Rare Find Unveils Investigatory Summer Releases

 Gleann Mòr Spirits the well-regarded whisky maker continues its 10th anniversary year with the unveiling of its summer collection of Rare Find single malt Scotch whiskies, which consist of several investigatory cask maturations.

Established in Leith, Edinburgh, Rare Find has built its reputation on curating limited-edition bottlings sourced from Scotland’s most sought-after distilleries. With a focus on meticulous selection, guided maturation, and exceptional cask finishing, the whisky maker is known for crafting whiskies that are rare by design.

The anticipated new expressions showcase five exceptional Scotch single malt whiskies. Included in the summer releases are: Rare Find’s first release from Annandale Distillery – a preview of an ongoing experiment into sherry barrique finishing and the utilisation of a rarely seen white port cask together with single malt from Wick’s Pulteney distillery as an exploration of the balance that is possible between sweetness and salinity.

The 2025 Summer Rare Find releases consist of:

• Craigellachie 11 year old (1st Fill Oloroso Finish): Produced as an online exclusive for www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk, Craigellachie’s weighty and characterful distillate has been amplified further with a 9-month finish in a 1st fill oloroso hogshead resulting in a substantial whisky packed full of sweet intensity.

• Annandale Peated 6 year old (Oloroso Barrique Finish): In an ongoing exploration of cask influence, this peated Annandale single malt has been re-racked from an oloroso butt into a oloroso-seasoned barrique to examine the continued maturation effects of smaller sherry casks. This first Annandale release marks the beginning of an evolving series, with future bottlings set to showcase extended maturation within the high-impact 225 litre casks.

• Glenglassaugh 11 year old (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Finish): Rare Find’s second release from Glenglassaugh and a rare use of a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru wine cask. After nearly two-years in a red wine barrique, this coastal style distillate has been perfectly balanced with the addition of expressive, vibrant red fruits.

• Pulteney 17 year old (1st Fill White Port Finish): A pioneering release, and Rare Find’s first use of rarely seen white port casks. The coastal, salinity-forward character of Pulteney’s spirit has been perfectly preserved through a measured and monitored 6-month finish that serendipitously has resulted in an age statement identical to the beloved, but departed Old Pulteney 17 year old.

• Braeval 16 year old (1st Fill Ex-bourbon Cask Finish): Rare Find’s first release from Braeval for several years is the result of a 12-month finish in a 1st fill ex-bourbon cask. This has produced a truly expressive single malt that speaks to the distillery’s spirit character. This release was recently awarded an IWSC Gold Medal at 95 points.

“These upcoming summer releases reflect our unwavering commitment to quality and flavour,” said Greg Urquhart, Spirits Manager for Rare Find. “Each bottle captures a distinct narrative – not only of the whisky’s maturation journey but also of Rare Find’s evolution over the past ten years. We’re excited for whisky enthusiasts to explore these new expressions and uncover a new favourite.”

The Rare Find Summer 2025 releases will be available in select retailers from 7th July 2025. Further details of Rare Find stockists can be found at www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk/stockists. The five Summer Releases are joined by an online exclusive tasting pack of 2025 World Whisky Awards winning Rare Find Releases.

Rare Find 2025 Summer Releases + Award-Winning Tasting Pack

Craigellachie 11 year old

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Finish

54.1%, 145 bottles

£75.00

Exclusively available from www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk

Aromas of baking spices, raisins, cigar leaf, and toffee. A complex palate with flavours of dark chocolate, prunes, caramel, and breakfast tea. A hint of nutmeg is present in the warm and long finish.

Annandale (peated) 6 year old

Oloroso Barrique Finish
60.4%, 334 bottles

£75.00

A smoky and sweet nose with some salinity and candied ginger. The palate is filled with aniseed sweetness and ashy smoke, which leads to fruity orange flavours and a hint of lime at the end. 

Glenglassaugh 11 year old

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Finish

55.9%, 302 bottles

£79.00

A fruity nose comprising of cranberry jelly, strawberry and key lime pie. A creamy palate with more red fruit, rhubarb, wine gums, and Chinese five spice. A finish that is both long and fruity.

Pulteney 17 year old

1st Fill White Port Finish

56.7%, 164 bottles

£115.00

The nose is scented with white fruit, spices, and pear drops. Cantaloupe melon, sour sweets, sea salt, and oatcakes create a rich palate that finishes intensely with a hint of menthol.

Braeval 16 year old

1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Cask Finish

62%, 195 bottles

£139

On the nose, there is buttered popcorn, pencil shavings, and mandarin. A mouthfeel that is both juicy and oily, with flavours of toffee, vanilla, cherry, and flapjack. Orange and white pepper lend a bold finish.

Award-Winning Tasting Pack
Bunnahabhain 40 year old | Blended Scotch Whisky 34 year old | Glenlossie 30 year old | Mortlach 10 year old
£49.00

Exclusively available from www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk

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.

SINGLE MALT DISTILLERY ARDGOWAN FILLS FIRST CASK

Inverkip-based single malt producer announces first distillate to be filled to cask since its completion

Independent Scotch whisky business Ardgowan Distillery Company today announces the filling of its first cask since building concluded earlier this month.

Founded in 2017, the west coast firm is led by whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain and Distillery Manager Laura Davies who together spearhead an expert team with a combined experience spanning over seven decades in the whisky industry.

Featuring an impressive Scandinavian longhouse design and visually striking 97% recycled aluminium roof, the distillery has its sights set on producing top quality whisky and striving for carbon neutrality.

The historic milestone saw Ardgowan’s first oak cask filled with new make spirit ready for maturation and an official Opening Day held last Friday (20^th June 2025).

Following eight years of development, planning and construction, it is the first new distillery to open in Inverclyde for over a century. Until now, the last distillery to operate in the region was destroyed in the Greenock Blitz on 7th May 1941.

Millions of pounds (GBP) have already been invested in the distillery’s signature ‘Infinity Casks’: oak casks which have hosted Sherry for three years prior to production commencing and are intended for maturation periods of 18 years or more.

Sustainability was a top consideration throughout construction, with green technologies, including Thermal Vapour Recompression (TVR), which recycles heat waste, being installed.

Commenting on this major landmark, Grain shares:

“After a lengthy build, the team and I are thrilled to now be in full production and filling casks with our own distillate, including private casks for our Clan Ardgowan members. Ardgowan’s ultimate goal is to revive the golden age of Scotch whisky with long Sherry cask maturation in European oak.

“Our commitment to quality is demonstrated by investing millions of pounds in our signature Infinity Casks years before the distillery was built. These bespoke oak casks were created exclusively by renowned ​Bodegas Miguel Martín and Macallan’s former Master of Wood Stuart MacPherson. Producing whisky is all about time and patience, so, as we fill our first casks and open the site to the public, we look forward to steadily perfecting our Single Malt in the years to come.”

The Ardgowan Distillery’s visitor centre is planned to open later this summer with various experiences on offer, catering for whisky novices and connoisseurs alike.

ABOUT ARDGOWAN:

Nestled in the undulating Ardgowan Estate in Inverkip, we are on a mission to revive the golden age of Scotch whisky. We are led by Roland Grain, a whisky connoisseur coming from IT who built up ties in the Scotch whisky industry over the last 15 years. His journey now culminates in the creation of Ardgowan Distillery, where every decision has been made with quality and sustainability at the forefront. From our architecturally stunning distillery to our unique wood policy, every detail is designed to deliver full, flavoursome and robust spirit. At the heart of it all are our signature Infinity Casks: symbols of our long-term commitment to producing exceptional whisky.

#CraftedWithPurpose

While we await our own Single Malt coming of age, the Clydebuilt brand provides a home for our independent bottlings. Discover more here.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at ardgowandistillery.com

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Heaven Hill Named Most Awarded U.S. Distillery for Second Consecutive Year at 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (June, 2025) – For the second year in a row, Heaven Hill Brands has been named the Most Awarded U.S. Distillery at the prestigious 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, earning a staggering more than 90 medals across its portfolio—including 15 Double Gold and 15 Gold awards. The distillery also had seven products advance to the “Best of Class” finals, with winners to be announced at the Competition’s Top Shelf Convention in November. This recognition reaffirms Heaven Hill’s position as a leader in American whiskey and spirits, with exceptional performance across a wide array of categories.

Best of Class Finalists:

Seven Heaven Hill products were named Best of Class Finalists, highlighting the distillery’s range and mastery of craft across styles:

• Best of Class Straight Bourbon Finalist: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C924
• Best of Class Wheated Bourbon Finalist: Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon
• Best of Class Wheat Whiskey Finalists:
  • Bernheim Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 19-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey
• Best of Class Cream Liqueur Finalists:
  • Carolans Salted Caramel Irish Cream
  • Evan Williams Egg Nog
• Best of Class Small Batch Bourbon 11 Years & Older Finalist: Widow Jane Lucky 13 Bourbon

Platinum Medal Winners:

Four standout Heaven Hill products were awarded the rare Platinum Medal, an honor reserved for entries receiving Double Gold three years in a row:

• Carolans Irish Cream
• Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Bourbon
• Widow Jane 10-Year-Old Bourbon

The achievement marks an additional notable event in a banner year for Heaven Hill, as the company prepares to celebrate two major milestones: the highly anticipated opening of the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in September 2025, and the company’s 90th anniversary on December 13, 2025.

“These awards are a true reflection of the craft, innovation, and legacy that define Heaven Hill Brands,” said Kate Latts, Co-President and third-generation family member. “To be recognized again as the ‘Most Awarded U.S. Distillery’ is not just an honor, it’s a validation of our commitment to making spirits that resonate with consumers and connoisseurs alike.”

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, founded in 2000, is one of the world’s most respected and rigorous judging events. Over 6,000 spirits were blind tasted by a panel of industry experts to ensure fair, unbiased evaluation based solely on quality. For more information, visit www.thetastingalliance.com.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is one of the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producers and marketers, as well as the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill has been named a Best Managed Company in both 2024 and 2025 by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Heaven Hill, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Widow Jane, Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye and FEW Whiskey; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul and Ocho Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; and Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur.

From America With Spirit:

The Emergence of American Single Malt Whiskey

London, June 2025: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is proud to present American Single Malt as one of the most dynamic and exciting new trending movements in global whiskey. Officially recognised as a distinct category by the United States government in December 2024, this new wave of American craft distilling is arriving in the UK with bold intent, showcasing a diversity of style, regional character and creative expression that is reshaping what single malt can be.

After years of advocacy by distillers and industry groups, American Single Malt is now federally defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), with strict production standards. These include distillation from 100 percent malted barley, production at a single distillery in the United States, maturation in oak casks not exceeding 700 litres, and bottling at no less than 40 percent ABV. All whiskey must be mashed, distilled, and matured entirely within the United States.

This official recognition has triggered a surge of international interest, including from the UK, one of the world’s most sophisticated whiskey markets. According to IWSR data, American whiskey exports to the UK rose by 28 percent in 2024, with premium and craft segments leading growth. Within this, American Single Malt has emerged as a key driver, celebrated for its inventive production, regional nuance and distinctive flavour profiles.

Industry tastemakers and publications such as Whisky Advocate, Punch, Forbes, and VinePair have all spotlighted American Single Malt as a category to watch, with growing interest from collectors, bartenders and whiskey bars looking to offer something fresh.

“American Single Malt brings something new to the table while respecting the craft that whiskey lovers appreciate,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of DISCUS. “This is a new world whiskey rooted in quality, innovation and a deep sense of place.”

To mark the arrival of the category in the UK, DISCUS will host a dedicated showcase of American Single Malt, alongside Bourbon, American Rye Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, and other American spirits at Bar Convent London (BCB), the UK’s leading on-trade drinks show. The event takes place on Sunday 30 June and Monday 1 July 2025 at Tobacco Dock, at Booth EM5-01.

Visitors to the DISCUS booth will be able to sample a curated selection of American Single Malts and a range of American Spirits from some of the most forward-thinking distilleries in the United States, all of them DISCUS members. Featured distilleries include:

• Angel’s Envy
• Arizona Distilling Co.
• Brother’s Bond Bourbon
• BroVo Spirits
• Good Trouble Bourbon
• Proof and Wood
• Reservoir Distillery
• Stone Ledge Spirits
• Uncle Nearest
• Virginia Distillery Co.
• Westland
• Woodford
• Yellowstone

On Monday 30 June, DISCUS will host a masterclass at BCB titled “American Single Malt – New World Whiskey, New Rules” from 2:15 to 3:00 p.m., offering UK drinks professionals a guided tasting and deep dive into the category’s evolution and global potential.

That evening, the celebration continues at the American Spirits Networking Reception, taking place from 6:30 p.m. at Odyssey Bar and Lounge in Shoreditch. This exclusive, invite-only event will feature American whiskey cocktails, guided tastings and a gathering of key trade, media and creative guests. RSVP via the registration link.

For UK buyers, bartenders and whiskey lovers, American Single Malt offers the familiarity of single malt production with the energy and edge of American craft. It is complex yet approachable, innovative yet grounded in tradition, and perfectly positioned to disrupt traditional whiskey shelves and back bars.

As the global appetite for premium and provenance-led spirits continues to grow, American Single Malt stands at the forefront of a new generation of whiskey-making. It is confident, creative and ready to rewrite the rules.

About DISCUS: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the United States. Representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits, DISCUS advocates on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels; promotes the distilled spirits sector, raising awareness and opening markets in the United States and around the globe; and encourages responsible and moderate consumption of distilled spirits as part of a healthy adult lifestyle based on evidence-based research and policy. Bar Convent London and the networking reception are supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), which aims to educate the hospitality industry, adult consumers, and media in key spirits export markets on the taste, heritage, and style of American distilled spirits. The U.S. distilled spirits industry is committed to social responsibility. For those adults who choose to drink, they should do always so in moderation and responsibly. For more information: www.drinkinmoderation.org. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc., prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, or other protected status. For more information, please visit: https://www.responsibility.org/

About Cheers! Spirits from the USA: DISCUS’s Cheers! Spirits from the USA campaign, supported by the US Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), aims to educate the hospitality industry, adult consumers, and media in key spirits export markets on the taste, heritage, and style of American distilled spirits.

BONHAMS RAISES SPIRITS WITH EXPANSION OF WHIKSY AUCTIONS IN SCOTLAND

PATRICIA BYOTT APPOINTED HEAD OF SPIRITS, SCOTLAND

 Patricia Byott appointed Head of Spirits, Scotland

London – Bonhams is expanding its presence in the global spirits market by reinforcing its spirits auctions in Scotland. To lead the department, Patricia Byott has been appointed Head of Spirits, Scotland. Patricia will be based in Bonhams Edinburgh saleroom in Melville Crescent.

Patricia Byott has more than a decade of experience with senior roles in Spirits and private client sectors, specialising in rare Scotch and global whisky markets. Patricia joins from Edrington, the international spirits company, where she was Head of Private Clients for The Macallan brand, based in Hong Kong. Her appointment reflects Bonhams’ commitment to investing in expertise to meet the increasing global demand for collectable spirits.

Earlier this year, Bonhams also appointed Jamie Connor as a Whisky Specialist in the Edinburgh saleroom. Formerly at The Whisky Exchange, Jamie studied at the University of Aberdeen and began his career in Marketing and Communications before following his true passion, whisky.

These strategic reinforcements come as Bonhams is in the process of securing a full Scottish licence to operate independently and a dedicated warehouse space within LCB in Glasgow – further anchoring its spirits activities in Scotland, the home of whisky. As part of a broader reorganisation, Bonhams will now operate its European spirits sales from Scotland, consolidating its expertise and infrastructure in the region. Bonhams is the only Global auction house holding spirits sales in Edinburgh.

The Scotland team is also working on a programme of new partnerships to be announced in the coming months.

May Matthews, Managing Director of Bonhams Scotland, said: “Scotland is the natural home for our spirits business, and this move marks a transformative moment. With Patricia at the helm, a bonded warehouse in Glasgow, and new partnerships underway, we’re putting the right people and structures in place to better serve our global clients from the heart of whisky country.”

Amayès Aouli, Bonhams’ Global Head of Wine & Spirits comments: “With the global expansion of Bonhams Wine and Spirits department, this strategic move is designed to provide a set of state-of-the-art services to our clients. Bonhams has been pioneering the Spirits auction market and I could not be more delighted at our initiative to reinforce our Scotland operations. With Patricia and Jamie, I know our clients will be in excellent hands.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About The Bonhams Network

Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.

More information and highlights can be found HERE

For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

Bladnoch releases Wave II: Distillery & Spirit –  second instalment in collection showcasing five pillars of whisky making

Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery has unveiled Wave II: Distillery & Spirit single malt whisky, the second release in The Wave Master Distiller’s Collection.

The Wave is a five-part limited-edition series which walks through the marrying process of whiskies on a journey, that reveals the five whisky making pillars used by Bladnoch master distiller, Dr Nick Savage.

To create The Wave, Dr Nick Savage selected five Amontillado sherry tuns to be filled with whiskies from various combinations of cask types to marry together from the distillery’s 208-year-old bluestone warehouses for annual release. Each year the cask types will be revealed and depict another pillar of Bladnoch whisky making. The remaining whisky will be decanted into the following year’s tun, creating a common thread and a wave effect throughout the series, with the fifth and final release featuring components of the full collection.

Wave II: Distillery & Spirit shines a spotlight on Bladnoch’s Lowland distillery and spirit character. It has been carefully crafted through marrying a combination of re-charred butts and barrels with first-fill ex-bourbon barrels in the second Amontillado sherry tun, a process which champions the fruity, floral distillery character Bladnoch is renowned for.

Dr Nick Savage, Master Distiller at Bladnoch Distillery, said: “All Bladnoch whiskies start their life with the same exceptional Lowland spirit from our stills, which gives us the common thread throughout our single malts. We can use various cask types to mature out different flavours, but everything has the same beginning. Bladnoch is known as ‘Queen of the Lowlands’ and ensuring we distil a truly consistent Lowland style, encompassing fruity pear drops and floral, freshly cut grass, is the essential starting point for our whiskies and provides the identity of our bold Galloway spirit.

“Through The Wave Collection we aim to take people on the unique journey of our whisky over time. Each cask takes notes from the other, building year on year and Wave II: Distillery & Spirit brings to life how important it is to have a robust distillery style. It highlights our floral, fruity character and our Lowland style and how it pieces together with all our other pillars of whisky making to drive our innovative taste-first approach.”

Bottled at 57% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in colour, Wave II: Distillery & Spirit is characterised by pear drops, pineapples and ginger. On the nose it opens with aromas of pear drops and summer barley, while there are flavours of baked pineapples with ginger snaps on the palate and the finish is floral and fresh yet spiced.

The launch of Wave II: Distillery & Spirit follows the release of Wave I: Time & Maturation in June 2024 which epitomised Bladnoch’s method of selecting casks at the peak time in their maturation process to ensure optimal flavours in the whisky.

In line with Wave I, Wave II is limited to 1,817 bottles in tribute to the year the distillery was founded. It has an RRSP of £125 and is exclusively available to purchase at Bladnoch Distillery or via bladnoch.com where it can be shipped to more than 30 countries around the world.

To mark the new release, Bladnoch hosted Wave Day on Saturday 14 June 2025. Taking place at the distillery, the one-day festival celebrated Bladnoch’s bold Galloway spirit and the history and heritage of the distillery. It was the first opportunity for whisky enthusiasts from across the globe to sample and purchase Wave II.

Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch Distillery is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and is enjoying a bold and powerful revival. The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

Bladnoch Wave II: Distillery & Spirit Tasting notes  

Pear drops, pineapples, ginger

Nose: Pear drops with summer barley

Palate: Baked pineapples with ginger snaps

Finish: Floral. Fresh yet spiced

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

Bladnoch has been commended with several high-profile award wins in recent years, most recently at the World Whiskies Awards 2025, where Bladnoch 16 Year Old was awarded gold in the ‘Single Malt – 13 to 20 Years’ category and Bladnoch 13 Year Old taking silver in the same division. In the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025 Bladnoch was awarded a trio of prestigious awards, receiving double gold medals for each of its Vinaya, Samsara and 13 Year Old Lowland single malt whiskies.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

Fielden Whisky announced as official drinks sponsor at Groundswell Festival 2025

Fielden Whisky, the pioneering English whisky rooted in regenerative agriculture, is proud to be a key partner of this year’s Groundswell Festival—the UK’s leading event for regenerative farming and sustainable land management. As part of the partnership, Fielden will co-host two headline banquets with Groundswell, celebrating the land, its growers, and the bounty they produce. 

Taking place from 2–3 July 2025 at Lannock Farm, Hertfordshire, Groundswell Festival is a landmark event in the regenerative farming calendar. Created by farmers, for farmers, Groundswell brings together growers, environmentalists, food producers and changemakers to exchange ideas and innovations shaping the future of farming. Now in its ninth year, the festival offers a rich programme of over 400 speakers and 200 sessions—covering both the principles and practicalities of regenerative systems and Conservation Agriculture. With ever increasing influence, it has become an essential forum for anyone interested in the future of food, farming, and the environment.

The partnership with Fielden – an English whisky on a mission to change farming for the better – reflects a shared commitment to soil health, biodiversity, and the responsible stewardship of British farmland. Fielden is rewriting the rules of whisky-making with a philosophy grounded in a simple truth: whisky is an agricultural product, and how we grow matters. Instead of relying on industrial farming practices – like agrichemical inputs, frequent ploughing, and monoculture crops – Fielden takes a regenerative approach. They plant diverse grains, grown amongst clover – a natural fertiliser that helps the soil stay healthy. They never use chemical inputs on the land, and minimise soil disturbance. The result? Fields full of life. Whisky full of flavour. 

This “No Chem Regen” way of farming nurtures healthy soils, clear waters and flourishing biodiversity, and encourages crop resilience, helping to cut agriculture’s giant carbon footprint. 

“Groundswell represents the future of food and farming in the UK. It’s where progressive ideas take root. We’re proud to support that mission and bring Fielden’s own vision of soil-first spirits to the heart of the community driving it forward.” Dave Smith, Fielden CEO.

Fielden Whisky will be the festival’s only alcohol partner, running a unique whisky bar, and offering whisky tastings and discussions around soil health and regenerative farming principles at its own stand. Fielden will also be the only whisky available at The Earthworm Arms – the festival’s main bar.

Leading the celebrations, on 1^st and 2^nd July, Fielden will host a very special banquet –   FEASTING FROM FIELD TO TABLE – with Salsa Rosa providing the food. Festival-goers can purchase separate tickets to the communal evening feast nestled in a cosy and beautifully decorated space within the grounds of the festival. The experience will include a guided whisky tasting from the brand’s Whisky Maker, Chico Rosa, as well as an immersive three-course meal that celebrates seasonal produce, with commentary from the growers and creators. Throughout the experience,  festival-goers will have the opportunity to explore first-hand how Fielden’s diverse grains – a mix of heritage, organic and grains adapted for no and low input systems –  grown with soil-first farming methods, can transform both flavour and farming resilience.

Tickets for the Whisky Banquet are £70 per head and include drinks and a three-course meal. Tickets can only be purchased if visitors hold a ticket to Groundswell Festival.  buy here.

About Fielden Whisky of England

What’s whisky got to do with farming? Everything. Whisky is an agricultural product, but most grain is grown industrially, with chemicals. Not on Fielden’s farms. Fielden is bringing England’s fields back to life by planting diverse grains that thrive without chemicals – letting nature take the lead. Their farmers are kind to their land and never use chemicals. Instead, the grain grows in clover, a natural fertiliser that helps the soil stay healthy. This no chem regen way of farming nurtures healthy soils, clear waters and flourishing biodiversity in their fields, helping to cut agriculture’s giant carbon footprint. The grain grows tall and strong. The fields are wild and glorious. And the whisky is full of flavour: think warm flaky pastry, butter and caramel. Is it the grains? Is it the magic of nature?

Who knows – and honestly, does it matter? Fielden are putting the best (completely natural) ingredients into their stills, making a distinctly delicious rye whisky that’s changing farming for the better. Fielden: the English whisky that’s changing farming for the better, field by field, harvest by harvest.

Fields Full of Life. Whisky Full of Flavour. 

About Groundswell Festival
Now in its 9th year, Groundswell is the UK’s leading regenerative agriculture event. Created by farmers for farmers, it brings together experts, innovators, and practitioners to explore farming methods that restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and build resilience in the face of climate change. Founded by the Cherry family on their mixed farm in Hertfordshire, John and Paul Cherry have farmed for over thirty five years, converting to a no-till system in 2010.

International Beverage completes construction of

six new warehouses at Scottish headquarters

£7 million investment boosts cask storage capacity for future growth plans

Global spirits business International Beverage has concluded a major expansion programme at its headquarters in Airdrie, completing the build of six new state-of-the-art bonded warehouses at the site.

Representing a £7 million investment, the new warehouses are part of an upgrade of storage and logistics capabilities across the business, supporting the company’s long term global growth plans for its premium spirits portfolio, which includes Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and anCnoc single malt whiskies and Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky.

The 15-month project was managed in partnership with The Malcolm Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of logistics, construction and maintenance services. The new facility can house 60,000 casks, taking the Airdrie site’s warehousing capacity to approximately 700,000 casks overall, and providing much-needed extra maturation space for spirit from International Beverage’s five Scottish distilleries.

The new warehouses / Malcolm Leask from International Beverage + Ian McDonnell from The Malcolm Group

Positioned on the east side of the site, each warehouse measures 900 m² and has been constructed to the highest technical, production and safety specification, using steel portal frame fabrication. The design also includes a full surface water drainage system, plus high-tech CCTV and alarm systems.

Toasting the milestone, International Beverage Managing Director Malcolm Leask said the investment indicates the company’s confidence in the future of its award-winning brands, despite what has been a challenging few years for the Scotch whisky sector.

He commented: ‘The completion of this new warehousing is another major step forward for our business following a busy period of acquisitions and new additions to our spirits portfolio. We now have some of the industry’s most modern, high-quality bottling and storage facilities at our Scottish headquarters, allowing us to manage stocks of our premium Scotch whiskies with greater efficiency and scale. Whilst current trading conditions in our industry are challenging, whisky is a resilient sector and I’m very proud to be building for the future – and to see the ongoing evolution of our Airdrie site as a thriving hub at the heart of our global business.’

Ian McDonnell, Senior Project Manager, Construction Division at The Malcolm Group added: ‘Our business is known for its expertise in industrial projects, and we have brought the very highest levels of design, construction and technology to this new facility. The spec and quality we have delivered for these warehouses is at the forefront of what’s possible in the Scotch whisky industry and we’re very pleased to have played our part in ensuring the continued production of high-quality spirits for International Beverage.’

www.interbevgroup.com

About International Beverage

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Limited Company. The premium spirits company’s portfolio is led by a range of high-quality brands including Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, PRAKAAN single malt whisky and Phraya Rum from Thailand, Larsen Cognac, and Cardrona spirits and liqueurs.

A certified Great Place to Work, International Beverage’s success is shaped by its 700-strong team based across the business’ network of nine global sites spanning the UK, France, New Zealand, and Greater China following the company’s recent acquisition of Asiaeuro International Beverage (AIB). For more information, please visit www.interbevgroup.com/.

A Whisky That Supports Wild Atlantic Salmon – Tamdhu 12 Year Old, Exclusive to Waitrose

The iconic sherry matured Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, Tamdhu, is making a splash at Waitrose by launching a charity bottle in support of the Atlantic Salmon Trust – a conservation charity working to secure a future for wild Atlantic salmon and their environment. A special expression of this much-prized whisky, Tamdhu 12YO, is leaping into Waitrose and is available in selected stores and on Waitrose.com and www.Waitrosecellar.com

For every bottle sold of this special Speyside single malt whisky, a donation will go to the charity. Each purchase will help this important environmental cause – so raise a glass to help save wild salmon and give their environment a sustainable future.

The Tamdhu 12YO expression created in support of the Atlantic Salmon Trust is bottled at 41.3% ABV and costs £50 for a 70cl bottle. It is beautifully packaged in a gift box.

Tamdhu from Speyside is a multi-award-winning collection of ultra-premium whiskies. Tamdhu fully matures all its single malt whisky in Oloroso Sherry casks. Tamdhu is a historic distillery, having operated for over 125 years. The Tamdhu 12YO bottled and sold for The Atlantic Salmon Trust is exclusive to Waitrose.

The River Spey is world famous for both its whiskies and wild salmon population, and the river remains a stronghold for the species. However, it is now on the endangered list in Great Britain. Across the wider North Atlantic, the species has declined by around 70% in the last 30 years.

The Atlantic Salmon Trust and Tamdhu are aligned behind the message in the bottle – the need to ensure the health of our rivers and seas to give wild Atlantic salmon and wider biodiversity a thriving future.

Sandy McIntyre, Distillery Manager for Tamdhu Whisky, said: “We are so grateful to Waitrose for working with Tamdhu to support this important cause. We’re excited to bring both our whisky and the Atlantic Salmon Trust’s valuable work to a wider audience of Waitrose whisky lovers. With Whisky Day coming up on 17 May and Father’s Day just around the corner too (15 June) this is the perfect time to leap into the whisky aisle at Waitrose and help a good cause at the same time as enjoying a great whisky”.

Sustainability is at the heart of Tamdhu’s ethos. The whisky is distilled and bottled near the banks of the River Spey and relies on the Tamdhu spring water which flows into this impressively clean waterway for its whisky creation. Both whisky and salmon need cold, clean water. It’s taken a dozen years to mature this Waitrose exclusive and the family firm which owns the Tamdhu label – Ian Macleod Distillers – is delighted to be supporting the charity.

Mark Bilsby, CEO of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, commented: “Wild Atlantic salmon are an amazing species telling us about the health of our rivers, coasts and seas, yet they face challenges that are causing them to become endangered and threatened with extinction. However there is hope, as with the amazing support coming from Ian Macleod Distillers and the great team at Tamdhu we can focus our efforts to better understand salmon and crucially help restore rivers to give salmon the best chance at thriving once again.  By working together we can all collectively give wild Atlantic salmon the future they deserve.

The donations from bottle sales will support the important core operations of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, enabling the charity to design, develop, and deliver on-the-ground restoration projects with partners across the country. This work includes activities such as removing manmade barriers to fish migration, tree planting to restore native riverside woodlands, as well as peatland and wetland restoration. In addition, the Trust carries out cutting-edge research work on land, in rivers and at sea to better understand the causes of wild salmon decline.”

Tasting notes for TAMDHU 12YO Atlantic Salmon Trust edition:

Nose Fresh churros and vanilla oak – then spearmint leaf rubbed between fingertips.

Palate Velvet waves of just-ripened banana and shortbread, then the long embrace of sherried oak.

Finish Nutmeg giving way to dried figs and still-warm Scottish tablet – with the softest curl of peat smoke.