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2026-11-03 23:01:15 UTC

Torabhaig Balloon-Flown Bottle Sells for £1,700 at Auction
A bottle of Torabhaig Founders Reserve that crossed the Atlantic by hydrogen balloon has sold at auction for £1,700($2,279.63, ₹2,16,359), making it the most valuable bottle of the Skye single malt ever sold. The full hammer price will be donated to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college located a few miles from the distillery on the Isle of Skye.
“That bottle went a very long way to support us at home,” said Emma Sprackling, senior brand manager at Torabhaig. “We’re grateful to everyone who bid, and to Whisky Auctioneer for helping turn an extraordinary journey into ongoing support for Gaelic language and culture on Skye.”
The bottle, numbered 001 of 100, flew aboard the Atlantic Explorer from Maine to Luxembourg in June. The journey marked the first successful manned transatlantic balloon crossing to use only hydrogen for lift.
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All three pilots – Alicia Hempleman-Adams, Bert Padelt and Peter Cuneo – signed the bottle on landing.
Whisky Auctioneer ran the sale and waived its seller’s commission.
The remaining 99 bottles of Founders Reserve did not make the flight, and no further bottles will be produced. Following a pre-sale to members of The Torabhaig Club, the remaining bottles will go on general sale at torabhaig.com from Monday 9 November, priced at £200 ($268.19, ₹25,454) each.
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Every bottle will include a postcard of the flown bottle, signed by the three pilots. All proceeds will go to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
Torabhaig sits on the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. Located off Scotland’s west coast, it is only the second licensed distillery on the island, established in 2017, and produces island-style peated single malt scotch whisky.
The distillery operates alongside Talisker as one of just two single malt producers on Skye. Its whiskies are produced by seasoned whisky maker Neil MacLeod Mathieson alongside a small team of local distillers, all trained in-house.
The brand’s portfolio includes its Legacy Series of limited releases and its first permanent core expression, Taigh, launched earlier this year. Pronounced “Tie”, Taigh means house in Scottish Gaelic, but for Torabhaig it also means “home,” reflecting the distillery’s place on the Sleat Peninsula.
Read the full article at Torabhaig Balloon-Flown Bottle Sells for £1,700 at Auction
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#bottlesells #yearold #singlemalt #torabhaig #whisky #indiansingle #skye #auction #maltsevery #scotchwhisky
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2026-11-03 22:22:00 UTC

The Macallan A Night on Earth Finale Honours New Orleans
The Macallan has launched A Night on Earth, The Finale, the fifth and final release in its annual A Night on Earth collection. The special edition single malt scotch whisky pays tribute to the music, culture and character of New Orleans, and rolls out globally from 3 November 2026 at £96 ($128.73, ₹12,218).
The series has become a recurring fixture in The Macallan’s calendar, with each edition drawing on New Year traditions from a different part of the world.
This final chapter turns its focus to New Orleans, taking cues from the city’s music, communities and sense of celebration.
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“A Night on Earth has become a cherished collection celebrating New Year traditions from around the world, and it is fitting that the final chapter honours New Orleans – a city renowned for its creativity, resilience and extraordinary sense of community,” said Jaume Ferras, creative director at The Macallan.
The whisky was matured in a combination of sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks. It was crafted by The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team to echo the flavors and aromas of the city.
New Orleans is widely regarded as the birthplace of the cocktail, a heritage the brand sought to reflect in the liquid.
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“With A Night on Earth, The Finale, we wanted to capture the unmistakable warmth and character of New Orleans through flavour,” said Diane Stuart, senior whisky maker at The Macallan. “By carefully balancing our exceptional sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, we have created a whisky that is vibrant, harmonious and unapologetically bold.”
Bottled at 43% ABV, the whisky carries a vibrant brass color that nods to the city’s brass bands.
According to the official notes from the brand, the expression opens with orange peel and warming spices of cinnamon, clove and star anise. The palate reveals nutmeg, creamy vanilla, almond praline and rich spice, balanced with dried fruit and cherries, before a finish of sweet oak and soft spice.
For the packaging, The Macallan collaborated with New Orleans-born artist Hill Spriggins, who created three artworks drawing on her memories of New Year’s in the city.
“Growing up in New Orleans, New Year’s Eve was always filled with music, movement and an incredible sense of togetherness,” said Hill Spriggins, visual artist and painter.
A Night on Earth, The Finale is available via themacallan.com, The Macallan Estate Boutique and selected UK stockists including Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Master of Malt and The Whisky Shop.
Read the full article at The Macallan A Night on Earth Finale Honours New Orleans
https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/the-macallan-a-night-on-earth-finale-honours-new-orleans/
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#neworleans #newyear #honoursnew #night #whisky #singlemalt #scotchwhisky #indiansingle #yearsreview #everyscotch
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2026-11-03 21:43:10 UTC

5 Indian Single Malts to Make Your Diwali Gifting Extra Special
This Diwali, go beyond the usual gifting choices and celebrate the festive spirit with a selection of distinguished Indian single malts. From rich, complex expressions to innovative cask finishes, these whiskies bring together craftsmanship, character, and the evolving story of Indian whisky-making.
1. GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky – A Taste of Himalayan Craftsmanship
Crafted in the picturesque Himalayan foothills of Jammu, GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky is a celebration of Indian heritage and thoughtful craftsmanship. Its distinctive character brings together fruity and spicy notes with hints of vanilla, caramel and gentle peat.
With its smooth, well-rounded profile, it makes a sophisticated festive gift for those who appreciate homegrown spirits with a story to tell.
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Price: ₹4,490 / £99.99 / $89.99
2. Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky – For the Curious Whisky Explorer
Madhuca III is a great choice for gifting.
For someone who enjoys discovering unconventional flavours, Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky makes for an intriguing gifting choice. Its collection explores distinctive Indian ingredients and innovative cask finishes, including the use of Madhuca (Mahua) casks.
Bringing together traditional distilling techniques and a contemporary approach to whisky-making, it is an interesting addition to any whisky enthusiast’s collection.
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Price: ₹3,590–₹6,370 / £115+ / $155+
3. Rampur 1943 Virasat – A Gift Rooted in Legacy
A tribute to the heritage of Rampur Distillery, established in 1943, Rampur 1943 Virasat brings tradition and craftsmanship together in a distinctive expression. Matured in American Bourbon Barrels and finished in Ruby Port Pipes, it offers layers of sweet vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, tropical fruits and red berries.
An elegant choice for those who appreciate heritage, depth and a memorable gifting experience.
Price: ₹3,500–₹4,500 / £90+ / $69.99
4. Rampur Barrel Blush – A Celebration of Distinctive Flavours
Adding a unique twist to festive gifting, Rampur Barrel Blush stands out for its distinctive maturation journey. Matured in American Bourbon Barrels and finished in Australian Shiraz Wine Casks, this expression brings together the character of single malt whisky with the influence of wine cask finishing.
It is an appealing choice for those who enjoy exploring layered flavours and contemporary Indian single malts.
Price: ₹10,000–₹11,500 / $74.99 / £64.30
5. Rampur Asava – An Expression of Indian Innovation
For a gift that celebrates India’s innovative spirit, Rampur Asava is a distinctive pick. Matured in American Bourbon Barrels and finished in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks, it showcases an interesting blend of international maturation techniques and Indian influence. Its flavour profile features tropical fruits, apricot, blackberry and plum, complemented by honey sweetness, vanilla and spicy oak.
A thoughtful choice for whisky lovers who appreciate experimentation and originality.
Price: ₹8,400–₹10,000 / $89.99 / £66.99
A Festive Toast to Indian Craftsmanship
This Diwali, make gifting more meaningful with Indian single malts that celebrate heritage, innovation, and the artistry of whisky-making.
Whether it is the Himalayan character of GianChand, the experimental spirit of Crazy Cock or the distinctive expressions from Rampur, each bottle offers a different story worth celebrating.
Read the full article at 5 Indian Single Malts to Make Your Diwali Gifting Extra Special
https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-articles/5-indian-single-malts-to-make-your-diwali-gifting-extra-special/
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2026-11-03 21:03:11 UTC

Signatory Vintage Port Dundas 2010 15 Year Old Un-Chillfiltered Collection Review
Read the full article at Signatory Vintage Port Dundas 2010 15 Year Old Un-Chillfiltered Collection Review
https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-reviews/review-signatory-vintage-port-dundas-2010-15-year-old-un-chillfiltered-collection-review-2026/
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2026-11-03 20:21:42 UTC

6 Award-Winning 18 Year Old Scotch Whiskies Under $180
Credit: Glenmorangie
An 18-year age statement is something of a milestone in Scotch whisky, which makes these bottles a popular choice for gifts and celebrations. Many aged whisky lovers also look to 18-year-olds for punchy oak influence, which extended time in the cask can help develop.
But, with the brilliance of 18 year old Scotch whisky also comes the expense. So, if you are going to spend a lot of money on a bottle of whisky, which one should you choose?
I picked out six 18-year-old Scotches that won medals between 2024 and 2026 and typically sell for under $180 in the US and £130 in the UK. Their awards include medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the International Spirits Challenge and the World Whiskies Awards.
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So, let’s take a look. Let us know which one you would pick up.
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old
Price: $75 / £68
Award: Double Platinum, ASCOT Awards 2026; 1st Place, Best Blended Scotch Whisky 18 Year Old (89.5 points), International Whisky Competition 2025; Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026; Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2026
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It is no secret that we love Chivas Regal 18 Year Old. For the price, I honestly think it is one of the best value 18 year old whiskies in Scotch, even for a blend.
Chivas Regal 18 was created in 1997 by Colin Scott, who was the brand’s Master Blender at the time. It is a blend of more than 20 malt and grain whiskies, each aged for at least 18 years, with Strathisla single malt from Speyside at its heart. The whiskies mature mainly in American oak, with some sherry cask influence.
On the nose, you might find dried fruits, buttery toffee, dark chocolate and spice. The palate brings chocolate and floral notes with a little gentle smoke, followed by a long, warm finish. Chivas says the whisky develops more than 85 flavor notes.
In our coverage of the San Francisco results, we picked it out as arguably the best bottle in the Chivas range for flavor against price.
Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old
Price: $110 / £80
Award: Gold (9), The Whiskey Wash Awards 2025; Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024
Johnnie Walker 18 was previously sold as Platinum Label before the brand renamed it in 2017. It is a blend of up to 18 different whiskies from distilleries including Glen Elgin, Cardhu and Blair Athol. Johnnie Walker doesn’t give details of the casks, though they are believed to be a mix of European and American oak.
Johnnie Walker’s official tasting notes include stewed fruit, malty cereal, citrus, almonds, vanilla and tangerine, along with some smoke.
Its Gold comes from our own Whiskey Wash Awards, but the blend also picked up a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2024. Reviewing it for our 2025 awards, Pete “Jeff Whisky” Jeffery wrote that “this 18 Year Old release stands up and shows it is not a premium blend to be overlooked.”
CRN57 18 Year Old
Price: $88 / £70
Award: Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026
CRN57 is a range of blended malts from Gordon & MacPhail, the family-owned firm behind The Cairn Distillery, which opened in 2022 near Grantown-on-Spey. The name refers to the distillery’s location at 57 degrees north. The 18 Year Old is made from single malts drawn from across Scotland out of Gordon & MacPhail’s vast stocks, and The Cairn presents the range as a hint of the flavors its own whisky may offer in years to come.
You can expect raspberry and strawberry on the nose, followed by milk chocolate, dried banana, blueberries, and lime on the palate. The finish is citrusy with a touch of spice. A fruity wonder, and a nice sneak peek into what The Cairn is doing.
Alongside its Double Gold, it scored 89 points from Whisky Advocate
Wonderful value for money considering the sheer quality of Gordon & Macphail’s cask reserves, for me.
Glenmorangie The Infinita 18 Years Old
Price: $142 / £100
Award: Double Gold and Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch 13 to 19 Years, New York World Spirits Competition 2025; Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026; Gold (95 points), New York International Spirits Competition 2026
The Infinita is Glenmorangie’s long-standing 18 Year Old with a new name and packaging, which the distillery introduced in late 2023. The name refers to Glenmorangie’s idea of flavor as an endless landscape. The whisky is aged mainly in ex-bourbon casks, with a portion finished in Oloroso sherry casks.
Tasting notes include honey, caramelized orange, jasmine, lemon blossom, and figs. On the palate, there’s orange marmalade and a polished texture, with a light trail of smoke on the finish.
Alongside the medals above, it also won Silver at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 and the International Spirits Challenge 2026.
It is a beautiful bottle to boot, and a great expression of Glenmorangie’s honeyed, fruity profile.
Glen Scotia 18 Years Old
Price: $139 / £100
Award: Silver, 13 to 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards 2026; Spirit Silver (91 points), International Wine & Spirits Competition 2026
Glen Scotia is one of the few working distilleries in Campbeltown, and the 18 Year Old sits at the older end of its core range. The whisky spends 17 years in refill bourbon casks and refill American oak hogsheads, which are then vatted together and finished for 12 months in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks.
Look for salted caramel, honey, toffee and floral notes, along with pineapple, apricot, sultanas and spice. There is also that typical hint of Campbeltown salinity.
It’s the only Campbeltown whisky on this list, so it’s a good pick if you want to try something from Scotland’s smallest whisky region. I have a lot of time for Glen Scotia.
Highland Park 18 Year Old
Price: $170 / £128
Award: Platinum (96 points), San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024; Silver, Islands (Non-Islay) 13 to 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards 2026
Highland Park is based in Kirkwall on Orkney. The distillery uses peat from Orkney, which contains a lot of heather, and matures the 18 Year Old in a high proportion of first-fill sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks.
On the palate, you might find cherries, dark chocolate, toffee and marzipan, with the classic Highland Park heather honey and aromatic peat smoke.
The whisky has a long record of praise, and Highland Park notes that American spirits critic F. Paul Pacult has named it the Best Spirit in the World on more than one occasion. At around $177, it’s the most expensive bottle on this list, and it’s the only peated one.
It won’t hit you in the face with peat, though. It is a gentle, floral peat that elevates the sweeter notes in the whisky.
Which 18-Year-Old Should You Pick Up?
If you want the most affordable option, Chivas Regal 18 is the cheapest bottle here at around $75 (£68), and it has picked up medals at several competitions this year. Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old is another great value blended pick.
CRN57 18 is worth a look if you’re curious about The Cairn, while Glenmorangie The Infinita and Glen Scotia 18 are good choices for single malt drinkers. If you enjoy a little smoke, Highland Park 18 is the only peated whisky on the list. If I were to pick just one single malt to buy, Infinita would be my pick.
Have you tried any of these, and which 18-year-old Scotch would you choose as a gift? Let us know in the comments.
Read the full article at 6 Award-Winning 18 Year Old Scotch Whiskies Under $180
https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-articles/6-award-winning-18-year-old-scotch-whiskies-under-180/
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2026-11-03 19:40:35 UTC

Barrel Global Unveils John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Barrel Global, the US-based barrel ownership platform, has unveiled an officially licensed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey inspired by the John Wick film franchise. The release marks the first in a planned collection of premium spirits, with online pre-orders opening on 3 November 2026 at a recommended retail price of US$54.99-59.99 (£42-46).
“It has been a joy to work with the team at Lionsgate to develop this unique and collectible range of John Wick spirits, inspired by the genre-defining franchise that we’re all huge fans of,” said George Koutsakis, founder of Barrel Global. He added: “Storytelling in a bottle, our spirits will offer a taste of John Wick’s coded, underground world of revenge and redemption.”
The debut expression is a seven-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml), bottled at 45% ABV. It is distilled by Bardstown Bourbon Company, a custom distilling specialist based in Kentucky.
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The bourbon is finished in cherry and sherry wood. According to the brand, the cherry wood references a rooftop scene set at The Continental Hotel in Osaka in the fourth film, while the sherry wood nods to climactic moments set in Paris and Rome.
Design details run throughout the packaging. The label depicts cherry blossoms falling around glass shattered by a gunshot, which the brand says represents the character’s pursuit of peace through violence. The neck label features the font used to issue bounties to assassins within the franchise.
The deal was facilitated by IMG Licensing, granting Barrel Global the rights to manage production and distribution of John Wick-inspired spirits across Asia, Europe and South America.
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Debbie Olshan, senior director of consumer products at Lionsgate, said: “We’re excited to give fans a new way to immerse themselves in the world of John Wick through this collaboration with Barrel Global.”
John Wick ranks among the highest-grossing franchises in Lionsgate’s portfolio. Alongside four films, it includes the television series The Continental and an upcoming film starring Donnie Yen as Caine, which has wrapped production.
The collection has been developed for collectors, enthusiasts and spirits consumers, combining craftsmanship with the franchise’s neo-noir aesthetic.
Read the full article at Barrel Global Unveils John Wick Kentucky Straight Bourbon
https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/barrel-global-unveils-john-wick-kentucky-straight-bourbon/
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2026-11-03 19:01:27 UTC

Indian Whisky Keeps Winning Medals, But Can You Buy It? 5 Award Winners on US and UK Shelves
Indian single malt has done well at the major spirits competitions this year. At the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2026 alone, 34 Indian whiskies won medals. As the category continues to grow, a larger number of producers are grabbing medals at competitions. The problem for many of our readers, however, is availability. When I rounded up seven award-winning Indian single malts in September, several of them were difficult to find outside India.
So, today I’ve picked five Indian single malts that have each won at least one major award and that you can find at retailers in both the US and the UK. They offer good value for money and a well-rounded look at what Indian single malt can be.
Why Some Indian Whiskies Are Hard to Find
Many Indian single malts are released in India first, and some are still only sold there for now. Crazy Cock Madhuca III launched in Mumbai, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Goa, and DŌAAB Expression 02 launched in Gurugram, with both still difficult to find outside India. When we looked for GianChand, we found a US retailer selling it but could not find one in the UK.
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Prices can also vary quite a bit within India, because local taxes differ hugely from state to state. For drinkers in the US and the UK, the bottles to rely on are the ones that have been officially launched or imported in both countries.
Paul John Nirvana, 40% ABV, $35 / £30
Paul John launched Nirvana in 2019 as the entry-level whisky in its core range, and founder Paul P. John described it at the time as a whisky “for those willing and keen to experience single malts, especially for the first time.”
It is made in Goa from six-row Indian barley, distilled in copper pot stills, and reportedly matured for at least three years in ex-bourbon American oak casks before it is bottled, unpeated, at 40% ABV. Approachable and gentle, you’ll find caramel, leather, and stewed fruit on the nose, with lemon, honey, orchard fruits, toffee, and floral notes.
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10 Indian Whiskies Every Whisky Drinker Should Try
Paul John Nirvana won Gold at the ADI International Spirits Competition and Bronze at the World Whiskies Awards, following a Double Gold at the 2024 SIP Awards.
Indri Agneya, 46% ABV, $63 / £47
You may have an easier time finding Agneya in the US or the UK than in India. It is sold in more than 40 countries, including both of those markets, but it seems to be difficult to track down in India itself.
Agneya is Indri’s first peated release, made at the distillery in Indri, Haryana, from six-row barley grown in Rajasthan and peated to 25 ppm with Scottish peat. It is matured in first-fill ex-bourbon and PX sherry casks and bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration or added color. The name means “belonging to fire” in Sanskrit. It is a smoky, tropical wonder. Expect green apple and honey on the nose, followed by vanilla, toffee, cooked apple, sultana, baking spice, and a little smoke.
Agneya was named Indian Single Malt Whisky of the Year at the London Spirits Competition this year. It also won Double Gold at ADI, Gold at the World Whiskies Awards, and Silver at the IWSC.
Amrut Fusion, 50% ABV, $65 / £50
In 2010, Jim Murray scored Amrut Fusion 97 out of 100 and named it the “Third Finest Whisky in the World,” a result that brought Indian single malt to the attention of a lot of drinkers outside India. Despite the controversy Murray faced in 2020 over sexist language in his reviews, retailers still quote the 2010 result today.
The name comes from its two barleys, as Fusion is made in Bengaluru from 75% unpeated Indian barley and 25% peated Scottish barley. The two are distilled and matured separately, then married together in American oak before bottling at 50% ABV. You’ll find dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, fruit, and coffee, with some peat smoke running through it.
Since then, Fusion has won Gold and World Whisky of the Year at the 2019 Bartender Spirits Awards, Double Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Silver at the International Spirits Challenge this year.
It is one of Amrut’s core bottles and is widely available in the UK and the US.
Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice, 46% ABV, $61 / £61
Godawan 02 scored 97 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2026, the top score among the Indian whiskies in the competition, and was named Indian Single Malt Whisky of the Year and Spirit of the Year India.
Diageo India makes Godawan at its distillery in Alwar, Rajasthan, where summer temperatures go above 100°F. According to the brand, 02 is matured in cherry wood casks, and part of the whisky is then moved into bourbon barrels treated with two Indian botanicals, Rasna and Jatamansi. However, the UK version is not treated with the botanicals.
When Phil Dwyer reviewed it for us, he found fudge, toffee, raisins, orange liqueur, and cinnamon, with apple, pear, cherry, and toffee on the palate.
It also won Gold at the World Whisky Masters 2026. Diageo India launched Godawan in the UK in December 2024, and in the US you can find 02 at online retailers.
Rampur Barrel Blush, 45% ABV, $88 / £61
The “Blush” in the name refers to the pinkish tint the whisky picks up from its Australian Shiraz finishing casks. Barrel Blush is made at Radico Khaitan’s Rampur Distillery in Uttar Pradesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas, which dates back to 1943.
It is first matured in American bourbon barrels and then finished in Shiraz casks before being bottled at 45% ABV without chill filtration. Expect floral honey and cereal on the nose, with baking spice and oak toward the finish.
Barrel Blush won Gold, with 90 points, at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2026. It launched in the UK in October 2024 before rolling out to Europe and the US, where Radico Khaitan announced nationwide distribution in February 2025.
Which One Should You Try?
If you are new to Indian single malt, Paul John Nirvana is an easy, unpeated place to start. If you like a little smoke, Indri Agneya and Amrut Fusion are both made with peated barley, and Fusion is bottled at a higher strength of 50% ABV.
Godawan 02 is the one to pick if you are curious about cherry wood casks, and it was the top-scoring Indian whisky at this year’s Bartender Spirits Awards. Rampur Barrel Blush is worth a look if you enjoy whiskies finished in wine casks.
All five are sold in both the US and the UK, so you can use The Whiskey Wash Compare to find the best price near you. Have you tried any of these, or is there an Indian single malt you have struggled to find outside India? Let us know in the comments.
Read the full article at Indian Whisky Keeps Winning Medals, But Can You Buy It? 5 Award Winners on US and UK Shelves
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2026-11-02 19:18:30 UTC

Diageo Cancels 2026 Special Releases Amid Restructuring
The 2025 Diageo Special Releases are the last, for now.
Scotch whisky leader Diageo has paused its annual Special Releases collection with immediate effect, meaning the 2026 edition has been cancelled. The move hits collectors during the October-November window when the drinks giant usually reveals its new line-up.
As reported by The Spirits Business, Diageo said the company is taking “the time to review feedback to ensure that any future offerings meet the current needs of its consumers and customers”. It has paused the collection for the year, it said, with no confirmation of a return in 2027 yet.
Diageo’s Special Releases began in 2001, offering collectors rare, cask-strength expressions from across its distillery portfolio. Port Ellen featured from the outset, with Brora joining in 2002. Both became annual fixtures until 2017, when plans to reopen the closed distilleries were announced.
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Lagavulin and Talisker also became mainstays, appearing 24 and 22 times respectively. In 2019, Diageo introduced themed collections with coordinated artwork, shifting the focus towards unusual cask treatments and flavour experimentation. The 2025 Special Releases, named Horizons Unbound, contained whiskies from The Singleton of Glen Ord, Tasliker, Lagavulin, Oban, Clynelish, Roseisle, Dailuaine, and Teaninich.
The latest news comes just months after Diageo reported a plummet in profits, despite Scotch whisky holding firm. For the year ended June 30, 2026, Diageo reported a 27.2% drop in operating profit to $3.16 billion (£2.37bn), after exceptional charges of $2.53bn (£1.9bn). The North American market saw organic net sales fall 8.4%.
At the time, Sir Dave Lewis, CEO, said: “We are focused on recovering our competitiveness in NAM [North America] and we are working through the consequences of Government policy in Chinese white spirits.”
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Lewis is currently overseeing the restructuring of the company. The redesigned operating framework should deliver around $850m (£638m) of savings, with about 40% coming in fiscal 2027 and the rest in fiscal 2028.
The changes have also caused friction. In August, the union GMB Scotland accused the company of refusing to consult with workers over potential job losses at distilleries in Scotland.
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2026-11-02 18:39:39 UTC

Meikle Tòir Unveils Fourth Turbo Release, Its Smokiest Whisky Yet
Credit: The GlenAllachie Distillery
Meikle Tòir has released The Turbo 2026 Edition, a limited-edition five-year-old peated single malt made at The GlenAllachie Distillery in Speyside. The whisky will be offered through an online ballot opening today (2 November), ahead of a global launch at specialist retailers on 5 November 2026.
The release marks the fourth annual instalment of The Turbo, which debuted in 2023. Each edition has sold out almost rapidly since its introduction.
The new expression is the most heavily peated whisky in the Meikle Tòir range, reaching 71 parts per million (PPM) in the finished whisky.
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Its smoke derives from the “heart of the heart” of the distillate, the cut carrying the highest phenol content. Peated production runs for just six weeks each year at GlenAllachie, with the distillate for The Turbo made in even smaller volumes.
This year’s edition differs from its 2025 sibling, which used five American virgin oak casks and four Oloroso hogsheads. The 2026 release combines American virgin oak with Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
The brand is led by industry veteran Billy Walker, who draws on more than five decades of whisky-making experience. Walker reimagined GlenAllachie’s Speyside character with a peated edge.
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“The Turbo is, by nature, incredibly limited, so if you can get your hands on a bottle, it’s worth it,” said Billy Walker, master distiller. “This year, I’m delighted to showcase The Turbo matured in some of my favourite casks: American virgin oak, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry.”
Walker added: “It’s a very moreish dram, packed full of sweet campfire smoke, spices and candied dark fruits.”
According to the official notes from the brand, the nose offers warmed honey, candied hazelnuts and molasses. The palate delivers butterscotch, orange zest, honeycomb and plum syrup, finishing on dried red berries, cinnamon and salted caramel.
The whisky uses Highland mainland peat sourced from St Fergus, Aberdeenshire. A fermentation extended to 160 hours, nearly three times the industry standard, creates a fruity, ester-rich distillate.
Following strong demand for earlier releases, the brand has introduced an online ballot for a small allocation. Enthusiasts can enter the ballot between 10 am GMT on 2 November and 7 pm GMT on 4 November.
Bottled at 50% ABV with natural color and non-chill filtration, Meikle Tòir The Turbo 2026 Edition carries an RRP of £62.99. It will also be available at The GlenAllachie Distillery from 10am on 5 November 2026.
Read the full article at Meikle Tòir Unveils Fourth Turbo Release, Its Smokiest Whisky Yet
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2026-11-02 17:59:47 UTC

Gamber Valley Launches Two New Indian Single Malts
Alcobrew Distilleries India Limited has launched two new permanent expressions in its Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Whisky range, named Pravah: and Tapah:. The whiskies arrived this festive season and are distilled, matured, and bottled at the company’s distillery in Solan, Himachal Pradesh.
Both expressions are made with Indian malted barley and water with Himalayan character. They are matured in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at 46% ABV.
Pravah: is an unpeated, ex-bourbon-matured malt, while Tapah: is a peated, ex-bourbon-matured malt. Tapah: is positioned as an early entrant in the emerging Himalayan-origin peated Indian single malt segment.
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The two whiskies form the core of the brand’s portfolio. Gamber Valley debuted in June 2026 with two small-batch releases, Private Edition 1 and The Vault Series.
The first phase of the launch covers Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh. The 750ml bottles are available across select markets from November 2026.
Pravah: carries a price range of ₹3,600–₹5,500 (US$41–62 / £32–48). Tapah: is priced between ₹4,300 and ₹7,500 (US$49–85 / £38–66). Prices vary by state, depending on local duties and taxes.
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Romesh Pandita, chairman and managing director of Alcobrew Distilleries India Limited, said: “With Pravah: and Tapah:, we are taking that vision a step further by establishing the core expressions of the brand. One flows with seamless elegance, while the other carries an inner fire. Both are unmistakably born in Solan. The festive season offers an ideal occasion to introduce these expressions to consumers.”
Ashutosh Rajput, chief operating officer, described the duo as “an important milestone in the evolution of brand Gamber Valley. We are launching across four states initially but will make it national in the times to come.”
Speaking about the peated expression, Rajput said: “Peated single malt is still finding its voice in India, and that is precisely where we see an exciting opportunity.”
Gamber Valley is produced to the Indian Malt Whisky Association’s standards, using 100% malted barley, copper pot still distillation, and a minimum of three years’ maturation in oak casks in India. The brand scored 92 points at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2026.
According to the official notes from the brand, Pravah: offers layered malt with gentle vanilla, ripe banana, and a soft hint of smoke, closing with warm spice and rich chocolate. Tapah: presents gentle peat with acacia honey and liquorice, leading to a smooth finish of vanilla, warm spice, and milk chocolate.
Read the full article at Gamber Valley Launches Two New Indian Single Malts
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2026-11-02 17:20:47 UTC

Copper & Kings Expands Into Texas With Johnson Brothers Maverick
Copper & Kings American Brandy, the Louisville distillery driving the modern revival of American brandy, has entered the Texas market through a new distribution agreement with Johnson Brothers Maverick of Texas. The brand’s core portfolio became available across the state on 1 November.
The launch centers on three flagship expressions alongside a bourbon finished in the distillery’s own brandy barrels.
“Texas has a vibrant spirits culture and an appetite for brands with personality,” said Rob Bourdon, owner and CEO of Copper & Kings. “We’re thrilled to join that conversation.”
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Bourdon added that the move is intended to showcase the breadth of the category. “We aim to reveal the possibilities of American brandy, whether it’s in a cocktail, enjoyed neat, or discovered through our brandy barrel-finished bourbon,” he said. “Johnson Brothers Maverick is the perfect partner to connect us with Texas enthusiasts.”
The Texas portfolio leads with Six-Year American Brandy V.S.O.P. The pot-distilled expression is aged six years and bottled at 86 proof, with a suggested retail price of $19.99 (£15).
Next is the Six-Year American Apple Brandy, Bottled-in-Bond. It is produced to the standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act and carries a suggested retail price of $24.99 (£19).
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Completing the range is the brand’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The expression blends straight bourbons aged between five and more than 15 years, then finished for up to three years in Copper & Kings brandy barrels. It is priced at a suggested $29.99 (£23).
The distillery positions the lineup as a gateway for retailers, bartenders, and consumers to explore its style, spanning brandy for classic cocktails, apple brandy served neat, and bourbon shaped by brandy barrel finishing.
Founded in 2014, Copper & Kings is based in the NuLu district of Louisville, Kentucky, and has built its reputation on using pot stills to produce brandy from American wine and apples. The distillery’s Texas debut adds a new market for a category that has drawn renewed interest from bartenders seeking alternatives to whiskey and agave spirits.
Texas retailers, bars, and restaurants interested in stocking the range can contact Johnson Brothers Maverick for ordering details. Consumer availability and pricing will vary by location.
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2026-11-02 16:43:06 UTC

5 Japanese Whiskies That No Longer Justify Their Prices — and What to Buy Instead
Japanese whisky has spent most of the last decade in short supply. Demand grew much faster than distilleries could lay down aged stock, and some well-known bottles disappeared altogether. Hibiki 17 was discontinued in 2018, and Hakushu 12 was withdrawn from several markets the same year. Prices have kept rising ever since, with Suntory raising its prices in Japan in 2024 and again in 2026.
So, is there still value to be found in Japanese whisky? Each of the “overrated” whiskies below has a strong reputation, but its price has climbed well past what it offers compared with other bottles on the shelf. The good news is that there are some great alternatives. The five picks below offer better bang for your buck, so you can still enjoy Japanese whisky without overpaying.
Overrated: Yamazaki 18 Year Old, 43%, £575 / $730
Yamazaki 18 has one of the best awards records in Japanese whisky, including Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge 2025. It has wonderful notes of dark chocolate, stewed fruit, pine resin, plums, ginger and sandalwood.
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A good whisky, absolutely. But the prices have just kept climbing. Around a decade ago, it cost about £170 in the UK ($265 USD), and retailers now ask around £575 and upwards of $730 in the US. Average auction prices sit closer to £360, which makes the retail price even harder to justify.
Instead: Miyagikyo 10 Year Old, 45%, £145 / $180
Nikka brought Miyagikyo 10 Year Old back to the UK in April 2026, making it the distillery’s first age-statement release since 2016. It’s matured in American oak and sherry casks, and the tasting notes include pineapple, mango, fruit cake, and clove.
It’s eight years younger than Yamazaki 18, so this isn’t a direct swap. It is still expensive, sure. But even so, you get an aged Japanese single malt for a fraction of the price.
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Overrated: Hakushu 12 Year Old, 43%, £129 / $160
Hakushu 12 was brought back in 2021 after being discontinued, and it won gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2025. You might find fresh-cut fruit, citrus zest and gentle barley, with a wisp of smoke on the finish.
Around a decade ago, a bottle cost about £80 in the UK and $115 in the US, but the price has risen significantly. It’s a lovely whisky, but at today’s price there are better ways to spend the money.
Instead: Nikka Yoichi Single Malt, 45%, £65 / $54
Yoichi Single Malt is matured in new American oak and sherry casks and made with lightly peated malt. Tasting notes include smoke, sea brine, candied orange, and nutmeg.
It doesn’t carry an age statement, but it’s bottled at a higher strength and costs a lot less than Hakushu 12. If you like Hakushu for its touch of smoke but would like a little more power on the palate, Yoichi is well worth a try.
Overrated: Yamazaki 12 Year Old, 43%, £120 / $150
Yamazaki 12 has a long history of awards. It was the first Japanese whisky to win gold at the International Spirits Challenge in 2003, and it was named Supreme Champion Spirit there in 2024. On the palate, you might find honey, cinnamon, peach and toffee.
Around a decade ago, it cost about £65 in the UK, and it now sells for around £120. It’s still a very good whisky, but it’s hard to call it good value anymore, which is a massive shame.
Instead: Mars Komagatake Single Malt, 45%, £82 / $90
Komagatake is the single malt from Hombo Shuzo’s Mars Shinshu distillery in Nagano, and the core release is bottled at 45%. Tasting notes include apple tea, apricot, and persimmon. It is bright, clean, and lingering.
It’s bottled at a higher strength than Yamazaki 12, and costs noticeably less. It’s a great way to explore a Japanese distillery beyond the big two names.
Overrated: Hibiki Japanese Harmony, 43%, £72 / $73
Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a blend of malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu with grain whisky from Chita, and it won gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2025. You might find rose, lychee and sandalwood on the nose, with honey, candied orange peel and white chocolate on the palate.
When it launched in the UK in 2015, it cost around £54, and it now sells for about £75. That’s a smaller jump than some on this list, but it’s still a lot to pay for a blend with no age statement. The price here is more about the presentation, in my opinion. A beautiful bottle, for sure, but a harder value sell if you’re focusing on the whisky.
Instead: Fuji Single Blended, 43%, £60 / $70
Fuji Single Blended is made entirely from malt and grain whiskies distilled at Kirin’s Fuji Gotemba distillery and matured in ex-bourbon casks. Tasting notes include coconut, dried apricot, peach, and citrus peel.
It’s the same strength as Hibiki Harmony and usually costs a little less. Like Hibiki Harmony, it is light and gentle, making it an easy swap if that is what you’re looking for.
Overrated: Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve, 43%, £67 / $90
Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve is a no-age-statement single malt, matured in a mix of wine, sherry and Mizunara casks. On the palate, you might find strawberry, raspberry, cherry and white peach, with vanilla and cinnamon on the finish.
Around a decade ago, it cost about £40 in the UK and $65 in the US, and it now sells for around £70. It’s a nice introduction to Yamazaki, but it’s now priced like a whisky with an age statement.
Instead: Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky, 46.5%, £56 / $62
Ichiro’s Malt & Grain is a world blend from Ichiro Akuto, who founded the Chichibu distillery. It combines Chichibu whisky with whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the US. Because some of the whisky is distilled outside Japan, it doesn’t meet the Japanese whisky labeling standards introduced in 2021.
That is not a bad thing, though. This is a very well-put-together blend. Tasting notes include apple, pear, honey, and cinnamon.
Japanese Whisky Is Still Worth Exploring
None of the five overrated bottles on this list are bad whiskies, and if prices come down in the years ahead, some of them could be good buys again. Whisky writer Dave Broom told Adam O’Connell at Master of Malt that “price is really important because it’s way too expensive,” and in the same interview he singled out the new Mars and Fuji whiskies as being priced well. Until the rest of the market follows, there’s still plenty of good whisky from Japan to enjoy without overpaying.
Read the full article at 5 Japanese Whiskies That No Longer Justify Their Prices — and What to Buy Instead
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2026-11-02 16:03:53 UTC

Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey Review
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2026-11-02 14:44:13 UTC

Every Jameson Whiskey Ranked: The Ones Worth Trading Up To And The Ones To Skip
Credit: Irish Distillers
Jameson is one of those whiskeys you can order without giving it a second thought. It’s familiar, reliable, and easy to enjoy. But there’s much more to the brand than its classic green bottle.
From beer cask finishes to premium 18-year-old expressions, the Jameson range has plenty to explore. I’ve ranked 11 bottles from worst to best, based on my own tasting experiences, with one important consideration throughout: value for money. Some of the most expensive releases might surprise you with where they’ve ended up.
11. Jameson Orange, 30%, $25 / £35
Kicking off the list is the only liqueur included, Jameson Orange. Bottled at 30% ABV and flavored with natural orange flavors, it’s designed to be mixed. To be fair, it makes a brilliant highball with lemonade and ice.
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If you’re looking for something to drink neat, though, this falls to the bottom of the list. That said, it certainly has its place.
10. Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition, 40%, $30 / £29
This one comes down to personal taste. I know people who loved this release, but IPA flavors just aren’t my cup of tea.
It has some incredible fruity notes and a clean, hoppy finish, but I just can’t get past the pine notes that really dominate the whiskey. It’s a cool project, but one that never quite ticked my boxes, especially compared to another cask-finished release further up this list.
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9. Jameson 18 Year Old Cask Strength, 55%, $300 / £570
Okay, we’re getting into the premium stuff now. I was lucky enough to try this in Ireland at Midleton’s 200th anniversary celebration. I wanted to love it, but I found it a little overwhelming. The bar was too busy to ask for some water to see if it calmed down, mainly because it was a free bar!
Much like Redbreast 27 Year Old, I found this incredibly spicy, to the point where it drowned out a lot of the flavors I wanted to find.
It’s great to see the distillery releasing a cask-strength expression, but as I’ve said a few times before, just because a whiskey is cask strength doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.
8. Jameson 18 Year Old, 46%, $180 / £135
A blend of three signature distillates from Midleton Distillery, this 18-year-old is matured for nearly two decades before being finished in fresh American oak for six months.
It has all the hallmarks of classic Irish whiskey: toffee, honey, aromatic spices, and plenty of fresh vanilla and sweetness.
It’s a very interesting whiskey at 46%, but for nearly $200, I think there are better older whiskeys available, including some within the Jameson range itself.
7. Jameson Single Pot Still, 46%, $N/A
We’ve got two whiskeys in a row here that are essentially the same release. I’m not sure whether this one has been discontinued and the bottle below has taken its place, but here we go!
This single pot still whiskey is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, alongside three types of virgin oak: Irish, American, and European.
It’s very oak-led, with dark chocolate, aromatic spices, vanilla, and an almost autumnal forest floor note. Something a little mulchy, but in a nice way!
It’s becoming quite difficult to find now, so perhaps it has been discontinued. Either way, it’s an interesting bottle if you can track one down.
6. Jameson Distiller’s Batch, 46%, $50 / £66.50
This could be the bottle that has taken over from the one above.
I went through an entire bottle of this earlier in the year and found it a little closed off at first. It took quite a while to really open up.
Matured using the same five types of cask as the Single Pot Still release, the wood notes are very dominant here, with plenty of aromatic spice and a little more toffee.
I decanted the last half of the bottle, and it started to open up in some really positive ways. Cherry, vanilla cream, and milk chocolate notes began to emerge, creating a much more complex, layered whiskey.
Give this bottle some time, and it becomes a very interesting whiskey for the money.
5. Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition, 40%, $35 / £26
A meeting of two wonderful drinks, brought together in one bottle.
This is sweet, toffee-driven Irish whiskey that has been matured in casks previously used to hold Irish stout. I really love this release.
It has a flavor profile of apples, hazelnuts, chocolate, and pot still spices. The finish is sweet, with butterscotch and green tea, a wonderful yet unexpected combination of sweet and earthy flavors.
It’s also widely available through supermarkets and regular grocery stores, rather than just specialist retailers.
An excellent pairing and a well-deserved place in the top five.
4. Jameson Triple Triple, 40%, $30 / £30
A relatively new release in the Jameson range. Triple distilled and triple casked!
This whiskey is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and chestnut wood casks. Irish whiskey regulations permit the use of different types of wood for maturation, giving distillers plenty of room to experiment.
On the nose, it’s layered with fudge, vanilla, and sweet, nutty notes. These continue onto the palate, alongside a slow build of woody spices and sweet green apples.
It’s a really cool bottle. There’s also an orange-label release that uses Malaga wine casks, which is another excellent whiskey.
3. Jameson Irish Whiskey, 40%, $24 / £21
The classic! The famous one! One of the reasons so many of us drink whiskey today.
Jameson Irish Whiskey is a truly legendary bottle. Combining single pot still whiskey and Irish grain whiskey, matured primarily in ex-bourbon casks, it delivers that sweet, easy-drinking profile we all know.
Whether you prefer your whiskey neat or mixed, Jameson is one of the best-value purchases you can make when you need something that just about everyone can enjoy.
2. Jameson Crested, 40%, $54
This is a step up from the regular Jameson Irish Whiskey, with a higher proportion of single pot still whiskey in the blend.
The first time I tried it, I was reminded of melted white chocolate, raisins, and plenty of honey. It’s a richer, creamier take on the classic Jameson profile, and for the additional money, you really can’t beat it.
Crested also has quite a reputation, with older bottlings commanding high prices on the secondary market. But the current release still offers great value and is the sort of whiskey you can simply sit back and enjoy.
1. Jameson Black Barrel, 40%, $37 / £30
And here we have number one! For me, Jameson Black Barrel is the best bottle in the range for your money.
The idea here is to bring together some of the best characteristics of Irish and American whiskey. By taking the classic Jameson recipe and introducing heavily charred American oak casks, the distillery has created something that delivers both great flavor and excellent value.
It retains all those sweet, welcoming notes we love about Jameson, but the stronger American oak influence gives it a rounder, richer, and more pronounced flavor profile.
It’s a whiskey that works in just about every drinking situation you can imagine, whether neat, over ice, or in a cocktail.
And that’s why it takes the top spot.
That’s my Jameson ranking, but how did your favorite bottle fare? Would you put Black Barrel at number one, or is there another Jameson you’d choose instead?
Read the full article at Every Jameson Whiskey Ranked: The Ones Worth Trading Up To And The Ones To Skip
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2026-11-02 10:59:35 UTC

The Ultimate Islay Whisky? Why Laphroaig 10 Remains the Benchmark
Laphroaig 10 Year Old isn’t trying to be subtle, nor does it cater to neutral palates, and for sub-£40, it has the best quality of Islay whisky on par with ones that are around £100. It is a bold, unapologetic, and deeply evocative spirit that offers a direct, unadulterated taste of Islay’s rugged coastline. Combining award-winning craftsmanship, century-old methods, and exceptional value for money given the quality of the product, it remains the essential Islay single malt every enthusiast must own.
To step ashore on Islay is to understand that geography dictates flavour. This small, storm-battered island off the west coast of Scotland, renowned globally as the “Queen of the Hebrides”, is home to a concentrated cluster of the world’s most celebrated distilleries. From the heavily sherried drams of the south coast to the lighter, floral malts of the north, Islay produces Scotch with an unmistakable sense of place.
Yet, when connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike debate which single bottle best encapsulates the soul, heritage, and character of the island, one name consistently rises above the rest: Laphroaig 10 Year Old. It is not merely an extraordinary single malt but, in the view of many, the definitive Islay whisky you can buy.
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Islay in a Bottle: Terroir, Tradition, and Technique
What makes a whisky one of the “best” of its region is its ability to translate the environment into liquid form. Laphroaig 10 does this with an authenticity that few distilleries can match. Located directly on Kilbride Bay, the distillery draws its water from the soft, peaty Kilbride Stream and harnesses three distinct traditions to forge its signature profile:
Floor Maltings: Laphroaig is one of the rare remaining Islay distilleries to still hand-turn a portion of its malted barley on traditional stone floor maltings, which exposes the grain directly to sea air.
Cold Peat Smoking: The barley is cold-smoked in ancient kilns using local peat cut from the Glenmachrie bogs, made of a unique blend of ancient moss, heather, and sea kelp that gives the spirit its legendary coastal-medicinal reek.
Maritime Maturation: Aged in charred Bourbon barrels stored in stone dunnage warehouses right on the water’s edge, the whisky inhales Atlantic salt spray for a decade.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Tasting Notes
In the glass, Laphroaig 10 shines with a warm, sparkling gold hue, forming slow, deliberate trails along the crystal.
The Nose: An immediate, iconic wave of peat smoke hits first, laced with iconic medicinal notes and damp sea spray. As it opens, softer aromas of toasted oak and vanilla sweetness emerge beneath the maritime wave.
The Palate: The entry is a masterclass in balance. A massive hit of peat and sea salt is instantly tempered by a surprising honeyed barley sweetness. Layers of charred oak, ash, and delicate vanilla round out the full-bodied mouthfeel.
The Finish: Intensely long, lingering, and warming. The smoke slowly tapers off, leaving a memorable afterglow of sweet seaweed, cold campfire embers, and brine.
Always follow the DrinkSmart® rules and drink in moderation.
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2026-11-02 10:23:26 UTC

5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Macallan
The Macallan is one of those names that even casual whisky drinkers tend to recognize. It’s known for sitting at the very top end of the single malt Scotch market, with a new £140 million distillery and the record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold at auction.
Behind all of its modern success, though, is a fascinating story spanning over 200 years. And, despite the brand’s fame, there are some very interesting facts about The Macallan that have faded into obscurity.
So I read up on The Macallan in a few whisky books and found five things you might not know about, arguably, the most luxurious whisky brand on the planet. In these facts, you will find an unlikely Netflix connection, impressive production tidbits, and a premature dismissal from the world’s first whisky influencer.
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1. Victorian Whisky’s Most Famous Writer Almost Overlooked The Macallan
Between 1885 and 1887, Alfred Barnard, the secretary of the trade journal Harper’s Weekly Gazette, visited every working whisky distillery in Great Britain and Ireland, 162 in total. He wrote them up in The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom, a 500-page book with detailed technical notes on each site, along with sketches and engravings.
Macallan appears as entry No. 73, listed under James Stuart & Co. of Rothes, and the whole entry is just seven lines. Barnard describes a modest farm distillery about a mile from Dandaleith station, producing around 40,000 gallons a year, most of which went to England for blending.
In But the Distilleries Went On, Ian Buxton points out that Barnard considered Macallan “only worthy of a scant seven line entry.” Meanwhile, huge grain distilleries such as Carsebridge and Port Dundas, which were making millions of gallons a year, were given profiles of several pages.
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Given where the distillery is today, it’s hard not to remark on how little attention Barnard paid it.
2. The Macallan’s Chairman Was Also A Screenwriter
Allan Shiach chaired Macallan-Glenlivet from 1979 until the company changed hands in the late 1990s, and for much of that time he was also writing films under the name Allan Scott.
His best-known film is probably Don’t Look Now (1973), the Daphne du Maurier adaptation starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland, which he co-wrote with Chris Bryant. His other credits include The Witches (1990) and Regeneration (1997), and more recently he became a co-creator and producer of The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix.
Allan Shiach has been instrumental to the development of Macallan in the modern era. Credit: The Macallan
Shiach didn’t expect to stay in the job for long, and as he told Grampian Online, “I originally agreed to do it for just a year but discovered I was good at the job and enjoyed the complexities of marketing.”
His love of film found its way into the distillery, too. According to Walter Schobert’s The Whisky Treasury, Shiach set up a small round theater at Easter Elchies House, complete with a genuine cinema organ, for a “magic lantern” show about Scotland and The Macallan.
3. News Of A Macallan Takeover Broke On The Day Of A Special Tasting
The Macallan was independently owned and run from the time it was first licensed in 1824 until the summer of 1996. According to Walter Schobert’s The Whisky Treasury, the company invited friends to the estate on July 1, 1996, to taste a limited release of Macallan distilled in 1874, presented in a replica of a 19th-century bottle.
The national newspapers on the same morning carried news of a hostile takeover. Highland Distillers had joined forces with Suntory, which had owned 25% of Macallan since 1986, and bought Rémy Cointreau’s 26% stake. Between them, the two companies now held 51% of the business.
Highland Distillers, working with Suntory, went on to take control of Macallan-Glenlivet later that year, and the deal brought the Kemp family’s ownership of The Macallan to an end.
Three years later, Highland Distillers itself was bought by Edrington and William Grant & Sons, and Edrington still owns The Macallan today.
4. The Macallan Keeps Only A Small Part Of Each Spirit Run
Most Scotch single malt is distilled twice in copper pot stills. The first distillation takes place in the wash still, which turns the fermented liquid, known as wash, into a weaker spirit called low wines. The low wines then go into the spirit still for a second distillation.
Macallan’s stills. Credit: The Macallan
The stillman then divides the spirit coming off this second run into three parts. The first is the foreshots, or heads, and the last is the feints, or tails. The part in between is the middle cut, also known as the heart of the run, and it’s the only part that goes into casks to mature.
Most Scotch malt distilleries keep around 60% of the spirit run as their middle cut. The Macallan, however, fills only 16% of the final distillation into its casks. The brand credits this narrow cut with much of the richness of its spirit.
The new distillery has 12 wash stills and 24 spirit stills. The spirit stills are unusually small and have steeply descending lyne arms, and the distillery still takes the same tight cut.
5. The Old Macallan Distillery Is Being Turned Into Wetlands
An artist’s impression of what the wetlands will look like. Credit: The Macallan
When the new distillery opened in 2018, the old stillhouses, most of which date from the 1960s, were mothballed.
Edrington has since announced a plan called Project Marley, the announcement of which coincided with The Macallan’s 200th anniversary in 2024. Plans reported by the Press and Journal showed several of the old buildings being knocked down completely, with salvaged parts kept on site as artifacts. The cleared ground is being turned into wetlands and naturalized gardens.
Edrington has also worked with EDF Renewables UK on a 2.1MW ground-mounted solar project on the estate. It now supplies around 25% of the distillery’s annual electricity demand, and up to half of its daytime needs at peak output.
Two Centuries On
The Macallan has come a long way since Alfred Barnard gave it seven lines of copy in 1887, and there are, it seems, infinite lesser-known facts about the distillery to be found.
Do you have any Macallan facts in your arsenal? Let us know in the comments.
If you’d like to know more about Allan Shiach, our feature on his time as chairman is well worth reading.
Read the full article at 5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Macallan
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2026-11-02 09:49:43 UTC

Old Overholt Cask Strength 11 Year Old Rye Review
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2026-11-01 06:03:02 UTC

Lost Lantern Single Cask Copperworks Distilling Washington Single Malt Whiskey Review
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2026-10-31 10:01:15 UTC

Four Roses Uses Chestnut Casks In New Experimental Series Bourbon
Credit: Four Roses Distillery
Four Roses Distillery has announced Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut, a limited-edition bourbon finished in barrels made from Japanese chestnut wood. The Kentucky producer will sell the 375ml expression at its Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek visitor centers from November 20.
This bottling is the third in the distillery’s Experimental Series. Earlier releases used Mizunara and honey-seasoned casks. No. 002 was finished in casks that previously held Four Roses Bourbon Barrel Aged Honey.
The series opened with No. 001 in June. That release was the first time Four Roses will sell a bourbon that underwent secondary cask maturation.
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For the new release, the team began with trials. These tested how different wood species worked with each of Four Roses’ 10 bourbon recipes. Chestnut stood out early on, so the distillery expanded its tests. It then chose its six-year-old OBSK recipe for the final liquid and finished it in 250-liter chestnut barrels.
“To me, what makes this release so interesting is how chestnut wood can enhance and highlight the flavors of a bourbon,” said master distiller Brent Elliott. “We explored a number of different wood types in our initial trials, and chestnut stood out for the unique character it brought to the spirit.”
He continued: “The OBSK recipe had the complexity and spice we were looking for to complement those flavors, creating a bourbon that feels familiar in its foundation but offers new, distinct flavors in the glass.”
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To make the whiskey, the team moved mature bourbon into chestnut barrels with a range of toast and char levels. Staff sampled each barrel often and emptied each one on its own once it reached the target flavor.
The bourbon is bottled at 104 proof (52% ABV). According to the official notes from the brand, the nose shows rich apricot and soft vanilla.
On the palate, the brand lists vanilla bean, pear and ripe cherry, with toasted wood and baking spice. The finish brings delicate fruit and brown sugar.
Each bottle costs $55 (£41 / ₹5,230).
Elliott previously called the series “an exciting new chapter for us”. Four Roses has confirmed that the first three releases will explore different cask finishes. Later experiments will move beyond finishing into other aspects of whiskey production.
Founded in 1888, Four Roses combines two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains. More details are available on the Experimental Series page.
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2026-10-31 09:19:57 UTC

Breckenridge Bourbon Honors Denver’s 11th Hockey Title
Credit: Breckenridge Distillery
Breckenridge Distillery and University of Denver Athletics have released a limited-edition Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey commemorating the Denver Pioneers’ 2026 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey National Championship. The 230-bottle release, bottled at 101.7 proof, launched on 29 October 2026, with $179.99 (£135) from each sale directing $100 (£75) to the Denver Men’s Ice Hockey Scholarship.
The Colorado-based distillery, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, created the bourbon from a single barrel selected alongside Denver Athletics supporters.
The commemorative bottling honors Denver’s record 11th national championship, which the Pioneers secured on 11 April 2026 with a victory over Wisconsin in Las Vegas.
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Denver holds the all-time record of 11 national titles, including four in the past decade across 2017, 2022, 2024, and 2026. Under head coach David Carle, the program has claimed three championships in five years.
“Denver hockey’s tradition of excellence reflects the same values we bring to every bottle we make: dedication, craftsmanship and pride in representing Colorado at the highest level,” said Bryan Nolt, founder and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery. “Having DU Athletics supporters join us in the barrel room to help select this whiskey made the process truly collaborative, and knowing the proceeds will support the next generation of Denver hockey players makes this release even more meaningful.”
The partnership invited a group of supporters to the distillery for a behind-the-scenes barrel room experience. Participants toured the facility, learned about the whiskey-making process and evaluated barrels before helping choose the final single barrel.
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Josh Berlo, vice chancellor for athletics and Ritchie Center operations, described the title as “a special moment in Denver Athletics history.”
“To have a significant portion of the proceeds go towards hockey scholarships makes this a full circle commemoration and empowering future national success for the legacy and tradition that is Denver hockey,” he said.
Tim Thompson, a University of Denver alumnus and DU Athletics supporter, said the group was “welcomed with open arms” at the distillery.
Produced under master distiller Hans Stafsholt, the grain-to-glass release carries official tasting notes from the brand of balanced oak spice, caramel and brown sugar on the nose, followed by a creamy palate of caramel, brown sugar, cinnamon and a hint of black pepper.
The whiskey is available at Bonnie Brae Liquor and Mondo Vino in Denver.
Read the full article at Breckenridge Bourbon Honors Denver’s 11th Hockey Title
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2026-10-31 08:38:50 UTC

Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old Cask Strength Bourbon Debuts
Credit: Blade & Bow
Blade and Bow has unveiled 30-Year-Old Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the second expression in its 30-Year-Old collection. The 1,200-bottle release will roll out in select markets from November 2026, alongside the return of the original 30-Year-Old Limited Release. The new bourbon comes at its natural barrel strength of 164.2 proof (82.1% ABV), with no water added.
It uses the same liquid as the 30-Year-Old Limited Release, which debuted in 2025. Blade and Bow bottled that expression in 2023 and brought it down to 109 proof.
The whiskey went into barrels in spring 1993. It spent most of its maturation in the rickhouses of Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively, Kentucky.
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Nicole Austin, Diageo’s director of American whiskey liquid development, picked 42 barrels from an original 96 to create the blend.
“What I find so compelling about the 30-Year-Old collection is that these aren’t two different whiskeys,” said Austin. “They’re the exact same blend, presented in two distinct ways.”
She added: “The Limited Release reflects the balance I was looking to achieve when we first developed the liquid, while Cask Strength allows enthusiasts to experience it in its undiluted form and explore that balance for themselves.”
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The official notes from the brand describe a nose of citrus oils, dark berries, baking spice, fig, molasses and old oak. The palate offers roasted nuts, ginger, dark sugar and blackcurrant with “a cool menthol lift.”
Each bottle comes in a custom leather box. The suggested retail price is $2,500 (£1,866 / ₹238,000) per 750ml bottle.
Stitzel-Weller Distillery will be the first place to buy it. It will offer 25 bottles by reservation only, with bookings opening on November 16. More bottles will follow in periodic drops through the holiday season, and the brand will keep some stock for later.
Today (October 30), 30 bottles of the returning Limited Release go on sale at the distillery. Select markets will get it after that.
Visitors can taste both expressions at the distillery’s Garden & Gun Club. Options include tasting experiences with keepsake glassware and 1oz pours.
Diageo introduced the Blade and Bow brand in 2015. The name represents the two parts of a skeleton key, the blade shaft and the ornate bow. The brand links this to the Five Keys of Bourbon: Grain, Yeast, Fermentation, Distillation and Aging.
Stitzel-Weller opened on Derby Day in 1935. The distillery operated until distilling stopped in 1992.
Read the full article at Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old Cask Strength Bourbon Debuts
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2026-10-31 08:00:05 UTC

Orphan Barrel’s New Whiskey Hypes Up Avengers: Doomsday
Credit: Orphan Barrel
Diageo-owned Orphan Barrel has unveiled Latverian Cask, a 20-year-old American Light Whiskey inspired by Marvel Studios’ upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. The one-time release goes on sale across the US on November 1, 2026, ahead of the film’s release on December 18.
The expression is the first American Light Whiskey in the Orphan Barrel portfolio. Its name comes from Latveria, the fictional nation ruled by Doctor Doom in the film.
Latverian Cask will be sold at select retailers nationwide, online through TheBar.com, and at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. It carries a suggested retail price of $200 (£150 / ₹17,600).
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Marvel artist Rod Reis created an original illustration for the label. One in six bottles will also carry a holographic label treatment.
“There’s so much to pull from visually with Doctor Doom and Latveria,” said Reis. “I wanted everything to work together as one image at first, but then reward people who spend some time looking at it and start noticing those smaller references.”
Producers distilled the whiskey in Indiana from a predominantly corn mashbill. Most barrels matured in Kentucky, and the rest aged in Indiana. For at least 20 years, the liquid aged mainly in previously used bourbon and rye barrels. Multiuse barrels that once held batch Light Whiskey and other American whiskey also played a role.
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According to the brand, used oak gave the whiskey depth and richness. Uncharred barrels helped preserve the softer character of Light Whiskey.
US regulations define Light Whiskey as spirit distilled above 160 proof and below 190 proof, then stored in used or uncharred new oak.
“Part of what makes working on Orphan Barrel so exciting is coming across whiskies that have developed in ways you might not expect,” said Andrew Mackay, master blender US whiskey at Diageo. “When we discovered this 20-Year-Old Light Whiskey, what stood out was how much character it had developed over two decades while still retaining the softer profile that defines the category.”
“At this age, you’re working with something finite that simply can’t be recreated once it’s gone,” he added.
Latverian Cask is bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof). Tasting notes include caramel and vanilla on the nose, with butterscotch, honey, orange peel, and oak on the palate, with a finish of vanilla and dried fruits.
Read the full article at Orphan Barrel’s New Whiskey Hypes Up Avengers: Doomsday
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2026-10-31 06:40:44 UTC

Indian Malt Whisky Association and Scotch Whisky Association Sign Cooperation Pact
Credit: the Indian Malt Whisky Association
The Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) have signed a cooperation agreement at The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi, witnessed by Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney. The deal was signed by Major General (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), director general of the IMWA, and Ian Duddy, international director of the SWA.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration through the sharing of information, knowledge, and industry practices. It focuses on sustainability, the protection and promotion of each category, and engagement on regulatory matters of mutual interest. It also covers legal protection, product authenticity, intellectual property infringements, and the promotion of responsible consumption.
“This agreement marks an important milestone in the evolution of India’s malt whisky industry and its engagement with established global whisky traditions,” said Chopra. “Our partnership with the Scotch Whisky Association creates an opportunity to exchange expertise, strengthen product authenticity and promote responsible, sustainable industry practices.”
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He added: “By working together on shared priorities, we can build greater trust in our respective categories while supporting the long-term growth and international recognition of Indian malt whisky.”
The signing follows the entry into force of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), commonly known as the Free Trade Agreement. The CETA came into effect on 15 July 2026, marking a significant milestone in UK–India economic ties.
Under the deal, India will cut tariffs on Scotch from 150% to 75%, with another drop to 40% after 10 years. The reduction opens fresh avenues for bilateral trade between the two markets.
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India remains a key growth market for Scotch. Exports to India were worth £286 million (US$380.6m) in 2025.
The IMWA was formed to safeguard and advance India’s malt whisky sector. The association was founded on 8 July 2024 and officially launched on 20 March 2025, with members including Amrut Distilleries, John Distilleries, Radico Khaitan, Piccadilly Agro, Diageo India, and Alcobrew.
Those producers carry considerable weight within the category. Collectively, the association’s current members account for more than 75% of malt whisky production revenue across the country.
Earlier in 2026, the body took further steps to protect provenance. The IMWA introduced a new certification hologram to identify Indian single malts that meet the required standards.
The pact brings together two distinctive whisky traditions and reflects a shared commitment to protecting product integrity as bilateral trade continues to evolve.
Read the full article at Indian Malt Whisky Association and Scotch Whisky Association Sign Cooperation Pact
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2026-10-31 06:12:26 UTC

Garrison Brothers Unveils Second Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
Credit: Garrison Brothers
Garrison Brothers Distillery will release its second Bottled-in-Bond expression, a six-year-old, 100-proof Texas straight bourbon, on Saturday, 14 November 2026. The launch will take place at the distillery in Hye, Texas, during the annual Red, White & Bourbon fundraiser benefiting The National Museum of the Pacific War.
The bourbon was distilled in October 2020 during the autumn distilling season. It is made from Texas grains and proofed with Hill Country rainwater.
Garrison Brothers is the oldest legal whiskey distillery in Texas to produce corn-to-cork bourbon.
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The first 1,000 bottles will go on sale at the distillery during the ticketed fundraiser. Gates open to the public at 8am for the release, two hours ahead of the fundraiser’s 11am start.
Bottles will be sold throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis. Any remaining stock will be available in the distillery gift shop from Monday, 16 November 2026.
The bottled-in-bond designation requires that a spirit is produced within one distilling season by one distiller at a single distillery, aged in bonded storage, and bottled at 100 proof. These rules stem from the 1897 US Bottled-in-Bond Act, established to protect the integrity of the national spirit.
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This second release follows the distillery’s debut Bottled-in-Bond expression in February 2026.
Bottled at 50% ABV, the bourbon carries official tasting notes from the brand of toasted brown sugar, cinnamon and white pepper. The finish offers hints of leather and vanilla, with nods to nutmeg and anise.
Master distiller Donnis Todd selected the barrels used for the release. “I’ve selected 102 fifty-three-gallon barrels filled on October 2, 2020, to support the next round of Bottled in Bond,” he said. “It’s beautiful. I’m excited to share what came out of these hard working six-year-old 53-gallon barrels and give Garrison Brothers fans a taste of the future.”
The expression carries a suggested retail price of $89.99 (£67). It will be available through e-commerce and at select retailers, restaurants and bars by the end of November 2026.
A total of 19,500 bottles will be available across the market for this release.
Read the full article at Garrison Brothers Unveils Second Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
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2026-10-31 05:14:21 UTC

Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky Review
Read the full article at Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky Review
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2026-10-31 04:45:03 UTC

Jim Beam x Cadillac F1 Bottle Launched at US Grand Prix
Credit: James B. Beam Distilling Co.
Jim Beam has launched its limited-edition Jim Beam x Cadillac Formula 1 Team bottle in the U.S. to mark the team’s home race at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, which took place last weekend. The Kentucky bourbon brand is the team’s Official Spirits Partner and first released the collectible globally at the British Grand Prix on July 4.
The design draws on the team’s helmet concept. It features checkered-flag detailing and places both brand names side by side. Inside, the bottle holds Jim Beam’s standard bourbon.
In the U.S., the 750ml bottle sells for $21.99 (£16.40 / ₹2,090).
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Freddie Noe, eighth-generation master distiller at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., pointed to a long family link with the car brand.
“Cadillac has been part of my family’s story for nearly 90 years, going all the way back to when Jim Beam himself used his Cadillac to protect the yeast we still use to make our bourbon today,” he said. “To see these two American icons come together on a bottle is something special.”
He continued: “And now that it’s available here at home, fans can raise a glass to Cadillac’s first Formula 1 season and be part of this exciting new chapter in our shared history.”
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Austin hosts the team’s second American home race of the season. Cadillac raced its first U.S. home race in Miami.
Cadillac joined the Formula 1 grid in 2026 as the sport’s 11th team. Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas drive for the team, both of whom have years of experience in the sport. Most notably, Sergio Pérez occupied the second seat at Red Bull, alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen, from 2021 through 2024. Valtteri Bottas is a former teammate of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Bottas drove for Mercedes alongside Hamilton from 2017 until the end of the 2021 season.
Tyler Epp, global head of commercial strategy at the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, linked the Jim Beam release to the team’s values.
“From the smallest details to the biggest moments, progress happens when people work together, reaching for the ultimate goal,” Epp said. “That’s the team we’re building, and with Jim Beam sharing this mantra alongside us, this exemplifies the spirit with which we aim to race.”
Jim Beam and Cadillac announced their multi-year global partnership in September 2025. The deal brings together two American brands around “heritage, craftsmanship, innovation and community.”
Both partners run events on and off the track. They aim to bring new audiences into the sport.
Read the full article at Jim Beam x Cadillac F1 Bottle Launched at US Grand Prix
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2026-10-31 04:13:47 UTC

The Whisky Exchange Names New Buying Director & Auction Head
Nick Larsson-Bell and Freeman Ho. Credit: The Whisky Exchange
The Whisky Exchange has named Nick Larsson-Bell as its new buying director and Freeman Ho as head of auction, strengthening its senior team with two hires who collectively hold more than 35 years’ experience across spirits buying, retail, collecting and auction. The appointments were confirmed on 29 October 2026, with Larsson-Bell set to start on 9 November and Ho having joined on 1 October after relocating from Hong Kong to London.
Larsson-Bell will take over from Dawn Davies and report to managing director Natalie Tennent as part of the leadership team. His remit covers buying, supply chain, old & rare and own label.
His 25-year drinks career began behind the bar in London before moving through retail, store leadership and commercial roles. For the past eight years he has worked at Harvey Nichols, most recently as senior buyer across the retailer’s entire drinks portfolio.
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Larsson-Bell was named Retail Buyer of the Year 2022 and judges regularly for the IWSC, ISC, Great Taste, LSC and the Spirits Masters.
Ho, meanwhile, leads the auction team across every stage of the process, from valuation through to sale. In his previous role at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, he ran the auction house’s spirits sales from 2023 to 2026, overseeing roughly £20m of whisky and Moutai.
A whisky collector for the past decade, Ho is also a BJCP Certified Beer Judge with international competition experience. He co-hosts WhiskyNow!, an annual old & rare whisky festival in Hong Kong that launched in 2019 and draws around 1,000 attendees each year.
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Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English, Ho is positioned to build ties with collectors across Asia and further afield.
Natalie Tennent, managing director of The Whisky Exchange, said: “Our people are what set The Whisky Exchange apart, and Nick and Freeman are two of the most knowledgeable and respected people in their fields.”
She added: “Whether someone is choosing their first single malt or bidding on a rare release at auction, they should know that the advice behind it comes from genuine experts. These appointments are a clear statement of our commitment to bringing the very best spirits and experiences to our customers, and I’m thrilled to welcome them both to the team.”
The retailer, founded in 1999 by brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh, was acquired by Pernod Ricard in 2021.
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2026-10-30 08:16:59 UTC

1792 Launches Full Proof Edition of Sweet Wheat Bourbon
Credit: Barton 1792
Barton 1792 Distillery has unveiled 1792 Wheated Full Proof Bourbon, a new 125-proof expression bottled at its original barrel entry proof. The whiskey will roll out from November 2026 in California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois.
The release builds on 1792 Sweet Wheat, a wheated bourbon first introduced in 2015.
Sweet Wheat is made with wheat in place of the traditional rye, producing layers of vanilla, caramel, fruit and oak. The new expression takes that same style and raises the proof to intensify its character.
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“Sweet Wheat has built a passionate following because of its distinctly smooth, rounded flavor profile,” said Ross Cornelissen, master distiller at Barton 1792 Distillery. “With Wheated Full Proof, we wanted to take what people already love and show them another side of it. The sweetness is still there, but the higher proof brings greater depth and richness.”
Cornelissen said the expression is designed to appeal to both seasoned drinkers and newcomers. “For someone who already loves high-proof bourbon, this expression offers the kind of bold character they’re looking for,” he said. “For someone just beginning to explore higher proofs, Wheated Full Proof is an inviting way to discover what higher proof bourbon can offer.”
According to the official notes from the brand, the bourbon opens on the nose with soft caramel and dried honey, followed by ripe apricot, vanilla and sweet oak. The palate carries honeyed caramel and ripe stone fruit, accented by tropical notes and balanced oak tannins, while the finish is long and warm with caramelized sugar and oak.
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The wider Sweet Wheat line has collected several awards, including Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Gold at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and Gold at the 2026 Denver International Spirits Competition.
Both expressions are distilled and aged at Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Established in 1879, the site claims to be the oldest fully operating distillery in Bardstown and spans 196 acres, with 30 barrel-aging warehouses and the Tom Moore Spring.
The 1792 name references the year Kentucky became a US state.
1792 Wheated Full Proof will be sold in a 375ml bottle at a suggested retail price of $39.99 (£30).
Read the full article at 1792 Launches Full Proof Edition of Sweet Wheat Bourbon
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2026-10-30 07:39:31 UTC

Rosebank And MacLean & Bruce Team Up To Offer Rare Whisky Experience to Private Clients
Credit: Maclean & Bruce
Rosebank Distillery has partnered with whisky specialist MacLean & Bruce to offer private clients some of the first bottles from Living Cask 1165, a historic Lowland single malt Scotch whisky. Leonard Russell, managing director of Ian Macleod Distillers, and whisky writer Charles MacLean MBE chose the cask at the Falkirk distillery, and the partners announced the release in October 2026.
According to the Falkirk Herald, the pair selected an exceptional cask of Rosebank distilled in 1991, just two years before the distillery closed.
MacLean called the whisky “very impressive” during the selection tasting. He pointed to its oak influence, fruit character and depth. “It’s a typical old-style Rosebank – mellow, well-rounded and elegant,” he added.
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Under Rosebank’s Living Cask model, collectors can draw bottles on request. The rest of the spirit stays in the cask and keeps maturing. Staff will hand-bottle, label and number each bottle at the distillery, and MacLean and Rosebank distillery manager Neil Bulloch will sign every one.
Buyers can attend an event at Rosebank in December. There, they can collect their bottles, taste the whisky and meet the team. Rosebank will ship bottles directly to buyers who cannot attend.
Vikki Bruce, managing director of MacLean & Bruce, said: “Rosebank holds a very particular place in the history of Scotch whisky, and it is a pleasure to be working with the distillery on this release.”
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She added: “Our clients value provenance and authenticity, and the opportunity to see their whisky bottled, numbered and signed at Rosebank adds another dimension to what is already a remarkable single malt.”
William Ovens, head of global travel retail and private clients at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “Cask 1165 stood out immediately for its remarkable quality and character.”
“We are delighted to be working with MacLean & Bruce to introduce this release to their private clients,” Ovens continued.
Rosebank built its name on triple distillation and traditional worm-tub condensers. That process produced an elegant Lowland style with floral and fruity notes. The distillery shut in 1993. Ian Macleod Distillers bought the site in 2017 and restarted production in June 2023 after a major restoration.
In 2025, Rosebank 31 Year Old won Best in Show – Whisk(e)y at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Bruce established MacLean & Bruce in 2013 with Charles MacLean MBE. The company provides luxury whisky travel experiences, bespoke bottlings, private casks and premium experiences across Scotland to international markets.
Allocation is limited, and bottles are available only through MacLean & Bruce. The partners have not announced a price.
Read the full article at Rosebank And MacLean & Bruce Team Up To Offer Rare Whisky Experience to Private Clients
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2026-10-30 06:22:09 UTC

Milam & Greene Rounds Out 2026 Wildlife Collection With Texas Bourbon
Milam & Greene Whiskey has released Wildlife Desert Marigold, a seven-year-and-eight-month-old bourbon distilled and aged entirely at its Blanco, Texas, distillery. The expression is the final release in the brand’s 2026 Wildlife Collection and is limited to just 288 bottles drawn from three barrels.
The bourbon marks a departure from Milam & Greene’s signature approach of blending whiskeys distilled in both Texas and Kentucky. Instead, Desert Marigold showcases the brand’s own Texas pot-distilled bourbon.
Named for the golden wildflower native to western Texas, the release celebrates the resilience of the state’s natural landscape. The flower thrives in rocky soil, extreme heat and drought, while providing nectar and pollen for pollinators.
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The expression continues the Wildlife Collection’s focus on Texas nature. It also extends the brand’s concept of “Texification”, its term for the way the state’s intense heat and dramatic shifts in temperature and humidity transform whiskey as it matures.
Desert Marigold was distilled from a mashbill of 70% corn, 22% malted rye and 8% malted barley. The whiskey draws from three barrels filled in December 2018 and January 2019.
Each barrel matured in Independent Stave casks with medium toast and a No. 3 char on the south side of Rickhouse No. 1. The maturation period included an especially warm September before harvest, which helped build the bourbon’s oak character and sweetness.
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The whiskey was harvested on 5 October 2026 and bottled the following day at 124.2 proof (62.1% ABV).
According to the official notes from the brand, the mahogany-colored bourbon offers aromas of cinnamon rolls, butterscotch, maple syrup and spiced apple cider. The palate features caramel, crème brûlée, almond and cocoa, with a finish of lingering maple sweetness and cooling mint.
“We created Desert Marigold to show what our Texas-distilled bourbon can become when we let the Hill Country climate shape it over time,” said Rikk Munroe, master whiskey maker at Milam & Greene. “We typically bring together whiskeys from different places to create our blends, but these three barrels gave us an opportunity to tell a distinctly Texas story. Like the flower, this bourbon has developed its character in demanding conditions.”
The bourbon is available online through the Milam & Greene website and Flaviar, as well as in person at the brand’s tasting room in Blanco, Texas. It carries a suggested retail price of $149.99 (£112).
Read the full article at Milam & Greene Rounds Out 2026 Wildlife Collection With Texas Bourbon
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2026-10-30 05:44:32 UTC

Woodford Reserve Unveils Double Oaked Rye Whiskey
Credit: Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve has unveiled Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye Whiskey, a new permanent expression that extends its double-barreling process to the rye category. The whiskey launches nationally in the US, priced at a suggested retail of $54.99 (£42) for a 750ml bottle.
The release builds on the brand’s Double Oaked Bourbon, taking fully matured Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and re-barreling it into a custom-crafted second oak barrel for up to 12 months. That second barrel is heavily toasted and lightly charred to extract additional flavors from the wood.
“Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye is where Rye meets the richness of Double Oaked,” said master distiller Elizabeth McCall. “We are bringing that same meticulous attention to barrel finishing that defined our bourbon over to the rye category, creating an unexpected, complex, and incredibly flavorful whiskey,” McCall added.
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Bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV), the expression is classified as a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey finished in a second new oak barrel.
According to the official notes from the brand, Double Oaked Rye presents a rich mahogany color, with flavors of roasted espresso, caramel, lemon custard, and candied pecan.
The new rye follows the template established by the brand’s double-barreled bourbon. Woodford Reserve released its standard Distiller’s Select bourbon in the mid-1990s under Brown-Forman, and it wasn’t until February 2012 that Double Oaked was released as a natural extension of the brand’s flagship.
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That bourbon helped popularize a technique now widely adopted across American whiskey. When the bourbon was originally reviewed, it was unique thanks to its trailblazing nature of being a bourbon that was rebarreled in a new charred oak barrel. Other major distilleries had begun to do the same thing. Years later, brands of all sizes have hopped on board the double oaked bourbon train.
Woodford Reserve is produced in Versailles, Kentucky. The brand is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices.
The brand sits within the portfolio of drinks giant Brown-Forman. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, and Chambord.
Double Oaked Rye is available nationally across the US, at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, and via woodfordreserve.com where shipping is legal.
Read the full article at Woodford Reserve Unveils Double Oaked Rye Whiskey
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2026-10-30 05:05:00 UTC

Is Glendronach Still As Good As It Used To Be? Ranking Four Different Whiskies
Four Glendronachs, ranging from a 10-year-old Canadian release to a 28-year-old Grandeur, offered me a chance to revisit a distillery I once reached for constantly. I wanted to know which bottles still deliver that deep, sherried character I fell in love with, and whether the most expensive whisky in the lineup would also be the most rewarding.
The 10-year-old made a better first impression than I expected. Its nose brought plenty of apple, a little sherry, and a musty malt note that reminded me of an orchard. The palate, though, stayed firmly on the young side. It has become more balanced since I opened it, but it lacks the richness I want from Glendronach. At around $90 in Alberta, I can think of better bottles for the money. I gave it an 82, and I’m more likely to use the rest in a cocktail than pour it for a quiet dram.
The 2015 Revival was the whisky that brought everything back. Although labelled 15 years old, it may be closer to 20 according to the age chart I’ve used. Its Oloroso-driven nose is gorgeous: figs, dates, chocolate and cocktail cherries, followed by that old-book note I associate with the Glendronach I first loved. Rich and mouth-coating, it earns a 90 or 91 from me. This was roughly a $100 bottle, which makes its quality even harder to ignore. If you still have one, cherish it.
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The 2022 18-year-old is good whisky, but tasting it beside the Revival exposed what it lacks. I found subtle figs, tobacco leaf, and milk chocolate, yet its nose felt muted and the palate never quite delivered the same depth. On its own, I would enjoy it. In this company, an 87 feels right.
Grandeur Batch 11, by contrast, was stunning: dusty old-library aromas, dark chocolate and coffee, then a lingering finish like the last sip of a fine espresso. It is remarkably gentle for 48.9% ABV and earns a 91 or 92.
The Grandeur is the best whisky here, but at roughly $1,500, it is not fifteen times the experience of that Revival. I’m glad I traded for mine, and I’d recommend sharing a bottle with friends if the opportunity comes along. That conversation is part of the pleasure. When you weigh quality against price, which Glendronach would you choose?
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For a closer look at all four bottles and my full tasting, watch my YouTube video.
Read the full article at Is Glendronach Still As Good As It Used To Be? Ranking Four Different Whiskies
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2026-10-30 04:24:51 UTC

Why Jameson Black Barrel Is Worth the Step Up
Credit: Irish Distillers
Jameson Black Barrel takes everything I enjoy about the original Jameson and gives it a little more depth. It remains an approachable Irish whiskey, but its richer blend and double-charred cask finish bring enough extra flavor to make the step up worthwhile.
At around £40 in the UK, it has to justify itself against plenty of competition. After spending time with a bottle, I think it does, especially if you find it on offer.
The difference begins with the blend. Formerly known as Jameson Select Reserve, Black Barrel contains more single pot still whiskey and less grain whiskey than standard Jameson. It is matured predominantly in ex-bourbon casks, with a portion finished in wood that has been charred a second time.
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That treatment suits a whiskey already built around vanilla, butterscotch and caramel. It does not turn Black Barrel into something unrecognisable, but makes those familiar qualities fuller and more inviting.
In the glass, it has a lovely oily feel for a 40% whiskey. The nose opens with butterscotch and vanilla, alongside a gentle pepperiness and a fresh, almost honeysuckle-like floral note. What surprised me most was the lemon: bright zest at first, followed by something softer and almost baked.
On the palate, I get a touch of fresh-cut wood before the sweeter flavours take over. Rich custard, burnt sugar and charred caramel come together in a way that reminds me, in absolute bucket loads, of crème brûlée. It is sweet and easygoing without being short on character.
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Value is where Black Barrel makes its strongest case. I paid about £28 for my bottle on a supermarket offer, and at that price it is remarkable. Even at its usual £40, I would happily recommend it to someone who enjoys Irish whiskey and wants more intensity without losing Jameson’s easy-drinking nature.
It is chill-filtered and contains added coloring, which may matter to some drinkers. For me, the flavor and texture still deliver. I have enjoyed it neat, and I can see it working particularly well over ice or in a highball.
My verdict is 7.5 out of 10: a well-made, deliciously sweet whiskey that earns its place beyond the standard bottle. Would Black Barrel be your pick when you want a richer Jameson, or is there another Irish whiskey you would choose instead?
For a closer look at Jameson Black Barrel and my full tasting, watch my YouTube video.
Read the full article at Why Jameson Black Barrel Is Worth the Step Up
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2026-10-30 03:37:13 UTC

The Whistler Triple Oak Irish Whiskey Launches in the US
Credit: Boann Distillery
Irish producer Boann Distillery has launched The Whistler Triple Oak, a triple-distilled blended Irish whiskey, across the US. The family-owned company rolled out the small-batch expression nationally in October and moved its Whistler Trilogy Collection into 700ml bottles with refreshed packaging.
Triple Oak follows what the brand calls its “Triple Triple” philosophy. It blends single pot still, single malt and single grain whiskeys. The whiskey then matures in three types of cask: bourbon, Oloroso sherry and PX sherry.
Triple Oak has an ABV of 40% and a suggested retail price of $29.99 (approx. £22 / ₹2,600).
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Peter Cooney, co-founder and director of Boann Distillery, explained the thinking behind the blend. “With Triple Oak, we wanted to unite the spice of single pot still, the depth of single malt, and the sweetness of single grain,” he said.
“Bourbon, Oloroso, and PX casks each add character, but the real craft is finding balance,” Cooney added. “We’re proud to create a whiskey that’s approachable, versatile, and great value.”
The official notes from the brand describe toffee, caramel and oak spice on the nose, with hints of raisins and dark chocolate. On the palate, they list toasted oak, caramel, dried fruits and spice, followed by a smooth, lingering finish.
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Two liqueurs complete the trilogy. The Whistler Irish Honey Liqueur (33% ABV) combines triple-distilled Irish whiskey with honey from the Cooney family’s own apiaries.
Meanwhile, The Whistler Irish Cream Liqueur (20% ABV) pairs single pot still Irish whiskey with fresh cream from grass-fed cows. Boann says it was the first Irish cream liqueur to use single pot still whiskey.
Both liqueurs also carry a suggested retail price of $29.99 (approx. £22 / ₹2,600).
Patrick and Marie Cooney founded the distillery together with other family members in the Boyne Valley near Drogheda. Before that, the family built its Gleeson Group business from a small, independent bottler to a company with an annual turnover in excess of €300m, before its sale in 2012.
Boann takes its name from the Celtic river goddess Boann, who is closely associated with the River Boyne.
The brand’s portfolio also covers Single Malt, Single Grain and Single Pot Still Whiskeys under the brands The Whistler and, since 2024, Boann itself.
US consumers can find Triple Oak at retailers nationwide through the brand’s online store locator.
Read the full article at The Whistler Triple Oak Irish Whiskey Launches in the US
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2026-10-30 02:18:54 UTC

Tullamore D.E.W. Blended Irish Whiskey Review
Read the full article at Tullamore D.E.W. Blended Irish Whiskey Review
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2026-10-30 01:38:59 UTC

Stranahan’s Unveils Its Oldest Whiskey Yet: Mountain Angel 14 Year Old
Credit: Stranahan’s
Stranahan’s has launched Mountain Angel 14-Year-Old, the oldest expression in its American single malt portfolio to date. The whiskey is finished in rare Tokaji wine casks from Hungary and will debut in October 2026 at a suggested retail price of $129.99 (£97 / ₹10,800) per 750ml bottle.
The Denver-based distillery describes itself as the number one and most-awarded American single malt whiskey producer.
Mountain Angel 14-Year-Old joins the brand’s existing 10 and 12-year-old expressions within the Mountain Angel family.
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Made from 100% malted barley, the whiskey is matured across three distinct casks. It spends 10 years in new charred American white oak barrels, followed by three years and three months in Cognac casks, before a final nine-month finish in Tokaji wine casks. The liquid is cut with Eldorado Spring water sourced from the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Stranahan’s noted that aging at a mile above sea level results in a generous angel’s share, the portion of whiskey lost to natural evaporation during maturation.
“Our Mountain Angel family reflects more than 22 years of pioneering the American single malt category and our commitment to showing what aging a mile above sea level can achieve,” said Stranahan’s head blender Justin Aden. “In this bottle, Hungarian Tokaji casks beautifully complement Stranahan’s naturally fruity character, adding a richness to the mouthfeel that balances the oak spice developed over 14 total years of aging.”
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Bottled at 94.6 proof, the whiskey carries official tasting notes from the brand of candied apricot, orange marmalade, prune and raisin on the nose. The palate offers baked apple and stone fruits alongside vanilla, caramel, tobacco and pepper, while the finish features tropical notes, chocolate and drying oak spice.
The wider Mountain Angel range showcases different maturation approaches. The 10-year-old highlights new charred American white oak, while the 12-year-old carries a Port cask finish.
American single malt gained formal recognition in early 2025, when the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau established a federal standard of identity for the category.
Mountain Angel 14-Year-Old will initially be available at Stranahan’s Distillery in Denver, Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge in Aspen and select retailers across Colorado, California, Texas and Florida. A national rollout will follow in the subsequent months.
Read the full article at Stranahan’s Unveils Its Oldest Whiskey Yet: Mountain Angel 14 Year Old
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2026-10-29 07:05:11 UTC

Wigle Smiley Cookie Whiskey Marks Eat’n Park Cookie’s 40th
Credit: Wigle Whiskey
Wigle Whiskey has released Smiley Cookie Whiskey, a flavored whiskey created in partnership with Eat’n Park Hospitality Group to celebrate 40 years of the Smiley Cookie. The 70-proof (35% ABV) spirit went on sale on October 27, 2026, priced at $39 (£30 / ₹3,460) per 750ml bottle.
The whiskey pairs two western Pennsylvania icons in a single bottling. Wigle infused a light corn whiskey with vanilla beans to capture the flavor of the Smiley Cookie.
“At Wigle, we are always pushing the boundaries of distilling to create innovative, small-batch whiskeys that reflect the spirit of our community,” said Alex Moser, chief operating officer at Wigle. “We are excited to bottle up the familiar flavor of Smiley Cookies in a whiskey that celebrates two hometown favorites.”
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The Smiley Cookie has been a regional fixture since 1986. This marks the first time the cookie has served as the inspiration for a spirit.
“As we celebrate 40 years of the Smiley Cookie, we are thrilled to work with a local partner like Wigle to give people another reason to smile,” said Brooks Broadhurst, senior vice president of food systems transformation at Eat’n Park Hospitality Group. “Smiley Cookies have been part of so many cherished traditions for generations of Pittsburghers, and we’re excited for more memories to be made over pours of Smiley Cookie Whiskey.”
The official tasting notes from the brand list royal icing, vanilla, and sugar cookie.
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Shoppers can buy the whiskey at the Wigle Distillery and the Ross Park Mall Bottle Shop, where each bottle sold comes with a complimentary Smiley Cookie. The spirit is also available online for nationwide shipping at wiglewhiskey.com and at participating Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores while supplies last.
The partnership brings together two well-known names. Wigle began operating in December 2011 as the first distillery to open in the city of Pittsburgh since Joseph S. Finch’s distillery closed in the 1920s. The brand is named for Philip Wigle, a key figure in the Whiskey Rebellion.
The Smiley Cookie, meanwhile, remains a hometown emblem. The Smiley Cookie program began in 1986, becoming a distinctive part of Eat’n Park’s identity. Today, Eat’n Park produces more than 8 million Smiley Cookies annually.
Read the full article at Wigle Smiley Cookie Whiskey Marks Eat’n Park Cookie’s 40th
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2026-10-29 05:47:40 UTC

GianChand Unveils Diwali Gifting Collection of Single Malts
Credit: DeVANS Modern Breweries
GianChand, the premium single malt from India’s DeVANS Modern Breweries, has launched an exclusive Diwali gifting collection built around its new ‘The Pursuit of Craft’ brand campaign. The range comprises three curated gift boxes – GianChand Signature, Adambaraa and Manshaa – and is available at retail outlets across Gurgaon, Punjab, Chandigarh, Goa and Jammu.
‘The Pursuit of Craft’ draws inspiration from the infinity symbol, representing a continuous pursuit of excellence. The campaign celebrates the patience and precision behind every GianChand expression.
GianChand Signature pays tribute to founder Dewan Gian Chand. The whisky is named after the company’s late founder, who was a former journalist who started with a liquor bottling plant that later turned into a distillery over the years.
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GianChand Adambaraa is an unpeated, non-chill filtered single malt matured in American bourbon casks, inspired by Dogra hospitality and Himalayan heritage. GianChand Manshaa is a peated single malt, also matured in American bourbon casks and non-chill filtered, drawing on the cultural heritage of Jammu.
Both expressions have earned recent global recognition. GianChand Manshaa bagged the titles of International Whisky of the Year 2025 and a Grand Gold at Meininger’s International Spirits Award in Germany.
Adambaraa won both ‘Best Indian Single Malt Whisky 2025’ and ‘Best Indian Whisky 2025’ at the International Whisky Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.
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“Diwali is about celebrating meaningful relationships and expressing appreciation,” said Prem Dewan, chairman and managing director of DeVANS Modern Breweries. “With our GianChand gifting collection, we have brought the philosophy of ‘The Pursuit of Craft’ into festive gifting, offering three distinctive expressions that reflect our heritage, craftsmanship and commitment to excellence.”
Dewan has previously described Adambaraa as “decades of commitment reinterpreted for today’s global palate.”
GianChand Signature is priced at ₹4,500 (US$51/£38), while Adambaraa and Manshaa each retail at ₹9,000 (US$102/£76).
The launch arrives amid rapid growth for home-grown single malts. Indian single malts hit roughly 500,000 nine-litre cases in 2025, up from 350,000 in 2023, per CIABC’s 2026 figures.
Read the full article at GianChand Unveils Diwali Gifting Collection of Single Malts
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2026-10-29 03:39:31 UTC

Paul John Whisky Announces Christmas Edition 2026
Credit: Paul John
Indian whisky distiller Paul John has released the 2026 edition of its annual Christmas Edition single malt whisky, finished in Spanish Moscatel casks. The ninth release in the series totals 6,500 bottles globally, with the UK receiving an allocation of just 480 bottles, retailing at £65 per 70cl bottle through specialist spirits retailers.
The unpeated whisky was created on the tropical shores of Goa. It was first matured in American oak casks before being finished in Moscatel casks for 18 months.
Moscatel is an aromatic wine and a fixture on the Christmas table in Spanish festive traditions. The wine lends a floral, sweet character to the whisky, allowing it to stand up to rich, indulgent food.
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Paul John whiskies mature in Goa’s tropical heat and humidity, producing a spirit different to those matured in cooler climates. The angels’ share is higher, maturation moves quicker, and the spirit typically draws greater intensity of flavor from its casks.
This year’s edition is finished in casks sourced from Spain and given a three-level char.
“Since its inception in 2018, the Paul John Christmas Edition has become a celebration of both Goa’s enduring Christmas spirit and our passion for whisky craftsmanship,” said Michael D’Souza, master distiller at Paul John. “Each year, we create a distinct small-batch expression, bringing together carefully selected whiskies matured in an evolving palette of Spanish and Portuguese wine, rum and brandy casks,” he added.
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D’Souza continued: “Nearly a decade on, the Christmas Edition stands as a unique Indian whisky tradition: an ongoing annual series that has continued to surprise, evolve and set its own benchmark, unlike anything else in Indian whisky.”
The master distiller described the expression as capturing “the spirit of Christmas in a glass.”
According to the official notes from the brand, the golden whisky offers orange blossom honey and light spices on the nose. The palate develops into honeyed malt, dark chocolate, clove and nutmeg, with a long, creamy finish.
Next year will mark a decade of Paul John Christmas Editions.
The 2026 Christmas Edition is non-chill-filtered with no additives and bottled at 48% ABV.
Read the full article at Paul John Whisky Announces Christmas Edition 2026
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2026-10-29 02:20:30 UTC

How Diageo Finds 12 Exceptional Whiskies Among More Than 10 Million Casks
Drawing whisky from a cask is a pleasingly uncomplicated operation. A valinch is lowered through the bung hole. Its opening is covered to hold the liquid inside, and the whisky is lifted out. The instrument may be rudimentary, but at Royal Lochnagar Distillery it marked the final step in a considerably more complex process.
Diageo says its whisky makers spend more than 4,200 hours each year assessing casks for Casks of Distinction, the company’s private whole-cask program. The search begins within an inventory of more than 10 million maturing casks and culminates in an annual presentation known as “The Twelve.”
For 2026, the collection spans distilleries, regions, spirit styles and maturation histories. It includes a Talisker filled in 1978, Caol Ila and Glen Ord casks from the 1980s, and several whiskies distilled during the early 1990s.
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At its center is Lagavulin 1991 Cask #1069, described by Diageo as the oldest Lagavulin cask yet offered through Casks of Distinction.
Those numbers convey scale and rarity. They do not explain how 12 casks emerge from an inventory containing millions of possibilities.
The answer lies in a combination of inventory records, scientific analysis, repeated sensory assessment and knowledge passed between generations of whisky makers. Technology helps Diageo understand what it holds and where to find it. People still determine whether a whisky is exceptional.
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From Millions Of Casks To A Shortlist
Diageo’s Scotch inventory is not a static collection. New-make spirit is continually filled into casks and moved into warehouses, while mature whisky is removed for blending and bottling. The total changes as production continues.
Digital tracking systems allow whisky makers to navigate that moving population by distillery, filling date, cask type and other characteristics. Individual casks can be flagged for future attention, selected for sampling or reserved for a particular purpose.
That infrastructure makes an inventory of this size manageable. It does not make the final decision.
During the tasting at Royal Lochnagar, a Diageo representative explained that whisky makers may begin by examining a parcel of related casks. Samples are gathered, analyzed, nosed and tasted before the field is progressively narrowed.
Some casks are judged ready. Others may be placed on a watch list, assigned to a future release or moved into a different vessel for additional maturation.
Laboratory analysis gives the team another source of information. The representative discussed the use of techniques including gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography to examine whisky’s chemical composition and identify compounds associated with particular aromas.
The resulting data can show whether a sample falls within specified parameters. It cannot reproduce the act of nosing a whisky or determine whether all of its components form a compelling whole.
According to the representative, there have been occasions when an analytical result indicated that a whisky sat within an acceptable range, only for a whisky maker to reject it after sensory assessment.
Machines can supply measurements. They cannot yet smell as accurately as a trained human nose, the representative said, or decide whether a whisky is good.
That distinction is central to The Twelve. The collection is not generated by ranking Diageo’s oldest casks according to a numerical score, nor is it presented simply as the 12 “best” whiskies in the inventory.
The whisky makers instead select casks that collectively demonstrate the breadth of what Casks of Distinction can offer. A lighter, elegant spirit may appear beside a heavily peated Islay malt. A long maturation in relatively restrained refill oak may sit alongside a whisky transformed by almost two decades in a highly active second cask.
The selection therefore has two levels. Each whisky must stand on its own, but the 12 must also tell a coherent story about different distilleries, casks and approaches to maturation.
Knowledge Passed Between Whisky Makers
A cask filled in the 1970s or 1980s has outlasted individual jobs, production plans and entire chapters in a distillery’s history. Its eventual selection cannot be credited solely to the person who samples it near the end of its maturation.
The whisky makers assessing these casks inherit decisions made decades earlier: which spirit to fill, which vessel to use, where to mature it, when to sample it and whether to leave it untouched or rerack it.
During the Royal Lochnagar event, the discussion turned to former Diageo whisky makers Maureen Robinson and Jim Beveridge, alongside the team currently responsible for the company’s blends and single malts.
That continuity creates a form of institutional sensory memory. Team members have sampled casks together, learned one another’s preferences and passed promising whiskies to the next generation of custodians.
Warehouse records preserve a cask’s measurable history. The people working with it preserve something less easily recorded: how it tasted previously, why it was retained and what earlier whisky makers believed it might become.
This is especially important when the objective is not merely to preserve old whisky but to understand how an individual cask is developing.
Age alone cannot guarantee quality. Long maturation can bring concentration, integration and complexity, but an active cask may overwhelm the underlying spirit. Selecting old whisky consequently requires the team to consider how much of the distillery character remains, not simply how much oak influence has accumulated around it.
The 1978 Talisker selected for The Twelve illustrates that balance.
Preserving Talisker For Almost Five Decades
Talisker 1978 Cask #2824 was filled into refill American oak. Diageo estimates it could yield 131 bottles at 49.9% ABV.
A first-fill cask would generally contribute flavor more aggressively than a refill vessel. Across a maturation approaching five decades, that influence could come to dominate even a characterful, moderately peated spirit.
Refill oak allowed the Talisker to mature without forcing the wood to become the entire story.
At Royal Lochnagar, the whisky initially appeared restrained. Its maritime and smoky characteristics were less immediate than tasters might expect from Talisker. Creaminess arrived first, producing comparisons to vanilla pudding, sabayon and American cream soda.
With time in the glass, smoke emerged toward the back of the palate, accompanied by the peppery quality commonly associated with the distillery.
The development was gradual rather than forceful. That subtlety demonstrated why cask selection cannot be reduced to searching for the most intense flavor or darkest color. The achievement lay in maintaining a recognizable connection to Talisker after almost half a century in wood.
Returning to the whisky later in the tasting also changed the experience. After exposure to richer and smokier casks, tasters found the Talisker more expressive than it had initially appeared.
Repeated assessment is therefore important at the tasting table as well as in the warehouse. A whisky can reveal different aspects of itself depending on time, context, dilution and the spirits tasted around it.
Other members of The Twelve demonstrate a markedly different maturation philosophy. Instead of using restrained wood to preserve an existing course, their whisky makers chose to intervene.
When A Finish Lasts Almost Two Decades
Cask finishing is often discussed in terms of months. Some whiskies in the 2026 collection have spent far longer developing in a secondary vessel.
Lagavulin 1991 Cask #1069 began its maturation in refill oak before being transferred into a Pedro Ximénez-treated American oak hogshead. Diageo’s press release dates that transfer to 2007, while remarks delivered at Royal Lochnagar placed it in 2006.
Whichever date is confirmed, the Lagavulin has spent close to two decades in its second cask.
Dr. Greg Wilson told guests that his colleague, Dr. Stuart Morrison, rated the whisky among the finest Lagavulin casks he had encountered. Wilson pointed to its maturation journey as the source of its unusual character, with the PX-treated cask bringing sherry richness and the American oak contributing sweetness.
Diageo describes the resulting whisky as combining maritime smoke with dried fruit, licorice and charred oak. The company estimates an outturn of 125 bottles at 57.6% ABV.
“This is certainly one of the most special Lagavulin casks I have ever experienced,” Morrison said in the accompanying announcement. “The PX maturation has added incredible depth without ever overshadowing the distillery’s character.”
That final point is the critical test. A secondary cask is not successful simply because it adds more flavor. It must take the whisky somewhere worthwhile while preserving enough of the original spirit to make the journey coherent.
After close to two decades, describing the process as a “finish” begins to feel inadequate. The whisky has spent a substantial part of its life in the second vessel, making this closer to a secondary maturation than a final adjustment.
Diageo uses the term “select cask” for a whisky moved between vessels, according to a representative at the event, rather than describing it as a single cask. The terminology makes the maturation history more transparent even where Scotch whisky regulations may allow broader use of “single cask.”
Linkwood 1993 Cask #13 presents another long-term experiment. The whisky was transferred to freshly charred American oak in 2006, according to the event discussion, and has therefore spent approximately 20 years in a highly active second vessel.
Diageo estimates that it could yield around 180 bottles at 50.4% ABV.
This is not a secondary cask being used as a subtle final accent. It represents a major part of the whisky’s development and a decision whose consequences took years to become fully apparent.
These examples expose another dimension of the selection team’s work. Its members do not simply wait for whisky to become ready. They may decide that a spirit needs another direction, choose a vessel capable of taking it there and then wait for evidence that the judgment was correct.
A Cask Repeatedly Reconsidered
The collection also includes Blair Athol 1997 Cask #1491, matured in a first-fill European oak ex-Sherry hogshead. At 57.1% ABV, the whisky showed dark fruit, tannin and spice during the Royal Lochnagar tasting.
Water did not so much transform the whisky as separate its elements, allowing individual characteristics to become easier to identify. Returning to the glass after tasting other casks altered the experience again.
That act of revisiting a whisky is a small-scale version of what happens inside the selection program. A cask is rarely understood through one encounter. It is sampled and reconsidered in relation to its previous condition, its potential uses and the other whiskies within the company’s stocks.
Some candidates fall away. Others remain under observation for years. A small proportion enters the wider Casks of Distinction portfolio, from which the annual 12 are chosen.
Data informs every stage of that journey, but it does not dictate the conclusion. Analytical instruments can describe aspects of the liquid. Inventory systems can locate a cask among millions. Neither can experience the way smoke arrives late in an old Talisker, determine whether PX has obscured Lagavulin’s identity, or decide that a particular Blair Athol becomes more articulate with water.
Those judgments still belong to people.
Standing beside a cask with a valinch may appear far removed from a database tracking millions of barrels. In practice, the two are parts of the same system. One allows Diageo to manage Scotch whisky on an enormous scale. The other provides the final sensory encounter on which selection depends.
The journey from more than 10 million casks to 12 ultimately concludes in a glass, and with a human nose making the decision that the numbers cannot.
Photo Credit: Elite Traveler
Read the full article at How Diageo Finds 12 Exceptional Whiskies Among More Than 10 Million Casks
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2026-10-29 01:41:14 UTC

Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review
Read the full article at Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review
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2026-10-29 00:59:37 UTC

Buckhorn Whiskey Launches Smoked Maple and Buck Hunt Pop-Ups
Sazerac-owned Buckhorn Whiskey has unveiled Buckhorn Smoked Maple, a new 32.5% ABV whiskey blending the brand’s signature liquid with a smoked maple flavor. To mark the national launch, the brand will stage two wilderness-themed pop-up events in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago and the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta next month.
The new release pairs Buckhorn’s whiskey with what the brand describes as a “bold, sweet smoked maple flavor.”
According to the brand, the expression is “a smooth blend” designed to arrive “just in time for crisp weather and fireside gatherings.”
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To celebrate, Buckhorn is saying “Buck It” to the usual night out by bringing a hidden, wilderness-themed pop-up to both cities.
The activation has been named The Buckhorn Buck Hunt. The brand describes the concept as “part scavenger hunt, part speakeasy.”
Fans who register will receive a trail of clues leading to a secret location. According to the brand, each venue is a familiar city haunt “transformed” into “a rugged, backwoods retreat packed with themed surprises, experiences, and great whiskey.”
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The two host neighborhoods were selected for their names. The hunt heads to Bucktown, Chicago, on Friday 6 November 2026, followed by Buckhead, Atlanta, on Friday 13 November 2026.
Both events are free to attend. However, advance registration is strictly required to receive the clues needed to find each location. Sign-up opens on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
The launch builds on Buckhorn’s recent expansion. In June 2026, Sazerac moved the brand into ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails for the first time with Buckhorn Whiskey Lemonade, part of a wider trio of RTD launches.
Buckhorn Whiskey Lemonade marked the Buckhorn Bourbon Whiskey brand’s RTD entry, combining Buckhorn’s blended whiskey with real lemon juice from concentrate and ‘bold’ fruit flavours.
That range includes four flavours—Classic, Peach, Blackberry, and Honey Whiskey Lemonade—each at 7% ABV, built for outdoor occasions such as fishing trips, camping weekends, and backyard hangouts.
Buckhorn sits within the portfolio of Louisville, Kentucky-based Sazerac. In 2009, the company’s principal office was moved to Louisville, Kentucky, reflecting an increased company focus on bourbon whiskey production. Sazerac’s wider stable includes Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s, and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky.
Read the full article at Buckhorn Whiskey Launches Smoked Maple and Buck Hunt Pop-Ups
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2026-10-29 00:22:59 UTC

Bunnahabhain Launches Sweeter Cask Strength 12 Year Old
Credit: Bunnahabhain
Bunnahabhain, Islay’s most remote distillery, has released the latest edition of its annual 12 Year Old Cask Strength expression. Priced at £90 for a 70cl bottle, the limited-edition single malt is bottled at 55.8% ABV and available now from the brand’s website and specialist whisky retailers.
The release brings together whisky matured for 12 years in an equal split of first-fill Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks. It delivers depth from the Oloroso sherry, with dried fruit, gentle spice and chocolate, balanced by vanilla, honey and toasted coconut sweetness from the bourbon maturation.
The combination marks a shift from the sherry-led 2025 edition, bringing a sweeter, creamier character to the distillery’s signature unpeated style.
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According to the official notes from the brand, the nose offers raisins, figs and dates, with honeyed vanilla, cinnamon and clove. The palate delivers stewed fruits, toasted coconut and gentle spice, followed by a long finish of dried fruit, dark sugar and oak.
“Our annual Cask Strength release is a chance to show Bunnahabhain in its purest form,” said Julieann Fernandez, master blender at Bunnahabhain. “The whisky’s character comes from the spirit itself, the casks and the place where it matures and, at cask strength, those characteristics are amplified.”
Fernandez added: “The 2026 edition has a lovely balance between that richness and freshness. On the nose, there’s ripe orchard fruit, dried apricot and hazelnut, with gentle spice and a touch of coastal freshness. There’s nothing quite like tasting whisky straight from the cask. It’s one of the real privileges of being a master blender. Sharing that raw, unfiltered experience with fellow whisky lovers is something I never take for granted.”
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The expression is bottled at natural cask strength, without chill filtration or added color.
Bunnahabhain is known for a milder, mostly unpeated profile that sets it apart from Islay’s traditionally peaty character. Founded in 1881, Bunnahabhain has gained a reputation for its unique, unpeated expressions that contrast with Islay’s traditional peaty character.
The distillery sits on the island’s north-east coast and is matured predominantly in sherry casks and is known for being unpeated, natural in colour and non-chill filtered.
The 2026 edition is available now from bunnahabhain.com.
Read the full article at Bunnahabhain Launches Sweeter Cask Strength 12 Year Old
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2026-10-28 23:46:32 UTC

Barrell Craft Spirits Unveils Sweet Peat Blend With Canadian & Scotch Whiskies
Credit: Barrell Craft Spirits
Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) has launched a 22-year-old Sweet Peat Whiskey as the latest release in its Black Label Series. The Louisville, Kentucky-based independent blender unveiled the blend of Canadian and Scotch whiskies, finished in toasted Jamaican rum and Islay whisky casks, on October 28, 2026.
Distilleries in Canada and Scotland produced the whiskies in the blend, which include rare 22-year-old Speyside single malt. BCS then finished the blend in Kentucky and bottled it at 142.34 proof (71.17% ABV).
The official notes from the brand list caramel, tropical fruit, toasted oak and delicate peat smoke.
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“The BCS Black Label Series takes us back to our roots of creating highly unique whiskeys in extremely limited quantities and showcasing cutting edge blending techniques which set us apart from the crowd,” said Joe Beatrice, founder of BCS. “Sweet Peat not only blends two single malt Speyside scotch whiskies with Canadian whiskey, but this expression also features two unusual finishing casks.”
Sweet Peat is on sale now through barrellbourbon.com and at select retailers.
It has a suggested retail price of $199.99 (£150 / ₹19,040) per 750ml bottle.
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Earlier in 2026, BCS introduced an 18-year-old whiskey finished in Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauternes barrels as part of its Black Label Series. The release combines 18-year-old Kentucky whiskey finished in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels with Canadian whiskies aged between 23 and 25 years and finished in Sauternes barrels.
Other Black Label releases include Barrell Decade, launched in July 2025. The expression combines Canadian whiskies distilled between 1995 and 2005, aged for 20 to 30 years, with secondary maturation in Spanish brandy and Hungarian oak casks.
Founded in Louisville in 2013, BCS specializes in blending aged, cask-strength spirits. The company draws on stocks from different distillation methods, barrel types and aging environments, using blending and secondary maturation to develop its releases.
Read the full article at Barrell Craft Spirits Unveils Sweet Peat Blend With Canadian & Scotch Whiskies
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2026-10-19 12:30:06 UTC

The Best Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon: The Cheapest Great Whiskey In America
Credit: Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc.
What is the best bottled-in-bond bourbon that you can get your hands on? Well, we’ve put together a list of bottles at MSRP, some of which seem to be becoming more widely available.
Bottled-in-bond bourbon is simpler to explain than it might seem. The whiskey must be distilled at one distillery during a single distilling season, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). It’s an incredible marker of quality, no matter how big or small the distillery is.
We won’t be diving too deeply into distillery origins and production styles, but we will be breaking down the tasting notes of these bottles. Some are available at extremely competitive prices, but the flavors can be very different.
Quick whisky question
Single malt is everywhere, but what does it mean? We want to know what the word “single” means to you. Three quick questions, under a minute.
1
Which stages must take place at the same distillery for a whisky to be called “single malt”?
Tick as many as you like
or
2
Must the barley in a single malt be grown in the same country the whisky is made in?
Yes
No
Not sure
3
How would you describe your whisky knowledge?
I know very little about whisky
I know the basics
I have a good understanding of whisky
I am very knowledgeable about whisky
I work, or have worked, in the whisky or spirits industry
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Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, $18 / £36
I would say that this is an underrated bourbon that you should try in general, let alone the fact that it’s a bottled-in-bond product at an extremely good price.
This bottle is a welcoming burst of sweet caramel and vanilla. There’s lots of corn on the palate, along with baked vanilla, cherries, gentle spice, and some really toasty oak notes that round things out toward the finish. It’s an excellent example of bottled-in-bond bourbon.
The finish is long and full-flavored, with more oak, soft fruits, and some very gentle rye spice that helps make it feel even longer and more layered. When it comes to value from a big brand, you could easily argue that this is the best bottled-in-bond bourbon on the market. We do have plenty more options to look at, though!
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Early Times Bottled-in-Bond, $17 / £16
A bottle that we’ve all seen at a low price, no matter what country you’re in. This isn’t a bourbon that is going to blow your mind in terms of flavor, but it’s such a solid bottle that does more than it should for the price.
The nose is all orange, caramel, and honey. It’s a relatively light start to a bottle with plenty of texture and flavor on the palate. There’s lots of rich caramel, citrus, and vanilla, moving into some very light tobacco notes. It’s a creamy style of bourbon that delivers many of the characteristics we love bourbon for.
The finish is decent, with some light, peppery rye spice that also helps develop that tobacco note. For under $30 a bottle, this is very good bourbon. Some would argue it’s the best bottled-in-bond bourbon for the money.
Old Grand-Dad Bonded, $25 / £20
Time for some big rye! Old Grand-Dad is a product of the Beam distillery and one that has a serious cult following.
With a 27% rye content, we’re getting into territory that can divide bourbon drinkers simply because of the intensity of those peppery, earthy rye notes. However, the nose lures you in. It’s full of orange peel, peanuts, caramel, cinnamon, and lots of honeycomb.
The rye pops more on the palate, arriving in the form of cinnamon, nutmeg, and some mint before moving into a more classic bourbon profile. There are plenty of red and dark fruit notes, including cherry, red currant, and strawberry sauce, as well as a lovely floral honey note running throughout.
The finish is long and driven by that rye pepper, with the 100 proof pushing things even further. It’s a sip that lasts for ages on the palate. This would certainly be my pick for the best bottled-in-bond bourbon on the list.
1792 Bottled-in-Bond, $37 / £40
The fancy option now, well, in terms of how the bottle looks, anyway. 1792 has a very impressive and affordable range across the board, and this bottled-in-bond version occupies an interesting spot.
It’s roughly double the price of the first three bottles on the list, but you do gain more complexity for that higher price. Bottled-in-bond bourbon can offer great value, but more expensive options are still worth considering. Does the extra expense make this one of the best bottled-in-bond bourbons?
The nose is all butterscotch, sticky toffee pudding, and fruity espresso. The fruit qualities of this bourbon are really impressive, with stone fruits, blackberries, cherry, and apricot. The palate is creamy, thick, and full of fresh oak, more fruit, toffee, and those Christmas-style spices of mace, nutmeg, and cloves.
The finish rolls through with lots of orange oil and soft, approachable rye, alongside more coffee, raisins, and dark chocolate.
It’s a really impressive bottle of bourbon that we should all dive into when we can.
Heaven Hill 7 Year Old Bottled-in-Bond, $50 / £64
Another Heaven Hill product lands on the list, but now at more than double the price of the first bottle mentioned. How much more do you get for the extra money?
This bottle goes well beyond the minimum aging requirement for bottled-in-bond, and you can tell from the nose. It’s like a dessert trolley being rolled past you as you sip on bourbon. There’s sweet cream, vanilla, barrel spice, flambéed cherries, orange jelly, sweet fruit jams, and melted chocolate, with something malty and crisp underneath.
I wouldn’t say that this is a hugely complex or out-of-the-ordinary bottled-in-bond release, but it has more layers than the cheaper bottlings. The butterscotch notes are particularly impressive, while those older barrel notes make everything feel more rounded and mature.
Angel’s Envy Bottled-in-Bond, $60 / £130
A bottle that sticks to its guns when it comes to cask maturation. This is essentially classic Angel’s Envy with its port cask finish, but now with bottled-in-bond status attached.
The nose is clean and light, with banana, light brown sugar, and lots of different types of cookies, including plenty of chocolate chip notes. The palate is more classic in style, but full of raw honey, strawberry syrup, sweet coffee, and freshly charred oak.
The finish is sweet and rounded. I’d say it’s the sweetest of all the bottled-in-bond offerings we’ve put on this list. That doesn’t make it bad, but Angel’s Envy has always cut its own groove in the world of bourbon, and this bottled-in-bond release is no different.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bottled-in-Bond, $54 / £66
The bottle that will probably cause the most debate. Given the demand for other bottles in the Taylor range, though, this one is often seen as the entry point.
Made using Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1, this is a bourbon with a spicy, tropical fruit-driven profile. Naturally, given that E.H. Taylor was a champion of the Bottled-in-Bond Act, it would be a little silly not to include the product named after him.
The nose is all pineapple and BBQ grill aromas. I get little touches of chili pepper, melon, softly toasted oak, and lots of caramel. It’s a bottle that commands a strong reputation, and its distinctive presentation certainly helps it stand out. It’s a really good bourbon, but I’d be hard-pressed to buy this over some of the other bottles on the list.
So, What To Pick?
As with any category of whiskey, start at the bottom. I think we all need to revisit bottles like these every few years to see what most of the world is actually buying, as well as what the industry we love is built on.
You’d be hard-pressed to beat some of the options in the $20 range, but if you want to spend more, you can gain extra flavor, complexity, and a little more presentation.
Read the full article at The Best Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon: The Cheapest Great Whiskey In America
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2026-10-15 16:50:12 UTC

Old Forester Tribute Series Debuts With 12-Year-Old Bourbon
Credit: Old Forester
Old Forester has launched the Tribute Series, a new annual ultra-premium bourbon release that debuts with a 12-year-old expression bottled at 115 proof. The Brown-Forman-owned brand will release the 2026 edition in limited quantities at select U.S. retailers from today (October 15), priced at $299.99 (£226 / ₹28,500).
The series celebrates the brand’s “legacy of firsts” and its mid-century decanter designs.
Old Forester calls the release “the pinnacle of the brand’s craft.” The liquid comes in a new collectible bottle inspired by the brand’s historic holiday decanter collection.
Quick whisky question
Single malt is everywhere, but what does it mean? We want to know what the word “single” means to you. Three quick questions, under a minute.
1
Which stages must take place at the same distillery for a whisky to be called “single malt”?
Tick as many as you like
or
2
Must the barley in a single malt be grown in the same country the whisky is made in?
Yes
No
Not sure
3
How would you describe your whisky knowledge?
I know very little about whisky
I know the basics
I have a good understanding of whisky
I am very knowledgeable about whisky
I work, or have worked, in the whisky or spirits industry
SUBMIT
✓ Thank you — your response has been recorded!
Something went wrong. Please try again.
“The Tribute Series celebrates the craftsmanship and innovation that has defined Old Forester for generations,” said Caleb Trigo, assistant master distiller. “By bringing together some of our most mature whisky and drawing inspiration from an important chapter in our design history, we’ve created an expression that honors where Old Forester has been while showcasing what makes our whisky distinctive today.”
The brand batches its highest age-stated stock for the series. It does not rely on single-barrel or single-lot selections.
Each edition will be bottled between 110 and 125 proof. Old Forester describes this range as “the optimal proof.”
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
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According to the brand, each release will deliver “a rich profile that sets a new standard for high-aged bourbon.” The official notes from the brand cite aromas of warm caramel, sweet leather, golden raisins and dark cherries. Cherry and candied walnuts lead on the palate, followed by sweet cinnamon and cardamom. A long finish brings toasted oak, peppercorn, cherry preserves and black tea.
Old Forester first launched its decanter series in 1950. Between 1954 and 1969, the brand released annual holiday decanters with mid-century designs. The new bottle reinterprets that heritage. It has an architectural glass shape with vertical facets and metallic accents.
A heavy metallic stopper carries an engraving of Old Forester’s historic quality statement.
The brand said the series pairs “exceptional whisky and Old Forester’s historic eye for distinctive packaging.” It aims to create “a meaningful, modern collectible designed to be as memorable as the bourbon it holds.”
Pharmacist George Garvin Brown founded Old Forester in Louisville in 1870. It was the first bourbon sold only in sealed bottles, which is the basis for its “America’s First Bottled Bourbon” claim.
Brown’s company became Brown-Forman, which still owns the brand. The group’s portfolio also includes Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve and Herradura.
Old Forester’s existing range includes the Whiskey Row Series. That collection includes Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky, the brand’s first twice-barreled expression.
The brand also matures its whisky with a heat-cycling process, which it says shapes flavor over time.
Read the full article at Old Forester Tribute Series Debuts With 12-Year-Old Bourbon
https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/old-forester-tribute-series-debuts-with-12-year-old-bourbon/
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