KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OFFICERS, DIRECTORS

2026 Board Poised to Write Kentucky Bourbon’s Next Chapter

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Gigi DaDan has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the 146-year-old non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

DaDan, General Manager of Louisville Distilling Co., which owns the Angel’s Envy brand and distillery, will serve through December. She succeeds Ken Lewis, founder of New Riff Distilling and member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame®.

“As I take on the role of Chair, I’m deeply grateful for the leaders who have poured their wisdom, passion, and innovation into the Bourbon industry,” said DaDan.

“Helping create thousands of memorable Bourbon experiences has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and stepping into this position feels both humbling and energizing. I’m honored to carry forward the legacy of America’s spirit and help build momentum for its rich, storied tradition as we grow stronger together.”

Founded in 1880, the KDA is recognized as the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to micro-distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

The KDA also owns and operates the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tourism program, which attracts millions of visitors from around the globe every year to its distillery destinations across the Commonwealth.

KDA President Eric Gregory, entering his 19th year leading the historic group, said he is eager to work alongside DaDan and the entire Board to define the future of Kentucky Bourbon and American whiskey throughout the world.

“Now more than ever, our homegrown industry must rely on the unity, history and camaraderie that have built Kentucky Bourbon into an economic and tourism powerhouse,” he said. “Our industry is resilient, and our heritage is priceless and unique.

“It’s an honor to work alongside Gigi, our Board and our 125 member distilleries and partners who understand that we are stronger by working together. Our shared vision and passion for Kentucky Bourbon will continue to pave the way for success.”

Alongside DaDan, the Board also named David Salmon, COO/Founder of Jackson Purchase Distillery, as Vice Chair; Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman Corp., as Treasurer; and Kaveh Zamanian, Founder, Rabbit Hole and Mary Dowling Whiskey at Pernod Ricard, as Secretary.

Other Board officers include Lewis as the Immediate Past Chair; Wally Dant, President and Distiller of Log Still Distillery, representing “Proof” level members; and Tom Bard, Co-Founder and CEO of The Bard Distillery, representing “Craft” level members.

Other Board members for 2026 include:

• Campari Group: Marco Barassi, Government Relations & Sustainability Director
• Castle & Key Distillery: Will Arvin, Co-Founder and Owner
• Diageo North America: Antoine Smith, Vice President of Distillation and Maturation North America
• Four Roses Distillery: Ryan Ashley, Chief Operating Officer
• Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.: Robert G. Downing III, Assistant General Counsel
• Lofted Spirits: Mark Erwin, Chief Executive Officer
• Lux Row Distillers: Landon Foster, Director – Visitor Experiences
• Michter’s Distillery: Andrea Wilson, Chief Operating Officer & Master of Maturation
• New Riff Distilling: Mollie Lewis, President
• Suntory Global Spirits: Crady deGolian, Director, Public Affairs
• Whiskey House of Kentucky: David Mandell, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
• White Dog Trading & Storage: Tyler Harris, President
• Willett Distillery: Britt Kulsveen, President

About Gigi DaDan:

Georgene (Gigi) DaDan of Louisville, KY, is a seasoned global marketing leader whose 20+ year career has shaped thousands of unforgettable Bourbon experiences for visitors near and far. A proud alumna of Indiana University, DaDan began her journey in consumer insights, holding key roles at Proctor & Gamble and Pepsi Co., where she honed her passion for strategic, consumer-driven marketing.

Her path eventually led her to Kentucky, where all roads lead to Bourbon. DaDan quickly became a devoted Bourbon enthusiast and industry expert. She went on to serve in several high-impact leadership positions, including Global Marketing Director at Beam Global Spirits & Wine and Vice President, Global Maker’s Mark.

Today, DaDan channels her vision and expertise as Executive Officer, Louisville Distilling Co. and General Manager, Angel’s Envy and D’USSÉ Cognac, where she continues to elevate Bourbon’s landscape. Her dynamic, creative approach to brand building has redefined Bourbon’s hospitality sector, now boasting 2.7M+ visitors each year.

DaDan has served on the KDA Board since January 2022, and in 2025 served as Vice Chair.

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

2009 Mortlach 16 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $109.99 View

Josh Gelfand Review  On my first trip to Scotland many years ago I was advised by a friend to check out this little whisky bar called the Blue Blazer in Edinburgh. I was new in the industry and looking to explore some whiskies on my last night in town. The night ultimately turned ridiculously epic after I befriended a group of street performers during Fringe Festival and let them kidnap me for a full night of shenanigans. But before they stormed the pub, I enjoyed a quiet few hours of exploration under the guidance of the bartender. The first whisky she poured was one that changed everything for me: a Mortlach 15-year-old from Gordon & MacPhail. At the time I barely knew the distillery, but in that moment it became my favorite, and it remains on my personal Mount Rushmore of Scottish producers to this day. There is something about the dense, waxy, oily spirit they create, most of which disappears into Johnnie Walker blends, that sets it apart from the rest. Is it the worm tub? Is it the quirky 2.81-times distillation using the Wee Witchie still, adding that extra copper contact on a fractional pass of the weak feints from the wash still? I mean, yeah, it’s probably all of that. I have never had a Mortlach, distillery bottled or independent, that I did not absolutely love. And this one is no exception. It is everything I want from a Mortlach and a little more. Beautiful honey greets you on the nose, and for a whisky sixteen years old, a surprising amount of roasted barley malt makes itself known. The sweet barley shines on the palate, with those rich, waxy oils carrying vanilla bean, heather, lemon balm, and soft hints of mint. The finish lingers with milk chocolate and the last traces of those lovely fusel oils coating your mouth. This one sticks with you in the best possible way. What an extraordinary cask pick we have here for you. Definitely do not miss out on this one.

Distilled July 20th, 2009. The Mortlach distillery is one of Scotland’s very best. Located in the heart of Speyside, this special distillery is very rarely found as a single malt. The little valley at the southern edge of Dufftown has been the location of a licensed distillery since 1823, but was most likely the site of illicit distillation long before that. It was Dufftown’s first legal distillery after excise reform and would anchor the town as one of Scotland’s most important distilling communities. The spirit was prized from the very beginning and was purchased by John Walker & Sons exactly 100 years after its founding. It remains a core element in the entire Johnnie Walker line, but the distillery did not get a widespread single malt expression until 2014, when two NAS expressions and two expensive age-stated offerings were released. They’ve since retooled the distillery line, and it remains one of Diageo’s most well-regarded offerings despite recent price increases.

2012 Laphroaig 13 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $109.99 View

David Othenin-Girard There was a period not long ago when our suppliers were telling us never to expect another drop of Laphroaig at anything close to a reasonable price. The reason for that? Independent bottlers price their stocks not based on acquisition costs, but on replacement costs. As the distillery throttles back on availability, the industry responds by raising prices—simple economics. But everywhere else we look, suppliers are still asking double or triple what our friends at Douglas Laing are able to offer. We don’t see a lot of those products on the market, as there simply isn’t much interest in even excellent Laphroaig under 15 years old at $200 or $300 a bottle. But here we are: a proper mid-aged Laphroaig for just over $100? We’ve still got it, baby. The style here is absolutely classical—powerful, savory, and ocean-driven with the expected iodine, crushed oyster shell, creosote, forest floor, ripe green olives, and lemon oil. It’s similar stock to the 10-year-old we had back in 2023, but 30% older and more developed, yet nearly the same price. A stupendous whisky and a ridiculous value.

2007 Bruichladdich 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $225.00 View

David Othenin-Girard I was so excited to see this on the Douglas Laing list I jumped at the chance to taste this distillate. When the samples arrived I knew we had something special. Some might point to this barrel and exclaim about the price, and yes compared to many lesser names, this is an expensive 18 year old. But compared to other single barrel Bruichladdich this is EXTREMELY affordable. Single barrels of Bruichladdich from our friends at Dramfool traded for over $300 in the 10-12 year range. An 18 year from the Douglas Laing’s rival Hunter Laing trades for over $400! So it’s really a pretty good deal and simply the only old single barrel in the market. But all of that doesn’t matter if you don’t like how it tastes and for those expecting the big extracted wine-y style that many older Bruichladdichs exhibit (I’m looking at you Black Art) or even the toast-y character of the distillery 18, you’ll be disappointed. Those who love the purity and character of old rugged Bruichladdich spirit on full display without any dressing or make-up – you’ll rejoice. Let’s see what we’ve got. The color is a minimalistic pale gold (0.3). The gorgeous nose offers classical aromatics – lemon oil, canary melons, cream of wheat, salty rocks, fresh salt meadows, butter cookies, barley tea, hints of industrial machinery, and old boats. The palate has plenty more of the lemon-y stuff with a big malt-y core and buttered salted biscuits. It’s just a gorgeous old school version of this most modern malt that is seemingly not in existence elsewhere at the moment. Perhaps for some of the most discerning – this will be the whisky of the season.

1991 Macallan 30 Year Old “Douglas Laing’s Xtra Old Particular – XOP” Cask Strength Single Hogsheads Highland Single Malt Whisky (700ml) $1,600.00 View

This rare opportunity is the result not of some lack in demand for the legendary estate in the Scottish Highlands, but the unusual advantages periodic importer changes afford a retailer like K&L. All across the world, a single barrel of Macallan aged 30 years commands an incredible premium over almost any other malt on the market. Thanks to our good relations and kind demeanor we’ve been given access to the last few bottles in this special cask at an altogether unheard of price. Even many years ago, it would be unusual to see a similar cask at a lower asking price. Barrel DL15809 was bottled in 2022 at full cask strength without any chillfiltration, dilution or coloring whatsoever.

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

Aultmore 9 Year Old Tyndrum Whisky Exclusive

Bottler: Kilninian Drinks Scotland
Region: Speyside
Bottles: 290
Age: 9

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Our Signature Range features our iconic green bottles which have been a Society constant since 1983. It’s the original good stuff – outstanding whisky that celebrates quality, flavour and variety. Have you checked out our monthly menu of January releases? Best get into it, before it’s all gone. Keep scrolling for our top picks under £90.

ALL JANUARY OUTTURN

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

Glencadam Distillery unveils new premium packaging with launch of Calvados cask finish

Glencadam Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, has unveiled its new brand packaging, marking the next chapter in its story following a milestone bicentenary year.

The packaging refresh follows the celebration of Glencadam’s 200th anniversary and the opening of its first-ever visitor centre in Brechin. Designed to reflect Glencadam’s premium global positioning, the evolved look brings a contemporary edge to the brand, while the award-winning single malt inside remains unchanged, traditionally crafted as it has been since 1825.

The new packaging debuts this month across four expressions: Glencadam 10 Year Old, 15 Year Old, Reserva PX, and a brand new 17 Year Old Réserve de Calvados cask finish. The remainder of Glencadam’s range will transition to the new look in the coming weeks.

Inspired by Glencadam’s heritage, the packaging balances traditional storytelling with modern clarity. Each tube highlights cask maturation and tasting notes to aid selection at point of purchase, while hand-drawn illustrations reference how the distillery would have appeared in 1825. The illustrations were created by Edinburgh-based artist Andrew Davidson, renowned for his work on the Harry Potter book series, adding his acclaimed artistic vision to Glencadam’s rich storytelling. The clean aesthetic also reinforces the historic East Highland distillery’s commitment to natural colour and non-chill filtration, ensuring the range stands out on shelves worldwide.

A defining feature of the new design is the waterwheel motif, an enduring symbol of Glencadam since 1825 featured prominently across the brand identity, including an embossed detail around the base of each bottle. The bottle design further emphasises provenance, with “EST 1825” embossed on the shoulders, a branded wooden cork closure and clear references to cask type and traditional production methods.

Glencadam’s Master Blender, Iain Forteath, explains: “This new packaging represents evolution, not reinvention. Our time-honoured production methods, elegant house style and commitment to traditional craftsmanship remain unchanged. What has changed is how we tell our story, with a confident new look that celebrates both our heritage and the quality of the exceptional whisky we make.”

The packaging launch also marks the arrival of a new expression: Glencadam 17 Year Old Réserve de Calvados.

Crafted by Master Blender, Iain Forteath, the expression is made using hand selected Glencadam single malts initially matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks before being expertly married and finished in the finest Calvados barrels sourced from Normandy, France. Limited to 6,360 individually numbered bottles, the whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered.

On the nose, this whisky opens with an inviting bouquet of baked apples, heather honey, sugared almonds and vanilla sponge cake, layered with subtle hints of cocoa powder and chamomile. The palate follows with flavours of apple strudel, spiced fruits and butterscotch, seamlessly married with stem ginger, dark chocolate, candied orange and clove rock. Delivering a warming finish with notes of cappuccino and custard tarts, lifted by orchard blossom and lemon sherbet sweetness, and fading into a lingering cacao and baking spice glow.

Iain Forteath adds: “I am really excited to unveil this special bottling of our Glencadam whisky. This is the first time we have released a whisky matured in Calvados casks and the flavours and complexities imparted by these special barriques are both unique and delicious! The elegant orchard fruit and sweet spice notes imparted from the Calvados are a wonderful complement to the signature fruitiness of Glencadam whisky and I feel this expression really showcases the merits of both of these time-honoured spirits.”

Alongside the launch of the new Calvados expression and the opening of the visitor centre, Glencadam’s premium new look tells a cohesive story of heritage, craftsmanship and place, honouring the past while investing confidently in the future.

To find out more, visit: www.GlencadamWhisky.com

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: www.GlencadamWhisky.com

Glencadam 17 Year Old Réserve de Calvados

RRP: £140

70cl, 46% ABV, Natural Colour, unchill filtered

NOSE: An inviting bouquet of baked apples, heather honey, sugared almonds and vanilla sponge cake with hints of cocoa powder and chamomile.

PALATE: A wash of apple strudel, spiced fruits and butterscotch married with stem ginger, dark chocolate, candied orange and clove rock.

FINISH: Warming impressions of cappuccino and custard tarts with orchard blossom and lemon sherbet sweetness, fading into a cacao and baking spice linger.

Happy and relaxed 2026!

2026 is here and we wish you a relaxed, happy and healthy year! And we have some relaxed ‘upside down’ news to share!

The start of the new year always is a sign for us to start organizing our relaxed event in the forests near Nijmegen in the Netherlands. While winter is rearing up it’s ugly head we need to start thinking of exhibitors, masterclasses and Drinks with… sessions after summer.

This year however, we are not only relaxed but excited too! Because we are also looking forward to attend a new event on the other side of the globe.

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan, Teun

Maltstock Down Under!

We have some relaxed and exciting news to share! The spirit of Maltstock will travel all the way to Tasmania in 2026! David Ligoff and friends are hosting Maltstock Down Under in Tasmania! Or, as occupants of the Northern hemisphere we tend to forget… perhaps this is your chance to experience Maltstock somewhere nearby!

”Held at the historic Ratho Farm in Bothwell, Tasmania, Maltstock Down Under brings together whisky lovers from around the world for three unforgettable days of tasting, learning, friendship and fun — all in one of Australia’s most beautiful rural settings.”

Exhibitors

Maltstock Down Under will of course feature relaxed whisky ambassadors, distillery owners, distillers and other people from the trade to join the guests and host masterclasses and other opportunities to get to know them and their products better.

It’s early days, but the following people and businesses have already confirmed their attendance. …and more will follow of course!

Tickets and more information

If you are as excited as us and what to get relaxed in May this year, you can find all you want to know and tickets on this site: https://events.humanitix.com/maltstock

We are looking forward to meet you there!

Tickets for Maltstock
Down Under 

Get relaxed now and get your Maltstock tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/maltstock

Meet us at festivals!

If you have any questions or want to share a dram, Maltstock will be present at the following events in the near future:

• The Hielander festival in Alkmaar – Februari 6-7 2026
• WFNN 2026 – March 27-28 2026
• Whisky in Leiden – June 6th 2026

Tickets for Maltstock 2026 

Get relaxed now and get your Maltstock tickets here: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

ISLAY

Bruichladdich X4:01 18 Years Old

This single malt was born from Bruichladdich’s experimental approach. This is the very first malt from this Islay distillery, which was distilled not twice, not three, but four times, purely out of curiosity. It came off the still at a whopping 85% and was laid to rest in first-fill bourbon and Riversaltes casks, where it rested for 18 years, creating a gentle, sweet and fruit-laden whisky.

Bottled without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

£225.00

The Loch Fyne Fynest Bunnahabhain 2005 18 Year Old #800466

£199.00
SHOP NOW ❯

Introducing the latest hand selected addition to the Loch Fyne Fynest range and this one is quite the showstopper! Born on Islay and matured in a European Sherry Oak cask for the entirety of its life – this Bunnahabhain single cask boasts irresistible flavours of Indian spices, dried fruit, tobacco and slight hints of sea salt. Add a drop of water to unlock some hidden tropical notes. Limited to only 484 bottles.

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 592: Mobsters on Mopeds Macduff 2011 & Glen Elgin 2014

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries two single cask releases by Klubb23. Mobsters on Mopeds is a series of single cask releases, called that way, because the labels always feature a well-known (or not so-well known) person sitting astride a moped; a scooter. Today Mark will put two recent releases head-to-head. On the one hand we have a Macduff 2011, showing a Harley Davidson Topper, the most un-Harley Harley ever produced. Only about 3000 were made in the 1960s, but discontinued quickly because it didn’t sell. On the other hand we have a Glen Elgin 2014 showing Leontine Pelsmakers, born 1921 and founder of what is now known as a famous catering company in Belgium. Hence she was known as Mrs Winkle. She is riding a British Bond P4 scooter. Mark puts them to the test!

https://youtu.be/t5gqQrOgg64