Four Acclaimed Bourbon Producers Unite for a One-of-a-Kind Military Barrel to Honor Veterans During America’s 250th Anniversary Year

Four acclaimed bourbon producers, J. Mattingly 1845, Heritage Distilling, Four Branches Bourbon and Pursuit Spirits, have donated barrels that were expertly blended by Pursuit Spirits to create the one-of-a-kind “United We Stand” military barrel.

The barrel will be auctioned at the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Feb. 14, 2026, with proceeds benefiting the Bob Woodruff Foundation, continuing the distillers’ long history of donating millions to military and veteran charities.

Additionally, each distiller will release 100 limited-edition bottles for sale with a commemorative label in honor of the inaugural KBCA event and America’s 250th anniversary.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 28, 2026) — The inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration today announced a powerful and unprecedented auction lot titled “United We Stand,” a special military barrel created through a historic collaboration among four acclaimed American whiskey producers with long-standing ties to military and veteran philanthropy in honor of one of America’s most enduring principles, unity.

The lot begins with donated barrels from J. Mattingly 1845, Heritage Distilling, Four Branches Bourbon and Pursuit Spirits. From these individual contributions, Ryan Cecil, Master Blender for Pursuit Spirits carefully selected and blended the finest elements of each barrel to create a singular expression: the United We Stand barrel.

“This barrel represents everything the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration stands for, unity, craftsmanship and purpose,” said Andrew Varga, founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration. “Four respected producers, each with their own identity and legacy, have come together in service of something bigger than themselves. In America’s 250th anniversary year, this collaboration honors our nation’s origins, our military’s shared sacrifice and the idea that we are strongest when we stand together for a common cause.”​​

The United We Stand barrel will be auctioned as part of the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration this Presidents’ Day Weekend, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States. Proceeds from the KBCA will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, reinforcing the event’s mission to honor America’s native spirit while giving back to those who have protected its freedoms.

“Developing this expression has been a highlight of my career,” noted Ryan Cecil, Master Blender for Pursuit Spirits. “Bringing together these incredible distillers and our own Pursuit United barrel resulted in a beautifully balanced harmony. Narrowing down the barrels was a challenge, but the end result is a pour I’m incredibly proud of.”

In addition to the auctioned barrel, each participating distiller will release 100 individual bottles featuring a commemorative label honoring the collaboration and its mission, with a suggested retail price of $250 per bottle.

Each of the four producers involved has earned significant critical acclaim and numerous industry awards for their bourbons, making United We Stand a once-in-a-lifetime blend and an extraordinary collectible. The collaboration represents not only the highest level of whiskey craftsmanship, but also a shared mission to honor those who provide the greatest service of all.

Together, J. Mattingly 1845, Heritage Distilling, and Four Branches Bourbon have donated millions of dollars over many years to military and veteran causes, supporting more than 50 organizations nationwide. Beneficiaries have included Folds of Honor, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, Navy SEAL Foundation, Green Beret Foundation and the Combat Infantry Badge Association, among many others.

Previously announced Bourbon Lots

The United We Stand barrel joins these previously announced lots:

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery
• Four Roses private selection barrel pick
• Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience
• 12 Bottles of King of Kentucky Small Batch
• A 2002 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon First Release – Signed by Garvin Brown IV

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration will take place Feb. 13–15, 2026, bringing together rare bourbon, historic experiences and philanthropic impact in honor of America’s Native Spirit during its milestone anniversary year. For those who cannot attend in person, the auction will feature a virtual option at the following link.

KBCA Virtual Viewing Link

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

Whisky Festival season has begun…

The 20th annual Victoria Whisky Festival was a great success. We kicked things off Friday with a Shelter Point Whisky Club evening at Artemis Whisky Bar, sharing rare drams and welcoming Trenny & C to check in on their Ultima barrel pick.

Saturday featured our Shelter Point Masterclass, where Chris Read poured core releases alongside a few upcoming specialties, followed by the always-lively Grand Tasting. Guests sampled the range and got a first look at the Evans Family Reserve Coruja Cask Finish, which received enthusiastic praise.

The following weekend wrapped with two sold-out nights at Whisky Global in Vancouver, where Alberto and Kelsey enjoyed pouring and chatting with whisky fans. We will be attending more whisky festivals on Vancouver Island over the next few months. If you’re attending any of the below events we look forward to seeing you there!

Comox Valley Whisky Festival – February 6th

Nanaimo Whisky Festival – February 7th

Vancouver Island Whisky Festival – February 28th

Cowichan Valley WhiskyFest – March 7th

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

Looking Back at 2025… what an absolute whirlwind of a year it has been! Over 1,200 tasting events and shows | A trip to the UK | Over 80 Gold or higher medals awarded for our brands and their expressions | Mind-blowing US tours with industry icons. | 22 reviews from Whisky Advocate  90+ points | Top 20 Whiskies of 2025 | Countless accolades and reviews for just how special the spirits we have the honor of representing are … and the list goes on.

Whether you consult the stars, the numbers, the Zodiac, or the industry trends, there are a few consistent messages for things to come in 2026…

A year of passion, independence, community, balancing tradition with innovation, enthusiasm for bold action, and embracing new beginnings is ahead of us.

As people seek out premium, high-quality spirits that offer transparency and authenticity through unique stories and environmentally responsible practices we know that we are fortunate to continue to be able to offer new ways to delight.

It’s been a blessing to be a part of the hearts and homes of so many of you and we look forward to continuing on the journey with you!

Arriving in January

Two highly anticipated releases arrive from Ardnamurchan:

AD/10 2025 Release

Ardnamurchan Peated Sauternes Cask Release

Indri Diwali 2025 Collector’s Edition

This long-awaited Marsala Cask stunner arrives to our shores with some pretty amazing awards. 2025 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards – Best World Whisky – 99.1 Points. 2025 Spirits Business World Whisky Masters – Gold

Wolfburn 12 yr

The flagship of the Wolfburn range, this beautiful whisky is aged for twelve years in a combination of hand-selected Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks.

Single Cask Nation Retail Release 14

Learn more about the 8 AMZING expressions hitting shelves later this month by clicking on the link above!

Explore Our Full Portfolio

If you have any questions or would like any additional information, please don’t hesitate to email Office@ImpExBev.com.

SMWS Canada will be at the Nanaimo Whisky Festival!

On Saturday, February 7th the Grand Hotel Nanaimo will play host to the Nanaimo Whisky Festival, and our Victoria ambassador Adam Bradshaw will be there with a great line-up of drams to sample.

Enjoy an evening of great whiskies, scrumptious snacks, live music, and the camaraderie of fellow whisky lovers, all while supporting a great cause – the Nanaimo District Hospital Foundation.

Tickets are available at the front desk of the Grand Hotel Nanaimo (4898 Rutherford Rd.) or call 250-758-3000. Hope to see you there!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

The Scotch Whisky industry comes together this March

In Whisky Conference is bringing together leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across the whisky industry for a day of insight, discussion and connection. Whether you’re focused on growth, sustainability, innovation or leadership, this is the event designed to explore the challenges — and opportunities — shaping the future of whisky.

📅 Wednesday 11 March 2026
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, Cambridge Street, Glasgow
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now

BOOK DELEGATE TICKETS NOW

Why Attend In Whisky Conference 2026?

In Whisky Conference is more than a programme of talks — it’s a place for meaningful conversation and practical insight.

✔️ Hear from industry-leading speakers
✔️ Gain real-world insight you can apply to your business
✔️ Explore global markets, sustainability and innovation
✔️ Connect with peers and decision-makers from across the sector
✔️ Be part of the conversation shaping whisky’s future

We’re delighted to welcome a strong line-up of respected voices from across the whisky industry, including:

• Billy Walker
• Stephanie MacLeod
• Alan Powell
• Kirsty Black
• Morag Garden
• Vikki Bruce

Each speaker brings a unique perspective, experience and insight — contributing to an informed, engaging and relevant programme.

Meet 0ur Speakers

What’s On The Agenda?

The In Whisky Conference 2026 programme has been carefully curated to reflect the priorities of today’s whisky professionals.

Sessions will explore:
• Industry growth and global markets
• Sustainability and responsible production
• Innovation and future trends
• Leadership, skills and talent
• The evolving whisky landscape

 Sponsors & Exhibitors

In Whisky Conference 2026 is proudly supported by our sponsors and exhibitors, whose involvement helps create a dynamic, informative and industry-focused event. Our sponsors play a key role in supporting the conference programme, while our exhibitors provide delegates with the opportunity to connect directly with organisations offering products, services and expertise relevant to the whisky industry.

Book your place

IN Whisky Conference is a one-day event — and tickets are limited. If you work in Scotch whisky, this is your opportunity to: Gain insight, Build connections and Be part of the industry conversation.

BOOK DELEGATE TICKETS NOW

As Burns Night approaches, we’ve been reflecting on what it means to make something worth waiting for. A celebration of Scotland’s National Bard, Burns Night is a moment to honour language, craft and cultural heritage. This year, we’re marking it in a way that feels true to Aberargie — quietly, thoughtfully, and with a deep respect for time.

The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition Returns

The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.

Launching on 14 January, and in partnership with the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival, the competition invites both experienced and novice writers from around the world to submit an original crime story of under 2,000 words. The criteria this year is that the protagonist must be from Scotland. Entries close on 31 March 2026.

The overall winner will receive £1,000, publication of their story on the Bloody Scotland website, and will be offered a guest appearance at the Bloody Scotland Festival in September 2026. The runner-up will be awarded £500, with both winning stories also published on the Glencairn Glass website (whiskyglass.com).

The Glencairn Glass is no stranger to the world of Scottish crime fiction. It is produced by the award-winning Scottish family glassware business Glencairn Crystal and the company has celebrated and supported the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival since 2020 with its Glencairn Glass sponsorship of both the McIlvanney Prize for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year and the Bloody Scotland Debut Crime Novel of the Year awards.

Previous winners

Since its inception, the competition has drawn hundreds of entries from both established and emerging voices in crime fiction worldwide. For many writers, it has been a career springboard.

Allan Gaw, runner-up in 2022/23, has since achieved major success, winning the 2024 Bloody Scotland Debut Novel Prize and securing a four-book publishing deal with Polygon. Frances Crawford, the 2022/23 winner, has signed a two-book publishing deal with Penguin and sees her first novel hit the shelves in 2026. The competition’s inaugural winner, Brid Cummings (2021), went on to sign with a UK literary agency after finishing her first psychological suspense novel which has since been published by Audible. 

The judges

For the first time, this year’s judging panel includes six of the UK’s leading crime book influencers* alongside Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal.

Commenting on the competition, Kirsty said: “We’re thrilled to launch the fourth year of our short story competition with our official whisky glass, the Glencairn Glass, as we continue to support and celebrate the world of crime fiction. Each year the calibre and creativity of the entries exceed our expectations, and we’re excited to discover the new voices and gripping stories that this year’s competition will bring”. 

How to enter

All short story entries must be submitted at www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition. The competition closes at midnight on Tuesday 31st March 2026. The winner and runner up will be announced in the summer.

Bloody Scotland’s Festival Director, Bob McDevitt, said: “We are excited to read a new crop of stories, and hope that the competition provides a stepping stone in developing the careers of some talented new voices”.

For further details about the competition please visit: www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition

 *2026 Judges:

Kevin Woolard: Book blogger and owner of The First Eleven Minutes, an award-winning Bookstagram account.

Mary Picken: Book blogger and crime fiction critic at Live and Deadly.

Noelle Holten:  Award-winning blogger at Crime Book Junkie and crime-writer.

Sharon Bairden:  Scottish author and book blogger at Chapter In My Life with a focus on Scottish crime fiction.

Lynsey Adams: Crime noir fiction blogger at There’s Been a Murder, as well as Reading Between the Lines Book PR.

Suze Clarke-Morris: Book blogger at Suze Reviews with a focus on crime fiction.

About the Glencairn Glass:

The Glencairn Glass, produced by the Scottish family company Glencairn Crystal, is recognised as the world’s official whisky glass. This year the glass celebrates its 25^th birthday and the company now sell over 5 million glasses across international markets each year, with over 50 million glasses sold in total to date.

The competition winner and runner up will also receive a set of six bespoke engraved Glencairn Glasses.

About Bloody Scotland:

Bloody Scotland is Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival, providing a showcase for the best crime writing from Scotland and the world, unique in that it was set up by a group of Scottish crime writers – Lin Anderson, Alex Gray, Craig Robertson and Gordon Brown – in 2012. Full information at bloodyscotland.com

The Bloody Scotland Prize for Scottish Crime Writing first awarded in 2012 was renamed The McIlvanney Prize in 2016. The Bloody Scotland Debut Prize was launched in 2019.

The annual celebration of globally renowned Scottish poet, Robert Burns, is upon us. What better way to honor the man who gave us Auld Lang Syne, recently sung by millions on New Year’s Eve, than with a dram of exceptional Scotch whisky. From the smoky depths of iconic Islay single malts to the malt-rich character of expert blends and the smooth, honeyed elegance of Highland favorites, this curated selection of world-class whiskies from Suntory Global Spirits brings tradition and poetry-in-a-glass to the occasion.

BOWMORE 27-YEAR-OLD TIMELESS

For those looking to celebrate with luxury

Timeless by name, timeless by nature, this single malt is a fitting centerpiece for Burns Night, echoing the enduring legacy of Scotland’s national poet. Much like Auld Lang Syne, Bowmore 27-Year-Old Timeless invites reflection, connection and celebration. Crafted from Bowmore’s most expressive aged stocks and matured in first fill sherry casks, this luxurious expression delivers layers of flavor, depth, elegance and balance.

Aroma: Grilled orange peel, smoked seaweed and dark chocolate-covered coffee beans.

Taste: Bittersweet orange, espresso and chestnut honey, balanced by rich cocoa and coastal smoke.

Finish: Long and resonant, lingering dark chocolate, gentle salinity and fading Islay smoke.

Bottled at: 52.7% ABV

SRP: $1,525

BOWMORE 12-YEAR-OLD

For those looking for a vibrant and fruity single malt

Bowmore 12-Year-Old is the benchmark of Bowmore’s expressive house style, crafted with expertise and intent to offer layers of flavor. Notes include honeyed lemon and driftwood embers, reflecting the Islay distillery’s signature style – rich and fruity flavors, with a delicate peated and tropical complexity. This multi-award-winning single malt is matured in hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon barrels and European oak Oloroso sherry butts and puncheons, before being expertly married together.

Aroma: Fresh lemon and heather-sweet honey balanced by signature soft, earthy tones.

Taste: Warming on the palate, fresh fruits drizzled with flakes of dark chocolate.

Finish: Every sip leaves a lingering puff of sweet smoke on the tongue.

Bottled at: 40% ABV

SRP: $70 

LAPHROAIG 33-YEAR-OLD STRONG CHARACTERS 

For those drawn to whiskies with intensity

Burns often returned to the idea of character shaped by lived experience rather than status. In ‘The Ploughman’s Life’, the farmer’s resilience and independence reflect strength earned through work and time. This notion of slowly developed character is echoed in Laphroaig 33-Year-Old Strong Characters, a rare Islay single malt matured with patience and endurance.

With its unmistakable maritime smoke and intense flavor profile, this dram is ideal for those who like their whisky, and poetry, full bodied and fearless.

Aroma: Intense peat smoke, iodine, sea spray and charred oak.

Taste: Robust and smoky with notes of charcoal, salted caramel and dark cocoa.

Finish: Long, dry and boldly phenolic, with lingering maritime smoke.

Bottled at: 43.8% ABV

SRP: $1,289

 LAPHROAIG 10-YEAR-OLD

For those wanting an unforgettable drinking experience

Laphroaig 10-Year-Old is one of the world’s most distinctive single malts – bold, peaty and full of maritime character. Just as Burns is enduring in the literary world, this expression remains a favorite for peated whisky lovers around the globe. An Islay icon, this is the perfect dram for those who appreciate a whisky with a robust and smoky profile, offering an unforgettable taste and drinking experience.

Aroma: Peat smoke and seaweed, with undercurrents of honey, crème brûlée, orchard fruit.

Taste: Medium‑bodied, oily. Starting with charcoal, grilled pork belly, sea‑salt and honeyed orange peel evolving into ash, licorice and sweet cereals.

Finish: Long and drying, dominated by smoked meat and charcoal, bitter dark chocolate notes, maritime brine and lingering phenolic intensity.

Bottled at: 40% ABV

SRP: $60

GLEN GARIOCH 12-YEAR-OLD

For those wanting a dram seeped in heritage

Robert Burns famously shared a particular fondness for Highland drams, making Glen Garioch, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, a fitting choice. Non-chill filtered and matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, Glen Garioch 12-Year-Old offers warmth, balance and approachability, making it ideal for sharing around the table during the country’s most celebrated literary evening.

Aroma: Heathery floral notes balanced with richness of poached pears and sweetness of malted barley.

Taste: Crème brûlée and sweet ripe banana first, followed by a light oakiness with pear fruitiness.

Finish: Long smooth, creamy and fragrant finish.

Bottled at: 48% ABV

SRP: $54

ARDRAY BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

For those looking for an approachable, expertly balanced dram

Burns Night showcases how Scotland’s culture continues to live, evolve and be enjoyed. Ardray reflects this, as an award-winning contemporary expression, rooted in heritage yet crafted for modern times. Created through a unique collaboration between Suntory’s Scottish and Japanese blending teams, Ardray draws inspiration from historic blending techniques coupled with a desire for further refinement, encouraging a greater appreciation for the art of blending.

Aroma: Hints of apple, pear and plum, soft savory smokiness.

Taste: Gentle floral and citrus fruitiness provide lightness and elegance, which gradually give way to a silky vanilla custard creaminess. Complex, multi-layered and rich mouthfeel.

Finish: Long-lasting and mellow with notes of soft smoke and hints of warming spices.

Bottled at: 48% ABV

SRP: $85

 AUCHENTOSHAN 12-YEAR-OLD DOUBLE CASK

For those wanting smooth complexity

Offering the smooth and delicate triple-distilled signature style, Auchentoshan 12-Year-Old Double Cask is a fitting choice to reflect the sociability of Burns Night. With the distillery just 50 miles from Burns’ birthplace, this Lowland single malt is refined and bold. It is double matured in ex-bourbon American oak and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, crafting a balanced profile, enriched with subtle fruit notes and a depth of flavor that unfolds with every sip. This makes it an excellent starting point for those new to whisky, offering complexity without being overwhelming.

Aroma: Sweet pastry, with a burst of citrus, signature nuttiness and green leafiness.

Taste: Smooth whisky taste with sweet vanilla notes. Hints of hazelnut, tangerine and lime.

Finish: A gingery and slightly dry finish with a pleasant, lingering nuttiness.

Bottled at: 40% ABV

SRP: $51

Burns Night Whiskies

Jura 12 Year Old

Are you new to whisky or not sure which one will be right for your guests this Burns Night? Jura – the UK’s number one ^[1], award-winning 12 Year Old Single Malt ^[2],  makes choosing the right dram effortless. Each bottle takes the guesswork out of choosing, thanks to Jura’s pioneering taste scale, which clearly showcases the strength of its three key flavours (rated from 0–6). Jura 12 Year Old features flavours of peach (4), bright citrus (3) and lightly toasted walnut (3). It’s a whisky designed to help you discover what you love – before you’ve even cracked open the bottle.

Crafted since 1810 by Jura’s island community, it’s a whisky shaped by people, memories and shared moments.

Enjoy neat for the traditionalists, or in a Jura Scottish Island Iced Tea:

• Add 40ml Jura 12 Year Old, 50ml peach tea, 15ml lemon juice and 10ml sugar syrup to a shaker with cubed ice.
• Dry shake, then wet shake, and fine strain into an Old Fashioned glass or Jura tumbler filled with fresh ice.
• Top with ginger ale and garnish with a sprig of thyme and a slice of apricot.

Pick up Jura 12 Year Old from ASDA, Co-op, Morrisons, Tesco and specialist retailers including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange, RRP £41.

Fettercairn 16 Year Old

For a Burns Night dram that confidently steps beyond tradition, Fettercairn 16 Year Old brings a refreshing burst of tropical character to the table.

Renowned for its bold, flavour-led approach to whisky making, Fettercairn’s pioneering copper cooling ring allows only the lightest vapours to rise during distillation, creating an exceptionally smooth spirit. The result is a vibrant Highland Single Malt layered with passionfruit, ripe mango, Madagascan vanilla and a whisper of warm spice.

Bright yet refined, Fettercairn 16 Year Old is ideal from the first skirl of the pipes to the final toast of the evening.

For Burns Night hosts really looking to impress, why not try the Fettercairn 1824 Martini – a polished twist on a sophisticated classic.

To make it at home, simply combine:

• 37.5ml Fettercairn 16 Year Old
• 12.5ml kumquat liqueur
• 10ml Fettercairn honey syrup
• 15ml lemon juice
• 4 dashes banana & coffee bitters

Shake briskly with ice, fine strain into a chilled Champagne coupe, then top with Crémant sparkling wine. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist for a final touch of finesse and serve well chilled in your most elegant glassware.

Fettercairn 16 Year Old is available from a range of retailers, including The Whisky Shop, RRP £87.

[1] Nielsen 2022, by Volume and Value

[2] World Whiskies Awards Scotland 2026