The new store, which moves on from the newspaper's successful wine club, set up 40 years ago and run by Direct Wines, will offer predominantly whiskies from Scotland, but also from Japan, America and Australia.

Its listings will also stretch to rum, Cognac, Armagnac, Tequila, gin and vodka as well as liqueurs and even vintage cocktails.

The club will be run by specialist whisky retailers Master of Malt, which opened its retail outlet in Tunbridge Wells in 1985. Its website also offers gift ideas and a selection of wine and Champagne alongside its sprits range.

The Whisky Club launched yesterday in the paper's Style magazine. To get things rolling the site is offering customers the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Islay to visit the Ardbeg distillery, on purchase of a £37.50 Ardebg 10 Year Old gift set.