BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY DEBUTS NIGHT AT THE DISTILLERY – A NEW HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE AFTER DARK

Tickets are now available for an immersive nighttime tour of America’s oldest continuously operating distillery, plus the chance to win a private, overnight ghost-hunting experience on site

FRANKFORT, KY (October 15, 2025) – This October, Buffalo Trace Distillery invites guests to discover its all-new Halloween experience, “Night at the Distillery.” For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has crafted award-winning whiskey and inspired tales of spirits that linger beyond the barrel. Now, visitors can explore the Distillery’s storied past through the lens of legend and lore with two immersive after-hours experiences:

• Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour: Experience Buffalo Trace Distillery under the glow of moonlight on this self-guided walking trail that reveals the legends, folklore and untold stories woven into its two-century history. Along the way, each stop unveils a new chapter brought to life through ghostly tales, live entertainment, photo-worthy moments and expertly crafted cocktails that celebrate generations of bourbon-making tradition.
  • Tickets are $35 per person and include entry to the self-guided walking trail, three signature cocktail tastings, one neat pour and a curated snack box. Each guest will also take home a 1L bottle of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof and a collectible Night at the Distillery reusable tote as keepsakes.
  • The Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour will take place October 23-25 and October 30-November 1. To purchase tickets, please visit HERE
• Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Experience: For those seeking a deeper thrill, Buffalo Trace is offering the opportunity to win a special Halloween giveaway inviting one winner and a guest (21+) to join professional paranormal investigators for a private ghost-hunting experience inside the Distillery’s most haunted buildings. On Halloween night, the duo will trace the Distillery’s ghostly lore alongside a Distillery tour guide and real-time paranormal investigators before retiring for the night inside Stony Point – Albert Blanton’s former home, reimagined for an unforgettable stay. The prize package also includes:
  • Dinner in historic Frankfort, KY on October 31
  • Complimentary admission to the Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour on October 31
  • A private, after-hours ghost hunt led by professional paranormal investigators and a Distillery tour guide
  • One-night stay in Stony Point, Albert Blanton’s former home, on October 31
  • A daytime Trace Tour and premium shopping experience in the Buffalo Trace Gift Shop on November 1
  • Round-trip coach airfare and ground transportation to and from the Distillery

“For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace has been a place where history and legend intertwine,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Night at the Distillery invites guests to step into those stories and experience that connection firsthand. We set out to create an experience unlike anything we’ve done before, one that lets guests walk in the footsteps of generations past and explore the Distillery’s lore in a whole new light.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s story begins in the late 1700s, when distilling first took root on this site in 1775 and the “Old Taylor House” was built in 1792. For more than two centuries, master distillers and craftsmen have shaped its story – and some say their spirits still linger. Tour guides and guests alike have reported sightings of an older gentleman resembling Albert B. Blanton, appearing in various locations around the Distillery. The lore surrounding these encounters describes them as “friendly,” and many believe that any lingering “spirits” remain to watch over the legacy they created.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Giveaway goes live on October 15 at 12:00pm noon ET and ends October 22 at 11:59am ET. To register and view the full official rules, please visit www.BuffaloTraceDistilleryHalloween.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 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 and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded New Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. 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. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Experience: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Purchasing a product will not improve your chances of winning. Must be legal resident of (50) U.S. or D.C., age 21 or older, and able to travel to the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY on 10/31/2025 to accept prize award. Registration begins at 12:00pm ET 10/15/2025 and ends at 11:59am ET 10/22/2025. To enter, and for complete official rules including eligibility, prize description and ARV, visit www.BuffaloTraceDistilleryHalloween.com. Odds of winning based upon number of eligible entries received. No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSOR: Sazerac Company, Inc., Louisville, KY

Tomatin unveils exclusive 2005 bourbon matured single cask for specialist whisky retailers

Highland distiller Tomatin has released an exceptional new bourbon matured single cask whisky created specifically for the UK specialist whisky retail channel.

Unlike most Tomatin single malt whiskies which have matured in sherry, port or wine casks, this distinctive 2005 single cask edition is exclusively matured in a first-fill ex-bourbon cask, creating a whisky with a sweet, fruity and malty flavour profile which allows the classic tropical notes of Tomatin’s spirit to shine through.

This Tomatin 2005 single cask expression is the result of decades of experience with bourbon barrels – a craft the distillery has been perfecting since the 1930s. Carefully curated for specialist retailers, the release offers whisky aficionados the chance to discover a different side of Tomatin’s character.

Bottled at 54.3% ABV and restricted to only 240 bottles, the limited release Tomatin single cask expression will be available to consumers from today (14 October 2025) in specialist whisky retailers throughout the UK.

Imparting aromas of crunchy green apples and lemon zest on the nose, the whisky becomes sweeter with notes of Victoria sponge, buttercream and white chocolate with an underlying floral aroma throughout. On the palate, these fruity notes edge towards tropical, with malty, oak-driven flavours of brown sugar and light spice leading into a long, warming finish.

Presented in a premium 70cl bottle, the Tomatin 2005 single cask whisky is encased in sleek dark green-hued outer packaging finished with subtle elegant detailing, symbolising the rolling hills of the distillery’s Highland landscape.

Scott Adamson, blender and global brand ambassador at Tomatin, said: “As a bourbon barrel-only release, this expression presents whisky lovers with an opportunity to enjoy a single malt that is truly unique, and a style not found elsewhere in our core range. Most of our single casks are sherry, port or wine, showcasing our first-class maturation policy, but this ex-bourbon barrel whisky shines a spotlight on the tropical notes that develop in Tomatin over time.”

Gordon Hynd, UK sales director at Tomatin, said: “The release of this extraordinary expression for specialist whisky retailers allows them to share a distinctive limited Tomatin whisky which is markedly different with their customers.

“For years people have turned to specialist wine and spirit merchants to discover something different. These stores are an institution, often spanning multiple generations of the same family and upholding a reputation for product quality born out of expertise and careful selection. It’s only in these places you can find special gems like this Tomatin 2005 single cask and we’re pleased to continue our long-standing relationships through this limited release.”

With a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century, Tomatin has been a home for the whisky making team’s dedicated craftsmen and their families since the distillery was established in 1897.

Tomatin 2005 single cask release is priced at £170 RRP for a 70cl bottle. For more information, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tomatin 2005 single cask tasting notes

Nose: Crunchy green apples and lemon zest are to the fore. Becomes sweeter in time with notes of Victoria sponge, buttercream and white chocolate. There’s an underlying floral aroma throughout.

Palate: Much heavier than the nose suggests, with fruity notes edging towards tropical. It’s malty with oak-driven notes of brown sugar and light spice.

Finish: Long and warming.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

This year, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

Evan Williams Launches “Where Bourbon Begins” Campaign Celebrating Authentic American Whiskey

New National Campaign Honors Kentucky’s First Distiller and Showcases Bourbon Nation as Game Day’s #1 Pour

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (Oct. 8,  2025) — Evan Williams Bourbon, the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon, today unveiled its new “Where Bourbon Begins” campaign, reaffirming its place as a standard bearer of authentic American Whiskey. Rooted in Evan Williams’ legacy as Kentucky’s First Distiller, the platform highlights the brand’s uncompromising commitment to quality and consistency with every glass.

“For us, Evan Williams Bourbon isn’t just history. It’s about making sure every glass we pour today is as good as the last one,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Global Whiskey Brands, Heaven Hill. “That’s what Where Bourbon Begins is all about, keeping it real, keeping it consistent, and giving people a Bourbon they can trust.”

The new :30 spot can be viewed here.

It brings the story of Evan Williams to life through the people who make it, following team members as they work together in the rickhouse rolling barrels before shifting to a scene where they gather afterward to share a glass at home. The creative highlights the craft and camaraderie of bourbon-making, capturing the people who build it together and then share in the moments it creates. Dramatic textures of steam, sunlight, and patina bring to life the arenas of Bourbon, whether inside the rickhouse, around a backyard fire pit, or in the stands on game day.

A Campaign Grounded in Authenticity

“Where Bourbon Begins” invites whiskey fans to discover the roots of America’s native spirit through a Bourbon trusted for generations. The campaign underscores Evan Williams’ belief that a brand is only as good as its last glass, and that true authenticity lies in consistency, craftsmanship, and real connections.

The campaign and commercial spot were developed in partnership with independent creative agency Method1. The new :30 spot will run nationally across broadcast, streaming, digital, and social platforms beginning in October, aligning with the 2025 collegiate football season and continuing into basketball season.

Bourbon Nation: Where Game Day Meets Tradition

As part of the campaign, Evan Williams will continue to grow Bourbon Nation, its multi-year partnership with Learfield, a leader in collegiate athletics. Bourbon Nation taps into the traditions and celebrations that define college sports and unites fans nationwide as Game Day’s number one pour. Current sponsorships include:

• Alabama Crimson Tide® – Proud Partner of the Crimson Tide®
• Florida Gators® – Proud Partner of the Florida Gators®
• TCU Horned Frogs® – Official Bourbon Sponsor of The Horned Frogs®
• Syracuse Orange – Official Bourbon of Syracuse Athletics
• Ohio State Buckeyes – Official Bourbon Sponsor of Ohio State Athletics
• Oklahoma Sooners – Official Bourbon Sponsor of Oklahoma Athletics
• Oregon Ducks™ – Official Bourbon Sponsor of Oregon Athletics™
• South Carolina Gamecocks® – Official Bourbon Sponsor of the South Carolina Gamecocks®

From branded Bourbon Nation Bars in stadiums to tailgate activations and in-store programs, Evan Williams is committed to elevating the fan experience through responsible enjoyment and memorable game day moments.

About Evan Williams Bourbon

The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past nine years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely®.

About Heaven Hill Distillery

Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna, Parker’s Heritage Collection along with its extensive and diverse collection of unique and innovative products. In the past five years alone, Heaven Hill Distillery has been named Distiller of the Year eight times, including 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Other recent honors include 2024 and 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Most Awarded Distillery and the 2023 Icons of Whisky World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Willem Dafoe Unite in ‘Unphorgettable’ Global Campaign

Inspired by two of the world’s most iconic characters, the campaign debuts with a short film, bringing to life Dafoe’s search to define Laphroaig’s undefinable taste

Islay, Scotland: For 240 years, Laphroaig has been unapologetically doing things differently. Today, continuing this uncompromising spirit, the distinctive Islay single malt is announcing its global partnership with cult actor, Willem Dafoe.

The first of its kind in the distillery’s history, the campaign includes a short film titled ‘The Taste’, global advertising, a bespoke cocktail creation and tease of a limited-edition whisky, all celebrating those who think differently and embrace a boldness of character.

The collaboration marks the latest instalment in the brand’s ‘Unphorgettable’ campaign, which launched in 2024 and celebrates the unmistakable flavour of this iconic whisky, making it ‘unphorgettable’ to all who imbibe.

‘The Taste’ brings to life Dafoe’s search to define Laphroaig’s taste – something he can’t quite put his finger on. It draws inspiration from components in Dafoe’s life and his thirst for immersing himself to get a taste of experiences, including the attempt, as a child, to get a sense of flying to space by remaining in a wardrobe for two days. With this individual and curious style, Dafoe seeks the words to describe the bold single malt, and recites humorous descriptions submitted by some of the whisky’s biggest fans – Friends of Laphroaig.

The film and full campaign will be shared globally across channels, with a focus on digital and paid social. This will be reinforced with out of home, print, PR and in-store promotions in key markets, including the US, UK, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Japan, Australia and Global Travel Retail.

Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits, Scotch and Irish, says: “Willem Dafoe is bold, curious, and impossible to define, much like Laphroaig itself. His uncompromising dedication to craft mirrors our own approach to whisky making. He is the ideal partner to bring to life the intense, unmistakable, and truly ‘unphorgettable’ flavour of Laphroaig, and to celebrate those around the world with character as distinctive as his.”

Speaking on the inspiration behind the film, Dafoe says:

“The first time I ever travelled overseas, I went to Scotland. I was a kid, and the first thing I thought when my feet touched down on the ground was, something feels familiar here. I feel at home. The land spoke to me, and it must be genetic because my grandmother was from Glasgow. ‘The Taste’ depicts that sort of familiarity that’s found when exploring Laphroaig. It’s the flavours and how they come together.”

Laphroaig has also enlisted award-winning mixologist, Meaghan Dorman, to create a bespoke cocktail, named ‘The Other Island’. It blends Laphroaig 10-Year-Old, fresh pineapple, lemon, spiced cinnamon syrup and Amaro Ciociaro, with a touch of prosecco, to create a smoky, tropical and gently spiced spritz, balancing Laphroaig’s familiar character with layered flavours. The cocktail will be available first to guests at The Barley Mow pub in Mayfair, London, being renamed ‘The Barley Dafoe’ for campaign launch, before appearing on menus in additional select bars worldwide.

This Dafoe partnership will also extend to a limited-edition product collaboration, set for release in 2026. Together with Sarah Dowling, Senior Whisky Maker for Laphroaig, Dafoe has developed a limited-edition, that is quietly maturing, steeped in the peat, smoke, salt and the surprising sweetness that infuses all Laphroaig whiskies.

Watch the film and behind the scenes content on www.laphroaig.com and follow @laphroaig on Instagram for more information.

About Meaghan Dorman and ‘The Other Island’

Meaghan Dorman is a globally acclaimed bartender and educator celebrated for her innovative approach to modern cocktail culture. She has been in the craft cocktail industry for more 15 years, bringing innovative cocktails and concepts to audiences looking for something refined, unique and unexpected. Currently the Bar Director & a partner at Raines Law Room, Raines Law Room at the William, Dear Irving, Dear Irving on Hudson, and the newly opened Dear Irving on Broadway, Meaghan is passionate member of the global cocktail community.

The cocktail name and ingredients, including Laphroaig 10-Year-Old, pineapple and a hint of Amaro, derive from Dafoe’s feeling of home when he’s in Scotland, combined with his preference for sunnier, tropical climes and a nod to his home in Italy.

Ingredients and method: 
45ml Laphroaig 10-Year-Old
30ml Pineapple Juice (pressed)
15ml Fresh Lemon juice
10ml Cinnamon syrup
*5ml Amaro Ciociaro
Top w/ Prosecco

Method: Shake & double strain into a coupette, then top with Prosecco and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Laphroaig encourages responsible drinking. Always follow the DrinkSmart® rules and drink in moderation.

About Laphroaig® Whisky 
Laphroaig is the number one selling Islay single malt globally* and is synonymous with this famous whisky island. Established in 1815 by the Johnston brothers, Laphroaig has stayed true to its bold and unforgettable character for over 200 years.

Today, Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries that continues to make whisky using traditional techniques like floor malting barley. From hand turning the barley and burning the peat at low temperatures to flavour the malt with cool smoke to slow distillation to maintain quality, this is what truly makes Laphroaig.  Our single malt whisky embodies the character of Islay in every drop of Laphroaig. From the distinctive peat which gives us our unique smoky character to the steadfast confidence and passion of our people, making Laphroaig unmistakable. The gives us our distinctive taste of Islay, salt and smoke with a surprising sweetness.

Laphroaig’s commitment to bold character has earned us a dedicated following of brand fans, the Friends of Laphroaig.  Launched in 1994, the same year HM King Charles granted the brand a Royal Warrant, this global community has since grown to over 700,000 whisky lovers representing over 170 countries.

*By volume and value in 2024. Source: IWSR Global Database 2025
For more information visit www.laphroaig.com

Willem Dafoe
Having made over one hundred fifty films in his legendary career, Willem Dafoe is internationally respected for bringing versatility, boldness, and dare to some of the most iconic films of our time. His artistic curiosity in exploring the human condition leads him to projects all over the world, large and small, Hollywood films as well as independent cinema.

In 1979, he was given a role in Michael’s Cimino’s Heaven’s Gate, from which he was fired. Since then, he has collaborated with directors who represent a virtual encyclopedia of modern cinema: Wes Anderson, Patricia Arquette, Kathryn Bigelow, Kenneth Branagh, Tim Burton, Scott Cooper, Anton Corbijn, Saverio Costanzo, David Cronenberg, Abel Ferrara, Mary Harron, Werner Herzog, Walter Hill, , Miguel Angel Jimenéz, Spike Lee, David Lynch, Hayao Miyazaki, Phillip Noyce, Sam Raimi, Dee Rees, Jason Reitman, Robert Rodriguez, Isaiah Saxon, Julian Schnabel, Paul Schrader, Martin Scorsese, Zack Snyder, Guillermo del Toro, Lars von Trier, James Wan, Wim Wenders, Yorgos Lanthimos, Zhang Yimou, and many more.

Dafoe has been recognized with four Academy Award nominations:  Best Leading Actor for his role as Vincent van Gogh in At Eternity’s Gate (also a Golden Globe nomination), as well as Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Oliver Stone’s Platoon, E. Elias Merhige’s Shadow Of The Vampire (for which he also received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations), and Sean Baker’s The Florida Project (also Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations).  He has also been awarded by the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Board of Review, as well as twice by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.  Dafoe is also the recipient of two Independent Spirit Awards, the Venice Film Festival Volpi Cup and a Berlinale Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement.  He recently was awarded the Iris Award for Best Actor from Greece’s Hellenic Film Academy for his role in Vasilis Katsoupis’ Inside.

He and his wife, director Giada Colagrande, have worked on four films together: Padre, A Woman, Before It Had a Name and the documentary, Bob Wilson’s Life And Death Of Marina Abramovic.

His natural adventurousness is evident in roles as diverse as Thomas Wake in The Lighthouse;  Marcus, the elite assassin who is mentor to Keanu Reeves in the neo-noir John Wick;  in his voice work as Gil the Moorish Idol in Pixar’s Finding Nemo;  as the notorious filmmaker in Abel Ferrara’s Pasolini;  as Paul Smecker, the obsessed FBI agent in the cult classic The Boondock Saints;  as real life hero Leonhard Seppala, who led the 1925 Alaskan dog sled diphtheria serum run in Togo;  and the notorious duality of Norman Osborn / Green Goblin, a role he reprised in Jon Watts’ record-breaking Spider-Man: No Way Home. That adventurous spirit continues with Kent Jones’ Late Fame; Nadia Latif’s The Man in My Basement; Helmer Gastón Solnicki’s The Souffleur; and Jennifer Peedom’s Tenzing. He will soon film Bárbara Paz’s Cuddle; as well as Robert Eggers’ Werwulf, marking his fourth collaboration with the director, which will be followed with Eggers’ adaptation of A Christmas Carol for Warner Bros.

Most recently, Dafoe was named the Artistic Director of the theatre department for the Venice Biennale’s 2025 and 2026 seasons.  Dafoe was one of the original members of The Wooster Group, the New York based experimental theatre collective.  He created and performed in all of the group’s work from 1977 thru 2005, both in the U.S. and internationally.  Since then, he has collaborated with Richard Foreman on Idiot Savant at NYC’s Public Theatre, with Robert Wilson on two international productions: The Life & Death of Marina Abramovic and The Old Woman (opposite Mikhail Baryshnikov); Marina Abramovic’s opera 7 Deaths of Maria Callas; and with Romeo Castellucci, on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Minister’s Black Veil.

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

This year, Murray McDavid turns 31 — and what a journey it has been! From our bold beginnings on Islay in the 1990s to our newest adventures in Speyside, we’ve spent three decades pushing boundaries, reviving legends, and maturing Scotch whisky in ways the world had never seen before.

To mark the occasion, we’re sharing our story in a brand-new blog: “Whisky Rebels for over 30 Years: The Story of Murray McDavid.”

READ MORE

For over three decades, we’ve been shaking things up with bold casks, creative releases, and a restless drive to do things differently.

Raise a dram with us and celebrate over 30 years of whisky rebellion!

Slàinte,

The Murray McDavid Team

Rare Find unveils landmark partnership with Bodegas Barbadillo

-a defining moment in Rare Find’s 10th anniversary year

Rare Find, the acclaimed independent bottler, continues its 10th anniversary celebrations with the launch of its Autumn 2025 collection – a release that not only showcases four remarkable single malts, but also marks the first results of a landmark partnership with Bodegas Barbadillo.

Since its inception in 2015, Rare Find has earned a reputation for uncovering exceptional distillates and elevating them through guided cask maturation, led by a philosophy of creating whiskies that are “intentionally rare by design.” Now, a decade on, Rare Find’s Autumn 2025 releases represent a pivotal milestone: the debut of a collaboration with one of Spain’s legendary sherry houses.

With almost two centuries of heritage and stewardship of some of Jerez’s oldest soleras, Bodegas Barbadillo stands as a guardian of Andalusia’s wine-making legacy. Based in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Barbadillo worked with Rare Find to create a bespoke sherry cask seasoning programme. Together, the two makers have developed casks imbued with astonishing depth and oxidative richness – vessels shaped by time, tradition, and the soul of Andalusia. Rare Find’s Autumn 2025 releases are the first chance for whisky lovers to experience that union: Scotland’s finest single malts elevated by sherry casks steeped in Spanish heritage.

To establish the ongoing partnership, the Rare Find team travelled to Barbadillo’s historic bodegas to work alongside the sherry house’s expert oenologists. Among ancient soleras and reliquia casks dating back over a century, they hand-selected Spanish, American, and European oak casks to undergo an intensive 24-month oloroso seasoning process.

Unlike short-term or superficial seasoning, this extended period ensured that every stave is deeply imbued with sherry character – rich with dried fruits, toasted nuts, and oxidative depth.  Once reracked in Scotland, these sherry-seasoned casks contributed structured oxidative complexity to selected Scotch malts, imparting concentrated dried fruit, nut, and spice notes while maintaining the integrity and core character of the spirits.

For the Rare Find Autumn 2025 release, four single-cask, single-malt whiskies finished in oloroso sherry have been selected. Three of the releases originate from the Barbadillo partnership, each highlighting a different wood type and, consequently, a distinct sherry cask influence.

The Autumn 2025 Rare Find releases consist of: 

Longmorn 16 Year Old
Spanish oak Barbadillo 1st fill oloroso sherry finish

Tamdhu 16 Year Old
American Oak Barbadillo 1st fill oloroso sherry finish

Secret Speyside 16 Year Old

European Oak Barbadillo 1st fill oloroso sherry finish

Benriach 9 Year Old
1st fill oloroso barrique finish

Each of the four releases has been bottled without compromise – natural cask strength, natural colour, and no chill filtration – preserving the whisky’s full integrity from bodega to bottle.

Speaking of the Autumn 2025 releases, a Rare Find spokesperson said: “This collection marks one of the most important chapters in our history. Our partnership with Barbadillo has allowed us to work with some of the most extraordinary sherry casks in the world. By bringing together Scotland’s finest single malts and Andalusia’s centuries-old winemaking traditions, we’ve created whiskies that truly embody the Rare Find ethos – exceptional, authentic, and intentionally rare.”

The Rare Find Autumn 2025 releases will be available in select retailers from 13th October 2025. Further details of Rare Find stockists can be found at: www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk/stockists.

Rare Find Autumn 2025 Releases

Longmorn 16 year old

Finished for 10 months in a first fill oloroso seasoned Spanish oak hogshead from Bodegas Barbadillo

55.6%, 203 bottles

£110.00

Aromas of stewed fruit, walnuts, beeswax, and candle smoke. The palate shows sweet notes of apple pie, toffee pennies, cinnamon rolls, and glacé icing, leading to an elegant finish with both sweetness and spice.

Tamdhu 16 year old

Finished for 10 months in a first fill oloroso seasoned American oak hogshead from Bodegas Barbadillo

51.7%, 216 bottles

£120.00

Golden syrup, vanilla pod, apple, and citrus on the nose. The palate is juicy and sweet with candied orange, milk chocolate, chewy toffee, and nutmeg. The finish is warm and sweet. 

Secret Speyside 15 year old

Finished for 10 months in a first fill oloroso seasoned European oak hogshead from Bodegas Barbadillo

58.2%, 184 bottles

£95.00

A resinous nose with linseed oil, marmalade, and icing sugar. The palate shows pronounced sweet spices, caramel-coated hazelnuts, ginger, and cinnamon biscuits. The finish is medium to long.

Benriach 9 year old

Finished for 16 months in a barrique

55.1%, 301

£75.00

A rich nose of BBQ sauce, cocoa powder, and a hint of herbal tea. The palate balances sweet and savoury with dark chocolate, raisin loaf, star anise, and chilli flakes. The finish is medium-dry with clove and lingering chocolate.

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.

The third edition of The Distillers One of One® auction

smashes pre-sale estimate to bring £2.9 million / $3.9 million

Hammer proceeds to primarily benefit the Youth Action Fund in support of disadvantaged young people in Scotland

30 auction records achieved, including The Glenlivet, Port Ellen, Ladyburn, Glenfarclas, The Glendronach, Laphroaig, KANDOBLANC and The Glen Grant

• Third edition of The Distillers One of One Charity Auction totalled £2,895,902 / $3,882,102 (a hammer total of £2,316,722 / $3,105,682), against a pre-sale estimate of £793,400 – $1,433,500
• 30 auction records achieved, resulting in The Distillers One of One breaking a total of 66 records to date
• 35 Scotch Whisky distilleries working collectively in the name of philanthropy
• 39 one-off, never-to-be-repeated auction lots
• 90% of lots exceeded their high estimates (including buyer’s premium)
• 100% of the hammer price will be donated to charity
• £6.6 million / $8.4 million raised for charity since the first auction in 2021

EDINBURGH, 10^th October 2025 – The Distillers One of One® hosted its third biennial Charity Auction in partnership with Sotheby’s, at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, on Friday 10^th October 2025. Comprising a selection of 39 ultra-rare Scotch whiskies, from 35 companies and distilleries across Scotland, the auction, which attracted lively bidding in the room and on the telephones, was attended by some 200 guests from across the globe, and brought an outstanding total of £2.9 million / $3.9 million (a hammer total of £2.3 million / $3.1 million), smashing the pre-sale estimate. The sale saw unbridled generosity amongst the bidders, who were prepared to go the extra mile to secure the whiskies of their dreams, with bids leaping in increments as much as £140,000 at a time.

Since its inaugural event in 2021, The Distillers One of One Auction has cemented its place as the world’s preeminent charity auction dedicated to rare Scotch whisky, with 100% of hammer proceeds donated to charitable causes. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors and collectors worldwide, the auctions have now raised £6.6 million to date, principally directed to the Youth Action Fund. Established in early 2022 following the first auction, the Youth Action Fund supports disadvantaged young people across Scotland to unlock their potential and contribute positively to their communities. 

Grant Gordon OBE, Chairman Distillers’ Charity, commented: “What pride for me to see that the Scotch Whisky industry continues to come together to raise incredible amounts in support of young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them achieve their ambitions and strengthen our communities. Over nearly four years, between January 2022 and the end of September 2025, the Youth Action fund has helped 2619 young people secure employability, meaning a job apprenticeship, training or education leading to work. We sincerely thank all our those involved for their time and talent, whether they are in the industry, sponsors or craftspeople and the buyers for their support and generosity, whose contribution together helps transform the lives of young people in Scotland.” 

Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One, commented: “We’re so humbled to see such generosity in action for this third Distillers One of One Auction. The resounding success is the result of an incredible collective endeavour across the Scotch whisky industry to create meaningful and lasting change, with much work behind the scenes from passionate individuals who care deeply about their communities. It is very special to us to know that this exceptional sum that has been raised will have a direct impact on Scotland’s disadvantaged youth. We are very much looking forward to the next Distillers One of One Auction in 2027.” 

Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits, Sotheby’s, said: “The third Distillers One of One charity whisky sale has once again surpassed all expectations, delivering an exceptional result that truly reflects the passion and innovation at the heart of the Scotch Whisky community. Our deepest thanks to every bidder who participated and to the distillers who contributed their rare and imaginative creations to this unique auction. The quality and creativity on offer were simply outstanding, showcasing the very best of the whisky world, in every sense. Witnessing the extraordinary response from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide is a reminder of the vibrant spirit of the industry, and it is a privilege to play a part in celebrating and supporting the craftsmanship and charity at the core of The Distillers One of One. What makes this year’s edition particularly memorable is the extraordinary number of brand records achieved. The overall results are a clear indication of the trust and excitement this event continues to build within the global spirits community.”

Across the sale, 30 auction records were achieved: Aberfeldy (Lot 1), Glenfarclas (Lot 4), The Glendronach (Lot 5), Whisk-E Ltd and a bottle from Arran Distillery (Lot 6), Royal Bracka (Lot 7), Hunter Laing and a bottle from Teaninich Distillery (Lot 9), Young Spirits Ferg & Harris (Lot 12), Laphroaig (Lot 14), Bruichladdich (Lot 15), a bottle of Port Ellen (Lot 16), InchDairnie (Lot 17), Lindores Abbey (Lot 18), Ladyburn (Lot 19), The Borders (Lot 20), Aberlour (Lot 22), Adelphi and a bottle from Imperial Distillery (Lot 23), The Glen Grant (24), Ballindalloch (Lot 25), Glen Moray (Lot 26), Livingstone The Macbeth Collection and a bottle from Mortlach Distillery (Lot 28), KANDOBLANC (Lot 29), Tamnavulin (Lot 30), The Glenlivet (Lot 31), Thompson Bros (Lot 33), Gleann Mòr (Lot 34) and Coachbuilt (Lot 38).

The auction was led by The Glenlivet SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965 which smashed its pre-sale estimate to bring £650,000 / $871,358 (est. £60,000-110,000), a new auction record for a bottle of The Glenlivet, following a ten-minute bidding battle. The oldest expression to be released from the distillery to-date, presented in a 1.5 litre spiral decanter hand-blown and shaped by Brodie Nairn at Glasstorm.

An auction record was achieved when The Glen Grant Eternal 77 Year Old 1948, the oldest whisky to be released by the distillery and the oldest whisky presented in this year’s auction, soared to £400,000 / $536,220, five times its low estimate (est. £80,000-120,000).

Port Ellen Prism 46 Year Old 1978 – the oldest whisky ever released by the distillery, housed within a magnum-size 1.5 litre decanter encased in a glass sculpture weighing 100 kilos, created by award-winning German artist Wilfried Grootens – more than doubled its low estimate to bring £375,000 / $502,706 (est. £150,000-300,000), a new auction record for a bottle of Port Ellen.

Ladyburn One of One 2025 Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw 58 Year Old 1966, comprising spirit hand-drawn from one of the very last remaining Ladyburn casks from the distillery’s foundation year and distinguished by a label featuring an intimate, rarely seen photograph of Marilyn Monroe by her friend and photographer Sam Shaw, saw bidding increments as high as £30,000, resulting in a final sale price of £225,000 / $301,624 (est. £30,000-50,000) – an auction record for Ladyburn, and more than double the previous record set by The Distillers One of One sale in 2021 of a bottle featuring a David Bailey photograph of John Lennon.

A flurry of bids saw the Laphroaig Capsule 40 Year Old – created from spirit distilled in 1980 and 1981 to become the joint oldest release ever from the Laphroaig distillery and presented in a flawless 1.5 litre curved crystal decanter resembling a medicinal capsule – sell for a record £125,000 / $167,569, more than tripling its low estimate (est. £40,000-80,000).

Dragon In Clouds 60 Year Old by KANDOBLANC – a 1.5 litre hand-blown Murano glass vessel elevated with intricate Japanese lacquer work, encasing an exceptionally rare 60-year-old Speyside single malt – more than doubled the previous auction record for the visionary whisky brand, selling for £106,250 / $142,433 (est. £50,000-100,000).

Another auction record was set with The Glendronach Arias in Time, a one-of-a-kind collection of four whiskies including the oldest whisky ever released by the distillery, presented upon a bespoke bronze sculptural artwork by Osanna Visconti, which brought £93,750 / $125,677 (est. £60,000-100,000).

A gallon bottle (4.5 litre) of 58 Year Old Glenfarclas, housed in a unique oak presentation case, sold for £81,250 / $108,920 (est. £24,000-45,000) – an auction record for Glenfarclas Distillery.

The Gordon & MacPhail 130th Anniversary Collection, featuring three rare, one-off 50cl single malts from Gordon & MacPhail’s own brands and distilleries, brought £68,750 / $92,163 (est. £50,000-80,000).

A 63 year old single malt distilled at Mortlach Distillery, accompanied by an original, signed illustration by Sir Quentin Blake of William Shakespeare which also appears on the bottle label, achieved £67,500 / $90,487 (est. £20,000-26,000) – an auction record for Livingstone The Macbeth Collection and for a bottle of Mortlach. 

Old Pulteney Polaris, a rare 47 year old whisky and Old Pulteney’s oldest release to date, encased within a Caithness slate structure from Norse Stone symbolising the cliffs that guard the distillery, far-exceeded its estimate to bring £62,500 / $83,784 (est. £26,000-40,000).

Leading the selection of casks on offer was the Bruichladdich Cask of Biodynamic Single Malt 2013, the distillery’s third contribution to The Distillers One of One Auction, which sold for £50,000 / $67,028 (est. £10,000-20,000) – an auction record for Bruichladdich Distillery.

“Elementum” by Vicky Paul, a 21-litre vessel created by the Edinburgh-based contemporary abstract painter, housing a single malt whisky from The Borders Distillery, brought £25,000 / $33,514 (est. £10,000-15,000).

Undeterred by the mystery element surrounding the lot, collectors enthusiastically competed for four unique bottles of single malt donated by The Thompson Bros under the MYSTERY MALT label.  Specifically curated for this year’s auction, the spirits ignited fierce competition amongst collectors in the room, before selling for £20,000 / $33,514; the winning bidder will only find out the identity of the exact whiskies when opening the bottles to reveal the distillery and age statement underneath the capsule.

Finally, a bottle of The Distillers One of One 2025 Founders’ Reserve, a specially created assemblage of Scotch malt whiskies donated by ten of The Distillers One of One 2025 Founder Donors, realised £17,500 / $23,460 (est. £1,000-10,000). Ahead of the auction, The Ethos Foundation and The Hunter Foundation both generously agreed to match the hammer price (£14,000), which they will donate directly to The Distillers’ Charity.*

The entire Distillers One of One team is immensely grateful to all the donors, to everyone who attended and bid, and to the auction sponsors and partners (please see full list below). 

Full list of lots and auction results can be viewed HERE 

For further Distillers One of One updates, please follow us on @distillers_one_of_one

Six leading charities are funded as delivery partners by The Distillers’ Charity to achieve the goals of the Youth Action Fund: Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, FARE Scotland, Street League, ENABLE Works and the Talk About Trust. To date, over 3,780 young people have been engaged by the fund (for more details, please see notes to editors below).

Participating Donors (in alphabetical order)

Founder Donors:

1. Bacardi – John Dewar & Sons: Aberfeldy & Royal Brackla
2. Brown-Forman – The Glendronach
3. Campari Group – The Glen Grant
4. Chivas Brothers International Limited – The Glenlivet & Aberlour
5. Diageo – Port Ellen
6. Gleann Mór – Rare Find
7. Gordon & MacPhail
8. International Beverage – Old Pulteney
9. KANDOBLANC
10. Suntory Global Spirits – Laphroaig
11. The Last Drop
12. William Grant & Sons – Ladyburn & House of Hazelwood

Member Donors:

13. Ballindalloch Distillery
14. Berry Bros. & Rudd – Balmenach & Caol Ila
15. The Borders Distillery

1. Livingstone & Elixir Distillers
2. Loch Lomond Group – Glen Scotia
3. R&B Distillers – Isle of Raasay

19. Rémy Cointreau – Bruichladdich
20. Whyte & Mackay – Tamnavulin

Associate Donors:

21. Adelphi Distillery
22. Arbikie Distillery
23. The Artisanal Spirits Company
24. Coachbuilt Whisky

1. Hunter Laing – Ardnahoe

26. InchDairnie – KinGlassie
27. J & G Grant – Glenfarclas
28. La Martiniquaise Bardinet – Glen Moray
29. Lindores Abbey Distillery
30. Master of Malt
31. The Glenturret Distillery
32. Thompson Bros
33. Tomatin
34. Whisk-E – Arran
35. Young Spirits – Ferg & Harris – Springbank 

Distillers One of One Sponsors

Gold Sponsor:

W1M

Programme Sponsors:

Forsyths

Glencairn Crystal

McLaren Presentation

Simpsons Malt Limited

Silver Sponsors:

Hamilton & Inches

Brodies LLP

Partners:

Whisky Magazine & Paragraph Publishing

Berry Bros & Rudd & Hambledon Wines

The Luminaire

*The amount to be donated is separate to the sale total.

About The Distillers One of One® Auction and The Distillers’ Charity

The Distillers One of One Auction is a biennial series of ultra-rare whisky auctions, which launched in 2021. To date, the Auctions have raised £6.6 million, principally awarded to the Youth Action Fund with the aim of supporting young people in Scotland, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. The Youth Action Fund’s portfolio charities are Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, Enable Works, Fare, Street League and The Talk About Trust (formerly Alcohol Education Trust). They are collectively managed by Inspiring Scotland.

More than 3,780 young people have been engaged through the Youth Action Fund since its inception in early 2022, benefiting from the work the fund’s dedicated charity partners have undertaken, and dramatically increasing their opportunities to enter the workforce. These young people have significantly improved their long-term prospects, either securing employment (33%), progressing to further/higher education (28%), pursuing other vocational training and apprenticeships (19%), or re-engaging with school (15%). The cumulative employability outcome (to September 2025) currently stands at 2,619

A total of 120 unique lots have been donated across the 2021 2023 and 2025 auctions, 67 of which broke world sales records for the distilleries who created and donated them. The Distillers One of One has earned its reputation as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for collectors: no two bottles are ever the same, and no lot will ever be recreated. Each lot is imbued with the spirit of craftsmanship and exclusivity, representing the pinnacle of Scotch whisky.

The Distillers One of One® is a trading name of The Distillers’ Ventures Limited, a company registered in England & Wales under company number 13264121 and registered office at 9 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4PE.

The Distillers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (no1193683) and Scotland (SC052075)

One of One® and Distillers One of One® are registered trademarks of The Distillers’ Charity

https://www.distillersoneofone.com/

@distillers_one_of_one

 About Sotheby’s 

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private collection of wine ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest total ever achieved for a charity wine auction.

THE BOURBON STATE:

CHALLENGES CONTINUE AMID RECORD BARREL INVENTORY & SKYROCKETING TAXES

KY DISTILLERS PAYING $75 MILLION IN AGING BARREL TAXES

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Boasting more than 125 distilleries, the most since the Repeal of Prohibition, Kentucky now has an all-time high of 16.1 million aging barrels of Bourbon in its warehouses, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced today.

And while homegrown distilleries across the Commonwealth have cemented Kentucky’s place as the one, true and authentic home of Bourbon, the record number of barrels comes with a price that no other distiller in the world pays.

Kentucky distillers are footing a crushing $75 million tab in aging barrel taxes this year, a 27% increase from 2024 and an astronomical 163% increase over the last five years alone. Kentucky remains the only place in the world that taxes aging barrels of spirits.

Barrel taxes are based on the assessed value of aging barrels which surged to $10 billion this year, a 25% increase over last year’s record of $8 billion. In addition to the 16.1 million barrels of Bourbon, a million barrels of other spirits are aging for a total of 17.1 million barrels.

The new numbers are based on inventories reported as of Jan. 1, 2025, submitted by distilleries and warehousing companies to the Kentucky Department of Revenue. The numbers represent all distilling companies in Kentucky, the vast majority of which are KDA members.

KDA President Eric Gregory said the barrel inventory record is a mixed blessing.

From a “glass half full” viewpoint, there are now a record 127 licensed beverage alcohol distilleries in the Commonwealth operated by 103 companies. Several more have been announced or are under construction, meaning more jobs and investment for Kentucky.

With distillers now in 49 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, more local communities are enjoying the benefits of Bourbon tourism through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences that attract nearly three million visitors a year from across the globe.

“In more communities across the Commonwealth, Bourbon is a point of pride and opportunity. Our industry delivers unmatched tax revenues and world-class Bourbon tourism that no other state comes close to experiencing,” Gregory said.

“And remember – most of these barrels won’t be ready to bottle until 2030 and beyond. We must be ready for that time. Kentucky is poised long-term to continue leading American whiskey into new global markets, new opportunities and through challenging headwinds.”

From a “glass half empty perspective,” Gregory said continued uncertainty over tariffs, competition for leisure dollars, snowballing taxes and generational shifts in drinking have slowed sales and slashed exports.

“We have been sounding alarms for years on these external factors,” he said. “But just as you can’t make Bourbon overnight, we won’t fix the problems we’re facing overnight. We must continue to work with policymakers to find solutions and ensure Bourbon’s long-term future.”

Gregory said changes made to address the barrel tax issue is a good example. The KDA warned elected officials for years that mounting barrel taxes were unsustainable and put the industry at a competitive disadvantage.

Relief is in sight, however, thanks to a gradual, 20-year phase out of the discriminatory tax passed by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2023. Next year marks the first year distillers will see some relief – a 4% reduction in the taxes.

On the global front, Gregory reiterated the KDA’s call for a speedy return to reciprocal, tariff-free trade that had transformed Kentucky Bourbon into a key export for the Bluegrass. “You’re not going to find a better model for reciprocal trade than Kentucky Bourbon,” he said.

“Kentucky Bourbon is a great American success story. Trade agreements with the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and other allies played a vital role in the Bourbon renaissance that has created thousands of Kentucky jobs and led to billions in investment.”

Gregory said the KDA has recently hosted trade leaders from Canada and Ireland, met with the First Minister of Scotland, and consulted with Kentucky’s Congressional delegation to advocate for the removal of trade barriers to keep Bourbon competitive and to unlock new markets.

“Much of the expansion over the last decade has been geared towards global growth,” he said.“Long-term planning for a product that won’t be ready for years is already tough enough. We need the certainty of tariff-free trade for America’s only native spirit to flourish.”

For pundits who remain unsure whether their glass is half-full or half-empty, Gregory issued a reminder that Kentucky’s signature industry is no stranger to hardship – from the dark days of Prohibition to the downturn of the 1970s and 1980s.

“For 200 years, this industry has survived everything thrown at them,” he said. “This is a resilient industry, and the great American workers who make it possible are steadfast through the ups and downs. For that, we raise a glass to them.

“Every one of our 17.1 million barrels represents a Kentucky Bourbon promise to our farmers, our workforce, our communities and Bourbon lovers worldwide. We are one Bourbon family. We will innovate, problem-solve, adapt and come out stronger than ever.”

“Kentucky is poised long-term to continue leading American whiskey into new global markets, new opportunities and through challenging headwinds.”

— Eric Gregory, KDA President

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA)  is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

Former KY Senator Thayer enters Bourbon Hall of Fame

“This industry owes him a lot of recognition for the changes we’ve seen the last 13 years,” former KY Rep. McCoy says of the Gentleman from Scott

NEW HAVEN, Ky. — The Kentucky bourbon industry toasted noted horse-industry consultant Damon Thayer on Tuesday, inducting the recently retired state senator and Kentucky Senator Bourbon co-owner into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® during a ceremony at the Log Still Distillery.

In his 22-year Kentucky Senate tenure, including the last 12 years as Majority Floor Leader, Thayer championed Kentucky’s world-renowned bourbon industry by shepherding through transformative legislation that allowed America’s only native spirit to thrive. The resulting public policy created an environment that helped expand global consumption of bourbon and turn the Commonwealth’s distilleries into a major, cohesive tourism destination centered around the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

The Scott County resident retired from the Kentucky Senate at the end of 2024, but his involvement with the Commonwealth’s $9 billion bourbon industry had gone far beyond legislator, advocate and responsible consumer by then. In 2018, Thayer and Lexington attorney Andre Regard — a direct descendant of the founders of Old Grand-Dad Whiskey — revived the century-old Kentucky Senator bourbon brand that originally had been distilled and bottled by Crigler & Crigler in Covington, Ky.

For all that and more, the 145-year-old Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) selected Thayer as one of five inductees in its class of 2025 for its hall of fame. Established in 2001, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame was established “to recognize the sacrifice, passion and determination of those who have made Kentucky Bourbon what it is today,” according to the distillers’ association, with induction the organization’s highest honor. No more than five people are in a class, with Thayer inducted in his first year of eligibility.

The KDA had already made Thayer one of the first eight legislators to receive its 100 Proof Award, given to elected officials who promote and protect Kentucky’s home spirit. He’s the only senator to receive the award four times.

The distillers’ association called Thayer “one of the strongest champions of Kentucky Bourbon in the history of the Kentucky General Assembly … directly responsible for stewarding more than 20 pieces of legislation that modernized Kentucky’s signature industry, propelled its amber nectar into an unprecedented golden age and transformed distilling into an economic and tourism powerhouse for the Commonwealth.”

Former Kentucky State Representative Chad McCoy of Bardstown, the CEO of Thousand Acres Distilling Co. and a 2022 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee, introduced Thayer. He referenced Thayer’s role of Senate Majority Floor Leader, telling the crowd of 300 and YouTube audience that “politics is an absolute blood sport, and Damon was kind of a cage fighter back in the day.

“For 12 years, he was the gate-keeper. If he didn’t get what he wanted, and you had a bill that still had to come through the Senate, your bill was going to die, and there wasn’t anything you could do about it. Think about it from this industry’s perspective … What was this industry doing 13 years ago? Were we allowed to have samples at the distillery? Were we allowed to sell drinks at the distillery? Were we allowed to have fairs and festivals? Were we allowed to ship bourbon? Were we allowed to have barrel picks? Were we allowed to have tasting rooms? Every single one of those changes happened because that man over there pushed it through on the Senate floor…. This industry owes him a lot of recognition for the changes we’ve seen the last 13 years.”

Unleashing “absolute economic giant”

Thayer said that he wasn’t even a bourbon drinker in 2009, when he stood on the Senate floor to express outrage over legislation that added a new wholesale tax on distilled spirits passed on to retail customers. The bill easily passed, but Thayer embarked on a personal mission to create a more business-friendly environment for bourbon in the Commonwealth.

“In my 22 years in the Kentucky State Senate, my main goal was removing artificial barriers to free enterprise, for businesses of all sizes,” Thayer said. “Those of you who work in the bourbon business, you know that there were lots of artificial barriers erected for you by the then-legislature post-Prohibition. What triggered me to become a bourbon advocate was voting ‘no’ on that bill in 2009. I still think it’s one of the dumbest things that the Kentucky General Assembly has done over the past 25 years, putting a hidden alcohol tax on our No. 1 product. And I’m proud to say that after that day, the bourbon industry is undefeated in Frankfort.”

In an earlier interview with KDA vice president of operations Colleen Thomas and Kroger adult beverage specialist Chris Blandford, Thayer emphasized that he stood “on the shoulders of a lot of like-minded people in both parties in the Kentucky General Assembly who saw things the way I did about helping to unleash the absolute economic giant that the bourbon industry has become…. You could see it, because the foundation has been here for such a long time with the great heritage that the bourbon industry has in Kentucky.

“You could see it just needed a little bit of a boost, just simple things like being able to serve a cocktail at a distillery, to be able to have a restaurant, to be able to sell more than a couple of bottles of bourbon out of a gift shop. We already knew people were coming here for the bourbon trail, and you could sense that bourbon was on the ascent. It’s become a cool thing to be a part of. We reached a tipping point where we just started passing these bills, passing these bills, and the industry has flourished and gone from strength to strength ever since.”

In his acceptance speech, Thayer said, “I’m just glad that during my time in the legislature that I had just a few strokes on a masterpiece,” he said. “And that masterpiece is the industry that you make work every day.” Citing the names of some of the bourbon titans, he called his induction “an honor of a lifetime.”

(Literally providing icing on the cake while being feted, Thayer was presented with a full-sized red, white and blue cake to commemorate the fact that he turned 58 Tuesday, with KDA president Eric Gregory leading the audience in singing Happy Birthday.)

Thayer’s work to promote and grow the bourbon industry parallels his legislative support for another iconic Kentucky industry — horses and horse racing — to where Kentucky tracks today form America’s premier year-round racing circuit after being in jeopardy just a few years ago. A racing fan growing up in northern Michigan hundreds of miles from a racetrack, Thayer’s professional career has involved the horse-racing industry in a variety of capacities, including with Thistledown, the Maryland Jockey Club, Turfway Park and the Breeders’ Cup and since 2007 as an industry consultant through his Thayer Communications & Consulting LLC. He’s a part-owner in racehorses through CJ Thoroughbreds and his Half Century Equine Ventures LLC.

As with bourbon, Thayer has been honored for his advocacy for the horse-racing industry, including as 2024 recipient of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award and being the keynote speaker at the National HBPA Conference in Tampa in March.

Thayer has received the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s MVP Award eight times for his focus on the growth of Kentucky businesses. He is a two-time recipient of the Kentucky League of Cities’ Big Hitter Award for stepping up to the plate and achieving passage of legislation that would significantly impact Kentucky cities. He announced in 2024 that he would not seek re-election in part to spend more time on his growing bourbon enterprise and consulting business.

Exchanging KY Senate post to devote more time to KY Senator

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is a testament to Regard and Thayer’s love of bourbon and history, as well as a shout-out to Thayer’s time as a citizen legislator.

KySenatorBourbon.com says the revived brand “serves up great Kentucky bourbon with a side of Kentucky history.” Distilled, aged and bottled in the Bluegrass State, each release is named for a U.S. Senator from Kentucky. Always bottled at the classic 107 proof, Kentucky Senator Bourbon is at least six years old — the length of a U.S. Senate term.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon has six Kentucky releases, the latest honoring John Edwards, elected Kentucky’s second U.S. Senator on June 18, 1792, and buried in Paris, Ky. The first revival release, in 2021 and aged 15  years, honors Alben W. Barkley of McCracken County, who served as a U.S. Senator from 1927-1949 and again in 1955 until his death in 1956. He was Vice President of the United States under President Harry S Truman from 1949-1953.

The brand kicked off its Louisiana Senator Bourbon this year by recognizing the charismatic Huey P. Long, governor of the Pelican State (1928-1932) before becoming a U.S. Senator until his 1935 assassination.

The Kentucky bourbon industry generates more than 23,100 jobs, with an annual payroll topping $1.63 billion. Bourbon production and consumption in the state pours more than $358 million in annual tax revenue for Kentucky state and local governments.

Also in the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame’s stellar class of 2025 are:

Craig Beam, 66, Bardstown, Ky. A seventh-generation distiller who continues his family’s legacy as Master Distiller at the Jackson Purchase Distillery in Western Kentucky, one of the Commonwealth’s fastest-growing contract distillers.

Mary Dowling, Lawrenceburg, Ky., who died in 1930 at age 71. In an era when women couldn’t vote or own property, Dowling as a young widow overcame anti-Irish sentiments and gender barriers to become a trailblazing bourbon entrepreneur, becoming the first woman to run a major distillery in 1903 and audaciously moving production to Mexico during Prohibition.

Larry Ebersold, 75, a Hebron, Ky., resident and Louisville product who blended corporate experience at Seagram’s with entrepreneurial consulting to leave an indelible mark on the modern bourbon and rye whiskey industry. A key architect of the craft distillery boom, Ebersold’s expertise has shaped facilities for 31 distilleries, including New Riff, Rabbit Hole and Bardstown Bourbon.

Chris Morris, 67, Louisville, Ky., was first inducted into the bourbon hall in 2016 and this time as the recipient of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award. Morris was named the first Master Distiller Emeritus in Brown-Forman’s 153-year history in 2023. The 50-year veteran of the Kentucky bourbon industry is hailed around the world for elevating Brown-Forman’s whiskey portfolio and crafting innovative brands such as Woodford Reserve Double Oak and its vaunted Master’s Collection. One of the industry’s most respected historians, he is a three-time Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors

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).

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 and 2023
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon has won 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

Bimber Distillery announces the launch of The Spirit of the Underground Release No.8

London 08/10/25: Bimber Distillery has today announced the launch of the eighth release in its ongoing and renowned The Spirit of the Underground Collection, produced in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL). facilitated by IMG Licensing.

Release No. 8, comprising four exceptional, hand-crafted single malts, embarks on a journey to celebrate four iconic new stations: Elephant and Castle, Marble Arch, South Kensington, and Kew Gardens.

Each release features stunning iconography that captures a unique facet of London’s rich history, paired with distinctive labels and packaging that reflect the historical significance of each station’s location.

All expressions in The Spirit of the Underground Collection were crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced using single-farm barley, malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings. It underwent a seven-day fermentation in bespoke American oak washbacks, constructed on-site. Distillation took place in Bimber’s direct fire, copper pot stills which possess an increased copper surface area, which results in a rich fruit-forward, layered spirit.

Bottled at natural cask strength and without filtration, each bottle in Release No. 8 showcases a unique yet perfectly harmonious balance of aromas and flavours, embodying Bimber’s passion and craftsmanship.

The Spirit of the Underground Release No.8 is comprised of:

The Spirit of the Underground Collection, which will total 44 individual releases, features a selection of iconic single malt whiskies that celebrate the heritage and diversity of the distillery’s home city. With eye-catchingly unique designs, each bottle presents a different Tube station on the London Underground network – the oldest underground passenger railway service in the world.

Commenting on the launch of the eighth release, Steve Rush, Head of Marketing and Communications at Bimber Distillery, said: “We’re delighted to reveal the next four stations joining  The Spirit of the Underground Collection. Two of these remarkable expressions have been matured exclusively in Ex-Bourbon Barrels, whilst the other two have been finished in a Tawny Port and a Re-Charred Cask – each contributing its own unique character to our fruit-forward single malt London whisky. Four new whiskies – each as distinctive as the iconic stations they celebrate.”

Ellen Sankey, Brand Licensing Manager at TfL, said: “It’s wonderful to see Bimber Distillery use our unique brand and heritage so creatively for this, their eighth collaboration with us. These collaborations show just how innovatively our designs can be used to bring new ideas and more than 160 years of history together for customers across the world.”

Release No. 8 will be available via ballot on Bimber’s Spirit of the Underground website from 10/10/25 to 14/10/25, with an RRP of £135.00 each.

About Bimber: Founded in 2015, Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. Our traditionally-focussed approach to whisky creation combines the finest ingredients with heritage production methods that are rarely seen today and an absolute commitment to quality. Our detailed approach has seen us recognised as a leading light in whisky production and garnered multiple industry awards. Producing a wide array of fruit-forward, textural single malts we deliver the ultimate craft whisky experience to a rapidly growing global community of Bimber whisky lovers.

About Transport for London: Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s strategy and commitments on transport. It runs the day-to-day operation of the Capital’s public transport network, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, London Buses and Elizabeth line services, as well as managing London’s main roads. TfL does all it can to support the millions of journeys that are made every day and keep the city moving, working and growing. TfL reinvests all income generated through fares and commercial revenue to run and improve services and is committed to reducing costs.

About IMG Licensing: IMG Licensing is the global leader in brand licensing, managing licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. With over 25 offices worldwide, IMG Licensing provides a unique one-stop-solution for innovative brand growth across a diverse portfolio of clients from business, entertainment, fashion, food, gaming and sports. IMG Licensing is part of WME Group, a global network of businesses that represent the world’s leading talent, intellectual property, and brands. For more information, visit imglicensing.com.