Following a hiatus in 2024, the expression is back. Bottled at 112.8 proof, the 2025 edition draws predominantly from second-fill Oloroso sherry casks, with a blend of first-fill and refill casks hand-selected by Master Blender Julieann Fernandez.

“One of the greatest joys for me as a Master Blender is tasting a whisky in its purest form directly from cask, and it brings me real pleasure to be able to share that experience with our community of whisky lovers,” said Bunnahabhain Master Blender Julieann Fernandez. “Not every whisky stands up to Cask Strength, but Bunnahabhain is absolutely made for it.”

Islay’s most northerly distillery since 1881, the maturation in Bunnahabhain’s warehouses exposes the whisky to intense maritime conditions, allowing the distillate to develop salinity and a spice complexity.

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2025 Edition is available for $148.99.

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Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team began experimenting some years ago with the mashing process, in which malted barley is converted into fermentable sugars. One of their experiments involved reducing the amount of water used in the packed mash tun. This unconventional “high-gravity” mash magnified the intensity of flavor-active compounds known as acetate esters, leading to a fruitier, more tropical spirit.

“The first whisky we have ever made with a high-gravity mash, Ardbeg Smokiverse takes our single malt’s classic peaty character to a new frontier of flavor,” said Dr Bill Lumsden MBE, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation. “My ramping up the density of our wort to new heights, we’ve drawn in fruitier, sweeter flavors from the deepest corners of the mash tun. Upon first sip, you can expect a vibrant burst of fruity, ester notes, rather like smoked bubble gum, along with aromas of barley. Then peaty notes collide with juicy, tropical fruits, before sinking into a rich depth of muscovado sugar.”

Inspired by this high-gravity mash, Ardbeg brought to life a space-inspired universe on Ardbeg Day. Committee Members and friends experienced the world of Smokiverse via cosmic games, space-themed cocktails, whisky tastings and smoky bites.

“We’re inviting whisky fans from all corners of the world to join us – both at the Distillery, the beating heart of the Smokiverse, and beyond – to celebrate Ardbeg Day,” said Jackie Thomson, Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Ardbeg Committee Chair. We’re thrilled to share this whisky with smoky-malt lovers everywhere and send their tastebuds into overdrive with the release of this extraordinary new expression.”

Ardbeg Smokiverse (96.6 proof) is available now for $124.99.

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Highland Park first brought scotch fans into the dark, and now its bringing them into the Light. The Orkney Islands-based scotch recently unveiled its newest expression, The Light.

This limited-edition, 17-year-old single-malt Scotch whisky was inspired by summer on the islands, where days last close to 20 hours — a dramatic contrast to winter. While the climate is mild, the winds are so strong that very few trees survive. This creates the aromatic peat — woodless but rich in heather — that, when used to dry the malt, gives Highland Park whisky its signature flavor.

Matured in refill American oak casks, The Light follows the 2017 release of The Dark, which was aged exclusively in first-fill European oak sherry casks. Just 4,500 bottles will be available in the USA.

“In both The Light and The Dark, we share the story of the noble Viking warriors who are our ancestors, of our contrasting island seasons and of the intense balance of our whisky,” says Jason R. Craig, brand director at Highland Park. “Our award-winning whiskies deliver flavors of smoky sweetness that’s the product of our climate and our craftsmanship — our own continuous cycle.”

Presented in a pale-green bespoke glass, the decoration on the bottle and oak cradle of The Light complements that of The Dark. The serpent dragon embossed on the front takes its inspiration from Viking stories, while “The Light” is written in runes on the creature’s tail and embossed on the oak cradle in a nod to the distillery’s Nordic ancestry.

Highland Park The Light is available from specialty spirits retailers nationally for $300.

The post Highland Park Shows Scotch Fans The Light appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

Happy Belated National Scotch Day! We celebrated this weekend with an Islay classic that is a favorite of peaty whisky fans.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old is an original expression that it is distilled the same way today as the first day it was crafted, nearly 200 years ago. As the the brand’s flagship expression, this 10 Year Old serves as a great introduction for first timers to the Laphroaig portfolio. It also remains a constant favorite amongst scotch aficionados.

The 10 Year Old is the original Laphroaig, distilled the same way it was when Ian Hunter invented it more than 75 years ago. Malted barley is dried over a peat fire. The smoke from this peat, found only on Islay, gives Laphroaig its particularly rich flavour.

The 10 Year Old has a bold, smoky taste, followed by a hint of seaweed and a surprising sweetness. This full-bodied variant is the foundation of all Laphroaig expressions and comes with a long finish.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old retails for $49.99.

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