Hebridean Whisky Festival Announces 2026 Lineup

HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND – The Hebridean Whisky Trail is proud to announce the return of the Hebridean Whisky Festival, taking place from 5–12 September 2026. Marking its fifth year, this annual island-hopping adventure continues to offer a world-class exploration of Scotland’s established and new maritime distillery locations.

The 2026 festival links multiple island distilleries through a week-long programme of open days, exclusive tastings, masterclasses, and guided tours. Beyond the dram, visitors will experience the heart of island life through live music, traditional ceilidhs, local food, and Gaelic culture. An annual highlight for staff and visitors alike, this festival is an opportunity to enjoy the best of the Hebrides on a wild and beautiful whisky adventure.

2026 Festival Calendar

The trail winds through the Inner and Outer Hebrides, culminating in a grand finale with all distilleries present at the Isle of Raasay:

● 5 Sept: North Uist Distillery Day
● 6 Sept: Tobermory Distillery Day
● 6–7 Sept: Benbecula Distillery Day
● 7–11 Sept: Celebrations at Torabhaig Distillery
● 8 Sept: Isle of Harris Distillery Day
● 10 Sept: Isle of Tiree Distillery Day
● 11 Sept: Talisker Distillery Day
● 12 Sept: Festival Finale at Isle of Raasay Distillery

The Festival Finale

The Festival Finale will be hosted this year by the Isle of Raasay Distillery, named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards 2026. In addition to the many activities on offer that day, including a special festival bottling, special tours and tastings, a unique whisky blending session, and interactive cocktail experiences, Raasay Distillery will be joined by the other members of the Hebridean Whisky Trail. Bringing together spirits from as far away as Tiree, this is an eagerly anticipated event, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets go on sale Saturday, September 20 at 7pm. Full information and tickets can be found on the Hebridean Whisky Trail website at https://hebrideanwhisky.com

A Growing Celebration

This year’s festival is set to be the most ambitious yet, bolstered by support from VisitScotland. This funding will enable the festival to reach a wider audience, develop exclusive festival merchandise, and create a formal sponsorship programme.

Rebecca Edser, Head of Events at VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is an exciting year‑round destination, with every season and region offering something distinctive to enjoy. Whisky remains a powerful draw for attendees and combining that with the stunning landscapes and unique local spirit of the Hebrides creates something truly special.

“Supported through our National Events Programme, the Hebridean Whisky Festival is an important part of Scotland’s diverse events landscape, bringing communities and visitors together to share memorable experiences.

“By helping organisers deliver high‑quality, well‑designed events, we support positive impacts for local communities and the wider visitor economy. It is wonderful to see the festival return this year as a standout fixture in Scotland’s events calendar.”

The investment also allows the festival to extend a warm invitation to groups, such as international whisky clubs and travel organisations, further cementing the Hebrides as a premier destination for luxury and cultural tourism.

Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch with the Hebridean Whisky Trail development manager Cindy Campbell, cindy.campbell@hebrideanwhisky.com.

Join the Adventure

Whisky enthusiasts and travelers are encouraged to mark their calendars for this unique maritime journey. While tickets will be released in the coming weeks, organisers promise an immersive experience that captures the true spirit of the islands.

To be the first to receive updates on the full programme and ticket releases, subscribe to the official newsletter at hebrideanwhisky.com.

● The Hebridean Whisky Trail is a collaboration of eight single malt Scotch whisky distilleries in the Hebrides, including Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay Distillery, Isle of Harris Distillery, North Uist Distillery, Benbecula Distillery, Isle of Tiree Distillery and Tobermory Distillery.
● Festival Dates: 5–12 September 2026, across the Hebrides.
● Festival Finale: Saturday, 12 September 2026 at Isle of Raasay Distillery.

Prophecy Wins Silver Medal

We’re thrilled to share that Prophecy has been awarded a Silver Medal for Taste at the International Spirits Challenge. Sampled blindly by a group of industry expert judges, our spirit was graded on the taste experience alone.

This recognition celebrates the craftsmanship, character, and flavour profile that define Prophecy, and our vision for future Benbecula whisky.

To our members, cask owners, and supporters: thank you for being part of the journey. Your belief in what we’re building has helped shape this milestone in our distillery’s foundation.

Prophecy was created to deliver a glimpse into the future of Benbecula, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our vision recognised on the international stage.

Whether you’ve followed us from the beginning or discovered Prophecy more recently, we’re raising a dram to you today.

EXPLORE PROPHECY

If you can tear yourself away from the superb spectacle that is the World Cup (slightly less hard for us Scotland fans) then you might like to marvel instead at the thousands upon thousands of fantastic drams in our now live 181st auction!  Fear not though if you want get back to the football for we have picked out a few choice lots to whet your appetite and ease your scrolling burden as you build your watchlist.

This solid looking specimen is the terrific Ledaig 42 Year Old Dusgadh.  The peated spirit in this release is some of the last to come out of the distillery before the stills were replaced in 1996. ‘Dusgadh’ is Gaelic for ‘awakening’ and each bottle comes with a memento card made from the copper from the now retired stills this spirit came from.  A little piece of history as well as a delicious dram from a highly reputable distillery.

The stuff of legend this next one, here we have the Glengoyne Tea Pot Dram Batch #1.  As the story goes the Glengoyne workers were given three large drams of 1st fill sherry whisky a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner (nice work if you can get it).  There was a large tea pot in the break room used as a receptacle for any ‘unwanted’ drams, which would be thoroughly drained by the more seasoned distillery workers throughout the day.  The Teapot Dram was created to encapsulate those days and consists of five first fill sherry casks between the ages of nine and 11 years old.

Next is a very well-aged whisky from a now silent distillery which had a legitimate claim to being the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, though ‘licensed’ is very much the key word here, this is the Littlemill 1989 30 Year Old Artist #13 La Maison du Whisky.  This excellent example of lowland style whisky has been bottled by French whisky specialists La Maison du Whisky as part of their Artist series.

Finally we have a one-off bottle from one of Scotland’s most popular distilleries, this is the Glenfarclas 40 Year Old for Burns Night 2023 Master of Malt.  A genuine rarity this one since it was bottled specifically for Master of Malts Burns Night celebrations in 2023 and as such is a 1 of 1 release.  As if the fact it was a Glenfarclas 40 year old wasn’t enough, a thoroughly delicious dram we can all agree, it also comes with that inimitable sheen of exclusivity!

As always we have an enormous selection of drams to suit every budget on offer this month, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist.

Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Exciting Releases

Here at The Whisky Exchange we pride ourselves on having as comprehensive a range as humanly possible. Of course, a big part of that is sourcing exciting new releases and getting them into your hands without delay. Alongside tempting arrivals such as Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon 2018, Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Batch 5 and Thompson Bros’ Mystery Malt Series No.6, we’re also delighted to offer three new Tormore releases, available exclusively from us for the next two weeks. There’s sure to be something to pique your interest.

​ SHOP NOW ​

HAZELBURN 7 OLOROSO

47.9% ABV

NOSE
Maraschino cherries, fudge, treacle, dates, brandy butter.

PALATE
Brown sugar, ginger, raisins, red currant jelly.

FINISH
Sweet sticky toffee pudding, black currants, herbs, tarragon.

UK RRP £75 – £78

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Honors Sen. Julie Raque Adams With Top “100 Proof” Award 

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is honoring Sen. Julie Raque Adams with its prestigious “100 Proof Award” for her bold leadership in championing landmark legislation in the 2025 session to protect Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Sen. Raque Adams, R-Louisville, was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 202, which established a basic set of standards for the state to regulate THC-infused intoxicating beverages as it does alcohol. The category has largely avoided regulation since it was created in 2018 from a loophole in the federal Farm Bill.

KDA President Eric Gregory praised Sen. Adams’ diligence and dedication. “Sen. Adams’ outstanding leadership has provided a balanced, thoughtful and comprehensive framework to regulating this new category of intoxicating beverages, which has become a model for other states.

“Senate Bill 202 ensures Kentucky leads with responsibility, transparency and parity for these new producers of intoxicating beverages. On behalf of our members, we’re honored to present Sen. Adams with this award and thank her for her tireless efforts to strengthen oversight in this evolving space.”

The KDA created the “100 Proof Award” in 2009 to recognize elected officials who exhibit exceptional care, diligence and initiative in promoting and protecting Kentucky Bourbon. Nominees must receive a unanimous vote from the KDA’s Governmental Affairs Advisory Group and the KDA Board of Directors.

It is the highest honor bestowed by the state’s iconic Bourbon industry on elected officials.

KDA officials will present Sen. Adams with a commemorative barrel head in Frankfort in the coming weeks.

Previous recipients of the non-partisan award include U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, Gov. Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker David Osborne, Rep. Susan Westrom, Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and more.

For a complete list, visit https://kybourbon.com/industry/advocacy/.

Bourbon is one of Kentucky’s most treasured signature industries, generating $10.6 billion in economic impact every year, supporting 24,000 workers with $2 billion in salaries and benefits, and pouring more than $370 million into local and state taxes.

Bourbon also plays a vital role in the state’s tourism efforts through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure, attracting nearly 3 million visitors from all over the globe every year to this bucket-list phenomenon.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging craft distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s signature spirit. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Lost Lantern Launches the United States of Bourbon, the First-Ever Blend of Straight Bourbon from All 50 States

 The inaugural release includes a recurring 100 Proof expression, a recurring Cask Strength expression, and a limited 1776 Edition created for America’s 250th anniversary.

VERGENNES, VT  — Award-winning independent bottler Lost Lantern today announces the launch of the United States of Bourbon, the first-ever blend of bourbon from all 50 states, and the widest-ranging American whiskey ever created.

At a time when bourbon is being made everywhere from Hawaii to Alaska, Vermont to Texas, the United States of Bourbon captures a remarkable moment in American whiskey history. Bringing together one distillery from every state into a single blend, the project serves as a snapshot of the extraordinary growth, diversity, and creativity that has transformed American bourbon in recent years.

The culmination of a vision that predates Lost Lantern itself, the United States of Bourbon has been in development for more than five years. Over that time, Lost Lantern co-founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski traveled extensively across the country, visiting distilleries and evaluating whiskey in pursuit of a bourbon worthy of representing each state. In some cases, multiple distilleries and countless samples were considered before the final whiskey was identified for the project. Every cask in the blend was hand-selected from distilleries personally visited and vetted by the founders, providing the foundation for what would become one of the most ambitious blending projects in American whiskey.

The inaugural release debuts in three expressions: United States of Bourbon 100 Proof (SRP $79.99), United States of Bourbon Cask Strength (SRP $99.99), and the limited United States of Bourbon 1776 Edition (SRP $199.99), a one-time-only 13-state blend created to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. In keeping with Lost Lantern’s commitment to full transparency, every component distillery is listed on each label.

While bourbon has historically been associated with a handful of states, the United States of Bourbon reflects the dramatic rise of craft distilling across the country over the last two decades. The blend includes bourbons aged in coastal climates influenced by salty sea air, estate whiskey from family-run grain-to-glass distilleries, bourbon from states with generations of moonshining traditions, and whiskey from some of the country’s newest distilleries, including producers younger than the idea for United States of Bourbon itself. Together, they create a singular portrait of the diversity, innovation, and character defining American whiskey today.

“The United States of Bourbon has truly been years in the making and has been part of the vision for Lost Lantern since before we launched the company,” says Adam Polonski, co-founder and Head of Whiskey Sourcing at Lost Lantern. “From the earliest stages of dreaming up Lost Lantern, we envisioned crafting a fifty-state blend to showcase the diversity and breadth of bourbon. Shortly after, in 2021, we began sourcing barrels specifically for this whiskey, work that continued through 2025. I have visited and vetted every distillery in this blend in person.”

“This is certainly the most ambitious whiskey Lost Lantern has ever made,” says Nora Ganley-Roper, co-founder and Head Blender at Lost Lantern. “But it has also always had true clarity of vision. I blended this to give a bird’s-eye view of bourbon from across the country. This whiskey provides a snapshot of the complexity and current landscape of bourbon.”

While the United States of Bourbon celebrates the extraordinary diversity of bourbon today, the 1776 Edition offers a more historical perspective. Created to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, this limited release blends bourbon from the first 13 states that came together to form a new nation. Unlike the recurring 50-state expressions, the 1776 Edition was conceived as a one-time release, serving as both a tribute to America’s founding and a snapshot of the bourbon being produced across those original states today.

THE INAUGURAL EXPRESSIONS

Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon 100 Proof

This first-of-its-kind release is a blend of straight bourbon whiskies from all 50 states, sourced from distilleries personally visited and vetted by Lost Lantern. Blended in Vermont and carefully slow-proofed to 50% ABV, the 100 Proof expression presents a warmer, more approachable profile while maintaining the whiskey’s depth and complexity. Tasting Notes: Warm vanilla and wood spice on the nose, with hints of nutmeg and clove. On the palate, notes of chocolate, raspberry, and orange zest. Balanced and deep.

• SRP: $79.99
• Proof: 100
• Quantity: 6,780 bottles
• Age Statement: 2 years; components range from 2–10 years old
• Non-chill filtered; no color added 

Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon Cask Strength

The Cask Strength expression features the same blend of bourbons from all 50 states as the 100 Proof release, blended in Vermont and bottled at its natural proof. Tasting Notes: Rich wood spice and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, oak, spice, and fruit intermingle into a deep and balanced whole, with notes of black raspberry, dark chocolate, and leather.

• SRP: $99.99
• Proof: 122.9
• Quantity: 3,300 bottles
• Age Statement: 2 years; components range from 2–10 years old
• Non-chill filtered; no color added 

Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon 1776 Edition

Created especially for America’s 250th anniversary, the limited 1776 Edition is a special 13-state blend of straight bourbon whiskies sourced from the first states that came together to form a new nation in 1776. Blended in Vermont, bottled at cask strength, and limited to just 1,776 hand-numbered bottles, this one-time-only release will never be repeated. Tasting Notes: Warm, complex, and spicy on the nose, with orange zest, dark chocolate, and walnut notes. The palate bursts with fruit and spice, with hints of fresh-baked bread and notes of leather leading into a very long, spicy finish.

• SRP: $199.99
• Proof: 121.4
• Quantity: 1,776 bottles
• Age Statement: 4 years; components range from 4–8 years old
• Non-chill filtered; no color added

United States of Bourbon is available via LostLanternWhiskey.com, Seelbachs.com, at select retailers in CA, IL, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT, and VA, and at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT. 

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, Vermont. Inspired by the tradition of independent bottling in Scotland, Lost Lantern seeks out distinctive whiskies from across the U.S., releasing them as single casks and blends with a commitment to transparency.

Named Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2026 Icons of Whisky America Awards and the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Lost Lantern has also seen both founders honored as Drinks Visionaries of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine, Drinks Innovators of the Year by SevenFifty Daily, named to the VermontBiz Rising Stars list, and named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40.

For more information, explore current and past releases, visit the tasting room, or sign up for the newsletter or Discovery Club at LostLanternWhiskey.com. Follow @lostlanternwhiskey on Instagram and Facebook.

Participating Distilleries in United States of Bourbon (listed in order of statehood)

*Part of the 1776 Edition blend

Painted Stave Distilling (DE)*, Liberty Pole Spirits (PA)*, Sourland Mountain Spirits (NJ)*, ASW Fiddler Distillery (GA)*, Litchfield Distillery (CT)*, Triple Eight Distillery (MA)*, Baltimore Spirits Co. (MD)*, High Wire Distilling Co. (SC)*, Cathedral Ledge Distillery (NH)*, Reservoir Distillery (VA)*, Kings County Distillery (NY)*, Broad Branch Distillery (NC)*, South County Distillers (RI)*, Stonecutter Spirits (VT), New Riff Distilling (KY), Leiper’s Fork Distillery (TN), Tom’s Foolery Distillery (OH), Distillerie Acadian (LA), Starlight Distillery (IN), Rich Grain Distilling (MS), Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. (IL), Dread River Distilling Co. (AL), Hardshore Distilling Co. (ME), J. Rieger & Co. (MO), Rock Town Distillery (AR), New Holland Distilling Co. (MI), St. Augustine Distillery (FL), Balcones Distilling (TX), Cedar Ridge Distillery (IA), Wollersheim Distillery (WI), Corbin Cash Distillery (CA), Far North Spirits (MN), Oregon Spirit Distillers (OR), Union Horse Distilling Co. (KS), Smooth Ambler Spirits (WV), Frey Ranch Distillery (NV), Brickway Distillery (NE), Boulder Spirits (CO), Proof Artisan Distillers (ND), Blackfork Farms (SD), Montgomery Distillery (MT), Woodinville Whiskey Co. (WA), Day’s Defile (ID), Backwards Distilling Co. (WY), High West Distillery (UT), Hochatown Distilling (OK), Safe House Distilling (NM), SanTan Distilling (AZ), Denali Spirits (AK), and Ko‘olau Distillery (HI).

Knob Creek Marks America’s 250th With a First-Ever Blue Wax Seal

For the first time in Knob Creek Bourbon’s history, we’re changing the color of our signature wax seal to mark a truly historic milestone.

To celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, James B. Beam Distilling Co. has announced Knob Creek 9 Year Old: Independence Edition, a limited-edition expression of our iconic 9-year-old bourbon featuring a blue wax seal and patriotic red, white, and blue label, joining a commemorative collection alongside Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.

Founded in 1992 and named for the Kentucky creek at Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home, Knob Creek was created by sixth generation Master Distiller Booker Noe to revive pre-Prohibition bourbon. Today, his son Fred Noe and grandson Freddie Noe continue to uphold that legacy – with this release celebrating both America’s 250th anniversary and James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s 230 years of American whiskey heritage.

While the look is new, the liquid remains the same full-flavored bourbon fans expect: aged nine years in American white oak, bottled at 100 proof, and featuring notes of smooth vanilla, deep caramel, and bold charred oak. It is available nationwide for a limited time at $36.99 SRP.

Booker’s Bourbon Unveils Batch #2 The “Milkshake Batch”

The second release from Booker’s Bourbon this year – The Milkshake Batch – inspired by one of Booker Noe’s favorite indulgences: a homemade chocolate malted milkshake spiked with a generous pour of bourbon.

Named after a cherished Beam family tradition, the “Milkshake Batch” pays tribute to the late Booker Noe’s inventive spirit. The story traces back to Fred Noe’s childhood fishing trips with his father, where chocolate malted milkshakes became a well-earned reward after a day on the water. Booker eventually began adding bourbon to the mix, creating a family ritual that lives on today between Fred and Freddie.

The “Milkshake Batch” delivers everything bourbon enthusiasts expect from Booker’s: uncut, unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at a robust 124.4 proof and aged 7 years, 6 months, and 12 days. The batch showcases rich aromas of vanilla and oak, a bold, full-bodied palate, and the long, lingering finish that Booker’s is known for.

The breakdown is as follows:

•  26% was stored on the fifth floor of warehouse 3, a seven-story house.
•  23% was stored on the third floor of warehouse L, a seven-story house.
•  19% was stored on the third floor of warehouse M, a seven-story house.
•  32% was stored on the fifth floor of warehouse G at waterfall, a seven-story house.