Samhain 2026 is here

We are pleased to launch the 2026 Samhain series

The Samhain Series is our very own limited-edition collection of seven single cask Scotch whiskies matured in a unique selection casks.
This unique whisky series celebrates Scotland’s rich history of folklore, tall tales and eerie mythology.

Each label depicts stories steeped in local legend, with hand-drawn pen and ink illustrations designed by Scottish artist Steven Shand.
To create this series we worked with local Edinburgh artist Steven Shand to select stories based around the distilleries from where the casks were distilled. Steven created the unique artwork and we selected the casks from our portfolio.

Pronounced “SOW-IN”
The origins of Samhain are rooted in ancient Celtic traditions and beliefs.
It was a significant festival celebrated by Celtic communities in Scotland, Ireland and other parts of the British Isles.
It began at dusk around October 31st and likely lasted three days. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, which was a time of transition and preparation for the colder, darker months ahead.

One of the key aspects of Samhain was its association with the supernatural and the belief that during this time, the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead was at its thinnest.
This belief likely stemmed from the observation of nature’s cycles, as well as ancient Celtic culture, mythology and folklore.

The Celts believed that during Samhain, spirits and supernatural beings could easily cross over into the mortal realm, perhaps to reach out to the living.

As a result, rituals were performed to honour and appease these spirits, as well as to protect oneself and one’s community from potential harm.

The Seven releases selected this year are as follows,

Fionn Slays the Kranna Dubh, Bowmore matured in First fill bourbon barrel for 9 years

Fionn mac Cumhaill, the mighty Celtic warrior, crossed Islay with his hounds, Bran and Sceolang. To amuse them, he hurled a standing stone into Loch Indaal. The splash awakened Kranna Dubh, a sea-dragon sleeping beneath the dark sands for a thousand years.

A fierce battle ensued, ending when Fionn wounded the dragon mortally with his enchanted sword, Mac a’Luin. Kranna retreated into the loch, his dark blood staining the water. Locals say Loch Indaal glows red at sunset, and mothers sternly forbid children from throwing stones into its waters.

The Eighth Part Measure of a Garle, Laphroaig matured in a Refill barrel for 7 years

Sir James MacDonald and Sir Lachlan MacLean met in battle on Islay. Tradition tells of the Dhubh Sith (Black Elf), a tiny Brownie-like creature called the Eighth Part Measure of a Carle.

He first offered his help to MacLean, who mockingly refused him. MacDonald welcomed the Elf, who followed MacLean through the fighting. Though protected by armour, MacLean was killed when he raised his visor. The Black Elf had struck him with a magical elf-bolt. Afterwards, he revealed himself to MacDonald, warning that his allegiance was better than his enmity.

The Trows of Orkney, Highland Park matured in a First fill bourbon barrel for 12 years

“Where did you get such a fantastic dram?” the fisherman’s neighbours asked, admiring the sweet spirit he shared with them. The fisherman recounted that, each morning, he had found his boat untied.

One night, he hid behind his nets and watched three trows climb aboard. After only three strokes, they reached a distant cliff that opened and swallowed them. They returned with four casks of spirit. Each took one, leaving the fourth while chanting, “One for the owned, one for the owner.”

Though others later searched for the cliff entrance, it never opened again.

The Ghost Train of Dunphail, Glen Elgin finished in a First fill Tawny Port barrique, 14 years old

Near Dunphail Railway Station, locals have often sighted a phantom locomotive with four carriages rushing past, hovering just above the tracks. Others witnessed a mysterious bright light on the railway line, slowly fading away.

The most dramatic account came from a woman who heard an approaching train, though no service was scheduled. When she turned, a spectral locomotive raced towards her, trailing fire and smoke, its carriages glowing as they floated above the rails. As suddenly as it appeared, the phantom train vanished into the night.

The Hidden Gold of Largo Law, Cameronbridge matured in a refill HHD, 23 years old

At Largo Law, locals swear gold lies under the hill, revealed when sheep’s wool blushes yellow. A ghost guards the secret. A daring shepherd spoke; the ghost promised revelation at eight, if Auchindownie’s cock stayed silent and no horn blew.

The shepherd slaughtered every rooster and warned Tammie Norrie, the cow-herd, not to blow his horn. As the ghost appeared, Tammie’s horn split the night. The phantom spoke: “Woe to the man that blew the horn; from this spot he shall ne’er be borne.”

Tammie fell dead, immovable; a cairn now marks Norrie’s Law.

The Witches of Delnabo, Aultmore finished in a first fill Rum barrel, 13 years old

At Delnabo, three farmers shared a large farm, but while two prospered, the third remained poor. His wife complained to the others, who offered a remedy, asking her to meet them after dark. Suspecting witchcraft, her husband disguised himself and went instead.

They led him to a torch-lit pool where witches gathered around a huge black dog, Satan. Told to urge them onward in the Devil’s name, the farmer invoked God instead. The torches vanished, the Devil disappeared, and the witches’ spells were broken. From then on, their farm flourished.

The Devil Tricks the Maid of Bennachie, Glen Garioch matured in a refill HHD, 11 years old

Legend says the Maiden Stone’s name derives from an unfortunate daughter of the Laird of Balquhain. After meeting a handsome stranger, they wagered that she could bake a bannock before he built a road to the top of Bennachie Hill. Marriage would be his prize.

At twilight, with her bannock nearly baked, she saw the finished road. The stranger revealed himself as Satan and came to claim his bride.

Terror-stricken, she fled. When the Devil caught her, she prayed to God for salvation. God answered by turning her to stone; the notch on the stone marks Satan’s grasp.