This is a summary of our full newsletter, running to 10 pages of information including more detail and links to distilleries, bottles and other sources of information. Sign up to get access to the full copy here: August Monthly Round up for the Whisky Drinker
Whisky Highlights
The Really Good Whisky Company blog explored barley’s role in whisky flavour and the concept of terroir. Barley, yeast, fermentation, ageing, and agronomics (soil and sustainability) all influence flavour, cost, and availability. Four barley types dominate: Laureate, Concerto, Golden Promise, and Bere. New certified varieties appear rapidly, raising questions about how barley changes alter distillery flavour and how “heritage, history, and tradition” fit into modern transparency.
In wine, terroir (soil, topography, climate) is central to quality and price. Whisky shows terroir too—Springbank’s Local Barley and Bruichladdich’s sustainability focus are examples—but the term is rarely used. Challenges include Waterford’s failed terroir marketing and the fact many casks are matured off-site.
The whisky landscape is increasingly complex, with more distilleries, cask types, woods, and finishes. Consumers still favour consistency, explaining core ranges and blends. Marketing divides: budget whiskies stress quality, while premium ones focus on emotional storytelling.
An ideal whisky should balance complexity, depth, and distillery character at a fair price. Chill filtration reduces individuality, while ABV and tasting order affect how delicacy or robustness is perceived (e.g., the Rosebank Rekindled tour).
Though single casks have long been prized, rising costs and better cask management mean younger core ranges can now match or surpass them – examples include a 6-year Lindores Abbey and a 12-year Ben Nevis. Age is no longer the sole quality marker. With single casks now overwhelming in variety and price, simplicity may lie in returning to core ranges with a handful of age statements and finishes. Innovation may grab attention, but consumers often return to the familiar, perhaps explaining whisky’s current malaise.
Whisky Product of the Month
Two peated core-range whiskies stand out:
- Talisker 10yo (~£45, 45.8% ABV) – Sweetness, peat, and coastal influence; not for novices but a strong value compared to young single-casks at double the price.
- Spey Trilogia (£55–66, 46% ABV, NAS) – A mix of Trutina, Tenné, and Fumare finished in port casks; floral, fruity, lightly peated, and non-chill filtered. Complexity can be lost after stronger whiskies.
Whisky Business
- Compass Box appoints Angela D’Orazio (ex-Mackmyra) as creative director.
- Ardbeg House opens for bookings (£230/night, incl. breakfast).
- Ardgowan Distillery tours now available (£19.50, 90 mins, 3 drams).
- Benromach celebrates reopening anniversary (1998).
- Yorkshire Distilling Co. enters receivership; auction in September.
- Lochranza (Arran) launches Dunnage & Drams Experience (£60, 2 hrs).
- The Lakes Distillery appoints Brendan McCarron as Head of Distilling.
- Aberargie Distillery harvests final barley ahead of first single malt.
- Nc’nean publishes 2023–24 Sustainability Report.
- Distillers One of One Auction returns 10 Oct 2025, with highlights including a Port Ellen 46yo Prism (£150k–300k estimate).
- Compass Box opens a London tasting room.
- Coleburn Distillery reopens under Keith Cruickshank.
- Benromach expands warehousing by 25% to store Cairn casks.
- Glencairn Glass celebrates 25 years.
- Jura revamps range; entry level rises from 10yo to 12yo.
- Adam Hannett promoted to Master Blender at Bruichladdich.
Whisky Releases
Highlights include:
- Living Souls: 5 new bottles (£52–126).
- Annandale: two 8yo STR casks (£85).
- Cadenheads: August collection (£65–750).
- Glengoyne Mizunara Oak (£300, 16 years, double gold award).
- Yamazaki 25yo Mizunara (£9,950).
- The Whisky Exchange exclusives: Glenallachie 18yo (£180) & Nc’nean 7yo Calvados cask (£89.95).
- Glasgow Distillery 10yo single cask (£73.95).
- Cut Your Wolf Loose: three releases (£55–160).
- Ardbeg Anthology – Beithir’s Tale (£130, 15yo).
- Halcyon Spirits Strathmill 28yo (£220).
- Glenturret 2025 range (Triple Wood £62; 30yo limited to 50 bottles).
- Raasay Marsala Cask (£75, 12,300 bottles).
- Glen Scotia 12yo (£45).
- Connoisseur Collection: Glenrothes 41yo (£1600) & Springbank (£1800).
- GlenAllachie Sinteis Part II (£75).
- Bunnahabhain 12yo Cask Strength 2025 (£90).
- Decadent Drinks August releases (£95–595).
- Wolfburn The Last Keeper 10yo (£79.99).
- Fettercairn Vanguard Collection (£100–2500).
Upcoming Whisky Festivals (2025–2026)
Key dates:
- 5 Sep 2025 – Cadenhead’s Courtyard, Campbeltown
- 4–14 Sep 2025 – Hebridean Whisky Festival
- 12–13 Sep 2025 – Whisky Indy Love Fest, Newcastle
- 3–5 Oct 2025 – Whisky Show, London
- 11 Oct 2025 – Edinburgh Whisky Festival
- 24–26 Oct 2025 – Dornoch Whisky Festival
- 8 Nov 2025 – Glasgow’s Whisky Festival
- 14–15 Nov 2025 – World Whisky Experience, London
- 16–17 Jan 2026 – Southport Winter Festival
- 29 Apr–4 May 2026 – Spirit of Speyside
- 22–31 May 2026 – Fèis Ìle, Islay
- 5–6 Jun 2026 – Whiskey Live Dublin
- 26–28 Jun 2026 – Arran Whisky Festival
- 10 Oct 2026 – Edinburgh Whisky Festival
Many other dates are listed in our full newsletter for regional festivals through 2026.
Background: The Cask Connoisseur processes over 1,000 pieces of whisky news each month. This monthly roundup selects the most notable releases, business updates, and events, though time-limited offers may be missed.
