Edinburgh Start-up Launches The Experimental Whisky Series

Tailored Spirits Co., a new Edinburgh-based spirits start-up, has unveiled its inaugural whisky range called The Experimental Series.
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Photo Credit: Jacek Hubner

Tailored Spirits Co., a new Edinburgh-based spirits start-up, has unveiled its inaugural whisky range called The Experimental Series, featuring three limited-edition single cask releases that aim to challenge traditional whisky boundaries.

The series debuts with three distinct expressions: a 7-year-old Croftengea from Loch Lomond (52 bottles, $75/£59.50), a 13-year-old Fettercairn (84 bottles, $94/£74.50), and an 8-year-old Ardmore (60 bottles, $82/£64.50). Each whisky is a small, experimental, micro-batch experiment, with maturation and finishing casks chosen for their uniqueness. 

Design Meets Innovation

The company’s distinctive bottle design draws inspiration from vintage travel luggage labels, featuring a laboratory-style bottle shape that emphasizes the experimental nature of the series. Each release includes a unique collector’s element – a removable “lab ticket” with a four-letter code. The company has announced that collectors who acquire six lab tickets will gain exclusive access to a future special release.

Quick whisky question

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“We are beyond delighted to release our first-ever whisky range. This release is all about redefining tradition, honouring heritage but championing curiosity, exploration and innovation. Since launching Tailored Spirits Co. in 2023, we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from the whisky industry. It is such a warm & welcoming environment and we are so excited to release our first spirits into the whisky world.” said Adam Harding, Co-Founder & Director of Tailored Spirits Co.

Rising Stars in Scottish Spirits

The Tailored Spirits Co. team. (Left to right) Tom Costello, Carl Johnstone, Adam Harding. Credit: Jacek Hubner

The company, founded in 2023, has already made significant waves in the Scottish business community, securing £100,000 in funding after winning the prestigious Scottish Edge entrepreneurial competition in 2024.

Tom Costello, Co-Founder & Director, highlighted the unique design approach to The Experimental Series: “We love making whiskies look as attractive and eye-catching as possible. The Experimental Series was a dream to design. It showcases the beauty of experimentation, something that’s not bound by tradition, a true exploration of flavour and design. For me the fact they can never be replicated made our first release really special.” 

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The leadership team includes three industry professionals: Tom Costello managing Brand & Creative, Carl Johnstone overseeing Commercial & Operations, and Adam Harding leading Spirits, Sales & Strategy. Their business model focuses on privately owned whisky casks, with a mission to bridge the gap between commercial-scale whisky production and individual cask owners. Their mantra is clear and simple:  ‘From the warehouse to your house’. 

Speaking about the future of the company, Carl Johnstone, Co-Founder & Director, said: “As a business, our story is one of continued growth and development. We have an awareness of a growing demand in a rapidly changing industry. This allows us to work closely with private clients all over the world. Our business started with a dram, and that’s exactly where our clients’ dreams and passions begin. Our role is to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.” 

All three expressions are available exclusively through the company’s website.

Tasting Notes 

Experiment 1 (Axis) Croftengea Loch Lomond 7 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (58.8% ABV)  – £59.50 

A peated whisky matured in a very active 1st Fill Oloroso Montilla American Oak bloodtub for intense maturation. 

“Colour – Deep Cherry Wood 

Nose – Pine forest, Toasted Caramel, Wisps of Cigar Smoke, Leather

Palate – Soft Highland Peat, Sweet Charred Wood, Maple Syrup, Cola Cubes, Blackberry Reduction on Pork

Finish – Long Washes of Smoke, Brandy Soaked Sultana, Charred Hickory, Tobacco, Jammy Sticky Pudding”

Experiment 2 (Buck) Fettercairn 13 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (54.1% ABV) – £74.50 

Initially matured in inactive wood and then re-racked into a 1st Fill Ribera del Duero Spanish red wine barrique. 

“Colour – Rose Amber

Nose – Leather, Polished Mahogany, Caramelised Plums

Palate – Huge Wash of Dancing Flavour, Cherry Chocolate, Marzipan, Baked Stone Fruit

Finish – Mid-length and Dynamic, Tobacco, Cacao and Berry Compote” 

Experiment 3 (Claw) Ardmore 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (60.4% ABV) – £64.50 

A lightly peated whisky matured in ex-bourbon and re-racked into a 1st first ex-cognac European oak barrique. 

“Colour – Golden Pear

Nose – Manuka Honey, Butterscotch Tart, Fondant, Suggestion of Smoke

Palate – Bright, Barley Hay, Salted Butter, Orange Peel, Candied Lemon, Oak Spice

Finish – Mid-length with Sea Salt, Green Banana, Pear Drops Once the Salt Clears, Lingering Tickle of Smoky Spices” 

The Whiskey Wash Team

The Whiskey Wash Team brings together certified spirits specialists, industry experts, and passionate whiskey writers delivering authoritative coverage of the global whiskey landscape. With deep expertise in bourbon, Scotch, Japanese whisky, and emerging world expressions, the team combines technical knowledge with engaging storytelling. Through news, reviews, and in-depth features, we help both newcomers and connoisseurs navigate the complex world of whiskey, sharing the heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship that makes each bottle unique. Our mission is to inform, educate, and build community through trustworthy, accessible content that serves whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

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