Loch Lomond Group’s Gary Mills Named Best Scotch Whisky Ambassador at World Whisky Awards

This latest accolade adds to a growing suite of awards that highlight Loch Lomond Group’s rising prominence in the spirits category.

Independent distiller Loch Lomond Group is celebrating a landmark achievement as its Global Brand Ambassador, Gary Mills, has been named the Icons of Whisky – Best Scotch Whisky Ambassador at the internationally renowned World Whisky Awards.

After winning the regional award in December, Gary was shortlisted alongside five brand ambassadors who represent some of the biggest names in Scotch. He received the accolade in honour of his exceptional contribution to Scotch whisky advocacy.

Gary joined Loch Lomond Group in 2014, at a formative stage in the company’s journey. With a background in marketing combined with a clear and enduring passion for whisky, he quickly established himself as a driving force within a small, ambitious team. In those early days, he helped build a portfolio of just four single malts and one blend, laying the foundations for what would become one of Scotland’s most dynamic whisky ranges.

A decade later, both the business and Gary’s influence have grown significantly. Now part of a 25-strong marketing team, he has been instrumental in developing an award-winning collection, and shaping the global reputation of Loch Lomond Group’s portfolio, which includes Loch Lomond Whiskies, Glen Scotia, Littlemill, Noble Rebel, Spearhead and High Commissioner.

The Icon Award adds to a string of recent accolades for Loch Lomond Group, which is rapidly establishing itself as one of the leading distillers on the global whisky stage. The Group’s success is driven not only by its exceptional whiskies but also by the talent and expertise of its people. Gary becomes the second individual from the business to be named on the global stage, with Andy Moore picking up Cooper of the Year in 2023.

Renowned as one of the most creative distillers in the sector, Loch Lomond Group has a reputation for blending traditional craftsmanship with bold experimentation to produce whiskies that are entirely unique. Its use of Straight Neck Stills at the Loch Lomond Distillery places the company at the forefront of innovation, contributing to a portfolio that consistently earns international acclaim.

Today, Loch Lomond Whiskies ranks among the fastest-growing top 25 single malt brands in the world  – a success that helped secure the title of Distiller of the Year 2025 at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Meanwhile, Glen Scotia continued its award-winning streak, capturing platinum for both its 15- and 25-Year-Old expressions at the same competition.

Andrew Jack, Head of Whisky Marketing at Loch Lomond Group, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team we have built, and this latest award reflects the strength of our fantastic people. At Loch Lomond Group we are purposeful in our decision to nurture expertise, passion and craftsmanship in all parts of the business, from whisky makers to brand managers.

“At the heart of Gary’s work is a genuine commitment to advocacy. He has a rare ability to translate the complexities of Scotch whisky into experiences that resonate with all audiences, with his tastings and tours defined by energy and authentic storytelling. He consistently receives praise for being one of the most engaging ambassadors in the category. This award is a testament to the impact he has made not only for our brands, but for Scotch as a whole.”

Gary represents Loch Lomond Group’s brands on the world stage, while also leading the visitor experience across its distilleries, including at the recently opened Luss Distillery – a dynamic, multi-million-pound spirits destination on the banks of Loch Lomond.

Widely regarded for his depth of knowledge across whisky history, production, and flavour, Gary has become a trusted and influential voice within the industry. He is a regular presence across podcasts, television and specialist publications, consistently championing the craftsmanship, heritage and innovation behind the whiskies he represents.

Gary Mills, Global Brand Ambassador at Loch Lomond Group, said: “Winning the Icons of Whisky – Best Scotch Whisky Ambassador is an incredible honour. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the Loch Lomond Group journey from the early days and have had the privilege to work alongside a passionate team dedicated to creating exceptional whiskies. Sharing those stories and connecting people to Scotch is what drives me every day, so this recognition means a great deal.”

For more information about The Loch Lomond Group, visit www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the Loch Lomond Group

Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria, Scotland and is home to many multi-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.

Iron Gate June 2026 Whisky Auction Closes Tonight

The timed auction closes tonight,  Monday, June 22, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Featured highlights include the Ardbeg Double Barrel Single Cask Set, Yamazaki Hospitality 25 Year Old, Bowmore Hart Brothers Dynasty Decanter, and Benromach 68 Classic Speyside Aged 55 Years—bottlings recognized for rarity, age, provenance, and collector appeal.

“This auction brings together bottles that speak to true spirit collectors in Canada,” said Ajay Bhardwaj, Vice-President of Spirits at Iron Gate. “From bespoke Scotch whisky releases to exceptional Japanese whisky and “The Pappy Family”, the June sale offers whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike an opportunity to acquire bottles rarely seen in the Canadian market.”

Iron Gate is Canada’s dedicated fine spirits auction house, serving collectors with a focus on provenance. Bidders may register in advance and view the auction catalogue through Iron Gate’s online auction platform.

Please note that a buyer’s premium of 19.5% applies to this sale. The auction is operated under license by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis and under the applicable Alberta auction license.

Auction Details
Event: Iron Gate Fine Whisky Auction
Start: June 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m. EDT
End: June 22, 2026, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Format: Timed online auction

About Iron Gate
Iron Gate provides fine wine and spirits auction services for collectors across Canada, combining specialist expertise with a commitment to provenance, trusted handling, and a seamless online bidding experience.

Spirits Contact
Ajay Bhardwaj, VP Spirits Iron Gate Auctions
Email: ajay@irongate.wine

Jericho 10 Year Old

Celebrating 10 years of Inverurie Whisky Shop

Buy Now

For those that know us, you’ll be aware that we are passionate about our local history. Tie that together with history of local whiskies and we’re definitely on to a winner! That’s why, when the opportunity to work with the Lost Distillery Co came along, we had to take it.

“As an Aberdeenshire distillery lost to history, Jericho’s story is one that resonates particularly strongly with us. Working alongside The Lost Distillery Company to bring this 10 Year Old release to life has allowed us to celebrate a forgotten chapter of the region’s whisky-making past while creating something entirely new for today’s whisky enthusiasts, serving the same community that was once enjoying the Jericho whisky in the past” – Mike

The Story of Jericho Distillery 1822-1913

Long before modern whisky production transformed Scotland, Jericho Distillery stood beneath the shadow of Bennachie in rural Aberdeenshire. Founded in 1822 by farmer William Smith, Jericho was one of the early legal distilleries established following the Excise Act of 1823, a landmark piece of legislation that brought much of Scotland’s whisky production out of the illicit era and into legitimate trade.

Smith, a deeply religious man, named the distillery “Jericho” after the biblical city. The nearby Jordan Burn, which supplied the distillery’s water, is said to have inspired the name. Production began in earnest by 1824, and Jericho whisky quickly earned a reputation throughout Aberdeenshire for its rich, characterful spirit.

In its early years, Jericho operated on a modest scale using remarkably small stills, producing a heavy, oily whisky that reflected the traditional methods of the time. Peat from the surrounding countryside was used extensively in production, while maturation often took place in sherry casks, a practice that would become one of the distillery’s defining characteristics.

Under the stewardship of John Maitland, who inherited the distillery in 1864, Jericho underwent significant modernisation. The site expanded, equipment was upgraded, and in 1883 the distillery was renamed Benachie Distillery, taking its name from the famous local hill. Despite the change, the whisky continued to be known as Jericho for many years.

Sadly, like many historic Scottish distilleries, Jericho’s story came to an end in 1913 when the distillery closed its doors for good. Legend has it that the final surviving cask was enjoyed at a wedding celebration held in the old malt barns during the early years of the Second World War, marking the last taste of the original whisky.

Today, thanks to the work of The Lost Distillery Company, the spirit and character of Jericho live on. Through meticulous historical research and blending expertise, they have recreated what this lost Highland whisky may have tasted like, allowing whisky lovers to experience a remarkable piece of Scotland’s distilling heritage once again.

We’re bottling American whiskies again!

INDIANA BOURBON 2015
AGED 10 YEARS
50% ABV/100 PROOF

This bourbon hails from Indiana and was distilled back in 2015 then aged (as per regulations) in a single new American oak barrel. Bottled at 10 years old, it showcases the rich, sweetness that Indiana liquid is famous for with, of course, that underlying spice!

Nose: Caramel and vanilla Sweetcorn

Palate: Light cinnamon and baking spices Black Pepper

Finish: Toasted Oak Maple Syrup

AMERICAN SOURMASH 2011
AGED 14 YEARS
50% ABV/100 PROOF

Our latest release is a Sour Mash (a term directly linked to the quality control of the distillation process, not the flavour) which was aged in a single American oak barrel for a healthy fourteen years. Despite the term/name, it’s much akin to a bourbon in flavour taking on layers of sweetness over it’s maturation period whilst maintaining that grainy flavour associated with American whiskey.

Nose: Sweet syrup Burnt sugar
Palate: Oakey tannins Light cereal/grain flavour
Finish: Short and crisp

The Good Dram Show – Episode 638 ‘Summer Peat’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show. This week I’ll be talking peat, as it’s not just for winter! This week’s line up includes whiskies from Lahproaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Ardnahoe and Tomintoul. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 638 Summer Peat Makes Me Feel Fine …! Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring Laphroaig Oak Select 40%
www.laphroaig.com
Old Ballantruan 10 year old 50%
www.oldballantruan.com
Ardnahoe Bholsa 50%
ardnahoedistillery.com
Ardbeg 10 year old Cask Strength 61.7%
www.ardbeg.com
Kilchoman 13 year old 50%
www.kilchomandistillery.com
Lagavulin Distillers Edition 43%
www.malts.com/en-gb/distiller

Bourbonola Makes History Again with New Bourbon & Banana Seltzer

Introducing Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer – 8.0% abv

LEXINGTON, Ky, June 11, 2026— Town Branch Distillery, the 7^th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—is shaking up the spirits-based ready-to-drink category with something nobody saw coming. Introducing Bourbonola Tropical Style, a Bourbon & Banana Seltzer that blends authentic bourbon character with bold tropical flavor. Crafted with 2 shots per can of Town Branch Bourbon and layered with notes of banana, mango, citrus and a touch of honey, with a crisp, light sparkling body for an exceptionally refreshing experience. Real bourbon, real flavor and pushing bourbon culture somewhere entirely new. Available in select markets nationwide. (SRP $14.99 per 4pk x 355ml Slim Cans).

Bourbonola Prohibition Style & Bourbonola Tropical Style

If you already know Bourbonola, then you know the legend started with Bourbonola Prohibition Style — nearly 3-shots of Kentucky Straight Bourbon per can blended with a proprietary cherry cola to 12% ABV as a ready-to-drink beverage that doesn’t play by modern rules. If you don’t know Bourbonola yet, now’s the time to catch up. Scan the QR code to watch the Bourbonola Origin Story and learn its storied history.

The story begins in 1922, deep in the heart of Prohibition, when Lexington Brewing Co. was forced to pivot from beer to non-alcoholic beverages to survive. One of those creations was boldly named Bourbonola, because while the government could regulate what went into the bottle, they couldn’t regulate the name on it.

Fast forward 100 years. While expanding its bourbon-based portfolio, the team at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. and home of Town Branch Distillery uncovered the forgotten Bourbonola name painted across an old brewery photo. The history was real. The assets still existed. Bourbonola was reborn.

Now the next chapter begins. Bourbonola Tropical Style, a bourbon-based tropical hard seltzer built around one of the world’s most iconic flavors: banana. Made with real Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it pushes Bourbonola even further into uncharted territory while staying rooted in whiskey culture. Just like Prohibition Style proudly carries the year 1922 on its can, Bourbonola Tropical Style features 1876 — the year bananas exploded into American culture at the Centennial World’s Fair in Philadelphia. Exotic, unexpected, unforgettable. Sound familiar?

Alongside the launch of Tropical Style, both Bourbonola expressions are receiving refreshed packaging, including new outer cartons with a QR code to tell their historic origin story and updated artwork featuring each drink’s signature spirit animal. Bourbonola started by breaking rules during Prohibition. A century later, it’s still doing exactly that while making history.

This Is Bananas! But Why Bananas?

The answer is actually pretty simple. For years now, innovation at Town Branch has centered around one core idea: bourbon-based or bourbon-inspired to celebrate it’s origin on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Bourbonola Tropical Style delivers both.

Built on a base of real Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Bourbonola Tropical Style is bourbon-based by design celebrating the native spirit of the United States. But it’s also bourbon-inspired in flavor. Anyone familiar with younger bourbons knows they often carry notes of banana, banana bread, baking spice, and sweet grain before extended barrel aging shifts those profiles to oak, caramel, and vanilla. To celebrate that vibrant younger bourbon character, and minimum 2-year-old bourbon at the heart of the drink — banana became the lead flavor.

But why else bananas? Because bananas are one of the most iconic fruits on the planet, with more than 100 billion consumed globally every year. They also have one of the greatest stories in food culture. Bananas exploded into American consciousness at the 1876 Centennial World’s Fair in Philadelphia, where the tropical fruit became an overnight sensation. Also, local legend in Kentucky’s sub-tropical climate tells of a fruit called the pawpaw which tastes like a tropical mixture of bananas, mango and pineapple. Plus, did you know bananas float in water and so do Bourbonola Tropical Style cans.

And now, 150 years later, banana is once again having a moment, this time behind the bar. Some of the world’s best bartenders are embracing banana in cocktails and as part of their beverage program, while the broader beverage category still has surprisingly few banana-forward offerings. “So we looked at the landscape and thought: why not bananas? The category is ripe for the picking.” notes Robert Krass, Managing Director at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. “While developing Bourbonola Prohibition Style, we created our own cola from scratch using cherry, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cocoa nibs, and kola nut. For Bourbonola Tropical Style, we approached it the same way — building our own seltzer using banana, mango, pineapple, lemon, honey, ginger, and sparkling water – full flavor!”

Bourbonola has always been about celebrating history, making history, pushing boundaries, and giving people the unexpected — all while using real ingredients, real flavors, and real bourbon to create something better, something unexpected. Cheers to making history with Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer.

Scan the QR code to watch the Bourbonola Origin Story and learn its storied history.

Image Assets: Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer Assets

Brand Highlights:

Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer – 8.0% abv (SRP $14.99 / 4pk Slim Cans)

• Bourbonola Tropical Style is an 8.0% ABV Bourbon & Banana Seltzer made with Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon and blended with a proprietary tropical seltzer featuring notes of banana, mango, pineapple, lemon, honey, and ginger.
• Classification: Bourbon-based Ready-to-Drink Seltzer
• Bourbon Mash Bill: 72% Corn | 15% Rye | 13% Malted Barley
• Age: Bourbon base is 2-years minimum aged
• Flavor Blend: Proprietary tropical seltzer featuring banana, mango, pineapple, lemon, honey, ginger, water, and carbonation.
• ABV: 8.0% abv. (16 proof)
• Estimated Availability: Available in select markets nationwide
• Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Bright golden straw with lively carbonation and a slight natural haze of fresh tropical juice.
  • Aroma: Fresh banana immediately rise from the glass, layered with hints of ripe mango, citrus zest, wildflower honey, and subtle baking spice from the Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
  • Palate: Smooth and vibrant up front with notes of banana cream, tropical fruit, and fresh lemon balanced by hints of honey and ginger spice.
  • Finish: Crisp, lightly sparkling, and surprisingly refreshing with lingering notes of candied banana and citrus.

About Bourbonola:

Bourbonola is a bourbon-based and bourbon-inspired ready-to-drink brand family developed by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Rooted in American history, each release draws inspiration from a distinct cultural moment while using real Kentucky Straight Bourbon, real ingredients, and proprietary mixers crafted in-house. Bourbonola Prohibition Style launched in 2022 — exactly 100 years after the original non-alcoholic Bourbonola debuted during Prohibition. Bourbonola Tropical Style followed in 2026, celebrating 150 years since bananas first captivated America at the 1876 Centennial World’s Fair in Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on TikTok. 

About Town Branch Distillery:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is notable as the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition. It is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️. The distillery produces several acclaimed spirits, including Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Overproof Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch upcycles every used barrel to craft a variety of whiskeys and barrel-aged beers, such as Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This process ensures each barrel’s legacy continues within our diverse product line. For more details, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).

About Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch Distillery, which is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter).

About Kentucky®️ Barrel-Aged Beers:

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️, specializes in the art of barrel-aging beer. As one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands globally, Lexington leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of barrel-aged beer. Offerings include the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale, and a selection of Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Seasonal and Specialty releases. Upcycling its own bourbon barrels enhances the quality of its barrel-aged beers with a distinct character that sets them apart from other breweries in America. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on Facebook or Instagram.

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons and now led by his son Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech is a global leader in agriculture, committed to providing smarter and more sustainable solutions. With over 40 years of scientific research backing its work, Alltech offers a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance the health and performance of plants and animals. This, in turn, leads to improved nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and advanced innovation in the field. Headquartered near Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech operates in over 120 countries with five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their mission, encapsulated in their purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” focuses on providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing the planet’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter).

This One’s

A Real

Throwback.

We’re a bit excited about this one. We loved working with Living Souls to create this; it’s a blend we are very proud to put our names to, and by a margin, the oldest whisky we have ever created. Grains from closed distilleries of Central Scotland, representing Living Souls (Irony) and an Aberdeenshire Malt (cough ASM) from the late 70s, representing LBD and the North East of Scotland.

If you didn’t already know, Living Souls are an annoyingly good Independent Bottler of whiskies. We love what they do, and so when they suggested working together, we jumped at the chance. We wanted to make a whisky that represented both companies, and pooling our resources made it possible to use such bonkers stock to build this epic, one-of-a-kind blend.

LIVING SOULS X LITTLE BROWN DOG 46-YEAR BLEND

The age of the *youngest* stock in this blend – 26th March 1979.

46 years old – or about 322 dog years!

It’s everything you want from a well-aged whisky: superb balance, that wonderful old tropical note that you only get with very old whiskies, and no cask domination. The low ABV is cask strength, and you guys know how we love a naturally low strength, with the concentration of flavour that comes with that.

Our notes:

Colour – Highland Coo Toffee

Nose – Tinned Lychees in syrup, pink grapefruit, antique shop.

Palate – Candy floss, blueberry panacotta, Haribo starmix

Finish – Sherbert Dib Dab and rooibos tea.

Their (Living Souls) notes: Imagine stepping into the kitchen where you’ll pick up the scent of cream soda, fudge and banoffee pie. Ripe peach and a gentle wisp of smoke dance on the palate, with a touch of pineapple adding depth to a long, balanced finish. Makes us sound less pretentious, doesn’t it?

LEARN MORE

A Moroccan goal after 70 seconds in that caught us napping – and the penalty that should have been, but the Tartan Army are still standing. They always are. From Argentina in ’78 to Spain in ’82 to this — Scotland supporters have never needed winning to keep believing. They need one result now. They need Brazil. And they need every single dram of support the north of Scotland can muster.

The Big Yin. In Scotland, that means exactly what it sounds like. The one that matters most. The one you tell your grandchildren about. Wednesday 24th June in Miami, Scotland versus Brazil is the game that decides whether this World Cup campaign becomes something historic, or something we carry quietly home and never quite stop thinking about.

We’ve had one bottle for every group game. We kept the biggest for last. Twelve years ago, we filled these casks in our distillery on the north coast of Scotland, where the wind (and rain) comes off the Pentland Firth and whisky matures on its own terms. Nobody was thinking about a World Cup. Scotland was in the middle of one of the longest qualifying droughts in their history. We were making whisky the way we always make whisky: properly, patiently, without shortcuts.

Now those twelve years of maturation have produced something worth opening on a Wednesday night in June when Scotland wants three points against the most decorated football nation on the planet.

Like every Scotland World Cup campaign, every moment of glory or heartbreak that makes this whole thing worth caring about.

An Instant Father’s Day Gift From Glengoyne
Experience Gift Vouchers Opens Our Doors For Discovery

A Glengoyne Experience Gift Voucher opens the doors to our distillery, where time slows, stories are shared, and every dram is crafted with care. Whether he’s a lifelong whisky enthusiast or simply curious to discover something new, a gift voucher is a thoughtful way to celebrate Father’s Day. Find out why we’re been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.

EXPERIENCE GIFT VOUCHER OPTIONS

BROWSE LISTINGS