Distillery and Whisky News September 2025 - Fettercairn
Hello whisky lovers, and welcome to our September edition of Distillery and Whisky News.
September ushers in the promise of bright, crisp autumn days – the perfect backdrop for a good dram. For whisky lovers, there’s nothing better than settling into the season with a glass in hand and stories that celebrate our favourite spirit.
We’re pausing our podcasting this month, so it’s the ideal time to revisit some of the gems from our archive. Slip on your slippers, pour yourself a malt, and let the voices of the experts transport you into the world of whisky-making and whisky-drinking at its finest.
Until next time...
Distillery Of The Month: Fettercairn Distillery
Step into the world of Fettercairn, where whisky making has been approached with a spirit of innovation since 1824. From the very beginning, they've done things differently, driven by a desire to create a single malt with a uniquely tropical character.
The secret lies in an ingenious distillation process. At the top of each still sits a copper cooling ring, continuously drenched with crystal-clear mountain water. This cools the copper so that only the purest vapours rise, capturing the vibrant, tropical notes that have become the hallmark of the distillery's whisky.
While you’re visiting, why not immerse yourself in history with The Gauger’s Tour – Bottle Your Own Experience? Step back in time to the days of illicit distilling, whisky smuggling and the life of an exciseman.
Your journey begins with a guided tour of the distillery before heading into one of the atmospheric warehouses, where you’ll hear tales of the gauger’s life and enjoy a sample of Gauger’s Reserve.Then, enter the gauger’s office and hand-fill your own bottle from a specially selected cask. Complete your labels, record your details in the distillery ledger, and finish your visit with a three-dram tasting in the Visitor Centre.
Find out more about Fettercairn Distillery at its dedicated pages on the DistilleryTours.scot website.
Venue of the Month: ÖÖD House
Set in the heart of the stunning Angus countryside, with sweeping views across the landscape to Lunan Bay, Arbikie Distillery’s luxury self-catered houses offer the ultimate retreat. Each one has been thoughtfully designed to combine modern comfort with rustic charm, creating a peaceful sanctuary where every detail is considered.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light, while high-quality furnishings and stylish décor set the tone for a truly indulgent stay. Guests can unwind in complete privacy with their own wood-burning sauna or electric hot tub, the perfect way to relax after a day exploring the coast or countryside.
Whether it’s sipping morning coffee on your private deck or enjoying a cosy drink by the fire in the on-site bar, every moment at Arbikie feels like a luxury escape. Each of the four houses features a sumptuous king-size bed, a well-equipped kitchenette with a Nespresso machine, portable hob, kettle, toaster, and all the essentials you need for a comfortable self-catered stay.
Perfect for couples or solo travellers seeking serenity, style, and unforgettable views, Arbikie Distillery’s accommodation invites you to slow down, relax, and savour the experience.
Find out more about ÖÖD House on its dedicated page at the DistilleryTours website.
Tour of the Month: A Feast For The Senses
In the heart of Speyside, two distilleries invite you to explore the art of whisky-making, and the joy of pairing exceptional drams with fine food.
At The Glendronach, rooted in the Valley of Forgue since 1826, the Boynsmill Experience immerses you in almost two centuries of history. Begin with a welcome dram before stepping behind the scenes on a guided production tour, where time-honoured traditions and craftsmanship shine. Your visit ends with an indulgent tasting from the Old and Rare Collection, perfectly complemented by a fine-food pairing.
Benriach Distillery offers its Grape and Grain experience, showcasing the influence of sherry, port, madeira, marsala and other wine casks on its award-winning single malts. After a tour of the stillhouse, explore historic Warehouse 13, then enjoy a guided tasting of five exceptional limited releases and single cask bottlings, each served with delicious bites to highlight their character.
Whether you choose the rich heritage of The Glendronach or the cask-led creativity of Benriach (or both) these are whisky journeys where flavour, craftsmanship and food pairing meet in perfect harmony.
Find out more about all of The Glendronach and Benriach's tours on their dedicated pages at the DistilleryTours website.
Glendronach Distillery and Benriach Distillery
Date With A Dram: Tullibardine Distillery
For September's Date With A Dram competition we've teamed up with Tullibardine Distillery to offer you the chance to win a bottle of their 18 Year Old Single Malt.
Competition Time
To be in with a chance of winning a bottle of Tullibardine Distillery's 18 Year Old Single Malt simply follow DistilleryTours.scot on Facebook or Instagram and share our 'Date with a Dram' post dated 1 September. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced in our October newsletter!
You must be 18 years old or over to enter. Please note, will never approach you for your credit card details or personal information, send you friend requests or ask you to click on a link. Please stay safe online and remember to drink responsibly.
Date With a Dram: Old Pulteney Single Cask #1804
There's still time to enter our Old Pulteney competition, with entries closing on the 15th September!
To be in with a chance of winning a bottle of Old Pulteney's Single Cask #1804 simply follow the link here to be entered into the prize draw.
You must be 18 years old or over to enter. Please note, will never approach you for your credit card details or personal information, send you friend requests or ask you to click on a link. Please stay safe online and remember to drink responsibly.
Malt of the Month: Annandale Man O’Words STR
For our Malt of the Month we learn more about Annandale Distillery's Man O’Words STR ex red wine cask number 335.
This is Annandale Distillery's first STR (Shaved, Toasted, Recharred) release in two years, and their oldest to date at eight years old.
Perfect Serve: Kings Cave Sour
The Perfect Serve will titillate your tastebuds with a delicious whisky cocktail featured every month...
This delicious Lagg whisky cocktail is gloriously colourful and named after a famous cave on the west coast of Arran.
Podcast: Hear Scotland's Whisky Voices
Our Distillery Tours podcast series takes you behind-the-scenes into the world of Scotland’s finest distilleries. Each episode features interviews with the people who make whisky happen - from master distillers to brand legends - plus regular updates on new releases and insider stories you won’t catch anywhere else.
Looking for inspiration for your next Distillery Tour? Follow us on FACEBOOK and INSTRAGRAM to hear more, and subscribe to this newsletter at DISTILLERYTOURS.SCOT/SIGNUP.