Scotland’s First Whisky Region

For whisky historians, the name Ferintosh carries deep significance. Famed for producing high-quality spirit long before the modern idea of ‘whisky regions’ emerged, the name is making headlines again with the Clachan Distillery announcing plans to restore the Ferintosh whisky name. This has sparked fresh interest in Ferintosh’s historical importance, but what made it so special in the first place? We asked whisky writer Iain Russell to explain.📖  Read the Post 

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY’S 100 BOURBON SETS FOR 100 CHARITIES INITIATIVE RETURNS TO CONTINUE NATIONWIDE CHARITABLE GIVING

The Distillery to donate 100 sets of its finest whiskeys to support fundraising efforts for 100 nonprofit organizations

FRANKFORT, Ky. (February 26, 2025) – Ahead of Bottled-in-Bond Day, Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the return of its annual charitable initiative, 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities. The initiative, which honors the legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr., celebrates and supports non-profit organizations across the United States that are committed to bringing positive changes to their communities. Taylor, who owned Buffalo Trace Distillery from 1869-1878, is often referred to as the founding father of the modern bourbon industry due to his technological innovations, advancements in distilling, and instrumental efforts leading to the 1897 passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities pays homage to the 100 proof alcohol measurement, one of the key requirements for a whiskey to be labeled as Bottled-in-Bond.

In its inaugural year, the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative supported organizations from 36 states across the country. In total, the program raised more than $134,000 for a variety of causes dedicated to veteran services, youth education and programming, cancer treatment, animal rescue and adoption, among many others.

“It is incredible to see the work being done by nonprofit organizations around the country and we believe Taylor would be proud to know his legacy continues to bring such a positive change to countless communities,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative celebrates those who, like Taylor, have a passion for improving the world. We are proud to support nonprofit organizations in their efforts to better lives and communities.”

Featured products for the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative include lineups from some of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most sought-after brands, including E.H. Taylor Jr., Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Weller and more. The number of bottles in each set may vary. Interested nonprofits can apply here. 

Charities of all kinds are encouraged to apply for 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities. Those interested in applying can do so beginning March 3, 2025, in honor of Bottled-in-Bond Day. All applications must be received within 100 days – by June 11, 2025 – for consideration. Selected charities will be announced the week of July 28, 2025. Bottles sets will be delivered within 30 days following the selection announcement.

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to carefully read over the application. Buffalo Trace Distillery will coordinate the logistics of transporting bottles to selected organizations based on the legal requirements in each state. Once received by the organization, it is the nonprofit’s responsibility for executing a program that complies with each state’s legal specifications. Organizations must use their bottle sets and report back their monies raised by December 31, 2025. 

About the Bottled-in-Bond Act

The Bottled-in-Bond Act was first-of-its kind legislation that saved whiskey in America. Passage of the Act led to increased quality and consumer safety across categories (and the formation of the modern FDA) and paved the way for the focus on quality & innovation that Buffalo Trace Distillery maintains today.

Bottled in Bond required distillers to label aged spirits, mostly American Whiskey, as “bottled-in-bond,” meaning the product meets the following criteria:

• The spirit must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery.
• The spirit must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years.
• The aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (or, 100 proof).

For any questions regarding the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative, please email charity@buffalotrace.com. For more information on Buffalo Trace Distillery and its ongoing charitable efforts, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Stay up to date with news from Buffalo Trace Distillery by following along on Instagram and Facebook.

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 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.

The Lassies Only Whisky Festival

If there is a group that continues to be underappreciated for their love and interest in whisky, it is women. The simple enjoyment of whisky can still sometimes come off as a 40+ year old man’s exclusive playground. And I am not just saying that because I belong to the demographic. Maybe it is due to tone-deaf marketing. Perhaps it is the confusion and worry that staring at a monumental wall of whisky bottles can foster. Possibly, it is the often impenetrable wall of faux-intellectual gibberish about bottles and dates and styles that any group of anoraks gets into.

We sometimes forget that whisky should be fun and inclusive for everyone who is curious about it. As long as they of legal drinking age, of course.

If you are female with have any interest in tasting whisky or learning more about it, then KWM’s 5th Lassies Only Whisky Festival is for you. Whether you are a seasoned expert or somebody new to sipping whisky on its own — our goal is to make this festival for you.

At this festival, it is Lassies Only for attendees. The people pouring and talking about the whisky behind the tables are also female when possible — this is about showcasing the women that work in the whisky world as much as we can. Myself and the other male staff at KWM will take a back seat and stick to refilling water stations and emptying spit buckets for the most part.

Gender exclusivity is not something we are keen on pushing. Providing a safe and fun space for the enjoyment of whisky around International Women’s Day is a tradition we are proud of, though. We hope to continue with this festival for a long time.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Brenda Strafford Foundation’s Heart Home Network of Calgary, which provides support and services for victims of domestic and family violence.

If you are female, or know women that would be interested in doing something a little different to celebrate International Women’s Day, tickets can be found here:

The 5th Annual Lassie’s Only Whisky Festival at Kensington Wine Market

Friday, March 7th from 7 PM to 9 PM

Tickets are $50 with the proceeds being donated to The Brenda Strafford Foundation’s Heart Home Network of Calgary.

403-283-8000

888-283-9004

Regular Store Hours

Mon-Wed 10 AM – 8 PM

Thurs & Fri 10 AM – 9 PM

Sat 10 AM – 8 PM

Sun 11 AM to 6 PM

Maltstock Tickets

Get relaxed now and secure your Maltstock tickets in our shop!

 MALTSTOCK SHOP

Maltstock is an all inclusive whisky weekend. This means you can eat, drink, and sleep at the Maltstock venue and these things are included with our standard ticket. Administrative and transaction costs are also included in the ticket price. Click on our FAQ section below or have a look at our “Program“ and “What is Maltstock“ sections for more information about what is included. All tickets are all inclusive and for the whole weekend. We do not sell day tickets. Prices per person. Maltstock tickets are put to name, and issued on a per person, non-transferable, non-refundable basis. Please note that the 14-day legal right of withdrawal is not applicable for this purchase. If, for any reason, you want to exchange your tickets with someone else you can only do so after permission by, and through the Maltstock organisation.

Diagram: The Structure of a Yeast Cell

Yeast is a single-celled organism which feeds on sugar, producing alcohol, carbon dioxide, heat and flavour compounds in return. But what does a yeast cell look like? This diagram and accompanying blog post details the eight key elements of a typical yeast cell. 📖  Read the Post 

We have just launched our ’20th Anniversary Sessions’ at our Newcastle Whisky Festival. The first of these sees Eddie Ludlow team up with Dave Broom and a panel of industry guests to discuss and chat about the last 20 years of whisky and lounging! Of course, there will be some tasty drams in order to help lubricate lips…!

Included in the price of this session is;

– Early entry to the venue (11am or 4pm, ticket dependent)
– Entry to the 20th Anniversary session, plus drams
– FREE signed copy of, the soon to be published, ‘TWL 20th Anniversary Celebration Book’, with contributions from a whole host of TWL friends

Festival Highlights 2025:

• Over 150 Whiskies from around the world to sample
• All new retail and offers
• All new TWL merchandise 
• New ‘Round Table’ debates or masterclasses with the great and good of the whisky world! 
• The return of Whisky Heaven
• Jam and Dram – Live music at selected events, featuring our very own ‘Blind’ Eddie Ludlow!
• And much much more

Tickets for these sessions are now on general sale and, as a thank you to our loyal whisky-loungers, we are offering you 20% OFF these tickets. Don’t forget you need to have a festival ticket for the relevant session to be able to use these!
Just use code TWLWHISKY20 at the Eventbrite checkout to claim your discount.

In the meantime, you can still buy tickets for Newcastle 29th of March!

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Awarded Best of Business at World Beverage Innovation Awards

Reimagined Bourbon Trail™ Celebrates Bourbon Craftsmanship With Modern Twist

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is proud to announce that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Bourbon tourism program has been awarded the Best of Business: Marketing Campaign at the 2024 World Beverage Innovation Awards for its modern brand refresh launched last year to celebrate the Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s 25th anniversary.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® has become a bucket list experience that is sought after around the world. In 2024, the KDA unveiled a new look that celebrates a modern take on the brand while honoring the craftsmanship and rich history that makes Kentucky Bourbon so unique. The modern spin totes a sense of familiarity for longtime guests while also incorporating a contemporary feel with a touch of attainable luxury for the evolving audience.

The reimagined Kentucky Bourbon Trail® continues to reflect the diversity of experiences across its 60 destinations while resonating with the next generation of visitors.

Colleen Thomas, KDA Vice President of Operations shared, “We are honored to be nationally recognized for the new vision that has been created for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. By creating a modern and approachable brand experience, we are making it even easier for the world to experience Kentucky Bourbon.”

Thomas added that the newly launched digital experience allows users to build the Bourbon Trail™ adventure of their dreams. “By developing a customizable, user-focused experience, we have proudly welcomed eager visitors to truly experience a taste of America’s spirit from the moment they see our brand.”

The updated wordmark and color palette pay homage to the craftsmanship of Bourbon production through a Copper hue with a nod to the Commonwealth’s natural beauty through Kentucky Bluegrass accents. Visitors can “Build Your Own Bourbon Trail®” with digital planning tools at kybourbontrail.com, allowing guests to curate their unique Bourbon journey based on their individual preferences and interests.

In partnership with Nashville-based agency Lewis, the KDA successfully modernized the brand to appeal to the next generation of visitors, marking the beginning of the next era for the iconic Bourbon Trail™.

“It was a privilege to collaborate so closely with the KDA to refresh a brand that honors the legacy of Kentucky Bourbon, which will be celebrated for generations to come. We’re thrilled to see the campaign recognized on a global stage during a time when the world has its eyes set on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®,” said Katie Peninger, VP Account Service at Lewis.

 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 Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. 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 timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. 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 of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

Watch & Learn: Whisky Insights Inside 🥃

Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “Oak is vital for the Scotch whisky industry. It’s the only wood that we are legally allowed to mature our new make spirit in to make whisky. There are different types of oak, mainly American oak and European oak. And oak is what actually gives the whisky its colour and gives it a lot of its flavour.” 🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

Glencairn Crystal and Emerging Comms Win Marketing Campaign of the Year at the China-Scotland Business Awards 

From left to right: Jason Kennedy (Glencairn Crystal), Domenica Di Lieto and Rocky Chi (Emerging Comms) and Kirsty Nicholson (Glencairn Crystal)

Glencairn Crystal, the internationally renowned Scottish glassware company, and leading China digital marketing agency, Emerging Comms, have been honoured with the Marketing Campaign of the Year award at the 2025 China-Scotland Business Awards.

The announcement was made at the Chinese Burns Supper, an event hosted by the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), the leading independent voice of UK-China trade. Held at the end of January in Glasgow, the event recognises outstanding achievements across six categories, with Glencairn Crystal and Emerging Comms receiving top honours for their innovative and effective marketing campaign which tackled the unique challenges that Glencairn Crystal face in the Chinese market.

For over 20 years, Glencairn Crystal has produced the Glencairn Glass which is recognised as the official glass for whisky in the UK and throughout the whisky industry however the company struggled with low brand awareness and visibility in China.

Emerging Comms was tasked with developing a strategy to raise awareness and educate consumers on the craftsmanship and heritage behind the iconic glassware. The agency’s targeted approach on platforms such as Little Red Book (LRB) and Billion Bottle made it possible to engage directly with Chinese whisky enthusiasts.

The campaign’s most powerful element was influencer marketing. Educational engaging content was curated by industry experts and lifestyle influencers to reach both whisky connoisseurs and casual drinkers. The campaign achieved over 852,000 views, and has helped establish sustainable growth for Glencairn Crystal in China.

Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal said: “We are thrilled to receive this award. A huge thanks to the team at Emerging Comms for their dedication and creativity. This campaign has not only enhanced our brand presence in China but has also helped us establish credibility and meaningful connections with our audience through powerful storytelling.”

Domenica Di Lieto, CEO at Emerging Comms said: “”This award is a testament to Glencairn’s willingness to embrace innovation and tap into the growing influence of whisky enthusiasts on Little Red Book (Red Note). By committing to engage on this rapidly growing platform, the campaign successfully cut through the noise in China’s vast and competitive market. Glencairn has proven that niche brands can thrive when they adopt the right strategic approach.”

For more information about Glencairn Crystal, visit www.glencairn.co.uk. For Emerging Comms, visit www.emergingcomms.com.

Become a Certified Whisky Ambassador!

Spend the day learning about Scotland’s National Spirit.  Accredited, independent education from Scotland.  Taxes, lunch and exams included in the price. Promo code, WA-EARLY-15 *** The Whisky Ambassador is an accredited training course about scotch whisky, Scotland’s national drink.

Available in over 20 countries, this one-day program covers: The economic impact of whisky How, when and where it all started Where and how it’s made Nosing and tasting Sales and customer service Drink less. Drink better Other world whiskies Practical and written exams Exclusive Content: Your course will include a module on collecting scotch whisky. Lunch will be provided. www.thewhiskyambassador.com

All are welcome!

15% OFF USING PROMO CODE: WA-15OFF

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