Maker’s Mark Unveils 2026 Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release

LORETTO, Ky., Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the 2026 release of its Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release—an expression inspired by the distillery’s operations teams who guide the bourbon’s journey from first fermentation to final bottling.

“From the beginning, Maker’s Mark has been guided by my grandparents’ pursuit of exceptional flavor and deep respect for everyone who makes our whisky—from our grain growers to those who barrel and bottle our bourbon,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark. “We continue to honor our founders’ vision through the Wood Finishing Series, which showcases our innovative spirit, celebrates our quality and craftsmanship and recognizes the teams who make our whisky possible.” 

The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series features one-of-a-kind expressions crafted using an innovative wood stave finishing technique that amplifies the distinctive characteristics of the brand’s signature bourbon. The Stewards Release (2026) opens with bright aromas evoking cherry pie and vanilla bean, layered with tasting notes of honey, toasted marshmallow and candied ginger, culminating in a vibrant finish marked by stone fruit and salted caramel.

“Consumers today want exceptional whisky, but they’re also interested in the values behind the brand and the people who make it,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark. “Bartenders feel the same way. They want to know more about the process, the ingredients and the craftsmanship in what they pour. The Stewards Release brings that philosophy to life, inspired by the operational leaders at Star Hill Farm and the care that goes into every step of production.”

Marking the midpoint of a five-year journey, the Stewards Release (2026) is the third installment in the second Wood Finishing Series. Set to conclude in 2028, this series explores the people behind the proof and follows The Keepers Release (2025), inspired by the warehouse team who ensure every barrel of Maker’s Mark matures consistently to the founders’ taste vision, and The Heart Release (2024), inspired by the distillery team—the makers of Maker’s Mark, crafting its handmade bourbon in Loretto, Kentucky.

The Stewards Release will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% ABV / 109.6 proof, and the other at 56.65% ABV / 113.3 proof. Both will be available at U.S. retailers at a suggested MSRP of $74.99 beginning today. For more information, please visit www.MakersMark.com.

About Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark® is the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world. In 1953, founders Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr. broke from tradition—burning the family’s 170-year-old recipe to create a bold, balanced bourbon made with soft red winter wheat for signature sweetness and creaminess. From the start, the Samuels went to remarkable lengths to craft uncompromisingly delicious bourbon—a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today. Every bottle is still hand-dipped in red wax, every barrel rotated by hand and every decision guided by the brand’s higher purpose.

Staying true to its founders’ vision, Maker’s Mark has expanded its portfolio with award-winning, super-premium expressions, including Maker’s Mark 46, Cask Strength, and Cellar Aged, as well as Private Selection, the brand’s custom barrel program. In 2025, the distillery debuted Star Hill Farm Whisky, its first-ever wheat whisky. Award-winning and the first to earn Estate Whiskey certification, Star Hill Farm Whisky inspired the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, a bold commitment to advance regenerative farming beyond its business, inviting farms, bars and restaurants to join the movement.

Maker’s Mark is proud to be both B Corp and Regenified Certified – milestones driven by the sustainability leadership at Star Hill Farm, home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which strives to be the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world.

Learn more at www.makersmark.com.

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

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Loch Lomond Whiskies presents The Original Series

A trio of remarkable whiskies demonstrating flavour innovation at its finest

Loch Lomond Whiskies has announced the launch of The Original Series – an exceptional trio of single malt whiskies focusing on innovation in flavour through expert distillation and maturation.

Launching today (24 March 2026), The Original Series is a celebration of Loch Lomond Whiskies’ unique capabilities in flavour creation, using the Highland distillery’s remarkable Straight Neck Stills and traditional Swan Neck Stills and a range of cask finishes to create recognisable tasting profiles.

The Original Series combines one existing single malt from Loch Lomond’s award-winning portfolio, with the addition of two new expressions, never seen from the distiller.

Together the relaunched range offers three distinctive single malts – Loch Lomond The Original: Triple Oak, Loch Lomond Oloroso: Sherry Cask, and Loch Lomond Peated: Rioja Cask – all of which are expertly crafted by master blender, Michael Henry, whose signature on each bottle signifies the distillery’s personal assurance of quality.

The series embodies Loch Lomond Whiskies’ enduring quest to unlock new possibilities in flavour innovation and whisky creation, showcasing dual expertise maturation and distillation. Loch Lomond is the only distillery in Scotland to house both traditional Swan Neck Stills and its unique Straight Neck Stills, making it one of the most innovative and inventive in the world. Loch Lomond is also one of only four distilleries in Scotland with its own cooperage on-site, where the ancient craft of barrel repairs is not just preserved, but carefully passed down through generations.

The leading non-age-statement product in Loch Lomond’s new range, Loch Lomond The Original: Triple Oak is the same perfectly balanced expression and is now presented in a newly enhanced pack which details the impact of cask maturation on the spirit’s signature style of fruit, honey and soft smoke. This classic expression has been carefully matured in three types of American oak cask – first fill, refill and re-char – and showcases distillate from both the distillery’s straight neck and traditional swan neck stills. Loch Lomond The Original: Triple Oak has an RRP of £28 per 70cl bottle. It is now available to buy at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and will be rolling out in Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda from March 2026 onwards.

Launching for the first time is the new Loch Lomond Oloroso: Sherry Cask – an innovative Highland single malt that reimagines sherry-finished whisky. The single malt is expertly distilled in Loch Lomond Whiskies’ iconic Straight Neck Stills and finished for six months in certified Oloroso sherry casks. Marrying a fruit-forward distillate with an Oloroso sherry cask finish, Loch Lomond Oloroso: Sherry Cask imparts flavours of vanilla, raisins and brown sugar.

Crafted in a combination of Swan Neck and Straight Neck Stills before being finished for six months in the finest Rioja wine casks, Loch Lomond Peated: Rioja Cask showcases Loch Lomond Whiskies’ innovative approach and unrivalled capabilities in maturation. The new addition to the portfolio pairs a fruit and smoke-forward whisky with flavourful world-famous red wine casks from Spain to create impactful notes of honey, peach, pear and dark chocolate.

Loch Lomond Oloroso: Sherry Cask and Loch Lomond Peated: Rioja Cask single malt whiskies have an RRP of £31 per 70cl bottle and are now available to buy on www.lochlomondwhiskies.com before rolling out in retailers throughout 2026.

Each single malt whisky is bottled at 40% ABV and is presented in a newly enhanced outer pack carrying illustrations of the distillery’s namesake loch in hues of cobalt blue, burgundy and mauve.

Michael Henry, master blender at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said: “At Loch Lomond, we respect but are not constrained by tradition, as we navigate our own path to freely explore flavour in our own way. This is what it means to be Scotland’s most agile and adept Scotch distillery.

“The release of The Original Series demonstrates our continued growth in non-age-statement flavour profiles, bringing three standout expressions to retail that showcase our award-winning craftsmanship and commitment to first-class distillation and maturation.

“As well as our unrivalled capabilities in flavour creation through our Straight Neck Stills, at Loch Lomond we also have the benefit of our on-site cooperage, which allows us to carry out barrel repairs and charring to exacting standards and make sure each cask is the right quality for maturing our single malt whisky.”

First opened in 1965, Loch Lomond Distillery has been quietly crafting whisky on the banks of the loch for more than 60 years. In the past decade, investment in whisky-making innovation and global marketing has propelled the brand to new heights. Now enjoyed by millions worldwide, Loch Lomond Whiskies is the fastest-growing top 25 single malt brand in the world for two out of three recent years (IWSR).

For more information, visit: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

Tasting notes

Loch Lomond The Original: Triple Oak

Nose: Malty with golden biscuit and a light fruitiness.

Taste: Opens with sweet honey followed by smooth soft fruits of peach and pear, a delicate orange citrus note and creamy vanilla.

Finish: Medium finish with a hint of soft smoke.

Loch Lomond Oloroso: Sherry Cask

Nose: Notes of honey, vanilla and raisins.

Taste: Toffee sweetness develops alongside peach, orange and brown sugar.

Finish: Medium in length, smooth and rounded, with gentle spice and dried fruits carrying through.

Loch Lomond Peated: Rioja Cask

Nose: Aromas of woodsmoke, malty biscuit and redcurrant fruit.

Taste: Sweet honey and soft fruits of peach and pear combine with dark chocolate and a touch of orange citrus.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering smoke and a gentle richness.

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.

Loch Lomond Whiskies was also named among Drinks International’s ‘The World’s Most Admired Whiskies 2025’, where it was noted as one of the most capable distilleries in Scotland.

Spring is here. It’s a time of renewal and change – a time for new whiskies (and new labels)!

It’s the same old knackered Captain at the helm of the HMS Chorlton Whisky though, which is why these are appearing a bit later in the year than planned. Sorry about that. Things are moving along nicely now though, and there’s some genuinely exciting stuff lined up for 2026.

On y va!

I’ve occasionally been asked what my dream Chorlton bottling would be, and – aside from fantasies about stumbling across a mislabelled Brora or what-not – I’ve often replied “a decently-aged Bowmore at a sensible price”. It’s a fantastic distillate, and almost always poorly-served by official releases. Perfect indie bottling fodder, and – most importantly – the sort of thing I want to drink.

So, here’s to dreams coming true with this Bowmore 20-year-old, straight from a bourbon barrel and with a quality/price ratio up the wazoo.

On the nose – it’s delicate and very Bowmore, with the light, fragrant smoke and old oil paints that I always associate with the distillery. It’s also pretty fruity, with pink grapefruits in syrup, guava, and floral notes of primrose and gorse. In the background we’re in firm Islay territory, with creosote, dressed crab and lime.

The palate is bigger than you’d expect from the nose – fat, oily, tarry and citrussy. A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Mango and passionfruit pop out, along with olive oil, brine, eucalyptus and smoked oysters. The finish is a combo of dry, fragrant smoke, salt and bright fruitiness that’s kind of hard to beat.

With a drop of water – luminous citrus, hazelnuts, beech smoke, peaches. Endlessly quaffable.

This bourbon barrel produced 231 bottles at 52.6%, and they are available for £150 each. Maximum one per person please!

Next up we have a 23-year-old Glendullan, a joint bottling with the excellent The Rare Malt in Hong Kong. I don’t think many people’s dream whisky is a Glendullan, but – boy – this one surprised the heck out of us!

The nose is exuberant and appropriately spring-like, with blossom, warm oranges, honey, pineapple upside-down cake, cream and almond butter. I also get little touches of banana, hoppy ale, thyme oil and more and more excellent citrus as it breathes.

On the palate – sweet fruit syrups, honey, drops of Chartreuse, digestive biscuits, and zingy citrus cutting through it all. The texture is particularly lovely, with almost the feel of melted ice-cream, before a long-ish finish with honey, nougat and orange.

With water – super-easy, sweet and citrussy, with touches of chocolate wafer.

This is top-notch Speyside single malt of proper quality. It drinks beautifully, and – because no-one talks much about Glendullan – this is available at a cracking price.

This refill hogshead produced 226 bottles at 58.6%, and they are available for £120 each.

Lastly we have a 14-year-old Ruadh Maor. My first one since 2018, and sadly now an endangered species as production ceased in 2025. In this case the typical wildness of the distillate has been accentuated by maturation in a strangely misshapen old marsala barrique.

So, on the nose – cigars, peat-smoked chocolate raisins (someone please make these, I will buy them all), coal bunkers, grilled pears, BBQ meat with burnt lemon and herbs, green walnuts and a pinch of garam masala. It’s a bit mad, but also quite warm and inviting, like being welcomed into the parlour of a kindly eccentric.

On the palate – fantastic sweet, chunky and herbal smoke, with coal tar, the blackest of black liquorice, black cardomoms, sticky hoisin sauce, oranges and coriander seeds. The body is huge, developing on smoky caramel, BBQ sauces, and salt & pepper ribs. The finish is long, salty, savoury and ashy.

Bursting with character, this, but with a nice background sweetness from the marsala that keeps everything fun and easy-going. There’s no other whisky quite like Ruadh Maor and we should enjoy it while we can!

This refill marsala barrique produced 304 bottles at 57.3%, and they are available for £72.50 each.

And…

…that’s it for now. There won’t be quite such a long wait for the next outturn, I promise, and in the meantime I’m always available via the usual channels if I can be of assistance.

Cheers!

David

Murray McDavid

Macallan 30 Years Old ULTRA

ABV: 43.3% 70 cL

Evan Williams ® Single Barrel Debuts Bourbon Nation Collegiate Editions for Five Universities
Limited -Edition Bottles Begin Shipping to Key Markets Amidst March Madness and Spring Graduation Season

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — [March 24, 2026] — Evan Williams, the #1 American-Owned Bourbon, is announcing its release of five highly limited Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles celebrating The University of Alabama, University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, and the University of South Carolina. Every bottle features the respective university logo and is hand-selected from an individual barrel.

These Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles will be in their respective markets by early April, just in time for the excitement of March Madness and the celebrations of spring graduation season. Each bottle features a distinctive wax-dipped top in the coordinating color of the featured university, along with a custom hang tag showcasing the school’s official logo. The design creates a keepsake that allows fans and alumni to celebrate their school spirit while enjoying a uniquely selected single barrel bourbon.

The releases will be exclusively distributed within each school’s home state, creating a highly localized, limited-availability opportunity. These Bourbon Nation bottles are designed as collectible bottlings that celebrate each school’s tradition, heritage, and pride.

Evan Williams Single Barrel reflects the time-honored methods first established when the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s first distillery on the banks of the Ohio River in 1783. Today, each barrel is chosen for its distinctive character and bottled individually at 43.3% ABV (86.6 proof), creating a unique expression that pairs perfectly with moments worth celebrating—on campus and beyond.

“As a bourbon brand rooted in tradition, we love being part of the moments that bring people together,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Global Whiskey Brands, Heaven Hill. “These Bourbon Nation Collegiate Editions give fans and alumni a meaningful way to celebrate their schools, whether they’re cheering during tournament season, marking graduation, or simply sharing a glass with fellow fans.”

The Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles are part of Evan Williams Bourbon Nation, the brand’s platform celebrating the traditions and community of college sports fandom. Through partnerships with leading universities across the country, Bourbon Nation brings fans together around the energy of game day – from tailgates and watch parties to post-win celebrations, while enjoying America’s second-largest selling Bourbon responsibly.

In addition to these five editions, the brand is planning a second wave of Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition releases timed for the fall football season with an expanded lineup of universities to be announced later this year. The Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Editions will be available while supplies last within each university’s home state at an SRP of $34.99.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS:  Evan Williams is among the leaders in the American Whiskey segment as the #1 American-owned Bourbon and the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. Since 2015, Evan Williams has proudly supported Veteran-focused organizations nationwide, contributing more than $750,000 to initiatives that honor and empower those who have served our country. In 2024, the brand debuted ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate college athletics through a partnership with Learfield, making Kentucky’s 1st Distiller Game Day’s #1 Pour. The multi-year deal currently includes powerhouse universities across the country. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience that brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.

Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely®.

At 18 glorious years of age, this Scallywag Speyside malt reaches it’s crowning moment – it’s final years spent in the finest Pedro Ximénez sherry casks from Jerez in Southern Spain. With only 2,610 bottles globally, this release is understated in presentation, yet assured in quality, inviting you to savour life’s more considered moments. Bottled by Douglas Laing, at natural colour and no chill filtration.

SUPER SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY

Irish Whiskey Month continues this March and today we take a deep dive into Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey…

So, what is Single Pot Still Whiskey? Pot Still Whiskey is characterised by the use of unmalted barley, and other grains, in the mash bill; all of which are then distilled via a Pot Still. The result of this ‘mixed-mashbill’ and pot still distillation is a much more creamy and spicy spirit than you might find from your typical single malt.

At the Whisky Shop, we have some of the finest Single Pot Still Whiskey from Old Comber to Green Spot and Redbreast!

Sláinte!

SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY >

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯