KBCA reveals Old Forester Barrel Selection Experience as the next installment in its “12 Lots of Bourbon” series

• “Revolution” revealed as the next installment in KBCA’s “12 Lots of Bourbon,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary and the revolutionary spirit behind Old Forester, America’s first bottled bourbon.
• Lot features an exclusive Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience, including a private distillery tour, hands-on barrel selection and a personalized label yielding approximately 160 bottles.
• Auction proceeds benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans and service members, while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary year and the enduring values that shaped the nation.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) today announced the next installment of its “12 Lots of Bourbon,” a festive and historic countdown revealing the rare bourbon bottles, barrels and experiences that will be auctioned during its inaugural event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026.

Titled “Revolution,” the newly revealed lot pays tribute to the American Revolution and the spirit of bold innovation that continues to define the nation as it prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. The lot’s title is also representative of Old Forester, a brand whose legacy is rooted in revolutionary firsts that helped shape bourbon, America’s native spirit.​

“Revolution” follows the announcement of previously revealed lots in KBCA’s signature series. The campaign will culminate with the last lot announcement shortly, although additional lots will be unveiled leading up to the February event.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, ‘Revolution’ reflects the courage to challenge convention and set new standards, which are values that define both our country and Old Forester’s legacy,” said Andrew Varga, founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration. “This lot captures the spirit of progress and perseverance that has shaped America for 250 years, while offering the most immersive bourbon experience in the world.”

About the Old Forester Lot

“Revolution” features an Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience, offering the winning bidder and up to five guests a private tour and hands-on barrel selection at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Guided by a distillery host, participants will select a single barrel that will be bottled at barrel strength with a personalized label. The selected barrel is expected to yield an average of approximately 160 bottles in 750ml format, with final yield varying by barrel.

“Selecting a single barrel is one of the most personal and exclusive experiences we can offer,” said Campbell Brown, great-great-grandson of Old Forester Founder George Garvin Brown. “It connects people directly to our unique process and innovative history. Including this experience in the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction during America’s 250th anniversary year is a meaningful way to celebrate our shared revolutionary spirit.”

Old Forester’s story is one of industry-defining innovation. First introduced in 1870, the brand became America’s first bottled bourbon, establishing new standards for quality, consistency and consumer trust. It was also the only bourbon brand to remain continuously distilled before, during, and after Prohibition, a testament to resilience and forward-thinking leadership, qualities that mirror the revolutionary ideals upon which the United States was founded.

“Revolution” underscores KBCA’s mission to connect bourbon’s rich heritage with the values that shaped America, using the country’s native spirit to tell stories of independence, innovation and progress.

Previously announced Bourbon Lots

The Old Forester lot joins these previously announced lots:

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery
• Four Roses private selection barrel pick

Proceeds from the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, and reinforcing the event’s commitment to honoring those who have defended the freedoms born from America’s revolution.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

A Toast to the Bard!

As Burns Night approaches, we’re delighted to invite you to join us for a special celebration at Dallas Dhu House, in partnership with the Murray McDavid team.

On Saturday 24 January, the beautiful Victorian surroundings of Dallas Dhu House in Forres will play host to an evening of traditional Scottish hospitality and exceptional whisky.

Guests will enjoy a classic three-course Burns Supper, complete with haggis, neeps and tatties, thoughtfully paired with a selection of Murray McDavid drams chosen to complement the evening. From poetry to pours, it’s a relaxed and flavourful way to toast the Bard.

Event details:

📍 Dallas Dhu House, Forres

🕖 Arrive from 7:00pm | Supper begins 7:30pm

🎟️ £59 per person

🍷 Bar available throughout the evening

Whether you’re a long-time Burns Night devotee or simply enjoy good food and great whisky, we’d love to welcome you.

BOOK NOW

Knob Creek® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch is here for the season’s biggest games.

KNOB CREEK® RELEASES ELI MANNING’S BOLD PICK: 2026 BATCH, A CASK STRENGTH BOURBON FOR THE SEASON’S BIGGEST MOMENTS

A limited-edition Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, hand-selected by football legend Eli Manning, arrives nationwide in time for the season’s biggest games

CLERMONT, Ky., Jan.2026  As the 2025-2026 football season reaches its pinnacle, Knob Creek^®, the founding spirit of the James B. Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection™ and a leader in American Whiskey, announces its second limited-edition barrel release, Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch. Available nationwide, the special edition rounds out its season-long partnership with the legendary quarterback.

Hand-selected by Manning at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, KY, this unique cask-strength expression is bottled straight from the barrel, with proofs ranging from 112.2 to 121.6, unfiltered and uncut. The result is a bold, robust bourbon that opens with flavors of rich vanilla and toasted oak, unfolds into layers of roasted nuts and warm spice, and finishes with a long, full-bodied warmth. A true expression of Knob Creek^®‘s signature depth and intensity, it’s crafted to be savored during the season’s biggest game-day moments – whether celebrating a fantasy championship or cheering on a team through the final stretch.

“Football teams are built on trust – trusting your picks, your preparation, and your instincts, whether you’re on the field or managing your fantasy lineup,” said Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller. “That same mindset guides how we make bourbon. Working with Eli last year set a high bar and bringing him back this season raised it. We put some of our finest barrels in front of him, and this one stood out right away. Bottled at cask strength, it delivers more intensity and more flavor – a full-bodied bourbon built for game day.”

What began as fantasy football advice rooted in making bold calls and trusting one’s gut has grown into a celebration of seeing hard work pay off. Throughout the season and continuing through the postseason, Knob Creek and Eli Manning are continuing to share bold picks on the biggest matchups and ways to celebrate – from hosting the perfect watch party to raising a glass with Eli’s Gameday Old Fashioned, best crafted with the 2026 Batch.

“At this point in the season, you’ve made your calls, and it’s now about seeing them through,” said Eli Manning. “Hand-picking this barrel was a bold pick of its own – balanced, uncompromising, and full of character. It held up every time I came back to it, and that’s exactly what I expect from Knob Creek® when it counts most: a bourbon worthy of the biggest moments.”

Crafted to be part of game-day rituals – gathering, watching, and raising a glass together – Knob Creek^® Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch is available nationwide for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $69.99 (750mL).

For more information about Knob Creek^® Bold Picks campaign and Knob Creek’s^® award-winning* bourbon and rye portfolios, visit https://www.knobcreek.com/news/bold-picks or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @KnobCreek.

About Knob Creek^® Bourbon
Knob Creek^® has set the standard for super-premium whiskey for three decades by crafting extraordinary, full-flavored bourbon with a rich taste. Knob Creek^® bourbons and ryes are patiently aged to perfection in new, maximum charred American Oak barrels to impart the biggest and fullest flavor on their whiskey. No matter the expression, Knob Creek^® is crafted without shortcuts and embodies the pre-Prohibition style that founding distiller Booker Noe created in 1992. Since then, Knob Creek^® has lived up to such standards with the introduction of Knob Creek^® Straight Rye Whiskey in 2012, and later on, Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey. In recent years, Knob Creek^® announced the permanent addition of Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Bourbon and launched four limited releases, Knob Creek^® 15 Year Old Bourbon, Knob Creek^® 18 Year Old Bourbon, Knob Creek^® Bourbon x Rye, and Knob Creek^® 21 Year Old Bourbon. Knob Creek has continued to build out its rye portfolio; the brand announced the addition of an age statement to its flagship rye whiskey, Knob Creek^® 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey, and released Knob Creek^® 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey.

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam^® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki^®, Hakushu^®, Hibiki^® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig^® and Bowmore^®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones^® and El Tesoro^® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith^® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Burns Night Whisky – A Highland and Campbeltown Duo from Loch Lomond Group

Multi-award-winning independent distiller Loch Lomond Group is recommending two exceptional single malts to mark Burns Night, showcasing the rich heritage and signature styles from two of its renowned brands.

Loch Lomond Whiskies, based a few miles from the famous loch, uses a combination of traditional swan-neck and unique straight-neck stills to create elegant, fruit- and honey-forward whiskies with a touch of soft smoke. With its own onsite cooperage, every cask is perfectly prepared to mature its award-winning expressions.

Glen Scotia, one of just three surviving Campbeltown distilleries, has been crafting exceptional single malts since 1832. Its team continues to follow traditional methods in original stillrooms and dunnage warehouses, producing bold, maritime-influenced whiskies that reflect the region’s distinctive style.

LOCH LOMOND 18 YEAR OLD, 70CL, 46%,  from £90

Loch Lomond 18 Year Old single malt is a perfect representation of Loch Lomond’s signature style, full-bodied and rounded with a deep fruity character.

The multiple-award winning single malt, which most recently received a Gold Outstanding Medal at IWSC 2025, is aged in three types of American oak casks. It is bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered to keep things as nature intended. With wonderful notes of baked apple and rich toffee with gentle wood smoke on the finish, it is an elegant and complex whisky which embodies Loch Lomond Whiskies’ innovative approach to flavour creation.

Loch Lomond 18 Year Old is available at:

www.lochlomondwhiskies.com/products/18-year-old-single-malt-scotch

Loch Lomond,  18 Year Old | The Whisky Shop

GLEN SCOTIA 12 YEAR OLD, 70CL, 46%, from £45

The newly released Glen Scotia 12 Year Old is a bold yet classic single malt, placing Glen Scotia’s signature style and maritime influence centre stage. This flagship single malt was matured in the finest first-fill bourbon casks and was bottled at 46% ABV. This expression is quintessentially Glen Scotia, full of big Campbeltown character and bold flavours of rich tropical fruits and coastal sea spray.

Hints of citrus and caramelised sugar unfold on the palate, complemented by subtle oak and warming spice on the finish.

The colourway of the packaging reflects the distillery’s iconic features, with the royal blue inspired by Glen Scotia’s renowned dunnage doors and the chalk white represents the historic distillery walls.

Glen Scotia 12 Year Old is available at:

www.glenscotia.com/products/12-year-old-single-malt-whisky

Glen Scotia 12 Year Old | The Whisky Shop

About Loch Lomond Group 

Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide. Known for its innovative production methods such as unique straight-neck stills, in-house cooperage and versatile distillation techniques, the group produces a diverse range of single malts, single grains and blends.

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.

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.

About Glen Scotia 

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.  Producing peated and non-peated whiskies, the distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, and carefully creating the subtly maritime Campbeltown style the brand has become world-famous for.

Raise a dram to the Bard with Tomatin this Burns Night

“My heart’s in the Highlands”. Few words feel more fitting for Burns Night, a celebration rooted in place, pride and togetherness. For Tomatin, those words are more than poetry. At the very heart of the Highlands, the distillery has long been shaped by its surroundings and the community that calls it home.

Burns Night is a moment to gather, to share food, drink, stories and tradition around the table and guided by its ‘To What Matters’ ethos, Tomatin celebrates the people, place and purpose that define both its whisky and the spirit of the occasion. This Burns Night, the distillery is inviting hosts and guests alike to mark the evening with a carefully curated collection of whiskies thoughtfully paired to each course of a Burns supper, enhancing the moments that turn a meal into a memory.

Hearty beginnings-  Tomatin 10 Year Old

RRP £42 | ABV 40% | 70cl

A comforting bowl of traditional Scottish Cullen skink sets the tone for the evening, rich and warming yet delicate in flavour and Tomatin 10 Year Old single malt, matured exclusively in bourbon casks, is an ideal companion. Its bright notes of lemon sherbet, green apple and gentle sweetness lift the smoky creaminess of the soup without overpowering it. Light, fresh and approachable, this is a dram that welcomes guests to the table.

Tomatin 10 Year Old is available exclusively at Waitrose and on Amazon.

The key address- Tomatin Double Cask

RRP £37 | ABV 40% | 70cl

As the haggis is piped in and Burns’ words are recited, Tomatin Double Cask comes into its own. Matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, it offers soft vanilla, baked apple and warming spice, flavours that sit comfortably alongside the peppery richness of the haggis and the earthy sweetness of neeps and tatties. Balanced and accessible, this is a whisky made for sharing at the heart of the supper.

Tomatin Double Cask is available exclusively at Tesco and on Amazon.

Indulgent endings- Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask

RRP £52.50 | ABV 40% | 70cl

When dessert is served, Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask adds a final layer of indulgence to the meal. Fully matured in sherry oak casks, it brings notes of dried fruit, chocolate fudge, honey and gentle spice that pair beautifully with the richness of a clootie dumpling or the creamy sweetness of a cranachan. Deep and comforting, this is a dram to savour as conversation flows and the evening unfolds.

Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is available at  www.tomatin.com

The final dram- Tomatin Cask Strength Bourbon and Sherry

RRP £62.50 | ABV 57% | 70cl

Once the plates are cleared and the formalities are over, Tomatin Cask Strength Bourbon and Sherry single malt whisky is the perfect way to close the night. Bottled at natural cask strength and matured in first fill ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, it delivers bold flavours of golden syrup, malt loaf, marzipan and warming spice. Powerful yet balanced, this is a dram for whiling away the evening around the table and raising a final toast to the Bard.

Tomatin Cask Strength Bourbon and Sherry is available at www.tomatin.com.

For further information about Tomatin whiskies and to buy, visit https://tomatin.com

Tasting notes

Tomatin 10 Year Old

Nose: Aromas of lemon sherbet sweets and crunchy green apples followed by buttery

croissants, white chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Palate: Lemon meringue pie, honey and a touch of toffee are complemented by apricot and

peach.

Finish: Clean and fresh.

Tomatin Double Cask

Nose: Aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears lead.

Palate: Dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon.

Finish: Sweet and spicy.

Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask
 Nose: Caramelised apple, pear, sultana, orange peel, apricot and hints of aged leather.
 Palate: Chocolate fudge, manuka honey, dried fruit and nut.
 Finish: Cinnamon spice.

Tomatin Cask Strength Bourbon and Sherry

Nose: Opens with home-made ice cream drizzled with golden syrup and crushed walnuts, moving on to Seville orange, tablet and black pepper.

Palate: Flavours of malt loaf and marzipan balance with crystallised ginger and orchard fruits.

Finish: Dry, lingering and spicy

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

This year, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

Victoria Whisky Festival Tickets

All remaining tickets are now available online.

Alongside the remaining packages which we’ve been offering for the last couple of weeks, there are now brand-new VIP packages available, plus a whole suite of individual masterclasses for those who want a top-up to their existing itinerary!

SECURE YOUR TICKETS NOW

“Freedom” is First Auction Lot, in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery is first offering
• Winner gets to select their own barrel of Elijah Craig Bourbon, one of the most awarded bourbons in esteemed Heaven Hill Distillery’s portfolio
• Selecting a personal barrel for bottling is a rare opportunity for bourbon enthusiasts

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) have announced the launch of the “12 Lots of Bourbon,” a festive and historic countdown revealing the rare bourbon bottles, barrels and experiences that will be auctioned during its inaugural event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026.

Between now and the end of the year, KBCA will unveil 12 outstanding lots of the many prestigious bourbons to be auctioned in a spirited nod to the classic “12 days of Christmas,” culminating with the twelfth lot announcement upon the arrival of 2026, America’s 250th anniversary year. More lots will be announced up until the event culmination in February.

“The 12 Lots of Bourbon campaign is about more than simply revealing the hard-to-find, once-in-a-lifetime bourbons that people will have the opportunity to taste and own at our event,” said Andrew Varga, KBCA Founder. “It’s about telling the story of bourbon with the same excitement as a kid awaiting Christmas and celebrating our native spirit as a uniquely American art that honors the values that have shaped our nation for nearly 250 years.”

The First Lot of Bourbon

The “First Lot of Bourbon,” entitled “Freedom,” pays tribute to the most fundamental American value and sets the tone for a series of extraordinary offerings rooted in history and craftsmanship.

The Freedom lot features an exclusive Elijah Craig single-barrel selection experience at Heaven Hill Distillery, inviting the winning bidder to step inside one of Kentucky’s most storied bourbon houses and participate in the deeply personal art of barrel selection. The experience includes guided tastings with distillery experts and the chance to choose a barrel for bottling, a rare opportunity for collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike.

Elijah Craig is widely credited as the “Father of Bourbon” for allegedly being the first to age whiskey in new, charred oak barrels. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey was recently named Whisky Advocate’s  Whisky of the Year, further elevating the significance of this “First Lot of Bourbon” and reinforcing its place among the most prestigious offerings in American whiskey.

“Elijah Craig stands as an enduring symbol of American craftsmanship and ingenuity,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Global Whiskey Brands, Heaven Hill. “We are honored to showcase what this brand stands for at the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction with this unforgettable experience that embodies freedom, tradition and the time-honored spirit that connects us all.”

Proceeds from the KBCA will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, reinforcing the event’s mission to honor America’s native spirit while giving back to those who have protected its freedoms.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on social media.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a great holiday season. While January is a quieter month for distillery visitors, it’s certainly not a quiet month for Whisky!

Our friend, whisky writer, and our country’s most knowledgeable whisky expert Davin de Kergommeaux is in town from Ottawa and is coming to our distillery to present the masterclass The Story of Canadian Whisky along with whisky samples from across the country.

The masterclass will happen on Friday, January 23rd 6pm-8pm. For $50 a ticket, you’ll get a copy of his latest book, The Definitive Guide To Canadian Distilleries and a chance to sample 6 incredible whiskies.

GET MASTERCLASS TICKETS

The Story of Canadian Whisky

Learn the surprising story of one of North America’s best-selling spirits, and the only one that, by law, must be made in Canada (But don’t tell Harry Hatch!)

“The story of its whisky is one of Canada’s greatest adventures yet one of its least known. It is a story populated by odd characters, dedicated craftspeople and more than a few con artists. A story replete with family rivalries, failed dynasties and phenomenally successful ones. One brimming with innovations and brands that still set the pace for whisky and brown spirits globally.

During the pandemic, I settled behind my computer following every new lead in my notes. The result, almost five years later, is another book, one which brings new insights to the story of Canadian whisky, and includes new voices, new distillers, and over a dozen overlooked historical distilleries. 

Canada’s First Distillers – gone and except for the myths, almost forgotten.”

Bio:

Spirits writer, author and presenter

For over a quarter of a century Davin has been researching, writing and publishing articles about whisky and spirits on the web and in consumer magazines. He has contributed chapters to 9 spirits, cocktail and whisky books, such as Michael Jackson’s Whisky, The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, Canadian Cocktails, and so on. As well, Penguin Random House has published his four Canadian spirits/Canadian whisky books internationally. Since 2010 his research and writing has focused on Canadian whisky. According to The New York Times “To call Davin de Kergommeaux the soul of Canadian whisky is an understatement—he is its guide, its historian, and its leading advocate.” Davin works independently with no brand affiliations or obligations. They say, “Do something you love, and you will never work again.” For him this means whisky, and his passion to share his knowledge has grown stronger as the years and decades have gone by. 

I hope to see you there if you can make it!
In good spirits,

Brennan Colebank
Owner / Master Distiller

Exciting Online Diploma Update: Dave Broom & Iain Russell

Our Online Diploma in Single Malt Whisky is being refreshed for 2026 and it’s our most exciting update yet. You can expect a newly authored World Whiskies module by Dave Broom, bringing fresh insight, storytelling and decades of global whisky expertise. There’ll be an updated tasting pack curated by Dave, featuring six representative world whisky styles. What’s more, in the History module, you’ll find four fascinating new video discussions with Dave Broom and the respected whisky historian Iain Russell.

Global whisky is evolving faster than ever and this refresh ensures our Diploma remains current, authoritative and world-class, while retaining the depth and rigour candidates expect. It is still SQA-certified and trusted by 450+ candidates since 2021. The updated material launches in early January.

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post