Luss Distillery earns five-star visitor attraction marking a strong start for the new spirits destination

Luss Distillery has been awarded a five-star quality grading by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), just months after opening its doors on the banks of Loch Lomond.

The new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor centre, developed by Loch Lomond Group, received the top rating through ASVA’s independent Quality Scheme, which provides consistent, industry-wide standards across Scottish visitor attractions through expert grading.

The grading follows an anonymous visit that evaluates the entire customer journey from website and booking experience to arrival, staff interaction, accessibility, facilities and overall visitor experience.

Luss Distillery was officially opened by First Minister John Swinney in January 2026. It brings together four distinctive buildings, including a working gin distillery, immersive whisky and gin discovery areas, a dedicated tasting room, retail space, and a café overlooking the village of Luss and surrounding hills of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Together, they form a vibrant brand home for Loch Lomond Group’s multi-award-winning whiskies and spirits, including Loch Lomond Whiskies, Glen Scotia and Littlemill, as well as Ben Lomond Gin which is distilled on site.

Assessors highlighted the distillery’s strong kerb appeal, high-quality design, accessibility and engaging discovery experience. Staff hospitality was also praised for the warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere created.

Luss Distillery is expected to welcome up to one million visitors during 2026, capitalising on Luss’ status as one of Scotland’s most visited locations and a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers.

The distillery has created new jobs in the area, with a core team of seven, 10 café staff and additional seasonal guides joining ahead of the busy summer season. Loch Lomond Group has also bolstered its support and resource for Luss Distillery in wider business teams including marketing, customer service and procurement.

The visitor experience is led by Brand Home Manager Tony MacLean, who previously helped transform the visitor offering at Oban Distillery.

He said: “We’ve worked hard to put visitors at the centre of everything we do and it’s rewarding to see this recognised in our five-star grading. People are increasingly selective about how they spend their time and money, so we’re incredibly grateful that so many have already chosen to visit us.

“The new destination has been designed as an immersive discovery experience for whisky and gin connoisseurs, as well as those newly curious about Scotch whisky and premium spirits – there really is something for everyone.

“Helping to build the visitor experience from the ground up and seeing the team deliver a five-star experience so soon after opening, means a great deal.”

Luss Distillery is now preparing for the peak summer season, working with travel trade partners and local tourism operators to handle increased international demand. Partnerships are in development with tour operators such as Cruise Loch Lomond and nearby destinations, including Cameron House Hotel and Loch Lomond Golf Club.

Michael Golding, chief executive officer of ASVA, said: “With their ambition to deliver a new high-quality distillery and experience in beautiful Luss, it is fantastic to see it come to life and achieve a remarkable five stars in their very first grading visit.

“ASVA’s scheme is informed by international visitor research, so we know exactly what quality experiences are for visitors today, Luss Distillery has absolutely delivered on this right from day one.

“Benchmarking amongst the very best attractions in Scotland is a significant achievement that the team can be very proud of, and through the Quality Scheme, we look forward to supporting their continual improvement in the years to come.”

The five-star award reflects the growing demand for high-quality, experience-led attractions across Scotland, with ASVA’s Quality Scheme providing independent assessment of visitor experiences across the country. With strong early footfall, new jobs and international interest Luss Distillery is quickly establishing itself as a key stop for visitors to Loch Lomond.

ENDS

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several 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.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. lochlomondgroup.com

The full list of Loch Lomond Distillery’s 2024 accolades includes:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024

• Loch Lomond Whiskies (16 Awards)
• 1 x Platinum Award
• 7 x Double Gold
• 4 x Gold
• 4 x Silver
• Ben Lomond Gin – Double Gold and shortlisted for Gin of the Year
• Glen Scotia (7 Awards)
• 2 x Platinum Award
• 2 x Double Gold
• 3 x Gold

IWSC 2024

• Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old – Best Single Malt 15 Years and Under
• Loch Lomond Perfectly Balanced 12 Year Old – Gold Outstanding (98/100)
• Loch Lomond 10 Year Old – Gold Outstanding (95/100)
• Loch Lomond Distillery 2024 Scotch Whisky Producer trophy

Maker’s Mark Honors America’s 250th Anniversary with Special Release Supporting Veteran Farmers

Available June 1, the brand’s first-ever red, white and blue bottle will benefit Farmer Veteran Coalition

LORETTO, Ky., 2026 – Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today unveiled a limited-edition bottle honoring America’s 250th anniversary. The release features the brand’s signature hand-dipped red wax, accented with a white wax dip and a blue rendition of its iconic seal. Beginning June 1, the bottle will be available at select retailers nationwide and a portion of proceeds will benefit Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), a national nonprofit that has helped more than 58,000 U.S. veterans build meaningful careers in agriculture.

“At Maker’s Mark, we’ve always believed that the character of our bourbon is a direct reflection of the land and the people who care for it. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we are proud to honor those who have served our country twice—first in uniform and now in the fields,” said Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark. “Partnering with Farmer Veteran Coalition allows us to merge our passion for regenerative agriculture with a deep respect for our veterans, ensuring the next generation of farmers has the tools to thrive.”  

“We’re deeply grateful for Maker’s Mark’s support of our Holistic Impactful Veteran Engagement (H.I.V.E.) Program, which is helping veterans build meaningful futures in agriculture,” said Jeanette Lombardo, CEO of the Farmer Veteran Coalition. “Through this partnership, we can equip more veterans with the training, resources, and community they need to successfully transition from service to farming and build strong, sustainable livelihoods.”

The limited-edition release reflects Maker’s Mark’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and support of farming communities. As a certified B Corp and Regenified distillery, Maker’s Mark is advancing these practices through initiatives like its Regenerative Alliance, which provides education and hands-on support to help farmers build healthier, more resilient ecosystems.

“This collaboration also reflects a shared commitment to regenerative agriculture—practices that restore the land, strengthen rural communities, and ensure long-term sustainability. By investing in veteran farmers who are leading the way in these approaches, we are not only supporting their success today but helping to build a resilient agricultural system” stated Richard Creppel, FVC Regional Director, US Army.

Partnering with FVC also extends Maker’s Mark’s ongoing support of veterans. Maker’s Mark also releases limited-edition bottles tied to Veterans Day and Memorial Day and, through its Private Selection program, produces a “By Vets, For Vets” release developed by its Service Veterans employee group and available exclusively at select military base retail outlets. These releases support veteran-focused organizations and programs that benefit service members and their families.

The Maker’s Mark 250th Anniversary limited-edition bottle is Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky bottled at 90 proof, with a suggested retail price of $28.99. For more information, please visit makersmark.com.

About Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark® is the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world. In 1953, founders Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr. broke from tradition—burning the family’s 170-year-old recipe to create a bold, balanced bourbon made with soft red winter wheat for signature sweetness and creaminess. From the start, the Samuels went to remarkable lengths to craft uncompromisingly delicious bourbon—a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today. Every bottle is still hand-dipped in red wax, every barrel rotated by hand and every decision guided by the brand’s higher purpose.

Staying true to its founders’ vision, Maker’s Mark has expanded its portfolio with award-winning, super-premium expressions, including Maker’s Mark 46, Cask Strength, and Cellar Aged, as well as Private Selection, the brand’s custom barrel program. In 2025, the distillery debuted Star Hill Farm Whisky, its first-ever wheat whisky. Award-winning and the first to earn Estate Whiskey certification, Star Hill Farm Whisky inspired the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, a bold commitment to advance regenerative farming beyond its business, inviting farms, bars and restaurants to join the movement.

Maker’s Mark is proud to be both B Corp and Regenified Certified – milestones driven by the sustainability leadership at Star Hill Farm, home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which strives to be the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world. Learn more at www.makersmark.com.

About Suntory Global Spirits  

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com 

About Farmer Veteran Coalition

For 17 years, Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) has empowered more than 58,000 veterans nationwide to build meaningful futures in agriculture. Through programs including the Holistic Impactful Veteran Engagement (H.I.V.E.) Program, the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund and the Homegrown By Heroes consumer label, FVC mobilizes veterans to feed America by providing education, resources, community and access to opportunity. Membership is free for all veterans. Learn more at farmvetco.org.

LEARN MORE

Macallan The Harmony Collection 3 Amber Meadow

The third edition in the ever exciting Harmony Collection is a fusion of fashion, photography and whisky created in collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney. Amber Meadow celebrates the love and respect for the natural world they share with The Macallan. They have been inspired by Scottish grassland to create an expression that recalls warm meadows and barley fields by combining whisky from sherry seasoned oak and bourbon casks. Ideal for relaxing evenings as the weather warms up in the spring.

£155.00

Tasting note from The Macallan:

Nose: rich orange and lemon, honeysuckle, vanilla, coconut and ripe barley fields.

Palate: rich oak, lemon, melon, classic scone, almond and green tea.

Finish: rich, sweet, long and complex.

Bernheim Original 10 Year Old 20th Anniversary Small Batch Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

57.5%

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 605: Trip to the Lowlands 2026 – part 3 of 3

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, went to Edinburgh in March 2026 for a 5-day trip. In this third and final part, he visits the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, makes an excursion to Glasgow to pop into the Auchentoshan Distillery, before returning for the Johnnie Walker Experience.

https://youtu.be/wCxWQTIwMuE

Jack Daniel’s Debuts Design-Forward Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey with McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team

Custom-engineered packaging inspired by McLaren car materials holds Tennessee Whiskey matured in uniquely aged barrels, available globally in super-limited quantities 

Lynchburg, Tennessee  –  The Jack Daniel Distillery has announced the limited release of Jack Daniel’s Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey, a super premium collaboration with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team featuring custom packaging and specially-crafted Tennessee Whiskey that nods to the brands’ shared commitment to excellence. The bottle is the most premium and limited global release in Jack Daniel’s history, retailing at $599.99 USD.

“We are thrilled to continue to celebrate many fantastic years of partnership with McLaren with the debut of our most exciting collaboration yet – a remarkable bottle that is destined to become a collector’s item for Formula 1 fans and whiskey drinkers alike,” said Mark Bacon, SVP, Global Managing Director – Jack Daniel’s. “Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey embodies our shared values of innovation, excellence and ambition.”

Beginning with the release’s design, the HALO structure of McLaren’s Formula 1 race car has been reimagined as the vessel for a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, which features a hand-finished cork and custom medallions. Materials integrated into the packaging such as alloy metal, micro-suede and carbon fibre print, are inspired by those McLaren uses to construct its Formula 1 cars.

Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing, said, “Jack Daniel’s Halo MK1 is a great expression of what our partnership represents, precision, craftsmanship and a shared respect for heritage. By drawing inspiration from our racing innovation, and honouring the legacy of Bruce McLaren, this release brings together McLaren’s racing DNA and Jack Daniel’s whiskey making tradition in a way that feels both authentic and truly collectible.”

Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey starts with Jack Daniel’s signature grain bill of 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley, distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee. After being charcoal mellowed drop by drop through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal, the whiskey is aged in handcrafted new

American white oak barrels built from staves aged in the open air for a prolonged period. This extra time softens tannins in the wood prior to barrel toasting, resulting in a smoother palate and bolder color, aroma and flavor. Bottled at 58.7% ABV (117.4 Proof), Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey salutes McLaren Racing Founder Bruce McLaren, whose first race car was #58 and an Austin 7 Ulster model.

According to Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey features a nose of sweet maple, fruit and toasted oak, followed by a palate that opens with sweet caramel and chocolate notes and evolves to include pipe tobacco and baking spice. The finish is bold with lingering notes of barrel spice and brown sugar candy.

Jack Daniel’s Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey is available now in select global markets in very limited quantities in a 1L bottle for a suggested retail price of $599.99.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry, Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand. Visit www.jackdaniels.com for more information.

Tennessee Whiskey, 58.7% alc. by vol. Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark. ©2026 Jack Daniel’s. All rights reserved.

About McLaren Racing 

McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 23 Formula 1 world championships, over 200 Formula 1 Grands Prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.

McLaren Racing competes across four racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren Mastercard F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard, and F1 Academy with Driver Development Programme members Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing World Championship as McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team.

McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.

McLaren Racing – Official Website

Finn Thomson

Fettercairn 18 Years Old Shop Exclusive

ABV: 53.2% 70 cL

Mossburn Dupont Calvados Cask Finish

The Mossburn Cask Collaboration Series is a testament to enduring friendships, bringing together the knowledge, craft and experience of two producers from different catergories, in a meeting of inquisitive minds and iconic spirits.

This collaboration with the Dupond family, Calvados producers in Normandy’s Pays d’Auge since 1887, is the second in the series. The single malts for this blend were chosen from four Speyside distilleries and aged for 12 years in refill American oak hogsheads, then married together and re-aged in French oak barrels that previously held Calvados and Pommeau, both typical of the Normandy region.

The Master Distiller chose these four single malts for their spicy florality and nutticess, to combine during the second maturation with the baked apple and oaky spice that the Calvados casks would contribute. The final whisky has a well-rounded complexity with notes od red apple, ginger, nut brittle and a gentle spic finish.

Bottled at batch strength, at natural colour and no chill filtration.

SHOP ALL MOSSBURN