Tenkyo Distillery to Release
“KAZE 921 FIRST EDITION 2026”
on the Founder’s Birthday

BANDAI, JAPAN – Tenkyo Distillery, located in Bandai, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan,is pleased to announce the release of KAZE 921 FIRST EDITION 2026, a limited-edition blended whisky, on Monday, 21 September 2026, a public holiday in Japan.

KAZE 921 will be released each year on 21 September, the birthday of Tenkyo Distillery’s founder, Shunsuke Koike. Even before Tenkyo Distillery was completed, Shunsuke had begun exploring the possibilities of maturation in the Aizu region of Japan.

He sourced new make spirit from three distilleries in Scotland and filled a total of 189 casks, using 58 different cask types. It was an exploration of how spirit, cask, climate and time could shape a whisky unique to this place.

Later, a small quantity was taken from each cask and incorporated into the KAZE Solera System. Among them, several casks that displayed particularly exceptional character were quietly set aside.

This year’s 921 is centred around two richly matured Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, one American oak and one European oak, selected from among these special casks and carefully married with the KAZE Solera System nurtured in Aizu.

Only 921 bottles have been produced. It is a blend that will never be repeated.

This release is also accompanied by the traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations in Aizu.

The label is made using Izugahara washi, a traditional craft of Aizu. Barley straw from Aizu-grown barley is incorporated into the paper, with each label individually finished using traditional letterpress printing. The top of each cork stopper is individually hand finished using an Aizu lacquerware technique known as ishime-nuri. The bottle is presented in a specially made luxury presentation box.

The release is limited to only 921 bottles and will go on sale from 21 September 2026 through the Tenkyo online shop and the Yukkura direct-sales shop at Tenkyo Distillery.

Product name: KAZE 921 FIRST EDITION 2026
Category: Blended Whisky
Volume: 700ml
Price: ¥25,000 excluding tax / ¥27,500 including tax
Alcohol by volume: 61.7%
Presentation: Natural colour, natural strength, non-chill filtered
Ingredients: Malt, grain
Distillation & Production: Distilled in Scotland, matured, blended and bottled in Aizu, Japan.
Country of origin of ingredients: United Kingdom (malt whisky, grain whisky)

TASTING NOTES

Colour: Amber
Nose: Maple syrup, spiced nuts and dark cherries wrapped in chocolate. Refreshing lemon peel and shiso nuances reminiscent of pepper bring balance.
Palate: Rich and full-bodied yet juicy. Candied dried fruits and maple-coated spiced nuts are followed by warming Sichuan pepper and citrus peel.
Finish: A long, lingering finish. Sweet maple syrup and peppery spice are layered with subtle cooling notes of mint and menthol.

About Tenkyo Distillery:

Tenkyo Distillery is a malt whisky distillery in Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, founded by the late Shunsuke Koike (1993–2022). Located at the western foothills of Mount Bandai and blessed with pure Ryugasawa spring water, the distillery began full-scale whisky production in 2024.

www.tenkyo.jp

About KAZE:

Before Tenkyo Distillery was completed, founder Shunsuke Koike began exploring the possibilities of whisky maturation in Aizu, sourcing new make spirit from Scotland and filling 189 casks across 58 different cask types. KAZE is a blended whisky, distilled in Scotland, matured, blended and bottled in Aizu, Japan. This pioneering work became the foundation of KAZE and reflects Shunsuke’s vision of building a bridge between Scotland and Japan through whisky.

At the heart of KAZE is the KAZE Solera System, which brings together the casks Shunsuke matured in Aizu, ensuring that every bottle of KAZE will contain whisky originally laid down by Shunsuke. KAZE Founder’s Reserve Legacy, the brand’s core expression, was first released in July 2025 and is drawn from this evolving Solera System. KAZE 921 sits alongside Founder’s Reserve Legacy as an annual limited release, created each year to mark Shunsuke’s birthday on 21 September.

2026 KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS & LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT

LOUISVILLE, Ky.— The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® today welcomed its 24th class of inductees, celebrating their lasting contributions to Kentucky’s Bourbon industry and its worldwide legacy. A record number of more than 300 industry leaders, legends and luminaries gathered in Louisville to honor the newest members of the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Inductees include two pioneering scientists and distillers who helped shape modern Bourbon production, two Brown-Forman leaders who built Kentucky whiskey into a global powerhouse, a transformative industry advocate who helped usher in Bourbon’s modern era, a celebrated storyteller who brought Bourbon history to a worldwide audience, and a longtime legislator whose work helped modernize Kentucky’s alcohol laws and fuel the industry’s growth.

The exclusive annual event was held at The Marriott Louisville East before an audience of industry leaders and Bourbon enthusiasts, with a livestream extending the celebration to thousands of fans around the world. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear provided welcome remarks, and the ceremony was emceed by Susan Reigler, a renowned Bourbon authority, author, critic, judge and educator.

Founded in 2001 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® recognizes individuals who have made a transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness.

It is the highest honor given by the state’s $10.6 billion signature industry.

“I am proud to join the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in helping celebrate these remarkable honorees and their contributions to Kentucky Bourbon and our Commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The Bourbon industry is essential to Kentucky as it supports good-paying jobs, our economy and our record-breaking tourism industry. These leaders are helping ensure that success continues for generations to come and we are grateful to them for all they do. Congratulations.”

“Kentucky Bourbon’s story has never been shaped by distillers alone. It has been built by innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, storytellers and leaders who each found a way to move this industry forward,” said Gigi DaDan, Chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors and General Manager of Angel’s Envy. “This year’s inductees embody that spirit.

“Their accomplishments span generations and disciplines, but they share a common thread: a willingness to challenge the standards, invest in the future and help cement Kentucky’s place as the home of Bourbon for the world. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have made on our industry.”

This year’s inductees are, in alphabetical order:

·    Shane Baker, 55, Danville, Ky. and E. Patrick Heist, Ph.D., 53, Danville, Ky. Baker and Heist, co-founders of Ferm Solutions and Wilderness Trail Distillery, are widely recognized for blending science, innovation, and tradition to advance Kentucky Bourbon. Through expertise in engineering, microbiology, fermentation, and distillation, the duo helped modernize production practices while preserving craftsmanship. Their work with hundreds of distilleries worldwide and the success of Wilderness Trail have made them influential leaders shaping Bourbon’s future.

·    The late W.L. Lyons Brown Sr. and late George Garvin Brown II, Louisville, Ky. The grandsons of Brown-Forman founder George Garvin Brown played transformative roles in building Brown-Forman into the largest Kentucky-based distilling company following Prohibition. Under their leadership, Early Times became the world’s top-selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon, while the company expanded globally and strengthened iconic brands like Jack Daniel’s. Their leadership, innovation, and industry service left an enduring mark on Kentucky Bourbon and American whiskey.

·    Eric Gregory, 59, Midway, Ky. Under Gregory’s leadership, Kentucky Bourbon has experienced unprecedented growth, modernization, and global recognition. Since becoming President of the KDA in 2008, Gregory helped transform the industry through landmark legislative reforms, expansion of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, and unifying distillers of all sizes under a shared vision. Today, Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s Bourbon, supports 24,000 jobs, generates more than $10.6 billion annually, and welcomes millions of Bourbon Trail™ visitors – achievements shaped significantly by Gregory’s passion, leadership and advocacy.

·    Fred Minnick, 47, Louisville, Ky. Since returning from military service in Iraq, Minnick has become one of Bourbon’s most influential modern storytellers and advocates. Through bestselling books, national media coverage, podcasts, live events, and philanthropy, Minnick helped elevate Bourbon into mainstream culture while preserving its history and craftsmanship. A respected author, journalist, and educator, he has shaped how consumers worldwide understand and appreciate Kentucky Bourbon and American whiskey.

·    John W. Schickel, 72, Union, Ky. Schickel dedicated 50 years to public service, including a distinguished tenure as Kentucky State Senator and longtime chairman of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. Through landmark alcohol law reforms, Schickel helped modernize Kentucky’s regulatory landscape, strengthen the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience, support craft distilling, and expand tourism opportunities statewide. His leadership played a vital role in Bourbon’s growth as a major economic and cultural driver for Kentucky.

Note: Full biographies, submitted by the inductees, accompany this release in a separate file can be found here.

Inductees are selected each year by a blue-ribbon committee consisting of past recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award, the Chair of the KDA Board of Directors, the Governor of the Order of the Writ – Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Society, and an appointee by the KDA President.

Parker Beam recipients serving on the 2026 selection committee were Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark; Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands; Ken Lewis, founder of New Riff Distilling; and Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman Corp. and Treasurer of the KDA Board. Not present was Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller at Wild Turkey.

Other members of the 2026 selection committee were Gigi DaDan, General Manager of Angel’s Envy and D’USSE Cognac, and Chair of the KDA Board; Fred B. Noe III, James B. Beam 7th generation Master Distiller, who was appointed by Chris Morris, Governor of the Order of the Writ;  and Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Chief Operating Officer and Master of Maturation, who was appointed by Eric Gregory, KDA President.

Each year, the group carefully reviews applications submitted by KDA member distilleries through a comprehensive and confidential process, with no more than five inductee honors awarded annually in three categories of distinction: Industry, Roll of Honor and Lifetime Achievement.

The 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® ceremony was presented by Buzick Construction, Inc.

The Hall of Fame Signature Toast was sponsored by The Kroger Company and Kroger Chris’ Picks.

The livestream of the induction ceremony was sponsored by the Bourbon Pursuit, the Official Podcast of Bourbon and co-hosted by Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil along with Chris Blandford, Adult Beverage Specialist for Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Southern Illinois Kroger stores. It can be viewed on the Bourbon Pursuit YouTube page @BourbonPursuit.

Additional sponsors include American Whiskey Scholar, Bluegrass Bitters™, Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, Independent Stave Company, Kern’s Kitchen Derby Pie®, Louisville Distilling Co. | Angel’s Envy Distillery, Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, Signarama Downtown, and Vendome Copper & Brass Works Inc.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association commissioned glassblowing artist Brook Forrest White, Jr. of Flame Run in Louisville to craft unique and contemporary awards that incorporate Bourbon-inspired motifs such as amber colors, oak, copper and water.

JoEl E. Ford, owner of Kentucky Cut Stone, located in Lancaster, was commissioned to craft the natural-cut limestone award bases.

“The Bourbon industry is essential to Kentucky as it supports good-paying jobs, our economy and our record-breaking tourism industry. These leaders are helping ensure that success continues for generations to come and we are grateful to them for all they do. Congratulations.”

— Governor

Andy Beshear

Glen Scotia unveils penultimate expression in Icons of Campbeltown series

Multi-award winning Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia, has revealed the fourth expression in its Icons of Campbeltown series, a five-part annual collection inspired by folklore tales of Scotland’s smallest whisky making region.

Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown Release No.4 is a limited-edition 12-year-old, unpeated single malt that pays homage to the Griffin, a legendary creature said to have been a guardian of Campbeltown’s harbour, whisky and bold character.

Campbeltown, once known as the whisky capital of the world in the Victorian era, is a town with mythical history carved into its streets. The Icons of Campbeltown series is inspired by the carvings of saints and beasts on Campbeltown’s 14th century market cross, which is shrouded in myth and lore.

Among the markings is a depiction of the Griffin – a half eagle, half lion. As the legend goes, the Griffin was a creature of strength, vigilance and protection which kept watch high above the harbour, guarding what Campbeltown valued most, its whisky.

Icons of Campbeltown Release No.4 was finished in the finest Vin Santo wine casks, bringing a rich honeyed sweetness layered with notes of dried apricot and sultana. Toasted almond and hazelnut add depth and warmth, while a gentle hint of cinnamon spice lingers on the palate. Underneath it all, Glen Scotia’s unmistakable coastal character soars through with the same quiet confidence the series has traced through each release so far.

Ashley Smith, master blender at Glen Scotia, said: “Our small town has so many exceptional stories to tell, and The Icons of Campbeltown series brings this incredible folklore to life.

“The Griffin stood watch over Campbeltown for hundreds of years, and that’s exactly how I think of our distillery team, as the guardians of Glen Scotia’s whisky. Every cask that leaves here has been shaped by people protecting a character that has come to be loved all over the world, through skill built up over generations.

“For this release, I wanted a cask that would truly complement that character, so we finished the whisky in Vin Santo casks. They’ve brought a honeyed sweetness and dried fruit, with toasted almond and warming cinnamon on the finish, with our distinctive coastal salt character anchoring it all.”

To mark the launch, Glen Scotia is offering the chance to win a trip to Campbeltown when purchasing Icons of Campbeltown Release No. 4 through its website*. During this once in a lifetime experience, the winner will meet the team, the guardians of Glen Scotia, explore the distillery, taste the whisky in the place that shaped it, and discover the people, craftsmanship and community spirit behind the town’s big Campbeltown character where it was born.

Icons of Campbeltown Release No.4 is bottled at batch strength, 53.8% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in colour. It retails at £80 and is available now from Glen Scotia’s website and specialist retailers in the UK and globally.

Glen Scotia has continued to work with artist Joel Holtzman on the series’ artwork. Holtzman’s previous work includes projects for Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm.

For more information on Icons of Campbeltown Release No.4 and the Meet the Guardians of Glen Scotia competition, visit www.glenscotia.com.

*Terms and conditions apply

Tasting notes:

Nose: Rich caramel, dried apricots in syrup, candied red apple.

Taste: Layers of baking spices – nutmeg and cinnamon, toasted hazelnut, dried apple skin, dark cocoa nib.

Finish: Orange bitters, zesty citrus peels, carmelised oak sugars, crème brûlée.

About Glen Scotia

Glen Scotia has been crafting single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832. The town is the smallest of Scotland’s five whisky-producing regions with a big reputation for once being the Victorian whisky capital of the world when it was home to over 30 distilleries.

Today, Glen Scotia is one of only three surviving distilleries in the coastal town, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. 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. The distillery’s small team is on a mission to put Campbeltown back on the map for its distinctive character, found not only in its fruity, maritime and oily-textured single malts, but also in its traditional whisky-making methods using small stills to create big Campbeltown flavours.

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

• In 2023, a single cask bottling, distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, won Best Single Cask Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards.
• Later that year, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old earned a Platinum award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, given only to entries that have won Double Gold for three consecutive years.
• In 2024, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old and Glen Scotia Victoriana both won Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2025, Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish was named the best Campbeltown no-age-statement whisky, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old won Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Glen Scotia Victoriana took gold at the same event.
• That same year, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old also won gold at the International World Spirits Competition.
• In 2026, the brand’s hero expression Glen Scotia 12 Year Old won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.
• Also in 2026, the limited-edition Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Release 2026 was named Taste Master in its category at the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old also added a further Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2026, its eighth consecutive year of recognition at the event.

Basil Hayden® Introduces New Cognac Cask Reserve, Expanding the Boundaries of Bourbon

This limited edition creatively finishes Basil Hayden’s signature bourbon in French Cognac casks, creating a unique bourbon experience with a worldly finish.

CLERMONT, KY – September, 2026 – Today, Basil Hayden, the Bourbon Born to Surprise, announced the introduction of a new limited-edition release: Basil Hayden® Cognac Cask Reserve.

What is Basil Hayden Cognac Cask Reserve?

• Basil Hayden Cognac Cask Reserve is a new, limited-edition bourbon that retains the brand’s signature high-rye mashbill and 80-proof bottling, while combining Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship with French cognac character, creating a beautifully balanced bourbon.
• Embodying the concept of “something familiar made new,” the spirit is finished in specially selected French oak casks that previously held Cognac exclusively for 20–25 years, bringing decades of Cognac character to Basil Hayden’s signature light, bright and approachable flavor profile while imparting layers of elegant complexity.
• The first expression in the Basil Hayden portfolio to reimagine the brand’s approachable high-rye profile as a passport to flavors from around the world.

What does Cognac Cask Reserve taste like, and how should it be enjoyed?

• The Cognac Cask finish reveals tasting notes of warm caramel sweetness and dried fruit, enriched by Basil Hayden’s signature subtle spice, vanilla and oak, adding depth and complexity to this limited release
• Best enjoyed neat, over ice or in sparkling bourbon cocktails like the signature Basil Hayden 75 or the Sparkling Bourbon Sidecar

“Basil Hayden Cognac Cask reflects our commitment to honoring the brand’s original bourbon while continuing to explore what’s possible within the category,” says Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. “This expression was thoughtfully crafted to deliver a distinctive yet approachable experience. French Cognac casks let us take our Basil Hayden signature profile that people know and love and put a twist on it, and we’re incredibly proud to share it with bourbon and cognac drinkers alike.”

Where can I purchase it?

Basil Hayden Cognac Cask Reserve is now available for purchase at exclusive retailers with an SRP of $49.99. To discover more about the release and news from Basil Hayden, visit basilhaydenbourbon.com and @BasilHayden on Instagram.

About Basil Hayden  

Created in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the original Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden was crafted to showcase a different side of bourbon. Booker set out to open people’s minds to what bourbon could be, using a high-rye mash bill to create a brighter, more approachable bourbon that challenged the category’s traditionally bold and intimidating expectations.

The Basil Hayden whiskey portfolio spans three distinct tiers – Versatility, Creativity and Rarity – designed to offer distinct whiskey experiences across a range of occasions and preferences. Across the portfolio, Basil Hayden continues to push the boundaries of American whiskey through distinctive mash bills, finishes, blends and age statements, inviting consumers to experience whiskey in new ways and occasions beyond the traditional bourbon moment. Core expressions include Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Basil Hayden Golden Rye Whiskey, Basil Hayden Toast, Basil Hayden Dark Rye and Basil Hayden 10-Year-Old Bourbon, alongside limited-edition releases that showcase the brand’s ongoing creativity and whiskey-making expertise.

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

Worth the weight

Rare Find Autumn 2026 Collection celebrates four of Scotland’s most distinctive heavyweight spirits

Rare Find, the award-winning Edinburgh-based independent bottler, announces the launch of its latest Collection of single cask whiskies, bringing together four exceptional expressions from distilleries renowned for their rich, full-bodied spirit styles.

The Rare Find Autumn 2026 Collection explores the relationship between spirit weight, texture and cask influence – showcasing how carefully chosen maturation can enhance the qualities that make each distillery distinctive. Some spirits are defined by lightness and elegance. Others are celebrated for their depth, texture and presence. This collection brings together four whiskies where weight is central to their identity: the waxy complexity of Clynelish, the muscular fruit character of Mortlach, the oily robustness of Ben Nevis and the unmistakable coastal power of Laphroaig.

The Rare Find team has used carefully considered cask maturation to enhance texture, amplify character and reveal new layers of complexity within each spirit. 1st fill oloroso sherry casks introduce richness, dried fruit and spice, strengthening the natural weight of these whiskies without overwhelming their individuality, whilst refill sherry maturation allows the underlying distillery character to remain firmly at the forefront.

The result is a collection that offers fresh perspectives on familiar distilleries – where every cask has been selected to elevate, not eclipse, the spirit within.

As with all Rare Find releases, each whisky is bottled without compromise – at natural cask strength, natural colour and without chill filtration.

RARE FIND AUTUMN COLLECTION

Clynelish 8-Year-Old

Fully matured in a refill sherry hogshead

61.0% ABV | 305 bottles

Ben Nevis 12-Year-Old

Finished for 26 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

56.6% ABV | 167 bottles

Laphroaig 14-Year-Old

Finished for 15 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry hogshead from Bodegas Barbadillo

56.2% ABV | 217 bottles

Mortlach 16-Year-Old

Finished for 28 months in a 1st fill European oak oloroso sherry hogshead

54.6% ABV | 268 bottles

Speaking on the new collection, James Zorab for Rare Find, commented: ” These are four distilleries that naturally produce whiskies with weight, texture and unmistakable character, so our role was not to overpower those qualities, but to find casks that could further enhance them. From the gentle influence of refill sherry maturation through to the richness brought by first-fill oloroso, each cask has been selected because it complements what makes the spirit distinctive. Together, they represent what Rare Find is all about – discovering exceptional single casks and utilising thoughtful maturation to reveal new dimensions of already remarkable spirits.”

The Rare Find Autumn 2026 Collection will be available via selected Rare Find stockists from 17th September 2026.

Rare Find Autumn 2026 Collection

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.

www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY HONORS 40 YEARS OF ELMER T. LEE BOURBON WITH FIRST-EVER UNCUT AND UNFILTERED OFFERING

Four decades after its introduction, this bold new expression honors Elmer T. Lee’s legacy

FRANKFORT, KY (September 14, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces the release of Elmer T. Lee 40^th Anniversary Edition, the first-ever uncut and unfiltered expression of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon. Debuting four decades after the original Elmer T. Lee Bourbon was released, this limited offering honors the legacy of one of the industry’s most influential pioneers and offers enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience this iconic whiskey in its purest form.

Elmer T. Lee’s legacy at Buffalo Trace Distillery began in 1949, when he joined the then-George T. Stagg Distillery as a maintenance engineer following his service in World War II and graduation from the University of Kentucky. Over the next four decades, he rose to become Master Distiller, helping guide the Distillery through a transformative era of modernization and growth while shaping the future of bourbon.

A visionary ahead of his time, Lee fundamentally changed the American whiskey landscape in 1984 with the introduction of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, the world’s first single-barrel bourbon and a concept that helped pioneer the premiumization of bourbon. To honor his enduring impact, the Distillery introduced Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon in 1986, a namesake expression that directly reflects his commitment to careful selection and consistency. Its combination of craftsmanship, authenticity and legacy has made it a benchmark for both enthusiasts and collectors.

“Elmer’s legacy is something we feel and celebrate every day at the Distillery, not just in the bourbon we make, but in the way we approach our work,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “His commitment to craftsmanship guided not only our future at Buffalo Trace, but it also helped set the course for American whiskey as a whole. I was fortunate to learn from Elmer early in my career, and his guidance left a lasting impression on how I approach my work. Releasing this rare whiskey in his honor is incredibly meaningful and a privilege for all of us at the Distillery.”

Now, 40 years after its debut, Buffalo Trace Distillery is unveiling a bold new expression of this bourbon. For the first time, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is presented uncut and unfiltered, drawn directly from the barrel without dilution or chill filtration. This approach is a reflection of how Elmer evaluated barrels for Blanton’s selection, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the whiskey as he would have.

The barrels selected for the 40th Anniversary Edition of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon were chosen for their richness and individuality, each bottled at its natural barrel proof to preserve a more robust, unaltered profile. Across the collection, notes of apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut and honeysuckle lead to a rich, chewy palate with crème brûlée-like sweetness and a long finish of toasted oak and baking spice. Ranging from 124.8 to 138.6 proof, each barrel offers a subtle variation in character, structure and intensity.

“For the first time, we’re sharing Elmer T. Lee Bourbon exactly as it comes from the barrel,” said Erica Bovard, Senior Brand Director, American Whiskey. “By offering it uncut and unfiltered, we’re able to highlight the depth and character of the whiskey while staying true to the standards Elmer set. We think fans will love this release, and importantly, it’s one we believe Elmer would be proud of.”

The Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition will be available in limited quantities via a new bottle drawing system, hosted by the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop, at a suggested retail price of $99.99 (750ml; local taxes and fees may apply).

Developed in response to consumer feedback, the Buffalo Trace Distillery Bottle Draw is a new system intended to make limited bottle releases more accessible and convenient for visitors. For the inaugural drawing, fans can register online from 10 a.m. ET on September 15 through 11:59 p.m. ET on September 17 for the chance to purchase a bottle. Entries are limited to one per person, and registration timing does not affect the odds of selection. On September 22, an independent partner will randomly select names, with all entrants notified of the results. Those selected will have from September 28 through October 11, to visit the Distillery during normal visitor hours and purchase their bottle. As this marks the first Buffalo Trace Bottle Draw, the Distillery will gather participant feedback to help refine and improve the experience for future releases. For more information or to enter, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/draws.

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is produced in limited quantities on an ongoing basis and released as each single barrel is deemed ready for bottling. The 40^th Anniversary Edition joins the portfolio alongside a handful of rare, commemorative variants including the 100 Year Tribute (released in 2019), the Commemorative Bottle (released in 2013), and the 90^th Birthday Edition (released in 2009). For more information about Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/elmer-t-lee-single-barrel/.

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

Two centuries of whisky experience, well-used

The easternmost whisky distillery in Scotland, Glen Garioch (pronounced glen geery) is also one of the oldest still operating. Founded in 1797 and barely closed in the more than two hundred years since (rare for any Scotch whisky distillery), Glen Garioch is renowned for a rounded, fruity single malt with a waxy mouthfeel.

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Eden Mill appoints Steven Kersley as Chief Executive Officer

St Andrews distillery names new CEO to lead its next chapter 

Eden Mill Distillery has today announced the appointment of Steven Kersley as Chief Executive Officer. Kersley, who brings over a decade of senior leadership experience in the Scotch whisky and craft spirits industry, takes the helm with an ambitious agenda to establish a world-class spirits brand rooted in its home of St Andrews.

The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Eden Mill, which boasts a state-of-the-art distillery with significant capacity for expansion, a destination visitor centre, and a top-floor cocktail bar with panoramic views across the Eden Estuary and St Andrews skyline.

Steven Kersley, Chief Executive Officer at Eden Mill, said: “With its location at the gateway to the home of golf, our distillery occupies one of the most compelling sites in Scottish spirits. St Andrews is a genuinely special place with over a million tourists passing through each year. As the 2026 season gets underway, we’re adding to the excellent local offering with our distillery visitor centre.

“We have an incredible back-catalogue of award-winning spirits, but what excites me most are the spirits that are yet to come. We’re building a whisky programme that’s uncompromising in its ambition: a wood policy of serious depth and intention, underpinned by a distillate that’s been crafted by layering flavour at every stage of production. We’ll be bold in our decision-making in order to make the best whisky possible – and then we’ll take it to the world.“

The appointment comes as Eden Mill builds momentum under new ownership, including the start of the St Andrews tourist season, an exciting pipeline of whisky and gin releases, and the continuation of the business’s popular private cask programme. International expansion sits alongside UK growth as a clear commercial priority.

Tony Banks, Chairman, Ruby Capital Limited, said: “We acquired Eden Mill because we believe in what it can become. It has an extraordinary location, a loyal following, and the infrastructure to grow into something significant.

“Appointing Steven is the most important step we’ve taken since acquisition. He understands this industry from the ground up, he has the commercial ambition we need, and he shares our absolute commitment to making whisky of the highest quality. That shared goal is the foundation everything else is built on. We’re giving him everything he needs to take our spirits to the world stage.“

Eden Mill’s flagship distillery and visitor centre opened on the Eden Campus in October 2025. The site includes a 300-cask warehouse, the 40-seat Lookout Bar, a high-end retail space, and an immersive experience programme built around whisky, gin and mixology.

In our first Points of Distinction, we explored the depth and structure of first-fill European Oak through the Cigar Malt series. In our second, we turned our attention to the fruit-forward elegance of American Oak in the Distinction Series. This time, we look at the whisky that brings both perspectives together. Tamdhu 12 Year Old.

Every distillery has a whisky that captures its character most completely. For Tamdhu, many would argue that whisky is the 12 Year Old. Matured in a harmonious combination of first-fill and refill American and European Oak Oloroso sherry casks, it showcases the qualities that have defined Tamdhu for generations: rich fruit, warming spice, natural colour and remarkable balance.

It is neither dominated by one oak nor another. Instead, it demonstrates what happens when each is allowed to contribute its strengths, creating a whisky that is unmistakably Tamdhu from first sip to last. Together, they create a whisky that captures the very essence of Tamdhu.

NOSE Rich and enticing, iced cinnamon rolls, orange boiled sweets, fresh sweet oak with raisins, and the faint hint of mint.

PALATE Silky texture that coats the mouth with banana, berry jam, malt biscuit, and classic sherry oak depth.

FINISH Pleasantly long and balanced with ground spice, dried fruit and soft Scottish tablet – finally unveiling the merest wisp of peat smoke.

Behind every bottle is the expertise of Tamdhu’s blending team, whose understanding of cask character, maturation, and house style allows them to bring together the right casks, at the right moment, to create the distinctive fruit intensity and smoothness that define our 12 Year Old.

Their role is often unseen, yet it is one of the most important in whisky making. Every cask contributes something different. The skill lies in recognising how those individual qualities can come together to create a whisky that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Tamdhu 12 Year Old was awarded Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – a recognition for a whisky that continues to demonstrate the value of exceptional casks, expert craftsmanship, and dedication.

A whisky worth revisiting.

THE GLENALLACHIE UNVEILS PIONEERING WHISKY MATURED IN RARE MONGOLIAN VIRGIN OAK

The GlenAllachie Distillery today, Thursday 10th September, introduced the fourth chapter in its celebrated Sinteis Series – a 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximénez & Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

This 10-year-old limited edition marks the first Scotch whisky matured in elusive Mongolian virgin oak to be bottled for global release, reflecting The GlenAllachie’s pioneering approach to wood mastery and its continued evolution of the Sinteis Series. This fourth edition embodies an ethos of ‘A Convergence of Three: Three Casks, Three Stories, One Exceptional Whisky.’

‘Sinteis’ (pronounced sin-teesh), meaning ‘synthesis’ in Scottish Gaelic, captures the essence of The GlenAllachie’s cask innovation, uniting the bold and expressive virgin oak with the familiar warmth of sherry casks to create distinctive, boundary-pushing expressions.

While previous expressions in the series explored a dual cask approach, Part IV was initially matured in bourbon barrels before spending time separately in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. The whiskies were then combined and transferred to rare Mongolian virgin oak casks.

Mongolian virgin oak casks, crafted from Quercus Mongolica, are hard to source and unforgiving in character. Consequently, this wood type has remained largely unexplored in Scotch whisky. This oak is scarce in nature, having to be grown for over a century and naturally felled in order to be used commercially. Sourced from the forests of East Asia and noted for their tight grain structure and remarkable density, the wood reveals rich caramel, subtle sandalwood and oriental incense nuances.

Sinteis Part IV showcases this harmony with two types of sherry casks. Oloroso infuses the whisky with layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and nutty complexity, while Pedro Ximénez brings sweet toffee and treacle. The final whisky reveals dark chocolate, layered orchard fruits and warm pastries; a celebration of each cask’s distinct character, converging perfectly into one.

Commenting on the new release, Master Distiller Billy Walker said:

“The Sinteis series has allowed us to explore the interaction between different virgin oak and sherry casks. The series has explored dual-cask maturation in considerable depth already so for Sinteis Part IV I wanted to invite a pivoted approach that would be both a challenge and an adventure.

“We work intensively with Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, so moving the liquid into Mongolian virgin oak was certainly an exciting challenge. The wood’s unforgiving nature and rarity in whisky-making meant we had little precedent to work from. As a team, we trusted in our instinct and experience, and I’m exceptionally proud of the whisky we’ve created and to be able to showcase the beautiful character of Mongolian oak.”

Sinteis IV is bottled at a cask strength of 58.5%, with natural colour and without chill filtration, preserving the full character and integrity of cask maturation. Each release in the Sinteis Series is a limited-edition bottling, distinct in its own right.

The bespoke packaging features a hand-drawn motif inspired by Quercus Mongolica and united by an endless knot, based on the geometric ornamentation found throughout traditional East Asian art as well as the enduring relationship between wood, whisky and time. The balance between natural forms and precise geometry, accented with ornate gold foil, reflects the intricate balance of nature and craft found within this expression.

The GlenAllachie Sinteis Part IV, 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximénez & Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured, is available with a UK RRP of £75.99 from The GlenAllachie Distillery and online at www.theglenallachie.com from September 10. It will become available globally in the coming weeks.

The Sinteis Series – Sinteis Part IV, 2015 Mongolian Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximénez  & Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured

• 10 years old single malt whisky
• Limited edition release
• Bottled at cask strength 58.5%
• Natural colour and non-chill filtered

Tasting Notes

Colour: Burnished Chestnut.
Nose: Baked pastries, and butterscotch, followed by brandied orchard fruits, cocoa and treacle tart, with cinnamon and crystallised ginger.
Taste: Candied hazelnuts, baking spices and plum syrup, followed by spiced baked orange, vanilla ice cream and mocha, with mānuka honey and fig jam.

About The GlenAllachie
Since re-emerging under independent ownership in 2017, The GlenAllachie has made bold, strategic choices rooted in flavour integrity over volume. By fine-tuning fermentation practices, streamlining production, and investing heavily in cask management, the distillery has cultivated a house style renowned for depth, complexity, and individuality.

Beyond the stillhouse, The GlenAllachie’s influence continues to grow, with high-profile and innovative releases such as The Sinteis Series, and age-stated limited editions earning global acclaim. The distillery’s commitment to transparency – bottling at natural colour, non-chill filtered, and often at cask strength – underscores its dedication to the discerning whisky drinker.
Prioritising the production of quality spirit, the GlenAllachie Distillery chose to reduce its production capacity from four million to around one million litres of alcohol and increase its fermentation period to 160 hours – almost three times the industry standard – for an ester-rich, fruity spirit.

The GlenAllachie also maintains a strong focus on sustainability and provenance, with local sourcing and traditional methods guiding much of its ethos. Supported by the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF), a state-of-the-art Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) system was installed at the distillery to capture and recycle waste heat from distillation, using it to reheat the stills. It is a distillery that not only honours Scotch whisky heritage but actively shapes its future.

About Billy Walker
With a career spanning over 50 years, Billy Walker is a legendary figure in the Scotch whisky industry, renowned for his transformative leadership of distilleries like Benriach, Glendronach, and Glenglassaugh. Celebrated for his innovative use of casks and unwavering commitment to quality, he is now the owner and Master Blender at The GlenAllachie.

Under his stewardship, the company has achieved widespread acclaim. Among its many accolades, the GlenAllachie 12-year-old was named World’s Best Single Malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.

It’s from this incredible record of success that Billy has cemented his reputation as one of the most prominent whisky figures of his generation.