The Whisky Exchange release ‘haunting’ new whisky - the Caoineag

On Friday 31 October The Whisky Exchange will introduce a new own-label release.

The Caoineag – The Weeping Spirit is a characterful six-year-old Ben Nevis, launched exclusively through The Whisky Exchange online and in-store this Halloween. 

This whisky was chosen by Dawn Davies MW, buying director and Chris Bolton, own label product manager, for its rich, peaty notes, evoking misty Scottish moorlands.

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The team said: “This is a rich, peaty spirit with layers of sweet, loamy soil, fruity dark chocolate, singed orange peel and lime. 

“A powerful and expressive single malt, it is non-chill-filtered and, with time in the glass, reveals a funky, almost industrial side that is sought after in whiskies distilled at Ben Nevis. 

“Close your eyes and take a sip to travel back in time to a Scotland dominated by warring clans whose demise was signalled by the pitiful wailing of the Caoineag – the weeping spirit of Scottish mythology.”

whisky exchange caoineag

The Caoineag is said to be an ancient spirit hiding in the mist, the rivers, the waterfalls and the lakes, and was rumoured to dwell in the isolated and unforgiving lands of the highlands.

Her despairing wail foretold great tragedy, death and disaster. It echoed across the landscape, mourning lost souls and foretelling sorrows still to come.  

Legend has it that on the eve of that dreadful massacre of Glencoe, 12 February 1692, members of Clan Donald heard that eerie warning telling of the bloodshed that would soon destroy their family.

The Caoineag shared her dire warning, but Clan Donald’s gory destiny was already unfolding. 

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Caoineag – The Weeping Spirit is available exclusively from The Whisky Exchange online, or in its three stores (London Bridge, Covent Garden, Great Portland Street).

Caoineag - The Weeping Spirit - Ben Nevis 2019 6 Year Old, has an ABV of 55% and is priced at  £59.95. You can buy a bottle here.

Ben Nevis Distillery, Fort William, UK
Ben Nevis Distillery, Fort William, UK, PH33 6TJ
Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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