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

Clydeside Fortnight, 46%

THE REVIEW

Located on the banks of The Clyde in an old pump house with an incredible family history, here we have Clydeside Fortnight. A peated single malt, produced during the two week period of the year where the distillery gets smoky! Aged for six years in refill ex-bourbon casks, this is a bottle of whisky that is perfect for existing peatheads, or those looking to get into the style.

Coming in at 46% with no additional colour of chill filtration, it’s a bountiful aroma and taste that isn’t reliant on peat, it’s simply there to add more complexity and style, something which this six year old single malt has buckets of.

The nose is all sticky honey, sweet peat and baked lemon. Almost like eating lemon curd by a bonfire. The taste brings out more citrus with some touches of tropical fruits like pineapple and kiwi, with that welcome peat smoke dancing around in the background. The finish is soft, warming and gentle with refill barrel spice and a heavier hit of that smokiness – the finish reminds me of those smoke machines at school discos when you were a kid.

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A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY ADVANCES RYE WHISKEY EXPERIMENTATION WITH LATEST ABRAHAM BOWMAN LIMITED EDITION RELEASE

After 16 Years, A. Smith Bowman Distillery Reintroduces Rye Whiskey with a Focus on Extended Aging and Higher Proof

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA (April 27, 2026) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Virginia’s Oldest Continually Operating Distillery, today announces the newest release from the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection: Abraham Bowman Special Release #26, an American rye whiskey that draws inspiration from the Distillery’s inaugural 2010 Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release. This latest expression reflects years of constant experimentation to better understand how variables such as mashbill, proof, and aging shape the character of rye whiskey.

Distilled in 2015, Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 explores two key elements of whiskey making: extended aging and elevated alcohol proof. While many rye whiskeys are aged for approximately 4-6 years, these barrels were aged for 11 years in the Distillery’s Warehouse A, which offers the coolest warehouse temperatures and allows for a slower aging process. Bottled at 110 proof, considerably higher than the original 90-proof Abraham Bowman Limited Edition #1 Rye Whiskey, it continues the Distillery’s exploration of how higher proofs influence flavor intensity, structure, and overall balance.

“Every Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release is an opportunity to ask new questions and explore new processes for making whiskey,” said A. Smith Bowman Distillery Master Distiller David Bock. “With this release, we wanted to continue our pursuit of the perfect rye mashbill. By allowing this whiskey to age for over a decade and bottling it at a higher proof, we were able to deepen our understanding of how these elements shape the character of a rye whiskey. The result is a whiskey that is both expressive and balanced, showcasing the complexity rye can offer.”

Known for its bold and distinctive character, rye grain often brings pronounced spice and intensity to a whiskey. While that profile has a well-established place in the category, A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s approach focuses on achieving a more balanced flavor profile. On the nose, this limited-edition rye whiskey opens with rich notes of maple syrup layered with hints of copper and fresh Spring aromatics. The palate unfolds with flavors of vanilla, apricot and bright orange zest, balanced by subtle earthy undertones. It finishes spice-forward, highlighted by black pepper and a delicate hint of mint for a clean, lingering close.

“We spent a lot of time tasting this at different proofs, and 110 is where it really came together,” said Bock. “With a higher proof you’re getting more intensity, but also more nuance. For a rye whiskey especially, this release is incredibly smooth, and the vanilla beautifully balances with the pepperiness.”

Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey will be available through an online lottery, which begins May 4 at noon EST and ends May 11 at noon EST. The lottery is open nationwide, but winners MUST be able to purchase bottles in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop. To enter, please submit a form here. Limit one entry per person. Additional terms may apply. Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey will be available in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants.

Winners will be randomly selected May 12 and notified by email immediately following the selection; bottles must be picked up between May 13 and May 31. Each 750ml bottling will be available through the A. Smith Bowman Gift Shop at a suggested retail price of $79.99 (local taxes and fees apply).  For more information, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey joins A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s growing portfolio of annual whiskey offerings, which saw the release of its fifth edition of Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey earlier this year. Additional bottlings currently available in the portfolio include Bowman Brothers Small Batch, Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished, and John J. Bowman Single Barrel.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location. 

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

Sam Filmus and Chris Uhde of ImpEx Beverages announced with excitement today the release of the latest Edition of their Independent bottling line, The ImpEx Collection. Edition Five features eleven “gems” for fans of the brand to experience; eight Scotches and two World Single Malts.

When asked about Edition Five, Sam Filmus, Keeper of the Quaich and President of ImpEx Beverages, said, “With Edition Four of The ImpEx Collection we really tried to curate something that allowed the distilleries unique signatures to shine through in their simplest form, primarily bottling second fill casks.  Edition Five is a compilation of some really incredible wine casks, allowing connoisseurs to experience what magic can occur when the distillate is influenced by these special and unique notes to deliver complex (yet balanced) flavor profiles.”

Scotch Whisky:
The ImpEx Collection 2008 17 yo Linkwood Chateau Margaux Red Wine Barrique #14547
252 bottles, 58% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2010 14 yo Teaninich Margaux Red Wine Barrique #721395
275 bottles, 57.9% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2011 13 yo Blair Athol 1st Fill Hogshead #304172
233 bottles, 56.3% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2011 14 yo Ardmore ex-Bourbon Barrel #802498
163 bottles, 59.2% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2011 14 yo Burnside Blended Malt Chateau Latour Barrique #24789
261 bottles, 63.8% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2011 14 yo Dailuaine Quarter Cask #313842
161 bottles, 54% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2013 11 yo Teaninich ex-Bourbon Barrel #707207
243 bottles, 56.8% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2019 4 yo Isle of Raasay Peated Manzanilla Cask #1195
276 bottles, 60.3% abv.  (93 points Whisky Advocate, Gold Medal, 94 points – San Francisco World Spirits Competition)

World Single Malt
The ImpEx Collection 2018 6 yo Spirit of Yorkshire ex-Madeira Single Cask #3152
274 bottles, 52.7% abv.  (92 points Whisky Advocate; Gold Medal – Enthusiast Report International Spirits Competition)

The ImpEx Collection 2020 3 yo Pokeno 1st Fill Amontillado Cask #26
330 bottles, 58.5% abv.  (93 points Whisky Advocate; Best of Category, ADI International Spirits Competition; Gold Medal, 90 points – San Francisco World Spirits Competition)

Since its debut in 2021, expressions from The ImpEx Collection have brought home twenty-three Gold or better medals from renowned competitions including San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Whiskies of the World Awards, Las Vegas Global Spirit Competition, Whisky Ring Awards, Enthusiast Report International Spirits Competition, ADI International Spirits Competition, and Whiskey and Barrel Nite Consumer Choice Awards.  Additionally, they have received twenty-eight 90+ scores from Whisky Advocate and other respected reviewers including two Top 10 of the year inductions in the whisky and rum categories.

Excited consumers can discover the ‘Gems’ from The ImpEx Collection Edition Five from specialty retailers across the US.  For more information on these beautiful Single Casks, including where to buy, please email ImpEx Beverages at Office@ImpExBev.com for an individual and personalized response.

Find Out More

About The ImpEx Collection

The ImpEx Collection is a labor of love derived from the heart of Sam Filmus, President and Managing Director of ImpEx Beverages. He, along with his business partner Chris Uhde, spend a great amount of time and passion selecting the casks that go into each bottle that you find on the shelf of The ImpEx Collection.

After over 40 years of combined industry experience, you can tell that each cask is unique and special, offering the best that different categories have to offer. Whether you find yourself looking for a dram of rare and unique whisky or you’re seeking a rum or mezcal, you can be sure that each bottle of The ImpEx Collection will take your passion for a spirit to new heights.

The high expectations for quality and taste that Sam and Chris possess can be found in each sip of delicious juice. While we unveil the offerings from The ImpEx Collection, we hope you will find the taste and style that suits you best.

About ImpEx Beverages

In 2008, a new chapter began after years in the business captaining JVS Imports, for Sam Filmus. With ImpEx Beverages, his vision was to import premium and rare spirits from around the world, with a special emphasis on the best of what Scotland has to offer.

In 2018, Chris Uhde joined Sam as his business partner in ImpEx Beverages and together they have expanded the portfolio and vision for ImpEx. Now, ImpEx boasts an impressive portfolio, including some of the most notable small to medium sized distilleries and independent bottlers.

ImpEx Beverages imports Whisky, Gin, Rum, and Mezcal from Scotland, Japan, Israel, Mexico, England, the Caribbean, India, and New Zealand with future anticipated additions from unexpected destinations. We also feature a fine line of Liqueurs and Cordials produced in the US.

The Macallan unveils Distil Your World Paris

The Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whisky journeys to the City of Light for the fifth edition in the acclaimed Distil Your World series: Distil Your World Paris, a love letter to the gastronomic artistry of the French capital.

The Macallan and the Roca brothers – owners of El Celler de Can Roca, twice named World’s Best Restaurant – unite to bring together the precision of whisky making with the artistry of haute cuisine, capturing the essence of Paris. Previous editions have explored New York, London, Mexico and Hong Kong.

This exceptional single malt – created by Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell – captures the essence of Paris through its flavours, aromas and cultural richness, drawing inspiration from the French capital’s elegance and epicurean artistry. It celebrates l’art de la table, the refined dining tradition that unites every element of gastronomy – ingredients, provenance, preparation, cooking, crockery, setting, ambiance, aromas, and flavours – each detail adding its own character.

A sensory portrait of Paris, this rare single malt encapsulates the soul of the city through flavour, drawing on notes of buttered pastries, brioche, sweet fruits and gentle spices. The whisky evokes the senses and aromas that define Parisian inspiration with local flavours – sandalwood, gentle spice, almond croissant, and peach melba – evoking the city’s patisseries, perfumeries, and poetic streetscape.

American sherry seasoned oak casks contribute a creamy sweetness and floral elegance, which is balanced with European sherry seasoned oak casks that add depth and structure, while ex-bourbon casks introduce tropical warmth and toasted notes. The addition of rare Cognac casks – unique to this release – deliver a final flourish of French refinement.

The whisky’s natural colour, Parisian Sunrise, was inspired by the first light seen from Montmartre, casting a golden hue over the city. This edition’s presentation box features “street yellow,” a nod to Paris’s iconic street lighting and its reputation as the City of Light.

The design of the inner artwork, created in collaboration with Paris-based artist Cassandre Montoriol, reflects the vibrant energy and timeless charm of Paris. Her expressive gouache illustrations depict a lively table d’hôte scene on a quintessential Parisian street, bathed in the warm glow of evening lights. The outer pack features a map tracing Kirsteen’s journey through the city, with key locations elevated in sculptural detail, creating a beautiful and dynamic image.

Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “The Macallan has always been rooted in storytelling, and every creation we craft carries its own. This Distil Your World edition feels especially meaningful to me because of the experiences, sights and emotions I brought back from Paris. In building its flavours, I layered new ideas over the signature character of The Macallan to create something familiar, yet a little unexpected. I took a piece of Paris home with me – and this release is my personal interpretation of that journey.”

Accompanying the whisky’s launch is a documentary film that captures an intimate and sensorial journey through the heart of Paris, exploring the origins of modern dining and the refined ritual of l’art de la table. Led by The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell, and Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, the film follows their encounters with Parisian artisans, chefs, and cultural custodians, including renowned Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, Artisanal Baker Apollonia Poilâne, and menu collector Jérôme Dumant.

The documentary reveals how the spirit of Paris – its elegance, passion, and gastronomic heritage – was distilled into a singular whisky and a culinary experience. It is a celebration of craftsmanship, connection, and the timeless art of hosting, where every detail, from the table setting to the aromas in the glass, tells a story of place and tradition.

Become a Friend Today

We have some big news: Our brand new loyalty program Friends of The Whisky Exchange is up and running! As someone who’s enjoyed a sip or two with us in the past, we’d love to have you join the crowd.

As a Friend, you’ll be part of a likeminded community of both whisky and spirits lovers, and enjoy things like quarterly rewards and early access to some of our most in-demand bottles. And the moment you become a Friend, we’ll take £10 off your next order over £70.

So click on the link below to join, and let’s get this friendship started.

Warm regards,
The Whisky Exchange Team

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