ARDBEG FUSES SICILIAN SWEET WITH ISLAY PEAT FOR LIMITED-EDITION ARDBEG DAY RELEASE

< Whisky matured in Marsala dolce casks invites fans to experience the taste of la dolce vita… Islay-style >

Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg. This year on Saturday 30^th May, smoky malt lovers will embrace la dolce vita (the sweet life) Islay-style. At the Distillery and events worldwide, in tribute to Ardbeg Dolce fans will rekindle the glamour of 1960s Italian cinema with an Ardbeggian twist. This limited edition has a heart aged in Marsala dolce casks, for a dramatic fusion of Sicilian sweet and Islay peat.

Ardbeg Dolce combines rare malt matured in Marsala dolce casks (the sweetest style of Sicily’s fortified wine), with classic bourbon cask-matured Ardbeg. The whisky turns up the volume on Ardbeg’s “peaty paradox” – its trademark balance of sweetness and smoke. In Ardbeg Dolce, aromas of sun-ripened oranges and apricots set the scene. Flavours of dark chocolate star alongside olive groves, then cut to soft smoke and salted nuts.

On Ardbeg Day, the Distillery – and at Committee events around the world – will celebrate the whisky’s union of flavours by reimagining la dolce vita through an Ardbeggian lens. Drawing on the iconic style of Italian cinema in the 1960s, events will blend Mediterranean glamour with the rugged authenticity of Islay. Committee members and their friends will taste Italian delicacies with Islay hints, taste the limited edition, play retro games and dance to medleys of Mediterranean street music and Scottish folk.

Gillian Macdonald, Master Blender and Co-Chair of the Ardbeg Committee, said: “Uniting whisky matured in Marsala dolce casks and classic Ardbeg, Ardbeg Dolce is a dramatic blend of Mediterranean sweetness and Islay peat. Sweet notes of apricot, marmalade and dark chocolate rub shoulders with salty, smoky flavours and roasted nutty tones. Enjoy this limited edition in a Sicilian courtyard, on rain-drenched Scottish island or wherever you are. We think it’ll be an instant classic.”

Bryony McNiven, Distillery Manager and Committee Co-Chair, said: “For smoky malt lovers, life doesn’t get much sweeter than on Ardbeg Day. And this year, we’re celebrating the sweet life Islay-style. It’s time to dial up the 1960s spirit and enjoy ‘la dolce Islay’!”

Ardbeg Dolce will be available to buy worldwide from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers, and from the Distillery Visitor Centre.  Ardbeg Committee members will be given the opportunity to purchase the bottling on www.ardbeg.com on the 26^th May, four days before its official release from 30^th May, RRP: £85.

For more news on Ardbeg Day 2026 and all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee

Ardbeg Dolce Tasting Notes:

ABV: 47.8%

Colour:         Sunset Orange

Aroma:        Rich and complex. The smoke is mellowed by bursts of apricot, plump raisins, sticky date and tangy stewed apple. Orange marmalade lifts it all with a citrusy brightness. A splash of water reveals the deeper, earthier layers: roasted mushrooms, pine needles, salted fish, capers and olives. An Islay pantry meets a Sicilian garden.

Taste:           Spices lead the way in cinnamon, star anise and a flicker of liquorice heat. Then the sweetness unfolds with maple-smoked wood, baked dates with walnuts, honeycomb and dark chocolate. Dried fruits follow close behind, wrapped in lemon rind and balanced by a savoury twist of salted nuts and dried herbs.

Finish:           The finish is long and layered, with smoked applewood, drying tobacco, bonfire embers and rich, chewy peat oils.

RRP: £85/ €99

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the 2023 New York Wine Spirits Competition, and received a Platinum medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2025, Ardbeg was named Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, while Ardbeg Wee Beastie was crowned Best Overall Scotch at the New York World Spirits Competition.

Sustainability

Ardbeg is dedicated to sustaining its island home and community. With a vision of enhancing Islay for future generations, Ardbeg has devoted itself to restoring parts of the island’s precious peatland – a vital habitat for wildlife and a key carbon store. Working with the landowner, Ardbeg has begun transforming Kintour peat moor near the Distillery, cut for use in Ardbeg’s maltings decades ago. Ardbeg has also committed to a landmark conservation partnership with RSPB Scotland, Suntory Global Spirits and Diageo to restore 1,000 hectares of peatland in The Oa nature reserve. Over time, these projects aim to return Islay’s peatland to its native state, increasing biodiversity, helping mitigate against the effects of climate change and safeguarding the island’s natural heritage.

Meanwhile, Ardbeg has established the £1million Ardbeg All Islay Fund, which supports enterprising projects and organisations on the island. This five-year fund gives contributions to local sports clubs, musical and cultural organisations, helping to make Islay a better place to work and live. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, Kentucky Senator Bourbon Announce Limited Single Barrel Release

LEXINGTON, KY – April 2026 – The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and Kentucky Senator Bourbon teamed up on a Single Barrel Bourbon offering to benefit fallen riders. The 140-bottle release is part of the Jim Bunning Release commemorating the legacy of the Hall of Fame Baseball player and former Kentucky Senator who worked tirelessly to advance Kentucky’s two signature industries, Bourbon and Thoroughbred racing.

“PDJF is so proud to be associated with such a fantastic premium brand as Kentucky Senator Bourbon. The founders understand Thoroughbred racing, and the risks jockeys face every time they get in the saddle, better than anyone,” said PDJF President Joe Clabes. “Their commitment to our cause is deeply appreciated by all our recipients. Great partnerships like this help us to sustain and increase the benefits we distribute each month and provide hope for those who have sacrificed so much for the sport we love.”

The barrel for this release was personally selected by jockey Julien Leparoux, PDJF President Joe Clabes, and Kentucky Senator Bourbon founders, Damon Thayer and Andre Regard. Leparoux is the winner of the 2026 George Woolf Award, which recognizes the rider selected by his peers whose career and personal character exemplify excellence in the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing. Damon Thayer is a former Kentucky State Senator and an inductee to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame for his legislative advocacy on behalf of the industry. Andre Regard, direct descendant of Bourbon pioneer Basil Hayden, carries on his family’s rich tradition.

“We are proud to be associated with the PDJF efforts to support fallen riders,” said Regard and Thayer. “We also thank our Single Barrel partners Frank & Dinos and Blinkers Tavern, and jockey Julien Leparoux for helping us select an excellent barrel of our bourbon. There are 140 bottles of this special release, and the sale of each one will benefit the PDJF.”

The Jim Bunning PDJF Limited Single Barrel Release is aged eight and a half years and bottled at barrel strength 126.4 proof. The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. The bourbon is distilled and aged in Kentucky and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Bottles can be purchased at Frank and Dinos in Lexington and Blinkers Tavern in Covington. Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC, Frank and Dino’s and Blinkers Tavern will be contributing a portion of their proceeds from the sales of commemorative bottles to the PDJF.

The bottles will be featured prominently and available to purchase at the 13th Annual Frank & Dino’s PDJF Fundraiser on April 20th. Tickets for this event can be purchased by contacting Frank & Dino’s before April 15th at (859) 303-4007. An additional event will be scheduled at Blinkers Tavern for a date to be determined.

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character, and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for at least six years (the same length as a U.S. senate term), but often longer.

Founded by Damon Thayer and Andre Regard, Kentucky Senator revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler and Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.

About PDJF

The PDJF supports former riders who have suffered life-altering injuries. With the addition of new board members, the organization is poised to strengthen its fundraising efforts, enhance outreach, and advocate more effectively for the needs of these injured athletes. For more information about the PDJF and its mission or to donate, please visit www.pdjf.org.

• Twitter (X)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Bruichladdich Micro Provenance 14 Year Old Single Cask #2308 TWS Exclusive

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 ❯

Port Dundas 26 Year Old 1999 Stiùbhart 50.6% 70cl

Older single grains are a delight, and this release from independent bottler Stiùbhart is no exception. Distilled at the now-closed Port Dundas distillery before the turn of the millennium, it’s been aged in a refill bourbon barrel before bottling in May 2025. A stunningly elegant whisky, with an array of sweet orchard fruit, baking spice, and vanilla notes. Gentle yet intricate, it’s a must-taste for single grain lovers.

£169.96

The Good Dram Show – Episode 632 ‘Japanese Whisky’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a selection of Japanese whiskies. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 632 – The Japanese Elephant In The Room…! Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

Featuring

Fuji Gotemba ‘Kirin-Fuji Sanroku’ Single Grain 50% www.fujigotemba-distillery.com 

Nikka Coffey Grain 45% Nikka Coffey Malt 45%

Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage 51.4% https://www.nikka.com/en/

Onikishi Sakura Blended Japanese Whisky 43% www.milestonebeverages.com/br

Yamakaki Limited Edition 2022 43% www.suntory.com/factory/yamazaki/

Andrew Smith, Director and Co-Founder of Little Brown Dog

ABERDEENSHIRE WHISKY BOTTLER LITTLE BROWN DOG LAUNCHES FIRST CORE SINGLE MALT

Aberdeenshire, Scotland, April 2026; Independent Scotch whisky producer Little Brown Dog has announced the launch of its first-ever core expression whisky, Aberdeenshire Single Malt, marking what the company describes as its most important release in eight years of business.

Launching on 28th April 2026, the new whisky represents a major milestone for the Aberdeenshire-based business and a significant step in its continued growth from cult independent bottler to established name in modern Scotch whisky.

Distilled at Glen Garioch Distillery, just ten minutes from Little Brown Dog HQ, the whisky is a 12-year-old unpeated Highland single malt matured in a recipe of 60% first-fill bourbon barrels and 40% Oloroso and PX sherry casks.

Bottled at 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered, Batch One has been produced in hand-numbered runs of around 2,000 bottles – large by Little Brown Dog standards, yet intentionally small enough to celebrate subtle batch variation and character.

Created to reflect the character of Aberdeenshire – the company’s home – the new release has been years in the making, shaped by extensive research with UK retailers, distributors across nine international markets, and more than 200 consumers.

The launch follows the sell-out success of Little Brown Dog’s pre-production preview, with the first 500 bottles selling out almost immediately and generating strong demand from whisky drinkers and collectors alike.

Founded in 2018 by Andrew Smith and Chris Reid, Little Brown Dog is an independent bottler and micro distillery based in rural Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Built on a shared passion for flavour, transparency and craftsmanship, the company has earned a loyal following for its characterful single cask whiskies, small-batch releases and innovative spirits.

Andrew Smith, Director and Co-Founder of Little Brown Dog, said: “This is a huge moment for us and genuinely our most important release in eight years of business. We’ve taken our time because we wanted to create something that truly represents Aberdeenshire and everything we care about as whisky makers. It had to be honest, flavour-led and fairly priced – a whisky people would want to open, share and come back to.”

Unlike a one-off limited release, Aberdeenshire Single Malt has been created as a permanent core expression in the distinctive Little Brown Dog style – built on quality and flavour, while remaining approachable in price.

Designed as both a gateway to the brand’s sought-after single cask releases and an outstanding whisky in its own right, it offers consumers the chance to return for a second bottle, and more.

The launch also introduces a new visual identity for Little Brown Dog’s core range, inspired by the silhouette of Bennachie, the iconic hill visible from the gates of the company’s distillery and bonded warehouse. The design also includes personal touches such as Peedie – the real little brown dog – hidden within the barley fields, alongside the farm gate and an LBD cask.

A QR code on every bottle links consumers directly to an interactive page detailing the whisky-making process and full cask breakdown, continuing the brand’s commitment to transparency.

The release comes as Little Brown Dog enters a new chapter of growth, recently welcoming its first employee, Alex, who has officially joined the business after years supporting label design and now plays a key role across production, design and operations.

With Batch Two already prepared and Batch Three underway, Little Brown Dog is gearing up for strong demand as Aberdeenshire Single Malt reaches retailers, bars and whisky lovers across the UK and beyond. 

Visit Little Brown Dog: https://littlebrowndogspirits.com/ 

Aberdeenshire Single Malt

Aged 12 Years Old

70cl

46% ABV

Natural Colour

Non-Chill Filtered

Batch One

UK Trade Price: £30.41 ex VAT
Recommended Retail Price: £50 inc VAT

Tasting Notes
Nose: Tinned peaches, apricot Danish pastry, bramble jelly
Palate: Toffee apple, custard with pears, fresh fig
Finish: Marmalade, pain d’épice, fresh roast coffee

About Little Brown Dog

Founded in 2018 by Andrew and Chris, Little Brown Dog is an independent bottler and micro distillery based in rural Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Built on a shared passion for flavour, transparency and craftsmanship, the company has earned a loyal following for its characterful single cask whiskies, small-batch releases and innovative spirits.

Operating from an on-farm distillery and maturation warehouse, Little Brown Dog combines hands-on whisky making with close control over cask selection, blending, bottling and labelling. Every release reflects the founders’ belief that great spirits should be honest, flavour-led and made with genuine care.

The company takes its name from Andrew’s beloved dog, whose nickname was “the little brown dog” and whose spirit continues to inspire the brand today.

Barántúil Irish Whiskey

Cask #KDC186

Some casks are ready sooner than others and this one has passed that test, so we are ecstatic to share it with you at a whopping 60.44% (very few spirits are viscous enough to be palatable at this strength).

There are a some differences this time to the mash bill and production that may have impacted the overall flavour and this can all be viewed on the hidden insert card.

The mash bill embraces our traditional and historical approach to Irish Whiskey while maintaining our contemporary ethos.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Ginger bread, apricot & sultana. Almond paste and nutmeg.

Palate: Bashed fig tart with brown sugar sprinkled with pine needle.

Finish: Nutmeg over baked apple and peach. A gorgeous example of what pot still spice should be when done right.

This is a big ABV. add water if you need to, but please enjoy the rare experience of the 60%+ whiskey before you do.

Release Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026 @ 4pm (GMT) Killowen Time

Price: £110 (only 120 available for purchase)

Purchase Here

Link Live Wednesday 29th @ 4pm (GMT)

TRIPLE CROWN AT THE ENGLISH WHISKY AWARDS 2026

To top off an incredible English Whisky Week last week, we are thrilled to announce that we took home three awards at the English Whisky Awards 2026 for both our whisky and distillery. Our Signature Single Malt Whisky was awarded Best English Whisky and Best Value English Whisky. We’re celebrating by offering 15% off 70cl bottles of Signature Single Malt Whisky online and in our three shops from now until Tuesday, 5th May 2026 at 11:59pm. Use the code EWAWARDS to redeem this offer online.

SHOP SIGNATURE WHISKY

This Spirit of Speyside, we invite you to experience something truly special — a guided Osprey Wildlife Walk along the beautiful shores of Findhorn Bay with whisky entrepreneur and former BBC Natural History Producer, Edward Odim.

Beginning at the charming Tides Edge Cottage in the historic fishing village of Findhorn, Edward will lead a leisurely walk along the coastline in search of the magnificent osprey — the iconic fish eagle that made its remarkable return to Speyside in the 1950s.

Along the way, Edward will share his passion for wildlife and the natural world, pointing out seabirds, coastal flora, seals, and possibly even dolphins. But the highlight will be keeping watch for an osprey hunting over the bay.

After the walk, return to Tides Edge Cottage for some well-earned drams. Guests will be among the very first to taste the brand new Osprey single malts whiskies inspired by this remarkable bird. The experience concludes with a relaxing farewell dram from the Murray McDavid range.

It’s the perfect blend of Speyside’s natural beauty and exceptional whisky.

🥃 The OSPREY Wildlife Walk 🏖️

Sunday 3 May | 2:30pm-4:00pm

BOOK NOW

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