SNIPPETS FROM THE SCOTCH WORLD-2024
ROYAL WARRANTS FOR 2024
King Charles III has granted Royal Warrants to 386 disparate
companies that previously held similar appointments from his late mother, Queen
Elizabeth II. Five have been granted to Diageo brands, of which three are for
Scotch Whisky companies, recognising Diageo’s historic ties to the British
Royal Household. These three are Justerini & Brooks Wine & Spirits
Merchants, John Walker & Sons (Johnnie Walker) and Royal Lochnagar Scotch
Whisky. Another whisky company awarded the Warrant is Matthew Gloag & Son
for The Famous Grouse.
For Diageo’s brands, these warrants represent centuries
of royal service. Justerini & Brooks’ connection dates to 1761, when the
merchant supplied wines for King George III’s coronation. Johnnie Walker has
held its warrant since King George V’s reign in 1934. The award of these new
Royal Warrants to His Majesty The King to these companies permits them to display
His Majesty’s Royal Arms on their brands’ labels and facades. Also awarded are
Taylor’s (The Fladgate Partnership) Scotch Whisky and Laphroaig Distillery
(Suntory Global Spirits) for Gin.
2025 WORLD WHISKIES PRELIMINARY
AWARDS FOR BLENDED SCOTCH
World Whiskies Awards Scotland results have recently been announced, whereby the winning whiskies from the Scotland qualification heats will compete on a global stage this March against the category winners and competitors from other regional competitions in France, Ireland, Canada, Japan, the U.S.A., India, Taiwan and the Rest of the World. These exceptional blended scotch whiskies were crowned category winners, with subcategories based on their age statements, ranging from NAS to 21-years-old. The types of Blended Scotch whiskies are:
Blended Grain Scotch Whisky: A blend of two or more
Single Grain Scotch Whiskies from different distilleries. They must include
both malt and grain spirits.
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: A blend of two or more
Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from different distilleries, with no grain whisky
included. These must include only one category of whisky (malt or grain) but
sourced from multiple distilleries.
The awardees are:
1. The Borders Distillery WS:02 The Long and Short of It: Category NAS
The new Borders Distillery, located in the southeast of
Scotland, experimented with fermentation in this blended whisky release. This
is the second release in the brand’s Workshop Series (WS:02), in which
distillers juggle with the traditional boundaries of whisky-making to produce
unique expressions. To create WS:02, the distillers fermented one batch of mash
for 55 hours (the short of it) and one batch for 150 hours (the long of it).
These batches were then distilled twice and matured in first-fill ex-bourbon
barrels. Then, the whisky was blended with single grain whisky, chill-filtered,
and bottled at 40% ABV, with No Age Statement. RRP: £45.
2. Scottish
Leader Original Blended Scotch Whisky: Category Below 12 Years
Scottish Leader is a longstanding blended scotch
whisky. The original recipe dates back to 19th century Dumbarton, Scotland.
However, the brand was not created until 1976. It has become a well-established
classic in countries around the world. In 2014, Scottish Leader underwent a
rebrand under South African company Distell, with the Original expression now
presented in a square bottle with a striking red label. The old deer logo was
also replaced with a soaring eagle. Despite these modern updates, Scottish
Leader Original remains a popular and dependable blended scotch whisky, with
expressions such as Supreme, Sherry Cask Finish, Signature, and a 12 Year Old.
This version is NAS but below 12 YO.
3. White Heather 15 Year Old: Category 13-20 YO
White Heather whisky is the brainchild of a Scotch
whisky industry veteran blender: Billy Walker. Walker has had an illustrious
career, working at distilleries such as Tobermory, Bunnahabhain, and
Glenglassaugh while also reviving BenRiach and Glenallachie.
He also revived the White Heather brand, recalling
memories of enjoying a dram of White Heather in the 1970s. White Heather 15
Year Old is blend of single malt whiskies from Speyside, Islay, and the
Highlands (47%) with specially selected single grain components (53%). The
whisky was blended in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. Once blended,
it underwent secondary maturation in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso and American virgin
oak casks. Bottled at 46% ABV, the resulting whisky is full-bodied and
perfectly balanced, with notes of heather honey that embody the brand name.
4. Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old
Dewar’s is no stranger to awards, having collected a
great deal due to its versatile and perfectly sippable range. The company, for
which Stephanie Macleod is Master Blender, attributes this to Macleod’s
pioneering ‘double aging’ process. Or, in this case, ‘double double’ aging. First,
the malt whiskies are aged to their required maturity, then combined and
returned to an oak cask. The same process is followed for the grain whiskies in
the blend. Once both types have been prepared, they are blended together and
returned to an oak cask for a secondary double maturation. Finally, the blend
undergoes finishing in an ex-sherry cask. This particular 21 Year Old was
finished in Oloroso sherry casks. The expression previously won ‘World’s Best
Blended’ at the 2021 World Whiskies Awards finals.
GLENMORANGIE’S INTERACTIVE
‘WONDER MACHINE’ AT HEATHROW TERMINAL 2
Glenmorangie's experimental Wonder Machine, opened on
Christmas Eve at its London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 boutique, combines
digital technology with sensory exploration to match travellers with their
ideal single malt. This follows Diageo’s booth built on similar lines. Moët
Hennessy Travel Retail’s innovative whisky discovery experience at the Airport
brings an unprecedented level of personalisation to duty-free shopping. The installation features sophisticated technology
housed within a whimsical, still-inspired design. Visitors interact with a
copper-encased touchpad shaped like a Glenmorangie still —crafted by The Whisky
Creation Team, led by Dr. Bill Lumsden—beginning their journey by selecting a
‘whisky personality’ based on the distillery’s core values.
The experience incorporates six distinct aromas created by
ROBOTS CAN TASTE WHISKY BETTER
THAN YOU
Robots are coming for your whisky tasting notes. In a
breakthrough development that could reshape how we analyse spirits, German researchers
have created an AI system that outperforms human experts in identifying whisky
origins and aromas. The AI algorithm, developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for
Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, didn’t just match expert tasters – it
surpassed them, achieving 100% accuracy in distinguishing American whiskey from
Scotch whisky when analysing molecular data. Dr. Andreas Grasskamp’s team found
that specific compounds acted as definitive markers – menthol and citronellol
for American whiskey, while methyl decanoate and heptanoic acid revealed Scotch
whisky origins. Even using only flavour descriptions, the system achieved 94%
accuracy.
This is not a harbinger spelling the end of whisky
reviews or critical appraisals. While AI can detect compounds, it can’t
determine what makes a whisky “good” or “bad” – that remains innately
subjective. It does, however, highlight potential quality control applications.
The flavour notes of a whisky brand could be quickly checked from batch to
batch or blend to blend based on the chemical signature alone. Is the job of
the Master Blender at threat?
BALLANTINE’S LAUNCHES 40 YO
CHAPTER TWO OF THE MASTERCLASS COLLECTION
Only 108 bottles of the 40 year old blend have been
produced. They are now available at global specialist retailers for an RRP of
$12,000. Chapter One, The Remembering, was released in 2023. Chapters Three and
Four are expected to be released in 2025 and 2026 respectively, with Chapter
Five coming in 2027, marking Ballantine’s 200th anniversary.
Chapter Two ‘The Waiting’ is inspired by an essential
ingredient in whisky making: patience, which is particularly important when
creating a high age statement Scotch whisky. Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, drew
on his experiences starting from his apprentice days under former Master
Blender, Jack Goudy requested the latter to lay down the casks used to create
the 40 year old blend, with the whisky being matured in American oak casks for
four decades.
The resulting whisky, bottled at 45.4% ABV, is an opulent
and complex whisky, with smooth sweet tones and a hint of gentle smoke. Chapter
Two ‘The Waiting’ is presented in individually numbered bottles which, in turn,
are housed in a sleek presentation box. Scottish artist, Kyla McCallum created
a 3D paper art piece for the inside of the box, which each chapter featuring a
different design.
CHIVAS REGAL PLAYS WITH
SMOKE WITH NEW EXTRA SMOKY CASK SELECTION
In the latest addition to the Extra range, blended Scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal has unveiled the Chivas Regal Extra Smoky Cask Selection. The expression combines the Chivas Regal house style with gentle and smooth smoke. Chivas Regal Extra Smoky Cask Selection was launched exclusively in Turkey November 2024 and is now rolling out globally.
Chivas Regal has always used smoky casks as part of the
Chivas Regal blend. However, where the standard expression carries very subtle
smoky notes, this new release takes the notes to a new level. The blend was
finished in specially selected smoky casks that had previously been used to
mature peated whisky, imparting a distinctive smoky flavor that perfectly
compliments the smooth and sippable nature of Chivas Regal scotch. The
resulting blended Scotch whisky boasts aromas of spiced apples and roasted
chestnuts followed by cranberries, sweet caramel, and gingerbread on the
palate. The whisky ends with star anise and bonfire smoke.
The Smoky Cask Selection features packaging that
captures the essence of its smoky profile. The design combines deep charcoal
tones with elegant golden lines, seamlessly integrating the brand’s signature
shield and crossed spears. These symbols, representing loyalty and protection,
pay homage to James and John Chivas, whose pioneering spirit established the
legacy of the brand, a timeless repeat of the memorial debut of the first ever
Chivas Regal, the 25 YO that made its debut in the USA in 1909.
THE NEW DIAGEO LUXURY GROUP WILL UNITE LUXURY SPIRIT
BRANDS
Diageo announced in Nov 2024 the creation of a new
global division that will oversee the Diageo Luxury brands. The Diageo Luxury
Group will unite brands such as Port Ellen and Brora and brand homes such as
Johnnie Walker Princes Street under one portfolio.
The new division will be responsible for directing
luxury strategies and accelerating growth for brands that retail for $100 and
above. In partnership with brand stewards, Diageo Luxury Group hopes to
capitalise on the rapidly growing luxury international spirits category.
The Diageo Luxury Group
Diageo ambitious new division, the Diageo Luxury Group
(DLG), is set to revolutionise the spirits industry through a focus on
influential global cities, travel retail, and its home market of Great
Britain—the heartland of Scotch whisky. This initiative coincides with the
launch of the Diageo Luxury Company (DLC) in Great Britain, which will champion
luxury brand building and immersive consumer experiences within the premium
spirits segment, targeting price points of £30 and above.
The DLG boasts unparalleled access to Diageo’s renowned
portfolio, including over 10 million casks from more than 30 distilleries. This
treasure trove features rare “ghost” stocks from restored distilleries such as
Port Ellen and Brora. Diageo’s 15 brand homes, including the iconic Johnnie
Walker Princes Street—which has attracted over a million visitors since its
2021 opening—serve as cornerstones of the group’s luxury positioning.
Additionally, the DLG will oversee the evolution of
Justerini & Brooks, a 275-year-old fine wine and spirits merchant
celebrated for its quality and heritage. Its Burlington Arcade location will
further enhance its standing as a premier destination for connoisseurs.
Among the highlights is Casks of Distinction, an
exclusive cask ownership program offering access to singular, mature Scotch
whisky casks. Following the success of its first collection, the second release
of The Twelve promises unparalleled rarity and craftsmanship.
The Twelve Casks of Distinction 2024
1. Talisker 1975 Cask No. 4966, 47.8%
Island single malt scotch, refill American oak
hogshead, estimated yield 155 bottles.
2. Brora 1977 Cask No. 2845, 47.8%
Highland single malt Scotch, refill American oak
hogshead, estimated yield 158 bottles.
3. Talisker 1986 Cask No. 896, 47.2%
Island single malt Scotch, freshly charred American oak
hogshead, estimated yield 153 bottles.
4. Royal Lochnagar 1988 Cask No. 1119, 50.9%
Highland single malt Scotch, refill American oak
“charred ends” hogshead, estimated yield 168 bottles.
5. Dalwhinnie 1989 Cask No. 3754, 47%
Speyside single malt Scotch, refill American oak
hogshead, estimated yield 214 bottles.
6. Caol Ila 1990 Cask No. 9243, 48.9%
Islay single malt Scotch, refill American oak hogshead,
estimated yield 201 bottles.
7. Clynelish 1990 Cask No. 12016, 53.6%
Highland single malt Scotch, refill American oak
hogshead, estimated yield 333 bottles.
8. Cragganmore 1990 Cask No. 388, 57.3%
Speyside single malt Scotch, refill American oak
hogshead, estimated yield 146 bottles.
9. Linkwood 1990 Cask No. 7805, 52.9%
Speyside single malt Scotch, refill American oak
hogshead, estimated yield 164 bottles.
10. Auchroisk 1991 Cask
No. 572018, 48.2%
Speyside single malt Scotch, wine-seasoned American oak hogshead, estimated yield 238 bottles.
11. Benrinnes 1992 Cask No. 9554, 53%
Speyside single malt Scotch, first-fill European oak sherry butt, estimated yield 362 bottles.
12. Inchgower 1992 Cask No. 2754, 50.7%
Speyside single malt Scotch, refill American oak
barrel, estimated yield 131 bottles.
THE DALMORE 2024 VINTAGE
COLLECTION WHISKIES
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An annual release, The Dalmore Vintage Collection
showcases vintage-statement whiskies from The Dalmore’s portfolio and
celebrates the distillery’s unique character.
Each November for the past five decades, the whisky
makers at The Dalmore have nosed and assessed the maturing casks in the
distillery warehouses. The cold November air opens the spirit up following
maturation in the summer heat, making it the ultimate month to assess the
whisky. Following assessment, a small number of casks are hand-selected to be
considered for the following year’s Vintage Collection. Only the finest
whiskies are selected, usually at 15 and 18 years old.
The Dalmore Distillery has unveiled two new expressions
comprising The Vintage Collection 2024 offerings, The Dalmore Vintage 2009 and
The Dalmore Vintage 2006 at RRPs of £173 (~$218) and £403 (~$508) respectively.
Each
Vintage Collection release displays a different element of The Dalmore’s house
style. This year’s whiskies were chosen because of their “rich decadent
desserts” profiles.
The younger of the two whiskies is The Dalmore Vintage
2009, bottled at 15 years of age and 48.9% ABV. Matured initially in American
white oak ex-bourbon, the whisky was dual finished in Matusalem sherry casks
and 10 year old Tawny port pipes sourced from The Dalmore’s longstanding cask
partners – González Byass and Graham’s Port. Dalmore also uses their casks in
The Dalmore Cask Curation Series. This unique spirit was
first finessed in 30 Year Old Matusalem Oloroso Sherry Casks from González
Byass, after which the whisky spends a further period in 10 Year Old Tawny Port
pipes, sourced from Graham’s Port.
The 18 Year Old Dalmore Vintage 2006 was bottled at 47.2% ABV following maturation in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and finishing in rare 30-year-old Matusalem and Amoroso sherry casks. Presented at natural colour and non-chill filtered. On the nose, sherry-soaked raisins blend with roasted figs, cedar wood, and honey. The Amaroso isn’t overdone so the palate reveals dark fruit, liquorice, and cacao, with hints of bergamot and blood orange. Its finish is rich with antique sherry notes, berries, cassia bark, and dark chocolate. Great stuff, if expensive.
WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS SCOTLAND 2025: BEST NAS SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
The ever-evolving panoply of No Age Statement (NAS) single malt scotch whiskies, which are either a pain in the gut or an accepted affordable option for single malt fans throws up quite a few new names. Most whiskies from middle-latitude countries are necessarily young in age due temperature constraints, but there should be no real reason for such whiskies from Scotland. Yet there are plenty, and delicious ones to savour.
The top NAS single malts that triumphed in their
respective Scottish whisky regions are detailed infra.
Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish: Campbeltown
This expression from Glen Scotia Distillery in
Campbeltown, is a tribute to the town's history as a busy and thriving whisky
centre of the past, particularly in the 18th century. The Double
Cask Rum Finish is a unique twist on Glen Scotia's popular Double Cask
expression. The NAS whisky is distilled from only Scottish malted barley,
matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, and finished in Demerara rum casks, bottled
at 46% ABV.
Glenmorangie Signet Reserve: Highlands
This really expensive expression offers a rich and sybaritic
tasting experience, constituting a step up from the standard Signet expression.
Parcels of matured Glenmorangie Signet are selected by the Glenmorangie Whisky
Creation Team and matured for an additional 12-month period in Pedro Ximénez
sherry casks. It is bottled at 46% ABV. It is believed that Glenmorangie Signet
and its elder sibling, the Reserve, contain some very rare Glenmorangie stock,
and constitute a pleasurable and complex whisky-drinking experience.
Arran The Bodega Sherry Cask: Islands
(Non-Islay)
This expression from Arran and the Lochranza Distillery
is part of the bestselling brand's core range, and aims to showcase the
complexity of sherry cask maturation. Matured exclusively in specially selected
sherry casks from bodegas in Jerez, Spain, the whisky is bottled at natural
cask strength, 55.8% ABV, presented in its unadulterated, purest form and
retains its full non chill-filtered flavour. Scottish malted barley, yeast,
Loch na Davie water, matured in Spanish oak sherry casks.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan- Islay
Whirlpool Corryvreckan takes its name from the Gulf of
the same name that contains the whirlpool that characterises its waters,
located between the islands of Jura and Islay, and one of the largest in
Europe. Apparently, the whirlpool is named after the Viking Prince Breacan, who
perished when he attempted to prove his love for an Islay princess by lasting
three full nights on a boat in the whirlpool’s swirl. Goddess Cailleach Bheare,
guardian of the whirlpool, took pity on Prince Breacan and brought him down to
her dark lair at the bottom of the sea where he has slept ever since. Lo and
behold, he has finally awoken in a bottle of whisky.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan is, by Ardbeg's admission "not
for the faint-hearted". And yet, this single malt scotch has garnered fans
across the globe and was even named ‘World's Best Single Malt' in 2010. Distilled
from 100% Scottish malted barley, this whisky is matured in ex-bourbon and
French oak casks for an unspecified time, adding to the mysterious intrigue
surrounding this expression, bottled at 57.1% ABV. In June 2024, Ardbeg revived
the legend of Corryvreckan with the release of The Abyss – an extension of the
original Corryvreckan which was released in 2008.
The original Ardbeg Corryvreckan
limited edition had, at its heart, spirit matured in ultra-active French oak
casks. These unusual casks, heavily toasted to an exact specification, rendered
them more powerful than a standard French oak barrique. These were the casks
that made the original Corryvreckan a favourite among fans and an icon among
single malts. But Ardbeg didn't stop at Corryvreckan; it left some casks back in deep slumber, to resurface as its reincarnation as the 48% ABV The Abyss, 400 bottles, extremely rare and extremely pricey—$33,350.
Holyrood Distillery Embra- Lowlands
Embra, from Holyrood Distillery in the Scottish
Lowlands, takes its name from a colloquial term for Edinburgh, Scotland's
capital and Holyrood's home. This is the second single malt release from
Holyrood, preceded by Arrival and followed by Ambir. Embra presents a smooth
balance of smoky flavours and rich textures. Featuring a diverse range of
yeasts, including two distillers strains, three brewers yeasts, and two wine
yeasts.
The distillery prides itself on doing something
different with each expression. The idea for Embra was to produce a dram that
is "a wee bit smoky" but still accessible to beginner whisky drinkers,
an introduction to peated whisky. Embra is matured in a combination of majority
first-fill bourbon with peated Islay quarter casks and new American oak in
supporting roles, bottled at 43.6% ABV.
Glen Moray Phoenix Rising- Speyside
Glen Moray, a discard from the Glenmorangie stable when
the latter was purchased by LVMH, has been doing extremely well for itself since
2004, featuring in the top few in multiple competitions. Launched in late 2023,
Glen Moray Phoenix Rising paid tribute to the phoenix – a mythical bird that is
reborn from its ashes once it dies. Phoenix Rising was finished in virgin oak
charred casks – a rarity for the Scotch whisky industry.
Rather like that mythical bird, new charred oak casks are scorched by fire. And just as the phoenix is reborn from its ashes, these casks bring a whole new spectrum of flavour to life. It’s a difficult to obtain whisky, such was its popularity as a limited edition. 40% ABV.
2025 WORLD WHISKIES
PRELIMINARY AWARDS FOR ISLAY SCOTCH WHISKY
Islay single malt Scotch whiskies need little amplification by way of introduction, so well are they known. The region is characterised by whiskies with a peat smoke aroma, such as Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg and more. Some distilleries do produce unpeated whiskies, however. The World Whisky Awards have made their preliminary selections for the ‘World’s Best’ titles at the World Whiskies Awards, joined by the winners of other regional competitions, in the annual function in London in March 2025.
The whiskies are listed below:
Ardbeg Corryvreckan: NAS
As mentioned earlier, Ardbeg Corryvreckan reflects
Ardbeg’s boldness – a single malt celebrated worldwide despite its reputation
as “not for the faint-hearted.” Named ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ in 2010, it
has become a cornerstone of Ardbeg’s enduring legacy.
Ben Bracken Islay Single Malt Scotch: Islay Aged 12 YO
& Under
Ben Bracken is not a distillery in Scotland, rather it
is the label under which Lidl, Germany, sells single malt scotch whisky at
extremely low prices. At such affordable prices and with awards under its belt,
Ben Bracken has found a reliable fanbase.
Whiskies from Speyside and the Highlands are also
bottled under this label, but this particular expression hails from Islay. The
distillery at which this whisky was distilled is not specified, although there
are rumours that it comes from Bowmore.
According to the Lidl website, this whisky is three
years old, and bottled at 40% ABV. At Lidl supermarkets, the bottle retails for
around £16!
Ardbeg 17-Year-Old: Islay Aged 13-20 Years
The recently revived Arbdeg 17-Year-Old is picking up awards. Once reintroduced as an Ardbeg Committee exclusive in September 2024, the Ardbeg 17-Year-Old is a cult classic from the Islay distillery. First bottled in 1997, it quickly became a staple product, notable for its gentle peat smoke and multi-layered profile. Ardbeg fans were aghast when the whisky was discontinued in 2004. The 17-Year-Old has now been faithfully recreated by the distillery’s Whisky Creation Team – a blend of peated and unpeated single malt bottled at 40% ABV.
Ardbeg 25 Year Old: Islay Aged 21 Years & Over
The oldest whisky in Ardbeg’s core range, the 25 Year
Old was permanently added to the distillery’s portfolio in January 2021. Bottled
after 25 years of maturation, this whisky was distilled in the mid-late 1990s,
just before Ardbeg was transformed when purchased by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.
It is an LVMH product today.
According to the Ardbeg website, the 25 Year Old was bottled from incredibly rare casks filled during some of the Distillery’s darkest days, in one of its many closures. That said, the nature of the whisky inside the bottle is truly Ardbeggian, the peatiness of which has not been tamed by 25 years in the cask.
INAUGURAL FIRST LEGAL
WHISKY LAUNCH FROM ISLE OF TIREE IN 200 YEARS
The Isle of Tiree is the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides. It is relatively small - about twelve miles long and three miles wide - and very flat. Although the island is famous for its fertility it has been described variously as 'a raised beach' and 'the land below the waves'. The island has a mild climate with some of the highest levels of sunshine recorded anywhere in the British Isles. It benefits from the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream ensuring that frost is rare and evenings in mid-summer are warm and balmy.
The Isle of Tiree – sometimes known as Tir an Eòrna
(Land of Barley) in Gaelic – was once home to ‘no less than fifty distillers’
yet, unlike other islands, Tiree never re-established a distillery until more
recent years. Tiree Whisky Company Ltd was formed to preserve and promote the
island’s whisky heritage, while aiming to revive distilling on the island.
The Isle of Tiree Distillery, the island’s first legal
operational distillery since the 1800s, is now home to one of the smallest,
most traditional whisky production operations that Scotland has to offer. Each
part of the process is precisely handcrafted with a keen eye on the past but an
enthusiastic vision of the future.
Alongside Isle of Tiree Single Malt Scotch Whisky and
Isle of Tiree Single Grain Scotch Whisky – Rye, the distillery also produces
gin. Historically, the economy of Tiree had been based on the production of
grain since ancient times. Renowned for fertile and easily worked soil and long
growing seasons, the island was unique in the Hebrides. Tiree was also famous
for the production of whisky and, at one time, supplied a number of the
neighbouring islands.
TIREE WHISKY COMPANY LTD was established in 2012 to
preserve and promote the island’s whisky heritage and to revive distilling on
the island. Much has changed in Tiree since the last legal still was
extinguished in the 1800s but the techniques and processes used in the
production of the spirit have changed little. Isle of Tiree Distillery was founded
by folk musicians Alain Campbell and Ian Smith; the distillery represents a
revival of the island’s rich distilling tradition, which once boasted 50
illicit distilleries before the 1800s. However, since the closure of these
illicit distilleries, whisky-making has not been undertaken on the island. That
was until 2019, when the stills were lit at the Isle of Tiree Distillery.
Their FIRST RELEASE has been handcrafted by mashing
unpeated malted barley in mesh mash bags – hoisted high on wooden blocks to
lauter clear the wort into a small oak mash tun. This is followed by an
extra-long fermentation in oak washbacks. First distillations take place in wide copper
wash stills over direct flame in small copper pot stills followed by carefully
distilling the spirit in a 300L spirit still. Maturation takes place less than
100 metres from the North Atlantic Ocean in specially selected small American
Oak ex-Bourbon barrels as well as their first cask, a 50L Virgin Oak cask,
before spending a further two years in first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks from
Spain’s finest producers. The result is the first expression of Tiree Whisky in
over 200 years.
Limited Release and Future Prospects
The inaugural release of Isle of Tiree Single Malt Scotch Whisky is limited to 800 bottles, priced at £199.99. Following a successful pre-sale where 400 bottles sold out in under two hours, the remaining allocation is expected to generate significant interest among collectors and enthusiasts. The distillery will auction the first 10 bottles starting January 31, with 10% of proceeds benefiting local island charities, demonstrating their commitment to community support.
Offered at 47% ABV, the whisky is available on the distillery’s website. Isle of Tiree Distillery will also offer a limited number of private casks in the spring. For the co-founders,this is an important moment in the island’s history as it reconnects with an industry that was once such an important part of island life. As well as providing local employment, it is hoped that the distillery will encourage visitors from all over the world to come to Tiree.
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