After more than 20 years Japan’s most legendary whisky distillery is back. The world-renowned Karuizawa distillery closed its doors in 2000 but thanks to a recent investment, and exclusive global partnership with dekantã, the legend lives on. The Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 at the foothills of an active volcano, Mount Asama. The location was notable for being the highest distillery in Japan at 850m above sea level. Despite being the country’s smallest whisky producer, Karuizawa had a global reputation for producing first-class malt whiskies. Karuizawa stopped producing whisk ..read more

Whiskystats Reveals Significant Price Gap Between Retail and Auction Markets Whiskystats, a leading authority in whisky data analysis, released today a comprehensive report documenting a growing disparity between retail and auction market prices for whisky. The report reveals that in 2023 prices at retail were 50-75% higher than at auction, making it far more economical to purchase whisky at auction than at a whisky shop. The report, ‘Has Whisky Become a Buyer’s Market?’, provides an in-depth analysis of whisky brand performances and trends. Notable takeaways: The number of whisky bottles tr ..read more

The Good Dram Show – Episode 551 ‘Brave New Spirits’ Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a the new whisky range from Independent bottler Brave New Spirits called Whisky Heroes. And even thought Agent Ivy does her best to knobble me I still manage to finish the show! The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 551 – We Could Be Heroes Just For One Day..! Filmed in The Study Nottingham Featuring Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes – Adventures in the Meadow’ Secret Speyside 2007 (16 year old) 54.7% Brave New Spirits ‘Whisky Heroes – The Awakening’ Linkwo ..read more

Rich, spiced single malt brings delicious new dimension to Glenmorangie’s core range  — Bourbon casks, new charred oak and rye whiskey casks unite for deep harmony — Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today unveils a rich and subtly spiced whisky which brings a delicious new dimension to its core range. Inspired by the natural splendour of the Highlands to create a deep harmony of flavours, the Distillery’s whisky makers have married together three carefully chosen types of casks in Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve. Uniting bourbon casks and new charred oak with rye whiskey ..read more

OFFER OF THE WEEK GLENMORANGIE This week only we’re offering £20 off the herbaceous 2022-release from Glenmorangie, A Tale of A Forest. This is Glenmorangie’s first whisky crafted from barley kilned with woodland botanicals including juniper berries, heather blossom and a small amount of peat. Master distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden used this ancient method to evoke flavours of the forest before maturing it in bourbon casks. The result is an earthy and aromatic whisky with notes of eucalyptus, bitter orange, pine and a whisper of smoke. This vibrant single malt is available for just £56.50 until Su ..read more

The second release of our island whisky is now on sale direct from the distillery and specialist spirits retailers across the world. While Batch 10 is sold out in our online store you can find bottles of No. 9, 10, 11, and 12 available from other retailers and also at our distillery shop here in Tarbert. This week we’re sharing the story behind the beautiful bottle of HE 00011 24, also known as Batch No.11 of The Hearach single malt. We have a limited number of bottles of this particular batch left in our online store if you’d like to get hold of one of your own ..read more

Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada April 2024 Outturn THE VIDEO Join Adam as he once again introduces us to another epic set of SMWS releases at The Strath. Check out the SMWS page on The Strath’s webstore, where you can buy bottles and tickets to upcoming events – http://strathliquor.com/smws ..read more

Fettercairn Reveals Refreshed Domestic And Travel Retail Ranges  Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Fettercairn, has launched refreshed ranges in both their domestic and global travel retail markets as they look to continue their ongoing momentum. Marking the start of their bicentennial year, Fettercairn will now offer a refreshed domestic range and exclusive global travel retail range, which each comprise of three whiskies that showcase Fettercairn’s unique tropical house style at different maturations. The domestic range will enjoy Fettercairn 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old and 24 Year Old ..read more

OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER – April 2024 John Lamond is now on board with MCLEAN WHISKY TOURS, a great addition to the team. John can host whisky tastings, be your driver guide on tours, teach you all about whisky! He was accredited with the Best Spirits Course 2017: The Scotch Whisky Trail Certificate Course, International Whisky Educator of the Year 2021. He is adaptable, confident public speaker and extensive experience of the drinks and hospitality industries for over 40 years. OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS.; Drinks Writer to “Whisky Magazine”, “Fine Expressions”, “The Herald”, “Scottish Life”, “New Yor ..read more

Enjoy another sensory journey with our April Outturn as we explore bold and balanced flavours. And be sure to download the pdf of this month’s Outturn from our website to read the latest instalment of our yearlong look at whisky and sherry, as well the background to Cask No. 53.456 chosen by Canadian member Mathieu Dureau. LEMON AND LIME SHORTBREAD CASK NO. 35.348 REGION:  Speyside CASK TYPE:  2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel AGE:  10 years FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity & mellow BOTTLE NOTE:  “Green apples and mango coconut smoothies were followed by vanilla malted ..read more