THE BORDERS DISTILLERY ROLLS OUT REVOLUTIONARY TECH AHEAD OF SINGLE MALT LAUNCH

Utilising new technology, the Hawick-based distillery will be able to track production from end to end through an advanced online platform

The Borders Distillery has introduced the revolutionary, cloud based technology, Bottle ERP, in a move that will allow it to achieve its growth ambitions ahead of the release of its first single malt Scotch whisky.

Partnering with premier consulting firm Catalyst ERP, the distillery has implemented Bottle ERP, a comprehensive spirit management solution designed to streamline business and operational efficiencies. Powered by NetSuite’s world-leading cloud platform, Bottle ERP equips the team to track the journey from field to glass with greater clarity and control, while strengthening quality assurance, customer engagement and cask management. The platform also includes the fully integrated warehouse management solution, WMS Go.

At the forefront of the spirits industry’s digital revolution, the transformation comes at a pivotal time for The Borders Distillery. Established in Hawick in 2018, the distillery has brought the craft of Scotch whisky making back to the Scottish Borders for the first time since 1837 and is currently gearing up to launch its first single malt Scotch.

The introduction of Bottle ERP is just one part of a wider investment project at The Borders Distillery, as the company pursues its ambitious goals of becoming a household name in Scotch whisky.

David Shuttleworth, distiller at The Borders Distillery, commented:

“Implementing Catalyst’s Bottle ERP is just the beginning; we’ve now laid down a foundation from which we will begin to build our virtual distillery on. Working in partnership with Catalyst, we’re building a system that has long been sought after within the whisky industry – covering the whole process from end to end. I strongly believe the system will be transformative for The Borders Distillery and shows what collective thinking and collaborative working can achieve – particularly in an industry which craves technological advances.”

Nathan Cahoon, Chief Operating Officer of The Borders Distillery, added:

“Through our work with Catalyst we have delivered a full digital transformation within the distillery – allowing our team to follow the production journey from ingredients through to cask selection, maturation and, eventually, bottling. Being able to track and demonstrate the provenance of our whisky is more important now than ever before, and Bottle ERP allows us to do this seamlessly. At The Borders Distillery we bring together industry traditions with a forward-thinking approach, allowing us to address consumer demands on a global scale.”

The release of The Borders Distillery’s Single Malt will rely heavily on the smooth implementation of the company’s new Bottle ERP system, ensuring the distillery has a product that is fit for modern consumption.

Sam A’Bear, Catalyst Bottle ERP – Sales Manager, Distillery Specialist said:

“The implementation of Bottle ERP is transforming how distilleries operate and is driving digital innovation across the whisky industry. By connecting every stage of production, from grain sourcing through to bottling and beyond, Bottle ERP brings together all aspects of a distillery’s operations within one unified system. The platform empowers producers with unprecedented visibility, traceability and control over their processes. The Borders Distillery is leading by example, demonstrating how technology can enhance tradition. Their adoption of Bottle ERP shows that data and craftsmanship can work hand in hand to produce world-class whisky with complete provenance.”

The launch of The Borders Distillery’s first Single Malt Scotch is imminent. As the first distillery to operate in the region for nearly 200 years, the Hawick-based distillery’s focus is to proudly showcase the exceptional quality and creativity the long-untouched whisky region has to offer.

Over the past seven years, the company has nurtured and trained a new generation of in-house distillers. In that time, it has laid down a fruit-forward spirit made exclusively from barley grown within 35 miles of the distillery, through the Borders Growers & Distillers programme in partnership with Simpsons Malt.

For more information on The Borders Distillery, visit www.thebordersdistillery.com.

For more information on Catalyst ERP, visit https://catalyst-erp.co.uk/

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The Borders Distillery:

Nestled in the heart of the historic and picturesque town of Hawick, The Borders Distillery is bringing the craft of Scotch Whisky making back to the Scottish Borders for the first time since 1837. By using its surroundings and talented people as its muse, the distillery aims to capture the spirit and heritage of the region by producing high quality spirits since its opening in 2018.

Catalyst ERP:

Catalyst ERP’s Bottle ERP empowers distilleries and spirits producers to run smarter, faster, and with greater control through a cloud-based platform built on NetSuite. Purpose-built for the drinks industry, it brings together production, finance, compliance, and reporting in one unified system. From HMRC duty management and cask tracking to real-time profitability insights, Bottle ERP gives distilleries the clarity and agility they need to grow with confidence.

Did you see us on TV?

We’re still buzzing from the incredible response to our appearance on ITV’s ‘James Martin’s Saturday Morning’.  A huge thank you to everyone who tuned in, sent such lovely messages and joined us as new followers.  And an extra-special thank you to the amazing Chef Richard Corrigan whose reaction to tasting our cream liqueur, The Norfolk Nog, was simply “It’s Perfect” 

Missed it? You can watch the episode again – click below.

WATCH EPISODE HERE

Our Best-Selling Whiskies

Our best-selling whiskies are favourites for a reason. Chosen time and again for their balance, character and depth, these bottles showcase the styles our customers return to year after year. From sherried single malts and softly smoky drams to beautifully balanced blends, this collection rewards both discovery and familiarity, whether you’re revisiting a classic or finding a new favourite.

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The details we await …

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Named Whisky Advocate’s 2025 “Whisky of the Year”

First-Ever Barrel Proof Rye from the Elijah Craig Family Earns the Top Spot in the Prestigious Whisky Advocate Top 20 Ranking

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  (December 2025) – Elijah Craig, the award-winning family of premium American Whiskeys, is proud to announce that Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye has been named Whisky Advocate’s 2025 Whisky of the Year, topping the publication’s coveted Top 20 list. This honor recognizes not only the exceptional quality of this inaugural Barrel Proof Rye release, but also Elijah Craig’s continued leadership in defining excellence within American Whiskey. It also adds to Heaven Hill’s distinguished barrel proof accolades, including Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon’s Whisky of the Year win in 2017 and Larceny Barrel Proof’s top ranking in 2020. Elijah Craig Rye is no stranger to the list—Elijah Craig Straight Rye debuted in the top ten in 2020 at No. 7—and this year’s recognition marks the first time a rye whiskey has earned Whisky Advocate’s highest honor, a historic achievement for both the brand and the category.

Released in September 2025 as the first Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in the Elijah Craig portfolio, this inaugural release showcases the brand’s signature balance of bold character, nuanced flavor, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, the team selected barrels that delivered extraordinary depth and approachability. Aged 12 years and 3 months and bottled at 108 proof, this uncut, non-chill filtered expression quickly earned praise from whiskey enthusiasts and critics alike.

As someone who helped bring the Elijah Craig brand to life and guide its growth for decades, Max L. Shapira holds a uniquely personal connection to this milestone. “To have Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye recognized as Whisky of the Year during our 90th anniversary year is profoundly meaningful,” said Shapira, Executive Chairman, Heaven Hill Brands. “For nine decades, our family has remained committed to elevating American Whiskey with patience, integrity, and a deep respect for tradition. This award is a remarkable tribute to the generations of craftspeople who have shaped Heaven Hill, and to the bright future of American Whiskey that we continue to build together.”

Crafted to showcase Rye Whiskey in its purest form, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye reveals aromas of baking spices, gingerbread, and molasses, followed by a complex palate of stewed fruits and cinnamon. The finish lingers with nutmeg and a generous burst of rye spice, delivering a warm, satisfying close that reflects its extended aging and meticulous barrel selection.

“We are honored to see Elijah Craig’s first-ever Barrel Proof Rye recognized at the highest level,” said Max Stefka, AVP Global Whiskey Brands for Heaven Hill. “To be chosen as Whisky of the Year is a proud milestone for our entire team and we thank Whisky Advocate for the recognition and the value they provide to all whiskey fans.”

Batch A925 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Elijah Craig’s Barrel Proof lineup and further expands the brand’s commitment to offering whiskeys in their purest, most distinctive form. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye is available nationwide in 750 ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $74.99.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon (aged 11+ years) and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com

A whisky tasting and live music gig with The Rhythm and Booze Project!

Sometimes an event comes along that shouldn’t be missed; this is one of those times.

SMWS Canada is beyond thrilled to welcome to Calgary, for one night only, The Rhythm & Booze Project, a blues duo out of the UK which incorporates whisky tastings into their roots, folk, and blues live music gigs. Blending infectious showmanship with their high-energy music, you’re in for an amazing evening of fantastic music and delicious SMWS whiskies.

Wednesday, January 14th

The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary)

$65 – doors open at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start (should wrap up around 9:30pm)

GET TICKETS HERE

Here’s a little teaser of what to expect (ignore the whiskies in the video; we’re pourin’ SMWS drams!):

Our First-Ever Caribou Crossing Barrel Pick
Caribou Crossing “K&L Exclusive”
Single Barrel #1329 Canadian Whisky (750ml) ($64.99)
“There’s something so inviting and friendly about this whisky that makes it dangerously easy to drink.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Caribou Crossing Whisky has become such a sought-after gem in California that collectors snap up every bottle as soon as it hits the shelves. So, when they offered me the chance to select a barrel, it was an easy yes. After tasting thousands of single barrels of cask-strength bourbon, it was surprising to choose an 80-proof Canadian whisky. I’m so accustomed to the intensity of cask-strength bourbons that this felt like a new adventure.

When the barrel finally arrived, I was taken aback by the way the Sazerac apparatus labels their barrels. Not only did they include the distillation date—Christmas Eve 2017—but they also listed the mashbill as “bourbon,” which it definitely is not. However, it does contain at least 51% corn distillate, which piqued my interest. Unlike bourbon, these whiskies aren’t subject to the same stringent regulatory requirements regarding new oak, distillation temperatures, and more. But when I opened our first bottle, I was surprised to find an unmistakable maple note on the nose. Had they sweetened it with maple syrup? Of course not—that would be absurd. But there’s something so inviting and friendly about this whisky that makes it dangerously easy to drink.

This would be the perfect bottle to crack open on Christmas Eve. Not only can you tell your guests it was distilled exactly eight years earlier, but the winter vibes are undeniable. Let’s dive in: The color is a classic chestnut (1.2). The nose brings maple wood and sweet caramel to the forefront, with hints of winter spices and stone fruit adding complexity. It’s not overly spicy, just warm and inviting. The palate is soft and round, with a pronounced maple sweetness, subtle stone fruit, caramel candies and hints of clove-y spice. After a day of drinking cask-strength bourbon, this feels like a refreshing change. It’s whisky that will appeal to nearly everyone. It’s not boring or one-dimensional per se; it has enough character to be interesting, but it won’t knock you off your chair. It’s the kind of whisky that’ll make everyone at the table happy, and the striking elk on the top will capture everyone’s attention when you drop it on the table.

–David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Caribou Crossing “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #1329 Canadian Whisky (750ml) ($64.99)

This rare, exclusive Caribou Crossing is the very first in K&L’s illustrious history. One of the very few Canadian single barrels on the market and indeed, it claims to be Canada’s very first single barrel whisky. Caribou has aptly been dubbed Canada’s answer to Blanton’s. Of course, just because there’s a cute little caribou on the cap does not make a legend. But for many years, Caribou has been one of the only Canadians to bridge the gap with diehard bourbon lovers. It doesn’t offer a replacement for Kentucky-style whisky, but rather a counterpoint to the powerful oak-forward character of its southern brethren. Expect this single barrel to deliver a beautifully refined and expressive profile, featuring appealing aromas of toasted vanilla, nougat, and rich caramel. There will inevitably be extreme interest in this rare and unique selection, but if you’re lucky enough to snag one, there’s no question it will be among the best Canada has to offer. This unique single barrel was hand selected by the team at K&L Wine Merchants representing one of the oldest offerings we’ve ever seen from the distillery and a very special one indeed: the Christmas Eve barrel. It was distilled on December 24th 2017, making it nearly 8 years old.

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

See you in 2026?

For the in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky courses in 2026, we’re delighted to be returning to Arniston House. Picture this. We’ve collected you from Edinburgh, it’s early but bacon rolls await. Spring is well and truly on the horizon and you’re sharing a ride with like-minded whisky lovers from all over the world. Step into Arniston and lose yourself in the intricacies of all things single malt with your adept whisky teacher, the one and only Vic Cameron (pictured). Deep study, a distillery visit, some sleep and 15 delicious samples later, you’ll be well equipped to sit your final assessment. See you there?

📖 Learn More

THREE ‘Better & Banger” Single Malt Scotch Whiskies for 2026