Martijn van Opstal

Cartoon yeast cells fermenting inside a wooden whisky washback while holding Glencairn glasses in a distillery fermentation tank

Fermentation Explained

Fermentation is one of the most overlooked yet influential stages in whisky production. From yeast strains and fermentation time to wooden washbacks and tropical fruit esters, this deep dive explores how fermentation quietly shapes the flavour, texture and character of whisky long before the spirit reaches a cask.

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Watercolour illustration of Bunnahabhain Distillery on Islay featuring the coastal warehouses, pier and Warehouse 9 tasting warehouse

Bunnahabhain Distillery Spotlight

Discover the story of Bunnahabhain Distillery, Islay’s quietly distinctive whisky producer known for coastal character, sherry cask maturation and a softer approach to island whisky. From Warehouse 9 tastings to arriving aboard the Tallship Thalassa during Fèis Ìle, this deep dive explores why Bunnahabhain Distillery has become one of Scotland’s most respected whisky destinations.

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Hibiki 12 Year Old travel exclusive Japanese whisky bottle with gold detailing in dramatic warm lighting

Hibiki 12 Returns

Hibiki 12 is finally returning as a travel retail exclusive after years of soaring prices and disappearing stocks. But while Japanese whisky fans are thrilled to see the legendary blend back, the new release also highlights how dramatically the category has changed over the last decade.

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