BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF ‘ON TOUR’ TRAVELING TASTING EXPERIENCE THIS FALL 

The complimentary experience will bring the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery to fans across Missouri, Colorado and Texas, with three new city stops and one returning favorite

FRANKFORT, KY (August 27, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery announces today the return of its immersive traveling tasting experience: Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour. Now in its second year, the tasting and retail experience will visit four U.S. cities: Branson, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas; and Denver, Colorado, bringing the Distillery experience to fans beyond its Frankfort, KY home.

Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour brings the spirit of the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery on the road, inviting bourbon fans across the country an opportunity to taste its whiskeys, hear its stories and experience a piece of Buffalo Trace Distillery closer to home. Led by expert hosts, guests are guided through four distinctive pours while gaining a deeper understanding of the craftmanship, history and character behind each whiskey.

With each pour, guests will explore the details that shape the whiskeys, from mashbills and tasting notes to maturation techniques and other elements that give each expression its distinct character. The experience also features an exclusive retail offering of custom, city-specific barware created for each tour stop, offering guests the opportunity to take home a collectible piece of Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour while supplies last.

“The heart of Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour is bringing Buffalo Trace closer to our fans and creating more opportunities for them to experience the Distillery beyond Frankfort,” said Erica Bovard, Senior Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We were thrilled by the response to last year’s tour and are excited to build on that momentum by returning to familiar markets and reaching new ones. It is a chance to share our whiskeys, our stories and the craftsmanship behind them with the people who make Buffalo Trace what it is.”

Each stop on Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour will offer a total of 14 complimentary tasting experiences spread out over four days with staggered afternoon and evening time slots. Each session will feature a guided tasting lasting approximately 75 minutes and a lineup of popular brands including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, Weller Antique 107, and the new Sazerac Rye 100 Proof.

The dates and locations for each city are as follows:

• Branson, Missouri at Big Cedar Lodge – October 1-4
• Kansas City, Missouri at The Bauer – October 8-11
• Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas at The Laurel – October 14-17
• Denver, Colorado at Church Ranch Event Center – November 12-15

“Some of the best memories are made around a table, sharing a sip of Buffalo Trace Bourbon with people you enjoy,” said Ed Bell, Sazerac Homeplace Director. “The response to our first On Tour showed us there’s something meaningful about creating those moments outside the Distillery, and we’re excited to do it again in new locations. Whether guests are longtime Buffalo Trace fans or just beginning to explore bourbon, we hope they leave having discovered more of what makes Buffalo Trace Distillery and its brands so special.”

Tickets are complimentary, but advance reservations are required. Registration opens Wednesday, September 2 at 10 a.m. ET/9 a.m. CT, with a limit of four tickets per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Availability is limited, and tickets are expected to go quickly. Those interested can find tickets here.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

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

Where Craft Meets Creativity: James B. Beam Distilling Co. Launches Creator Campus

New open call gives podcasters, musicians and multidisciplinary creators the opportunity to create original work in one of America’s most iconic whiskey destinations.

CLERMONT, Ky. (August 2026) – James B. Beam Distilling Co. (JBBDCo.), home to American whiskey brands including Jim Beam®, the world’s no. 1 bourbon, Knob Creek® and Basil Hayden®, today announced the launch of Creator Campus, a new initiative that invites podcasters, musicians, filmmakers, digital creators and storytellers to apply for the opportunity to develop original work at its historic Clermont, Kentucky campus.

Rooted in more than 200 years of American whiskey-making tradition, Creator Campus transforms a portion of the JBBDCo. campus into a dedicated creative environment where heritage and contemporary culture intersect. Selected participants will receive access to the distillery’s expansive grounds and distinctive spaces to bring projects to life – from recording podcasts and filming content to producing music and hosting collaborative retreats.

More than a production space, Creator Campus offers an immersive experience at the home of Jim Beam®. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the distillery through whiskey tastings, educational experiences, restaurants, special releases and signature events, including the Clermont Supper Club series, while drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship, people and traditions that have shaped the Beam family legacy for generations.

WHY JAMES B. BEAM DISTILLING CO. IS LAUNCHING CREATOR CAMPUS

For decades, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus has welcomed visitors from around the world to experience the history and craftsmanship behind the spirit. With Creator Campus, JBBDCo. is expanding that legacy by creating a place where today’s creators can produce original work in an authentic setting unlike a traditional studio.

As creators increasingly seek distinctive, real-world locations that inspire storytelling and collaboration, Creator Campus offers access to one of America’s most iconic distilleries as both a creative workspace and cultural destination. The initiative reflects JBBDCo.’s ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, hospitality and bringing people together through meaningful experiences.

“At its core, JBBDCo. has always been about craft – making something meaningful to be shared, bringing people together,” said Freddie Noe, eighth-generation master distiller at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. “Creator Campus builds on that tradition by opening our doors in a new way, inviting creators to draw inspiration from this place as I have and create something entirely their own.”

HOW TO APPLY  

Creators interested in applying can visit HERE to learn more and submit an application.  Emerging and established creators including podcasters, musicians, filmmakers, digital creators and storytellers are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to bring their creative vision to life at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus.

Selected participants will be chosen based on the originality of their ideas, their creative vision and their alignment with the collaborative spirit and storytelling that define the JBBDCo. brand.

Creator Campus is open only to content creators and influencers who are 21 years of age or older. Additional eligibility requirements and official terms and conditions apply.

About James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Founded by America’s first family of bourbon, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. has crafted genuine American Whiskey since 1795. Its portfolio includes globally coveted and award-winning whiskey brands including Jim Beam®, Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, Booker’s®, Baker’s®, Little Book®, Legent®, Old Tub®, Old Overholt®, Old Crow®, and Old Grand-Dad®. Maintaining the whiskey traditions of eight generations of family distillers while advancing the category through innovation, the Beam family has defined what American Whiskey could be and should be for more than 225 years. The James B. Beam Distilling Co. crafts American Whiskey with genuine, quality ingredients that are distilled and aged without compromise at its family distilleries in Clermont, Kentucky.

About Suntory Global Spirits

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

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society, and aims to have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com.

THE ARDARA DISTILLERY RELEASES THE SECOND EDITION OF

ARDARA SINGLE MALT IRISH WHISKEY

The Ardara Distillery, home of Sliabh Liag Distillers, released the 2026 Edition of Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey on Saturday 8th August 2026 – the second release of the heavily peated Donegal single malt. To mark the release, the distillery opened its doors for free tours throughout Ardara Show Day, with tastings of the 2026 Edition taking place at the Ardara Show.

Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey began its journey last year on Ardara Show Day, where its first pour took place with the community that had been part of the distillery’s story from the beginning. Visitors to Ardara Distillery saw the three copper stills from Forsyths at work and heard the story of illicit distilling, the family recipe that inspired Ardara, and how that lost craft of Donegal smoky Irish whiskey had made its return.

The 2026 Edition is the second release of Ardara Single Malt, the whiskey created to reclaim a lost part of Donegal’s whiskey heritage: its smoke. A century ago, Donegal was known for making a smoky whiskey unlike any other. Barley was dried over burning turf and whiskey was made heavily peated, much of it outside the law. Then the law closed in, Irish whiskey turned smooth, and Donegal’s smoke faded from view. Ardara is committed to bringing it back, and that commitment has its roots in a family recipe.

Pictured is James Doherty with the very first bottles off the line for the second release of Ardara Single Malt

James Doherty, founder of The Ardara Distillery, said:

“At Ardara, we’re bringing back smoke. Six weeks before she died, my grandmother gave me the whiskey recipe that had belonged to my grandfather, an illicit distiller in Donegal. By then, the style he had made had almost disappeared. Irish whiskey had become smooth, and the smoky character once associated with Donegal was fading from memory. This whiskey is made his way: heavily peated, all grain in and triple distilled.”

“When we released the first Ardara Single Malt in 2025, we took the ambitious step of releasing 10,000 bottles, and we’re delighted with the way that whiskey has performed in Germany, France, the UK and the global Duty-Free market. We’re just about to ship Ardara to the USA. For us, that’s hugely encouraging. It shows that there is an appetite for this style of Irish whiskey beyond Donegal, and that the story we are telling about the return of smoky Irish whiskey is beginning to resonate around the world.”

Adding to this, James said:

“We want to bring back that love of smoky spirits, not by simply recreating the past, but by making the whiskey properly and giving that lost craft a place in the world again. That’s what my wife Moira and I set out to do when we started building the distillery here in the south-west of Donegal.”

“The second release of Ardara Single Malt is an important moment for us. It shows that what began with my grandfather’s recipe and our determination to reclaim Donegal’s smoke is now becoming an ongoing whiskey tradition of its own. The 2026 Edition is the clearest statement yet of our purpose: to reclaim Donegal’s lost whiskey craft and prove smoky Irish whiskey can stand with the best in the world.”

Ardara Single Malt is made using what the distillery calls The Ardara Method: heavily peated, all grain in and triple distilled. The malt is heavily peated to create its distinctive sweet, nutty smoke. All the grain is kept in throughout fermentation and into the wash still, building a fuller, weightier spirit with the character to carry the smoke. The whiskey is then triple distilled before resting in 6,000-litre Solera Vats for 72 hours. It is then emptied to 1,200 litres and filled into casks, creating an eternal link of continuity from the very first bottle to the last.

The result is a heavily peated Irish single malt with layers of sweet smoke, orchard fruit and rolled tobacco; powerful but not overpowering, smoky but not medicinal.

“There is a dragonfly on every bottle of Ardara, drawn from the ones found around the pond at the distillery,” James added. “A dragonfly spends most of its life underwater, out of sight, before breaking the surface and taking flight. For generations, Donegal’s smoky whiskey tradition was much the same: once a defining part of the place, then hidden from view as the style disappeared from Irish whiskey. We’re not just bringing that tradition back; we’re giving it a future.”

At 46% ABV, Ardara Single Malt opens sweet, fruity and nutty, with a hint of waxiness wrapped in sweet pipe smoke. Hot beignets and poached pears arrive first on the palate, before deepening into roasted coconut, almond, leather and rolled tobacco. Sweet smoke and campfire follow, giving way to a long, sweet baked-apple finish.

The 2026 Edition of Ardara Single Malt Cask Strength, bottled at 60.9% ABV, brings the same character with greater intensity: green melon and husky citrus on the nose, followed by beignets, honeyed pear, coconut, leather and rolled tobacco on the palate. A hint of menthol carries through to a smoky, earthy finish of baked apple and raisin.

Overholt Rye Release | Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11YR

Over the last few years there’s been a refocus on Overholt, as evident through the launch of A.Overholt and the Extra Aged Cask Strength brand extension. Today, we celebrate the launch of Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11YR 2026 Edition.

This expression of Old Overholt’s Kentucky Style Rye delivers a distinct & rich liquid, full of balanced rye spice flavor complimented by notes of vanilla, caramel, and charred oak complexity. Released once a year in small quantities, this expression offers a high-value vintage style liquid designed and blended from select warehouses and highly curated barrels.

Year 4 of this annual release launches as an 11yr, unfiltered, Cask Strength American Rye. Distilled and barreled in the spring season of 2014 and laid down in 3 distinct warehouses in Clermont Kentucky to ensure incredible consistency and gentle flavor mellowing over time.

TASTING NOTES

Non-Chill Filtered for a more robust flavor

Color – Golden Tawny

Aroma – Bold, vanilla & baking spice underpinned with hints of tobacco

Taste – Allspice, sweet vanilla and caramel, charred oak

Finish – Pleasant, full bodied with lingering notes of black pepper

Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11YR is 125.6 proof with SRP of $109.99 for a 750mL bottle.

Circle City Whiskey Co. Celebrates Success As It Expands 50/50 Club Whiskey Program Offering

As Circle City charts significant growth over the last year, its expanding 50/50 Club program brings together two unique barrels of whiskey from different distilleries into a new rebarreled blend that showcases a truly distinct custom creation process.

INDIANAPOLIS — August 10th, 2026 —  Circle City Whiskey Co., an independent bottler of the finest in American whiskey, is proud to announce the expansion of its popular 50/50 Club offering into several Midwestern states. The result of a very deliberate blending process, the 50/50 Club whiskeys represent the pinnacle in the idea of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. This expansion comes as the brand undergoes significant positive growth and growing industry recognition of its quality offerings.

Circle City owner Drew Black, looking to grow his company’s offerings, liked the idea of blending so much that he looked to his existing stock of sourced American whiskey barrels, aiming to utilize barrels of an outstanding nature that didn’t quite fit into his brand’s very popular single barrel program. It is from this that  the 50/50 Club concept was born.

“The goal of the 50/50 Club was to create whiskeys that are truly unique to Circle City Whiskey Company,” said Black. “It was also our first foray into blending completely different whiskeys from different distilleries, so I wanted to keep things simple to start. We definitely accomplished our goal of creating something unlike anything else and our supporters were enamored with the results, so much so, that bourbon clubs and retail customers began asking for their own 50/50 Club blends.”

The 50/50 Club creation journey begins with the careful selection of two barrels of distinctly different whiskeys from different distilleries, which Black feels will complement each other as a new whiskey after going through a custom creation process. A rigorous selection technique involves tasting through up to 20 barrels before the perfect potential combination is found.

After bringing together the chosen barrels into a single liquid, the newly blended brown spirit is then rebarreled into two barrels (either the original two barrels or a new charred oak barrel), creating two distinct versions of the blend – a key step of the 50/50 Club journey towards being bottled. The resulting new whiskey which emerges fits tightly into the Circle City ethos of intentionally created offerings that are grounded in the aspects of transparency, quality, and value.

“With our roots firmly planted in the bourbon nerd community from day one,” noted Black, “the goal of Circle City Whiskey Company is always to produce whiskeys that bourbon nerds and explorers will love. Whether it be single barrels or unique blends, we produce whiskeys we love to drink because, ultimately, we are bourbon nerds first.”

Following the initial success of a 50/50 Club blend from two well-known American whiskey distilleries, Circle City is bringing this program to key retail markets in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois for clubs and retailers wanting their own special pick. This expansion follows a significant growth curve the company has experienced of over 100 percent YTD 2025 vs 2026.

Other key markers of Circle City’s success include winning multiple ASCOT Double Platinum and Platinum medals, as well as being named Best in Category: American at ASCOT for its 11+ year rye whiskey. Circle City also recently opened its own lounge and gift shop at its location in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For additional details on the Circle City Whiskey Co. 50/50 Club program, please reach out through the contact page on the Circle City website.

About Circle City Whiskey Co. 

Circle City Whiskey Co., based in Indianapolis, Indiana, evolved from a very popular bourbon club with 65 barrel picks over five years into a preeminent American independent bottler. Led by Drew Black, a highly regarded expert in whiskey barrel sourcing, Circle City seeks to select the best whiskey they can find from distilleries across the United States. Once sourced, the intersection of collective palate, quality finishing, and master blending is put forward to leave the brand’s unique stamp on every product they release.

Wylye Distillery

Hidden in plain sight 

It’s rare to discover a distillery that’s been laying down casks for three years and only has one person at the helm. But without fanfare, Sam Barber, the owner and distiller at Wylye, has been producing single malt from a repurposed collection of old farm buildings, tucked away in the Wylye Valley in Wiltshire. With well over one thousand casks in his warehouse, Sam is ready to welcome guests to explore the charming Windmill Farm and share his whisky.

Purpose

Having grown from a whisky enthusiast to maker, Sam believes this simple agricultural product is fundamentally about a relationship between drinker and distillery. And that’s why he has one simple purpose: “to create a single malt distillery in the Wylye Valley which becomes a home for whisky drinkers around the world”.

Place

The Wylye Valley lends itself as an area for a malt distillery. Its belt of fertile soil allows Sam to source barley from a local grower and use a nearby traditional floor maltings. Set within four buildings and surrounded by rolling hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Windmill Farm is found in the ancient village of Wylye. And with its own water source, it’s here that Sam mashes, distils and matures all of Wylye’s spirit. 

Process

Sam has a half tonne brewhouse with five temperature-controlled washbacks, running a balanced double distillation on two traditional Forsyths copper pot stills.

Sourcing wood from three cooperages, he matures Wylye’s casks in an old tin roof pole barn, embracing the valley’s seasonal swings. Instead of finishing, all of Wylye’s distillate is filled into casks for full-term maturation giving various options for vatting in the future.

To reveal the character of Wylye’s new make in its most expressive form, ex-bourbon barrels are the bedrock of the warehouse, but Sam also uses ex-solera butts and has a seasoning program with wineries in Montilla-Moriles and Jerez-Xérès-Sherry.

Visits

Dining and tasting rooms sit in a restored dairy, complete with a bespoke bar, log burner, cosy interiors and a growing library of books on spirits, beer and wine. Also featuring a vatting lab and drinks terrace, the picturesque Windmill Farm will host trade, media and private customers, giving guests the chance to sample Sam’s whisky and discover more about Wylye.

Sam said: “The first bourbon barrels I laid down in July 2023 have now turned three. Having spent more time with these vessels than my family – often to the latter’s relief – I’ve become quite attached and it won’t be easy letting them go. But I also want to give my whisky a chance to evolve and reach its full potential, so I won’t be bottling just yet. It is, however, time to start letting drinkers know what I’ve been up to, sharing a few drams of Wylye, and allowing people to experience what makes Windmill Farm such a special place to make single malt”.

To follow Sam and Wylye go to: IG: @wylyedistillery or visit: www.wylyedistillery.com

The Lost Close Unveils Independently Bottled, Story-Driven Whisky

Edinburgh, 29th July 2026 – The Lost Close, an underground historic whisky attraction just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, today announces the launch of a new independently bottled whisky. The release marks the latest milestone in The Lost Close’s ongoing commitment to story-led whisky experiences.

The Lost Close No. 3 is a 30-year-old North British grain whisky with an ABV of 44.6%, distilled in Edinburgh in December 1995 and matured in a single refill hogshead for three decades. This rare release not only represents exceptional cask selection but also tells the story of one of Edinburgh’s most significant distilling institutions: the North British Distillery. With just 238 bottles produced, The Lost Close No. 3 is a whisky deeply rooted in Edinburgh’s heritage.

Founded in 1885 and operational by 1887, North British was established as a co-operative to challenge the monopoly on grain whisky production held by the Distillers Company Limited (DCL). Over its long history, the distillery has endured significant global events, having been repurposed for munitions production during World War I and temporarily closed during World War II due to shortages of raw materials.

These dates place North British only around 60 years younger than The Lost Close itself, reflecting the longevity and resilience both share within Edinburgh’s cultural heritage.

This particular cask was expertly selected in partnership with Chris Cusiter, former Scotland international rugby union player and now CEO of CASC Whisky Ltd, an independent Scotch whisky bottler. Single cask expressions from North British remain comparatively rare, particularly at this age. While grain whisky is typically matured for use in blends, relatively few casks are left to age for 30 years before being released as single cask bottlings, making this an increasingly remarkable discovery.

Chris Cusiter commented: “A whisky like this is just as much about the story as it is the flavour. You’ve got over 30 years of quiet maturation, tied to a distillery with real history in the city, it all adds to the experience. What I loved about this cask is that it delivers both a beautifully balanced, elegant whisky, and a deeper sense of place and time behind it.”

Katie Scott, Head of Events and Experiences at The Lost Close, said: “The Lost Close No. 3 fits perfectly within our whisky range. It’s a beautiful example of the kind of story-driven spirit we love to share. Every tasting with us is led by our expert Storytellers, and no two experiences are ever the same. This whisky gives us something truly special to explore with guests, connecting flavour, history and Edinburgh’s unique heritage in a meaningful way.”

Mature North British grain whiskies are especially prized for their ability to develop complexity while retaining a silky, elegant texture. After three decades in cask, The Lost Close No. 3 reveals a rich and refined profile. On the nose, it is clean, light and estery, with notes of green apple and underripe pear. The palate is light and airy, with butterscotch, toffee and hints of fresh coconut, leading to a vibrant, quick and citrussy finish.

Distilled during a pivotal cultural moment, the whisky also captures a snapshot of 1995, a year when Scottish culture was experiencing a global revival. Braveheart had reignited global fascination with Scotland and Trainspotting was being filmed on the streets of Edinburgh. The Lost Close offers guests the opportunity to experience another unique aspect of Edinburgh’s history, stepping into a close that was ‘lost’ following the Great Fire of 1824 before being found again in 2019.

The independently bottled range builds on The Lost Close’s growing reputation for expertly curated whisky experiences. By leveraging in-house expertise, the team will continue to expand its portfolio with distinctive, story-led expressions designed to elevate the guest experience.

The Lost Close No. 3 is now available exclusively at The Lost Close for £135, located just off Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile on Barrie’s Close.

About The Lost Close:

Discovered during excavation works in 2019, The Lost Close lies hidden beneath Edinburgh’s old courthouse – a remarkable underground space. What remains today is all that’s left of an unknown close destroyed during the Great Fire of 1824, now thoughtfully restored to offer a series of premium tasting and storytelling experiences. From whisky tastings to immersive events, The Lost Close invites guests to explore a unique part of Edinburgh’s past, where history, craftsmanship, and atmosphere come together in an unforgettable setting.

https://thelostclose.com/

DUNCAN TAYLOR SCOTCH WHISKY

LAUNCH FIRST MIZUNARA OCTAVE CASK

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky has further expanded its award-winning Octave portfolio, with the introduction of its first-ever Mizunara oak cask finish.  The launch marks another milestone in the company’s continued innovation within this range.

Directly sourced from Japan, the rare Mizunara oak cask was chosen to finish a triple-distilled Auchentoshan single malt over an initial four-month maturation period. The result is a distinctive Octave whisky that showcases the unique influence of this highly prized Japanese oak.

Ian Logan, Senior Spirits Manager at Duncan Taylor, said:  “The ongoing success of our Octave range gave us the opportunity to push the boundaries and experiment with new cask finishes. Auchentoshan’s lighter, triple-distilled spirit, allowed the Mizunara oak to fully express its natural character and the results far exceeded our expectations.”

The Mizunara cask arrived at Duncan Taylor’s headquarters in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, in March after being exported directly from Japan. Although Mizunara is renowned for being one of the most challenging oak species to work with due to its porous nature, it is equally celebrated for producing exceptionally elegant and complex whisky finishes.

Distilled in October 2011, the Auchentoshan matured for 14 years before spending four months in the Mizunara octave. Bottled at 52.1% ABV, the whisky has developed a rich and distinctive flavour profile.

Before octavation, the whisky displayed notes of vanilla yoghurt, honey, ginger, gentle citrus and soft spice. Following its time in the Mizunara octave, those flavours evolved into creamy rice pudding, golden syrup, mandarin, cedarwood and a lingering ginger warmth.

Logan added:  “We started experimenting for this project and the Auchentoshan quickly stood out as the ideal match for the style of the cask. The transformation has been remarkable and we’re delighted with the outcome. This is just the beginning of our exploration with Mizunara and we’re excited to see what other spirit styles work equally well with this exceptional wood.”

To mark the release, Duncan Taylor collaborated with Japanese photographer Kato Shu (FRPS) to capture the bottle alongside a Mizunara oak in an ancient forest at the foothills of Mount Fuji. While much of Japan’s native woodland has changed since the Edo period, this remarkable landscape remains home to towering Mizunara oaks, some more than 300 years old, which continue to thrive against the odds.

The Octave Mizunara finish has yielded just 76 bottles, making it an exceptionally limited release. It will be available exclusively through The Spirits Embassy, priced at £125.

There is more to come from Duncan Taylor’s innovative Octave range, not just with Mizunara casks but also further experimental finishes and new wood types are already in development and will be released later in the year.

HISTORY OF DUNCAN TAYLOR SCOTCH WHISKY 

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky is an independently owned scotch whisky specialist which was established as a cask broker and trading company on May 27^th, 1938.

Nearly 90 years after the company was first registered, Duncan Taylor is recognised on the global stage as one of the most innovative and dynamic whisky companies.  The company’s devotion to the principles of providing exceptional casks for filling at the finest distilleries, has been a key feature of its history.

The multi-award-winning company has built a reputation for its ownership of one of the largest privately held collections of some of the world’s most sought after vintage and rare whiskies and it continues to act as a reputable whisky merchant, blender, bottler and cask broker.

Today, the company sits on the periphery of Speyside, in the heart of scenic Huntly, Scotland, where it has its own facilities of a cooperage, cask storage, blending and bottling hall.  It also owns The Bank Restaurant & Café, The Club Room and Whiskies of Scotland shop all located in the Aberdeenshire town centre, close to its headquarters.

Its award-winning portfolio of brands includes Black Bull® Whisky, The Octave®, The Rarest®, Tantalus, and Dimensions®, among others. Find out more at https://www.duncantaylor.com/.

Douglas Laing & Co. Continues Strathearn’s Evolution with the Launch of Batch 03

Independent Scotch Whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co. proudly unveils Strathearn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Batch 03, the latest small batch release from one of Scotland’s smallest traditional distilleries.

Continuing the distillery’s journey of refining its distinctive Highland Single Malt, Batch 03 builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessors while introducing a richer, more indulgent interpretation of Strathearn’s evolving house style. Remaining faithful to the distillery’s signature cask recipe of ex-Bourbon, Virgin Oak and ex-Sherry Oak casks, this latest release places a greater emphasis on Sherry Oak maturation, adding further depth and richness to Strathearn’s naturally characterful spirit.

Comprising a vatting of 31 carefully selected casks, Batch 03 draws upon both inherited stocks and spirit distilled under Douglas Laing’s ownership, demonstrating the continued development of the team’s understanding of Strathearn’s unique spirit character.

On the nose, rich aromas of toasted malt and barley sugar are complemented by dark honey and warming spices. The palate delivers layers of buttery biscuit sweetness, chocolate and toffee before a long finish of oak, cocoa and soft leather leaves a lasting impression. Bottled at 50% ABV, with no colouring and no chill-filtration, Batch 03 continues Douglas Laing’s commitment to presenting whisky as the distiller intended.

Every production shift at Strathearn Distillery continues to produce just a single cask of whisky, reflecting the meticulous small-batch approach that has become synonymous with the Perthshire distillery. Crafted by a dedicated team of three distillers using Maris Otter Malt, Strathearn remains focused on producing a rich, creamy Highland Single Malt that balances tradition with innovation, while never compromising on quality.

Presented in Strathearn’s distinctive bespoke acorn bottle and premium packaging, Batch 03 proudly continues the distillery’s philosophy that “From small acorns, great oaks grow.”

Angela Brown, Lead Distiller at Strathearn, comments:

“Every batch is an opportunity to better understand and refine Strathearn’s unique spirit. With Batch 03, we’ve carefully increased the influence of our Sherry casks to add further richness and complexity, while ensuring the distillery’s signature creamy character remains at the forefront. It’s a whisky that balances tradition with progression, showcasing the quality of our spirit and the thoughtful approach we take to every stage of the maturation process.”

Strathearn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Batch 03 is now available at select retailers, whisky specialists and online at a suggested RSP of £65.00.