On 8th May 2025, Fife-based InchDairnie Distillery officially stepped into the spotlight with the launch of its first ever Single Malt Scotch Whiskies—and they’re making a bold entrance. The two new expressions, KinGlassie Double Matured Aged 8 Years and KinGlassie Raw Aged 8 Years, not only mark a major milestone for the innovative distillery but also represent a potentially historic release: the first modern-day peated single malts from the Kingdom of Fife.
These whiskies are designed to ignite flavour exploration—celebrating complexity, smoke, and craftsmanship, all while honouring InchDairnie’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability.
The Story Behind KinGlassie
Named after a village near the distillery and derived from the Irish “Saint Glaisne” meaning “church by the burn,” KinGlassie embodies the spirit of local heritage and flavour discovery. Each expression brings a different interpretation of peat-forward whisky to life.
KinGlassie Double Matured Aged 8 Years
- Peat Level: 50ppm
- Maturation: 5 years in ex-Bourbon casks, followed by 3 years in Amontillado sherry casks
- Tasting Notes: Expect a balance of tobacco smoke, almonds, and rich nuttiness. It’s a velvety dram, with layers of depth and a refined smoky character.
- Production Notes: Crafted using innovative distilling methods, including a hammer mill for fine grain extraction and a mash conversion vessel (instead of a traditional mash tun) to intensify flavour. The spirit undergoes double distillation and condensation, encouraging copper contact to smooth out sulphuric notes.
KinGlassie Raw Aged 8 Years
- Maturation: 8 years in American oak ex-Bourbon casks
- Tasting Notes: A more untamed expression, KinGlassie Raw delivers a smouldering fireplace hit with rich, sweet malty undertones. Think full-bodied smokiness with a wild yet perfectly poised finish.
- Exclusivity: Available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange and Speciality Drinks for the first month, before expanding to wider independent retailers.
A New Era for InchDairnie
Known already for its RyeLaw whisky—a distinctive single distillery Scottish rye—InchDairnie has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking whisky makers in Scotland. The launch of the KinGlassie range adds a smoky, bold dimension to its portfolio and reinforces its mission to fuse tradition with innovation.
And it’s not just about whisky. InchDairnie is working with organisations like NatureScot Peatland Action and IUCN to ensure that peat extraction is done responsibly, with a focus on peatland restoration and environmental sustainability.
“These two distinct whiskies represent our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavour and delivering a taste revolution,” says Ian Palmer, Founder at InchDairnie. “I believe it will become a gamechanger for those who crave complexity and depth.”
Where to Buy
- KinGlassie Double Matured is now available at independent retailers including The Whisky Shop, Royal Mile Whiskies, Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols, Good Spirits Co, and more.
- KinGlassie Raw is exclusively at The Whisky Exchange and Speciality Drinks for one month before going wider.
- Both expressions are also available via inchdairniedistillery.com
The Verdict: For lovers of peated whisky and those seeking something genuinely different, KinGlassie’s debut promises bold flavour, local identity, and boundary-pushing innovation. InchDairnie is certainly one to watch.
