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The 'whisky equinox' when nights draw in and thoughts turn to a warming dram Madeleine Schmoll from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society says: 'Whisky is a drink for all year round, but it is in autumn and winter that people reach for it most' The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is launching a new "occasion" for lovers of a dram to rival Oktoberfest for beer or Beaujolais Nouveau Day for wine. It is called The Whisky Equinox, and falls on the evening of September 23 to mark the autumn equinox – the day after which the year turns towards darker, cooler evenings. This also marks the start of "whisky season" as the society says that Scotland's national drink is traditionally more popular during the colder, winter months. Madeleine Schmoll, European Content Manager at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “Whisky is a drink for all year round, but it is in autumn and winter that people reach for it most. We wanted to mark that moment properly, and the autumn equinox is where it happens, the day the year tips towards its darker half. “The Society has always been about bringing people together over a shared dram. On 23 September we will mark it here in Edinburgh, and we hope that all whisky fans will join in wherever they are.” Annabel Meikle, a whisky polymath and Master of The Quaich, added: “The idea of a date to mark the start of whisky season makes total sense to me. Whisky can be enjoyed at any time of year, of course, but when the nights draw in and the temperature drops it really comes into its own. “That is when you want something with a bit of weight to it, and it only builds from there through to the festive season. Anything that brings whisky drinkers together and gives people who have never explored it a reason to try it, is worth having. I will be raising a glass on 23 September.” The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, the whisky club and independent bottler, is preparing for its busiest time of year with almost 100 limited-edition whiskies being released. To mark the occasion, it is releasing a special pair of half-size, 35cl Whisky Equinox bottles on Thursday, September 10, one for the light and one for the dark of the turning season: Riesling Spritz in the Sun, a 12-year-old Speyside, and Spice It Up After Dark, an 11-year-old Highland whisky. They are priced at £39 each or £75 for both and, unusually for a Society whose bottlings are normally reserved for members, they are available to everyone. In the coming months, the Society will release around 100 limited-edition whiskies before the end of the year, including more peated and sherry cask whiskies, the smokier and richer styles many whisky fans turn to in colder months. The Society will also hold a special launch event on the evening of September 23 at its Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street in Edinburgh, the city where the club was first established in 1983. The evening will start with a meditative gong sound bath experience provided by Jo McCoy of Blissness and a short ceremony including the reading of a special poem to mark the change of season, before a guided whisky tasting. The following month, on October 15, it will stage another tasting event at the same venue called ‘Light Side, Dark Side: An Autumn Equinox Whisky Journey’ featuring a six-dram tasting and dinner. The season continues beyond the day itself. The Society’s October releases will include a Winter Series to mark Hallowe'en, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night. Its four Members' Rooms, two in Edinburgh and one each in Glasgow and London, will host events through the autumn. The Society plans to build on the date in the years ahead, with more events and releases, and is exploring work with distilleries and tourism organisations to give whisky drinkers a reason to visit Scotland as the season turns. For more information and to purchase the Whisky Equinox bottles, visit https://smws.com/equinox/

Breckenridge Distillery has launched a limited-edition whiskey collection to mark its sixth year as the “Hometown Bourbon Whiskey of the Denver Broncos.” The Colorado-based producer, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, released the range to honor the 40th anniversary of “The Drive,” one of American football’s most iconic plays. Straight Neck Stills & Littlemill Roots: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Loch Lomond READ THE STORYThe lineup comprises the brand’s award-winning Breckenridge Bourbon, a trio of collectible Bourbon Whiskey Blends, and a Broncos Creamsicle Whiskey Seltzer. Each product draws on the team’s orange, blue, and white colors. The range is aimed at game-day tailgates and fans across “Broncos Country.” “For six years, it’s been an incredible honor to be a whiskey partner of the Denver Broncos,” said Bryan Nolt, founder and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery. Nolt added: “Every season gives us another opportunity to create something special for Broncos fans, and this year’s collection is one of our most exciting yet. It is our way of raising a glass to the fans who make game day in Colorado unlike anywhere else.” Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) and priced from $34.99 to $39.99 (£26-£29). The high-rye Bourbon is aged for a minimum of three years in charred, new American oak barrels. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. According to the brand’s official tasting notes, the expression has a “deep, honey-amber hue with pronounced aromas of butterscotch, candied orange and apple,” followed by “notes of vanilla and white pepper.” The Broncos Bourbon Blend collection offers three collectible bottlings in orange, blue, and white, also at 43% ABV. The range retails from $40.99 to $44.99 (£30-£33) and commemorates the 40th anniversary of The Drive. Official notes from the brand describe “warm notes of sweet caramel and toasted oak” with “subtle orange undertones” and “a remarkably smooth, approachable finish.” The Broncos Creamsicle Whiskey Seltzer returns as a ready-to-drink offering at 7% ABV. Priced from $11.99 to $13.99 (£9-£10), the seltzer blends Breckenridge whiskey with “bright citrus and creamy vanilla.” Founded in 2008, Breckenridge Distillery is billed as the “World’s Highest Distillery.” Its Port Cask Finish was named World’s Best Finished Bourbon at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. The collection is now available at Colorado retailers and the Breckenridge Distillery Tasting Room.

Four Roses Distillery will hold its 10th annual Salt River Cleanup on Thursday September 17, with employees dedicating a day of service to protecting the Kentucky waterway. The distillery will also release a commemorative limited-edition Private Barrel Selection, with half of the proceeds benefiting the Kentucky Waterway Alliance. Straight Neck Stills & Littlemill Roots: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Loch Lomond READ THE STORYEmployees will gather across the Salt River area behind the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, from 12:30pm to 3:00pm. The event continues a decade-long commitment to restoring one of the region’s most important natural resources. The limestone-rich waters of the Salt River are used in the bourbon production process. The river is also “deeply connected to the surrounding community,” according to the distillery. Four Roses is continuing its partnership with the Kentucky Waterway Alliance for the initiative. The statewide nonprofit is dedicated to “empowering communities to care for their local waterways and advocating for stronger watershed protections at the state and national levels.” The partnership educates employees on how best to protect Kentucky’s waterways for future generations. To commemorate the anniversary, Four Roses will release the limited Private Barrel Selection at its Lawrenceburg Visitor Center for $120 (£89). Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Master distiller Brent Elliott selected a 10-year-old OESQ recipe for the release. The bourbon was laid down the same year the distillery’s Salt River project began. Each purchase will include a commemorative Salt River Cleanup water bottle as a gift. Four Roses uses 10 distinct bourbon recipes, created by combining two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains. The OESQ designation refers to one of those recipes, produced at the distillery’s Lawrenceburg facility. Limestone-filtered water is a defining characteristic of Kentucky bourbon production. The mineral-rich water removes iron while adding calcium and magnesium, which support fermentation. Four Roses joins a number of US distillers pursuing environmental stewardship programs tied to local water sources. More information on the initiative is available via Four Roses and the Kentucky Waterway Alliance.

Neeley Family Distillery has released PaPaw’s Legacy Reserve, a 10-year-old triple pot-stilled Bourbon billed as the oldest of its kind. The whiskey debuts on September 11 at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky, and at the distillery in Sparta. Straight Neck Stills & Littlemill Roots: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Loch Lomond READ THE STORYThe release honors Earl Sizemore, the grandfather of master distiller Royce Neeley. Sizemore, known to Royce as “PaPaw,” helped the distillery with distillation, tours and events until his death in 2024. Royce Neeley took up legal distilling in 2015. Together, he and his grandfather distilled more than 1,000 barrels of whiskey. Following Sizemore’s death, Neeley faced the prospect of eventually selling through those remaining barrels. In tribute, he selected the 10 best barrels from the distillery’s rickhouses. The whiskey was batched in a neutral holding tank to halt further aging. Neeley will release a limited amount each year, never using more than half the tank’s contents. Each year, he plans to replenish the tank with the best-tasting barrels. This method is designed to preserve his grandfather’s legacy without depleting the original supply. “It’s bittersweet to think of someday the barrels being depleted that PaPaw and I distilled together, but through replenishing our holding tank each year with the best barrels, it’s a way for PaPaw’s legacy to live on, and I know he would have loved to be celebrated this way,” said Royce Neeley, master distiller. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. As with all Neeley Family releases, the Bourbons in the batch were triple pot-distilled. The wheated Bourbon is cask strength at 110 proof and retails for $299.99 (£224, ₹28,520) per 750ml bottle. Only 750 bottles have been produced. Sales begin at 11am on September 11 at both the distillery and the Neeley Family Distillery booth at the festival, running each day until sold out. Customers who dress like PaPaw will receive 10% off their purchase at both locations. Neeley described his grandfather’s connection to the festival. “He loved coming to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and through the years, thousands of people got their picture taken with him and autographed bottles,” he said. “His last event before he passed was the KBF, and although he was very sick, he attended every day with his trademark smirk, selling and signing. That memory makes it even more meaningful to us to celebrate him this weekend with this release.” The Neeley family distilled and bootlegged illegally in eastern Kentucky for eleven generations before making the business legal in 2015. The distillery uses pot stills, cypress fermenters, sweet mash and its own proprietary yeast strand.

Uppal Brewers & Distillers (UBD), the premium spirits venture of The Uppal Group, has launched Madhvan Distiller’s Tribute Blend (MDTB), a new premium Indian whisky. The expression debuts in Delhi ahead of the festive season, with a wider rollout planned across several Indian states. Straight Neck Stills & Littlemill Roots: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Loch Lomond READ THE STORYThe whisky is bottled at 42.8% ABV and sold in a 750ml format. It carries a maximum retail price of INR 1,240 (£11). MDTB will initially be available in Delhi. UBD plans to expand distribution to Odisha, Karnataka, Haryana, Goa, and Daman & Diu as part of its broader market strategy. The brand name Madhvan combines Madhu, meaning nectar, and Van, meaning forest. The name draws on “India’s natural richness and the pursuit of excellence,” according to the company. The new packaging features a front-facing tiger as a defining element of the bottle and canister design. UBD said the design combines “premium quality, confidence, restraint and modernity.” The company positions the whisky for what it calls the “Self-Rewarder”—consumers who value progress over performance and view premium whisky as a considered reward. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. “Our Vision has always been to build a premium Indian spirits company that is distinctive, relevant, and built for the long term,” said Kanhav Uppal, co-owner of Uppal Brewers & Distillers. “Through Madhvan Distiller’s Tribute Blend, we celebrate a consumer who knows their strengths, makes measured decisions, and lets their achievements speak for themselves.” Ankur Sachdeva, CEO and co-founder of UBD, pointed to shifting consumer tastes. “India’s premium whisky consumer is becoming more discerning, seeking quality, character and relevance in what they choose,” he said. “We began our journey with Soorahi in Delhi, and are now following the same path with MDTB.” Smita Singh, senior general manager at UBD, said the team focused on both liquid and presentation. “The blend has been crafted to deliver greater smoothness, depth and refinement, while the new bottle and canister bring an elevated expression to the brand,” she said. The launch reflects growing premiumization across India’s spirits sector. While overall spirits consumption grew at around 3% CAGR between 2019 and 2025, the premium segment grew 22% during the same period. Premium-and-above brands now account for roughly 43% of India’s spirits market by volume.

Kilchoman has released its Cognac Cask Matured single malt, a full-term congnac cask maturation whisky, bottled at 50% abv. The 2026 edition combines 33 first-fill ex-Cognac barriques distilled in 2019. Straight Neck Stills & Littlemill Roots: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Loch Lomond READ THE STORYThe release extends the Islay distillery’s “Not A Finish” series and follows the Maury Cask Matured expression. The series explores the effects of full-term maturation in experimental casks. Unlike many producers that use Cognac casks solely to finish their whisky, Kilchoman matured this expression entirely in ex-Cognac barriques. This approach allows the French oak to fully express itself throughout the maturation period. “Full-term maturation in first-fill experimental casks is risky; we need to monitor the maturation very closely,” said Anthony Wills, Kilchoman founder. “The aim is to maximise flavour, both from the cask and from the spirit. The Cognac casks bring an abundance of flavour but left too long and they would overwhelm the Kilchoman spirit.” Wills added: “The casks work to their own schedule, and we need to be ready to bottle when the balance is right.” Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The official notes explain that the whisky marries toasted nuts, warming spices and stone fruit with Kilchoman’s peat smoke and citrus character. It is described as bright and vibrant and balances ripe pear and apple with crystalized ginger, baking spices and coastal peat smoke. The nose offers ripe pears and apples, with peat smoke, honey sweetness, toasted nuts and baking spices. The palate has a buttery mouthfeel, with waves of baked fruit, honeycomb and salty sweetness. The finish brings drying smoke with a lasting sweetness and mellow fruit notes. The launch arrives as Kilchoman’s core range earns recognition. Its Rockside 11 expression won the top “Master” award in the “Best Islay Whisky: Up to 12 Years” category. The distillery’s Machir Bay, Sanaig and Batch Strength releases were also awarded medals. Kilchoman was founded in 2005 as the first distillery built on Islay in 124 years. It remains a farm distillery, growing and malting a portion of its own barley on site.

Bladnoch Distillery has unveiled Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Three, the third instalment in its limited-edition single malt series. The whisky was selected by Roddie and Elaine Burgess, a couple whose relationship traces back to the distillery, and is limited to 458 bottles worldwide. Straight Neck Stills & Littlemill Roots: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Loch Lomond READ THE STORYThe series celebrates individuals with a deep affinity for the distillery, with each chapter telling a personal story. Chapter One honored a lifelong admirer, while Chapter Two traced a family’s return to its roots. Chapter Three tells a love story. Roddie Burgess had spent Waterfall Day at Bladnoch before meeting Elaine at a hotel in Newton Stewart that evening, months after both had lost their spouses. A chance reconnection led to a long-distance relationship and, eventually, marriage. During their ceremony, the couple shared a quaich filled with Bladnoch whisky. Invited to the distillery, Roddie and Elaine tasted cask samples with master distiller Dr Nick Savage before selecting an eight-year-old spirit matured in an ex-Cognac hogshead. The whisky was distilled in November 2017 and bottled in July 2026. According to the official notes from the brand, it carries apricot, marmalade and syrup, finishing long and thickly sweet. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The couple wrote their own tasting notes, which appear on the bottle alongside Savage’s. Their exchanged letters are included with the release. “We met by chance at the end of a day that had started at Bladnoch—and the distillery has been part of us ever since,” said Roddie and Elaine Burgess. “Choosing the cask brought all of that together.” Dr Nick Savage added: “Roddie and Elaine’s is the most personal story we have told through Loch Maberry. The Cognac hogshead they chose has real warmth to it: apricot, marmalade, a sweetness that stays with you.” Loch Maberry is the source of the River Bladnoch, which has sustained the distillery since its founding in 1817. Dating back more than two centuries, Bladnoch distillery was purchased in 2015 by Australian businessman David Prior. Bottled at cask strength of 58.9% ABV, Chapter Three has a natural color and is non-chill filtered. It carries an RRP of £108 (US$140) and is available exclusively from the Bladnoch website and distillery shop.

Islay whisky almost always sells itself on the distillery name. This collection does the opposite. It takes the distillery off the label and puts the island itself front and centre. The Islay Studio Minerva is a new three-bottle Islay single malt collection from Master of Malt, created with female-founded brand design agency Studio Minerva. It launches with 16, 20 and 30 year old expressions, each drawn from a single cask, each bottled at 46.3% ABV, and priced from £99 to £499.95. No individual distillery is named on any of the three. The concept is the island as a whole, not one producer within it. That is the hook worth pausing on. Independent single cask Islay bottlings are common. A collection that deliberately refuses to name the source, and instead builds the whole idea around Islay’s geology, is a more unusual proposition. What is The Islay Studio Minerva collection? The Islay Studio Minerva is a series of single cask Islay single malts released by Master of Malt, the Kent-based online retailer and bottler. The design and identity come from Studio Minerva, a global brand design agency. The stated idea is a love letter to Islay, built around the stones that shape the island. Each expression is tied to a rock. The 16 year old takes its cue from the dark volcanic basalt of Islay’s headlands and shores. The 20 year old is themed on the red sandstone that runs through the island’s valleys, soils and coastlines. The 30 year old is inspired by quartzite, the exceptionally hard rock formed by heat and pressure deep in the earth and part of Islay’s geological foundation. It is a neat framing. Islay’s peat, its water and its coastal weather all trace back to what the island is made of, so anchoring three ages of whisky to three rock types gives the collection a through line beyond “old Islay single malt in a smart box.” Who are Studio Minerva and Master of Malt? Master of Malt is one of the larger online whisky specialists in the UK, known for a deep catalogue, its own bottlings and international shipping. Releasing an anonymised, design-first Islay collection sits comfortably alongside the retailer’s own-label single cask work. Studio Minerva is a female-founded brand design agency working across global brands. Their involvement is the point of difference here. This is a whisky release led as much by identity and presentation as by liquid, which is why the geology concept, the naming and the packaging carry so much of the story. The three expressions at a glance All three are Islay single malt Scotch whisky, 70cl, drawn from a single cask and bottled at 46.3% ABV. The character descriptions below are Master of Malt’s own. The retailer has published overall character impressions rather than a full nose, palate and finish breakdown, and The Daily Whisky has not tasted these yet, so we are attributing the notes rather than presenting them as our own verdict. | The Islay 16 Year Old | The Islay 20 Year Old | The Islay 30 Year Old | | |---|---|---|---| | Rock | Volcanic basalt | Red sandstone | Quartzite | | ABV | 46.3% | 46.3% | 46.3% | | Cask | Single cask | Single cask | Single cask | | Character (Master of Malt) | Bold yet gentle: fruity smoke, coal fires, coastal minerality | Balanced and warm: ashen smoke, creamy vanilla wafers, tropical fruit | Precise and taut: intensity and tension built over three decades | | Price | £99 | £149.95 | £499.95 | | For | Anyone wanting age-stated Islay without a triple-figure jump | Drinkers who like smoke sitting beside sweetness and fruit | Collectors and long-aged Islay hunters | Master of Malt has not published specific flavour descriptors for the 30 year old beyond the language of precision and lasting intensity, so treat that row as direction rather than a tasting note. We will add firsthand notes if we get these in the glass. Cask, outturn and what is not disclosed Two things are worth flagging for buyers. First, each bottle is described as a single cask, but the specific cask wood is not stated, so we cannot tell you whether these are refill hogsheads, sherry casks or something else. Second, the distillery is not named on any of the three, which is by design rather than an oversight. Single cask also means the numbers are inherently small. Master of Malt has not published an exact outturn per expression, but a single cask at 20 or 30 years old yields relatively few bottles after decades of the angel’s share, so the older two in particular are unlikely to hang around indefinitely. Price and availability The collection is available now from Master of Malt at masterofmalt.com, in 70cl format. The 16 year old is £99, the 20 year old is £149.95 and the 30 year old is £499.95. Master of Malt ships internationally, which matters for readers in Germany, the wider EU, the US and beyond, so this is not a UK-only release. For context on the pricing, an age-stated single cask Islay single malt at £99 for the 16 year old is a fair entry point given how quickly older single cask Islay tends to climb. The 30 year old at £499.95 is priced as the collector piece of the set. Is it worth it? If you buy whisky on distillery loyalty, an unnamed Islay will not scratch that itch, and that is worth being honest about. If you buy on the liquid and the idea, this is more interesting. The 16 year old is the easiest recommendation of the three: age-stated single cask Islay at £99 that leans on fruity smoke and coastal minerality is a sound proposition. The 20 year old is the sweet spot for anyone who wants a little more age and that ashen smoke against vanilla and tropical fruit. The 30 year old is a collector call at £499.95, and without published detail on the cask, buyers at that level will want to weigh the design story against the outlay. Move quickly on the 20 and 30 year old if either appeals. Single casks do not come back, and Master of Malt’s own listings showed both already selling at launch. Frequently asked questions What is The Islay Studio Minerva collection? The Islay Studio Minerva is a three-bottle Islay single malt Scotch collection from Master of Malt, created with brand design agency Studio Minerva. It launches with 16, 20 and 30 year old single casks, all at 46.3% ABV, themed around Islay’s geology. No individual distillery is named on the bottles. What ages and prices are in The Islay collection? The collection launches with three expressions, all 70cl. The Islay 16 Year Old is £99, the 20 Year Old is £149.95 and the 30 Year Old is £499.95. All three are single casks bottled at 46.3% ABV and are available from Master of Malt. Which distillery makes The Islay Studio Minerva whisky? Master of Malt does not name the source distillery for any of the three expressions. The collection is deliberately built around Islay as a whole rather than a single producer, so each bottle is presented as an anonymous single cask Islay single malt rather than a named-distillery release. What does The Islay whisky taste like? According to Master of Malt, the 16 year old offers fruity smoke, coal fires and coastal minerality; the 20 year old brings ashen smoke, creamy vanilla wafers and tropical fruit; the 30 year old is described as precise and intense. These are the retailer’s impressions, as The Daily Whisky has not yet tasted the collection. Where can I buy The Islay Studio Minerva, and does it ship internationally? The collection is available now from Master of Malt at masterofmalt.com in 70cl bottles. Master of Malt ships to many countries worldwide, so buyers in the EU, US and elsewhere can order, subject to local import rules and duties. Being single casks, the older expressions are in limited supply. What is the concept behind The Islay collection? The Islay Studio Minerva pairs three ages of whisky with three Islay rock types: volcanic basalt for the 16 year old, red sandstone for the 20 year old and quartzite for the 30 year old. Designed by Studio Minerva, it frames the whisky as an expression of the island’s elemental

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has created The Whisky Equinox, a new annual occasion to mark the start of the colder whisky season. The event falls on 23 September and will be celebrated with special bottlings, tasting events and a social media campaign using #WhiskyEquinox. Straight Neck Stills & Littlemill Roots: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Loch Lomond READ THE STORYThe Society said that while beer has Oktoberfest and wine has Beaujolais Nouveau Day, whisky has never had a comparable annual moment to mark the season when the spirit is traditionally more popular. The autumn equinox falls at 01.06am on 23 September, the moment day and night stand in equal measure and the year turns towards cooler evenings. To mark the launch, the Society is releasing a pair of half-size 35cl bottles on Thursday 10 September. One is for the light and one for the dark of the turning season. Riesling Spritz in the Sun is a 12-year-old Speyside. Spice It Up After Dark is an 11-year-old Highland whisky. They are priced at £39 each ($52) or £75 ($100) for both. Unusually for the Society, whose bottlings are normally reserved for members, they are available to everyone. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. A launch event will be held on the evening of 23 September at its Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street in Edinburgh, where the club was first established in 1983. The evening starts with a gong sound bath experience by Jo McCoy of Blissness, followed by a short ceremony and a guided tasting. Madeleine Schmoll, European Content Manager at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “Whisky is a drink for all year round, but it is in autumn and winter that people reach for it most. We wanted to mark that moment properly, and the autumn equinox is where it happens, the day the year tips towards its darker half.” Annabel Meikle, a whisky polymath and Master of The Quaich, said: “The idea of a date to mark the start of whisky season makes total sense to me. Anything that brings whisky drinkers together and gives people who have never explored it a reason to try it, is worth having. I will be raising a glass on 23 September.” A further tasting event, ‘Light Side, Dark Side: An Autumn Equinox Whisky Journey’, will run on 15 October at the same venue. The Society plans to build on the date in future years, exploring work with distilleries and tourism organizations. The Society will release around 100 limited-edition whiskies before the end of the year, including more peated and sherry cask whiskies. More information on the Equinox event is available at smws.com/equinox.

Aberargie Distillery has launched Expressions, a new series of single malt whiskies celebrating the influence of barley while supporting Scotland’s next generation of farmers. The Golden Promise and Laureate editions will be available from specialist UK retailers from 15 September 2026. Straight Neck Stills & Littlemill Roots: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Loch Lomond READ THE STORYThe Perthshire distillery’s new series follows the sell-out success of its inaugural release in March 2026. Expressions comprises two single malts made separately from Golden Promise and Laureate barley. This allows whisky drinkers to explore the individual character of each variety for the first time. Aberargie will donate £1 from every bottle of Expressions sold in the UK to the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC). The donation will specifically support young farmers in the East region through social events and personal development. The partnership carries personal significance for Aberargie head of production Graeme McKeddie, a third-generation farmer whose family’s farming history dates back to the 1800s. McKeddie grew up on his family’s mixed arable and beef farm. Following his father’s death in 2022, he now helps his mother run the farm, which primarily grows malting barley. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. “Like many people in the farming community, I was born into it. Farming is in my blood,” he said. “Small-scale farming is hard work, and the rewards are never guaranteed. That is why supporting SAYFC and the young people who represent the future of Scottish farming feels particularly important to us.” He added: “As both a farmer and a distiller, you develop a greater appreciation of what is in your glass. Behind every whisky are generations of knowledge, passion and hard graft – not only from the people who distil it, but from those who grow the barley.” Aberargie Distillery sits on the Morrison family’s 300-acre farm near Perth. It operates according to a field-to-bottle philosophy, using barley grown on its own land. Its inaugural whisky combined spirit distilled from both barley varieties. Expressions now separates the two, offering a closer look at barley’s role in a whisky’s final character. “Expressions gives us the opportunity to place barley at the centre of the conversation and recognise the farming knowledge and work behind every bottle,” McKeddie said. The Golden Promise edition is produced from 100% Golden Promise barley and matured in 68% first-fill Bourbon casks and 32% first-fill Sherry casks. According to the official notes from the brand, it is “rich and full-bodied, with aromas and flavours of warm buttered pastry, stewed apples, brown sugar and gentle baking spices.” The Laureate edition is produced from 100% Laureate barley and matured in 32% first-fill Bourbon and 68% first-fill Sherry casks. The brand describes “notes of candied orange peel and dried fruit, complemented by crisp orchard fruit and a lingering honeyed finish.” Both expressions are non-chill-filtered and bottled at 48.2% ABV. Further details are available via Aberargie’s website.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has created The Whisky Equinox, a new annual moment to mark the start of whisky season on the autumn equinox, 23 September. To launch it, the Society has released two half-size 35cl single malts today: Riesling Spritz in the Sun, a 12-year-old Speyside at 57.7% ABV, and Spice It Up After Dark, an 11-year-old Highland at 60.9% ABV. They cost £39 each or £75 for the pair, and, unusually for the SMWS, you do not need to be a member to buy them. A launch event on 23 September and a full autumn release programme follow. Beer has Oktoberfest. Wine has Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Whisky, the drink most people actually reach for once the nights draw in, has never had a date of its own. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society wants to change that. Its answer is The Whisky Equinox: a new annual occasion pinned to the autumn equinox on 23 September, the point at which day and night stand equal and the year tips toward its darker, colder, more whisky-friendly half. This year the astronomical moment lands at 01:06am. The Society is asking drinkers everywhere to raise a dram on the evening of 23 September and share it with the hashtag #WhiskyEquinox. It is, on paper, a marketing occasion invented by an independent bottler heading into its busiest quarter. It is also, if you drink whisky, a perfectly good excuse to open something worth opening on a specific evening. Both things are true, and neither one spoils the other. The two bottles that launch it The centrepiece is a pair of half-size 35cl single malts, one for the light and one for the dark of the turning season. The 35cl format is a deliberate choice: smaller outlay, smaller pours, more room to explore two whiskies rather than commit to one. Cask No. 39.334: Riesling Spritz in the Sun is the light half. A 12-year-old Speyside drawn from a first-fill ex-bourbon hogshead and bottled at cask strength, 57.7% ABV. Riesling Spritz in the Sun (Cask No. 39.334): tasting notes Nose: cedar and sandalwood, the zest of blood orange, a fresh aftershave brightness. Palate: buttered scones, clotted cream, vanilla and orange fondant, with mace lending accent more than heat.  Finish: dry, with lemon verbena lingering. With water: the nose turns much fruitier, glazed strawberry tarts and baked orange splashed with white port, peach jelly sweets and soft marshmallow; the palate follows, closing on nutmeg and, aptly, a glass of riesling. ABV: 57.7% | Cask:1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead | Age: 12 years | Region: Speyside | Price: £39 (35cl) Cask No. 28.119: Spice It Up After Dark is the dark half. An 11-year-old Highland at 60.9% ABV. The Society took selected eight-year-old casks from the distillery and re-racked the spirit into other casks to marry and mature it further, and this first-fill Spanish oak ex-PX (Pedro Ximénez sherry) hogshead is one of the results. Spice It Up After Dark (Cask No. 28.119): tasting notes Nose: caramel, dark chocolate, cheroot smoke, leather, nutmeg.  Palate: marmalade, manuka honey, currants, raisins, chocolate mousse.  Finish: dry oak, black coffee, cinnamon and ginger. Reduced with water it turns toward black tea, sugared almonds and pastel de nata.  ABV: 60.9% | Cask: 1st fill Spanish oak ex-PX hogshead | Age: 11 years | Region:Highland | Price: £39 (35cl) The tasting notes above are the Society’s own. We have not tasted these two yet. | Riesling Spritz in the Sun (39.334) | Spice It Up After Dark (28.119) | | |---|---|---| | Region | Speyside | Highland | | Age | 12 years | 11 years | | Cask | 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead | 1st fill Spanish oak ex-PX hogshead | | ABV | 57.7% | 60.9% | | Profile | Fragrant & Floral | Dried Fruits & Spices | | Character | Bright: citrus, vanilla, orchard fruit | Rich: sherry, chocolate, baking spice | | Best for | The daytime, before-the-turn dram | The long, dark evening dram | | Price | £39 (35cl) | £39 (35cl) | The most interesting thing here is not the liquid, it is the access. SMWS bottlings are normally members-only. These two are on open sale to anyone, at £39 each or £75 for the pair. For first-fill, cask-strength, age-stated single malt, that is a genuinely low bar to entry. What the SMWS codes actually mean If you are new to the Society, those numbers need decoding. Every SMWS bottling is labelled by a code rather than a distillery name. The number before the dot identifies the distillery (39 and 28 here), and the number after it is the specific cask. The Society has bottled from around 180 distilleries and keeps each one anonymous by design, so the whisky is judged on what is in the glass rather than the name on the label. Every release also lands in one of twelve flavour-profile categories, Riesling Spritz in “Fragrant & Floral” and Spice It Up in “Dried Fruits & Spices”, and gets one of the Society’s deliberately playful names. Who the SMWS is The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was founded in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has around 41,000 members worldwide. Owned by the Artisanal Spirits Company plc, it built its name as an independent bottler of single-cask, cask-strength whisky, drawing casks from roughly 180 distilleries in Scotland and beyond. Members get access to four Members’ Rooms, two in Edinburgh (The Vaults in Leith and Queen Street), plus one each in Glasgow and London, along with a global network of around 100 partner bars. There is a members’ pair too A second pair, full-size 70cl this time, goes to members as the Yin & Yang duo. Panpepato Party Starter is the rich, spiced one, built on cinnamon, ginger, chocolate and dried fruit. Library Cafe in Autumn is the gentler of the two, leaning on strawberry tart, butterscotch, espresso and pistachio. Not a member? You can still buy them by joining the Society. The launch, the gong, and the season that follows The Society will mark the first Whisky Equinox with an event on the evening of 23 September at its Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street in Edinburgh, the city where it began in 1983. The evening opens with a meditative gong sound bath from Jo McCoy of Blissness and a short ceremony with a poem for the turning season, before a guided tasting. If a whisky launch with a Calton Hill sound bath sounds like a lot, that is rather the point. The Society is treating the equinox as a ritual, not just a release. The season keeps going after that. On 15 October, Queen Street hosts ‘Light Side, Dark Side: An Autumn Equinox Whisky Journey’, a six-dram tasting with a Society supper, open to members and non-members at £45 and £50. October also brings a Winter Series built around Hallowe’en, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night, part of roughly 100 limited-edition bottlings the Society will release before the end of the year, weighted toward the peated and sherried styles that suit the cold. The Society says it plans to grow the date in future years and is exploring tie-ups with distilleries and tourism bodies to give people a reason to visit Scotland as the season turns. Price and availability The Whisky Equinox pair went on sale on 10 September 2026. Both bottles are 35cl and cost £39 each or £75 together, available to everyone through the SMWS UK site at smws.com, with a separate EU store at smws.eu for readers in Denmark and across Europe, and international branches beyond that. The full-size 70cl Yin & Yang pair is reserved for members, though joining the Society unlocks it. Is a made-up date worth marking? On its own, an invented occasion means very little. But the idea underneath it is sound. Whisky genuinely does come into its own as the light goes, and a shared moment to mark that is no sillier than saving a particular bottle for New Year’s Eve. What makes this one land is the gesture attached to it. Putting two first-fill, cask-strength, age-stated single malts on open sale at £39, with no membership required, is the most generous on-ramp the SMWS has offered in a while. If you have been curious about the Society but never wanted to commit to a membership first, this is the obvio

September 10, 2026 Ian Macleod Distillers unveils malt whisky innovation at TFWA Cannes IMD will introduce two GTR-exclusive expressions: Glengoyne Spirit of Time 18 Year Old Oak Reserve Edition and Tamdhu American Oak Reserva 14 Year Old Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD), one of Scotland’s leading independent family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers, brings excitement to TFWA Cannes with innovation in its award-winning malt whisky portfolio. IMD will introduce two new GTR-exclusive expressions - Glengoyne Spirit of Time 18 Year Old Oak Reserve Edition from The Highlands and Tamdhu American Oak Reserva 14 Year Old from Speyside. Glengoyne 18 Year Old Oak Reserve Edition (41.6% ABV/70cl/RRP £99) joins the multi award-winning global travel retail exclusive collection, The Spirit of Time, a collection which honors the very essence of the brand. Produced in Glengoyne’s particularly slow stills, Glengoyne 18 Year Old is matured predominantly in American Oak sherry butts. This larger cask size grants a slower, gentler maturation, allowing for the beautifully crafted character of Glengoyne spirit to shine through with a richer mouthful and more rounded finish. With notes of red apples, toffee and a gentle oak spiced finish, it joins the award-winning 12 Year Old First Fill Edition, 15 Year Old Pedro Xíménez Cask Edition and 27 Year Old Limited Edition in the collection. Tamdhu American Oak Reserva 14 Year Old (46% ABV/70cl/RRP £89.99) celebrates the distillery’s unique commitment to maturing exclusively in exceptional Oloroso sherry oak casks. It celebrates the unmistakable characteristics of a generous First-Fill American Oak sherry cask maturation. On the nose, the new expression suggests roasted hazelnuts, Crème Brulée and orange blossom, with a touch of warm mint. On the palate, it is luxuriously smooth, with a hint of chocolate-covered dates, fresh green apples and warm cinnamon and to finish, soft sherry oak, warm plum pudding, topped with vanilla cream. William Ovens, Ian Macleod Distillers Head of Global Travel Retail and Private Clients, said, “We are delighted to introduce these wonderful new whisky expressions. We have not had an 18 Year Old expression from Glengoyne in travel retail for over 10 years and are really excited to bring this highly popular age statement back to the line-up. We are confident that this will replicate the superlative quality of the other two core Glengoyne expressions, 12 Year Old First Fill and 15 Year Old PX Edition. “We are equally thrilled that American Oak Reserva is a worthy addition to Tamdhu’s Reserva range and a superb complement to 12 Year Old Cuatro Reserva and Gran Reserva, both of which have developed quite a following from Sherry Cask enthusiasts.” 2026 awards include Double Golds at the International Spirits Challenge for Glengoyne 12YO First Fill and Rosebank Remarkable Casks Release. At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition Glengoyne 15YO PX and Rosebank Remarkable Casks Release were also awarded Double Golds. The GTRX Rosebank Remarkable Casks Release was the only malt to receive a coveted Double Gold award at both of these prestigious competitions. In addition to Tamdhu and Glengoyne, IMD’s full Scotch whisky portfolio will be on display, including Smokehead Islay Single Malt, Rosebank Lowland Single Malt and Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt. GTR exclusive Smokehead Extra Rare will benefit from stunning new packaging in bold new colors to enhance shelf presence. In addition to the Remarkable Cask, the Rosebank portfolio also includes the Single Malt Vintage Release III, a 33 year old 1991 vintage, the third in a collection of five GTR-exclusive Rosebank vintages (47.5% ABV/70cl/RRP £3,900). The Glenfarclas range, owned by fellow family-owned distiller, J&G Grant and distributed by Ian Macleod Distillers in travel retail, includes two channel-exclusive expressions: Glenfarclas 11 Year Old 1L (ABV 46%/RSP £49.99) and Glenfarclas 16 Year Old 70cl (46% ABV/RSP £79.99), both natural color and non-chill filtered. The iconic Glenfarclas 105 1L (RSP £69.99), renowned as the first ever cask strength whisky release, and Glenfarclas 35 Year Old 70cl (RSP £765) complete the range. Edinburgh Gin, the pioneer of flavored gin and number one Super Premium gin in UK travel retail, will also be on display, with the range of full strength gins, as well as Elevated Editions, the range of GTR-exclusive liqueurs: Rhubarb & Ginger, Raspberry and Blood Orange & Ginger. “TFWA Cannes remains as important as ever and we’re excited to return to our stunning stand and terrace, Bay 3, Bay Village, to showcase our innovation and share our plans for the year ahead,” Ovens added. “We will host our Happy Hour event on the terrace overlooking the Cannes harbor on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 September 17-30-18.30, welcoming customers, partners and industry friends.” IMD is also proud to be a bar sponsor at the Frontier Awards again this year with Edinburgh Gin.

Bladnoch Distillery has announced the launch of the third release in its limited-edition Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch series, which celebrates individuals who have a deep affinity with Scotland’s oldest privately owned distillery and invites them to select a whisky that reflects their story. Bladnoch Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch – Chapter Three (58.9% ABV) is a cask strength single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in November 2017 and matured in an ex-Cognac hogshead. While Chapter One celebrated a lifelong admirer of the distillery and Chapter Two traced a family’s return to its roots, Chapter Three tells a love story – one that began with a chance meeting, with Bladnoch a thread running throughout. Roddie Burgess had spent the day at Bladnoch for Waterfall Day, a festival at the distillery, with his friend Iain. That evening, the two returned to a hotel in Newton Stewart, where the only other person in the restaurant was Elaine. She had come to Galloway to take some time for herself, a few months after the death of her husband. As they talked, she discovered that Roddie had lost his wife 18 months earlier. That might have been the end of the story. Some months later, however, Iain ran into Elaine again – this time in Northumberland – and passed on Roddie’s number. That chance encounter led to a long-distance relationship and, eventually, marriage. The minister who married them had travelled from Tennessee and was keen to incorporate Scottish traditions into the ceremony. When a quaich was suggested, his response settled the matter: “Well, it has to be filled with Bladnoch!” He went on to tell the congregation that their marriage could be likened to the finest Bladnoch whisky – only getting better with age. Invited to the distillery to choose the whisky that would tell their story, Roddie and Elaine tasted a range of cask samples with Master Distiller Dr Nick Savage before settling on an eight-year-old spirit matured in an ex-Cognac hogshead. They chose it for its warmth, which they felt reflected their story. Bladnoch Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch – Chapter Three, is said to deliver notes of apricot jam and muscovado sugar on the nose, followed by notes of orange marmalade, apricots and spices on the palate. Commenting on the launch, Roddie and Elaine Burgess, said: “We met by chance at the end of a day that had started at Bladnoch – and the distillery has been part of us ever since. Neither of us expected to be starting again, and Bladnoch became the thing that was just ours: somewhere to go back to, and something to share that belonged to the two of us.” “Choosing the cask brought all of that together. Sitting with Nick, tasting through the samples, finding the one that felt like us and then writing our own notes to sit alongside his – it is a strange and rather lovely thing to see your story on a bottle.” Dr Nick Savage, added: “Roddie and Elaine’s is the most personal story we have told through Loch Maberry. It is about chance, about starting again, and about a place quietly becoming a constant for two people – which is not so far from what we are doing when we fill a cask and wait. “The Cognac hogshead they chose has real warmth to it: apricot, marmalade, a sweetness that stays with you. Their minister had it about right – some things only get better with age.” Limited to 458 bottles, Bladnoch Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch – Chapter Three, is now available exclusively from the Bladnoch website and distillery shop, for a RRP of £108.00. Leave a comment

The Speyside-based GlenAllachie Distillery, has announced the launch of the fourth release in its limited-edition Sinteis Series. The GlenAllachie Sinteis Part IV (58.5% ABV) is a 10 Year Old cask-strength single malt Scotch whisky. It was initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels before being separately matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks, before combined and transferred into rare Mongolian virgin oak casks. This latest release is said to reflect The GlenAllachie’s pioneering approach to wood mastery and the continued evolution of the Sinteis Series. The fourth edition embodies the ethos of ‘A Convergence of Three: Three Casks, Three Stories, One Exceptional Whisky.’ ‘Sinteis’ (pronounced sin-teesh), meaning ‘synthesis’ in Scottish Gaelic, captures the essence of The GlenAllachie’s cask innovation, uniting bold and expressive virgin oak with the familiar warmth of Sherry casks to create distinctive, boundary-pushing expressions. Mongolian virgin oak casks, crafted from Quercus mongolica, are hard to source and unforgiving in character. Consequently, this wood type has remained largely unexplored in Scotch whisky. The oak is scarce in nature, having to grow for more than a century and be naturally felled before it can be used commercially. Sourced from forests in East Asia and noted for its tight grain structure and remarkable density, the wood reveals rich caramel, subtle sandalwood and oriental incense nuances. Sinteis Part IV showcases this harmony through two types of Sherry cask. Oloroso infuses the whisky with layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate and nutty complexity, while Pedro Ximénez brings sweet toffee and treacle. The final whisky reveals dark chocolate, layered orchard fruits and warm pastries – a celebration of each cask’s distinct character, converging perfectly into one. The GlenAllachie Sinteis Part IV, is described as delivering notes of baked pastries, butterscotch, brandied orchard fruits, cocoa, treacle tart, cinnamon and crystallised ginger on the nose. On the palate, notes of candied hazelnuts, baking spices, plum syrup, spiced baked orange, vanilla ice cream, mocha, mānuka honey and fig jam emerge. Commenting on the launch, Billy Walker, Master Distiller, said: “The Sinteis series has allowed us to explore the interaction between different virgin oak and Sherry casks. The series has explored dual-cask maturation in considerable depth already, so for Sinteis Part IV I wanted to introduce a different approach that would be both a challenge and an adventure.” “We work intensively with Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks, so moving the liquid into Mongolian virgin oak was certainly an exciting challenge. The wood’s unforgiving nature and rarity in whisky-making meant we had little precedent to work from. As a team, we trusted our instinct and experience, and I’m exceptionally proud of the whisky we’ve created and of being able to showcase the beautiful character of Mongolian oak.” The GlenAllachie Sinteis Part IV is now available from the distillery’s website and selected specialist retailers, for a RRP of £75.99. Leave a comment

12 Bottles Of Scotch To Try If You Like Peaty, Smoky Whisky There probably isn't a flavor in the world of whisky as distinctive as peat smoke. Peat is a type of soil formed over thousands of years from partially decomposed vegetation. When it's used to fuel the kilns that dry germinated barley destined for whisky-making, it can impart a range of tasting notes to the final spirit. Besides giving the whisky a smoky quality, it can also introduce earthy elements, along with flavors like charred wood, iodine, and seaweed. But not every peated whisky tastes the same, and the intensity of the peat can change considerably from one bottle to the next. The peat-driven characteristics also combine with other flavors in the whisky, creating a range of profiles even among similarly peated bottles. While peat is used to make whisky in several parts of the world, it's particularly associated with scotch, and the best-known peated whiskies come from Scotland. Although not everyone enjoys the bold taste of peated whisky, it's something that many whisky lovers adore. I've been drinking peated whisky for nearly two decades, and believe my experience allows me to distinguish between whiskies that use peat to complement their other characteristics and those that feel smoky for the sake of it. For this list, I chose highly peated whiskies and stuck to one expression per brand. I also selected bottles with reasonably good availability (with the exception of the first entry). 1. Bruichladdich Octomore Octomore is a limited release from Bruichladdich that is often quite expensive, but I had to include it because it's generally considered the peatiest scotch on the planet. Produced on the scotch-making island of Islay, it's as smoky as a whisky gets. By measuring the phenol levels in the malt, it's actually possible to get a scientific indication of how strongly peated a whisky is – a heavily peated scotch usually weighs in at around 30-50ppm. In the 08.3 Octomore expression, Bruichladdich achieved an eye-watering 309ppm. The recent releases vary considerably in their peat levels, but some still break the 100ppm barrier. And while Octomore's peatiness may be astronomically high, it's a superb example of how the boldest whiskies can still retain plenty of sweetness, complexity, and drinkability. Each release tastes unique but follows a similar pattern — a wave of smoke, oak, and earthy peat, followed by the sweeter notes pushing through. The whisky's intensity is aided by its high ABV, which changes between releases but usually sits around 60%. For serious peat lovers, Octomore feels like the endgame, so if you're new to the style, perhaps it's best to tick off a few other bottles on this list first. 2. Laphroaig 10 Year I think it's fair to say that Laphroaig 10 Year Single Malt is the poster child for peated whisky. That's mostly because, despite its huge peat influence, it remains an accessible, reasonably priced, and beautifully crafted scotch. For many peated whisky drinkers, this was likely the bottle that made them fall in love with the style. As you'll see with all of the bottles on this list, the distilleries have created whiskies with distinct characters that embody more than simple smoke. The nose of Laphroaig immediately provides strong insight into what you're about to experience on the palate, with a big hit of iodine, seaweed, and earthy peat. The palate has a medicinal, almost antiseptic quality which is a very difficult tasting note to justify. It might sound disgusting if you've never tried heavily peated whisky, but it's compelling in the glass when combined with notes of ash, salt, and a little charred wood. And there's plenty of lightness too, mainly in the form of vanilla and citrus. Despite these huge flavors, the whisky weighs in at a fairly manageable 40% ABV. This makes it easier for those not used to peat to appreciate and sit with those tasting notes on the tongue. A journey through peated scotch has to include Laphroaig 10 Year, and if you have to start somewhere, it's worth starting here. 3. Port Charlotte 10 Year Besides Octomore, Bruichladdich's standard expressions are typically unpeated — but there's a catch. The distillery also produces the heavily peated Port Charlotte brand. And while it doesn't come close to the world-beating levels of Octomore, the Port Charlotte 10 Year Single Malt still hits you with a tidal wave of smoke. That said, it's still one of the more elegant whiskies on this list. The spirit is finished in French wine casks which have a fruity influence on the final whisky, with notes of lemon zest in the aroma that complement the earthier elements. Bruichladdich's craftsmanship is immediately noticeable on the palate, as you're greeted with a creamy mouthfeel that allows you to appreciate the deep flavors. The smoke asserts itself, but the sweetness quickly develops in the form of toffee with a strong oak backbone. Stone fruits and a dash of pepper complete this surprisingly balanced dram. It has that rugged coastal quality, but it's nowhere near as medicinal as Laphroaig. The 50% ABV gives it extra power, but it never becomes too intimidating, and it's a great example of a whisky that delivers serious peat without being one-dimensional. 4. Ardbeg Uigeadail If I was to recommend one brand that consistently delivers raw peat power, it would probably be Ardbeg. The distillery produces a number of expressions that I could have comfortably listed here; however, I felt that Uigeadail was the best for showcasing Ardbeg's mastery of peat. Uigeadail is named after the loch that supplies water to the Ardbeg distillery, and the whisky combines powerful peat with a sherry-cask influence to produce an interesting mix of flavors. There is a lot more complexity in this bottle than the initial aroma may suggest. The complex nose is packed with thick, earthy peat smoke and burning embers, alongside hints of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and raisins. It leads into an equally complex palate, with more waves of smoke that develop into charred wood, pepper, and ash. There is a sherry-influenced sweetness in the form of dark fruits, and the texture is almost syrupy, or oily. It's one of those whiskies that sidelines sweetness for deeply earthy flavors, and while those who prefer light, approachable scotches may hate Uigeadail, peat fans will love it. 5. Lagavulin 16 Year Lagavulin 16 is one of the best examples of how a majestically elegant scotch can still have a heavy peat influence. This premium top shelf whisky is rich yet balanced, and despite the smoke being a key part of the tasting experience, it still feels tamed and refined. The nose is unmistakably Islay with all of the earthy, peaty qualities one might expect from the region's whiskies. That includes a touch of iodine, but not as much as you get in Laphroaig. As you taste the whisky, the smoke doesn't hit you in quite the same way as some of the other bottles here. Instead, it's deep and lingering, acting as a foundation for all of the other tasting notes. Toasted wood, dark chocolate, and pepper can be picked out on the palate, and there's a pleasant salinity that sits nicely in the background. There's also an ever-present sherried, honeyed sweetness that provides balance throughout. Some expressions on this list put their peat front and center, with other flavors playing a supporting role. Here, the smoke is integrated into a deeply complex tasting experience, allowing the other notes to shine through. It delivers all of this at a relatively modest 43% ABV, showing that a robust whisky doesn't need a high alcohol content. For me, Lagavulin 16 is the benchmark against which I judge other peated malts, it's that good. 6. Kilchoman Machir Bay In some ways, this whisky is the opposite of Lagavulin 16 in the sense that you can taste the raw youth of the spirit. However, Kilchoman's Machir Bay – named after a beautiful beach on the west coast of Islay — remains a brilliant whisky, and t

Duty-free whisky shopping has its own quiet culture, and at Delhi's international terminal, the Macallan shelf tends to draw the longest lingering. It is not just brand recognition, it is the range on offer, four figures for a warm, easy sipper stretching up to a bottle you would proudly set on a shelf at home. If you are looking for Macallan whiskies to buy at Delhi duty free, prices here realistically start from around ₹8000 and climb steadily as the age statements and cask stories get more interesting. Frequent flyers know this aisle well, and for good reason, it rarely disappoints. Check out these five Macallan expressions worth adding to your cart before boarding, along with what each one actually tastes like once it is opened. For someone trying Macallan for the first time, this is an easy place to start. American oak casks seasoned with sherry give it a warm golden colour, while a touch of European oak brings added depth. On the palate, sweet oak, lemon peel and vanilla lead into citrus, nutmeg and gentle oak spice before a clean, medium finish. At 40% ABV, it is the sort of whisky that feels effortless to sip, even at 35,000 feet. The Macallan Colour Collection 12 Years Old Whisky Price: Rs 8,000 (approx.) Matured across first-fill American ex-bourbon barrels and sherry-seasoned European and American oak, this one smells like a Christmas kitchen, shortbread, roasted marshmallow, dried orange and nutmeg. The palate turns buttery, with toasted coconut and warm baking spice easing into a sugary finish. ABV shifts slightly by edition, usually between 40% and 43%. The Macallan Night On Earth Highland Scotch Whisky Price: Rs 12,500 (approx.) A step up in depth, this expression sits in predominantly sherry-seasoned American oak with a whisper of European oak. Expect candied orange peel, vanilla and caramelised walnut on the nose, then creamy fudge, citrus and toasted oak on the palate, finishing smooth and unhurried. Bottled at 43% ABV. The Macallan Colour Collection 15 Years Old Whisky Price: Rs 15,000 (approx.) Deep auburn in the glass, this leans into dried fruit, clementine, milk chocolate and sweet oak on the nose. The palate brings honeycomb, ginger spice, sultanas and polished wood, trailing into a long, warm finish with real complexity. This is the bottle I buy when there's something to celebrate. The Macallan Colour Collection 18 Years Old Whisky Price: Rs 24,000 (approx.) Built from fewer than 100 first-fill sherry-seasoned casks holding rare peated Macallan spirit, this is darker and smokier than anything else on the shelf. Dark fruit, dates, figs and gentle smoke lead into a rich, oily palate of dark chocolate, wood spice and bonfire warmth. At 48% ABV, it's the collector's pick. The Macallan Rare Cask Black Whisky Price: Rs 32,000 (approx.) Note: Prices and availability of Macallan whiskies at Delhi Duty Free can vary by stock, edition and store. Check the latest price before purchase. Which Macallan whisky is the cheapest at Delhi duty free? The Macallan Colour Collection 12 Years Old is the most affordable option on this list, at around Rs 8,000. Which Macallan whisky is best for a first-time buyer? The Macallan Colour Collection 12 Years Old is the easiest starting point, with a softer profile of vanilla, citrus and gentle oak spice. Which Macallan whisky is the most expensive here? The Macallan Rare Cask Black Whisky is the most expensive of the five, at around Rs 32,000. Which Macallan whisky on this list is the smokiest? The Macallan Rare Cask Black Whisky stands out for its darker, lightly smoky profile and 48% ABV. Are these Macallan prices fixed at Delhi duty free? No. Duty-free prices and availability can change by store, edition and stock, so the listed prices should be treated as approximate.