Scotland has introduced some new expressions recently, with Port Charlotte leading the way. Named after a village near Bruichladdich Distillery, this Islay single malt was first distilled in 2001. The latest release is the oldest and most heavily peated expression to date, matured exclusively on Islay and distilled and bottled solely on the island. ABV is 54.3%, priced at £175, and available for purchase at www.bruichladdich.com. Notes of fig, sweet sultanas, raisins, burnt heather, cinder toffee, toasted spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, peat-infused scones, smoked popcorn, and salted caramel make this a complex and flavorful whisky.
Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire has launched the Ploughing Edition as part of its Second Crop series. It marks winter on the farm and is the only Lochlea whisky with a smoky profile, matured in ex-Islay casks. ABV is 46%, priced at £51.50, and available at www.lochleadistillery.com/stockists. Notes of green apple, cereal, succulent fruit, freshly cut hay, and sea salt make this a unique and enjoyable whisky.
The Macallan has collaborated with Bentley Motors to release The Macallan Horizon, a luxurious single malt whisky. The unique bottle design reflects the horizontal trajectory of the automotive world and uses six materials to represent The Macallan’s six pillars. Priced at £40,000 with an ABV of 46.6%, this exclusive whisky can be purchased from selected retailers. Notes of oak, plums, cherries, leather, dried fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, treacle, ginger, pineapple, vanilla, fudge, dark chocolate, and oak spice make this a rich and indulgent whisky experience.
Scottish rallying legend Louise Aitken-Walker has teamed up with whisky expert David Robertson to launch a 33 Year Old Invergordon Single Grain Whisky. Commemorating her victory 33 years ago, this rare spirit is limited to 490 bottles and features tropical fruits, Crème Brule, and lemon zest notes. Priced at £385 with an ABV of 46%, it can be purchased at www.turasdana.com.
Bladnoch Distillery has released Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, paying tribute to Mr Arnold, a lifelong admirer of the distillery. With notes of blackcurrant jam, fir cones, orange zest, dark chocolate, strawberries, cream, ginger, and caramel, this whisky showcases the bold Galloway spirit that has sustained Bladnoch since 1817. Priced at £150 with an ABV of 56.7%, it can be purchased at www.uk.bladnoch.com/pages/stories-of-bladnoch.
Chef Gill Meller is set to release his single cask whisky in partnership with Nc’nean, a leading organic whisky distillery in Scotland. With notes of orange rind and root spices, this whisky was aged in a British ex-Rum cask from Two Drifters Rum distillery. Priced at £54.95 with an ABV of 51.4%, it can be purchased at ncnean.com/collections/all-spirits.
Torabhaig Distillery on the Isle of Skye has unveiled Cnoc Na Mòine, the third chapter in its Legacy Series. Meaning “hill of peat” in Gaelic, this elegantly peated single malt is shaped by the Isle of Skye and includes whisky matured in sherry casks for the first time. With hints of orange peel, peat smoke, vanilla, oak, pepper, cedar, and leather, this whisky is priced at £58 with an ABV of 46% and can be purchased at torabhaig.com.
