Living Souls, the independent Scottish whisky bottler that launched its first batch November 2024, has returned with a second collection that comprises a diverse range of flavour profiles, from youthful peat to aged grain, and a luxuriously mellow 40-year-old blend.
This sophomore outing confirms what the first batch hinted at. There’s no filler, no obligatory core range. Just four very different, thoughtfully bottled whiskies that will speak to collectors and everyday drinkers alike.
“This batch is where we really start to show the range of what Living Souls can offer,” says co-founder Calum Leslie, whose previous worked with PeatReekers and Spearhead. “Each whisky is bottled with intention.”
Co-founder Jamie Williamson adds: “There’s personality in every drop, and I think that’s what makes these releases so compelling.”
Bottled at 46.3% ABV, Ninety-Nine & One takes its name from the near-total proportion of heavily peated island malt that forms the backbone of the blend, with just a whisper of grain whisky in the mix to round thing up. The result? A bright, spirited dram said to be more than the sum of its parts. Bottled without chill filtration, it’s a whisky born of a fortuitous vatting accident at the distillery that proved too interesting to discard.
Living Souls Balblair 10-Year-Old, £55
This Highland single malt, distilled at Balblair and bottled at 46.0% ABV, offers one of the more unusual cask finishes in the batch, Limousin oak XO cognac octaves, a choice likely to bring a delicate French opulence to a spirit already known for its orchard fruit charm. Official tasting notes speak of creamy vanilla and warm spice. This could be a steal.
Living Souls Dumbarton 25-Year-Old, £82
Whiskies from the closed Dumbarton distillery, once a workhorse grain producer for Ballantine’s, are increasingly hard to come by. Living Souls’ 25-year-old edition presents a rare opportunity to explore the lighter, nostalgic style of this lost Lowlander. Long-term maturation in American oak, likely refill barrels and hogsheads, would seem a fair assumption. Expect creamy, almost confectionery-like, vanilla and desiccated coconut. This single grain whisky is bottled at 50.5% ABV.
The collection’s showpiece. This 40-year-old blend marries malts from Glenfarclas, Glen Garioch, and Fettercairn, with grain whisky drawn primarily from the now-defunct Cambus distillery (in a 40/60 split). Matured in ex-Islay sherry butts, a combination that guarantees both soft fruit and a whisper of smoke, it’s a rare blend with provenance and depth. Bottled at 45.1% ABV.
The collection is available through select independent retailers in the UK, including Master of Malt.
Christmas has a way of sharpening the appetite. It’s when tables are dressed to impress, menus become a little more indulgent, and dining becomes an unapologetic indulgence. For foodies, there’s no finer time. But where to eat out this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for refined street food or a multi-course blow-out, these are some of…
Marking its 200th anniversary, Midleton Distillery has unveiled a special 28 year old whiskey that introduces Mizunara oak to the celebratory series for the first time. The timber is prized for its spicy, fragrant influence and its notoriously difficult cooperage. The limited-edition bottling concludes a year of celebrations recognising two centuries of whiskey-making at the…
Why settle for ordinary when you can gift the extraordinary? Welcome to an unashamedly indulgent Christmas Gift Guide, packed with handpicked delights sure to tantalise the senses. From the best in bourbon and classic single malts, to cocktails made easy, these suggestions are sure to please… Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey The…
The Luxe Review 
Living Souls, the independent Scottish whisky bottler that launched its first batch November 2024, has returned with a second collection that comprises a diverse range of flavour profiles, from youthful peat to aged grain, and a luxuriously mellow 40-year-old blend.
This sophomore outing confirms what the first batch hinted at. There’s no filler, no obligatory core range. Just four very different, thoughtfully bottled whiskies that will speak to collectors and everyday drinkers alike.
“This batch is where we really start to show the range of what Living Souls can offer,” says co-founder Calum Leslie, whose previous worked with PeatReekers and Spearhead. “Each whisky is bottled with intention.”
Co-founder Jamie Williamson adds: “There’s personality in every drop, and I think that’s what makes these releases so compelling.”
Here’s a closer look at the collection…
Living Souls Ninety-Nine & One, £58.50
Bottled at 46.3% ABV, Ninety-Nine & One takes its name from the near-total proportion of heavily peated island malt that forms the backbone of the blend, with just a whisper of grain whisky in the mix to round thing up. The result? A bright, spirited dram said to be more than the sum of its parts. Bottled without chill filtration, it’s a whisky born of a fortuitous vatting accident at the distillery that proved too interesting to discard.
Living Souls Balblair 10-Year-Old, £55
This Highland single malt, distilled at Balblair and bottled at 46.0% ABV, offers one of the more unusual cask finishes in the batch, Limousin oak XO cognac octaves, a choice likely to bring a delicate French opulence to a spirit already known for its orchard fruit charm. Official tasting notes speak of creamy vanilla and warm spice. This could be a steal.
Living Souls Dumbarton 25-Year-Old, £82
Whiskies from the closed Dumbarton distillery, once a workhorse grain producer for Ballantine’s, are increasingly hard to come by. Living Souls’ 25-year-old edition presents a rare opportunity to explore the lighter, nostalgic style of this lost Lowlander. Long-term maturation in American oak, likely refill barrels and hogsheads, would seem a fair assumption. Expect creamy, almost confectionery-like, vanilla and desiccated coconut. This single grain whisky is bottled at 50.5% ABV.
Living Souls 40-Year-Old blended scotch, £125
The collection’s showpiece. This 40-year-old blend marries malts from Glenfarclas, Glen Garioch, and Fettercairn, with grain whisky drawn primarily from the now-defunct Cambus distillery (in a 40/60 split). Matured in ex-Islay sherry butts, a combination that guarantees both soft fruit and a whisper of smoke, it’s a rare blend with provenance and depth. Bottled at 45.1% ABV.
The collection is available through select independent retailers in the UK, including Master of Malt.
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Christmas has a way of sharpening the appetite. It’s when tables are dressed to impress, menus become a little more indulgent, and dining becomes an unapologetic indulgence. For foodies, there’s no finer time. But where to eat out this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for refined street food or a multi-course blow-out, these are some of…
Only 636 Bottles: Midleton celebrates bicentennial with 28 year old Mizunara-influenced whiskey
Marking its 200th anniversary, Midleton Distillery has unveiled a special 28 year old whiskey that introduces Mizunara oak to the celebratory series for the first time. The timber is prized for its spicy, fragrant influence and its notoriously difficult cooperage. The limited-edition bottling concludes a year of celebrations recognising two centuries of whiskey-making at the…
Indulgent Christmas gift ideas to delight the senses: whisky, vodka, gin, cocktails and more
Why settle for ordinary when you can gift the extraordinary? Welcome to an unashamedly indulgent Christmas Gift Guide, packed with handpicked delights sure to tantalise the senses. From the best in bourbon and classic single malts, to cocktails made easy, these suggestions are sure to please… Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey The…
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