House Of Hazelwood
House of Hazelwood Q&A
House of Hazelwood
In this exclusive Q&A, House of Hazelwood offers insights into their meticulous curation and bottling process, the historical significance behind their rare and luxurious whisky collection, and what sets their offerings apart.
House of Hazelwood is known for curating some of the rarest and most luxurious whiskies. Can you share the story behind how House of Hazelwood was founded and the inspiration that led to its creation?
For almost one hundred years, generations of the Gordon family have carefully laid down stocks of whisky for special occasions and personal consumption. This rare collection has become known as House of Hazelwood, after the family’s Dufftown home – Hazelwood House.
Today, the House of Hazelwood collection has grown to become the greatest inventory of aged Scotch whisky held anywhere in the world. Spanning seven decades and every corner of Scotland, the diverse whiskies held in cask tell stories of remarkable places, lost ways of working, first casks, last casks, the ambitions, and achievements of several lifetimes – none of which will be repeated.
In 2022, this once-private collection was made available in small batches hand-selected for release. The whisky stocks had amassed to such a level, it simply would be impossible for one family to consume it all – and at the age statements and styles offered, this is a unique opportunity to sample liquid history, bottled.
While House of Hazelwood isn’t a distillery, your approach to selecting and bottling whisky is both unique and meticulous. What sets your curation process apart, and how do you ensure each bottle maintains such high standards of quality and craftsmanship?
As an independent producer, we are not bound to the same commercial challenges as others may be – and as a result, House of Hazelwood can foster a whisky making methodology that truly is “ready when it is ready” and bottled not a minute sooner. The stocks are assessed regularly by the sampling team – and when a whisky reaches optimal maturation or takes on a particularly unusual characteristic, we make the decision to bottle and share with connoisseurs.
With such a prestigious collection of rare whiskies, are there any upcoming releases or special projects that you’re particularly excited about at House of Hazelwood?
We recently released the 2024 collection, adding eight new expressions to our current offering, inspired by the adventuring spirit of the Gordon Family. Every bottle within this release is to be cherished, but there are a few that really demonstrate our ethos of constant innovation and producing exceptional whisky. For instance, our 1972 Single Grain Scotch Whisky titled “The Old Ways” is a remarkable example of whisky-making techniques which are no longer employed. At its time of distillation, the technology simply did not exist of which we have today, so it offers a true insight into how things have evolved into present day.
Given House of Hazelwood’s distinct position in the whisky industry, how do you envision the future of rare and luxury whisky? Are there any industry trends or innovations that you’re paying close attention to?
As a company, we are never driven by trends, but rather opting to bottle only the most exceptional of expressions when they are assessed to be ready to bottle – at 30 years, or 50 years. Looking to the future, we believe the whiskies will represent a liquid time capsule of techniques, flavours and stories that are unlikely, or in some cases even impossible, to recreate in the modern day. For us, our custodianship of such pivotal, yet drinkable, moments in history is an honour to serve.
If you would like to find out more about House of Hazelwood or would be interested in purchasing one of their bottles you can visit their website here
Weekly Whisky News- 13th of September
WEEKLY WHISKY NEWS
Friday 13th of September
Read on to get your weekly dose of news all about the UK’s latest whisky launches.
Every Friday we will bring you a quick round up of everything you need to know about what’s new in the world of whisky.
Ewan McGregor Launches Charity Auction for 26 years old Arran Whisky, While Duncan Taylor Unveils 54 years old Highland Park Scotch.
Douglas Laing Releases 13 Years Old Blair Athol in Red Wine Cask Collection, Bruichladdich Unveils Octomore 15 Series, and Benromach Distillery Launches 50 Years Old Limited Edition.
- Douglas Laing & Co. announced the release of a Blair Athol 13 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the second bottling in their exclusive Old Particular Red Wine Cask Collection: Read More
- Islay distillery Bruichladdich unveiled its Octomore 15 Series – which includes the second most-heavily peated expression in the Octomore single malts series so far. Read More
- Speyside distillery, Benromach Distillery released a limited-edition 50 Years Old Single Malt: Read More
The GlenAllachie Unveils Its Oldest Whisky Yet with a 35 Years Old Single Malt, Turntable Spirits Launches a Blend Inspired by Foo Fighters, and Cotswolds Distillery Expands Harvest Series with Amber Meadows.
- Another Speyside distillery, The GlenAllachie, revealed it’s 35 Years Old Single Malt – its oldest ever whisky to date: Read More
- Turntable Spirits in Glasgow unveiled a new blend inspired by a Foo Fighters’ song which is the sixth release in its series: Read More
- Cotswolds Distillery has expanded its Harvest Series with a third limited-edition whisky – Amber Meadows Single Malt: Read More
For more on the latest whisky releases, join us at The Whisky Hub Weekly Whisky News every Friday
Lindores Abbey Distillery
Lindores Abbey Distillery Q&A with Gary HaggartDistillery Manager
Lindores Abbey Distillery
In this exclusive Q&A, Gary Haggart, Distillery Manager of Lindores Abbey Distillery, shares insights into the whisky-making process, the distillery’s historical significance, and what visitors can expect during their visit.
Lindores Abbey Distillery has a rich historical significance as the spiritual home of Scotch whisky. Can you tell us about the journey that led to the revival of whisky-making at Lindores and how the distillery was brought to life?
Obviously, we have the late, great Michael Jackson to thank for his book, ‘Scotland and Its Whiskies’, with its immortal line ‘To the whisky lover, it is a pilgrimage’, in relation to Lindores Abbey.
The whisky industry is a wonderful thing, and we were encouraged from the very beginning of our journey by the people who believed and assisted us in making Lindores Abbey Distillery a reality. Once funds were in place, the team that we chose to build and fit out the distillery were exceptional. We knew that Lindores, with its important Scotch whisky story, would be scrutinised and so we needed to use the best in the business, they are too many to name here, but Dr Jim Swan, 3B Construction, Organic Architects, Forsyths and Bright 3D are just some, and the result was a beautiful distillery fitted to make beautiful spirit.
The residents of the town of Newburgh were also supportive, with not a single objection placed at the planning stages. It’s always heartwarming when you hear locals refer to ‘our distillery’, and Drew and I are so happy to have been able to put the Abbey well and truly on the map. Our founder’s great-grandfather and grandfather were benefactors to the town, and we relish the opportunity to continue that tradition. It’s an honour to be able to play our part in the local community, as employers naturally, but also in less obvious ways which have a more personal impact on day-to-day life in the surrounding area.
We are also lucky to be surrounded by a very strong and loyal team, many of whom joined us 7 years ago and have grown with us on the journey, we are very appreciative of the skill and loyalty they show and for their support when it’s not all plain sailing!
Lindores Abbey is steeped in history, but its approach to whisky-making is both innovative and respectful of tradition. What sets Lindores Abbey’s production methods and flavour profiles apart from other distilleries?
Finding a method that both produces exceptional spirit but also honours our rich heritage and those who paved the way for us. We start by using local malt from the area over which the monks at Lindores Abbey had stewardship. This land provided for them all those years ago, and still provides the barley for our malt today. Next, we use a specific vorlauf method to clarify our worts which leads to a reduced spice and grain character, but an increase in fruity character – the DNA of Lindores! We also do a few things to increase the complexity of our spirit character. Firstly, we operate a longer length fermentation to really elevate ester and congener levels within the spirit. Secondly, we run sister spirit stills which provides increased copper contact over a process that uses one larger spirit still and helps contribute to the smooth, clean character of our spirit. We also always use a high percentage of fresh casks, in fact, our MCDXCIV uses only fresh casks, but we also source casks of exceptional quality for our other bottlings.
What really completes our spirit is our people. We can train people, we can support them in learning skills to enable them to be successful, but you can’t train passion or enthusiasm, and that is what we look for in every member of our team. Every person who works at Lindores is passionate about
making the best single malt scotch whisky that we can, and that contributes heavily to the bottles that land on shelves worldwide.
In short, to make the best whisky, you need the best people, the best spirit and the best casks – we’re lucky enough to have all three!
Sustainability is an important aspect of modern whisky production. How does Lindores Abbey Distillery incorporate eco-friendly practices, and do you have any long-term goals for sustainability?
Sustainability is indeed a crucial element in modern whisky production, and Lindores Abbey Distillery has integrated several eco-friendly practices into its operations. Currently, the distillery repurposes draff, a by-product of whisky production, as cattle feed, effectively reducing waste and supporting local agriculture. Additionally, Lindores Abbey employs a closed-loop system for its condenser waters, which prevents hot water from contaminating the environment. We also take a sustainable approach to effluent management as our pot ales are taken by a local farmer for use on fields within 10 miles of the distillery.
In terms of sourcing raw materials, Lindores Abbey minimizes its carbon footprint by using locally grown barley (grown by Drew’s cousins within half a mile from the distillery), which is then malted nearby in Alloa, resulting in a mere 90-mile round trip for these essential ingredients.
On a consumer basis – the distillery also avoids providing secondary packaging for its products, and any packaging materials used are fully recyclable or biodegradable.
Looking to the future, we are committed to further enhancing our sustainability practices, in particular through the preservation of our beautiful surroundings. Whether that is by ensuring minimal impact and sustainable use of the rolling hills and fields of Fife that we are so lucky to call home, or through the upkeep of the ancient abbey walls we have on site – we are determined that Lindores will be a place that is enjoyed for generations.
Are there any upcoming releases or special projects at Lindores Abbey that you’re particularly excited about?
On the 12th September, THIRON will land on shelves in our visitor centre, across the UK and be available to buy online (it will also be hitting shelves worldwide from October onwards!). This release is an incredibly special one for us, it marks the start of a series of annual releases that celebrates the true Lindores Spirit, encapsulating our rich history, our wonderful people and our award-winning spirit.
This bottle celebrates our centuries-old ties to the Abbey and French village of Thiron-Gardais and we’ve ventured back to our roots to bring forth scotch whisky that embodies the legacy of the Tironensian monks who laid down the spiritual foundations of Scotch Whisky.
Thiron Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been nurtured in virgin oak casks hewn from the same lands that connect Thiron Abbey and Lindores Abbey across centuries. The use of bourbon and red wine barriques casks with the French virgin oak has yielded a whisky of unparalleled character.
Thiron is imbued with rich flavours of vanilla and roasted banana, complemented by the warm essence of cinnamon and baking spices. This unique combination enhances the mellow notes of vanilla and caramel, as well as the fruity undertones and layers of roast chestnuts. The result is a
finely balanced and complex whisky, with a delightful finish and the smooth, silky texture characteristic of Lindores whisky. It is bottled onsite at our unique strength of 49.4% ABV. Natural colour and non-chill filtered.
This really is not a release to be missed, having already attracted attention from whisky lovers and stockists worldwide, I wouldn’t wait to purchase as I don’t think this bottle will be available for long!
Given Lindores Abbey’s unique position in the whisky industry, how do you see the future of the distillery and the whisky industry as a whole? Are there any trends or innovations that you’re watching closely?
As far as sustainability is concerned, one of the trends that we are following closely is the move towards more sustainable power solutions, such as biomass and hydrogen.
Our production team are investigating the use of mechanical vapor recompression (MVR), which is an energy recovery process which can be used to recycle waste heat to improve efficiency.
Just like the Monks in the past, we have been lucky to have many innovators within the Lindores team and I have no doubt that we will be trailblazing new and innovative processes in the very near future.
The future of the whisky industry?
It’s a tricky question! If only we had a crystal ball. There is no denying that the demands from the consumer and the market are changing, but I think there will always be a home for a good quality honest whisky.
If you would like to find out more about Lindores Abbey Distillery or would be interested in purchasing one of their bottles you can visit their website here
Annandale Distillery
Annandale Distillery with Ben CallowGlobal Brand Ambassador
Annandale Distillery
After a long period of silence, this historic distillery was reborn in 2014, breathing new life into one of Scotland’s oldest whisky-making traditions.
Today, we sit down with Ben Callow, the Global Brand Ambassador of Annandale Distillery, to discuss the distillery’s remarkable journey from its historic roots to its modern-day revival
Annandale Distillery has a rich history, originally founded in 1836 and beautifully restored in recent years. Can you share the story of this restoration and what it means to bring Annandale back to life after so many years?
The revival of Annandale Distillery has been nothing short of breathtaking but also painstaking, but nothing great comes easy and being able to be a part of Annandale’s journey is a real privilege.
For myself and my colleagues, it’s a wonderful time to be a part of a project that is truly unique; bringing Single Malt Scotch Whisky production back to Annan, and building a brand that everyone from Dumfries & Galloway can be proud of has been at the heart of what our owners David and Teresa wanted to achieve.
The distillery is located in the South of Scotland and has a storied history dating back to 1836 when it was one of the first legal distilleries in Scotland. After being close to derelict for most of the 20th century, it was reborn in 2014 and restored to its former glory.
We are proudly traditional, doing things the way they have always been done. Our distillery is built from the local sandstone, our washbacks are made from Oregon Pine, and our Whisky is made one single cask at a time, each as individual as you.
Annandale is unique in offering both peated and unpeated single malt whiskies, known as 'Man O’Sword' and 'Man O’Words.' What inspired this dual production, and how do these two expressions reflect the distillery’s character and philosophy?
The inspiration behind is a mix of both simplicity and complexity.
The Man O’Words series pays tribute to ‘The Bard’ Robert Burns, a former excise man who based himself in and around Dumfries and Galloway in the 18th Century. It was always meant to inspire folk to take a cup of kindness and regale stories of the day.
The Man O’Sword series is to pay tribute to King Robert the Bruce, ‘King of Scots’. The distillery is built upon his lands and situated to where one of his Castles once stood.
However, we also wanted to pay homage to the original distillery owners that came before us; From 1836 all the way to 1917, Annandale produced Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which is rare for the region, so our owners wanted to build on that legacy and produce peated malt, but in the true spirit of Annandale decided not to stop there and worked with Dr. Jim Swan to be able to run a plant offering unpeated spirit as well.
I’m sure after a few drams of Annandale’s Man O’Words & Man O’Sword Single Cask Whiskies we’ll all be reciting perfect Auld Lang Syne lyrics but if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again.
We have since then gained the unofficial nickname of the distillery of both poets and kings.
Sustainability is a key focus for many distilleries today. How does Annandale integrate eco-friendly practices into its operations, and what are your goals for continuing these efforts in the future?
Like many other distilleries, both in Scotland and around the world, we understand the importance of being custodians of our own planet; we all have differences on how we perfect our Whisky but what we can agree on is that we can and should do more to have as small an impact on the planet as possible.
In late 2024, a trial system will be implemented at Annandale Distillery, showcasing the potential of The EXERGY 3 project. Although it is currently a prototype it will consist of a 36MWh unit powering a 4MW boiler, demonstrating the efficient conversion of air to steam while utilizing a 2MW grid connection. Notably, the distillery will operate seven days a week, leveraging charging capacity gained from renewable energy during off-peak hours. All being well Annandale should be free of using fossil fuels by 2025.
Wastage from a distillery may come in different forms such as broken or damaged casks, CO2 produced from our Washbacks, spent draff, effluent and even energy losses, most of which Annandale has found unique solutions for, and will continue to strive to learn and do more in the future.
After all, the three key ingredients are Water, Malted Barley and Yeast, all of which come from nature, so now is the time to be thankful and give back. I’m very conscious that today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky!
As the Global Brand Ambassador for Annandale, how do you see your role in sharing the distillery's story and whisky with the world? What are some of the challenges and rewards of representing a distillery with such a unique heritage?
To pardon the pun, it means the world to me. It is by no means an easy ride; In the last six years I have been working tirelessly jumping all over the UK and Europe to deliver (sometimes scream) the message that Annandale is ‘The Home of Single Cask Scotch Whisky’.
Coming from a retail background, I always believe in the three pillars; First impressions are crucial, go beyond the customers’ needs and expectations, and leave an impression to build loyalty.
To anyone who has ever met me at a festival stand, in-store barrel top tasting, masterclass or been a part of one of my Annandale tours back when I was in the tour and retail team, I hope they experienced my philosophy that we may never meet again so let’s make our encounter one to remember.
I must personally thank Annandale’s Commercial Director and General Manager David Ashton-Hyde for taking a punt on a young loud and proud Brummie and entrusting me with the brand message as the past 7 years have been the most exciting and learned of my career to date.
With Annandale’s commitment to quality and innovation, are there any upcoming releases or special projects that you’re particularly excited to share with whisky enthusiasts?
We are always innovating and turning some heads, and taught to never say never no, and only ask ourselves how?
The cask purchasing team are always finding rare and interesting casks of proven quality provenance to mature our whisky in and I’m very excited by the prospect of bringing them to our customer base in the months and years to come. I believe there are over 40 different cask types maturing at present many of which haven’t been seen in the market before, certainly not as a single cask single malt, so each release will be continuing to showcase Annandale’s innovative spirit.
We will also be bottling our first Man O’Words 10YO Single Cask, Single Malt in November this year. This will of course be very limited bottlings from our 2014 range, and we plan to make a huge splash.
Will we then move to our First 10YO Man O’Sword Shortly after.
Alongside this we have some exciting collaborations being launched over the year ahead and very unique whisky advent hopefully ready for this Christmas.
For our international audiences and partners, we have expanded the team and will be flying in over the year ahead to bring our passion and some exclusive casks to you. Whether that will be some unique cask types or a selection of new vintages to try; I’m sure you will enjoy the quality of all that we put into glass.
If you would like to find out more about Ardnamurchan Distillery or would be interested in purchasing one of their bottles you can visit their website here
Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of Annandale Distillery and the broader whisky industry? Are there any trends or developments that you find particularly intriguing?
For Annandale, we want to be more self-sufficient. We plan to one day cultivate, , harvest, malt and kiln our own barley for Whisky production; and we’ll be continuing to nurture our own kitchen garden to produce fruit and vegetables for both The Globe Inn in Dumfries and Annandale’s stunning café; for this we have acquired Comlongon Castle along with a substantial amount of land within the estate.
From a whisky perspective, Annandale will continue to take ownership of the single cask single malt whisky market and hold our heads up within the premium sector at home and abroad.
The global whisky consumer is growing very aware of spending their money on quality liquid over brand strength, and with our liquid being widely regarded, and as we continue to reach vintage milestones, we’ll be able to further convince the whisky world of the quality of Annandale and cement our place around the whisky tasting table.
If you would like to find out more about Annandale Distillery or would be interested in purchasing one of their bottles you can visit their website here
Ardnamurchan Distillery
Ardnamurchan Distillery with Connal MackenzieSales Director
Ardnamurchan. Headland of the great seas.
Nestled in the ruggedly beautiful coastline of Scotland’s west highlands, This distillery stands as a testament to innovation and tradition.
Established in 2014, Ardnamurchan Distillery embodies the spirit of its namesake peninsula, renowned for its wild landscapes and untamed character.
Can you tell us about the history and unique features of Ardnamurchan Distillery, and how it distinguishes itself from other distilleries?
One major factor influencing our distinguishing characteristics is the link to the other brand in our company, Adelphi Selection. Adelphi has been a highly selective independent bottler for over thirty years, focusing primarily on cask-strength, single-cask expressions. The entire brand is predicated on the quality and character of the liquid, and this ethos paved the way for Ardnamurchan Distillery. Our first distillate flowed into casks in July of 2014, so we turn ten years old as a distillery this month. From day one, our entire team has been driven to make the best Western Highland single malt possible. Being an independent company affords our entire team the flexibility to constantly focus on that mission to create great malt whisky, all the way through from growing barley to mashing to blending to bottling.
Ardnamurchan Distillery is also inextricably linked to its location on the rugged, remote Ardnamurchan peninsula. We have always sought to make a whisky that we feel suits the wild environment in which we’re based while maintaining balance and nuance. We produce both unpeated and peated distillate and fill into a wide range of cask types, though we focus on the traditional combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. For us, using both peated and unpeated distillate and bourbon and sherry maturation for our flagship expression encapsulates what we feel whisky from Ardnamurchan should be: an engaging, textured dram with a balance light smoke, salinity, and fruit traits.
How does Ardnamurchan Distillery approach sustainable and eco-friendly practices in whisky production, and do you have long-term plans in this regard?
While we always lead our conversations with the whisky, sustainability is a core pillar of our distillery and affects our business decisions every day. We grow 70% of the barley we use on land adjacent to Adelphi’s headquarters in Fife (unfortunately, barley doesn’t grow well on the volcanic rock of Ardnamurchan). Due to our remote location, we have created a circular economy on the peninsula to minimise environmental impact. The entire distillery site, including staff accommodation and Visitor’s Centre, is entirely fuelled by a biomass boiler. That boiler is fuelled by wood chip coming from a renewable forestry site 2 miles down the road on the peninsula. For each non-native Pine tree (planted across Scotland for timber in the 20th century) harvested, the site plants two trees of species native to the peninsula. We source all of our electricity through solar and hydro-electric generators, the latter installed on the stream running off the hills behind the distillery which also provides cooling water for distillation. Our solid and liquid effluent are combined to create a nutrient-rich animal feed which is distributed to livestock on the peninsula as well.
Could you share insights into the cask selection process at Ardnamurchan Distillery and its influence on the whisky's flavours, aligning with your classic and innovative expressions?
We aim to make a traditional style of West Coast single malt and therefore use mostly a traditional combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. We source these casks directly from producers in Kentucky and Jerez, Spain. However, we do like to experiment and frequently release expressions with less common maturation profiles, including Sauternes and Madeira casks. We also have an annual collaborative release of an unpeated Ardnamurchan matured in ex-wine barriques from our friends at Champagne Paul Launois, a Grand Cru Champagne house in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. This release has proven one of our most popular and sought-after whiskies. These limited releases provide us with a great counterpoint to the more traditional maturation profile of our core expressions, AD/ Single Malt and AD/ Cask Strength.
What are the current trends impacting the whisky industry, and how is Ardnamurchan Distillery positioned to leverage these trends?
The world of Scotch whisky continues to grow to meet ever-increasing demand, with new distilleries cropping up and existing distilleries expanding. We as a category are fortunate maintain our distinction in the world of alcohol simply due to the stringent geographic and production requirements of Scotch. Several other categories, including agave spirits and other world whiskies including bourbon, are gaining popularity swiftly; Scotch whisky needs to continue investing in its image as a premium alcohol product to differentiate from these other segments of the market. Certainly global competition, increased cost of goods, and political change all will continue to exist as barriers, but Scotch whisky maintains good positioning to succeed. Ardnamurchan Distillery’s unwavering commitment to our whisky being both unique and distinguishable from other Scotch brands and premium in quality places us in good stead to succeed in the current climate.
Our company also aligns well with two critical consumer trends: sustainability and transparency. While we discussed sustainability above, whisky buyers are also increasingly concerned with whether brands disclose any and every piece of information about the product. To that end, every Ardnamurchan whisky is non-chill-filtered and does not have colour added, demonstrating openness and lack of deceit in terms of the presentation of the liquid in the bottle. We also have a QR code on each and every bottle that provides every possible detail about production, including mash temperatures, yeast strain, a list of details about every cask used in the batch, and many other specifics.
Finally, last year our company released a premium blended Scotch called Maclean’s Nose to provide a high-quality option at the lower end of Scotch whisky’s price spectrum. Maclean’s Nose comprises 70% malt whisky, the highest proportion of any blend on the market, is lightly peated and West Coast in style, and is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered, and natural colour. All of these are quite rare qualitative commitments in the blended Scotch subcategory. As a result, we have seen marked success with this new brand; it has quickly proven to be a whisky our team is extremely proud of that also proves affordable for many despite the difficult global economy over the past several years.
Can you give us a glimpse of any exciting projects or upcoming whisky releases that you have in the pipeline?
In addition to our core range, Ardnamurchan Distillery constantly puts out new and exciting limited releases. We will be releasing a Sauternes Cask Release in the next few months and a 2nd batch of our very successful Sherry Cask Release which debuted last autumn. We will also release a small amount of a 10-Year-Old age statement to commemorate our 10th year of distilling in the Western Highlands. Ardnamurchan also regularly bottles special single cask bottlings for partners throughout the supply chain that continuously support our brand, including importers, distributors, bars, restaurants, and hotels.
If you would like to find out more about Ardnamurchan Distillery or would be interested in purchasing one of their bottles you can visit their website here
Don’t destroy the moment – Use A Glencairn Glass
Honour The Moment
As a whisky enthusiast, you know that the glass you choose is as important as the whisky itself. Serving a premium whisky in the right glass, like the Glencairn Glass, respects both the spirit and the moment. With its thoughtful design and master distiller-approved features, this glass is the perfect vessel to ensure that every dram is experienced to its fullest potential.
By choosing the Glencairn Glass, you honour the craftsmanship of the distillery and elevate the experience when tasting whisky that has been nourished and taken years to produce.
Beyond the Glencairn Glass
Beyond the classic Glencairn Glass, we offer a variety of options to suit every whisky enthusiast’s taste. Our collection includes cut Glencairns and coloured Glencairns, adding a touch of elegance and personalisation to your whisky experience. For those looking to make their glass truly unique, we offer customisation options to feature your brand or a special message for a loved one.
In addition to the iconic Glencairn Glass, our full range includes copitas for traditional tasting, mixer glasses for a perfect whisky cocktail, and gin goblets to elevate your gin and tonic experience. Whatever your drink of choice, our comprehensive Glencairn range ensures you have the perfect glass for every occasion.
Looking for A Gift For Father's Day?
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Go ahead, and effortlessly add a personal touch to your Father’s Day present, knowing it will be treasured.
Are you searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift to elevate your dad's experience while cheering on his favourite team during the 2024 Euros?
With the 2024 Euros just around the corner, what better time to gift your dad the perfect whisky setup? Imagine enjoying the matches together, toasting each goal with a limited edition Euro 2024-designed Glencairn glass.
Choose from a selection of 6 unique designs, each embodying the spirit and humour of Scotland and England, or opt for the special blue and white or red and white gift sets of 2.
Raise a glass and celebrate the football festivities in style!
Introducing The Glencairn Water Jug and Pipette - Ideal Partners for Your Glencairn Glass
Introducing The Glencairn Water Jug and Pipette
The Ideal partners for your Glencairn Glass when you want to enhance your whisky experience with a touch of water.
What Is the Importance of Water in Whisky Tasting?
Why Choose the Glencairn Pipette and Why Is It Important in Whisky Tasting?
The Glencairn Pipette is essential for whisky lovers because it allows you to add water precisely, drop by drop, which can open up the whisky’s complex aromas and flavours, enhancing your tasting experience.
Weighted at the top with a miniature Glencairn Glass, the pipette is not only functional but also ergonomically designed for comfortable handling. With its precisely engineered control aperture, nestled within a wide bulb at the upper end, the pipette allows for better regulation of the water added.
How Do the Water Jug and Pipette Complement Each Other?
Pairing up the Glencairn Water Jug, which also serves as the perfect holder for the Glencairn Pipette, with the Pipette creates a dynamic duo for enhancing your whisky experience. Whether you’re an avid whisky enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of spirits, these accessories bring a blend of control and sophistication to your enjoyment. Crafted with care, the Glencairn Water Jug adds its own touch of elegance while providing a convenient spot for your Pipette. Why not complete your collection of Glencairn accessories and elevate your whisky experience to new heights?
Introducing The Glencairn Gin Goblet - A Game Changer In The World of Gin Drinking
Introducing The Glencairn Gin Goblet
Watch our new video featuring The Glencairn Gin Goblet, a game-changer in the world of gin drinking.
Why make a gin glass?
Where do you see the gin goblet now? how versatile is the goblet?
While the Glencairn Gin Goblet was specifically crafted with gin in mind, its versatility extends beyond just this spirit. The goblet’s design features, such as the lip designed for ease of drinking and the tapering mouth that captures aromas, make it well-suited for a variety of cocktails, including spritz-style drinks.
The growing popularity of spritz-style cocktails, which typically consist of a base spirit, soda water, and a flavorful addition such as liqueur or bitters, has led many to discover the versatility of the Glencairn Gin Goblet. Its elegant shape and crystal clarity enhance the presentation of these cocktails.
Furthermore, the Glencairn Gin Goblet’s stem, designed to keep the hand away from the bowl, helps maintain the temperature of the drink, whether it’s a refreshing gin and tonic or a sparkling spritz. This makes it an ideal vessel for enjoying a wide range of cocktails, from classic gin-based drinks to modern twists on traditional favourites.
What does the future hold for the Glencairn Gin Goblet?
The future for the Glencairn Gin Goblet is bright and promising, mirroring the trajectory of its predecessor, the Glencairn whisky glass. Just as the Glencairn whisky glass has become a staple in whisky bars, festivals, and the collections of whisky enthusiasts worldwide, we envision the Glencairn Gin Goblet following a similar path in the world of gin.
In recent years, we’ve observed an increasing number of gin distilleries and awards embracing the Glencairn Gin Goblet as their standard glassware. Most notably, the Gin Guide Awards have chosen the Glencairn Gin Goblet as their main sponsorship glass, further solidifying its place in the world of gin. Can discover more here.
As more and more gin enthusiasts discover the quality and versatility of the Glencairn Gin Goblet, we believe its popularity will continue to grow. Whether enjoyed at home, in a bar, or at a gin event, the Glencairn Gin Goblet promises to elevate the gin-drinking experience for years to come.
Introducing The Glencairn Mixer - A Glass Made for More Than Just Whisky
Introducing The Glencairn Mixer
Watch our new video featuring The Glencairn Mixer, a versatile crystal glass perfect for enjoying a variety of spirits.
Why was The Glencairn Mixer created?
Are you a whisky enthusiast who loves experimenting with cocktails? Or perhaps you're a gin drinker in search of the perfect glass?
While the Glencairn Mixer Glass was originally created for Canadian whisky enthusiasts, its versatility extends beyond whisky. For example, with gin, this glass is perfect for showcasing the botanical aromas and flavours of your favourite gin cocktails.
Whether you’re mixing up a classic Negroni, a refreshing Gin and Tonic, or experimenting with your own creations, the Glencairn Mixer Glass enhances the visual appeal and taste of your cocktails. Its size and shape make it perfect for Negronis, whisky sours, or spritz-based cocktails.
What makes the glencairn mixer glass so special?
The Glencairn Mixer Glass stands out for several key features. Its lip design, slightly flared and rounded, is engineered for smooth sipping, ensuring that every drop of whisky or cocktail hits your palate just right. Additionally, the tapering mouth of the glass plays a crucial role in capturing and concentrating the drink’s aromas, allowing for a fuller appreciation of its complex flavours.
The glass’s wide bowl sets it apart from traditional whisky glasses and is actually an adaptation of the classic Glencairn glass. This design provides ample space for ice cubes or mixers. This versatility means you can enjoy your drink neat, on the rocks, or with a mixer, all without compromising on flavour or presentation. Crafted with ergonomics in mind, the Glencairn Mixer Glass feels perfectly weighted and balanced in your hand, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable drinking experience, whether you’re leisurely sipping whisky or shaking up a cocktail.
Additionally, the Glencairn Mixer is available in cut crystal, offering an ultra-premium version of the original design.