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

ATTEND 

A BLIND DATE WITH A WHISKY BOTTLE

Take a chance on a new dram and have a Blind Date with a Whisky Bottle. We’ve chosen six delicious whiskies, each with different flavours, lowered the price, and hidden their identities.

These gems hail from Scotland, Japan and Ireland, and are whiskies packed with rich fruit and spice, cherry and chocolate, dried fruit and nut or fresh fruit and vanilla. Or try a dram that is rich and peaty, or another that is filled with fresh fruit and smoke – you might discover a new favourite whisky.

 DISCOVER 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® GROWS TO 60 DESTINATIONS 

BUCKET LIST BOURBON ADVENTURE WELCOMES VISITORS 

FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is proud to welcome more than a dozen new experiences to its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, growing opportunities for visitors worldwide to explore Kentucky Bourbon and benefiting local communities throughout the state.

Since its launch in 1999, the Bourbon Trail™ adventure has seen tremendous growth, elevating tourism for the entire Commonwealth and consistently breaking attendance records with more than 2.5 million visitors annually.

The latest expansion includes new distillery offerings and satellite tasting rooms, bringing the Bourbon Trail™ to 60 total destinations in 27 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. The growth is part of the new KBT® campaign that encourages visitors to “Build Your Own Bourbon Trail®” tour.

“As Bourbon tourism continues to thrive, our members are creating more opportunities for the world to experience the heart and soul of America’s spirit in a variety of ways that meet every visitor’s interests,” said Colleen Thomas, KDA Vice President of Operations.

“What began as a small group of distilleries now has grown into an ever-expanding bucket list destination with global appeal,” she said. “Each new addition is more than a stop on a map – it’s a celebration of Kentucky Bourbon’s rich history and proud heritage.”

More than 80% of all KBT® visitors come from outside Kentucky. Research shows Bourbon Trail™ visitors have a much higher household income than typical Kentucky tourists, trend younger, stay longer, come in larger groups, and spend more money in Kentucky communities.

Bourbon is a $9 billion economic and tourism powerhouse for Kentucky, generating more than 23,100 jobs with $2.2 billion in salaries and benefits. The industry continues to break records in aging Bourbon barrel inventory (14.3 million) and production (3.2 million barrels filled in 2023).

Even as all alcoholic beverages are seeing a slowdown in sales, KDA President Eric Gregory said he does not believe Bourbon tourism will be impacted by headwinds like shifts in consumer trends, snowballing taxes, and the threat of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

“Kentucky is the one, true and authentic home for Bourbon,” he said. “While we keep breaking attendance records, there are plenty of people around the world who have never made the pilgrimage to the Birthplace of Bourbon — and many more who are planning to return.

“Now with 60 different destinations — from small craft distilleries to iconic Bourbon landmarks and urban satellite tasting rooms — there is more for fans to see and taste on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour than ever before.

“We’re proud to welcome them to our beloved Commonwealth.”

Build Your Own Bourbon Trail® at www.kybourbontrail.com.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® now offers more ways to experience Bourbon. By region, the new experiences include:

Bardstown

Chicken Cock Distilling

Central

Bluegrass Distillers, Elkwood Farm — Midway (coming soon)

Heaven’s Door Distillery — Pleasureville (coming soon)

Larrikin Bourbon Co. — Lawrenceburg

Lexington

Bespoken Spirits, Inc. (coming soon)

Garrard County Distilling Co. — Lancaster

RD1 Spirits – The Commons (new location coming soon)

Louisville

Buzzard’s Roost Spirits

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Tasting Room

Monk’s Road Boiler House Tasting Room

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Tasting Room

Northern

Becker & Bird Winery & Distillery— Augusta

Wenzel Distilling Co. — Covington

Western 

B.H. James Distillers — Adairville

Southern Kentucky Distillery — Burkesville