Raising a dram to six decades of Deanston: Distillery opens doors for birthday events

Diamond Date: the Deanston team prepare to welcome visitors in a series of anniversary tastings and events. 

Deanston Distillery is celebrating its 60th birthday with a week of special events in October, opening its doors to whisky lovers, local residents and anyone who wants to discover the magic behind this small but distinctive Highland distillery.

Taking place from October 11 to 17, the birthday celebrations will culminate in a special Distillery Open Day on Saturday October 17, marking 60 years since Deanston was converted from a cotton mill into a whisky distillery in 1966.

There’s also a special birthday treat for anyone who shares Deanston’s big milestone and those celebrating their 60th birthday in 2026 can bring a guest and enjoy a complimentary distillery tour or tasting at Deanston up until March 21 2027.

During the week of anniversary celebrations, visitors can also enjoy a range of experiences, including a special community day, behind-the-scenes tours and tastings, live music, the chance to buy a limited-edition 60th Anniversary whiskies and much more.

Pete Semple, Visitor Centre Manager at Deanston Distillery, said: “Sixty years is a huge milestone for Deanston and gives us the opportunity to welcome in the people who have worked here, the families and communities who have grown up alongside the distillery, and the generations of whisky lovers who have made Deanston part of their lives. We’re incredibly proud of what this place means to people locally and to Deanston fans who come here from around the world. This anniversary is our chance to open the doors and share our passion with everyone, to let them see where our whisky is made, hear the stories and meet the people behind it. Most importantly, it’s a chance to raise a dram and celebrate 60 years together.”

Renowned for its unconventional history, distinctive waxy-textured single malt and independent spirit, Deanston has built a passionate community of fans around the world. But its roots remain firmly local.

The distillery’s staff all live in Deanston, Perthshire and neighbouring Stirlingshire, and its Community Day on Wednesday October 14 will welcome residents of Deanston, Doune and Callander, former colleagues and local community groups to enjoy complimentary tours, tastings and the chance to hear from the people who have been part of Deanston’s story.

The celebrations will also give whisky enthusiasts the chance to experience Deanston like never before, with highlights including a Master Distillers’ Tasting spanning four eras of the distillery, tours led by current and former distillery managers, and a special exploration of the former weaving shed which has been home to maturing Deanston whisky since 1966.

Deanston’s 60th anniversary celebrations take place from October 11 to 17, 2026, with the main Distillery Open Day on Saturday October 17. Tickets for special tastings and tours are available through the Deanston website, with limited places for some events and experiences.

For more information and to book, visit HERE 

About Deanston

Located on the banks of the River Teith near Doune, Deanston Distillery has been handcrafting award-winning Highland single malts since 1966. Once a cotton mill, Deanston is powered by its own hydroelectric turbine and produces whisky using only Scottish ingredients, crafted by hand without chill filtration or added colouring. The result is a naturally waxy, smooth and honeyed spirit that reflects the character of its people and place.

Led by Master Blender Julieann Fernandez, one of the world’s youngest and most accomplished whisky makers, Deanston continues to balance traditional craftsmanship with a spirit of innovation. The distillery is also recognised as one of the world’s leading – and oldest – producers of high-aged organic single malt, accredited by the UK’s Organic Food Federation.

The core Deanston range includes its signature Virgin Oak, 12- and 18-Year-Old single malts, alongside limited-edition cask finishes that push the boundaries of cask maturation and experimentation. Proudly community-driven and sustainably minded, Deanston embodies the spirit of modern Scottish whisky-making.

Learn more at www.deanstonmalt.com or follow @deanstonmalt on social media.

Deanston Distillery 60th Anniversary Celebrations – full event details

Dates: October 11–17 2026

Deanston Distillery is celebrating 60 years of whisky making with a week of special events, culminating in a Distillery Open Day on Saturday 17 October. From community celebrations to exclusive tastings with the people who have shaped Deanston, the programme offers whisky lovers and local residents the chance to explore behind the scenes and celebrate six decades of Deanston.

Sunday October 11

We Are 60, Are You?

Anyone celebrating their 60th birthday in 2026 can enjoy a complimentary distillery tour or tasting. Offer continues at Deanston up until March 21 2027.

Wednesday October 14

Deanston, Doune & Callander Community Day

We open our doors to the local community, with whisky tasting, storytelling and a look behind the scenes.

Saturday October 17

Deanston Distillery Open Day

A full day of special tours, tastings, live music and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Master Distillers’ Tasting

Join four Master Distillers as they share whiskies from their respective eras at Deanston.

Distillery Manager’s 60th Anniversary Tour & Tasting

Current Distillery Manager Murray Kerr leads a tour before presenting four personally selected whiskies.

Head Warehouseman’s Tour: 60 Years of the Weaving Shed

The story of Deanston’s former weaving shed, which became a maturation warehouse in 1966, followed by three cask-strength drams.

Distillery Manager’s Tasting

Stephen Woodcock, Andrew Waite and current manager Murray Kerr each share a whisky connected to their time running Deanston and stories from their eras.

Distillery Production Tours

See Deanston’s production process up close, from mashing and fermentation through to distillation.

Open Day Extras

Visitors can also enjoy:

• A photography exhibition celebrating Deanston and its people.
• Live music.
• Access to the Visitor Centre and retail shop.

Tickets for the special tours and tastings are limited.

For further information and booking details, visit HERE 

Luss Distillery celebrates first year in business with over 55,000 visitors welcomed

The new spirits destination has become one of Scotland’s most highly regarded visitor attractions just a year after opening.

Luss Distillery, the multi-million-pound distillery and visitor destination on the banks of Loch Lomond, has welcomed more than 55,000 visitors and hosted nearly 5,000 tastings and tours in its first year of operation.

Launched by independent distiller Loch Lomond Group, the distillery quietly opened in the village of Luss in October 2025, before being officially launched by First Minister John Swinney at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in January 2026.

Since its opening, the distillery has  welcomed guests from across the world, including passionate whisky connoisseurs as well as curious spirits newcomers. Among its visitors have been guests from United States, who made up 8% of all visits, as well as guests from Germany, Netherlands and France.

Luss Distillery is a dedicated brand home for Loch Lomond Group’s multi-award award-winning Loch Lomond Whiskies.  Within the dedicated retail space, guests have also been able to explore the group’s extensive portfolio of other whiskies, including Glen Scotia and Littlemill.

The distillery hosts a range of dedicated whisky tastings and tours, as well as freely opening its doors for a more informal exploration of its beautifully designed spaces. During its first year, the attraction has achieved exceptional feedback from guests, earning a five-star Tripadvisor rating, and a 4.9 rating on Google Reviews, with a Net Promoter Score of 94. It was also awarded a five-star quality grading by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), just months after opening its doors.

To mark its first year in business, Luss Distillery will be running a host of initiatives from 9 to 16 October, from free bottle engraving to a Serve & Slice offer at the onsite Scoff & Patter, where visitors will be treated a slice of birthday cake and a Ben Lomond cocktail.

25% off all whisky experiences as well as 10% off all merchandise in the shop, will also be available across the week. The distillery will also host an Open House for local residents in Luss, and partners who have supported its journey over the past year.

Tony MacLean, Brand Home Manager at Luss Distillery, said: “It has been a whirlwind first year, and as I look back on the past 12 months, I am so proud of what we have built here.

“Luss Distillery is unlike anything else in Scotland. It is a place where the stories of whisky are brought together under one roof, making it incredibly unique and appealing to visitors with very different interests. Our spectacular location on the banks of Loch Lomond undoubtedly plays a huge part in attracting visitors.

“From the moment visitors arrive, there is a real sense of discovery, both for the local area and for our offering.  Guests consistently talk about is the opportunity to get behind the scenes, hear the stories behind our brands and taste premium whisky  in such a spectacular setting. They also really value access to products they cannot buy elsewhere. Our Luss Exclusive Casks have been particularly successful, and we are continuing to develop more products that are only available at Luss.

“After such a strong first year, it is exciting to see how the destination is establishing itself as a place where people can discover our spirits, enjoy the landscape and create a memorable Loch Lomond experience.”

Luss Distillery is open daily from 10am-5pm.

For more information about Luss Distillery, please visit https://lussdistillery.com/

For more information about The Loch Lomond Group, please visit www.lochlomondgroup.com.

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several multi- award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. lochlomondgroup.com

Tickets Now On Sale

Whisky Social returns on Saturday November 21 from 1:00 to 4:00pm, and tickets are now on sale: TICKETS

Why a sibling for Spirit of Toronto?

Because we longed for the kind of laidback, FOMO-free European whisky festivals we’ve attended across the pond.

And then we came across the perfect warehouse location for an afternoon of ‘whisky and vibes’, with a food truck on-site to keep our bellies full while the drams flowed.

We like to think of Whisky Social as the ‘smash burger’ to Spirit of Toronto’s filet mignon: both are equally satisfying in their own right.

And, because we couldn’t pass up the chance for a geeky deep dive with fellow whisky fans… we’re digging into the vaults and opening some pretty amazing bottles to share with likeminded folks for an hour before the main doors open. (Just saying, you do you.)

Hope to see you there!
Johanna

Johanna Ngoh
Founder, Whisky Social and Spirit of Toronto

15 YEARS OF GETTING INTO THE GOOD STUFF

This month marks our 15th anniversary! We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our fabulous members and supportive partner retail stores. We raise a glass to you all and invite you to enjoy our 15th anniversary Outturn, which, as you would expect, has some real treats.

With gratitude, Rob & Kelly Carpenter, SMWS Canada founders

We’re continuing with the roll out of the Society’s new flavour profiles. The original twelve flavour profiles have evolved into eight mouthwatering categories – each with a new name, colour and character. This is a refinement and a refocus on flavour based on our historical archive of Tasting Notes and member feedback. Discover more here.

LAZY HAZY SUMMER – 15th anniversary bottling

CASK No. 21.29

AGE:  11 years

PROFILE:  Sweet & zesty

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

BRIGHT, EFFERVESCENT AND FULL OF ENERGY

CASK No. 64.169

AGE:  16 years

PROFILE:  Ripe fruits & honey

CASK:  1st fill PX barrique

BECAUSE YOU’RE WORTH IT

CASK No. 50.122

AGE:  7 years

PROFILE:  Dried fruits & spices

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

REAL PEEL APPEAL

CASK No. G9.9

AGE:  24 years

PROFILE:  Spicy & sweet

CASK:  1st fill HTMC barrel

A NEW LAND FOR SHERRY SCEPTICS

CASK No. 1.305

AGE:  12 years

PROFILE:  Dried fruits & spices

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

THIS ONE IS A MUST

CASK No. 18.69

AGE:  15 years

PROFILE:  Oily & coastal

CASK:  Refill toasted French oak barrique

SEASIDE SAUNA

CASK No. 168.1

AGE:  8 years

PROFILE:  Bold & peaty

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

BROWSE OCTOBER OUTTURN HERE

VIEW ALL BOTTLINGS

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

FIFE BOTTLER LANDS SIX SCOTTISH WHISKY AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Saltire Rare Malt shortlisted for Independent Bottler of the Year as three of its single cask whiskies compete in the same category

Falkland, Fife;  September 2026 – Fife-based independent Scotch whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt has landed six finalist spots across four categories at the 2026 Scottish Whisky Awards, including Independent Bottler of the Year and Excellence in Branding.

Four Saltire whiskies have also made the taste finals, with an impressive three of the eight places in Single Cask Scotch 13 and Over going to its Aultmore 15 Year Old, Caol Ila 17 Year Old and Tamnavulin 17 Year Old. Saltire’s Port Dundas has also been shortlisted in Single Grain & Blended Grain Scotch.

The nominations mark another major milestone for Saltire Rare Malt, which was crowned Newcomer of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards, as the independent bottler continues its rapid growth at home and internationally.

Launched in 2024 by friends and founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, Saltire Rare Malt works alongside internationally acclaimed whisky experts Hans and Becky Offringa – The Whisky Couple – to curate its collection of rare single cask and limited-edition Scotch whiskies.

From its home in Falkland, the business has grown rapidly in just over two years, with its bottlings now reaching collectors and trade partners across Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa.

Keith Rennie, Co-Founder of Saltire Rare Malt, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Saltire recognised across so many different areas at this year’s Scottish Whisky Awards. To have four of our whiskies in the taste finals – including three in the same single cask category – is particularly special, alongside recognition for our branding and a nomination for Independent Bottler of the Year.

“We launched Saltire just over two years ago with a shared passion for exceptional Scotch whisky and big ambitions for the business. To see the whisky, the brand and the team recognised together means a huge amount to us.”

The nominations come during Saltire Rare Malt’s biggest period of international growth to date, following the recent appointment of five whisky professionals across North America and Asia Pacific as the business continues to expand in key global markets.

The winners of the 2026 Scottish Whisky Awards will be announced later this year. The Saltire Rare Malt Collection is available to buy online on their website at: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/

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 worked together for three decades, before moving into the whisky world to collect fine and rare single malts. 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.

The founders felt that 2024 would be a good year to launch the very first bottlings of Saltire Rare Malt, 530 years after the birth of Scotch Whisky – in the beautiful, historic town of Falkland. Among Saltire Rare Malt’s meticulously curated collection are ‘well-known labels’, ‘rare gems’ and casks from ‘lost distilleries’ with Single Malt Scotch Whisky releases that are ‘never rushed or hurried — they’re bottled when the right time arrives’.

W: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/
I: https://www.instagram.com/saltireraremaltwhisky
F: https://www.facebook.com/people/Saltire-Rare-Malt-Whisky/61554723364117/

About Falkland, Fife; The Birthplace of Scotch Whisky

Falkland is a beautiful Scottish market town in the Kingdom of Fife, built around the 12th century Falkland Palace. 1494 saw the first record of Scotch Whisky. King James IV, staying at the Palace, issuing the famous order: “8 bolls of malt to Friar John Cor, werewith to make the ‘water of life”. This can be considered the birth certificate of Scotch Whisky. Saltire Rare Malt is now situated in the market square opposite Falkland Palace. Over 530 years after the birth of Scotch whisky, its story has now come full circle.
– –

Scotch & Smoke: A Flavour Odyssey Part II is the Society’s latest feature-length documentary. It’s an immersive journey into one of whisky’s most distinctive and divisive flavour profiles – peat. And from October, you can see it for yourself at one of our six screenings.

The documentary follows whisky experts Richard and Calum as they travel from The Vaults in Leith to the legendary island of Islay, uncovering the story of peat, how it is formed, harvested and used in whisky production. Along the way, discover the art of peat cutting, traditional maltings and the process through which smoky phenols find their way into the final spirit.

The documentary also explores the future of peat through conversations with industry experts, scientists and whisky makers, examining peat’s role in flavour, culture and sustainability.

Join us this October at the premiere or at our other screenings in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London, complete with whisky and movie snacks.

CHECK OUT ALL THE EVENTS

SHOP ALL PEATED WHISKIES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

The Ideal Number of Drams

How many whiskies should you serve at a tasting? 2? 4? 8? We asked some of our teachers and contributing experts and, while their answers weren’t identical, they all landed around the same number… even if Gordon went a bit rogue!

Watch to find out why four or five drams might be the perfect tasting line-up. How many whiskies would be in your ideal tasting?

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Why Does This Whisky Taste Like That?

The influence of oak on Scotch whisky is undeniable, but maturation doesn’t create flavour in isolation. This post explores how cask type, oak species and previous fills shape the spirit while building on everything that came before. With tasty recommendations for Glenmorangie, Tamdhu, Glen Moray and GlenAllachie.

📖 Read the Post

We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Glen Moray extends ‘Official Whisky’ partnership with ISPS Handa Senior Open

Speyside single malt signs for three more years and toasts success of 2026 Championship at Gleneagles

Champion Jerry Kelly with Glen Moray’s Iain Allan and the winner’s bottle
Picture credit: Getty

After four days of sunshine, whisky sampling and a thrilling display of world class golf at Gleneagles last month, Glen Moray has today (17^th August) announced a three year extension of its partnership with the ISPS Handa Senior Open as the Championship’s ’s ‘Official Whisky’.

Celebrating the global appeal and shared Scottish roots of golf and whisky, the extended contract will take Glen Moray to Royal Porthcawl in 2027 and beyond, with plans to share the Speyside distillery’s beloved single malts with even more golf fans in the years ahead.

The ISPS Handa Senior Open is Europe’s only senior major, hosted each July at an iconic UK golf course. One of the sport’s most sought after senior titles, it attracts over 20,000 fans each year, offering a unique chance to see 144 of golf’s legendary players in action.

Since signing an initial three year deal starting at  Carnoustie in 2024, Glen Moray’s on-site tasting room, bottle shop and sampling programme have grown to become one of the Championship’s most popular attractions amongst spectators.

This year’s introduction of a deeper tasting and masterclass experience, led by the Elgin-based distiller’s Global Brand Ambassador Iain Allan and his team, proved a hit – with nearly 600 guests exploring Glen Moray’s smooth, fruity Speyside spirit in one of four complimentary whisky flights across the brand’s Explorer, Heritage, Xperience and Warehouse 1 ranges.

The Glen Moray Chipping Challenge was also back and busier than ever: three barrels, six balls and six shots at glory, attempted by a phenomenal1500 participants this year, all keen to take on the ultimate ‘golf meets whisky’ test!

All players at this year’s Championship were gifted a bottle of one of Glen Moray’s most recently launched expressions from the Xperience Range, Forbidden Fruit. In addition, there were drams and cocktails on offer in hospitality at Gleneagles Hotel and at the pre-event’s Pro-Am tournament.

After a brilliant four days of golfing action on King’s Course Gleneagles and an exhilarating final day of play, Iain Allan had the privilege of presenting a unique bottle of Glen Moray – a single cask #5286, distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2026 exclusively for the Championship – to this year’s popular winner, Jerry Kelly.

Stephen Watt, Commercial and Marketing Director at Glen Moray commented: ‘After three successful years of partnership with the ISPS Handa Senior Open, we are more convinced than ever that world class golf and whisky go hand in hand. Being part of this incredible Championship is a huge source of pride, and an opportunity for us to bring thousands of golf fans into the world of Glen Moray to explore our award-winning range of Speyside single malts. The enthusiasm and feedback we receive every year is overwhelmingly positive. And now, with three more years ahead of us, we look forward to planning more exciting activations and to playing our part in the ongoing success of the Championship.’ 

Edward Kitson, Championship Director of the ISPS Handa Senior Open, added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Glen Moray for another three years. The ISPS HANDA Senior Open is where legends of the game test their skills on some of the finest courses in the UK and It’s only fitting that a legendary Scottish whisky continues to be there. 

“We look forward to working together to showcase their products to the thousands of fans at Royal Porthcawl next year and beyond.” 

www.glenmoray.com

#glenmoray #glenmorayclassicround

www.facebook.com/GlenMorayDistillery

www.instagram.com/Glen_Moray_Whisky

www.twitter.com/glenmoraydist

Glen Moray – Cask Explorer since 1897 

Crafted in the heart of Speyside since 1897, Glen Moray’s smooth, fruity single malt whisky embodies the classic Speyside style. It has been made on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin for over 125 years using skills passed down through the generations and a process that includes double distillation in copper stills and careful ageing in traditional warehouses. The distillery’s craftsmen are experts in maturing and marrying many different types of casks, creating the array of flavours which inspire Glen Moray’s extensive range. Inclusive and inviting, Glen Moray is perfect for enjoying on its own and in cocktails, by whisky aficionados and new whisky fans alike.

About the ISPS HANDA Senior Open

Jerry Kelly held his nerve brilliantly down the stretch at The Gleneagles Hotel to claim a two-shot win at the 2026 ISPS HANDA Senior Open.

Kelly was a three-time winner on the PGA TOUR and Presidents Cup player in 2003 before entering the senior game, where he has 14 wins on the PGA TOUR Champions, including two Senior Players Championships and the Senior Open trophy.

Bernhard Langer became the first golfer in history to win The Senior Open four times with his victory in 2019 at Royal Lytham & St Annes – moving ahead of Gary Player and Tom Watson with whom he previously shared three wins. The German also broke his own record of Senior Major Championship victories – securing his 11th at Royal Lytham & St Annes and since adding a 12^th at the 2023 US Senior Open.

The Senior Open was introduced in 1987 at Turnberry in Ayrshire when Neil Coles, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Tour group, won the inaugural title. This led, two years later, to the formal inception of what is now the Legends Tour. It has since been held at some of the United Kingdom’s most historic and renowned venues, including the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal County Down, Carnoustie, Royal Birkdale, Royal Portrush and Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The Eclipse Edition – Finished in Orange Wine Casks

When darkness falls, something stirred in The Gauldrons.

The light went out over Scotland – and won’t again in our lifetimes. Rare things don’t wait around. Neither does this. For the first time, The Gauldrons has been finished in Orange Wine Casks from the ancient cellars of Jerez de la Frontera, southern Spain – where whispers of oak and time linger like ghosts in the air. The result is a Campbeltown Blended Malt that defies convention – bold, uncoloured, and non chill-filtered. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 52.9% ABV, this Whisky captures the spirit of the eclipse: darkly radiant, and utterly bewitching.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Malt, dried apricots, orange peel, toasted almonds.

Palate: Walnuts, honey, ginger, stone fruits.

Finish: Lingering spice and tangy orange with an otherworldly edge.

LEARN MORE