It’s often hard for any whisky brand to steal the headlines from Ardbeg when it comes to new whiskey releases. However, as Ardbeg revel in tales of legendary animals, three different brands of blended whisky are vying for attention with their exceptional wares. Read on for race cars, royal salutes and some really old Scotch.
In other news, two celebrated Scotch distilleries are toying with fan favourite drams, as one reinvents their core range and the other revives a cult classic.
ARDBEG
Undoubtedly one of Islay’s most iconic distilleries, Ardbeg may also be in the running for most prolific. The brand have announced a number of special edition whiskies over the past few months and their latest offering is second in their Anthology series.
The Ardbeg Anthology 14 Year Old Unicorn’s Tale pays homage to a humorous legend of an alleged unicorn siting at the distillery. Most folk think the unicorn in question was more likely a local Shetland pony casting an unusual shadow, but Islay is a mysterious place…
Potential mythical beasts aside, the whisky itself is a marriage of whiskies matured in bourbon and Maderia casks. A nose of banana bread and burning cedar wood lead to notes of sweet peaches and aniseed on the palate, before a lingering menthol smoke brings the tale to a close.
The Ardbeg Unicorn’s Tale will be bottled at 46% ABV and will be available from 1st August.
BRORA
Brora is among the handful of the recently revived long-closed distilleries. The distillery was closed in 1983 and was reopened in May 2021. Owners Diageo have launched a distillery-exclusive bottle to celebrate the third anniversary of the reopening.
The 44 year old Untold Depths is said to an exploration of the depths of flavour achieved by the old distillery. A 1977 vintage, single cask expression, this Brora was made using a medium level of peat and is expected to offer notes of light peat smoke, dried herbs, and soft, buttery toffee.
Only 150 bottles of this piece of whisky history are available. The Brora 44 year old retails for around £10,000 and is available at the distillery.
COACHBUILT
As we all know, drinking and driving is a big no-no. Nevertheless, some whisky brands see a natural cross over with the world of premium car manufacturers. Former Formula One driver Jenson Button also sought to engage in this market when he co-founded the Coachbuilt brand in 2022.
Coachbuilt are now taking this crossover a step further with an official collaboration with Williams Racing. The brands have launched a limited edition, 18 year old blended scotch celebrating the long relationship between Button and Williams.
The packaging and bottle design is inspired by the FW-18, one of Williams Racing’s most successful cars. The whisky itself is crafted from spirit produced in Scotland’s five whisky producing regions and was blended at Claxton’s.
Pre-orders for the Coachbuilt 18 year old are open now, with the whisky launching in August.
DUNCAN TAYLOR
Renowned independent bottler Duncan Taylor have released a couple of impressive whiskies as part of their Rarest Edition Collection, one of which is a 60 year old blend from a closed distillery.
Lochside Distillery was closed in 1994 and during its lifetime it was revered by blenders for its honeyed and fruity flavours. Duncan Taylor have released a 1964 vintage, 60 year old blend from Lochside. Only 30 bottles are available and will retail for around £4,400.
The second whisky is arguably even more rare. The Miltonduff 1982, 41 year old will be limited to a mere 20 bottles. Despite still being an active distillery, Miltonduff is rarely released as a single malt.
Both bottle are available via a ballot on The Spirits Embassy until 21st July.
GLENMORANGIE
Glenmorangie have discontinued one of their most iconic expressions in favour of an increased age statement.
The Glenmornagie Original 10 year old is set to be replaced by a 12 year old. Fans of the whisky need not worry about a drastic change; the cask make up will be the same as the current Original, so we can expect a similar but enhanced flavour profile.
The Tain distillery have released a 10 year old as part of the core offering since the 1960s, making this the end of an era for one of Scotch whisky’s best-loved malts.
For more information on the new Glenmorangie, please check out our article “Fresh Morangie Juice: Highland Distillery Reinvents a Classic”.
LAPHROAIG
As Glenmorangie are reinventing an iconic release, Laphroaig are taking a slightly different approach and relaunching a previously discontinued fan-favourite.
Laphroaig’s 18 year old was itself introduced in 2009 as a replacement for another well-loved whisky, the Laphroaig 15 year old. However, the 18 year old was also pulled from their range in 2016.
The re-released 18 year old has been matured entirely in ex-bourbon casks that accentuate Laphroaig’s signature smoky character. Expect notes of rich vanilla and sweet fruits with distinctive peat smoke on the finish.
This whisky is available now on Laphroaig’s website and through selected retailers.
ROYAL SALUTE
Pernod Ricard’s blend range Royal Salute have relaunched their 62 Gun Salute with a trio of expressions. These premium whiskies are inspired by the 62 gun salute at the Tower of London
The Original Reserve 62 Gun Salute has been available for a while, but is joined by two new variations. First is the American Oak Reserve, whose rich and intense flavour profile is said to reflect the spectacle of gun salute.
The Peated Reserve has a subtle, smoky nose balanced by green fruits and honeycomb. The smoky influence mirrors “the subtle smokiness that drifts over the City of London at the conclusion of the salute” according to master blender Sandy Hyslop.
Hyslop adds that these whiskies are “the crowning jewel in Royal Salute’s portfolio”. As such, they are presented in beautiful, coloured decanters reminiscent of precious gem stones.
The Original Reserve and American Oak Reserve are available through exclusive retailers globally. The Peated Reserve will initially be a duty free exclusive before a wider global launch.
