapping it altogether. She said: 'While there is substantial support for a national park and what it could deliver for the south-west of Scotland, there is also significant opposition.' Ms Gougeon said that NatureScot had concluded that 'the proposal does not have sufficient clarity, nor has it garnered sufficient local support to proceed to the next stage of designation'. Finlay Carson, the Scottish Tory MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, said: 'This a victory for common sense and a victory for local people in Galloway and Ayrshire. 'Ever since Green minister Lorna Slater got her hands on these proposals as part of the disastrous Bute House Agreement, the whole process became deeply flawed. It felt like a Green nationalist park was going to be imposed on these communities rather than one that they were initially keen to see.' Liz Hitschmann, co-founder of the No Galloway National Park campaign, said: 'We are very relieved the Scottish Government has recognised the strength of opposition to the imposition of a national park on our region, but the overwhelming response from local people directly affected was impossible to ignore.' Stephen Young, director of policy at landowners' body Scottish Land & Estates, said: 'The decision not to proceed with the Galloway National Park proposal is the right one by the Scottish Government and aligns with the clear views expressed by communities and businesses across the region.' But Mark Ruskell, a Scottish Greens MSP, said the decision was a 'betrayal' and 'the culmination of lack of confident political leadership and the dangerous influence of powerful vested interests'.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
'Limbs in the loch' killer makes new freedom bid 25 years after he raped and killed teenage boy before cutting up his body
The 'Limbs in the loch' killer who raped a teenage boy before slicing him up has made another bid from freedom 25 years on. William Beggs, 62, was convicted of luring Barry Wallace back to his Kilmarnock home in 1999 where he then killed him, dismembered his corpse and dumped his remains in Loch Lomond. Mr Wallace's head was later found washed up on Barassie beach. Beggs was jailed for life in 2001 and told he would have to serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars before being considered for parole. This was after he was found guilty of stabbing Gary Oldham, 28, to death in Yorkshire in 1987 and leaving his mutilated body on the moors. Though, his conviction was overturned on a technicality 18 months into his life sentence and he was freed. His lawyers now claim the Parole Board's decision not to release Beggs in February 2024 was incorrect and have asked judge Lady Drummond to quash the decision. They have also requested the board convene a tribunal of new members to reconsider Northern Ireland-born Beggs' latest bid for freedom. Mark Lindsay KC told Ms Drummond that Parole Board officials had acted lawfully by refusing Beggs' parole. He said: 'There's no merit in the grounds of appeal advanced on behalf of the petitioner. I invite your lady to dismiss the petition.' Police divers found the severed limbs of the teenage supermarket worker in Loch Lomond a few days after he disappeared on December 5 1999 Beggs observed some of the proceedings from prison via a webcasting app. His lawyers claim Parole Board officials considered his conviction for murdering student Gary Oldham in 1987 as part of his hearing. However, Beggs had successfully appealed that conviction. On Monday, Mr Lindsay said the Parole Board had simply considered evidence which related to the level of risk posed by Beggs to the public. He added: 'They looked at the lack of insight and they looked at the lack of insight focused work on the part of the petitioner. 'They were entitled to conclude that the level of risk posed by the petitioner cannot be, at this time, managed within the community.' Beggs will have another chance to secure parole later this year. Having moved to Scotland after his conviction for murdering Gary Oldham was overturned, Beggs – who was working in a call centre in Edinburgh – lured 18-year-old Barry Wallace from Kilmarnock to his home. The teen had been leaving a Christmas party before Beggs raped and murdered him. He used a saw and kitchen knife to hack his body into eight pieces. North Yorkshire Police recently attempted to find fresh evidence that might link Beggs to the murder of Mr Oldham, with a view to possibly bringing the case back to court. Police Scotland handed over a blood-stained razor they found in Beggs' home – anticipating that DNA tests would link it to the Yorkshire case. However the blood was not a match for Beggs, Mr Wallace or Mr Oldham. A source at North Yorkshire Police said: 'The murder of Barry Oldham is unusual in that Beggs was convicted and there seemed no doubt about his guilt. 'Even with the changes to the double-jeopardy law now well-established, it would take significant fresh evidence to give us any chance of charging Beggs afresh. 'We hoped the blood on the razor might provide that calibre of evidence and we were happy to assist Police Scotland in that enquiry. 'Mr Oldham's dad, Albert, was still alive at that time and we were able to obtain his DNA for comparison, but there was no match. 'This suggests there might be another victim of a bloody assault by Beggs out there. If there's little hope of justice for Barry Oldham, perhaps the razor offers hope for another.' The hearing continues.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
New Flamingo Land theme park planned for UK beauty spot - but locals aren't happy
Plans to build a new theme park resort in Scotland have taken another hit, following years of opposition from politicians, environmental groups and local communities. An emergency public meeting has been set up to discuss the controversial development of Flamingo Land on the banks of Loch Lomond. The £40 million proposal includes hotels, over 100 holiday lodges, a waterpark, restaurants, and even a monorail. It's the latest version of plans that were first put forward back in 2018 - but scrapped a year later after public backlash. Flamingo Land later came back with an updated proposal in 2020, promising a resort that would be a 'major step away' from its existing Yorkshire theme park and zoo. But despite those changes, the project has continued to face resistance from both locals, MPs and conservation groups. The development site is in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, an area known for its stunning scenery, ancient oak woodlands and rare wildlife, such as red deer. Earlier this year, the Scottish Government gave the project the green light, overturning a decision by the national park authority which had rejected the plans on environmental grounds. The decision sparked outrage, especially from Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who called the approval an 'anti-democratic outrage' and said the plans would cause 'irreversible damage.' He also pointed out that the project had been opposed by several key organisations, including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust for Scotland, and over 155,000 people who signed the Save Loch Lomond campaign. As reported by the Sun, he added: 'We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond.' Concerns from the park authority have also been raised about the 'unacceptable' risk of flooding from the nearby River Leven. A recent report added 49 conditions to the approval, and while it said the site could operate safely, many have yet to be convinced. Local groups such as Balloch and Haldane Community council say they're 'deeply disappointed' in the government's decision and claim it goes against what the community wants. Supporters of the plan argue it could bring jobs and boost tourism in the area, but with public pressure continues to grow, as a petition opposing the project amasses a whopping 174,000 signatures. A public meeting has now been set for 30 May to discuss the future of the park. Meanwhile, Paultons Park, which sits on 65 acres on the New Forest's edge in Hampshire, will open a brand new £12million themed world, Valgard - Realm of the Vikings, in 2026. The park, already a hit with younger children thanks to Peppa Pig World, recently cut the ribbon on its latest attraction, Ghostly Manor - a £3.5 million ghoulish interactive gameplay ride. The developments will see it likely rival some of the nation's biggest theme parks - including Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park - for visitors next summer. Viking-themed Valgard is Paultons' biggest investment in a new themed area to date and is aimed at teens and older children.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New Flamingo Land theme park planned for top UK tourist beauty spot – and people aren't happy
A NEW theme park wanting to open in the UK has been delivered another blow. An emergency meeting has been set up to discuss the development of Flamingo Land in Scotland which is set to gain planning permission after 49 conditions were added to the new application. 3 Back in 2018, plans for a new attraction were submitted by Flamingo Land for the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland. However, the following year they were withdrawn due to a lack of support - which seems to have also continued ever since. In 2020, updated plans were resubmitted, insisting that the new attraction would be a "major step away" from its other resort - which includes a theme park and zoo in Yorkshire, reports the BBC. The theme park operator wants to build a £40million resort on Lomond Banks that would include a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants. Despite this, the Loch Lomond park authority board ruled that even the updated plans still conflicted with both regional and national environmental polices. The lake in southern Scotland, which is part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, is known for boasting red deer and oak woodlands. Among the risks listed, Stuart Pearce from the park authority noted how the plans would create an "unacceptable risk" of flooding of the River Leven. Following the release of the updated plans, more than 174,000 people signed a petition against the project. The current Flamingo Land resort on north Yorkshire opened back in 1959 - originally as a zoo. The attraction got its name from the popular pink bird, which were among the first animals on the site in Yorkshire. The perfect Haven holiday park for a kid-friendly break - with direct beach access, indoor waterpark and neighbouring seaside theme park Now a public meeting has been set for May 30 to discuss the proposals for the banks of Loch Lomond. The meeting follows news that the Scottish government approved permission for the development - overturning the decision of the national park authority. Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who does not support the plan, said that the development would cause "irreversible damage" and the decision was an "anti-democratic outrage". He added: "Their destructive plans were unanimously rejected by the National Park's board, opposed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust, the Park's expert planning officers and 155,000 people who joined our Save Loch Lomond campaign." He labelled the developer as "greedy" and that it would not take "no for an answer". "We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond," he concluded. 3 The Balloch and Haldane Community Council also noted how they were "deeply disappointed" in the Scottish government's decision which it said "contradicts the expressed will of the community". In an 80-page document on the site, an evaluation noted how there has been a lot of opposition to the plans. However, it also said that the site could operate safely despite the risk of flooding and added that there could be benefits to the local community in terms of jobs and a boost to the economy. If the project did go ahead it would likely have two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and a monorail built. bird-inspired £5million adventure play park is also planned for a UK attraction, and is 'to be a place of wonder for families'. Plus, a major UK theme park is to get a huge new land by 2027 with rollercoasters, kids rides and indoor attractions. 3
