Knob Creek® Releases 12 Year Old Cask Strength, a Bold Expression of Time, Patience and Full Flavor

KNOB CREEK® RELEASES 12 YEAR OLD CASK STRENGTH, A BOLD EXPRESSION OF TIME, PATIENCE AND FULL FLAVOR

Patiently matured for 12 years and bottled at 121.2 proof, the limited-edition release delivers Knob Creek’s signature full-bodied flavor at cask strength

CLERMONT, Ky., The James B. Beam Distilling Co., home of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™, announces the release of Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Cask Strength, a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon that showcases the depth that twelve years of patient aging and full proof can deliver. Bottled at 121.2 proof, the release brings Knob Creek’s signature full-bodied character to the glass with greater intensity, offering rich layers of caramel, dried apple, butterscotch and seasoned oak, followed by a warm, subtly spiced finish.

“Knob Creek has always been about giving great bourbon the time it deserves. After twelve years in the rickhouse, this batch had the depth and full flavor we were looking for, and we knew we wanted to share it exactly as it was,” said Freddie Noe, eighth-generation master distiller at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. “Cask strength means the barrel gets the final say, and with this one, we were more than glad to listen.”

Patiently matured in charred American white oak barrels and hand-selected from just 10 distinct lots in Knob Creek’s Clermont, Kentucky rickhouses, Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Cask Strength is carefully batched and bottled at cask strength, best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

• Proof: 121.2 proof / 60.6% ABV
• Aroma: Caramel, char and dried apple
• Taste: Rich yet balanced flavors of butterscotch, dried apple and seasoned oak
• Finish: Warm with notes of caramel and subtle cinnamon
• Availability: Available nationwide for a limited time
• SRP: $89.99 / 750mL

Arriving in time for the holiday season, Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Cask Strength is an ideal whiskey for holiday gatherings and gifting, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a classic Old Fashioned. For more information about Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Cask Strength and Knob Creek^® award-winning bourbon and rye portfolios, visit knobcreek.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @KnobCreek.

About Knob Creek^® Bourbon
Knob Creek^®, alongside Basil Hayden^®, Booker’s^® and Baker’s, is a founding member of the Small Batch American Whiskey category. Founded in 1992 by legendary distiller Booker Noe, the category reflected his vision to introduce distinctive, premium styles of bourbon defined by intentional barrel selection, aging, proof and flavor. Knob Creek was created to bring that vision to life through a full-flavored, pre-Prohibition-style bourbon made without shortcuts.

Knob Creek’s flagship bourbon is patiently aged for nine years in new American oak barrels with a maximum Level 4 char and bottled at 100 proof, delivering the unrivaled depth of flavor that has defined the brand for more than three decades.

Today, Knob Creek offers a portfolio of full-flavored bourbons and ryes, including age-stated expressions including 7 Year Old Rye, 9 Year Old Bourbon, 10 Year Old Rye, 12 Year Old Bourbon, and 15 Year Old Bourbon, single barrel releases and limited-edition innovations including Bourbon x Rye, 12 Year Old Cask Strength, and more all crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and flavor.

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 American whiskeys, including Jim Beam^® and Maker’s Mark^®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki^® and Hibiki^®; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig^®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as El Tesoro^® and Hornitos^® tequilas and Roku^® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Bartender Created 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, and aims to 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

*Further information on Knob Creek^® awards can be found at www.knobcreek.com
Knob Creek^® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 60.6% Alc./vol. ©2026 James B. Beam Distilling Company, Clermont KY.

FIFE BOTTLER LANDS SIX SCOTTISH WHISKY AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Saltire Rare Malt shortlisted for Independent Bottler of the Year as three of its single cask whiskies compete in the same category

Falkland, Fife;  September 2026 – Fife-based independent Scotch whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt has landed six finalist spots across four categories at the 2026 Scottish Whisky Awards, including Independent Bottler of the Year and Excellence in Branding.

Four Saltire whiskies have also made the taste finals, with an impressive three of the eight places in Single Cask Scotch 13 and Over going to its Aultmore 15 Year Old, Caol Ila 17 Year Old and Tamnavulin 17 Year Old. Saltire’s Port Dundas has also been shortlisted in Single Grain & Blended Grain Scotch.

The nominations mark another major milestone for Saltire Rare Malt, which was crowned Newcomer of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards, as the independent bottler continues its rapid growth at home and internationally.

Launched in 2024 by friends and founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, Saltire Rare Malt works alongside internationally acclaimed whisky experts Hans and Becky Offringa – The Whisky Couple – to curate its collection of rare single cask and limited-edition Scotch whiskies.

From its home in Falkland, the business has grown rapidly in just over two years, with its bottlings now reaching collectors and trade partners across Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa.

Keith Rennie, Co-Founder of Saltire Rare Malt, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Saltire recognised across so many different areas at this year’s Scottish Whisky Awards. To have four of our whiskies in the taste finals – including three in the same single cask category – is particularly special, alongside recognition for our branding and a nomination for Independent Bottler of the Year.

“We launched Saltire just over two years ago with a shared passion for exceptional Scotch whisky and big ambitions for the business. To see the whisky, the brand and the team recognised together means a huge amount to us.”

The nominations come during Saltire Rare Malt’s biggest period of international growth to date, following the recent appointment of five whisky professionals across North America and Asia Pacific as the business continues to expand in key global markets.

The winners of the 2026 Scottish Whisky Awards will be announced later this year. The Saltire Rare Malt Collection is available to buy online on their website at: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/

About Saltire Rare Malt Whisky

Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & Founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie. The pair have worked together for three decades, before moving into the whisky world to collect fine and rare single malts. A shared passion for the ‘water of life’ led to the creation of Saltire Rare Malt – a global vehicle to share their outstanding collection of Single Malt Whiskies.

The founders felt that 2024 would be a good year to launch the very first bottlings of Saltire Rare Malt, 530 years after the birth of Scotch Whisky – in the beautiful, historic town of Falkland. Among Saltire Rare Malt’s meticulously curated collection are ‘well-known labels’, ‘rare gems’ and casks from ‘lost distilleries’ with Single Malt Scotch Whisky releases that are ‘never rushed or hurried — they’re bottled when the right time arrives’.

W: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/
I: https://www.instagram.com/saltireraremaltwhisky
F: https://www.facebook.com/people/Saltire-Rare-Malt-Whisky/61554723364117/

About Falkland, Fife; The Birthplace of Scotch Whisky

Falkland is a beautiful Scottish market town in the Kingdom of Fife, built around the 12th century Falkland Palace. 1494 saw the first record of Scotch Whisky. King James IV, staying at the Palace, issuing the famous order: “8 bolls of malt to Friar John Cor, werewith to make the ‘water of life”. This can be considered the birth certificate of Scotch Whisky. Saltire Rare Malt is now situated in the market square opposite Falkland Palace. Over 530 years after the birth of Scotch whisky, its story has now come full circle.
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Tomatin unveils UK exclusive 2011 Pedro Ximénez sherry matured single cask for specialist whisky retailers

Highland distiller Tomatin has released a remarkable 2011 single cask whisky, matured in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry butt and bottled exclusively for UK specialist whisky retailers.

Sherry has played a key part in Tomatin whisky for over 100 years with the distillery maturing its spirit in casks sourced from Jerez throughout its history, and the 2011 single cask expression offers whisky aficionados a unique chance to discover decades of experience in sherry maturation.

Carefully selected by Tomatin’s expert team, Cask No.37316 presents a 15-year-old whisky that has gently matured to develop a complex flavour profile. The brand’s quintessential soft, fruit-led spirit deepens with layers of dark chocolate and warm spice, creating an elegant balance of distillery character and rich sherried style.

The single malt opens with notes of candied orange peel, berry compote and honey and vanilla sweetness on the nose, while the fruity spirit develops on the palate with flavours of rich dark chocolate, sultanas and tarte tatin, with a long, lingering finish of baking spices.

Tomatin’s first-class wood policy sees the team continuously invest in high-quality casks from across the world, from the US to Jerez, ensuring quality and consistency across its range.

The Highland distillery is one of only four in Scotland to have an in-house cooperage, a key component in upholding its high standard wood practices. Tomatin’s cooper Allan Bartlett was recognised for his expertise in managing and maintaining the supply of the distillery’s cask stock at the Icons of Whisky Awards 2025, being named ‘Cooper of the Year’.

Jamie Muir, distillery manager at Tomatin, said: “Sherry casks are woven into the Tomatin story, and the flavours created in this whisky show exactly why we return to them time and time again. A first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry butt is a bold cask to work with, and the lengthy maturation has drawn out real richness and depth in our spirit without masking the soft, fruit-led Highland character Tomatin is known for.  

“Our first-class wood policy means every cask is looked after with genuine care, and having our own cooperage on site led by Allan is a big part of that.” 

Gordon Hynd, UK sales director at Tomatin, said: “Specialist whisky retailers are where enthusiasts go to find something they won’t see anywhere else, and we wanted to give them a release that lives up to that. This single cask whisky has been created with their customers in mind, offering a limited Tomatin expression unlike anything else in our range. 

“Specialist wine and spirit retailers in the UK carry real expertise and a passion for choosing the right bottle for every customer. At Tomatin, we have built up trusted relationships with UK merchants over decades and value them enormously, so this 2011 single cask is our way of offering them something special.” 

Bottled at 58.8% ABV and limited to only 608 bottles, the Tomatin 2011 single cask release is presented in a premium 70cl bottle, encased in elegant dark green-hued packaging with subtle detailing nodding to the rolling hills of the distillery’s Highland setting. It has an RRP of £105 and will be available to consumers from 29 September 2026 in specialist whisky retailers throughout the UK.

For more information, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tomatin 2011 single cask tasting notes

Nose: Candied orange peel, berry compote, honey and vanilla sugar.

Palate: Rich dark chocolate, sultanas and tarte tatin.

Finish: Long, lingering finish with baking spices.

About Tomatin Distillery

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its refined and elegant whiskies. The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ’Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ’Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ’Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainability at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ’Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world. 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secure Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status.

Tomatin has a first-class wood policy and a commitment to knowing the history of each cask that passes through its warehouses. It is one of only a handful of Scotch whisky distilleries to have its own cooperage on-site, with cooper Allan Bartlett being named ’Cooper of the Year’ at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards.

’To What Matters’ lies at the heart of the brand’s ethos and is a belief in savouring what is truly important.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

Aberargie Expressions to support Scotland’s young farmers with new barley series

Perthshire distillery will donate £1 from every bottle sold in the UK to the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Aberargie Distillery has launched Expressions – a new series of single malt whiskies celebrating the influence of barley, while supporting the next generation of Scotland’s farming community.

Aberargie Expressions Single Malt Whisky – Golden Promise and Laureate editions will both be available from specialist UK retailers from 15 September, following the sell-out success of the Perthshire distillery’s inaugural release in March 2026.

The new series comprises two single malts made separately from Golden Promise and Laureate barley, allowing whisky drinkers to explore the individual character of each variety for the first time.

Aberargie will donate £1 from every bottle of Aberargie Expressions sold in the UK to the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), helping the organisation support young people across Scotland’s rural communities. The distillery’s donation will specifically help young farmers in the East region through social events and personal development.

The partnership has personal significance for Aberargie head of production Graeme McKeddie, a third-generation farmer whose family’s farming history dates back to the 1800s.

Graeme grew up on his family’s mixed arable and beef farm, spending much of his childhood alongside his parents in the tractor cab before taking the wheel himself as a teenager. Following his father’s death in 2022, Graeme now helps his mother run the farm, which primarily grows malting barley.

He said: “Like many people in the farming community, I was born into it. Farming is in my blood. My family has been on our farm since the 1950s, with a history of farming stretching back generations.

“Small-scale farming is hard work, and the rewards are never guaranteed. That is why supporting SAYFC and the young people who represent the future of Scottish farming feels particularly important to us.

“As both a farmer and a distiller, you develop a greater appreciation of what is in your glass. Behind every whisky are generations of knowledge, passion and hard graft – not only from the people who distil it, but from those who grow the barley.”

Aberargie Distillery sits on the Morrison family’s 300-acre farm near Perth and operates according to a field-to-bottle philosophy, using barley grown on its own land to create its single malt.

Its inaugural whisky combined spirit distilled from Golden Promise and Laureate barley. Aberargie Expressions now separates the two varieties, offering a closer look at the role this essential raw ingredient can play in a whisky’s final character.

Graeme added: “Farming and distilling are intrinsically linked at Aberargie. Understanding the farm is especially valuable when considering how the distillery contributes to its circular economy and regenerative farming practices.

“Expressions gives us the opportunity to place barley at the centre of the conversation and recognise the farming knowledge and work behind every bottle.”

Aberargie Expressions is available from specialist whisky retailers across the UK

Stay updated via https://aberargie.com and follow on social via @aberargie

ABERARGIE EXPRESSIONS TASTING NOTES

ABERARGIE GOLDEN PROMISE

Produced from 100% Golden Promise barley and matured in 68% first-fill Bourbon casks and 32% first-fill Sherry casks. The whisky is described as rich and full-bodied, with aromas and flavours of warm buttered pastry, stewed apples, brown sugar and gentle baking spices, followed by a lingering finish. Non-chill-filtered and bottled at 48.2% ABV.

ABERARGIE LAUREATE

Produced from 100% Laureate barley and matured in 32% first-fill Bourbon casks and 68% first-fill Sherry casks. The expression offers notes of candied orange peel and dried fruit, complemented by crisp orchard fruit and a lingering honeyed finish. Non-chill-filtered and bottled at 48.2% ABV.

Availability: Specialist whisky retailers worldwide
Early Access Registration: www.aberargie.com
Social: @aberargie on Facebook and Instagram

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 Laureate 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.

Morrison Family

Among Scotland’s longest-established whisky families, the Morrisons’ name is woven into the fabric of Scotch, with five generations working as grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers, and distillers. From managing iconic distilleries to creating award-winning brands, their legacy is one of craftsmanship and tradition.

THE VAN WINKLE FAMILY ANNOUNCES THE 2026 RELEASE OF ITS ANNUAL WHISKEY COLLECTION

The highly anticipated release returns with six bourbon and rye whiskeys carrying forward generations of Van Winkle craftsmanship

 FRANKFORT, Ky (September 10, 2026) – Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery today announced that the 2026 Van Winkle Whiskey Collection is on its way, once again delivering one of American whiskey’s most sought-after and closely watched annual releases.

Produced in highly limited quantities, the collection represents four generations of Van Winkle whiskey-making tradition and decades of patience, with six aged expressions ranging from ten to twenty-three years. The 2026 collection includes Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old, Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old, and Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old.

“Every year, we look forward to the opportunity to share these whiskeys with people who have followed our family’s story and appreciate the time and care behind each bottle,” said Preston Van Winkle, Vice-President and 4th Generation, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “There are no shortcuts when you’re talking about whiskey that has spent this many years aging. Our responsibility is to remain patient, protect the quality and carry forward the standards our family has valued for generations.”

While the six expressions return each year, every release offers something that can never be replicated again. Time and maturation leave a distinct imprint on each barrel, creating subtle variations in character from one release to the next. Each year, the Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley carefully select only the barrels that meet the exacting standards established for each expression, making every bottling a singular reflection of patience, craftmanship and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

The Van Winkle family’s legacy in American whiskey dates more than a century, beginning in the late 1800s when Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. started his career with Louisville’s W.L. Weller & Sons before helping establish the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which opened in 1935. His commitment to quality and carefully aged whiskey laid the foundation for the Van Winkle Collection, a celebrated family of bourbon and rye whiskeys that carries his name and enduring philosophy. In 2002, the Van Winkle family partnered with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, where that legacy continues today through the careful crafting and aging of each expression.

The 2026 Van Winkle Collection will be available in limited quantities to retailers, bars and restaurants across the United States via Sazerac’s distribution network at varying retail prices. The suggested retail prices for the 2026 collection are as follows (local fees/taxes apply):

• Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon 10-Year-Old – $169.99

Vanilla and caramel unfold on the nose, complemented by rich pecan and seasoned oak. The palate is beautifully smooth and mellow, balancing robust wheat and ripe cherry against a deepening presence of oak. The finish is long and smoky, with lingering fruit and warm spice giving way to refined oak tannins.

• Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old – $199.99

Dried mango and spiced peach lend an elegant fruit character, with cocoa adding subtle depth. Honey unfolds across the palate alongside seasoned oak and tobacco, creating a rich interplay of sweetness and structure. The finish is beautifully balanced and dry, leaving a lingering trace of warmth.

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old – $299.99

Rich and commanding, this 15-year-old bourbon balances the sweetness of caramel corn and vanilla with layers of leather, seasoned oak and complex fruit. Its depth builds across the palate before resolving into an exceptionally smooth finish, where warm spice meets lingering oak tannins.

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old– $399.99

Two decades of maturation reveal themselves in a whiskey of exceptional depth, elegance, and presence. Intense yet remarkably smooth, the palate opens with vibrant citrus zest before unfolding into delicate sherry notes, dried fruit and vanilla, each layer emerging with measured complexity and beautifully composed balance. The finish is extraordinarily long and elegant, lingering with a richness and refinement that speaks to the patience behind every bottle.

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old – $499.99

Twenty-three years of patience are expressed in remarkable depth, with ripe apple and cherry bringing brightness to layers of caramel, deeply developed oak and tobacco, all underscored by a subtle trace of chocolate. The palate is commanding and beautifully structured, allowing the pronounced wood character to take center stage while an elegant caramel sweetness provides richness and balance. Long after the sip, that sweetness endures with an exceptionally lingering finish defined by mature oak, rich caramel and unmistakable refinement.

• Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old – $299.99.

An elegant, softly spiced nose reveals chestnut, vanilla and fruit, unfolding with understated warmth. Cocoa and vanilla lend richness to the palate, accented by vibrant spice and a refined touch of white pepper. The finish is exceptionally long and complex, as caramel and lingering spice settle into beautifully dry oak.

“I’ve had the privilege of watching this collection become something that means a great deal not only to our family, but to people around the world,” said Julian P. Van Winkle III, President, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “For me, each bottle is a connection to the generations who came before us and to the patience, pride and traditions they passed down. Seeing that same appreciation carried forward by the people who seek out these whiskeys year after year is incredibly special to our family.”

The Van Winkle family reminds fans that neither they nor Buffalo Trace Distillery controls prices set by individual retailers and strongly recommends purchasing Van Winkle whiskeys only through licensed sellers. Purchases made through unlicensed secondary markets or online sellers may carry an increased risk of counterfeit products, fraud, and alcohol scams.

Consumers who believe they may have purchased a counterfeit bottle or been the victim of a scam should not consume the product. They are encouraged to report the incident to the Better Business Bureau and their State Attorney General’s office, and to contact their credit card provider regarding available fraud protection policies.

To learn more about the Van Winkle family of bourbons, visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com.

About Van Winkle Bourbon

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery carries a proud four-generation legacy. The Van Winkle family’s roots in the bourbon industry trace back to the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr., who began his career as a traveling salesman for the W.L. Weller and Sons wholesale house in Louisville. In time, Pappy and his colleague, fellow salesman Alex Farnsley, purchased the wholesale house and joined forces with A. Ph. Stitzel, purchasing his distillery. Together, the three merged their ventures, creating the renowned Stitzel-Weller Distillery after Prohibition.

In May of 1935 at the age of 61, Pappy opened the newly completed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville. Its prominent brands were W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still.  Pappy had a heavy influence on the operations there until his death at the age of 91. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. The rights to all of their brands were sold to Norton Simon, Inc. Later, United Distillers, who eventually ended up with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, sold off all of the original labels around 1999.

After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights, called Old Rip Van Winkle. He used whiskey stocks from the old distillery to supply his brand. Julian Jr.’s son, Julian, III took over in 1981 when Julian, Jr. passed away. Julian III has continued with the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon. His son, Preston, joined the company in 2001 and the Van Winkles look to continue that tradition for generations to come.

In 2002, the Van Winkle family partnered with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, reuniting the Van Winkle and Weller bourbons under one roof. The collaboration was a natural fit, as Buffalo Trace was already producing the wheated mash bill used in Weller bourbon. Today, all Van Winkle whiskey is crafted at Buffalo Trace Distillery, produced with the same uncompromising standards the family has upheld for generations. Learn more about the Van Winkle family of bourbons at www.oldripvanwinkle.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, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. 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.

Tomintoul Distillery captures the Spirit of the Cairngorms in new film celebrating longstanding partnership

Tomintoul Distillery has marked the fourth year of its partnership with the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) with the premiere of a new short film capturing the people, passion and sense of place that make the region so unique.

Produced by Tomintoul in partnership with the CMRT, Spirit of the Cairngorms brings together members of the Tomintoul team and CMRT volunteers to share their personal accounts of living and working in the area. Their stories reveal the common ground between two very different teams – from a deep respect for the landscape to a commitment to craftsmanship, community and looking after the place they call home.

The film offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the work of CMRT’s volunteers, alongside the people behind Tomintoul Whisky, exploring the shared experiences, values and camaraderie that unite the two organisations.

The film premiered at an intimate event at Tomintoul House earlier this week, where contributors, CMRT volunteers, local partners and community representatives came together for an evening of storytelling, whisky and a celebration of the longstanding partnership.

Robert Fleming, Master Distiller at Tomintoul Distillery, said: “Tomintoul is deeply rooted in the Cairngorms. The landscape shapes our whisky but it is the people who live, work and care for this incredible place who truly bring its spirit to life.

“As we enter our fourth year as the Official Spirit of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, we wanted to tell the story of what this partnership really means. Spirit of the Cairngorms brings those stories together, giving us an opportunity to introduce people to the remarkable individuals behind both organisations and the shared connection that has grown between us.

“CMRT volunteers put themselves in extraordinary situations to protect others and we’re incredibly proud to stand alongside them and share a little of their story through this film.”

Tomintoul’s ongoing support helps the CMRT maintain its equipment, training and operational readiness, supporting the volunteers as they respond to incidents across the region.

Willie Anderson, Deputy Team Leader at Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, said: “Mountain rescue is ultimately about people – the people who volunteer, the people we go out to help and the communities that support us. This film gives people a chance to see another side of what we do but also to understand the strong connection we have with the landscape and the communities around us.

“Working with Tomintoul over the past three years has shown how much we have in common. We may have very different roles but there is a shared pride in the Cairngorms and a real sense of responsibility for looking after this place and the people who enjoy it. It has been fantastic to bring those stories together in Spirit of the Cairngorms.”

CMRT has around 40 highly trained volunteers who respond to callouts across the Northern Cairngorms, Ben Alder and the Monadhliath Mountains and relies heavily on donations and grants to support its vital work.

The partnership reflects Tomintoul Distillery’s longstanding connection to the Cairngorms and its commitment to supporting the community around it. Alongside its support for the CMRT, the distillery has built relationships with organisations and initiatives across the region, helping to protect and celebrate the landscape and communities that are central to the Tomintoul story.

Watch the Spirit of the Cairngorms trailer here: https://youtu.be/xn5n0yA0LFs and visit www.TomintoulWhisky.com to find out more.

Tomintoul Distillery

Tomintoul Distillery is nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, within the whisky producing region of Speyside. The distillery, established in 1965, is named after the nearby village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland.

Tomintoul’s signature range includes the popular 10-Year-Old, 14-Year-Old and 16-Year-Old, as well as the multi-award-winning Cigar Malt and premium 21-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old.

About CMRT

Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) is a charity registered in Scotland, as part of the Independent Scottish Mountain Rescue (iSMR). CMRT are one of the busiest mountain rescue teams in Britain, responding to many accidents, injuries and avalanches throughout the year.

SCOTTISH PRIVATE-CLIENT WHISKY SPECIALIST WINS UK YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

Edinburgh-based bespoke whisky business recognised among the UK’s most exciting high-growth start-ups.

London, UK – March 27th 2026: Luxury private label Scotch whisky business Tailored Spirits Co. has been named a winner at the prestigious Stelios Foundation UK Young Entrepreneur Awards 2026, with Co-Founders Adam Harding and Carl Johnstone jointly securing a £50,000 prize in recognition of their shared leadership in building one of the UK’s most exciting emerging whisky businesses.

Founded in 2024 and based in Leith, Tailored Spirits Co. was awarded third prize by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of easyJet, as part of the annual awards recognising the UK’s most promising young entrepreneurs. The awards, which distributed £300,000 in total, celebrate founders driving growth, innovation, and job creation across the UK economy.

Tailored Spirits stood out among 61 applicants for its rapid growth, international reach, and distinctive positioning within the luxury whisky market. The business works with private clients, premium brands, and hospitality groups globally to source, design, and bottle bespoke single cask Scotch whiskies.

Since launch, the company has seen significant momentum, achieving £2.35m turnover in 2025 and doubling its team to support growing global demand. With projects spanning the United States, Europe, and Asia, Tailored Spirits is capitalising on increasing appetite for personalised, experience-led whisky.

Adam Harding, Co-Founder and Head of Spirits, Sales and Strategy, said: “To be recognised by one of the UK’s most respected entrepreneurs at such an early stage in our journey is an incredibly proud moment. This endorsement strengthens our position globally and supports our ambition to grow the business further.”

“We’re seeing a shift in how people engage with whisky –  it’s no longer just about buying a bottle, but about creating something truly personal. This award will help us accelerate our plans, including key hires and further expansion.”

Carl Johnstone, Co-Founder (Commercial & Operations), added: “This recognition is a hugely proud moment for us as founders and reflects the progress we’ve made in a short space of time. The support from the Stelios Foundation will allow us to continue building the business, invest in our team, and expand our reach with clients globally.”

Rather than operating as a traditional independent bottler, Tailored Spirits positions itself as an experience-led whisky partner, guiding clients through the full journey – from cask selection and liquid style to brand design and final bottling.

The business has also announced plans for continued expansion in 2026, including team growth and a move to a new brand home in Edinburgh, alongside upcoming high-profile private client projects.

The Stelios Foundation awards recognise entrepreneurs aged 34 and under who are building high-growth UK businesses, with a minimum revenue threshold of £500,000. Winners are selected based on their potential to scale and create jobs within the UK economy.

Find out everything about Scotland’s most exciting bespoke whisky bottler here: https://www.tailoredspirits.co.uk/ 

About Tailored Spirits Co.

Experts in spirits, specialising in whisky supply, creating exceptional brands and bottlings. Tailored Spirits Co. is an Edinburgh-based, global-serving company who guide clients through the complexities of spirits bottling projects and ensure their dreams are achieved.

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS HERE WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE AS A MATTER OF INTEREST

Glen Moray extends ‘Official Whisky’ partnership with ISPS Handa Senior Open

Speyside single malt signs for three more years and toasts success of 2026 Championship at Gleneagles

Champion Jerry Kelly with Glen Moray’s Iain Allan and the winner’s bottle
Picture credit: Getty

After four days of sunshine, whisky sampling and a thrilling display of world class golf at Gleneagles last month, Glen Moray has today (17^th August) announced a three year extension of its partnership with the ISPS Handa Senior Open as the Championship’s ’s ‘Official Whisky’.

Celebrating the global appeal and shared Scottish roots of golf and whisky, the extended contract will take Glen Moray to Royal Porthcawl in 2027 and beyond, with plans to share the Speyside distillery’s beloved single malts with even more golf fans in the years ahead.

The ISPS Handa Senior Open is Europe’s only senior major, hosted each July at an iconic UK golf course. One of the sport’s most sought after senior titles, it attracts over 20,000 fans each year, offering a unique chance to see 144 of golf’s legendary players in action.

Since signing an initial three year deal starting at  Carnoustie in 2024, Glen Moray’s on-site tasting room, bottle shop and sampling programme have grown to become one of the Championship’s most popular attractions amongst spectators.

This year’s introduction of a deeper tasting and masterclass experience, led by the Elgin-based distiller’s Global Brand Ambassador Iain Allan and his team, proved a hit – with nearly 600 guests exploring Glen Moray’s smooth, fruity Speyside spirit in one of four complimentary whisky flights across the brand’s Explorer, Heritage, Xperience and Warehouse 1 ranges.

The Glen Moray Chipping Challenge was also back and busier than ever: three barrels, six balls and six shots at glory, attempted by a phenomenal1500 participants this year, all keen to take on the ultimate ‘golf meets whisky’ test!

All players at this year’s Championship were gifted a bottle of one of Glen Moray’s most recently launched expressions from the Xperience Range, Forbidden Fruit. In addition, there were drams and cocktails on offer in hospitality at Gleneagles Hotel and at the pre-event’s Pro-Am tournament.

After a brilliant four days of golfing action on King’s Course Gleneagles and an exhilarating final day of play, Iain Allan had the privilege of presenting a unique bottle of Glen Moray – a single cask #5286, distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2026 exclusively for the Championship – to this year’s popular winner, Jerry Kelly.

Stephen Watt, Commercial and Marketing Director at Glen Moray commented: ‘After three successful years of partnership with the ISPS Handa Senior Open, we are more convinced than ever that world class golf and whisky go hand in hand. Being part of this incredible Championship is a huge source of pride, and an opportunity for us to bring thousands of golf fans into the world of Glen Moray to explore our award-winning range of Speyside single malts. The enthusiasm and feedback we receive every year is overwhelmingly positive. And now, with three more years ahead of us, we look forward to planning more exciting activations and to playing our part in the ongoing success of the Championship.’ 

Edward Kitson, Championship Director of the ISPS Handa Senior Open, added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Glen Moray for another three years. The ISPS HANDA Senior Open is where legends of the game test their skills on some of the finest courses in the UK and It’s only fitting that a legendary Scottish whisky continues to be there. 

“We look forward to working together to showcase their products to the thousands of fans at Royal Porthcawl next year and beyond.” 

www.glenmoray.com

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Glen Moray – Cask Explorer since 1897 

Crafted in the heart of Speyside since 1897, Glen Moray’s smooth, fruity single malt whisky embodies the classic Speyside style. It has been made on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin for over 125 years using skills passed down through the generations and a process that includes double distillation in copper stills and careful ageing in traditional warehouses. The distillery’s craftsmen are experts in maturing and marrying many different types of casks, creating the array of flavours which inspire Glen Moray’s extensive range. Inclusive and inviting, Glen Moray is perfect for enjoying on its own and in cocktails, by whisky aficionados and new whisky fans alike.

About the ISPS HANDA Senior Open

Jerry Kelly held his nerve brilliantly down the stretch at The Gleneagles Hotel to claim a two-shot win at the 2026 ISPS HANDA Senior Open.

Kelly was a three-time winner on the PGA TOUR and Presidents Cup player in 2003 before entering the senior game, where he has 14 wins on the PGA TOUR Champions, including two Senior Players Championships and the Senior Open trophy.

Bernhard Langer became the first golfer in history to win The Senior Open four times with his victory in 2019 at Royal Lytham & St Annes – moving ahead of Gary Player and Tom Watson with whom he previously shared three wins. The German also broke his own record of Senior Major Championship victories – securing his 11th at Royal Lytham & St Annes and since adding a 12^th at the 2023 US Senior Open.

The Senior Open was introduced in 1987 at Turnberry in Ayrshire when Neil Coles, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Tour group, won the inaugural title. This led, two years later, to the formal inception of what is now the Legends Tour. It has since been held at some of the United Kingdom’s most historic and renowned venues, including the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal County Down, Carnoustie, Royal Birkdale, Royal Portrush and Royal Lytham & St Annes.

CASK TRADE BOTTLING UNVEILS PERSONALISED BOTTLING SERVICES WITH GIFTING OPPORTUNITY FOR CHRISTMAS

Cask Trade has long supported cask bottlings for private clients and independent bottlers. However, with increasing demand for partial cask bottlings and smaller runs, Cask Trade Bottling has introduced a new ‘ready to bottle’ bespoke service, allowing clients to commission their own label for bottle runs starting from 30 bottles per order, without having to buy a full cask. To celebrate the new service, Cask Trade Bottling have launched a festive campaign which will deliver bespoke bottles of Speyside 2015 to clients, ready for gifting in December.

A Gift Worth Raising a Glass To

The new service invites clients to personalise a premium single malt Scotch whisky with either their own artwork or a considered written message – an opportunity to transform a fine bottle into a genuinely personal statement for loved ones and close friends, or into a distinctive branded gift for clients, colleagues and business partners. Each bottling draws from a single, identifiable cask: an 11-year-old single malt from a Speyside distillery, matured in a bourbon barrel, bottled at 46% ABV in a 700ml bottle, with tasting notes of honey, apple, floral honeysuckle, citrus, vanilla and toffee.

Founder and CEO of Cask Trade, Simon Aron, says: “Whisky has always been about more than the liquid in the glass – it’s about provenance, occasion and story. Whether it’s a private client marking a family celebration or a business wanting to put its own brand on a premium gift for its best clients, this service lets them create something no one else will ever own: a bottle carrying their own artwork or words, tied to a single cask.”

Two Ways to Personalise

Customers can choose between two personalisation options:

–    Personalised Artwork: Customers can bring their creative vision to life by supplying their own branding or artwork to be printed on the top front section of the label.
–    Personalised Message: Customers write their own greeting to be printed on Cask Trade’s pre-designed festive label template.

Perfect For Client Gifting and Corporate Branding

The Personalised Artwork option is equally suited to businesses seeking a distinctive, branded gift for the festive season. Companies can apply their own logo, corporate artwork or campaign design to the label, turning a single-cask Scotch whisky into a memorable and prestigious gift for clients, partners and colleagues – a more considered alternative to conventional corporate hampers.

The Personalised Message option offers a simpler route for businesses that wish to print a seasonal greeting from the company on Cask Trade’s festive template, ready to send across a wider client or staff list.

How It Works

The ordering process follows five simple steps:
1.    Select an option – choose between personalised artwork or a personalised message.
2.    Send personalisation – submit the chosen artwork or written message to the Cask Trade Bottling team.
3.    Confirm – sign off and lock in the final label design.
4.    Receive – bottles are delivered ahead of the festive period.
5.    Enjoy and gift – bottles are ready to give to clients, colleagues, friends or family.

Orders can be placed by emailing bottling@casktrade.com or calling +44 (0)20 3746 3030. For more information, visit the website.

Acquiring a Bottling

Bottles are priced at £50 each, or £300 per case of six, plus VAT, inclusive of delivery and standard label printing. As each release is drawn from a single cask, orders are supplied in full cases of six bottles only, with a minimum commission of 30 bottles (five cases) – a scale well suited both to private clients building a family collection and to businesses stocking a client gifting or corporate entertaining programme for the season.

Orders must be placed before September 25th to ensure delivery by December 4th 2026.

Beyond the Festive Season

While the service launches with a festive theme, Cask Trade Bottling has confirmed that the core commissioning service is not confined to Christmas. Ready to bottle whisky is now permanently available on the Cask Trade stocklist, allowing clients to select their preferred liquid and create a bespoke bottling without having to buy a full cask or wait decades for liquid maturation. This allows personalised bottling for any occasion beyond festive celebrations, such as significant birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and births, as well as for corporate occasions including product launches, staff recognition, client appreciation events and anniversaries of the business itself. The Cask Trade Bottling team supports at every stage from liquid selection, through to design support and final product delivery.

ABOUT CASK TRADE

Cask Trade was set up by Simon Aron in 2018, born from his personal experiences of buying casks as a passionate whisky collector for more than 20 years.
Having found cask ownership difficult to navigate with few reputable companies operating, he envisioned creating a marketplace that made buying and selling casks transparent, open, and honest.
Cask Trade has grown from strength to strength, building its success on several core values:
•    Stockists, not brokers – Cask Trade own all its stock, giving buyers a 100% transactional guarantee and the peace of mind that all casks have been through stringent quality checks.
•    Market-leading stock list – since 2018, Cask Trade has represented over 170 distilleries across the world of whisky, rum, Cognac and Armagnac.
•    End-to-end support – Cask Trade nurtures client relationships beyond the point of sale and offers full cask management, sampling, re-gauging, and multiple exit options when customers come to sell their cask.
•    Trust and transparency – The company’s casks are held in the best HMRC bonded warehouses, regularly visited and approved by Cask Trade whisky masters. All stock holdings have a complete paper trail.
•    Expert team – above all, the Cask Trade team are passionate about cask ownership and strive to help clients achieve their goals, whether they are looking to buy, sell or bottle their casks.
Alongside cask sale and ownership, Cask Trade offers other unique services which elevate client experience and cask exit when the time is right:

Cask Trade Warehouse

In 2025, Cask Trade opened its own bonded warehouse. The unit is situated in Speyside, Scotland, and has the capacity for up to 25,000 casks. Clients can now book onto open days to visit the warehouse, see where their cask is stored, and sample directly from their cask or taste an indicative sample in the custom-built tasting room.

Auction Your Cask 

Auction Your Cask is the world’s first dedicated online cask auction site. With four auctions a year, clients as well as the public can either submit a cask to sell or bid on other casks with 0% seller fees and an agreed reserve.

Recognition

Acknowledgement for the achievements of Cask Trade has been recognised by the FT1000 when the business was ranked as one of the fastest-growing companies in Europe; listed in The Sunday Times Hundred fastest-growing private companies in Britain and named among the UK’s most innovative new businesses’ by StartUps 100 Index. CEO and Founder Simon Aron and Director Colin Hampden-White have also been listed again in the Spear’s 500 Top Recommended Whisky Advisors 2025.

www.casktrade.com