GAIL PORTER JOINS LAUNCH OF SINGLE CASK MALT WHISKY COLLECTION FROM ONE CASK AT A TIME

East Lothian, 8 September 2025:  Gail Porter and chef Tony Singh were among whisky-loving guests celebrating the private launch of independent whisky bottler, One Cask at a Time, at Gosford House on Thursday 4 September 2025.

The event, held in the House’s iconic Marble Hall, showcased One Cask at a Time’s already multi-award-winning debut collection, with guests getting the first taste of six exceptional cask strength whiskies including a Highland Park 27YO, Aultmore 33YO and Ledaig 30YO.  The tastings, hosted by whisky specialist Alwynne Gwilt (@themisswhisky) also featured bottles from One Cask at a Time’s more accessible Chronograph and Pendulum series with collectors and guests discovering the characterful flavours of its Ben Nevis 11YO, Glentauchers 15YO and Auchentoshan 26YO single malts.  As part of the experience, guests were given the privilege of sampling and selecting the next Pendulum release in a blind taste test, with guests opting for a 2010 Jura in oloroso cask.

The launch brought together whisky enthusiasts from across the UK with a specially choreographed performance from Olivier-award-winning dancer Theophilus O. Bailey and live music from acclaimed jazz singer Niki King.  One Cask at a Time partnered with luxury brands Bonhams’ and Walker Slater affording guests an exclusive pre-auction preview of Bonhams’ prestige watches, and access to tailoring excellence through Walker Slater’s curated collection of tweed and woollen suits, coats, and accessories.

One Cask at a Time is a timeless collection of single cask malt whisky bottlings, comprising three series – Chronograph, Pendulum and Grandfather, each carefully curated to appeal to different audiences and tastes. Released at cask strength for the perfect moment of discovery, each bottle is the embodiment of aged perfection. A celebration of the past, present and future of whisky craftsmanship in all its forms, One Cask at a Time honours the enduring traditions and values of whisky-making, in particular the transformative role of time on the liquid, while embracing technological innovation to enhance the full whisky experience through its Bottle Passport app (an interactive digital user experience).

Notes 

One Cask at a Time is an independent British whisky bottler whose collections are a curation of some of the finest and most interesting single cask whiskies from across Scotland – a true celebration of time and craftsmanship.  www.onecaskatatime.com

Aultmore 1990 (43.8% ABV, RRP £675, 146 bottles)

IWSC Silver Medal, Gold – Scotch Whisky Masters

Deep gold, clear and bright with good legs, this 33-year-old single malt offers a mild, sweet nose of apple, balsawood and cappuccino, unfolding into a creamy palate of pineapple, banana, caramel and vanilla, with a soft milk chocolate finish. 

Highland Park 1996 (43.4% ABV, RRP £699, 187 bottles)

IWSC Silver Medal, Master – Scotch Whisky Masters

Rich liquid gold in appearance with good legs, this 27-year-old single malt opens with a mild, maritime nose of seaweed, salt and linseed oil, leading to a slightly oily palate with a salty-sweet balance, notes of white pepper, toasted oak and a gentle wisp of peat smoke in the warming finish.

Grandfather Series (comprising Aultmore 33 YO, Ledaig 30YO, Highland Park 27YO)

IWSC Winner: Luxury Packaging – Design Awards 2025

MacTalla unveils second Lighthouse Series bottling, shaped by the whisky community for 2025

September 2025 Islay single malt whisky Mac-Talla has released the second bottling in its Lighthouse Series – and for the first time, its network of hand-picked global retail and bar partners helped select the final liquid.

Following the inaugural bottling in 2024, which celebrated the lighthouse as a guiding light, this new edition shifts focus to the guiding hand – a tribute to the skill and intuition that shape great Scotch whisky.

“Just as a ship’s skipper uses knowledge and experience to steer through treacherous waters, a whisky maker guides spirit on its journey from cask to bottle,” says Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers Head Distiller Graeme Mackeddie. “Lighthouse 2025 is about celebrating that human touch – the decisions, the craft, and the expertise that bring whisky safely to its destination.”

This year, Mac-Talla invited its network of hand-picked Lighthouse retailers and bars across the EU and UK to help select the final spirit. These Lighthouse partners are talented whisky specialists who can offer expertise, passion, and a deeper exploration of Mac-Talla’s journey of taste. The partners included Vin et Whisky in Paris, 3 Greek St in London, The Black Cat in Edinburgh, and Tara Spirits in Munich.

This has resulted in a whisky that reflects Islay’s rugged maritime character, that also carries the insight of a global whisky community.

Crafted from a complex combination of First Fill Bourbon, First Fill Oloroso and PX, and a First Fill Bordeaux barrique – all finished in Virgin American Oak – Lighthouse 2025 offers a rich and indulgent flavour profile.

On the nose, expect treacle toffee, milk chocolate, dried fruits, and a lift of spice. The palate delivers chewy caramels dipped in chocolate, balanced with soft peat smoke, gentle wood spice, and a long finish of toasted coconut – a decadent Islay treat likened to a caramel log in a glass.

This special bottling is only available at Mac-Talla Lighthouse partners. A few of them will be holding special tastings in the coming months; details can be found here: https://mactallawhisky.com/lighthouse.

Tasting notes: 

• Nose: Treacle toffees and milk chocolate. Subtle dried fruit and a hint of spice.
• Taste: Chewy caramels dipped in milk chocolate, balanced with peat smoke and gentle wood spice.
• ABV: 54.7%
• RRP: £74

Mac-Talla Lighthouse 2025 is exclusively available from MacTalla Lighthouse partners from September 24th across the UK and EU.  Find your local lighthouse: https://mactallawhisky.com/stockists

ABOUT MSWD

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) is an independent, family-owned company based in Perth, Scotland. Rebranded in 2020, MSWD represents five generations of Morrison whisky heritage under one name, with a focus on single malt production, brand development, blending and bottling. Its flagship brands include Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr and Bruadar.

Further Background

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is solely owned and operated by one of Scotland’s oldest and most prominent whisky families, Jamie and Brian Morrison. There has been over five generations of the Morrison family involved in the whisky business including grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers, making them one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families.

Their heritage gives them access to a wide variety of unique and exceptional casks from pedigree distilleries across Scotland. Their family’s values are run through everything they do and they proudly showcase these underneath each of their bottles reiterating their commitment to Patience, Intuition and Integrity.

In every whisky they release, they are committed to continue to impart the knowledge that has been passed down from generations of family whisky makers. Our chairman’s great-grandfather, William Walker, one of the pre-eminent whisky brokers of his era, worked closely with various distilleries on the island, even advocating on behalf of the Islay whisky trade to American businesses on the repeal of US prohibition in 1933.

Walker grew very fond of Islay, where he eventually purchased a home, and played an integral part in developing transport, trade and marketing of the Island’s produce.  His philanthropic nature was deeply appreciated by Islay residents – with the Glasgow Islay Association (of which he was a life member and chairman) noting in 1934 “In the Island itself, he has closely identified himself with every cause worthy of support”.

In 1963 a chance lunchtime encounter at a Glasgow restaurant led to Stanley P Morrison, the son-in-law of William Walker, purchasing of Islay’s oldest distillery — Bowmore (established in 1779) — that evening. Morrison Bowmore Distillers was created and emerged as a globally-recognised brand of quality Single Malt Scotch

Whisky, producing a characterful spirit with some legendary bottlings. Morrison Bowmore Distillers was acquired by Suntory in 1994.

To find out more about Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers visit www.morrisondistillers.com or for MacTalla visit www.mactallawhisky.com

Tomatin owner Takara Shuzo International announces global release of Kurokabegura New Make Spirit

Takara Shuzo International has announced the UK launch of Kurokabegura New Make Spirit, a highly limited early preview of Kurokabegura single malt Japanese whisky.

Distilled at the Kurokabegura distillery in the town of Takanabe-cho in Miyazaki, Japan by Takara Shuzo – owner of the historic Shirakawa Distillery in Japan – Kurokabegura New Make Spirit has been unveiled ahead of the launch of the first Kurokabegura single malt whisky, anticipated for release in the coming years.

Bottled at 63% ABV and presented in a slimline, premium glass decanter featuring Japanese brushwork calligraphy, known as shodo, this extraordinary new make spirit is characterised by its bold flavour, opening with a rich, sweet aroma with notes of raisins, banana and honey, and offering a deep and lingering maltiness on the palate.

Previously only available in Japan, Kurokabegura New Make Spirit is now distributed globally via the Tomatin online shop.

Whisky has been produced at Kurokabegura Distillery since 1982. With a legacy of excellence in Japanese shōchū production, Kurokabegura Distillery has earned global acclaim at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

The copper pot stills used to shape Kurokabegura New Make Spirit were crafted in Scotland by McMillan Coppersmiths and installed in 1979, with the stills’ design following the style of the Shirakawa distillery, located 200km north of Tokyo, where Japanese whisky was produced in the 1950s. Although Shirakawa closed in 2003, its spirit continues through this legacy.

A single parcel of Shirakawa was forgotten for decades, as the distillery moved on from whisky-making to produce more traditional Japanese spirits which gained popularity through the second half of the 20th century.

Tomatin managing director Stephen Bremner became fascinated by the history of Takara Shuzo’s whisky production, interviewing former employees and scouring the globe for documents relating to Shirakawa. He eventually tracked down not just the history of the distillery but also one last remaining parcel of single malt, which he located at Kurokabegura in 2019. Released in 2022, Shirakawa 1958 is thought to be the earliest known and rarest single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled.

Takahiro Shimizu, Executive Officer at Takara Shuzo International, said: “Our team has dedicated years to mastering the art of cask maturation through our experience with crafting around 85 expressions of shōchū, each one contributing to our understanding of wood and time.

“Kurokabegura Distillery has a dedicated cooperage where each cask is carefully managed, restored and prepared. This close attention allows the whisky to mature under expert care and achieve its finest character. Our new make release is testament to the high quality of our spirit, demonstrating the starting point from which our whisky is crafted.”

Stephen Bremner, Managing Director at Tomatin Distillery, said: “Takara Shuzo’s quiet dedication to whisky-making at Kurokabegura Distillery is very similar to our own distillery ethos here in the Highlands, so forging a meaningful partnership over thousands of miles to bring Japanese new make to the rest of the world has been an incredible experience and follows on from the release of the world’s rarest Japanese single malt, Shirakawa 1958. We’re seeing an increasing number of whisky enthusiasts purchasing new make in anticipation of how it will evolve in the future, and I have no doubt Kurokabegura will surprise and delight in equal measure.”

Kurokabegura New Make Spirit is available to purchase from the Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre and its online shop now, priced at £34 per 200ml bottle. It will also be available to sample and purchase at The Whisky Show at Old Billingsgate in London from 3-5 October 2025.

To purchase a bottle of Kurokabegura New Make Spirit, visit https://tomatin.com/shop/

For more information about Kurokabegura or Shirakawa, visit https://tomatin.com/kurokabegura

For more information about Takara Shuzo International, visit https://www.takara-intl.co.jp/en.

About Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd and Takara Shuzo International Co., Ltd    

Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd. produces sake, other alcoholic beverages, and seasonings, including Shirakawa and Kurokabegura. It has been one of Japan’s leading manufacturers since 1842. In 1951, Takara Shuzo became one of only a handful of distilleries in Japan to produce malt whisky and it continued to do so uninterrupted until 1969. The vast majority of this malt whisky is used in Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand.

Takara Shuzo International Co., Ltd. operates the company’s overseas alcoholic beverage business. In 1986, it acquired Tomatin Distillery in Scotland. 

About Shirakawa Distillery  

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

Limestone Branch Distillery collaborates with Ross & Squibb Distillery on 2025 release of Yellowstone Limited Edition

10th anniversary expression features a blend of three unique mash bills aged 10 years and bottled at 105 proof

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 2025) – To celebrate a decade of excellence across its award-winning annual Limited Edition collection, Limestone Branch Distillery released its 2025 Yellowstone Limited Edition, a unique blend of straight bourbon whiskeys thoughtfully aged 10 years. The series debuted in 2015 to honor the finest spirits worthy of the Yellowstone Bourbon name.

In the pioneering spirit of Yellowstone Bourbon, Founder and Master Distiller Stephen Beam and the team at Limestone Branch Distillery collaborated with the blending team at Ross & Squibb Distillery – one of the most historic distilleries in America – to create the 10^th anniversary release. For the first time, the combined team chose barrels from the Indiana and Kentucky distilleries to blend for this year’s unique and high-quality commemorative expression.

The 2025 release includes three unique mash bills aged 10 years and is bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV) in tribute to the debut of Yellowstone Limited Edition in 2015. An allocation of 10,000 (3-in) cases will be on shelf in September at retail and Limestone Branch Distillery, just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month, for a minimum suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750mL bottle.

“We’ve done something different with this special annual release every year since 2015,” said Beam. “This year’s 10-year anniversary Limited Edition represents my natural progression of experimenting with blending, using three unique mash bills to create a remarkable product. In partnership with the Ross & Squibb team, we pushed the boundaries of innovation by creating our first blend featuring barrels from the Indiana and Kentucky distilleries – without compromising on our commitment to quality that has kept the Yellowstone Bourbon brand on shelf for more than 150 years.”

The 2025 Yellowstone Limited Edition release features an aroma of vanilla, oak and hints of citrus. The body includes tastes of rich caramel, vanilla, toffee and hints of stone fruit on the palate, and a lingering finish of charred oak with notes of honey, cherry and cinnamon. Presented in a custom-designed embossed Yellowstone Limited Edition bottle, the 2025 anniversary edition features a high-quality natural cork, and a unique black and gold label highlighting the bold 10-year age statement, anniversary details and Beam’s signature.

The 2024 Yellowstone Limited Edition release earned gold medals at the 2025 ASCOT Awards and San Francisco World Spirits Competition. A product locator for Yellowstone Limited Edition can be found here.

About Yellowstone Bourbon

Founded by pioneer distiller Joseph Bernard Dant, Yellowstone Bourbon was named after the United States’ first national park in 1872. In 2011, seventh-generation Master Distiller Stephen Beam – a descendant of both the historic Dant and Beam distilling families – founded Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery and resurrected the Yellowstone brand with the creation of Yellowstone Select Bourbon. Expressions in our Yellowstone family of premium bourbons and whiskeys have earned many spirits industry awards, including platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards and gold at the 2025 SIP Awards and San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Yellowstone Small Batch 107. Since 2018, we have partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association as one of NPCA’s largest corporate sponsors, having donated $1 million to preserve national parks. To learn more, visit YellowstoneBourbon.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products with a mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Luxco operates as MGP Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) Branded Spirits division since its acquisition in 2021. The company’s extensive and award-winning premium portfolio includes brands from four distilleries: Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Penelope and Remus bourbon are produced; Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath bourbons; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Bourbon; and Arandas, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas including Cortada, El Mayor, Escasa and Exotico. For more information, visit Luxco.com.

MERIDIAN BIOTECH TO OPEN NEW FACILITY IN FRANKLIN COUNTY SET TO TRANSFORM DISTILLERY BYPRODUCTS INTO ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS

In partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery, Meridian will invest $40 million to construct an innovative facility and create dozens of new jobs in the community

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Meridian Biotech today announces a new partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery that aims to improve global food system security by converting the Distillery’s byproduct into multifunctional alternative proteins. Meridian will invest $40 million to construct the state-of-the-art conversion facility in Franklin County, creating up to 35 high-tech, high-paying local jobs and positioning the Commonwealth at the forefront of sustainable food innovation. 

The new Meridian facility will utilize novel technology that converts Buffalo Trace stillage, a natural byproduct of the distilling process, into multifunctional alternative proteins. In its new form, the stillage, which will be piped directly from the Distillery to Meridian’s Frankfort facility, can be used in a variety of industries, including aquaculture (fish farming), pet foods, and the production of organic fertilizer.

“By reimagining distillery stillage as a resource rather than a byproduct, we’re pioneering new pathways in biotechnology that have the potential to transform the spirits industry,” said Brandon Corace, President of Meridian Biotech. “Like Buffalo Trace, we are committed to making a long-term, positive economic impact on the community. We believe our technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing Buffalo Trace’s commitment to innovation, as well as setting a new standard for the spirits industry. We could not be more pleased with the close working relationship with Buffalo Trace, in addition to welcoming support from local and state officials.”

Meridian was one of five companies selected across the United States to present its innovative technology at the Distillers Grains Reverse Pitch Competition in October 2021. The event, sponsored by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Cabinet for Economic Development, challenged innovators to create new ideas that tackle the growing need to address the bourbon industry’s spent-grain byproduct, while also prioritizing sustainability, environmental impact and economic value.

Governor Andy Beshear said, “We are proud to welcome Meridian to Frankfort. This investment not only brings high-quality jobs and strengthens our economic future, but it also opens exciting new pathways for sustainability within Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry. It’s partnerships like these that prove we can honor tradition while embracing transformation and Kentucky can be a leading force in the biotech industry.”

“As Master Distiller, I have studied the distilling process and always respected the full journey from grain to glass. Working with Meridian allows us to take our processes even further by transforming stillage into something with extended value and purpose,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “This partnership is a natural extension of our craft, and we are thrilled by what’s possible with Meridian’s technology.”

Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson offered, “We’re thrilled to welcome Meridian Biotech to Frankfort, the result of a strategic effort to attract investment in the growing biotech sector and another sign of our city’s economic momentum. Their groundbreaking approach to repurposing distillery byproducts complements Frankfort’s commitment to innovation, our deep bourbon heritage, and Buffalo Trace Distillery’s dedication to excellence. Having spent time with Meridian’s leadership, I’m confident their presence will significantly boost our community and demonstrate to other innovative companies that Frankfort is the right place for business. We appreciate the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s efforts in supporting this venture and look forward to Meridian’s continued growth and success.” 

Franklin County Judge Michael Mueller remarked, “We thank Meridian Biotech for their catalytic investment in Franklin County. Their commitment to sustainable and transformative technologies are a great match with our aspirations. Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to invest in being a model environmental steward and corporate citizen. These two companies together demonstrate how bright the future is. We also want to thank Team Kentucky for their assistance helping Meridian Biotech find a home in Franklin County.”

Meridian is the first biotech company to locate in Franklin County. Construction is expected to begin on the new facility later this year.

About Meridian Biotech

Meridian Biotech, founded in 2017, is an industrial biotechnology company based in Lexington, Kentucky. The company is the developer, owner, and exclusive licensor of its platform of technologies.

www.meridianbiotech.com

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

LAPHROAIG RELEASES NEW ADDITION TO THE EXPERIMENTAL ‘ELEMENTS’ SERIES INSPIRED BY DISTILLERY MISHAP

Laphroaig Elements 3.0 explores the surprising impact of kiln fire on whisky flavor, pushing the boundaries of Laphroaig’s unmistakable character

New York, September 2025: Laphroaig unveils the third release in its pioneering Elements Series, a collection of bold whiskies that experiment with aspects of our production techniques. Now available in the U.S., Elements 3.0 is a single malt that explores the unexpected flavor impact of an extraordinary event at Laphroaig distillery. Following a kiln fire that burned longer and at significantly higher temperatures than usual, the resulting spirit led to a rich and distinctive whisky, with notes of chocolate and burnt caramel.

Famed for its innovative approach to whisky making, the Elements Series examines how small changes in production can bring new depth to the final product. The third release in the Series continues this tradition, following the success of Elements 1.0 in 2023 and the multi-award-winning Elements 2.0 in 2024, which experimented with changes in wort, mash size and malt makeup, and extended fermentation respectively.

George Campbell, Laphroaig Distillery Manager, commented, “Our Elements Series focusses on pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky making while retaining the distinctive character that defines Laphroaig. The period of unexpectedly hot kiln smoking presented a unique opportunity to explore how such an event could influence the flavour of Islay’s iconic dram. Elements 3.0 adds an exciting new twist to our multi-award-winning range, and I’m eager to hear what our Friends think of this latest addition.”

Sarah Dowling, Lead Whisky Maker, Laphroaig, added, “Through the Elements Series we have been able to experiment and gain a deeper insight into the many variables that contribute to Laphroaig’s rich and characterful profile. Our third release is a fascinating example of how innovation in the distillery can lead to delightful discoveries, enhancing our understanding of the origin of specific flavour compounds. Elements 3.0 not only offers a new way to experience the bold and distinct taste of Laphroaig but also explores aspects that impact the smoky flavour, making it a must-try for whisky explorers and enthusiasts.”

Each release in the Elements Series is designed to highlight the specific experiments behind its creation, with packaging that alludes to the experiments and the people involved, providing a unique look into the magic of the whisky-making process.

SRP: $165; Bottled at: 55.3% ABV 

Aroma: Charcoal, chocolate and spice. Deep smoldering charred peat notes layered with a wash of maritime brine. Sweet and citrusy; vanilla, lemon zest and butterscotch. A hint of cinnamon spice, plums and dates draws you in and invites you to take a sip

Taste: A roar of intense peaty characters which tingle and warms the palette, intermingled with notes of roasted cocoa beans and bitter dark chocolate. As the rich phenolic characters subside, a tangy fruitiness comes to the fore with the introduction of blackberry, plum, and gooseberry notes with indulgent characters of a crème brûlée

Finish: Long lasting and drying, with elongated notes of iodine, leather and sooty chimney smoke 

About Laphroaig® Whisky

Laphroaig is the number one selling Islay single malt globally* and is synonymous with this famous whisky island. Established in 1815 by the Johnston brothers, Laphroaig has stayed true to its bold and unforgettable character for over 200 years.

Today, Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries that continues to make whisky using traditional techniques like floor malting barley. From hand turning the barley and burning the peat at low temperatures to flavor the malt with cool smoke to slow distillation to maintain quality, this is what truly makes Laphroaig.

Our single malt whisky embodies the character of Islay in every drop of Laphroaig. From the distinctive peat which gives us our unique smoky character to the steadfast confidence and passion of our people, making Laphroaig unmistakable. The gives us our distinctive taste of Islay, salt and smoke with a surprising sweetness. ​

​Laphroaig’s commitment to bold character has earned us a dedicated following of brand fans, the Friends of Laphroaig.  Launched in 1994, the same year HM King Charles granted the brand a Royal Warrant, this global community has since grown to over 700,000 whisky lovers representing over 170 countries.

*by volume and value in 2023. Source: IWSR Global Database 2024 

About Suntory Global Spirits

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

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Gordon & MacPhail completes a multi-million-pound warehouse expansion

Family-owned Scotch whisky and premium spirits specialist, Gordon & MacPhail, has completed a multi-million-pound warehouse expansion at Benromach Distillery, as part of its long-term investment into the future of the business and continued commitment to the local community.

Gordon & MacPhail, which owns both Benromach Distillery and The Cairn Distillery, as well as maturing and bottling some of the world’s rarest Single Malt Whiskies under its Gordon & MacPhail brand, created an additional three warehouses on the site as part of its first phase of warehouse expansion.

The completion of Warehouse 10 marks the end of this phase and alone will increase maturation capacity by more than 25%. A racked warehouse covering 472m², it will be able to hold approximately 9,000 casks of Scotch whisky.

Working with another local family-owned business, Roberston Construction Northern, which led on the build Gordon & MacPhail will now be able to mature a wealth of single malts across its warehouse complex at Benromach Distillery, including new-make spirit from The Cairn Distillery.

Jade Crotty, Head of Compliance & Infrastructure at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “At Gordon & MacPhail we are always thinking ahead to the future of the business. We continue to invest in the local and surrounding areas – through new warehouses, distilleries, and the careful refurbishment of historic buildings – to ensure our infrastructure meets the needs of today, and generations to come. 

“The new warehouse complex at Benromach Distillery is just one example of this. Increasing our maturation capacity will allow us to continue to produce high-quality single malts across our portfolio of brands for decades to come.”

Ian Phillips, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Northern, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Gordon & MacPhail where we have developed a clear understanding of their business. Being the contractor of choice to deliver all three warehouses in the current phase of expansion reflects the trust earned through years of working together. Projects like this not only strengthen our partnership but also bring lasting benefit to the region through continued investment and growth.”

In addition to this, the multi-generational family-owned Scotch whisky specialist, which has strong local roots, is investing in the refurbishment of its spiritual home on South Street, Elgin. The project, which is also being led by Robertson Construction Northern, will see the creation of a world-class visitor experience, showcasing Gordon & MacPhail’s heritage and legacy.

Gordon & MacPhail opened a temporary shop, The Courtyard, within Johnstons of Elgin in March 2025, allowing it to continue serving local and international visitors across its in-depth range of spirits and Scotch whiskies during the temporary closure of South Street.

For more information on Gordon & MacPhail, please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

About Gordon & MacPhail 

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist. Based in Elgin and operating on an international level, Gordon & MacPhail is owned by the third and fourth generation of the Urquhart family. Bringing together over 130 years of expertise in Scotch whisky production with a passion for building a business that will continue for generations to come, Gordon & MacPhail owns both Benromach Distillery in Forres and The Cairn Distillery in Grantown-on-Spey, as well as maturing and bottling some of the world’s rarest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies under its Gordon & MacPhail brand

For more information on Gordon & MacPhail, please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

About Robertson Group

Robertson is one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure, property and support services businesses in the UK. For almost 60 years our sustainable growth has enabled us to invest in our business, the future of people and communities, and to deliver on major projects, housing developments and facilities management for customers nationally. Our scale gives us the ability to accept big challenges and build mutually beneficial partner relationships, but we think locally too. Ultimately, our approach is about making progress safely towards a sustainable future. It’s the Robertson Way.

Robertson has offices in Stirling, Dundee, Elgin, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Haydock, Gateshead and Sheffield. www.robertson.co.uk

The James B. Beam Distilling Co. is introducing the annual release of Old Grand-Dad 7-Year-Old Bonded Bourbon!  Each year’s release of this high-recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced from a single distillation season in accordance with the Bottled-In-Bond Act. This release was barreled in the spring of 2018.

Tasting Notes:

Color: Deep copper tones

Nose: Bold caramel and vanilla

Palate: Sweet caramel flavors with notes of charred oak & vanilla notes

Finish: Full-bodied and long with velvety caramel notes

First bottled in 1882, Old Grand-Dad is a traditional and storied bourbon. The iconic Old Grand-Dad brand was acquired by James B. Beam Distilling Co. in 1987; known to be a favorite amongst bartenders, collectors, and whiskey aficionados, the current day “OGD” is specifically formulated with more rye for a spicy yet still pleasantly light flavor.

Historically inspired by vintage releases, this fine bourbon is cut to 100 proof to reach its optimal and distinctively classic OGD flavor and body. Patiently aged while converging the high rye recipe bourbon drinkers know and love with extra time in the barrel.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Announces 2025 Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

Crafted from seed to sip with locally grown grain, this limited-edition release reflects the full journey of whiskey-making at Heaven Hill Distillery®

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (September, 2025) – Heaven Hill is proud to unveil the 2025 edition of its Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-edition release that highlights the artistry and transparency of America’s largest family-owned and operated distillery. Crafted entirely from seed to bottle in Nelson County, Kentucky, this small-batch expression honors Heaven Hill’s enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and authenticity.

The 2025 edition features a mashbill with a higher secondary grain content than Heaven Hill’s traditional Wheated Bourbon mashbill: 35% wheat, 52% corn, and 13% malted barley. The selected corn varietal—Beck’s 6225, along with the mashbill’s wheat component are grown by family-owned Peterson Farms on one of two sites in Nelson County, reflects the distillery’s dedication to sourcing local, carefully chosen grain. Aged over six years at Heaven Hill’s Cox’s Creek rickhouse site, the whiskey is non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof, 106.6 proof (53.3% ABV).

The result is a beautifully balanced bourbon with a warm, rounded profile. Its burnished copper hue invites the senses, followed by aromas of caramelized sugar, light vanilla, and sweet oak. On the palate, vanilla and caramel interlace with subtle floral notes of lavender and rose petals, creating a soft and creamy mouthfeel. The finish lingers with toasted nuts, leather, and coffee tones, making this release a remarkable example of wheated bourbon craftsmanship.

“With this edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon, we celebrate not only the time-honored tradition of wheated bourbon but also the transparency that defines this series,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery. “From selecting the Beck’s 6225 corn seed varietal to bottling at barrel proof, every choice reflects our mission to share the full story of how great whiskey is made. This bourbon offers both whiskey enthusiasts and collectors an authentic connection to our grain-to-glass philosophy.”

The label design continues the series’ commitment to storytelling, featuring detailed illustrations of Bernheim Distillery and artwork celebrating the farming traditions that sustain Kentucky whiskey-making. Each bottle highlights the unique corn varietal, mashbill, distillation, and release year, reinforcing Heaven Hill’s dedication to transparency.

The 700ml bottles will be available across the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $99.99. This release also proudly supports Farm Rescue, honoring 20 years of aiding farm families in crisis.

The Heaven Hill Grain to Glass series exemplifies the Shapira family’s legacy of quality and innovation, offering whiskey lovers a deeper appreciation of the people, ingredients, and processes behind their favorite spirits. The line has already earned prestigious recognition, including the 2024 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon being named a Best of Class finalist from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition along with a Double Gold designation from this year’s Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards.

For more information about Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, visit: heavenhilldistillery.com/grain-to-glass

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna, Parker’s Heritage Collection along with its extensive and diverse collection of unique and innovative products. In the past five years alone, Heaven Hill Distillery has been named Distiller of the Year eight times, including 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Other recent honors include 2024 and 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Most Awarded Distillery and the 2023 Icons of Whisky World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Heaven Hill Distillery Unveils Heaven Hill Master Distillers Unity in Celebration of the Grand Opening of Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

Bottling contains the last remaining barrel of Bourbon produced at the original Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (September, 2025) – Heaven Hill Distillery proudly announces the release of Heaven Hill Master Distillers Unity, a limited-edition Bourbon created to commemorate the grand opening of the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. This once-in-a-generation release embodies the past, present, and future of America’s largest independent, family-owned and led distilled spirits producer.

A Tribute to Legacy and Renewal

At the heart of Heaven Hill Master Distillers Unity lies the last remaining barrel that was distilled at the historic Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in 1991 by the legendary Parker Beam and aged for 34 years. This singular whiskey barrel is mingled with 14-year-old, 8-year-old, and 6-year-old Bourbon crafted at Bernheim Distillery by former Master Distillers Parker Beam and Denny Potter, as well as current Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll—uniting generations of craftsmanship in one extraordinary bottle.

Born from just 27 barrels, the release marks a full-circle moment as Heaven Hill returns to Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, with its new state-of-the-art Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. Only approximately 4,000 bottles will be available, each bottled at 107 proof to commemorate the original barrel entry proof used at Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery and priced at $225. The Bourbon is crafted from Heaven Hill’s traditional mashbill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.

Tasting Experience

In the glass, this remarkable Bourbon reveals a deep copper hue and an expressive nose of sweetness, oak, and warm spice. The palate is rich and layered, offering notes of butterscotch, chocolate, and caramel, mingled with pecans and toasted almonds. A long, elegant finish lingers with nuanced aged oak and warm spice, leaving a lasting impression of depth and refinement.

A Once-in-a-Generation Bourbon

Heaven Hill Master Distillers Unity stands as a symbol of both heritage and progress—honoring the distillers who shaped the company while marking a bold new chapter for Bourbon in Bardstown. Crafted from the last remaining barrel of Bourbon that was produced at the original distillery and joined by select Bourbons spanning more than three decades, this release captures a unique and pivotal moment in Heaven Hill’s story.

“This release represents both a tribute to our past and a toast to our future,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill Master Distiller. “By uniting the last available barrel from the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery with carefully chosen selections produced at Bernheim Distillery, we are weaving together generations of dedication, artistry, and vision. It is a rare opportunity to share a Bourbon that tells the story of where we’ve been, while also celebrating where we are going. Heaven Hill Master Distillers Unity is not just a bottle—it is a living legacy, a bridge between our past and present created to mark one of the most important milestones in Heaven Hill’s journey and in the broader Bourbon industry.”

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna, Parker’s Heritage Collection along with its extensive and diverse collection of unique and innovative products. In the past five years alone, Heaven Hill Distillery has been named Distiller of the Year eight times, including 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Other recent honors include 2024 and 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Most Awarded Distillery and the 2023 Icons of Whisky World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.