The Islands Come to Shore: Hebridean Whisky Trail Announces Inaugural Oban Takeover

OBAN, SCOTLAND – The Hebridean Whisky Trail is set to make waves on the mainland this spring with the launch of its first-ever Hebridean Whisky Show. On Saturday, 25 April 2026, the trail journeys to Oban for a one-day takeover of the iconic MacGregor’s at the Whisky Vaults.

This inaugural showcase offers whisky enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the collective character of the Hebrides in a single location. Attendees can expect to experience exclusive tastings and expert-led masterclasses, enhanced with the much-loved live traditional music of MacGregor’s.

“We are thrilled to bring the spirits of the Hebrides to Oban,” said Cindy Campbell, Development Manager of the Hebridean Whisky Trail. “This show is designed to be a sensory bridge between the mainland and the islands, offering a preview of the wild and beautiful whisky adventure that awaits those who travel the trail itself.”

The April event serves as a prelude to the annual Hebridean Whisky Festival, which returns from 5–12 September 2026. Throughout the festival week, member distilleries will host a series of exclusive tours, warehouse tastings, and cultural events on their home soil. The celebrations will reach a crescendo on Saturday, 12 September, with the Festival Finale at the Isle of Raasay Distillery. The finale will unite all trail members for a grand celebration featuring a Q&A panel with the makers, rare drams, and live music.

Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the Hebridean Whisky Trail invites you to join them in 2026 for a journey through the landscapes, people, and spirits that define Scottish island life.

Tickets for the Hebridean Whisky Show in Oban are available now. For more information and to book your place, visit https://hebrideanwhiskytrail.com/show

• The Hebridean Whisky Trail is a collaboration between seven single malt Scotch whisky distilleries across the islands of Skye, Raasay, Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, and Tiree.
• Event Date (Oban): 12:00-17:00 Saturday, 25 April 2026, at MacGregor’s at the Whisky Vaults.
• Festival Dates: 5–12 September 2026, across the Hebrides.

Festival Finale: Saturday, 12 September 2026 at Isle of Raasay Distillery

Evan Williams ® Single Barrel Debuts Bourbon Nation Collegiate Editions for Five Universities
Limited -Edition Bottles Begin Shipping to Key Markets Amidst March Madness and Spring Graduation Season

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — [March 24, 2026] — Evan Williams, the #1 American-Owned Bourbon, is announcing its release of five highly limited Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles celebrating The University of Alabama, University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, and the University of South Carolina. Every bottle features the respective university logo and is hand-selected from an individual barrel.

These Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles will be in their respective markets by early April, just in time for the excitement of March Madness and the celebrations of spring graduation season. Each bottle features a distinctive wax-dipped top in the coordinating color of the featured university, along with a custom hang tag showcasing the school’s official logo. The design creates a keepsake that allows fans and alumni to celebrate their school spirit while enjoying a uniquely selected single barrel bourbon.

The releases will be exclusively distributed within each school’s home state, creating a highly localized, limited-availability opportunity. These Bourbon Nation bottles are designed as collectible bottlings that celebrate each school’s tradition, heritage, and pride.

Evan Williams Single Barrel reflects the time-honored methods first established when the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s first distillery on the banks of the Ohio River in 1783. Today, each barrel is chosen for its distinctive character and bottled individually at 43.3% ABV (86.6 proof), creating a unique expression that pairs perfectly with moments worth celebrating—on campus and beyond.

“As a bourbon brand rooted in tradition, we love being part of the moments that bring people together,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Global Whiskey Brands, Heaven Hill. “These Bourbon Nation Collegiate Editions give fans and alumni a meaningful way to celebrate their schools, whether they’re cheering during tournament season, marking graduation, or simply sharing a glass with fellow fans.”

The Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles are part of Evan Williams Bourbon Nation, the brand’s platform celebrating the traditions and community of college sports fandom. Through partnerships with leading universities across the country, Bourbon Nation brings fans together around the energy of game day – from tailgates and watch parties to post-win celebrations, while enjoying America’s second-largest selling Bourbon responsibly.

In addition to these five editions, the brand is planning a second wave of Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition releases timed for the fall football season with an expanded lineup of universities to be announced later this year. The Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Editions will be available while supplies last within each university’s home state at an SRP of $34.99.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS:  Evan Williams is among the leaders in the American Whiskey segment as the #1 American-owned Bourbon and the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. Since 2015, Evan Williams has proudly supported Veteran-focused organizations nationwide, contributing more than $750,000 to initiatives that honor and empower those who have served our country. In 2024, the brand debuted ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate college athletics through a partnership with Learfield, making Kentucky’s 1st Distiller Game Day’s #1 Pour. The multi-year deal currently includes powerhouse universities across the country. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience that brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.

Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely®.

Rhythm and Booze Records Releases Its First Whisky Blended Directly to Match an Artist’s Sound

The award-winning indie bottler and record label releases its fourth bottle in collaboration with fellow indie bottler Cask Le Sens, a superb blended Scotch inspired by the music of Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Nicole Cassandra Smit.

Tasting exceptional spirits while listening to great music is one of life’s great pleasures. Now, the indie bottler and record label that embodies this combination is back with its most ambitious release yet.

Rhythm and Booze Records, the world’s first combination independent record label and spirits bottler, has released its fourth bottle: Rhythm and Booze Records #4: Nicole Cassandra Smit — Blended Scotch Whisky, created in collaboration with whisky consultancy company and indie bottler Cask Le Sens. The release pairs an expertly crafted blended Scotch whisky with an exclusive collection of original songs by Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Nicole Cassandra Smit, recorded specifically for this bottle and available nowhere else.

As with all Rhythm and Booze Records spirits, the bottle’s front label showcases the featured artist, while a QR code on the back label leads to a private link where buyers can stream or download Nicole’s new songs to enjoy as they pour themselves a dram. The music is exclusive to the bottle and will not be available on any streaming platform.

This is the first Rhythm and Booze Records release to reverse the creative process: rather than curating a ready-to-bottle spirit to pair with the featured tunes, the creation of this whisky was directly inspired by Nicole’s music and blended together by Cask Le Sens co-founder Winnie Ng. The result is a blend that mirrors Nicole’s sound – initially sweet, easygoing and accessible, before revealing surprising depth and playful complexity the longer you sit with it.

Felipe Schrieberg, co-founder of Rhythm and Booze Records, describes the creative philosophy behind the release: “This is the first time we’ve created a whisky that was directly inspired by the music rather than the other way around. Nicole’s sound shaped the decisions made at the blending table. The result is something we’re genuinely proud of not just as a whisky or a music release, but as a single unified artistic statement.”

Winnie welcomed working on the ambitious challenge: “This is a project I have been longing to bring to life: curating a whisky that truly connects with music, to build a blend from scratch that fits the vibe and voice of a specific artist without any shortcuts and no pre-blended whisky in the recipe.”

To create the whisky, she included a significant portion of 35-year-old Invergordon grain whisky which contributes creamy, buttery richness at the heart of the expression. Malts sourced from Speyside and the Highlands provide structural integrity and fruity character.

Nicole is also thrilled about the new bottle featuring her music. Born in Jakarta, Indonesia and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, she draws on a rich and varied background, weaving together blues, soul, R&B, and pop across a deeply personal body of work. She first made her name on the Scottish live scene through sell-out performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and Jazz & Blues Festival, fronting acts including Nicole & The Back-Up Crew and lo-fi trio Smitten. Her 2022 debut solo album Third in Line blends soul and blues with experimental electronica.

For this release, Nicole revisits her lo-fi roots with a deeply personal collection of songs celebrating her heritage and family.

“I wanted these songs to feel intimate and honest,” Nicole says. “And I think the whisky captures that same feeling, something warm and welcoming on the surface, but with real depth and character underneath.”

Rhythm and Booze Records #4: Nicole Cassandra Smit – Blended Scotch Whisky is bottled at 50% ABV with only 300 bottles available and is available for £65 on the website for Cask Le Sens’ UK distributor Ruiseart Spirits as well as select retailers.

About Rhythm and Booze Records

Rhythm and Booze Records is an award-winning independent record label and spirits bottler, and the first of its kind in the world. Founded by award-winning whisky writer and musician Felipe Schrieberg and drummer Paul Archibald, the label pairs high-quality aged spirits with original music from artists spanning a broad range of sounds and styles.

About Cask Le Sens

“Le Sens” means “senses”, “direction” and “meaning” in French – reflecting our mission to guide whisky enthusiasts back to the pure joy of sharing and tasting whiskies, beyond the investment-focused market.

Co-founded by Hong Kong-born whisky enthusiasts Louie Lam, Winnie Ng and Richard Wong, Cask Le Sens specializes in whole cask trading, consultancy, and brokerage services, providing casks for enthusiasts, independent bottlers, bars, and whisky clubs, while also releasing their exclusive and collaborative bottlings.

Tasting Notes

– Body: Creamy and fresh

– Nose: Baked pears and vanilla custard lead the way, followed by butter cookies, cinnamon and caramel. Softer citrus notes of grapefruit peel round out the nose.

– Taste: Cookies take centre stage: stroopwafels, Swedish pepparkakor ginger cookies, Indonesian nastar pineapple tart cookies and traditional digestive biscuits all compete for attention. Orange citrus freshness persists at the edges, while cloves and prunes hint at additional depths.

Release details

– Name: Rhythm and Booze Records #4: Nicole Cassandra Smit — Blended Scotch Whisky

– Nicole’s EP

– Price: £65.00 (inc. UK VAT), 70cl

– ABV: 50%

– Outturn: 300 bottles

– Label Design: Adrian Borque

– Shop

Links

– Rhythm and Booze Records:
www.rhythmandboozerecords.com

– Cask Le Sens 

Maker’s Mark Unveils 2026 Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release

LORETTO, Ky., March 9, 2026 – Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the 2026 release of its Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release—an expression inspired by the distillery’s operations teams who guide the bourbon’s journey from first fermentation to final bottling.

“From the beginning, Maker’s Mark has been guided by my grandparents’ pursuit of exceptional flavor and deep respect for everyone who makes our whisky—from our grain growers to those who barrel and bottle our bourbon,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark. “We continue to honor our founders’ vision through the Wood Finishing Series, which showcases our innovative spirit, celebrates our quality and craftsmanship and recognizes the teams who make our whisky possible.” 

The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series features one-of-a-kind expressions crafted using an innovative wood stave finishing technique that amplifies the distinctive characteristics of the brand’s signature bourbon. The Stewards Release (2026) opens with bright aromas evoking cherry pie and vanilla bean, layered with tasting notes of honey, toasted marshmallow and candied ginger, culminating in a vibrant finish marked by stone fruit and salted caramel.

“Consumers today want exceptional whisky, but they’re also interested in the values behind the brand and the people who make it,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark. “Bartenders feel the same way. They want to know more about the process, the ingredients and the craftsmanship in what they pour. The Stewards Release brings that philosophy to life, inspired by the operational leaders at Star Hill Farm and the care that goes into every step of production.”

Marking the midpoint of a five-year journey, the Stewards Release (2026) is the third installment in the second Wood Finishing Series. Set to conclude in 2028, this series explores the people behind the proof and follows The Keepers Release (2025), inspired by the warehouse team who ensure every barrel of Maker’s Mark matures consistently to the founders’ taste vision, and The Heart Release (2024), inspired by the distillery team—the makers of Maker’s Mark, crafting its handmade bourbon in Loretto, Kentucky.

The Stewards Release will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% ABV / 109.6 proof, and the other at 56.65% ABV / 113.3 proof. Both will be available at U.S. retailers at a suggested MSRP of $74.99 beginning today. For more information, please visit www.MakersMark.com.

About Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark® is the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world. In 1953, founders Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr. broke from tradition—burning the family’s 170-year-old recipe to create a bold, balanced bourbon made with soft red winter wheat for signature sweetness and creaminess. From the start, the Samuels went to remarkable lengths to craft uncompromisingly delicious bourbon—a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today. Every bottle is still hand-dipped in red wax, every barrel rotated by hand and every decision guided by the brand’s higher purpose.

Staying true to its founders’ vision, Maker’s Mark has expanded its portfolio with award-winning, super-premium expressions, including Maker’s Mark 46, Cask Strength, and Cellar Aged, as well as Private Selection, the brand’s custom barrel program. In 2025, the distillery debuted Star Hill Farm Whisky, its first-ever wheat whisky. Award-winning and the first to earn Estate Whiskey certification, Star Hill Farm Whisky inspired the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, a bold commitment to advance regenerative farming beyond its business, inviting farms, bars and restaurants to join the movement.

Maker’s Mark is proud to be both B Corp and Regenified Certified – milestones driven by the sustainability leadership at Star Hill Farm, home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which strives to be the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world.

Learn more at www.makersmark.com.

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

Douglas Laing & Co. Launches Scallywag 18-Year-Old – A Limited-Edition Speyside Malt Finished in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks

Independent Scotch Whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co. announces the release of Scallywag 18-Year-Old, a new limited edition bottling that showcases a richly mature side to the much-loved Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky range.

At 18 glorious years of age, this special release represents a crowning moment for Scallywag. The whisky’s final years have been spent in the finest Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks from Jerez, in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. This coveted cask style is renowned for imparting decadent sweetness and depth – perfectly complementing Scallywag’s signature sherried character and delivering a dram of notable richness and elegance.

Bottled at 46% ABV, Scallywag 18-Year-Old is offered in a strictly limited run of 2,610 bottles available globally, creating a rare opportunity for collectors and whisky lovers alike to experience the brand at extended age.

On the palate, Scallywag 18-Year-Old is said to deliver opulent notes of dark chocolate truffles, spiced orange peel and toasted walnuts, unfolding into treacle toffee and black cherries, with a warming whisper of cinnamon. A lingering finish brings oak spice, espresso and dried figs, rounding out a rewarding and memorable tasting experience.

Scott Morrison, Senior Brand Manager comments:

“This 18-Year-Old release is a special milestone for Scallywag. The extended maturation, combined with a luxurious Pedro Ximénez Sherry cask finish, brings remarkable richness and depth, offering whisky lovers the opportunity to experience a more mature and indulgent side of the brand.”

Scallywag 18-Year-Old will be available through select whisky specialists and premium retailers worldwide with a suggested RRP of £85.00.

Glen Scotia unveils bold new limited-edition whisky for Campbeltown Malts Festival 2026

Multi-award award winning Campbeltown distillery Glen Scotia has revealed its anticipated, limited-edition single malt in celebration of the renowned Campbeltown Malts Festival which draws whisky lovers from around the world to visit the region each May.

Glen Scotia’s annual festival bottlings have built a reputation for bold, intriguing flavours and the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2026 release continues this tradition. Aged for seven years, this medium-peated single malt was matured in first-fill bourbon barrels before being finished for six months in ruby port casks, creating a whisky that balances vibrancy, depth and an unmistakable coastal character.

The distinctive dual cask maturation has resulted in big flavours of ripe red fruit, gentle sweet peat and warming spice, carried on a rich, coastal undertone that reflects Glen Scotia’s maritime trade history.

Once known as the ‘Victorian whisky capital of the world’, Campbeltown is a place steeped in rich whisky heritage. Hailing from what is now Scotland’s smallest whisky-producing region, Glen Scotia’s small team preserves traditional methods, using small stills to create big Campbeltown flavours and making big waves at big international awards.

The Campbeltown Malts Festival is a flagship event in Glen Scotia’s calendar, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to experience the distillery’s big Campbeltown character and the warmth and generosity of the ‘Wee Toon’. The 2026 festival edition celebrates not only the whisky itself, but also the people who define the town’s resilient character.

Presented in a premium navy blue box, the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2026 Release also features a unique on-pack experience. By scanning a QR code on the box, whisky fans can step inside the distillery and meet members of the Glen Scotia team whose craft, passion and pride bring to life its big Campbeltown character.

Available to purchase online and in specialist retailers globally, Glen Scotia’s Campbeltown Malts Festival 2026 release is non-chill filtered, bottled at cask strength (53.9% ABV) and will retail for £59.

Ashley Smith, master blender at Glen Scotia, said: “This year’s Festival Release is a true celebration of Glen Scotia’s big Campbeltown character. It offers Glen Scotia’s distinctive maritime salinity, which is complemented with layers of gentle peat, and vibrant red fruit and warming spice brought by the ruby port cask finish. It’s a whisky that evolves on the palate and brings an element of surprise.

“The Campbeltown Malts Festival is always a special time for us, when the town comes alive with visitors from around the world. With this year’s on-pack experience, we’re giving people a glimpse inside the distillery in our remote corner of Scotland and the people whose passion shapes every drop.

“Campbeltown may be small, but it has a big personality and a proud heritage. This year’s festival bottling is our way of capturing that spirit in the glass for our community to enjoy.”

Glen Scotia’s Campbeltown Malts Festival 2026 events (19 and 20 May) will explore the distillery’s rich whisky-making heritage. A selection of ticketed and free events will delve into the town’s storied past, offering visitors the chance to explore and learn about some of Glen Scotia’s finest drams.

Guests at this year’s festival will get a taste of Glen Scotia’s character through a range of workshops including ‘Big Campbeltown Character’, which will explore the tropical fruit, coastal notes and oily texture of the new Glen Scotia 12 Year Old with Loch Lomond Group’s master blender Michael Henry.

A ‘Deconstructed Festival Release 2026’ tasting will see Glen Scotia brand ambassador Gary Mills reveal the craftsmanship behind this year’s limited-edition release, and ‘Port to Port’ will trace Campbeltown’s maritime past with Glen Scotia’s master blender Ashley Smith, showing how sherry, rum and wine casks continue to shape Glen Scotia’s style.

For further information on the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2026 release or this year’s festival, visit www.glenscotia.com/ .

Tasting notes:

Nose: Opens with sweet peat, ripe red cherry and creamy vanilla fudge.

Palette: Bursting with juicy mandarin before indulgent blackcurrant jam and layers of rich smoky embers.

Finish: Warming cinnamon and close spice, coastal salinity and lingering peat smoke.

About Glen Scotia

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

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

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

• In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old single malt was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across thirty-one categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. Only seven months later, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2021.
• In 2022, Glen Scotia’s Victoriana won ‘Best In Class’ in the Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2023, Glen Scotia won ‘Best Single Cask Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards for a single cask bottling distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years exclusively in a first-fill bourbon barrel.
• Later that same year, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old won a coveted Platinum award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, which is awarded to the very few entries that receive a Double Gold medal for three consecutive years at the prestigious global event.
• In 2024, Glen Scotia received a number of prestigious awards across its range of single malt whiskies, including Platinum titles at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024 for both Glen Scotia Victoriana and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old.
• In 2025, Glen Scotia was awarded several notable industry awards across its core range whiskies including Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum being named the best Campbeltown non-age statement whisky, as well as winning platinum accolades for Glen Scotia 15 and 25 Year Old, and gold for Glen Scotia Victoriana at the San Fransico World Spirits Competition 2025.
• That same year, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old was also awarded gold at the International World Spirits Competition.

Independent Retailer Launches 50ml Dram Service to Help Drinkers “Test Drive” Whisky Before Buying

A small independent UK whisky retailer has launched a service designed to help whisky drinkers explore new bottles without committing to the cost of a full bottle purchase.

WhiskyGenie has introduced a curated range of 50ml whisky drams, allowing customers to sample whiskies at home before deciding whether to invest in a full bottle.

While many whisky samples are typically sold in 30ml measures, WhiskyGenie has chosen to offer larger 50ml “proper drams”, giving drinkers a more generous tasting experience.

The concept is aimed at whisky enthusiasts who want to explore different styles, cask finishes and distilleries without the financial risk that often comes with purchasing unfamiliar bottles.

Founder Garry Grimshaw, who has more than three decades of hospitality experience, says the idea came from seeing customers hesitate when faced with buying full bottles they had never tasted before.

“A lot of people want to try different whiskies but don’t want to risk spending £50–£100 on a bottle they might not enjoy,” he explained.

“The idea behind WhiskyGenie is simple — let people try a proper dram first and discover what they actually like.”

The online retailer offers a wide range of Scotch whisky drams, including expressions from well-known distilleries such as Ardbeg, Glenmorangie and Bruichladdich.

Orders also include a complimentary mystery dram, allowing customers to discover an additional whisky they may not have otherwise tried.

The service reflects a growing trend among whisky drinkers who are increasingly interested in exploring a wider range of expressions and cask styles without committing to full bottle purchases.

WhiskyGenie currently ships across the UK and internationally, with a focus on making whisky discovery accessible to both new drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts.

More information can be found at:

www.whiskygenie.com

Rock Town Distillery Announces Inaugural Winners Circle 2026 Bourbon Release

Little Rock, AR — Rock Town Distillery announces the release of Winners Circle 2026, the first bottling in a new annual limited-edition bourbon series that celebrates craftsmanship, racing tradition, and original Arkansas artistry.

Distilled from Arkansas corn, Arkansas wheat, and malted barley and aged six years, Winners Circle is bottled at 101 proof in tribute to the home stretch, a nod to both the intensity of racing and the patience required to craft exceptional bourbon.

This inaugural release marks the beginning of an annual series celebrating racing through commissioned artwork by local artists, with each year’s label and bottling created once and never repeated.

The first release features original artwork by Arkansas artist Michael Shaeffer, whose expressive watercolor style brings movement and emotion to the label. Shaeffer, who is based in Little Rock and attended high school in Hot Springs, draws from a deep personal connection to Arkansas’ horse racing culture, particularly the legacy of Oaklawn Racing in Hot Springs.

“We wanted this series to feel rooted in place and time,” said Phil Brandon, Founder and Head Distiller of Rock Town Distillery. “Shaeffer’s work captures the motion, discipline, and anticipation that exist both in racing and in bourbon making. Pairing his art with this first release felt like the right way to set the tone for what Winners Circle will become.”

Availability

Winners Circle 2026 will be available in limited quantities beginning the week of March 23 at the Rock Town Distillery tasting room and select Arkansas and Oklahoma liquor stores. Once this release is gone, it will not be reproduced.

Release Events

To celebrate the launch of the Winners Circle series, Rock Town Distillery will host two ticketed events inspired by racing season and Kentucky Derby tradition.

On Thursday, March 26 from 4:30–7:00 PM, Rock Town will host an exclusive happy hour release party at M2 Gallery in Little Rock. The gallery was selected intentionally, as it is where Michael Shaeffer works and regularly exhibits his artwork, and it sits directly across the street from the distillery. The space creates a natural extension of the collaboration, allowing guests to experience the artwork in its home setting while celebrating the bourbon it inspired.

Tickets for the event will go on sale March 10th. Guests will enjoy Mint Juleps, Old Fashioneds, and Whiskey Sours alongside light Derby-inspired fare. When purchasing tickets, attendees will have the option to preorder up to two bottles of Winners Circle 2026, as well as preorder limited-edition prints of the original label artwork by Michael Shaeffer.

Rock Town will also host a ticketed Barrel House Kentucky Derby Watch Party on Saturday, May 2 from 5:00–9:00 PM at the distillery. Guests will gather to watch the Kentucky Derby, often referred to as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” while enjoying a limited Derby cocktail menu. Tickets include two complimentary cocktails, with Mint Juleps, Old Fashioneds, and Whiskey Sours featured throughout the celebration. A Kentucky Derby-inspired buffet will be served, and prizes will be awarded for Best Hat and Best Dressed. Attendees will also have the option to add a bottle of Winners Circle 2026 to their ticket purchase as well as prints of the original label artwork by Michael Shaeffer..

With its commissioned artwork and limited production, Winners Circle 2026 is a one-of-a-kind collectible, created for this moment and never again. Future releases in the series will continue annually, each featuring new artwork and its own distinct identity.

For additional information, interview requests, or images, please contact our head of marketing, Abbey Rolfe at abbey@rocktowndistillery.com.

About Rock Town Distillery

Founded in 2010, Rock Town Distillery is Arkansas’ first legal distillery since Prohibition. Known for its grain-to-glass philosophy and commitment to intentional production, Rock Town creates spirits that reflect both place and process.

About Michael Shaeffer

Michael Shaeffer is an Arkansas-based artist whose watercolor work explores movement, memory, and narrative. With roots in both Little Rock and Hot Springs, Shaeffer’s work often draws from Arkansas’ cultural landscape, making his contribution to Winners Circle 2026 a natural extension of the series’ vision.

Himmaleh Spirits Launches the World’s First Himalayan Cask Program

An Ultra-Rare Whisky Experience Born of Altitude, Provenance, and Craft

London/United Kingdom: Himmaleh Spirits, the visionary craft distillery, proudly unveils the Himalayan Cask Program – a one-of-a-kind global release shaped by time, tradition, and the rare high-altitude terroir of the mighty mountains, anchored by the first Indian single malt whisky from the Himalayas. From grain to glass, each drop reflects the elemental power of the mountains and Himmaleh’s unwavering commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and excellence. Created for collectors who value rarity, the Himalayan Cask Program offers more than a bottle. It offers a story, a statement, and a whisky shaped by altitude, heritage, and taste – a reflection of individuality and legacy in every cask.

Born in the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas, a short drive from Delhi and neighbouring the legendary Corbett National Park, Himmaleh’s whiskies are crafted with locally cultivated six-row barley and glacial spring water sourced from the pristine Himalayan springs. Each small-batch malt is distilled in Forsyths copper pot stills, then aged in ex-Bourbon barrels in the Himalayan foothills – maturing between three and eight years, yielding 285 to 168 bottles per cask. The distillery’s fully in-house production and bottling model further reinforces Himmaleh’s self-reliant approach and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, precision and consistency at every stage of creation.

“India is fast emerging as a serious player in the global whisky landscape,” says Ansh Khanna, Co- founder, Himmaleh Spirits. “But what we’re building here is something far more personal. The Himalayan Cask Program is about owning a whisky that reflects both place and personality – shaped by climate, elevation, and one’s own taste. That kind of expression can’t be replicated and that’s what makes it truly priceless”

This is whisky as a status symbol, not because of its price, but because of its provenance. Each cask represents a singular connection to the land and people of the Himalayas, created in partnership with local farmers, foragers, and craftspeople. It is a celebration of rarity with roots.

“There’s a new kind of luxury buyer, someone looking for one-of-a-kind rare and collectible experiences that can’t be replicated,” adds Samarth Prasad, Co-founder, Himmaleh Spirits. “This isn’t about just acquiring another limited release. It’s about being part of a deeper story, one that is steeped in craft, community, and culture.”

Beyond the spirit itself, the program offers access to a world few will experience: VIP distillery visits for up to four guests, private entry to restricted spaces including the exclusive Cask Owners’ Lounge, ceremonial tastings at the time of bottling, and invitations to exclusive Himmaleh events. Cask owners also receive preferred pricing and early access to future single-cask releases. Upon reservation, cask owners will also have a privilege to interact with the master distiller to taste and select the profile that best suits their palate. Once bottled, the whisky is theirs – to enjoy, gift, or commemorate something meaningful.

Himmaleh Spirits have appointed Asian Alchemy Pvt Ltd under the direction of Simon Murphy to coordinate international cask sales. The initial rollout will be focused on the UK & select international markets. “Beautifully crafted single malts from Asia are gaining international recognition for their provenance, complex flavours & sophistication. A home-grown Indian single malt from the foothills of the Himalayas is a unique offering”, says Simon Murphy. 

In an era of commodified luxury, Himmaleh offers something profoundly original – a whisky born of mountain silence and elemental clarity. The Himalayan Cask Program is a rare invitation to own a piece of this legacy.

About Himmaleh Spirits

A relentless pursuit of the finest ingredients lies at the heart of Himmaleh Spirits. From produce to process, the company embraces a truly farm-to-bottle philosophy to craft the highest quality artisanal spirits.  Nestled  amidst  the  Himalayan  foothills,  within  Uttarakhand’s  Kumaon  region, the Himmaleh Spirits Distillery is a family-owned and independent distillery – the brainchild of Ansh Khanna and Samarth Prasad. Drawing on the abundant resources of this terrain, its spirits trace their origins to an ever-growing community of farmers, foragers, and harvesters. For more information, please visit- https://himmalehspirits.com/

BERRY BROS. & RUDD RESTORES A LEGEND WITH THE

  RELEASE OF BLUE HANGER 14TH EDITION 

Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, has released the long  awaited 14^th edition of Blue Hanger, one of its most celebrated blended malt whiskies,  following a hiatus of more than ten years.

Over the course of thirteen previous editions, the series has built a dedicated following  among whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike, with earlier releases now highly sought-after  on the secondary market.

Named after William “Blue” Hanger, 3rd Lord Coleraine, an 18th-century patron of Berry  Bros. & Rudd known for his elegant style and signature blue attire, the Blue Hanger  series comprises limited-edition blended malt whiskies crafted from carefully selected  casks. Each batch is produced in small quantities, resulting in releases that are both  individual and collectible.

Originally created for the diplomatic export market in 1934, Blue Hanger disappeared for  decades before being revived in 2003 by Doug McIvor, then Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Spirits  Manager. Now, after more than a decade since the last release, the series has been  resurrected by Felix Dear, the company’s Spirits Curator.

Across its history Blue Hanger has not been defined by a fixed flavour profile but by a  consistent pursuit of complexity and balance. Individual editions have varied in character,  some built around sherried depth, others leaning into coastal smoke, but each has been  united by an emphasis on harmony and finesse.

Blue Hanger 14th Edition is a marriage of aged malt whiskies, the youngest of which is 26  years old. The blend was composed from seven casks: six ex-bourbon hogsheads and one  ex-sherry butt.

Felix Dear, Spirits Curator at Berry Bros. & Rudd, said: 

“Blue Hanger has been part of Berry Bros. & Rudd since 1934, and every edition since its  revival in 2003 has been eagerly anticipated and quickly snapped up. After more than a  decade away, the calls to bring it back never stopped. The 14th Edition is our answer, a  blend of exceptional aged malts that we’re proud to put the Blue Hanger name on once  again.” 

Bottled at 45.6% ABV with a limited run of just 2,500 bottles and priced at £120.00, Blue  Hanger 14th Edition will be available for purchase from 3 March 2026, exclusively through  bbr.com.

From April 2026, Blue Hanger 14th Edition will roll out to selected whisky specialists across  the UK, with further availability in key international markets.

For more information on Berry Bros. & Rudd and Blue Hanger, visit www.bbr.com.  

TASTING NOTES  

Nose: Milk chocolate and soft caramel ease into citrus peel and stewed fruits, the sherry cask  influence adding quiet depth

Palate: Has an unctuous oiliness, carrying barley sweets and orchard fruit, with caramel  wrapping around it all.

Finish: A dusting of baking spice adds lift, leading to a finish which gently trails into mellow  chocolate and sweet fruits notes.

NOTES:

Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant. Family-owned and  run, the company still trades from No.3 St James’s Street, with offices in Hong Kong, Tokyo and  Singapore. With longstanding relationships with our producers, and a Royal Warrant, Berry Bros. &  Rudd helps collectors of fine wines and spirits build, manage and enjoy their cellars.