Kythe Distillery kicks off production

marking a new era for old-style Highland distilling

 “Efficiency is the enemy of character.” Angus MacRaild, Kythe Distillery

Newly-built Kythe Distillery in Highland Perthshire has kicked off production of its single malt this season. Not only does this denote the arrival of a new Scotch whisky distillery, it marks a return of heritage brewing and distilling techniques, inspired and informed by old-style Highland Scotch production. The first casks of Kythe’s spirit will be laid down this autumn.

With construction beginning in 2024, Kythe – a Scots word meaning to show, demonstrate or prove – is a concept 14 years in the making. It has been established and driven forward by three close whisky friends: Angus MacRaild, Jonny McMillan and Aaron Chan – all of whom are known in the whisky industry for their work across various brands, companies and clubs over the past two decades.

The distillery was borne out of the trio’s passion to revive historic  practices used by brewers and distillers 60 years ago. As such, the overriding ethos at Kythe is to prioritise character of spirit above and beyond modern whisky commercialisation.

Located on Hills of Bendochy Farm – a working farm located near Blairgowrie – Kythe Distillery spans over two former farm barns, incorporating a mash house (with a 1 tonne- sized mash tun), a 6000L wash still, 4000L spirit still and onsite warehousing – all converted from previous farm outbuildings.  Annual production is targeted at 60,000 LPA.

Using primarily heritage processes and barleys to make the single malt, the team has consciously selected  specific production methods to ensure that the distillery is deliberately recreating the character of mid-20th century Scotch, including: 

Direct Wood Fire: Arguably the most unique and challenging part of Kythe’s production is the distillery’s use of direct wood fire on its wash still. It takes inspiration directly from the distilling methodology from the 50s and 60s, making it one of an exceptionally few whisky distilleries globally using wood to directly fire a wash still. The team believes that the unusual use of direct wood fire, reaching temperatures in excess of 800°C, gives an ultimately richer, more distinctive and textured spirit.

Barley: Maris Otter barley mostly grown on the farm within sight of the distillery, ensuring that Kythe’s sense of place is part of the process. All spirit is currently created using low-yielding, protein-rich Maris Otter, with other heritage barleys on the horizon to build up an exceptional and varied inventory.  All of Kythe’s barley is floor malted.

Fermentation: Use of traditional wooden washbacks, with the capacity to ferment for up to two weeks for greater flexibility and experimentation. Kythe has returned to the traditional method of sourcing yeast, working with Scotland’s oldest working brewery, Belhaven, to pitch spent brewer’s yeast for all fermentations.  Following archival research into historic Scotch malt whisky production, the distillery co-pitches with the original 1950s pressed M strain distiller’s yeast.  All to create a rich, exotic fruit flavour in the matured spirit that’s characteristic of old-style Highland Scotch whisky.

Angus MacRaild, Whisky Maker, said: “Kythe is a project to make old-style Highland malt whisky without compromise; to create something beautiful. We believe efficiency is the enemy of character. We want to create a spirit that is second-to-none in the way of texture and flavour, using past traditions  to take today’s whisky forward. When we first explored building our own distillery we realised that some of the techniques that are no longer used are fundamental to the development of spirit character. Modern day automation has meant the focus has shifted to volume and cost-saving initiatives instead of exceptional, distinct flavour.”   

“It’s incredibly challenging to work with direct wood fire; there’s a lack of control, uncomfortable working conditions and at its heart it’s messy, but what we do see as a result of our persistence, is a spirit that is reviving lost flavours for the future.”  

“We are creating something different at Kythe and hope that the whisky community will love what we are trying to do and the spirit that we are making for them.”

Jonny McMillan, Distillery Manager, said: “Kythe is born of a love for old-style whisky and a lost lexicon of flavours that has largely disappeared from modern whisky making. It is a huge labour of love for us.”

“From finding the site, to conceptualising our processes and beginning production – it’s no mean feat starting a distillery. And to make matters more challenging, we’ve added old highly labour-intensive processes. However that’s the charm at Kythe. We don’t want to take any shortcuts with our spirit –  it will take longer to produce and be more costly, but we are doing this to create something special and rekindle a past chapter in Scotch whisky making. This has always been about taking our own path to pay homage to brewing and distilling techniques that have been left behind in the modern age of whisky making. And don’t expect a gift shop any time soon.”

Aaron Chan, Chairman said: “One thing we are particularly proud of at Kythe Distillery is that our shareholders are whisky lovers from more than ten countries around the world. Every one of us chose to support this distillery for the same simple reason: a genuine love of whisky. We also share a common ambition to recreate the old-style whisky that we have all come to know and love.”

Kythe is laying down its spirit now using mainly refill ex-bourbon and sherry casks matured onsite at the distillery and anticipates bottling the first release in around eight year’s time, or when they believe the spirit is truly ready.

Later this autumn, the distillery will offer whisky lovers the opportunity to purchase a cask of their very own Kythe spirit.

For more details of when the cask programme launches, follow Kythe Distillery at @kythedistillery on Instagram or visit www.kythedistillery.com. You can also hear more about Kythe’s story in the distillery’s short film here Kythe Distillery — Production Begins.

Lancaster Spirits Co Unveils New Single Malt Cream Liqueur

Lancaster Spirits Co is delighted to announce the launch of its first-ever cream liqueur, a rich and indulgent expression crafted using the distillery’s own single malt spirit. Launching this Autumn, the new release marks an exciting departure for the distillery, bringing its house character into a smoother, more accessible format for whisky lovers and newcomers alike.

The liqueur combines Lancaster Spirits Co’s signature single malt with a vegan cream base, resulting in a velvety, full-bodied drink that showcases the depth and warmth of the underlying spirit without relying on dairy. The decision to use a vegan cream reflects the distillery’s ongoing commitment to innovation and to making its range as inclusive as possible, without compromising on flavour or texture.

The first batch will be strictly limited to just 1,000 bottles, each presented in a 50cl bottle at 17% ABV. With a recommended retail price of £25.00, the liqueur is designed to sit comfortably alongside the distillery’s existing range, offering an approachable entry point into the Lancaster Spirits Co story.

The launch represents a natural evolution for the distillery, allowing master blender Max McFarlane and distillery manager Craig Drake to explore new creative territory beyond traditional whisky production. By pairing the distillery’s single malt with a carefully balanced cream base, the team has been able to create a product that is distinctly Lancaster Spirits Co in character, while opening the brand up to new occasions and new audiences.

Given the limited size of the first batch, early interest is expected to be high, and bottles are likely to sell quickly once they become available. Lancaster Spirits Co is encouraging customers keen to secure a bottle to keep an eye on the distillery’s website and social channels ahead of the August launch.

Chris Pateman, Commercial Manager, Lancaster Spirits Co., said: ‘’This is such a fun addition to our range. We wanted to create something that captures everything people love about our single malt, but in a completely different, more indulgent style. Using a vegan cream was really important to us; we didn’t want anyone to miss out, and we’re really proud of how smooth and balanced the final liqueur is. Because we’re starting with such a small first batch, this feels like a genuinely special release for us and for our customers.’’

The single malt cream liqueur will be available to purchase directly from the distillery from Autumn  2026, with further details on stockists to be confirmed closer to launch.

Lancaster Spirits Co is an independent distillery based in Lancaster, England, dedicated to producing high-quality single malt spirit with a focus on craft, character, and transparency. The launch of the single malt cream liqueur marks an exciting new chapter in the distillery’s ongoing story, building on the loyal following earned by its core single malt range.

To find out more about Lancaster Spirits Co, explore its spirits, or book a distillery tour, visit https://lancasterspirits.co.uk

New Smokers from Scotland!

The famous/infamous peaty whiskies from the glorious, gorgeous island of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides are well-known around the globe, often loved and, to be fair, sometimes hated. Put me firmly in the “love it!” camp, since acquiring my first bottle of Laphroaig in 1989. If you don’t love these bottles—that’s OK! You’re still cool! But if you do love the smokers, you’ll be as thrilled as I am to find some new offerings on your local liquor shelf…that is to say, exclusively at The Party Source.

We have the Port Askaig line of Islay single malts, named for the hamlet that greets the visitor to Islay when they hop off the ferry from the mainland. Just up the coast from Port Askaig (2,400 feet away as the crow flies) is Caol Ila Distillery, the largest on Islay and pretty much surely the source of this whisky. The Port Askaig whisky range is all bottled without chill filtration, featuring generous sherry cask aging at the younger ages, yet a 100% Bourbon cask regimen at the 17-year level, for a total purity of Caol Ila. I’ve always enjoyed Caol Ila; it’s not the very smokiest dram on the island, maybe an 8.5 to a 9.0 out of 10 on Jay’s Peat Scale. What it does have, on the backside of that smoky peat, is a glorious brininess that many have compared to green olives. And I sure do love me some olives.

Then, getting even more creative, is the Elements of Islay portfolio. These blended malt whiskies (I preferred the now-archaic term vatted malt, but it indicates a blend of multiple malt whiskies) bring in several distilleries from around Islay. The website mentions “rich, smoky single malt from Islay’s South Coast married together with a fresher, fruitier style from the North,” which suggests to me a peaty south shore malt (Laphroaig? Lagavulin?) mixed with, perhaps, some Caol Ila on the north side, and maybe there’s a little unpeated Bunnahabhain thrown in for good measure. The whole shebang is then treated to assorted cask aging—some sherry cask, some all-Bourbon, all of it rockin’! Bottom line, if you dig the peaty-peat, don’t miss Elements of Islay.

What makes people remember a whisky tasting?

A great whisky tasting is about more than what’s in the glass. The atmosphere, the stories and the conversations can be just as important in shaping the experience.

We asked Dave Broom, Joe Cabassa, Gordon Steele, Sandy MacIntyre and Vic Cameron what helps create a relaxed, pressure-free tasting. Their advice? Lead with warmth rather than authority, encourage discussion instead of searching for “correct” answers, tell stories that bring the whisky to life and always keep beginners in mind.

Read their advice in full to create a whisky tasting that stays with your guests long after the final dram.

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Whisky and books are an excellent combination. With all the stormy weather we’ve been having, there’s nothing quite like staying inside and cosying up with a new read. We’ve paired our favourite genres along with some of our Last Drops. Best get going; these whiskies are the last of their kind, and when they’re gone, their story is complete.

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Indri secures top three positions at International Whisky Competition, becoming only Indian whisky brand to achieve top honours 

Indri premium single malt Indian whisky continues its remarkable journey at the world’s most prestigious and coveted whisky competitions, adding another global triumph to its growing legacy.

The latest recognition comes at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) 2026, widely regarded as one of the world’s most respected whisky competitions, where Indri secured the highest honours.

In a historic achievement, Indri swept the Top Three Positions in both the Best Indian Whisky and Best Single Malt Indian Whisky categories, while becoming the only Indian whisky to score above 90 points at this year’s competition.

In the Best Indian Whisky and Best Single Malt Indian Whisky categories the Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 was crowned first position with 93.53 points; Indri Dru Cask Strength single malt Indian whisky was awarded second position with 90.87 points; and Indri Agneya single malt Indian whisky achieved third position with 89.70 points.

This latest recognition adds to Indri’s growing legacy of triumphs at the world’s most prestigious whisky competitions, where it has consistently competed alongside, and outperformed, some of the largest names in global whisky.

For Indri these accolades represent a long-term commitment to redefining what India stands for in the world of premium spirits. Indri set out to challenge perceptions of Indian whisky by creating exceptional spirits with uncompromising quality at every stage.

From sourcing the finest ingredients and investing in world-class distillation equipment, to thoughtful cask selection, patient maturation and uncompromising quality standards, every decision has been guided by the single philosophy that the quality of the whisky comes first.

Madhu Kanna, Head of International Business at Indri, said: “For us, every global recognition reinforces what we have believed from the beginning, that India has the capability to produce spirits that stand alongside the very best in the world. Our ambition goes beyond winning awards, we are focused on changing the way the world thinks about Indian spirits and demonstrating that extraordinary whisky can come from India.

“It is clear Indian whisky is no longer an emerging category, it is earning its place on the world stage through quality, craftsmanship and authenticity. We are proud to be part of that movement.”

Indri’s consistent performance at the world’s most credible and respected competitions demonstrates that Indian whisky is no longer an emerging category, it has established itself among the finest whiskies in the world.

As global appreciation for premium Indian spirits continues to grow, Indri remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, craftsmanship and quality, ensuring that every accolade strengthens the Indri legacy and India’s position on the global luxury spirits map.

For further information about Indri, visit www.indri.in

About Indri:

Launched in 2022, Indri Single Malt Whisky, crafted by Piccadily, has quickly become the fastest-growing single malt in the world, earning over 40 prestigious accolades, including ‘Best Indian Single Malt’ and ‘Best Whisky in The World.’ Produced in Indri, a small village in Haryana, using premium 6-row Indian barley from Rajasthan, Indri single malt whisky showcases Indian excellence and innovation.

In a market once dominated by imported labels, Indri stands tall as a beacon of Indian excellence. It’s not just a brand, it has become a symbol of national pride, elevating the status of Indian spirits to unparalleled heights. Indri isn’t just leading the charge; it’s leading a revolution.

As Indri continues to redefine the standards of Indian single malts, Piccadily remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, exploring new horizons, and delivering exceptional experiences to whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

Indri’s quality and craftsmanship continues to be recognised globally.

• In 2025, Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 was named Best World Whiskey and won a Platinum medal at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards, scoring 99.1 points.
• That same year, Indri Agneya won Double Gold at the New York World Spirits Competition.
• This year, Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• The brand followed this with Category Winner honours for Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 at the World Whisky Awards (World Drinks Awards), also in 2026.
• In 2026, Indri Agneya was named Indian Single Malt Whisky of the Year and winning gold at the London Spirits Competition, with a judges’ score of 95.
• Indri won first, (Diwali Collectors Edition 2025) second, (Indri Dru) and third position (Indri Agneya) in the International Whiskey Competition 2026.

Website: www.indri.in

Old Fitzgerald: A Legacy That Never Goes Out of Style

For more than a century, Old Fitzgerald has been a name that has simply never gone out of style. It is a Bourbon shaped by time-honored craftsmanship and unmistakable character; it has long been a Bourbon associated with gracious hospitality, discerning taste and occasions worth savoring.

The story begins in the 1870s, when the JNO. E. Fitzgerald trademark first appeared. Inspired by John E. Fitzgerald, a man remembered for his refined palate and adventurous spirit, the rich, full-bodied whiskey found an early following aboard luxury steamships and rail lines and inside private clubs establishing an early connection between Old Fitzgerald and a world of elevated hospitality and refined experiences. The Old Fitzgerald name was officially registered in 1884, and the first bottles reached the market a few years later.

Old Fitzgerald’s legacy continued through a defining era in American Whiskey. During Prohibition, it was among the whiskeys permitted to be sold for medicinal purposes. Following the end of Prohibition, the brand continued its rise under the stewardship of Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle. By the 1950s, Old Fitzgerald’s distinctive decanter had become a fixture on well-set tables and high-end backbars, earning its place as a symbol of hospitality and Bourbon hosts were proud to pour and share.

A new chapter began in 1999, when Heaven Hill Distillery acquired the historic Bernheim Distillery and, with it, the Old Fitzgerald brand. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of carrying its legacy forward. In 2018, the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series debuted, bringing together the brand’s rich history, distinctive presentation and the exacting standards of one of American Whiskey’s most meaningful designations. Last year, that story continued with the introduction of Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond, a year-round expression that brings the brand’s legacy to more occasions while preserving the standards that have long defined the Old Fitzgerald name.

That Bottled in Bond designation is more than a mark on the bottle. Established by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, it represents a longstanding commitment to authenticity and quality. To earn the designation, a whiskey must meet exacting standards, including being the product of one distilling season, aged for at least four years and bottled at exactly 100 proof. Both Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old and the Decanter Series go beyond that minimum aging requirement, with each carrying its own age statement. The details of each bottle tell even more of the story. Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old identifies its spring or fall distilling season on the neck label, while the Decanter Series uses distinctive neck wrap colors that correspond to each edition.

Today, Old Fitzgerald connects generations of American Whiskey history with the people who continue its tradition. Its story has passed through different eras, owners and occasions, but its commitment to quality has remained constant.

That’s what Thriving Together looks like: honoring the legacy entrusted to us, preserving what makes it special and giving the next generation something worth carrying forward. With Old Fitzgerald, we’re proud to carry forward a story for more than a century in the making and prove that some things truly never go out of style.

NOVEMBER 2026 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

November is here, and we’ve got some cracking bottles lined up for this month’s auction. One of the standout lots is The Macallan Diamond Jubilee 2012, released to celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. With just 2,012 bottles produced, it’s a release steeped in history and detail. The whisky was drawn on 8 February, the exact date of Her Majesty’s Coronation in 1952, while the limited bottle count marked the year of the Diamond Jubilee itself. A rare Macallan with a fascinating story behind it, and certainly one to keep an eye on. As always, there’s plenty more to explore, so pour yourself something good and let’s take a look at what else is featured in this month’s auction.

Some whisky discoveries are better than fiction. Distilled in 1973 and matured in a single cask before being bottled in 1994, this 21-year-old Glen Elgin has a rather remarkable backstory. Originally, 165 bottles were produced for George Strachan Ltd. But, in an extraordinary twist, a further 72 bottles from the same cask were discovered decades later, still sitting in six untouched cases in a bonded warehouse – unlabelled and forgotten for over 30 years. Now reunited with their owners and finally labelled, these bottles feature labels closely resembling the original 1994 design, with a few subtle differences, including the traditional Strachan family crest. A rare chance to pick up a well-aged Glen Elgin from a much earlier era, with an unexpected rediscovery story that makes it all the more interesting.

A fascinating piece of Glenlivet history, this 1977 Garbity Special distillation is a private cask bottling specially produced for B.W. Jepson Turner. With no age statement or cask details specified, there’s an element of mystery surrounding this particular release. What we do know is that it was bottled at natural cask strength (a punchy 60.9% ABV) making this a particularly intriguing find. Private cask bottlings from earlier eras always bring something a little different to the table and this is a great opportunity to add an unusual piece of Glenlivet history to the collection.

This Linkwood is a genuine classic from one of Speyside’s most respected distilleries. The Flora & Fauna range first appeared in 1991, showcasing single malts from distilleries that were often better known for producing whisky for blends than for their own standalone releases. The Linkwood 12 Year Old has become one of the enduring favourites of the collection and is now one of the few original Flora & Fauna expressions still available today.

This is a chance to pick up a piece of Scotch whisky history and a lovely example of a range that helped shine a light on some of Scotland’s lesser-known distillery gems.

These featured lots are just a glimpse of what’s on offer in our November Auction. Visit clickwhiskyauctions.com to browse the full auction and discover many more exceptional bottles. Bidding closes from 8pm GMT on Sunday, 15^th November. Make sure you’re registered and ready to bid on your favourite drams – you have to be in it to win it!

Christmas 2026: Invergordon 15 Year Old Malaga Cask

GreatDrams, a family-run independent bottler in Cheshire. We select single casks, blend, and bottle under our own name. A GreatDrams blended malt was named World’s Best Blended Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2025, and we were named Number One Independent Bottler at the World Spirits Competition. Samples are available for review now, including this year’s Christmas release. Tell me what interests you and where to send it.

Request samples

Single grain Scotch, 15 years in a first fill Malaga wine cask. Big, juicy berry and wine notes. Think boozy Ribena. 180 bottles, 48.2%, non-chill filtered, natural colour. £65.

View the Christmas release

The 12 GreatDrams of Christmas 2026

Our limited edition advent gift pack. £55.

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GreatDrams Whisky Pouches, 50ml

Three Rare Cask Series whiskies in a pouch: Embers (Islay cask), Velvet Cask (Teaninich, Oloroso sherry) and Ancient Grain (Invergordon 20 Year Old). Same liquid as the full bottles, all 48.2%. From £10. Built for stockings.

View the pouches

The Dram Drop

A mystery bottle I pick personally for each order. Peated, non-peated or surprise me. From £65.

GreatDrams
Brook House
Park Lane, Poynton
Stockport, Cheshire SK12 1RG
United Kingdom