The origin story of Irish whiskey is arguably somewhat of an unknown as it has been discussed and debated time and time again. One of the stories is that Saint Patrick himself was the one the bestow the fine liquor upon Ireland, however another (and quite frankly more realistic) story is that it was the Christian monks who brought the knowledge of distillation back with them from travelling the Mediterranean at the beginning of the 11th century. It is also around this time when Henry II invaded Ireland, and it has been said that he spoke of ‘aqua vitae’ which was Latin for water of life which ..read more

The world of Irish whiskey is and has been reigned over by none other than good ol’ Jameson for quite some time now. However, the story of their beginnings is an interesting one that might just leave you thinking ‘hmm...who'd have thought’.  It all started back in ye olden days...  The year was 1780 and a young Scotsman (yup, Jameson was a Scot) by the name of John Jameson decided to up and venture for the emerald Isle. He reached Dublin and it is here that he came across the Bow Street Distillery, at which point was called 'The Steins Family Bow Street Distillery'. By the time ..read more

Single malt whisky is typically held to a higher standard in the whisky world. Even if you don’t really know anything about whisky, you might find yourself with the same opinion purely because that’s become the general consensus. However, you may be thinking this based on a few less than truthful facts. So, let’s take a look at these two types of whisky and really see what’s actually different between them.   So, what exactly is a single malt and a single grain?   Well, in order for a whisky to be classed as a single malt, it needs to meet a few requirements. Firstly ..read more

Its not often we write about the bottles that arrive daily at Old & Rare but this is something very special. Distilled in 1965 and laid to rest in a Oloroso Sherry Cask before being bottled 52 long years Later. One of just 232 bottles we are very fortunate to have one in our collection for sale. This is the third release in Bowmore's fifty-year Vault series and is immaculately presented in a hand crafted Scottish oak cabinet. A stunner ..read more

We have created a fantastic new section on the site where you can purchase some of the finest and rarest liquid on the planet. Rare investment grade whisky and whiskey from Scotland and beyond ..read more

Single malt Scotch whisky exported to the United States is to face a tariff of 25% from 18 October. The new duty is part of a raft of measures being imposed by the US in retaliation against EU subsidies given to aircraft maker Airbus. Scotch exports to the US last year were worth $1.3bn (£1bn), with single malts accounting for a large share of that. The US was given the go-ahead to impose tariffs on $7.5bn (£6.1bn) of goods it imports from the EU following a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling on Wednesday. It is the latest chapter in a 15-year battle between the US and the EU over ille ..read more

The Macallan Edition No.5 pays homage to the diversity and complexity of natural colour. Inspired by a coming together of whisky-making mastery and colour expertise and insight, this single malt celebrates both The Macallan’s commitment to natural colour and the intricate whisky-making process. We are surrounded by colour; it shapes our everyday lives. From defining moods, shaping perceptions, distracting thoughts and changing behaviour, it is a powerful force that can communicate without words. 100% natural in colour, all of our exceptional whiskies from The Macallan are shaped from time spen ..read more

Forty years in the making – The Macallan Fine and Rare 1979 is the prestigious new vintage to be welcomed into the brand’s Fine and Rare collection, which was created to portray the very best array of The Macallan.  The Macallan Fine and Rare collection presents some of the greatest vintage single malts produced, and now features the 1979, which was filled on 19 February 1979 and after slumbering for forty years, was captured in 2019 to become part of the liquid history of The Macallan.    Commenting on the new release, Polly Logan, Whisky Maker, The Macallan said: “The rel ..read more

  In tribute of Father’s Day, Old & Rare has selected our top 5 drams for dads to give you some inspiration when it comes to the whisky that’ll earn you some brownie points with dad this Father's Day.  Aberlour 18 Year Old 18-year-old single malt from Aberlour up in Speyside. A well-matured, heavily sherried expression, the perfect thing for a late evening dram.  Sumptuous auburn gold colour single malt scotch whiskey, rich and complex with notes of toffee and butterscotch with ripe peach and bitter orange. The nose gives attractive sherry notes with ripe stone fruits a ..read more

Scotch whisky has gained greater legal protection in South Korea after being granted a certification trademark. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said the move would help prevent the sale of fake products and ensure legal protection in South Korea after Brexit. The trademark will enhance protection currently available under the EU-South Korean free-trade agreement. SWA has registered intellectual property rights in more than 100 markets around the world that ensure that whisky is recognised and protected across its export markets.  Lindesay Low, legal deputy director of t ..read more