Grasmere Distillery to begin malting to craft the first 100% Cumbrian Whisky

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Grasmere Distillery is preparing to take a significant step forward in its journey to create a truly local whisky. From autumn 2026, the distillery will begin small-scale malting on site, marking the start of its ambition to produce the first whisky made entirely from Cumbrian ingredients.

Working closely with Jonathan Bainbridge of Thistlewood Farm, Cumbria, co-founder and head distiller Paul Abbott has planted the distillery’s first crop of barley, due for harvest in August 2026. The initial yield of eight tonnes will enable the team to produce malt not only for brewing but also to begin experimenting with whisky production, including varying levels of peat influence to develop a distinctive house style.

This milestone represents more than just an expansion in production. The long-term vision is to collaborate with growers across Cumbria to create a series of individual whiskies, each reflecting the unique terroir of the county’s six distinct regions, a true expression of place in every bottle.

To support this next phase, the distillery has invested approximately £10,000 in new equipment, including a stainless-steel immersion tank, a mash tun with heat jacket control, and augers for handling malt. In collaboration with a local blacksmith, the team has also built a bespoke kiln, enabling them to complete the traditional malting process on site.

Malting involves three key stages: steeping, where barley is soaked to initiate germination; germination, where enzymes develop to convert starch into fermentable sugars; and kilning, where growth is halted by drying the grain with hot air. During kilning, peat smoke can be introduced to impart the distinctive smoky character found in certain whiskies. Once dried to around 5% moisture, the malt can be safely stored and later used in distillation.

Each harvest will allow the production of up to four barrels of whisky, with the first releases expected after a minimum six-year maturation period in 2032. In the meantime, consumers can expect to see malt-forward beers produced from the distillery’s own barley available later in 2026.

Farmer Jonathan Bainbridge, who farms at Thistlewood Farm just south of Carlisle, will be growing Laureate barley for Grasmere Distillery. A third-generation farmer with over 35 years’ experience, Jonathan’s family has owned Thistlewood for 25 years, producing barley, wheat and oats with consistently strong results. This will be their first time growing Laureate, a spring barley known for high yields and approved for both brewing and malt distilling. The crop, drilled earlier this spring, is expected to be ready for harvest in late August or early September 2026.

Jonathan Bainbridge commented: “South of Carlisle, we’ve got some good fertile soil and good-sized fields for producing crops. It’s an ideal place to trial this. We grow barley, wheat, and oats, but this is our first time growing Laureate barley in particular. It’s something people grow for the market for distilling, and it has all the attributes you need to make the whisky taste good, so it’ll be interesting to see how it does – here’s to the first bottle.’’

A short video chat between Paul and Jonathan can be viewed here

Since 2021, Paul and co-founder Beth Abbott have transformed two modest barns on the shores of Grasmere into one of the UK’s smallest and most characterful distilleries. Following the launch of their gin and vodka range in 2022, revenues have been reinvested to expand production and lay the foundations for their single malt whisky programme.

From the outset, the philosophy has been clear: to prioritise flavour over scale. By distilling from full-flavoured beer rather than neutral spirit, the team can explore a wider range of grains, yeast strains, and cask techniques than typically seen in larger operations. Their approach is further enhanced through a Solera maturation system using charred oak casks, creating depth and consistency across their spirits.

Paul Abbott, co-founder and head distiller, commented: “Malting Cumbrian-grown barley here in Grasmere is a huge step towards creating something genuinely rooted in this place. We’re working on a very small scale, which gives us the freedom to focus on quality and individuality. Every batch will be different, shaped by the barley, the water, and the conditions of that particular harvest.

By using Cumbrian water and locally grown barley, we’re aiming to produce a whisky that truly reflects the landscape it comes from. It won’t be about volume; it’ll be about character, small-batch, hands-on, and unmistakably Cumbrian. That’s what makes it exciting.”

For more information about Grasmere Distillery, please visit: www.grasmeredistillery.com

A Classic Returns

This Father’s Day, we’re bringing back something special. For a limited time, Glengoyne 10 Year Old returns exclusively to Glengoyne.com, available with a personalised label to create a gift as thoughtful as the man receiving it. In fact, for Father’s Day, all personalisation is on us, including both engraving and personalised labels. Add a name, a date, or a message that means something, turning a beautifully crafted whisky into a gift he’ll keep long after it’s opened.

*Offer available until 21 June 2026

Full terms and conditions

Whether your dad is new to whisky, or a seasoned expert – you can be sure he’ll love the taste of our award-winning single malts.

For something light and sweet, you can’t go wrong with our signature expression –  Doocot.

For a little added richness check out Balcomie, which is 100% matured in ex-oloroso sherry casks.

Or, for something with a hint of light smoke and peat, Coaltown is the one to go for.

Discover Our Core Range

On Sunday 14 June, at nine o’clock in the evening BST, Scotland will walk out at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough and play a FIFA World Cup match for the first time since 1998. Twenty-eight years is a long time to wait for the match we have finally allowed ourselves to write at the top of a newsletter without a footnote. We have written it. We are moving on.

What we have done about it sits on the bench in front of us. Three 35cl limited-edition bottles of single malt Scotch whiskies, hand-bottled here in Thurso, released together as a single Wolfburn set to mark Scotland’s three group-stage fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We are calling the set Drams for the Tartan Army.

A certain football tournament is capturing the imagination of a nation. To commemorate this event we have bottled a 10 year old Teaninich finished in a first fill ex-Pedro Ximénez octave. Spending just shy of year in the ex PX cask, please note this will have sediment due to being a natural product and being non chill filtered. Expect layers of rich dried fruit, ginger, figs, orange peal zest and sweetness from the first fill PX.

In collaboration with local artist and designer MARINELLO STUDIO the label features his design inspired by an iconic moment from qualifying for said unnamed tournament, the McTominay overhead kick. If you would like McTominay immortalised as a t-shirt while you enjoy your dram please see the Marinello Studio webshop here.

Price includes UK delivery.

Buy Now £65.00

Texas Whiskey Festival Announces The Must-Have 2026 Texas Whiskeys

 An annual blind tasting event tied to the festival and conducted by judges reveals the bottles that are the cream of the crop of the Texas whiskey scene.

AUSTIN, Texas — When you think Texas, think Texas whiskey. Once again the Texas Whiskey Festival, the signature brown spirits event in the Lone Star State, brought together the best of the best, highlighting through its coveted awards program the must-try Texas whiskeys of the moment.

One thing that quickly emerged in 2026 is a snapshot of Texas whiskey in motion. The evolution of flavor, working with the grains, climate, and individual styles, creates remarkable whiskey that is a reflection of the state and the people who make it.

“Texas whiskey reflects where it’s made and who’s making it—the heat, the grain, the independence,” said Jake Clements, founder of the Texas Whiskey Festival. “What we’re seeing now is a category coming into its own, with distillers writing their own playbook. That’s what makes it so compelling.”

The whiskey type Texas is best known for is bourbon. The high-quality Texan grains, hot Texan summers, and fierce Texan pride all combine to bring to the world stage bourbons easily rivaling those coming out of Kentucky. For the 2026 Texas Whiskey Festival Best Bourbon, the must-try bottle is Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon. A monster of an expression aged at least six years and bottled at a staggering 146.4 proof, it is a testament to the pioneering Texan bourbon distillery behind it in crafting such a high ABV offering that is so loved by so many and highly sought after each year it is released.

This exceptional bourbon also got the coveted nod as the overall must-try of all the whiskeys submitted for judging.

Another well-known whiskey category out of Texas is rye. The top 2026 Texas Whiskey Festival choice here, Koopers Family Barrel Reserve Rye, is a masterfully crafted blend of straight rye whiskeys, each aged between four and seven years from a mix of first and second fill barrels. As if this wasn’t enough, the team at Koopers Family then finishes the blend with toasted oak staves before bottling this at barrel proof.

Malt whiskeys, particularly American single malts, are another whiskey category that’s put Texas on the map. For 2026, the Festival must-try bottle is the Andalusia Whiskey Co. Cigar Malt. A joint venture between master blender Irene Tan and one of the best of the “grain-to-glass” distilleries in all of Texas, this very limited edition American single malt release is a peated, wine cask finished bottling meant to pair with the finest in cigars. Delivering rich notes of dark fruit and tobacco, it is a perfect whiskey for any time of the year.

Light whiskey and cask finished whiskeys are also big must-haves in Texas. Judges from the Texas Whiskey Festival sampled a number of well-produced offerings in these categories. For light whiskey, a type of whiskey developed in the late 1960s to help brands at that time compete against white spirits in a changing market, the must-have is from light whiskey specialists Austin Craft Spirits. Their Austin 121 is a bottled at cask strength release that varies in high proof barrel by barrel.

Cask finished whiskeys in Texas build upon the already high-quality spirits put forth by local distilleries. A range of cask finishing types showcase the diversity of possibilities in this category — for the must-have choice from the 2026 Festival, Andalusia Whiskey Co. is again on the list with its Madeira Cask Stryker. This bold American single malt, distilled from grains smoked with oak, mesquite, and apple woods, is finished for six months in ex-Madeira casks, resulting in flavors of BBQ, campfire, leather, and dark chocolate.

In addition to the judge awards, the night of the Festival revealed the People’s Choice Award Winner.  Milam & Green Whiskey was this year’s winner. An error during the event resulted in an incorrect initial announcement of the People’s Choice Award. Final results have since been verified, and we apologize for any confusion.

“This tasting is about what people actually enjoy drinking, not just what checks technical boxes,” noted Clements. “Each of these bottles earned its place in the glass and reflects where Texas whiskey is today—bold, diverse, and continuing to evolve.”

Judging for the Texas Whiskey Festival occurs annually, with all entries being put through a blind tasting process, grouped by style. Judges focus on tasting criteria that prioritizes what people actually want to drink.

About Texas Whiskey Festival 

The purpose of the annual Texas Whiskey Festival is to promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. Along with promotion, we’re focused on educating whiskey enthusiasts on the many fantastic whiskeys produced in our great state, while having fun, drinking great whiskey, and building memorable experiences. We believe that Texas has some of the best distilleries and whiskeys in the world, and the Texas Whiskey Festival is an opportunity to expand the reach and status of Texas Whiskey through public and private events.

Artisan Casks announces 2026 private cask portfolio

Artisan Casks, the exclusive private cask program from the Artisanal Spirits Company, owners of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, reveals its 2026 cask portfolio, which includes a 32 year old Macallan, a 30 year old Laphroaig, and a 34 year old Mortlach.

Each year Artisan Casks releases only a handful of whisky casks of impeccable provenance, expertly selected and cared for in ‘The Artisanal Way’ by experts in single cask whisky.

Established and led by James Mackay, Private Client Director at The Artisanal Spirits Company plc, a globally trusted authority in exceptional rare whisky, Artisan Casks is building an exclusive circle of Cask Owners through James’ unique network of private clients internationally and expertise, built over more than 10 years managing cask programmes for some of the world’s biggest whisky companies.

Following the program’s launch in 2025, this year’s portfolio includes single casks from a host of renowned Scotch whisky distilleries, each of which have been selected and cared for by the Artisanal Spirits Company’s expert whisky-makers, who spare no expense in skilfully guiding them towards the peak of their potential.

Artisan Casks start at $80,000 and extend into six figures, depending on age, distillery of origin and cask size. All casks are at least 20 years old and ready to bottle, whilst Cask Owners can also choose to age their casks further as desired or to celebrate a particular milestone, witnessing first-hand the technical artistry involved in maturing whisky of this calibre. To aid their maturation assessment of the cask, Cask Owners may request up to two bottles per year, which will be delivered alongside a whisky-maker’s maturation statement and evaluation.

The very first Artisan Casks bottle, Ancient Alba ‘AON’ 1972, from the first ever Artisan Cask No. 901228, was sold at the Distiller’s One of One 2025 charity auction for £13,750 ($18,767) – more than double Sotheby’s pre-auction estimate. It was graciously donated anonymously to the charity auction by its owner.

On the back of a successful first year the 2026 portfolio – 10 casks in total – includes beautifully matured single malts from world-famous distilleries such as Macallan, Laphroaig and Mortlach. Further showcasing the diverse range and artisanal ability of the whisky-makers, the release also includes a highly characterful 34 year old single grain Scotch whisky from North British distillery in Edinburgh, as well as ‘Speyside Symphony’, a 33 year old ‘teaspooned’ blended malt Scotch whisky.

Artisan Cask Owners join a discerning community of likeminded individuals and privileged access to some of the most desirable distilleries, renowned individuals and exclusive gatherings.

Last year, James hosted a group of Cask Owners at the Distiller’s One of One Auction at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh. In 2026, plans are already afoot for Artisan Cask Owner events in London, New York, Singapore and the Bahamas.

James Mackay, Artisan Casks private client director, said: “When created with the highest levels of care and craft, I believe Scotch whisky is one of the world’s true luxuries – and moreover an inherently sociable luxury – which is why it’s so rewarding to connect each year with whisky lovers internationally, helping them select that unique cask which speaks to them and reflects their personal taste and passion. We’re looking forward to bringing more people together this year for some truly unforgettable whisky experiences.”

Artisan Casks 2026 portfolio:

Bowmore 2004 Artisan Cask No. 161162 (52.6% abv)

Maturation profile: 17 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon barrel, followed by 4 years in a first-fill Pedro Ximenez ex-bodega barrique

Bunnahabhain 1989 161143 Artisan Cask No. 304554 (43.9% abv)

Maturation profile: 28 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, 7 years in a re-fill sherry hogshead, 1 year in a second-fill American oak bourbon barrel

Caol Ila 1990 Artisan Cask No. 304554 (49.3% abv)

Maturation profile: 35 years in a re-fill sherry hogshead

Glen Garioch 2003 Artisan Cask No. 161411 (55.3% abv)

Maturation profile: 22 years in a first-fill American oak bourbon barrel

Glen Grant 1993 Artisan Cask No. 304565 (57.0% abv)

Maturation profile: 29 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon barrel, followed by 3 years in a first-fill Spanish oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead

Laphroaig 1995 Artisan Cask No. 151733 (52.9% abv)

Maturation profile: 22 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon barrel, followed by 8 years in a second-fill American oak bourbon barrel

Macallan 1994 Artisan Cask No. 305140 (52.2% abv)

Maturation profile: 28 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, followed by 3 years in a first-fill Spanish oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead

Mortlach 1991 Artisan Cask No. 304590 (43.7% abv)

Maturation profile: 32 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, followed by 2 years in a second-fill American oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead

North British 1991 Artisan Cask No. 901533 (51.0% abv)

Maturation profile: 33 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, followed by 1 year in a first-fill Spanish oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead

‘Speyside Symphony’ 1992 Artisan Cask No. 173545 (54.1% abv)

Maturation profile: 25 years in a re-fill American oak bourbon hogshead, followed by 8 years in a second-fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead

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Macallan The Harmony Collection 3 Amber Meadow

The third edition in the ever exciting Harmony Collection is a fusion of fashion, photography and whisky created in collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney. Amber Meadow celebrates the love and respect for the natural world they share with The Macallan. They have been inspired by Scottish grassland to create an expression that recalls warm meadows and barley fields by combining whisky from sherry seasoned oak and bourbon casks. Ideal for relaxing evenings as the weather warms up in the spring.

£155.00

Tasting note from The Macallan:

Nose: rich orange and lemon, honeysuckle, vanilla, coconut and ripe barley fields.

Palate: rich oak, lemon, melon, classic scone, almond and green tea.

Finish: rich, sweet, long and complex.

Bernheim Original 10 Year Old 20th Anniversary Small Batch Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

57.5%

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