London Distillery Company pushes its spirit into new territory with the launch of New Forms

London Distillery Company (LDC) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of New Forms – an ambitious new series of single cask, single malt whiskies that explore the versatility and evolution of the distillery’s original spirit through the use of cask finishes never previously employed by the original distillery.

Launching on 12th June 2026, the initial releases in the New Forms series comprises three cask strength, single cask releases: Ex-Bourbon Cask, Fino Sherry Cask, and Moscatel Sherry Cask. Each whisky has been finished in first-fill casks selected to push LDC’s distinctive, heritage grain-led spirit character in bold and unexpected new directions, whilst remaining unmistakably rooted in the distillery’s DNA.

The New Forms series reflects the revived company’s ongoing exploration of its inherited stocks and its commitment to reimagining London whisky through thoughtful maturation and creative cask selection.

The sherry casks for the project were sourced from renowned Spanish cooperage Tonelería JL Rodríguez, with whom the LDC Whisky Maker Matt McKay has worked closely with in previous whisky projects. The selected casks have allowed the distillery’s barley-forward character to evolve in dramatically different ways across each expression – from the richness and sweetness of moscatel, to the saline precision of fino, and the amplified distillate clarity delivered by fresh ex-bourbon oak.

All three whiskies are bottled at natural cask strength, with natural colour and no chill filtration.

The presentation of the series reflects the concept at the heart of the project. Each whisky is housed within an individual gift carton featuring artwork designed to align with the others, forming a complete image when placed side-by-side. However, the cartons can also be arranged in any order – a visual representation of the shared spirit character that connects all three whiskies, despite their dramatically different maturation journeys.

The launch continues LDC’s renewed momentum following the company’s revival in early 2025 and further reinforces its position as one of the most innovative new voices within the modern English whisky category.

Speaking of the launch, Managing Director & Whisky Maker Matt McKay said: “New Forms is the most creatively exciting project we’ve undertaken since reviving The London Distillery Company. The original LDC spirit has always possessed a distinctive character – rich, expressive, and deeply barley-driven – but what continues to fascinate me is just how adaptable it becomes when matched with the right cask – where thoughtful maturation and a genuine synergy between wood and spirit can unlock entirely new dimensions of character. This series gave us the opportunity to push our spirit into completely new territories. Each cask has shaped the whisky in a dramatically different way, revealing unexpected layers of texture, flavour, and complexity, whilst still retaining the unmistakable DNA of the original distillery at its core. That tension between familiarity and transformation sits at the heart of New Forms.”

The New Forms series will launch on 12th June 2026 with an RRP of £75 per bottle or £200 for the complete three-bottle launch collection. The whiskies will be available directly from www.londondistillery.co.uk and through selected specialist retailers. 

London Distillery Company: New Forms

Available from www.londondistillery.co.uk and select retailers from Friday 12th June 2026

New Forms: Ex-Bourbon Cask
Finished for 12 months in first-fill ex-bourbon cask #11190
60.7% ABV | 222 bottles

Nose: Honey on buttered toast, ripe banana, sweet lemon zest and tropical juice with a touch of pineapple, vanilla blossoms and red peppercorns, subtle tart ripe nectarine, toasted grains.

Palate: A sweet and rounded profile with buttery caramel, toasted oak, sweet and warming cinnamon, bitter lemon zest and deep, rich char.

Finish: Lingering notes of oak and char, melted butter on toast, subtle fresh banana and tart green apple.

New Forms: Fino Sherry Cask
Finished for 8 months in first-fill Fino Sherry Hogshead #9001
61.4% ABV | 347 bottles

Nose: Candied lemon peel, fleshy golden plum, ripe nectarine, peach blossom, dewy rose petals, grape leaves, toasted porridge, brown butter, sweet baking spices, a hint of coconut oil, damp oak.

Palate: Bright citrus peel, tropical juice and warming spices, white pepper, clove, a hint of ground coffee, toasted oak, and a touch of saline.

Finish: A well-browned peach loaf, with lingering stone fruit, citrus oil, dusty oak and toasted baking spices. 

New Forms: Moscatel Sherry Cask
Finished for 8 months in first-fill Moscatel Sherry Hogshead #9008
61.6% ABV | 345 bottles

Nose: Caramelised orange peel, tart lemon, brown butter poached peaches, cooked apples with icing sugar, sauternes and dusty oak.

Palate: A rich, oily brown butter note, bright citrus and tart peach and nectarine, orange blossom, burnt toffee, cinnamon and a fiery touch of ginger.

Finish: Nutty toasted oak – almond and walnut skin, lingering bitter citrus peel and warming spices, with a breath of poached nectarine.

About The London Distillery Company

The London Distillery Company was established in 2011 as London’s first new whisky distillery for over a century. Trailblazing the revival of the capital’s distilling heritage, the company crafts exceptional spirits that reflect both tradition and modernity.

Committed to using only the finest ingredients and time-honoured methods, every bottle produced by The London Distillery Company expresses a dedication to craftmanship, blending expertise and a relentless pursuit of character and flavour.

www.londondistillery.co.uk/

Glencairn announces next-generation leadership team

to accelerate innovation and growth

Left to right: Glencairn’s next generation board of directors Aileen Logan, Jason Kennedy, Kirsty Nicholson, Scott Davidson, Robyn Macdonald and James Crilly

The award-winning, Scottish glassware company, Glencairn, has announced a series of strategic director-level appointments as it strengthens its leadership team to support its next generation of innovation, development and global growth as a premium glassware brand. Over the past two years, Glencairn has expanded into more than 80 additional countries, with its products now reaching customers in over 140 markets worldwide.

Glencairn has expanded its leadership team with three dynamic industry figures bringing extensive experience across the drinks and packaging sectors. The transition also signals the retirement of founder Raymond Davidson, who established the family company in 1981, and is widely respected for having played a pivotal role in building Glencairn Crystal into an internationally recognised name in the drinks industry.

Kirsty Nicholson, already one of the whisky industry’s most renowned creative women, has been promoted to director level having been with the company for 12 years and previously serving as Marketing and Design Manager. Kirsty has been nominated for various awards – she led the marketing team to win Marketing Campaign of the Year at the 2025 China-Scotland Business Awards and is also a finalist in this year’s Women in Packaging Excellence Awards. In her new role, Kirsty will continue to lead and inspire the marketing team as the brand evolves into its next chapter of global growth.

Robyn Macdonald has been appointed to the board bringing fresh expertise and creative leadership to Glencairn’s internationally renowned design capabilities. With more than a decade of experience in the packaging industry, she will play a key role in driving the company’s continued pioneering product innovation and will work closely with Glencairn’s global partners and clients to bring ambitious creative visions to life.

Having built more than 20 years of experience within the drinks industry, Aileen Logan has formally joined the leadership team after several years with the business. In her new role, she will play a key part in supporting Glencairn’s continued growth, with a focus on strengthening people, culture, and operational excellence across the organisation. She will also help shape the company’s future as it continues to evolve internationally.

The wider leadership team remains in place, with Jason Kennedy continuing to lead the sales team and James Crilly focusing on purchasing and procurement. Scott Davidson has been appointed as Managing Director, taking over the role from his brother Paul Davidson, who now becomes Chairman. 

Founded 45 years ago, Glencairn has grown from a small family business into an internationally recognised brand in premium glassware. It is known for its unrivalled craftsmanship serving the global whisky and spirits industry in the creation of bespoke decanters – often for the world’s rarest and most exclusive spirits. The company is also renowned for the iconic Glencairn Glass which is the world’s official glass for whisky, with over 50 million glasses being sold since it was launched 25 yeas ago.

In recent years, Glencairn has significantly expanded its product portfolio through a series of industry-leading innovations. A proud sponsor of the whisky industry’s prestigious Distillers One of One Auction, the company crafted the luxury decanters for more than a quarter of the one-of-a-kind lots featured in last year’s auction.

Scott Davidson, Glencairn Crystal Managing Director said: “These changes mark an exciting new chapter for Glencairn as we continue to evolve and position the business for the future whilst building on the family legacy that has shaped the company for more than four decades.

With our strong new leadership team in place, we are well positioned to guide the business through its next generation of growth – driving continued creativity, pioneering innovation and international expansion yet at the same time maintaining the craftsmanship, quality and customer focus that have defined Glencairn since the very beginning.”

The company’s continued success has also been recognised through a number of major recent awards. Last year, Glencairn received The King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation as well as the Manufacturing Innovation Award at the Insider Made in Scotland Awards. The company was named a finalist for the prestigious Exporter of the Year Award at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2025.

For more information about Glencairn, visit www.glencairn.com

THE BORDERS DISTILLERY SETS NEW STANDARD FOR CASK TRANSPARENCY

Hawick-based distillery aims to rebuild trust in whisky investment and cask ownership with new Cask 1837 platform

The Borders Distillery has launched a first-of-its-kind app to give whisky cask owners unprecedented access to every stage of their spirit’s journey, from filling to bottling.

The new transparency initiative is centred on a digital app that allows cask owners to track the full lifecycle of their whisky in response to growing consumer concern around whisky investment and cask ownership practices.

The platform – 1837 – provides customers with detailed, ongoing insight into their cask’s progress – from filling and maturation through to sampling, re-racking and eventual bottling.

The initiative comes amid increased scrutiny of the cask investment market, where transparency and consumer trust have become vital. By offering real-time insight and personal engagement, The Borders Distillery is setting a new benchmark for openness in Scotch whisky.

The Borders Distillery’s 1837 Private Cask programme allows whisky enthusiasts to own part  of a limited number of individually numbered casks – each filled with award winning new‑make Borders spirit and matured under bond at the distillery in Hawick. Owners choose their fill date and cask type from a range of options carefully selected to complement the distillery’s fresh orchard fruit‑character new spirit.

Nathan Cahoon, Chief Operating Officer at The Borders Distillery said:

“Cask ownership shouldn’t be mysterious. It should be something people can follow, learn from, and enjoy along the way. For many, buying a cask can feel like putting it in a cupboard and waiting years to hear anything. With our 1837 Casks, owners stay connected with their whisky and feel part of the journey, not just observers.

“This is an exciting time for The Borders Distillery – with our first single malt almost ready, we’re proud to be bringing whisky back to the region for the first time in nearly 200 years and showing the world what the Borders can do.”

The investment into the new digital platform is just the latest of a string of digital initiatives from the Hawick distiller. Late last year, The Borders Distillery invested in Bottle ERP technology to track whisky production from field to glass.

At the forefront of the spirits industry’s digital revolution, the transformation comes at a pivotal time for The Borders Distillery. Established in Hawick in 2018, the distillery has brought the craft of Scotch whisky making back to the Scottish Borders for the first time since 1837 and is currently gearing up to launch its first single malt Scotch, which is imminent.

Click here for more information on The Borders Distillery’s Cask 1837 Programme.

For more information on The Borders Distillery, visit www.thebordersdistillery.com.

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The Borders Distillery:

Nestled in the heart of the historic and picturesque town of Hawick, The Borders Distillery is bringing the craft of Scotch Whisky making back to the Scottish Borders for the first time since 1837. By using its surroundings and talented people as its muse, the distillery aims to capture the spirit and heritage of the region by producing high quality spirits since its opening in 2018.

Knob Creek Brings Father’s Day Legacy to Life with Huckberry and NYC Pop-Up

Father’s Day has always been part of Knob Creek’s DNA – rooted in a multi-generational bond between fathers and sons. This year, in light of the recently released Blender’s Edition 01, Knob Creek is giving you a reason to pour one with dad.

To take the guesswork out of gifting, Knob Creek has teamed up with men’s lifestyle brand Huckberry to launch a co-branded tote, dropping on 6/10 with a guarantee to deliver by the holiday, with a custom pocket designed to fit a bottle of Knob Creek. The collab also includes a lineup of Huckberry gifts, hand-selected and Knob Creek-approved, perfect for any kind of dad available to shop ahead of Father’s Day on Huckberry.com.

And, it all comes to life in person on June 11 and 12 at ‘The Art of Bourbon’ Father’s Day Shop styled by Huckberry in NYC –  a free, 21+ takeover of Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal, open 11am–8pm both days. Guests can expect tastings of Blender’s Edition 01 and Knob Creek 9 Year Old, Old Fashioned pours to enjoy with dad, the shoppable Huckberry items, and a Father’s Day memento to gift or keep.

Grasmere Distillery to begin malting to craft the first 100% Cumbrian Whisky

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Grasmere Distillery is preparing to take a significant step forward in its journey to create a truly local whisky. From autumn 2026, the distillery will begin small-scale malting on site, marking the start of its ambition to produce the first whisky made entirely from Cumbrian ingredients.

Working closely with Jonathan Bainbridge of Thistlewood Farm, Cumbria, co-founder and head distiller Paul Abbott has planted the distillery’s first crop of barley, due for harvest in August 2026. The initial yield of eight tonnes will enable the team to produce malt not only for brewing but also to begin experimenting with whisky production, including varying levels of peat influence to develop a distinctive house style.

This milestone represents more than just an expansion in production. The long-term vision is to collaborate with growers across Cumbria to create a series of individual whiskies, each reflecting the unique terroir of the county’s six distinct regions, a true expression of place in every bottle.

To support this next phase, the distillery has invested approximately £10,000 in new equipment, including a stainless-steel immersion tank, a mash tun with heat jacket control, and augers for handling malt. In collaboration with a local blacksmith, the team has also built a bespoke kiln, enabling them to complete the traditional malting process on site.

Malting involves three key stages: steeping, where barley is soaked to initiate germination; germination, where enzymes develop to convert starch into fermentable sugars; and kilning, where growth is halted by drying the grain with hot air. During kilning, peat smoke can be introduced to impart the distinctive smoky character found in certain whiskies. Once dried to around 5% moisture, the malt can be safely stored and later used in distillation.

Each harvest will allow the production of up to four barrels of whisky, with the first releases expected after a minimum six-year maturation period in 2032. In the meantime, consumers can expect to see malt-forward beers produced from the distillery’s own barley available later in 2026.

Farmer Jonathan Bainbridge, who farms at Thistlewood Farm just south of Carlisle, will be growing Laureate barley for Grasmere Distillery. A third-generation farmer with over 35 years’ experience, Jonathan’s family has owned Thistlewood for 25 years, producing barley, wheat and oats with consistently strong results. This will be their first time growing Laureate, a spring barley known for high yields and approved for both brewing and malt distilling. The crop, drilled earlier this spring, is expected to be ready for harvest in late August or early September 2026.

Jonathan Bainbridge commented: “South of Carlisle, we’ve got some good fertile soil and good-sized fields for producing crops. It’s an ideal place to trial this. We grow barley, wheat, and oats, but this is our first time growing Laureate barley in particular. It’s something people grow for the market for distilling, and it has all the attributes you need to make the whisky taste good, so it’ll be interesting to see how it does – here’s to the first bottle.’’

A short video chat between Paul and Jonathan can be viewed here

Since 2021, Paul and co-founder Beth Abbott have transformed two modest barns on the shores of Grasmere into one of the UK’s smallest and most characterful distilleries. Following the launch of their gin and vodka range in 2022, revenues have been reinvested to expand production and lay the foundations for their single malt whisky programme.

From the outset, the philosophy has been clear: to prioritise flavour over scale. By distilling from full-flavoured beer rather than neutral spirit, the team can explore a wider range of grains, yeast strains, and cask techniques than typically seen in larger operations. Their approach is further enhanced through a Solera maturation system using charred oak casks, creating depth and consistency across their spirits.

Paul Abbott, co-founder and head distiller, commented: “Malting Cumbrian-grown barley here in Grasmere is a huge step towards creating something genuinely rooted in this place. We’re working on a very small scale, which gives us the freedom to focus on quality and individuality. Every batch will be different, shaped by the barley, the water, and the conditions of that particular harvest.

By using Cumbrian water and locally grown barley, we’re aiming to produce a whisky that truly reflects the landscape it comes from. It won’t be about volume; it’ll be about character, small-batch, hands-on, and unmistakably Cumbrian. That’s what makes it exciting.”

For more information about Grasmere Distillery, please visit: www.grasmeredistillery.com

12 January 2026: The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced the appointment of Rita Greenwood, Chief Investment Officer at William Grant & Sons, as the new Chair of the SWA Council.

The Chair, appointed for a two-year term, leads the Association’s Council of 16 representatives from member companies, which plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction and policy priorities of the Scotch whisky industry.

Rita has been a member of the William Grant & Sons Executive Board since 2017, with 23 years’ experience within the Scotch whisky industry.

William Grant & Sons succeeds Chivas Brothers as Chair of the SWA Council. Rita becomes the 24th Chair, and first female Chair in the Association’s 114-year history.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Scotch whisky sector, as the industry navigates global trade pressures, tariff uncertainty, regulatory change, and the accelerating transition to a more sustainable operating model.

Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the SWA, welcomed the appointment, saying: “Rita’s expertise in commercial excellence and strategy will be crucial as we navigate a challenging period for the Scotch whisky industry.

“Scotch whisky is being significantly impacted by multiple headwinds both here at home and in our global markets, but the industry is focused on overcoming these challenges and delivering long-term sustainable growth.

“The work of the SWA Council is vitally important to ensure Scotch whisky is best placed to make the most of future opportunities. Rita’s experience, passion, and deep understanding of the Scotch whisky sector will help to drive forward the important work before us, ensuring the industry reaches 2030 in a position of strength. We very much look forward to working with her.”

Rita Greenwood said: “I am proud to take on the role of Chair at such an important moment for the Scotch whisky industry. The SWA is vital in representing our collective interests, in championing the sector as we face immediate challenges and unlocking long-term growth opportunities.

“Scotch whisky has a remarkable global reputation and makes a significant economic contribution, but members face a challenging global market at present, so, it is more important than ever that we continue to raise its profile.

“I am committed to ensuring a sustainable future for Scotch whisky and am looking forward to working with Council colleagues and the SWA team to help ensure the industry continues to thrive in the years ahead.”

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THE BORDERS DISTILLERY APPOINTS GIANCARLO BIANCHI AS MANAGING DIRECTOR

Hawick distillery strengthens leadership team to drive next phase of growth and international expansion

The Borders Distillery has announced the appointment of Giancarlo Bianchi as its new Managing Director,  marking an important new chapter for the Scotch whisky producer, as it continues to scale its domestic and international presence.

Giancarlo brings more than 15 years of commercial and strategic leadership experience within premium spirits SMEs. Most recently at Penderyn Distillery in Wales, he progressed from operational and technical management into senior commercial leadership, developed international growth strategies, opened new export markets, and delivered sustained revenue expansion.

Giancarlo will take up his position with effect from 1 st April 2026.

Commenting on his appointment, Giancarlo said:

“It’s a privilege to be joining The Borders Distillery at such an exciting time in its journey. The business already has strong foundations, from production capability to brand authenticity, and there’s significant potential for growth both in the UK and internationally. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on that platform, strengthen our presence in key markets and drive the brand in a sustainable way, ensuring that whisky production becomes a landmark industry in this ancient and historic region.”

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for The Borders Distillery; established in Hawick in 2018, the distillery has brought the craft of Scotch whisky making back to the Scottish Borders for the first time since 1837 and is currently gearing up to launch its first single malt Scotch.

Harvinder Hungin, Chairman at The Borders Distillery, added:

“Giancarlo’s combination of operational and commercial understanding together with international distribution makes him ideally placed to lead the next phase of our development. His proven ability to transform production led operations and grow branded sales aligns perfectly with our ambitions.” 

For more information on The Borders Distillery, visit www.thebordersdistillery.com

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About The Borders Distillery:

Located in Hawick in the Scottish Borders and opened in March 2018, The Borders Distillery revived Scotch Whisky distilling in an ancient and historic region, where Scotch Whisky was last made in 1837. Hawick is renowned for its world class tweed and cashmere industries. Using locally grown barley, mineral rich water and a dedicated team of young, local talent, The Borders Distillery has been quietly laying down stocks with a view to launching its Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The Borders Distillery Limited, Commercial Rd, Hawick, Scotland. TD9 7AQ

EDINBURGH WHISKY ENTREPRENEURS TAKE ON 54-MILE HIGHLAND CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY

Edinburgh, May 2026; Edinburgh whisky entrepreneurs are swapping drams for hiking boots this summer as they prepare to take on the legendary Cateran Yomp in support of the Army Benevolent Fund.

Adam Harding and Tom Costello – the team behind award-winning Leith whisky business Tailored Spirits Co. – have spent recent months training across Edinburgh and beyond ahead of the gruelling 54-mile endurance challenge through the Perthshire Highlands.

Widely regarded as one of the UK’s toughest endurance events, on 6-7th June 2026 the Cateran Yomp sees challengers cover 54 miles in under 24 hours, climbing more than 2,000 metres across rugged Scottish terrain while raising vital funds for soldiers, veterans and military families.

The challenge comes just weeks after Tailored Spirits Co. celebrated national success at the Stelios Foundation UK Young Entrepreneur Awards, where Co-Founders Adam Harding and Carl Johnstone secured a £50,000 prize in recognition of the company’s rapid growth, innovation and international success.

As training continues, the Tailored Spirits team will be sharing regular updates across Instagram, documenting everything from preparation walks and fundraising efforts to the challenge itself. Supporters will also be able to follow live updates throughout the 24-hour Cateran Yomp as the team takes on one of Scotland’s toughest endurance events.

Founded in Edinburgh in 2024, Tailored Spirits Co. has quickly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting whisky businesses, working with private clients, luxury brands and hospitality groups around the world to create bespoke single cask Scotch whiskies.

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

Now, the team is turning their attention from whisky tastings and luxury client events to endurance training.

Over the past several months, the team have completed countless training walks across Scotland, clocked up miles around Edinburgh and made repeated climbs of Arthur’s Seat as they prepare for what is likely to be the most physically demanding challenge they have ever undertaken.

The Cateran Yomp will see participants set off on 6th June before walking through the night and into the following morning in a test of endurance, resilience and determination.

Adam Harding, Co-Founder & Director of Tailored Spirits Co. said: “The Cateran Yomp is an incredible event with a brilliant cause behind it, so we’re really proud to be taking part this year. We’ve spent months training, putting miles in the legs and trying to get ourselves into shape for what’s likely to be the toughest 24 hours we’ve ever faced. There’s been plenty of Scottish wind, rain and early starts along the way.

“As a business proudly based in Edinburgh and passionate about Scotland, community and bringing people together through whisky, it felt like a really meaningful event for us to get involved with. We’re delighted to be supporting the Army Benevolent Fund and would be hugely grateful for any support.”

The Army Benevolent Fund is the British Army’s national charity, supporting soldiers, former soldiers and their families for life. The charity provides financial assistance, independent living support and wellbeing services to thousands of people across the UK each year.

Supporters can follow the team’s progress and donate HERE 

Find out everything about Scotland’s most exciting bespoke whisky bottler here 

About Tailored Spirits Co.

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

W: https://www.tailoredspirits.co.uk/
I: @tailoredspiritsco
F: @tailoredspiritsco
L: @tailoredspiritsco

Texas Whiskey Festival Announces The Must-Have 2026 Texas Whiskeys

 An annual blind tasting event tied to the festival and conducted by judges reveals the bottles that are the cream of the crop of the Texas whiskey scene.

AUSTIN, Texas — When you think Texas, think Texas whiskey. Once again the Texas Whiskey Festival, the signature brown spirits event in the Lone Star State, brought together the best of the best, highlighting through its coveted awards program the must-try Texas whiskeys of the moment.

One thing that quickly emerged in 2026 is a snapshot of Texas whiskey in motion. The evolution of flavor, working with the grains, climate, and individual styles, creates remarkable whiskey that is a reflection of the state and the people who make it.

“Texas whiskey reflects where it’s made and who’s making it—the heat, the grain, the independence,” said Jake Clements, founder of the Texas Whiskey Festival. “What we’re seeing now is a category coming into its own, with distillers writing their own playbook. That’s what makes it so compelling.”

The whiskey type Texas is best known for is bourbon. The high-quality Texan grains, hot Texan summers, and fierce Texan pride all combine to bring to the world stage bourbons easily rivaling those coming out of Kentucky. For the 2026 Texas Whiskey Festival Best Bourbon, the must-try bottle is Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon. A monster of an expression aged at least six years and bottled at a staggering 146.4 proof, it is a testament to the pioneering Texan bourbon distillery behind it in crafting such a high ABV offering that is so loved by so many and highly sought after each year it is released.

This exceptional bourbon also got the coveted nod as the overall must-try of all the whiskeys submitted for judging.

Another well-known whiskey category out of Texas is rye. The top 2026 Texas Whiskey Festival choice here, Koopers Family Barrel Reserve Rye, is a masterfully crafted blend of straight rye whiskeys, each aged between four and seven years from a mix of first and second fill barrels. As if this wasn’t enough, the team at Koopers Family then finishes the blend with toasted oak staves before bottling this at barrel proof.

Malt whiskeys, particularly American single malts, are another whiskey category that’s put Texas on the map. For 2026, the Festival must-try bottle is the Andalusia Whiskey Co. Cigar Malt. A joint venture between master blender Irene Tan and one of the best of the “grain-to-glass” distilleries in all of Texas, this very limited edition American single malt release is a peated, wine cask finished bottling meant to pair with the finest in cigars. Delivering rich notes of dark fruit and tobacco, it is a perfect whiskey for any time of the year.

Light whiskey and cask finished whiskeys are also big must-haves in Texas. Judges from the Texas Whiskey Festival sampled a number of well-produced offerings in these categories. For light whiskey, a type of whiskey developed in the late 1960s to help brands at that time compete against white spirits in a changing market, the must-have is from light whiskey specialists Austin Craft Spirits. Their Austin 121 is a bottled at cask strength release that varies in high proof barrel by barrel.

Cask finished whiskeys in Texas build upon the already high-quality spirits put forth by local distilleries. A range of cask finishing types showcase the diversity of possibilities in this category — for the must-have choice from the 2026 Festival, Andalusia Whiskey Co. is again on the list with its Madeira Cask Stryker. This bold American single malt, distilled from grains smoked with oak, mesquite, and apple woods, is finished for six months in ex-Madeira casks, resulting in flavors of BBQ, campfire, leather, and dark chocolate.

In addition to the judge awards, the night of the Festival revealed the People’s Choice Award Winner.  Milam & Green Whiskey was this year’s winner. An error during the event resulted in an incorrect initial announcement of the People’s Choice Award. Final results have since been verified, and we apologize for any confusion.

“This tasting is about what people actually enjoy drinking, not just what checks technical boxes,” noted Clements. “Each of these bottles earned its place in the glass and reflects where Texas whiskey is today—bold, diverse, and continuing to evolve.”

Judging for the Texas Whiskey Festival occurs annually, with all entries being put through a blind tasting process, grouped by style. Judges focus on tasting criteria that prioritizes what people actually want to drink.

About Texas Whiskey Festival 

The purpose of the annual Texas Whiskey Festival is to promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. Along with promotion, we’re focused on educating whiskey enthusiasts on the many fantastic whiskeys produced in our great state, while having fun, drinking great whiskey, and building memorable experiences. We believe that Texas has some of the best distilleries and whiskeys in the world, and the Texas Whiskey Festival is an opportunity to expand the reach and status of Texas Whiskey through public and private events.

Toast to time together with Tomatin’s Father’s Day whisky experiences

Tomatin launches new Stillman’s Tour experience ahead of Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, Tomatin is encouraging gift-givers to celebrate the joy of a lasting gift: time shared with loved ones, meaningful moments and the simple pleasure of being together.

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, just south of Inverness, the whisky distillery is the ideal spot to slow down and create special moments. Exploring Tomatin’s Visitor Centre and thoughtfully curated tours is the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day with a whisky and history curious dad, spending time together sharing drams and learning about the Highland distillery’s rich distilling heritage.

For guests arriving by car, Tomatin offers the expressions included in each experience to takeaway as ‘Driver’s Drams’ to be tried later, so whether visiting on a Highland getaway or a day trip, everyone can enjoy a taste of Tomatin.

For a never-seen-before Tomatin experience – Stillman’s Tour

£65, 2.5 hours

Step behind the scenes at Tomatin with Stillman David Milne. This new, small group tour offers rare access to parts of the distillery not usually open to visitors, bringing guests closer to the craft of whisky-making.

Led by David himself, the experience explores each stage of the journey, from cask selection and filling to maturation, alongside a close-up look inside the historic still house and a working warehouse. The tour concludes in the sensory room, an intimate space home to decades-old whisky samples, where guests can enjoy a private tasting of four of David’s favourite Tomatin single malts.

For the history-loving dad – The Legacy Tour

£20 – 1.5 hours

The Legacy Tour takes guests on a journey through Tomatin’s history, from its beginnings in 1897 through the height of production in the 1970s to the present day. The experience culminates in a tutored tasting of three single malts from Tomatin, as well as Cù Bòcan, an experimental single malt which is produced at the distillery during one month of the year using lightly peated Scottish barley.

For the true whisky enthusiast – Warehouse 6 Tasting Experience 

£80 – 3 hours

To experience the heart of Tomatin, opt for the Warehouse 6 Tasting Experience, an exclusive journey into the very soul of the distillery. Stepping into Warehouse 6, a quiet corner in the traditional dunnage warehouse, guests will delve into the story of maturation in the whisky making process, surrounded by the sight and scent of some of Tomatin’s most precious casks, many of which have been maturing for decades.

Led by the distillery’s expert guides, the tour culminates in a unique tasting of new make spirit and four carefully selected exclusive single cask whiskies straight from the cask, showcasing the complexity and character that has earned Tomatin global acclaim.

For a gift that becomes a real memento – Design your own Tomatin Scotch

Prices from £3,000 per decanter – minimum 3 hours.

This intimate experience at Tomatin Distillery offers the chance to create something truly memorable. Guests are guided through a curated selection of exceptionally rare single malt vintages, before choosing their favourite to be hand-filled into a bespoke Glencairn Crystal decanter and finishing with a small personalised engravement.

The experience is completed with a private tour of the distillery, with available vintages including 1975, 1977, 1978, as well as remarkable 45 and 50-year-old expressions, a lasting keepsake and a fitting tribute to what matters most.

For more information on Tomatin and to book a tour, please visit https://tomatin.com

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/