The IWSC Returns to Kentucky for the 3^rd  Annual Spirited Judging

June 1-6, 2026

The “Olympics of the Drinks Industry” Accepting Entries until April 24

LONDON  Spirits industry professionals from around the world will once again gather in Bardstown, Kentucky — the “Bourbon Capital of the World” — for the 3rd IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) in early June.  This year, in addition to judging North American Whiskey and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) spirits, the categories are expanding to accept gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from across the United States.

Founded in 1969, the London-based IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from over 90 countries. The North American Spirits Judging marks the competition’s exclusive North American event, reinforcing Kentucky’s role as a global hub for whiskey and other spirits excellence.

The judges — representing the worldwide standard of beverage expertise — provide North American whiskey and other spirit producers a unique opportunity for international recognition from the competition, widely regarded and recognized as one of the most prestigious in the world. The 2026 Judging Panel of experts brings perspectives from distilling, retail buying, hospitality, media, and global distribution, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced evaluation process.

Led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine, Commercial Buying Director, Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange, the panel of judges will evaluate the entries using the same rigorous judging process as in the UK, which includes double-blind tasting, a limited number of entries judged per day to avoid palate fatigue, and panel discussions between the judges.

In addition to Davies, the other judges for the North American competition are:

• Richard Paterson OBE, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay
• Tiffanie Barriere, The Drinking Coach
• Jack Beguedou, Spirits Industry Consultant
• Georgie Bell, Ambassador, Scotch Malt Whisky Society and co-founder of The Heart Cut
• Gary Gruver, Director of Global Beverage Strategy, Marriott International
• Molly Horn, Total Wine & More
• Brad Japhe, Spirits Journalist
• Reece Sims, SIP Spirits Consulting & The Flavor Report
• Tristan Stephenson, bartender and co-founder of Black Rock, London

“Over the years, the quality of submissions has changed dramatically.  We’re working in a highly competitive area, and it’s up to international competitions like IWSC to reveal where these changes are happening,” said Richard Paterson OBE, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay.  “It’s an exciting time, an innovative time, and thanks to the IWSC, we can show the world what gold medal winners are all about.”

Kentucky is one of just seven global locations where the IWSC replicates its London judging model through its Global Judging initiatives. As in London, the Kentucky event pairs rigorous tasting sessions with programming that celebrates the people, places, and spirits that define America’s whiskey culture.

Medals awarded include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Outstanding. Top-scoring products advance to the prestigious Trophy Judging round. Winners are revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration in November 2026 in London

How to Enter

Visit the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging page to submit entries.

Entry deadline: April 24^th

Winners will be announced June 12, 2026

About the IWSC

Since 1969, the IWSC has set the global standard for beverage excellence. Known as the “Olympics of the drinks industry,” the IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from 90-plus countries. Judges are key decision-makers in the industry, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Master Distillers and Senior Buyers. These experts assess wines, spirits and alternative drinks using a rigorous panel process that ensures fair evaluation. The IWSC stands out for its expert judging, consistent attention, comprehensive categories and global recognition. For producers, its offers benchmarking, recognition and business connections. For consumers, IWSC medals guide excellence in a wide selection of drinks.

About the IWSC Competition Global Judging
Since 2022, the IWSC has held in situ Global Judging events, an initiative introduced by
Strategy and Business Development Director Christelle Guibert. The IWSC is proud to be the first international drinks competition to institute a series such as this. Until today, wine and spirits have been judged in Italy, Austria, Georgia, Turkey, Italy, Argentina, Australia, the United States, South Africa and China. The competition is committed to the initiative due to the opportunities it gives all producers in a region to take part, no matter what their size is, and allows for the drinks entered to be judged in context by judges who are up to date with the region and its most recent developments.

Booker’s Bourbon Releases Its First 2026 Batch!

The first Booker’s Bourbon Batch of 2026 is inspired by one of Booker Noe’s favorite cities in the world: New Orleans…introducing the Booker’s “Big Easy” Batch, a bold, high-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that pays homage to a place Booker returned to time and again – for the food, the people, and the unforgettable flavors that stayed with him long after each visit.

This Batch is made up of five separate production dates and were stored in five different storage warehouses. The age is 7 years, 2 months and 15 days and bottled at a bold 129.1 proof. The result is a bourbon that’s big and unmistakably Booker’s, with aromas of vanilla and spice, a warm and robust palate, and a long, lingering finish.

Booker’s Batch 2026-01 “Big Easy” Batch

• Proof: 129.1
• Age: 7 years, 2 months, 15 days
• MSRP: $99.99
• Sipping Suggestion: Enjoy neat or with a splash of water to open up the flavors

Liquid Breakdown:

• 16% was stored on the third floor of warehouse H, a nine-story house
• 24% was stored on the sixth floor of warehouse G, a nine-story house
• 16% was stored on the fifth floor of warehouse O, a seven-story house
• 22% was stored on the third floor of warehouse J, a nine-story house
• 22% was stored on the fourth floor of warehouse M, a seven-story house

Master Distiller Notes

The full batch background story is shared below, on behalf of Fred Noe, 7^th Generation Master Distiller.

For a guy who lived in Kentucky, Dad sure found himself in the Big Easy plenty. He made his first trips down there as a young man, friends like Billy Roby by his side, the two of them eating and drinking their way around town. Some time after that, he and Mom visited on their honeymoon. In later years, they’d always point out the bar where they shared a drink as newlyweds. The place seemed to love him back too, during one visit they even changed the name of Bourbon Street to Jim Beam Bourbon Street for a day.

But it was the flavors of New Orleans that really held a special place in Dad’s heart. He couldn’t get enough if its food – a fresh oyster here, a bowl of jambalaya there. But you wouldn’t find his favorite dish on the menus of the fancy restaurants, no, it was the Lucky Dog street cart that caught his eye and stole his heart.

We were watching Bourbon Street’s famous barrel races from the balcony of our French Quarter hotel when he spotted that cart rolling down below. He sent me to get us some – and boy, you’d have thought it was the best damn bite he’d ever had. His love for those dogs became legendary in the city, living on even after he passed – in fact, when Freddie and I last went, a five-star restaurant served us up some on a silver platter. Dad found flavors he loved everywhere he went. I hope you’ll be as taken with this bourbon as he was with those Big Easy Lucky Dogs.

Glenmorangie The Thirty is a rare celebration of age and imagination

 — Distillery’s oldest core range whisky is a deep and compelling single malt —

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today releases the deep and compelling Glenmorangie The Thirty – now the oldest whisky in the Distillery’s core range. Nurtured to its best by imagination and skill, this spicy, berried single malt is a celebration of the art of cask finishing and long maturation. In stunning contrast to the Distillery’s signature style, The Thirty combines a parcel of rare whisky which has been long finished in Burgundy red wine casks with classic bourbon-cask matured Glenmorangie, for notes of dark fruits, cumin and clove.

For more than 180 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators have been relentlessly imaginative in their pursuit of excellence. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden MBE, they distil their spirit in uniquely tall stills to create Glenmorangie’s hallmark elegance. Their mission is to elevate their favourites and bring new possibilities to whisky. Aged to perfection, The Thirty is testament to their vision and expertise.

To build The Thirty’s character over three decades, Dr Bill draws on his unparallelled knowledge and expertise in wood finishing and cask selection. At this whisky’s heart is a parcel of rich, berried single malt, finished in Burgundy red wine casks for more than 15 years. Comprising two-thirds of the recipe, it reflects Dr Bill’s love of this French wine region – and his renowned experiments with Burgundy casks. Dr Bill balances the wine casks’ richness with another parcel of Glenmorangie wholly aged in classic bourbon barrels, to create a rich and spicy whisky with hints of the Distillery’s house style. The Thirty’s flavour profile is full of cherries, berries, cumin and clove, subtly threaded with more familiar notes of orange and peach.

Glenmorangie The Thirty is contained in a presentation box of rich, purple tones, which reflect the luxurious hues of Burgundy red wine. This colour is complemented by copper accents – a nod to the distillery’s uniquely tall stills – and hints of Glenmorangie’s signature orange.

Dr Bill said: “When time and the alchemy of whisky are brought together in exactly the right way, incredible single malts like Glenmorangie The Thirty are born. It takes three decades to nurture this whisky to its full potential – and we select only the casks which can stand the test of time. Showcasing a whisky long finished in Burgundy casks, The Thirty balances richer, fruity flavours with hints of our signature, elegant style. Unexpected aromas of raspberries and cherries lead into tastes of ripe peach and candied orange cut through by leather and spice. This single malt is our celebration of age and imagination, 30 years in the making.”

Glenmorangie The Thirty will be available to purchase from the end of March at glenmorangie.com, the Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain and Glenmorangie’s London Heathrow Boutique, with other markets launching throughout the year, RRP: £740/ €850.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on: Instagram and Facebook: @Glenmorangie

For exclusive access to new releases, news and events, join Glenmorangie’s community

RRP: €850

TASTING NOTES

Glenmorangie The Thirty is bottled at 43% ABV

Colour: Russet tones

Aroma:  Aromatic, deep and mysterious. Think chocolate truffles, honeycomb, cherry and raspberry, joined by baking bread, linseed oil and toffee apple. A splash of water releases more herbaceous top-notes of orange blossom, heather honey and hand-rolled tobacco.

Taste: A burst of fruits such as ripe peaches and apricot, honeydew melon, toffee apples, blackberries, and candied orange. Tannins are silky and well-integrated, mingling with hints of fudge, eucalyptus and leather.

Finish: Bold but mellow, revealing some gentle spices like aniseed, cumin and clove.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in unusually tall stills to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this pioneering crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

In 2025, Glenmorangie unveiled a new brand campaign, Once Upon a Time in Scotland, fronted by Harrison Ford. Taking the form of 12 episodes, the series explores Glenmorangie’s authentic truths, from its stunning Highland surroundings to the real people who create its complex and elegant whiskies.

About Glenmorangie’s whisky creators:

Glenmorangie’s Whisky Creation Team’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And they are constantly challenging themselves to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that their memories of a favourite place (A Tale of Tokyo), the beguiling flavours of freshly brewed coffee (Glenmorangie Signet) and more.

At the helm of the team is Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation, MBE. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he has taken his place in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice. In 2025, Dr Bill was made an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to the Scotch whisky industry. This prestigious British honour is awarded by His Majesty The King.

Working hand-in-hand with Dr Bill is Gillian Macdonald, The Glenmorangie Company’s Master Blender. Gillian combines art and science in her role, with her main responsibilities including the daily sensory analysis of the new-make spirit, core range recipes and the co-ordination of the Company’s sensory panel. Both Bill and Gillian manage the new whisky creation for Glenmorangie which involves nosing hundreds of casks a year for final recipe selection.

The art of creating aged whiskies such as The Thirty:

It takes experience, skill and perseverance to recognise which casks of whisky will benefit from a particularly long maturation. In the case of Glenmorangie The Thirty, this involves building character over time with techniques such as wood finishing, as well as marrying different casks together before bottling, to create a balanced flavour profile.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Ruth Mulcare

Suntory Global Spirits Names Seth Lorenz U.S. Chief Sales Officer

Lorenz succeeds Dave Turo, who will take over the Suntory Global Spirits portfolio at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits

NEW YORK, January 2026 – Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, has named Seth Lorenz as its U.S. Chief Sales Officer. Lorenz will be responsible for managing the P&L for the company’s U.S. commercial business, including managing distributor and customer relationships and delivering sustainable, profitable growth within the U.S., one of the company’s largest markets.

“Seth’s proven track record in sales leadership and his deep understanding of the spirits market make him the ideal candidate to drive our growth in the U.S.,” said Carlo Coppola, President of North America for Suntory Global Spirits. “His commitment to excellence and ability to inspire teams will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our position in this critical market.”

Lorenz brings more than 25 years of experience in the spirits sector, most recently serving as Chief Sales Officer at Mast-Jägermeister U.S., where he led the team to deliver significant market share growth through his disciplined leadership style and ability to simplify complex strategies. Prior to that, he held roles of increasing responsibility for more than 20 years at Diageo, with experience leading Commercial Excellence teams, Open States, National Accounts and more.

“I am honored to join Suntory Global Spirits and lead the sales efforts in such an important market,” said Lorenz. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to build on the strong foundation laid by Dave Turo and to further enhance our brands’ presence and performance in the U.S.”

Lorenz succeeds Dave Turo, who was recently named EVP, Managing Director – Suntory Global Spirits Portfolio at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Turo served as Suntory Global Spirits’ U.S. Chief Sales Officer since July 2022. Lorenz’s appointment is effective as of January 5 and he will report to Carlo Coppola, North America President.

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

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ADVANCES BOURBON EXPERIMENTATION WITH DEBUT SINGLE OAK RELEASE AND NEWEST ADDITION TO EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION

The releases include Single Oak Rye Bourbon – the winning Barrel #80 from the Single Oak Project – and the 28^th release in the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

FRANKFORT, KY (April 7, 2026) – Two of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most ambitious and long-running experimental programs – the Single Oak Project and Buffalo Trace Distillery Experimental Collection – are debuting new releases this spring: Single Oak Rye Bourbon and Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. More than a decade in the making, these releases reflect the Distillery’s long-standing commitment to studying the variables that shape bourbon’s flavor as they “Honor Tradition, Embrace Change” in pursuit of creating the “world’s best whiskey.”

The Single Oak Project began in 1999, marking the Distillery’s first and most comprehensive experiment to date as it explored the impact of seven variables including mashbill, entry proof, aging location and barrel construction. The experiment comprised 192 unique bourbon barrels, each crafted from specific sections of hand-selected oak trees and filled with either a wheat or a rye recipe before undergoing varied maturation approaches. Consumers were invited to taste and evaluate the resulting bourbons, ultimately selecting Barrel #80 as the standout expression in 2011.

Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery builds on this landmark experiment with the introduction of Single Oak as a permanent, continuously-released whiskey brand. Its inaugural release, Rye Bourbon, faithfully recreates the precise mashbill and barrel aging conditions that defined the celebrated Barrel #80, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the result of one of the industry’s most extensive bourbon studies to date.

The Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection, first introduced in 2006, will debut its 28th release with Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. This innovation explores how lower barrel entry proof influences wood interaction over extended aging, with the wheated bourbon distillate entered at 105 proof – noticeably lower than its traditional 114 proof. Inspired by historical records indicating that pre-Prohibition barrel entry proofs were often lower than modern standards, it represents a clear example of how the Distillery honors tradition while embracing change.

“Experimentation has always been at the core of what we do at Buffalo Trace Distillery,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “These releases represent years of patience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to learning. From the Single Oak Project, where we studied every detail of oak to better understand maturation, to our exploration of entry proof in the latest Experimental Collection, each experiment helps us further our understanding of how individual variables shape flavor and push the boundaries of what bourbon can be. We’re excited for fans to experience the results.”

More about Single Oak Rye Bourbon

The Single Oak Project began in 1999, when 96 oak trees were hand-selected from the Missouri Ozarks. Each tree was cut into a top and bottom section, yielding 192 unique pieces of wood and transformed into 192 individual barrels.

Seven variables were intentionally manipulated to study their impact on the final whiskey:

• Mash bill (wheat or rye recipe)
• Entry proof (105 or 125 proof)
• Stave seasoning (six or 12 months of air drying)
• Wood grain size (tight, average or coarse)
• Barrel char level (number three or number four char)
• Tree cut (top or bottom half)
• Warehouse type (wooden rick floor or concrete floor)

Single Oak Project Barrel #80 entered the barrel at 125 proof and was aged in oak harvested from the bottom half of the tree, featuring average grain wood, staves seasoned for 12 months and charred at a level four. The bourbon was aged in a concrete floor warehouse for eight years before bottling at 90 proof.

For the inaugural release of the Single Oak Collection, Rye Bourbon opens with a delicate yet expressive nose of caramel and vanilla, layered with light baking spice, toasted oak and subtle hints of orchard fruit. The palate is rich and beautifully balanced, unfolding in layers of toffee, vanilla cream and honeyed sweetness, accented by seasoned oak and baking spices. The finish is long and elegant, lingering with warm oak, soft spice and a mellow caramel sweetness.

Each 375ml bottling of Single Oak Rye Bourbon will be available in limited quantities through Sazerac’s national distributor network as well as the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop as of April 2026 at a suggested retail price of $74.99 (local taxes and fees apply). For more information, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/single-oak-project.

More about Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Distillery has several thousand experimental barrels that are currently aging at the Distillery. In keeping with its commitment to crafting fine products, only the most compelling results are selected for bottling and released periodically in limited quantities. The 28^th offering in the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection, Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey represents a first of its kind innovation, examining the impact of barrel entry proof on flavor development.

While previous Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection releases present at 90 proof, Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 107 proof to better capture and highlight the bourbon’s complex flavor profile. The nose features rich layers of caramel and warm brown spice that are balanced by subtle leather and tobacco notes. The palate delivers full-bodied flavors of oak, earth and dried fig, mingling with a leathery depth and rounded sweetness. The finish is long and warming, where spice and fig linger alongside a grounded, oaky character.

Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey will be available through the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop in limited quantities beginning in April at a suggested retail price of $46.99 (375ml; taxes and fees vary by market). For more information, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/experimental-collection.

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.

Long-lost Japanese whisky back at the top table after Gordon Ramsay selection

A £25,000 Japanese single malt is on the menu at Gordon Ramsay’s recently opened Lucky Cat restaurant, creating a unique opportunity to experience whisky history and showcasing Highland distillery Tomatin’s remarkable role in recovering a long-lost and exceptional spirit.

At £2,300 a dram, Shirakawa 1958 is Japan’s rarest whisky and is the most premium spirit offered at the new Asian-inspired dining restaurant in the sky, Lucky Cat, which opened at 22 Bishopsgate in London last year.

It also plays a starring role in Being Gordon Ramsay, Netflix’s six-part documentary series following the acclaimed chef in the creation of his new venture.

During an episode about Lucky Cat, Shirakawa 1958 is featured in an image of the bar with the construction team discussing their fears about the shelf being knocked down at the busy site.

Shirakawa 1958 is a single malt whisky from the lost Japanese distillery, Shirakawa, which was located 200km North of Tokyo, Japan. It is the only official single malt ever to be released from Shirakawa Distillery and the earliest known single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled.

Built in the Fukushima Prefecture, in 1939, the Shirakawa Distillery operated for more than six decades and crafted malt whisky from 1951-1969 – becoming one of the first to do so in Japan. Most of the whisky produced was used in owner Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand.

In 2003, the Shirakawa Distillery was demolished, and its legacy drew to a close, until, more than a decade later, Tomatin Distillery’s managing director Stephen Bremner became intrigued by owner Takara Shuzo’s malt-making past.

After piecing together a complex trail of clues, he identified the existence of Shirakawa stock at Takara Shuzo’s Kurokabegura distillery in 2019. The spirit had been distilled in 1958, aged in cask, then transferred to ceramic jars at the distillery. When Shirakawa shut down, the whisky was put into stainless steel tanks at Takara Shuzo’s factory in Kyushu where it had lain untouched until his discovery.

Stephen said: “Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd was bought by Takara Shuzo in 1986, but it was only in recent years that I became fascinated by the story of Shirakawa and its history of whisky production and embarked on a journey to find out more.

“When I discovered that the last remaining stock was distilled in 1958, I was astounded. It was a genuine ‘wow’ moment as I realised very quickly that what we were dealing with was extremely rare.

“Crafted in the early days of malt production in Japan, it has a distinctive flavour profile, with aromas of exotic incense giving way to grass and fruits before a hint of mint on the finish. It is truly extraordinary and conveys the evolving character of Japanese whisky, which is now acclaimed worldwide.

“We are incredibly honoured that Gordon Ramsay has selected Shirakawa 1958 as the pinnacle of his whisky menu at Lucky Cat. Diners who try it will be transported back to a pioneering era of Japanese whisky as they enjoy one of the rarest drams in the world.”

While the age and cask type cannot be fully determined, Shirakawa 1958 was crafted at a time when the distillery used predominantly Japanese malted barley and Mizunara oak casks.

The expression, which has an ABV of 49%, was bottled by Takara Shuzo Co Ltd in Japan. Just 1,500 bottles were released in 2022 and distributed worldwide by Tomatin Distillery, with an RRP of £25,000 per 70cl bottle.

Shirakawa 1958 single malt Japanese whisky tasting notes – created by internationally acclaimed whisky writer Dave Broom

Nose: Resinous, slight dry earth, dried citrus peels, a hint of wax. Aromatic. A drop of water makes it more vibrant and also shows clear maturity as well as a hint of incense. Exotic.

Palate: The palate is expansive with a succulent texture and hints of fragrant grass. Fruits emerge in the middle. Layered, spiced, and dry. Water brings out ash from an incense burner, a satisfying mouthfeel and surprisingly perky acidity.

Finish: Nicely balanced and persistent on the finish which picks up mint flavouring and makes it more camphor-like.

Shirakawa Distillery

Shirakawa Distillery was built in the Fukushima Prefecture, 200km North of Tokyo, in 1939 by Daikoku Budoshu and demolished in 2003. Even though Shirakawa Distillery was one of the pioneers of malt whisky making in Japan, it was never officially available as a single malt. That category didn’t take off in Japan until the mid-80s, and by that time, Takara Shuzo’s focus lay elsewhere. The land where Shirakawa Distillery once sat was subsequently gifted by Takara Shuzo in 2011 to build emergency housing to accommodate the locals who had been displaced by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd

In 1897 Tomatin was nothing but an isolated and idyllic setting for a distillery. With the new Highland Railway came opportunities, and so the distillery was born. Since then, the distillery has been at the heart of the community and the community at the heart of the distillery. Today, the Tomatin legacy lives on in the form of an exciting and varied range of Highland single malt Scotch whiskies.

https://tomatin.com

Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd

Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd produces sake, other alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. This division comprises the original business; the holding company including it was formed in 2001 as Takara Holdings Inc. Takara Shuzo, one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of traditional alcoholic beverages since sake brewing operations in 1842, acquired Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd in 1986.

In 1951, Takara Shuzo became one of only a handful of distilleries in Japan to produce malt whisky and it continued to do so uninterrupted until 1969. The vast majority of this malt whisky used in Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand.

https://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english

Copenhagen Distillery Named Best Craft Producer in the World

Copenhagen Distillery was awarded the global title at last night’s Icons of Whisky Awards for Craft Producer.

The distillery was first selected as regional winner for Rest of World, alongside winners from Scotland, Ireland, the United States and China. On Wednesday 25 March, it was announced as the overall global winner.

Master Distiller Lasse Öznek comments: “This is a very big moment for us. To be recognised at this level, across all whisky producing countries, means a lot. We respect tradition, but we don’t feel bound by it. This award tells us that our way of working stands on its own.”

Copenhagen Distillery approaches whisky as a balance between art, craft and science. The distillery works with organic Danish barley, long fermentations and single distillation to create a distinct house style. The recognition places Copenhagen Distillery at the forefront of a growing Danish whisky category, which is gaining international attention for quality and innovation.

www.copenhagendistillery.com

INDRI SINGLE MALT INDIAN WHISKY LAUNCHES DIWALI COLLECTOR’S EDITION IN UK

India’s highly acclaimed premium single malt Indian whisky Indri has announced the UK launch of its award-winning Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 Marsala Cask, introducing whisky enthusiasts to one of India’s most distinctive contemporary single malts.

Produced in Indri, Haryana, near the foothills of the Himalayas, the annual limited-edition Diwali Collector’s Edition celebrates India’s vibrant spirit and cultural heritage. The 2025 release captures the essence of Diwali through an artfully crafted whisky and striking presentation, with intricate artwork evoking India’s rich landscapes and timeless beauty as a symbol of light, culture and joy.

Expertly crafted at Indri by master blender Surrinder Kumar, renowned as the architect of India’s premium spirits revolution, the collection is crafted in small batches from indigenous six-row Indian barley. The 2025 release uses hand-selected Marsala wine casks sourced from Sicilian wineries known for their distinctive, characterful wines to create a refined fusion of Indian provenance and Italian elegance.

Bottled at a cask strength of 58.5% ABV, the single malt displays a deep mahogany hue from the Marsala cask. Aromas of stewed apricots, cherries and plums lead into nutty spice, vanilla and honeyed caramel. The palate is full-bodied and expressive, revealing red berries, chocolate, nutmeg and walnuts, rounded by an earthy depth, while the finish is long and lingering, with fruity wine notes and flavours of delicate oak.

Surrinder Kumar, Master Blender for Indri, said: “The Diwali Collector’s Edition represents the pinnacle of our craft at Indri, where each release is designed to push the boundaries of Indian single malt while staying rooted in tradition. The 2025 Marsala Cask release brings together the richness of carefully selected wine casks with the distinctive character shaped by Indri’s unique climate. Every edition is created in limited quantities with a singular identity, making the Diwali Collector’s Edition a unique expression of innovation, craftsmanship and the evolving story of Indian single malt.”

The presentation of The Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 Marsala Cask draws inspiration from the lush gardens of the royal era, featuring elegant arches, majestic elephants and flowing natural elements that reflect India’s rich heritage and the refined character of Indri single malt.

The release will be available in the UK from selected specialist whisky retailers including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange. Limited to just 180 individually numbered bottles in the UK, it has an RRP of £250.

The 2025 edition has already achieved significant international acclaim, including being named Best World Whisky at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards 2025, with a score of 99.1 points out of 100, alongside a Gold medal at The Design & Packaging Masters 2025 for its exceptional presentation.

Named after its village location near the Himalayan foothills, Indri benefits from a unique northern Indian micro-climate of hot summers and cool winters, which plays a defining role in the spirit’s maturation and sets it apart from distilleries in India’s more tropical southern regions.

Since its debut in 2022, Indri has quickly risen to prominence on the global whisky stage and

is the number 1 malt whisky in India (IWSR volume 2024), reshaping perceptions of Indian premium spirits worldwide.

Madhu Kanna, Head – International Business for Indri, added: “The UK is a key market for our premium and collectible whiskies, and we’re proud to introduce our award-winning Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 in response to the strong demand from collectors and enthusiasts.

“The Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition is known for its distinctive cask maturations and strictly limited quantities and has become one of the most sought-after Indian single malt releases among collectors globally. With only 180 individually numbered bottles available in the UK, this rare release further highlights Indri’s growing stature among the world’s most desirable premium single malts.”

For further information about Indri, visit https://www.indri.in/

Tasting Notes

Nose: A full bouquet of complex sweetness, nuttiness and spice. Hints of stewed apricot, cherries, plums, a caramalised richness with vanilla and honey lingering on the nose.

Palate: Full bodied with rich red berries, vanilla, nutmeg, chocolate, walnuts with an earthy finish. A sweet and spicy taste lingers on the palate.

Finish: A long finish with fruity wine and hints of oak lactones.

About Indri

Indri single malt Indian whisky was launched in 2022 by Piccadily Agro Industries Limited (PAIL) aimed at catering to discerning consumers who appreciate quality and craftsmanship in spirits and became the ‘fastest growing single malt whisky brand’ in 2024

PAIL is a publicly listed company operating primarily in two strategic business segments: Distillery and Sugar and has a manufacturing facility located in Indri, Haryana.

PAIL has established itself as a key player in the alcoholic beverages industry, particularly renowned for its expertise in malt spirits. The company boasts a robust portfolio that includes premium expressions of Indri single malt whisky, blended malt whisky brands and Camikara, premium sugarcane juice aged rum.

www.indri.in / www.piccadily.com

Award‑winning Sherry Cask expression leads Glencadam’s latest premium packaging rollout

Glencadam Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, has revealed the next release of its premium packaging rollout, with three expressions transitioning to the brand’s refreshed identity.

The move follows Glencadam’s landmark bicentenary celebrations and the opening of its visitor centre in Brechin.

The new packaging now extends to the award-winning Glencadam Reserva Andalucía Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, Glencadam Reserva de Porto Tawny, Tawny Port Cask Finish and Glencadam Reserva de Porto Branco, White Port Cask Finish, bringing these celebrated expressions in line with the contemporary, elevated look introduced across the core range earlier this year. The update reinforces Glencadam’s premium positioning while preserving the award‑winning single malt within, crafted using the same traditional methods the distillery has upheld since 1825.

The refresh also marks the return of two fan favourites, with the Tawny Port Cask Finish and White Port Cask Finish rejoining the range. Their reappearance reflects ongoing demand for Glencadam’s cask finish expressions and strengthens the distillery’s offering across global markets. All three expressions carry an RRP of £46.50.

The refreshed packaging balances heritage with modern clarity. Each tube highlights cask maturation and tasting notes to aid selection, alongside hand-drawn illustrations by Edinburgh-based artist Andrew Davidson, known for his work on the Harry Potter series, depicting the distillery as it would have appeared in 1825.

A clean, contemporary aesthetic reinforces Glencadam’s commitment to natural colour and non-chill filtration, while the waterwheel motif – an enduring symbol of the distillery since 1825 – features prominently across the design, including an embossed detail around the base of each bottle.

Glencadam’s Master Blender, Iain Forteath, said “The acclaim for our award‑winning Reserva Andalucía Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish highlights just how much whisky lovers appreciate our cask finish releases.

“That’s why the return of our Tawny Port and White Port expressions is something we know people have been waiting for, and reflects both their popularity and our continued focus on delivering characterful, cask‑led whiskies that showcase the versatility of Glencadam’s spirit. It’s great to see them reintroduced in refreshed packaging that better reflects their quality and character.”

The newly packaged expressions include:

• Glencadam Reserva Andalucía Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish – a vibrant, award winning, Andalusian‑inspired single malt marrying ex‑bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks.

• Glencadam Reserva de Porto Tawny, Tawny Port Cask Finish – returning to the range with its signature notes of red berries, toasted nuts and soft spice.

• Glencadam Reserva de Porto Branco, White Port Cask Finish – also returning, offering bright orchard fruit, citrus sweetness and delicate floral character.

With the continued rollout of its premium new look, Glencadam strengthens its cohesive brand identity across global markets, celebrating more than two centuries of craftsmanship while looking confidently to the future

To find out more, visit: www.GlencadamWhisky.com

Glencadam Distillery

Established in 1825, Glencadam Distillery is steeped in history, heritage and tradition, handcrafting single malt Scotch whisky in a process that’s remained unchanged for over 200 years. In 2021, Glencadam Distillery re-installed a working internal waterwheel, modelled on the original which was used to power the distillery back in in 1825.

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Glencadam was mothballed for several years before it was purchased and re-opened by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003.

Today, Glencadam’s multi-award-winning range includes American Oak Reserve, Reserva Andalucía, the 10-Year-Old, 13-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old expressions, as well as a series of special cask finishes.

Visit www.glencadamwhisky.com to find out more. 

Glencadam Distillery Visitor Centre

Glencadam’s state-of-the-art visitor centre opened its doors in November, inviting visitors to explore two centuries of craftsmanship with an intimate look behind the scenes of this storied distillery.

Guests can enjoy guided tours, tutored tastings and an interactive exhibition, tracing Glencadam’s journey from its 1825 origins to its place among Scotland’s most celebrated single malts today. The new brand home also features a whisky lounge, café, retail shop and function suite, blending tradition with modern hospitality to attract more visitors to Brechin and the surrounding area.

To find out more and book a tour, visit HERE

Glencadam Reserva Andalucía

RRP: £46.50

70cl, 46% ABV, Natural Colour, Unchillfiltered

NOSE:  Initial aromas of ripe soft fruits, nougat and oaky vanilla with a background of freshly made fudge.

PALATE: Smooth and creamy with sultanas, orchard fruits and toffee apple sweetness.

FINISH: Long-lasting and silky smooth with honey, muscovado sugar and green tea lingering on the tongue.

Glencadam Tawny Port Cask Finish

RRP: £46.50

70cl, 46% ABV, Natural Colour, Unchill filtered

NOSE: Rich dark fruits and candied cloves with hints of blackcurrant liquorice and baking spices.

PALATE: Layers of brambles, blackcurrant jam, treacle toffee and Morello cherries leading into plum crumble and cedarwood spices

FINISH: Warming notes of walnut, golden syrup and Victoria sponge cake fading into toasty wood spices.

Glencadam White Port Cask Finish

RRP: £46.50

70cl, 46% ABV, Natural Colour, Unchill filtered

NOSE: Tangy strawberries and stone fruits bound with Chantilly cream, buttery malt and citrus oils.

PALATE: Sweet layers of summer berries and baked apple mingled with golden raisins, raspberry jam and brandy snap biscuits.

FINISH: White pepper and custard tarts fading into a cinder toffee and sandalwood linger.

Tomatin brings wood expertise to life with striking new packaging across core range of single malts

Highland whisky distillery Tomatin is showcasing its dedication to exceptional cask management with a bold new packaging refresh across its core range of single malts, marking the next chapter in the brand’s visual evolution while staying true to the values that have defined the distillery for over a century.

The new design highlights the craft, care and expertise which goes into every cask, placing Tomatin’s first-class wood policy centre stage. As one of only a handful of Scotch whisky distilleries to have its own on-site cooperage, Tomatin’s enhanced presentation follows cooper, Allan Bartlett, being awarded ‘Cooper of the Year’ at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards.

At the heart of the redesign is a premium box adorned with a wood-grain motif, symbolising the natural tree rings found in oak. This reflects the distillery’s commitment to wood and knowing the history of each cask which passes through its warehouses, marking a thoughtful evolution from the previous landscape-led design. Each expression is distinguished by a vibrant colourway, from dark indigo, forest green and scarlet red to rich purple and teal blue.

The new packaging also introduces new label designs to further enhance visual impact and shelf presence in competitive retail and on-trade environments.

Range messaging has also been streamlined with clearer product names and simplified information architecture to clearly communicate each whisky’s character. These changes reflect Tomatin’s belief in focusing on what matters most – clarity, quality and authenticity in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The bold new look is being rolled out globally across Tomatin Legacy and Tomatin 12 Year Old Triple Cask, the latter being renamed from Tomatin 12 Year Old, with the remainder of the core range following in the months ahead.

The refresh builds on the success of the vivid scarlet red pack recently introduced for Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask, which will now also feature the enhanced label, delivering a more impactful, contemporary presence on shelves while preserving the award-winning Highland single malt whisky inside. Global travel retail expressions, including Tomatin 8 Year Old and Tomatin 13 Year Old, will also transition to the updated label throughout 2026.

Refined packaging marks a strategic step in Tomatin’s long-term plan to strengthen its presence and positioning in global markets and emphasise the craftsmanship which defines the brand. It follows the 2025 release of Tomatin Double Cask and Tomatin 10 Year Old, which were designed to stand out in grocery and convenience retailers and are achieving widespread success following launch in Tesco and Waitrose respectively.

Jennifer Masson, Head of Marketing at Tomatin, said: “This bold new packaging reflects what we do best at Tomatin – exceptional cask management, craftsmanship and attention to detail. It aligns our visual identity with consumer expectations in modern retail and on-trade settings and gives our whiskies greater presence in global markets. Our focus remains unchanged – creating remarkable single malts at excellent value for whisky lovers around the world.” 

For more information on Tomatin, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its 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 sustainability 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.

2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secure Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status.

Tomatin has a first-class wood policy and a commitment to knowing the history of each cask that passes through its warehouses. It is one of only a handful of Scotch whisky distilleries to have its own cooperage on-site, with cooper Allan Bartlett being named ‘Cooper of the Year’ at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards.

‘To What Matters’ lies at the heart of the brand’s ethos and is a belief in savouring what is truly important.

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