Gifts For Your Valentine
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, have you thought about what to gift your loved one yet? For the whisky lover in your life, a bottle from the Cotswolds Distillery is a thoughtful way to mark the occasion – rich in flavour, beautifully crafted, and chosen with care. A gift to enjoy together, long after the day itself.
Jura 12
Know your loved one enjoys whisky, but not sure what to gift them for Valentine’s Day? Jura 12 Year Old – the UK’s number one [1], award-winning Single Malt [2] – makes finding your perfect match easy.
Each bottle features Jura’s pioneering taste scale, designed to take the guesswork out of gifting by clearly showing the strength of its three key flavours (rated from 0–6): ripe peach (4), bright citrus (3) and lightly toasted walnut (3). It’s a whisky designed to help you discover what you love – before you’ve even cracked open the bottle.
Crafted since 1810 at Jura’s beachside distillery, it’s a dram made for slowing down and enjoying unhurried moments with loved ones.
However you toast your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day, Jura 12 Year Old fits the bill – enjoy it neat, or in a Jura Scottish Island Iced Tea:
Pick up Jura 12 Year Old from ASDA, Co-op, Morrisons, Tesco and specialist retailers including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange, RRP £41.
Fettercairn 16 Year Old
For the one who loves to discover something new, Fettercairn 16 Year Old offers a refined escape to brighter, more tropical flavours.
Shaped by over 200 years of whisky-making expertise, Fettercairn’s pioneering copper cooling ring creates an exceptionally smooth Highland Single Malt. Expect vibrant layers of mango, passionfruit, Madagascan vanilla and soft spice, brought together with effortless elegance.
For an evening to remember, why not try the Fettercairn 1824 Martini? Ideal for candlelit dinners or a celebratory toast for two. To make it at home, simply combine:
Shake briskly with ice, fine strain into a chilled Champagne coupe, then top with Crémant sparkling wine. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist for a final touch of finesse, and serve well chilled in your most elegant glassware.
Fettercairn 16 Year Old is available from a range of retailers, including The Whisky Shop, RRP £87.
[1] Nielsen 2022, by Volume and Value [2] World Whiskies Awards Scotland 2026
Edinburgh’s Whisky History by Iain Russell (Part 2)
The inimitable Iain Russell discusses Edinburgh’s Whisky History, this time chronicling the Blenders, Brokers, Brands and Bars. See how many of the names you know and catch up with Part 1 here (on distilling) if you missed it.
Discover American Single Malt in New York
Approved Course Provider Lia Niskanen will teach the EWA Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey at Kings County Distillery, Brooklyn on 13 & 14 April 2026. Two days of expert-led teaching, on-site distillery insights and sensory evaluation, perfect for professionals and enthusiasts exploring this exciting new category.
In this episode of Distillery Corner, Kirsty and Vic explore Tamnavulin. Owned by Whyte & Mackay, Tamnavulin is used for blends but has also released some approachable, great-value single malts of late that deserve a closer look. As Vic explains, good whisky doesn’t need to be expensive and this is a distillery well worth trying.📖 Read the Blog | 🎬 Watch the Video
Jan Damen, Saltire Rare Malt European Sales Director
Fresh from being named Best Newcomer at the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards, Saltire Rare Malt will host its first-ever Swedish tasting on Tuesday 17th February 2026, marking another important step in the independent bottler’s expanding European journey.
The online tasting introduces Swedish whisky drinkers to Saltire Rare Malt, the Falkland-based independent bottler through a curated six-dram tasting pack and guided live session. Hosted by Klaus Bitschnau, Founder and Chief visionary officer of Whiskykalendern & Whiskysnack and Jan Damen, Keeper of the Quaich and European Sales Director for Saltire Rare Malt, who will introduce the brand, its philosophy and the stories behind each cask.
The tasting pack contains six 5cl samples from the Saltire Rare Malt range – each a minimum of 14 years – alongside a sixth dram from sister brand The Falkland Collection, a small-batch single malt whisky – tasting packs as well as Saltire Rare Malt’s full range of whiskies are available now through the BeMakers platform.
The tasting will take place online from 7-8pm (CET). Access details will be shared directly with customers who purchase the tasting pack.
Commenting on the Swedish debut, Jan Damen European Sales Director for Saltire Rare Malt said: “Sweden is an important and exciting market for Saltire Rare Malt. The depth of knowledge and curiosity among Swedish whisky drinkers makes this the perfect place to introduce our approach to enjoying whisky. It’s a real honour to have an expert like Klaus involved, we’re in for a fun night!”
Headquartered in Falkland, Fife – where Scotch whisky was first recorded in 1494 – Saltire Rare Malt has seen rapid growth across Europe, with strong momentum in markets including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland. The Swedish tasting represents the next phase of that expansion as the company moves confidently into 2026.
Founded by lifelong friends Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, and guided by internationally respected whisky writers Hans and Becky Offringa (The Whisky Couple), Saltire Rare Malt continues to build its reputation through thoughtful maturation, limited releases and an unwavering focus on quality.
Saltire Rare Malt Tasting Pack & Online Tasting
Tuesday 17th February 2026
Online | 7-8pm (CET)
599 SEK (incl. VAT)
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 collected fine and rare single malts over three decades. 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.
W: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/
I: https://www.instagram.com/saltireraremaltwhisky
F: https://www.facebook.com/people/Saltire-Rare-Malt-Whisky/61554723364117/
About The Whisky Couple, Hans & Becky Offringa:
Hans Offringa is an international author and whisky expert who has worked in the industry for over 30 years. An inductee of the Whisky Hall of Fame, a Kentucky Colonel and a Keeper of the Quaich, Hans is a judge at the Scottish Whiskies Awards and the World Whisky Awards and serves as Director on the Advisory Board of The Council of Whiskey Masters.
Becky Lovett Offringa is a Keeper of the Quaich and co-author of numerous whisky books. Becky is a well-respected judge at the Scottish Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards. She also is a Member on the Advisory Board of the Council of Whiskey Masters. Becky and Hans, internationally known as ‘The Whisky Couple’, are trusted partners of the Saltire family.
Four Acclaimed Bourbon Producers Unite for a One-of-a-Kind Military Barrel to Honor Veterans During America’s 250th Anniversary Year
Four acclaimed bourbon producers, J. Mattingly 1845, Heritage Distilling, Four Branches Bourbon and Pursuit Spirits, have donated barrels that were expertly blended by Pursuit Spirits to create the one-of-a-kind “United We Stand” military barrel.
The barrel will be auctioned at the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Feb. 14, 2026, with proceeds benefiting the Bob Woodruff Foundation, continuing the distillers’ long history of donating millions to military and veteran charities.
Additionally, each distiller will release 100 limited-edition bottles for sale with a commemorative label in honor of the inaugural KBCA event and America’s 250th anniversary.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 28, 2026) — The inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration today announced a powerful and unprecedented auction lot titled “United We Stand,” a special military barrel created through a historic collaboration among four acclaimed American whiskey producers with long-standing ties to military and veteran philanthropy in honor of one of America’s most enduring principles, unity.
The lot begins with donated barrels from J. Mattingly 1845, Heritage Distilling, Four Branches Bourbon and Pursuit Spirits. From these individual contributions, Ryan Cecil, Master Blender for Pursuit Spirits carefully selected and blended the finest elements of each barrel to create a singular expression: the United We Stand barrel.
“This barrel represents everything the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration stands for, unity, craftsmanship and purpose,” said Andrew Varga, founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration. “Four respected producers, each with their own identity and legacy, have come together in service of something bigger than themselves. In America’s 250th anniversary year, this collaboration honors our nation’s origins, our military’s shared sacrifice and the idea that we are strongest when we stand together for a common cause.”
The United We Stand barrel will be auctioned as part of the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration this Presidents’ Day Weekend, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States. 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.
“Developing this expression has been a highlight of my career,” noted Ryan Cecil, Master Blender for Pursuit Spirits. “Bringing together these incredible distillers and our own Pursuit United barrel resulted in a beautifully balanced harmony. Narrowing down the barrels was a challenge, but the end result is a pour I’m incredibly proud of.”
In addition to the auctioned barrel, each participating distiller will release 100 individual bottles featuring a commemorative label honoring the collaboration and its mission, with a suggested retail price of $250 per bottle.
Each of the four producers involved has earned significant critical acclaim and numerous industry awards for their bourbons, making United We Stand a once-in-a-lifetime blend and an extraordinary collectible. The collaboration represents not only the highest level of whiskey craftsmanship, but also a shared mission to honor those who provide the greatest service of all.
Together, J. Mattingly 1845, Heritage Distilling, and Four Branches Bourbon have donated millions of dollars over many years to military and veteran causes, supporting more than 50 organizations nationwide. Beneficiaries have included Folds of Honor, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, Navy SEAL Foundation, Green Beret Foundation and the Combat Infantry Badge Association, among many others.
Previously announced Bourbon Lots
The United We Stand barrel joins these previously announced lots:
The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration will take place Feb. 13–15, 2026, bringing together rare bourbon, historic experiences and philanthropic impact in honor of America’s Native Spirit during its milestone anniversary year. For those who cannot attend in person, the auction will feature a virtual option at the following link.
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.”
Whisky Festival season has begun…
The 20th annual Victoria Whisky Festival was a great success. We kicked things off Friday with a Shelter Point Whisky Club evening at Artemis Whisky Bar, sharing rare drams and welcoming Trenny & C to check in on their Ultima barrel pick.
Saturday featured our Shelter Point Masterclass, where Chris Read poured core releases alongside a few upcoming specialties, followed by the always-lively Grand Tasting. Guests sampled the range and got a first look at the Evans Family Reserve Coruja Cask Finish, which received enthusiastic praise.
The following weekend wrapped with two sold-out nights at Whisky Global in Vancouver, where Alberto and Kelsey enjoyed pouring and chatting with whisky fans. We will be attending more whisky festivals on Vancouver Island over the next few months. If you’re attending any of the below events we look forward to seeing you there!
Comox Valley Whisky Festival – February 6th
Nanaimo Whisky Festival – February 7th
Vancouver Island Whisky Festival – February 28th
Cowichan Valley WhiskyFest – March 7th
2026 is here and we wish you a relaxed, happy and healthy year! And we have some relaxed ‘upside down’ news to share!
The start of the new year always is a sign for us to start organizing our relaxed event in the forests near Nijmegen in the Netherlands. While winter is rearing up it’s ugly head we need to start thinking of exhibitors, masterclasses and Drinks with… sessions after summer.
This year however, we are not only relaxed but excited too! Because we are also looking forward to attend a new event on the other side of the globe.
Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan, Teun
We have some relaxed and exciting news to share! The spirit of Maltstock will travel all the way to Tasmania in 2026! David Ligoff and friends are hosting Maltstock Down Under in Tasmania! Or, as occupants of the Northern hemisphere we tend to forget… perhaps this is your chance to experience Maltstock somewhere nearby!
”Held at the historic Ratho Farm in Bothwell, Tasmania, Maltstock Down Under brings together whisky lovers from around the world for three unforgettable days of tasting, learning, friendship and fun — all in one of Australia’s most beautiful rural settings.”
Maltstock Down Under will of course feature relaxed whisky ambassadors, distillery owners, distillers and other people from the trade to join the guests and host masterclasses and other opportunities to get to know them and their products better.
It’s early days, but the following people and businesses have already confirmed their attendance. …and more will follow of course!
If you are as excited as us and what to get relaxed in May this year, you can find all you want to know and tickets on this site: https://events.humanitix.com/maltstock
We are looking forward to meet you there!
Get relaxed now and get your Maltstock tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/maltstock
If you have any questions or want to share a dram, Maltstock will be present at the following events in the near future:
Looking Back at 2025… what an absolute whirlwind of a year it has been! Over 1,200 tasting events and shows | A trip to the UK | Over 80 Gold or higher medals awarded for our brands and their expressions | Mind-blowing US tours with industry icons. | 22 reviews from Whisky Advocate 90+ points | Top 20 Whiskies of 2025 | Countless accolades and reviews for just how special the spirits we have the honor of representing are … and the list goes on.
Whether you consult the stars, the numbers, the Zodiac, or the industry trends, there are a few consistent messages for things to come in 2026…
A year of passion, independence, community, balancing tradition with innovation, enthusiasm for bold action, and embracing new beginnings is ahead of us.
As people seek out premium, high-quality spirits that offer transparency and authenticity through unique stories and environmentally responsible practices we know that we are fortunate to continue to be able to offer new ways to delight.
It’s been a blessing to be a part of the hearts and homes of so many of you and we look forward to continuing on the journey with you!
Arriving in January
Two highly anticipated releases arrive from Ardnamurchan:
Ardnamurchan Peated Sauternes Cask Release
This long-awaited Marsala Cask stunner arrives to our shores with some pretty amazing awards. 2025 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards – Best World Whisky – 99.1 Points. 2025 Spirits Business World Whisky Masters – Gold
The flagship of the Wolfburn range, this beautiful whisky is aged for twelve years in a combination of hand-selected Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks.
Single Cask Nation Retail Release 14
Learn more about the 8 AMZING expressions hitting shelves later this month by clicking on the link above!
If you have any questions or would like any additional information, please don’t hesitate to email Office@ImpExBev.com.
