Three Queens and Two Bald Men
Three Queens came riding from afar,
Following a shining, silly star.
With two bald men who had no hair,
Reflecting light into the air!
Oh, tiaras bright and shiny pates,
They sang sweet carols at the gates!
The beginnings of a modern carol here… I digress; I was feeling oddly festive. Let me introduce our Yuletide Stars
Once again, these follow the regional theme of our core and previous Bigger and Boutique-ier releases. This Yuletide selection includes six whiskies from Scotland, two of them at natural cask strength (NCS) and one non-Scotch bottling. All are presented in 70cl bottles at 80 UK Proof (45.8% ABV) unless otherwise stated. As always, the labels feature reimagined designs by our long-time collaborator, Glasgow-based artist Emily Chappell.
Single Malts from Islay, Speyside, and the Highlands, a Single Grain from one of our favourite distilleries in Scotland, and a Corn whisky that tastes a lot older than the age statement lets on.
Our Yuletide Stars feature a range of limited-edition releases, from 10-year-old to 18-year-old, that you’ve never seen bottled by us before (unless you have been in Japan recently). Production outturns for these special bottlings are extremely limited, ranging from just 228 to 493 bottles. In keeping with the tradition of our core range, the regional colour palettes are maintained. For these reimagined labels, we once again commissioned Emily to make a character or image from the original Boutique-y label art the central focus. We’ve picked our favourite; what’s yours?
our yuletide StArs
aka LE Core Selection V
From Islay, a 10-year-old Laphroaig
700ml 45.8% ABV RRP £49.95
Founded back in 1815, Laphroaig was proudly run by its founding family until 1954. Today, it stands as an absolute titan—the biggest of the Kildalton trio—housing seven busy stills with a massive annual capacity exceeding 3 million litres. Remarkably, Laphroaig still runs traditional floor maltings for roughly 20% of its needs, peated to a hefty 40-60 ppm. The rest of their malt, brought in from Port Ellen or mainland suppliers, usually sits around 35-45 ppm.
This is a smouldering, smoky single cask from a refill ex-Bourbon Barrel. Just 493 bottles are available worldwide.
N: Evokes sitting on a coastal dock by the bay with crisp sea salt air, dark burnt toast, rich marzipan, sweet lemon sponge cake, and a subtle wisp of medicinal TCP smoke.
P: A harmonious balance of savoury and sweet depth—toasty, distinctly smoky, and gently nutty, with hoppy undertones, bright lemony acidity, sticky sweetness, and a signature lip-smacking seaweed coastal brine.
From Speyside, a 15-year-old Longmorn
700ml 45.8% ABV RRP £99.95
Speyside’s Longmorn distillery stands out as an absolute gem tucked away in Scotch whisky history. Quietly building its stellar reputation, it boasts the rare distinction of running continuously since day one. Remarkably, direct coal fire warmed its stills right up until 1993 before converting to modern steam coils. Over the decades, it has reliably delivered that wonderfully sweet, rich, fruity profile so vital to creating exceptional blended whiskies.
This single cask hails from a first-fill ex-Bourbon Barrel laid down in August 2011. Just 300 bottles are available worldwide.
N: While there are subtle intricacies hidden beneath, a glorious wave of freshly baked Panettone, rich almond frangipane, and every imaginable warm, buttery, almond-based baked good triumphantly leaps straight out of the glass.
P: Decadent room-temperature butter and soft raisin buns open up into an abundant fruit bowl brimming with crisp Gala apples, juicy pears, ripe bananas, and succulent plums, all draped in golden honey and delivered with a truly elegant, velvety mouthfeel.
From the Highlands, an 18-year-old Pulteney
700ml 45.8% ABV RRP £99.95
Unless you recently visited Japan for Shinanoya’s bespoke bottling, this is your first look at our reimagined 70cl Pulteney label for global release. Pulteney’s wash still features an oversized, flat-topped boil bulb—rumoured to have been cut to fit under the roof—that drives heavy reflux. Combined with a serpentine lyne arm, purifier, and copper worm tubs for added body, it long served as a key component of Ballantine’s blend.
This beauty is from a first-fill ex-Bourbon Barrel. Just 338 bottles are available globally.
N: An absolute dream to experience, showcasing the glorious affinity between Pulteney spirit and first-fill bourbon casks. Inviting aromas of rich toffee and vibrant, tangy citrus unfold gracefully from the glass.
P: The palate delivers a burst of bright citrus and juicy fruitiness, layered with creamy oak and luscious hints of vanilla ice cream. It evolves into a rich, decadent nuttiness featuring buttery cashews and macadamia nuts, finishing with a signature coastal impression of salty lips.
A 17-Year-Old Single Grain from the North British Distillery
700ml 45.8% ABV RRP £41.95
Scotland’s third-largest grain distillery and one of only six remaining dedicated grain sites, North British uniquely championed maize long after peers shifted to wheat. Founded to rival Distillers Company Ltd's monopoly, its prime location near railway links and the Union Canal fueled rapid growth. Warmly known as 'NB' by locals, its full name pays tribute to the railway line that once powered its success.
This 17-year-old release was distilled in 2009 and was mindfully finished in new Oloroso and Palo Cortado Octaves. We’re expecting just 466 bottles.
N: Clean, bright, and strikingly vibrant, opening with fresh grain and rich confectionery undertones. Tempting layers of mixed milk and dark chocolate treats emerge alongside hints of toasted nuts, buttery praline, and warm vanilla pastry.
P: Deliciously rich and nutty on the palate, carrying subtle whispers of fine chocolate, soft Medjool dates, and sweet cocoa. It transitions gracefully into a light, crisp cereal note with hints of candied citrus peel and toasted oak, leaving a smooth, beautifully balanced finish.
From Canada, an 11-Year-Old Corn Whisky
700ml 45.8% ABV RRP £39.95
A fascinating older Canadian corn whisky, this bottling marries two age-statement whiskies finished in Pedro Ximénez Octaves. Canadian maize thrives in the south, where Ontario and Quebec lead production—particularly southwestern Ontario (around London, Chatham-Kent, and Windsor), which provides exceptionally fertile land and ideal weather.
Just 343 bottles are expected for this belter, so better move swiftly.
N: Here we go again with a delightful return—haven’t had one of these in ages! The extra years of maturation truly show through deeper oxidation, distinct rancio character, rich dunnage warehouse notes, and that evocative, atmospheric smell when you’re strolling down by the River Thames in London.
P: Wonderfully sweet and nutty on the palate with pronounced oaky nuances, damp warehouse depth, and rich fruitiness balanced alongside a fresh, woodsy vitality. Remarkably complex, yet as effortlessly gluggable as ever.
From Venezuela, an 18-year-old rum from C.A.C.D.
700ml 45.8% ABV RRP £59.95
Crafted in a multi-column still at Venezuela's C.A.C.D. distillery, this exceptional 18-year-old single cask rum (MCDF marque) boasts a remarkable backstory. Distilled on 1 February 2008, it matured for 56 months in American white oak within Venezuela and 40 months in the Dominican Republic, before travelling to the UK in 2016 for further ageing in recycled rum casks across England and Scotland. Free from added colourants, sweeteners, or flavourings, it delivers a genuinely authentic Venezuelan rum experience.
With only 359 bottles anticipated for this standout bottling, you’ll want to act fast!
N: A fragrant blend of sweet vanilla caramel, juicy dried dates, and sultanas, accented by dried tea leaves and a subtle touch of dried coconut.
P: Lively notes of sweet toffee and raisins flood the palate, accompanied by a rich, oily mouthfeel and a dash of butterscotch. The comforting finish delivers a firm touch of astringent oak and dark bitter chocolate, concluding with a peppery kick and a hint of charred toast.
From Mauritius, a 15-year-old rum from Labourdonnais
700ml 45.8% ABV RRP £59.95
Established back in 2006 in Mapou, Mauritius, initially under the name Rhumerie des Mascareignes, Distillerie de Labourdonnais is a relatively modern site. It utilizes a continuous column still designed specifically to process fresh sugarcane juice into classic rhum agricole, where wood selection plays a vital role. Once distilled, the spirit journeyed to the UK to mature in a rich ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry barrel, absorbing layers of dark fruit to complement its grassy base, before settling into a refill American oak cask to integrate. Unapologetically bold and wonderfully unbalanced, it remains entirely free of artificial additives.
We’re expecting a run of just 323 bottles for this absolute stunner, so act fast!
N: Luscious vanilla opens the show, balanced by subtle notes of raw sugarcane. Deep aniseed and warm, spiced dried fruits weave through the background.
P: Decadent dark treacle and a gentle kick of cracked black pepper yield to a smooth, expanding vanilla warmth. The finish lingers impressively, bringing back waves of dark molasses alongside distinct, grassy agricultural notes.
Master of Malt Exclusive Tasting Set
150ml 45.8% ABV RRP £31.95
Once again, we’ve teamed up with Drinks By The Dram to create a Master of Malt exclusive tasting set featuring all five releases. This tasting set includes all five 30ml wax-sealed samples of each of our Yuletide Stars, all bottled at 45.8% ABV.
but WAIT, there’s more!
Back, by popular demand, we’ve included TWO cask strength editions:
From Islay, a 10-year-old Laphroaig NCS
700ml 62.4% ABV RRP £64.95
A smouldering, smoky single cask of Laphroaig from a refill ex-Bourbon barrel. We’re expecting to get around 345 bottles at Natural Cask Strength
N: An intriguing, layered bouquet opens with delicate hints of sweet strawberry jam and rich cigar leaf, moving into earthy walnuts, savoury teppanyaki sauce, and dark creosote. Nuances of sweet liquorice, subtle soothing ointments, and nostalgic cough syrups add an enchanting complexity.
P: Luxuriously rich and creamy, coating the palate with velvety chestnut purée. Bright, vibrant bursts of salted citron and tart pink grapefruit slice through the richness, complemented by a warm dash of cracked pepper and the delicate, floral elegance of brewed jasmine tea.
A 17-Year-Old Single Grain from the North British Distillery NCS
700ml 62.1% ABV RRP £49.95
Another 17 Year Old release was distilled in 2009 and mindfully finished in new Oloroso and Palo Cortado Octaves. We’re expecting to fill around 228 bottles at Natural Cask Strength.
N: Delightfully indulgent and warm, opening with rich toasted nuts, soft Medjool dates, and a generous scatter of dark chocolate chips. A clean, golden cereal grain sweetness runs throughout, leading into a light, elegant finish with subtle cocoa dust.
P: Intense, full-bodied, and beautifully concentrated by its higher cask strength. Rich chocolate-covered raisins, steeped black tea leaves, and freshly ground espresso beans coat the palate before giving way to a velvety, oak-driven, winey finish that lingers impressively.
WRAP UP
Chill-Filtered? Never!
Caramel E150? Of course not!!!
All of these releases are in 700ml/70cl bottles, bottled at 45.8% ABV (Natural Cask Strength), non-chill-filtered, and naturally coloured.
These Limited Edition 70cl bottles are now available alongside our award-winning Core Range from all the finest retailers!
Off-trade/on-trade enquiries should be directed to our UK distributor; Off-trade/on-trade enquiries should be directed to our distributors; Maverick Drinks./Master of Malt Trade
Cheers!
Boutique-y Dave x