Evolving design, enduring craft

Rare Find launches latest single cask collection with refined new visual identity 

Rare Find, the acclaimed independent bottler renowned for its meticulous cask selection and guided maturation, announces the launch of its latest collection of single cask whiskies, alongside the introduction of a refined new visual identity. While Rare Find continues to evolve its presentation, its unwavering commitment to exceptional whisky remains unchanged.

Since its founding, Rare Find has built its reputation on uncovering extraordinary distillates and elevating them through patient, carefully managed maturation and finishing. Each release represents the pinnacle of flavour, character, and maturity, selected from the millions of maturing casks across Scotland – with only a select few ever deemed worthy of becoming Rare Find bottlings.

The introduction of Rare Find’s new visual identity has been developed to enhance accessibility and clarity for retailers, bartenders, and consumers alike. The updated packaging introduces clearer range navigation, colour-coded regional roundels, and expanded provenance and cask information across both front and back labels. The result is a refined and intuitive way to communicate rarity, regional character, and cask influence, while strengthening shelf presence.

Despite the refreshed presentation, Rare Find’s core philosophy remains resolutely unchanged. Every bottling – whether featuring the new label or the previous design – is released as a genuine one-off, bottled only when the whisky reaches its optimal peak of flavour and balance.

The latest Rare Find collection showcases four distinctive single cask, single malt Scotch whiskies, each bottled without compromise at natural cask strength, natural colour, and without chill filtration.

Longmorn 19 Year Old

Amarone barrique finish

Inchmurrin 11 Year Old

Full matured in a 2nd fill sherry hogshead

Sutherland 35 Year Old

Fully matured in a refill hogshead

Aultmore 15 Year Old (Vault Exclusive Release)

 1st fill oloroso hogshead finish 

Speaking on the new releases and visual evolution, John Moffat, Head of Commercial for Rare Find commented: “Rare Find continues to evolve as a brand, but our standards remain absolute. Every release represents our relentless pursuit of exceptional whisky – from careful maturation to thoughtful finishing and presentation. Our new visual identity helps us communicate provenance, rarity, and character more clearly than ever, while the whisky itself remains exactly what Rare Find has always stood for: distinctive, authentic, and intentionally rare.”

The latest Rare Find releases will be available through select specialist retailers (www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk/stockists) from 12th of March, with the Aultmore 15 year old available exclusively for members of the Rare Find Vault.

Rare Find Spring 2026 Releases

Spring 2026 release images

A selection of additional images are available from: https://we.tl/t-LyhFlW3AWD

About Rare Find

Each Rare Find release is an unrepeatable, limited-edition whisky sourced from sought-after distilleries. With every bottle, we celebrate liquid excellence – meticulously selecting, maturing, and finishing in the highest quality casks to deliver whisky that’s rare by design.

From the millions of casks maturing in Scotland, only a small percentage are destined for single malt bottlings, and from those, only the best become a Rare Find.

Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey Debuts, Forged by Grit, Patience and Pure Tennessee Character

COLUMBIA, Tenn. – In the heart of Columbia, Tennessee, where mules outnumber stoplights and pride runs as deep as the creeks, Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey is taking shape — one stubbornly patient batch at a time.

This is whiskey with backbone. Crafted with purpose and precision, it’s a spirit that honors where it comes from: a land that values hard work, honest flavor, and the quiet confidence to do things the right way — not the fast way.

Inspired by the legendary mule — Columbia’s enduring symbol of strength and persistence — Columbia Creek moves to its own tempo. Made with a classic Tennessee mash bill of 80% corn, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley, then distilled in a traditional column‑and‑doubler system, every drop balances purity with bold, full-bodied flavor.

Before barreling, the whiskey undergoes the slow, time-honored Lincoln County charcoal mellowing process, giving it a smooth, refined edge that separates Tennessee whiskey from bourbon pretenders. The spirit then rests — not rushed, not disturbed — in heavy-charred new American oak, soaking up six long Tennessee years of heat, cold, and honest change.

Bottled at 95.6 proof, non-chill filtered, and unapologetically full-flavored, Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey is both smooth by nature and strong by proof. It’s the taste of patience rewarded — a bold reflection of Columbia itself: hardworking, unhurried, and proud of its roots.

Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey is part of the SNL Alcohol Beverage Group family, available now at columbiacreekwhiskey.com and at select retailers in key markets. Future releases include Barrel Strength and Single Barrel editions — each proof that real Tennessee whiskey doesn’t cut corners.

Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey — Smooth by nature, strong by proof. 

Contact: SNL Alcohol Beverage Group at info@columbiacreekwhiskey.com

About SNL Alcohol Beverage Group

SNL Alcohol Beverage Group, a division of SNL Capital, invests in, and manages, spirits brands of the highest quality. Its aim is to bring to light innovations in the spirits sector, showcasing the true artistry of the alcohol industry. For more information, visit the SNL Capital website

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2026 Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Release
This year’s release features the collection’s oldest Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to date

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (March 3, 2026) – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Each spring, this annual, highly limited release showcases some of the distillery’s oldest inventory of aging American Whiskey, continuing the standard of excellence Heaven Hill has practiced since 1935.

Each release in the ultra-premium collection features one of the six traditional American Whiskey mashbills produced by Heaven Hill, one of the only heritage distilleries to produce this range. The 2026 edition, the oldest since the series debuted in 2022, highlights Heaven Hill’s traditional Bourbon mashbill, comprised of 78% Corn, 10% Rye and 12% Malted Barley, and is bottled at Barrel Proof and non-chill filtered.

With an age statement of 22 years, this release is comprised of 270 barrels produced in February, July and August of 2003 and bottled in December 2025. The barrels were aged on the 5th and 6th floors of Rickhouse Y, where over two decades of Kentucky seasons imparted remarkable depth and character to the whiskey.

The extended maturation results in a Bourbon defined by pronounced oak structure balanced by layers of caramelized sweetness and baking spice. Rich aromas of seasoned oak, dark caramel and toasted vanilla give way to notes of leather, warm cinnamon and subtle dried fruit on the palate. The finish is long and resonant, showcasing lingering notes of charred oak, toffee and a peppery spice that speaks to both its proof and age.

“This 22-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a striking example of how thoughtful aging and careful barrel selection can unlock extraordinary character in our traditional Bourbon mashbill,” says Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “After more than two decades in Rickhouse Y, these barrels have developed a remarkable balance of oak influence and preserved sweetness. It’s a testament to the patience and long-term vision that define the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection.”

Along with its innovation-focused counterpart, the Parker’s Heritage Collection, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection reflects Heaven Hill’s commitment to excellence and ultra-aging techniques. Releases from both collections provide insight into the long-term planning behind Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey inventory and its dedication to quality, craft and heritage.

As with previous releases, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 750ml bottle will be accompanied by a premium box in signature Heaven Hill blue. The Heaven Hill Distillery seal is prominently featured on the box, strip stamp and label, mirroring Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond and the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass line. In keeping with the collection’s focus on transparency and provenance, specific attributes including warehouse location, production dates, mashbill percentages and barrel count are noted prominently on the packaging.

Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will launch nationally in limited quantities, with select international availability, beginning in early March 2026 at a suggested retail price of $319.99.

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

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

A Distinctive Mother’s Day Gift: Fettercairn 16 Year Old

For a truly imaginative Mother’s Day gift, Fettercairn 16 Year Old offers a refreshing burst of tropical character.

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

Whether enjoyed as a relaxed afternoon dram or as part of a celebratory Mother’s Day toast, Fettercairn 16 Year Old brings a sense of occasion to the moment.

For those looking to elevate the celebration, the Fettercairn 1824 Martini is a unique and sophisticated choice.

To make it at home, simply combine:

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

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

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

Kentucky Bourbon’s Impact On State Economy Remains Strong & Substantial

Latest Data Shows Distilling Now $10.6 Billion Industry Supporting Local & State Economies Despite Mounting Headwinds

FRANKFORT, Ky. (February 2, 2026) – As outside threats continue to jeopardize its future growth, Kentucky Bourbon remains a key and substantial contributor to the state’s economy, as a $10.6 billion signature industry supporting nearly 24,000 jobs, a new report shows.

Yet its long-term fortunes remain a roller coaster of uncertainty and unpredictability, threatened by a volatile global trade arena, shifting generational consumer tastes, soaring barrel taxes, and evolving market and geopolitical conditions that have slowed alcohol sales and slashed exports.

The eighth edition of the biennial study using the latest data also shows the distilling industry bought a record 84% of its corn from Kentucky farm families and now generates an all-time high of $372 million in state and local tax revenue.

“This comprehensive analysis demonstrates the economic impact of Kentucky’s homegrown and historic Bourbon industry, which remains significantly ahead in jobs, investment and stature from over a decade ago,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

“Bourbon is a long-term business, and the data shows that its Kentucky foundation remains strong,” he said. “But we also must remember that its future isn’t guaranteed and this data is a snapshot in time.

“We need the support of elected officials at every level of government to help create a stable, competitive environment so Bourbon can produce more American jobs, satisfy the global thirst for our signature spirit and continue to invest in our Kentucky home.”

The report was conducted by noted Kentucky economist Dr. Mike Clark using the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Kentucky Department of Revenue, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and more trusted sources.

Dr. Clark is Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Kentucky and the former Chief Economist for the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. He takes over the biennial study from Dr. Paul Coomes, who has retired.

Among the report’s top findings, Kentucky’s distilling industry now:

• Contributes $10.6 billion in annual economic impact to Kentucky, up from $9 billion in the previous study released in early 2024.
• Supports 23,935 jobs with $2 billion in salaries, wages and benefits, an increase of more than 800 jobs in the last two years despite recent cutbacks.
• Generates $372 million in local and state tax revenue every year, an increase of $200 million over the last 10 years alone.
• Reports plans to invest another $1.45 billion in the next five years.
• Purchases 3 million bushels of corn annually, of which KDA members say 84% comes from Kentucky farmers, up from 70% in the previous report.
• Has more licensed distilleries than ever before, with 125 locations owned and operated by 104 companies in 45 of the state’s 120 counties. 
• Pays a skyrocketing amount of taxes on aging barrels of spirits, including $75 million in 2025, a 163% surge in the last five years alone.
• Stores a record 1 million barrels of spirits, of which 16.1 million are Bourbon.
• Provides the second-highest job multiplier in the state behind the automobile industry, supporting Kentucky farm families, cooperages, truckers and more.
• Dominates the national distilling scene with 27% of both the country’s spirits output and employment, with Tennessee second at 8.4% .

This marks the eighth study of the impact of Kentucky’s distilling industry on the state economy since 2009. “Together, these reports provide a clear, long-term record of Kentucky Bourbon’s growth as a signature industry and the policy challenges that determine its future,” Gregory said.

“Kentucky Bourbon has been around for more than 200 years and overcome its fair share of challenges. By working together, and with the sacred name of Kentucky on every bottle, we must ensure the next report is a toast to progress.”

2026 Bourbon Economy Report Quotes

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

“Despite national challenges from tariffs and harmful federal policies, Kentucky’s $10.6 billion bourbon industry continues to show the world its importance by supporting nearly 24,000 jobs and generating a record $372 million in local and state tax revenue,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This industry is essential to our success and way of life, and as Governor I’m going to keep standing up for Kentucky bourbon and the hardworking people who make it so special.”

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers pointed to the industry’s broadening geographical impact.

“One of the many positive outcomes from the Kentucky Bourbon’s industry’s long-term growth is that rural communities have benefited economically, right alongside our cities,” Stivers said. “There are now distilleries from Pikeville to Paducah and from Augusta to Adairville. Forty-five Kentucky counties now have at least one distillery, with one developing in my home county of Clay. That’s a number far beyond the industry’s traditional core counties where these operations are bringing commerce, tourism and vibrancy to their communities while attracting additional development like restaurants, lodging and retail.”

Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne said the road for Bourbon’s success runs through the General Assembly.

“It should surprise no one that legislative action to modernize our Commonwealth’s alcohol laws, advance responsibility measures and reform taxes to create parity all charted the path for Kentucky Bourbon’s growth the past decade,” Osborne said. “Now Bourbon attracts tourists by the millions, contributes abundantly to our workforce and tax base, and makes Kentucky an envy of other states and nations across the globe.”

Kentucky House Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade tied distilling’s growth to pro-business policies.

“The kind of prosperity and broad impact in this comprehensive study clearly demonstrates what happens when elected leaders pass pro-business policies to unburden a signature industry from outdated and cumbersome policies and punishing taxes,” Meade said.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Heaven Hill Distillery Honors a Storied Legacy with Heaven Hill Deatsville 13-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey

Limited-edition release marks one of the final opportunities to experience Bourbon fully matured at the historic Deatsville campus as it transitions out of active aging

Bardstown, Ky. — Heaven Hill Distillery announces the release of Heaven Hill Deatsville 13-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-edition expression drawn from one of the most distinctive aging sites in the distillery’s 90-year history. Bottled from just 17 barrels aged on the third floor of Rickhouse AA, this release represents one of the final few opportunities to experience Bourbon fully matured entirely at the Deatsville campus before the site transitions out of active aging.

The Deatsville campus, originally home to the shuttered T.W. Samuels Distillery, has been an enduring part of Heaven Hill’s heritage since the early 1980s, when the company first assumed stewardship of the rickhouses. Today, the site encompasses nine Heaven Hill owned rickhouses with capacity for aging a total of 167,000 barrels.  It is the only Heaven Hill barrel aging campus constructed with tiered roof architecture, a distinctive design that promotes a natural stack effect, allowing warm air to rise and escape while drawing cooler air inward through lower openings. This airflow dynamic creates subtle differences in maturation, contributing to Deatsville’s signature influence within Heaven Hill’s aging inventory. Heaven Hill ages whiskey across six distinct warehouse sites in Kentucky, each imparting its own character based on structure, airflow, and environment.

Crafted from a traditional mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, Heaven Hill Deatsville 13-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey reflects thirteen years of maturation within this unique structure. The MSRP for this limited release will be $199.99.

“For nearly a century, Heaven Hill has believed that great Bourbon is made by giving barrels the time, space and natural airflow they need to become themselves,” said Susan Wahl, Vice President, American Whiskey. “This release pays tribute to the barrels, brands, and people who brought those rickhouses to life.”

Over the decades, Deatsville barrels contributed to multiple Heaven Hill expressions and played a meaningful role in a large portion of the Parker’s Heritage Collection lineage. The acclaimed 7th Edition ‘Promise of Hope’ and the widely celebrated 11th Edition Single Barrel release both drew from Parker Beam’s favorite rickhouse site. Those selections reflected Parker’s instinct for the site’s aging character and further cemented its place in Heaven Hill’s history.

As part of Heaven Hill’s long-term stewardship of its aging assets, all nine Deatsville rickhouses will transition to regauge-only status over the next 12–24 months, marking the gradual aging out of the campus from active maturation. The buildings will remain standing and secure. Heaven Hill continues to invest in new rickhouses across the Commonwealth which will impart their own unique characteristics to our aging barrels. Most barrels currently aging at Deatsville will be relocated to other Heaven Hill sites and may be referenced in future releases as having spent a portion of their maturation at Deatsville. This 13-Year-Old release is the first chapter in a multi-year tribute to the Deatsville site, with additional releases and commemorative moments planned through 2027.

In a rare opportunity, guests will be able to access the private Deatsville rickhouse campus through a Deatsville Tour & Tasting experience. The tour includes visits to two rickhouse sites, allowing guests to see firsthand how structural differences—including Deatsville’s tiered roof design—impact maturation and flavor development. Early access to the Deatsville 13-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey will be exclusively available through this tour experience. Tickets for this tour will be available beginning on March 15 through the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience website.

Heaven Hill maintains more than two million barrels aging across Kentucky and holds the second-largest inventory of aging American Whiskey. As the company continues to steward its extensive aging portfolio, the Deatsville campus stands as a singular and distinctive chapter—one whose influence will continue to live on in the whiskey it helped mature, leaving a lasting legacy even after these rickhouses transition out of active aging. Heaven Hill Deatsville 13-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey invites enthusiasts to experience that chapter while it can still be poured.

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

Glen Moray has a new temptation with UK launch of Forbidden Fruit

Speyside favourite unveils first Calvados finished single malt whisky

Glen Moray single malt Scotch whisky is inviting the nation’s drinkers to give in to temptation, with the latest addition to its award-winning range of single malt whiskies: Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit.

Inspired by the original story of temptation and the sweet indulgence of the apple, this new whisky is finished in French oak casks which were previously used to mature Calvados  – France’s historic and famously rich apple brandy.

As the third whisky from the Distillery’s playful Xperience Collection, Forbidden Fruit continues Glen Moray’s journey of cask exploration and follows the acclaimed releases of Phoenix Rising and Twisted Vine – respectively tributes to charred oak and cognac cask maturation.

Intrigued by the subtle fruit notes and warm spices of Calvados, Glen Moray’s distillers took a single malt aged in bourbon casks and laid it down in Calvados casks to explore how the apple brandy would marry with their whisky’s signature, smooth Speyside style.

The resulting dram brims with notes of orchard fruits, sweet French pastries and fresh flowers, introducing an enticing new facet to the Elgin-based distillery’s much loved, easy drinking spirit.

To honour its tempting taste, bold packaging brings the whisky’s story vividly to life. A radiant scarlet apple takes centre stage against Glen Moray’s classic dark blue, and the fabled forbidden fruit is artfully cradled by delicate golden leaves, as a sinuous serpent winds its way through the design.

Glen Moray Global Brand Ambassador Iain Allan said: ‘Cask exploration has been a huge part of the Glen Moray Distillery story for over a century, and Forbidden Fruit is a wonderful new testament to this heritage. It is a sweet, spicy and very morish single malt which we’re sure will be a tempting treat for whisky fans to explore, whether they are connoisseurs or new to single malts.’

Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit is available from specialist whisky retailers throughout the UK and in Morrisons stores across Scotland from April. Bottled in 70cl at 40% ABV, RRP: £32

Tasting Notes

NOSE: Green apples, toffee, apple blossom perfume and sweet pastries.
TASTE: Apple pie, baking spice, vanilla custard, barley sugar, very subtle wood tannins and a slight acidity.
FINISH: long, with an initial spice which subsides to reveal notes of oak with poached pears and cloves.

www.glenmoray.com

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The 2026 Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year is Macaloney’s Island Distillery Cath-nah-aven Single Malt Whisky

The ninth edition of national competition showcases the best artisan spirits from across Canada

Vancouver, BC (February 24, 2026) – Following their 2025 Canadian Whisky of the Year award, Macaloney’s Island Distillery has earned the top prize in the 2026 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC) for their Cath-nah-aven Single Malt Whisky, presented by Artisan Distillers Canada (ADC).

Judges noted this whisky brings “a beautiful, burnished copper appearance, leading to a nose suggesting Oloroso sherry, fruitcake, cocoa powder and candied almond, with a palate of toasted hazelnut, baking spice, toffee and fruitcake, all of which sail off into a long, smooth, caramel-tinged finish.”

The CASC judging panel was comprised of 14 independent judges who evaluated hundreds of artisan spirits, plus bitters, submitted by 56 producers from across Canada and entered into 24 different categories. The Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year is awarded to the top-scoring spirit, regardless of category.

“In spite of serious headwinds in this sector, I’m happy to see that there are still amazing spirits produced across Canada,” stated ADC’s founder and executive director, Alex Hamer. He continued, “Canadians who are interested in supporting their local communities and businesses can look to our artisan spirit producers for just about all their needs, including gins, rums, whiskies, and more. CASC continues to be a great place to find some of Canada’s best spirits.”

About Artisan Distillers Canada (ADC) and the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC)

Artisan Distillers Canada (ADC) operates consumer and industry-focused events and awards programs for Canada’s artisan distilleries and spirits sector. ADC’s goals are to support consumer awareness of artisan distilleries and spirits, to provide education and professional development through conferences focused on best practices in the science and business of distilling, and to foster community. For more information about ADC, visit artisandistillers.ca.

ADC launched the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC) in 2018. Spirits submitted to any of the 24 different CASC award categories are sampled blindly and evaluated by an independent panel of judges from across the country, with the top spirit in each category earning a Best in Class Award. Spirits are also awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals, with the top overall scoring spirit being awarded Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year. CASC is open to any distillery in Canada that meets ADC’s ‘artisan’ classification for distilleries and spirit products. To learn more about Canadian artisan distilleries and spirits, visit artisandistillers.ca/artisan-distillery.

Killowen Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Pinot & Port

Dublin and Cork Airport Irish Whiskey Collection win again
with Killowen Single Cask Exclusive.

The Irish Whiskey Collection at Dublin and Cork Airport has secured another exceptional release with a new exclusive from Killowen Distillery.

We are delighted to announce the Killowen Single Malt Pinot and Port Cask, 9 Year Old, a rare and remarkable single cask whiskey selected exclusively for the Irish Whiskey Collection.

This cask strength whiskey yielded only 146 bottles, making it one of the most limited airport exclusives to date. The whiskey matured for nine years in a Pinot Noir cask before receiving a short finishing period in a fresh Port cask. The result is a beautifully balanced whiskey with layers of rich fruit, gentle spice, and the distinctive character that Killowen is celebrated for. Each bottle captures the influence of the Pinot Noir cask alongside the vibrant sweetness brought by the Port finish, creating a complex and memorable tasting experience.

We only wish there were more than 146 bottles available because the flavour and character of this whiskey make it truly special. For collectors and whiskey enthusiasts alike, this is a rare opportunity to experience another outstanding collaboration between the Irish Whiskey Collection and Killowen Distillery.

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

The Blending House Opens In Kentucky To Help Distilled Spirits Brands Navigate Turbulent Times

New Kentucky facility provides blending, bottling, and barrel storage infrastructure to help spirits brands scale with confidence amid industry change.

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. – February 23, 2026 – The nature of the distilled spirits industry is changing–there is no question. As brands and craft distilleries consider how to pivot, leading Kentucky-based spirits consulting firm The Spirits Group, in partnership with Indiana-based construction company The Koetter Group, is proud to announce the opening of The Blending House. The newly constructed, 30,000-square-foot blending and bottling facility sits on 108 acres in Shelbyville, Kentucky, and is positioned as essential infrastructure for the next era of disciplined growth. Developed after years of working with third-party bottlers, the operation was designed to incorporate industry best practices while addressing critical gaps. With a dedicated focus on vertically integrating post-distillation needs, The Blending House provides state-of-the-art barrel storage, expert blending, precision bottling, and back-office support — all under one roof and staffed by industry veterans with decades of experience.

CEO Monica Wolf Brown explains: “As the distilled spirits industry evolves, the strategies that built brands over the past decade won’t necessarily sustain them in the decade ahead. We built The Blending House to give brands a reliable base of operations, allowing producers to protect quality, operate efficiently, and grow without the capital burden of building and operating their own facility. Currently, there are no other facilities like it in Kentucky or the United States. We were built to bottle, with no competing priorities. When brands work with us, they know their production isn’t an afterthought; it’s our core mission.”

Bottling services are delivered end-to-end, including filtration, proofing, and packaging. The Blending House features a custom-built bottling line supporting formats from 200 mL to 1.75 L–with both automated and artisanal packaging options–as well as a dedicated secondary line for hand-finished and custom products. The facility has the capacity for up to 250,000 cases annually and operates at speeds of 35–40 bottles per minute.

Director of Operations, Matt King, adds: “Our facility layout, equipment, and overall concept allow us to put our customers first, with flexibility to align our operations around their timelines and standards. Our mission is to be a trusted partner, treating every brand with the same level of care as if it were our own.”

The Blending House meets rigorous QA standards and has the ability to provide expert guidance on labeling and regulatory approval. In addition, clients have the option to select from a menu of back-office support options, such as packaging development, logistics, bookkeeping, graphic design, marketing, and domestic product distribution. Brands including Ten Runner find this, and other aspects of the white-glove service, extremely valuable.

“One of the most important things to have when trying to accomplish something big is to surround yourself with a great team. When I decided to create Ten Runner, I turned to Monica, Ashley, and The Blending House to help craft a truly special blend of the highest quality. They have been excellent to work with and have become a key part of our growing success.” – Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Champion & Founder of Ten Runner Bourbon Whiskey.

For brands interested in blending services, operations are conducted in a dedicated sensory lab and are led by Master Blender Ashley Barnes. Having trained under industry legends, she is recognized for her work developing premium spirits brands. Her expertise includes warehouse profiling, flavor projection, product development, and quality control. Blending services are available to both emerging and established brands seeking precision, consistency, and distinctive flavor development.

The Blending House showcases The Koetter Group’s innovative K-RAX® Premium Barrel Storage system across seven state-of-the-art rickhouses, each with a 20,000-barrel capacity. Engineered to support optimal maturation, the system promotes consistent airflow around every barrel, helping whiskey age more evenly and develop balanced flavor profiles. Integrated 3D barrel mapping and digital tracking ensure accurate inventory management, while enhanced structural stability and access to every barrel allow for efficient sampling and quality monitoring throughout the aging process. All seven rickhouses are complete, with over 120,000 barrels currently on site.

Brands seeking a dependable contract bottling partner for sustained growth are encouraged to contact The Blending House to explore long-term production solutions at theblendinghouse.com.

About The Blending House

Spanning 108 acres, The Blending House serves as a centralized production hub designed specifically to optimize operations for spirits brands of all sizes. It is home to a 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art blending and bottling facility and seven cutting-edge K-RAX® rickhouses. It represents the next chapter for The Spirits Group, a distilled spirits consulting firm founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2017 by seasoned industry veterans and co-founders Monica Wolf and Ashley Barnes. Their private, hands-on team offers more than a decade of experience across the industry in the service of helping customers define, hone, and execute their goals.