Torabhaig Reveals Sound of Sleat

Torabhaig has released Sound of Sleat, the fourth chapter in its Legacy Series.

Named after the narrow sea that runs beside the distillery, and shares its name with the Sleat Peninsula on which the distillery sits, the 92 proof expression is made with Concerto and Laureate malted barley and fully matured in American oak using new oak casks and ex-bourbon casks.

Known as The Garden of Skye, the Sleat Peninsula is the southernmost peninsula of the Isle of Skye, closest to the mainland and separated only by the Sound of Sleat. The rugged beauty of the region acts as the distillery’s home and creative muse.

“Our journey to a 10-year-old expression continues and for Sound of Sleat we’re returning to a classic ex-bourbon cask profile, enhanced by the addition of a crisp spice edge from the new American oak barrels, without losing the elegance and intricacy our fans have come to expect from a Torabhaig whisky," said Torabhaig Whisky Maker Neil MacLeod Mathieson. "There is plenty of oak spice, citrus and maritime saltiness alongside a newfound waxiness we’ve discovered as our spirit continues to mature. This expression is a journey in itself as each wave of flavor washes in.”

Encapsulating the beauty and artistry of the island, Torabhaig has also unveiled new label artwork, created exclusively for the distillery by local artists. The first of which, for Sound of Sleat, has been painted by Skye-based artist Ellis O’Connor.

Sound of Sleat is the latest in The Torabhaig Legacy Series, a collection of single malts from the Isle of Skye distillery. Previous releases in the series include Torabhaig 2017, alongside Torabhaig Allt Gleann, and Torabhaig Cnoc Na Mòine.

Torabhaig Sound of Sleat is available now for $100.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Takes To Tea

The Macallan has unveiled the latest in its Harmony Collection, two whiskies created in collaboration with JING, curators of single garden teas.The limited-edition single malts – Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea and Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea – pay homage to the world of tea and the artistry of nature. Every stage of the whisky making process was managed through ownership and partnerships with direct suppliers – from vineyards and sherry producers in Jerez de la Frontera to oak sourced from their own sawmills in the US and Spain.Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea, crafted by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team, is a tribute to the rare oolong tea traditionally grown in China's Phoenix Mountain range. Known for its lush dessert wine aromas and exotic fruit notes, this tea inspired a whisky predominantly matured in Sherry Seasoned American oak casks, with additional depth from Sherry Seasoned European oak and a subtle inclusion of American oak casks that previously held bourbon.Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea, an exclusive Global Travel Retail release, draws inspiration from JING’s Organic Cherrywood Lapsang tea – a reinvented take on Lapsang Souchong, delicately smoked over cherrywood in the UK. This expression wasprimarily matured in Sherry Seasoned European oak casks and complemented by a selection of Sherry Seasoned American oak casks.“Our collaboration with JING is a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea – two crafts deeply rooted in nature, tradition and time," said Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan. "Working with JING has allowed us to explore new dimensions of flavor and storytelling, creating two whiskies that are both innovative and deeply connected to the land.”In keeping with the collection's ethos of sustainability, the presentation boxes for both whiskies are crafted using repurposed waste tea leaves, embracing the use of organic materials in their packaging.“At JING, we’re inspired by the unique terroir and craftsmanship behind every tea origin," said Melanie Tricklebank, CEO of JING. "It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such an incredible brand and to see The Macallan draw inspiration from the distinctive quality and craft of the tea producer partners who inspire our mission to change the perception of what tea can be. The collaboration with The Macallan is a true meeting of minds and traditions.”To celebrate this collaboration, The Macallan has introduced a whisky and tea pairing ritual, inspired by the traditional Chinese Gong Fu tea ceremony (工夫茶). Originating in Eastern Guangdong, this ceremonial practice emphasizes the artistic preparation and communal enjoyment of tea, reflecting a deep cultural heritage. This ritual highlights the shared values of terroir and tradition that unite single garden teas and single malt whisky, offering a multi-sensory experience that honors the complexity and sophistication of both traditions.The Macallan Harmony Collection draws inspiration from collaborations with chefs, connoisseurs and artists to produce innovative whiskies with unique flavors. Previous Harmony editions include partnerships with Cirque Du Soleil, the Roca Brothers, and Stella and Mary McCartney.The Macallan’s Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea is available now for $200. The Macallan’s Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea will launch on October 1 exclusively at Global Travel Retail stores for $190.

The Glenfiddich Ignites Aston Martin Deal

The Glenfiddich has unveiled a limited-edition 16-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky to celebrate its multi-year partnership with the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team.Crafted from a selected marriage of American oak wine casks, new American barrels, and second-fill bourbon casks, this expression showcases a meticulous blending process. The result is an 86 proof whisky that is rich in character with distinct notes of maple syrup and caramelized ginger.“This release marks an exciting milestone in our journey with the Aston Martin Formula One Team,” shared Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich Global Brand Director. “Through this collaboration we invite enthusiasts worldwide to engage with these iconic brands in bold new ways and create memorable moments that reach far beyond the racetrack. This limited-edition bottling is just the beginning as we continue to write the next chapter together.”"At Glenfiddich, we’re committed to creating exceptional whiskies that honor tradition while embracing innovation. The Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old is a true testament to this philosophy,” commented Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master. “It combines craftsmanship and precision in a whisky that invites exploration and discovery, much like the journey of our partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team. It’s a celebration of blending tradition with the thrill of innovation."The Speyside distillery announced a long-term partnership with Aston Martin Formula One Team in November 2024. The partnership launched at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Glenfiddich and Aston Martin Formula One toasted this new collaboration.“In this next chapter, Glenfiddich and Aston Martin Formula 1 Team come together to honor the first year of our partnership with a limited-edition 16-Year-Old bottling, ” said Jefferson Slack, Managing Director at Aston Martin Formula One™ Team. “A true symbol of craftsmanship and performance, the exclusive product further cements the coming together of our two iconicbrands.”The Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky hits shelves this month for a limited time for $75.

Big Ben Honored With Single Grain

London's legendary Big Ben first range its chimes 166 years ago, last Friday (July 11). To honor the occasion, Murray McDavid is re-releasing The Elizabeth Tower Whisky.A 35-year-old single grain Scotch whisky originally released to mark the completion of the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, in 2022. It was chosen from Murray McDavid’s traditional Victorian whisky warehouses in Speyside. The whisky, distilled at the renowned Cameronbridge Distillery in 1987, has matured for three and a half decades in a single American oak hogshead.“It’s no surprise that the tasting panel selected this wonderfully elegant single grain whisky to commemorate the restoration of such an important landmark,” said Dean Jode, Murray McDavid’s Head of Whisky Creations. “It’s a very proud moment for the Murray McDavid Team to be associated with such an historically significant project.”Murray McDavid's The Elizabeth Tower release is limited to 334 bottles, a symbolic number that reflects the 334 steps leading up to the belfry of the tower, and retails for £550.

Loch Lomond Keeps It Straight

Loch Lomond has bottled the beauty of Scotland's Ben Lomond Mountain and is bringing it to America.Loch Lomond showcases the combined impacts of extra-long fermentation, carefully selected yeast strains, innovative distillation, and closely watched maturation.  Guided by Master Blender Michael Henry, the whisky is made in the shadow of Ben Lomond Mountain using traditional swan neck stills and pioneering Straight Neck pot stills – each fitted with 32 copper plates. The whisky’s rich honeyed sweetness is carefully developed through maturation exclusively in American oak casks, balancing first-fill, refill, and re-charred barrels. Loch Lomond is one of only four distilleries in Scotland with an on-site cooperage. The brand employs 10 qualified coopers, who work on approximately 22 casks per day, which means more than 30,000 casks will be checked, repaired, or rejuvenated each year.Aged in three types of American Oak casks, this expression is made with 100% malted barley and bottled at 92 proof.“With our award-winning and accessible flavor profile coupled with the distribution might of Foley Family Wines & Spirits at our backs, we have the vast potential to bring both new and experienced U.S. whisky drinkers into the Loch Lomond fold,” said Loch Lomond Master Blender Michael Henry. “If you asked me today what I would reach for time and again from our portfolio, I would have to say the 12-Year-Old Perfectly Balanced. Not only is this expression the best representation of our Highlands whisky, but it’s also a superlative example of our signature distillery style,” Henry continued.Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old is available nationwide for $59.99.

Glen Scotia Returns To Its 10

Glen Scotia is reintroducing its 10-Year-Old expression to the world of whisky.The expression is said to be "an authentic representation" of Campbeltown, the smallest of Scotland’s five designated whisky regions. Made with 100% malted barley sourced from the east coast of Scotland and water sourced from Crosshill Loch, the whisky is distilled on a swan neck, copper pot still, barreled in first fill ex-bourbon barrels, and aged in both dunnage and palletized warehouses that are maritime-adjacent along the Firth of Clyde on the Kintyre Peninsula.The traditional choice for aging spirits in Campbeltown was bourbon casks. Campbeltown native Iain McAlister has served at the helm as Glen Scotia's Master Distiller for the past 12 years, and the historic distillery still maintains much of its original design dating back to1830s — including the stillroom and dunnage warehouse.“Glen Scotia has a unique place in Scotch Whisky lore dating back to 1832. While we celebrate our history as one of only three remaining Campbeltown distilleries, we’re keenly aware of the evolving palates of today’s modern whisky drinkers and our portfolio is representative of that juxtaposition of past and present,” said Glen Scotia Master Distiller Iain McAllister. “At Glen Scotia, we produce two styles of whisky – peated and non-peated – which are heavily influenced by our proximity to the ocean. These maritime nuances are perfectly represented in our signature 10-Year-Old whisky,” McAlister continued.Known as the “Whisky Capital of the World” during the Victorian era, Campbeltown may be small, but it is certainly one of the most established. In 1823, the Exercise Act made it desirable for illicit distillers to obtain licenses. Campbeltown became the most prominent hub of whisky production, with more than 28 distilleries packed into town. Now, only three remain, including Glen Scotia.Glen Scotia recently entered into a distribution agreement with Foley Family Wines & Spirits to expand its footprint into the U.S.Glen Scotia 10-Year-Old is available now for $74.99.

Bowmore and Astin-Martin Roll Its ARC-54

Bowmore and Aston Martin are doing a victory lap with the second and final release in their ARC Series with Bowmore ARC-54.Distilled in November 1968, this spirit exemplifies how Bowmore's single malt excels with time in cask. Inspired by the "Golden Ratio," the whisky comprises 61.8% 2nd fill European Sherry Oak Butt and 38.2% 3rd Fill American Oak Hogshead, the two components then coming together to age for 15 months. The result is a 88.6 proof spirit.Emblematic of the luxuriousness of both brands, ARC-54 is sold in handblown decanters which take their inspiration from the natural fluid forms of the terroir of Islay and from the F1-inspired aerodynamic exterior of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hyper car, including the full-length Venturi tunnels that contribute to approximately 1,100 kg of downforce.“A Bowmore as exquisite and complex as this 54-year-old is a testament to the skills of our distillery team, but also the very embodiment of what can be achieved simply by slowing down, standing still and letting things unfold as they are destined to," said Dr. Calum Fraser, Chief Blender, Bowmore. "This rare creation truly demonstrates just how Bowmore ages exceptionally over time, with unmatched precision and clarity. As guardians of this spirit, we strive to harness the power of the past in every drop that we create – whilst constantly reimagining Bowmore for the next generation that will experience our whiskies.”“Bowmore ARC-54 continues the cutting edge, technology-based collaboration between two exceptional brands that are steeped in heritage and tradition," Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, added. "It embodies the innovative thinking that we apply to Valkyrie and Valhalla, our mid-engined sports cars. Both of these cars push the boundaries of the ARC-54 decanter, with similar principles of materiality and fluid dynamics employed. We’ve essentially replaced air flow for liquid movement to create a uniquely formed shape generated by the pure movement of Bowmore whisky. A truly creative collaboration.”With only 130 decanters available globally, Bowmore ARC-54 is available for $80,000.

Ardbeg Goes Extraterrestrial For Smokiverse

Ardbeg celebrates Fèis Ìle (Islay's Festival of Music and Malt) and Ardbeg Day with the release of its Smokiverse. This limited edition will be the distillery’s first whisky crafted from a high-gravity mash.Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team began experimenting some years ago with the mashing process, in which malted barley is converted into fermentable sugars. One of their experiments involved reducing the amount of water used in the packed mash tun. This unconventional “high-gravity” mash magnified the intensity of flavor-active compounds known as acetate esters, leading to a fruitier, more tropical spirit.“The first whisky we have ever made with a high-gravity mash, Ardbeg Smokiverse takes our single malt’s classic peaty character to a new frontier of flavor," said Dr Bill Lumsden MBE, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation. "My ramping up the density of our wort to new heights, we’ve drawn in fruitier, sweeter flavors from the deepest corners of the mash tun. Upon first sip, you can expect a vibrant burst of fruity, ester notes, rather like smoked bubble gum, along with aromas of barley. Then peaty notes collide with juicy, tropical fruits, before sinking into a rich depth of muscovado sugar.”Inspired by this high-gravity mash, Ardbeg brought to life a space-inspired universe on Ardbeg Day. Committee Members and friends experienced the world of Smokiverse via cosmic games, space-themed cocktails, whisky tastings and smoky bites.“We’re inviting whisky fans from all corners of the world to join us – both at the Distillery, the beating heart of the Smokiverse, and beyond – to celebrate Ardbeg Day," said Jackie Thomson, Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Ardbeg Committee Chair. We’re thrilled to share this whisky with smoky-malt lovers everywhere and send their tastebuds into overdrive with the release of this extraordinary new expression.”Ardbeg Smokiverse (96.6 proof) is available now for $124.99.

Fettercairn Comes To America

Fettercairn Single Malt Scotch Whisky makes its long-awaited debut in the United States.The Highlands-based distillery is releasing its first collection of Single Malt Scotches, a range of five highly allocated expressions aged between 24 and 50 years.“Fettercairn has always been for those with an open mind and who embrace curiosity,” Anice Kim-Saunders, Vice President of Marketing for Fettercairn in North America. “As whisky drinkers explore new and exciting expressions, we invite both seasoned collectors and curious imbibers to experience a Taste of Imagination –whiskies that are vibrant, refined, and unlike anything they’ve experienced before. The wait isover – your Fettercairn journey in the U.S. begins now.”For two centuries, the distillery has pushed the boundaries of whisky making, blending tradition with a vision of the future. In the foothills of Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains, Fettercairn draws on its natural surroundings where mountain water and land come together to shape the whisky’s character. From the distillery’s copper cooling ring – a revolutionary technique that enhances purity and flavor – to the aging process, every sip tells a story.“At Fettercairn we always strive to explore what is possible within single malt Scotch whisky," said Stewart Walker, Fettercairn Distillery Manager. "Our copper cooling ring is a prime example – a technique that transformed our whisky, creating a spirit that’s fresh, vibrant, and unmistakably Fettercairn.”Fettercairn’s arrival in the United States comes with an exclusive, highly allocated release available at select luxury retail and dining venues in key markets, including CA, FL, NJ, NY, & TX. Fettercairn 24-Year-Old will retail for $650.  Fettercairn 28-Year-Old will retail for $1,250. A limited allocation of 500 bottles of both the 24-Year-Old and 28-Year-Old will available at launch. Fettercairn 40-Year-Old will retail for $6,000. Fettercairn 46-Year-Old will retail for $19,000. Fettercairn 50-Year-Old will retail for $37,000. An allocation of 35 bottles of Fettercairn 40-Year-Old, Fettercairn 46-Year-Old and Fettercairn 50-Year-Old will be available.