THE GUEST OF HONOURS, SPEAKERS AND HONORARY KEEPERS

THE MACLEAN BROTHERS

Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan are three brothers from Edinburgh. Sons of Charlie Maclean MBE, one of the world’s leading authorities on Scotch Whisky and Master of the Quaich, they have grown up immersed in the whisky industry.

The brothers first made global headlines in 2019 when they became the fastest trio to row across the Atlantic Ocean while competing in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Rowing from the Canary Islands to Antigua in just 35 days, they battled severe ocean swells, sleep deprivation and mental fatigue. They broke the previous record by six days and raised more than £200,000 for charity.

In 2022, the brothers travelled to Madagascar to visit clean water projects funded by their Atlantic row and delivered through their charity partner, Feedback Madagascar. Deeply moved by the experience, the brothers decided to continue working together to support these vital projects. They established The Maclean Foundation (SC051703), a family charity with a mission to create positive change through compassion and the spirit of adventure. At the heart of the charity’s mission is working with the Scotch Whisky industry, encouraging distilleries to donate single casks. Each bottle sold funds at least one person’s access to clean water for life, and the charity has already released four bottlings thanks to industry support

In 2025, the brothers embarked on their most audacious challenge: a non-stop, unsupported row across the entire Pacific Ocean. Covering 9,750 miles from Lima, Peru, to Cairns, Australia, they spent 139 days at sea facing tropical storms, seasickness, dwindling food supplies and a man-overboard incident. They overcame extraordinary adversity by keeping their focus on the mission behind the journey.

They became the first known team to row unsupported and non-stop across the entire Pacific. More importantly, they raised over £1 million for The Maclean Foundation, bringing safe drinking water to more than 40,000 people in Madagascar.

MACALLAN 12 DOUBLE CASK COLLECTION

The Macallan 12 Double Cask Collection opens with inviting aromas of rich fudge, lifted by candied

orange and lemon, intertwined with soft vanilla and sweet oak. On the palate, milk chocolate raisins

and creamy toffee take centre stage, balanced beautifully by bright notes of orange peel and a gentle,

warming spice that reinforces the whisky’s signature soft-spice character. The finish is medium

in length, carrying lingering sweet oak and a final whisper of citrus, leaving an impression that is

indulgent, rounded and unmistakably Macallan 12 Double Cask.

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL

Tasting Johnnie Walker Blue Label is like riding a rolling wave of flavour: the first swell brings

bright citrus, soft fruit notes and a gentle thread of smoke, while the retreat reveals dried fruits,

warming spice and a silky vanilla sweetness. On the nose, subtle waves of pepper and delicate

spice set the tone before the palate unfurls layers of hazelnuts, citrus, honey and creamy vanilla.

As the final wave subsides, it leaves behind velvety chocolate notes and a beautifully rounded

smokiness, carried into a luxuriously long, refined finish.

BENROMACH 22 YO SMALL BATCH EDITION #1

The Benromach 22 Year Old Small Batch Edition #1 opens with rich aromas of raspberry,

strawberry and cranberry, layered with dried ginger and dark chocolate that build toward an

intense burst of orange marmalade. Fresh green apple tones brighten the nose before a gentle

wave of sweet smoke emerges. On the palate, it is smooth and sweet, offering stewed apple and

vibrant Seville orange flavours, while charred oak adds depth as it gradually reveals soft notes of

strawberry liquorice. The finish is medium bodied and fruity, with lingering walnut and a subtle,

elegant smokiness.

ROYAL SALUTE 23YO

Royal Salute 23 Year Old opens with an expressive bouquet of lush Taiwanese tropical fruits;

pineapple, mango and banana, beautifully interwoven with hints of honey and soft toffee. Gentle

notes of orange and white peach emerge in the background, adding depth and aromatic complexity.

The palate is smooth, rounded and succulent, led by ripe fruit flavours layered with treacle and

honeyed peach, while a distinctive longanhoney character brings a bold Taiwanese signature. The

finish is exceptionally long and refined, lingering with elegant Oriental Beauty tea notes and subtle

spices that lend poise and structure to the overall profile.

TIMOROUS BEASTIE 10 YO

Timorous Beastie 10 Year Old opens with a very sweet nose, evoking sugar syrup poured over

spiced autumnal fruit. The palate follows with gentle honeyed notes, soft spices and a clear cereal

character that adds warmth and depth. It finishes with lingering flavours of honeycomb and

clove‑studded orange, leaving a sweet, aromatic impression that fades slowly and satisfyingly.