Toast to time together with Tomatin’s Father’s Day whisky experiences

Tomatin launches new Stillman’s Tour experience ahead of Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, Tomatin is encouraging gift-givers to celebrate the joy of a lasting gift: time shared with loved ones, meaningful moments and the simple pleasure of being together.

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, just south of Inverness, the whisky distillery is the ideal spot to slow down and create special moments. Exploring Tomatin’s Visitor Centre and thoughtfully curated tours is the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day with a whisky and history curious dad, spending time together sharing drams and learning about the Highland distillery’s rich distilling heritage.

For guests arriving by car, Tomatin offers the expressions included in each experience to takeaway as ‘Driver’s Drams’ to be tried later, so whether visiting on a Highland getaway or a day trip, everyone can enjoy a taste of Tomatin.

For a never-seen-before Tomatin experience – Stillman’s Tour

£65, 2.5 hours

Step behind the scenes at Tomatin with Stillman David Milne. This new, small group tour offers rare access to parts of the distillery not usually open to visitors, bringing guests closer to the craft of whisky-making.

Led by David himself, the experience explores each stage of the journey, from cask selection and filling to maturation, alongside a close-up look inside the historic still house and a working warehouse. The tour concludes in the sensory room, an intimate space home to decades-old whisky samples, where guests can enjoy a private tasting of four of David’s favourite Tomatin single malts.

For the history-loving dad – The Legacy Tour

£20 – 1.5 hours

The Legacy Tour takes guests on a journey through Tomatin’s history, from its beginnings in 1897 through the height of production in the 1970s to the present day. The experience culminates in a tutored tasting of three single malts from Tomatin, as well as Cù Bòcan, an experimental single malt which is produced at the distillery during one month of the year using lightly peated Scottish barley.

For the true whisky enthusiast – Warehouse 6 Tasting Experience 

£80 – 3 hours

To experience the heart of Tomatin, opt for the Warehouse 6 Tasting Experience, an exclusive journey into the very soul of the distillery. Stepping into Warehouse 6, a quiet corner in the traditional dunnage warehouse, guests will delve into the story of maturation in the whisky making process, surrounded by the sight and scent of some of Tomatin’s most precious casks, many of which have been maturing for decades.

Led by the distillery’s expert guides, the tour culminates in a unique tasting of new make spirit and four carefully selected exclusive single cask whiskies straight from the cask, showcasing the complexity and character that has earned Tomatin global acclaim.

For a gift that becomes a real memento – Design your own Tomatin Scotch

Prices from £3,000 per decanter – minimum 3 hours.

This intimate experience at Tomatin Distillery offers the chance to create something truly memorable. Guests are guided through a curated selection of exceptionally rare single malt vintages, before choosing their favourite to be hand-filled into a bespoke Glencairn Crystal decanter and finishing with a small personalised engravement.

The experience is completed with a private tour of the distillery, with available vintages including 1975, 1977, 1978, as well as remarkable 45 and 50-year-old expressions, a lasting keepsake and a fitting tribute to what matters most.

For more information on Tomatin and to book a tour, please visit https://tomatin.com

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its refined and elegant whiskies. The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainability at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secure Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status.

Tomatin has a first-class wood policy and a commitment to knowing the history of each cask that passes through its warehouses. It is one of only a handful of Scotch whisky distilleries to have its own cooperage on-site, with cooper Allan Bartlett being named ‘Cooper of the Year’ at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards.

‘To What Matters’ lies at the heart of the brand’s ethos and is a belief in savouring what is truly important.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

Artisan Casks announces 2026 private cask portfolio

Artisan Casks, the exclusive private cask program from the Artisanal Spirits Company, owners of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, reveals its 2026 cask portfolio, which includes a 32 year old Macallan, a 30 year old Laphroaig, and a 34 year old Mortlach.

Each year Artisan Casks releases only a handful of whisky casks of impeccable provenance, expertly selected and cared for in ‘The Artisanal Way’ by experts in single cask whisky.

Established and led by James Mackay, Private Client Director at The Artisanal Spirits Company plc, a globally trusted authority in exceptional rare whisky, Artisan Casks is building an exclusive circle of Cask Owners through James’ unique network of private clients internationally and expertise, built over more than 10 years managing cask programmes for some of the world’s biggest whisky companies.

Following the program’s launch in 2025, this year’s portfolio includes single casks from a host of renowned Scotch whisky distilleries, each of which have been selected and cared for by the Artisanal Spirits Company’s expert whisky-makers, who spare no expense in skilfully guiding them towards the peak of their potential.

Artisan Casks start at $80,000 and extend into six figures, depending on age, distillery of origin and cask size. All casks are at least 20 years old and ready to bottle, whilst Cask Owners can also choose to age their casks further as desired or to celebrate a particular milestone, witnessing first-hand the technical artistry involved in maturing whisky of this calibre. To aid their maturation assessment of the cask, Cask Owners may request up to two bottles per year, which will be delivered alongside a whisky-maker’s maturation statement and evaluation.

The very first Artisan Casks bottle, Ancient Alba ‘AON’ 1972, from the first ever Artisan Cask No. 901228, was sold at the Distiller’s One of One 2025 charity auction for £13,750 ($18,767) – more than double Sotheby’s pre-auction estimate. It was graciously donated anonymously to the charity auction by its owner.

On the back of a successful first year the 2026 portfolio – 10 casks in total – includes beautifully matured single malts from world-famous distilleries such as Macallan, Laphroaig and Mortlach. Further showcasing the diverse range and artisanal ability of the whisky-makers, the release also includes a highly characterful 34 year old single grain Scotch whisky from North British distillery in Edinburgh, as well as ‘Speyside Symphony’, a 33 year old ‘teaspooned’ blended malt Scotch whisky.

Artisan Cask Owners join a discerning community of likeminded individuals and privileged access to some of the most desirable distilleries, renowned individuals and exclusive gatherings.

Last year, James hosted a group of Cask Owners at the Distiller’s One of One Auction at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh. In 2026, plans are already afoot for Artisan Cask Owner events in London, New York, Singapore and the Bahamas.

James Mackay, Artisan Casks private client director, said: “When created with the highest levels of care and craft, I believe Scotch whisky is one of the world’s true luxuries – and moreover an inherently sociable luxury – which is why it’s so rewarding to connect each year with whisky lovers internationally, helping them select that unique cask which speaks to them and reflects their personal taste and passion. We’re looking forward to bringing more people together this year for some truly unforgettable whisky experiences.”

Artisan Casks 2026 portfolio:

Bowmore 2004 Artisan Cask No. 161162 (52.6% abv)

Maturation profile: 17 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon barrel, followed by 4 years in a first-fill Pedro Ximenez ex-bodega barrique

Bunnahabhain 1989 161143 Artisan Cask No. 304554 (43.9% abv)

Maturation profile: 28 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, 7 years in a re-fill sherry hogshead, 1 year in a second-fill American oak bourbon barrel

Caol Ila 1990 Artisan Cask No. 304554 (49.3% abv)

Maturation profile: 35 years in a re-fill sherry hogshead

Glen Garioch 2003 Artisan Cask No. 161411 (55.3% abv)

Maturation profile: 22 years in a first-fill American oak bourbon barrel

Glen Grant 1993 Artisan Cask No. 304565 (57.0% abv)

Maturation profile: 29 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon barrel, followed by 3 years in a first-fill Spanish oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead

Laphroaig 1995 Artisan Cask No. 151733 (52.9% abv)

Maturation profile: 22 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon barrel, followed by 8 years in a second-fill American oak bourbon barrel

Macallan 1994 Artisan Cask No. 305140 (52.2% abv)

Maturation profile: 28 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, followed by 3 years in a first-fill Spanish oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead

Mortlach 1991 Artisan Cask No. 304590 (43.7% abv)

Maturation profile: 32 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, followed by 2 years in a second-fill American oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead

North British 1991 Artisan Cask No. 901533 (51.0% abv)

Maturation profile: 33 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, followed by 1 year in a first-fill Spanish oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead

‘Speyside Symphony’ 1992 Artisan Cask No. 173545 (54.1% abv)

Maturation profile: 25 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, followed by 8 years in a second-fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead

Compass Box “The Spice Tree/The Story of the Spaniard” Combo Pack Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

The Evolution of the Pot Still in Scotland by Iain Russell, Part 2

What happens when tradition meets technology in the stillhouse? In Part 2 of his exploration into the evolution of the pot still, whisky historian Iain Russell reveals the innovations that shaped modern Scotch whisky, from steam heating and purifiers to worm tubs and spirit safes. Plus, a bit of soap!

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ralfy review 1131 – Kilkerran 8yo @57.7%vol:

Luss Distillery earns five-star visitor attraction marking a strong start for the new spirits destination

Luss Distillery has been awarded a five-star quality grading by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), just months after opening its doors on the banks of Loch Lomond.

The new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor centre, developed by Loch Lomond Group, received the top rating through ASVA’s independent Quality Scheme, which provides consistent, industry-wide standards across Scottish visitor attractions through expert grading.

The grading follows an anonymous visit that evaluates the entire customer journey from website and booking experience to arrival, staff interaction, accessibility, facilities and overall visitor experience.

Luss Distillery was officially opened by First Minister John Swinney in January 2026. It brings together four distinctive buildings, including a working gin distillery, immersive whisky and gin discovery areas, a dedicated tasting room, retail space, and a café overlooking the village of Luss and surrounding hills of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Together, they form a vibrant brand home for Loch Lomond Group’s multi-award-winning whiskies and spirits, including Loch Lomond Whiskies, Glen Scotia and Littlemill, as well as Ben Lomond Gin which is distilled on site.

Assessors highlighted the distillery’s strong kerb appeal, high-quality design, accessibility and engaging discovery experience. Staff hospitality was also praised for the warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere created.

Luss Distillery is expected to welcome up to one million visitors during 2026, capitalising on Luss’ status as one of Scotland’s most visited locations and a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers.

The distillery has created new jobs in the area, with a core team of seven, 10 café staff and additional seasonal guides joining ahead of the busy summer season. Loch Lomond Group has also bolstered its support and resource for Luss Distillery in wider business teams including marketing, customer service and procurement.

The visitor experience is led by Brand Home Manager Tony MacLean, who previously helped transform the visitor offering at Oban Distillery.

He said: “We’ve worked hard to put visitors at the centre of everything we do and it’s rewarding to see this recognised in our five-star grading. People are increasingly selective about how they spend their time and money, so we’re incredibly grateful that so many have already chosen to visit us.

“The new destination has been designed as an immersive discovery experience for whisky and gin connoisseurs, as well as those newly curious about Scotch whisky and premium spirits – there really is something for everyone.

“Helping to build the visitor experience from the ground up and seeing the team deliver a five-star experience so soon after opening, means a great deal.”

Luss Distillery is now preparing for the peak summer season, working with travel trade partners and local tourism operators to handle increased international demand. Partnerships are in development with tour operators such as Cruise Loch Lomond and nearby destinations, including Cameron House Hotel and Loch Lomond Golf Club.

Michael Golding, chief executive officer of ASVA, said: “With their ambition to deliver a new high-quality distillery and experience in beautiful Luss, it is fantastic to see it come to life and achieve a remarkable five stars in their very first grading visit.

“ASVA’s scheme is informed by international visitor research, so we know exactly what quality experiences are for visitors today, Luss Distillery has absolutely delivered on this right from day one.

“Benchmarking amongst the very best attractions in Scotland is a significant achievement that the team can be very proud of, and through the Quality Scheme, we look forward to supporting their continual improvement in the years to come.”

The five-star award reflects the growing demand for high-quality, experience-led attractions across Scotland, with ASVA’s Quality Scheme providing independent assessment of visitor experiences across the country. With strong early footfall, new jobs and international interest Luss Distillery is quickly establishing itself as a key stop for visitors to Loch Lomond.

ENDS

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. lochlomondgroup.com

The full list of Loch Lomond Distillery’s 2024 accolades includes:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024

• Loch Lomond Whiskies (16 Awards)
• 1 x Platinum Award
• 7 x Double Gold
• 4 x Gold
• 4 x Silver
• Ben Lomond Gin – Double Gold and shortlisted for Gin of the Year
• Glen Scotia (7 Awards)
• 2 x Platinum Award
• 2 x Double Gold
• 3 x Gold

IWSC 2024

• Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old – Best Single Malt 15 Years and Under
• Loch Lomond Perfectly Balanced 12 Year Old – Gold Outstanding (98/100)
• Loch Lomond 10 Year Old – Gold Outstanding (95/100)
• Loch Lomond Distillery 2024 Scotch Whisky Producer trophy

Maker’s Mark Honors America’s 250th Anniversary with Special Release Supporting Veteran Farmers

Available June 1, the brand’s first-ever red, white and blue bottle will benefit Farmer Veteran Coalition

LORETTO, Ky., 2026 – Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today unveiled a limited-edition bottle honoring America’s 250th anniversary. The release features the brand’s signature hand-dipped red wax, accented with a white wax dip and a blue rendition of its iconic seal. Beginning June 1, the bottle will be available at select retailers nationwide and a portion of proceeds will benefit Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), a national nonprofit that has helped more than 58,000 U.S. veterans build meaningful careers in agriculture.

“At Maker’s Mark, we’ve always believed that the character of our bourbon is a direct reflection of the land and the people who care for it. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we are proud to honor those who have served our country twice—first in uniform and now in the fields,” said Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark. “Partnering with Farmer Veteran Coalition allows us to merge our passion for regenerative agriculture with a deep respect for our veterans, ensuring the next generation of farmers has the tools to thrive.”  

“We’re deeply grateful for Maker’s Mark’s support of our Holistic Impactful Veteran Engagement (H.I.V.E.) Program, which is helping veterans build meaningful futures in agriculture,” said Jeanette Lombardo, CEO of the Farmer Veteran Coalition. “Through this partnership, we can equip more veterans with the training, resources, and community they need to successfully transition from service to farming and build strong, sustainable livelihoods.”

The limited-edition release reflects Maker’s Mark’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and support of farming communities. As a certified B Corp and Regenified distillery, Maker’s Mark is advancing these practices through initiatives like its Regenerative Alliance, which provides education and hands-on support to help farmers build healthier, more resilient ecosystems.

“This collaboration also reflects a shared commitment to regenerative agriculture—practices that restore the land, strengthen rural communities, and ensure long-term sustainability. By investing in veteran farmers who are leading the way in these approaches, we are not only supporting their success today but helping to build a resilient agricultural system” stated Richard Creppel, FVC Regional Director, US Army.

Partnering with FVC also extends Maker’s Mark’s ongoing support of veterans. Maker’s Mark also releases limited-edition bottles tied to Veterans Day and Memorial Day and, through its Private Selection program, produces a “By Vets, For Vets” release developed by its Service Veterans employee group and available exclusively at select military base retail outlets. These releases support veteran-focused organizations and programs that benefit service members and their families.

The Maker’s Mark 250th Anniversary limited-edition bottle is Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky bottled at 90 proof, with a suggested retail price of $28.99. For more information, please visit makersmark.com.

About Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark® is the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world. In 1953, founders Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr. broke from tradition—burning the family’s 170-year-old recipe to create a bold, balanced bourbon made with soft red winter wheat for signature sweetness and creaminess. From the start, the Samuels went to remarkable lengths to craft uncompromisingly delicious bourbon—a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today. Every bottle is still hand-dipped in red wax, every barrel rotated by hand and every decision guided by the brand’s higher purpose.

Staying true to its founders’ vision, Maker’s Mark has expanded its portfolio with award-winning, super-premium expressions, including Maker’s Mark 46, Cask Strength, and Cellar Aged, as well as Private Selection, the brand’s custom barrel program. In 2025, the distillery debuted Star Hill Farm Whisky, its first-ever wheat whisky. Award-winning and the first to earn Estate Whiskey certification, Star Hill Farm Whisky inspired the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, a bold commitment to advance regenerative farming beyond its business, inviting farms, bars and restaurants to join the movement.

Maker’s Mark is proud to be both B Corp and Regenified Certified – milestones driven by the sustainability leadership at Star Hill Farm, home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which strives to be the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world. Learn more at www.makersmark.com.

About Suntory Global Spirits  

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com 

About Farmer Veteran Coalition

For 17 years, Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) has empowered more than 58,000 veterans nationwide to build meaningful futures in agriculture. Through programs including the Holistic Impactful Veteran Engagement (H.I.V.E.) Program, the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund and the Homegrown By Heroes consumer label, FVC mobilizes veterans to feed America by providing education, resources, community and access to opportunity. Membership is free for all veterans. Learn more at farmvetco.org.

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Macallan The Harmony Collection 3 Amber Meadow

The third edition in the ever exciting Harmony Collection is a fusion of fashion, photography and whisky created in collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney. Amber Meadow celebrates the love and respect for the natural world they share with The Macallan. They have been inspired by Scottish grassland to create an expression that recalls warm meadows and barley fields by combining whisky from sherry seasoned oak and bourbon casks. Ideal for relaxing evenings as the weather warms up in the spring.

£155.00

Tasting note from The Macallan:

Nose: rich orange and lemon, honeysuckle, vanilla, coconut and ripe barley fields.

Palate: rich oak, lemon, melon, classic scone, almond and green tea.

Finish: rich, sweet, long and complex.

Bernheim Original 10 Year Old 20th Anniversary Small Batch Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

57.5%

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