SAZERAC FORMALLY NAMES TENNESSEE OPERATION AJ BOND DISTILLERY AS COMPANY’S FIRST TENNESSEE WHISKEY PREPARES FOR 2026 DEBUT

 Distillery name honors the bond between Master Distillers Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, whose expertise launched Sazerac’s Tennessee Whiskey operations in 2016

LA VERGNE, TN – Sazerac, the global spirits company behind award-winning distilleries including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky; Hawk’s Rock Distillery in Ireland; and Paul John Distillery in India, is proud to announce the official name of its Tennessee operation as AJ Bond Distillery, marking a major milestone as the company prepares to debut its first Tennessee Whiskey in Summer 2026.

The name honors the bond between industry visionaries Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, whose shared passion and decades of experience helped bring Sazerac’s Tennessee whiskey ambitions to life. The company entered the category in 2016 with the acquisition of the Popcorn Sutton distillery facility, retaining the skilled production team led by Henley and Lunn. Continued investment in equipment and capabilities followed, culminating in the relocation of the operation in 2019 to its current home in La Vergne, where their legacy continues through ongoing production and aging.

“Formally naming AJ Bond Distillery reinforces our commitment to Tennessee Whiskey and reflects Sazerac’s broader vision to invest in exceptional people, places and traditions that shape the future of American spirits,” said Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac. “Under Allisa and John’s leadership, this team has built a strong foundation rooted in expertise, passion and a deep respect for the craft. As we look ahead, we are proud to build on their legacy as we continue to balance heritage with innovation in pursuit of producing world-class spirits.”

Henley and Lunn began working together in 2004, developing a strong partnership rooted in technical expertise. The duo worked side-by-side for more than 12 years before joining Sazerac. Their expertise, combined with guidance and resources from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, helped establish the foundation of the operation crafting true Tennessee Whiskey. The AJ Bond name honors Henley and Lunn’s partnership, which was cut short in 2023 with Lunn’s passing.

“John and I worked together for 20 years, and he played a major role in shaping my understanding of the chemistry behind distillation,” said Henley. “We worked diligently to create every aspect of AJ Bond Distillery together. His absence is felt every day, but I know he would be proud of what we’ve created. It’s meaningful to know that the whiskey made here will carry his legacy forward.”

Since the acquisition, AJ Bond Distillery has relocated its operations to La Vergne, Tennessee, expanding production capacity and investing in additional equipment and team members to support the operation’s long-term growth. Today, the distillery is producing and aging what will become Sazerac’s first Tennessee whiskey brand, crafted from a mashbill originally developed by Henley and Lunn.

“From the very beginning, John and I knew we wanted to make a true Tennessee Whiskey, and we’re incredibly proud of the mashbill we’ve developed,” said Henley. “Seeing it now aging in our warehouses has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring our shared vision to life, and I’m excited for what is to come.”

The upcoming debut of AJ Bond Distillery’s flagship Tennessee whiskey brand (details to come soon) will mark Sazerac’s formal entry into the category and underscore the company’s commitment to producing award-winning whiskeys world-wide through a thoughtful balance of honoring tradition and embracing innovation. In the years ahead, AJ Bond plans to introduce additional expressions and limited experimental releases designed to explore new possibilities in Tennessee whiskey while remaining grounded in the traditional methods championed by Henley and Lunn. Together, these future offerings will build on the foundation established by the inaugural brand and further strengthen Sazerac’s long-term presence in the category.

More details about AJ Bond Distillery’s inaugural Tennessee Whiskey will be shared in the months ahead as the brand prepares for its Summer 2026 debut.

ABOUT SAZERAC

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers and communities around the world.

Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.

Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Hawk’s Rock Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.

To learn more visit www.sazerac.com.

£89.95 GBP

Inchgower 18 Year Old 2007 is a refined and characterful Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, bottled by James Eadie as part of their heritage-led collection inspired by W. Y. Crowe’s seminal work The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland (1922–1929). Distilled in 2007 and matured for 18 years in a refill hogshead, this elegant release is bottled at 52.5% ABV, showcasing the distillery’s distinctive coastal-influenced Speyside character.

Maturation in a refill cask allows Inchgower’s spirit to take centre stage, developing complexity and balance over time without excessive oak influence. Known for its slightly maritime edge, the whisky offers a harmonious combination of citrus, malt, and gentle salinity, presented at natural strength for a fuller, more expressive experience.

Why We Think You’ll Love It

• 18 year old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky from Inchgower
• Matured in a refill hogshead
• Distilled 2007, bottled at 52.5% ABV
• Bottled by James Eadie as part of their heritage-inspired range
• Inspired by W. Y. Crowe’s The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland (1922–1929)
• A refined, spirit-led whisky with subtle coastal influence

The Inchgower 18 Year Old 2007 James Eadie is a beautifully balanced and expressive Speyside single malt, combining maturity, elegance, and subtle maritime character. A superb choice for those seeking a more nuanced, spirit-driven whisky with depth and heritage appeal.

Mossburn Dupont Calvados Cask Finish

£73.50

ABV: 57.2% 70 cL

There’s no end to the elemental alchemy unfolding in our warehouses in Ardhasaig.

Cask by cask, our island spirit evolves in oak, shaped slowly by wood, time, and the Atlantic air that blows over the deep bay beneath the Clisham mountain.

We’ve taken great care in the casks we choose, from ex-bourbon barrels sourced from Kentucky’s Buffalo Trace Distillery to sherry butts from José y Miguel Martín in Spain.

Alongside these, a small number of more experimental casks sit among them. Some of the most intriguing come from Pennsylvania, thanks to our friends at Dad’s Hat Rye, makers of traditional rye whiskey.

Filled back in 2016, these ex-rye barrels have been maturing our spirit in their own distinctive way ever since.

Where this particular path will lead, we don’t yet know. But that’s part of the journey of learning and letting the island have its say.

DISCOVER DAD’S HAT RYE

ralfy review 1126 Extras – An ‘Official’ and an ‘Indi’ compared.

A Handwritten Legacy: The Lost Chapter of The Macallan

The story of The Macallan started with quiet conviction. Founded in 1824, it originally built its reputation not through spectacle of modern day marketing, but through an obsessive devotion to craft—seasoning its own oak, shaping its own spirit, and allowing time to do the rest. Long before the world spoke of “luxury whisky,” Macallan was already practicing it.

Across the ocean, in Canada, a different kind of tradition was taking root. The Opimian Club, founded in 1973, became a discreet yet influential force among Canadian collectors—a private society devoted to curating fine wines when such access was far from commonplace.

In 1983, something special happened.

To mark Opimian’s 10th anniversary, Macallan created a singular bottling from its 1973 vintage—one that would never pass through traditional retail channels or marketed to the wider world. Offered exclusively to members of the club, each bottle bearing the now-iconic handwritten label that has since become the subject of fascination among serious Scotch Whisky collectors.

The precise number of bottles released was never formally declared.  What is known is that the outturn was exceptionally small, likely from a single cask. Today, these bottles surface so infrequently that they have taken on an almost mythical status.

Opimian’s expression belongs to the fabled “Handwritten Label” series—an early and highly significant chapter in Macallan’s evolution.  Only 5 releases in the series with the 1973 vintage being the last.  These were not products of modern luxury strategy, but rather on relationships. A bespoke bottling created in an era when the distillery’s identity was still emerging, and when private commissions such as this were acts of trust rather than brand-building exercises.

Famed whisky writer, Michael Jackson once wrote,

“The Macallan is about as close to perfection as a whisky can get.”

The liquid itself, speaks in the language of its era. One can expect the hallmarks of early 1970s Macallan: a deep, sherried richness layered with dried fruits—fig, date, and raisin—interwoven with polished oak, soft spice, and a gentle, elegant structure. These were whiskies made not for impact, but for contemplation.

It is not simply rare. It is artifact of a quieter time. When a Canadian collectors’ club and a Speyside distillery could, together, create something that neither would fully realize the importance of until decades later.

Iron Gate is pleased to feature the Macallan Hand-Written label, commemorating Opimian’s 10th Anniversary, in May’s Spirits Auction. The bottle, given to the consignor by his late grandfather, will help fund a family trip with proceeds from its sale.

Iron Gate’s next Auction starts May 4, 2026 and ends May 11th.  Register Here

The “Olympics of the Drinks Industry” Extends Entries until May 8

LONDON (April 27, 2026) — Spirits industry professionals from around the world will once again gather in Bardstown, Kentucky — the “Bourbon Capital of the World” — for the 3rd IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) in early June.  This year,in addition to judging North American Whiskey and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) spirits, the categories are expanding to accept gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from across the United States, and the entry deadline has been extended to May 8th.

Founded in 1969, the London-based IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from over 90 countries. The North American Spirits Judging marks the competition’s exclusive North American event, reinforcing Kentucky’s role as a global hub for whiskey and other spirits excellence.

The judges — representing the worldwide standard of beverage expertise — provide North American whiskey and other spirit producers a unique opportunity for international recognition from the competition, widely regarded and recognized as one of the most prestigious in the world. The 2026 Judging Panel of experts brings perspectives from distilling, retail buying, hospitality, media, and global distribution, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced evaluation process.

Led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine, Commercial Buying Director, Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange, the panel of judges will evaluate the entries using the same rigorous judging process as in the UK, which includes double-blind tasting, a limited number of entries judged per day to avoid palate fatigue, and panel discussions between the judges.

In addition to Davies, the other judges for the North American competition are:

• Richard Paterson OBE, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay
• Jack Beguedou, Spirits Industry Consultant
• Georgie Bell, Ambassador, Scotch Malt Whisky Society and co-founder of The Heart Cut
• Molly Horn, Total Wine & More
• Brad Japhe, Spirits Journalist
• Reece Sims, SIP Spirits Consulting & The Flavor Report
• Tristan Stephenson, bartender and co-founder of Black Rock, London

Kentucky is one of just seven global locations where the IWSC delivers its full London judging model through its Global Judging program. Entries are assessed to exactly the same standards, by the same caliber of international judging panels, and within the same rigorous framework as in London—ensuring complete consistency and credibility across all results.

As in London, the Kentucky event pairs these world-class tasting sessions with a program that celebrates the people, places, and spirits that define America’s whiskey culture. Crucially, all medal winners benefit from the IWSC’s global results campaign, receiving the same level of recognition, promotion and commercial opportunity as those judged in London.

Medals awarded include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Outstanding. Top-scoring products advance to the prestigious Trophy Judging round. Winners are revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration in November 2026 in London.

The IWSC is grateful for its 2026 partners: Heaven Hill, Angel’s Envy, Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Total Wine & More, Kentucky Eagle, Glencairn, Buzick Construction, Mint Julep Experiences, and Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

How to Enter

Visit the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging page to submit entries.

Entry deadline: May 8th

Winners will be announced June 12, 2026

About the IWSC

Since 1969, the IWSC has set the global standard for beverage excellence. Known as the “Olympics of the drinks industry,” the IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from 90-plus countries. Judges are key decision-makers in the industry, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Master Distillers and Senior Buyers. These experts assess wines, spirits and alternative drinks using a rigorous panel process that ensures fair evaluation. The IWSC stands out for its expert judging, consistent attention, comprehensive categories and global recognition. For producers, its offers benchmarking, recognition and business connections. For consumers, IWSC medals guide excellence in a wide selection of drinks.

About the IWSC Competition Global Judging
Since 2022, the IWSC has held in situ Global Judging events, an initiative introduced by
Strategy and Business Development Director Christelle Guibert. The IWSC is proud to be the first international drinks competition to institute a series such as this. Until today, wine and spirits have been judged in Italy, Austria, Georgia, Turkey, Italy, Argentina, Australia, the United States, South Africa and China. The competition is committed to the initiative due to the opportunities it gives all producers in a region to take part, no matter what their size is, and allows for the drinks entered to be judged in context by judges who are up to date with the region and its most recent developments.

White Peak Distillery celebrates 10 Year anniversary with

limited-edition Caduro X 

 Award-winning White Peak Distillery is marking its 10th anniversary this month with the launch of Wire Works Caduro X: a limited-edition single malt English whisky that reflects a decade of Derbyshire craftsmanship and dedication to flavour.

Founded in 2016 and based at the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works in Ambergate, the distillery has built its reputation on a commitment to provenance, heritage and flavour. Caduro X has been created to mark this decade milestone, capturing both the distillery’s identity and the journey that has shaped it.

Inspired by Caduro from the Wire Works Provenance Core range, Caduro X is a vatting of first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and signature STR (shaved, toasted and re-charred) ex-red wine casks. This anniversary expression also incorporates both “regular-cuts” and “alt-cuts” single malts, with alternate distillation cut-points used to enhance the spirit’s brighter more tropical fruit-forward profile, alongside a subtle increase in peat influence.

To further deepen its complexity, the whisky has been proofed down to a bottling strength of 46.8% ABV using “special waters” – a technique involving the maturation of low-strength spirit in oak casks to extract additional water-soluble flavours and textures.

Only 1,000 bottles of Caduro X have been produced and will be released this month. The whisky is presented at natural colour and is non-chill filtered.

Claire Vaughan, co-founder of White Peak, says:

“Over the past ten years, we’ve taken a hands-on approach to learn more about how whisky develops its character – exploring every step from mashing & fermentation through distillation,  maturation and vatting. Caduro X marks a milestone, but moreover is the evolution of these ideas. We are a small team of whisky enthusiasts, constantly exploring, testing and refining in pursuit of flavour. This mindset is at the heart of The Wire Works – a place with a 150+ year history of making, where innovation and craft go hand in hand. What’s made the journey truly special, though, is the community around us. From the very beginning, we’ve been supported by an incredible group of people who’ve believed in what we’re building. We hope the next ten years continue in that same spirit – bringing people together, sharing what we make, and always striving to do it better.”

Wire Works Caduro X Single Malt English Whisky will be available from 25^th April at the Distillery and online (and from select UK retail partners including The Whisky Exchange and The Whisky Shop) RRP: £75. 

Caduro X Tasting Notes:
Caduro X delivers a rich, sweet and spicy character, layered with orchard and tropical fruits, toffee, chocolate, and a gentle thread of smoke.

• Nose: Banoffee pie, egg custard tarts, Murray mints, wine gums, baked apple, strawberry laces, orange zest, and a hint of peat
• Palate: Cinnamon rolls, butter icing, pineapple cubes, milk chocolate, yoghurt-coated cranberries, marmalade, nutmeg, and gentle tannins
• Finish: Cinder toffee, candied ginger, cinnamon balls, honey, apple sours, and soft wood smoke

Product Details:

Product: Wire Works Caduro X Single Malt English Whisky

Style: Lightly peated

Cask Type: STR / First-fill ex-bourbon

ABV: 46.8%

Volume: 70cl

Availability: Limited release of 1,000 bottles

Natural colour and non-chill filtered 

About White Peak Distillery – The Home Of Wire Works Whisky:

White Peak Distillery, makers of Wire Works Single Malt English Whisky is located within the restored 19th century Johnson and Nephew wire Works. A beautiful riverside and woodland location, it is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Derbyshire.

The distillery is built on a legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. This rich heritage inspires its dedication to making spirits the proper way, with patience, passion, and an unwavering focus on exceptional flavour. A flavour-first approach is taken to whisky making and every stage, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and maturation, takes place onsite ensuring a full lifecycle of provenance and authenticity in every bottle.

The house style lightly-peated single malt whisky is created with a combination of English un-peated and peated malt barley. A flavour-focused 7-day fermentation (which varies across seasons) uses a unique yeast blend incorporating spent yeast sourced from a local Peak District brewery.

White Peak Distillery has won over 25 prestigious awards to date including:

• Whisky of The Year 2026 (Whisky Exchange)
• Best World Whisky 2025 (Online Scotch Whisky Awards)
• IWSC Gold 2023 Wire Works Caduro
• IWSC Gold 2025 Wire Works Bourbon Barrel

Visitors are welcome to experience the distillery through a range of guided tours and tastings,

For further details please visit: www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk

£69.95 GBP

Laphroaig 10 Year Old 2015 is a bold and characterful Islay single malt Scotch whisky, bottled by James Eadie as part of their heritage-led collection inspired by W. Y. Crowe’s seminal work The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland (1922–1929). Distilled in 2015 and matured in refill barrels, this expressive release is bottled at 52.3% ABV, delivering a pure and spirit-driven Islay dram.

Maturation in refill casks allows Laphroaig’s unmistakable character to shine—intense peat smoke, medicinal notes, and maritime influence—without heavy oak interference. Bottled at natural strength and without chill-filtration, this whisky offers an authentic and uncompromising expression of one of Islay’s most iconic distilleries.

Why We Think You’ll Love It

• 10 year old Islay single malt Scotch whisky from Laphroaig
• Matured in refill barrels for a spirit-led profile
• Distilled 2015, bottled at 52.3% ABV
• Bottled by James Eadie as part of their heritage-inspired range
• Inspired by W. Y. Crowe’s The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland (1922–1929)
• A classic, uncompromising Islay whisky showcasing peat and coastal character

The Laphroaig 10 Year Old 2015 James Eadie is a powerful and authentic Islay single malt, delivering everything fans expect—intense peat, coastal influence, and bold flavour. Raw, expressive, and full of personality, it’s a superb choice for lovers of smoky Scotch whisky.

Midleton Very Rare 2026 Edition Irish Whiskey

The latest expression marks the 43rd annual release from Midleton Very Rare and the 6th Vintage under the careful watch of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman.

This year’s Vintage is a true reflection of Midleton Very Rare’s artistry, honouring the brand’s traditionally elegant flavour profile with a wonderful balance of distillate and wood-derived flavours. Five distillate styles (three single pot-still and two single grain styles) were carefully selected to create this year’s expression, including a select batch grain whiskey with a barley and malted barley mash bill that featured in last year’s Vintage. The inclusion of this style gives an enhanced sweetness to this remarkable whiskey.

£219.95