Glencadam Distillery welcomes new manager following launch of multi-million pound visitor centre

Glencadam Distillery has appointed Will Stafford as its new Distillery Manager, marking the next phase in its growth following the distillery’s 200th anniversary celebrations.

Will brings extensive hands‑on distilling experience to the East Highlands site, with over 14 years in the Irish and Scottish spirits industry, and more than nine in distillery operations. Will joins Glencadam from Hinch Distillery, where he served as the inaugural Distillery Manager and Head Distiller from 2021 to 2026, having played a central role in designing, building and commissioning the distillery, as well as implementing and managing a major capacity increase.

Prior to this, he held senior distilling roles at Copeland Distillery and The Boatyard Distillery, contributing to the development and commissioning of three whiskey-producing sites in Ireland.

His appointment at Glencadam comes at a time of continued investment in the brand’s future, following the successful launch of its new state‑of‑the‑art visitor centre in Brechin late last year, which has already welcomed guests from around the world to explore 200 years of the distillery’s story, craft and character.

Will’s career spans every stage of whisky production, from raw material sourcing and distillation through to maturation and site logistics. Having worked across both highly automated and fully manual distilleries, Will has a rare breadth of operational understanding and appreciation for traditional production methods.

Will Stafford, Glencadam Distillery Manager, said: “I’ve been fortunate to help design, build and commission several distilleries, but Glencadam’s heritage, its commitment to traditional craft and the consistency of its spirit make it truly special. Having worked across both automated and manual distilleries, the chance to return to a completely manual plant with such history and character was something I couldn’t pass up.

“My focus will be on protecting the character and quality that has defined Glencadam for two centuries, while supporting the team as the distillery continues to evolve in its next chapter.”

Founded in 1825, Glencadam is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, renowned for its unwavering commitment to traditional production methods that have remained unchanged for two centuries. Will’s arrival reinforces the distillery’s focus on quality and heritage as it looks ahead to the next 200 years.

To find out more about Glencadam Distillery and to book tours and tasting experiences at the new visitor centre, visit www.GlencadamWhisky.com or follow on social @GlencadamWhisky.

Glencadam Distillery

Established in 1825, Glencadam Distillery is steeped in history, heritage and tradition, handcrafting single malt Scotch whisky in a process that’s remained unchanged for over 200 years. In 2021, Glencadam Distillery re-installed a working internal waterwheel, modelled on the original which was used to power the distillery back in in 1825.

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Glencadam was mothballed for several years before it was purchased and re-opened by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003.

Today, Glencadam’s multi-award-winning range includes American Oak Reserve, Reserva Andalucía, the 10-Year-Old, 13-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old expressions, as well as a series of special cask finishes.

Visit www.glencadamwhisky.com to find out more.

Glencadam Distillery Visitor Centre

Glencadam’s state-of-the-art visitor centre opened its doors in November, inviting visitors to explore two centuries of craftsmanship with an intimate look behind the scenes of this storied distillery.

Guests can enjoy guided tours, tutored tastings and an interactive exhibition, tracing Glencadam’s journey from its 1825 origins to its place among Scotland’s most celebrated single malts today. The new brand home also features a whisky lounge, café, retail shop and function suite, blending tradition with modern hospitality to attract more visitors to Brechin and the surrounding area.

To find out more and book a tour, visit: https://www.glencadamwhisky.com/pages/visitor-centre

JULY 2026 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

Our latest whisky auction is now live, featuring an exceptional lineup of rare, collectible and highly sought-after bottles. One of this month’s highlights is a remarkable release from the lost Speyside distillery, Dallas Dhu. Distilled in 1982 – barely a year before the distillery closed – this rare single cask expression spent 24 years maturing before being drawn from Cask #3739 and bottled at natural cask strength for Historic Scotland. With only 590 bottles produced, it represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Scotland’s whisky heritage.

Another gem among this month’s standout lots is a remarkable vintage Macallan, distilled in 1965 and bottled as a 17 Year Old – one of the celebrated releases that paved the way for the now-iconic 18 Year Old. Matured exclusively in sherry casks, these expressions were produced annually throughout the early 1980s before the inaugural 18 Year Old was introduced in 1985. Early Macallan bottlings of this calibre are becoming increasingly difficult to source, appearing less frequently at auction as demand for the distillery’s historic releases continues to grow. A rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a significant piece of Macallan’s rich legacy.

One of this month’s most distinctive highlights is a rare Oban Manager’s Dram, bottled at natural cask strength in 1991 to commemorate the distillery’s 200th anniversary. Distilled at Oban and matured in sherry casks, this exceptional release was selected from some of the distillery’s finest casks by the distillery manager. Traditionally reserved for employees within what is now the Diageo distillery portfolio, Manager’s Drams have long been revered for their quality, exclusivity and limited availability. Anniversary bottlings such as this are particularly sought after, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire one of Oban’s most celebrated releases.

A superb example of long-aged sherry-matured GlenAllachie, this 1989 vintage spent 31 years maturing in a single Oloroso sherry hogshead (Cask #6118) before being bottled at natural cask strength exclusively for the UK market in 2020. Limited to just 339 bottles, this single cask release offers collectors a rare opportunity to secure an outstanding expression from one of Speyside’s most respected modern distilleries.

These featured bottles are just a taste of what’s on offer in our July Auction. Explore the full catalogue at clickwhiskyauctions.com to discover even more rare and collectible whiskies.

Register to bid today and don’t miss your opportunity to add something exceptional to your collection. Bidding closes from 8pm BST on Sunday, 19th July.

2200 Fillmore St.

SF, CA 94115

415.346.1325

www.dandm.com

LIMITED RELEASES OF HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER AGED BOURBONS NOW AVAILABLE!

We are excited to announce that we have just received a limited allocation of a newly-released trio from King of Kentucky which are must-haves for lovers of well-aged, high-pedigree Bourbon.​

King of Kentucky was established in 1881 by John Roach, a distiller, entrepreneur, and avid horse-racing enthusiast who named it for his favorite sport. It was conceived as a single barrel expression of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey until, after the brand was acquired by Brown-Forman (B-F) in 1936, it was converted to a blended whiskey.​

B-F decided to discontine the King in 1968 but, exactly 50 years later, revived the lapsed label, paying homage to the its past and converting it back to the original concept of an annual limited release single barrel featuring older whiskeys from the company’s precious stock. For the first time since that 2018 revival, this year’s releases include a trio of batched expressions, all made from the same mash bill (75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley) and each comprised of a blend of ~100 barrels aged for 12-18 years across several of the distillery’s warehouses. The primary differentiating factor across the trio is the batch proof which, according to Master Distiller Emeriti Chris Morris, highlights specific aspects of each blend. This new approach allows the company to tap into reserve stock barrels that, due to evaporation over time, individually would not be viable candidates for a single barrel release. However, incorporated into carefully composed blends, yield outstanding results. Later in the year, the single barrel offerings will be released.

While it is yet to be determined whether the batched releases will continue as an annual offering, critical review of these releases suggest that B-F has a winner on their hands. We invite you to check out details below and claim your bottles quickly as they will disappear fast.

Cheers!

King of Kentucky 12 Year Batch #1 $349.99

Shop now

King of Kentucky 12 Year Batch #2 $349.99

Shop now

King of Kentucky 12 Year Batch #3

$349.99

Shop now

OUR CLUB PROGRAMS

Here at D&M we are passionate about American Whiskey and Single Malt Scotch. To help make our passions a little easier on your (and our) pocketbook, we have come up with a number of different buying clubs. The purpose of these clubs is to explore these wonderful beverages, trying new things, and to save money. Click HERE to learn more about our club options.

 Tamdhu 21 Year Old named Overall Winner

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

We’ve been having a great time at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, and I wanted to share some news with you directly. At the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards, Tamdhu 21 Year Old was named Overall Winner – a special moment for a whisky we’ve nurtured with great care. The recognition was echoed by Forbes, who praised its balance, depth, and clarity of character.

I was also delighted to see Tamdhu Distinction III awarded Gold in the Non‑Age Statement category.

Collecting these awards was a proud moment for all of us at Tamdhu. They reflect a commitment we’ve never wavered from: a single malt dedicated entirely to sherry oak, made patiently and with purpose. If you have a dram open, I hope you enjoy it all the more. And if not, there’s never been a finer moment to pour one.

ralfy review 1136 – Old Perth 41yo @45.3%vol: (Re-reviewed 2026)

Lancaster Spirits Co. Ventures into Peated Single Malt Whisky with an Experimental 2026 Series

Lancaster Spirits Co. is thrilled to announce another landmark step in its journey as a distillery: the launch of a limited experimental peated single malt whisky programme, marking the first time the distillery has ventured into the world of smoky, phenolic spirit.

Still in its early years and with its first aged single malt not expected to reach the market until 2027 at the earliest, Lancaster Spirits Co is already looking to the future. The distillery will embark on a four-week peated whisky trial in 2026, producing an exclusive series of peated spirits at varying levels of peat influence, a bold move that demonstrates the ambition and forward-thinking approach at the heart of the Lancaster Spirits Co story. The programme is designed to explore the full spectrum of smoke-driven flavour and expand the distillery’s creative range before its first whisky even reaches the shelf.

Peated malt is measured in parts per million (PPM), a unit that quantifies the level of phenol, or smoke flavour, present in the barley following the peat-smoking process. For this trial, Lancaster Spirits Co will work with peated malt sourced from Crisp Maltings, starting at 50 PPM, producing a spirit with a notably robust and characterful smoky profile.

Over the course of the four-week trial, the distillery will fill five first-fill bourbon barrels per week, yielding a total of just 20 barrels of peated single malt for 2026. Each 200-litre bourbon barrel will be filled at 63.5% ABV, consistent with Lancaster Spirits Co’s existing unpeated spirit, and will be laid down for a minimum of three years before it can be legally considered single malt whisky. The new-make spirit will not be released for bottling at this stage.

Should the trial prove successful, the distillery intends to introduce peated production as an annual fixture, potentially extending to a four or six-week run in future years.

The move into peated spirit is driven by a desire to push the boundaries of what Lancaster Spirits Co can offer its customers and the wider whisky community. Not only that, but the move also widens the spectrum of flavour profiles available to the distillery’s master blender, Max McFarlane, enabling him to experiment with a wide variety of aromas, textures and tastes when creating future expressions.

By introducing peated spirit into the distillery’s inventory, Lancaster Spirits Co gains an entirely new dimension of character to work with, from subtle earthy and smoky notes to richer, more intense peat influences. This added versatility provides greater creative freedom in both blending and maturation, allowing the team to craft more complex and distinctive whiskies that appeal to a broader range of whisky drinkers.

It also opens the door to innovative cask combinations and limited-edition releases, giving the distillery further opportunities to showcase its craftsmanship while continuing to evolve its house style. Ultimately, the introduction of peated spirit strengthens Lancaster Spirits Co’s ability to create unique, flavour-led whiskies that stand out in an increasingly diverse and competitive market.

“This is a genuinely exciting milestone for us as a distillery. Producing a peated spirit opens up a whole new world of flavour, allowing us to create a wider spectrum of depth and character within our single malt range. We’ve been careful and deliberate in our approach, which is why we’re starting with an experimental series rather than diving headfirst into full-scale production. We want to do this properly, learn from each barrel, and ultimately create something we, and our customers, are truly proud of.” Chris Pateman, Commercial Manager, Lancaster Spirits Co.

A small allocation of the 20 barrels will be made available for purchase, with casks priced at £4,200 each, consistent with the distillery’s existing first-fill bourbon barrel offering. Interest has already been significant: several casks have been pre-sold ahead of this announcement, and availability is expected to be limited.

Those interested in securing one of the remaining casks are encouraged to get in touch with the distillery directly as soon as possible.

Lancaster Spirits Co is an independent distillery based in Lancaster, England, dedicated to producing high-quality single malt spirit with a focus on craft, character, and transparency. The distillery’s unpeated single malt has built a loyal following, and the 2026 peated trial represents an exciting new chapter in its ongoing story.

To secure a cask, explore Lancaster Spirits Co’s spirits, or book a distillery tour, visit lancasterspirits.co.uk

Our collection schedule for July 2026 has now been finalised.  Please complete the form HERE to  register your interest in our free collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 13th July 2026.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.

A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc. VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Ardbeg “Dolce” 2026 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

$99.99

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

If last month was about the less traditional, this month it’s all about the unconventional. This July we’re getting into the experimental stuff exploring different cask types, maturation journeys and unusual flavours. Sit back and enjoy the journey – whether it’s on holiday or simply in your back garden on a sunny afternoon. Our July Outturn is live – enjoy it!

TAKE ME TO THE BOTTLES

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