Jim Beam and the Cadillac Formula 1® Team Announce Global Partnership, Fueling a Vision to Reach New Audiences

Two American originals united on one world stage

Clermont, Kentucky & Fishers, Indiana: Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, and the Cadillac Formula 1® Team, are proud to announce a multi-year global partnership that brings together two of the most iconic names in American culture, now united on the world’s fastest stage: Formula 1®.

In 2026, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team will enter the FIA Formula 1 World ChampionshipTM as the first new addition to the grid since 2016, with Jim Beam as its proud Official Spirits Partner. This partnership represents two American originals driving forward together on a mission to usher in a new era by welcoming even more people into Formula 1®.

Formed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team brings together a legacy of engineering excellence and a shared commitment to innovation and performance — representing a bold new chapter in American participation on the global Formula 1® stage.

More than a sponsorship, this story has been 90 years in the making. Every evening, Jim Beam, the brand’s legendary founder, would place a mason jar of his proprietary yeast — the living heart of his protected recipe — in the front seat of his Cadillac and drive it home to protect it from fire and prohibition. This daily ritual preserved the essential ingredient that still defines Jim Beam’s unmatched flavor enjoyed today around the world. Today, Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation master distiller, still drives a Cadillac, a quiet tribute to the car that helped safeguard his family legacy.

“We are excited to bring the soul of Kentucky to the global stage of Formula 1 with Cadillac, a brand that’s been part of the Beam family’s story through the ages,” said Rashidi Hodari, managing director, James B. Beam Distilling Co.

“Both car racing and making Jim Beam bourbon require every individual and moving part to come together to create a positive collective outcome. This is very in line with how we bring Jim Beam to the world. The pit crew and our distillery workers both know that it’s the power of their communities that allows for the win. It’s this common understanding of the importance of connection with the next generation of Formula 1 fans that inspires us.”

With a vision to help the sport reach new audiences, the Official Partnership will come to life both on and off the track through immersive fan experiences with a focus on alcohol responsibility, retail and trade activations, and most importantly, a desire to bring people together.

“This partnership brings together two icons of American heritage to create something truly special,” said Cadillac Formula 1® Team and TWG Motorsports Chief Executive Officer Dan Towriss. “Formula 1® is a global stage, and we want to take our fans on this journey with us every step of the way. Our vision goes beyond racing – we’re building a team that lives where sport, technology, and culture collide. With Jim Beam joining our family of partners, the momentum behind this project grows stronger every day as we gear up for our debut next year.”

With a core value of connection, uniting fans across the world, sport and music have always played a role in the Jim Beam brand’s heritage. From sponsoring the National Football League’s (NFL)Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys, the Major League Baseball’s (MLB) L.A. Dodgers, and the United States Soccer Federation (U.S.S.F), to car racing including the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR in the U.S., and Dick Johnson Racing (DJR), Australia’s oldest racing team. The brand has also brought fans together through local music festivals and underground shows around the world, and with global musical acts such as Muse and LeSserafim.

Known as the ‘people’s bourbon,’ Jim Beam is a brand built on community, and that unmistakable feeling of knowing that all are welcome. From a mason jar of yeast in the seat of a Cadillac to the roar of an F1 engine, this is a legacy in motion. Jim Beam is excited to celebrate shared moments of great taste and responsible connection under its rallying cry: Best Enjoyed Together, Best Enjoyed Responsibly.

To learn more about Jim Beam and Cadillac F1 Racing , visit www.jimbeam.com or follow @jimbeamofficial on Instagram @cadillacf1

About Jim Beam®: Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by eight generations of family distillers since 1795. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh Generation Master Distiller, and Freddie Noe, Jim Beam’s eighth Generation Master Distiller, have stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black®, and Jim Beam Flavors, among other offerings. For more information, go to www.jimbeam.com @jimbeamofficial on Instagram and @jimbeam on Twitter.

About Cadillac Formula 1® Team: The Cadillac Formula 1® Team is a specialist motor racing team competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the team has operations in Fishers, Indiana (USA); Charlotte, North Carolina (USA); and Silverstone, Northamptonshire (UK). With the confidence to dream big and the passion to deliver, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team is building everything from the ground up – from high-performance race cars to an inclusive, values-driven culture. The team will make its Formula 1® debut in 2026.

About TWG Motorsports: TWG Motorsports is the motorsports entity of TWG Global, unifying a robust racing portfolio across the world’s biggest stages in Formula 1®, INDYCAR, Formula E, IMSA, and NASCAR. With strategic partnerships that include General Motors on the Cadillac Formula 1® Team and ownership of Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing and Spire Motorsports, TWG Motorsports combines deep technical expertise, proven competitive excellence and industry-leading business acumen. TWG Motorsports is committed to innovating, growing and winning at the highest levels of the sport. Learn more at TWGMotorsports.com.

About GM: General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

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 whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium 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. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and 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 and www.drinksmart.com.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY DEBUTS NIGHT AT THE DISTILLERY – A NEW HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE AFTER DARK

Tickets are now available for an immersive nighttime tour of America’s oldest continuously operating distillery, plus the chance to win a private, overnight ghost-hunting experience on site

FRANKFORT, KY (October 15, 2025) – This October, Buffalo Trace Distillery invites guests to discover its all-new Halloween experience, “Night at the Distillery.” For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has crafted award-winning whiskey and inspired tales of spirits that linger beyond the barrel. Now, visitors can explore the Distillery’s storied past through the lens of legend and lore with two immersive after-hours experiences:

• Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour: Experience Buffalo Trace Distillery under the glow of moonlight on this self-guided walking trail that reveals the legends, folklore and untold stories woven into its two-century history. Along the way, each stop unveils a new chapter brought to life through ghostly tales, live entertainment, photo-worthy moments and expertly crafted cocktails that celebrate generations of bourbon-making tradition.
  • Tickets are $35 per person and include entry to the self-guided walking trail, three signature cocktail tastings, one neat pour and a curated snack box. Each guest will also take home a 1L bottle of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof and a collectible Night at the Distillery reusable tote as keepsakes.
  • The Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour will take place October 23-25 and October 30-November 1. To purchase tickets, please visit HERE
• Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Experience: For those seeking a deeper thrill, Buffalo Trace is offering the opportunity to win a special Halloween giveaway inviting one winner and a guest (21+) to join professional paranormal investigators for a private ghost-hunting experience inside the Distillery’s most haunted buildings. On Halloween night, the duo will trace the Distillery’s ghostly lore alongside a Distillery tour guide and real-time paranormal investigators before retiring for the night inside Stony Point – Albert Blanton’s former home, reimagined for an unforgettable stay. The prize package also includes:
  • Dinner in historic Frankfort, KY on October 31
  • Complimentary admission to the Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour on October 31
  • A private, after-hours ghost hunt led by professional paranormal investigators and a Distillery tour guide
  • One-night stay in Stony Point, Albert Blanton’s former home, on October 31
  • A daytime Trace Tour and premium shopping experience in the Buffalo Trace Gift Shop on November 1
  • Round-trip coach airfare and ground transportation to and from the Distillery

“For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace has been a place where history and legend intertwine,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Night at the Distillery invites guests to step into those stories and experience that connection firsthand. We set out to create an experience unlike anything we’ve done before, one that lets guests walk in the footsteps of generations past and explore the Distillery’s lore in a whole new light.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s story begins in the late 1700s, when distilling first took root on this site in 1775 and the “Old Taylor House” was built in 1792. For more than two centuries, master distillers and craftsmen have shaped its story – and some say their spirits still linger. Tour guides and guests alike have reported sightings of an older gentleman resembling Albert B. Blanton, appearing in various locations around the Distillery. The lore surrounding these encounters describes them as “friendly,” and many believe that any lingering “spirits” remain to watch over the legacy they created.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Giveaway goes live on October 15 at 12:00pm noon ET and ends October 22 at 11:59am ET. To register and view the full official rules, please visit www.BuffaloTraceDistilleryHalloween.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded New Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Experience: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Purchasing a product will not improve your chances of winning. Must be legal resident of (50) U.S. or D.C., age 21 or older, and able to travel to the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY on 10/31/2025 to accept prize award. Registration begins at 12:00pm ET 10/15/2025 and ends at 11:59am ET 10/22/2025. To enter, and for complete official rules including eligibility, prize description and ARV, visit www.BuffaloTraceDistilleryHalloween.com. Odds of winning based upon number of eligible entries received. No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSOR: Sazerac Company, Inc., Louisville, KY

For a limited time only, there is a 10% discount on the Rothes Glen Ultimate weekends in November, December & January.

6-9 November 2025 – Enter promo code at checkout: NOVEMBER10 – Offer ends 12/10/25

5-7 December 2025 – Enter promo code at checkout: DECEMBER10 – Offer ends 31/10/25

23-25 January 2025 – Enter promo code at checkout: JANUARY10 – Offer ends 30/11/25

Do not miss out on this exclusive luxury whisky experience.

VIEW ALL ULTIMATE WEEKENDS

Former KY Senator Thayer enters Bourbon Hall of Fame

“This industry owes him a lot of recognition for the changes we’ve seen the last 13 years,” former KY Rep. McCoy says of the Gentleman from Scott

NEW HAVEN, Ky. — The Kentucky bourbon industry toasted noted horse-industry consultant Damon Thayer on Tuesday, inducting the recently retired state senator and Kentucky Senator Bourbon co-owner into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® during a ceremony at the Log Still Distillery.

In his 22-year Kentucky Senate tenure, including the last 12 years as Majority Floor Leader, Thayer championed Kentucky’s world-renowned bourbon industry by shepherding through transformative legislation that allowed America’s only native spirit to thrive. The resulting public policy created an environment that helped expand global consumption of bourbon and turn the Commonwealth’s distilleries into a major, cohesive tourism destination centered around the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

The Scott County resident retired from the Kentucky Senate at the end of 2024, but his involvement with the Commonwealth’s $9 billion bourbon industry had gone far beyond legislator, advocate and responsible consumer by then. In 2018, Thayer and Lexington attorney Andre Regard — a direct descendant of the founders of Old Grand-Dad Whiskey — revived the century-old Kentucky Senator bourbon brand that originally had been distilled and bottled by Crigler & Crigler in Covington, Ky.

For all that and more, the 145-year-old Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) selected Thayer as one of five inductees in its class of 2025 for its hall of fame. Established in 2001, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame was established “to recognize the sacrifice, passion and determination of those who have made Kentucky Bourbon what it is today,” according to the distillers’ association, with induction the organization’s highest honor. No more than five people are in a class, with Thayer inducted in his first year of eligibility.

The KDA had already made Thayer one of the first eight legislators to receive its 100 Proof Award, given to elected officials who promote and protect Kentucky’s home spirit. He’s the only senator to receive the award four times.

The distillers’ association called Thayer “one of the strongest champions of Kentucky Bourbon in the history of the Kentucky General Assembly … directly responsible for stewarding more than 20 pieces of legislation that modernized Kentucky’s signature industry, propelled its amber nectar into an unprecedented golden age and transformed distilling into an economic and tourism powerhouse for the Commonwealth.”

Former Kentucky State Representative Chad McCoy of Bardstown, the CEO of Thousand Acres Distilling Co. and a 2022 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee, introduced Thayer. He referenced Thayer’s role of Senate Majority Floor Leader, telling the crowd of 300 and YouTube audience that “politics is an absolute blood sport, and Damon was kind of a cage fighter back in the day.

“For 12 years, he was the gate-keeper. If he didn’t get what he wanted, and you had a bill that still had to come through the Senate, your bill was going to die, and there wasn’t anything you could do about it. Think about it from this industry’s perspective … What was this industry doing 13 years ago? Were we allowed to have samples at the distillery? Were we allowed to sell drinks at the distillery? Were we allowed to have fairs and festivals? Were we allowed to ship bourbon? Were we allowed to have barrel picks? Were we allowed to have tasting rooms? Every single one of those changes happened because that man over there pushed it through on the Senate floor…. This industry owes him a lot of recognition for the changes we’ve seen the last 13 years.”

Unleashing “absolute economic giant”

Thayer said that he wasn’t even a bourbon drinker in 2009, when he stood on the Senate floor to express outrage over legislation that added a new wholesale tax on distilled spirits passed on to retail customers. The bill easily passed, but Thayer embarked on a personal mission to create a more business-friendly environment for bourbon in the Commonwealth.

“In my 22 years in the Kentucky State Senate, my main goal was removing artificial barriers to free enterprise, for businesses of all sizes,” Thayer said. “Those of you who work in the bourbon business, you know that there were lots of artificial barriers erected for you by the then-legislature post-Prohibition. What triggered me to become a bourbon advocate was voting ‘no’ on that bill in 2009. I still think it’s one of the dumbest things that the Kentucky General Assembly has done over the past 25 years, putting a hidden alcohol tax on our No. 1 product. And I’m proud to say that after that day, the bourbon industry is undefeated in Frankfort.”

In an earlier interview with KDA vice president of operations Colleen Thomas and Kroger adult beverage specialist Chris Blandford, Thayer emphasized that he stood “on the shoulders of a lot of like-minded people in both parties in the Kentucky General Assembly who saw things the way I did about helping to unleash the absolute economic giant that the bourbon industry has become…. You could see it, because the foundation has been here for such a long time with the great heritage that the bourbon industry has in Kentucky.

“You could see it just needed a little bit of a boost, just simple things like being able to serve a cocktail at a distillery, to be able to have a restaurant, to be able to sell more than a couple of bottles of bourbon out of a gift shop. We already knew people were coming here for the bourbon trail, and you could sense that bourbon was on the ascent. It’s become a cool thing to be a part of. We reached a tipping point where we just started passing these bills, passing these bills, and the industry has flourished and gone from strength to strength ever since.”

In his acceptance speech, Thayer said, “I’m just glad that during my time in the legislature that I had just a few strokes on a masterpiece,” he said. “And that masterpiece is the industry that you make work every day.” Citing the names of some of the bourbon titans, he called his induction “an honor of a lifetime.”

(Literally providing icing on the cake while being feted, Thayer was presented with a full-sized red, white and blue cake to commemorate the fact that he turned 58 Tuesday, with KDA president Eric Gregory leading the audience in singing Happy Birthday.)

Thayer’s work to promote and grow the bourbon industry parallels his legislative support for another iconic Kentucky industry — horses and horse racing — to where Kentucky tracks today form America’s premier year-round racing circuit after being in jeopardy just a few years ago. A racing fan growing up in northern Michigan hundreds of miles from a racetrack, Thayer’s professional career has involved the horse-racing industry in a variety of capacities, including with Thistledown, the Maryland Jockey Club, Turfway Park and the Breeders’ Cup and since 2007 as an industry consultant through his Thayer Communications & Consulting LLC. He’s a part-owner in racehorses through CJ Thoroughbreds and his Half Century Equine Ventures LLC.

As with bourbon, Thayer has been honored for his advocacy for the horse-racing industry, including as 2024 recipient of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award and being the keynote speaker at the National HBPA Conference in Tampa in March.

Thayer has received the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s MVP Award eight times for his focus on the growth of Kentucky businesses. He is a two-time recipient of the Kentucky League of Cities’ Big Hitter Award for stepping up to the plate and achieving passage of legislation that would significantly impact Kentucky cities. He announced in 2024 that he would not seek re-election in part to spend more time on his growing bourbon enterprise and consulting business.

Exchanging KY Senate post to devote more time to KY Senator

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is a testament to Regard and Thayer’s love of bourbon and history, as well as a shout-out to Thayer’s time as a citizen legislator.

KySenatorBourbon.com says the revived brand “serves up great Kentucky bourbon with a side of Kentucky history.” Distilled, aged and bottled in the Bluegrass State, each release is named for a U.S. Senator from Kentucky. Always bottled at the classic 107 proof, Kentucky Senator Bourbon is at least six years old — the length of a U.S. Senate term.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon has six Kentucky releases, the latest honoring John Edwards, elected Kentucky’s second U.S. Senator on June 18, 1792, and buried in Paris, Ky. The first revival release, in 2021 and aged 15  years, honors Alben W. Barkley of McCracken County, who served as a U.S. Senator from 1927-1949 and again in 1955 until his death in 1956. He was Vice President of the United States under President Harry S Truman from 1949-1953.

The brand kicked off its Louisiana Senator Bourbon this year by recognizing the charismatic Huey P. Long, governor of the Pelican State (1928-1932) before becoming a U.S. Senator until his 1935 assassination.

The Kentucky bourbon industry generates more than 23,100 jobs, with an annual payroll topping $1.63 billion. Bourbon production and consumption in the state pours more than $358 million in annual tax revenue for Kentucky state and local governments.

Also in the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame’s stellar class of 2025 are:

Craig Beam, 66, Bardstown, Ky. A seventh-generation distiller who continues his family’s legacy as Master Distiller at the Jackson Purchase Distillery in Western Kentucky, one of the Commonwealth’s fastest-growing contract distillers.

Mary Dowling, Lawrenceburg, Ky., who died in 1930 at age 71. In an era when women couldn’t vote or own property, Dowling as a young widow overcame anti-Irish sentiments and gender barriers to become a trailblazing bourbon entrepreneur, becoming the first woman to run a major distillery in 1903 and audaciously moving production to Mexico during Prohibition.

Larry Ebersold, 75, a Hebron, Ky., resident and Louisville product who blended corporate experience at Seagram’s with entrepreneurial consulting to leave an indelible mark on the modern bourbon and rye whiskey industry. A key architect of the craft distillery boom, Ebersold’s expertise has shaped facilities for 31 distilleries, including New Riff, Rabbit Hole and Bardstown Bourbon.

Chris Morris, 67, Louisville, Ky., was first inducted into the bourbon hall in 2016 and this time as the recipient of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award. Morris was named the first Master Distiller Emeritus in Brown-Forman’s 153-year history in 2023. The 50-year veteran of the Kentucky bourbon industry is hailed around the world for elevating Brown-Forman’s whiskey portfolio and crafting innovative brands such as Woodford Reserve Double Oak and its vaunted Master’s Collection. One of the industry’s most respected historians, he is a three-time Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for at least six years (the same length as a U.S. Senate term).

Founded by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, Kentucky Senator Bourbon revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler and Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.

Awards & Recognition

• Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s inaugural release, the Alben W. Barkley Release, was highlighted in Forbes’ Online Magazine
• Fred Minnick, a noted Bourbon author, ranked Kentucky Senator Bourbon in his Top 100 Whiskeys of 2021, 2022 and 2023
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon has won Gold ASCOT Awards for taste and a Double Platinum ASCOT Award for marketing and brand design
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon recently won its first Double Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 2024 John Brown release

Tomintoul Distillery marks 60 years with team spirit spanning generations

Speyside single malt distillery, Tomintoul, is raising a toast to two major milestones in 2025: 60 years since it first began crafting its signature single malt, and 25 years under the stewardship of Angus Dundee Distillers.

At the core of its story are the people who have made Tomintoul what it is today. Four members of the original distillery team are still shaping its success today – Neil Robertson, blend centre supervisor and Andrew Lawson, head warehouseman, who were both part of the team before Angus Dundee Distillers took ownership in 2000, alongside Robert Fleming, distilleries director and master distiller, and Nikki Brand, PA to the distilleries director. Together, their decades of service embody the loyalty, craftsmanship and community spirit that define Tomintoul and offer a living bridge between its proud past and bright future.

Angus Dundee Distillers purchased Tomintoul Distillery from Whyte & Mackay in August 2000. Just days later, the very first cask under new ownership was filled – a moment witnessed and signed by key members of the team, including fourth-generation distiller Robert Fleming, who has gone on to lead the distillery and help build Tomintoul’s international reputation.

To commemorate these special anniversaries, members of the distillery team gathered to enjoy a dram of Tomintoul Single Malt in the warehouse, next to the very first cask.

Master distiller Robert Fleming, who last year celebrated his own career milestone with a remarkable five decades in the Scotch whisky industry, said: “Reaching our 60th anniversary is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone who’s been part of Tomintoul’s journey. From the heart of Speyside, we’ve shared our whisky with the world, and this milestone is a moment to raise a glass to that achievement – and everything still to come.

“Tomintoul has always been about more than just great whisky – it’s about the people who make it. To have Neil, Andrew, Nikki and myself still here 25 years on says everything about the pride and commitment of the team. This is as much a celebration of them, and of our community, as it is of the whisky itself.”

Tomintoul is known as an exceptionally smooth and complex handcrafted whisky thanks to the natural environment surrounding the distillery – from the fresh mountain air of the Cairngorms National Park to the soft, pure water from the Ballantruan Spring.

Earlier this year, its award-winning Tomintoul Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish launched in over 60 Tesco stores across the country, offering whisky lovers and those new to the category the opportunity to experience the depth and indulgent flavours that make Tomintoul so special.

The distillery also reinforced its community roots by pledging its continued support for the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, entering its second year as the official spirits partner of the voluntary emergency service.

Robert added: “From its beginnings in 1965 to its global reputation today, Tomintoul remains a distillery built on people, place and passion – and the next chapter looks just as promising.”

Visit www.TomintoulWhisky.com to find out more.

Tomintoul Distillery

Tomintoul Distillery is nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, within the whisky producing region of Speyside. The distillery, established in 1965, is named after the nearby village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland.

Tomintoul’s signature range includes the popular 10-Year-Old, 14-Year-Old and 16-Year-Old, as well as the multi-award-winning Cigar Malt and premium 21-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old.

Finalists Revealed in the 7th Scottish Whisky Awards

The wait is over! We are delighted to announce the finalists in the 7th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards. After an intensive judging process, including a blind tasting of more than 1,200 samples, the panel has selected 43 distilleries and 192 Scotch whiskies as this year’s finalists.

The Scottish Whisky Awards celebrate the best in Scotland’s national drink, highlighting success across 11 taste categories and 7 business categories. These awards continue to provide a unique platform for the industry to come together, celebrate achievements, and showcase Scotch whisky on a global stage.

2025 FINALISTS

The winners of the 7th Scottish Whisky Awards will be announced at a celebratory dinner on Thursday 27th November 2025, hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central.

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EAT, SLEEP & DRINK ARDBEG AT DISTILLERY’S BOUTIQUE HOTEL

< World-class whisky and hospitality experience opens on island of Islay >

#Ardbeg #ArdbegHouse

The world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky today opens the doors of its boutique hotel Ardbeg House, offering the island’s visitors and community an extraordinary opportunity to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg. Just a short hop from the Distillery on Islay, this world-class whisky and hospitality experience blends the ultimate in Scottish hospitality with the flavours and legends of Ardbeg’s island world.

Since Ardbeg was saved from extinction in 1997, the whisky has risen like a phoenix to become a niche, cult malt. Its following is so passionate that thousands make the pilgrimage to the Distillery each year. Today, Ardbeg House invites whisky lovers to steep themselves in the Distillery’s smoky universe, morning, noon and night.

Nestled on the shore in the picturesque village of Port Ellen, Ardbeg House (formerly the Islay Hotel) has been designed in collaboration with interior storymakers Russell Sage Studio to celebrate the best of Islay – complemented by handcrafted pieces from more than 20 Scottish and Islay artisans. There are 12 striking suites and bedrooms, which merge playful detail with Ardbeg’s own brand of luxury. Think copper wall art crafted from a retired Ardbeg still, a custom-designed boat chandelier, and buttons labelled “Press for Smoke” which reveal hidden smoky drams.

In the House’s boldly themed Signature Restaurant and the Islay Bar – a much-loved watering hole revived from Islay’s past – visitors and locals alike are invited to enjoy exceptional Scottish food and drink with an Ardbeggian twist.  From hand-dived scallops collected by one of the Distillery’s stillmen to inventive dishes infused with Ardbeg and drams only found on Islay.  Outside, The Untamed Courtyard will feature a handcrafted smoker and grill, courtesy of Ardbeg’s multitalented distillery technician Daniel Branson, offering guests the chance to savour barbequed dishes that mirror Ardbeg’s signature smoky notes.

Whether guests are diehard Ardbeggians or just discovering smoky malt, every detail of the House has been chosen to give visitors a warm Islay welcome:

• Islay life and its legends are celebrated at every turn, from a giant tapestry depicting a contemporary scene on the island. Upstairs, each suite or bedroom is themed to reflect a different aspect of Islay’s story. Guests can discover hidden surprises that evoke the spirit of Islay’s storied past, from its notorious smugglers’ hideaways to its captivating legendary figures, and the mythical creatures rumoured to inhabit its coastlines.

• Scotland and Islay’s food and drink are showcased in the House’s Signature Restaurant. At the heart of the room, the fire table serves as a striking “top table,” bringing guests together for a memorable and communal dining experience night after night. There are Ardbeg-inspired dishes made from local ingredients, along with a mouthwatering range of whiskies, including Islay exclusives Ardbeg Homecoming and Ardbeg House Reserve. For those who are feeling sociable, every Friday the restaurant’s shared Shortie’s Table (named after Ardbeg’s much-loved canine mascot), is a chance to join others and swap stories over a set menu with whisky pairings.

• Immersive experiences give guests the chance to discover more about Ardbeg and Islay: A daily Distillery tour is reserved for guests of Ardbeg House, for a deep dive into the peaty whisky where it all began. There are opportunities to explore Islay’s wild landscapes, abundant wildlife and stunning beaches. And at 18:15 (a nod to Ardbeg’s founding year of 1815), all guests are invited to the Islay Bar for a special ritual – whisky hour – to toast the day and taste Ardbeg Badger Juice. This intriguingly named small-batch whisky has a secret recipe. Poured from a special cask, it will be available only by the dram in the Islay Bar.

Ardbeg President and CEO Caspar MacRae said: “Islay has been Ardbeg’s home for over 200 years – and we are so excited to be sharing this world-class whisky and hospitality experience in the heart of Port Ellen, just a stone’s throw from the distillery. At Ardbeg House, we will immerse the island’s visitors and local community in local stories and Ardbeggian rituals – as well as sharing some very exclusive whiskies.

“Ardbeg House is a one-of-a-kind travel destination which will further enhance Islay’s reputation as one of the best places on the planet for whisky tourism. Whether or not our guests are smoky malt lovers when they arrive, we guarantee that by the time they leave, they will be lifelong fans of Ardbeg and Islay. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and locals through our doors to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg from today.”

Russell Sage said: “A stay at Ardbeg House is truly magical. From the buzz of the Islay Bar, home to locals and visitors alike, to the extraordinary décor in the bedrooms inspired by the myths and legends of Islay and tales from the distillery – a visit appeals to all the senses. This is the kind of place you have to experience for yourself, because there’s nothing like Ardbeg House – it is like nowhere else in the world.”

Ardbeg House offers a warm Islay welcome to all. Make a booking for both the restaurant and rooms for autumn 2025 and beyond at www.ardbeg.com/visitus/ardbeghouse.html

Photography: – Ardbeg House Islay Bar (credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke)

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @ardbeghouseofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ardbeghouseofficial

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF REQUIRED: 

• Russell Sage Q&A: An extended interview with Russell Sage.
• Design Fact Sheet: Full details of each room’s theme and design, along with detail about the artisans who took part in the House’s transformation.
• Eating, Drinking & Experiences Fact Sheet: Full details about the House’s restaurant, bar, local suppliers and the activities on offer to guests.
• Full credits sheet: including details of all partners and collaborators.

About Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Ardbeg House

Ardbeg House is a world-class whisky and hospitality experience on Islay, which offers the island’s visitors an extraordinary opportunity to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg. Situated in the bustling town of Port Ellen, this 12-bedroom boutique hotel blends the ultimate in Scottish hospitality with the flavours and legends of Ardbeg’s island world. Visitors and locals are welcomed to enjoy the best of Scottish food and drink at the House’s Signature restaurant and the Islay Bar, including exclusive Ardbeg drams. To book, go to www.ardbeg.com

Ardbeg House Reserve

Ardbeg House Reserve is a highly limited 21-year-old whisky available exclusively at Ardbeg’s boutique hotel, Ardbeg House – the ultimate Ardbeggian destination. Aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, just 800 numbered bottles of this cask-strength whisky exist. Uniting notes of sea spray, smoke and sweet figs in just 800 bottles, Ardbeg House Reserve is the ultimate memento of a stay on Islay. 

Ardbeg House Reserve Tasting Notes:

ABV:    52.9%

Colour: Mahogany

Aroma: Rich, malty and biscuity, with tangy notes of raisins and sultanas, along with hints of hickory-smoked ham, barbecued spare ribs, and a burst of treacle toffee. The merest splash of water opens the bouquet, to reveal touches of orange oil, honey, burning heather and a hint of old leather.

Taste:   The texture is thick, oily and viscous. It is followed by a powerful hint of oily, tarry peat smoke, tempered by the distinct sweetness of demerara sugar, figs in syrup, aniseed flavoured bonbons and a touch of nut toffee. This is then supplemented by flavours of charcoal, graphite, leather and damp peat bog.

Finish:   Lingering, slightly briny – like olives – with touches of eucalyptus, camphor, menthol and tar

RRP: £400 

Ardbeg Homecoming

This permanent, small-batch release is available exclusively on Islay, at Ardbeg House and at the Distillery. It is intended as the ultimate reward for those who make the pilgrimage to Ardbeg’s island home. Aged in bourbon casks, then in first-fill rum casks, the first batch of this cask-strength release has a distinctly tropical vibe, layering ripe banana, pineapple and spices on classic peaty notes.  

Ardbeg Homecoming Tasting Notes:

ABV:    47.7%

Colour:            Light gold

Aroma: A beguiling mix of smoky fudge, ripe banana and sweet barley malty notes on the nose initially. More fruits like apple and pineapple are layered below. With a splash of water, fragrant pine resin and mossy notes emerge. Then more classic notes of lime juice, fennel, and some subtle apple woodsmoke comes to the fore – ending with spice.

Taste:  The texture is smooth and creamy. Lots of smoky toffee, tar and soot mix with spiced coffee grounds and briny sea spray. These lead into sweeter flavours of banana candies, cocoa powder and shortbread, with a dash of cinnamon.

Finish:   Intense and long lasting. Lots of tarry, sweet smoke lingers, with antiseptic lozenge and menthol, ending in sweet, spiced coffee.

RRP: £120

 Ardbeg Badger Juice 

Available only by the dram in the Islay Bar, this intriguingly named small-batch Ardbeg is the creation of Master Blender Gillian Macdonald. The recipe of each highly limited and unrepeatable batch remains a secret. Guests are invited to enjoy a dram from a special cask at the bar at 18:15 each night – a nod to Ardbeg’s founding year, 1815 – for £5 per 25ml measure. 

BADGER JUICE: Batch 1 

Colour:             Bright gold

Aroma:            Curious, rich and oily, with a distinctive burst of extra-virgin olive oil, along with a hint of gingerbread, nutmeg and soot. A splash of water draws out some fresh, salty, sea-spray notes, tempered with a touch of sweetness, almost like salted-caramel toffee.

Taste:              A lovely, soothing texture, leading into flavours of lime sherbet, spearmint, fudge and aniseed, along with touches of antique leather and creosote. The smoke is always there, but in a beautifully integrated way, intermingled with sugar-coated almonds, menthol and tar. 

Russell Sage Studio

Russell Sage Studio, established in 2005, comprises a thriving team of dedicated interior designers, FF&E designers, planners, restorers and art and antiques experts. Since inception, the studio has built a reputation for creating unique interior stories for five-star hotels, exclusive members’ clubs, premium restaurants, luxury bars and private residences around the world.

The Glenmorangie Company previously collaborated with Russell Sage Studio to refurbish the award-winning boutique hotel, Glenmorangie House, in Easter Ross.

www.russellsagestudio.co.uk

Thomas Johnstone Ltd

With over 157 years of experience, Scotland-based Thomas Johnstone Ltd has a well-earned reputation for delivering excellence in specialist fit-out, manufactured joinery, and comprehensive M&E coordination. Appointed as the main contractor for the Ardbeg House refurbishment, Thomas Johnstone worked alongside Russell Sage Studio to deliver Ardbeg’s vision for a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience.

www.tjl.com 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt whisky and Ardbeg Islay Single Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Early-bird tickets available now – but not for long!

Friday 16th/Saturday 17th October 2026

Manchester Cathedral

Get booking…

Book Manchester Festival 2026 Tickets

Kentucky Distillers Mourn The Passing of Even G. Kulsveen

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association mourns the loss of Even G. Kulsveen, the visionary leader of Willett Distillery, master blender, and a revered icon in the global Bourbon community. He was 79 years old.

Together with his beloved wife, Martha, Willett grew from a dormant distillery into an internationally respected name in premium whiskey — developing innovative small-batch blends, securing aged stocks, rebuilding distilling capabilities, and mentoring future generations.

KDA President Eric Gregory said Even’s impact on Bourbon is immeasurable.

“From revitalizing Willett Distillery to inspiring countless distillers, his leadership shaped not only a brand but an entire industry.” Gregory said. “The Kentucky Bourbon community has lost a guiding light, and we are grateful for the profound mark he leaves behind.”

A proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® and recipient of the 2019 Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award, Even was admired not only for his business achievements, but also for his mentorship, generosity, and devotion to family.

Following Martha’s passing in May, Even now joins her in rest, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of passion and perseverance. The KDA extends its deepest condolences to Britt, Drew, and the entire Kulsveen and Willett Distillery family during this difficult time.

 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.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

kybourbon.comkybourbontrail.com

We’re delighted to announce our first new festival for a few years!

But, we decided, that rather than sticking to the tried and trusted style of event we’ve become known for, that we would do this a little differently for this one…

For a start, we are partnering with Lancaster Food and Drink Festival and our event will be in the middle of this brilliant event. Secondly the whole thing will be taking place at a working distillery! You’ve guessed it, the Lancaster Distillery (and Brewery) are hosting us for what promised to be an amazing Bank Holiday experience.

Tickets are quite different to our normal ‘mechanic’, and I would urge you to press the button to find out more…

Sláinte,

Eddie, Amanda and Tom
The Whisky Lounge Team

Lancaster Whisky Festival Information and Tickets