Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2026 “Year of Wheat” Grain to Glass®  Releases
These limited releases spotlight Heaven Hill’s wheated craftsmanship, seed-to-sip transparency, and continued support for family farms through Farm Rescue

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Heaven Hill Distillery, America’s largest family-owned and led distillery, today announced its 2026 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® lineup, a focused collection of three limited-release Wheated Bourbons, including an all-new extra-aged release marking the brand’s official “Year of Wheat.” This year’s collection brings a sharper focus to wheat’s role in shaping flavor, texture and character, elevating a grain that has long been part of the distillery’s foundation.

Across its portfolio, Heaven Hill has worked with wheat for generations, not as a one-off experiment, but as a core part of its distilling tradition. That legacy includes the introduction of Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, which helped define the modern American wheat whiskey category. This consistency and scale have allowed the distillery to understand how wheat behaves at every stage, from fermentation through long-term aging.

From planting to harvesting and then distilling, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® represents both patience and precision — qualities mirrored in every barrel. Each release in the 2026 collection captures a different expression of that journey, from vibrant and grain-forward to deeply aged and complex. Each corn seed varietal is hand-selected by Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll in collaboration with Beck’s Hybrids and grown locally by Peterson Farms in Nelson County, Kentucky. With the “Year of Wheat,” the distillery builds on that experience, deepening the emphasis on wheat as a defining force behind some of Heaven Hill’s most nuanced and expressive bourbons.

The 2026 “Year of Wheat” lineup includes:

• Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon (3^rd Edition)
• Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Specialty Release – Aged in French Oak Barrels
• Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Extra Aged 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon

“In 2026, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass takes a more focused approach by centering exclusively on unique wheated mashbill offerings,” said Molly Vincent, Associate Director of Luxury Whiskey at Heaven Hill. “We’ve worked with wheat for a long time across our whiskeys, but this allows us to explore it more intentionally, how it softens, how it builds complexity over time, and how it ultimately shapes the character in the glass. The ‘Year of Wheat’ is about bringing that deeper understanding forward.”

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon (3^rd Edition)
The third edition of the Traditional Series Wheated Bourbon features the same wheated mashbill as previous releases with a new corn seed varietal. Distilled in 2019 and aged six years in #3 char barrels, the 2026 release is composed of 170 barrels from the third, fourth and fifth floors of Warehouses W5 and W6. It is bottled non-chill filtered at barrel proof, 107.8 proof, and carries an SRP of $99.99 for a 700ml bottle. The release will begin shipping in May 2026 and is expected to arrive in market by June.

Mashbill: 52% corn, 35% wheat, 13% malt
Corn seed varietal: Beck’s 6269
Barrel entry proof: 107

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Specialty Barrel Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon – Aged in French Oak Barrels
The 2026 Specialty release features the same wheated mashbill and corn seed varietal as the Traditional release, but is fully aged in #3 char French Oak barrels for a minimum of six years. Rather than a secondary finish, this whiskey is matured entirely in French oak, bringing refined spice notes, dried fruit character and layered complexity. Distilled in 2019, the release is composed of 170 barrels from the fourth floor of Warehouse W9. It is bottled at a barrel proof strength of 109.2 proof and has an SRP of $129.99 for a 700ml bottle. The release will begin shipping in September 2026 and is expected to arrive in market by October.

Mashbill: 52% corn, 35% wheat, 13% malt
Corn seed varietal: Beck’s 6269
Barrel entry proof: 107

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Extra Aged 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon
The ultra-limited, one time offering of the 2026 Extra Aged release builds on the Grain to Glass wheated story with a whiskey distilled in 2017 and aged nine years in #3 char barrels. Barreled at 125 proof, this expression showcases added maturity, depth and concentration. The release is composed of 150 barrels from the third, fourth and fifth floors of Warehouse W3 and will be bottled non-chill filtered at barrel proof, with final proof to be announced soon. It carries an SRP of $149.99 for a 700ml bottle. The release will begin shipping in November 2026 and is expected to arrive in market by December.

Mashbill: 52% corn, 35% wheat, 13% malt
Corn seed varietal: Beck’s 6158
Barrel entry proof: 125

As part of its Family Farms First™ initiative, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass continues its partnership with Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers overcome major hardships, injuries and natural disasters. Since 2005, Farm Rescue has provided critical assistance to more than 1,000 farm families across eight states. Through this initiative, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass has committed up to $300,000 through 2028, with a portion of every sale—up to $100,000 annually—supporting the organization’s efforts to keep family farms operating during times of crisis.

Each bottle in the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass collection features bespoke custom glass embossed with “Family Owned Since 1935,” along with packaging details that reflect the line’s deep connection to agriculture, innovation and whiskey-making transparency. All three releases are allocated and will be available nationally in limited quantities. Across the lineup, Grain to Glass continues to honor the farming tradition and distilling expertise behind every bottle. Together, these releases reflect not just a focus for the year, but a deeper commitment to understanding and advancing wheat’s role in American Whiskey.

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.

WOVEN ANNOUNCE BLENDING ROOMS IN LEITH WHERE GUESTS BECOME THE WHISKY MAKERS 

Independent whisky makers unveil plans for a dedicated whisky blending visitor destination on The Shore, with hands-on Blending Rooms experience launching now as phase one

Edinburgh-based Woven Whisky is announcing plans to launch a major new whisky blending facility in Leith, alongside a dedicated visitor experience designed to open up the often hidden world of whisky blending to the public.

Planned for completion in 2027, the new two-floor facility at Brown’s of Leith will house Woven’s full blending operations alongside blending rooms, a tasting space and lounge bar – positioning Leith once again at the centre of whisky innovation and creativity.

Launching now as the first phase of that vision is Woven’s new Blending Rooms experience: a hands-on visitor journey where guests blend and bottle their own whisky. Running every Thursday and Friday, groups of six to eight will be able to enjoy the two-hour experience, which Woven has designed to act as ‘a creative apprenticeship in blending’.

Kicking off with a highball at Brown’s of Leith speciality coffee & spirits bar, Haze, guests then move through to the Blending Rooms to nose and taste individual whisky components from Woven’s flavour library, experiment with combinations, and build their own blend under guidance from Woven’s Whisky Maker and Co-Founder, Pete Allison.

Once perfected, they bottle their blend, label it and get to take home their own 100ml bottle, with the option to order larger-scale batches after the experience. The experience is finished off with a farewell cocktail.

Pete Allison, Co-Founder and Whisky Maker at Woven, said:

“For us, this step forward is much bigger than launching a new whisky experience – we want to help build a new future for Scotch whisky in Leith, the place where it first went out to the world.

“Leith was once the beating heart of the whisky industry, but over time blending became something hidden behind closed doors. We want to open that process back up again – and the Blending Rooms are the first step in that vision. We’re opening the door and letting guests blend their own using the same components and techniques we use to create our range.

“This experience is for the makers – whether it’s amateur experiments in coffee, making pizza at home or a long-term relationship with sourdough – the best thing about any craft is rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in – and that’s what we want to offer in whisky.

“By putting the blending process in the hands of novices and proving they can build incredible whisky, we are hoping to break down the barriers the industry has built around its craft. By the time the full facility opens in 2027, we hope it becomes a place where anyone can come and experience the future of whisky being built in Leith in real time.”

Launched in late 2025, Brown’s of Leith is one of Edinburgh’s most popular recent openings.Set within the former George Brown & Sons warehouse that was once a cornerstone of Leith’s trading heritage, the building has been revived by a new generation of independent makers, with Woven joining neighbours including Civerinos, ShrimpWreck and Haze in shaping a more creative, contemporary chapter for the neighbourhood.

Gunnar Groves-Raines, Founder of Brown’s of Leith, said:

“We are honoured to have Woven Whisky as part of the Brown’s of Leith family, while they plan their new bonded warehouse within the building. With over a century of industry and production on the Shore, Brown’s is a perfect home for Woven’s bright, contemporary approach to the traditional craft of whisky making and blending. 

“Their presence further strengthens the growing creative ecosystem around Brown’s and Custom Lane — bringing together makers, producers and independent businesses connected by craft, collaboration and modern Scottish creativity.”

Leith was where blended whisky making was perfected nearly 200 years ago, and from where Scotch whisky first conquered the world. Once realised in full, Woven’s Blending Rooms at Brown’s of Leith will represent the largest purpose-built investment in whisky blending infrastructure in Leith since the neighbourhood’s golden age as Scotland’s whisky capital in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Priced at £55, bookings for the first blending experiences will open June 1st, consumers can register their interest ahead of time here.

For more information, visit www.wovenwhisky.com.

ABOUT WOVEN

Woven are independent whisky makers based in Leith — the town where blending was perfected nearly 200 years ago. Rather than build a distillery, they treat the world’s more than 2,000 distilleries as an artists palette, sourcing from makers worldwide who share their obsession with flavour, weaving together expressions that push the boundaries of creativity in whisky making. Woven’s borderless approach is just one example of their commitment to breaking down barriers in whisky. With a community-minded approach, they’re creating a new experience of whisky and challenging traditional tropes about where it comes from, how it’s made and even who it’s for.  

wovenwhisky.com | @WovenWhisky

International Beverage unveils rare Old Pulteney 50 Years Old and 30 Years Old whiskies to honour distillery’s 200^th anniversary

 Global limited editions celebrate the enduring craftsmanship and character of The Maritime Malt

Global spirits business International Beverage is celebrating 200 years of time-honoured craftsmanship and maritime resilience at Pulteney Distillery, with the unveiling today (16^th June 2026) of two rare Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whiskies.

At this defining moment in The Maritime Malt’s history, two extraordinary limited editions – Old Pulteney 50 Years Old and Old Pulteney 30 Years Old – have been crafted for release to global markets from June 2026.

Both are masterfully aged spirits, distilled and matured at Pulteney Distillery in the historic port of Wick on Scotland’s windswept north coast. Both are shaped by the sea that dominates this remote part of Scotland, and the pride and tenacity of its people. After decades of maturation in carefully selected casks, salt-laden winds and time have combined to refine two single malts with an unmistakable coastal character that has run deep since 1826.

Old Pulteney 50 Years Old 

The oldest ever release from Old Pulteney, just 200 bottles of this rare, deeply complex expression will be available globally, epitomising 200 years of industrial craftsmanship and maritime heritage in Wick.

COLOUR: Dark gold with radiant bronze highlights.

NOSE: Bold and intense, with a saline lift from the maritime sea air. Floral and fruity notes unfold – cask char, plum jam, green apples, and creamy vanilla. Reminiscent of fresh toasted bread spread thick with marmalade, and a subtle touch of fine leather.

PALATE: Dry, with a touch of salt from the sea air and a hint of pepper, led by cask char and layered with toffee apple, cardamon, clove, and sweet tobacco.

FINISH: Long. Unfolds with the gentle surge of the tide – dry at first, then revealing sweet vanilla.

70cl, ABV 40.8%, 200 bottles available, RRP £20,000

A careful selection of four casks has nurtured this whisky for half a century, resulting in a whisky of deep coastal character. This single malt has been predominantly matured in American oak whilst a subtle seasoning of European oak adds a gentle richness and depth to an extraordinary expression.

Old Pulteney 50 Years Old is held within an exquisite crystal decanter, expertly developed and crafted by the award-winning team at Glencairn Crystal. Each hand-blown bottle is unique, adorned with intricate sand-etched wave patterns that ripple elegantly around its base. A sculptural curved gold base envelopes each decanter. The outer casing is meticulously crafted from premium oak, with a design inspired by the driftwood of Old Pulteney’s coastal home. 

 Old Pulteney 30 Years Old 

Matured in American oak casks and refined in European oak casks, this limited release of 1,000 bottles features a whisky that harnesses the relentless conditions of the Caithness coast: a celebration of an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and of everything which makes Old Pulteney one of the most enduring single malts.

COLOUR: Burnished Copper

NOSE: A refined harmony of sugared almonds and sweet oak, layered with juicy orchard fruits – pear and green apple – alongside toffee, polished oak, and a whisper of citrus. Subtle floral notes mingle with hints of leather and tobacco, all lifted by a gentle maritime breeze.

PALATE Opens with bright citrus and crisp pear, unfolding into salted caramel and baked apple. Warm spices – cinnamon and nutmeg – intertwine with polished oak and delicate floral notes, creating a rich, layered sweetness.

FINISH: Medium to long, revealing a graceful balance of sweet and salty, leaving a lasting impression of coastal elegance.

70cl, ABV 50.4%, 1000 bottles available, RRP £1,750

Adding to its rarity, Distillery Manager, Malcolm Waring, personally hand-filled the casks in which this single malt spent three decades developing its unmistakable coastal character.

The whisky is elegantly presented within a clear crystal decanter, again meticulously handcrafted and decorated by Glencairn Crystal. Each decanter is gilded with delicate rose gold detail and retains Old Pulteney’s distinctive bottle neck shape inspired by the distillery’s unusual still shape. The base features intricate sand-etchings of ocean waves, paying homage to the maritime forces that have shaped this whisky. Again, the bespoke outer casing takes inspiration from weathered driftwood and the whisky’s balance of refinement with rugged beauty.

Designed by Lewis Moberly, the Old Pulteney team partnered with two UK specialists to bring both bottles to life; Glencairn Crystal who handcrafted the bespoke decanters and Morans Wood Components to handcraft the outer casings.

As Old Pulteney steps into its third century, these two extraordinary whiskies are not just a tribute to the distillery’s past but also signal a confident new chapter for The Maritime Malt.

Fiona Kennie, International Beverage Global Marketing Director said: ‘It’s an honour for us to be custodians of Old Pulteney at this very special moment in its history, and to be sharing these two excellent whiskies with the world today. Few spirits embody their heritage and provenance as much as Old Pulteney, and with these new releases, these qualities come together beautifully in two exceptional single malts. This is a proud moment for everyone at Old Pulteney as we celebrate a much-loved whisky that has held its unique coastal character for two centuries, while unveiling a new era for the brand as we look ahead to the next 200 years.’ 

Sarah Burgess, International Beverage Master of Whisky Creation added: ‘For this special year we wanted to create something extraordinary, not only to mark the milestone but as a true celebration of the distillery and the maritime thread that weaves through all Old Pulteney whiskies. I often think casks of whisky are like people, each behaving in an individual way and changing over time. For these two new expressions, my job was to select casks that honour the different moments in the distillery’s 200-year history, whilst bringing them together in whiskies that reflect everything Old Pulteney represents.’

The business also confirmed an evolved marketing campaign – Character Runs Deep – which signals a new era for Old Pulteney whilst staying true to the brand’s roots. Set to launch from June 2026, the campaign recognises the strong character, tough conditions and time-honoured industrial craftsmanship that have defined The Maritime Malt since 1826.

Interest for Old Pulteney 50 Years Old (70cl) and 30 Years Old (70cl) can be registered on Old Pulteney’s website and they are available from select specialist partners across key markets including the UK, Global Travel Retail, China, Japan, France and USA from June 2026 onwards.

www.interbevgroup.com

www.oldpulteney.com

About Old Pulteney

For two centuries, on the northern coast of Scotland in Wick, salt-laden winds, maritime resilience, and a steady commitment to craft have shaped Old Pulteney – a remarkable Single Malt Scotch Whisky with an enduring salty character.

Pulteney Distillery was founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s fishing boom and named after the town’s newly developed ‘Pulteneytown’ area. Accessible mainly by sea, barley for whisky making was shipped in to Wick harbour by boat, and these boats were shipped back out again taking Old Pulteney whisky to the world.

200 years later, Old Pulteney is still made at the same distillery site, where maritime conditions and meticulous cask selection imbue the whisky with an unmistakable taste. Its story is inseparable from the sea and the community, heritage and spirit of the whisky’s remote coastal home.

Od Pulteney’s award-winning core collection includes Harbour, 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old.

Recent global awards for Old Pulteney’s core range include:

• A highly coveted Platinum for Old Pulteney 12 Years Old at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, plus Double Gold for Old Pulteney Huddart and 15 Years Old, and Gold for Old Pulteney 18 Years Old.
• Gold for Old Pulteney 18 Years Old and Silver for Old Pulteney 12 Years Old at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
• Silver for Old Pulteney Huddart, 15 Years Old and 18 Years Old at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

About International Beverage

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Limited Company. The premium spirits company’s portfolio is led by a range of high-quality brands including Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn and The Source Gins, PRAKAAN single malt whisky and Phraya Rum from Thailand, Larsen Cognac, The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky, The Reid Single Malt Vodka, and Rose Rabbit Liqueur.

A certified Great Place to Work, International Beverage’s success is shaped by its 700-strong team based across the business’ network of nine global sites spanning the UK, France, New Zealand, and Greater China following the company’s recent acquisition of Asiaeuro International Beverage (AIB). For more information, please visit www.interbevgroup.com/.

About Glencairn Crystal 

The award-winning Glencairn Crystal Studio has been at the cutting edge of high quality decanter and glassware design, innovation, and creativity for over four decades. Regarded internationally as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware manufacturers, the family run Scottish company has hand crafted prestigious decanters often for the rarest and most luxurious spirits ever released.

Last year, the family run business was honoured with the Kings Award for Enterprise – the fourth time in the company’s history it has been awarded this prestigious accolade. The business was recognised for its excellence in the category of Innovation.

Glencairn Crystal also produces the Glencairn Glass which is recognised as the world’s official whisky glass. This year the glass celebrates its 25th birthday and the company now sell over 5 million glasses across the globe each year. www.glencairn.co.uk

Tomatin raises a dram to the moments that make a father

This Father’s Day, Highland distillery Tomatin raises a toast to the moments that make a father, offering a curated collection of single malts, each reflecting the warmth, care and character at the heart of every fatherly bond. The moments that matter are often the simplest- a quiet chat, a steady hand when needed, or a shared cup of tea. They stay with us because they were real, simple and honest. Whether it’s the everyday rituals, the milestone occasions or the stories retold over the years, there’s a Tomatin whisky to mark what matters.

For the Everyday Moments – Tomatin Legacy

RRP £37 | ABV 43% | 70cl 

For the dad who was always there. The one who made time for a morning brew, offered a calm word or gave a reassuring nod when it mattered most. Tomatin Legacy reflects that steady presence. Soft notes of vanilla, custard cream biscuits and gentle spice mirror the small, familiar moments that stay with you- proof that it’s never about material things, but the time you share.

For the Dad Who Inspired Adventure – Tomatin 12 Year Old Triple Cask

RRP £49 | ABV 43% | 70cl 

Some memories come from heading out into the world together- road trips, weekend wanderings or following his lead into something new. With herbaceous notes, caramelised sugar and warm spice, Tomatin 12 Year Old Triple Cask captures the balance of excitement and comfort found in those shared journeys, bringing a touch of Highland warmth to every path taken side by side.

For the Unforgettable Summer Stories – Tomatin Double Cask

RRP £37 | ABV 40% | 70cl    

Some summers shine brighter in your memory. Days at the beach with sand underfoot, ice creams that melted too quickly, and long evenings that passed in a blink. Tomatin Double Cask, with its vanilla‑sweetened baked fruit, rich dark berries and gentle warmth, reflects the easy joy of those sun‑lit moments spent together that became lasting memories.

For Life’s Milestones – Tomatin 10 Year Old

RRP £42 | ABV 40% | 70cl

Some moments stay with you- a steady hand before an important day, the arrival of a new chapter, or a quiet conversation that stayed with you. Bright, approachable and full of fresh character, Tomatin 10 Year Old reflects the meaning found in these defining chapters.

For the Father Whose Wisdom Deepens with Time – Tomatin 18 Year Old

RRP £126 | ABV 46% | 70cl 

Some fathers are foundations: steady, wise and richer in character with every passing year. Matured in traditional oak and Oloroso sherry butts, Tomatin 18 Year Old offers layered depth, from dried apricot and nougat to tropical fruit and cocoa. It reflects the strength, patience and warmth that only time can shape.Discover the full Tomatin range at https://tomatin.com/ and raise a dram to the moments that make a father.

Tasting Notes 

Tomatin Legacy

Nose: Bourbon‑barrel sweetness, custard cream biscuits, white chocolate, vanilla bean, white sugar, golden syrup; hints of sandalwood, desiccated coconut and cinnamon.
Palate: Waves of sweet vanilla and fresh fruit with gentle white pepper and ginger; pink lady apples, rhubarb and candied orange peel.
Finish: Fruit and oak combine for a clean yet intriguing close.

Tomatin 12 Year Old Triple Cask

Nose: Herbaceous notes of heather, wild mint, pine cones and cedar, sweetening to cookie dough, sultanas, caramelised sugar and pine sap; faint leather and spice.
Palate: Sweet, malty and textural, cheesecake base with dried apple, mango an fresh pears; crème caramel with raisin and Christmas spice.
Finish: Buttery, full‑bodied fruitiness giving way to dry Oloroso tones. 

Tomatin Double Cask

Nose: Aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears lead.

Palate: Dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon.

Finish: Sweet and spicy.

Tomatin 10 Year Old

Nose: Aromas of lemon sherbet sweets and crunchy green apples followed by buttery croissants, white chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Palate: Lemon meringue pie, honey and a touch of toffee are complemented by apricot and peach.

Finish: Clean and fresh.

Tomatin 18 Year Old

Nose: Dried apricot, plum, nougat and nutty tones; vanilla fudge, cinnamon‑baked pears; subtle cigar box and leather‑bound books.
Palate: A marriage of Oloroso sherry and well‑aged Tomatin – tropical fruit, marmalade, cooked apple, butterscotch and granola, cocoa powder and salted caramel.
Finish: Full‑bodied and rich with lingering nutty undertones and uplifting orange zest. 

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/

EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON TOASTS AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH OFFICIALLY LICENSED AMERICA250 COMMEMORATIVE RELEASES

Limited-edition offerings honor the shared legacy of America’s founding and Kentucky’s first licensed distiller

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 18, 2026) — Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the world’s #1 American-owned bourbon, proudly announces a new series of officially licensed America250 commemorative products in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Arriving on shelves beginning May 2026, these special releases invite consumers to raise a glass ahead of the nation’s historic Semiquincentennial milestone in July.

Rooted deeply in American history, Evan Williams’ story has long run in parallel with that of the nation itself. In 1783 – the same year the United States formalized its independence at the end of the Revolutionary War – Evan Williams became Kentucky’s first licensed distiller.

“Evan Williams has always been intertwined with American history,” said Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we are honored to celebrate this historic moment with a collection that reflects the spirit, perseverance, and craftsmanship that define both our country and our bourbon. These special releases are a tribute to where we’ve been and a toast to the future.”

The America250 lineup includes three expressions of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, each crafted to commemorate this once-in-a-generation occasion:

• Evan Williams Black Label (86 proof) – Available in 1.75L ($24.99)
• Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch (90 proof) – Available in 1.75L ($37.99) and 750ml ($23.99)
• Evan Williams Single Barrel (117.76 proof) – A special higher-proof release with a limited selection of 250 barrels ($39.99)

Each bottle features patriotic packaging and storytelling that underscores Evan Williams’ enduring connection to America’s founding. The Black Label and 1783 Small Batch bottles, in particular, bring this heritage to life by highlighting the brand’s origins and its enduring commitment to American values. The Single Barrel expression is hand-dipped in blue wax to match the coordinating blues in the bottle’s depiction of the Statue of Liberty. From its founding to today, Evan Williams stands for American craftsmanship and pride and will raise a glass in the same enduring spirit that built the country as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

In addition to honoring history, Evan Williams will continue its more than 10 years of ongoing partnership with veteran causes across the country. The brand is proud to announce a new partnership with the non-profit Folds of Honor, and a $75,000 donation to provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders.

“America250 is proud to collaborate with iconic American brands like Evan Williams that embody the heritage and values we seek to celebrate,” said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President of America250. “This partnership helps bring the Semiquincentennial to life for consumers across the country, inspiring reflection, pride, and participation in this historic moment.”

With the rallying call to “Toast to 250 years with the #1 American-owned bourbon,” Evan Williams invites consumers nationwide to join in celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial by honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking ahead to the next 250 years.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams is committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. For more than a decade, the brand has contributed over $750,000 to initiatives that benefit veterans, helping provide resources, recognition, and support to those who have demonstrated exceptional service and sacrifice. In 2024, the brand debuted ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate college athletics through a partnership with Learfield making Kentucky’s 1st Distiller Game Day’s #1 Pour. The multi-year deal currently includes powerhouse teams at University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, Ohio State University, University of Alabama, the University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, and the University of Oklahoma. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.

Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur, A Bold Twist On Tradition

From the makers of the original Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur, Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur offers a bold twist on centuries of German tradition, blending the sweetness of 100% natural honey with premium bourbon, creating a uniquely rich and balanced whiskey liqueur where German craftsmanship meets American spirit in every pour.

Crafted from an 18^th century German recipe and made with real honey – 225 grams per bottle! – Bärenjäger is legacy in a bottle. Rich notes of vanilla, oak and spice blend perfectly with the warmth of honey, creating a liqueur that is both robust and refined. Enjoy it neat, over ice, or in cocktails (see below) for a touch of golden sweetness. (SRP $34.99, 35% ABV)

Originally crafted as a potent lure for bears in the rugged forests of 18^th century Germany, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur emerged from a secret recipe passed down through generations. As time went on, hunters discovered that this blend wasn’t just a tool for their pursuits; it was a treat to savor. The hunters began to enjoy it as a cordial around campfires and as years passed, Bärenjäger, which translates to “bear (bären) hunter (jäger),” transformed from a hunting lure into a beloved liqueur, cherished for its rich history and unique flavor. 

Honey Old Fashioned

2 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

orange peel and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Add bitters to a rocks glass, followed by a large ice cube. Pour Bärenjäger on top and stir gently to mix. Garnish with an orange peel and maraschino cherry.

German Mule

2 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

0.5 oz fresh lime juice

4 oz ginger beer

lime wedge and mint sprig, for garnish

Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice. Add Bärenjäger and lime juice, stir. Fill with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge and mint sprig.

Whiskey Sour

3 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1 egg white

2 dashes Angostura bitters

orange twist and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Add Bärenjäger, lemon juice, egg white, and bitters to a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake until cold. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange twist and maraschino cherry.

Honey Bourbon Lemonade

2 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

4.5 oz fresh lemonade

lemon wedge, for garnish

Fill a glass with ice. Add Bärenjäger and lemonade. Stir. Garnish with lemon wedge.

www.barenjagerhoney.com   @barenjagerhoney

The GlenAllachie adds to Masters of Wood series with Ex-Solera Sherry cask matured single malt

The GlenAllachie Distillery has unveiled the latest release in its award-winning Masters of Wood Series, a 19-year-old Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky that celebrates exceptionally rare casks and long-term wood character.

The Masters of Wood Series showcases the influence of The GlenAllachie’s most unusual and scarce wood stocks. The series debuted in 2024 with a 17-year-old Mizunara Virgin Oak and Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured expression, which went on to be named Best Scotch Speyside Single Malt aged 13 to 20 years at the World Whiskies Awards 2026.

The second edition of the series, The GlenAllachie Masters of Wood 19-year-old Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Matured is a luxuriously complex single malt. Notes of brandied plums, mocha, cinnamon and dark cherries are woven through with ginger and The GlenAllachie’s signature heather honey, revealing a whisky of remarkable depth and a viscous, velvety texture.

In creating this expression, Master Distiller Billy Walker selected a small number of vintage casks that had previously held Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry as part of their respective traditional solera ageing systems for more than 55 years, before being filled with The GlenAllachie spirit. Solera casks are an important part of a bodega’s operation and are seldom removed from the system, making them extremely difficult to acquire.

The solera method gradually blends younger and older sherries over many years, creating consistency and depth of flavour. Over five and a half decades of sherry maturation within this system, these casks absorbed intense layers of sherry character, developing notes of dried fruit and spice that remain within the oak. This depth of sherry influence continually shaped The GlenAllachie whisky during maturation, with slow oxidation occurring in parallel.

Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie, Billy Walker, commented:

“These are casks that already carried over half a century of sherry history before interacting with our spirit. You are working with time, memory and a structure that has been quietly evolving for decades.

“Over fifty years of experience in this industry has taught me where to look for casks of real distinction – from partners who, like us, refuse to compromise. The relationships built on that shared philosophy have given me the opportunity to work with some of the most intriguing and remarkable casks. This Masters of Wood release is one of the very finest examples of cask influence and stands among the most special projects of my career.”

The 19-year-old whisky developed notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, coconut and gentle spice from its initial maturation in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, before being transferred into the ex-solera sherry casks for secondary maturation. The Pedro Ximénez casks bring layers of fig, raisin and dark molasses sweetness, while the Oloroso casks add drier notes of walnut, dark chocolate and warming spice.

The packaging references the solera system through hand-illustrated detailing on the outer box, which is presented in a deep merlot tone intended to reflect the whisky’s natural hue development in cask.

Bottled at 50% ABV, with natural colour and without chill filtration, this release showcases The GlenAllachie’s signature sherried Speyside character, elevated through exceptional vintage casks and unparalleled wood management.

The GlenAllachie Masters of Wood: 19-year-old Ex-Solera Sherry Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available now from The GlenAllachie Distillery and online at  www.glenallachie.com with a UK RRP of £224.99. It will become available globally in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit www.theglenallachie.com.

About The GlenAllachie Masters of Wood Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt

ABV: 50%
RRP £224.99
Natural colour and non-chill filtered

Tasting notes:
COLOUR: Intense Mahogany.

NOSE: Brandied plum, intense mocha and honeycomb, with caramel snaps, molasses tart and rich cocoa.

TASTE: Plum syrup, treacle and warmed heather honey, followed by black cherries, mocha and brandied orchard fruits, with crystalised cinnamon and ginger.

About The GlenAllachie Distillery

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts over a half-century’s tenure in whisky. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, The GlenAllachie Distillery have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

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. The result 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 Distiller at The GlenAllachie.

Under his stewardship, the company has achieved widespread acclaim. Among its many accolades, The GlenAllachie has claimed ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards twice – in 2021 for the 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 4, and in 2025 for the 12-year-old.

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.

Maker’s Mark Whisky Partners with Actor Lucien Laviscount, Calling Brits to Mark Moments that Matter with an Old-Fashioned Cocktail

To celebrate the collaboration, Maker’s Mark has partnered with Hawksmoor to offer its signature Old Fashioned cocktail in the lead up to Father’s Day  

London, 3rd June 2026 – Today, Maker’s Mark Whisky has announced a collaboration with British actor Lucien Laviscount for a new short film encouraging Brits to be uncompromising in moments that matter. Filmed at the new Hawksmoor in St Pancras in London, the short film sees Lucien reflect on the small everyday shortcuts that people take, before raising a signature Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned cocktail to recognise moments that deserve more intention.

“There’s something special about going to a great bar, being with good company and taking a moment to enjoy it properly,” Lucien Laviscount said. “We compromise on little things all day, so when you do get that moment to stop, you want it to feel like it’s all worth it. For me, a Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned is exactly that: simple ingredients, done properly, with real character.”

Inspired by Maker’s Mark’s Perfectly Unreasonable campaign, which celebrates the extraordinary lengths Maker’s Mark goes to in pursuit of uncompromisingly delicious bourbon, the short film will premiere today on Lucien’s Instagram @its_lucien.

“Our family legacy is simple: we don’t compromise on the details. My grandparents set that standard seventy years ago, and we still honor it today by rotating our barrels by hand, aging our whisky strictly to taste, and hand-dipping every single bottle in that red wax,” said Rob Samuels, managing director for Maker’s Mark and eighth-generation whisky maker. “Lucien really understands that mindset. He values things done the right way, without shortcuts—whether that’s making time for the people who matter most or taking the care to craft a proper Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned.”

The collaboration arrives as UK consumers become more selective about nights out but continue to prioritise quality, with 20% spending more per month on eating and drinking out compared to 2024, driven in part by a desire to celebrate and treat themselves.

To complement the collaboration with Lucien Laviscount, Maker’s Mark has partnered with Hawksmoor, one of the UK’s most celebrated cocktail and restaurant destinations, to offer a custom summer-style Old Fashioned cocktail with Maker’s Mark, white cacao, peach and a lemon twist across their eleven London, Liverpool, Manchester and Edinburgh restaurants throughout June.

Alternatively, mark the moment at home with a Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned following Lucien’s video here.

Ingredients: 
50ml Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 
5ml Sugar Syrup  
2 Dashes Angostura® Bitters 
Orange peel twist, to garnish and a large block-cube of ice

Method: 
Add 50ml of Maker’s Mark to a mixing glass with ice, followed by two dashes of bitters and a touch of sugar syrup. Stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Finish with an orange peel twist.

You can purchase Maker’s Mark at Amazon, The Whisky Exchange and Tesco, RRP £35.00. To join the Maker’s Mark Ambassadors community and receive exclusive access, product releases and other benefits, visit makersmark.com/ambassadors.

For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.

About Maker’s Mark

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

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

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

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails. A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.

HISTORIC JAPANESE WHISKY AUCTION TARGETS NEW RECORDS WITH KARUIZAWA 1960 AND YAMAZAKI 55 YEAR OLD

The world’s most iconic and sought-after Japanese whiskies will take centre stage in an exclusive auction this June, celebrating the very best of Japanese whisky.

Whisky Auctioneer, the world-leading online whisky auction platform, is set to make history with an exclusive Japanese whisky auction running from 12–22 June 2026. The company will aim to set new category records following the exceptional £43,000 result for a 1st Edition Hanyu Card bottling sold via Whisky Auctioneer in March 2026, underlining continued global demand for rare Japanese whisky.

Alongside exceptionally rare lots including Yamazaki 55 Year Old –  the world’s oldest Japanese whisky –  headlining the sale is the Karuizawa 1960 “The Poet” (Cask #5627), an extraordinary single cask distilled at the now-closed Karuizawa Distillery and bottled in 2013 at 52 years of age. The release has since achieved near-mythical status among collectors.

The bottle is offered with exceptional provenance, having remained under direct custodianship of its original creator, Marcin Miller, who co-founded the independent bottling company Number One Drinks with David Croll in 2006.

Miller is a widely respected figure in the whisky industry, formerly publisher of Whisky Magazine, a Keeper of the Quaich and also co-founder of The Kyoto Distillery, Japan’s first artisan gin distillery. Through Number One Drinks Company, he played a key role in acquiring and releasing remaining stocks from the closed Karuizawa Distillery, helping to establish its global collector status.

Marcin Miller, co-founder of Number One Drinks, commented:

“Karuizawa has been a deeply significant part of my professional life for many years, and ‘The Poet’ represents something truly special within that journey. From the early days of Number One Drinks, there was a real sense that we were engaging with something extraordinary in these remaining casks and beginning to understand just how important they would become to whisky enthusiasts around the world.

“This particular bottling remains one of the most remarkable examples from that era, from the quality of the liquid to the attention to detail in the breathtakingly beautiful design.”

All 41 bottles of the Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627 are entirely unique; in-place of traditional numbering, each is individually named and distinguished by a hand-selected netsuke, a traditional Japanese miniature carved sculpture, suspended from its neck.

Dave Broom, Award-winning author and Japanese whisky expert, said:

“Amazingly, after the emotional task of transferring the last remaining Karuizawa from the distillery to their temporary home at Chichibu had been completed, a final tranche of casks materialised. These had been ring-fenced as being potential bottlings for the distillery’s visitor centre, but as that was now closed enquiries were made as to whether this mysterious clutch could also be added to the purchase.

“It was only after the deal was agreed that it was discovered how remarkable this package was, containing as it did, cask #5627, a 250l sherry hogshead. Time had reduced its volume to no more than 41 bottles worth of liquid, though the alcohol remained sprightly at 51.8%, a precious reminder of the early days of the distillery.”

The auction as a whole charts the evolution of Japanese whisky, from the foundational influence of pioneers such as Suntory and Nikka, through the enduring allure of closed distilleries including Karuizawa Distillery and Hanyu Distillery, to the category’s dynamic revival and new generation of distillers, notably Chichibu Distillery.

Joe Wilson, Head Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, said:

“We’re excited to bring together some of the most important Japanese whiskies ever offered at auction, reflecting both the depth and continued strength of this category as we continue to see strong global demand for genuinely rare Japanese whisky.

Headlining the auction is the Karuizawa 1960 ‘The Poet’. What makes this opportunity particularly remarkable is the direct line of custodianship through Marcin Miller. It represents exceptional direct provenance for a bottle of this significance and that level of traceability is incredibly rare in today’s market.”

“The Poet” will appear alongside a host of remarkable lots in the auction. Highlights include:

• Yamazaki 55 Year Old; the world’s oldest Japanese whisky.
• Karuizawa 1998 Harland Miller; a unique collaboration featuring a hand-painted label by internationally renowned British artist Harland Miller. All proceeds from this lot, including Whisky Auctioneer’s buyer’s commission, will be donated to Migrate Art.
• Ichiro’s Malt Hanyu Card Bottlings; one of the most famous and collectible Japanese whisky series of all time, including rare 1st Edition releases from 2005 such as the Jack of Clubs.

To register for the auction, Kisetsu: The Seasons of Japanese Whisky, click here.

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is the leading global platform for buying and selling whisky and spirits at auction. Founded in 2013 by whisky enthusiast Iain McClune, the company has grown into a trusted destination for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, with offices in Scotland, London and Utrecht.

Whisky Auctioneer’s monthly online auctions feature one of the most extensive selections of rare and collectible spirits available, spanning Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey and world whiskies including iconic American and Japanese releases. The platform is designed to make the secondary market more accessible, connecting buyers and sellers across the globe.

In 2021, Whisky Auctioneer made auction history during the sale of The Perfect Collection, when a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old achieved a £1 million hammer price – the first bottle of whisky to reach that figure in an online-only auction.

Whisky Auctioneer Japanese Auction bottle highlights:

Karuizawa 1960 The Poet; The Karuizawa 1960 (Cask #5627) is widely regarded as one of the rarest and most significant Japanese whiskies ever released. Distilled in 1960 and bottled in 2013 at 52 years old, it has achieved near-mythical status among collectors.

Only 41 bottles were produced from a single sherry cask. Each bottle is entirely unique – rather than being numbered, every bottle is named and distinguished by its own hand-selected netsuke (a traditional Japanese miniature carved sculpture).

The presentation extends its story beyond the liquid itself. Designed by Scottish-founded creative agency Contagious, the packaging reflects the connection between Scotch tradition and the distinctive style of Karuizawa Distillery. Labels crafted from handmade washi paper feature on each bottle, one hand-pressed and hot metal branded in Scotland, the other finished with fine art calligraphy in Japan, symbolising the fusion of cultures behind the spirit. The presentation is completed with handcrafted wooden cases inspired by traditional Japanese puzzle boxes, incorporating wood from the original cask.

Tasting notes by Dave Broom can be provided on request.

Karuizawa 1998 Harland Miller; A one-of-a-kind collaboration between fine art and fine whisky. This is a charity lot with funds raised, including Whisky Auctioneer’s buyer’s commission, being donated to Migrate Art.

Filled on 23 December 1998, Cask #2347 was privately owned by Marcin Miller, who has donated the only ten bottles ever to be released at natural cask strength (61.8% ABV) to the Migrate Art project. Each bottle features a unique hand-painted artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Harland Miller. Created exclusively for this exceptional series, these one-of-a-kind labels were conceived to raise funds for the pioneering arts charity Migrate Art. Proceeds from the sale of all ten bottles will directly support Migrate Art’s work with some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Yamazaki 55 Year Old; The oldest Japanese whisky. Originally released in 2020, it’s a blend of 1960 and 1964 vintage Yamazaki matured in Mizunara and white oak casks. 100 bottles were first released in 2020 exclusive in the Japanese market via a lottery system and a second ‘final’ batch of 100 bottles was released in 2021 to global markets. With just 200 bottles ever produced, it has not appeared at auction at Whisky Auctioneer for over two years.

Ichiro’s Malt Card Series – ‘1st Card bottlings’; Undoubtedly one of the most famous and collectible Japanese whisky series of all time. The full Hanyu Card Series collection boasts a total of 58 releases – 52 playing cards, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases for four of the cards: Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs.

Released in 2005, four of the bottlings in particular were released in very small quantities, followed up with a second release due to its acclaim. These original ‘1st Card bottlings’ are extremely rare and Whisky Auctioneer will offer examples of these including the Jack of Clubs 1st Edition. The most recent example sold via Whisky Auctioneer in March achieved an exceptional hammer price of £43,000, marking the first time since 2019 that these card bottlings have appeared at auction.

About Karuizawa Distillery:

Karuizawa, one of Japan’s smallest distilleries, is a legendary name in Japanese whisky, having achieved near-mythical status among collectors following its closure in 2000. Established in 1955, the distillery was founded to produce traditional-style whisky using imported Scottish ingredients for its owner, Mercian, primarily serving the domestic Japanese market. Its rare stocks include vintages dating back to 1960, among the oldest in its inventory.

Production ceased in 2000 after Mercian’s acquisition by Kirin, whose strategic focus leaned toward wine rather than whisky. The original distillery was dismantled in 2016. However, the Karuizawa legacy has since been revived, with a new distillery constructed approximately seven miles away in the town of Karuizawa, where production resumed in 2023.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit:  www.whiskyauctioneer.com

SCOTLAND’S FIRST WORLD CUP IN 28 YEARS INSPIRES 11-BOTTLE WHISKY RELEASE

Falkland, Fife, Scotland – June 2026; Scotland’s return to the FIFA World Cup has inspired one of the country’s most unique whisky releases, with Saltire Rare Malt unveiling just 11 bottles of a 24-Year-Old Ben Nevis Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled in 1998 – the last year the national team graced football’s biggest stage.

Priced at £350 each, the specially designed collection, titled “Ooooohhh, Yes Sir, I can Boogie!”, has been released online in a run of just 11 bottles, paying tribute to Scotland’s starting XI as the nation prepares for its long-awaited World Cup return.

Matured for 24 years in a refill bourbon hogshead, the rare Ben Nevis single malt is one of Saltire Rare Malt’s most exclusive releases to date. Available from 14th June, the bottling brings together Scotland’s rich whisky heritage and a memorable chapter in the nation’s football history.

Commenting on the release, Saltire Rare Malt Co-Founder & Director Keith Rennie said: “Scotland’s return to the World Cup is a moment worth celebrating and we’re delighted to mark it with a truly unique bottling. At Saltire Rare Malt, whisky is all about stories, and opportunities like this don’t come around very often. To release a whisky distilled in 1998 – the last time Scotland reached the World Cup – feels incredibly special. 

“It’s a celebration of Scotland, a celebration of whisky and a celebration of a moment supporters have waited a generation to see. Whether it’s kept as a collector’s item or opened to toast Scotland’s return to football’s biggest stage, we hope it becomes part of a memory that lasts for years to come.” 

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 and founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie – the pair have collected fine and rare single malts for more than three decades.

Launching just days before Father’s Day, the release is expected to prove popular with whisky and football fans alike as well as those looking for a truly memorable gift. Whether destined for a collector’s cabinet, gifted to a lifelong Scotland fan or opened as Scotland kicks off its World Cup campaign, the bottling offers a rare opportunity to raise a dram to one of the most anticipated moments in modern Scottish football history.

Founded in Falkland, Fife, Saltire Rare Malt specialises in rare and limited-run Scotch whiskies sourced from some of Scotland’s most revered distilleries. The company has built a growing reputation for highly curated single cask releases and historically significant bottlings, with whisky lovers and collectors purchasing releases across the UK and internationally.

Working in collaboration with internationally acclaimed whisky experts Hans and Becky Offringa – known globally as ‘The Whisky Couple’ – Saltire Rare Malt carefully curates a collection of rare, limited-edition Scotch whiskies for enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

The Saltire Rare Malt World Cup Release is available exclusively online at: 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 collected fine and rare single malts over three decades. 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.

W: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/