BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY HONORS 40 YEARS OF ELMER T. LEE BOURBON WITH FIRST-EVER UNCUT AND UNFILTERED OFFERING

Four decades after its introduction, this bold new expression honors Elmer T. Lee’s legacy

FRANKFORT, KY (September 14, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces the release of Elmer T. Lee 40^th Anniversary Edition, the first-ever uncut and unfiltered expression of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon. Debuting four decades after the original Elmer T. Lee Bourbon was released, this limited offering honors the legacy of one of the industry’s most influential pioneers and offers enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience this iconic whiskey in its purest form.

Elmer T. Lee’s legacy at Buffalo Trace Distillery began in 1949, when he joined the then-George T. Stagg Distillery as a maintenance engineer following his service in World War II and graduation from the University of Kentucky. Over the next four decades, he rose to become Master Distiller, helping guide the Distillery through a transformative era of modernization and growth while shaping the future of bourbon.

A visionary ahead of his time, Lee fundamentally changed the American whiskey landscape in 1984 with the introduction of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, the world’s first single-barrel bourbon and a concept that helped pioneer the premiumization of bourbon. To honor his enduring impact, the Distillery introduced Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon in 1986, a namesake expression that directly reflects his commitment to careful selection and consistency. Its combination of craftsmanship, authenticity and legacy has made it a benchmark for both enthusiasts and collectors.

“Elmer’s legacy is something we feel and celebrate every day at the Distillery, not just in the bourbon we make, but in the way we approach our work,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “His commitment to craftsmanship guided not only our future at Buffalo Trace, but it also helped set the course for American whiskey as a whole. I was fortunate to learn from Elmer early in my career, and his guidance left a lasting impression on how I approach my work. Releasing this rare whiskey in his honor is incredibly meaningful and a privilege for all of us at the Distillery.”

Now, 40 years after its debut, Buffalo Trace Distillery is unveiling a bold new expression of this bourbon. For the first time, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is presented uncut and unfiltered, drawn directly from the barrel without dilution or chill filtration. This approach is a reflection of how Elmer evaluated barrels for Blanton’s selection, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the whiskey as he would have.

The barrels selected for the 40th Anniversary Edition of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon were chosen for their richness and individuality, each bottled at its natural barrel proof to preserve a more robust, unaltered profile. Across the collection, notes of apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut and honeysuckle lead to a rich, chewy palate with crème brûlée-like sweetness and a long finish of toasted oak and baking spice. Ranging from 124.8 to 138.6 proof, each barrel offers a subtle variation in character, structure and intensity.

“For the first time, we’re sharing Elmer T. Lee Bourbon exactly as it comes from the barrel,” said Erica Bovard, Senior Brand Director, American Whiskey. “By offering it uncut and unfiltered, we’re able to highlight the depth and character of the whiskey while staying true to the standards Elmer set. We think fans will love this release, and importantly, it’s one we believe Elmer would be proud of.”

The Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition will be available in limited quantities via a new bottle drawing system, hosted by the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop, at a suggested retail price of $99.99 (750ml; local taxes and fees may apply).

Developed in response to consumer feedback, the Buffalo Trace Distillery Bottle Draw is a new system intended to make limited bottle releases more accessible and convenient for visitors. For the inaugural drawing, fans can register online from 10 a.m. ET on September 15 through 11:59 p.m. ET on September 17 for the chance to purchase a bottle. Entries are limited to one per person, and registration timing does not affect the odds of selection. On September 22, an independent partner will randomly select names, with all entrants notified of the results. Those selected will have from September 28 through October 11, to visit the Distillery during normal visitor hours and purchase their bottle. As this marks the first Buffalo Trace Bottle Draw, the Distillery will gather participant feedback to help refine and improve the experience for future releases. For more information or to enter, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/draws.

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is produced in limited quantities on an ongoing basis and released as each single barrel is deemed ready for bottling. The 40^th Anniversary Edition joins the portfolio alongside a handful of rare, commemorative variants including the 100 Year Tribute (released in 2019), the Commemorative Bottle (released in 2013), and the 90^th Birthday Edition (released in 2009). For more information about Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/elmer-t-lee-single-barrel/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Two centuries of whisky experience, well-used

The easternmost whisky distillery in Scotland, Glen Garioch (pronounced glen geery) is also one of the oldest still operating. Founded in 1797 and barely closed in the more than two hundred years since (rare for any Scotch whisky distillery), Glen Garioch is renowned for a rounded, fruity single malt with a waxy mouthfeel.

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Eden Mill appoints Steven Kersley as Chief Executive Officer

St Andrews distillery names new CEO to lead its next chapter 

Eden Mill Distillery has today announced the appointment of Steven Kersley as Chief Executive Officer. Kersley, who brings over a decade of senior leadership experience in the Scotch whisky and craft spirits industry, takes the helm with an ambitious agenda to establish a world-class spirits brand rooted in its home of St Andrews.

The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Eden Mill, which boasts a state-of-the-art distillery with significant capacity for expansion, a destination visitor centre, and a top-floor cocktail bar with panoramic views across the Eden Estuary and St Andrews skyline.

Steven Kersley, Chief Executive Officer at Eden Mill, said: “With its location at the gateway to the home of golf, our distillery occupies one of the most compelling sites in Scottish spirits. St Andrews is a genuinely special place with over a million tourists passing through each year. As the 2026 season gets underway, we’re adding to the excellent local offering with our distillery visitor centre.

“We have an incredible back-catalogue of award-winning spirits, but what excites me most are the spirits that are yet to come. We’re building a whisky programme that’s uncompromising in its ambition: a wood policy of serious depth and intention, underpinned by a distillate that’s been crafted by layering flavour at every stage of production. We’ll be bold in our decision-making in order to make the best whisky possible – and then we’ll take it to the world.“

The appointment comes as Eden Mill builds momentum under new ownership, including the start of the St Andrews tourist season, an exciting pipeline of whisky and gin releases, and the continuation of the business’s popular private cask programme. International expansion sits alongside UK growth as a clear commercial priority.

Tony Banks, Chairman, Ruby Capital Limited, said: “We acquired Eden Mill because we believe in what it can become. It has an extraordinary location, a loyal following, and the infrastructure to grow into something significant.

“Appointing Steven is the most important step we’ve taken since acquisition. He understands this industry from the ground up, he has the commercial ambition we need, and he shares our absolute commitment to making whisky of the highest quality. That shared goal is the foundation everything else is built on. We’re giving him everything he needs to take our spirits to the world stage.“

Eden Mill’s flagship distillery and visitor centre opened on the Eden Campus in October 2025. The site includes a 300-cask warehouse, the 40-seat Lookout Bar, a high-end retail space, and an immersive experience programme built around whisky, gin and mixology.

In our first Points of Distinction, we explored the depth and structure of first-fill European Oak through the Cigar Malt series. In our second, we turned our attention to the fruit-forward elegance of American Oak in the Distinction Series. This time, we look at the whisky that brings both perspectives together. Tamdhu 12 Year Old.

Every distillery has a whisky that captures its character most completely. For Tamdhu, many would argue that whisky is the 12 Year Old. Matured in a harmonious combination of first-fill and refill American and European Oak Oloroso sherry casks, it showcases the qualities that have defined Tamdhu for generations: rich fruit, warming spice, natural colour and remarkable balance.

It is neither dominated by one oak nor another. Instead, it demonstrates what happens when each is allowed to contribute its strengths, creating a whisky that is unmistakably Tamdhu from first sip to last. Together, they create a whisky that captures the very essence of Tamdhu.

NOSE Rich and enticing, iced cinnamon rolls, orange boiled sweets, fresh sweet oak with raisins, and the faint hint of mint.

PALATE Silky texture that coats the mouth with banana, berry jam, malt biscuit, and classic sherry oak depth.

FINISH Pleasantly long and balanced with ground spice, dried fruit and soft Scottish tablet – finally unveiling the merest wisp of peat smoke.

Behind every bottle is the expertise of Tamdhu’s blending team, whose understanding of cask character, maturation, and house style allows them to bring together the right casks, at the right moment, to create the distinctive fruit intensity and smoothness that define our 12 Year Old.

Their role is often unseen, yet it is one of the most important in whisky making. Every cask contributes something different. The skill lies in recognising how those individual qualities can come together to create a whisky that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Tamdhu 12 Year Old was awarded Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – a recognition for a whisky that continues to demonstrate the value of exceptional casks, expert craftsmanship, and dedication.

A whisky worth revisiting.

THE GLENALLACHIE UNVEILS PIONEERING WHISKY MATURED IN RARE MONGOLIAN VIRGIN OAK

The GlenAllachie Distillery today, Thursday 10th September, introduced the fourth chapter in its celebrated Sinteis Series – a 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximénez & Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

This 10-year-old limited edition marks the first Scotch whisky matured in elusive Mongolian virgin oak to be bottled for global release, reflecting The GlenAllachie’s pioneering approach to wood mastery and its continued evolution of the Sinteis Series. This fourth edition embodies an ethos of ‘A Convergence of Three: Three Casks, Three Stories, One Exceptional Whisky.’

‘Sinteis’ (pronounced sin-teesh), meaning ‘synthesis’ in Scottish Gaelic, captures the essence of The GlenAllachie’s cask innovation, uniting the bold and expressive virgin oak with the familiar warmth of sherry casks to create distinctive, boundary-pushing expressions.

While previous expressions in the series explored a dual cask approach, Part IV was initially matured in bourbon barrels before spending time separately in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. The whiskies were then combined and transferred to rare Mongolian virgin oak casks.

Mongolian virgin oak casks, crafted from Quercus Mongolica, are hard to source and unforgiving in character. Consequently, this wood type has remained largely unexplored in Scotch whisky. This oak is scarce in nature, having to be grown for over a century and naturally felled in order to be used commercially. Sourced from the forests of East Asia and noted for their tight grain structure and remarkable density, the wood reveals rich caramel, subtle sandalwood and oriental incense nuances.

Sinteis Part IV showcases this harmony with two types of sherry casks. Oloroso infuses the whisky with layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and nutty complexity, while Pedro Ximénez brings sweet toffee and treacle. The final whisky reveals dark chocolate, layered orchard fruits and warm pastries; a celebration of each cask’s distinct character, converging perfectly into one.

Commenting on the new release, Master Distiller Billy Walker said:

“The Sinteis series has allowed us to explore the interaction between different virgin oak and sherry casks. The series has explored dual-cask maturation in considerable depth already so for Sinteis Part IV I wanted to invite a pivoted approach that would be both a challenge and an adventure.

“We work intensively with Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, so moving the liquid into Mongolian virgin oak was certainly an exciting challenge. The wood’s unforgiving nature and rarity in whisky-making meant we had little precedent to work from. As a team, we trusted in our instinct and experience, and I’m exceptionally proud of the whisky we’ve created and to be able to showcase the beautiful character of Mongolian oak.”

Sinteis IV is bottled at a cask strength of 58.5%, with natural colour and without chill filtration, preserving the full character and integrity of cask maturation. Each release in the Sinteis Series is a limited-edition bottling, distinct in its own right.

The bespoke packaging features a hand-drawn motif inspired by Quercus Mongolica and united by an endless knot, based on the geometric ornamentation found throughout traditional East Asian art as well as the enduring relationship between wood, whisky and time. The balance between natural forms and precise geometry, accented with ornate gold foil, reflects the intricate balance of nature and craft found within this expression.

The GlenAllachie Sinteis Part IV, 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximénez & Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured, is available with a UK RRP of £75.99 from The GlenAllachie Distillery and online at www.theglenallachie.com from September 10. It will become available globally in the coming weeks.

The Sinteis Series – Sinteis Part IV, 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximénez  & Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured

• 10 years old single malt whisky
• Limited edition release
• Bottled at cask strength 58.5%
• Natural colour and non-chill filtered

Tasting Notes

Colour: Burnished Chestnut.
Nose: Baked pastries, and butterscotch, followed by brandied orchard fruits, cocoa and treacle tart, with cinnamon and crystallised ginger.
Taste: Candied hazelnuts, baking spices and plum syrup, followed by spiced baked orange, vanilla ice cream and mocha, with mānuka honey and fig jam.

About The GlenAllachie
Since re-emerging under independent ownership in 2017, The GlenAllachie has made bold, strategic choices rooted in flavour integrity over volume. By fine-tuning fermentation practices, streamlining production, and investing heavily in cask management, the distillery has cultivated a house style renowned for depth, complexity, and individuality.

Beyond the stillhouse, The GlenAllachie’s influence continues to grow, with high-profile and innovative releases such as The Sinteis Series, and age-stated limited editions earning global acclaim. The distillery’s commitment to transparency – bottling at natural colour, non-chill filtered, and often at cask strength – underscores its dedication to the discerning whisky drinker.
Prioritising the production of quality spirit, the GlenAllachie Distillery chose to reduce its production capacity from four million to around one million litres of alcohol and increase its fermentation period to 160 hours – almost three times the industry standard – for an ester-rich, fruity spirit.

The GlenAllachie also maintains a strong focus on sustainability and provenance, with local sourcing and traditional methods guiding much of its ethos. Supported by the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF), a state-of-the-art Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) system was installed at the distillery to capture and recycle waste heat from distillation, using it to reheat the stills. It is a distillery that not only honours Scotch whisky heritage but actively shapes its future.

About Billy Walker
With a career spanning over 50 years, Billy Walker is a legendary figure in the Scotch whisky industry, renowned for his transformative leadership of distilleries like Benriach, Glendronach, and Glenglassaugh. Celebrated for his innovative use of casks and unwavering commitment to quality, he is now the owner and Master Blender at The GlenAllachie.

Under his stewardship, the company has achieved widespread acclaim. Among its many accolades, the GlenAllachie 12-year-old was named World’s Best Single Malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.

It’s from this incredible record of success that Billy has cemented his reputation as one of the most prominent whisky figures of his generation.

Bowmore Releases 20-Year-Old Captivo Single Malt Collection with Visionary Design Practice Snarkitecture

The union of two worlds offers a journey of exploration, discovery and a portal into the extraordinary  

Islay, Scotland – Bowmore, Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, and internationally acclaimed design studio, Snarkitecture, have announced the release of the limited-edition Bowmore Captivo Collection.

The collaboration brings together two disciplines united by craftsmanship, creativity and the pursuit of discovery. Just as Bowmore’s whiskies reveal layers of flavour with every sip, Snarkitecture’s work encourages people to look deeper and experience the unexpected.

The Captivo Collection comprises two 20-year-old single malts – Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit and Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage. Each has a story of provenance and exploration, brought to life through the drinking experience and the vivid bottle and packaging designs.

Travelling from New York to Islay, Snarkitecture co-founder Alex Mustonen drew inspiration from the island’s natural landscape and the hidden depths of the distillery, including Bowmore No.1 Vaults, one of the world’s oldest maturation warehouses. Mustonen translated these influences into striking portal designs reflecting a journey of discovery, and a cultural fascination with stepping beyond the surface. The whiskies mirror this, with each expression offering a portal into Bowmore, created decades ago and experienced in the present.

Mustonen says: “Stepping into the world of whisky is a first for Snarkitecture. I drew similarities between how Bowmore’s whisky is made, and how I approach an architectural environment. In architecture, spaces and objects invite people to look again and question their assumptions. I discovered whisky-making shares a similar philosophy, rewarding time, patience, and curiosity.”

He continues: “I think about my projects as moments for people to cross thresholds into spaces that feel unlike day-to-day experiences. I approached the Captivo creative in a similar way, with the artwork acting as a portal into the world of Bowmore; into something extraordinary.”

Each whisky is represented by its own portal to reflect its individual character.

Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage showcases the influence that time and purposefully selected oak casks have on Bowmore’s spirit, and the journey the whisky undertakes to develop its flavours locked within the wood.

This expression has maturated for two decades in American oak ex-Bourbon casks and finally aged in American oak Oloroso sherry butts, to optimise richness and complexity. The whisky opens with notes of dark cherry, candied orange, and Manuka honey, complemented by an unexpected touch of cool eucalyptus and toasted oak, and finishing with smooth vanilla sweetness and a delicate whisper of campfire smoke.

Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit, which is a global travel retail exclusive, offers new dimensions of flavour with the influence of Spain, evoking the sense of adventure to bodegas and back to Islay.

This expression has matured in Spanish oak Oloroso sherry and American oak ex-bourbon casks, with an Oloroso sherry hogshead finish, providing tropical fruit and cracked black pepper notes, balanced by soft oak and smoked toffee, with a lingering finish of sweet peat smoke and a touch of charred mango.

Dr Calum Fraser, master blender, Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, says: “These beautifully aged whiskies are intentionally designed to reward exploration and reveal layers of flavour over time. While Bowmore’s signature style remains at their heart, balancing citrus, sweetness, and delicate smoky notes, each expression showcases the influence of different oak casks in a distinct way.  

“The richness of Oak Voyage and the smooth sweetness of Sherry Cask Pursuit demonstrate the remarkable impact of time and cask selection. Snarkitecture has captured that sense of discovery brilliantly, creating designs that express the individuality of each whisky, while remaining true to Bowmore’s heritage.”

The Bowmore Captivo Collection Oak Voyage (50.8% ABV) is priced at $360 USD / £312 GBP / 360 EUROS RSP*. Bowmore Captivo Collection Sherry Cask Pursuit (51.8% ABV) is $380 USD / £320 GBP RSP. Both are available now on Bowmore.com (ROW) / Bowmore.com (UK).

Oak Voyage will be available in Harrods in the UK from 1st September, followed by the US, Asia, Northern Europe and Canada, with Sherry Cask Pursuit available in select global travel retail later this year.

About Bowmore®

Established over 245 years ago in 1779, Bowmore is Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, and Scotland’s second oldest. This legacy affords the distillery an enviable inventory of maturing stock, iconic releases, and warrants its position as one of the most collectable whiskies in the world.

Bowmore’s premium single malts are crafted with intent and age like no other, to offer exceptional depth and layers of flavour. Its signature style is defined by rich and fruity notes and a delicate peated complexity.

Each stage of Bowmore’s whisky-making process is precise and measured. From its floor maltings and peat smoke to dry the barley, ensuring the smoky and fruity complexity, to the long fermentation and slow distillation, enhancing the signature citrus fruit taste. –

Bowmore’s expressions continue to be globally recognised. Recent accolades include:

• ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ and gold at World Whiskies Awards 2026 for Bowmore 21-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask
• Double gold for Bowmore 15-Year-Old and Bowmore 18-Year-Old, and gold for Bowmore 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask, at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026
• Gold at International Spirits Challenge 2026 for Bowmore 14-Year-Old Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish, Bowmore 18-Year-Old and Bowmore 25-Year-Old
• Gold at International Wine and Spirits Competition 2026 for Bowmore 9-Year-Old

The distillery welcomes visitors to be immersed in the spirit of the whisky and its Islay home. With the shore of Loch Indaal as the backdrop, experiences include sampling small-batch distillery exclusives, access to the ‘Vaults Secrets Tasting Room’ and stepping inside the legendary No.1 Vaults – one of the world’s oldest maturation warehouses – for the rare opportunity to taste whiskies drawn directly from casks. Adjacent to the distillery, Bowmore Cottages offer the perfect place to stay and explore the historic town of Bowmore.

About Snarkitecture

Snarkitecture is a New York–based design practice founded in 2008 that pushes the boundaries between art and architecture. Snarkitecture collaborates with clients and partners across disciplines to reimagine the familiar into sensory, experience-driven environments. The Snarkitecture team is dedicated to “making architecture perform the unexpected,” transforming the everyday into unfamiliar and memorable environments.

Snarkitecture has collaborated with some of the world’s most influential fashion houses and culture-shaping lifestyle brands, with works across scales and typologies, including retail, hospitality, residential, collectible design, and object collaborations. For more information about Snarkitecture, visit https://www.snarkitecture.com/ or follow Snarkitecture on @snarkitecture on Instagram.

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 American whiskeys, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki® and Hibiki®; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequilas and Roku® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Bartender Created 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, and aims to 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 and www.drinksmart.com.

Loch Lomond Whiskies Raises £14,230 for The R&A Foundation Through Golden Ticket Campaign

Loch Lomond Whiskies, The Spirit of The Open, has raised £14,230 for The R&A Foundation through its Golden Ticket campaign, following a hugely successful activation across The 154th Open and the AIG Women’s Open.

A total of 1,423 Golden Tickets were purchased by golf fans across the two championships, with 100% of the £10 ticket price donated to The R&A Foundation, helping to support its work to deliver positive impact for golf and through golf.

The funds raised will contribute to The R&A Foundation’s work to improve lives and strengthen communities through the game, supporting initiatives that make golf more accessible, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for aspiring talent around the world.

The Golden Ticket activation launched at The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale before continuing at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, giving spectators the opportunity to support The R&A Foundation while entering a draw to win one of Loch Lomond Whiskies’ rarest releases. Tickets were available exclusively to spectators at the two championships, with all proceeds donated to The R&A Foundation.

Following the conclusion of the campaign, Andrew from Liverpool was selected as the lucky winner, taking home one of only 100 bottles worldwide of Loch Lomond 50-Year-Old single malt whisky, valued at £25,000. With both

championships staged in the North West, it was a fitting end to the campaign to see the prize won by someone from the local region.

The Loch Lomond 50-Year-Old was distilled using Loch Lomond Distillery’s distinctive Straight Neck Stills and matured for half a century. One of just 100 individually numbered bottles released worldwide, it was matured in first-fill Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks.

Andrew Jack, Group Marketing Director at Loch Lomond Group, said: “We have been delighted by the response to The Golden Ticket and the generosity shown by golf fans across both The Open and AIG Women’s Open. Selling 1,423 tickets and raising £14,230 for The R&A Foundation is a fantastic result and demonstrates what can be achieved when we bring together our passion for whisky with our long-standing commitment to golf.

“As The Spirit of The Open, we wanted The Golden Ticket to add something special to the spectator experience while making a positive contribution to the future of the game. We’re incredibly proud that the funds raised will support The R&A Foundation’s important work, helping to create opportunities and make a lasting difference through golf.”

The Golden Ticket campaign builds on Loch Lomond Whiskies’ long-standing relationship with golf and its partnership with The R&A, bringing together its whisky-making heritage with its commitment to supporting the game and its communities.

Following the conclusion of the campaign, all entries were uploaded to an independent third-party random draw platform using unique order reference numbers. One winner and five reserve winners were selected using a computer-generated random draw, ensuring the process was fair, transparent and based entirely on chance, with all eligible entries having an equal opportunity to be selected. The selected order reference numbers were then matched to customer records to identify the winner and reserve winners.  

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.

ARBIKIE UNVEILS FIRST-EVER SINGLE ESTATE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

The Signature becomes the inaugural release in Arbikie’s much-anticipated single malt programme, marking a defining milestone for the independent Scottish farm distillery.

ANGUS, SCOTLAND – September 2026: Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery, the independent Scottish farm distillery, has launched The Signature, its first-ever Single Estate Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The release marks a defining moment for the family-owned business and for the small team behind it, bringing together more than a decade of whisky making and four centuries of family farming. Launching on the 7^th September 2026, the anniversary of Arbikie’s first ever cask being filled, The Signature lays the foundation for the distillery’s next chapter as the inaugural expression in its long-term single malt programme.

Produced from Odyssey barley grown on the Arbikie Estate in Angus, The Signature was grown, distilled, matured and bottled entirely on the family-owned farm. Matured for ten years in six bourbon casks and bottled at 48% ABV, only 1,000 bottles have been released worldwide, priced at £250 each.

Every stage of production took place on the Arbikie Estate, from barley grown in the family’s coastal fields to cask maturation in the estate’s former dairy warehouses. The result is a single malt shaped entirely by one place and by the people who know it best. The Signature opens with aromas of ripe peach, banana bread and lemon sherbet, leading to notes of brioche, apricot marmalade and citrus, before a finish of creamy vanilla, orange blossom and lingering spice.

“The Signature represents everything our team has been working towards since we filled our first casks ten years ago,” said Iain Stirling, Co-Founder of Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery. “It is our first Single Estate Single Malt Scotch Whisky, but more importantly it demonstrates what can be achieved when every decision, from the barley we grow to the casks we fill, happens on the same estate.

“We have never been interested in releasing a single malt simply because the market expected it. We wanted our first whisky to reflect our farm, our family, our philosophy and the dedication of everyone who has helped nurture it from field to bottle. After ten years of patience, we believe The Signature does exactly that.”

The launch builds on Arbikie’s growing international reputation for premium spirits, sustainability and single-estate distilling. The family-owned distillery is a certified B Corp and was named global Sustainable Distillery of the Year at the Icons of Whisky 2026.

The Signature marks the beginning of Arbikie’s Single Estate Single Malt collection, with future releases planned to explore the whisky’s evolution through age, cask character and the distillery’s field-to-bottle approach. Further details on forthcoming limited releases will be announced separately.

The Signature is available from the 7^th September 2026 at www.thearbikie.com and through Arbikie’s worldwide trade partners.

About Arbikie Distillery:

Arbikie Distillery is an independent, family-owned farm distillery on the Angus coast. Built around a field-to-bottle approach, Arbikie grows key ingredients on the estate and distils, matures and bottles its spirits on site. The distillery is a certified B Corp and was named global Sustainable Distillery of the Year at the Icons of Whisky 2026. Its customers include many of the world’s best resorts, hotels, bars, restaurants and retailers including Aman Resorts, Noma, Jean Georges, Fat Duck, Roka, Hilton, Marriott, Four Seasons, Wholefoods, Harrods, Atlas and the Connaught.www.thearbikie.com

About The Signature:

The Signature is Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery’s inaugural Single Estate Single Malt Scotch Whisky, crafted entirely from Odyssey barley grown on the family’s Angus estate. Distilled in 2016 and matured for ten years in first-fill bourbon casks, it is bottled at 48% ABV.

Nose: Ripe peach, banana bread and lemon sherbet.
Palate: Brioche, apricot marmalade and citrus.
Finish: Creamy vanilla, orange blossom and lingering spice.
RRP: £250
ABV: 48%
Availability: Limited to 1,000 bottles worldwide. Available from 7 September 2026.

The King Officially Opens Stannergill Distillery

On Wednesday 29th July we were delighted to welcome His Majesty King Charles III to officially open Stannergill Distillery. It is hard to believe it has actually happened – if you had said to us six years ago that this is what we would be doing we would have laughed along with you. The King arrived and was piped into the building by Glenn, our apprentice distiller, before taking a full tour of the distillery.  Watching him walk through the spaces — The Grain Store Restaurant, The Atrium, The StillHouse — and seeing it all through fresh eyes was something quite extraordinary. He described the transformation of the mill as “wonderful” and that made us very happy!

What made the day so very special was that we were able to share it with so many of the people who have been part of this journey. The King took the time to meet them all, and it felt right that they were there — because Stannergill has never been just our story.

And then there were our family and friends — the people who have listened to us talk about this mill for years, who believed in us when the project felt impossibly big, and who have cheered us on every step of the way. Having them all there, in the building, on that day, surrounded by everything we have all worked so hard for — that is the part that is hardest to put into words.

In one of the most memorable moments of the day, His Majesty rolled up his sleeves and personally filled an Oloroso sherry cask with Stannergill new make spirit. That cask is now laid down in the distillery, quietly maturing into what will one day be a very special single malt Scotch whisky — one that belongs to the King himself.

When we mentioned that it would be a few years before it was ready to drink, His Majesty smiled and delivered the line of the day: “I hope I’m still alive to taste it.”

To bring the visit to a close, The King unveiled a commemorative plaque in our Atrium. Every one of our guests was lined up along the grand staircase that circles the Atrium, looking down as the plaque was revealed. Family, friends, craftspeople, historians, investors, supporters — all of the people who have been part of this story, gathered together in the very building they helped to save. It was one of those moments where you look around the room and feel completely overwhelmed by gratitude.

Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd
Dunnet
Thurso, Caithness KW14 8XD
United Kingdom

WITH SOFT SMOKE AND CREAMY HARMONY, 15-YEAR-OLD ARDBEG TRUDERNISH BRINGS A NEW CHARM TO DISTILLERY’S CORE RANGE

 < Islay Distillery reveals eye-catching new look for all its permanent whiskies >

Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky today unveils a dram of soft smoke and creamy harmony – its first permanent 15-year-old, Ardbeg Trudernish. Inspired by the ancient settlement of Trudernish on Islay’s “Enchanted Cape”, this beguilingly silky whisky is aged in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks for an indulgent charm. Its release, which has already been recognised with a Double Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, comes as Ardbeg reveals a new look for its entire core range, to be rolled out globally from autumn 2026. The bold designs playfully bring to life the unique stories and flavours of each dram.

According to the legends of the Enchanted Cape, the pure water of the well at Trudernish (which is notoriously hard to find) never freezes over. Like the quest in search of the Trudernish well, this 15-year-old Ardbeg transports drinkers to Islay, revealing delicious, creamy flavours hidden beneath its smoky exterior.

Seeking a rich new dimension to Ardbeg’s peaty paradox, Ardbeg’s whisky makers matured their smoky, balanced spirit in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks over 15 years, for mellow creaminess and softer smoke. A trace of earthy peat flits from the glass, as aromas of woodsmoke drift across dried herbs and chocolate lime. Tastes of vanilla and nuts are folded into decadent notes of creamy fudge sauce. The whisky’s harmony of flavours is enhanced by its ABV of 48.8%.

The packaging for Ardbeg Trudernish showcases a distinctive new look for the Distillery’s bottlings – to be rolled out across the brand’s entire core range. The presentation boxes and labels stand out in Ardbeg’s classic black, with each expression now differentiated by its own earthy accent colour. In a nod to Ardbeg’s Celtic heritage, whimsical woodcut-style illustrations depict every whisky’s individual story, alongside its cask recipe and an evocative flavour snapshot.

Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden MBE said: “A new whisky is always a momentous occasion at Ardbeg – and our first permanent 15-year-old, Ardbeg Trudernish, is truly one to celebrate. Aged in a combination of bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks, our spirit’s signature smokiness is brilliantly mellowed by rich, creamy flavours, softened with age. You’ll find aromas of peat and woodsmoke engulfed in melted vanilla ice cream. There are tastes of peat, dark liquorice and nuts wrapped in milk chocolate and a long smoky finish. A silky thread of vanilla runs throughout. I guarantee this whisky’s take on Ardbeg’s peaty paradox will charm smoky malt lovers everywhere.”

Ardbeg Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven said: “Ardbeg Trudernish is the perfect dram to toast Ardbeg’s new look. Our core range is brimming with the stories and flavours of Islay – from our classic Ardbeg Ten, to the dark and mysterious depths of Ardbeg Uigeadail. These striking new designs will make it easier than ever to explore each one – and perhaps discover new favourites… such as Ardbeg Trudernish!”

Ardbeg Trudernish (48.8% ABV) RRP £80  is available to purchase from Ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, the Distillery Visitor Centre, and specialist retailers from 15^th September 2026. 

Ardbeg Trudernish Tasting Notes:

ABV: 48.8%

Colour:             Straw gold

Aroma:              A soft wave of earthy peat and gentle woodsmoke is wrapped in rich vanilla cream, evoking the scent of melted vanilla ice cream with fudge sauce. Sweetness blends with floral notes and subtle hints of pine resin and heather honey. Orchard fruits like green apple and pear add freshness, while a hint of cracked black pepper and dried herbs lend complexity. A splash of water reveals ripe melon, kiwi, and soft berry notes layered over fragrant vanilla and heather-sweet peat.

Taste: Creamy and full-bodied, with bold Ardbeg peat merging into a smooth wave of sweet vanilla cream. Classic notes of soft pine, woodsmoke and damp forest floor lead into dark liquorice, chocolate lime, and a touch of herbal mint. More soft orchard fruits and floral sweetness are paired with nuts wrapped into milk chocolate. The texture silky, with the vanilla running like a thread through each layer.

Finish:           Long and soothing, with peat embers, vanilla pod and toasted nuts lead into a long and smoky finish.

RRP:                  £80

Ardbeg Trudernish’s namesake

The ancient settlement of Trudernish can be found in the south-east of Islay, up the coast from the Ardbeg Distillery. Trudernish is known as part of Islay’s so-called Enchanted Cape – an area rich in myth and legend. Some say, that if a person takes home a pebble from the nearby Claggain Bay, they are destined to return to Islay one day. And there are further fables about the Trudernish Well. Hidden in dense woodland, it is believed to begin its journey high in the hills at Loch Uigeadail (Ardbeg’s water source). Legend has it that the soft, pure water of the well never freezes over (much like whisky!). 

Packaging transformation

The packaging for Ardbeg’s entire core range has been transformed to better share the whiskies’ stories and flavours with smoky malt drinkers.

Key changes include:

Presentation box

• • Woodcut-style illustrations by artist Johnny Greenteeth, which tell the whiskies individual stories, each with a playful depiction of Ardbeg’s canine mascot Shortie (detail on each whisky’s illustration is below).
  • Ardbeg’s classic dark hues and traditional, Celtic-style ‘A’ and knotwork are still celebrated – now enhanced by different earthy colour accents on each pack, to aid range navigation.
  • The boxes include enhanced storytelling and tasting notes, a new flavour snapshot description, and details of the whiskies’ cask recipes.
  • Ardbeg Wee Beastie remains as a naked bottle, as it has been since its release in 2020.

Labels

• • More detailed tasting notes, the flavour snapshot and cask recipe now included.
  • A background image of the woodcut-style illustrations features on the back label.

Bottle

• • Now manufactured in the UK and a slightly lighter shade of green.
  • Capsule made of polylam, more easily recycled than PVC.

The individual whiskies’ stories are illustrated in the following ways:

• Ardbeg Wee Beastie: In a naked bottle (as it has been since its release in 2020), with claw marks on the label to show its feisty personality. Bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Described as ‘A Monster of a Dram’.
• Ardbeg Ten: Amid rolling clouds and waves, are dotted the Distillery’s classic codes: the 8th-century Kildalton Cross, Ardbeg’s pagoda roofs, its iconic Warehouse 3 (with ARDBEG written in huge black letters for all approaching from the Atlantic to see) and the familiar shape of an Ardbeg still. Shortie looks on from a rocky outcrop. Aged in American oak bourbon casks. Described as ‘The Giant of Smoky Complexity’.
• Ardbeg An Oa: The Gathering Vat in which Ardbeg An Oa’s whiskies are married is depicted among mountains, tumultuous seas and swirling storm clouds, which Shortie rears up to view. Aged in new charred oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry and bourbon casks among others. Described as ‘Where Smoke Meets Sweet’.
• Ardbeg Uigeadail: Against a mountainous backdrop, Ardbeg’s water source Loch Uigeadail looms. A tumbledown building and a boat add to the intrigue, while Shortie digs in a peatbog. Aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Described as ‘Dark and Mysterious Depths of Flavour’.
• Ardbeg Trudernish: Landmarks from the “Enchanted Cape” are illustrated, including the Trudernish well, a standing stone and the nearby beach (from which, legend has it, if you take a pebble, you are destined to return to Islay), as well as the Distillery. Shortie peers over a nearby wall. Aged in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso Sherry casks. Described as ‘A Smoky Dram of Creamy Harmony’.
• Ardbeg Corryvreckan: The whisky’s namesake, the Corryvreckan Whirlpool is at the centre of the packaging – whisky barrels caught in its vortex. In homage to the legend of the Corryvreckan (in which Norse Prince Breacan is challenged to moor his ship in the whirlpool for three days – but is sucked into its watery depths) is brought to life with a depiction of his ship teetering on the edge of the whirlpool – mooring ropes flying. Shortie watches safely from the shore. Matured in American oak bourbon and new French oak casks. Described as ‘A Whirlpool of Turbulent Flavours’.

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the 2023 New York Wine Spirits Competition, and received a Platinum medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2025, Ardbeg was named Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, while Ardbeg Wee Beastie was crowned Best Overall Scotch at the New York World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg’s boutique hotel on Islay, Ardbeg House, was named Hotel of the Year 2026 by The Times newspaper.

Sustainability

Ardbeg is dedicated to sustaining its island home and community. With a vision of enhancing Islay for future generations, Ardbeg has devoted itself to restoring parts of the island’s precious peatland – a vital habitat for wildlife and a key carbon store. Working with the landowner, Ardbeg has begun transforming Kintour peat moor near the Distillery, cut for use in Ardbeg’s maltings decades ago. Ardbeg has also committed to a landmark conservation partnership with RSPB Scotland, Suntory Global Spirits and Diageo to restore 1,000 hectares of peatland in The Oa nature reserve. Over time, these projects aim to return Islay’s peatland to its native state, increasing biodiversity, helping mitigate against the effects of climate change and safeguarding the island’s natural heritage.

Meanwhile, Ardbeg has established the £1million Ardbeg All Islay Fund, which supports enterprising projects and organisations on the island. This five-year fund gives contributions to local sports clubs, musical and cultural organisations, helping to make Islay a better place to work and live. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.