Simon Wittenberg gathers together some of the latest news and launches, making the headlines in the world of whisky.
Bladnoch Wave II
Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery, has launched “Wave II: Distillery & Spirit” single malt whisky. As the name implies, this is the second release found in The Wave Master Distiller’s Collection.
The latest expression in the sought-after series has been carefully crafted by marrying a combination of re-charred butts and barrels with first-fill ex-bourbon barrels in the second Amontillado sherry tun, a process that brings to the fore the fruity and floral character for which this brand is renowned.
Those who sample this whisky will be treated to pear drops with summer barley on the nose, which is complemented by baked pineapples and ginger snaps on the palate, before a fresh and spicy finish.
Mirroring the quantities seen with Wave I, Wave II is limited to just 1,817 bottles, a tribute to the year Bladnoch was founded. It carries a price tag of £125 per bottle and is exclusively available to purchase at Bladnoch Distillery or online at bladnoch.com, where it can be shipped to more than 30 countries across the globe.
For further information, see www.bladnoch.com.
Clydeside Distillery Whisky Bar
Glasgow’s Clydeside Distillery has opened a whisky bar at its site on the historic Queen’s Dock by the River Clyde, just a short walk away from the Scottish city. The opening of the new establishment follows a refurbishment of the existing café, and offers some of the brand’s signature whiskies, including Stobcross, Napier and the exclusive Voyager Club.
The Clydeside Distillery’s Visitor Experience, within which the bar sits, is also available for private hire, such as receptions and dinners.
For further details, see www.theclydeside.com.
Glen Moray Smoky 12 Years Old
Glen Moray, renowned for its unpeated Speyside style, has unveiled the 12-Year-Old Smoky single malt.
Nicknamed ‘the Smoky Twelve’ (46.3% ABV), this is a permanent addition to the distillery’s line-up, and the spirit has been matured in in two different types of cask, namely American oak for hints of vanilla and caramel, coupled with a smooth bourbon undertone; and European oak, which delivers stronger vanilla flavours, with tannins, pepper, fruit and gentle spice.
Glen Moray Smoky 12 Years Old is available to buy now, priced at £49.99.
For more information, visit www.glenmoray.com.
Gordon & MacPhail Mr George Legacy Series 1954
Gordon & MacPhail has announced the fifth and last release in the Mr George Legacy Series. Named “Mr George Legacy Series 1954”, this very rare 70-year-old whisky, hailing from the Glen Grant Distillery, pays tribute to Mr George Urquhart, “The father of single malt Scotch whisky” – a single malt which also marks Gordon & MacPhail’s 130th anniversary.
The spirit was distilled on 24 April 1954 and left to mature for seven decades in cask no. 1823, a first-fill sherry puncheon, before being bottled in January 2025. The whisky (50.5% ABV) boasts fruity notes with vanilla fudge and coffee on the nose and a smooth taste that features hints of red apple, walnut, dried orange peel, dark chocolate, and toasted oak flavours. This exquisite expression is available now, priced at £8,000.
For more details, see www.gordonandmacphail.com.
Scapa Sanctuary Trails
Scapa Distillery, situated on the Orkney archipelago, has embraced the great outdoors and the beauty of Orkney by launching “Scapa Sanctuary trails” in collaboration with the hiking and outdoor activity app named Outdooractive.
The new initiative invites whisky enthusiasts to explore the local surroundings, culminating with a visit to the distillery. There, individuals can enjoy the 10, 16, and 21-year-old single malt expressions, accompanied by a view of the iconic Scapa Flow.
For further information, see www.scapawhisky.com.
Whisky 1901: Exclusive Insight into Whisky Cask Investment from Founder and CEO Aaron Damiano Sparkes
The UK is strengthening global trade ties, securing enhanced Free Trade Agreements with India and currently working with Switzerland, South Korea, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These deals are opening up international markets and creating new growth opportunities for industries like Scotch whisky.
Scotch whisky accounts for 25% of food and drink exports from the UK and is well placed to benefit from reduced tariffs, improved access to high-growth markets, and rising global demand for premium British goods. This, in turn, supports reinvestment and innovation and adds value to maturing stock, further enhancing the appeal of cask ownership.
While trade agreements with major economies, such as India, show fast-growing progress, it’s the steady increase in trade deals across a broader range of emerging markets that may present the most compelling opportunities for investors.
As access improves and tariffs ease, demand for premium spirits is accelerating across new regions. For investors, this expands the runway for growth, reinforcing the long-term appeal of whisky casks as a tangible asset class, underpinned by heritage, scarcity, and increasing global demand.
Find out more about Whisky 1901 at www.whisky1901.com.
*Disclaimer* – Whisky cask investments are unregulated in the UK. The value of investments is variable and can go down as well as up. An investor may get back less than the amount invested. Information on past performance, where given, is not necessarily a guide to future performance. The capital invested can fluctuate, and the price of casks can go down as well as up, and is not guaranteed. The investments and services offered by Whisky 1901 may not be suitable for all investors. This is not tax advice, and investors should still seek professional advice regarding any tax-related investments.
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