A new dram is set to rival the action on the golfing green, thanks to a rare single malt from Kingsbarns Distillery, St Andrews. Timed to launch ahead of this week’s Dunhill Links Championship, which being held from October 2-5, the release is a 10-year-old single cask whisky named Caddies’ Dream.
Limited to just over 200 bottles, each priced at £120 and bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky is already being tipped as a collector’s gem for both whisky lovers and golf fans.
The inspiration stems from Kingsbarns Distillery co-founder Douglas Clement’s days as a caddie at Kingsbarns Links, when golfers often asked about local distillery tours. With none nearby, Clement envisioned creating one himself. That idea eventually led to Kingsbarns Distillery, with the support of William Wemyss in 2012. William, whose family heritage in Scotch runs deep, backed the bold project, which has since flourished and earned global acclaim.
Douglas said: “I still remember golfers asking me, time and again, where they could find a local distillery tour. At the time, there was nothing nearby, the closest options were an hour away in Perthshire or south of Edinburgh. That lack of a local whisky experience planted the seed for what would become Kingsbarns. From a speculative email over a decade ago to raising a dram in the town that started it all, Caddies’ Dream is a celebration of how far we’ve come.
Isabella Wemyss, Master Blender at Kingsbarns, described the whisky as capturing both Lowland delicacy and wine cask richness. “On the nose you’ll find bright red berries, cherry, pear and apple with toasted oak and vanilla. The palate is juicy with strawberry, redcurrant and plum, subtle spice, and a touch of cocoa, finishing smooth with gentle oak and red wine tannin.”
Matured for 10 years in a single STR barrique, Caddies’ Dream is limited to two bottles per person, available exclusively at the Kingsbarns Visitor Centre and online shop. A small number will also be served in select St Andrews bars, including the Old Course Hotel.