KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES LEFT BANK BOURBON AS NEWEST MEMBER

BRAND RECREATES HISTORIC DOWNRIVER JOURNEY OF BOURBON

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Left Bank Bourbon in Jefferson County as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Left Bank Bourbon was founded in 2018 and has created a unique Bourbon expression by marrying hand-picked Bourbons with custom-blended oak staves. Beginning its journey in Kentucky, each barrel ages as it floats down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans for bottling.

The brand’s label also features “alligator horses,” a reference to the tough, versatile, and resilient Kentuckians hailed as “half horse, half alligator” as they helped Andrew Jackson defeat the British in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, a key event in the War of 1812.

“Joining the KDA is a proud moment for our team as it allows us to celebrate the industry’s rich heritage amongst a community of historical Bourbonmakers,” said Left Bank Bourbon President and Co-Founder, Ken Hagan.

“We have dedicated ourselves to craft spirits with our guiding passion rooted in the journey of early American Bourbonmakers. We’ve created a unique Bourbon expression that recreates the origin story of Bourbon in a bottle.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “Our industry continues to see new ideas and practices being used to help differentiate brands, all while creating memorable Bourbon experiences for our visitors.

“As we proudly welcome Left Bank Bourbon to our KDA family, we celebrate how Kentucky Bourbon is brought to those around the world — even through our rivers — and we are reminded of our rich Bourbon legacy that we work to strengthen within our communities.”

Learn more about Left Bank Bourbon at leftbankbourbon.com or visit them in person in their tasting room at the Logan Street Market near downtown Louisville.

Located at 1001 Logan Street, Left Bank joins the growing Bourbon tourism and economic impact in the Louisville Metro region. Jefferson and surrounding counties now have 27 distilleries that are responsible for more than 7,000 jobs and more than $664 million in payroll.

Bourbon brings an economic impact of $3.3 billion and nearly $77 million in local and state tax revenue to the Louisville region each year. In addition, Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distilleries reported nearly 900,000 visitors to the area last year, adding more revenue to local coffers.

Left Bank Bourbon joins KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 1,000 barrels annually. Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

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

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

L-R: Nathan Reed – Co-founder, MD & Head Distiller, Jo Nicholson – Co-founder, Chairman & Farmer, Tom Martin – Co-founder, Holly Reed – Co-founder & COO

Buckinghamshire Farm Distillery sows seeds of success for regenerative spirit production

Aedda’s Farm Distillery, in Adstock, Buckinghamshire, is embarking on an ambitious plan to become a leader in the English spirits market, with an expanded range of products and distillery visitor centre set to launch in the coming months.

Nurtured from field to glass, Aedda’s Farm Distillery will use fruit from its own orchard to produce brandy, eau de vie and liqueurs, as well as its own fields to grow a variety of grains for its distinct spirits.

Aspiring to become a core part of the English whisky scene, the farm distillery will eventually produce a light and fruit-forward single malt, as well as other grain spirits which represent the best of English ingredients.

Later in 2025, visitors to the distillery will be able to experience farming life, production, and the best of what the English countryside has to offer with guided tours, before enjoying a glass of the core product range.

The distillery project represents an over £1.5m investment into the rural Buckinghamshire economy. Alongside a team of four founders, it is hoped at least five more jobs will be created in the next three years as part of this commitment, from visitor experience specialists to distillers, and eventually, apprenticeships.

Nathan Reed, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Aedda’s Farm Distillery, commented: “This year marks a series of really exciting milestones for our business. Customers have responded so well to the small range of products we’ve already been able to create and sell, and this has spurred us on to have a range of products ready to go in the coming months.

“The distillery visitor experience will truly bring the brand to life and give our customers a taste of the experimental approach we are taking on the farm. Over time, we will be trialling different grains and finishes to produce a unique range of spirits, something that we are lucky enough to be able to do with our own fields and the expertise of our team.”

In further commitment to sustainability and the surrounding landscape, the farm is proud to champion regenerative practices including polycropping to improve soil health and reduce the need for fertilisers and waste reduction methods whereby by-products from the distillation process will be reused for animal feed or recycled in a way that fits the natural landscape.

Nathan added: “The social, economic and environmental impact of the distillery is of huge importance to us. We know the value of steady employment opportunities in rural areas and will be very proud to expand the team in the near future.

“We look forward to taking both customers and the wider community along on our journey.”

An exclusive Aedda’s Farm Distillery Founders Club will be launching later in 2025, offering early supporters a first look at the distillery as it takes shape, the chance to experience the farm and the craft behind every drop, and privileged access to the evolving range of its small-batch spirits.

For more information, please visit https://aeddasfarmdistillery.com and, for newsletter updates, subscribe here.

About Aedda’s Farm Distillery:

Aedda’s Farm Distillery crafts premium spirits with a true field-to-glass ethos. Nestled in the heart of rural Buckinghamshire, the distillery draws on the land around it—using fruit from its own orchards to create liqueurs, brandy, and eau de vie, and growing select grains for its distinctive range of spirits.

More than just a distillery, Aedda’s Farm Distillery aims to become a leading name in English whisky, while breathing new life into the farm it calls home. The vision extends beyond production—inviting both UK and international visitors to explore and reconnect with England’s countryside.

Aedda’s Farm Distillery is currently developing an immersive visitor experience, set to launch in late 2025. Guests will learn about the journey of spirits from grain to glass, and how regenerative farming methods are being used to protect and enrich the land for future generations.

Visitors will get a true taste of rural life—exploring the farm, witnessing the production process, engaging in outdoor activities, and taking a guided tour, finishing with a tasting of Aedda’s Farm Distillery’s signature spirits.

This project represents an investment of over £1.5 million into the local Buckinghamshire economy. With a founding team of four, the distillery plans to create at least five additional jobs by 2028, ranging from distillers and visitor experience specialists to future apprenticeship opportunities.

Lochlea reveals first sherry and peat combination with Cask Strength #3

Curated by Jill Boyd, Lochlea’s new Master Blender

Award winning farm-to-cask Lochlea Distillery has unveiled Cask Strength Batch 3 – the latest release in its annual series of limited-edition cask strength bottlings – and a first in flavour profile for the independently owned distillery.

This year’s release marks a bold evolution in Lochlea’s Cask Strength series, combining rich Oloroso sherry with distinctive Islay peat – a pairing never before explored by the distillery. It also represents a significant milestone for Lochlea’s Master Blender Jill Boyd, who joined the distillery in late 2024 and has led the selection and blending of Cask Strength Batch 3 from start to finish.

Jill carefully selected whisky that has been matured in a combination of Oloroso Sherry Butts and Ex-Islay peated casks, creating a final spirit that balances richness and depth with a surprising twist of smoke. Cask Strength Batch 3 delivers a captivating nose of ripe red fruits and savoury BBQ smoke, followed by a rich palate of cherries and dark molasses lifted by warming ginger cake, toasted rye and charred wood smoke. The long, layered finish lingers with baking spice, salty smoke, and oaky tannins intertwining with delicate floral notes of red roses to create a bold new take on Lochlea’s signature style.

Each batch of Lochlea’s Cask Strength whiskies are carefully blended and bottled without any dilution, so every sip is just like trying samples from the warehouse itself. This latest release follows Cask Strength Batch 2 released last summer that had been matured in a combination of PX, Oloroso and STR casks showcasing a depth and complexity. The inaugural Cask Strength expression in 2023 was a combination of spirit matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry casks, working particularly well at high strength to amplify the fruit, nut and cereal flavours that form Lochlea’s house spirit style.

Jill commented: “I am especially proud of Cask Strength Batch 3 as it has been my first opportunity to curate one of our whiskies from concept to bottle, putting my own mark on our range. I wanted to push the boundaries of our house style with something bold and different.  As many whisky lovers will know, sherry and peat are both hugely popular flavour profiles, and we saw an opportunity to bring them together in a way that feels fresh and bold, yet rooted in our distillery’s DNA. It’s complex, it’s warming, and it’s got a smoky twist making it the perfect dram to enjoy with a BBQ in the sunshine!”

Availability & pricing:

Like all Lochlea’s whiskies, Cask Strength Batch 3 has no added colouring and is non-chill filtered. It has been bottled at  59.8%  and has an RRP of £67. It is available from Lochlea stockists from 29^th May 2025 onwards. For a full list of Lochlea stockists, visit: Lochlea Distillery stockists

Cask Strength Batch 3 – Tasting notes: 

Nose: Rich and juicy, with lots of ripe red fruits, and a hint of smoky bacon

Palate: Cherries, ripe berries, ginger cake, dark sugar, dark rye and BBQ smoke

Finish: Long and rich, with baking spice, salty smoke, red roses and oaky tannins woven through

Lochlea’s core range product: 

Lochlea is a farm-to-cask independent distillery growing all of its own barley on its farm. It also has a core whisky expression available all year round – Our Barley. This unpeated single malt has been matured in a combination of three different casks: first fill ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry casks and STR barriques, all of which add depths of flavour to the spirit. Launched in July 2022, Our Barley has received much acclaim as a superb example of a young non-age statement (NAS) Lowlands whisky, made entirely from the distillery’s own home-grown barley.

About Lochlea Distillery: www.lochleadistillery.com

Lochlea was originally a 222 acre livestock farm before being purchased by Neil and Jen McGeoch in 2006. After much consideration of the future of the farm and a successful trial to grow its own barley in 2015, the couple transformed the land and existing farm buildings into a fully-operational distillery in 2017 and started distilling the following year. The farming side has remained a unique part of Lochlea, with the move into barley production – paving the way for Lochlea to be one of the very few fully grain-to-cask distilleries in Scotland. It also has a rich Scottish heritage with strong links to Robbie Burns, with the bard having worked and lived on the farm a several years.

Heaven Hill Celebrates Bernie Lubbers as He’s Named Whiskey Ambassador Emeritus

BARDSTOWN, KY — Heaven Hill Brands is proud to celebrate the contributions of Bernie Lubbers, who is transitioning from his day-to-day role as National Whiskey Ambassador effective May 1, 2025. Lubbers will continue his long-standing relationship with Heaven Hill as Whiskey Ambassador Emeritus, supporting the company’s ongoing whiskey education and advocacy efforts.

Known industry wide as The Whiskey Professor, Bernie has spent nearly two decades bringing Heaven Hill’s award-winning portfolio to life through education, storytelling, and his signature wit. A former stand-up comedian turned whiskey authority, he is widely credited with helping lead the resurgence of Bottled-in-Bond whiskey, reintroducing a new generation of consumers to one of the category’s most historic and trusted designations.

“Bernie’s passion for whiskey, people, and history is unmatched,” said Matt Blevins, Chief Marketing Officer at Heaven Hill Brands. “He’s not just a champion for our brands—he’s helped shape how the entire industry educates and engages. We’re thrilled that Bernie will continue to be part of the Heaven Hill family in this next chapter.”

As Whiskey Ambassador Emeritus, Bernie will remain a trusted advocate and educator for Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey portfolio—supporting select consumer and trade engagements while continuing to share his deep knowledge and passion for the craft. His impact has been recognized industry-wide, including being named Global Whiskey Ambassador of the Year by Whisky Magazine at Whisky Live in 2009, 2012, and 2016.

“Being part of Heaven Hill has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Lubbers. “I’ve always believed that whiskey is more than a drink—it’s a story, a tradition, a bond between people. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I look forward to continuing to share that spirit in new ways as Whiskey Ambassador Emeritus.”

Over the course of his career, Bernie traveled more than 100,000 miles a year to educate both the trade and consumers. His one-of-a-kind presentation, The Evolution of Bourbon, combines music, storytelling, and history to connect audiences to the roots of America’s native spirit. He is also the author of Bourbon Whiskey: Our Native Spirit, which remains a staple resource for whiskey lovers and industry professionals alike.

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, and a 2024 Best Managed Company as appointed 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 Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul and Ocho Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur.

GORDON & MACPHAIL UNVEILS FINAL RELEASE IN ‘MR GEORGE’ LEGACY SERIES

Gordon & MacPhail has revealed the fifth and final release in the Mr George Legacy Series – an ultra-rare 70-Year-Old whisky celebrating ‘The father of single malt Scotch whisky’, Mr George Urquhart, and his lifelong quest in pursuit of the perfect dram.

Only 130 bottles available worldwide, Mr George Legacy Series 1954 from Glen Grant Distillery honours the single malt whisky pioneer and marks Gordon & MacPhail’s 130^th anniversary. Due to ‘Mr George’s’ affection towards Glen Grant Distillery, this exclusive single malt follows the previous four in the series. The liquid was distilled on 24^th April 1954, having been left to mature in cask no. 1823, a first-fill sherry puncheon for 70 years.

Bottled in January 2025 at a cask strength of 50.5%, the whisky is bursting with fruity notes with vanilla fudge and coffee on the nose, and a smooth taste that includes red apple, walnut, dried orange peel, dark chocolate and toasted oak flavours. The release is priced at £8,000 and available to purchase worldwide. *

This edition’s packaging recognises ‘Mr George’s’ pursuit of perfection, and his life’s dedication to exploring different combinations of spirit, cask and time. Fondly known by those who knew him best as ‘Mr George’, second-generation member of the family that owns Gordon & MacPhail, played a pivotal role in the success and popularity of single malt Scotch whiskies.

In the late 1960s, Mr George launched the Connoisseurs Choice range. Since its creation, the range has featured over 2,000 releases from almost 100 distilleries. By harnessing relationships with Scotland’s distillers and sending Gordon & MacPhail’s casks to be filled with new-make spirit, ‘Mr George’ became a pioneer in the combination of spirit, cask and time, creating and bottling iconic single malt whiskies in the process.

Stuart Urquhart, Operations Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “The fifth and final release from the Mr George Legacy Series is the perfect tribute to my grandfather’s lifetime of work, which still impacts our approach today. As we celebrate our 130^th anniversary, we not only honour the past but also inspire future generations to continue the innovation and craftsmanship championed by ‘Mr George’.

“As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we want to commemorate our historic roots and while the Mr George Legacy Series may culminate with this release, my grandfather’s quest for perfection lives on within Gordon & MacPhail.”

Charlie MacLean, whisky writer and expert, added: “Mr George joined his father, John, in the family business in 1933. Over the next seventy years, he established close relations with distilleries throughout Scotland. He was arguably the world’s foremost expert in combining spirit, oak and time, and is justifiably described as ‘The Father of Malt Whisky’.

“This final release in the series is surprisingly vibrant for such an old whisky, but with the multi-layered complexity that can only be developed by long-maturation in the right cask. A whisky worthy of Mr George Urquhart, who will have selected the cask and who would have been proud of the result.”

The Mr George Legacy Series 1954 from Glen Grant Distillery is available to purchase from www.gordonandmacphail.com. #GordonandMacPhail

*Prices may vary in international markets.

Tasting notes for all five Mr George Legacy series releases are as follows:

First edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1953 from Glen Grant Distillery

ABV: 59.4%

Colour: Darkest mahogany

Nose: Soft aromas of beeswax polish give way to stewed fruit and toasted hazelnuts. Subtle orange peel complements rich ginger notes.

Taste: Autumnal spice and ripe plum flavours combine with light blackcurrant undertones. Treacle comes to the fore alongside a light touch of fresh mint.

Finish: A full-bodied and long finish with lingering fruit, spice and a delicate hint of bonfire embers.

Second edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1957 from Glen Grant Distillery

ABV: 56.1%

Colour: Mahogany

Nose: Rich fruitcake aromas intertwine with festive spices; cinnamon and ginger. Notes of Orange marmalade are accompanied by dark treacle and a hint of beeswax polish.

Taste: Morello cherries are followed by subtle dried tobacco and garden mint. Ripe red apple undertones combine with citrus peel and soft aniseed.

Finish: A spicy full-bodied finish with lasting flavours of forest fruit and charred oak.

Third edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1959 from Glen Grant Distillery

ABV: 56.5%

Colour: Amber

Nose: Autumnal spice aromas intertwine with sweet-dried fruit and demerara sugar. Soft citrus zest comes to the fore alongside beeswax polish and walnut.

Taste: Stewed red fruit flavours lead to Seville orange with a hint of garden mint. Tart raspberry notes develop accompanied by cocoa powder and mature oak.

Finish: A full finish with lingering cinnamon and forest fruits.

Fourth edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1958 from Glen Grant Distillery

ABV: 56.5%

Colour: Mahogany

Nose: Rich beeswax aromas lead to underlying molasses, stewed prunes and warm spices. Subtle aged leather develops alongside mature oak and a hint of cocoa powder.

Taste: Smooth and full bodied. Seville orange peel and morello cherry flavours give way to dried tobacco and roasted coffee bean. Toasted oak notes comes to the fore with a touch of liquorice.

Finish: Long and balanced finish with a faint hint of smoke.

Fifth (and final) edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1954 from Glen Grant Distillery 

ABV: 50.5%

Colour: Mahogany

Nose: Light leather aromas lead to stewed prune, spicy clove and hints of blueberry compote. Vanilla fudge and roast coffee notes develop alongside subtle cherry.

Taste: Smooth with red apple, walnut and dried orange peel flavours giving way to tobacco and caramelised banana. Dark chocolate and spices combine with toasted oak.

Finish: Medium finish with a hint of smoke and lingering fruit.

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

For 130 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its casks.  It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

Bourbon Curations Launches Revolutionary Platform to Streamline Trip Planning for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

Family-Owned Startup Transforms Bourbon Tourism with Advanced Planning Technology

May 15, 2025 – Bourbon Curations, a new family-owned tech startup, announced today the launch of its innovative planning platform designed to help bourbon enthusiasts maximize time on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. The service consolidates information from participating distilleries into one comprehensive system, allowing visitors to easily create customized itineraries that optimize their time and preferences.

Founded by siblings following an inspirational father-son trip along the Bourbon Trail®, Bourbon Curations addresses the complex logistics that often overwhelm travelers planning to visit multiple distilleries.

“Planning our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® trip required multiple Excel spreadsheets and countless hours of research,” said Sam, co-founder of Bourbon Curations. “Each distillery has different operating hours, tour availability, and there’s the challenge of efficiently traveling between locations. We created Bourbon Curations to solve these problems for other bourbon enthusiasts.”

The platform’s proprietary algorithm takes into account user preferences, distillery schedules, tour availability, and geographic proximity to generate optimized itineraries. Users simply select the distilleries and tours they’re interested in, and Bourbon Curations handles the complex planning process.

“Our mission is to help more people enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® by removing the logistical barriers,” Sam continued. “We want visitors to focus on enjoying world-class bourbon, not planning details.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® has seen tremendous growth in tourism, with over 2 million visitors annually and continuing to grow. Bourbon Curations aims to support this growing tourism sector by making the planning process more accessible and enjoyable.

The service is now available online, with plans to expand features based on user feedback and industry partnerships.

For more information, follow Bourbon Curations on Instagram @bourboncurations or contact Sam directly at sam@bourboncurations.com.

Trossachs Cooperage reignites coopering craft in Callander with £1.3m investment boost for Scotland’s whisky industry

The new cooperage brings 12 skilled jobs, apprenticeships, and renewed confidence for the sector

May 2025 – A new coopering facility backed by £1.3million investment is to be launched in a major vote of confidence in Scotland’s Scotch whisky industry.

Gary Drummond, a second-generation cooper with more than 18 years of experience, has founded Trossachs Cooperage — a new coopering facility based in Callander, Stirlingshire.

Creating 12 skilled local jobs in the first year, four long-service coopers who bring more than 120 years of combined experience to the business are some of the first to join the team.  Trossachs Cooperage is also investing in the future of the craft, with four apprentices to be recruited.

Working towards becoming a certified training hub and a member of the National Cooperage Federation, the cooperage will deliver the apprenticeship training, offering a customised SVQ Award. Gary’s father — himself an experienced cooper — will also be mentoring the apprentices as they learn the coopering craft.

The cooperage will be based at newly secured premises on the Cambusmore Estate, Ballachallan, which are currently undergoing a comprehensive fit-out ahead of operations beginning in May 2025. It will feature custom-built, state-of-the-art machinery, including a high-spec rejuvenation system with the latest safety features.

The business is backed by a Scottish investment group comprising successful business entrepreneurs with a proven track record, including directors Alan Wright and Tim Allan. Alan brings extensive senior management experience from some of the whisky industry’s leading names, while Tim adds broad commercial insight through his roles as former President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Chair of V&A Dundee.

Gary Drummond, who honed his craft at Diageo’s Carsebridge and Cambus cooperages, said: “The Scotch whisky industry is a pillar of Scotland’s food and drink economy, but coopering — a centuries-old craft — has faced serious challenges. Skills shortages and limited repair capacity have led to hundreds of thousands of casks being scrapped, which if repaired and rejuvenated could have gone back into circulation.  Subsequently, distillers are forced to solely rely on costly first fill casks.

“Trossachs Cooperage aims to reverse that trend by repairing, rejuvenating, and hardening oak casks to make them fit for fill — reducing waste, cutting costs, and lowering environmental impact. Our ethos is built on skills, sustainability, and Scottish craftsmanship, and we are incredibly proud to drive this forward from Callander.

“The support from our investment group, along with the strategic guidance from partners like Johnston Carmichael, has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life — especially at a time when investment and renewed confidence in the Scotch whisky sector are so vitally needed.”

Chaired by David Ovens, Joint Managing Director at Archangel Investors, the project has benefited from the early and ongoing support of leading business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael, legal specialists Thorntons, and property expert Jonathan Sutton. Johnston Carmichael played a pivotal role in identifying and connecting the right partners, using their extensive network and deep industry insight to bring together a team with the expertise needed to drive the project forward.

Adam Hardie, Business Development Partner and Head of Food & Drink at Johnston Carmichael, said: “Trossachs Cooperage is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial venture Scotland’s food and drink sector needs.  With its ethos rooted in tradition, yet firmly focused on the future, it has been a pleasure to support Gary. 

“The commitment to inspiring and shaping the next generation of coopers is remarkable, and I have every confidence that this business will quickly become a valuable asset to Scotland’s iconic whisky industry.”

Built with sustainability at its core, the facility is committed to achieving zero waste. All waste materials — from offcuts to sawdust — will be recycled, repurposed, or converted into firewood, which will be used in their traditional rejuvenation process. The cooperage will also be powered by 100% renewable energy, drawn from both solar and wind sources, ensuring minimal environmental impact across its operations.

Trossachs Cooperage has already attracted interest from multiple distillers and secured its first customer, The Borders Distillery, who will support the traditional rejuvenation process. The company also has bold plans for expansion in the coming months.

John Fordyce, Managing Director at The Borders Distillery, said: “Gary and the team have committed to reviving traditional rejuvenation methods for casks and we are delighted to be sending up our first batch ready for the opening. The initiative taken by Trossachs and the investors is forward thinking and bold. It opens up opportunity for Borders and we are looking forward to our collaboration.”

Over time, Gary also has ambitions to expand the facility to include a visitor centre and café — creating a space to celebrate Scotland’s coopering heritage while supporting local tourism and community engagement.

Johnston Carmichael is proud to be a leading independent UK accountancy and business advisory firm. With almost 1,000 sharp minds across its offices nationwide, the business delivers specialist sector insight and expertise. Together, its people create enduring impact and have been investing in the next generation of businesses and advisers for more than 85 years. Committed to Corporate Social Responsibility, the firm is gold sponsor of the Kiltwalk and a member of the Mindful Business Charter. As a member of Moore Global, it is also connected to a community of more than 30,000 people in 110 countries worldwide.

For more information on Johnston Carmichael, please visit:  https://johnstoncarmichael.com/

Unveiling Glen Scotia’s Oldest Ever Whisky –

The Elements of Campbeltown Collection Release Number One: Air

Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia has released a remarkable new 50-year-old whisky – a single malt masterpiece shaped by the elements of the unique geographic setting and refined by the craftsmanship of human hands.

The inaugural expression in a new collection, Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air marks a pivotal moment in the distillery’s history, as its oldest ever release.

The Elements of Campbeltown Collection takes inspiration from the Celtic five-fold knot, as air, water, fire and earth bind together in perfect harmony to create the fifth circle in the centre denoting the spirit. Drawing from Glen Scotia’s oldest maturing casks, each chapter will showcase a different element and the influence it has on the spirit.

A celebration of the distinctive character of Scotland’s smallest whisky region; and testament to the environment that has shaped it over generations, Release Number One: Air captures Campbeltown’s maritime climate and the subtle nuances it weaves into the whisky over time. Every drop is a tribute to the patience, precision, place and power of nature that have played a part in its creation.

Five decades in the making, the precious Glen Scotia 50 Year Old was distilled in 1973 and bottled at a natural cask strength of 42.3% ABV in 2024. Fully matured in refill American oak hogshead casks to preserve the distillery’s character at this exceptional age, the coastal influence is woven into the flavour of the spirit, creating hints of salinity between complex and ever-changing layers of baked orchard and tropical fruits.

This single malt brings an array of aromas, from flaked almonds, vanilla fudge and salt crystals to sweet edible seaweed and fresh glazed apple tart. There is a medley of flavours with a creamy sweet and salty texture, white pepper, powdered ginger and a lingering coconut finish.

Michael Henry, Loch Lomond Group master blender, said: “Responsibility for whisky of this age, where the passage of time shapes and moulds the character of the spirit is a privilege. With the first release in this milestone collection for Glen Scotia, I want to give people the opportunity to experience our distillery character at this remarkable age and showcase how time has shaped it.”

“Matured exclusively in American oak, with its more subtle, supportive cask influence, the character shines through. Bringing this whisky to its optimum condition has been through knowing the character of the spirit, its interplay with the wood and thoughtful cask management, with a vision already laid down for future releases that will bring people on an incredible journey.”

To mark the release, Glen Scotia has collaborated with UK artist Gina Parr to create a unique piece of art capturing the essence of ‘air’ in the distillery’s historic dunnage warehouse, where salty sea air intertwines with heavy spirit vapours to create a distinctive scent and atmosphere.

Gina took inspiration from Campbeltown’s coastal air stream and Glen Scotia’s distilling process to create an oil painting to adorn the cabinet doors concealing each whisky decanter. Using the sensorial experience of her visit, she depicts the abstract yet distinctive air of the distillery and town and its interplay with the whisky.

The solid ash and birch display cabinet draws inspiration from an easel in an art gallery and features deep coastal tones and an amber hue on the exterior, selected by Gina to reflect the surroundings and provide a nod to the whisky itself. Housed in the luxurious white leather interior is a bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter encasing the precious whisky. Created exclusively for the new collection, it features a delicate band around the base to represent ‘air’ while a Celtic knot crowns a heavy brass stopper and is presented alongside a hardback book telling the story of this single malt.

Gina Parr said: “Glen Scotia 50 Year Old started life in the same year I embarked on my own creative journey. For me, this beautifully matured whisky mirrors my art practice – rooted in history, shaped by dedication, and inspired by nature and the elements, which are always sensory and deeply emotive. I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with Glen Scotia for this very special release.”

“My work is driven by the sights and experiences of living and working in a coastal town in Devon. I love being by the sea, so I knew I would be inspired by Campbeltown. But there was so much I didn’t anticipate – the stunning landscapes and textures, the beautiful curve of the harbour – all of which shaped the creative process. The distillery itself was awe-inspiring. The smells were overwhelming in the most wonderful way, weaving together the town, the spirit vapour, and the salty sea air into one evocative experience.”

Limited to only 100 individually numbered crystal decanters worldwide, Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air has an RRP of £35,000 and is available by enquiry at www.glenscotia.com and in specialist retailers from May 2025.

Glen Scotia has been producing whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of only three surviving distilleries in the town which was once known as the ‘Victorian whisky capital of the world’.  Maintaining much of its original design, including the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse, to this day, the distillery follows in the footsteps of its founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the subtly maritime Campbeltown style it is renowned for.

Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia master distiller and distillery manager added: “Since 1832, our climate has left a fingerprint on our spirit as enduring as the generations that cared for it. While times may change, the effects of the natural forces endure through the decades. ‘Air’ is a masterpiece sculpted by the elements for half a century, its scent a symphony of natural elements and timeless tradition. It is remarkable to think about all the hands this 50-year-old would have passed through, each inheriting it and opting to let it continue its journey beyond them until this optimal moment.”

For further information about Glen Scotia or Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air, visit www.glenscotia.com/

Tasting notes:

Appearance: 24CT gold with tawny lights.

Aroma: A profound, mellow and rounded nose with a kaleidoscopic aroma. Initial top notes of flaked almonds, vanilla fudge, Scotch tablet and desiccated coconut. Later comes Glen Scotia’s classic maritime character: salt crystals, boat varnish, sweet edible seaweed. A suggestion of French glazed apple tart and traces of ginger.

Taste: A creamy texture that starts sweet and becomes distinctly salty mid-palate, before finishing slightly tart. A pinch of white pepper and powdered ginger, with a lingering after taste of coconut. Initially sweeter at reduced strength, and not quite so spicy.

About Glen Scotia

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.

Producing peated and non-peated whiskies, the distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the subtly maritime Campbeltown style the brand has become world-famous for.

Recognition of Glen Scotia’s style and craftsmanship continues to be acknowledged globally.

• In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old single malt was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across thirty-one categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. Only seven months later, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2021.
• In 2022, Glen Scotia’s Victoriana won ‘Best In Class’ in the Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2023, Glen Scotia won ‘Best Single Cask Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards for a single cask bottling distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years exclusively in a first-fill bourbon barrel.
• Later that same year, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old won a coveted Platinum award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, which is awarded to the very few entries that receive a Double Gold medal for three consecutive years at the prestigious global event.
• In 2024, Glen Scotia received a number of prestigious awards across its range of single malt whiskies, including Platinum titles at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024 for both Glen Scotia Victoriana and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old.

Special Memorial Day Pricing Just in time for Father’s Day

FRANKFORT, KY (May 21, 2025) –  This Father’s Day, forget the neckties, and give dad a completely customizable gift, his very own double-staved™ bourbon from J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.  Order online and choose Dad’s favorite mash bill from hundreds of proprietary double-staved barrels pre-selected by the Mattingly team of master blenders.  Customize it even further by choosing the bottle shape, wax color for the stopper, and your own personal message on the label for Dad.  The J. Mattingly 1845 team will hand bottle it to your custom specifications and have it shipped to Dad’s door.

Take advantage of special Memorial Day pricing now through May 26 with a reduced price of $99 for a 750 mL bottle instead of the regular price of $155.  Orders placed before June 7 will be delivered by Father’s Day on June 15. Orders placed after June 7 have the option of a downloadable gift card, which can be printed and given to Dad on his special day.

All of J. Mattingly 1845’s whiskeys undergo its proprietary double-staving process, allowing the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.  This extra surface exposure of the charred staves inside the barrels imparts more caramel and vanilla naturally from the wood, resulting in a more flavorful taste profile.  The barrels are then married together and after rigorous taste tests from J. Mattingly 1845’s team of blenders, a one-of-a-kind blend is created.

“The online custom bourbon bottles truly are a one-of-a-kind gift that dad, or any bourbon lover, will treasure,” said Harry Richart, president of J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.  “Not only is the whiskey made through our double-staved process, but your choice of bottle shape, custom message for the label and wax color combination make it a unique creation not found on the liquor store shelf. It’s a gift that stands out from all others with the various customization opportunities.”

J. Mattingly 1845 Bourbon and the custom bourbon creation option are available online at jmattingly1845.com and in person at its Distillery in Frankfort, KY.  Gift cards are available for the custom bourbon creation experience.  The special Memorial Day pricing of $99 per 750 mL bottle is effective from May 20 through May 26, 2025.  Shipping is available to 46 U.S. States.

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.

            In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together, father and son offer their proprietary double-staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at www.JMattingly1845.com.