Our distillery in Stourton was named Best English Whisky Distillery. Given the tough competition from an ever-growing field of English distilleries, we couldn’t be more delighted. Join one of our daily tours to explore our distillery – take a look behind-the-scenes and enjoy a taste of our award-winning spirits.
The Whisky School before the action
We are pleased to present “The Whisky Tasting School” on both days of the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival at Topaz Park! The Victoria Highland Games Association is once again pleased to present “The Whisky Tasting School” on May 16th and 17th, 2026 at the 163rd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival at Topaz Park, Victoria, BC. All sessions will feature single malt whiskies presented by ambassadors representing a variety of Scotch, American, Japanese and Canadian whiskies. The registration fee is $53.00 (Charcuterie and Whisky pairing session $63.00 ) and includes a one-day field entry (value $20).
RAISING A DRAM TO SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL’S
RECORD-BREAKING YEAR
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has announced over £500k of sales for the first time in its history. Almost 60 events were completely sold out on day one, including the renowned ceilidh on Friday night.
Celebrating its 27th anniversary, Speyside is widely regarded as the spiritual home of whisky, with a third of the distilleries. Established as one of the world’s largest showcases of whisky, partner members grew and helped promote over 600 events across 6 days, from 29th April, contributing millions to the local economy.
On launch day back in February, nearly 7,000 tickets were sold with visitors descending on Speyside from all over the globe and contributing to over 60% of ticket sales. Customers from Mexico, Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Canada showcased the diversity of geographic locations.
With over 600 events, the festival is a time when a number of distilleries, that normally don’t open their doors, invite visitors to explore their facilities, making it a unique experience for festival goers. 12 distilleries including Tormore, Craigellachie and Dalmunach welcomed visitors behind closed doors and proved to be some of the most popular events. Highlights also included a diversity of events. A falconry display with Tormore, a canoe trip down the River Spey and Glenlivet hosted a silent disco where guests could also enjoy expressions of their 12-year-old single malt.
Chairman of the Festival, Henry Angus said, “There has never been a more important year for us to support the whisky sector. With whisky sales declining, but festival sales increasing, our ability to draw thousands of visitors to Speyside is vital to the local economy. We’re extremely proud to have broken all records again this year and to prove that we are creating a world-class calendar of events with wide appeal. The festival has become an old friend to so many year after year. There are some incredible opportunities, some of which are unique, leaving visitors to feel like they’ve been part of something truly magical. There’s nothing quite like it.”
Spirit of Speyside organisers have also announced that Distilled, the food and drink festival normally held annually is back after a hiatus this September. Bringing together top producers from Speyside region it will showcase local whisky, gin, beer, and food, offering tastings, masterclasses, and experiences. Due to be held at UHI Moray in Elgin on Friday 11th & Saturday 12th September, 2026.
FESTIVAL WINNERS –
Ambassador – David Craig
International Ambassador – Matthew Cordiner, Bacardi Global Brands
Unsung Heroes – Raymond Davidson, Glencairn Glass, Angela McOwan, Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Spirit of Speyside Award – David Stewart, William Grant & Sons
Whisky Award winners:
Gold, 12 years old and under: Aberlour 12 YO
Gold, 13–17 years: Craigellachie 17 YO – Spirit of Speyside Single Cask Limited Edition
Gold, 18 years and over: Tamdhu 21 YO
Gold, non-age statement: Tamdhu Distinction III Speyside Single Malt
Overall winner, 2026 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards: Tamdhu 21 YO
The Whisky School before the action
We are pleased to present “The Whisky Tasting School” on both days of the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival at Topaz Park! The Victoria Highland Games Association is once again pleased to present “The Whisky Tasting School” on May 16th and 17th, 2026 at the 163rd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival at Topaz Park, Victoria, BC. All sessions will feature single malt whiskies presented by ambassadors representing a variety of Scotch, American, Japanese and Canadian whiskies. The registration fee is $53.00 (Charcuterie and Whisky pairing session $63.00 ) and includes a one-day field entry (value $20).
The “Olympics of the Drinks Industry” Extends Entries until May 8
LONDON (April 27, 2026) — Spirits industry professionals from around the world will once again gather in Bardstown, Kentucky — the “Bourbon Capital of the World” — for the 3rd IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) in early June. This year,in addition to judging North American Whiskey and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) spirits, the categories are expanding to accept gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from across the United States, and the entry deadline has been extended to May 8th.
Founded in 1969, the London-based IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from over 90 countries. The North American Spirits Judging marks the competition’s exclusive North American event, reinforcing Kentucky’s role as a global hub for whiskey and other spirits excellence.
The judges — representing the worldwide standard of beverage expertise — provide North American whiskey and other spirit producers a unique opportunity for international recognition from the competition, widely regarded and recognized as one of the most prestigious in the world. The 2026 Judging Panel of experts brings perspectives from distilling, retail buying, hospitality, media, and global distribution, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced evaluation process.
Led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine, Commercial Buying Director, Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange, the panel of judges will evaluate the entries using the same rigorous judging process as in the UK, which includes double-blind tasting, a limited number of entries judged per day to avoid palate fatigue, and panel discussions between the judges.
In addition to Davies, the other judges for the North American competition are:
Kentucky is one of just seven global locations where the IWSC delivers its full London judging model through its Global Judging program. Entries are assessed to exactly the same standards, by the same caliber of international judging panels, and within the same rigorous framework as in London—ensuring complete consistency and credibility across all results.
As in London, the Kentucky event pairs these world-class tasting sessions with a program that celebrates the people, places, and spirits that define America’s whiskey culture. Crucially, all medal winners benefit from the IWSC’s global results campaign, receiving the same level of recognition, promotion and commercial opportunity as those judged in London.
Medals awarded include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Outstanding. Top-scoring products advance to the prestigious Trophy Judging round. Winners are revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration in November 2026 in London.
The IWSC is grateful for its 2026 partners: Heaven Hill, Angel’s Envy, Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Total Wine & More, Kentucky Eagle, Glencairn, Buzick Construction, Mint Julep Experiences, and Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
How to Enter
Visit the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging page to submit entries.
Entry deadline: May 8th
Winners will be announced June 12, 2026
About the IWSC
Since 1969, the IWSC has set the global standard for beverage excellence. Known as the “Olympics of the drinks industry,” the IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from 90-plus countries. Judges are key decision-makers in the industry, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Master Distillers and Senior Buyers. These experts assess wines, spirits and alternative drinks using a rigorous panel process that ensures fair evaluation. The IWSC stands out for its expert judging, consistent attention, comprehensive categories and global recognition. For producers, its offers benchmarking, recognition and business connections. For consumers, IWSC medals guide excellence in a wide selection of drinks.
About the IWSC Competition Global Judging
Since 2022, the IWSC has held in situ Global Judging events, an initiative introduced by
Strategy and Business Development Director Christelle Guibert. The IWSC is proud to be the first international drinks competition to institute a series such as this. Until today, wine and spirits have been judged in Italy, Austria, Georgia, Turkey, Italy, Argentina, Australia, the United States, South Africa and China. The competition is committed to the initiative due to the opportunities it gives all producers in a region to take part, no matter what their size is, and allows for the drinks entered to be judged in context by judges who are up to date with the region and its most recent developments.
Relaxedly but surely our program for 2026 is taking shape! We travelled to Leith and Groningen and spoke to many potential exhibitors. The first few we can now announce! Watch this space as we will start announcing our program in the next couple of weeks! Go on and read all about it.
Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan and Teun
With the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in full swing, we took some time out in our oldest warehouse, Warehouse 1‑1. There, I spent time with distillery team members Craig and Andy, tasting the Tamdhu Distillery Team Single Cask 2026.
The three of us taste the whisky together and talk through the process behind choosing a Team Single Cask. Dozens of casks were considered. Every opinion was heard. Drawn from Cask No. 2197, this whisky was distilled in 2013, matured in an American oak sherry hogshead, and bottled at 58.9% ABV. Only 345 individually numbered bottles.
Bright and sweet on the nose, with fresh raspberry and golden syrup, followed by hazelnut and white chocolate. The palate brings berries and tropical fruits, balanced by gentle spice and the dryness of Oloroso sherry, before a soft, lingering finish of vanilla and red apple.
This year’s selection carries the collective name of the team for a reason. It isn’t about individual preference; it’s about agreement, judgment, and trust built over years of working with the same spirit.
TRIPLE CROWN AT THE ENGLISH WHISKY AWARDS 2026
To top off an incredible English Whisky Week last week, we are thrilled to announce that we took home three awards at the English Whisky Awards 2026 for both our whisky and distillery. Our Signature Single Malt Whisky was awarded Best English Whisky and Best Value English Whisky. We’re celebrating by offering 15% off 70cl bottles of Signature Single Malt Whisky online and in our three shops from now until Tuesday, 5th May 2026 at 11:59pm. Use the code EWAWARDS to redeem this offer online.
AWARD-WINNING SCOTCH BOTTLER EXPANDS INTO CALIFORNIA AS US GROWTH CONTINUES
Scotland / California, April 2026; Award-winning independent Scotch whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt is strengthening its presence in the United States with two exclusive tasting events in California this spring, bringing its rare single cask Scotch whiskies to new audiences on the West Coast.
Named ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards, the Falkland-founded company will host back-to-back showcases in partnership with two respected California retailers – Hi-Lo Liquor Market and Vintage Wine & Spirits.
The events will introduce guests to a hand-selected range of ultra-rare single cask releases from some of Scotland’s most respected distilleries, offering Californian whisky lovers the opportunity to discover the diversity, craftsmanship and character of Scotland’s whisky regions.
Guests will explore a rotating collection of expressions from distilleries including Tormore, Ardmore, Dailuaine, Glenburgie, Linkwood, Benrinnes and Teaninich, alongside Falkland, Saltire Rare Malt’s sister Speyside single malt brand.
The California programme follows Saltire Rare Malt’s recent expansion into Texas and Louisiana last month, where a successful run of tastings introduced the brand to new US audiences. After strong demand in the South, California marks the next step in the company’s growing American presence.
Saltire Rare Malt Global Brand Ambassador David McCallum will travel over specially to host the evening, guiding guests through the collection and the stories behind each whisky. He will be joined by Laura Sol, Business Development Manager, with both in attendance making this a particularly special occasion as Saltire Rare Malt continues its growth in the US market.
The first event takes place at Hi-Lo Liquor Market, a popular independent California retailer known for its strong community spirit, quality-led range and carefully curated drinks selection. Its modern neighbourhood approach and focus on discovery make it a fitting partner for Saltire Rare Malt’s West Coast debut.
The second tasting will be held at Vintage Wine & Spirits in Los Angeles, a fast-growing specialist retailer that has built a reputation for premium spirits, fine wine and expert curation. Located in Lake Balboa, the store has quickly become a destination for enthusiasts seeking rare and distinctive bottles.
Keith Rennie, Co-Founder & Director of Saltire Rare Malt, said: “California is an exciting market for premium spirits and we’re delighted to bring Saltire Rare Malt to two fantastic independent retailers on the West Coast. These tastings are about sharing Scotland’s whisky heritage, the stories behind each cask and the remarkable diversity of flavour that single cask whisky can offer.”
Founded in Falkland – the historic birthplace of Scotch whisky more than 530 years ago – Saltire Rare Malt specialises in sourcing exceptional single casks from Scotland’s finest distilleries and bottling them only when the whisky has reached peak character.
Founded by lifelong friends Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, the company continues to connect Scotland’s rarest whiskies with collectors, hospitality partners and enthusiasts around the world.
CALIFORNIA TASTING EVENTS
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
Hi-Lo Liquor Market
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST
Friday, 1st May 2026
Vintage Wine & Spirits
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM PST
About Saltire Rare Malt Whisky
Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie – the pair have collected fine and rare single malts over three decades. A shared passion for the ‘water of life’ led to the creation of Saltire Rare Malt – a global vehicle to share their outstanding collection of Single Malt Whiskies.
www.saltireraremalt.com
hwww.instagram.com/saltireraremaltwhisky
www.facebook.com/people/Saltire-Rare-Malt-Whisky/61554723364117/
Happy English Whisky Week! I’ve lost count of the number of times somebody has asked me, “Can you get whisky in England?” I resist the urge to roll my eyes and instead use it as the optimal time to list of some of the exceptional brands that are currently producing our favourite spirit as good as anybody else on the planet.
One of the first drams I ever tried when I joined the wonderful whisky world was one of the Whiskymaker’s Reserve expressions from the Lakes Distillery. I was blown away by its quality, and it’s the standard I’ve held English whisky to ever since.
Next time you’re looking for a new dram to try, give an English a look — you will be as amazed as I was. A select few are below — have a peruse and enjoy.
Bradley Weir, Whisky Magazine editor
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