It’s always exciting when a distillery releases a new, one-off whisky. However there’s definitely something to be said about a distillery launching or expanding a series of whiskies. Whether these whiskies are connected by their age, maturation method, or perhaps even a more abstract theme, a new range of whiskies is an ambitious move for a distillery that usually always gets both drinkers and collectors instructed.

There was plenty of that last month, with a pair of distilleries releasing the second instalments in ongoing series, a well-known Speysider continuing their ‘harmonious’ journey, and a Highland distillery launching their third whisky exploring different oak varieties. Elsewhere, a much-loved Islay distillery has wrapped up their latest series of single malts.

With all this being said, there was still plenty of exciting, on-off releases to discover last month. Read on for more!

ARDBEG

The Islay distillery concluded their Anthology Series with its third release.

Ardbeg 15 Year Old Anthology The Beithir’s Tale takes its name from a mythological, serpentine beast said to bring misfortune to all those who cross its path. It might sound strangely ominous, but we promise misfortune won’t befall anyone who gets their hands on a bottle.

Like others in the series, this whisky showcases the sweeter side of Ardbeg. The Beithir’s Tale was aged in bespoke air-seasoned, heavily toasted, and lightly charred Bourbon casks, resulting in a dram brimming with notes of treacle, toasted apples, and lemon balm alongside the familiar Ardbeggian trademarks of creosote and peat smoke.

This limited release is available now from the distillery’s website and selected retailers for around £115.

DALMORE

Dalmore have unveiled the second instalment of their Portfolio Series, a range of whiskies crafted in partnership with V&A Dundee. There are three whiskies in this range, each with showcasing the influence of wine maturation.

Portfolio Series No 1 is finished in Bordeaux wine casks and bottled at 46.8% ABV. No.1 retails for £500 and only 3,595 bottles are available.

No 2 has been finished in Châteauneuf-du-Pape casks. The edition is offered at 46% ABV and limited to 1,596 bottles. RRP £750.

Finally, No.3 is the most limited of the three expressions, with only 1,014 bottles available. This whisky underwent secondary maturation in Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon casks before bottling at 49.7% ABV. It is expected to reality for £1,000.

As Global Travel Retail exclusive releases, these whiskies will debut at Singapore Changi Airport on September 1st, before a wider rollout in October.

GLENALLACHIE

After launching the series just a few months ago, Glenallachie have already released the second release in their Sinteis range.

Glenallachie SInteis Part #2 is a 2015 vintage, 9 year old single malt that has been matured in a combination of Scottish Virgin Oak and Oloroso Sherry casks. According to the distillery, the native oak casks bring vanilla sweetness and honeycomb richness to the spirit while the sherry adds warm spice and luscious fruit notes.

This whisky comes presented in a box designed by Scottish designer Kayley Barbour, who used the dual maturation methods as inspiration for the emblem on the packaging.

Available now from selected retailers for around £70.

GLENFIDDICH

As part of their on-going partnership with Aston Martin Formula One, Glenfiddich have unveiled two new single malts.

The first is a 16 year old aged in a combination of American oak wine casks, new American barrels, and second-fill Bourbon casks. Bottled at 43% ABV with notes of maple syrup, caramelised ginger, fresh fruit salad, and sweet cream. RRP US$75.

Joining this whisky is a 19 year old that will be sold exclusively at selected global travel retail locations. Montilla wine casks lead the way in terms of maturation for this release, resulting in citrussy notes on the nose and warming spices on the palate. RRP US£175.

Both of these whiskies are due to be released in September.

GLENGOYNE

Glengoyne have released a single malt whisky a decidedly Japanese influence.

The Glengoyne 16 Year Old Mizunara Oak is the third release from their Oak Masters Series and spent six years maturing in rare mizunara oak casks from Hokkaido. It has spent the previous years aging in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks.

Mizunara oak is is said to be more difficult to work with compared to other types of wood and is therefore rarely used for aging whisky. However the perseverance pays off, as the wood has low levels of tannins compared other oak varieties which allows softer, delicate notes to come forth. This particular whisky is a great example of this, with notes of vanilla, sandal wood, and coconut.

Bottled at 53.4% ABV with an RRP of £300. Available now from selected retailers.

GLENMORANGIE

The legendary Tain-based distillery have added a new 25 year old expression to their permanent range.

Glenmorangie Altus takes its name from the Latin word for ‘high’ - a reference to the fact that the team at the distillery believe this whisky is the pinnacle of their signature style. The Altus has been matured in a combination of in ex-bourbon and Malmsey Madeira wine casks.

According to master distiller Dr Bill Lumsden, “The Altus elevates our distillery’s signature notes of mandarin, peach and pear to new heights, combined with sweet butter candy tones.”

The Altus made its debut in the latest instalment of Glenmorangie’s ad campaign starring Harrison Ford. The Hollywood star was among the first whisky and apparently his overwhelmingly positive reaction was no piece of acting!

The 25 year old Altus will be available from the distillery and selected retailers with an RRP of £550.

ISLE OF RAASAY

Raasay’s only distillery have released their first ever whisky to utilise a particular sweet wine cask.

Raasay Marsala Cask is a 2021 vintage release that was matured exclusively in the namesake wine-barriques. Both peated and unpeated spirit were used for these casks, leading to a whisky showcasing notes of green grapes, stewed apples, ginger, and a lingering smoke on the finish.

If you’re interested, check out Raasay’s website where they have an incredibly detailed fact sheet detailing barley varieties, ppm levels, and the fermentation time for this whisky - a true gold mine for those who revel in that kind of information.

Available now for around £75.

LAPHROAIG

Returning to Islay for a well-aged release from one of the island’s best loved-distilleries.

Laphroaig 39 Year Old The Wall Rope Edition is the second release in the distillery’s The Wall Collection, a series taking inspiration from the Laphroaig’s iconic white walls. The ‘rope’ name comes from the ropes used by the old puffer boats to get sherry seasoned casks to the distillery.

This sherry-influenced theme is reflected in the whisky itself. A number of sherry casks were selected to craft this whisky, resulting notes of orange toffee, dark red cherries, and mixed spices. Age has tempered Laphroaig’s trademark iodine-eque peaty influence, but smoky elements still linger.

Only 200 bottles of this incredible whisky have been made available. It’s available now from Laphroaig’s website and specialist retailers with a price tag around £4,800.

LOCHLEA

Ayrshire’s farm-based distillery have introduced three new expressions to their core range under the banner of the Single Estate Range.

Orchard & Oak is the first new expression. Aging in a combination of first-fill Bourbon, virgin American oak, and Calvados casks results in a whisky with notes of cut grass, apple cake, and oaky spices.

The second new expression is Dark Briar, an overall richer whisky thanks to maturation in sherry and port casks. Expect red berries, vanilla caramel, and baking spices all to feature in the flavour profile.

Finally, Smoke Without Fire completes the range. An intriguing combination of a combination of ex-peated refill Bourbon barrels and red wine casks were used to mature this single malt. Hints of bonfire smoke appear on both the nose and the palate, with sweeter notes of red berries and cherry blossom fighting through.

All three expressions are bottled at 46% and have an RRP of £50. these new Lochlea whiskies will be available from 4th September.

MACALLAN

Macallan have expanded their popular Harmony Collection by collaborating with a renowned tea maker.

Two new expressions have been announced: Inspired by Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea and Inspired by Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea. As their name suggests, these whiskies are a tribute to single garden teas sourced by Jing.

Inspired by Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea has been matured predominantly matured in Sherry-seasoned American oak casks, alongside with Sherry-seasoned European oak and ex-Bourbon American oak casks before bottling at 43.9% ABV. Expect notes of honey, peach and sweet oak. This release is for domestic release from selected retailers now with an RRP of £152.

Inspired by Cherrywood Lapsang Tea will be a global travel retail exclusive and is due to be released in October. Again sherry casks dominate the maturation for this release, whose flavour profile mirrors the distinctive profile of the tea it takes its name from. This edition will be bottled at 44.9% ABV and no RRP has yet been announced.

WOODFORD RESERVE

The reputed American whiskey brand have released their first ever single malt as part of their Distillery Series.

Woodford Reserve 12 Year Old Single Malt has been bottled at 43.2% ABV after maturing in ex-bourbon casks. Soft caramel and pear shine on the nose before cloves, lemon and sweet nuttiness come through on the palate.

This whisky comes presented in a 375ml bottle and is available exclusively at the Woodford Reserve Distillery and selected Kentucky retailers with an RRP of US$100.