BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES THIRD EDITION OF ITS PROHIBITION COLLECTION
Drawing inspiration from historic documents preserved in the Distillery’s archives, the latest release continues to uncover stories from nearly a century ago that inspired the whiskeys crafted for this year’s Collection

FRANKFORT, KY – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly unveils the third edition of its Prohibition Collection, an annual limited-edition set of five bottles commemorating the whiskeys legally produced and sold at the Distillery while the 18^th Amendment was in effect. This year’s collection honors five historic brands bottled under President Albert B. Blanton’s leadership at George T. Stagg Distillery, as Buffalo Trace was known during the Prohibition era, including: Henry Watterson, Kentucky River, John G. Carlisle, Walter B. Duffy and Cove Spring.

Spanning from 1920 to 1933, Prohibition marked one of the most contentious periods in American whiskey history following the ratification of the 18th Amendment, which banned the production, sale and transportation of alcohol across the United States. While most distilleries were forced to shut down, six were granted licenses by the U.S. Government to legally bottle medicinal whiskey for sale with a prescription. This includes the George T. Stagg Distillery, known today as Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Historic documents preserved within the Distillery’s archives uncovered stories that inspired the five whiskeys featured in this year’s Collection. Each expression draws influence from the original branding and packaging of these long-forgotten labels, bringing another chapter of Prohibition-era whiskey history back to life.

• Henry Watterson was a U.S. Congressman and a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, known for his anti-Prohibition views. Because of his public support for distilleries and their products, Watterson’s likeness was used for a whiskey brand that was distributed by several companies, including the George T. Stagg Distillery. Today’s iteration – bottled uncut and unfiltered at 140.6 proof – is a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey bursting with rye spice, citrus peel and fresh green herbs. The palate is powerful and structured, revealing zesty citrus, cedarwood and herbaceous notes of thyme and mint, finishing long, dry and energetic.
• Kentucky River pays tribute to the former Kentucky River Distillery, previously known as Carlisle Distillery and later rebranded under Albert Blanton’s leadership to honor the river’s vital role in transporting goods, people and materials. Under Blanton’s leadership, the distillery tripled in size during this period of remarkable growth. Today’s expression is a 100 proof blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys. On the nose this whiskey offers aromas of honeyed grain, vanilla and caramelized sugar. Rounded and balanced, the palate showcases baked apple and gentle oak, finishing smooth and polished with warm pastry notes.
• John G. Carlisle, a prominent U.S. Congressman and one of the key architects behind the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, played a pivotal role in shaping the future of American whiskey. A steadfast ally of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr., Carlisle shared Taylor’s vision for elevating quality and consumer trust in the spirits industry. Their strong bond inspired Taylor to construct the Carlisle Distillery adjacent to the O.F.C. Distillery, expanding production capacity while honoring the man whose legislative leadership helped establish one of the most important standards in American whiskey history. This 100 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey presents classic bourbon structure, layering rye-driven spice over toasted nuts and caramelized grain. It features bright orchard fruit and subtle tropical notes balanced by vanilla, oak and warm baking spices. The finish is dry and with lingering spice, light nuttiness and a restrained sweetness.
• Following George T. Stagg’s death in 1893, Walter B. Duffy became sole owner of the O.F.C. Distillery and helped usher in its next chapter. Operating from New York, Duffy placed his trust in Albert B. Blanton to oversee the Distillery’s operations, ultimately appointing him president in 1921. That decision would prove historic, as Blanton’s leadership helped shape the Distillery’s legacy and secure its place in American whiskey history. A blend of 10- and 14-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbons bottled at 107 proof, today’s tribute opens with notes of graham cracker, toasted corn and oak, layered with dried fig, raisin and date. Rich sweetness, structured oak and subtle anise lead to a long, refined finish accented by dried fruit and gentle spice.
• Named for the spring that fueled the Distillery’s earliest growth, Cove Spring honors a vital piece of Buffalo Trace history. In 1804, a stone dam and overflow tower transformed the spring into a reservoir, supplying water to Leestown and the growing operation that would become O.F.C. Distillery. Today, remnants of the original structure remain in Cove Spring Park, connecting past and present. This uncut Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, crafted from a wheated recipe and bottled at 120.2 proof, offers aromas of red cherry, toasted coconut and oak. The palate is rich and fruit-forward, layered with sweet corn and spice, before giving way to a long, balanced finish marked by red fruit, toasted oak and lingering warmth.

“The Prohibition Collection gives us the opportunity to bring important chapters of our Distillery’s history back to life,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Each year, we uncover stories, brands and whiskey traditions that might otherwise have been lost to time. By reimagining these historic whiskeys, we honor the resilience, ingenuity and determination that carried this Distillery through one of the most challenging periods in American whiskey history and helped shape the legacy we continue today.”

Housed in a custom wooden display case featuring archival imagery from the Distillery’s history, the collection is designed as both a tribute and a time capsule. Each of the five 375ml bottles recreates the look and scale of its Prohibition-era predecessor, while the accompanying cartons include the distinctive prescription cut-out once used by physicians to authorize medicinal whiskey purchases. Together, these details offer an authentic glimpse into one of the most remarkable periods in American whiskey history.

The Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #3 will be released in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants starting in June 2026 at a suggested retail price of $999.99 (five 375ml bottles); state taxes will vary per market.

For more information, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Our July auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) Friday 17^th July until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 26th July.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Macallan – 1938 (Gordon & MacPhail) 75cl

Dallas Dhu – 50 Year Old (1971) Gordon & MacPhail (Private Collection)

Dalmore – 40 Year Old (Astrum)

Talisker – 1957 (Gordon & MacPhail)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

£138.95 GBP

North British 33 Year Old 1992 is a beautifully mature single grain Scotch whisky, bottled by Alistair Walker Whisky Co. for the acclaimed Infrequent Flyers series. Distilled in 1992 and matured in a single Ozark Virgin Oak barrel (#7134), this exceptional release was bottled in 2026 at 49.4% ABV, with just 221 bottles produced worldwide.

Three decades of patient maturation have given this North British grain whisky remarkable elegance and complexity, while the rare Ozark Virgin Oak barrel introduces a distinctive layer of sweet spice, toasted vanilla, caramelised oak, and creamy richness. Sourced from the forests of the Ozark Mountains in the United States, this virgin oak adds bold character without masking the silky, honeyed nature of the mature grain spirit. Bottled without chill-filtration or added colour, this is a unique and highly collectible single cask whisky.

Nose Vanilla fudge, honeycomb, toasted coconut, and polished oak with hints of crème brûlée, cinnamon, and baked apple.

Palate Smooth and luxurious, revealing flavours of caramel, vanilla cream, sweet cereals, butterscotch, toasted oak, baking spices, and gentle coconut sweetness.

Finish Long and warming, with lingering vanilla, oak spice, honeyed cereals, and delicate toasted

• 33 year old single grain Scotch whisky from North British
• Matured in a single Ozark Virgin Oak barrel (#7134)
• Distilled 1992, bottled 2026
• Limited to just 221 bottles worldwide
• Bottled by Alistair Walker Whisky Co. for the Infrequent Flyers series
• Bottled at 49.4% ABV with natural colour and no chill-filtration

The North British 33 Year Old 1992 Infrequent Flyers is a wonderfully distinctive mature single grain Scotch whisky, combining the silky sweetness of long-aged North British spirit with the bold character of rare Ozark Virgin Oak. Rich, elegant, and exceptionally smooth, it’s an outstanding choice for collectors and whisky enthusiasts looking to explore the remarkable diversity of premium single grain Scotch whisky.

Tormore 16 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

£77.99

Tormore 16 Year Old Sherry Cask is a sophisticated Speyside single malt that beautifully combines the elegant character of Tormore spirit with the richness and complexity of carefully selected sherry cask maturation.

Matured for sixteen years, this exceptional whisky showcases the distillery’s signature orchard fruit character while introducing deeper layers of dried fruits, rich sweetness and warming spice. The sherry casks have been expertly chosen to complement the spirit rather than dominate it, preserving the delicate peach and pear notes that define Tormore.

Bottled at 46.8% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered, this premium single malt delivers a luxurious mouthfeel and remarkable depth of flavour. Rich fruitcake notes, raisins, dark honey, sweet spice and polished oak create a beautifully balanced whisky designed for slow enjoyment and timeless indulgence.

• Distillery: Tormore
• Age: 16 Years Old
• Region: Speyside
• Style: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Maturation: Sherry Cask
• ABV: 46.8%
• Natural Colour
• Non-Chill Filtered
• Bottle Size: 70cl

Tormore 16 Year Old Sherry Cask is a beautifully balanced and complex Speyside single malt, delivering rich sherried character while retaining the elegance and fruit-forward style that makes Tormore Distillery so distinctive.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

DISTILLERY SPOTLIGHT

SPIRIT OF YORKSHIRE

Few distilleries have been part of The Whisky Lounge journey quite like the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery.

We’ve been lucky enough to work with David, Joe and the team since the early days of Filey Bay, watching them grow from one of England’s newest distilleries into one of its most respected. Their commitment to producing ‘proper’ local, field-to-bottle whisky using 100% home-grown Yorkshire barley has earned them a place on the shelves of whisky-lovers across the UK and beyond.

The distillery and team are celebrating a full decade of spirit creation this year and we hear are producing a special bottle to commemorate…we’re hoping to get a taste soon!

If you happen to be in Yorkshire (and not Northumberland!) on 1st August, why not head to the distillery for their Yorkshire Day & Decade of Distilling Open Weekend? Expect tours, masterclasses, live music, local food and, naturally, plenty of exceptional whisky as they celebrate both Yorkshire Day and ten years of distilling.

SO FAR AT SPRINGBANK IN 2026

As we’ve now passed the midpoint of 2026, we wanted to share an update with our Society members on everything that’s been happening at the distillery this year — from day-to-day operations and current projects to exciting plans for the rest of 2026.

AN UPDATE FROM PRODUCTION
– Findlay Ross, Director of Production

The first six months of 2026 have certainly been eventful, and while we are reaping the rewards of the work done in this period, I’d not be in a great rush to re-live them!

Firstly, the construction and commissioning of the new bottling and dispatch facility was completed in early April, although we continue to make tweaks and changes to the inner workings of the facility as Bottling Operations Manager, Lea Watson, and the team settle in to their new surroundings.

It certainly hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing, because while the majority of the main bottling line has stayed the same, the way we disgorge casks and operate our dispatch has changed and this has taken a while for everyone to get to grips with.

Overall, we are delighted to complete this project and grateful to all the contractors who worked closely with us, especially the local construction firm, McFadyens, which handled the majority of the work.

We thought there was no better time than during our Malts Festival week to open the doors of the facility to the public, and this was marked with speeches from Lea and our Chairman, Neil Clapperton, before a ceremonial ribbon was cut and curious visitors were welcomed inside. A special bottle was also produced for the occasion, which proved very popular on the evening and in the following days.

Secondly, the refurbishment of the Springbank stills was completed in early February, something which has aged me about 10 years! Between removing roof sheets and steel supports, craning out the old stills, repairing the refractory brickwork around the wash still, constructing a new platform, and (most nerve-wracking of all) craning the new stills into place, this project required local contractors, our own team, and Forsyths to work together to deliver our iconic Springbank stills back to us with a lot more life in them!

We are already seeing the benefits of this, with no leaks in the stills themselves or the pipework meaning our spirit yields have both increased and become more consistent. Most importantly, though, is that they continue to make the same distillate that we all know and love.

As I write this we are just completing our local barley production for the year, with two different crops from two different farms being malted, mashed, distilled, and casked separately for release at a future date.

Production Manager Gavin McLachlan has kept a studious eye over all our production activities as usual, and I thank him and the team for their tireless work during a busy and testing start to the year!

Finally, thanks to everyone who attended our Open Days at the 2026 Campbeltown Malts Festival. It was great to see the ‘old guard’ of familiar faces alongside a lot of new attendees and a good time was had by all – particularly as I emerged victorious from the ‘Clash of the Cocktails’ tasting against Ranald and Cameron!

LIMITED RELEASES

This year, we have released two different batches of limited edition whiskies from our distilleries so far.

In January, came the first batch which included our Springbank 18yo, Springbank 30yo, Longrow 100 PROOF Batch 2, and Kilkerran 8yo Cask Strength (Bourbon).

Last month, we released the Springbank 12yo Cask Strength, Springbank 1994 VINTAGE, Hazelburn 7yo Oloroso Cask Matured, and Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 14.

Later this summer, we will release our third batch of limited edition whiskies which will include the new Springbank 18yo, Springbank 21yo, and Kilkerran 16yo.

These whiskies will be available to purchase through the usual retail channels.

COUNTDOWN COLLECTION

In March, we unveiled the fourth release in our five-part Countdown Collection, a series commemorating Springbank’s journey towards its 200th anniversary in 2028.

This edition featured a stunning 29-year-old Springbank, vatted from a marriage of two Refill Sherry Hogsheads and one Rum Barrel.

Having matured entirely within our warehouses in Campbeltown, these casks combined to create a whisky that reflects nearly three decades of patient ageing and traditional craftsmanship.

As with every release in the Countdown Collection, availability was extremely limited, with just 500 bottles produced worldwide.

Whisky enthusiasts from around the globe were given the opportunity to secure a bottle through a ballot, ensuring a fair chance to own this sought-after expression.

As with each release in the Countdown Collection, purchasers who return the entry slip enclosed with their certificate will be entered into an exclusive prize draw, which will take place the following year.

Prizes:
1st Prize – Whisky School (worth £2,000)
2nd Prize – Eat Sleep Dram, Repeat experience for two (worth £1,900)
3rd Prize – Barley to Bottle experience for two (worth £500)

Owners of the 2026 Countdown Collection 29-Year-Old Springbank have until 1st January 2027 to submit their entry slip for inclusion in the draw.

Entry slips should be returned to:
Springbank Distillers Ltd,
9 Bolgam Street,
Campbeltown, Argyll,
Scotland, PA28 6HZ

Good luck to all entrants!

SOCIETY BOTTLING

In May, the first Springbank Society bottling of 2026 was released; a small batch 28-year-old Springbank which spent its first 25 years maturing in Fresh Port Hogsheads, before being transferred into Refill Bourbon Hogsheads in 2023 for a further three years.

We bottled this whisky in 35cl bottles to ensure maximum availability to our members.

This is the oldest Springbank bottled for the Society since our last 28-year-old release in 2021.

The next Society bottling is scheduled for release later this year. Further details will be announced in due course.

MALTS FESTIVAL 2026

As part of the 2026 Campbeltown Malts Festival, we were delighted to once again welcome visitors from around the world to our Springbank and Kilkerran Open Days in May.

The Campbeltown Malts Festival has expanded significantly over the years and now features Springbank, Kilkerran, and Cadenhead’s events throughout the week, running from Monday to Saturday.

A massive thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the week such a special success!

Building on the success of the last two years, we once again kicked-off the Campbeltown Malts Festival week with a Springbank Charity Tasting and BBQ at the Washback Bar on Monday night.

Attendees were treated to a remarkable line-up of exclusive vintage drams from the private collection of Mr. Peter Greve, alongside a premium local seafood and fillet steak barbecue.

We extend our sincere thanks to Peter, whose continued generosity in supplying bottles from his own personal collection has made it possible for us to host this special event for a third year running.

Funds raised from this tasting have now been distributed to local charities and community projects through the J&A Mitchell & Co. Ltd. Community Fund, supporting worthwhile causes across the Kintyre area.

During the festival, we hosted three complimentary Springbank Society tastings in the Malt Barns on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the festival week.

This year, we decided to do something a little different by holding a Blind Tasting Challenge.

Six drams were presented without any information and attendees had to fill in their guesses on tasting mats for the expression, cask type, age and ABV of each whisky.

Congratulations to this year’s winner – Martin Brendel, who scored 14.5 points out of 27!

Martin was presented with a one-of-one 70cl bottling of the most recent Springbank Society 28yo Port into Bourbon.

Following the success of our first-ever Local Barley Farm Tours at last year’s festival, we were delighted to bring them back for the 2026 Campbeltown Malts Festival.

Across the Monday and Tuesday, participants were collected by mini-bus from the gates of Springbank Distillery and taken on a tour of three local farms, where they had the opportunity to see the fields that supply barley for some of our Local Barley releases.

The tours offered a unique insight into the agricultural side of whisky production and the close relationships we have built with local farmers in the Campbeltown area.

While visiting the farms, guests enjoyed four drams, including a 10-month-old Local Barley spirit, two previously officially released Local Barley bottlings, and an exclusive single cask sample destined to be used in the vatting for a special future release.

A big thank you to David and Sean from Glencraigs Farm for their support throughout the tours and for sharing their expertise on barley cultivation on Scotland’s west coast with our guests.As Findlay previously discussed in his Production Update, one of the highlights of this year’s Malts Festival was the official opening of our new £6.2 million Bottling Hall, located on the site of Glengyle Distillery.

The opening ceremony was led by J&A Mitchell Chairman, Neil Clapperton, who reflected on the journey to bring the project to completion before officially declaring the bottling hall open. Neil then invited local Campbeltown resident, Gillian MacIntyre, to cut the ribbon and officially open the site, marking an important milestone in the continued growth of our company.

Following the ceremony, visitors were invited to tour the new facility and see the bottling operations firsthand.

To commemorate the occasion, guests were treated to prosecco and drams of the special Springbank 8yo Fresh Sherry release, bottled exclusively for the opening and limited to just 1,200 bottles.

We would like to thank everyone who joined us to mark this special occasion!

On Wednesday evening, 100 guests joined us for our annual Springbank Dinner. This year, rather than hosting the event in the Malt Barns, we welcomed attendees to our recently vacated old bottling hall, giving everyone a final opportunity to experience the space before it is repurposed into a cask warehouse later this year.

The evening began with a champagne reception in the Garden of Peace, nestled between Springbank and Glengyle, before guests took part in a blind tasting of three 19yo Longrow whiskies. The line-up featured one whisky matured in Fino Sherry and two matured in Oloroso Sherry.

From there, guests were led to the old bottling hall by the newly formed Springbank Campbeltown Pipe Band, adding a memorable touch to the evening’s proceedings.

Before taking their seats for a three-course meal, attendees were invited to vote for their favourite dram from the blind tasting, judging each whisky solely on its flavour and character.

While enjoying their meal prepared by our very own, Donald Brown, guests tasted three exceptional whiskies. These included a 1998 Hazelburn Cask Sample in Bourbon, a 1992 Glenlossie Cask Sample in Bourbon, and a preview of the Springbank 30 Year Old 2026 Open Day Bottling, which was due to be released the following day.

Attendees also enjoyed access to an open bar, where they had the opportunity to sample all of the soon-to-be-released 2026 Open Day bottlings alongside a selection of exclusive Cadenhead’s releases.

Once the votes had been counted, the winning cask was sent straight to the new bottling hall, where it was bottled in time for each guest to take home their very own 70cl at the end of the evening.

This year’s winning whisky was Cask No. 2 – a 19-year-old Longrow matured in Fresh Oloroso Sherry at 57.7% ABV. 🥃

On Thursday, 21st May, we hosted our annual Springbank Open Day as part of the Campbeltown Malts Festival.

As always, we welcomed visitors from near and far to enjoy a packed programme of activities, including free distillery tours, local food and craft stalls, festival bars, live music, tastings, and the opportunity to purchase this year’s exclusive festival bottlings.

Alongside the Open Day festivities, guests also had the chance to take part in a range of tastings, including the Longrow Tasting and The Art (and Science) of Malting, the Springbank Tasting, the Cage Bottle Tasting, and the New & Forthcoming Tasting, offering a deeper insight into our whiskies and production processes.

A major attraction of the day was the release of our highly anticipated festival bottlings at 10am, including the Springbank 30yo, Hazelburn 17yo Oloroso and Longrow 5yo Chardonnay.

The Springbank Open Day drew to a close with a spectacular performance from the Springbank Campbeltown Pipe Band, who played excellently and entertained hundreds of the festival-goers who gathered to watch.

The Kilkerran Open Day took place on Friday, 22 May 2026, at Glengyle Distillery marking one of the highlights of this year’s Malts Festival.

Running from 10am until 6:30pm, we welcomed hundreds of whisky enthusiasts for a celebration of everything Kilkerran.

As the distillery gates opened, many festival-goers made a beeline for the shop in hopes of securing a bottle of the Kilkerran 7yo Triple Distilled Single Cask Open Day Bottling before it sold out.

Attendees also explored a range of local craft and food stalls, sampled drams at the popular Lucky Dip Bar and other festival bars, and enjoyed live music throughout the day.

Guests were treated to a packed programme of events, including complimentary tours of Glengyle Distillery and a variety of specially curated tastings.

Among these tastings was the thought-provoking “There’s a HOORA Peat in that Kilkerran. Or Is There?” session, the much-anticipated Big Kilkerran Tasting, and the lively Clash of the Cocktails competition.

Following its popularity at last year’s festival, Kilkerran Blending Sessions returned for 2026, with Donald Brown and Melanie Stanger hosting sessions at 11am and 1:30pm.

Participants sampled six different single cask samples before trying their hand at creating their own bespoke blend, with each guest taking a unique 20cl bottle home as a memento for the day.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another memorable celebration of Campbeltown whisky at next year’s Malts Festival.

Mark your calendars…

Monday, 24th – Saturday, 29th May 2027

THE JAM EXPERIENCE

Discover the very best of Springbank, Kilkerran and Cadenhead’s with our new three-night JAM Experience.

Designed for groups of two to eight guests, this unique package offers an immersive journey into the world of J & A Mitchell & Co. Ltd., combining behind-the-scenes access, exclusive tastings and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Campbeltown.

Guests will stay at Distillery House, located just steps from Springbank Distillery, making it the perfect base from which to explore our distilleries, warehouses and historic town.

During your stay, you’ll enjoy all-access tours of Springbank and Kilkerran, exclusive warehouse tastings, a Cadenhead’s blending session, a historic walking tour of Campbeltown, and a tasting featuring new and forthcoming J & A Mitchell releases.

Lunches at The Washback Bar and Cadenhead’s Tasting Room are also included.

The package is available year-round (excluding the Campbeltown Malts Festival and the Christmas/New Year holiday period) and is designed as a private booking for a single group.

Pricing:

£950 for exclusive hire of Distillery House for three nights. £350 per person for guests participating in the distillery experiences.

Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or looking to deepen your appreciation of Campbeltown whisky, The JAM Experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in everything that makes Springbank, Kilkerran and Cadenhead’s so special.

DISCOVER MORE HERE

TASTING PACKS

In June, we released our sixth Tasting Pack set through cadenhead.shop, giving customers the opportunity to combine their tasting pack purchase with other products and potentially save on shipping costs. This pack contained 2cl samples from our January and June 2026 limited releases, including the highly anticipated Springbank 1994 Vintage.

THANK YOU

From everyone at J & A Mitchell & Co. Ltd, we’d like to thank our Springbank Society members for being part of our community. We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the Society newsletter, and we look forward to bringing you more exclusive updates, stories, and releases soon.

Until next time… Slàinte! 🥃

 

Winner and runner-up announced in this year’s

Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition

The Glencairn Glass, the official glass for whisky, has announced the winner and runner-up of its annual Crime Short Story Competition, held in partnership with the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival.

Following another year of outstanding entries from aspiring and established crime writers around the world, Kathy Schilbach – also writing under the name Kate Finnemore – has been named the overall winner for her dark and disturbing story, Making Friends. Ross Alexander was selected as runner-up for his compelling story, Life Wasted.

Kathy receives the £1,000 first prize and a guest appearance at the Bloody Scotland Festival in September. Ross receives £500, and both winning stories will be published on the Bloody Scotland and Glencairn Glass (whiskyglass.com) websites.

Produced by the award-winning Scottish family glassware company Glencairn Crystal, the Glencairn Glass has celebrated and supported the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival since 2020 with its Glencairn Glass sponsorship of both the McIlvanney Prize for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year and the Bloody Scotland Debut Crime Novel of the Year awards. 

Winner: Making Friends by Kathy Schilbach

A disturbing tale about a mysterious and anxious woman who has a dark secret to keep.

Kathy Schilbach lived in France for over 30 years, where she taught English in a lycée in the small historic town of Chinon. She loves to read crime and historical novels and had always wanted to write. Retirement from teaching gave her the time and opportunity she needed – she now lives in West Sussex and under her pen name, Kate Finnemore, has had short stories and pocket novels published as well as achieving success in several writing competitions.

Kathy said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that my story has been chosen as the winner of the Glencairn Glass Crime Story Competition. Winning this prize in what is nowadays a difficult, crowded market has given me an amazing feeling of achievement. Thank you to everyone at Glencairn for running such a great competition. I had a certain real-life murderer in mind when I started to write. She was just a name from history though, a starting point in the process of writing.”

Runner-up:  Life Wasted by Ross Alexander

A gripping confession from an unlikely vigilante who took justice into his own hands to free a woman from her abusive, alcoholic husband. 

Ross Alexander is a Scottish author based in East Lothian who writes crime thriller novels and short stories. He has had several short stories published by Darkstroke Books and his short story ‘Deadly Night Shades’ featured in the first edition of the Tangled Web/Aspiring Fiction magazine, a publication specialising in Tartan Noir. He has also written a number of novels, including five in his DI Joanne Christie series, set in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Ross said: “I was thrilled to hear that I had been selected as the runner up in this year’s Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition. To be recognised by a panel of judges made up of crime fiction enthusiasts is very humbling. The Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival is close to my heart, which makes this award so very special.”

Since its launch in 2021, the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition has attracted hundreds of entries from around the globe and has helped launch the careers of several emerging writers.

Among its success stories are Frances Crawford, winner in 2022/23, who has since signed a two-book deal with Penguin – her first novel was published earlier this year. Allan Gaw, runner-up in 2022/23, went on to win the 2024 Bloody Scotland Debut Novel Prize and secure a four-book publishing deal with Polygon.

For the first time, this year’s entries were judged by a panel comprising six of the UK’s leading crime book influencers alongside Kirsty Nicholson, Marketing Director at Glencairn Crystal. The criteria was that the protagonist must be from Scotland.

Kirsty Nicholson said: “Each year we are amazed by the quality and originality of the entries we receive, and 2026 was no exception. Kathy’s story stood out for its atmospheric storytelling and psychological tension, while Ross’s entry impressed the judges with its strong narrative voice and engaging execution. We are delighted to celebrate both writers and continue supporting emerging talent within the crime-writing community.”

Bloody Scotland Festival Director Bob McDevitt said: The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, making the judging process both challenging and rewarding. Congratulations to Kathy and Ross on their well-deserved success, and thank you to everyone who entered and helped make this another fantastic year for the competition.”

The winning stories can be read online at whiskyglass.com and the Bloody Scotland website.

For further information about Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival please contact fiona@brownleedonald.com

*2026 Judges:

Kevin Woolard: Book blogger and owner of The First Eleven Minutes, an award-winning Bookstagram account.

Mary Picken: Book blogger and crime fiction critic at Live and Deadly.

Noelle Holten:  Award-winning blogger at Crime Book Junkie and crime-writer.

Sharon Bairden:  Scottish author and book blogger at Chapter In My Life with a focus on Scottish crime fiction.

Lynsey Adams: Crime noir fiction blogger at There’s Been a Murder, as well as Reading Between the Lines Book PR.

Suze Clarke-Morris: Book blogger at Suze Reviews with a focus on crime fiction.

About the Glencairn Glass:

The Glencairn Glass, produced by the Scottish family company Glencairn Crystal, is recognised as the world’s official whisky glass. This year the glass celebrates its 25^th birthday and the company now sell over 5 million glasses across international markets each year, with over 50 million glasses sold in total to date. The competition winner and runner up will also receive a set of six bespoke engraved Glencairn Glasses.

About Bloody Scotland:

Bloody Scotland is Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival, providing a showcase for the best crime writing from Scotland and the world, unique in that it was set up by a group of Scottish crime writers – Lin Anderson, Alex Gray, Craig Robertson and Gordon Brown – in 2012. Full information at bloodyscotland.com

The Bloody Scotland Prize for Scottish Crime Writing first awarded in 2012 was renamed The McIlvanney Prize in 2016. The Bloody Scotland Debut Prize was launched in 2019.

JULY 2026 AUCTION ENDS SOON!

With the auction drawing to a close, this historic Lagavulin is well worth a final look. Released in 1982, this 12-year-old formed part of the pioneering Ascot Malt Cellar series, alongside Linkwood, Rosebank, Talisker and the blended malts Strathconon and Glenleven. Widely regarded as the precursor to the iconic Classic Malts range, the series laid the foundations for one of Scotch whisky’s most celebrated collections, with the 12-year-old later giving way to the now-famous 16-year-old expression. As the first official bottling ever released by the distillery, this is a landmark whisky in Lagavulin’s history.

The end of an era, captured in a bottle! Filled on 16th March 1983, Cask #327 was the final cask laid down before the legendary Speyside distillery Dallas Dhu ceased production for good. This highly sought-after release was commissioned by Historic Scotland (now Historic Environment Scotland) to commemorate the distillery’s rich heritage. While it carries no official age statement, it is widely believed to have been bottled in the mid-to-late 2000s at around 23 years of age. A remarkable bottling that preserves the final chapter of one of Speyside’s most iconic lost (but not forgotten) distilleries.

A standout release from the celebrated Manager’s Dram series, this Blair Athol was selected exclusively for employees across what is now Diageo’s portfolio of distilleries. Each annual bottling was chosen by the distillery manager, who hand-picked the finest casks to create a limited-edition whisky bottled at natural cask strength. Distilled at Blair Athol and matured for 15 years, this exceptional expression was bottled at natural cask strength in 1996. It remains one of the most sought-after releases in the iconic Manager’s Dram collection.

Following on from the previous Manager’s Dram, this Lagavulin edition is another outstanding example of the celebrated series. Distilled at Lagavulin, matured for 11 years, and bottled at natural cask strength in 2013, it showcases the unmistakable character of one of Islay’s most revered distilleries. This exclusive, official bottling is a fantastic opportunity to secure a distinctive chapter in Lagavulin’s modern history.

Two big events. One Sunday evening. Our July Auction closes from 8pm BST on Sunday, 19th July – the very same time the World Cup Final kicks off. Beat the rush by placing your bids early or leaving your maximum bids in advance at www.clickwhiskyauctions.com, then sit back and enjoy the match knowing your favourite lots are still in play!

SPRINGBANK 12 CASK STRENGTH

56.6% ABV

NOSE
A vibrant introduction, there are notes of marzipan, white chocolate raspberries, marmalade and heather honey, with a leather note in the background.

PALATE
There is a richness on the palate in notes of treacle, brambles and blackcurrants, balanced with hints of nutmeg and dark chocolate.

FINISH
An ashy note appears in the finish, along with gooseberries, salted pretzels and cayenne pepper.

UK RRP £70 – £72

Five Years in Scotch Whisky

One year later, this article feels just as relevant. Originally published in June 2025, Richard Woodard’s deep dive into the last five years of change in Scotch whisky explored everything from COVID disruption and trade tensions to new distilleries and emerging global markets. Now, with another year behind us, it’s worth asking: what’s changed?

📚 Read the Post