The Glendronach distillery was founded way back in 1826 and, like all of its contemporaries and peers, has seen many changes during its long history.  The last two hundred years of the Scotch whisky industry is a tale of booms and busts, ups and down; Glendronach has seen all those bumps and handled the waves … The post Glendronach – A new look appeared first on Whisky and Wisdom ..read more

The explosion in whisk(e)y making across North America over the last decade has resulted in many new brands appearing on the shelves of our retail liquor stores or behind the bar at the on-premise venues. Courtesy of the massive – and highly innovative – craft distilling movement that swept across the United States, many of … The post Angel’s Envy appeared first on Whisky and Wisdom ..read more

If your social media feeds are anything like mine, then whether you’re scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, X, or TikTok, you’re invariably alerted to the many new whisky releases that come out each month.  Either a brand’s official channel will announce a new product, or someone you’re connected to will like or comment on that post, … The post Are whisky brands jumping the shark? appeared first on Whisky and Wisdom ..read more

Whisky candles?  It’s not as far-fetched as you might think.  Of all mankind’s creations and inventions, the wicked candle is one of the more enduring.  The ancient Egyptians were using wicked candles as early as 3,000 BC.  Five thousand years later in our tech-heavy 21st century lives, it’s easy to overlook that the candle is … The post Whisky Candles appeared first on Whisky and Wisdom ..read more

Of all the distilleries on Islay, Bruichladdich surely has the most interesting story to tell from the last 25 years.  Yes, much has been made of Ardbeg coming back from the dead, and its story is certainly compelling.  Bruichladdich’s story, however, has a bit more grit.  Its tale speaks more of hard work and toil; of sweat and determination by a small and dedicated team of personnel; of a community that rallied; and an operation that ran off the smell of an oily rag.  Many years later, it also speaks of reward. At the end of the 20th century, both Bruichladdich and Ardbeg ..read more

When you consider which Scotch whisky distilleries and brands have undergone a transformation over the last two decades, few could match the significant overhaul and expansion demonstrated by Glen Moray. At the turn of the millennium, Glen Moray was a small-ish distillery with a modest brand presence as a single malt, under the ownership of Glenmorangie PLC.  Most readers would today be aware that Glenmorangie is owned by LVMH and falls more in the deluxe/luxury category.  However, prior to LVMH’s acquisition in the mid-2000’s, Glenmorangie PLC (previously Macdonald & Muir) –&nbs ..read more

Highland Park is a leading name in Scotch whisky circles, although it remains an enigmatic brand for some.  Despite being one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, dating back to 1798, its location on the Orkney Isles puts it north of some people’s radar.  The brand has also leant heavily into Orkney’s viking heritage in recent years, and has themed its livery accordingly.  While its entry-level expressions sit comfortably amongst their peers, the aspect of Highland Park that teases so many whisky enthusiasts is that its high-end and special releases can often be up there with the ..read more

The ever-evolving narrative around the Australian whisky industry continues to morph and develop.  One of the more interesting (and pleasing) threads to follow has been the increasing number of distilleries bringing new releases to market below the $100 price threshold.  23rd Street Distillery is the latest to do so, throwing down the gauntlet with an impressive new malt whisky release that carries a price tag of $80 and is labelled simply as 23rd Street Australian Whisky. Of course, 23rd Street Distillery is not a new kid on the block, having launched in South Australia in 2016.&nbs ..read more

Even if you only have a vague interest in Scotch whisky, you’re probably aware that The Macallan embarked on a massive and – literally – groundbreaking construction of a new distillery in recent times.  Established on the Macallan Estate, just a short distance from the existing/old distillery, the new production facility is exceptional and unique in its design, its layout, its appearance, and its functionality.  The new distillery is also unique in its approach to whisky tourism and how it goes about welcoming visitors.  Visiting The Macallan as a whisky enthusiast can be a tric ..read more

There’s an old adage when it comes to travelling and being a tourist:  Sometimes, the best sights and experiences are found off the beaten path.  Similarly, there’s an old truth when it comes to shopping and retail:  Years after the purchase, you won’t always remember how much you paid; you might not even remember what it was you bought, but you’ll remember the experience in the shop and how you were looked after by the proprietors.  When it comes to The Whisky Castle at Tomintoul, both these truths quickly become evident and play out.  Each year, thousands of whisky e ..read more