BERRY BROS. & RUDD EXPLORES THE PAST AND FUTURE OF SCOTCH WHISKY IN 2026 ODYSSEY COLLECTION – Scotch Whisky News
BERRY BROS. & RUDD EXPLORES THE PAST AND FUTURE OF SCOTCH WHISKY IN 2026 ODYSSEY COLLECTION
Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, has unveiled its 2026 Odyssey collection – The Auld and the Bold – a celebration of the dialogue between Scotland’s great whisky traditions and a new generation of distillers redefining the category around the world.
Comprising 20 single-cask whiskies, rums and a cognac, The Auld and the Bold continues Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Odyssey series, first launched in 2024, an ongoing collection of themed annual releases which brings together single cask spirits connected by a mutual influence to form an “Odyssey”.
The Auld and the Bold explores how whisky traditions have travelled beyond Scotland, inspiring producers across the globe while continuing to shape some of the country’s most revered distilleries.
Felix Dear, Spirits Curator at Berry Bros. & Rudd, said:
“For this year’s Odyssey collection, we wanted to explore the relationship between heritage and innovation. Scotch whisky remains the benchmark that has inspired generations of distillers, but some of the most exciting spirits being made today are emerging from places far beyond Scotland.
“The Auld and the Bold brings these worlds together, showcasing both the timeless qualities that define great whisky and the fresh perspectives that continue to push the category forward. Whether the spirit comes from Speyside, Tasmania, Yorkshire or New Zealand, what unites these bottlings is a commitment to character, craftsmanship and a strong sense of place.”
The Scottish whiskies in this release showcase the remarkable breadth of Scotch. From the waxy, time-honoured elegance of Glenlossie 1975 to the fruit-laden character of Glencadam and Blair Athol, finished in an unusual Viognier cask, the collection highlights the diversity of styles found across Scotland. Rich sherry influence shines through Longmorn, Glen Garioch and Tamdhu, while Caol Ila, Williamson and Ruadh Mhor offer distinct expressions of peat and smoke. Together, these casks showcase the patience, provenance and generational expertise that remain at the heart of great Scotch whisky.
Beyond Scotland, the collection shines a light on a new generation of whisky makers inspired by Scotch tradition yet shaped by their own landscapes and climates. Australia’s Lark delivers remarkable depth through Tawny cask maturation, India’s Paul John marries Scottish peat with tropical ageing, while New Zealand’s Thomson brings distinctive Manuka-smoked character to the fore. England’s Spirit of Yorkshire demonstrates the evolution of English single malt, offering a vibrant, fruit-driven style rooted in place and craftsmanship.
Denmark’s Thy and Finland’s Teerenpeli similarly draw on traditional Scotch whisky-making techniques while expressing them through local barley, climate and maturation. Together, these whiskies capture a global whisky renaissance: rooted in Scottish tradition, yet shaped by distinctive terroirs, innovative production and a confident sense of place.
Three Caribbean rums join the collection, highlighting the category’s extraordinary diversity. From Foursquare’s refined tropical character and Diamond’s vibrant fruit profile to the legendary intensity of Caroni, the selection showcases some of the world’s most sought-after rum styles. Completing the release is a 35-year-old early-landed Cognac from Frapin, distilled in France, matured in the UK, and bottled at natural cask-strength.
The Auld and the Bold includes 20 bottlings from 20 distilleries and will be available from July 16th 2026. All bottlings will be available to purchase from the Berry Bros. & Rudd spirits shop at No. 1 St James’s Street, London.
For more information on Berry Bros. & Rudd and the Odyssey: The Auld and the Bold collection, visit www.bbr.com.
