Those Thoughts

  • The 13th February saw the release of the latest UK export figures released for December 2024, and by extension, the export statistics for the whole year of 2024. It made good reading for some exports, but Scotch whisky was one of the industries that were a slightly less joyous. Although it remains the UK’s largest

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  • Every industry will work through boom-and-bust cycles, it is just part of business. Scottish whisky is no different and whilst we are currently amid a boom, it has not always been like this. Positive years bring about high sales, distillery openings, scores of jobs, and plenty of drinking options. Lean years are sadly different, and

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  • For the majority of single malt drinkers, we are used to bottles of whisky displaying a clear age statement. By law, Scotch whisky must be at least 3 years and a day old, and if there is a number of whiskies blended together, any statement of age has to be based on the age of

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  • November brings us the Autumn Nations Series as international rugby makes a welcome return to soften the blow of darkening days and worsening weather. In years gone by, it was simply just known as the Autumn Internationals and often covered 3 weeks, but over time, it’s developed into a more structured “series”, primarily guided by

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  • Whisky Fringe 2024

    Whisky festivals are great. Not exactly a hot take but they can be looked down on by some. Surrounded by lots of like-minded people, with plenty of interesting and excellent whisky (and other options) to try, and numerous clever, witty and knowledge of people serving said drams. They allow whisky enthusiasts and novices the chance

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  • Have you picked up a bottle of whisky recently and seen the statement “non-chill filtered” blazed across the front? Maybe you’ve just heard a bartender, a whisky drinking buddy or a magazine mention chill filtration. Or perhaps you’ve never heard of it but now I’ve piqued your interest. Chill filtration is one of those terms

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  • Another Super Rugby season is in the books and it’s the Blues who take home the title after a very convincing 41-10 win over the Chiefs in the final. The victory marked the Blues first title since 2023, taking them to a total of 4 Super Rugby competition wins (not counting the Trans Tasman title

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  • What is…Peat?

    Peat. Heard of it? You almost certainly have if you have any interest in whisky (or gardening, or the environment for that matter). Peaty whiskies are perhaps the most polarising topic in whisky. Many people fall into a category of either seriously disliking it or becoming a full-blown enthusiast (a peat-head or peat-freak if you

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  • Ask anyone to think of an island connected with Scotch whisky and there will almost certainly be only one answer: Islay. The island, home to just over 3000 residents, is synonymous with Scottish whisky, so much so it has its own dedicated region. The island is famous for its peaty whiskies, with Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin

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  • The 2024 draft is fast approaching, and it brings with it more intrigue than previous years because of how highly regarded this year’s quarterback group is. They are led by Caleb Williams (USC) who is safely expected to be the first overall pick, meaning he’ll be heading off to Chicago to try and turnaround the

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