A New Season of Whisky – Murray McDavid’s Spring Release 2025 

Spring has arrived — and with it, one of the most anticipated moments in our whisky calendar. We’re proud to introduce the Murray McDavid Spring Release 2025: a collection of 15 exceptional bottlings that celebrate bold maturation, innovative cask craft, and the spirit of exploration. 

This season’s line-up features four remarkable Mission Gold expressions — the pinnacle of our finest old and rare whiskies — alongside eight vibrant Benchmarks, two playful and intriguing Mystery Malts, and a beautifully distinctive Select Grain. Each bottle tells a story, crafted for those who seek something truly special in every dram. 

MISSION GOLD

Presents our prestige collection of vintage, rare and exceptional single malts, grains and blended whiskies.

ALLT-A-BHAINNE →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Speyside

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 1996

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Justino’s Madeira Wine

In 1975, the Allt-a-Bhainne Distillery was founded in the foothills of the mighty Ben Rinnes Mountain, in Speyside. The distinctly different, dumpy and slim stills at the heart of this unique distillery produce a robust yet elegant spirit that is perfectly primed for this adventurous 28-year-long journey through the Art of Maturation.

“Initially matured for 22 years in American oak casks, this elusive single malt established charming character synonymous with well-aged Speyside spirit. For its final six years, we enriched this superb dram by finishing it in vibrant, fruity fortified wine barriques from our cask partners, Justino’s, on the beautiful island of Madeira.”

Nose: juicy fruits, honied malt, mocha

Palate: marmalade, fruit cake, pepper

Finish: raisins, red apple, sweet spice

CAMERONBRIDGE →

SINGLE GRAIN SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Lowland

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 1992

WOOD: Bourbon Barrel

FINISH: 1st fill Uitvlugt Rum

Since 1824, Cameronbridge has prospered from a significant lineage that helped shape today’s whisky industry. It was the first successful distillery to use the ‘Patent Still’, producing grain spirit that helped establish many famous blends around the world. Today, we celebrate this illustrious 32-year-old spirit in its pure form.

“To honour this eminent grain whisky, we called upon oak casks with iconic origins – the Uitvlugt Distillery produced an ester-rich Guyanese rum, until it closed in 2000. Here, we have gracefully finessed the silky, sweet Cameronbridge spirit with the tropical cask influences lent from a lost legend of the Caribbean.”

Nose: buttery grain, fresh apple, liquorice

Palate: vanilla fudge, sweet ginger, chai latte

Finish: eathery fruits, oily, mellow spices

LOCH LOMOND →

SINGLE GRAIN SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Highland

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 1996

WOOD: Bourbon Barrel

FINISH: 1st fill Sauternes Wine

The Loch Lomond Distillery is one of the most unique grain distilleries in Scotland; its distinctive spirit is produced from malted barley (typically used for single malt), rather than wheat or corn, the usual ingredient of grain whisky. The result is a more complex single grain whisky – a favourite amongst our Whisky Creations Team.

“Finished for its final five years, this special dram exudes the luscious influences from floral Sauternes dessert wine casks, whilst the bountiful grain spirit of Loch Lomond continues to shine bright. This rare, 28-year-old whisky is a beacon of brilliance, showcasing our prowess in the Art of Maturation.”

Nose: floral honey, glazed peach, citrus

Palate: candied lemon, creamy, tropical fruit

Finish: ginger, vanilla cream sweet spices

STRATHMILL →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Speyside

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 1996

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Saint-Julien Wine

On the bank of the River Isla, the hardy Strathmill Distillery initially operated as a flour mill in the early 1800s. As a result of the Scotch whisky boom in the 1890s, Strathmill was transformed to produce the great Scottish drink. Today, we debut this stunning 28-year-old spirit, in our prestigious, old and rare Mission Gold series.

“We boldly finished this 28-year-old Strathmill single malt in fine red wine barriques from Bordeaux. For its final four years, we nurtured this scarce Speyside spirit in casks from Saint-Julien, resulting in a harmonious and extravagant dram that flows with flavour – truly worthy of our Mission Gold badge of honour.”

Nose: red currants, leathery oak, prunes

Palate: chocolate malt, raspberry, set honey

Finish: ripe fruits, creamy mocha, pepper

BENCHMARK

The heart of our range offering outstanding, mature single malts, showcasing the Art of Maturation.

BENRIACH →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Speyside

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2014

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Koval Rye

Built in 1898, the unmissable Benriach Distillery stands proudly a few miles south of Elgin, the capital of Speyside. The famous distillery (a neighbour to our Coleburn whisky warehouses) produces a vibrant and fruity spirit, which we’ve further matured in American rye whiskey casks from Koval Distillery, our partners in Chicago.

“Four long years in 110-litre American oak barrels (smaller than standard industry casks) have given rugged rye whiskey influences to the Benriach spirit, to produce a wonderfully vibrant and unique expression – a bold example of what can be achieved through the Art of Maturation.”

Nose: toasty cereal, spiced pear, vanilla

Palate: fresh pine, bright citrus, green apple

Finish: hard toffee, oily malt, fresh grass

BLAIR ATHOL →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Highland

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2008

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Koval Bourbon

Built in 1798, south of the Cairngorms, Blair Athol is one of Scotland’s most visited distilleries. This picturesque distillery produces a hearty Highland single malt, which has been a favourite of master blenders for over two hundred years. Today, we proudly share this traditional spirit having taken it on a modern maturation journey.

“This one-of-a-kind dram is the result of our highly rewarding relationship with our wood partners, Koval Distillery in Chicago, USA. We have matured this old-school Blair Athol spirit in small casks, previously used to age Koval’s modern bourbon. Our team raise a toast to tradition and innovation. Slainte!”

Nose: banoffee, dried mango, sweet malt

Palate: fresh cereal, apricot, toasted almond

Finish: long, sweet spice, gentle oak char

CAOL ILA →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Isle of Islay

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2014

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill PX Sherry + Amarone

Founded in 1846, Caol Ila Distillery consistently produces a potent Islay single malt that displays bold, zesty vibrancy – a peat-lover’s dream. The ethereal smoky spirit that flows from its tall copper stills is ideal for further interesting and innovative maturation, making it a true favourite of our Whisky Creations Team.

“The unexpected marriage of lush influences from the world-famous Italian Amarone wine and sweet Spanish Sherry casks have combined to produce a robust, elegant and original dram; a playful balance of smoky spirit and fruity oak that seduces the nose and dances on the tongue – this is Inspired Scotch Whisky!”

Nose: floral hickory, salted apricots, plum

Palate: grilled berries, smoky apple, tamarind

Finish: gentle orchard fruits, warm embers

GLEN GARIOCH →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Highland

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2010

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Ximénez-Spinola PX Sherry

In the heart of Aberdeenshire, Glen Garioch (Glen Geery) Distillery was officially established in 1797. One of the earliest and smallest producers in Scotland, its brilliant fruity single malt is rare and highly prized. We finessed this heritage spirit by maturing it in PX Sherry casks from our wood partners, Ximénez-Spinola in Jerez, Spain.

“We evolved this fresh malt by finishing it for 3½ years in authentic Pedro Ximénez Sherry barriques. This rewarding dram demonstrates the value of collaboration with our wood partners who produce fine drinking wines rather than artificially wining casks! This is crucial to our success in the Art of Maturation.”

Nose: creamy mocha, herbaceous, oily malt

Palate: stone fruits, set honey, fruity caramel

Finish: ginger, shortbread, milk chocolate

GLENTAUCHERS →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Speyside

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2009

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Cognac

This is a classic style of Speyside single malt, shining a light on one of Scotland’s unsung heroes – Glentauchers Distillery. This versatile spirit has been a favourite amongst blenders for over a century. Today, we present it as a single malt, beautifully matured in a traditional 300-litre brandy puncheon from Cognac, France.

“Finished for five years, the creamy, delicate heart of the Glentauchers single malt has been elegantly influenced by the respected spirit of Cognac. The large cask was a spacious vessel for this sensational Speysider to breathe, developing fascinating complexity – a fun dram to sip, savour and enjoy!”

Nose: lemon drops, waxy fruits, baked apple

Palate: mellow cigar, stem ginger, toasty malt

Finish: oak spice, savoury, green apple skin

INCHGOWER →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Speyside

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2010

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Tokaji wine

Built in 1871, Inchgower is the closest distillery to the coast in Speyside. Quick mashing, short fermentation and steep lyne arms all contribute to the boisterous nature of this rugged malt. Today, we present this bold spirit having been tamed by the luxurious influence of one of the world’s oldest classified wines – Tokaji.

“Matured for its final four years in opulent, sweet Tokaji wine barriques, this hardy, seaside Speysider has integrated beautifully with the delicacies of the exotic Hungarian wine. This novel coming together delivers a sumptuous mouthfeel and layers of class and sophistication – excellence in the Art of Maturation.”

Nose: honeydew melon, tropical, floral fruits

Palate: lemon compote, nutty malt, sea spray

Finish: citrus oils, waxy fruit, mellow oak

INCHMURRIN →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Highland

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2018

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Marsala wine

This rare Inchmurrin spirit is one of the many styles of single malt crafted at the Loch Lomond Distillery. After long, 90-hour fermentation, the Inchmurrin spirit is uniquely distilled through straight-neck pot stills, resulting in a vibrant, fruity, characterful dram that beautifully reflects the atmospheric surroundings of Loch Lomond.

“Good Scotch whisky needn’t always be judged on its age! High quality casks can elevate a spirit far beyond its years. We filled this Inchmurrin as ‘new make spirit’ into sweet Sicilian wine casks from Marsala, Italy. After six years, we present a dazzling dram that showcases the rewarding possibilities of the Art of Maturation.“

Nose: candied orange, sweet malt, peach

Palate: boiled sweets, clementine, floral malt

Finish: gentle orchard fruits, warm embers

LINKWOOD →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Speyside

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2012

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Oloroso + Tawny Port

Established in 1821, Linkwood Distillery is one of Speyside’s oldest producers of single malt whisky. To honour Linkwood’s rich history, we have produced a dram with a luxurious marriage of flavours, drawing on the influences from highly prized fortified wine casks, sourced from the Iberian Peninsula – Portugal and Spain.

“After a five-year finish, we have expertly combined the influences of Tawny Port and Oloroso Sherry to produce this stunning example from Linkwood Distillery. We are excited to continue developing highly creative drams, presenting familiar spirits in new and exciting ways, further exploring the Art of Maturation.”

Nose: black forest, cocoa, orange oils

Palate: nutty dates, red berries, almonds

Finish: cooked fruit, caramel, oak spice

MYSTERY MALT

Specially selected single malts to puzzle and entertain the curious whisky buff.

JUNIPER HILL →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Highland

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2015

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Moscatel de Setúbal

From a distillery set in hills in the Scottish Highlands, close to the River Findhorn, this spirit is made at an ‘antique’ distillery, whose brands are known throughout the globe. Taking its name from the juniper bush, this highly respected single malt was a major player in introducing Scotch whisky to the wider world.

“For this batch of Juniper Hill, we invite you on a flavourful journey from the highlands of Scotland through to the sun-soaked hills of Portugal. Once again, we filled clear new make spirit from this mystery distillery into the juicy fortified wine casks to produce this bountiful dram that’ll keep you coming back for more!”

Nose: oily fruits, glazed cherries, malt

Palate: orchard fruits, cocoa, liquorice

Finish: sweet, baking spice, fine plum

LENNOX PEAT →

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Highland

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2018

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Bourbon barrels

For this Mystery Malt offering, we again turn to a familiar heavily peated single malt! The spirit in our Lennox Peat was distilled in a vale in Scotland, where a versatile distillery produces an astonishing array of styles of Scotch whisky – can you guess the distillery? 46 Words

To balance the power of this peated spirit, this Mystery Malt was filled into fresh Bourbon barrels and matured for six years. The boisterous spirit has benefited from the calming influences from the American oak, introducing a mellow tranquillity that echoes the serene Lochs of Scotland – Slainte!

Nose: coastal smoke, sweet lemon sponge

Palate: medicinal, fresh peat, orange blossom

Finish: gentle malt, sea spray, smoky peach

SELECT GRAIN

Our single grain whiskies, cereals distilled in column still, artfully matured and finished in selected wood.

NORTH BRITISH →

SINGLE GRAIN SCOTCH WHISKY

REGION: Lowland

BOTTLED: 2025

DISTILLED: 2011

WOOD: Bourbon Hogshead

FINISH: 1st fill Murça Port + Spinola PX

Since 1885, North British Distillery has produced the base spirit of choice for master blenders. Rather than put this outstanding liquid into a blend, we present it to you as a single grain whisky that’s been skilfully finished and expertly brought together from a unique combination of casks – the result is simply glorious!

“Following an initial 10 years in traditional hogsheads, we filled this creamy North British into fresh casks from our wood partners, Caves de Murça (Tawny Port) and Ximénez-Spínola (PX Sherry) for three years. The spirit and the influence from the two casks unite to produce a voluptuous dram – a truly Inspired Scotch Whisky.”

Nose: stewed fruits, berries, orange oils

Palate: marmalade, caramel sauce, creamy

Finish: buttery, cocoa powder, vanilla

This release is more than whisky — it’s an invitation to discover, explore, and savour the Art of Maturation. The Murray McDavid Spring Release 2025 is now available through select retailers and at our new retail home, the Murray McDavid Whisky Shop at The Old Bank in Forres. 

Sláinte!