Glencadam Distillery unveils new premium packaging with launch of Calvados cask finish

Glencadam Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, has unveiled its new brand packaging, marking the next chapter in its story following a milestone bicentenary year.

The packaging refresh follows the celebration of Glencadam’s 200th anniversary and the opening of its first-ever visitor centre in Brechin. Designed to reflect Glencadam’s premium global positioning, the evolved look brings a contemporary edge to the brand, while the award-winning single malt inside remains unchanged, traditionally crafted as it has been since 1825.

The new packaging debuts this month across four expressions: Glencadam 10 Year Old, 15 Year Old, Reserva PX, and a brand new 17 Year Old Réserve de Calvados cask finish. The remainder of Glencadam’s range will transition to the new look in the coming weeks.

Inspired by Glencadam’s heritage, the packaging balances traditional storytelling with modern clarity. Each tube highlights cask maturation and tasting notes to aid selection at point of purchase, while hand-drawn illustrations reference how the distillery would have appeared in 1825. The illustrations were created by Edinburgh-based artist Andrew Davidson, renowned for his work on the Harry Potter book series, adding his acclaimed artistic vision to Glencadam’s rich storytelling. The clean aesthetic also reinforces the historic East Highland distillery’s commitment to natural colour and non-chill filtration, ensuring the range stands out on shelves worldwide.

A defining feature of the new design is the waterwheel motif, an enduring symbol of Glencadam since 1825 featured prominently across the brand identity, including an embossed detail around the base of each bottle. The bottle design further emphasises provenance, with “EST 1825” embossed on the shoulders, a branded wooden cork closure and clear references to cask type and traditional production methods.

Glencadam’s Master Blender, Iain Forteath, explains: “This new packaging represents evolution, not reinvention. Our time-honoured production methods, elegant house style and commitment to traditional craftsmanship remain unchanged. What has changed is how we tell our story, with a confident new look that celebrates both our heritage and the quality of the exceptional whisky we make.”

The packaging launch also marks the arrival of a new expression: Glencadam 17 Year Old Réserve de Calvados.

Crafted by Master Blender, Iain Forteath, the expression is made using hand selected Glencadam single malts initially matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks before being expertly married and finished in the finest Calvados barrels sourced from Normandy, France. Limited to 6,360 individually numbered bottles, the whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered.

On the nose, this whisky opens with an inviting bouquet of baked apples, heather honey, sugared almonds and vanilla sponge cake, layered with subtle hints of cocoa powder and chamomile. The palate follows with flavours of apple strudel, spiced fruits and butterscotch, seamlessly married with stem ginger, dark chocolate, candied orange and clove rock. Delivering a warming finish with notes of cappuccino and custard tarts, lifted by orchard blossom and lemon sherbet sweetness, and fading into a lingering cacao and baking spice glow.

Iain Forteath adds: “I am really excited to unveil this special bottling of our Glencadam whisky. This is the first time we have released a whisky matured in Calvados casks and the flavours and complexities imparted by these special barriques are both unique and delicious! The elegant orchard fruit and sweet spice notes imparted from the Calvados are a wonderful complement to the signature fruitiness of Glencadam whisky and I feel this expression really showcases the merits of both of these time-honoured spirits.”

Alongside the launch of the new Calvados expression and the opening of the visitor centre, Glencadam’s premium new look tells a cohesive story of heritage, craftsmanship and place, honouring the past while investing confidently in the future.

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

Glencadam Distillery

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

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

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

Visit www.glencadamwhisky.com to find out more.

Glencadam Distillery Visitor Centre

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

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

To find out more and book a tour, visit: www.GlencadamWhisky.com

Glencadam 17 Year Old Réserve de Calvados

RRP: £140

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

NOSE: An inviting bouquet of baked apples, heather honey, sugared almonds and vanilla sponge cake with hints of cocoa powder and chamomile.

PALATE: A wash of apple strudel, spiced fruits and butterscotch married with stem ginger, dark chocolate, candied orange and clove rock.

FINISH: Warming impressions of cappuccino and custard tarts with orchard blossom and lemon sherbet sweetness, fading into a cacao and baking spice linger.

Aberargie Distillery commissions new poem by Miriam Gamble ahead of Burns Night 

Aberargie, Scotland – Ahead of Burns Night this Sunday, 25 January 2026, family-owned Aberargie Distillery has partnered with acclaimed writer Miriam Gamble to commission a new poem marking the countdown to the launch of its inaugural Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Traditionally a celebration of Scotland’s National Bard, Burns Night is a moment to reflect on language, craft and cultural heritage. This year, Aberargie Distillery is honouring that tradition by collaborating with a contemporary female voice to unveil a new poem celebrating patience, provenance, and the heritage barley at the heart of its first release.

Titled Golden Promise, the poem reflects on the quiet virtues of waiting, skill and care – themes that mirror Aberargie’s own journey. Nine years on from laying down its first casks in 2017, the distillery is now preparing to unveil its first barley-to-bottle single malt Scotch whisky in March 2026.

Written by Miriam Gamble, Golden Promise takes its name from the heritage barley variety used in Aberargie’s inaugural whisky. The poem explores how time, repetition, and restraint shape what is most worth having, from friendships and love to the slow transformation of grain into spirit.

Aberargie is one of the few distilleries in Scotland to operate a barley-to-bottle philosophy, using heritage Golden Promise barley grown on the fields in front of the distillery, as well as Laurette barley from the two other family farms.  Although lower-yielding than modern strains, Golden Promise is grown at Aberargie for its flavour benefits, producing a full-bodied, malty new-make spirit with notable oiliness and depth.

Niel Hendriksz, Managing Director of Aberargie Distillery, said:

“Burns Night invites reflection on what we choose to value and preserve. 

“Working with Miriam felt like a natural way to honour Scotland’s literary heritage while also reflecting the values behind our first single malt. Commissioning a poem felt like an honest way to mark this moment, not just as a distillery approaching a first release, but as custodians of land and whisky traditions. 

“Patience, care and provenance have defined our journey from the very beginning.”

Poet and essayist Miriam Gamble of the University of Edinburgh said: 

“It’s been a real pleasure collaborating with Aberargie to produce a poem in celebration of the launch of their first single malt. Where prose’s equivalent tipple might be a pint of beer, poetry is language art’s most condensed form; as such, it not only takes time to come to fruition but also aspires, like whisky, to pack a delectable – and ideally unforgettable – little punch. Both the maker of whisky and the poet work to distil spirit: one in liquid, the other in language. In making it new, both also work with respect for, and an ear to everything they can learn from, their many antecedents on the long road of tradition.”

The whole poem is published to coincide with Burns Night and offers a quiet counterpoint to the anticipation surrounding the Morrison Family’s return to distilling after two decades. The distillery’s first whisky is a reminder that both art and craft are shaped as much by waiting as by making.

Golden Promise
by Miriam Gamble 

Good things don’t necessarily

come to those who wait, but being capable

of waiting helps: the right skills, the right

water source, the scoop nestled

in the right barley. And everything worth

having, is it not, is a thing gained

in this way: a satisfying story,

or home-grown veg. The joy of dance

steps mastered, repeated till they’re worked

into thoughtlessness that swills around the room like whisky

swilling round the ice in the centre

of a glass. Friendships which are mellow now,

but still conjure up new notes when,

at length, we sit, uncork the bottle.

And – yes, a ghràidh – love itself.

Steady does it – slow, and sure – as we traverse

this life together: the way a plough horse

turns a field, the way a good dram

travels the mouth. Still learning – always –

but not changing anything we needn’t.

Learning to let alone what is thriving

in the still, bright corners of us, facing south.

Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky Inaugural will be available from specialist whisky retailers from March 2026. For exclusive first access, sign up to Aberargie Distillery via www.aberargie.com

Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky Inaugural

Release: March 2026
Availability: Specialist whisky retailers worldwide
Early Access Registration: www.aberargie.com
Social: @aberargie on Facebook and Instagram
Vimeo:  https://vimeo.com/1140006339

About Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers 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.

At the heart of MSWD’s operations is Aberargie Distillery, built on a family-owned farm near Perth. From the first fill in 2017, the distillery represents the Morrison family’s return to distilling after the 1994 sale of Morrison Bowmore to Suntory. The first release of Aberargie will launch in March 2026; this is the cornerstone of the business.

About: Golden Promise

Aberargie is one of the few distilleries in Scotland to operate a barley-to-bottle philosophy, using heritage Golden Promise barley grown on the fields in front of the distillery, as well as Laurette barley from the two other family farms.

This approach allows Aberargie to oversee the quality of raw materials from the outset. All barley varieties are grown to the family’s own standards, with full provenance, terroir and traceability embedded across the seed to spirit process.

Central to the distillery’s production philosophy is Golden Promise, the heritage barley variety once favoured by leading Scotch producers throughout the 1960s and 70s. Although lower-yielding than modern strains, Golden Promise is grown at Aberargie for its flavour benefits, producing a full-bodied, malty new-make spirit with notable oiliness and depth.

THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS Announces Its 2026 Master Examinations in Scotland, New Board Leadership, and Expanded Candidate Support

Pitlochry, Scottish Highlands — The Council of Whiskey Masters has announced that its annual Master Examinations will take place from 6–9 October 2026 at the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, Scotland. Approximately 30 advanced candidates will be evaluated for the designations of Master of Scotch, Master of Bourbon, or the globally oriented Master of Whiskey.

The Master Examinations represent the highest level of professional whiskey certification, combining blind sensory evaluation with advanced knowledge of whiskey production, history, and analysis. Candidates participate from around the world after completing structured prerequisite study programs delivered remotely prior to the Master level.

The Council also announced a planned leadership transition. Monique Huston will assume the role of Chairman of the Board, succeeding former Chairmen Bernhard Schäfer, Steve Beal, and Martin Duffy, who all remain actively involved as Chairmen Emeritus and examiners. Huston, a Keeper of the Quaich, is Vice President of Spirits at Winebow, a leading global fine wine and spirits importer.

“I am thrilled and humbled to assume the role of Chairman of the program, raising standards across the whiskey industry through rigorous and credible education,” said Huston. “The opportunity to work with the Council at this level is a unique vantage to drive additional visibility and passion in the global whiskey community.”

The Council of Whiskey Masters comprises an international body of industry leaders, authors, master distillers, and master blenders, also including Rachel Barrie, Dave Broom, Lew Bryson, John Campbell, Alasdair Day, Michael D’Souza, Patricia Dillon, Stefan van Eycken, Andrew Faulkner, Serghios Florides, Nancy Fraley, Michael Fraser Milne, Sébastien Gavillet, Tobias Gorn, Davin deKergommeaux, Charles MacLean, Stephanie Macleod, Joseph Micallef, Ian Millar, Arthur Nägele, Eddie Nara, Fionnán O’Connor, Hans and Becky Offringa, Paul Pacult, Susan Reigler, Clay Risen, Ingvar Ronde, Marcy Rudershausen, Gavin Smith, Matt Strickland, Peggy Noe Stevens, Michael Veach, Andy Watts, and Ian Wisniewski, along with all 40 Master program graduates produced by the Council. These members play an active role in the development of the Council and its candidates.

A significant number of these Council members will serve as examiners and judges during the 2026 examination residency in Pitlochry, with Richard Paterson joining as an additional examiner.

Candidates preparing for the examinations receive structured support, with individualized mentoring by current Masters, and cohort-based tasting and theory preparation led by Adam Edmonsond, plus special intensive sessions delivered by industry legends Paul Pacult, Matt Strickland and Ian Wisniewski.

Edmonsond, a Master of Whiskey, noted: “The level of preparation now available to candidates is exceptional. Practically all past program graduates are involved in the process and are now taking responsibility for the next generation. It is a unique strength of our organization.”

“The Master credential is intended to signify genuine depth of knowledge, advancing the careers of our students based on true merit” said Jörn Kleinhans, Founder of the Council of Whiskey Masters. “All program participants commit to objective mastery across the full scope of whiskey.”

More information on certification pathways and enrollment is available at www.WhiskeyMasters.org.

KBCA reveals King of Kentucky and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon lot as the next installment in its “12 Lots of Bourbon” series

• “The 13 Colonies” revealed as the next installment in KBCA’s “12 Lots of Bourbon,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary and 13 historic bottles.
• Lot features 12 bottles of King of Kentucky from the highly anticipated 2026 release, paired with a signed bottle of the original 2002 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon.
• Auction proceeds benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans and service members, while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary year and the enduring values that shaped the nation.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2026) — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) today announced another extraordinary luxury lot to be offered during its inaugural event over Presidents Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026. Appropriately titled “The 13 Colonies,” the lot pays tribute to the 13 original colonies that gave rise to the United States, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary with 13 once-in-a-lifetime bottles from Brown-Forman’s historic portfolio.

The lot is comprised of 12 bottles of King of Kentucky from the highly anticipated 2026 release, paired with a donated, signed bottle of the original 2002 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, forming a symbolic union of bourbons that is representative of how the 13 original colonies united under a single banner for a common cause.

“Just as the 13 colonies laid the foundation for a new nation, these 13 bottles represent the historic roots, evolution and enduring legacy of our nation’s native spirit,” said Andrew Varga, founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration. “This lot captures the spirit of the founding era, rare, resilient and crafted with careful intention.”​

​A Reflection of the Founding of America

The 12 bottles of King of Kentucky reflect unity through individuality, much like the original colonies themselves. Established in 1881 and revived by Brown-Forman in 2018, King of Kentucky offers a rare glimpse into the company’s historic barrel archives, with every bottle filled, wax-dipped, numbered and detailed by hand under the guidance of Master Distiller Chris Morris.

As an annual, limited small-batch release with no defined production volume, King of Kentucky mirrors the colonies’ shared purpose paired with distinct character. Each bottle, like each colony, tells its own story while contributing to a greater whole.

“As America marks its 250th anniversary, we’re honored to see these bottles included in the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction,” said Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus from Brown-Forman Corporation. “The story of King of Kentucky and these individual bottles united by purpose, mirrors the founding principles of our nation, and we’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates bourbon heritage and honors such an important cause.”

Completing the 13-bottle collection is a singular piece of bourbon history, a signed bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2002, the inaugural release of the storied annual series from Old Forester. Distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2002 to mark the birthday of founder George Garvin Brown, the bottle represents both a beginning and a benchmark in American whiskey.

Donated by Larry Profancik and Henrietta Pepper, the bottle is believed to be the only known example signed by George Garvin Brown IV, the founder’s great-great-grandson. With rich notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, oak spice and aged depth, the 2002 release stands as a cornerstone of modern bourbon collecting. Its inclusion elevates “The 13 Colonies” from a rare assemblage to a historic statement.

Previously Announced Bourbon Lots

The Old Forester lot joins these previously announced lots:

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery
• Four Roses private selection barrel pick
• Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength selection experience

Proceeds from the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, and reinforcing the event’s commitment to honoring those who have defended the freedoms born from America’s revolution.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition Returns

The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.

Launching on 14 January, and in partnership with the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival, the competition invites both experienced and novice writers from around the world to submit an original crime story of under 2,000 words. The criteria this year is that the protagonist must be from Scotland. Entries close on 31 March 2026.

The overall winner will receive £1,000, publication of their story on the Bloody Scotland website, and will be offered a guest appearance at the Bloody Scotland Festival in September 2026. The runner-up will be awarded £500, with both winning stories also published on the Glencairn Glass website (whiskyglass.com).

The Glencairn Glass is no stranger to the world of Scottish crime fiction. It is produced by the award-winning Scottish family glassware business Glencairn Crystal and the company has celebrated and supported the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival since 2020 with its Glencairn Glass sponsorship of both the McIlvanney Prize for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year and the Bloody Scotland Debut Crime Novel of the Year awards.

Previous winners

Since its inception, the competition has drawn hundreds of entries from both established and emerging voices in crime fiction worldwide. For many writers, it has been a career springboard.

Allan Gaw, runner-up in 2022/23, has since achieved major success, winning the 2024 Bloody Scotland Debut Novel Prize and securing a four-book publishing deal with Polygon. Frances Crawford, the 2022/23 winner, has signed a two-book publishing deal with Penguin and sees her first novel hit the shelves in 2026. The competition’s inaugural winner, Brid Cummings (2021), went on to sign with a UK literary agency after finishing her first psychological suspense novel which has since been published by Audible. 

The judges

For the first time, this year’s judging panel includes six of the UK’s leading crime book influencers* alongside Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal.

Commenting on the competition, Kirsty said: “We’re thrilled to launch the fourth year of our short story competition with our official whisky glass, the Glencairn Glass, as we continue to support and celebrate the world of crime fiction. Each year the calibre and creativity of the entries exceed our expectations, and we’re excited to discover the new voices and gripping stories that this year’s competition will bring”. 

How to enter

All short story entries must be submitted at www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition. The competition closes at midnight on Tuesday 31st March 2026. The winner and runner up will be announced in the summer.

Bloody Scotland’s Festival Director, Bob McDevitt, said: “We are excited to read a new crop of stories, and hope that the competition provides a stepping stone in developing the careers of some talented new voices”.

For further details about the competition please visit: www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition

 *2026 Judges:

Kevin Woolard: Book blogger and owner of The First Eleven Minutes, an award-winning Bookstagram account.

Mary Picken: Book blogger and crime fiction critic at Live and Deadly.

Noelle Holten:  Award-winning blogger at Crime Book Junkie and crime-writer.

Sharon Bairden:  Scottish author and book blogger at Chapter In My Life with a focus on Scottish crime fiction.

Lynsey Adams: Crime noir fiction blogger at There’s Been a Murder, as well as Reading Between the Lines Book PR.

Suze Clarke-Morris: Book blogger at Suze Reviews with a focus on crime fiction.

About the Glencairn Glass:

The Glencairn Glass, produced by the Scottish family company Glencairn Crystal, is recognised as the world’s official whisky glass. This year the glass celebrates its 25^th birthday and the company now sell over 5 million glasses across international markets each year, with over 50 million glasses sold in total to date.

The competition winner and runner up will also receive a set of six bespoke engraved Glencairn Glasses.

About Bloody Scotland:

Bloody Scotland is Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival, providing a showcase for the best crime writing from Scotland and the world, unique in that it was set up by a group of Scottish crime writers – Lin Anderson, Alex Gray, Craig Robertson and Gordon Brown – in 2012. Full information at bloodyscotland.com

The Bloody Scotland Prize for Scottish Crime Writing first awarded in 2012 was renamed The McIlvanney Prize in 2016. The Bloody Scotland Debut Prize was launched in 2019.

The annual celebration of globally renowned Scottish poet, Robert Burns, is upon us. What better way to honor the man who gave us Auld Lang Syne, recently sung by millions on New Year’s Eve, than with a dram of exceptional Scotch whisky. From the smoky depths of iconic Islay single malts to the malt-rich character of expert blends and the smooth, honeyed elegance of Highland favorites, this curated selection of world-class whiskies from Suntory Global Spirits brings tradition and poetry-in-a-glass to the occasion.

BOWMORE 27-YEAR-OLD TIMELESS

For those looking to celebrate with luxury

Timeless by name, timeless by nature, this single malt is a fitting centerpiece for Burns Night, echoing the enduring legacy of Scotland’s national poet. Much like Auld Lang Syne, Bowmore 27-Year-Old Timeless invites reflection, connection and celebration. Crafted from Bowmore’s most expressive aged stocks and matured in first fill sherry casks, this luxurious expression delivers layers of flavor, depth, elegance and balance.

Aroma: Grilled orange peel, smoked seaweed and dark chocolate-covered coffee beans.

Taste: Bittersweet orange, espresso and chestnut honey, balanced by rich cocoa and coastal smoke.

Finish: Long and resonant, lingering dark chocolate, gentle salinity and fading Islay smoke.

Bottled at: 52.7% ABV

SRP: $1,525

BOWMORE 12-YEAR-OLD

For those looking for a vibrant and fruity single malt

Bowmore 12-Year-Old is the benchmark of Bowmore’s expressive house style, crafted with expertise and intent to offer layers of flavor. Notes include honeyed lemon and driftwood embers, reflecting the Islay distillery’s signature style – rich and fruity flavors, with a delicate peated and tropical complexity. This multi-award-winning single malt is matured in hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon barrels and European oak Oloroso sherry butts and puncheons, before being expertly married together.

Aroma: Fresh lemon and heather-sweet honey balanced by signature soft, earthy tones.

Taste: Warming on the palate, fresh fruits drizzled with flakes of dark chocolate.

Finish: Every sip leaves a lingering puff of sweet smoke on the tongue.

Bottled at: 40% ABV

SRP: $70 

LAPHROAIG 33-YEAR-OLD STRONG CHARACTERS 

For those drawn to whiskies with intensity

Burns often returned to the idea of character shaped by lived experience rather than status. In ‘The Ploughman’s Life’, the farmer’s resilience and independence reflect strength earned through work and time. This notion of slowly developed character is echoed in Laphroaig 33-Year-Old Strong Characters, a rare Islay single malt matured with patience and endurance.

With its unmistakable maritime smoke and intense flavor profile, this dram is ideal for those who like their whisky, and poetry, full bodied and fearless.

Aroma: Intense peat smoke, iodine, sea spray and charred oak.

Taste: Robust and smoky with notes of charcoal, salted caramel and dark cocoa.

Finish: Long, dry and boldly phenolic, with lingering maritime smoke.

Bottled at: 43.8% ABV

SRP: $1,289

 LAPHROAIG 10-YEAR-OLD

For those wanting an unforgettable drinking experience

Laphroaig 10-Year-Old is one of the world’s most distinctive single malts – bold, peaty and full of maritime character. Just as Burns is enduring in the literary world, this expression remains a favorite for peated whisky lovers around the globe. An Islay icon, this is the perfect dram for those who appreciate a whisky with a robust and smoky profile, offering an unforgettable taste and drinking experience.

Aroma: Peat smoke and seaweed, with undercurrents of honey, crème brûlée, orchard fruit.

Taste: Medium‑bodied, oily. Starting with charcoal, grilled pork belly, sea‑salt and honeyed orange peel evolving into ash, licorice and sweet cereals.

Finish: Long and drying, dominated by smoked meat and charcoal, bitter dark chocolate notes, maritime brine and lingering phenolic intensity.

Bottled at: 40% ABV

SRP: $60

GLEN GARIOCH 12-YEAR-OLD

For those wanting a dram seeped in heritage

Robert Burns famously shared a particular fondness for Highland drams, making Glen Garioch, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, a fitting choice. Non-chill filtered and matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, Glen Garioch 12-Year-Old offers warmth, balance and approachability, making it ideal for sharing around the table during the country’s most celebrated literary evening.

Aroma: Heathery floral notes balanced with richness of poached pears and sweetness of malted barley.

Taste: Crème brûlée and sweet ripe banana first, followed by a light oakiness with pear fruitiness.

Finish: Long smooth, creamy and fragrant finish.

Bottled at: 48% ABV

SRP: $54

ARDRAY BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

For those looking for an approachable, expertly balanced dram

Burns Night showcases how Scotland’s culture continues to live, evolve and be enjoyed. Ardray reflects this, as an award-winning contemporary expression, rooted in heritage yet crafted for modern times. Created through a unique collaboration between Suntory’s Scottish and Japanese blending teams, Ardray draws inspiration from historic blending techniques coupled with a desire for further refinement, encouraging a greater appreciation for the art of blending.

Aroma: Hints of apple, pear and plum, soft savory smokiness.

Taste: Gentle floral and citrus fruitiness provide lightness and elegance, which gradually give way to a silky vanilla custard creaminess. Complex, multi-layered and rich mouthfeel.

Finish: Long-lasting and mellow with notes of soft smoke and hints of warming spices.

Bottled at: 48% ABV

SRP: $85

 AUCHENTOSHAN 12-YEAR-OLD DOUBLE CASK

For those wanting smooth complexity

Offering the smooth and delicate triple-distilled signature style, Auchentoshan 12-Year-Old Double Cask is a fitting choice to reflect the sociability of Burns Night. With the distillery just 50 miles from Burns’ birthplace, this Lowland single malt is refined and bold. It is double matured in ex-bourbon American oak and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, crafting a balanced profile, enriched with subtle fruit notes and a depth of flavor that unfolds with every sip. This makes it an excellent starting point for those new to whisky, offering complexity without being overwhelming.

Aroma: Sweet pastry, with a burst of citrus, signature nuttiness and green leafiness.

Taste: Smooth whisky taste with sweet vanilla notes. Hints of hazelnut, tangerine and lime.

Finish: A gingery and slightly dry finish with a pleasant, lingering nuttiness.

Bottled at: 40% ABV

SRP: $51

Burns Night Whiskies

Jura 12 Year Old

Are you new to whisky or not sure which one will be right for your guests this Burns Night? Jura – the UK’s number one ^[1], award-winning 12 Year Old Single Malt ^[2],  makes choosing the right dram effortless. Each bottle takes the guesswork out of choosing, thanks to Jura’s pioneering taste scale, which clearly showcases the strength of its three key flavours (rated from 0–6). Jura 12 Year Old features flavours of peach (4), bright citrus (3) and lightly toasted walnut (3). It’s a whisky designed to help you discover what you love – before you’ve even cracked open the bottle.

Crafted since 1810 by Jura’s island community, it’s a whisky shaped by people, memories and shared moments.

Enjoy neat for the traditionalists, or in a Jura Scottish Island Iced Tea:

• Add 40ml Jura 12 Year Old, 50ml peach tea, 15ml lemon juice and 10ml sugar syrup to a shaker with cubed ice.
• Dry shake, then wet shake, and fine strain into an Old Fashioned glass or Jura tumbler filled with fresh ice.
• Top with ginger ale and garnish with a sprig of thyme and a slice of apricot.

Pick up Jura 12 Year Old from ASDA, Co-op, Morrisons, Tesco and specialist retailers including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange, RRP £41.

Fettercairn 16 Year Old

For a Burns Night dram that confidently steps beyond tradition, Fettercairn 16 Year Old brings a refreshing burst of tropical character to the table.

Renowned for its bold, flavour-led approach to whisky making, Fettercairn’s pioneering copper cooling ring allows only the lightest vapours to rise during distillation, creating an exceptionally smooth spirit. The result is a vibrant Highland Single Malt layered with passionfruit, ripe mango, Madagascan vanilla and a whisper of warm spice.

Bright yet refined, Fettercairn 16 Year Old is ideal from the first skirl of the pipes to the final toast of the evening.

For Burns Night hosts really looking to impress, why not try the Fettercairn 1824 Martini – a polished twist on a sophisticated classic.

To make it at home, simply combine:

• 37.5ml Fettercairn 16 Year Old
• 12.5ml kumquat liqueur
• 10ml Fettercairn honey syrup
• 15ml lemon juice
• 4 dashes banana & coffee bitters

Shake briskly with ice, fine strain into a chilled Champagne coupe, then top with Crémant sparkling wine. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist for a final touch of finesse and serve well chilled in your most elegant glassware.

Fettercairn 16 Year Old is available from a range of retailers, including The Whisky Shop, RRP £87.

[1] Nielsen 2022, by Volume and Value

[2] World Whiskies Awards Scotland 2026

Canadian Whisky Awards announces 2026 Canadian Whisky of the Year

J.P. Wiser’s 24 Year Old Canadian Whisky is the 2026 CANADIAN WHISKY OF THE YEAR at CANADIAN WHISKY AWARDS

In all, 47 Canadian whisky producers were honoured at the prestigious 16^th annual event

VICTORIA, B.C. (January 19, 2026) – J.P. Wiser’s has won Canadian Whisky of the Year honours for its 24 Year Old Canadian Whisky at the 2026 Canadian Whisky Awards held on Thursday, January 15 in Victoria, B.C. This blended whisky received the top overall score from a panel of 13 judges who tasted around 200 competing whiskies in blind tastings.

Part of J.P. Wiser’s Decades Series, this ultra-premium whisky was distilled in 2000 and aged for 24 years. Judges noted that the whisky shows fine oak spice and leather with butterscotch toffee and nougat.

Davin de Kergommeaux, chair of the judging panel and author of Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert stated, “This solid old-timer brings the delicacy and refinement of long-aged whisky to the depth and nuance of a masterfully blended dram. Among so many brilliant whiskies in competition, it was a clear winner.”

Canadian Whisky of the Year was just one of more than two dozen awards presented at this year’s 16^th annual edition of the Canadian Whisky Awards. A selection of the honours includes:

• Blended Whisky of the Year – Wayne Gretzky Distillery – Maple Cask Whisky
• Corn Whisky of the Year – BEARFACE – Triple Oak
• Rye Whisky of the Year – Wild Life Distillery – WLD Cask King of the North
• Single Malt Whisky of the Year – Macaloney’s Distillery – The Peat Project: Harvest Coast
• Canadian Whisky Producer of the Year – Sons of Vancouver Distillery
• Best Barrel Finished Whisky – Bridgeland Distillery – Glenbow Single Malt, Porta-Rossa Cask Finish
• Best Cask Strength Whisky – Sons of Vancouver Distillery – ‘The First Crack of a Crème Brûlée’ Cask-Strength Wheated Rye
• Best Limited Expression – Pike Creek 22 Year Old PX Cask Finish Canadian Whisky
• Best Single Barrel Release – John Sleeman & Sons Spring Mill Distillery – Wine Cask Aged Single Malt
• Award of Excellence in Product Innovation – Macaloney’s Distillery – The Peat Project
• Best Whisky & Spirits Writer – Reece Sims
• Canadian Whisky Lifetime Achievement Award – Bill Ashburn – Forty Creek

Held annually since 2010 during Victoria Whisky Festival, the Canadian Whisky Awards recognizes the very best Canadian whiskies. An independent panel of experts scores each whisky in blind tastings, based on ranking criteria that reflect the industry’s highest standards.

The Canadian Whisky Awards is fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry. Only whiskies that were distilled and matured in Canada are eligible to compete. The Canadian Whisky Awards Gala in Victoria is grateful to this year’s presenting sponsor, Spirits Canada.

For more information and the full results of the 2026 Canadian Whisky Awards, visit canadianwhiskyawards.com.

KBCA reveals Old Forester Barrel Selection Experience as the next installment in its “12 Lots of Bourbon” series

• “Revolution” revealed as the next installment in KBCA’s “12 Lots of Bourbon,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary and the revolutionary spirit behind Old Forester, America’s first bottled bourbon.
• Lot features an exclusive Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience, including a private distillery tour, hands-on barrel selection and a personalized label yielding approximately 160 bottles.
• Auction proceeds benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans and service members, while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary year and the enduring values that shaped the nation.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) today announced the next installment of its “12 Lots of Bourbon,” a festive and historic countdown revealing the rare bourbon bottles, barrels and experiences that will be auctioned during its inaugural event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026.

Titled “Revolution,” the newly revealed lot pays tribute to the American Revolution and the spirit of bold innovation that continues to define the nation as it prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. The lot’s title is also representative of Old Forester, a brand whose legacy is rooted in revolutionary firsts that helped shape bourbon, America’s native spirit.​

“Revolution” follows the announcement of previously revealed lots in KBCA’s signature series. The campaign will culminate with the last lot announcement shortly, although additional lots will be unveiled leading up to the February event.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, ‘Revolution’ reflects the courage to challenge convention and set new standards, which are values that define both our country and Old Forester’s legacy,” said Andrew Varga, founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration. “This lot captures the spirit of progress and perseverance that has shaped America for 250 years, while offering the most immersive bourbon experience in the world.”

About the Old Forester Lot

“Revolution” features an Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience, offering the winning bidder and up to five guests a private tour and hands-on barrel selection at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Guided by a distillery host, participants will select a single barrel that will be bottled at barrel strength with a personalized label. The selected barrel is expected to yield an average of approximately 160 bottles in 750ml format, with final yield varying by barrel.

“Selecting a single barrel is one of the most personal and exclusive experiences we can offer,” said Campbell Brown, great-great-grandson of Old Forester Founder George Garvin Brown. “It connects people directly to our unique process and innovative history. Including this experience in the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction during America’s 250th anniversary year is a meaningful way to celebrate our shared revolutionary spirit.”

Old Forester’s story is one of industry-defining innovation. First introduced in 1870, the brand became America’s first bottled bourbon, establishing new standards for quality, consistency and consumer trust. It was also the only bourbon brand to remain continuously distilled before, during, and after Prohibition, a testament to resilience and forward-thinking leadership, qualities that mirror the revolutionary ideals upon which the United States was founded.

“Revolution” underscores KBCA’s mission to connect bourbon’s rich heritage with the values that shaped America, using the country’s native spirit to tell stories of independence, innovation and progress.

Previously announced Bourbon Lots

The Old Forester lot joins these previously announced lots:

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery
• Four Roses private selection barrel pick

Proceeds from the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, and reinforcing the event’s commitment to honoring those who have defended the freedoms born from America’s revolution.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

Basil Hayden Debuts “The One with the Belt”, A Bourbon Born to Surprise

The new creative campaign reinforces Basil Hayden as the bourbon that breaks the mold and expands perceptions of what bourbon can be, while spotlighting its iconic packaging

CLERMONT, KY – Basil Hayden, a founding spirit of the American Whiskey Small Batch category, introduces a dynamic new creative campaign called, “The One With the Belt.” The new creative spots are shot in unexpected, non-bourbon occasions inviting viewers to expand their perceptions of what bourbon can be, just as founder and Seventh Generation Master Distiller, Booker Noe, set out to do over thirty years ago..

“The One With The Belt,” named for its iconic packaging, the copper and silver belt in the center of each Basil Hayden bottle, invites new consumers to enjoy a bright, approachable whiskey that challenges the conventional stereotype of whiskey as dark, brooding and complex. By showcasing occasions typically not linked to bourbon drinking, the campaign positions Basil Hayden as a catalyst for unexpected joy in everyday moments. Emphasizing its versatility, Basil Hayden encourages enjoyment in vibrant cocktails and cheerful gatherings, making whiskey inviting for all.

“With this new campaign, we are re-introducing Basil Hayden as the bourbon that is constantly challenging category preconceptions as the provocateur of the category,” said Regan Clarke, U.S. vice president of American Whiskey at Suntory Global Spirits. “When Booker Noe first created Basil Hayden, his mission was to expand consumers’ minds by making a lighter and brighter bourbon and with the debut of “The One With the Belt,” we continue to honor his vision.”

“The One with the Belt” embraces Basil Hayden’s identity as “the bourbon born to surprise” the new campaign delivers a fresh visual identity that is bright, joyful and tells the story during golden hour, featuring its signature serve, the Basil Hayden 75, an unexpected twist on the classic French 75. The music choice, an upbeat remixed version of Beethoven’s masterpiece “Für Elise,” also showcases an unexpected take on the traditional, much like Basil Hayden itself.

Developed in collaboration with created partner, Pereira O’Dell, Basil Hayden’s new campaign will run across TV, OLV/OTT, social and digital, and began rolling out on September 2nd, 2025. For more information about “The One With The Belt” campaign and Basil Hayden’s portfolio, visit https://www.basilhaydenbourbon.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @BasilHayden.

About Basil Hayden
Crafted in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden introduced a more subtle side of bourbon compared to its counterparts. Inspired by bourbons with high-rye mash bills, Booker set out to create a bourbon that would offer an approachable taste profile and defy preconceived bourbon expectations. Basil Hayden’s expanded expressions include Toast, Dark Rye, and Malted Rye demonstrating the brands creativity and finishing expertise. Basil Hayden 10-Year Old delivers an ultra-premium whiskey experience, challenging the misconception that whisky becomes harsh with age and showcases a gracefully aged liquid that doesn’t sacrifice smoothness.

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

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

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