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Caskd Founder Publishes The Whisky Collector’s Handbook

Whisky collector and entrepreneur Jonathan Yates has announced the publication of The Whisky Collector’s Handbook: A Field Guide to Bottles, Stories and Discovery, a practical guide designed to help enthusiasts better understand the art, culture and craft of whisky collecting.

Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom – June 2026

As interest in collectible whisky continues to grow, new enthusiasts are increasingly entering a market often shaped by specialist knowledge, auction experience and collector networks. The Whisky Collector’s Handbook was written to bridge that gap, bringing together the principles, insights and lessons that experienced collectors have accumulated over many years.

Rather than focusing solely on tasting notes or investment returns, the book explores the broader journey of collecting. It examines why people collect whisky, how collections evolve over time and how bottles can become repositories of history, craftsmanship and personal memory.

The handbook covers topics including distillery heritage, cask influence, provenance, authenticity, rarity, bottle condition, collection strategy and navigating the secondary market. It also explores the psychology of collecting and encourages readers to develop a collecting philosophy based on personal passion, curiosity and appreciation for the stories behind the bottle.

“Whisky collecting is about far more than acquiring bottles,” said Jonathan Yates, author of The Whisky Collector’s Handbook and founder of Caskd.

“Every bottle represents a moment in time. It carries the influence of the distillery, the cask, the people who created it and the years that shaped it. The goal of this book is to help collectors better understand those stories and build collections that hold genuine meaning, not simply financial value.”

The publication reflects many of the same principles that underpin Caskd, the dedicated marketplace for whisky collectors. Built specifically for enthusiasts, collectors and investors, Caskd was created to provide a trusted platform for discovering, buying and selling collectible whisky while helping strengthen the wider collector community.

The Whisky Collector’s Handbook is intended for both newcomers and experienced collectors. Whether readers are purchasing their first bottle, exploring rare distilleries or managing a collection built over decades, the book provides practical guidance designed to help them collect with greater confidence and deeper understanding.

Available Now

The Whisky Collector’s Handbook: A Field Guide to Bottles, Stories and Discovery is available now on Amazon.

Buy the Book on Amazon

About the Author

Jonathan Yates is a whisky collector, entrepreneur and founder of Caskd. Through his writing, events and marketplace platform, he aims to make whisky collecting more accessible while celebrating the history, craftsmanship and stories that make the whisky world unique.

About Caskd

Caskd is the UK’s dedicated peer-to-peer marketplace for whisky collectors, providing a trusted environment to discover, buy and sell collectible whisky. The platform connects enthusiasts through a shared passion for whisky, provenance and collecting culture.

Indri single malt Indian whisky enters UK premium market with Harrods listing for Founder’s Reserve

India’s most-awarded single malt whisky has arrived at one of the world’s most prestigious retail addresses. Indri secured its first Harrods listing with the UK launch of Indri Founder’s Reserve 11 Year Old, a limited-edition expression which is said to be comparable to a 30 to 35-year-old Scotch thanks to its distinctive tropical maturation.

Limited to just 1,100 bottles globally and priced at £350, the expression sold out at the luxury Knightsbridge retailer within weeks of its debut. It is now available from selected specialist retailers including Moonshine and Fuggles and Whisky Brokers Associates.

Produced near the foothills of the Himalayas in Indri, Haryana, Founder’s Reserve is shaped by the distinctive terroir of northern India. The distillery’s extreme climate, where summers reach 50°C and winters drop to freezing, accelerates maturation at a rate that sets Indian single malt apart from any other whisky-making region in the world. Around 10-12% of the spirit laid down in cask evaporates each year compared with 2% annually in Scotland’s cooler and more temperate conditions. And what remains after 11 years is extraordinarily precious.

Expertly crafted by master blender Surrinder Kumar, regarded as the architect of India’s premium spirits revolution, Indri Founder’s Reserve is aged for 11 years in ex-Bordeaux red wine casks. The result is a cask strength single malt bottled at 58.5% ABV, deep amber in colour, with a character that reflects both Surrinder’s craft and the conditions of northern India.

Surrinder Kumar, Master Blender for Indri, said: “India’s terroir doesn’t lend itself to prolonged ageing, as around 10% of the spirit laid down in cask evaporates each year. Left for a decade or more, and the remaining whisky is extremely precious and complex. Indri’s tropical ageing means that spirit matured for a year in India is equivalent to three to four years of ageing in Scotland’s cool climate, placing our Founder’s Reserve 11 Year Old in the same category as a Scotch whisky between 30 and 35-years-old.”

On the nose, the expression opens with dark fruits and warm spices, giving way to cherries and red plums alongside vanilla, oak and subtle wood spice. The palate is full-bodied and predominantly fruity, with nutmeg, ginger, citrus and vanilla emerging alongside toffee and milk chocolate. The finish is long and indulgent, with stewed orange, jammy sweetness and a long dry close.

Madhu Kanna, Head – International Business for Indri, added: “Indri’s Founder’s Reserve 11 Year Old is a symbol of India’s ascension in the world of fine single malt whisky. Aged to perfection and crafted with care, this expression embodies Indri’s ethos of creating a world-class Indian single malt whisky with soul, structure and enduring quality.

“Indri Founder’s Reserve sits at the pinnacle of our portfolio and makes a clear statement about the Indian single malt category. With only 1,100 bottles available worldwide, this rare release is both a collector’s treasure and a whisky connoisseur’s delight.”

Indri Founder’s Reserve 11 Year Old scored 95.09 points at the 2024 International Whisky Competition, ranking 8th globally and securing a place among the Top 15 Whiskies of the Year. Building on this international recognition, it went on to earn a Gold Award at the 2025 World Whisky Awards and a Gold Medal at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

The UK release is the latest chapter in Indri’s remarkable rise. Since launching in 2022, the brand has accumulated more than 100 international accolades and become the number one malt whisky in India by volume (IWSR 2024). One of the world’s fastest growing single malts, Indri is reshaping perceptions of Indian premium spirits on the global stage.

Indri Founder’s Reserve 11 Year Old is available now in selected specialist whisky retailers. For more information, visit https://www.indri.in/

Tasting Notes

Nose: Full-bodied, sweet and fruity with cherries and red plums, with a balance of vanilla, oak and wood spices, followed by subtle zesty hints accompanied leathery and earthy notes.

Palate: Predominantly fruity, with the right balance of oak, tannins and spice. Nutmeg, ginger, citrus and vanilla do not shy away. Milk chocolate and toffee exhibit at the hind side of the palate, lending a perfect texture to this full-bodied whisky.

Finish: Stewed orange, jammy sweetness with sober tannins offering slight dryness and a pleasing, long finish.

– 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

FROM NORFOLK TO WORLD’S BEST: THE ENGLISH DISTILLERY CLAIMS SECOND GLOBAL WHISKY TITLE AT WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS

Norfolk distillery celebrates second major global win in three years as its Gently Smoked Sherry Hogshead expression claims top honours on the world stage

The win sees The English Distillery outperform Scotland, Ireland, Japan and the United States for a second time in three years

The English Distillery has strengthened England’s position on the global whisky stage once again after being crowned World’s Best Single Malt (Small Batch) at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2026.

The Norfolk-based distillery’s latest victory – awarded for its outstanding English Gently Smoked Sherry Hogshead – marks its second major world title in just three years, further cementing its position as England’s leading whisky producer – and placing it firmly alongside the world’s most established whisky nations.

The win follows the distillery’s extraordinary 2024 success, when it was honoured for producing the World’s Best Single Malt, for its English Sherry Cask expression – a defining moment that announced English whisky’s arrival on the global stage, and which led to the winning whisky selling out globally within hours, with a similar surge in demand now expected in 2026. 

A GLOBAL STANDARD-BEARER FOR ENGLISH WHISKY

Competing against hundreds of entries from the world’s most renowned whisky-producing nations, including Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and the United States, The English Distillery is now a serious contender on the world stage, with the latest award-winning expression praised for its balance, character, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Founded in 2006 as England’s first registered whisky distillery in over 100 years, The English Distillery has helped spearhead the revival of English whisky by consistently pushing boundaries and remaining rooted in traditional whisky-making principles.

Every stage of production, from milling locally grown barley to distillation in its iconic copper stills, through to maturation in premium oak casks and hand bottling, takes place at its Breckland-based site in Norfolk.

And this hands-on, grain-to-glass approach continues to define the distillery’s world-class credentials.

THE WINNING WHISKY: GENTLY SMOKED SHERRY HOGSHEAD

The English Gently Smoked Sherry Hogshead represents a masterful evolution of the distillery’s sherry cask expertise, combining delicate peat influence with rich, sherry-driven depth.

Carefully matured in high-quality sherry hogshead casks, the whisky delivers a beautifully layered and complex profile.

On the nose, enticing aromas of burned sugar mix with rich toffee and sweet smoke, whilst the addition of a drop of water adds apples unlocks an added layer of discovery for whisky lovers looking to unlock an even greater sensation.

On the mouth, a rich palate featuring smooth, pronounced notes of smoke, smoked apple, cinnamon, vanilla, dried fruits and orange peel leads to a satisfyingly long, sweet and smokey finish.

Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in colour, the whisky exemplifies The English Distillery’s commitment to authenticity and quality without compromise.

STILL IN DISBELIEF: A FAMILY AT THE HEART OF SUCCESS

Led by husband and wife team Andrew Nelstrop, MD, and Marketing Director Katy Nelstrop, The English Distillery remains a family affair and is supported by some of the greatest talent in English and global whisky making.

Together, they continue the legacy of Andrew’s father, distillery founder James Nelstrop who, under the guidance of legendary Scotch whisky Master Distiller Ian Henderson, had an ambition to create world-class single malt whisky in England.

Andrew said: “We are genuinely still in disbelief. To win a World’s Best Whiskies title once was extraordinary. But to do it again, and in such a short space of time, is something neither we nor my father could have dared to dream of when he and Ian started this amazing journey 20 years ago. It’s an incredibly proud moment for our whole team and for English whisky as a whole.”

He added: “Winning World’s Best Single Malt in 2024 with our Sherry Cask was a milestone. To now follow that with World’s Best Single Malt (Small Batch) for our Gently Smoked Sherry Hogshead really shows that we are achieving the consistency and quality we strive for every single day.”

Fresh from celebrating the success with Andrew at the World Whiskies Awards at the Waldorf Hotel in London, Katy Nelstrop said: “It still hasn’t quite sunk in. The World Whiskies Awards represent the very pinnacle of global recognition, so to be honoured again is just incredible.”

She continued: “This whisky is such a special expression. It perfectly balances gentle smoke with the richness of sherry cask maturation. To see it recognised on the world stage is hugely rewarding for everyone involved.”

A CONTINUING LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

The English Distillery’s dual World Whiskies Awards triumphs in just three years underline not only its own success, but also the rapid evolution of English whisky as a globally respected category.

From its pioneering beginnings in 2006 to becoming a multi-award-winning distillery competing with the very best in the world, The English Distillery has played a defining role in shaping the modern English whisky movement.

Andrew added: “We are honoured that The English Distillery stands as a beacon for quality, innovation, and tradition. We continue flying the flag for England on the international stage.”

AVAILABILITY

The award-winning English Gently Smoked Sherry Hogshead is available now via The English Distillery’s online shop, RRP: £75 (70cl)

However, with global demand expected to surge following this latest accolade, availability may be limited.

The English Distillery is England’s oldest registered whisky distillery. Founded by the Nelstrop family in Norfolk in 2006, the distillery is still independent and creates multi-award-winning whisky from local barley.

The distillery has a unique place in history. In 1901 the last recorded whisky distillery in England swapped from whisky to gin production before being destroyed by fire. This saw the end of whisky distilleries in England until The English Whisky Co. Ltd was granted a license to distil whisky by HMRC. In 2006 it opened the first registered, operational whisky distillery in England for over 100 years.

Our founder James Nelstrop was the younger son of a Lincolnshire farmer. James spent his formative years farming in Lincolnshire before emigrating to Australia, where farms were bigger and opportunities were plentiful. James returned to England in 1976 and went to work the land in Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. He also set up farming charities in Russia to improve the agricultural industry as the country emerged from 30 years of communist control before returning to Norfolk.

As James neared retirement, a lifetime’s dream to make whisky became a possibility. The dream had grown from a throwaway comment made by James’ father, who said it was a “shame all this barley has to go to Scotland to be turned into whisky.”

The decision to build the distillery in Norfolk was quick and with only one caveat: The distillery would produce only the very finest single malt whiskies, regardless of the time it took to get there. This mantra has become the foundation of everything that we do at The English Distillery.

The distillery is now led by James’ son Andrew, who continues to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Caskd Launches the UK’s First Dedicated Peer-to-Peer Whisky Marketplace with Rare 1981 Macallan Listing

Founded by collector and technology entrepreneur Jonathan Yates, Caskd provides whisky enthusiasts with a dedicated platform to buy, sell and manage collectible bottles outside traditional auction channels.

Caskd Launches the UK’s First Dedicated Peer-to-Peer Marketplace for Whisky Collectors, Headlined by a Rare 1981 Macallan

Founded in Harrogate by whisky collector and technology entrepreneur Jonathan Yates, Caskd offers enthusiasts a transparent alternative to traditional auction houses and fragmented collector networks.

Caskd, the UK’s first dedicated peer-to-peer marketplace built exclusively for whisky collectors, has officially launched, providing enthusiasts, collectors and investors with a new way to buy, sell and manage collectible whisky.

For many collectors, buying and selling whisky has traditionally meant auction houses, where buyer’s premiums, seller commissions and additional fees can significantly increase the total cost of a transaction. While auctions remain an important part of the market, many collectors have been left searching for a more direct, transparent and community-focused way to trade with one another.

Founded in Harrogate by whisky collector and technology entrepreneur Jonathan Yates, Caskd was created to address that challenge.

Despite the continued growth of whisky collecting, Yates found there was still no dedicated platform built specifically for the needs of whisky enthusiasts. Existing marketplaces often treat whisky as a secondary category, while private collectors frequently rely on informal networks where trust, provenance and pricing transparency can be difficult to establish.

“I spent years collecting whisky and realised that finding bottles was often easier than trading them fairly,” said Yates.

“By the time buyer’s premiums, seller commissions and other fees were added, the economics often made little sense for private collector-to-collector transactions. We built Caskd to give collectors a dedicated marketplace where they can connect directly, retain more control and keep more value within the community.”

The platform enables collectors to list bottles with detailed provenance information, condition notes and photography, while allowing buyers to browse by distillery, age, region, rarity and price. Sellers retain control over pricing and timing, allowing transactions to take place directly between collectors without bidding wars, auction deadlines or the substantial premiums often associated with auction sales.

Caskd launches with an inaugural cellar featuring bottles ranging from approximately £50 to £7,000, reflecting the diversity of today’s whisky collecting community.

Among the launch listings is a rare 1981 Macallan 18 Year Old drawn from a single Fino Sherry cask. The bottle represents the type of rare and difficult-to-source whisky that collectors often struggle to discover through conventional retail channels.

However, Yates believes the future of whisky collecting is not defined solely by high-value bottles.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about whisky collecting is that it is only for wealthy investors. The reality is that most collections start with curiosity, not capital. Some of the most meaningful bottles in a collection cost less than dinner for two. We want Caskd to be as valuable to someone buying their first collectible bottle as it is to someone searching for a rare Macallan.”

Beyond buying and selling, Caskd includes tools designed to help enthusiasts organise and manage their collections, creating a dedicated digital home for whisky collectors.

Built around the principles of trust, transparency and access, the platform aims to make whisky collecting more accessible while preserving the knowledge, stories and passion that define the collector community.

The company believes the launch reflects a growing demand for more direct collector-to-collector trading and a more modern approach to discovering, owning and exchanging rare and collectible whisky.

Caskd is now live at caskd.app.

About Caskd

Caskd is the UK’s first dedicated peer-to-peer marketplace built specifically for whisky collectors. The platform enables enthusiasts, collectors and investors to buy, sell, discover and manage collectible whisky through a trusted collector-first experience.

Founded by whisky collector and technology entrepreneur Jonathan Yates, Caskd was created to modernise the way whisky collectors connect, trade and build their collections.

AJ BOND DISTILLERY UNVEILS ITS FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE WHISKEY, SAZERAC’S FIRST IN THE CATEGORY

Crafted by Master Distillers Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, the inaugural release celebrates a decades-long bond and a shared commitment to innovation and Tennessee heritage

LA VERGNE, TN (June 1, 2026) – AJ Bond Distillery is proud to announce the debut of its flagship brand, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey, marking Sazerac’s first entry into the Tennessee Whiskey category. Crafted by Master Distillers Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, the inaugural release reflects a shared vision to evolve Tennessee whiskey higher through a balance of tradition and innovation.

Named for the bond between its creators, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey embodies a partnership that shaped both its origin and its process. In 2016, the two set out to create a new standard, drawing on decades of expertise to develop the Distillery’s flagship expression. Crafted from a singular mashbill and produced through a distinctive dual-distillation process featuring both pot and column stills, each distillate is charcoal mellowed, aged independently and thoughtfully bonded together to deliver a balanced, elevated Tennessee Whiskey.

“We wanted to raise expectations for what Tennessee Whiskey can be,” said Allisa Henley. “Every decision behind this whiskey was driven by a commitment to quality and a belief that innovation and tradition can work hand in hand. By combining pot and column still distillation and bonding those components after aging, we have created a whiskey that sets a new standard for the category.”

AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey is crafted in full accordance with the standards that define the category, underscoring a commitment to quality and authenticity at every stage. Charcoal mellowed using sugar maple charcoal created by the AJ Bond Distillery team, the process honors a tradition passed down to Allisa and John through generations of Tennessee whiskey makers. Its Tennessee provenance is further reinforced through locally-sourced ingredients, including corn from Batey Farms, a two-century-old family-owned farm in Murfreesboro, and barrels made from Tennessee oak.

Bottled at 95 proof, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey delivers rich, layered flavors. On the nose, it opens with sweet notes of wedding cake and caramel corn, complemented by butterscotch and a subtle redwood undertone. The palate is complex, unfolding with baked apple and charred fruit, followed by marzipan, powdered cinnamon and brandied cherry, with hints of cream soda and baking chocolate. The finish is long and evolving, marked by a savory peppercorn and lingering notes of chestnut honey.

“AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey is deeply personal,” said Henley. “John and I built this together over years of shared experience, and this whiskey carries forward his legacy. It’s a reflection of the respect we have for the process, the people who taught us, and the bond we will forever share.”

Honoring its roots, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey will first be released in Tennessee in June 2026 via Sazerac’s distributor network at a suggested retail price of $39.99 (750ml; local taxes and fees will vary), with broader U.S. distribution to select states to follow in late 2026. This release signals the beginning of the AJ Bond Distillery portfolio, which will introduce additional whiskeys in the years to come.

For more information, please visit sazerac.com/our-distilleries.

About AJ Bond Distillery

AJ Bond Distillery, located in La Vergne, Tennessee, is dedicated to crafting Tennessee Whiskey that bonds tradition and innovation. Named for the bond between Master Distillers Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, the Distillery reflects decades of shared experience and a commitment to quality at every step. Its flagship product, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey, is crafted using a distinctive dual-distillation process featuring both pot and column stills. The Distillery celebrates its Tennessee roots by sourcing key ingredients from within the state, including corn from Batey Farms, a two-century-old family-owned farm in Murfreesboro, and barrels made from Tennessee oak grown in the state. For more information about AJ Bond Distillery, please visit sazerac.com/our-distilleries.

HOLE IN ONE AT THIS ST ANDREWS DISTILLERY GETS YOU A £5,000 WHISKY CASK

Visitors to the ‘home of golf’ have the chance to win their very own whisky cask

St Andrews-based independent distiller, Eden Mill, has launched ‘Pin It To Win It’ – a golf simulator challenge combining Scotland’s national drink with the home of golf.

For £10, players get three attempts to land closest to the pin on the simulator, with anyone landing a hole in one winning their very own Eden Mill Whisky Cask, filled on site at the distillery. Everyone’s a winner though and there’s a prize to be had wherever your ball lands. The distillery will also award the closest person to the pin each calendar month with a bottle of its single malt whisky.

Hamish Maclean, Senior Brand Manager at Eden Mill, said: “We wanted to create something spontaneous and genuinely exciting, the kind of thing you walk past and think ‘oh go on then’ and end up talking about for weeks. Owning a whisky cask is a dream for many, so we thought why not give our guests the chance to win one for a tenner!”

The only distillery experience of its kind in Scotland, the activation brings together whisky tourism and golf culture – giving visitors the chance to test their swing just minutes from the Old Course while enjoying one of Scotland’s newest premium whisky destinations.

Players landing safely on the green win an Eden Mill tote bag. Those finding the bunker receive a golf ball, while out-of-bounds efforts are rewarded with a golf tee – the challenge’s “wooden spoon”!

Pin It To Win It is available to all visitors to Eden Mill’s distillery visitor centre in Guardbridge, alongside the distillery’s whisky tours, cocktail bar, and blending experiences. For more information, visit edenmill.com.

• Pin It To Win It is priced at £10 for three shots, or £15 as part of the Dram and Drive package, which includes an Eden Mill single malt.
• On the green wins an Eden Mill tote bag. Bunker wins a golf ball. Out of bounds wins a golf tee.
• The hole in one prize is an Eden Mill Bourbon Whisky Cask, filled on site at the distillery, worth £5,000.
• The monthly prize is a bottle of Eden Mill whisky, awarded to the closest shot to the pin at the end of each calendar month.

Scottish spirits company announces move to Glasgow city centre

CBRE concludes deal on behalf of Legal & General following significant refurbishment of Kintyre House on West George Street

Glasgow – Premium Scottish spirits business, CVH Spirits, has relocated to Kintyre House in Glasgow city centre, marking a significant move for the premium spirits business, which is custodian for Bunnahabhain, Deanston and Tobermory distilleries.

Global real estate adviser CBRE acted on behalf of landlord Legal and General (L&G), securing a five-year, 3,024 sq ft lease, which will see CVH relocate its corporate operations from East Kilbride.

The move will see around 30 staff across marketing, finance, HR, IT and commercial functions establish a new central hub in the city centre, while production, bottling, blending and warehousing operations will remain at the company’s East Kilbride site.

Founded in 2023, CVH Spirits was previously part of the Distell Group and earlier operated as Burn Stewart Distillers. Today, the business is an independent premium spirits company and custodian of some of Scotland’s most recognised distilleries and whisky brands, with the company employing around 300 people across the UK, EU and Asia.

The relocation marks a significant investment by CVH Spirits’, underlining its commitment to its Scottish operations and the company’s continued commercial focus following the appointment of Chief Executive Officer Ronan O’Rahilly last year. Establishing a high quality, central headquarters reflects the company’s confidence in its brand portfolio and future opportunity as it continues to build momentum domestically and internationally.

Kintyre House has been recently refurbished to provide modern, efficient workspace with an EPC A energy rating, and offering L&G’s ‘Capsule’ brand of fully fitted office space, including meeting rooms, breakout areas, workstations and pre-installed IT infrastructure. Home to established occupiers including Hiscox and Maven Capital Partners UK LLP, the building sits on West George Street, one of Glasgow’s most recognised business addresses, surrounded by a vibrant mix of restaurants and amenities, and just minutes on foot from both Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations.

Martin Speirs, Director at CBRE Scotland, said: “CVH Spirits’ move to Kintyre House is a clear statement of intent and the latest positive signal for Glasgow city centre. In a competitive market, businesses are being more selective about where and how they occupy space, and Kintyre House offers the quality, efficiency and profile that forward-looking companies are seeking. We were pleased to advise L&G in securing a strong occupier in CVH Spirits for the building.”

Will Kelly, Senior Asset Manager at L&G, said: “We are pleased to welcome CVH Spirits to Kintyre House. Their decision to relocate to the building reflects the strength of the recent refurbishment and the continued appeal of high-quality, well-located office space in the heart of Glasgow.

“Securing a business of this calibre reinforces our confidence in the asset and in the city centre market. We remain committed to investing in our portfolio to ensure it meets the expectations of modern occupiers and supports long term performance.”

Ronan O’Rahilly, Chief Executive Officer at CVH Spirits, said: “Our move into the heart of Glasgow marks an important milestone for CVH Spirits and for the continued development of our world-renowned brands.

“There have been well-documented challenges across the whisky industry over the last 12 months, but we are taking a long-term view and continuing to invest with confidence. This new, refurbished city centre space gives our teams an environment that reflects our forward-thinking, commercially focused approach, commitment to the trade and our ambitions for growth.”

Kintyre House currently has two remaining high-quality, fully-fitted suites available ranging from 2,012 – 5,298 sq ft, providing ready to occupy space for incoming tenants. CBRE and Savills act as joint letting agents for the property.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2025 revenue). The company has more than 155,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage servicing, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience, data center solutions); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

WOVEN ACCELERATES INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION FOLLOWING AWARD-WINNING START TO 2026 

Independent blender doubles down on its commitment to flavour as refreshed core range expands into four new markets

Edinburgh-based whisky maker Woven has secured four new international distribution partnerships across France, Italy, Spain and New Zealand, marking a significant step in the brand’s global expansion.

The announcement marks a major breakthrough in Woven’s international growth strategy, underpinned by rising global demand for flavour-driven, accessible whisky. Each market has been selected based on clear indicators of this demand, alongside a shift toward flavour and value, and an openness to new whisky propositions.

The announcement is bolstered by recent recognition at the World Whiskies Awards, where WXC – a collaborative spirit drink created with London’s Assembly Coffee – was named World’s Best Flavoured Whisky 2026, providing further validation of Woven’s focus on flavour-led innovation as it enters new territories.

Nick Ravenhall, Managing Director of Woven, said:  “We’re new into these markets, but the drinker we’re built for is already there. They get it instantly, and right now they’re hugely under served by the category. That’s the opportunity.

“The whisky industry has traditionally been led by heritage and prestige. That still matters in the right context, but it’s no longer enough on its own. We’re not seeing people walk away from whisky, we’re seeing them get more selective. Propositions that stack up on flavour and value are finding their audience. Those that don’t are sitting on shelves. Right now, the whiskies delivering on flavour and value – often blends – are the ones winning that race.”

Recent figures from the Scotch Whisky Association reflect that shift. While single malt exports fell 6% to £1.6bn in 2025, blends remained stable – a sign that value and drinkability are holding firm as priorities change.

Woven’s approach is deliberately less traditional, treating whisky as a creative category rather than a fixed set of rules. Its core range spans four categories of blended Scotch, world blends, blended malt and flavoured whisky, allowing the brand to compete across multiple segments as it expands internationally. The portfolio is designed to let drinkers move freely across styles, without gatekeeping or the fear of doing it wrong.

Pete Allison, Co-Founder and Whisky Maker, said: “At one of our recent events, someone told me they loved our premium whisky Superblend, but couldn’t have it as their go-to because of the price. From that conversation, we spent three months sourcing components from around the world to meet that drinker exactly where they are. Whisky is great at selling just-out-of-reach aspirations, but we wanted to meet people right now. That was the moment our new house pour, Woven Whisky, was born.”

France and Italy represent large, established markets where Woven is now scaling beyond early specialist listings. Spain is one of the few European markets in growth, with export values up 6% in 2025, while New Zealand offers a highly engaged consumer base open to challenging traditional whisky norms.

L’Explorateur du Goût will handle France, where Woven has spent two years building awareness through La Maison du Whisky, before expanding into the premium on-trade and independent retail. Compagnia dei Caraibi will represent the brand in Italy, Wkyregal in Spain and Highland Fern in New Zealand respectively.

Woven’s full range is now available across France, Italy, Spain, and New Zealand. For more information please visit www.wovenwhisky.com.

ABOUT WOVEN

Woven are independent whisky makers based in Leith — the town where blending was built. Rather than build a distillery, they treat the world’s 2,000 distilleries as a palette, sourcing from makers who share their obsession with flavour. What makes Woven different is what happens between sourcing and blending — they intervene, cultivate, and raise flavour in the cask before a drop goes into the blend. The result is an evolving collection of whiskies that couldn’t exist anywhere else. 

Loch Lomond Group’s Gary Mills Named Best Scotch Whisky Ambassador at World Whisky Awards

This latest accolade adds to a growing suite of awards that highlight Loch Lomond Group’s rising prominence in the spirits category.

Independent distiller Loch Lomond Group is celebrating a landmark achievement as its Global Brand Ambassador, Gary Mills, has been named the Icons of Whisky – Best Scotch Whisky Ambassador at the internationally renowned World Whisky Awards.

After winning the regional award in December, Gary was shortlisted alongside five brand ambassadors who represent some of the biggest names in Scotch. He received the accolade in honour of his exceptional contribution to Scotch whisky advocacy.

Gary joined Loch Lomond Group in 2014, at a formative stage in the company’s journey. With a background in marketing combined with a clear and enduring passion for whisky, he quickly established himself as a driving force within a small, ambitious team. In those early days, he helped build a portfolio of just four single malts and one blend, laying the foundations for what would become one of Scotland’s most dynamic whisky ranges.

A decade later, both the business and Gary’s influence have grown significantly. Now part of a 25-strong marketing team, he has been instrumental in developing an award-winning collection, and shaping the global reputation of Loch Lomond Group’s portfolio, which includes Loch Lomond Whiskies, Glen Scotia, Littlemill, Noble Rebel, Spearhead and High Commissioner.

The Icon Award adds to a string of recent accolades for Loch Lomond Group, which is rapidly establishing itself as one of the leading distillers on the global whisky stage. The Group’s success is driven not only by its exceptional whiskies but also by the talent and expertise of its people. Gary becomes the second individual from the business to be named on the global stage, with Andy Moore picking up Cooper of the Year in 2023.

Renowned as one of the most creative distillers in the sector, Loch Lomond Group has a reputation for blending traditional craftsmanship with bold experimentation to produce whiskies that are entirely unique. Its use of Straight Neck Stills at the Loch Lomond Distillery places the company at the forefront of innovation, contributing to a portfolio that consistently earns international acclaim.

Today, Loch Lomond Whiskies ranks among the fastest-growing top 25 single malt brands in the world  – a success that helped secure the title of Distiller of the Year 2025 at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Meanwhile, Glen Scotia continued its award-winning streak, capturing platinum for both its 15- and 25-Year-Old expressions at the same competition.

Andrew Jack, Head of Whisky Marketing at Loch Lomond Group, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team we have built, and this latest award reflects the strength of our fantastic people. At Loch Lomond Group we are purposeful in our decision to nurture expertise, passion and craftsmanship in all parts of the business, from whisky makers to brand managers.

“At the heart of Gary’s work is a genuine commitment to advocacy. He has a rare ability to translate the complexities of Scotch whisky into experiences that resonate with all audiences, with his tastings and tours defined by energy and authentic storytelling. He consistently receives praise for being one of the most engaging ambassadors in the category. This award is a testament to the impact he has made not only for our brands, but for Scotch as a whole.”

Gary represents Loch Lomond Group’s brands on the world stage, while also leading the visitor experience across its distilleries, including at the recently opened Luss Distillery – a dynamic, multi-million-pound spirits destination on the banks of Loch Lomond.

Widely regarded for his depth of knowledge across whisky history, production, and flavour, Gary has become a trusted and influential voice within the industry. He is a regular presence across podcasts, television and specialist publications, consistently championing the craftsmanship, heritage and innovation behind the whiskies he represents.

Gary Mills, Global Brand Ambassador at Loch Lomond Group, said: “Winning the Icons of Whisky – Best Scotch Whisky Ambassador is an incredible honour. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the Loch Lomond Group journey from the early days and have had the privilege to work alongside a passionate team dedicated to creating exceptional whiskies. Sharing those stories and connecting people to Scotch is what drives me every day, so this recognition means a great deal.”

For more information about The Loch Lomond Group, visit www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the Loch Lomond Group

Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria, Scotland and is home to many multi-award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.

Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.

Bourbonola Makes History Again with New Bourbon & Banana Seltzer

Introducing Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer – 8.0% abv

LEXINGTON, Ky, June 11, 2026— Town Branch Distillery, the 7^th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—is shaking up the spirits-based ready-to-drink category with something nobody saw coming. Introducing Bourbonola Tropical Style, a Bourbon & Banana Seltzer that blends authentic bourbon character with bold tropical flavor. Crafted with 2 shots per can of Town Branch Bourbon and layered with notes of banana, mango, citrus and a touch of honey, with a crisp, light sparkling body for an exceptionally refreshing experience. Real bourbon, real flavor and pushing bourbon culture somewhere entirely new. Available in select markets nationwide. (SRP $14.99 per 4pk x 355ml Slim Cans).

Bourbonola Prohibition Style & Bourbonola Tropical Style

If you already know Bourbonola, then you know the legend started with Bourbonola Prohibition Style — nearly 3-shots of Kentucky Straight Bourbon per can blended with a proprietary cherry cola to 12% ABV as a ready-to-drink beverage that doesn’t play by modern rules. If you don’t know Bourbonola yet, now’s the time to catch up. Scan the QR code to watch the Bourbonola Origin Story and learn its storied history.

The story begins in 1922, deep in the heart of Prohibition, when Lexington Brewing Co. was forced to pivot from beer to non-alcoholic beverages to survive. One of those creations was boldly named Bourbonola, because while the government could regulate what went into the bottle, they couldn’t regulate the name on it.

Fast forward 100 years. While expanding its bourbon-based portfolio, the team at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. and home of Town Branch Distillery uncovered the forgotten Bourbonola name painted across an old brewery photo. The history was real. The assets still existed. Bourbonola was reborn.

Now the next chapter begins. Bourbonola Tropical Style, a bourbon-based tropical hard seltzer built around one of the world’s most iconic flavors: banana. Made with real Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it pushes Bourbonola even further into uncharted territory while staying rooted in whiskey culture. Just like Prohibition Style proudly carries the year 1922 on its can, Bourbonola Tropical Style features 1876 — the year bananas exploded into American culture at the Centennial World’s Fair in Philadelphia. Exotic, unexpected, unforgettable. Sound familiar?

Alongside the launch of Tropical Style, both Bourbonola expressions are receiving refreshed packaging, including new outer cartons with a QR code to tell their historic origin story and updated artwork featuring each drink’s signature spirit animal. Bourbonola started by breaking rules during Prohibition. A century later, it’s still doing exactly that while making history.

This Is Bananas! But Why Bananas?

The answer is actually pretty simple. For years now, innovation at Town Branch has centered around one core idea: bourbon-based or bourbon-inspired to celebrate it’s origin on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Bourbonola Tropical Style delivers both.

Built on a base of real Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Bourbonola Tropical Style is bourbon-based by design celebrating the native spirit of the United States. But it’s also bourbon-inspired in flavor. Anyone familiar with younger bourbons knows they often carry notes of banana, banana bread, baking spice, and sweet grain before extended barrel aging shifts those profiles to oak, caramel, and vanilla. To celebrate that vibrant younger bourbon character, and minimum 2-year-old bourbon at the heart of the drink — banana became the lead flavor.

But why else bananas? Because bananas are one of the most iconic fruits on the planet, with more than 100 billion consumed globally every year. They also have one of the greatest stories in food culture. Bananas exploded into American consciousness at the 1876 Centennial World’s Fair in Philadelphia, where the tropical fruit became an overnight sensation. Also, local legend in Kentucky’s sub-tropical climate tells of a fruit called the pawpaw which tastes like a tropical mixture of bananas, mango and pineapple. Plus, did you know bananas float in water and so do Bourbonola Tropical Style cans.

And now, 150 years later, banana is once again having a moment, this time behind the bar. Some of the world’s best bartenders are embracing banana in cocktails and as part of their beverage program, while the broader beverage category still has surprisingly few banana-forward offerings. “So we looked at the landscape and thought: why not bananas? The category is ripe for the picking.” notes Robert Krass, Managing Director at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. “While developing Bourbonola Prohibition Style, we created our own cola from scratch using cherry, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cocoa nibs, and kola nut. For Bourbonola Tropical Style, we approached it the same way — building our own seltzer using banana, mango, pineapple, lemon, honey, ginger, and sparkling water – full flavor!”

Bourbonola has always been about celebrating history, making history, pushing boundaries, and giving people the unexpected — all while using real ingredients, real flavors, and real bourbon to create something better, something unexpected. Cheers to making history with Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer.

Scan the QR code to watch the Bourbonola Origin Story and learn its storied history.

Image Assets: Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer Assets

Brand Highlights:

Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer – 8.0% abv (SRP $14.99 / 4pk Slim Cans)

• Bourbonola Tropical Style is an 8.0% ABV Bourbon & Banana Seltzer made with Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon and blended with a proprietary tropical seltzer featuring notes of banana, mango, pineapple, lemon, honey, and ginger.
• Classification: Bourbon-based Ready-to-Drink Seltzer
• Bourbon Mash Bill: 72% Corn | 15% Rye | 13% Malted Barley
• Age: Bourbon base is 2-years minimum aged
• Flavor Blend: Proprietary tropical seltzer featuring banana, mango, pineapple, lemon, honey, ginger, water, and carbonation.
• ABV: 8.0% abv. (16 proof)
• Estimated Availability: Available in select markets nationwide
• Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Bright golden straw with lively carbonation and a slight natural haze of fresh tropical juice.
  • Aroma: Fresh banana immediately rise from the glass, layered with hints of ripe mango, citrus zest, wildflower honey, and subtle baking spice from the Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
  • Palate: Smooth and vibrant up front with notes of banana cream, tropical fruit, and fresh lemon balanced by hints of honey and ginger spice.
  • Finish: Crisp, lightly sparkling, and surprisingly refreshing with lingering notes of candied banana and citrus.

About Bourbonola:

Bourbonola is a bourbon-based and bourbon-inspired ready-to-drink brand family developed by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Rooted in American history, each release draws inspiration from a distinct cultural moment while using real Kentucky Straight Bourbon, real ingredients, and proprietary mixers crafted in-house. Bourbonola Prohibition Style launched in 2022 — exactly 100 years after the original non-alcoholic Bourbonola debuted during Prohibition. Bourbonola Tropical Style followed in 2026, celebrating 150 years since bananas first captivated America at the 1876 Centennial World’s Fair in Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on TikTok. 

About Town Branch Distillery:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is notable as the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition. It is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️. The distillery produces several acclaimed spirits, including Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Overproof Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch upcycles every used barrel to craft a variety of whiskeys and barrel-aged beers, such as Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This process ensures each barrel’s legacy continues within our diverse product line. For more details, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).

About Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch Distillery, which is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter).

About Kentucky®️ Barrel-Aged Beers:

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️, specializes in the art of barrel-aging beer. As one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands globally, Lexington leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of barrel-aged beer. Offerings include the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale, and a selection of Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Seasonal and Specialty releases. Upcycling its own bourbon barrels enhances the quality of its barrel-aged beers with a distinct character that sets them apart from other breweries in America. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on Facebook or Instagram.

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons and now led by his son Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech is a global leader in agriculture, committed to providing smarter and more sustainable solutions. With over 40 years of scientific research backing its work, Alltech offers a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance the health and performance of plants and animals. This, in turn, leads to improved nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and advanced innovation in the field. Headquartered near Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech operates in over 120 countries with five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their mission, encapsulated in their purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” focuses on providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing the planet’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter).