TEELING WHISKEY RELEASES 7TH EDITION IN AWARD-WINNING SOMMELIER SELECTION – RIOJA RED WINE CASK

TEELING® Whiskey, the world’s most awarded Irish Whiskey*, is proud to unveil the seventh release in its innovative Sommelier Selection series – Rioja Red Wine Cask Finish.

At Teeling Whiskey, we believe in driving the evolution of Irish Whiskey through the creation of new and unique expressions. As part of this innovative mission, the Sommelier Selection series was developed to capture the flavours and influence of some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Previous editions have explored the impact of French, Italian, and Portuguese wine casks on Teeling’s award-winning Small Batch blended Irish Whiskey.

For this latest release, Teeling has turned its attention to Spain, focusing on its flagship Rioja red wine. Famous for its balance of red and dark fruits combined with distinctive cask maturation, Rioja wine offers a distinct complementary character to Teeling’s whiskey style. Only the finest ex-Rioja Red Wine casks from Northern Spain were selected to finish Teeling Small Batch, creating an expression that is truly unique within the Irish Whiskey category.

The result is a whiskey layered with vibrant red fruits, subtle spice, and a soft tannic structure, perfectly balanced by the natural floral and fruity character of Teeling Small Batch. This limited-edition Irish Whiskey is a true celebration of both Irish & Spanish taste and character.

Jack Teeling, Founder and Managing Director of Teeling Whiskey, commented:
“With our Sommelier Selection, we set out to push the boundaries of Irish Whiskey by bringing the influence of world-class wine regions into our whiskey-making. Rioja is at the heart of Spanish winemaking, and we are delighted to showcase how its red wine casks can add a new dimension to our Small Batch, continuing our journey of discovery to what Irish and Teeling Whiskey can be.”

The Teeling Whiskey Sommelier Selection – Rioja Red Wine Cask Finish is bottled at 46% ABV with no chill filtration, staying true to Teeling’s ethos of craft and authenticity. It will be available in Ireland at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery in Dublin 8, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Australia, Singapore and Japan among other international markets.

* Based on World Whiskies Awards, 2019-2025 

Sommelier Selection Rioja – Tasting Notes

• Nose: Strawberry compote, cherry, delicate cinnamon spice and caramel sweetness
• Taste: Dark berries, butterscotch, black pepper and nutmeg
• Finish: Long luxurious finish with dry tannins, a slight minerality, honey and a hint of dark chocolate

About Teeling Whiskey

The Teeling Whiskey Company was founded in 2012 to revive the old Teeling family trademark of Irish whiskey and bring craft distilling back to Dublin. Since its establishment, TEELING has become the most progressive Irish whiskey company, driving innovation and offering a selection of unique handcrafted, small-batch Irish whiskeys. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery began operations in 2015, marking the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years, and has welcomed over one million visitors since opening. TEELING Whiskey is now exported to more than 80 different markets and has won over 650 international awards for its quality.

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS HERE WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE AND AS A MATTER OF INTEREST

Celebrating This Year’s Sales Award Winners

Our growth isn’t just measured in cases shipped or awards earned… It’s built bottle by bottle and relationship by relationship. Every sale is a story of connection, trust, and shared success.

That’s why we are proud to recognize this year’s Heaven Hill Brands Sales Award Winners: The Regional Managers and Distributor Partners whose achievements over the last fiscal year embody what it means to Thrive Together.

2026 Regional Manager of the Year
Cole Armstrong
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits

This year, Cole Armstrong set the pace and earned the highest individual sales honor at Heaven Hill Brands. As Regional Manager of the Year, Cole’s consistent performance and trusted leadership stood out across the business.

Representing our portfolio with excellence and building strong distributor partnerships along the way, Cole has exemplified what it means to raise the bar, delivering results while embodying the spirit of “Many Spirits. One Team.”

2026 Brand Award Winners

Elijah Craig – Illinois
Chris Tabor, Regional Manager
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits

Evan Williams – New Jersey
David Tabachnik, Regional Manager
Allied Beverage Group

Heaven Hill – Pennsylvania
Art Schomp, Regional Manager
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits

These awards honor more than sales milestones. They reflect the heart of our business: strong partnerships, shared wins, and a culture built on accountability and trust. To every Regional Manager and Partner recognized, thank you for the energy, integrity and commitment you bring to building beloved brands and lasting relationships. Your work is a powerful reminder that at Heaven Hill, we don’t just sell spirits, we lift them all across the world.

CHRIS STAPLETON AND BUFFALO TRACE MASTER DISTILLER HARLEN WHEATLEY INTRODUCE TRAVELLER WHISKEY FULL PROOF

 The first line extension from the award-winning brand showcases how the artistry of American whiskey blending can create an approachable whiskey at any proof

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb 11, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton today unveil Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, a bold evolution of the original Blend No. 40, and the award-winning brand’s first line extension since its January 2024 debut. Bottled at 121 proof, the new release is a testament to the art of American whiskey blending, delivering amplified intensity while preserving the balanced, ‘easy-sippin’ versatility that defines Traveller’s signature style.

Much like making music, both Stapleton and Wheatley consider whiskey blending an art form – an intentional craft rooted in expertise, balance and creativity, where experimentation fuels inspiration. Curious how far Traveller’s signature 90 proof could be pushed without sacrificing its smooth, approachable character, the duo began exploring different blend adjustments and techniques. Guided by a shared commitment to quality, the breakthrough came during a backstage tasting, where Stapleton and his band unanimously agreed the selected higher-proof expression captured something special and needed to be bottled.

“Prior to collaborating with Harlen Wheatley and Buffalo Trace Distillery on Traveller Whiskey, I generally leaned toward higher-proof and barrel-strength bottles,” Stapleton shares. “Needless to say, when we decided to experiment with a higher-proof expression, I was excited to see where that could land. One night after a show, we had two potential Full Proof contenders backstage with the band and some friends. Everyone agreed 121 was the clear winner. It’s the same easy-to-drink DNA, just turned up a few notches. I think Traveller Whiskey Full Proof is one of those moments where more of a good thing is definitely a good thing.”

“Across our products, we like to experiment with proof as a way to bring out different flavor characteristics already present in the whiskey,” says Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “When we started experimenting with proof in Traveller’s blended recipe, flavors and finishes came to the forefront that aren’t as apparent in the 90 proof blend. It’s remarkable how different the blended recipe responds to proof variation compared to our straight bourbons. We think where we’ve landed is a completely unique offering that every whiskey drinker should try.”

Proudly blended and bottled at the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery under Wheatley’s expert supervision, Traveller has quickly risen to be one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the world, winning numerous top awards and expanding rapidly to global markets. In 2025, it became the “Official Whiskey of Major League Baseball” and captured the attention of NASCAR fans worldwide when JR Motorsports’s Traveller Whiskey No. 40 Chevrolet, driven by Justin Allgaier, navigated a dramatic top 10 finish in the 2025 running of the DAYTONA 500 – a challenge they’ll attempt again in 2026. For those paying extra close attention, Traveller’s 121-proof release was quietly revealed in late January in a social media video featuring NASCAR Hall of Famer and JRM Co-Owner Dale Earnhardt Jr, Stapleton and Allgaier.

Traveller Full Proof delivers a rich, higher-impact expression with amplified notes of caramelized sugar, baking spice and toasted oak. Building on the smooth, approachable foundation of Blend No. 40, this 121-proof release opens up layers of flavors that bring added depth and length of finish. Highlighted in this version are flavors of vanilla, warm toffee, and dark fruit. The result is a whiskey that offers depth and complexity that will change expectations on what blended whiskey can achieve.

Initially launched as a limited release in February 2026, Traveller Full Proof is now available to retailers, bars and restaurants nationwide via Sazerac’s distributor network at a suggested retail price of $39.99 (750ml; local taxes and fees will vary).

To learn more, visit www.travellerwhiskey.com.

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 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 and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskeys. Buffalo Trace Distillery also 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.

About Chris Stapleton

Kentucky-born Chris Stapleton is a 12x Grammy, 19x CMA and 21x ACM Award-winner and one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians.

Adding to yet another triumphant year, Stapleton won Best Country Solo Performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for his song, “Bad As I Used To Be,” and recently became the first country artist ever to have a song certified RIAA Double Diamond as “Tennessee Whiskey” sold over 20 million units.

The achievements follow the release of Stapleton’s latest single, “Heart Letting Go,” for Netflix’s hit show “Nobody Wants This,” as well as his acclaimed fifth studio album, Higher. Produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and Chris Stapleton, the record landed on several “Best of” lists including Billboard, Esquire, Los Angeles Times, Vulture and Rolling Stone, who praises, “dazzling…the best evidence yet for the way one man’s voice has become synonymous with the very idea of a musical genre.”

Universally beloved as a collaborator, Stapleton has worked with Adele, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, P!nk, Sheryl Crow, Santana, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Slash and George Strait. He also returned to NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” for the third time as musical guest and performed the National Anthem at 2023’s Super Bowl LVII. Known for his electric live performances, Stapleton will continue his extensive “All-American Road Show” through this summer.

Stapleton and his wife, Morgane, are founders of the Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund, which supports a variety of causes that are close to their hearts.

Maker’s Mark Taps Pop Art Powerhouse Ashley Longshore for Limited-Edition Label Celebrating Spirited Women

For the third year, the Maker’s Mark label will benefit leading nonprofit Vital Voices 

LORETTO, Ky., February 10, 2026 – Ahead of Women’s History Month, Maker’s Mark today announced a collaboration with acclaimed artist Ashley Longshore to design a limited-edition label celebrating spirited women and benefitting the leading nonprofit Vital Voices. Beginning today through the end of March, bourbon enthusiasts can visit makersmarkpersonalize.com to personalize a complimentary Maker’s Mark label with the name of an inspirational woman in their lives. Maker’s Mark will donate $1 for every personalized label ordered, up to $50,000, to support the organization’s mission of uplifting female leaders.

“When I make art, I go big, I go joyful and I go full color. Collaborating with Maker’s Mark to celebrate spirited women like the brand’s co-founder Margie Samuels felt like pouring that same energy onto the bottle’s label,” said Ashley Longshore. “This design celebrates women who burst into the world with color and courage — fearless women who think big and command attention wherever they go.” 

Ashley Longshore is a Southern-born, self-taught painter, sculptor and entrepreneur celebrated for changing the game—challenging the traditional art gallery business model by building her own pop art empire. Known for her vibrant maximalism and irreverent sense of humor, Longshore designed a label befitting of Margie Samuels and inspired the brand’s Kentucky homeplace. Bursting with bee-pollinating blooms found across Star Hill Farm, nature is at the heart of the label’s design with nods to the jewels—diamonds, pearls and gems—that have adorned Southern women for generations.

“From the very beginning, my grandmother Margie Samuels set a perfectly unreasonable standard that endures today—every bottle still hand-dipped in red wax, every barrel rotated by hand, and every decision guided by the brand’s higher purpose,” said Rob Samuels, managing director for Maker’s Mark and eighth generation whisky maker. “Ashley Longshore shares that same pioneering and uncompromising spirit. We’re thrilled to bring her art to life on a Maker’s Mark bottle while supporting the meaningful causes championed by Vital Voices.” 

While Maker’s Mark co-founder Bill Samuels, Sr. focused on crafting the highest-quality bourbon, his wife Margie shaped the brand; the bottle’s shape, the label, the signature red wax topper and even the name are all her legacy. One of the first women inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, Margie also championed the distillery’s aesthetic and visitor experience, laying the groundwork for today’s Bourbon Trail. Women continue to lead across Maker’s Mark, from product development and farm operations, to brand marketing and sustainability.

Throughout the year, consumers can create a custom Maker’s Mark gift for anyone with the brand’s personalized label program. Labels are currently available for 750mL bottles, which must be purchased separately, and recipients must be 21+. For additional information about Maker’s Mark, please visit  www.MakersMark.com and share your personalized label at @makersmark on Instagram.

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

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

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

Learn more at www.makersmark.com.

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

ABD Maestro and Speyside Capital Debut Ultra-Rare 34 Year-Old Single Malt with ‘The Collective’ in India

Superstar Ranveer Singh, co-founder of ABD Maestro, unveils a landmark 60-bottle release priced at £9,100 each

Speyside Capital, the Scotland-based whisky asset manager, has played a pivotal role in a historic ultra-rare independent bottling of a single malt Scotch whisky, in collaboration with ABD Maestro, the super-premium and luxury spirits arm of Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), the third largest spirits organisation in India.

The release marks a defining moment in the spirits landscape, blending Scottish heritage with the vibrant, high-growth luxury market of India.

This inaugural limited edition release under ABD Maestro’s new ultra-grand ‘The Collective’ service brings together Scottish whisky heritage and India’s growing appetite for the world’s rarest spirits. It reflects Speyside Capital’s growing role as a trusted partner for international brand owners seeking to create bespoke, ultra-premium Scotch whisky releases for emerging high-growth luxury markets.

Distilled at Macallan Distillery in 1991 and matured for over three decades, this 34-year-old single malt whisky balances delicate florals, soft citrus and malty notes with added depth and sherry-led richness, reflecting both time and careful stewardship.

Limited to just 60 hand-filled decanters, each individually numbered, engraved and manually gold-lettered in Scotland, the release is crafted to appeal to seasoned collectors and enthusiasts, with each bottle accompanied by a personally signed letter from Ranveer Singh, Bollywood superstar and co-founder of ABD Maestro.

‘The Collective’ has been custom-created for ABD Maestro with Speyside Capital acting as brand and project partner, supporting the release through cask sourcing, long-term maturation stewardship, and end-to-end advisory across the structuring and delivery of this ultra-rare bottling.

Paul Kopec, CEO of Speyside Capital, said: “This is a landmark project for Speyside Capital, and we are incredibly proud to support such a prestigious and culturally significant release. It demonstrates how far the Indian luxury market has evolved and the growing appetite for ultra-rare Scotch whisky among sophisticated collectors and investors.

“We see this as a major step forward in Scotch whisky establishing a stronger foothold at the very top end of the Indian premium spirits market. Through years of partnership development and strategic groundwork in the region, Speyside Capital is ideally positioned to support this growth, and we expect India to become a key pillar of our international business in the years ahead.”

India is one of the fastest-growing markets globally for luxury consumption, and the upcoming UK- India FTA is expected to further enhance accessibility and competitiveness at the ultra-high-end of the category.

The Collective Limited Edition 34-Year-Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is priced at a consumer retail price of ₹11 Lakhs or £9100 (700ml) in Mumbai and will be available via Travel Retail and select major Indian cities, with access strictly limited and offered exclusively on a pre-order.

About Speyside Capital

Speyside Capital is a Scotland-based whisky asset management firm specialising in rare Scotch whisky casks, bespoke private client bottlings, and ultra-premium whisky ownership strategies. Working with collectors, family offices, and international partners, the firm provides sourcing, maturation strategy, portfolio management, and global exit solutions across the luxury spirits sector.

Macallan is a registered trademark of The Macallan Distillers Ltd. This release is an independent bottling and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the distillery.

ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST WHISKY FESTIVALS

LAUNCHES THEIR 2026 PREVIEW

Craigellachie Distillery of the Chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Henry Angus and Steven Dalgarno, Distillery Manager of Craigellachie Distillery who are hosting the opening dinner and this year’s ceilidh.

Now in its 27^th year, the annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has become one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, bringing thousands of visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival since 1999.

Contributing over £2.2million annually to the local economy, there is a vast array of over 600 events, over 6-days.  Kicking off on Wednesday, 29^th April 2026, it takes visitors right through the first May bank holiday weekend.

The festival is renowned for attracting visitors who want to discover more about whisky, in an area that boasts the greatest concentration of beloved brands.  With 51 working distilleries, they make up more than a third of Scotland’s total number in Speyside alone.  Peppering towns including Elgin, Forres, Keith, Aberlour, Dufftown and Rothes, the festival continues to build on its reputation as a globally recognised event, providing high-quality experiences for visitors.

So, what to expect from the line-up this year?  Attendees from over 40 countries who descend on Speyside, will find immersive tours and tastings as well as coopering masterclasses and chefs creating whisky-paired dinners.  There is the chance to meet Master Blenders and get tours behind the closed doors of dunnage warehouses where festival goers can draw samples from the casks themselves.  Visitors can enjoy fireside drams or sipping whisky on Findhorn beach.  Plus, the Dram Tram returns, where passengers can soak in the scenery in their Gold Carriage from Dufftown to Keith whilst savouring a special whisky enroute.  Of course, it wouldn’t be a Scottish whisky celebration without the Friday night ceilidh which will be held at Craigellachie Distillery and is a highlight of the 6-day calendar.

Henry Angus, Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival commented; “The festival is the perfect way to launch World Whisky Month and is all about showcasing the very best of what’s in this area.  Whilst we have an amazing quantity of events, the quality of them is what really shines through.  It’s wonderful to see the whole of the Speyside community getting behind it as a highlight on the calendar.  We’ve seen a great increase in visitor numbers and ticket sales in the last couple of years, which tells us that we are continuing to build on how successful this international festival has become to the area.”

Speyside also boasts incredible scenery.  A chance to embrace the country air with aromas from barley malted to make the whisky.  There is a plethora of cosy chic hotels, self-catering pads and B&Bs to choose from. Plus, Stagecoach is extending its local bus service from Aberdeen and Inverness for day trippers.

SSWF 2025 Event Listing Imagery – Dallas Dhu Distillery: Drams from the Archives

The festival will launch with almost 80 events lined up on Wednesday 29^th April, including an industry dinner, co-hosted for the first time by Craigellachie Distillery, as part of their 135^th anniversary celebrations this year.

For those wanting to take a deep dive into whisky making, the 4-day Whisky School is back for its 10^th year.  Providing an incredible insight into the industry from a doyen of industry experts, it starts just a few days before the festival kicks off.   A limited number of spaces are still available on the website.

TICKET INFORMATION

Previews for ticket sales go live at 12noon on 18^th February

Launch of ticket sales is live at 12noon on 24^th February

WEBSITE – https://www.spiritofspeyside.com/

Spirit of Speyside

Spirit of Speyside organises some of the world’s premier whisky events, welcoming visitors to the beauty of Speyside from across the globe each year. The organisation is responsible for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year with hundreds of events incorporating the Whisky School and Whisky Awards. The same team also hosts Spirit of Speyside: Distilled, exclusively for whisky distillers.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. This year it will celebrate its 27^th anniversary with a programme of around 500+ whisky-inspired events over 6 days.  The Festival is a true mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Festival events take place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky-producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the north-east of the country between Aberdeen and Inverness. Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the six days of the festival a truly unforgettable experience.

London Distillery Company unveils London’s first 10-Year-Old single malt whisky

The London Distillery Company (TLDC) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Ten Times Around the Sun, London’s first 10-year-old single malt whisky and a landmark release that marks a major milestone in the capital’s modern whisky revival.

Distilled from Quench spring barley and laid down on 20th October 2015 in single ex-bourbon barrel #007, Ten Times Around the Sun has been bottled at 51.4% ABV and is presented non chill-filtered and with natural colour, reflecting TLDC’s long-standing commitment to authenticity of flavour. The release is accompanied by striking artwork inspired by the single malt’s decade of maturation, visually capturing ten full orbits around the sun and the passage of time that has shaped the spirit.

Ten Times Around the Sun is limited to 220 bottles, priced at £89.95, and will launch on Friday 27th February via www.londondistillery.co.uk

TLDC was established in 2011, creating the first new whisky distillery in the capital since Lea Valley Distillery closed in 1903. Founded and inspired by the city’s lost distilling heritage, this iteration of the Company operated from a small, but ambitious site in Battersea. It quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach – combining traditional production methods with a fresh, contemporary vision.

Following the company’s revival in 2025, the past year has seen TLDC re-establish its place in the capital’s whisky landscape, laying the foundations for future releases and building a bridge between London’s historic distilling past and its contemporary, forward-looking ambitions. Ten Times Around the Sun is a tangible expression of that journey – a whisky that preserves an important piece of London distilling history while pointing confidently to the future.

As one of the earliest casks laid down by the distillery, ex-bourbon barrel #007 has matured over the past decade, witnessing the growth of England’s whisky sector and the rise of a new generation of London-based distilleries. Surviving TLDC’s closure in 2019, the cask now stands as a symbol of the company’s resilience, while reinforcing the capital’s position as a serious and credible whisky-producing region.

Speaking of the launch, Matt McKay, TLDC Managing Director and Whisky Maker said: “Ten Times Around the Sun marks a defining moment for The London Distillery Company. It honours one of our earliest casks, capturing the original spirit that began our journey. This release is a tangible piece of London’s whisky history, surviving the distillery’s closure in 2019 and now emerging as a symbol of our return. This is a whisky born of our past, shaped by our revival, and confidently demonstrating our bold, bright future.”

Ten Times Around the Sun

10-year-old, London Single Malt Whisky

Fully matured in single ex-bourbon cask #007

51.4%, 70cl

£89.95

Available from www.londondistillery.co.uk from Friday 27th February 2026

Nose: Bright and inviting with tinned peaches and sliced mango, layered with soft nougat, earthy dunnage floors, and dusty oak spices.

Palate: Bold and fruit-forward, offering a syrupy sweetness alongside piquantly spiced tinned fruits. Notes of milk chocolate and creamy cereal add depth and texture, whilst cask pepperiness provides warmth and lift.

Finish: Long and lingering, marked by the persistence of ripe fruit, fading gently into tingling Szechuan pepper spice.

About The London Distillery Company

The London Distillery Company was established in 2011 as London’s first new whisky distillery for over a century. Trailblazing the revival of the capital’s distilling heritage, the company crafts exceptional spirits that reflect both tradition and modernity.

Committed to using only the finest ingredients and time-honoured methods, every bottle produced by The London Distillery Company expresses a dedication to craftmanship, blending expertise and a relentless pursuit of character and flavour.

www.londondistillery.co.uk/

Talnua Distillery Unveils Olde Saint’s Keep 2026

A unique expression celebrating both gaelic distilling tradition and collaboration within the Colorado craft distilling community.

Arvada, Colorado — Talnua Distillery proudly announces the release of Olde Saint’s Keep 2026, an American Single Pot Still Whiskey special release. This year’s expression was created to honor the high-quality and collaborative spirit of Colorado distilling. Rooted in tradition and elevated by community, this limited-edition whiskey stands as a celebration of shared craft, timed fittingly with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday long defined by gathering and connection. At its core, this release is a tribute to the state’s esteemed distilling community, award winning producers whose commitment to quality continues to elevate Colorado spirits on the world stage.

A True Colorado Finish

The whiskey for this year’s expression was aged for a minimum of three years in Char #2 American White Oak barrels, then finished for 6-9 months in unique casks sourced from six Colorado distilleries, each contributing a distinct layer of character and complexity. These finishing casks include, listed alphabetically by distillery:

Bear Creek Distillery — Rum cask
Deerhammer Distilling Co. — Apple Brandy cask
The Family Jones Distillery — Rye Whiskey cask
Laws Whiskey House — Wheat Whiskey cask
Spirit Hound Distillers — Single Malt Whiskey cask
Storm King Distilling Co. — Bourbon Whiskey cask

Production Details

Mashbill: 50% malted barley / 50% unmalted barley
Distillation: Triple distilled
Age Statement: Minimum 4 years
ABV: 50% | Proof: 100
Bottles Released: 1,200
MSRP: $110.00

“At Talnua, tradition isn’t static, it’s built together,” said Founder/Master Distiller Patrick Miller. “Olde Saint’s Keep 2026 is our way of honoring the people, places, and producers who make Colorado distilling what it is today. St. Patrick’s Day has always been about community, and this release is a reflection of that spirit.”

Olde Saint’s Keep 2026 will be available in limited quantities beginning March 13, 2026 at Talnua’s annual St. Patrick’s Day event and for pre-order here

Talnua Distillery – The American Spirit with an Irish Soul

Dumbarton
25 Years, Unicorn

The Whisky Barrel Launches Fifth Unicorn Series Release

Limited to 264 bottles · £79 GBP inc VAT | Available now HERE

25 Year Old Dumbarton Single Grain Celebrates the Legendary “Scotch Watch” Geese

The Whisky Barrel is proud to announce the launch of the fifth release in its acclaimed Unicorn Series: a rare Dumbarton 25 Year Old 2000, matured in a single first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead and bottled at natural cask strength.

Distilled in 2000 at the now-closed Dumbarton distillery, this Lowland single grain Scotch whisky has spent 25 years maturing in first-fill PX sherry hogshead #TWB1040, developing remarkable depth and richness. Bottled in February 2026 at a powerful 56.6% ABV, the cask yielded just 264 bottles, available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel.

Dumbarton distillery, once owned by Ballantine’s, closed in 2002 and has since become increasingly sought after by collectors of lost Scotch whisky distilleries. Known for its creamy, vanilla-forward grain character, Dumbarton’s spirit lends itself beautifully to long sherry maturation — a style exemplified in this indulgent release.

A Tribute to the “Scotch Watch”

The Unicorn Series is renowned for pairing distinctive whisky with striking storytelling, and this release is no exception. The label pays homage to Dumbarton’s legendary Chinese white geese — affectionately known as the “Scotch Watch.”

From 1959 until 2012, these geese were employed to guard Ballantine’s bonded warehouses, forming a noisy and highly effective security force that grew to over 100 birds. Their iconic presence became part of Scotch whisky folklore before their retirement to Glasgow Green. The Unicorn label brings this unique chapter of whisky history together with Scotland’s mythical national emblem.

Tasting Profile

The 25 Year Old Dumbarton delivers waves of raisin syrup, dark chocolate and treacle on the nose, leading into a full-bodied palate of PX-soaked fruitcake, caramelised sugar and creamy vanilla. The finish is long, warming and luxuriously sherried, balanced by soft oak spice.

Limited Availability

With only 264 bottles produced, this is a rare opportunity to secure a cask-strength release from a closed Lowland distillery, presented under The Whisky Barrel’s celebrated Unicorn banner.

“Dumbarton is a distillery that quietly built a remarkable reputation after its closure. When we discovered this PX hogshead, it had the depth, richness and personality we look for in a Unicorn release. Pairing that whisky with the story of the Scotch Watch felt entirely fitting — it’s a tribute not just to the spirit, but to the character and history surrounding it” Alastair Brown, Managing Director, The Whisky Barrel

The Dumbarton 25 Year Old 200 Unicorn is available exclusively from:  The Whisky Barrel – Dumbarton 25 Year Old Unicorn

• Distillery: Closed Dumbarton distillery
• Age: 25 Years (Distilled 2000, Bottled 2026)
• Cask Type: 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (#TWB1040)
• ABV: 56.6% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Bottles: 264
• Price: £79 GBP (inc. VAT)
• Exclusive to: The Whisky Barrel, Fife, Scotland

*N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

The Whisky Barrel    E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com| Visit www.thewhiskybarrel.com |Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Instagram

From first casks: Final allocations open of Lancaster Spirits Co. Founders Reserve Whisky Club

Owning a cask of single malt whisky can be an exciting but costly commitment. Lancaster Spirits Co. (LSCo) created its Founders Reserve whisky club in 2024 to offer a more accessible route, giving members the rare opportunity to follow the evolution of its single malt from the very first casks.

With just 500 Gold and 500 Platinum memberships ever released, availability is now extremely limited. The final places are being claimed quickly, and whisky enthusiasts are urged to secure their membership now to avoid missing out on this once-only opportunity to receive bottles of LSCo’s maturing single malt, alongside exclusive benefits that bring members closer to the distillery and its makers.

All Founders Reserve members receive a welcome pack featuring a 50cl bottle of new-make spirit, a bespoke LSCo Glencairn glass, and an exclusive membership card. Members also enjoy an annual tour of the distillery for two, discounted pricing on future purchases, and access to limited-edition releases.

Gold Founders Reserve membership includes five 70cl bottles of single malt, delivered annually from 2025 to 2029, as well as priority access to exclusive bottlings, early release notifications, and behind-the-scenes experiences such as tastings and meet-the-maker events.

Platinum Founders Reserve membership offers ten 70cl bottles, delivered annually from 2025 to 2034, as well as priority access to exclusive bottlings, early release notifications, and behind-the-scenes experiences such as tastings and meet-the-maker events.

All the bottles for each Founders Reserve release will be drawn from some of the first casks filled at LSCo in 2024. An amazing opportunity to taste some of the first single malt ever produced in Lancaster as it develops through the years.

The 2025 1-year old release is a combination of two bourbon barrels, a Rioja STR cask and an Oloroso cask, which has then been finished for eight weeks in Pedro Ximenez sherry hogsheads sourced from renowned producer Jose Miguel Martin. This carefully balanced vatting creates a harmonious and expressive spirit.

Membership also guarantees access to LSCo’s first three-year-old Founders Reserve bottling, with an additional opportunity to purchase the Inaugural Single Malt, scheduled for public release in 2027.

Christopher Pateman, Commercial Manager at LSCo, said: “Founders Reserve allows whisky lovers to experience our single malt from its earliest stages through to maturity. Every decision—from our heritage brewers’ yeast and local aquifer water to our carefully selected casks—has been made to build depth, complexity and character. With only a small quantity of Gold and Platinum memberships remaining, this is a rare chance to be part of our story from the very beginning.”

Alongside its single malt programme, Lancaster Spirits Co. also produces a range of multi-award-winning gins and vodkas.

To secure one of the final Gold or Platinum memberships, explore LSCo’s spirits, or book a distillery tour, visit https://lancasterspirits.co.uk

1/ For further information about the Lancaster Spirits Company or to place an order, visit: https://lancasterspirits.co.uk