145 YEAR OLD DISTILLERY

CELEBRATES ITS 25 YEAR RENAISSANCE!

Since its original establishment in 1881, Bruichladdich was for much of its early life a workaday distillery on Islay located on the western shore of the Lochindaal Bay across from Bowmore. Intended by its founders, the three Harvey brothers who were scions of a Glasgow distilling family, to be be a modern distillery of the Victorian Age, the facility was meticulously designed and built around stone buildings that used state-of-the-art coal technology vs. the peat-drying traditions that were typical of the region. Operations hummed along under Harvey ownership for 50+ years until a fire in 1934 and William Harvey’s death in 1936 brought a close to the opening era.​

After some years of idled operations, Bruichladdich was re-launched under a string of new owners who began to dabble in peated whiskies and continued to do so for decades. With the addition of two stills in 1975, production expanded to the point that by the 1990s, the distillery was producing more product than ever before and under then owner Jim Beam, the bean-counters in Kentucky considered the whole distilling operation surplus to requirements. Thankfully, the distillery was simply mothballed until, in 2001, a consortium led by London Wine Shop owner Mark Reynier brought it back to life and, ever since, it has grown to be a darling of Islay.​

Key to the ascendancy of Bruichladdich since its renaissance was the new owners’ choice of renowned Master Distiller Jim McEwan to lead operations. Jim had gotten his start in the world of Scotch at age 15 learning to make barrels at Bowmore, then was named Cellar Master at age 22 and, by the age of 37, he was Distillery Manager He held that post until his “retirement” in 2000, but was soon enticed to go across the bay and restart Bruichladdich. Under his guidance, the portfolio was refined and expanded to encompass three distinct lines: unpeated spirits under the Bruichladdich banner; heavily peated Scotches under the brand Port Charlotte; and super-heavily peated whisky under the Octomore name. In 2013, Bruichladdich was purchased by the drinks giant Remy Martin and Jim finally retired, leaving the Master Distiller responsibilities to Adam Hannett who had apprenticed with him over the prior decade. Adam learned his craft well and has continued the fine traditions established by his mentor, crafting outstanding Single Malts for the entire portfolio, which offers something for every Islay whisky palate.

​Cheers!​

SHOP BRUICHLADDICH

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 609: Invergordon 16 Year Old 2009 Klubb23 for Awel.be

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a single grain. ‘Sipping a nice whisky for a good cause? Count me in!’, says Mark. Klubb23, a Belgian bottler with an undeniably impressive track record by now, is launching this bottle in aid of Awel.be, a Flemish organization that offers free and anonymous support to children and young people via telephone, chat, email, and a forum. Volunteers listen to their stories, questions, or problems such as bullying, relationships, or not feeling comfortable in their own skin. It is a 2009 Invergordon single grain that, after regular maturation, received a finish at an oloroso octave, which is responsible for the beautiful color.

https://youtu.be/sQbYlvTuGlk

THE ARDARA DISTILLERY WINS TWO MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

~Donegal distillery recognised at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition~

The Ardara Distillery, in county Donegal, has claimed two major international accolades at two of the world’s most respected spirits’ competitions. The victories confirm the distillery’s standing as one of Ireland’s most distinctive producers and mark a significant moment for Sliabh Liag Distillers, the company behind The Ardara Distillery.

Founded by James and Moira Doherty, Ardara produces heavily peated, triple distilled, all-grain-in whiskey, a style almost lost to Ireland for over a century. The distillery is rooted in Donegal’s illicit distilling past and committed to reclaiming the county’s distinctive whiskey heritage.

The Ardara Distillery was named Best Irish Craft Distillery at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, while Ardara Single Malt Cask Strength won a Double Gold medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious spirits awards in the world and widely regarded as a benchmark for quality across the global industry.

James Doherty, Co-Founder, The Ardara Distillery said: “San Francisco is arguably the toughest room in the world of spirits to be judged in. To come away with a Double Gold medal for our first Ardara single malt release is powerful, and a strong signal that grain-in, heavily peated Irish whiskey has a serious place on the international stage. We make whiskey the way it was made in Donegal a century ago. It’s not a style everyone expected the market to embrace, but awards like this tell us otherwise.” 

Adding to this, Moira Doherty, Co-Founder, Ardara Distillery said: “Ardara’s mission has always been singular: to remain true to Donegal above all else. It is wonderful to see that recognised in Japan, a market that takes its whiskey seriously. To be named Best Irish Craft Distillery there, making the kind of whiskey we make, means the world is genuinely ready for what Donegal has to offer. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey, our dedicated team, our local community, our partners, and all those who have chosen to share and enjoy our spirits. Awards like this are never achieved alone, and we see it as encouragement to continue striving for excellence while staying true to where we come from.” 

Behind the distillery’s striking glass façade on the Show Field in Ardara town, three copper stills from Forsyths of Scotland produce a whiskey that is uncompromising in character; smoky, textured, and unmistakably from Donegal, Ireland. Ardara is the only distillery on the island of Ireland dedicated to peated whiskey using the all-grain-in method, a rare approach that honours traditional Donegal distilling while extracting maximum character from the malt. See www.ardaradistillery.com for more details.

About Ardara Distillery

The Ardara Distillery is home to Sliabh Liag Distillers, located on the Show Field in the coastal town of Ardara, overlooking Loughrosmore Bay on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The distillery produces Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey alongside The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey, An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, and Frank Carr’s Irish Poitín, with distribution across 40 markets worldwide

Guided tours of the distillery run daily, taking visitors through Donegal’s illicit distilling history, the modern copper stills at work today, and the story of how these traditions are being carried forward. See www.ardaradistillery.com

South Wales Whisky Festival 2027 Tickets On Sale!

Saturday 24th April 2027

Newport Indoor Market

12pm-3.30pm or 5pm-8.30pm

Our South Wales Whisky Festival returns to Newport in 2027, and tickets are available now.

Whether you’re a festival regular or thinking of joining us for the first time, expect everything you know and love:

An incredible array of whiskies and other spirits to try

Fantastic exhibitors from across the whisky world

Exclusive drams

Expert-led masterclasses

Great food and plenty of whisky chat

The best-priced tickets always disappear first, so if South Wales is on your calendar next year, we’d recommend booking sooner rather than later.

DETAILS & BOOK NOW

THE MACALLAN SHERRY OAK
2026 RELEASES

We are delighted to share that the 2026 releases of The Macallan Sherry Oak Collection are now available to purchase from The Macallan Online Boutique. The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old, 25 Years Old and 30 Years Old are a continuation of timeless craftmanship and character for which The Macallan is known.

These single malts are perfectly led by predominantly sherry seasoned European oak casks, which interact with robust new make spirit from Curiously Small Stills at The Macallan.

EXPLORE THE NEW RELEASES

Mac-Talla Friends of Feis 2026 ‘Cognac Cask Finish’

Crafted as an official Friends of Feis 2026 bottling, this release began life as a delicately peated new make spirit matured in first-fill bourbon casks, before spending a further two years finishing in six 225L Cognac casks and being married for a further month prior to bottling. The special whisky project comprised of new make selection, cask filling, maturation, vatting and bottling under close supervision at Aberargie Distillery, ensuring precision and balance throughout its development.

Bottled by Morrison Distillers without chill-filtration and no artificial colouring.

£78.00

ralfy review 1136 Extras – What’s the fuss about very old Whiskies.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® VISITATION HOLDS STRONG AT 2.7 MILLION HOSTED IN 2025

FRANKFORT, KY.— The world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience welcomed 2.7 million visitors in 2025, holding steady with the previous year’s record-breaking total and reinforcing Bourbon’s status as one of Kentucky’s most resilient and reliable tourism drivers.

In a year when many tourism destinations across the country experienced declining attendance amid economic uncertainty and shifting travel patterns, the Bourbon Trail™ program maintained its momentum — a powerful sign of the enduring appeal of America’s only original spirit.

“Holding strong at 2.7 million visitors is a tremendous win in today’s tourism climate,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. “While other destinations are seeing pullbacks, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure continues to demonstrate its strength, stability, and global appeal.

“That consistency speaks volumes about the quality of our experiences and the passion of our distillers.”

To learn more about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience, visit www.kybourbontrail.com.

Visitors from all 50 states, more than 20 countries and six continents traveled to the Commonwealth in 2025 to explore the rich history, craftsmanship, hospitality and culture behind Kentucky Bourbon. About 80 percent of all visitors are from outside Kentucky.

Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee continue to lead domestic visitation, while visitor patterns are shifting – most notably with a sharp increase in travelers from New York in 2025, alongside significant growth from Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

As travel trends shift nationwide, Kentucky Bourbon tourism remains a popular, steady force — attracting an affluent, younger-skewing demographic, with 62% of visitors reporting household incomes above $100,000, and 95% saying they highly approve of their distillery experience.

On average, guests stay three to five days and groups spend between $600 and $1,400 per trip on lodging, dining, entertainment, and transportation, delivering a powerful economic impact to communities across the Commonwealth.

For those planning a visit, booking ahead remains strongly encouraged. On average, guests reserve their experiences approximately 22 days in advance, helping distilleries manage demand and ensure a high-quality visitor experience.

Now featuring nearly 70 participating distillery destinations stretching from Northern Kentucky to Western Kentucky — and more on the way — the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® program welcomed 11 new destinations in 2025, further expanding opportunities for visitors to slow down, explore beyond the bottle, and discover the vibrant small towns and urban hubs that make each destination unique.

“Our distillers continue to innovate and elevate the visitor experience,” Gregory said. “From immersive tastings and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to world-class restaurants and accommodations in our Bourbon communities, there’s never been more to see and do.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience has welcomed more than 20 million visits since its founding by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in 1999, evolving from a handful of distilleries into one of the Commonwealth’s premier tourism engines.

Visitors can now “Build Your Own Bourbon Trail®” itinerary through a streamlined planning experience at kybourbontrail.com. As the KBT® program continues to evolve and enhance the visitor experience, this interactive trip builder tool is a key feature – designed to inspire travel across the Bourbon Trail™ regions and make it easier than ever for visitors to customize, share, and fully experience all that Bourbon has to offer.

“The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® has proven it’s not just a one-time experience — it’s an adventure that visitors return to again and again,” Gregory said. “In challenging tourism years, holding steady is growth. We’re proud to continue welcoming millions from around the world to experience Kentucky craftsmanship and hospitality — responsibly, of course.”

Data for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience is collected by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association through self-reported visitation from participating member distilleries and is compiled, prepared and analyzed by IQS Research of Louisville, Kentucky.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $10.6 billion economic engine generating nearly 24,000 jobs. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Glencadam Distillery welcomes new manager following launch of multi-million pound visitor centre

Glencadam Distillery has appointed Will Stafford as its new Distillery Manager, marking the next phase in its growth following the distillery’s 200th anniversary celebrations.

Will brings extensive hands‑on distilling experience to the East Highlands site, with over 14 years in the Irish and Scottish spirits industry, and more than nine in distillery operations. Will joins Glencadam from Hinch Distillery, where he served as the inaugural Distillery Manager and Head Distiller from 2021 to 2026, having played a central role in designing, building and commissioning the distillery, as well as implementing and managing a major capacity increase.

Prior to this, he held senior distilling roles at Copeland Distillery and The Boatyard Distillery, contributing to the development and commissioning of three whiskey-producing sites in Ireland.

His appointment at Glencadam comes at a time of continued investment in the brand’s future, following the successful launch of its new state‑of‑the‑art visitor centre in Brechin late last year, which has already welcomed guests from around the world to explore 200 years of the distillery’s story, craft and character.

Will’s career spans every stage of whisky production, from raw material sourcing and distillation through to maturation and site logistics. Having worked across both highly automated and fully manual distilleries, Will has a rare breadth of operational understanding and appreciation for traditional production methods.

Will Stafford, Glencadam Distillery Manager, said: “I’ve been fortunate to help design, build and commission several distilleries, but Glencadam’s heritage, its commitment to traditional craft and the consistency of its spirit make it truly special. Having worked across both automated and manual distilleries, the chance to return to a completely manual plant with such history and character was something I couldn’t pass up.

“My focus will be on protecting the character and quality that has defined Glencadam for two centuries, while supporting the team as the distillery continues to evolve in its next chapter.”

Founded in 1825, Glencadam is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, renowned for its unwavering commitment to traditional production methods that have remained unchanged for two centuries. Will’s arrival reinforces the distillery’s focus on quality and heritage as it looks ahead to the next 200 years.

To find out more about Glencadam Distillery and to book tours and tasting experiences at the new visitor centre, visit www.GlencadamWhisky.com or follow on social @GlencadamWhisky.

Glencadam Distillery

Established in 1825, Glencadam Distillery is steeped in history, heritage and tradition, handcrafting single malt Scotch whisky in a process that’s remained unchanged for over 200 years. In 2021, Glencadam Distillery re-installed a working internal waterwheel, modelled on the original which was used to power the distillery back in in 1825.

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Glencadam was mothballed for several years before it was purchased and re-opened by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003.

Today, Glencadam’s multi-award-winning range includes American Oak Reserve, Reserva Andalucía, the 10-Year-Old, 13-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old expressions, as well as a series of special cask finishes.

Visit www.glencadamwhisky.com to find out more.

Glencadam Distillery Visitor Centre

Glencadam’s state-of-the-art visitor centre opened its doors in November, inviting visitors to explore two centuries of craftsmanship with an intimate look behind the scenes of this storied distillery.

Guests can enjoy guided tours, tutored tastings and an interactive exhibition, tracing Glencadam’s journey from its 1825 origins to its place among Scotland’s most celebrated single malts today. The new brand home also features a whisky lounge, café, retail shop and function suite, blending tradition with modern hospitality to attract more visitors to Brechin and the surrounding area.

To find out more and book a tour, visit: https://www.glencadamwhisky.com/pages/visitor-centre