Martijn van Opstal

Watercolour illustration of Laggan Bay Distillery on Islay during its grand opening, showing the modern coastal distillery with celebratory ribbons and soft golden light.

Laggan Bay Distillery Opens

Laggan Bay Distillery has officially joined Islay’s whisky map, filling its first cask and becoming the island’s 11th distillery. Backed by Ian Macleod Distillers and led by industry veteran Malcolm Rennie, the project signals a new chapter for peated Scotch—one that could reshape how we think about Islay’s future.

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How to taste whisky properly – man nosing whisky from a Glencairn glass in a harbour café

How to Taste Whisky Properly

Most people drink whisky. Very few actually taste it.

The difference isn’t experience, price, or even the bottle in your glass — it’s attention. Once you learn how to slow down and approach a dram properly, whisky opens up in ways you didn’t realise were there.

In this Dram1 Academy guide, you’ll learn how to nose, taste, and truly experience whisky — from reading the glass to unlocking hidden aromas and building your palate over time.

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Domhayn 1000 Fathoms Deep whisky barrel resting on the ocean floor with logo on cask, deep sea ageing concept illustration

Domhayn 1000 Fathoms Deep

Domhayn’s 1000 Fathoms Deep whisky pushes maturation into uncharted territory, sending casks nearly 1,800 metres beneath the ocean’s surface. As a fan of dynamic ageing—from Thalassa to Jefferson’s Aged at Sea—this feels like the next bold step, and one I’m genuinely excited to see unfold.

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Ardbeg Dolce 2026 bottle with Marsala cask inspired wine splash artwork

Ardbeg Dolce Release

Ardbeg Dolce is the 2026 Ardbeg Day release, matured in rare Marsala dolce casks and bottled at 47.8% ABV. With a more accessible price point and a bold cask choice, it reflects the growing trend of experimental finishes—but can it deliver the intensity Ardbeg fans expect?

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