Indri single malt Indian whisky unveils Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026 Ruby Port Cask

India’s premium single malt whisky, Indri has unveiled the Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026 Ruby Port Cask, the latest chapter in the limited annual release collection celebrating India’s vibrant spirit.

Produced in the village of Indri, Haryana, near the foothills of the Himalayas, the 2026 release captures the essence of Diwali through an artfully crafted whisky and striking presentation, with artwork inspired by India’s royal heritage as a symbol of light, culture and joy.

Indri master blender Surrinder Kumar crafted the collection in small batches from indigenous six-row Indian barley. Marking the fourth edition, the 2026 expression is matured in hand-selected Ruby Port casks from Portugal, prized for their rich, characterful and sweet wines.

Distilled in traditional copper pot stills, the single malt matures in Indri’s subtropical climate of northern India, where hot summers and cool winters shape a rich, distinctive spirit that sets it apart from distilleries in India’s tropical southern regions.

Bottled at a cask strength of 58.5% ABV, aromas of black cherries, wild berries and ripe plums give way to a silken palate of honeyed fruits and roasted nuts, enriched by hints of toffee, vanilla and figs, culminating in a long, fruity finish.

Surrinder Kumar, Master Blender for Indri, said: “The Diwali Collector’s Edition pushes the boundaries of Indian single malt, while staying true to what makes it distinctly Indri, and has been consistently recognised in international awards. This year’s Ruby Port Cask expression offers a new dimension, drawing on the depth and character of Portugal’s wine casks, shaped by the unique climate here at Indri. The 2026 release brings together whisky and artistry in a collector’s masterpiece celebrating heritage, craftsmanship and the spirit of modern India.”

The packaging features intricate artwork by Indian designer, Krsnaa Mehta. Drawing on India’s royal heritage and traditional miniature paintings, Krsnaa reimagines a captivating visual narrative through a rich palette of jewel tones, delicate florals and bold contrasts to depict the celebratory spirit of Diwali.

At its heart, the majestic Marwari horse – a symbol of royal heritage – and its foal move in graceful unison, portraying nobility, legacy and continuity, mirroring the layered character of the whisky itself. Rooted in the storytelling tradition of miniature art, where the grandest stories unfold within the smallest frames, every motif and detail is intentional.

Since the first edition launched in 2023, the Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition has won 29 awards across the globe. Key highlights include the 2023 Peated PX Sherry Cask edition achieving Best in Show Double Gold at the Whiskies of the World Awards 2023, while the 2025 Marsala Cask release was named Best World Whisky at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards 2025, with a score of 99.1 points out of 100, and received a Gold medal at The Design & Packaging Masters 2025 for its presentation.

The 2026 Ruby Port Cask edition is already making waves internationally, having received six awards to date including Gold at the World Whisky Masters and the New York World Spirits Competition.

The release is available in the UK from selected specialist whisky retailers including Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop and The Whisky Exchange. Limited to just 180 individually numbered bottles in the UK, it has an RRP of £200. For further information about Indri, visit https://www.indri.in/

Tasting Notes

Nose: An inviting bouquet of fresh black and red fruits, led by black cherries, blackberries and ripe plums. Layers of raisins, figs and dried fruits unfold beneath, complemented by notes of toffee and vanilla that lend a rich, lingering sweetness to the nose.

Palate: A burst of luscious fruit and honey greets the palate, evolving into rich notes and dried fruits, almonds and hazelnuts. Hints of cinnamon, sweet spice and oak lactones add depth and complexity, while nuances of figs and liquorice emerge gracefully, creating a beautifully layered experience.

Finish: Full-bodied and velvety, with rounded sweetness and a firm structure. Gentle oak lactones linger alongside rich full notes, culminating in a long, smooth and elegant finish.

About Indri

Indri single malt Indian whisky was launched in 2022 by Piccadily Agro Industries Limited (PAIL) aimed at catering to discerning consumers who appreciate quality and craftsmanship in spirits and became the ‘fastest growing single malt whisky brand’ in 2024

PAIL is a publicly listed company operating primarily in two strategic business segments: Distillery and Sugar and has a manufacturing facility located in Indri, Haryana.

PAIL has established itself as a key player in the alcoholic beverages industry, particularly renowned for its expertise in malt spirits. The company boasts a robust portfolio that includes premium expressions of Indri single malt whisky, blended malt whisky brands and Camikara, premium sugarcane juice aged rum.

www.indri.in / www.piccadily.com

Scotch Whisky 2026 Advent Calendar 25 Day

Discover 25 different Scotch whiskies, with 25 × 3cl bottles to explore throughout December. Taste a varied selection encompassing single malt, blended and peated Scotch whisky from across Scotland. Scan the QR code on each bottle to access a professionally produced guided tasting video, helping you discover the story and flavours behind every dram.

£134.99

We’ve journeyed into ‘Heresy’ many times since 2017. But after creating 43 small batches and blended malts, there was still one thing we hadn’t done: create a blended Scotch whisky. But that’s changed with Batch 44: The Blender’s notebook, the Society’s first blended Scotch whisky.

“If you’re going to create a Society Blended Scotch, you’d better go big or go home! It should be a high malt content blend with an old school character and pedigree,” said whisky director, Kai Ivalo.

The opportunity eventually presented itself in the form of a sherry butt filled with the blended base of a long-gone blended Scotch whisky that was still at batch strength. The rest came down to head of whisky Euan Campbell, who came up with a blend recipe that added some 27-year-old grain whisky and more malts around 18-year-old in bourbon, American oak PX and Spanish oak oloroso barrels and hogsheads.

The result is a complex and silky blend that’s 70% malt, 30% grain and 100% something you need to try while it’s here.

READ THE STORY

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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

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

Glendronach 14 Year Old Boynsmill House

Released to celebrate 200 years of Glendronach, Boynsmill House is a limited-edition 14-year-old single malt that honours the distillery’s rich history. Matured in a carefully selected combination of Pedro Ximénez, oloroso and claret casks, it brings together the depth of sherry cask maturation with a distinctive layer of character from the wine casks.

Luxurious and full of depth, expect bramble and stone fruit alongside dried fruit, toffee, malt, hazelnut and chocolate. A fitting anniversary release that showcases the richness and complexity for which Glendronach is known.

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The House of Suntory Unveils Hibiki® Japanese Harmony Limited-Edition Designed in Collaboration with Legendary Kimono House Chiso

New collectible release celebrates more than 470 years of Japanese artistry through a design inspired by traditional kimono craftsmanship

NEW YORK, NY Oct, 2026 – The House of Suntory, the Founding House of Japanese Whisky, today unveils Hibiki® Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited-Edition, Chiso Collaboration, a collectible release created with Chiso, one of the oldest and most revered Kyoto kimono houses founded in 1555. Bringing together two icons of Japanese artistry, the collaboration unites Hibiki’s renowned art of blending with Chiso’s nearly 470-year legacy of the kimono through a bespoke floral design inspired by Japan’s changing seasons.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony | 2026 Limited-Edition, Chiso Collaboration

The collectible Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited-Edition features Hibiki’s iconic 24-faceted bottle, representing Japan’s 24 traditional micro-seasons, reimagined by Chiso, which has preserved the art of yuzen silk dyeing while continually evolving the craft through contemporary design and techniques.

The limited-edition bottle is adorned with vibrant jewel-toned floral motifs featuring tachibana, (evergreen citrus) symbolizing enduring prosperity; kiri (paulownia), representing good fortune and nobility; sakura (cherry blossoms), celebrating the beauty of the seasons and renewal; and ume (plum blossoms) and tsubaki (camellias), emblems of longevity and timeless vitality. Rich gold, crimson, emerald, indigo and soft blush accents transform the bottle into a collectible work of art, celebrating the shared pursuit of Japanese craftsmanship that has defined both houses for generations.

Following acclaimed partnerships with Japanese artists Eriko Horiki and Hiroshi Senju, the Chiso release continues Hibiki Whisky’s longstanding tradition of celebrating Japanese artistry through creative collaboration. The partnership is brought to life through a behind-the-scenes film, as well as a Chiso kimono installation at New York’s JFK Airport Terminal 1 timed to its opening.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Blend & Tasting Notes

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is best enjoyed over a ‘Marugori’ hand-carved ice ball.

• Color: Amber

• Nose: Honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate

• Taste: Rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood

• Finish: Subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak)

Availability and Pricing

Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited-Edition, Chiso Collaboration is bottled at 43% ABV and will be available beginning October 1, 2026, across key global markets including the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Northern Europe, Australia, Singapore, China, Taiwan and South Korea, with a suggested retail price of $135–$150 USD, depending on market. For more information on Hibiki, please visit https://house.suntory.com/hibiki-whisky

About The House of Suntory  

Suntory is renowned as the founding house of Japanese Whisky, beginning with Shinjiro Torii’s creation of Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki in 1923 and carried forward by his son, Keizo Saji, founder of the Hakushu and Chita Distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation.

Today, The House of Suntory continues to craft award-winning spirits, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Chita®, Kakubin®, Hibiki®, and Suntory Whisky Toki™. All 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan, in full compliance with the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) standards. The House of Suntory also includes Roku™ Japanese Gin, Haku™ Japanese Vodka, and Kanáde Japanese Liqueur, reflecting the same dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation that have defined Suntory for over a century.

In 2025, Yamazaki® made history at the International Spirits Challenge as the first brand to win Supreme Champion Spirit three years in a row, and in 2024, Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was named Master Blender of the Year. Furthering this legacy of excellence, the Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery, home to Roku Gin, Haku Vodka and Kanáde Japanese Liqueur was awarded the 2025 Liqueur Producer Trophy by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). The House of Suntory will open the Osaka Craft Distillery to the public for the first time in 2026.

About Suntory Global Spirits  

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium American whiskeys, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki® and Hibiki®; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequilas and Roku® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Bartender Created Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare  and Giving Back to Society, and aims to have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

About Chiso Kimono House

Founded in Kyoto in 1555, Chiso is one of Japan’s oldest family-run kimono houses and a leading example of Japanese artistry. Renowned for its mastery of Kyo-Yuzen, a hand-dyeing technique producing garments that resemble hand-painted works of art, Chiso creates meticulously crafted kimonos with precision and elegance.

While rooted in tradition, Chiso engages with contemporary culture through collaborations with artists, designers, and cultural institutions. Its Institute for Chiso Arts and Culture, flagship store, and creative subsidiary ensure the preservation and evolution of its craft.

In 2026, Chiso partners with the House of Suntory’s Hibiki whisky to create a monumental kimono installation and custom piece, uniting two legacies of Japanese artistry through a shared dedication to nature, time, and artistry.

Three Ridings Inaugural Release Collector’s Edition English Single Malt Whisky

Three Ridings Inaugural Release marks the first single malt English whisky from Ellers Farm Distillery in North Yorkshire. Created entirely in Yorkshire, the whisky brings together three specialist makers: Yorkshire-grown barley is malted by Thomas Fawcett & Sons in Castleford, brewed by T&R Theakston in Masham, then distilled, matured and blended at Ellers Farm Distillery near York.

Matured in carefully selected ex-bourbon American oak casks and bottled at a robust 57.9% ABV, the First Release showcases the rich, fruit-led character developed throughout its maturation. Just 1,000 individually numbered bottles have been produced, marking an important milestone for Ellers Farm and the beginning of the Three Ridings story. The name pays tribute to Yorkshire’s historic East, North and West Ridings, reflecting a whisky shaped by the county from grain to glass.

Islay Gold 10 Year Old

A Little Islay Gold at an Exceptional Price

£29.00

Great whisky doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. Introducing Islay Gold 10 Year Old, a wonderfully smoky single malt Scotch whisky offering classic Islay character for just £29GBP; also exceptional value in other local currecnies at TWB*.​

Produced by Ian Macleod from an undisclosed Islay distillery (although whispers point towards a certain famous distillery overlooking the Sound of Islay), this 10 year old delivers peat smoke, coastal sea salt, gentle spice and a touch of honeyed sweetness.

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Recognised internationally at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), it’s a whisky with both quality and value firmly on its side.​

Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, a bottle to share around the table, something to add to your collection or simply a dependable smoky single malt for the whisky shelf, Islay Gold ticks all the boxes.

We think this is one of those bottles worth having a spare of!​

Age vs. Flavour

Under Scotch whisky regulations, only the age of the youngest whisky in a blend is allowed to be listed on the label. Yet the most interesting blends often contain whiskies of many different ages, each one bringing something distinct to the flavour. At Compass Box, we’ve always done things differently, more transparently. Since 2000, we’ve shared the full recipe of every whisky we make – because drinkers deserve to know exactly what’s in their glass. We don’t do age statements, unless we’re making a statement. This year marks ten years since we first campaigned for greater transparency in Scotch.

Something is coming

ralfy review 1151 – Nc’Nean Malted Teacake @48.5%vol: (Organic)