Nestled in a miniature glen, drawing water from a hidden waterfall, it’s easy to see how the first whisky made at Glengoyne managed to escape the notice of the Exciseman. We invite you to join us this summer for a captivating new tour, where you’ll uncover all the tantalising stories from Glengoyne’s past.

‘Secrets, Stories and Summer Serves‘ will run daily at Glengoyne Distillery from 1st July until 2nd August. Tickets can be booked on our website.

This is a lovely time of the year to visit Glengoyne, and the perfect excuse for a summer day out. You are very welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Book Now

SECRETS, STORIES & SUMMER SERVES

 This is a storytelling tour of Glengoyne’s historic distillery grounds, incorporating the old cooperage, our infamous No.1 Warehouse, and the Distillery Manager’s House. The tour ends in our tasting room with a dram of our award-winning Glengoyne 10 Year Old and Glengoyne 15 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whiskies, followed by a special serve of ‘Honey Bee’ – our exclusive must-try summer cocktail. An unhurried tasting at the home of Glengoyne.

Book Now

MALT MASTER EXPERIENCE

A year-round favourite at Glengoyne Distillery is the Malt Master experience.  You’ll start with a guided tour before taking your seat in the Sample Room of the Distillery Manager’s House.  Here you taste five cask strength whiskies from the Glengoyne Warehouse, and you’ll balance the flavours to create to create your own unique cask strength, unchillfiltered Glengoyne Highland Single Malt. It’s a one-off creation, presented in a 200ml Glengoyne bottle, with a label and record of your unique recipe, ready for you to take home.

Book Now

Loch Lomond Whiskies unveils Scotland’s first whisky golf trail in celebration of The Open 

Loch Lomond Whiskies, The Official Spirit of The Open, has launched Scotland’s first whisky golf trail ahead of The 152^nd Open at Royal Troon this summer.

Inviting golf fans to enjoy the build-up to the sport’s most prestigious championship, the distiller has partnered with 10 bars in Glasgow and Troon, mapping a trail to the site of The Open’s highly anticipated return to Scotland this July.

From Glasgow’s Merchant City to Troon Harbour (between 12-21 July), golf fans and whisky enthusiasts will find a bespoke serve from Loch Lomond Whiskies’ diverse range on the menu in each participating bar, ideally located for those travelling to the championship or watching the action from Glasgow city centre.

The participating bars include The Absent Ear and The Piper Whisky Bar in Merchant City; Devil of Brooklyn, The Raven, Malo Wine & Negroni Bar and The Pot Still in Glasgow city centre; The Bon Accord in Glasgow’s west end; and Lido, Scott’s Bar & Restaurant and The Fox in Troon.

The development of Scotland’s first whisky golf trail follows Loch Lomond Whiskies’ release of three new single malts in celebration of The Open.

The Open Special Edition 2024 (RRP £45; 46% ABV), The Open Course Collection 2024 (RRP £290; 47.1% ABV) and The 152^nd Open Exclusive 29 Year Old Single Malt – French Sauternes Finish (RRP £1,520, 47.8% ABV) pay tribute to the people, players and courses throughout the history of the championship. All three whiskies will be available to sample as a dram at Loch Lomond Whiskies’ stand at The Open and at three of the bars taking part in the whisky golf trail: The Bon Accord, The Pot Still and The Piper Whisky Bar.

The rest of the participating bars will focus on cocktails as part of the whisky golf trail. Designed by award-winning bartender and mixologist Jamie Moran, one of the owners of The Absent Ear, each serve will also be available to purchase at The Open, and will showcase Loch Lomond Whiskies’ signature style of fruit, honey and soft smoke.

Joanne Carlin, sponsorship and events manager at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said: 

“At Loch Lomond Whiskies we’re proud to be the official Spirit of The Open, and our development of Scotland’s first whisky golf trail is an exciting new milestone in our ongoing commitment to this prestigious sport.  

“We hope the trail will be a welcome pit stop for those travelling to The Open by train, and those enjoying the championship from afar. Jamie will be working with us on our stand at The Open, and it’s been a privilege to collaborate with him on a range of unique cocktails and serves which showcase the distillery’s unique approach to creating flavour.”  

This year marks the seventh year of the Loch Lomond Whiskies’ partnership with The Open. The world’s oldest golf championship brings together professional players from across the globe to compete for the coveted Claret Jug.

Returning to Scotland this year, The 152nd Open will be held from 12-21 July 2024 at Royal Troon in Ayrshire. Founded in 1878, Royal Troon is renowned as one of the world’s greatest links courses, and last hosted The Open in 2016.

A map of the whisky golf trail is available to view here.

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies, visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

The bars participating in the whisky golf trail include:

The Bon Accord, 153 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA

Malo – Wine & Negroni Bar, 12 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 6LU

The Pot Still, 154 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 2TH

The Raven, 81-85 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 1NQ

Devil of Brooklyn, 42 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 1NF

The Piper Whisky Bar, 57 Cochrane Street, Glasgow, G1 1HL

The Absent Ear, Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF

Scott’s Bar & Restaurant, Harbour Road, Troon, KA10 6DJ

Lido Troon, 11-17 West Portland Street, Troon, KA10 6AB

The Fox, 18 West Portland Street, Troon, KA10 6AB

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan Scott (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies.

The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distillers in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Last year, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchange’s coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.

We are delighted to announce that Ripple Rock has been awarded Single Malt Whisky Of The Year and won Gold at the Bartender Spirits Awards. This was our first time entering this competition and we are honoured to receive this level of recognition.

Buy Ripple Rock

The Bartender Spirits Awards is one of the most prestigious and respected spirits competitions, judged by renowned bartenders and bar managers. Medals are awarded to those spirits that meet a very specific judging criteria, with a goal of identifying spirits that should become additions to restaurant and bar menus. Spirits were judged according to criteria such as how well they pair with food items in addition to their overall taste, mixability, versatility, packaging and price.

Ripple Rock is one of our most popular products and its sophistication and adaptability has struck a chord with enthusiasts and bartenders alike.

Happy 4th of July to our friends in the United States of America!

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Ushers in Adventurous New Era of Bourbon Tourism

Federal, State, and Local Officials Join Celebration of Industry’s Impact Across Kentucky Through its Thriving Global Tourist Attraction

FRANKFORT, KY.— In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour is getting a bold new look, a sleek new digital experience for visitors to build their own amber adventure, and a reimagined future by combining the original excursion with its Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Congressman Andy Barr, co-chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, and Kentucky Sen. David Yates of Louisville unveiled the newly reimagined Kentucky Bourbon Trail® before 200 Bourbon luminaries at the Frazier History Museum along historic Whiskey Row in Louisville.

The new-look Bourbon Trail™ experience will showcase 46 of the Commonwealth’s finest distilleries, giving visitors more options to plan their trip and fully focus their attention on the laid-back hospitality, local culture and cuisine, scenic hidden gems and natural wonders on their journey.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® pilgrimage in 1999 to educate visitors on the art and science behind making America’s only native spirit.  It was America’s first spirits tour and has since welcomed more than 18 million visitors from all 50 states and dozens of countries.

“We knew we had something special, but we never could have dreamed it would evolve from a simple industrial tour of distilleries into an international bucket list experience filled with rare and behind-the-scenes adventures,” Gregory said.

Following rapid growth and innovation by distillers, the KDA created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® in 2012 to showcase smaller distilleries. Its 28 craft distilleries will now join the 18 members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, forming one statewide Bourbon Trail™ experience.

“All Kentucky distilleries – big and small have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into their tourism experiences, resulting in record-breaking economic development, jobs, tax dollars, restaurants, hotels, and more that build off of Bourbon’s popularity.

“It’s a lucrative path for Bourbon to give back to local communities.”

Elected Officials Toast the Past and Cheer the Future

Congressman Barr’s Congressional Bourbon Caucus is a bipartisan group of members that are dedicated to strengthening the Bourbon industry and educating other Representatives on legislative and regulatory issues that impact it.

“As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, we honor the tradition, craftsmanship, and economic vitality that Bourbon brings to our Commonwealth,” said Rep. Barr, who is from Lexington, one of the KBT’s official Gateway communities.

“This milestone underscores our rich heritage and the global recognition of Kentucky as the true home of Bourbon. Cheers to another 25 years of excellence and innovation in one of our homegrown signature industries!”

Rep. Morgan McGarvey, co-chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, was scheduled to participate in the event but had an unexpected emergency. Sen. Yates, the chamber’s Minority Whip and former President of the Louisville Metro Council, stepped in to discuss the KBT’s local and state impact.

“It’s been amazing to see how the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Bourbonism has revitalized tourism in Louisville, especially on our historic Whiskey Row,” Sen. Yates said. “Bourbon is unique to our Commonwealth and important to its future.  I’m proud to work alongside legislators on both sides of the aisle and each level of government to protect and elevate its importance in Kentucky.”

To celebrate the 25th anniversary and all that is to come, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® received special recognition from the federal and state government. U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s tribute in the Congressional Record honored the success of the Kentucky landmark.

 “I want to thank all those involved for their stewardship of Kentucky’s heritage and their work to build our State’s vibrant Bourbon industry,” McConnell said. “As the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® celebrates its silver jubilee, I’d like to extend my best wishes to its dedicated team and all the hard-working Kentuckians who have contributed to the enduring popularity and legacy of Bourbon whiskey.”

Additionally, Governor Andy Beshear proclaimed June 20, 2024, as “Bourbon Trail™ Day in the Commonwealth.” Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman delivered the proclamation and offered a toast to the KBT’s past and future.

“For years, Kentucky’s signature spirit has spurred tourism and economic development helping build our communities,” she said. “With billions in Bourbon investments underway and a bright new future for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, the world will continue to know that the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the undisputed home of Bourbon.”

A Global Bucket-List Future for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Adventure

To plan for the future of the behemoth tourist attraction, the KDA engaged IQS Research to personally interview thousands of KBT® visitors over the last year. The findings clearly proved that the Bourbon Trail™ is elevating Kentucky tourism with an affluent demographic featuring:

• 76% of visitors come from outside of Kentucky;
• Visitors are coming in packs and staying in the region for 3 to 5 days;
• Guests typically spend between $600 and $1,400 on dining, entertainment, lodging, and transportation.
• More than 60% have incomes above $100,000;
• 60% of visitors are male, 36% female, 4% non-binary;
• 12% identified as a racial minority and 7% identified as LGBTQIA+;
• 91% discovered a new product or Bourbon brand during their trip; and
• 97% were highly satisfied with their distillery experience, and 96% would recommend the KBT® to their family and friends.

Following a nationwide search for a marketing partner to help formulate the Bourbon Trail’s future, the KDA began working with Nashville-based agency Lewis.

Utilizing the IQS data and the KDA’s biennial economic impact report, the Lewis team held in-depth interviews with leadership and frontline employees at Kentucky Bourbon Trail® attractions and conducted further in-depth research in key feeder markets to collect potential visitors’ impressions.

The impressive result is an all-new brand identity that is modern, adventurous, and reflective of the new and elevated offerings at distilleries. The new logo embraces the rich colors and textures of the Commonwealth’s Bourbon legacy and features typography that’s symbolic of iconic trailhead signs, evoking a keen sense of adventure.

Recognizing the Trail™ experience can no longer be completed in a long weekend, the reimagined Kentucky Bourbon Trail® will shift away from incentivizing the desire to quickly finish the journey to instead slowing down, savoring the adventure and exploring the possibilities.

Visitors will begin to see the changes throughout the summer, including:

• A fresh new look that conveys a sense of discovery, elevated adventure and attainable luxury;
• A combined Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® into one Bourbon Trail™ program;
• An all-new digital experience to help guests explore and prepare for their trip like never before;
• Ability to Build Your Own Bourbon Trail®, allowing visitors to imagine and explore a wide range of possible itineraries before they ever arrive in Kentucky. #BYOBT

“Our guides on the frontline of the Bourbon Trail™ know there is an experience that’s perfect for each and every visitor, and the reimagined Kentucky Bourbon Trail® will be even easier to explore and discover,” said Jes Pendergrass, Chair of the KDA Board of Directors and General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Heaven Hill.

“Just as every Bourbon is a unique expression, each distillery brings its own personality to the visitor experience, and the Bourbon Trail™ has more offerings than ever before. We encourage our visitors to take their time, sip and savor each moment, and come back often to relax and enjoy our laid-back Kentucky Bourbon culture.”

Katie Peninger, Vice President of Account Service at Lewis, said, “What we learned is that Bourbon tourists know what they want, why they’re here, and what their priorities are. With #BYOBT, the visitor decides what’s important, and the website presents them with the distilleries, hotels and restaurants that match their preferences.”

Visitors can follow Kentucky Bourbon Trail® on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date and be the first to know when the new digital experiences are ready for use. For more information, go to www.kybourbontrail.com.

Oran Blended Scotch Whisky Wins Silver Medals at

International Spirits Challenge

Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2 Both Take Home Silvers

NEW YORK (June 4, 2024) – Oran Blended Scotch Whisky, introduced by The Perfect Fifth in late 2023, has won silver medals at the International Spirits Challenge for its Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2 bottlings.

Whisky expert Jim Murray blended both Scotches for The Perfect Fifth and remarks, “There is a temptation to disregard blended Scotch in this time of single malt, yet the blend of grain whisky and malt is a creation which offers myriad possibilities.  The objective in the creation of Oran is to offer delicate complexity and finely tuned balance, which I believe we achieved.”

Both releases are 50-50-50 blends, 50 percent single malt Scotch Whisky, 50 percent single grain Scotch Whisky, and 50 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Both blends are limited releases, containing only 465 bottles each.

Murray designed Oran to be an “old school” blend recognizable to whisky lovers of the heyday of blended whisky some 100 years ago.  Oran’s grain and malt components are created separately but ultimately combined as the perfect complement to one another.

A total of 11 different casks were used to make both blends. Some of the casks were split between both blends but with differing ratios. Blend No. 1 is composed exclusively of Ex-Bourbon casks while Blend No. 2 distinguishes itself with the addition of a sherried cask component.

Oran Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2 are available in limited quantities at retailers in New York, New Jersey and California. It is also available online at www.theperfectfifth.com.  Suggested retail pricing is $189 per 700 mL.

The International Spirits Challenge is the premiere event for promoting outstanding quality spirits from more than 70 countries.  The competition is founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, which encourages the high caliber of spirits entered each year.

About The Perfect Fifth

The Perfect Fifth was created in 2019 by Karl Schoen, who was inspired by watching his family members toast milestones with Scotch Whisky as he grew up.  As Karl began his own exploration into the world of Scotch Whisky, he enjoyed finding stellar single cask bottlings and sharing them with others.  This led to the formation of The Perfect Fifth, where Karl and his brother Ben source the best quality whisky from all over Scotland.  Together they travel throughout Scotland, sampling cask after cask until they find those worthy to be selected for The Perfect Fifth. Few casks make the cut, which is why The Perfect Fifth releases are limited editions.  Like the musical interval, The Perfect Fifth releases consist of multiple layers, each one broad and deep, which when combined, make a beautiful assembly meant to be shared with family and friends.

TIMESPIRIT DINING EXPERIENCE AT THE MACALLAN ESTATE

We are delighted to share the next chapter in our gastronomic journey, in collaboration with three Michelin starred restaurant El Celler de Can Roca.

United by an insatiable curiosity, quest for knowledge, and dedication to innovation, we have collaborated to create TimeSpirit, a new permanent dining experience at The Macallan Estate.

​Inspired by our long-standing partnership of twelve years, TimeSpirit is a culinary expression of our collective playful spirit, creativity and respect for nature. The exceptional tasting menu is a culinary exploration of our story as we celebrate 200 Years Young.​

Booking is now open for dining from 1st August.

LEARN MORE AND BOOK

Clermont Steep – Suntory Global Spirits’ first foray into the American Single Malt category, this whiskey focuses on a single grain – 100% malted barley. ABV: 47% | SRP: $60

The Single Malt Sidecar

2 oz Clermont Steep American Single Malt

1 oz Orange Liqueur

.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon peel, for garnish

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

SAVE ON 130+ WHISKIES
THIS MONTH

Dive into our special offers and find the perfect bottle to celebrate the whisky lover in your life. Our diverse collection of whiskies from around the globe has something for every taste, from the rich, smoky notes of Islay to the elegant blends of Japan and the complex fruit character of Kentucky bourbon. Whether you’re seeking a timeless classic or a hidden gem, we’re sure you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. Click below to discover our specials and make your celebrations unforgettable.

 SHOP WHISKY OFFERS 

WhiskyFest in Hollywood, Florida is October 26, But You Can Book Your Room Now

The room block for WhiskyFest™ Hollywood, FL is now open at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. For a stress-free evening, plan to stay at the Hard Rock with our special room block rate. The rate is good through September 24th or until the block sells out. For information and to book your stay, click here. For more information on our fall WhiskyFest events and to order your tickets, visit our website.

SUMMER 2024: HIGHLY RATED WHISKIES $100 & UNDER

Every issue of Whisky Advocate is committed to helping you grow your whisky appreciation knowledge. Choose a print, digital, or gift subscription now.

SUBSCRIBE TO WHISKY ADVOCATE