What’s the connection between Nessie and Brora? A chap by the name of Jon Beach. The Beach family have run a restaurant called The Fiddler’s in Drumnadrochit (on the shore of Loch Ness) for three decades. I met Jon on Twitter, when it was still the heart of the #WhiskyFabric – a close-knit group of whisky lovers, writers, ambassadors and the like.
While mapping out the itinerary for our first trip to Scotland in 2013, the plan was to throw in some “non-whisky” activities too, among them, a boat ride out on Loch Ness, where we could soak up the history and perhaps spot Nessie herself. Knowing that Jon was based close to where our tour was, I reached out to him, asking if a quick meet up was on the cards.
Jon was more than happy to oblige, and we met outside The Fiddler’s. Instead of taking me inside for a dram, he led me across the road to some accommodation that they were in the process of renovating. I was about to ask him what we were up to when he started opening the door, and my jaw dropped.
The entire unit was a delightful mish-mash of cases of whiskies, and precariously stacked bottles. “What are you in the mood for?” he asked. Caught by surprise, I shrugged “Dealer’s choice”. That turned out to be a great answer, as for the next 20-odd minutes, Jon went rooting through the whiskies, pulling out unicorn bottles, including an Old & Rare Platinum Collection Brora 34yo (distilled 1970, bottled 2004) and a 1998 Clynelish The Manager’s Dram. Bottles I had only heard of, and now I wasn’t just looking at them, I was drinking pours from them! Jon even hauled out a bottle of Three Ships 5 Year Old that had somehow made its way to this tiny village from the southern tip of Africa. I can’t remember tasting notes from so long ago, just the realization that I was very, very lucky, and that Jon was being more than generous with his time and whiskies.
Shortly after, several drams under the belt, I sat swaying on the boat, listening to the skipper regaling us with facts about the loch, the history surrounding us in the form of castle ruins and stories of Nessie. He even picked up on the fact that we were South African when he heard my wife say “Sjoe!” about some piece of trivia. Turns out he had spent a few years living here. All of that washed over me, as my mind continued processing that Brora, quite happy to save spotting Nessie for another time.
Sláinte,
Mark
What’s In Mark’s Glass This Week
The Singleton of Glen Ord 17 Year Old Natural Cask Strength (55.5%) at Whisky Live Festival SA
I’m cheating a bit here, as I tasted this last week, but feel it deserves its own moment. My final pour of the evening (a “loopdop” as my friend Derek would say), poured by Angelo at the Decanter stand, it more than held its own when compared to the other brilliant whiskies tried on the night.
Diageo’s decision to finish this whisky in both ex-sherry (5 years) and ex-mezcal (3 years) was a good one. A “bright” whisky, bursting with fruit and berries, with a nice subtle vegetal smokiness weaving its way through the fruits, thanks to that mezcal finish.
The more mezcal-finished whiskies I try, the more I enjoy the style (Smokehead Terminado, Ledaig Castaway and even the soon-to-be released Three Ships Agave Cask Finish 8yo).
The Fellowship Pour
Your whisky. Your glass. Your story. Send us a photo, share the moment, and add your pour to the growing Fellowship community. The submissions keep rolling in, I enjoy sharing them every week.
“For all the turmoil in the spirits world, it means we can finally get good stuff as consumers without requiring divine intervention.” — Shane P. | Weller Full Proof
“Privada Cookie and SMWS fireworks to celebrate Diwali” — Rainesh P. | SMWS Flight
The Fellowship Challenge: Brora
How much do you know about Brora? Take the quiz, and let me know.
Questions
1. Brora wasn’t always called Brora. What was the original name of the distillery when it opened in 1819?
A. Clynelish
B. Glen Brora
C. Sutherland
D. Dornoch
2. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Brora became known for producing a heavily peated malt. What was the primary reason for this change in production style?
A. To create a peated single malt to compete directly with Islay distilleries
B. To compensate for a shortage of peated malt whisky used in blending
C. To supply a new range of heavily peated single malts for the Japanese market
D. To use up surplus heavily peated malt imported from Islay
3. Brora was one of the so-called ‘lost distilleries’ featured in Diageo’s Rare Malts Selection. What was distinctive about this bottling range?
A. It featured only whiskies from distilleries that had never previously released official single malts
B. It brought together single malts from closed distilleries, bottled at natural strength
C. It consisted exclusively of whiskies matured for at least 30 years
D. It featured only distilleries that had been reopened under new ownership
4. Brora featured in Diageo’s annual Special Releases for many years. What was the name of the series of three Brora expressions released together in 2021?
A. The Highland Collection
B. The Rare Legacy Collection
C. The Brora Triptych
D. The Silent Distilleries Collection
5. When Brora was restored and reopened in 2021, what happened to its original copper pot stills?
A. They were replaced with new stills built to the original specifications
B. They were refurbished and returned to service
C. One was retained for display, while the other was replaced
D. They were transferred to Clynelish and replaced with replicas
Scroll to the bottom for the answers.
SA Whisky News
Remembering Damian de Canha
The South African whisky community has lost one of its contributors with the passing of Damian de Canha.
From collectibles to whisky clubs and curated experiences, Damian built more than businesses. He created spaces for people to connect over shared interests and passions, and his passing leaves a mark on South Africa’s whisky community and beyond.
My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and everyone who knew him.
Rest in peace, Damian.
Boplaas 13YO Single Cask – Christmas Cask
Boplaas has released a 13 year old single grain whisky, bottled at 46% in a limited run of 343 bottles. It spent five years in ex-Heaven Hill and Wild Turkey bourbon barrels, five more in Boplaas brandy casks, and its final three in a seasoned Boplaas Red Muscadel cask. The distillery describes dried stone fruit, Christmas spices and sweet sultanas.
It’s R1,100 from the Boplaas website or you can get 10% off as a member of the Boplaas Wine & Whisky Club (limited to 3 bottles per household). Bottles ship before the end of November.
I got to taste this at Whisky Live SA last week, in fact, it was my first dram of the evening, poured by Daniel himself. A velvety mouthfeel, sweet and spicy nose, with a healthy dose of plums and other stewed fruits on the palate. A perfect candidate for this year’s Xmas stocking filler.
Industry News
Compass Box calls time on Hedonism: the 2026 edition is the last
The blended grain Scotch (46%), the brand’s first expression when it launched in 2000, closes its run with 13,218 bottles, artwork by Emma Hack and Karen Gillan as muse. Orchard House will now lead the range, and CEO Nishat Gupte gave no explicit reason for the retirement. No price was stated.
— The Spirits Business
Kythe Distillery begins production in Highland Perthshire
Kythe has started distilling in two converted barns at Hills of Bendochy Farm near Blairgowrie. The founders are whisky maker Angus MacRaild, distillery manager Jonny McMillan and chairman Aaron Chan, with shareholders from more than ten countries. It is built for 60,000 litres of pure alcohol a year, with a 1-tonne mash tun, a directly wood-fired 6,000-litre wash still and a 4,000-litre spirit still, using mostly farm-grown, floor-malted Maris Otter and wooden washbacks. First casks are being filled this autumn and the first bottling is about eight years away. MacRaild’s philosophy: “Efficiency is the enemy of character.”
— WhiskyIntelligence
Charlie MacLean and partners launch MBH Holding, an independent Scottish spirits group
The Edinburgh-based group brings together Charlie MacLean MBE, Vikki Bruce, Jamie Burke, Liam Hughes and Mike Hayward, whose earlier ventures include Maclean & Bruce, Strathearn Distillery and The Glasgow Distillery Company. It expects combined turnover of £16m at launch and holds casks and bottles worth about £5m, including stock that has been maturing for more than 40 years. It plans selective acquisitions of bottlers, cask portfolios and brands, and is in early talks with target assets and a small number of investors. Liam Hughes: “We have the operational team, the assets and the infrastructure.”
— Drinks International
Diageo sends The Singleton “Unplugged” into Asia for Lunar New Year
Taiwanese singer Yoga Lin fronts a campaign across Asia Pacific ahead of Lunar New Year on 6 February, with a one-off unplugged show in Taipei in early December. Diageo has named The Singleton a global single-malt focus brand alongside Lagavulin and Talisker, and says it will keep investing in Brora and Port Ellen.
— Drinks Intel
Loch Ness Spirits returns under new ownership, adding a Highland single malt
Drinks veteran Donald MacLellan, founder of Meridian Global Brands, has bought the assets of the Dores-based brand, founded in 2016 and dormant for four years. Relaunched as Spirit of Loch Ness, the range keeps the original gin and absinthe and adds a vodka and a Highland single malt Scotch, with Select Drams handling the UK launch and Kammer-Kirsch backing it in Germany. The whisky’s age, ABV and price weren’t stated. MacLellan: “the appetite for new Scottish brands is there.”
— DRAM Scotland (Mark: a coincidental tie-in to this week’s piece)
Australian whisky maker Lark’s growth streak ends on export delays
Lark Distilling’s first-quarter net sales for FY27 were AU$3.5m, down 4.5%. International sales fell 37.7% to AU$600,000, which the company blamed mainly on order timing, including a delayed China rollout, while global travel retail rose 32.3% on new listings including Singapore’s Changi. Australian sales grew 7.9% to AU$2.9m, and the whisky bank stands at 2.4 million litres. CEO Stuart Gregor: “Exports were behind expectations.”
— The Spirits Business
Jack Teeling and Tommy Keane among the Irish Whiskey Association’s Chair’s Award winners
The awards were presented on 6 November at the College Green Hotel in Dublin. Teeling was honoured for reopening a Dublin distillery in 2015 and Keane as chairman of Irish Distillers, alongside IWA legal counsel Carleen Madigan for protecting the category’s geographical indication, Ambassador Peter Ryan of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Belfast publican Willie Jack. Minister Martin Heydon: “These awards are not about a bottle, a brand or a medal.”
— Irish Whiskey Magazine
Dornoch Castle is named Whisky Bar of the Year at the Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards
The Highland hotel is home to the Dornoch Distillery Company and the independent bottler Thompson Brothers, and the story ties it to the Struie Distillery now under construction nearby. Bar manager Jamie Williams credits his team: “this award is entirely down to them.”
— The Whiskey Wash
Two renowned writers publish “Blended Scotch”
Hans Offringa and Charles Maclean’s new book is available now through bol.com. Offringa says it will be his last truly major whisky book in English. No price was given.
— Whisky Monkeys
New Releases
SMWS Heresy Batch 44: the Society’s first-ever blended Scotch, 18 years old, £80, 1,092 bottles
The blend combines a sherry butt holding a long-discontinued blend of about 20 years old, 27-year-old grain whisky and roughly 18-year-old malts from bourbon, American oak PX and Spanish oak oloroso casks. It is about 70% malt, with a 60/40 split favouring sherry casks. ABV isn’t stated. Society spokesman Kai Ivalo says you have to “go big, or go home!”
— Dramface
Bruichladdich Islay Barley 14 Year Old: unpeated, 50%, from 2011 stock, AU$145
The oldest Islay Barley release so far, made from 2011 vintage barley, the last year the distillery was independently owned, and matured in American and French oak including ex-Sauternes and first-growth Bordeaux wine barrels. The first batch is exclusive to The Whisky Club Australia’s members from 6 to 8 November (about US$101), with New Zealand members next early in 2027 and other markets to follow. No bottle count was given. Craig Johnstone of The Whisky Club: “It’s Islay without the smoke.”
— The Spirits Business
Kamiki Single Malt, finished in Yoshino cedar, lands at Tokyo and Kansai airports: 48%
Yoshino Spirits of Osaka is adding the Nara-made malt to travel retail. It spends at least three years in oak before a finish in Yoshino Sugi, Japanese cedar, and comes in 50cl and 75cl bottles with an optional gift box. No price was stated, and no wider international launch has been announced.
— TRBusiness
Duncan Taylor’s Rarest Single Cask: a 54-year-old Longmorn 1972, 49.3%, £4,995
Distilled on 8 August 1972 and bottled from a single cask, with just 109 bottles available through The Spirits Embassy. The cask type wasn’t named.
— The Whiskey Wash
Crolly Croithlí: Donegal’s first licensed single pot still Irish whiskey, 53.9%, €139, 1,000 bottles
Batch 1 is a cask-strength, non-chill-filtered single cask matured in 300-litre non-charred French oak ex-Cognac casks from Alter Oak Cooperage in Bordeaux. Pre-orders are open and dispatch began on 1 November. No age statement. Conor McMenamin calls it “a first for the ages.”
— Irish Whiskey Magazine
Fettercairn Distillers’ Secret No. 2, made with Matugga Rum: 53.4%, £120, 486 bottles
Cask 170 spent five years in an ex-red wine cask and five more in an ex-rum cask from Scottish rum maker Matugga, then was married with first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and finished in ex-bourbon barrels before bottling. No age statement. It’s sold only at Fettercairn Distillery.
— The Whisky Wire
The Macallan Colossus: a 20-year-old from estate-grown barley, 43.4%
Matured in first-fill sherry-seasoned European oak and made with barley grown exclusively on The Macallan Estate, the release is a homage to the Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford. Price, bottle count and markets weren’t stated.
— 88 Bamboo
The London Distillery Company’s “The Full English”: three English single casks, 20 November
Three casks from three English distilleries, each bottled at cask strength: London Calling (Bimber, distilled May 2020, 58%, 254 bottles, £90), Portobello Belle (Adnams, distilled February 2015, 58.7%, 272 bottles, £50) and Ashes to Ashes (The English Distillery, distilled October 2015, 54.57%, 141 bottles, £70). Ages weren’t stated.
— Whisky Monkeys
Saburomaru “Ace of Wands” opens its Minor Arcana single-cask series: 59%, ¥60,000
The first release in the Japanese distillery’s new series was distilled in 2019 and matured in a first-fill bourbon barrel. It goes on sale on 19 November and “will be available only in select bars and restaurants.” No bottle count was given.
— 88 Bamboo
Diageo’s Rare Series adds a 41-year-old Convalmore 1984 and a 36-year-old Dalwhinnie 1989
The second chapter of the series that debuted on 30 April 2026. The Convalmore comes from four refill American oak casks filled shortly before the Dufftown distillery closed in 1985, and the Dalwhinnie from American oak hogsheads seasoned with Amoroso sherry, then finished for more than four years. ABVs, prices and bottle counts weren’t stated. It sits oddly beside Diageo’s pause of the annual Special Releases covered last week.
— The Whiskey Wash
Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited Edition, Chiso Collaboration, £125
A Japanese blend in a bottle decorated in collaboration with the Chiso kimono house, on sale at Selfridges, Harrods, The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt. ABV, bottle count and markets aren’t stated. Selfridges buyer Neil McDonald calls it “a standout choice for gifting this year.”
— WhiskyIntelligence
Reviews Roundup
Laphroaig 15yo (official, 46%, about $160) — 86
All ex-bourbon, non-chill-filtered and naturally coloured, and Robert De Santis rates it a buy-again and a strong alternative to Lagavulin 16, improving after more than a month open: “It is unmistakably Laphroaig, but it is not an overwhelming blast of peat.”
— The Whiskey Wash
Springbank 10yo Local Barley 2025 (official, 55.2%, NOK 1,699) — 91/100
Distilled in July 2015 and bottled in October 2025, it’s rich and malty, with peat smoke woven through fruit and vanilla. Thomas Øhrbom: “Rich malt with beautifully integrated smoke.”
— Whisky Saga
Three Ships 10 Year Old South African Single Malt (46.3%, about $32) — 6
James Sedgwick’s malt, matured in American oak, is smoky, sweet and approachable, calling it good value: “If you’re new to peat, this is a thoroughly approachable dram.”
— The Whiskey Wash (Mark: It’s nice to see the rest of the world discovering SA whiskies)
Ballindalloch Family Heritage Selection (NAS, 50%, £78) — 7/10; Ballindalloch 2016 8yo single cask (62.4%, 305 bottles, £75) — 7/10
Archie Dunlop finds the Heritage creamy and balanced and the single cask high-strength but soft, and is lukewarm on the premium pricing. His summary: “Creamy Speyside goodness.”
— Dramface
Edradour 14yo 2012 Natural Cask Strength (official, 58.6%, NOK 1,399) — 86/100
A first-fill ex-bourbon bottling of 2,019 bottles, with dark leather and chocolate giving way to ripe mango and pineapple as it opens. Whisky Saga’s verdict: “Darkness meets tropicalness.”
— Whisky Saga
Watt Whisky North British 35yo 1991 (48.3%, £103) — 7/10; Watt Whisky Laphroaig 12yo 2014 (57.1%, £73) — 7/10
A 126-bottle Lowland single grain and a 330-bottle single-cask Islay malt, the Laphroaig more savoury and less sweet than expected. The Bros’ advice on it: “We’d avoid water in this one.”
— Two WhiskyBros
Meikle Tòir 5 Year Old The Sherry One (peated GlenAllachie, 48%, $65) — 7
Matured in ex-bourbon and then PX and oloroso puncheons, it offers sweet mainland peat with sherry richness, and The Whiskey Wash finds “a little more complexity than its five years of maturation might suggest.” Score on an unstated scale.
— The Whiskey Wash
Lark Devil’s Storm No. 183 (2026), 42% — 8.6
Thijs calls it “A dangerously easy sipper.”
— Words of Whisky
Haavaldsen Gneis Serie, Sherry Finished (47%, NOK 1,200) — 87/100
A Norwegian single malt that Whisky Saga sums up as “Familiar fruit with richer harmonies.”
— Whisky Saga
Filliers Mizunara Cask, Belgian whisky (45.1%, about €150) — 86
Ruben finds wood shavings, sandalwood, spearmint and orange honey on the nose, a creamy palate with juniper and resinous Mizunara oak, and a minty, spiced finish: “For such a difficult cask type, this is a successful experiment.”
— WhiskyNotes
Springbank 21yo 2026 Release (official, 46%, £273) — 7.5/10
Springbank’s 21-year-old, matured mostly in port casks. The Bros: “Great quality whisky as usual from Springbank.”
— Two WhiskyBros
Classic of Islay single cask #302643, bottled for Jumping Jack Productions (43%, €35) — 5/10
A malt-forward, lightly smoky Islay that Kenzie Fisher finds unremarkable in the glass but fine for a hip flask: “sometimes a whisky is just a whisky.”
— Dramface
Laphroaig 33yo “Donald Johnston” (official Strong Characters 2024, 43.8%, 1,000 bottles) — 91
Laphroaig’s oldest Strong Characters release. Ruben says “it kept growing and displaying more complexity.”
— WhiskyNotes
Bourbon Corner
Elijah Craig renames its Barrel Proof series: Bourbon H-40 and Rye H-04 arrive together at 124.4 proof, $74.99
The bourbon is 12 years 8 months old and the 40th release since 2013, while the 10-year-old rye is the highest proof in the rye series so far. The distillery says the new naming “does not change the batch-specific nature of the releases.” No bottle counts were given.
— The Daily Pour
Parker’s Heritage Collection 2026: a 14-year-old bourbon made with rye backset, 118 proof, $200
This year’s release is on a 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley mash bill. Breaking Bourbon rates it 4 and says it “reminds you why Parker’s Heritage Collection is so sought after.”
— Breaking Bourbon
Woodinville’s Harvest Release closes the series with a 10-year bourbon at $129.99 and a 6-year bottled-in-bond at $69.99
The 10 Year is 50% on a 55% corn, 35% rye, 10% malted barley mash bill and is called Woodinville’s oldest whiskey to date. The 6 Year Bottled in Bond (also 50%) comes from a single distillation season, was aged in Quincy, Washington, and is exclusive to Woodinville’s website. Both are while supplies last. The distillery calls the 10 Year “the final release in this series.”
— Fred Minnick
Barrell’s New Year 2027 blends 5- to 16-year-old bourbons from seven states: cask strength, $84.99
The 11th annual New Year release draws on whiskey from Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Wyoming, Maryland, Texas and Ohio, for a derived mash bill of 73% corn, 22% rye, 4% malted barley and 1% wheat. The Daily Pour’s verdict: “One of the best and most nuanced bourbons we’ve tasted this year.”
— The Daily Pour
Town Branch’s 17-year Kentucky single malt is billed as the oldest age-stated American single malt ever released
Archive Series Vol. 3 is a bottled-in-bond single barrel (Barrel No. 227) at 100 proof, $399.99 for 750ml, and only 85 bottles were made. The “oldest ever” claim is the producer’s own.
— Breaking Bourbon
Larrikin adds Foxtrot: a nine-year-old cask-strength single barrel at $110
Sold at the Lawrenceburg, Kentucky distillery, at select Kentucky retailers and nationally as a private selection. No proof or mash bill was given. Greg Keeley: “With Foxtrot, we’re bottling at cask strength.”
— Fred Minnick
Sazerac plans a $605 million Kentucky build-out, led by a $557m distillery site at Lancaster
State filings show about 250 jobs across four sites: Lancaster in Garrard County ($557m, 85 jobs, on a 210-acre campus bought for $20m at a June 2026 auction), Buffalo Trace ($29.4m for a craft bottling operation), Glenmore ($17.5m) and Cumberland Cooperage ($2.1m). Incentives still need final approval.
— The Daily Pour
Ingram Flagship Batch 6: a seven-year wheated bourbon at 113.8 proof, $79.99
Twenty-five barrels (21 lower deck, 4 upper deck) on a 70% corn, 21% wheat, 9% malted barley mash bill. The reviewer finds more spice and tannin than expected for its age and writes: “I am very much enjoying Ingram Flagship Bourbon Batch 6.”
— Bourbon Obsessed
Four Roses’ third Experimental Series bourbon is finished in Japanese chestnut wood: 104 proof, $55, 375ml
A six-year-old OBSK-recipe bourbon, announced on 29 October, and a different story from June’s Mizunara Experimental 001. No bottle count was given.
— Breaking Bourbon
Little Book Chapter 10 “All The Wiser” blends six Beam-family whiskeys: 122.6 proof, $149.99
A blended straight bourbon with no overall age statement; the components run from 4 to 14 years, from 14-year Basil Hayden and 11- and 9-year Knob Creek to 10-year Booker’s, 9-year Baker’s and a 4-year Jim Beam finished in sherry and toasted bourbon casks.
— WhiskyIntelligence
Casey Jones marks 12 years with a 250-bottle anniversary blend
It combines whiskey from older barrels with the first spirit from two newer stills, with 30 bottles for online sale, released 27–28 November at the Anniversary Bourbon Harvest. Age, proof and price weren’t stated. AJ Casey Jones: “It was only supposed to be a hobby.”
— The Bourbon Flight
Nelson’s Green Brier founders buy the Nashville distillery back from Constellation Brands
Andy and Charlie Nelson have taken back the brand, all of its inventory and the lease on their Nashville distillery from Constellation, which took a minority stake in 2016, a majority in 2019 and full control in 2024. Constellation booked $49.8m in impairment and related charges, partly tied to the sale. Staff, tours and the restaurant stay open, and the brothers haven’t yet announced specific plans. Andy Nelson: “This has been our family business dating back to the 1800s.”
— The Daily Pour
Available Now — Local Online Retailers
What’s new on the shelves at South Africa’s online whisky stores, store by store.
Perifly
Perifly’s newest whiskies run from two Burnt Ends American blends to a Bunnahabhain 30, with a pair of wine-cask Ledaigs and two Deanstons in between.
- Burnt Ends Supercharged Blended Whiskey — R895
- Burnt Ends Blended Whiskey — R735
- Ledaig 13yo Amontillado Cask Finish — R2,395
- Deanston 9yo Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured — R1,295
- Ledaig 19yo Small Batch Marsala Wine Cask Finish — R2,995
- Nikka From The Barrel Gift Pack — R1,295
- Deanston 18yo — R2,095
- Bunnahabhain 30yo — R14,990
Browse Perifly’s newest whiskies
Whisky Library
Seven more older bottlings went up on 11 November: three vintage Knockandos, Glenmorangie’s Finealta Private Edition No. 2 and 2008 Astar, an Auchentoshan 18 Oloroso Cask from 2006 and an A’bunadh Batch 36, with last weekend’s Glendronach 18 from 1992 behind them.
- Knockando 12yo 1992 — R1,999
- Knockando 12yo 1993 — R1,799
- Knockando 15yo 1978 — R3,999
- Glenmorangie Finealta Private Edition No. 2 — R8,499
- Glenmorangie Astar, 2008 Release — R3,499
- Auchentoshan 18yo 2006 Limited Edition Oloroso Cask (55.8%) — R4,499
- Aberlour A’bunadh Batch 36 (2011 bottling) — R3,750
- Glendronach 18yo 1992 Cask #1124 — R8,999
Browse Whisky Library’s new arrivals
Whisky Emporium
A Johnnie Walker Blue Label Festive Blend now tops the newest listings, ahead of a Glenlivet 12 Provence Edition and a Redbreast ladder from the Lustau Edition and the cask-strength 12 up to the 27yo.
- Johnnie Walker Blue Label Festive Blend — R3,499.99
- The Glenlivet 12yo Provence Edition — R799.99
- Redbreast Lustau Edition — R1,829.99
- Redbreast 12yo Cask Strength — R2,399.99
- Redbreast 15yo — R2,899.99
- Redbreast 18yo — R4,299.99
- Redbreast 21yo — R5,799.99
- Redbreast 27yo — R12,399.99
Browse Whisky Emporium’s newest whiskies
Navigate World Whisky
A Bowmore 2001 from the Artist 8th Edition, matured in sherry casks and bottled at 55.3%, now heads Navigate’s new-in list, ahead of the Artist Collective 7.0 single casks and fresh Murray McDavid finishes.
- Bowmore 2001 Over 15yo, Artist 8th Edition Batch 1, sherry (55.3%) — R8,995
- Artist #15 Something in the Water, Symbiosis Batch 2 (50.5%) — R1,950
- Artist Collective 7.0 Ben Nevis 7yo 2017 (43%) — R1,695
- Artist Collective 7.0 Peated Ben Nevis 8yo 2016 (57.1%) — R2,595
- Artist Collective 7.0 Bunnahabhain Staoisha 9yo 2014 (48%) — R1,995
- Artist Collective 7.0 Glenrothes 9yo 2015 (48%) — R1,895
- Artist Collective 7.0 Linkwood 12yo 2012 (48%) — R1,750
- Glenrothes 12yo First-Fill PX Finish, Murray McDavid (54.1%) — R2,295
Bottega
Bottega’s newest arrivals lead with a That Boutique-y Whisky Company Ardbeg 24 and a Dalmore 25 at 42%, with a Knob Creek 7yo rye, a Four Roses OBSK single barrel and a Glenturret Triple Wood behind them.
- Ardbeg 24yo #16, That Boutique-y Whisky Company (500ml, 48.1%) — R17,995
- Dalmore 25yo (42%) — R35,995
- Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Rye 7yo, 100 proof (50%) — R1,145
- Four Roses Single Barrel OBSK (50%) — R2,045
- Glenturret Triple Wood, 2023 Release (43%) — R1,495
Norman Goodfellows
Loch Lomond’s Original Rioja Peated and Oloroso Sherry Cask and a Glen Scotia 12 have joined NGF’s newest whiskies, alongside the Ardbeg combos, Kilkerran and the Loch Lomond Open edition.
- Loch Lomond Original Rioja Peated — R585
- Glen Scotia 12yo Campbeltown Single Malt — R1,015
- Loch Lomond Original Oloroso Sherry Cask — R585
- Ardbeg Collectors Combo (4 × 750ml) — R9,995
- Ardbeg Anthology 14yo and 15yo Combo (2 × 750ml) — R5,499
- Ardbeg Dolce — R1,999
- Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 13 — R1,159
- Loch Lomond The 154th Open Special Edition Argentinian Malbec Finish — R909
WhiskyBrother & Co
A Royal Salute 21 Miami Polo Edition went up on 11 November, ahead of the Glenlivet 12 Provence Edition, the GlenAllachie 2017 single cask exclusive, the Bushmills 12, the Lochlea pair and two Diageo specials.
- Royal Salute 21yo Miami Polo Edition — R2,540
- The Glenlivet 12yo Provence Edition — R795
- GlenAllachie 2017 Single Cask Exclusive — R1,890
- Bushmills 12yo Irish Whiskey — R740
- Lochlea Sowing Edition (3rd Crop, 46%) — R1,295
- Lochlea Orchard & Oak (46%) — R1,295
- Oban 12yo Heart of the Harbour — R2,895
- Lagavulin 12yo Grain & Embers — R1,995
Browse WhiskyBrother’s new arrivals
Decanter
Decanter’s newest listings now open with a Glenfiddich pair, the Solera Warehouse Eight and a 12 Year Old Rum Cask, ahead of Suntory’s Kakubin, Nikka Black and a Deanston 60th Anniversary cask strength.
- Glenfiddich Solera Warehouse Eight — R1,999.99
- Glenfiddich 12yo Rum Cask — R2,099.99
- Suntory Kakubin Blended Japanese Whisky — R1,139.99
- Nikka Black Special Japanese Blended Whisky — R1,299.99
- Deanston 60th Anniversary Edition Cask Strength Batch 2 — R1,799.99
- Brother’s Bond American Blended Rye Whiskey — R1,549.99
- Penderyn Nine Single Malt Welsh Whisky — R1,599.99
- Okami 8yo Pure Malt Japanese Whisky — R1,599.99
Browse Decanter’s newest whiskies
Wild About Whisky
A Loch Lomond Open Special Edition 2026 towel pack is the latest addition in Dullstroom, alongside an Indian three-wood single malt, a Tamdhu gift pack and a new-label Glenlivet and Aberlour range.
- Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition 2026 Towel Pack — R839
- Indri Trini The Three Wood — R869
- Tamdhu 12yo Double Glass Gift Pack — R1,095
- Aberlour Double Cask Matured 12yo (New) — R1,089
- The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15yo (New) — R1,169
- The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve (New) — R655
Browse Wild About Whisky’s new arrivals
Mother City Liquor
An Elector 12 Year Old Irish whiskey went up, ahead of a Bushmills 12, a Macallan Time : Space 20yo and a run of That Boutique-y Whisky Company batches.
- Elector 12yo Irish Whiskey — R1,199.99
- Bushmills 12yo Single Malt Irish Whiskey — R699.99
- The Macallan TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask 20yo — R39,999.99
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company Heaven Hill 9yo Straight Corn Whiskey — Batch 1 — R1,099.99
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company Glen Elgin 16yo — Batch 7 — R1,499.99
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company Invergordon 25yo — Batch 22 — R1,899.99
Browse Mother City Liquor’s new arrivals
WhiskyShop
Diageo’s 2025 Special Releases (Oban 12 and Talisker 14) still lead the newest listings, ahead of a Singleton of Glen Ord 17, a Bladnoch blend and Metanoia’s Friends Cask.
- Oban 12yo Special Release 2025 — R3,090
- Talisker 14yo Special Release 2025 — R3,599
- The Singleton of Glen Ord 17yo — R4,099
- Bladnoch Pure Scotch Blend — R950
- Metanoia Friends Cask — R1,215
Browse WhiskyShop’s newest whisky arrivals
Whisky Twins
The newest listings are unchanged: a Tomatin Legacy, a Glenfarclas 8, a Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask in the Victo Ngai artist edition and an Aberlour White Oak 2012, with a Knob Creek rye and the Hibiki 2026 Chiso limited edition close behind.
- Tomatin Legacy Single Malt — R799.99
- Glenfarclas 8yo — R899.99
- Balvenie 14yo Caribbean Cask (Victo Ngai edition) — R2,799.99
- Aberlour White Oak 2012 — R1,699.99
- Hibiki Harmony 2026 Chiso Collaboration Limited Edition — R5,999.99
Browse Whisky Twins’ new arrivals
Upcoming Events
Be sure to bookmark the Whisky Events page, and check back regularly for new events, dinners and festivals happening in your area.
NEAT Whisky Discovery Evening at Tonino Cucina & Griglia
Tuesday, 17 November 2026 | Tonino Cucina & Griglia, Benoni | R195pp
NEAT Whisky Tastings hosts a guided Whisky Discovery Evening in conjunction with Tonino Cucina & Griglia, pairing four exceptional whiskies with great food and good company.
The line-up features BenRiach Three Cask Smoky 12 Year Old, Tomatin Legacy, Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish and Glen Moray Chardonnay Cask Finish.
Arrive 18:30 for 19:00. Bookings are essential.
Book via WhatsApp or call 084 602 7887
The Irish Bootlegger
Wednesday, 18 November 2026 | Solera, The Woodstock Exchange, Cape Town | R450pp
Mothercity Liquor teams up with Whisky Mad ZA, Irish Whiskey Ambassador, for an evening exploring the rebellious history of Irish whiskey, from its glory days as one of the world’s most celebrated spirits through its dramatic decline and remarkable comeback.
This guided tasting pairs a selection of unusual Irish whiskey pours with stories of the people, distilleries and traditions that shaped the category. It’s an informal evening suited to seasoned Irish whiskey drinkers and the simply curious alike.
Arrive 18:30 for 19:00. Spaces are limited.
NEAT Whisky Discovery Evening at Smoke & Fire BBQ Grill
Thursday, 26 November 2026 | Smoke & Fire BBQ Grill | R195pp
NEAT Whisky Tastings hosts a guided Whisky Discovery Evening in conjunction with Smoke & Fire BBQ Grill, pairing four exceptional whiskies with great food and good company.
The line-up features BenRiach Three Cask Smoky 12 Year Old, Tomatin Legacy, Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish and Glen Moray Chardonnay Cask Finish.
Arrive 18:30 for 19:00. Bookings are essential.
Book via WhatsApp or call 084 602 7887
Rand Club Mini-Whisky Festival
Thursday, 3 December 2026 | Rand Club, Marshalltown, Joburg | R280pp
The Rand Club and WhiskyBrother partner again for the second edition of this end-of-year mini-whisky festival, set in the grand, wood-panelled surroundings of one of Johannesburg’s most historic venues. Guests can taste over 40 whiskies from a wide range of producers, styles and countries.
Brands include anCnoc, Ardnamurchan, Balblair, Kavalan, Milk & Honey, Old Pulteney, Penderyn, Raasay, Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Speyburn, with more to be announced.
Runs from 18:00 to 22:00. The ticket includes a whisky glass and tastings of all the whiskies on show. Snacks and other drinks are available to buy from the Rand Club bar, and a WhiskyBrother retail stand will offer 10% off all participating whiskies on the night.
Worth Reading
How a tornado created one of Buffalo Trace’s most collectible bourbons
On 2 April 2006 a storm tore the roof off Warehouse C, and months of sun, heat swings and airflow during repairs shaped the barrels that became the Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon, released in 2012. The piece also follows the bottle’s rising secondary-market prices and how the accident led to the experimental Warehouse X.
— The Whiskey Wash
How Ardbeg became the low-key whisky collector’s dream
Mike Gibson’s feature traces how the Islay distillery built a devoted following on limited, affordably priced releases rather than sky-high prices: the annual Ardbeg Day bottlings, distillery exclusives and Committee releases. The Committee has grown past 200,000 members and has new co-chairs who want to restore more personal dialogue with fans, and secondary-market prices for older releases have generally held up. Master blender Gillian Macdonald: “We’re talking to the converted.”
— The Spirits Business
Smoky isn’t peaty, and the PPM on your bottle is lying to you
An essay that separates smoke from peat as flavours, explains how peat from Islay, Orkney and the mainland differs, and follows how phenols form and fall away through distillation and maturation, arguing that ppm measures the malt, not what ends up in the glass: “Treat ppm as a technical spec, not a smoke-o-meter.”
— The Whiskey Wash
And That’s a Wrap!
Thanks for all the support, comments, suggestions and inspiration that helped shape this issue of the Digest. What other community-related content would you like to see here?
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Until next week, DRAM on!
Fellowship Challenge: Answers & Notes
1. A — Clynelish
Brora was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford under the name Clynelish. When a new Clynelish distillery was built alongside it in the late 1960s, the original distillery was renamed Brora in 1969. The two operated side by side.
2. B — To compensate for a shortage of peated malt whisky used in blending
Brora began producing heavily peated malt in 1969, partly to help meet demand for peated whisky used in blends. Disruption to supplies from Islay contributed to the need for another source.
3. B — It brought together single malts from closed distilleries, bottled at natural strength
The Rare Malts Selection showcased whiskies from a range of distilleries, including closed distilleries such as Brora. Bottlings were generally presented at natural strength, without chill filtration.
4. C — The Brora Triptych
The 2021 Brora Triptych brought together three expressions: Elusive Legacy, Age of Peat and Timeless Original.
5. B — They were refurbished and returned to service
The restoration included refurbishing Brora’s two original copper pot stills, bringing them back into operation as part of the distillery’s return to production.