The Whisky Exchange 2025: A Year in Review and Highlights

Blair Athol 2007 / 16yo / The Seasons: Winter / The Whisky Exchange 

We kicked off 2025 in style with another instalment of The Whisky Exchange single cask series: The Seasons. This parcel of casks was inspired by the aroma and character of Winter, from those favourite festive dishes to cured meats and indulgent puddings. Our pick from the bunch was a mature Blair Athol 16 Year Old aged in an oloroso sherry butt and packed with notes of rich treacle toffee and unctuous umami. Blair Athol has long been a crowd pleaser and this is a great step up in depth and character for fans of the official Flora & Fauna 12 Year Old release. 

Ardnahoe Bholsa 

Hailing from one of Islay’s newest distilleries, Ardnahoe only started distilling in 2018. After a patient wait of five years, their inaugural release hit the shelves in 2024. But our favourite so far has been the Bholsa, named after the breathtaking caves on Islay’s north coast. Peat and sherry come together to create a magical tapestry of flavour, best enjoyed anywhere, from the Atlantic coast to the comfort of your own armchair. With their steady, calculated approach to whisky making we can’t wait to see how this distillery develops and their spirit gently ages in the coming years. 

Nc'nean 2017 / 7yo / Calvados Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange 

Few other brands can proudly claim such impressive environmental and sustainability credentials as Nc’Nean. It’s a tough path to forge, especially for a new distillery, but the liquid coming from this small distillery on Scotland’s remote West coast has certainly impressed enough. So much so that following on from our (long-since sold out) 2023 exclusive release aged in Tequila casks we jumped at the chance to work on another exclusive single cask with them. This time round we selected a Calvados cask allowing the waxier, pastry and orchard fruit side of Nc’Nean to shine through. 

Balvenie 2012 / 12yo / Montilla Casks / A Collection of Curious Casks 

With so many different types of casks being used for maturation in the modern whisky industry, it’s hard to believe there are many ‘firsts’ to be had. But this Balvenie is the only single malt we have ever encountered aged in Montilla casks. Lesser known but certainly rivalling their cousins in Jerez, these wines are made exclusively from the Pedro Ximenez grape (though not always sweet!) adding to the already luscious, honey-laden profile of Balvenie. 

Maker's Mark London Edition 

Since its debut in 2022, Maker’s Mark’s Wood Finishing City Series has explored global cities and their flavours. The London Edition was created with chef Douglas McMaster of Silo and renowned bartender Ryan “Mr Lyan” Chetiyawardana, aiming to capture London’s dynamic character, balancing deep spice with bright, elegant notes. We’re huge fans of Maker’s Mark here at The Whisky Exchange, and this release is close to our hearts, being such an admirable homage to the UK’s diverse and bustling capital city. 

Star Hill Farm Wheat Whisky / 2025 Release 

Another surprise hit from Maker’s Mark this year, this time in the form of Star Hill Farm; their first-ever wheat whiskey and first new mashbill in 70 years. This annual release debuted in 2025, crafted from two wheat-forward mashbills, and blended from seven- and eight-year-old whiskeys. Bottled at cask strength, notes of caramel, golden raisins, honeyed toffee and toasted pecans coat the palate. Named after the distillery’s 1,100-acre home, the whiskey reflects Maker’s Mark’s deep commitment to sustainability, including B Corp status, a new Estate Whiskey certification and their support for widespread regenerative farming. 

Inchdairnie KinGlassie Raw 2017 / 8yo 

KinGlassie is only distilled once a year for less than a week, every December. KinGlassie Raw is a limited-edition release that combines the natural character of the distillery with untamed smokiness, matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon casks for eight years. The styles of spirit being produced at Inchdairnie are a prime example of how dividing styles of Scotch whisky by geography or region has become redundant. This heavily peated whisky from Fife easily stands shoulder to shoulder with its heavyweight cousins on Islay. 

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2025 

With 2025 marking the 200th anniversary of Midleton distillery, this year’s Very Rare expression was given some extra care and attention during its creation. For the first time in the collection’s history, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman identified six distinct distillate styles for the vintage, including Midleton’s signature grain whiskey made with malted and un-malted barley along with pot still whiskey aged in first-fill barrels. This has been an exceptionally popular release with collectors and drinkers alike. 

Kanosuke 2020 / 1st Fill Bourbon Cask #20496 / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange 

The Whisky Exchange has championed Japanese whisky for decades now, from the very first arrival of Suntory and Nikka whiskies in the UK. We’re constantly on the lookout for rising stars as well, and for good reason Kanosuke has caught our eye. With over 140 years of history in shochu distilling, they were well placed to enter the single malt market in 2017. The distillery faces Fukiagehama beach, with the warm climate of southern Kyushu creating a unique maturation environment here. We were delighted to release this single bourbon cask – bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange – showcasing the exceptional quality of spirit they are producing. 

Kimchangsoo Whisky Gimpo Korean Single Malt 

Korea is not the easiest country to produce whisky in, with limited real estate to build on and high taxes. Adding to that is the extreme temperature range (as low as -20°C in winter to 40°C in summer), which means a high angel’s share too. Nevertheless, in the face of adversity Kimchangsoo Distillery and its founder - Kim Chang Soo - has shown incredible determination to create something special. This lightly peated inaugural expression is reminiscent of an old-school Highland whisky and has turned many heads since it landed with us this year. 

Ki One Tiger Edition Korean Single Malt 

Ki One is distilled at the Three Societies Distillery in South Korea, referring to the Scottish, American and Korean influences that drive their philosophies.  The distillery was founded by Korean-American entrepreneur Bryan Do and brought to life by Scottish distiller Andrew Shand (who cut his teeth at The Glenlivet and Nikka distilleries), and the pair have an ambitious vision to create something unique in the rapidly growing Korean whisky scene. The IWSC Gold Medal-winning Tiger Edition is named after the country’s national animal, symbolising strength and courage. This has been a standout hit for us at The Whisky Exchange this year, and we’re excited to see what the future has in store for these bold producers. 

Penderyn Serpent's Tears Peated Welsh Whisky 

It may come as a surprise that Serpent’s Tears is the first peated whisky produced in North Wales since Fron Goch Distillery closed over 100 years ago. Produced at Penderyn’s Llandudno distillery, this is also the very first whisky to be released from the site, which began producing malt spirit in 2021. Now over 25 years old as a category, Welsh whisky continues to earn its place in a market that has traditionally been dominated by more established whisky-making regions, thanks to the tireless work of the people behind Penderyn. This smoky spirit offers an exciting glimpse into what the future may have in store, and we were thrilled to see it arrive.