With the arrival of autumn comes the release of a whole host of new whiskies - and the colder days lend themselves to a dram by a roaring fire.
If you’re looking to try something new this autumn, then these are our favourite three releases.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Best for: seasonal cocktails such as a bakery-inspired old fashioned
Score: 5/5
Available from Master of Malt. Buy it here
Organic Scotch whisky distillery Nc’nean have released a new whisky as part of their ‘Quiet Rebels’ series, which comes out each autumn in the UK.
This series shines a light on Nc’nean’s small team of eco-conscious drinks fanatics who are on a mission to bring together a new generation of Scotch drinkers.
Casks for each bottling are selected by a new team member each year, giving employees the opportunity to release their very own whisky, with their name on the bottle and Nc’nean’s distinctive botanical-covered gift tube.
Launching 2 October, this year’s Quiet Rebels release will be the fourth in the series, with Nc’nean’s head of sustainability, Amy, at the helm. It’s moreish, creamy and jammy, with flavours of lemon custard, damson jam and brown-butter muffins.
Quiet Rebels Amy includes whisky finished in ex-Maury casks from a small organic vineyard in France that produces a fortified wine made in a similar way to port. Other casks, which give their influence, are STR ex-red wine and ex-bourbon.
Tasting notes include: lemon custard, damson jam, brown-butter muffins, making this a warming and sweet dram to enjoy on a cold night as it’s moreish, creamy and jammy.
The Quiet Rebels Amy release is available from 2 October in the UK and will become available across Europe shortly after. It is priced at £79.95 and you can buy a bottle here.
Best for: a dram with friends
Score: 5/5
Available from Tyndrum Whiskies. Buy it here.
Highland distillery Fettercairn has released the latest edition of its 18 Year Old Single Malt
Whisky. Only available annually and in limited quantity, Fettercairn 18 Year Old is finished
in responsibly-sourced, native Scottish oak - something that’s not commonly done.
Fettercairn’s Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass first started to implement the award-winning Scottish Oak Programme eight years ago, bringing a new approach to whisky making.
This innovative programme has been developed to ultimately future-proof the industry, whilst creating a circular economy by encouraging the use of 100% native wood in whisky making.
The small batch Fettercairn 18 Year Old is the first expression of the programme, released annually as a limited-edition due to its rarity. First unveiled in 2022, this is only the third time the expression has been made
Fettercairn 18 Year Old is non-chill filtered and bottled in its natural colour, with an ABV of 46.8%. An annual, limited release, the 2024 edition will be available in specialist retailers from October, with an RSP of £212.
Best for: sherry lovers
Score: 5/5
Available from Master of Malt. Buy it here.
The Isle of Harris Distillery has released the second permanent expression within The Hearach single malt range, The Hearach Oloroso Cask.
The new expression is entirely matured in first fill Oloroso sherry butts, for a bold and deeply aromatic spirit that builds upon the complexity and drinkability that fans of The Hearach have come to expect.
The rich dram features notes of orange peel, warming spices, fireside smoke and toasted hazelnuts that evoke a cosy winter evening – an antidote to the cooler nights as the evenings become longer and the autumnal chill sets in.
There’s also notes of cinnamon and spice - total Christmas vibes - as well as dried orange peel and chocolate.
This is a robust whisky that stands up on is own though it would be lovely in a warming, spicy cocktail.
It is available now online, at the distillery, and through specialty whisky sellers in the UK at an RRP of £75.
Best for: a seasonal cocktail
Score: 5/5
Available from The Whisky Exchange. Buy it here.
While not a new release, the Glenfiddich Orchard Experiment is from the Speyside distillery’s annual experimental release and this one is ideal for an autumnal dram as well as appealing to whisky novices.
Genfiddich’s fruity whisky is given a further boost by being finished in Somerset Pomona spirit casks - from the company behind the iconic Glastonbury cider bus.
The result is a super juicy, fruity and sweet whisky that just has autumn written all over it. It’d be excellent in a hot drink such as a hot toddy or simply on its own. Given its sweetness, I think it’s ideal for those looking to try whisky but aren’t too sure if they’ll like it. Plus it’s an affordable price point of £47.
Best for: a dram after a long walk
Score: 5/5
Available from The Whisky Exchange. Buy it here.
Another whisky that’s not a new release but also part of an annual collection is Lochlea’s Fallow Edition (Second Crop).
Award winning farm-to-cask Ayrshire distillery - Lochlea - released this third expression in their set of four seasonal limited edition whiskies in late 2023 and it celebrates autumn on the farm.
‘Fallow Edition’ (Second Crop) reveals the richer, darker flavours found in Lochlea’s house whisky profile.
Matured exclusively in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, the whisky is full of sweet and spiced notes - perfect to sip and savour as the dark, autumnal nights close in.
As with all of Lochlea’s whiskies, ‘Fallow Edition’ (Second Crop) is non-chill filtered – it has been bottled at 46% ABV – RRP: £51.50
