SIX NEW WHISKIES INTRODUCED

BY CLYDEBUILT BRAND 

Boutique Scotch whisky label Clydebuilt expands its offering

with new six new Single Cask expressions

Leading independent bottling house Clydebuilt today unveils six new Single Cask Scotch Whiskies, strengthening its extensive product portfolio.

Ardgowan Distillery Company (ADC) – the home of the boutique brand – was established in 2017 and reached a major milestone in June 2025 with the completion of its distillery and commencement of its Single Malt production.

Situated on the Firth of Clyde, Ardgowan named the range in honour of the river’s world renowned shipbuilding heritage, where the term ‘Clydebuilt’ became synonymous with precision, pride and craftsmanship.

Despite challenging conditions across the wider industry, Ardgowan reaffirmed its commitment to the Clydebuilt brand with a £5m investment in mature malt whisky stocks in 2025, with a further £4m to be injected this year.

The firm’s Distillery Manager and Expert Whisky Maker Laura Davies oversaw the maturation of each cask and personally selected the six new expressions from an enviable inventory.

The new Single Cask releases, comprising five Single Malts and one Single Grain, include:

• 2013 Bourbon Barrel, Aberlour Distillery (RRSP £120.00): a Speyside Single Malt matured in a single Bourbon barrel (#300080). Limited to 192 bottles, the nose brings hints of buttery fudge, while the palate offers whipped cream and boiled sweets.
• 2015 Sherry Hogshead, Aultmore Distillery (RRSP £65.00): yielding 305 bottles, cask number 303634 previously held Spanish Sherry before hosting spirit distilled at Speyside’s Aultmore Distillery. The result is a warming Single Malt with flavours of fruit scones topped with jam and cream.
• 2012 Bourbon Hogshead, Benriach Distillery (RRSP £95.00): previously used to mature Bourbon, cask number 750335 subsequently aged Speyside Single Malt from Benriach Distillery. The resulting 226 bottles boast moreish flavours buttercream icing, retro boiled sweets and fruit salad.
• 2005 Bourbon Hogshead, Cameronbridge Distillery (RRSP £79.00): a vintage Single Grain expression matured for 20 long years in a Bourbon hogshead. The bronze liquid brims with buttered popcorn, heather honey and peach cobbler drizzled with cream.
• 2012 Bourbon Barrel, Glen Garioch Distillery (RRSP £85.00): distilled in the Highlands, cask number 4587 was matured on site at Ardgowan Distillery. The cask’s Bourbon history has imparted notes of marzipan, vanilla fudge and hazelnut praline on the resulting 237 bottles produced.
• 2015 Sherry Hogshead, Linkwood Distillery (RRSP £59.00): a Speyside Single Malt matured in a single Spanish Sherry cask (#312013). Limited to 332 bottles, the nose reveals grassy aromas, while the palate offers creamy toffee and gooseberry jam qualities.

As with all Clydebuilt Single Cask bottlings, each whisky was bottled at its natural cask strength, with no added colouring or chill filtration, preserving its character and integrity.

Commenting on the new releases, Davies shares:

“Working with spirit from different distilleries is a great reminder of how diverse Scotch whisky can be. There’s a joy in discovering a whisky where the distillery character shines through. Every cask behaves differently, but these six stood out for their balance between distillery DNA and cask influence. They’re honest whiskies, bottled as if you were sampling straight from the cask: at their natural strength and colour, and without undergoing chill filtration.”

Last September, ADC announced a series of new distribution partnerships for Clydebuilt across key markets in Europe, North America and Asia, significantly expanding its global availability.

The new Clydebuilt Single Cask bottlings will begin rolling out through the specialist retail channel from today. A list of UK stockists and international distributors can be found here.

ABOUT CLYDEBUILT SCOTCH WHISKY:

Some of the greatest ships in the world were built on the River Clyde and so, over time, the word ‘Clydebuilt’ came to stand for craftsmanship, integrity and pride. The Clydebuilt brand was inspired by that exceptional legacy: a fitting tribute as Ardgowan Distillery, the home of the brand, is situated on the Firth of Clyde near Inverkip.

While Ardgowan Single Malt continues to slumber for many years, Whisky Maker Laura Davies applies the same meticulous approach to Clydebuilt. This is a boutique range of thoughtfully selected and matured Scotch whiskies that honour the spirit of the Clyde, emulating and upholding the attention to detail and the pride in quality of those that came before. Discover more.

Further information on Ardgowan Distillery Company can be found at ardgowandistillery.com

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TASTING NOTES:

Clydebuilt 2013 Bourbon Barrel Single Cask, Aberlour Distillery – 58.1% ABV

• Colour: Rich golden.
• Nose: Clean and inviting, with a buttery fudge aroma.
• Taste: Vanilla whipped cream and ‘sherbet fruits’ boiled sweets.  

Clydebuilt 2015 Sherry Hogshead Single Cask, Aultmore Distillery – 56.6% ABV

• Colour: Auburn.
• Nose: Ripe figs and cinnamon sticks.
• Taste: Fruit scones with raspberry jam and clotted cream.  

Clydebuilt 2012 Bourbon Hogshead Single Cask, Benriach Distillery – 56.0% ABV

• Colour: Bright gold.
• Nose: Tropical fruit pavlova.
• Taste: Buttercream icing, retro boiled sweets and fruit salad. 

Clydebuilt 2005 Bourbon Hogshead Single Cask, Cameronbridge Distillery (Single Grain) – 54.3% ABV

• Colour: Bronze.
• Nose: Aromas of buttered popcorn.
• Taste: A thick mouthfeel, with heather honey and peach cobbler drizzled with cream.  

Clydebuilt 2012 Bourbon Barrel Single Cask, Glen Garioch Distillery – 57.2% ABV

• Colour: Amber.
• Nose: Marzipan and brown sugar to the fore.
• Taste: Inviting flavours of hazelnut praline, vanilla fudge and chewy raisins. 

Clydebuilt 2015 Sherry Hogshead Single Cask, Linkwood Distillery – 56.3% ABV

• Colour: Bronze.
• Nose: Grassy aromas, alongside light peat.
• Taste: Tones of creamy toffee and gooseberry jam.

Loch Lomond Whiskies Unveils Duo of Limited Edition Single Malts Inspired by  The Spirit of The Open

 The striking new releases celebrate the spirit within, with new packaging designed to reflect the timeless character of golf’s original championship.

The Spirit of The Open, Loch Lomond Whiskies, has unveiled two new limited-edition single malts to mark The 154th Open  at Royal Birkdale.

Presented in striking new illustrative packaging, the releases capture the joy, anticipation and shared celebration of fans coming together around one of golf’s most iconic links courses.

The Open Course Collection 2026 (£195, 46.9 ABV) and The Open Course Special Edition 2026 (RRP £45; 46% ABV) celebrate Loch Lomond Whiskies’ longstanding partnership with golf’s original championship, now entering its ninth year. For 2026, both expressions are presented in a newly enhanced pack design inspired by vintage travel posters, bringing to life the true meaning of the ‘spirit of The Open’ and reflecting the timeless character of links golf on England’s north-west coast.

Both whiskies have been distilled exclusively using Loch Lomond Whiskies’ unique Straight Neck Stills. As the only Scotch distillery to use this innovative distillation technique, Master Blender Michael Henry is able to exert greater control over flavour creation, delivering a distinctive house style defined by notes of fruit, honey and soft smoke found only in the distillery’s single malts.

With just 3,000 bottles available worldwide, The Open Course Collection 2026 is a highly limited release. Patiently matured for 19 years, the whisky began its journey in American Oak before being finished for six months in Tawny Port casks. The finishing brings layers of rich red berries, dried fruits and sweet spice, complementing Loch Lomond’s signature character.

In a fitting tribute to those who have shaped the Championship, the pack also features the date, venue and winner of every Open, from the inaugural tournament at Prestwick in 1860 through to Royal Birkdale in 2026.

The Open Special Edition 2026 was created in collaboration with renowned Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie, raising a glass to the people, places and moments that make The Open extraordinary. Matured initially in American oak to establish Loch Lomond’s signature style, the whisky has been finished for six months in Argentinian Malbec casks, adding notes of richer dark berries, vibrant red fruits and gentle spice.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said: “Royal Birkdale holds a special place in the history of The Open. As one of the purest tests of links golf, it has provided the stage for some of the Championship’s greatest moments. Through these new expressions, we have sought to explore the spirit of the course, the players and the craft that defines this historic venue.

“Each whisky is unmistakably Loch Lomond in character, showcasing our ability to create depth, balance and complexity while remaining true to our house style.”

Henry Keeling, Director – Commercial Partnerships at The R&A, said: “We are delighted to build on our long-standing partnership with Loch Lomond Group across both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open. Working with partners who share our ambition for these championships – and for the continued development of golf – is central to what we do.”

Loch Lomond Whiskies commissioned Bucket List Prints to curate the striking new art-work for its latest golf-inspired expressions.  Known for its vintage-inspired travel posters celebrating iconic destinations, landscapes, and experiences around the world, Bucket List Prints is a UK creative design agency, with global reach. Through its unique artwork it captures a strong sense of place, atmosphere, and story while building the composition to work seamlessly across the different pack formats.

Jack Franks, Bucket List Prints, added: “Courses like Royal Birkdale carry decades of history and character, which lends itself perfectly to a travel poster aesthetic.”

The Open Course Collection 2026 and The Open Course Special Edition 2026 are available from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com as well as key whisky retailers Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange and Royal Mile Whiskies.

Tasting notes 

Loch Lomond The Open Course Collection 2026

• Nose: Toasted oak, apple, ginger and vanilla.

• Taste: Toffee, pineapple, lemon, cinnamon spice, with red berries and dried fruits from the Tawny Port casks.

• Finish: Long with warming oak spice, dried fruit sweetness and soft smoke.

Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition 2026

• Nose: Dark berries, redcurrant and citrus zest with vanilla, honey and soft malt.

• Taste: Blackberry, raspberry and peach syrup, layered with crisp apple, toffee sweetness and gentle spice. A subtle threadof smoke runs through the palate.

• Finish: Medium length with lingering berry sweetness, soft oak spice and light, smoky warmth.

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.

In 2024, 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.

Front and back of the Bunning Bottle Release

KENTUCKY SENATOR BOURBON UNVEILS SEVENTH SMALL BATCH RELEASE

HONORING BASEBALL HALL OF FAMER AND U.S. SENATOR JIM BUNNING

This marks the second limited edition in vertical series with the John Edwards Release

LEXINGTON, KY — Kentucky Senator Bourbon today announced the release of its seventh small batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: The Jim Bunning Release. The limited edition, vintage bourbon, hitting shelves into April, is the second in a vertical series with the John Edwards Release, featuring the same bourbon aged one additional year. The release is named for Jim Bunning (1931-2017), the only Major League Baseball player elected to both the Baseball Hall of Fame and the United States Senate.

The Jim Bunning Release is aged eight and a half years and bottled at 107 proof. The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Approximately 4,000 bottles will be available at a suggested retail price of $119.99, the same price as last year’s award-winning John Edwards release. The bourbon is distilled and aged in Kentucky and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company. Distribution is handled by Kentucky Eagle Wine & Spirits.

Bunning served two terms in the U.S. Senate from 1999 to 2012. On August 2, 2007, he introduced Senate Resolution 294, which designated September as National Bourbon Heritage Month and established the phrase “America’s Native Spirit” as bourbon’s official designation. Visit https://kysenatorbourbon.com/ for more information.

The Jim Bunning Release will be available at select Kentucky retailers, bars, and restaurants, as well as online at www.BourbonOutfitter.com and www.KySenatorBourbon.com. A limited quantity will be featured at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C., and the Premier Drams Bottle Shop.

“Jim Bunning gave bourbon its official recognition as America’s Native Spirit, and we’re proud to honor that contribution,” said co-founder Andre Regard, a direct descendant of bourbon pioneer Basil Hayden. “This vertical series allows collectors to experience how this bourbon develops with an additional year of aging.”

“Bunning’s Senate Resolution 294 was a landmark moment for the bourbon industry,” said co-founder Damon Thayer, a 2025 inductee into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame for his legislative advocacy work. “This release, and the continuation of our vertical series, reflects our commitment to both quality and Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.”

For more information about Jim Bunning and the Kentucky Senator Bourbon portfolio, visit https://kysenatorbourbon.com/

Damon Thayer (left) and Andre Regard (right)

About Jim Bunning: 

Jim Bunning (1931-2017) was born in Southgate, Kentucky. He played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, earning nine All-Star selections. On June 21, 1964, he pitched a perfect game for the Philadelphia Phillies against the New York Mets, the first perfect game in the National League since 1880. He retired with 224 wins and 2,855 strikeouts and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996. Bunning served on the Southgate City Council, in the Kentucky State Senate, and in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served from 1999 to 2012.

Jim Bunning

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for at least six years (the same length as a U.S. senate term), but often longer.

Founded by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, Kentucky Senator Bourbon revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler and Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.

Awards & Recognition

• Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s inaugural release, the Alben W. Barkley Release, was highlighted in Forbes’ Online Magazine 
• Fred Minnick, a noted Bourbon author, ranked Kentucky Senator Bourbon in his Top 100 Whiskeys of 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon has won multiple Gold ASCOT Awards for taste and a Double Platinum ASCOT Award for marketing and brand design
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon recently won its first Double Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 2024 John Brown release

JIM BUNNING COMPLETE BIOGRAPHY
1931-2017

Hall of Famer. U.S. Senator. Champion of Kentucky’s Native Spirit.

The Jim Bunning Release marks the seventh small-batch Bourbon in the Kentucky Senator portfolio. Aged eight and a half years, the Jim Bunning Release honors a true Kentucky original who never shied away from a challenge…whether on the pitcher’s mound, in the halls of Congress, or standing up for Bourbon itself.

Jim Bunning grew up in Southgate, Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati. His father ran a ladder-manufacturing business, and his mother kept the household grounded in Catholic faith and sturdy values. Competition ran in his blood. Jim lettered in three sports in high school, earned an economics degree from Xavier University, and in 1952 married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Catherine Theis. They were married from more than 60 years and raised nine children together; the Bunnings have 35 grandchildren today.

Bunning signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1950, but honored his parents’ wishes and finished college first. When he finally arrived in the majors, he made it count. By 1957, he led the American League in wins. A year later, he threw a no-hitter. Over 17 seasons, he earned nine All-Star selections and built a reputation as one of the most durable and fierce competitors in the game.

But his defining moment came on Father’s Day, 1964.

Bunning was a Philadelphia Phillie by then, with something to prove and seven kids waiting back home. On June 21, at Shea Stadium, he took the mound against the Mets. Twenty-seven batters came to the plate. Twenty-seven sat back down. A perfect game. The first in the National League in 84 years.

In the ninth inning, catcher Gus Triandos walked out to calm him. Bunning asked if Triandos could tell him a joke. Triandos just laughed and walked back behind the plate. Bunning struck out the final two batters to seal history.

“It couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time,” he said.

When he retired in 1971, Bunning had 224 wins and 2,855 strikeouts. The Phillies retired his number 14. Cooperstown followed in 1996. But Bunning wasn’t done making history.

After baseball, Bunning carried his competitive fire into politics, rising from city council to the state senate to the U.S. House before winning two terms in the U.S. Senate, where he served from 1999 to 2012. To this day, he remains the only Major League player ever elected to both the Baseball Hall of Fame and the United States Senate. Bold, plainspoken, and fiercely independent, he never backed down on budgets, principle, or the Commonwealth.

It was during those Senate years that Bunning made his most lasting mark on Bourbon.

On August 2, 2007, he introduced Senate Resolution 294, officially designating September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. But the calendar was just the beginning. Bunning’s resolution gave Bourbon an enduring title: “America’s Native Spirit.” That phrase now lives on distillery walls, in tasting rooms, and in the hearts of Bourbon lovers everywhere.

Jim Bunning passed away in 2017 at 85. He left behind a legacy that, like a fine Bourbon, only deepened with time.

Aged eight and a half years in charred oak barrels, the Jim Bunning Release is 107 proof with a mash bill of 75 percent corn, 21 percent rye, and 4 percent malted barley. Bold, uncompromising, and distinctly Kentucky.

It is the second in a three-bottle vertical series, following last year’s John Edwards release. The Bunning release will be available at Kentucky bars, restaurants and liquor outlets by late March and early April, and for the first time can be purchased online at www.kysenatorbourbon.com and availability in most states.

Raise a glass to Jim Bunning, number 14 on the mound and number 1 in our hearts. Hall of Famer. Senator. And a true champion of America’s Native Spirit!

Scotland Meets Brazil in Bold New Whisky Collaboration

The Spirit of Brazil release consists of three parallel expressions:

• A Brazilian Single Malt Whisky produced by Lamas Destilaria, matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks and finished in pau-brasil (Paubrasilia echinata), a native wood deeply embedded in the country’s identity as the national tree of Brazil.
• A Single Malt Scotch Whisky released under the Seven Sons label, curated by 8 Doors Distillery. This single cask liquid was personally selected by Master Blender John Ramsay and distilled in 1998-the same year Scotland last faced Brazil in a FIFA World Cup match.

Voices Behind the Collaboration;

• • Luciana Lamas (Lamas Destilaria) commented: “This project is about more than spirits; it is about identity, heritage, and dialogue between nations. Finishing our Brazilian single malt whisky in pau-brasil native wood connects the spirit to the very roots of Brazil, creating something truly distinctive for the world stage.”
  • Kerry and Derek Campbell (8 Doors Distillery) said: “This collaboration allowed us to bring together diverse spirits cultures in a way that feels authentic. With Seven Sons, our focus is on exceptional casks with a strong narrative; adding Casa Studart to this project creates a truly holistic representation of Brazilian and Scottish craft.”
  • John Ramsay (Master Blender) added: “Selecting a whisky distilled in 1998 felt particularly fitting. It anchors this release in a moment of shared sporting history, reinforcing the connection that defines this project.”
  • Faroque Hussain KPM (Honorary Brazilian Consul in Glasgow) commented: “Brazil and Scotland share deep cultural connections, from football to craftsmanship. This event is a celebration of those links, bringing together two proud nations through spirits, music, and history.”

A Cultural Celebration at Hampden Park

The launch event took place at the Scottish Football Museum, located within Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium. All profits from the event will be donated to IPA Brazil and IPA Scotland. The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the first football match played in Brazil by Charles Miller. The event also showcased:

• The official unveiling of the “Spirit of Brazil” tartan.

• A musical tribute by BA Robertson.

• An exclusive exhibition of Charles Miller artefacts.

Representation and Industry Recognition

Brazilian native Andre de Almeida attended the launch representing Lamas Destilaria. A consultant, writer, and founder of Inside the Cask, Andre was recently inducted into the prestigious Keepers of the Quaich society in March 2026 for his contribution to Scotch whisky.

About 8 Doors Distillery:

Based in John O’Groats, 8 Doors Distillery is the most northerly whisky distillery on the Scottish mainland, crafting its own Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky. Alongside its distilling operations, the team curates exceptional Scotch whisky through its Seven Sons label, focusing on single cask and small batch bottlings selected for their character and cultural connection.

The Seven Sons bottling pre-sale from 8 Doors Distillery will go live on 24 April.

With limited availability, those interested are encouraged to sign up for early access: https://www.8doorsdistillery.com/spirit-of-brazil

About Lamas Destilaria:

Based in Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil, Lamas Destilaria is the producer of the most awarded Brazilian whiskies in the world. It released its first Brazilian Single Malt whisky in 2019.

The distillery specialises in single malt whisky crafted using methods inspired by Scotch whisky, adapted to local conditions and terroir, and enhanced by the use of native Brazilian woods to create distinctive flavour profiles.

UK whisky sector struggles for optimism against tariff and export uncertainty

Johnston Carmichael’s annual food and drink survey highlights the whisky sector’s stagnation with just 37% optimism against raft of challenges

UK whisky businesses are struggling to maintain optimism due to a range of escalating domestic and international cost pressures, according to a new survey of the sector.

The despondent thoughts of whisky distillers have been gathered as part of an annual food and drink report commissioned by leading UK independent accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael.

The research, which questioned businesses about industry challenges and opportunities over the past 12 months, highlights a number of pressures facing firms and how they are fighting to prosper without significantly rising prices for consumers.

Just 37% of whisky businesses reported feeling optimistic, compared to 56% of the wider group of food and drink firms surveyed.

While the largest area of cost increases for whisky distillers is labour (42%), whisky distillers are also contending with ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and unpredictability. The impact of tariffs is one of their greatest regulatory concerns (37%) alongside taxation (47%).

The effects of this are emphasised by the fact that new export customers remain the main growth driver (37%) for whisky businesses, illustrating the continued importance of trading internationally.

While still being a primary export market (32%), trade sentiment with the European Union (EU) also remains a challenge with just 21% of respondents reporting more positivity than last year compared to 58% reporting either the same or less positive sentiments.

The survey does also report signs of defiance for the industry, with 79% investing in their business to develop new products and increase innovation. Despite the challenges, whisky customers have largely (79%) faced just a 0-5% average price increase.

Grant Roger, Audit Partner and lead of the Whisky Finance Director Club, said: “This year’s food and drink survey has laid bare the magnitude of challenges that are disproportionally affecting UK whisky distillers.

“The issues faced in international trading are in addition to domestic challenges with labour and taxation costs continuing to rise. This, combined with lower Gen Z alcohol consumption, has led to stagnation in the market and goes a long way to explaining why optimism levels are below 40%.”

The stagnation of growth is reflected in its people too. Respondents claimed 37% of people who have left the whisky industry have done so due to stagnant salaries, with a further 27% citing a lack of progression.

Further adding to the sector’s woes, 21% reported that energy costs was the largest cost increase across their business. This compares to just 9% of wider respondents.

Roger added: “The resilience of the UK food and drink industry shouldn’t be understated and there is positivity in the levels of innovation and new product development. But while the sector as a whole faces challenges, whisky distillers are experiencing major obstacles above and beyond what many others are.

“Whisky is crucial to the UK food and drink industry and remains the runway for all other producers to flourish. However, insights are clear that amidst widespread global uncertainty the sector craves greater clarity and stability.”

Johnston Carmichael works with more than 500 food and drink producers across the UK, including some of the country’s most successful privately-owned companies.

About the survey

Johnston Carmichael surveyed 98 food and drink businesses across the UK, 19 of which are in the whisky sector. View the report in full

Further information on all 98 respondents:

• Responses were gathered January-February 2026.
• 78% of businesses are from Scotland, the remainder from the rest of the UK
• 55% of businesses surveyed are small businesses, 31% medium businesses; and 14% large businesses
• 20% of businesses surveyed reported a turnover of £0 – 1m; 39% with £1 – 10m turnover; 32% with £10 – 100m turnover; and 9% with £100m+ turnover
• 58% of businesses surveyed are food and drink manufacturers, the remainder being food growers, wholesaler and retailers

About Johnston Carmichael 

Johnston Carmichael is proud to be a leading independent UK accountancy and business advisory firm. With over 900 sharp minds across its offices nationwide, the business delivers specialist sector insight and expertise. Together, its people create enduring impact and have been investing in the next generation of businesses and advisers for more than 90 years. Committed to Corporate Social Responsibility, the firm is gold sponsor of the Kiltwalk and a member of the Mindful Business Charter. As a member of Moore Global, it is also connected to a community of more than 30,000 people in 110 countries worldwide.

For more information on Johnston Carmichael, please visit www.johnstoncarmichael.com

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY CONTINUES TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF BOURBON AGING WITH OLDEST BOURBON TO DATE FROM THE AMERICAN DISTILLERY: EAGLE RARE 30 

The World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery advances its exploration of extended maturation, setting a new benchmark for ultra-aged American whiskey 

FRANKFORT, KY (April 16, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery today unveils Eagle Rare 30, its oldest age-stated bourbon to date, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing exploration of extended maturation. Building on the 2023 debut of Eagle Rare 25 – also returning alongside this release – the whiskey represents the second expression aged within the Distillery’s experimental Warehouse P, where time and environment are pushed to their limits. The result is a rare study in patience and precision, underscoring Buffalo Trace’s ability to transform aging from a constraint into a defining signature and, in doing so, to reshape expectations of what ultra-aged bourbon can become.

Driven by the belief that the world’s best whiskey has yet to be created and that the category is constrained only by convention, Buffalo Trace Distillery has conducted thousands of experiments to challenge long-held assumptions around aging and maturation in America. Eagle Rare 30 builds on the foundation established by Eagle Rare 25, with both expressions drawn from barrels aged in Warehouse P, one of the Distillery’s two purpose-built experimental warehouses. Designed to explore whether extended aging can enhance American whiskey in the same way it does in more temperate climates such as Japan, Scotland and Ireland, Warehouse P represents a deliberate effort to move beyond traditional boundaries. These ongoing experiments reinforce Buffalo Trace Distillery’s commitment to bourbon innovation, continuing to redefine the limits of the category.

“Eagle Rare 30 is not simply about time, it is about what time can reveal,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Aging whiskey in Kentucky comes with inherent challenges: evaporation increases and barrel influence intensifies, which can lead to overly dry or astringent characteristics in older bourbons. The environment within Warehouse P allows us to manage those effects, softening the extraction and preserving the nuanced flavors that define exceptional ultra-aged bourbon.”

While time in the barrel contributes to creating an ultra-aged bourbon, it is the marriage of age and maturity, or how factors including oak type, barrel char, temperature, humidity, and barrel placement alter the whiskey over time, that creates a truly outstanding taste experience.

“Through careful monitoring over time, we’ve seen how controlled, extended aging can bring a whiskey to a point of exceptional smoothness and layered complexity,” Wheatley added. “Eagle Rare 30 is a clear expression of that. It is distinctive in a category where nuance is hard-earned.”

Deep mahogany in color, Eagle Rare 30 opens with layered aromas of baked cherry, brown sugar, caramel and honey, complemented by subtle nuttiness, warm tobacco and well-integrated oak with a hint of smoke. The palate is rich and expansive, coating the mouth with sweet aged stone fruit and caramel. Its finish is long and velvety, evolving from sweetness to a gentle smokiness, with a refined oak character that remains smooth, balanced and enduring.

Echoing the design of Eagle Rare 25, Eagle Rare 30 is housed in a hand-blown, 750ml crystal decanter enveloped by a hand-hammered, gold-plated eagle’s wing and featuring a sculpted glass eagle within. The bespoke display box opens to reveal outstretched wings framing the 101-proof bourbon, a striking presentation that mirrors the rarity, distinction and craftsmanship of this exceptional release.

“Eagle Rare has long been a study in patience and progression,” said Jake Wenz, President & CEO, Buffalo Trace Distillery & Sazerac. “Eagle Rare 30 brings that philosophy into focus, revealing the depth, character and distinction that only time can achieve. It represents a new benchmark for American whiskey and affirms bourbons place among the world’s most exceptional spirits.”

To celebrate the release, Buffalo Trace Distillery has partnered with Bonhams, one of the world’s most respected auction houses, to offer the Eagle Rare 30-Year-Old Bourbon Takes Flight: The Ultimate Eagle Rare Release. The auction features 15 curated lots, highlighted by Lot #1: a complete collection of the Eagle Rare portfolio (10, 12, 17, Double Eagle Very Rare, 25 and 30) paired with a luxury experience at Stagg Lodge, the Distillery’s private, invite-only lodge overlooking the campus. The auction includes the first and second bottles ever produced of Eagle Rare 30, alongside a range of individual lots and curated collections of Eagle Rare 10, 12, and 17 Year Old – creating one of the most comprehensive Eagle Rare–focused auctions to date. The online auction will open for bidding at 7am EST / 12pm GMT on Friday, April 24^th and will close at 1-minute intervals on 11:30am EST / 4:30pm GMT on Friday, May 8^th.

Following the auction, Eagle Rare 30 will be released in limited quantities via Sazerac’s global distributor network to retailers, bars, and restaurants starting May 2026 at a suggested retail price of $12,500 (750ml; taxes and fees vary by market). The expression completes the Eagle Rare portfolio, alongside Eagle Rare 10, 12, 17 (released annually as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection), Double Eagle Very Rare, and 25.

For more information, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/eagle-rare.

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.

DOUGLAS LAING LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION EPICUREAN LOWLAND MALT SCOTCH WHISKY:

THE EPICUREAN PEATED EDITION

Douglas Laing & Co. releases The Epicurean Peated Edition, a limited first for the brand’s Remarkable Lowland Malt. This new Small Batch bottling introduces a subtle peated influence to the traditionally fresh and vibrant Lowland spirit, offering a new dimension of flavour while celebrating the Master of Versatility at its core.

Rather than overpowering the delicate Lowland character, the gentle peat influence elevates it – bringing earthy warmth, structure and refinement. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 50.5%, and offered without colouring or chill-filtration, this Small Batch release is one of only 1,800 bottles produced globally.

On the nose, expect soft earthy peat smoke alongside thyme, green apple and toasted barley. The palate delivers honey’d cereal and Malt, leading to smoky embers, a peppery warmth and a touch of oak spice. The finish reveals drying peat smoke and a gentle ashy quality, complemented by lemon peel and a whisper of vanilla.

It’s a meeting of fresh Lowland vibrancy and true peated opulence – refined, understated and beautifully balanced.

The Epicurean Peated Edition is presented bottle-only, reinforcing the quiet sophistication of the release. Its authenticity is championed through the absence of added colouring and chill-filtration, allowing the natural character of the Whisky to shine.

In this release, The Epicurean continues to demonstrate why it is regarded as the Master of Versatility – balancing Lowland brightness with subtle smoke and spice in a manner that is both expressive and controlled. The result is a Whisky that broadens the brand’s flavour spectrum without compromising its identity.

Chloe Wood, Brand Manager, commented:

“The Peated Edition marks an exciting chapter for The Epicurean. We were keen to explore how peat could complement rather than overpower the Lowland style. The result is a Whisky that retains its trademark freshness and citrus lift, now enriched with earthy smoke, warming spice and a refined ashy character. It’s a showcase of versatility and a testament to the brand’s continued evolution.”

The Epicurean Peated Edition will be available from specialist retailers and selected international markets from April 10^th 2026 with an RRP of £50 / €57.

🥃 From Collector to Collector – The Whisky Vault Taiwan Opens Its Private Collection

The founder of The Whisky Vault Taiwan www.whiskyvault.com.tw is opening the doors to his personal collection — but not in the usual way. This is an exclusive opportunity for collectors in Taiwan, or travelers visiting Taiwan from the US, Japan, South Korea, or anywhere else.

Over the past 20 years, he has curated rare and exceptional bottles from all over the world, building a collection that could rival any top-tier whisky store. Now, select bottles are available to fellow collectors — directly, personally, and without the middleman.

Browse, inquire, and connect through www.thewhiskycollector.com , or set up a private meeting the next time you’re in Taiwan. Discuss bottles, negotiate prices, and share your passion with someone who truly understands the art of collecting.

This is your chance to discover extraordinary whiskies at unprecedented prices — a personal, collector-to-collector experience like no other.

@whisky_collector_taiwan

www.thewhiskycollector.com

info@whiskyvault.tw

Four Casks. One Remarkable Dram for the Journey.

At Tamdhu, every drop we bottle begins its life in exceptional Oloroso sherry oak. It’s a commitment we don’t waver from, because great whisky deserves nothing less. Our newest Travel Retail exclusive – Tamdhu Cuatro Reserva 12 Years Old – is a celebration of that dedication, brought to life through the remarkable influence of four distinctive cask styles.

This is a single malt shaped by time, tradition and the quiet craft of those who know their casks intimately.

Crafted From Four Distinctive Sherry Casks

To create Cuatro Reserva 12, our Distillery Manager, Sandy McIntyre, hand‑selected a quartet of Oloroso sherry casks from our traditional dunnage warehouses in Speyside. Each one brings its own character:

• European Oak (First‑Fill) – deep spice and intense sherry richness.
• American Oak (First‑Fill) – fresh fruit and sweet vanilla.
• European Oak (Refill) – elegant warmth and balance.
• American Oak (Refill) – subtle sweetness and refined depth.

Individually, these casks shine. Together, they create a single malt of quiet complexity – layered, harmonious and unmistakably Tamdhu.

A Spectrum of Flavour

Cuatro Reserva 12 offers drinkers a guided journey through the essence of sherry‑matured Speyside whisky:

Nose: Rich oak spice leads, followed by dark chocolate brightened with orange zest.
Palate: Deep sherry notes intertwine with mouth‑coating vanilla and vibrant summer berries.
Finish: Long, fruity and rewarding — figs and honeyed oak slowly unfolding into a soft cinnamon warmth.

This is a whisky built for those who appreciate depth, balance and the slow reveal of sherry‑soaked character.

A Travel Exclusive Worth the Detour

Tamdhu Cuatro Reserva 12 Years Old is exclusive to Global Travel Retail — ready to discover in World Duty Free stores across the UK. Whether your journey begins in Edinburgh, Heathrow or beyond, you’ll find it waiting as the Malt of the Month.

At £55 for 70cl, it’s a thoughtful purchase for the sherry‑oak enthusiast, the curious traveller or the whisky fan who loves discovering something a little different on their way through the terminal.

After all, some bottles simply deserve to be taken on the journey.

Hidden in plain sight

Rare Find unveils ‘teaspooned’ single cask collection following strong Spring release demand

Rare Find, the independent bottler recognised for its meticulous cask selection and guided maturation, announces the launch of its latest collection of single cask whiskies, exploring the nuanced and undisclosed world of ‘teaspooned’ malts.

Following strong reception for its Spring 2026 releases, Rare Find has accelerated this latest collection in response to continued demand from retailers and consumers alike – bringing forward a new trio of bottlings that further exemplify the brand’s commitment to rarity, character, and discovery.

Teaspooned malts occupy a quietly compelling space within whisky. Originally conceived to protect distillery identity, these whiskies contain a small addition of a secondary malt, preserving both provenance and discretion. For independent bottlers, they offer a unique opportunity to present spirits of unmistakable heritage, whilst maintaining the label confidentiality that surrounds their origins.

This latest Rare Find collection brings together three distinctive single cask expressions, each showcasing the diversity and intrigue of teaspooned whisky across three regions: Speyside, the Highlands, and Campbeltown. As with all Rare Find releases, each whisky is bottled without compromise – at natural cask strength, natural colour, and without chill filtration.

Speyside 22 Year Old
Finished for 14 months in a 1st fill oloroso hogshead

This ‘teaspooned’ malt whisky has been sourced from a legendary Speyside distillery founded in 1892. It has been finished for 14 months in a medium-charred, American oak 1st fill oloroso sherry cask produced in partnership with Bodegas Barbadillo.

Westport 18 Year Old
Finished for 14 months in a 1st fill oloroso hogshead

An elegant ‘teaspooned’ malt from a Highland distillery famed for its extremely tall stills. This release has been finished for 14 months in a 1st fill oloroso cask from Bodegas Barbadillo, crafted from Spanish oak, seasoned for 24 months and toasted, adding refined depth and complexity.

Campbeltown 10 Year Old
Fully matured in a refill hogshead

A distinguished and characterful blended malt sourced primarily from a distillery located just north of Campbeltown’s Kinloch Park. This release has been matured in a refill hogshead, allowing the region’s distinctive coastal spirit to shine with subtle oak influence and layered complexity.

Speaking on the new collection, John Moffat, Head of Commercial for Rare Find, commented: “The response to our Spring releases has been exceptionally strong, enabling us to bring forward this next collection ahead of schedule. These teaspooned malts represent some of the whisky industry’s best kept secrets—where discretion and character exist in perfect harmony. As ever, our focus remains on selecting and presenting exceptional casks at their peak, allowing each whisky to speak for itself.”

The latest Rare Find releases will be available through select specialist retailers (www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk/stockists) from 16th of April.

Rare Find Teaspooned Malts Collection

About Rare Find

Each Rare Find release is an unrepeatable, limited-edition whisky sourced from sought-after distilleries. With every bottle, we celebrate liquid excellence – meticulously selecting, maturing, and finishing in the highest quality casks to deliver whisky that’s rare by design.

From the millions of casks maturing in Scotland, only a small percentage are destined for single malt bottlings, and from those, only the best become a Rare Find.