Looking back on this past month there’s been all sorts going on with the latest whisky releases. We’ve seen a-list actors, lighthouses, hi-tech race cars, a 200th birthday celebrations and even dragons!
Of course, there’s also been some very special whisky as well - read on for more.
(Note: this will only look at whiskies not released as part of this year’s Feis Ile. If you’re looking for a peaty fix check out our earlier article “Feis Ile 2026 Preview” for the low-down on all the releases from this year’s Islay festival.)
ARRAN
Lochranza distillery has brought back two popular expressions from the Arran brand’s past and added them to their core range.
Firstly we have the Arran 14 Year Old. A 14 year old had previously been introduced to their range in 2010 to celebrate the distillery’s 15th anniversary, but it was ultimately discontinued following their rebrand in 2019.
The brand says the new version features a slightly adjusted recipe compared to the original. Initial maturation in bourbon casks followed by a finishing period in Palo Cortado Sherry barrels results in a whisky with notes of salted apples, toffee, and gentle oak. 46% ABV.
Joining this teen-age dram is a stunning 30 year old expression. Arran launched a limited edition 30 year old whisky last year, but this new release is set to become a permanent addition to their range.
The new 30 year old is a predominantly sherry matured whisky features aromas of burnt orange, star anise, and cinnamon, with notes of honey, ripe orchard fruits, and cloves on the palate.
Both whiskies are available now at selected retailers. The 14 year old has an RRP of £69.99 and you can expect to pay around £695 for the 30 year old.
GLENDRONACH
The Glendronach has revealed a trio of whiskies for Global travel retail titled The Glendronach House Editions. The range takes inspiration from the distillery’s founder James Allardice who was a seasoned traveller who would welcome guests to Glendronach house to share tales of their travels.
The Sevillian Room is classic Glendronach. It’s bottled 43% ABV after maturation in a combination of different sherry casks, and delivers notes of Seville orange, honeysuckle and aged leather. Presented in a one litre bottle with an RRP of £70.
Bottled at a slightly higher ABV of 46%, The Venetian Room is matured in a combination of oloroso, PX, and Amarone casks. Expect notes of dark cherry blackcurrant, amaretti and a dusting of vanilla spice. RRP £80 for a standard 70cl bottle.
Finally The Parisian Room is finished in Cognac casks following maturation in PX and oloroso barrels. Aromas of elderflower, plum and apple tarte Tatin hit the nose with baked fig, glazed walnut and rose on the palate. RRP £90 for a 70cl bottle. Bottled at 49% ABV.
The Glendronach House Collections have been teased at various trade shows for several months but will now launch in limited locations, with a full rollout expected by the end of the year.
GLENMORANGIE
Glenmorangie’s collaboration with Hollywood superstar Harrison Ford has led to one of the most enjoyable whisky-related ad campaigns in recent years. That ongoing partnership has culminated in a brand new single malt that had more than a little help from Han Solo himself.
Glenmorangie X Harrison Ford saw Dr Bill Lumsden offer a number of cask samples to Ford in order to craft a whisky specifically suited to the actor’s profile. The final recipe saw classic bourbon cask matured Glenmorangie married with a small parcel of Portuguese red wine casks.
The resulting whisky has notes of marmalade, muscovado sugar and aged leather. Ford described it as “very nice” - and who are we to disagree!
This limited edition expression is available now from selected retailers with an RRP of 75. For more information on the whisky and the partnership between Harrison Ford and the Tain distillery, check out our recent article “Harrison Ford Plays Leading Role with Limited Edition Glenmorangie”.
GLENTURRET
Themes of transformation and emergence are the inspiration behind the latest Glenturret release.
The Glenturret Eclosion takes its name from the biological terms for an insect emerging from its pupal stage. While talking of creepy crawlies might not be everyone’s cup of tea, Glenturret see how this idea of time and transformation can apply to whisky making. As much as whisky making is about knowledge, skill, and science, it also takes patience and perseverance.
The whiskey itself is matured in a careful combination of American oak and European oak PX sherry casks. It’s a layered and elegant composition showcasing notes of pineapple, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and gentle oak.
Bottled at 46.2% ABV, this limited edition expression is available now with at RRP of £95.
IN THE WELSH WIND
This craft distillery has released the second whisky in their trilogy of Welsh blended malts.
Ceredig takes its name from the legend of the lobster man of New Quay and the rugged Ceredigion coastline. Some of the whisky used in this blend was crafted using green malt - barley that has begun to germinate but has not yet been kilned -, which imparts distinctly grassy and grainy notes in the final whisky.
These grassy notes are tempered by the bourbon and port casks used to mature the whisky, adding notes of vanilla custard and red berries.
Bottled at 46% ABV, Ceredig is a limited edition whisky available now from selected retailers with an RRP of £50.
KYRÖ
Finnish craft whisky maker Kyrö Distillery Company has landed a lucrative deal with Warner Bros to release two new whiskies that tie in with the hugely successful ‘Game of Thrones’ franchise.
Inspired by the dragon riding Targaryen family featured in the hit series, Whisky of Fire and Whisky of Blood offer unique takes on the distillery’s beloved rye whiskies. The former is made from 100% smoked malted rye and finished in rum casks, offering notes of smoke, toasted rye, apple jam and menthol.
On the other hand, Whisky of Blood is not smoked and matured in bourbon and French oak casks for a richer yet also delicate profile. Apricots, cereal, creme brûlée and rye spices all feature on the palate.
Both of these whiskies will be launched in June. For more information on these whiskies, the ‘Game of Thrones’ collaborations and what this could mean for the wider Finnish drinks industry, check out our previous article “Finnish Distillery to Make Game of Thrones Rye”.
JACK DANIELS
The world’s most recognised American whiskey has continued its partnership with McLaren Formula 1 Team with a particularly eye-catching new whiskey.
Jack Daniels Halo MK1 is crafted from Jack Daniels’ signature mash bill (80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley) which was then matured in white oak barrels whose staves had been aged in open air for longer than usual, thereby imparting a slightly different character on the whiskey.
Bottled at 59.7% ABV, the result is a whiskey boasting notes of caramel, pipe tobacco, and baking spices with a bold and lingering finish.
It’s a special whiskey; the brand is referring to it as their most premium offering. No doubt a lot to this comes down to it’s hi-tech presentation.
The custom-engineered outer packaging is said to mirror the ‘halo’ shape of McLaren’s race cars. Similarly, the bottle and the packaging feature materials such as micro-suede and carbon fibre which are also used in McLaren’s manufacturing.
Jack Daniels Halo MK1 is available in selected global markets for around US$600.
PULTENEY
To celebrate the Wick distillery’s 200th anniversary, Pulteney have launched a very special distillery exclusive single malt.
Old Pulteney 10 Year Old was matured in maturation in ex-bourbon casks was followed by dual maturation in Manzanilla and Oloroso sherry casks before bottling at 48% ABV. This dual maturation as a first for the distillery and resulted in a whisky with notes of vanilla, spiced fruits and polished oak wrapped in Pulteney’s trademark maritime salinity.
Old Pulteney 10 Year Old 200th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive is available now from the distillery and through the bands website for £99.
Our recent article “Very Old Pulteney: Wick Distillery Celebrates 200 Years” covered this whisky, the distillery’s its history, and its celebration plans in more detail, so check that our for more information.
TOBERMORY
The Isle of Mull distillery has unveiled a new limited edition expression of their peated single malt which uses a first-ever cask combination from the distillery.
Ledaig Castaway has been matured in a combination of rare Caribbean rum and Mexican tequila casks, offering a suitably tropical take on Ledaig’s trademark maritime character. Bottled at cast strength (61.1% ABV), it’s a warming dram with notes of mangoes, grilled pineapple, and peat smoke.
Available now with an RRP of £65.
This expression as released as part of Tobermory’s fund raising efforts for partnership with the Mull and Iona Community Trust, with this particular expression donating cash towards the island’s Rubha nan Gall lighthouse.
For more information on this fundraising effort, check out our previous article “Island Distillery Raises Funds to 'Protect' Lighthouse.”
TOMATIN
Tomatin revealed the latest smoky single malt from their Creation Series.
Cu Bocan Creation #8 continues the series’ theme of exploring unusual cask types and their effect on a whisky’s flavour, with this release having been matured in a combination of Ice Wine Casks and Verdejo Casks.
As we expect from Cu Bocan, this release is lightly peated and offers a smoky and spicy edge to the spirit. The unique cask combo adds plenty depth and sweetness, bringing notes of candied peaches, orange blossom, and green grapes to the fore.
Bottled at 46% ABV and available now with an RRP of £45.
WILD TURKEY
Campari-owned Wild Turkey has launched a new series of annual releases that will pay tribute to iconic releases from the brand’s past. The first release in the Austin Nichols Archives Collection is a 16 year old Kentucky straight bourbon that aims to capture the essence of Wild Turkey releases of the 1980s and early 1990s.
These whiskies are referred to by fans as ‘Cheesy Gold Foil’ due to the now slightly dated gold foil effect on the labels. It’s something embraced by the brand these days and is reflected in this new release’s ‘Gold Foil Edition’ subtitle.
Bottled at 60% ABV, this release was also crafted from much older whisky normally reserved for Wild Turkey expressions. In terms of flavour, dark fruits and honey are balanced by rich oak and peppery spice.
Wild turkey 16 year Old Gold Foil Edition will be available in limited quantities in select locations with an RRP of US$400.
