As whisky fans we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to new drams to try. Between old favourites continuing to impress or new brands looking to make a name for themselves, there’s an almost overwhelming selection out there.

Thankfully, we’re here to help. Below we’ll recap some of the biggest whisky launches from the past couple of weeks, as well as cover the announcements of forthcoming releases.

Get those shopping lists ready…

ARDBEG

We’ll begin with two whiskies from one of Islay’s most iconic distilleries.

Firstly, Ardbeg will celebrate their annual Ardbeg Day by launching their first ever port-finished whisky.

The Ardbeg Spectacular was matured in bourbon casks before finishing in port wine casks for an unspecified period of time. This is said to display notes of incense, candied fruit and dark chocolate in a ‘daring double act’ with Ardbeg’s trademark peaty, smoky aroma.

As is the norm for these yearly releases, the whisky’s artwork ties in with the Ardbeg Day theme. This year promises a ‘dark circus’, with the Spectacular’s label and packaging certainly invoking images of big top tents and an air of old-timey whimsy.

Our second Ardbeg is the Vintage Y2K. This will be a 23 year old single malt made from spirit that was distilled in 1999 and 2000 - a time when the distillery was returning to full production following their reopening in 1997.

Interestingly, the spirit was also made using an old pot still that was retired in 2001, which will no doubt be pleasing to fans who say ‘old’ Ardbeg is better than contemporary expressions.

A combination of bourbon and sherry casks were used to mature the spirit and the whisky will be bottled at 46%. The Y2K release offers herbal and citrus notes on the nose followed by soot, peppermint and coffee on the palate.

Fans of Ardbeg will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on this release. It will be launched officially in July, but preorders are being taken on Ardbeg’s website.

ARDNAHOE

In what will likely be one of the most anticipated whisky releases of 2024, Ardnahoe have announced that they will release their inaugural expression on 10th May.

The first whisky from Islay’s ninth distillery will be a 5 year old single malt that has been matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks and will be bottled at 50% ABV.

Owners Hunter Laing aim to deliver a ‘New Islay Classic’ - a bold claim and we can’t wait to see if they live up to those lofty expectations.

BUNNAHABHAIN

With Feis Ile just round the corner, Bunnahabhain have given their fans an early treat by unveiling a trio of limited edition whiskies for this year’s festival.

Starting with the youngest, there is a 14 year old Ruby Port expression. This has been finished in the port wine hogsheads for 3 years and brings with it notes of cherries and chocolate before a lingering, spicy finish.

The second release is a 19 year old Moiné Madeira Cask Finish. 12 years in bourbon casks preceded an impressive 7 years in Madeira barrels, which adds layers stone fruits and toasted malt to this peated expression. This release is available exclusively at the distillery or through their online store.

Finally there is the eye-catching 23 year old Triple Sherry Wood Finish. This whisky features an experimental combination of Amontillado, Manzanilla and Oloroso casks. Expect a big sherry influence with additional notes of creamy fudge and dry tobacco.

Each of these whiskies are presented at cask strength and are available now.

LAGAVULIN

One last stop on Islay, we promise!

Lagavulin have revealed the next instalment in their ongoing partnership with 'Parks & Recreation’ actor Nick Offerman. Their partnership started almost ten years ago, resulting in a run of well-received Offerman Editions.

The latest expression is an 11 year old Caribbean Rum Cask Finish. Following maturation in bourbon and sherry casks, the whisky spent 8 months finishing in the rum casks.

The rum's tropical and maritime influence is obvious, with notes of lemon meringue, honey, vanilla, and a slight salinity, but it doesn’t betray Lagavulin’s distinctly rich, smoky nature.

LOCH LOMOND

Back to the mainland with the oldest whisky in this list.

Loch Lomond have launched a 1973 vintage, 50 year old single malt. It comes beautifully presented in a hand-crafted wooden box and a stunning glass decanter.

This whisky spent almost 40 years in American oak barrels, before being moved into in ex-bourbon casks for additional maturation in 2011 and then oloroso casks in 2017.

The result is a light yet complex single malt. Notes of white, fleshy fruits are balanced by creamy vanilla, while the sherry influence offers a warming spice to the equation.

Whiskies at this age an incredibly rare, and this Loch Lomond is limited to just 100, individually numbered bottles.

MACALLAN

Saying something 'needs no introduction’ is as cliched an introduction as you can get. Nevertheless, it certainly holds true for a distillery like Macallan, whose sizeable reputation speaks for itself.

While the esteemed Speysider hasn’t announced any new expressions as such, Macallan have begun to release the 2024 editions of their core range malts.

So far we have seen the latest editions of the 18 year old Sherry Cask and Double Oak whiskies, as well as the 2024 entry in the Rare Cask series.

CU BOCAN

Highland distillery Tomatin have revealed the sixth whisky to be released under Cu Bocan’s Creation series.

The Creation range focuses on limited edition whiskies that showcase intriguing and innovative cask combinations. Previous releases have featured stout, shochu and Columbian Andean oak casks, among others.

Creation #6 is a blend of lightly spirit that has been matured in Pedro Ximinez and Jamaican rum casks. The result is a vibrant whisky with notes of ginger bread, cherries and spiced plumb jam wrapped in Cu Bocan’s signature subtle smoke.

REDBREAST

Since this recap has so far been very Scotch-centric, we’ll finish off with an Irish whiskey available exclusively in the United States.

Redbreast have launched a Missouri Oak finish expression that is the latest in the brand’s US exclusive collection.

This whisky was matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry oak casks before spending ten months final maturation in virgin oak casks from the Ozark Forest. The virgin oak finish is said to add notes of cinnamon and ginger to Redbreast’s signature style.

To celebrate the release, Redbreast are sponsoring a study conducted by various American universities that will research the seasonal breeding habitat of the cerulean warbler - a bird whose population has been in steep decline across the US.