Heaven Hill Earns Top Honors at 2026 World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky

Bardstown, Ky. – Heaven Hill was recognized with multiple top honors at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky America ceremony, held February 12 at The Brown Hotel in Louisville.

The awards celebrate the best in American whiskey, recognizing one winner per category along with standout individuals and teams shaping the industry’s future. This year’s results underscore Heaven Hill’s strength across distilling, sustainability, production, public relations, and product excellence.

Icons of Whisky America 2026

Distiller – Winner
Heaven Hill Brands

Sustainable Distillery – Winner
Heaven Hill Distillery

PR Team – Winner
Lauren Cherry Newcomb and Kaitlynn Fish West, Heaven Hill Brands PR Team

Distillery Manager – Highly Commended
Adam Ganoe, Heaven Hill Brands

Production Team – Highly Commended
The Team, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

With this year’s recognition, Heaven Hill has now been named Distiller of the Year three times at the Icons of Whisky America awards, including back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024. The 2026 honor further cements the company’s leadership in American whiskey production and reflects sustained excellence across its distilling operations.

Heaven Hill Distillery’s Sustainable Distillery of the Year win marks its second time receiving this distinction, reinforcing a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and operational responsibility. From energy efficiency and water conservation initiatives to thoughtful investment in infrastructure, sustainability is built into the way the company produces whiskey.

Being named PR Team of the Year highlights the integral strategic work behind the scenes. As the largest, independent family owned and led distilled spirits company of brands in the United States, Heaven Hill continues to invest not only in production but also in ensuring its brands remain culturally relevant and visible through earned storytelling.

Adam Ganoe’s Highly Commended recognition as Distillery Manager, along with the Highly Commended honor for the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery Production Team, underscores the expertise driving operations across the company’s growing footprint. Notably, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery has been officially open for just under one year, making this early recognition especially meaningful as the new facility begins shaping the next chapter of the company’s production legacy.

World Whiskies Awards 2026 – America

Heaven Hill brands also earned category wins in the 2026 World Whiskies Awards America competition.

Best American Rye Whiskey – No Age Statement
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye

Category Winner – 13 to 20 Years
Heaven Hill Heritage Collection — 19-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

These awards reflect both innovation and patience. Coming off the heels of Elijah Craig Rye Barrel Proof being named Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate, Elijah Craig Toasted Rye continues to expand the brand’s rye credentials with layered flavor and a distinctive finishing process. The 19-Year-Old Heritage Collection Wheat Whiskey represents decades of stewardship, showcasing the depth of Heaven Hill’s aging inventory and long-term commitment to American whiskey.

“We’re proud of these wins because they reflect both consistency and range,” said Heaven Hill Master Distiller, Conor O’Driscoll. “From premium, innovative rye to well-aged wheat whiskey, it speaks to the breadth of what our teams are capable of. These awards belong to the people who make the whiskey every day, and they reinforce the long-term mindset we bring to the work. We’re building for today, and we’re building for the next generation.”

As the largest, independent family owned and led distilled spirits company of brands in the United States, Heaven Hill continues to invest in distilling, sustainability initiatives, and aged stock to support the future of its portfolio.

Winners from the America round will advance to compete for World’s Best titles at the World Whiskies Awards Global Dinner in March.

For more information, visit World Drinks Awards.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits company of brands, as well as the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill has been named a Best Managed Company in both 2024 and 2025 by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes the Heaven Hill Whiskey family of brands, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Widow Jane, Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul and Ocho Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; and Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur.

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Our most anticipated release of the year is available to buy now.

Released annually on Burns Night, Wolfburn’s Anniversary Single Cask marks the moment spirit first flowed again at the distillery on 25 January 2013. The 2026 edition celebrates 13 years since Wolfburn’s return to spirit and is the fourth release in this highly sought-after series – with previous editions selling out quickly.

After extensive sampling, cask No. 811, filled in December 2013, was selected by our Production Manager as the cask that best captures Wolfburn’s character. Matured quietly in Warehouse No. 1 for twelve years, this single cask was bottled at natural cask strength (55.2% ABV), yielding just 874 individually numbered bottles.

Dark in colour and full-bodied, this 12-year-old single malt delivers rich layers of golden syrup, treacle, dates and raisins, balanced by Wolfburn’s signature soft floral notes. Bottled non chill-filtered and of natural colour, it is a confident, luxurious dram that reflects both time and craft.

Given the limited run and strong demand for previous Anniversary releases, availability is expected to be short. Purchases are limited to two bottles per customer.

The Wolfburn Team

We often say ‘expect the unexpected’ when talking about ‘Heresy’ and this trio is a great example. There’s peated sherry cask-matured delights in Underwater Barbecue, sweet hoppy notes from Frazzle Dazzle’s smoked barley wine cask and simply stunning Cognac-inspired maturation in the 25-year-old, Fruit Utopia.

READ MORE

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Balblair 10 Year Old “K&L Liquors” Ex-Cognac Octaves Finished Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $39.99 View

This product is estimated to be available for delivery or pickup by 05/31/2026.

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

The Good Dram Show – Episode 625 ‘Another Viewers Choice!’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show. It’s yet another viewers choice episode, with the samples kindly sent by Ian Sunderland. A big thanks for those. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum. Episode 625 – Dr Sunderland… I Presume..! Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

Featuring

Glenglassaugh ‘The Family Silver’ 1973 (25 year old) 40%
www.glenglassaugh.com

Lombard Jewels of Scotland Glen Keith 1985 (30 year old) 41.9%
www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/lo

Springbank Hazelburn 10 year old 46%
Springbank 10 year old ‘Open Day 2024’ 57.1%
www.springbank.scot

Highland Park ‘Single Cask Series’ 2005 (14 year old) 57.8%
www.highlandparkwhisky.com

Cadenhead’s Enigma 2008 (15 year old) Blended Campbeltown Malt 48.2%
www.cadenhead.scot

Filmed & Edited by Chris Goodrum

Scotland’s whisky dynasty returns to distilling and unveils Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aberargie, Scotland, Perthshire-based Aberargie Distillery has unveiled its inaugural single malt Scotch Whisky, marking the Morrison family’s long-awaited return to distilling and introducing a true barley-to-bottle release crafted entirely on its family-owned farm.

Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Inaugural release will be available globally at specialist whisky retailers from 3rd March, priced at an RRP of £65. With the first casks filled in 2017, the debut release signals the Morrisons’ return to single malt production after more than three decades, a significant milestone for one of Scotland’s longest-established whisky dynasties.

Aberargie’s packaging and visual identity have been developed in partnership with Kingdom & Sparrow, drawing inspiration from the distillery’s location, its pot stills, and its modus operandi. The result is a timeless design featuring a bespoke glass bottle with embossed lettering and a commemorative leather neck tag created to mark the release. Produced in collaboration with Verallia UK, the bottle reflects the family’s approach to Scotch whisky. A defining horizon line runs across the label and carton in rich verdant green, with gold accents that evoke the surrounding farmland and a strong sense of place. The label also pays tribute to Aberargie’s stillhouse, placing the distillery at the centre of the brand story.

Distilled using barley grown on their own 300-acre farm, the inaugural release embodies Aberargie’s barley-to-bottle philosophy, offering a rare level of control from field to final fill. The whisky is made with a mash bill of 52% Golden Promise and 48% Laureate barley grown on family farms, then matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry casks, creating what the distillery describes as a house style built from the ground up. Bottled at 48.2% ABV, it is non-chill-filtered and presented without added colour. Tasting notes highlight baked apple and golden pastry, followed by sultanas and prunes, with a lingering herbal finish.

Set on the border between the Highland and Lowland regions, Aberargie is difficult to classify stylistically and is shaped as much by its farm setting as by its stillhouse, which stands tall in front of rolling barley fields. As an independent, family-run operation, the distillery manages every stage of production on-site, from field to bottle, including distilling, warehousing, and bottling.

Niel Hendriksz, Managing Director of Aberargie Distillery, said:

“Our first casks were laid down in 2017, and we’ve been patiently waiting for our whisky to be ready. After nearly a decade, the moment feels right to share Aberargie Single Malt Inaugural with the world. It’s a true barley-to-bottle single malt that honours the Morrison family’s distilling heritage while setting a clear direction for the future.”

Tasting Notes

Rich and layered with notes of baked apple and golden pastry, balanced by succulent sultanas and prunes with a lingering herbal finish

Bottle Non chill filtered 48.2%  ABV

Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Inaugural release will be available from specialist whisky retailers from 3rd March 2026 at the RRP of £65. For exclusive first information, sign up to Aberargie Distillery via www.aberargie.com

Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Release: 3rd March 2026
Availability: Specialist whisky retailers worldwide
Early Access Registration: www.aberargie.com
Social: @aberargie on Facebook and Instagram
Vimeo:  https://vimeo.com/1140006339

About Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is an independent, family-owned company based in Perth, Scotland. Rebranded in 2020, MSWD represents five generations of Morrison whisky heritage under one name, with a focus on single malt production, brand development, blending and bottling. Its flagship brands include Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr and Bruadar.

At the heart of MSWD’s operations is Aberargie Distillery, built on a family-owned farm near Perth. From the first fill in 2017, the distillery represents the Morrison family’s return to distilling after the 1994 sale of Morrison Bowmore to Suntory. The first release of Aberargie will launch in March 2026; this is the cornerstone of the business.

About: Golden Promise

Aberargie is one of the few distilleries in Scotland to operate a barley-to-bottle philosophy, using heritage Golden Promise barley grown on the fields in front of the distillery, as well as Laureate barley from the two other family farms.

This approach allows Aberargie to oversee the quality of raw materials from the outset. All barley varieties are grown to the family’s own standards, with full provenance, terroir and traceability embedded across the seed to spirit process.

Central to the distillery’s production philosophy is Golden Promise, the heritage barley variety once favoured by leading Scotch producers throughout the 1960s and 70s. Although lower-yielding than modern strains, Golden Promise is grown at Aberargie for its flavour benefits, producing a full-bodied, malty new-make spirit with notable oiliness and depth.

Morrison Family

Among Scotland’s longest-established whisky families, the Morrisons’ name is woven into the fabric of Scotch, with five generations working as grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers, and distillers. From managing iconic distilleries to creating award-winning brands, their legacy is one of craftsmanship and tradition.

Welcome one and all to our now live 177th auction! We have thousands of high-quality drams to choose from this month, so fear not we’ll get that drinks cabinet restocked in no time after the carnage of Christmas. To get you on your way we have picked out a few special expressions to get your watchlists started.

Littlemill Testament to the Past with Matching Mini 5cl

First up is a dram so rare this is the first time we have auctioned it in 177 auctions, this is the inimitable Littlemill Testament to the Past with Matching Mini 5cl. Only 250 bottles of this 44 year old Testament Release were created. Each one is housed in a hand-blown decanter and accompanied by a dress stopper made from natural sandstone rescued from the remains of the distillery. Not only that, the matching mini gives the buyer the chance to sample the goods while still retaining the full bottle.

Highland Park 50 Year Old 2020 Release

Now for something special from the far north, this is the Highland Park 50 Year Old 2020 Release. This incredible dram began life as a marriage of nine refill casks which were first laid down in 1968. After ageing for nearly four decades they were matured for a further 12 years in first fill sherry casks. And to top it all off the resulting whisky was then married with some of the 2018 50 year old which had been kept back specifically for this purpose. If this deliciously convoluted dram doesn’t float your boat then I don’t know what will.

Glenturret 30 Year Old

While the good folks at Glenturret have been quietly reinventing themselves as a high-end luxury dram and destination (not one, but two Michelin stars thank you very much) since they were purchased by the Lalique Group in 2019, this Glenturret 30 Year Old serves as a reminder that their output has always been really rather good. A great way to taste a well-aged classic for a fraction of the cost of the current iteration of their 30 year old.

Macallan Fine and Rare 1949 53 Year Old

Our final bottle needs little introduction, this is the Macallan Fine and Rare 1949 53 Year Old. A bottle of timeless grace and sophistication, this unfussy gem from one of Scotland’s most celebrated (and collectable) distilleries. There were 57 vintages released in the ‘Fine and Rare’ collection, with this 53 year old having been distilled in 1949 before finally being released in 2002. Ever popular with collectors and drinkers alike, the Macallan juggernaut shows no signs of stopping.

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.

Poitin Now has hit the road for 2026

4 Tastings in 4 Provinces

The exciting new approach from Poitín Now will see all of the best poitín in Ireland being celebrated in a regional way and therefore bringing the festival, and our native spirit, to be accessible in a more regional way for all participants.

These regions all boast quality food and accommodation venues or are easily accesed through mini bus or lift shares for many with ample parking. We look forward to seeing you at Molly’s Bar in Warrenpoint for the first of these brilliant tastings.

Location: Molly’s Bar, Warrenpoing
Date: Saturday, Mar 7 from 4 pm to 6 pm GMT

Buy your Poitín Now Ticket Here

Isle of Raasay Distillery

Isle of Raasay – The Chinkapin

ABV: 50.2% 70 cL

ralfy review 1117 Extras – The alcohol risk that waits for us all !