Himmaleh Spirits Launches the World’s First Himalayan Cask Program

An Ultra-Rare Whisky Experience Born of Altitude, Provenance, and Craft

London/United Kingdom: Himmaleh Spirits, the visionary craft distillery, proudly unveils the Himalayan Cask Program – a one-of-a-kind global release shaped by time, tradition, and the rare high-altitude terroir of the mighty mountains, anchored by the first Indian single malt whisky from the Himalayas. From grain to glass, each drop reflects the elemental power of the mountains and Himmaleh’s unwavering commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and excellence. Created for collectors who value rarity, the Himalayan Cask Program offers more than a bottle. It offers a story, a statement, and a whisky shaped by altitude, heritage, and taste – a reflection of individuality and legacy in every cask.

Born in the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas, a short drive from Delhi and neighbouring the legendary Corbett National Park, Himmaleh’s whiskies are crafted with locally cultivated six-row barley and glacial spring water sourced from the pristine Himalayan springs. Each small-batch malt is distilled in Forsyths copper pot stills, then aged in ex-Bourbon barrels in the Himalayan foothills – maturing between three and eight years, yielding 285 to 168 bottles per cask. The distillery’s fully in-house production and bottling model further reinforces Himmaleh’s self-reliant approach and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, precision and consistency at every stage of creation.

“India is fast emerging as a serious player in the global whisky landscape,” says Ansh Khanna, Co- founder, Himmaleh Spirits. “But what we’re building here is something far more personal. The Himalayan Cask Program is about owning a whisky that reflects both place and personality – shaped by climate, elevation, and one’s own taste. That kind of expression can’t be replicated and that’s what makes it truly priceless”

This is whisky as a status symbol, not because of its price, but because of its provenance. Each cask represents a singular connection to the land and people of the Himalayas, created in partnership with local farmers, foragers, and craftspeople. It is a celebration of rarity with roots.

“There’s a new kind of luxury buyer, someone looking for one-of-a-kind rare and collectible experiences that can’t be replicated,” adds Samarth Prasad, Co-founder, Himmaleh Spirits. “This isn’t about just acquiring another limited release. It’s about being part of a deeper story, one that is steeped in craft, community, and culture.”

Beyond the spirit itself, the program offers access to a world few will experience: VIP distillery visits for up to four guests, private entry to restricted spaces including the exclusive Cask Owners’ Lounge, ceremonial tastings at the time of bottling, and invitations to exclusive Himmaleh events. Cask owners also receive preferred pricing and early access to future single-cask releases. Upon reservation, cask owners will also have a privilege to interact with the master distiller to taste and select the profile that best suits their palate. Once bottled, the whisky is theirs – to enjoy, gift, or commemorate something meaningful.

Himmaleh Spirits have appointed Asian Alchemy Pvt Ltd under the direction of Simon Murphy to coordinate international cask sales. The initial rollout will be focused on the UK & select international markets. “Beautifully crafted single malts from Asia are gaining international recognition for their provenance, complex flavours & sophistication. A home-grown Indian single malt from the foothills of the Himalayas is a unique offering”, says Simon Murphy. 

In an era of commodified luxury, Himmaleh offers something profoundly original – a whisky born of mountain silence and elemental clarity. The Himalayan Cask Program is a rare invitation to own a piece of this legacy.

About Himmaleh Spirits

A relentless pursuit of the finest ingredients lies at the heart of Himmaleh Spirits. From produce to process, the company embraces a truly farm-to-bottle philosophy to craft the highest quality artisanal spirits.  Nestled  amidst  the  Himalayan  foothills,  within  Uttarakhand’s  Kumaon  region, the Himmaleh Spirits Distillery is a family-owned and independent distillery – the brainchild of Ansh Khanna and Samarth Prasad. Drawing on the abundant resources of this terrain, its spirits trace their origins to an ever-growing community of farmers, foragers, and harvesters. For more information, please visit- https://himmalehspirits.com/

It’s back — and better than ever. Garry Oak Rye Whisky Batch 2 launches Friday, March 20th.

We’re incredibly excited about this release. It’s older, richer, and now making its way to China, Switzerland, Manitoba, Alberta, and of course, BC. To create a new style of whisky in such a storied industry is truly an honour.

We’re offering two versions of our Garry Oak Rye Whisky:

Bottle Strength
The second edition is a blend of three casks: one aged entirely in refill Garry Oak, and two casks aged for three years in Char #2 new American oak before being transferred to once-used, Oregon-sourced Garry Oak casks for an additional two years.
Total 2026 batch: 847 bottles
50% alc./vol.
$129.57 + taxes/deposit

Order Garry Oak BOTTLE Strength

Cask Strength (Presale Only — Releases April 2nd)
As with last year, we’re releasing a very limited cask strength edition. It’s already bottled—we’re just waiting on packaging. This year, the angel’s share took more water than whisky, resulting in a bold 66.4% alc./vol.
Limited to just 136 bottles, each packaged in a new custom oak box from Northern Hart Design.

Presale price: $162.00 + taxes/deposit
After April 2nd: $182.00 + taxes/deposit

Order Garry Oak **CASK** Strength Special Edition

We expect this release to sell out quickly. If you want to secure a bottle—and save $20—be sure to order before April 2nd.

Both versions are available to taste at the distillery at no charge. If you’d like to try before you buy, we’d love to have you in.

— Stillhead Distillery

The Brewer’s Coalition: Old Rasputin Stout Cask Finish — Available Now

We’ve partnered with North Coast Brewing Co. to bring you the newest release in our Brewer’s Coalition series — and just six barrels were selected for this limited-edition offering.

Crafted from 100% malted barley, aged over five years in premium ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout casks, this expression showcases rich malt character layered with deep, roasted intensity.

Aromas of almond kringle and honeycomb lead into bright citrus zest, followed on the palate by dark chocolate and malty hops.

With only six barrels produced, quantities are extremely limited. Free shipping on orders over $100.

ORDER NOW

Complex, elegant, and full of character, our inaugural expression is a delicious dram which unfolds in your glass, revealing itself over time, just like the island itself. Made to our carefully refined blenders’ recipe, we combine spirits which have been matured by the coastal village of Ardhasaig in selected first fill Ex-Bourbon casks, first fill Ex-Oloroso and Fino sherry butts. We then marry these spirits in batches for a minimum of 12 weeks to bring additional harmony to the final dram.

The result is an Outer Hebridean single malt of distinction we’re proud to bottle and bear our elemental island’s name.

DISCOVER THE HEARACH

‘Freedom and Whisky gang thegither!’

A first for The Whisky Shop, welcome to an exciting new podcast mini series in collaboration with The Macallan! Join W Club Manager, Luke Crowley-Holland, on the banks of the river Spey for not one, but FOUR new podcasts recorded at The Macallan Estate, exploring the people that make the brand what it is. Come with us as we uncover the hidden gems behind The Macallan – its liquid, its experiences, its people, and its history. Episodes 1 and 2 available now – listen to them below! Once you have explored the marvelous story of The Macallan, you can pick up one of their drams to enjoy!

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Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

BERRY BROS. & RUDD RESTORES A LEGEND WITH THE

  RELEASE OF BLUE HANGER 14TH EDITION 

Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, has released the long  awaited 14^th edition of Blue Hanger, one of its most celebrated blended malt whiskies,  following a hiatus of more than ten years.

Over the course of thirteen previous editions, the series has built a dedicated following  among whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike, with earlier releases now highly sought-after  on the secondary market.

Named after William “Blue” Hanger, 3rd Lord Coleraine, an 18th-century patron of Berry  Bros. & Rudd known for his elegant style and signature blue attire, the Blue Hanger  series comprises limited-edition blended malt whiskies crafted from carefully selected  casks. Each batch is produced in small quantities, resulting in releases that are both  individual and collectible.

Originally created for the diplomatic export market in 1934, Blue Hanger disappeared for  decades before being revived in 2003 by Doug McIvor, then Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Spirits  Manager. Now, after more than a decade since the last release, the series has been  resurrected by Felix Dear, the company’s Spirits Curator.

Across its history Blue Hanger has not been defined by a fixed flavour profile but by a  consistent pursuit of complexity and balance. Individual editions have varied in character,  some built around sherried depth, others leaning into coastal smoke, but each has been  united by an emphasis on harmony and finesse.

Blue Hanger 14th Edition is a marriage of aged malt whiskies, the youngest of which is 26  years old. The blend was composed from seven casks: six ex-bourbon hogsheads and one  ex-sherry butt.

Felix Dear, Spirits Curator at Berry Bros. & Rudd, said: 

“Blue Hanger has been part of Berry Bros. & Rudd since 1934, and every edition since its  revival in 2003 has been eagerly anticipated and quickly snapped up. After more than a  decade away, the calls to bring it back never stopped. The 14th Edition is our answer, a  blend of exceptional aged malts that we’re proud to put the Blue Hanger name on once  again.” 

Bottled at 45.6% ABV with a limited run of just 2,500 bottles and priced at £120.00, Blue  Hanger 14th Edition will be available for purchase from 3 March 2026, exclusively through  bbr.com.

From April 2026, Blue Hanger 14th Edition will roll out to selected whisky specialists across  the UK, with further availability in key international markets.

For more information on Berry Bros. & Rudd and Blue Hanger, visit www.bbr.com.  

TASTING NOTES  

Nose: Milk chocolate and soft caramel ease into citrus peel and stewed fruits, the sherry cask  influence adding quiet depth

Palate: Has an unctuous oiliness, carrying barley sweets and orchard fruit, with caramel  wrapping around it all.

Finish: A dusting of baking spice adds lift, leading to a finish which gently trails into mellow  chocolate and sweet fruits notes.

NOTES:

Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant. Family-owned and  run, the company still trades from No.3 St James’s Street, with offices in Hong Kong, Tokyo and  Singapore. With longstanding relationships with our producers, and a Royal Warrant, Berry Bros. &  Rudd helps collectors of fine wines and spirits build, manage and enjoy their cellars.

This fall marks SMWS Canada’s 15th anniversary and we’re celebrating by hosting our first-ever distillery tour in Scotland from September 13th – 20th!

Scotland-based luxury travel company MacLean & Bruce has worked with us to put together an exciting itinerary of distillery tours, heritage site visits, a cooperage tour, and gastronomic culinary experiences for 12 people.

Your trip begins in Edinburgh followed by several days spent exploring some of Scotland’s distilleries from the Lowlands to the Highlands. The week culminates with a lunch and tasting hosted by legendary whisky writer Charlie MacLean MBE at the original home of the SMWS, The Vaults in Leith.

SMWS Canada founders Rob and Kelly Carpenter will be accompanying you on this exciting adventure but don’t let that deter you! 😉 This is a must for any member eager to visit the Society’s spiritual home in Leith and enjoy some of Scotland’s best whisky regions.

VIEW FULL ITINERARY HERE

Established by legendary Master Blenders Richard Paterson OBE and Ian MacMillan, Wolfcraig draws on generations of Scottish whisky craftsmanship while looking confidently to the future. Blending revered tradition with modern creativity, Wolfcraig stands as a tribute to Scotland’s rich heritage and enduring character.

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Every drop of our island whisky is matured here in Harris, just two miles from the distillery where its made. Here, our warehouses stand by the (sometimes) wild Atlantic shores in the small village of Ardhasaig, all in the shadow of the mighty Clisham mountain.
The maritime climate here is steady year round and the elements of Harris are able to work plenty of their mysterious magic as maturation progresses. Surrounded by bobbing boats in the nearby bay, and the ruins of old croft blackhouses, it really is a stunning place to transform our new-make spirit into a single malt…

DISCOVER OUR WHISKIES

ralfy review 1119 – Bunnahabhain 12yo @54.6%vol: (2025 Edition)