whisky

In this issue, I explore a collection of drinks that celebrates both deep rooted tradition and innovation. We begin in Bordeaux and Rioja, where regional classics are being thoughtfully reimagined for contemporary palates, before traveling to the storm swept coast of Galicia for an early harvest Albariño that captures the very essence of the region. For the spirits lover, I look at Japanese blending philosophy and a bold Scottish malt.

How a Revolution in Miniature Casks is Changing the Shape of Whisky Maturation

Whisky is an industry often defined by its reverence for tradition. Yet true innovation frequently occurs when someone looks at an established practice from an entirely different angle. For independent bottler Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, that angle is approximately one eighth the size of a standard sherry butt.

Located in the Monadhliath Mountains just south of Inverness, Tomatin Distillery was once a quiet giant of the Highlands, famed for its massive production capacity geared towards the blending industry. The distillery has spent the last 25 years though elegantly redefining itself. Today, Tomatin is celebrated for a lighter, fruit-forward, and sophisticated portfolio of single malts.

The Modern Face of Scottish Craftsmanship

There is a powerful, almost tangible energy when two distinct worlds collide under a single, unified philosophy. In the world of luxury craft, heritage is often treated as a museum piece, something to be preserved exactly as it was. Yet, a recent and pioneering collaboration between independent cask broker Cask Trade, contemporary fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie, and the forward thinking Nc’nean Distillery has turned this notion entirely on its head.

Last week, I attended a press lunch at Carousel in London alongside fellow whisky writers for the relaunch of Tormore, one of Speyside's most distinctive distilleries. The event was far more than the simple unveiling of a new range of single malts. It represented the fulfilment of a long held ambition for brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh, whose profound influence on modern whisky appreciation through The Whisky Exchange remains difficult to exaggerate.

The Freshness of Thinking: Why Rosé is No Longer Just a Seasonal Footnote

There is something wonderfully liberating about drinking pink wine without pretending it has to justify itself. Rosé has spent decades being underestimated, lightly dismissed as a sugary summer seasonal or a simple patio sipper. Yet, away from the clichés, the category has quietly become one of the most dynamic corners of modern viticulture.

Regular readers will know that I have a particular affinity for House of Hazelwood and tend to anticipate each annual release with genuine interest. The 2026 Charles Gordon Collection continues a philosophy shaped by Charles Gordon, one that places patience at the centre of whisky making and recognises that time, when handled with restraint, remains the most valuable asset at a producer’s disposal.

There are plenty of wine podcasts. There are plenty of political interviews. But never have I seen them combined. ‘Vintage Politics’, hosted by Abbie Bennington, does exactly that.

The premise is simple but effective. Conversations with some of the UK’s most recognisable political voices (and a comedian), paired with wines that reflect moments in their lives. Guests include Jon Sopel, Anna Foster, and Nick Robinson, alongside figures such as Guto Harri, Dom Joly and Jo Coburn.

Burns Night has always been about more than reciting poetry and piping in the haggis. At its heart, it is a celebration of place, identity, and shared experience. Whisky sits naturally at the centre of that table, not as a luxury flourish, but as a cultural companion. I have selected some of my favourite recommendations below for you to celebrate with this Saturday January 25th:-

The Glenlivet has unveiled the Second Edition in its Eternal Collection, a 56 Year Old single malt, accompanied by a bespoke artwork from the acclaimed design studio Fredrikson Stallard. Only sixty bottles have been released worldwide. I had an opportunity to taste it at an exceptional dinner at Somerset House.