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Classification: American Single Malt Company: New Riff Distillery Distillery: New Riff Distillery Release Date: May 2026 Proof: 111.7 Age: 7 Years Mashbill: 27.7% Barleywine, 18% Scottish Peated Barley, 16.5% Belgian Quadrupel, 14.1% Golden Promise, 12% Chevallier, 11.7% Marris Otter Color: Dark Bronze SRP: $70 / 750mL (2026) Dark chocolate | Peat | Cola | Chocolate mousse | Amaretto | Charred oak Peat | Smoke | Clove | Blackberry | Peach | Soy sauce | Hint of maple syrup Peat | Smoke | Raisin | Leather | Cigar wrap | Black pepper | Barrel char New Riff’s 2026 Sour Mash Single Malt comprises six mashbills aged in five cask types, making it one of their most complex blends yet, where its exacting peat component eventually yields to a whiskey more complex than originally anticipated. Known for their bourbons and ryes, New Riff Distilling’s Sour Mash Single Malt is an annual release for the Newport, Kentucky, company that is part of their Malt Whiskey Project. The 2026 release marks the fourth iteration of this annual Single Malt, and as Master Distiller Brian Sprance puts it, “This is one of the most creative whiskeys we make.” New Riff’s 2026 Sour Mash Single Malt comprises six mashbills aged in five cask types, making it one of their most complex blends yet. According to the company, “This year’s blend introduces Chevallier, an 1800s heirloom British malt variety, making its debut in New Riff’s Single Malt distillate for the first time. Distilled using the unmistakable Kentucky regimen — sour mash, open fermentation, and a column still — this whiskey bridges the time-honored heritage of malted barley with Kentucky tradition, resulting in one of New Riff’s most complex and rewarding whiskeys made yet. Sour Mash Single Malt showcases the creativity and technical expertise of its distilling team, while continuing its more than a decade-long commitment to delivering “A New Riff on an Old Tradition.” The five casks the malt whiskeys matured in include new charred oak, de-charred toasted oak, used bourbon barrels, Spanish oloroso sherry casks, and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. Often is the case with these types of releases and their many components, it's hard to fully take in - and it can be even harder to fully parse in its sip. The one thing that is immediately clear is this whiskey’s peat component. Even at less than 20% of the mashbill, it’s exacting and influential, and completely dominates the sip. As you get accustomed to it, additional layers of flavor begin to emerge. The aroma has a ton of chocolate scents, the palate offers blackberry, peach, and a touch of maple syrup, and the finish features raisin, cigar wrap, and rich barrel char. This year’s edition of New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt isn’t a whiskey you slip in the middle of your whiskey tasting and expect glowing results. It's too bold, smoky, and drinking after something extremely mellow in comparison will be like hitting a brick wall. Tasting on its own, it has room to breathe and slowly showcase its complexities and depth. As strong as the peat tastes on its onset, it elegantly resides, allowing the rest of the whiskey to breathe and spread out. I would have liked the whiskey to have a bit more of a fruity character to help balance the thickness of its more robust notes, but what we end up with is a hearty meal of a whiskey that peated single malt fans will love. The bottle in review comes from the Spring 2026 Vatting with lot number 26.06.12.05.

Maker's Mark Is Reviving A Whisky It Rarely Ever Makes Maker's Mark is taking an Earth-first approach to whisky manufacturing, as its latest launch is a celebration of environmental preservation. As announced in a press release, Star Hill Farm Whisky will hit the market again for the first time since its 2025 introduction, marking just the second time the company developed a whisky that isn't classified as a bourbon. Bourbon is held to some rigorous manufacturing standards, as it must be made in the U.S. and meet several criteria to achieve the label. Whisky, on the other hand, can be made all over the world and comes in many recipes and formulations. Classified as an American wheat whisky, Star Hill Farm features a carefully conceived mash bill (i.e., the distinct blend of grains used to make it) that includes wheat, malted wheat, and malted barley. The company deliberately chose these ingredients to show how the type and quality of the grains affect the end result. In the press release, eighth-generation distiller and managing director Rob Samuels said, "My grandparents built Maker's Mark on the belief that when we invest in the land, it gives back in flavor." Star Hill Farm Whisky wears its sustainable accolades proudly, as the brand is a Certified B Corporation. That means it meets certain social justice and environmental stewardship standards. Read more: Mistakes Everyone Makes When Shopping At Costco Advertisement What does Star Hill Farm whisky taste like, and where can you get it? In our survey of the best bourbon brands, Maker's Mark won handily with nearly 32% of the vote. While its newest release isn't actually bourbon, Star Hill Farm Whisky was crafted with the same careful hand as the company's other products. Described as having a multi-faceted flavor, this wheat whisky offers notes of fruit and citrus, plus sweet and cinnamon-y flavors. One person on Reddit described the tipple as "That dry oak, leather, and unique wheat spice ... something that makes me warm and fuzzy." As for potency, this whiskey is 116.4 proof (or 58.2% alcohol by volume). Since Star Hill Farm falls into the category of a unicorn whiskey, meaning a hard-to-find, almost mythical product, getting your hands on it could be a little challenging. This spirit will be available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Japan, as well as duty-free shops, but it's unclear when the product will roll out or where it will be available once it does. Priced at $100 for a 700-milliliter bottle, Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky is likely to fly off shelves quickly when it does appear. For more food and drink goodness, join our newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on Mashed.

Diageo has revised the appearance of its The Singleton scotch whisky, placing greater emphasis on each flavour profile in the single malt brand’s portfolio. The new look, which rolls out to all markets from this month, applies across The Singleton of Dufftown and The Singleton of Glendullan lines from the brand. While the existing salmon logo has been made more prominent, one of the main changes is the application of “clearly defined visual cues [to] help shoppers understand the different flavours” of the brand. “The Singleton’s … slow batch distillation process – fermenting and distilling the spirit more slowly than most other single malt whiskies – takes centre stage in the refreshed design,” Diageo said. “More expressive tasting notes highlight the … craft behind each expression and the signature of malt master Dr Craig Wilson appears across the range as a mark of the expertise that goes into every bottle.” According to the brand’s global head, James O’Connor, the project “incorporates packaging changes that support our ongoing efforts to reduce the impact and carbon footprint of our packaging”, although specific details of the environmental benefits were not disclosed. Speaking exclusively to Global Drinks Intel last month, Diageo’s whiskey portfolio global brand director, Neil Shah, shared details of the group’s activations for blended scotch Buchanan’s that leveraged its ‘official spirits supporter” status with this year’s FIFA World Cup. “Buchanan’s exists for Latin and Hispanic consumers across the Americas, a region that’s represented by many teams in the World Cup,” Shah said. “We want to spotlight what fans feel when watching the game rather than any particular team. We’re not going to be picking sides.”

ASW Distillery and John Deere Launch 'Soil to Still' — A Historic American Whiskey Partnership Fiddler Combine Bourbon and Fiddler Steel Plow Rye — Two Permanent American Whiskeys From Atlanta's Most Awarded Craft Distillery ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, July 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In 1964, an Act of Congress officially recognized Bourbon as America's native spirit and a "distinctive product of the United States." That same year, John Deere opened its iconic World Headquarters in Moline, Illinois. Two pillars of American heritage — both rooted in the land, both shaped by ingenuity and grit — were coming into their own at the exact same moment. In America's 250th anniversary year, they finally share a label. ASW Distillery, the most awarded craft whiskey distillery at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition since 2018, has partnered with John Deere to release Fiddler Combine Bourbon and Fiddler Steel Plow Rye. The permanent collection launches June 24, 2026 at ASW Distillery's Atlanta tasting rooms and retailers in thirteen states, with national and Canadian distribution to follow. Named "Soil to Still," the collaboration honors the soil both brands have spent generations serving: from American-grown corn to the oak in the barrels and finishing staves, every element pays homage to their history. Preserving the Harvest: A Shared History Whiskey isn't just a drink; it is a historical representation of preserving the value of the land's labor. Before refrigeration, farmers faced the question of what to do with surplus grain after harvest. Whiskey was the answer, and copper stills transformed bushels of corn and rye into a shelf-stable, tradeable spirit. When John Deere invented the steel plow in 1837, agricultural productivity leapt forward. In turn, whiskey became the financial instrument it is today. The grain that feeds America flows through both stories. "Bourbon and rye are, in many ways, the perfect distillations of America's farming traditions. John Deere represents the ingenuity that made America the world's breadbasket, and our Fiddler line represents the craftsmanship that has long defined whiskey. This collaboration is the culmination of nearly two centuries of paths destined to cross." — Jim Chasteen, Co-Founder and CEO, ASW Distillery "Having grown up in a family of farmers who always used John Deere tractors, and having used a John Deere on my own farm for many years, I am proud and honored to make iconic whiskies for one of the world's most iconic brands." — Justin Manglitz, Master Distiller, ASW Distillery "Partnering with ASW Distillery allows John Deere to celebrate the shared values of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation that drive both our industries. Together, we honor the hard work of farmers who grow the grains and the passion of distillers who transform them into a uniquely American spirit." — Mara Downing, Vice President, Global Brand Management and Corporate Communications, John Deere How It Started Jim Chasteen's family is from outside Lavonia, Georgia, where his father operated a John Deere Model B to grow food for the family and raise cotton, peanuts, wheat, and corn for sale. John Deere equipment isn't a tool in the Chasteen family; it is woven into the stories they tell. Over the course of two years, ASW educated John Deere's team on whiskey, building a partnership between two companies who harbor a deep respect for things built close to the ground. The result is Fiddler Combine Bourbon and Fiddler Steel Plow Rye — whiskeys that carry the weight of America's history in every bottle. The Spirits Aged eight years and finished by Manglitz, the spirits are seasoned outdoors for two or more years, then hand-charred and inserted into each barrel for the final two months of aging. Both expressions are bottled at 112 proof. Fiddler Steel Plow Rye — A tribute to John Deere's original steel plow, this rye is the spirit of the founding generation. George Washington distilled it at Mount Vernon and it fueled the westward expansion the plow made possible. Bold, spicy, and rooted in the same American grit that broke the Illinois sod. Aged 8 years | 112 proof | $79.99. Tasting Notes: Complex, robust rye with notes of dark chocolate, raisin, and clove. Fiddler Combine Bourbon — A nod to the 1947 debut of the self-propelled combine harvester, this wheated bourbon features 45% wheat content — more than double that of most premium wheated bourbons on the market. The high-wheat mash bill delivers the softness and sweetness that makes wheated bourbons among the most sought-after in the world. Aged 8 years | 112 proof | $79.99. Tasting Notes: Heavy caramel on the nose with tasting notes of dates, nougat, and almond. Availability Fiddler Combine Bourbon and Fiddler Steel Plow Rye are permanent expressions, available beginning June 24, 2026 at ASW Distillery's four Atlanta tasting rooms. Initial retail distribution spans both ASW's Southern markets and John Deere's Midwestern heartland — launching in Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, New York, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with national and Canadian distribution to follow throughout 2026. For more information visit aswdistillery.com. About ASW Distillery Based in Atlanta, ASW Distillery is the most awarded U.S. craft distillery at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition since 2018 — most recently earning "World's Best Small Batch Bourbon (6–10 Years)" in 2025 for its flagship Fiddler Bourbon. Known for combining Scottish-style copper pot distillation with Southern-style grain-in fermentation, ASW operates four Atlanta locations — including ASW Flights & Bites at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport — and distributes nationally. aswdistillery.com About John Deere It doesn't matter if you've never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere's role in helping produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and more. Chad Ralston ASW Distillery +1 678-592-5103 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

This Is How Much A Premium Bottle Of Scotch Will Cost You In 2026 If a glass of quality whiskey conveys an air of elegance and strength, a premium Scotch imparts its own unique flair. Compared to other types of whiskey, Scotch is made in five select regions of Scotland, where it's traditionally distilled via a combination of fermented malted barley (or other grains) and water, then aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years. It's also usually matured longer than other whiskeys. But even with its Scottish origin and craft, how much should a premium bottle of Scotch actually cost in 2026? While several factors can influence price, like spirit maturity, legacy brand recognition, import costs, and demand, you can buy a premium Scotch for between $60 and $100 — if you know what to look for. What designates drinks as "premium" usually comes down to attributes including quality ingredients, craft, sensory experience, and branding. Single barley malt Scotch (considered to have higher flavor depth than those blended with other grains or sourced from multiple distilleries) can come with higher price tags and prestige. So can Scotch that's aged longer, with more nuanced, complex flavors compared to younger spirits. Regardless, you still don't have to spend an arm and a leg, even for a Scotch that's been aged 10 years and beyond. Affordable yet quality single malt varieties from brands like Highland Park, Glenfiddich, and even GlenAllachie 12-Year-Old (which received the World Whiskies Award for the world's best single malt Scotch of 2025) retail for under $100. What to look for when selecting quality Scotch While some Scotch bottles retail for hundreds or thousands of dollars, these are usually sought out by collectors and have been aged by luxury or legacy brands for many years. When choosing a premium Scotch to sip at home or bring to a gathering, you can look for popular Scotch whiskeys with regional attributes to meet your taste preferences, or try smaller craft brands over luxury ones. Overall, it's said that what sets different bottles of Scotch apart is both the ingredients and their regional environmental impacts (similar to terroir in wine-making), as well as the craft and dedication to making a quality spirit. Depending on different regional impacts and the type of oak cask, Scotch flavors can range from bold to sweet to floral to rich. Try Scotch from the Islay region for a spirit with a depth of smoky taste, or a bottle from the Lowland region for something lighter. Sample a bold younger Scotch, or something more balanced and mature. Overall, quality Scotch doesn't have to be expensive, even in 2026. If you're on a tighter budget, you can also seek out quality blended Scotch that brings a nice balanced flavor without much sticker shock. For instance, a bottle of Monkey Shoulder (while not necessarily a premium brand) can come in around or just under $50 — and is considered a great Scotch for beginners.

Bourbon has some traditions that don’t get spoken about as much as they should. Every whiskey industry across the world has its own habits and customs, but some of the ones that exist in bourbon production are remarkable and a little eye-opening. When I say eye-opening, I mean that even people who may not like the idea of drinking bourbon would probably be surprised by the focus on quality and consistency that goes into producing the liquid. Others are a little more common, but still not spoken about enough in the grand scheme of whiskey, or in terms of why they matter to the final product in the bottle. So, here are some of the most interesting bourbon traditions that make the whiskey what it is. Hand Rolling Casks This is a two-fold point. The first involves the ease with which barrels can be rolled. Their shape, pressure, and metal hoops make them easier to move around than you might expect. They are still very heavy, so precautions need to be taken, and this is naturally a very manual process for those doing it. It is also a more traditional way of doing things, linking back to the origins of whiskey warehousing across several producing countries. The alternative is palletised warehousing with forklifts. These actually seem more dangerous to me, as the emphasis can become “as much as possible.” I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a palletised warehouse. The height of those pallets can be mighty intimidating. The second point is that rolling casks allows the wood and the liquid to have more even interaction. If the whiskey is only sitting on one side for its entire life, then you’re losing the balanced influence of the other half of the barrel. That char and toasting are doing nothing if it’s not wet. Rolling the casks helps create a more even balance of cask influence. Another point is that if you’re ever taking cask samples from a barrel, give it a roll first. All of the oils, fats, and other fun things in the whiskey can separate out over time, and a little roll of the cask can help integrate these again for a better sample of that barrel. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Releases The closest Scottish, or wider whiskey, equivalent to this is probably the Diageo Special Releases, which appear towards the end of every year. I would have loved to have seen the queues of true bourbon lovers outside the doors of stores before the chaos hit around the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles about a decade ago. Sometimes you wouldn’t even have had to queue. You could walk into a specialist retailer and pick up everything from the range, or just your favourite, for the MSRP. Now, it’s all about lotteries, draws, or simply overpaying to get your hands on a product that should be about $100 or £100 a bottle. These bottles were the mainstay for people who truly loved them for years. Then the auction market went crazy for them. While prices have fallen, I walked into a retailer the other week and saw four different releases of W.L. Weller BTAC, all priced at £800+. Those bottles won’t sell. They’ll sit there and gather dust. I did offer to pay £400 to take one of each. Sadly, they weren’t keen on that deal, but they would have been opened, shared, and enjoyed. These releases have fallen into a sad category: great liquid at massively inflated prices. However, the release of these products is still an exciting event in the yearly whiskey calendar. Reverse Osmosis Water This is a very important part of the final production of bourbon. Maker’s Mark was where I first saw this in action. While mineral-rich water is a priority when you’re looking to create your beer and fermentation, you want the exact opposite when it comes to dilution of your vatting for final bottling. The idea of additional minerals being added to the bourbon can cause problems with the look of your final whiskey. Even with chill filtration, alcohol interacting with magnesium or calcium in mineral-rich water can cause sediment to occur. It can also cause elements of the liquid to fall out of solution or create hazing. By using reverse osmosis water, you can help guarantee clarity, consistency, and quality in your final product after the majority of the hard work has already been done. Rickhouse Rotation: Which Floor? Rickhouses, much like dunnage warehouses in Scottish whisky, aren’t climate-controlled. However, rickhouses are normally bigger. Much bigger. With any shape or style of warehouse setup, the higher up your barrels are, the more heat they will interact with. Sometimes, barrels are deliberately placed on different floors to see what impact that heat has on the product. That product is then assessed as it goes further through its aging process. But what if they need to move some less active barrels up a few floors? Those casks aren’t having the impact that producers want on that particular liquid. As a result, they need to make space on the top floors. They might also have some overly active barrels on the very top floors, so shifting stock allows certain influences to calm down or speed up, helping you create the profile they’re looking for. I’ve not spoken much about the middle floors, but these are where you’re getting consistency in two ways. The first could be that this is where they store products just before they’re typically ready, perhaps for a few months or a year. Secondly, this is where heat is often the most consistent in the whole rickhouse. As a result, you can place casks there and let them sit, knowing they should develop in a fairly consistent way. Throwing Away The First Pour This relates to the idea of “neck pours.” Whether or not you believe that the neck pour gives the greatest first impression of a bottle is up for debate. Famously, some blenders and drinkers have rolled the first pour around their glass and then launched it across the room. It’s part of the show, but this is something that’s falling away from the world of drinking, unless you’re Richard Paterson. Typically, in the modern world, if you’ve got this first pour and you want it to give you a better experience, just let it sit in the glass for a while. You don’t need to soak your house’s walls with bourbon or rye to get a better second pour. Just let it sit and mellow out while you do something else around the house, or around the bar. Buy yourself a beer and let the whiskey sort itself out. Why Bourbon’s Odd Traditions Still Matter Bourbon, like every other whiskey-producing style, has its strange and better-known traditions. However, I think these are some of the least talked about. Whether you’re throwing your first pour across the room, hand rolling casks in rickhouses of multiple sizes, or thinking far too much about which floor your barrels are sitting on, these traditions all have their roots in history. They also help build bourbon into what it has become today.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) will launch Caskmaster 2026, its first blind tasting championship in the UK, this summer. The competition opens to both members and non-members across Europe, with four heats staged across the Society’s UK Members’ Rooms in August and September. The event follows the success of a similar competition run by the Society’s Australian branch. Participants will have 30 minutes to nose and taste eight Society drams. They must identify each one from a lineup of nine, with no conferring allowed. The top five from each heat will be announced live and progress directly to the Grand Final. That takes place at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh, on 12 November 2026. Each ticket costs £50 and includes the eight drams and a Society supper. There is no additional charge for finalists to attend the Grand Final. The five qualifiers from the London heat will have travel and accommodation to Edinburgh covered. Heats will take place at The Vaults, Leith, on Wednesday 12 August; Queen Street, Edinburgh, on Wednesday 19 August; Bath Street, Glasgow, on Wednesday 26 August; and 19 Greville Street, London, on Wednesday 2 September. Doors open at 6pm, with the competition beginning at 6.30pm. The champion will receive a lifetime membership to the Society, plus one of 14 places on The Speysider, a four-day whisky retreat in Speyside running from 12 to 15 March 2027. The retreat is hosted by Mitch Bechard of CopperCairn, a Keeper of the Quaich, author and host of Not Another Whisky Podcast. Founded in Edinburgh in 1983, the Society bottles single cask whiskies from more than 180 distilleries without revealing the source, instead giving each dram an evocative name. The Society has 41,000 members worldwide and is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc. “At the Society, we have always believed that flavour should do the talking,” said Calum Lawson, member experience manager at SMWS. “Caskmaster puts that to the ultimate test. It’s a rare opportunity to test your palate against likeminded people, and, for one person, to walk away with a prize that will last a lifetime.” Tickets go on sale today (July 6) at smws.com.

Coors has been malting barley for nearly 150 years — long before it became one of America's most recognizable beer brands, and even longer before anyone thought to ask what might happen if that malting expertise found its way into a whiskey bottle. The answer to that question, as it turns out, is pretty impressive. Released in June, Coors Whiskey Co. Blended American Malt Whiskey Aged 8 Years is a limited drop of just 1,200 individually numbered bottles, distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky using Coors' proprietary malt and Colorado-grown barley. It's bottled at 110.5 proof (55.25% ABV) and retails for $79.99, with availability currently limited to Colorado and Illinois. How Good Is Coors' New Whiskey? This 8-year blended malt isn't Coors' first whiskey, but it is the beer giant's best yet. The nose is bright and immediately engaging — big funky malt character, orange pulp, plum, blackberry, balsamic, gingerbread, white pepper and roasty coffee. The palate is super malty with a nice mouthfeel: sassafras, balsamic, blackberry jam, tobacco, leather, anise, clove, dark chocolate and a sharp bite of tannin from those eight years of aging. The finish leads with a wave of spice — cinnamon, pepper, powdered ginger, anise, sassafras and an odd but not unwelcome touch of cilantro — before moving into dark chocolate and coffee. Throughout my tasting, I was consistently reminded of a Stranahan's malt, which is high praise, as Stranahan's is one of the top single malt producers in America. Perhaps there's something about that Colorado malt. For the complete tasting notes and score, click here to check out our full review. At $79.99 for an 8-year-old, 110-proof malt whiskey, this is a good whiskey priced at a solid value. The International Wine & Spirit Competition agreed, awarding it 98 points and Gold Outstanding recognition ahead of launch. With only 1,200 bottles in existence and distribution limited to two states for now, tracking one down will take some effort. If you're in Colorado or Illinois, don't sleep on it. Scan any liquor or NA bottle to see all expert reviews in one place with the free Daily Pour app. Download today! Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.

Top 10 most popular whisky distilleries in 2026 Cask Connoisseur has released its annual ranking of the UK and Ireland’s favourite whisky distilleries, but which producer came out on top? Now in its fourth year, the list is created by The Cask Connoisseur, which is run by Luke Slater, beer connoisseur, Chris Walster, whisky connoisseur, and Isobel Walster, marketing connoisseur. The index is taken from an overall score of 3,564, which analyses figures from the number of Google ratings and reviews, TripAdvisor ratings and reviews, and social media metrics covering facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. If data was unavailable, a score of 0 was given. The Cask Connoisseur noted that the list isn’t ranking the quality of spirits being produced, but each distillery’s online popularity, visitor reputation and social media reach. This year’s study featured 295 distilleries from the UK and the Ireland. The 2026 top 10 featured no distilleries from Northern Ireland or Wales, with Copeland Distillery placing highest for the former (in 19th position) and Penderyn for the latter (in 25th place). Scotland dominated the top 10 with six distilleries. However, it was a producer from the Republic of Ireland that was deemed to be the region’s most loved. Scroll down to find out which distillery came out on top. 10. Micil Distillery, Republic of Ireland Distillery popularity index: 2,313.5 Galway’s Micil Distillery leapt back into this year’s top 10 with a 14-place rise. The distillery placed sixth when the list debuted back in 2023. When it opened in Salthill in 2016, Micil became Galway’s first legal distillery in more than 100 years, making Irish whiskey, gin and poítín. It is owned and operated by brothers Pádraic and Jimín Ó Griallais, who are sixth-generation Connemara poitín distillers and direct descendants of Micil Mac Chearra, the family’s original distiller. According to Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) data, Micil also ranked second in Irish whiskey distillery visitor experiences that showed the most growth for the 12 months up to June 2025. 9. Isle of Harris Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,320.0 The biggest climber in this year’s top 10 was Isle of Harris, which rose 23 spots from position 32. The distillery, located in the Outer Hebrides, celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and was busy in the new product realm with releases in global travel retail and in collaboration with menswear brand Sunspel. Perhaps its greatest moment came when it made its star turn in the Golden Globes goody bag, which had an overall value of just under US$1 million. It hasn’t all been sunshine and roses, however. In April last year, the distillery announced job cuts and a reduction in production following “challenging headwinds” in the spirits industry. 8. Dingle Distillery, Republic of Ireland Distillery popularity index: 2326.0 County Kerry’s Dingle is known for producing both award-winning gins and Irish whiskeys. The distillery features dramatic surroundings, including a wild coastline and landscapes, and celebrated a major milestone last year with the release of a 10-year-old single malt. The distillery’s private tours and deep passion of its tour guides have proved a hit, judging by its top 10 standing, with drinkers able to sample its whiskey journey first-hand – from the first set of releases from 2016 to its first core single malt and now ten-year-old – and new gin flavours like Orange & Sea Salt. 7. Isle of Raasay Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,350.5 Hebridean distillery Isle of Raasay amped up its luxury accommodation offering last year with five new cabins (or bothies) that boast floor-to-ceiling views of the island’s countryside, while also debuting The Raasay Way experience to give guests a chance to live the life of a distiller for two days. Beyond its recognition on this list, it was also awarded in the top 10% places to visit worldwide by TripAdvisor. With an otter population to rival its human one in terms of numbers, and accessible by a scenic ferry, the distillery has grown into a popular spot for secluded – and luxurious – whisky retreats. 6. Cotswolds Distillery, England Distillery popularity index: 2,353.5 Cotswolds once topped this list in 2024, but has fallen out of the top five this year. It remains a focal point for English whisky, however, as a leading voice for the category’s geographical indication (GI) and with its participation in initiatives such as English Whisky Week. Not that one needs an extra incentive to visit its serene distillery in the English countryside, but Cotswolds also brought out an on-pack promotion on Ocado and at Waitrose locations in March, offering lucky shoppers trips. It also recently threw its name in the aperitivo hat with the launch of Wild Spritz. 5. Eden Mill Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,413.5 Eden Mill cut the ribbon on its new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor centre in St Andrews last October and, for good measure, was also one of our top distillery openings of 2025. Our thoughts seemed to align with the public, as it jumped up 18 places in this year’s list following its first full year of operation. The distillery suffered an immediate wobble with the threat of closure after opening, but equity firm Ruby Capital acquired the Eden Mill business and assets for an undisclosed sum in November. The site has a 40-seat cocktail bar with panoramic views and a retail space among its allures, plus a state-of-the-art golf simulator. 4. Kilchoman Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,433.0 The sole Islay representative on this list, Kilchoman’s grain-to-glass operation continues to be popular with whisky fans, where it grows its own barley and maltings on site. If there is, or was, one issue with its remote setting, it might have been the lack of 4G mobile coverage for visitors. This was fixed in March, however, after the implementation of a new EE mast on the west coast of Islay. “From a business perspective, our visitors are now able to post reviews and photos before they leave the site, something guests often forgot to do before, as they had to wait until they had a mobile signal,” said general manager Islay Heads. Heads also added that it’s not just the social media folk who win: “We can also now run live presentations and tastings from areas outside the distillery, which allows more people to see how our traditional farm distilling process works. It makes our ability to communicate with suppliers and team members much quicker as well.” 3. Lindores Abbey Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,448.5 Lindores Abbey founder Drew McKenzie Smith spoke to SB last year about how the guest experience is a key priority for the team, and the hard work is paying off with the distillery breaking into this year’s top three. McKenzie Smith said the distillery welcomes people from 70 different countries to its home in Fife, but it’s not just for the whisky. History draws in the punters too, with the site located across from the ruins of the Lindores Abbey monastery, widely regarded as the ‘spiritual home’ of Scotch. In February, the Lowlands whisky maker also confirmed it had made a small number of staff redundant following a strategic review. Last month, it unveiled a single malt called Nectere, which has been aged in four different types of Sherry casks. 2. Glenfiddich Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,537.5 Alongside warehouse experiences and masterclasses, Dufftown’s Glenfiddich offers three different tours: a Milestones tour that traces its 130-year history; a Malt Master tour that digs into the distillery’s solera process; and the Explorer tour, which offers a guided walk-through of the distillery, which saw its first drop of spirit on Christmas Day of 1887. For Scotch fans, this is hallowed ground. The big-name brand from William Grant & Sons also boasts one of the largest social media followi

MORIAH — WhistlePig Whiskey has sold its Moriah storage facility for $17 million, a move the firm says was designed to generate working capital. The storage and aging warehouses off Essex County Route 4 in Moriah’s Mineville hamlet were sold to Zags 26 LLC of Delaware and will be leased back to WhistlePig. × Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. kAm%96 4@>A2?J 5:5?’E C6A=J E@ 2 C6BF6DE 7@C :?7@C>2E:@?[ 3FE |@C:29 %@H? $FA6CG:D@C |2EE96H qC2DD2C5 D2:5 96 >6E H:E9 (9:DE=6!:8 C6AC6D6?E2E:G6D 23@FE E96 562=]k^Am kAm“%96J 5@?’E A=2? @? =62G:?8 E96 %@H? @7 |@C:29[” 96 D2:5] “(9:DE=6!:8 H:== C6>2:? @A6? 2?5 4@?E:?F6 ?@C>2= @A6C2E:@?D] %96 4@>A2?J 92D 6?E6C65 :?E@ 2 =62D6 28C66>6?E H:E9 E96 ?6H AC@A6CEJ @H?6CD 2?5 H:== 4@?E:?F6 @A6C2E:?8 7C@> E96 D:E6]”k^Am kAm(9:DE=6!:8’D |@C:29 @A6C2E:@? :D 46?E6C65 @? AC@A6CEJ E96J AFC492D65 :? E96 |@C:29 qFD:?6DD !2C< E92E H2D AC6G:@FD=J @H?65 3J E96 tDD6I r@F?EJ x?5FDEC:2= s6G6=@A>6?E p86?4J]k^Am kAm(9:DE=6!:8 H:== DE:== A2J AC@A6CEJ E2I6D 2?5 H2E6C 2?5 D6H6C 766D[ qC2DD2C5 D2:5]k^Am kAm“(9:DE=6!:8 92D ?6G6C C646:G65 2 E2I 3C62< 2?5 92D 2=H2JD A2:5 :ED 7F== AC@A6CEJ E2I6D[” 96 D2:5] “%92E H:== 4@?E:?F6 F?56C E96 ?6H 2CC2?86>6?E]”k^Am kAm+28D ae H2D :?4@CA@C2E65 :? s@G6C[ s6=2H2C6[ :? u63CF2CJ] %96 8C@FA @7 :?G6DE@CD 2=D@ 3@F89E A2CE @7 E96 zr (966= 6?E6CE2:?>6?E 4@>A=6I 2E z2?D2D r:EJ[ |:DD@FC:[ 7@C Sc >:==:@? :? yF?6]k^Am kAm|@C:29 '6?EFC6D[ (9:DE=6!:8’D =@42= 6?E:EJ[ 92D C6?6H65 :ED 5:DE:==6CJ =:46?D6 F?E:= a_ah H:E9 }6H *@C< DE2E6]k^Am kAm(9:DE=6!:8[ 32D65 :? $9@C692>[ '6C>@?E[ 5:DE:==D 2?5 D6==D CJ6 H9:D<6J] %96 4@>A2?J H2D 7@F?565 :? a__f]k^Am kAm%96 |@C:29 DE@C286 724:=:EJ 92D 2=D@ 366? 3=2>65 7@C 2 3=24< “H9:D<6J 7F?8FD” E92E DE2CE65 D9@H:?8 FA @? ?62C3J 9@>6D 2?5 3FD:?6DD6D] %96 7F?8FD :D 42FD65 3J 6D42A65 6E92?@= G2A@CD 7C@> 28:?8 32CC6=D :? 5:DE:==6C:6D]k^Am kAmx? a_ac[ (9:DE=6!:8 2?5 E96 }6H *@C< $E2E6 s6A2CE>6?E @7 t?G:C@?>6?E2= r@?D6CG2E:@? 6?E6C65 :?E@ 2? 28C66>6?E :? H9:49 (9:DE=6!:8 H@F=5 A2J 7@C 4=62?:?8 3F:=5:?8D H:E9:? 2 he_\J2C5 C25:FD @7 E96 H9:D<6J H2C69@FD6D]k^Am kAm%92E 4=62?:?8 H@?’E DE@A H:E9 E96 D2=6[ qC2DD2C5 D2:5]k^Am kAm“u@C 2?J@?6 H9@ 4FCC6?E=J H@C<D H:E9 (9:DE=6!:8 7@C D6CG:46D[ DF49 2D AC6DDFC6 H2D9:?8[ ?@E9:?8 H:== 492?86[” 96 D2:5] “%9@D6 D6CG:46D H:== 4@?E:?F6 2D FDF2=]”k^Am kAm(9:DE=6!:8 92D @?6 `ac[___\DBF2C6\7@@E 2?5 D6G6? `c[___\DBF2C6\7@@E H2C69@FD6D :? E96 |@C:29 qFD:?6DD !2C<]k^Am Commented Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.

For years, getting your hands on a Woodinville single barrel meant knowing a guy — a specific retailer, a whiskey club, or a trip to the distillery to bottle one yourself. That's about to change. Starting July 7, the Washington-based distillery is taking its Single Barrel Cask Strength 7 Year Bourbon and Single Barrel Cask Strength 7 Year 100% Rye national for the first time, both at an MSRP of $69.99. The program, like most single barrels, requires a good bit of sampling: "I personally taste hundreds of barrels and pick only the best ones for this offering to ensure they are something very special," head distiller Brett Carlile says. All of his picks are aged at least seven years, which he says "adds a tremendous amount of depth and character." Because every bottle comes from one barrel, the proof shifts from release to release — that's the deal with cask strength, uncut and unfiltered. Another interesting fact: a single barrel yields around 180 bottles on average, so even "national" here doesn't mean unlimited. Both will be available at retail nationwide, online, at the Woodinville tasting room (open daily), and at the brand's newer Quincy, WA location, which runs by appointment. From Washington state to national Woodinville was started in 2009 by two lifelong best friends, Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, who had zero whiskey experience and cold-called the late Dave Pickerell — the Maker's Mark legend — to mentor them. Grain-to-glass, a single-family farm in Quincy, the whole thing. Luxury giant Moët Hennessy eventually bought them in 2017, but the craft bona fides are real. For a brand like that, a nationwide single barrel is almost guaranteed to be interesting. This is the stuff whiskey nerds actively hunt, precisely because it's inconsistent; no two barrels taste alike, and the proof goes with it. Keeping that program hand-picked while scaling it nationally is a real needle to thread — and at $69.99, this isn't the $200-plus allocation-bait a lot of "limited" cask strength turns into. It's a barrel-proof, single-barrel whiskey you could theoretically just walk in and buy, which feels like a relief in 2026. Where to Buy It Both expressions roll out nationally at retail and online at woodinvillewhiskeyco.com starting July 7, at $69.99 each. You can also grab them in person at the Woodinville tasting room (open daily) or the newer Quincy, WA spot, which takes appointments.

Former Westward Whiskey Blender Miles Munroe Launches New Brand Miles Munroe, former Master Blender for Westward Whiskey and a pioneer of the American Single Malt whiskey category, announced his departure from the company after 13 years of shaping Westward’s celebrated whiskey portfolio. A former musician, bartender, and brewer, Munroe attended the American Brewers Guild, which helped bring a unique approach to whiskey craftsmanship—blending brewing techniques with distillation and emphasizing the distinctive character of Pacific Northwest malted barley. His leadership was instrumental in developing Westward’s American Single Malt category, overseeing flagship releases, innovative cask experiments, and acclaimed special editions, including Westward Whiskey Milestone and Double Dark. Late last year, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the sale of most of Westward Whiskey’s assets to a group of private investors. The company continues to operate under the leadership of long-time CEO Thomas Mooney. Reflecting on his time at Westward in a news release, Munroe said: “Looking back on 13 years with Westward, I’m proud of my accomplishments there. Helping to pioneer a new category of American whiskey meant the world to me, and the innovation I brought to the Whiskey Club there helped push the whiskey category into a new era. It’s time now to begin the next chapter of my career, and what comes next will build on these past accomplishments.” Munroe recently announced the launch of his new brand, Grimoire Spirits, along with the Grimoire Whiskey Society, a members-only whiskey club. He will continue to develop unique, one-of-a-kind blends and plans to release small-batch products globally, further contributing to the evolution and innovation of American whiskey. “Grimoire Spirits is a notion that has been slowly forming for quite a while, maybe longer than I’ve realized,” Munroe said. “Years of restyling how flavors come together, with a reverence for balance & depth, have led me to conjure up this new venture. This gives me the chance to blend with complete freedom and to explore an unlimited world of cask combinations uncovered from some of my favorite places. Grimoire will begin with a tailor-made whiskey club curated for those who appreciate going beyond the cursory glance at whiskey blends, with releases that gain richer insights into why we love this spirit and what casks still lie undiscovered, waiting for their moment. “Grimoire Whiskey Club wants its members to come along for the journey, digging deeper and having a great time along the way. Further down the line, Grimoire Spirits will also trek into a range of other Old World spirits to exhume more casks and apply my blending style there as well. Stay tuned, stay intrigued, and join us for the ride.” Read more: New Life for Westward Whiskey: Court Approves Asset Sale

This permanent addition to the range marks an important milestone in the distillery’s journey. “From the outset, our ambition has been to create spirits that share the story of our island with the world. “Our new dram has been crafted with moments of relaxed enjoyment very much in mind - “The Isle of Harris Whisky joins The Hearach - Distiller blender Shona Macleod, said: “From the very beginning, we’ve been shaping a whisky portfolio that reflects the character of Harris. “With Isle of Harris Whisky, we wanted to create a spirit that feels both distinctive and approachable, full of our island’s character, without losing any of that sense of place. “Much like the natural environment of Harris that we are so inspired by, we have evolved over the years, too. This new dram is a reflection of that evolution.” The firm says expanding the whisky portfolio will also help bring more visitors to the island, support continued investment, and create new opportunities for the future. Islanders and visitors will have the chance to purchase bottles from the HebCelt shop and sample the new whisky neat or in a highball at the Isle of Harris Distillery tent. The whisky will then be available online from 22 July via harrisdistillery.com. A wider roll out will begin in August across UK speciality retailers and international markets. New Isle of Harris single malt whisky

If you ever find yourself in Dufftown, stopping by the oldest distillery in the area is a very good idea. We’re talking, of course, about Mortlach Distillery. The whisky maker has been around since 1823, just six years after Dufftown itself was founded. That it’s the oldest distillery in the Whisky Capital of the World is clear, but where does the name come from? Mortlach isn’t just a name the distillery’s founder plucked out of thin air. It’s a name with deep roots in Scotch whisky history. There are several theories about the exact meaning of Mortlach. Multiple interpretations exist, both stemming from Gaelic. Where does the name Mortlach whisky come from? The name could, for example, refer to a “bowl-shaped valley.” That would fit the site of the distillery in Speyside. Another explanation is that Mortlach means “great green hill.” That, too, suits the Dufftown landscape, which is dotted with rolling hills. In any case, the meaning of the name Mortlach is directly tied to Dufftown or more precisely, to the parish and settlement where the distillery was built. Dufftown once formed part of Banffshire and lies within the old parish of Mortlach. It is one of Scotland’s 13 dioceses, with figures such as Beóán of Mortlach associated with it. When Dufftown was established in 1817, the old place name Mortlach largely fell out of use. Thankfully, the distillery kept the name alive through a whisky that’s known the world over as The Beast of Dufftown. The Beast of Dufftown: a whisky with a friendly nature Mortlach’s whisky is known as a powerful Speyside single malt with a complex character. Where many Speyside whiskies lean fruity, floral, and elegant, Mortlach also brings a robust, almost meaty depth. That style is born of an exceptionally intricate distillation process that contributes, among other things, subtle sulfurous aromas. These notes deliver a balanced, meaty character, and the whisky also carries umami tones. So the next time you raise a Mortlach to your lips, remember that The Beast of Dufftown has a deep, historical meaning. And don’t be put off by the ferocious nickname, the whisky is well-balanced and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a reflective moment with a dram. Want to discover more whisky names? Find them on the Whisky Names Explained page. FAQ - Where does the name Mortlach come from? The name Mortlach likely comes from Gaelic and may refer to a “bowl-shaped valley” or a “big green hill”. - Why is Mortlach important to Dufftown? Mortlach is Dufftown’s oldest legal distillery. It was founded in 1823, just 6 years after Dufftown itself. - Why is Mortlach called The Beast of Dufftown? Mortlach is known for its bold, full-bodied and almost meaty whisky style, which earned it the nickname The Beast of Dufftown.

2026-07-06 India and the United Kingdom’s new trade pact is set to lower India’s import duty on Scotch whisky and gin from the U.K. to 75% on July 15, down from 150%, with a further cut to 40% scheduled for 2036, according to an analysis published Monday by the law firm Dentons Link Legal. The tariff change is part of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, signed by India and Britain on July 24, 2025. The agreement aims to expand bilateral trade by 2030 from a level the firm said is now about $56 billion. For spirits producers, importers and distributors, the immediate effect is likely to be felt in one of the world’s most important whisky markets, where lower border duties could reshape pricing, margins and market-entry plans for British brands. India is already the largest Scotch whisky market in the world by volume. Dentons Link Legal said imports were about 192 million bottles in 2024 and rose to more than 200 million bottles in 2025. That scale helps explain why the tariff reduction matters well beyond customs policy. It could make premium Scotch and British gin more competitive in India, even if final shelf prices do not fall in a simple or uniform way. That is because the central tariff cut does not remove the many other taxes and controls that govern alcohol sales in India. Alcohol remains heavily regulated at the state level, and excise duties imposed by individual states will continue unchanged unless local governments decide otherwise. In practice, that means any benefit from lower import duties may be reduced, delayed or uneven across India depending on where a product is sold. The legal structure is central to understanding how the market works. Under India’s constitutional system, production, manufacture, possession, transport, purchase and sale of alcohol are largely state matters. Each state has its own excise laws, licensing rules and compliance requirements. Some states allow private operators to work directly once they secure permits. Others require companies to operate through state beverage corporations that control imports, supply or distribution. For British distillers and Indian import partners, that creates a more complicated picture than the headline tariff cut suggests. A company may gain relief at the border while still facing high state levies, monopoly distribution systems or separate approvals for warehousing, transport and retail access. The result is that commercial strategy in India often depends as much on state-by-state planning as on national trade policy. The agreement arrives as Indian consumers have shown growing interest in premium international drinks. That trend has supported stronger imports not only from Britain but also from countries such as France and the United States. In that context, lower tariffs on Scotch and gin could intensify competition in imported spirits and put pressure on rivals to rethink pricing and portfolio strategy. The implications extend across the beverage business. Importers may revisit volume forecasts, distributors may renegotiate terms, and retailers may adjust shelf space toward higher-margin imported labels if demand strengthens. Domestic producers may also face a more competitive premium segment, especially in whisky, where imported brands carry strong recognition among urban consumers. Still, any expectation of a straightforward boom is tempered by India’s strict rules on alcohol marketing. National regulations prohibit direct advertising of alcohol on cable television and restrict print promotion of products that encourage drinking. India has also tightened its stance on surrogate advertising, a practice in which alcohol brands promote soda water, music CDs or other legal products using branding closely tied to liquor labels. Under current rules, advertisements can be treated as unlawful surrogate promotions if they indirectly signal an alcohol product or use brand names, logos, colors or presentation associated with restricted goods. At the same time, Indian standards recognize some legitimate brand extensions if they meet specific conditions related to market presence and proportional advertising spend. State laws add another layer. In many parts of India, restrictions focus on publications or promotions that solicit liquor consumption rather than every mention of an alcohol brand. That can leave room for limited forms of communication such as editorial coverage, event sponsorships or tasting events, though these too must be handled carefully under local law. Food safety compliance is another major hurdle for imported spirits. Alcoholic beverages are treated as food under Indian law and must comply with standards covering classification, alcoholic strength, ingredients, additives and safety parameters. Importers need appropriate licenses under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India framework as well as importer-exporter registration. At ports of entry, imported alcohol is subject to document review, visual inspection and risk-based sampling through India’s food import clearance system. Labels must include product description, alcoholic strength, net quantity, importer details, country of origin and batch identification, among other disclosures. Health warnings are also required, and some states impose additional labeling rules. Competition law is another area drawing attention in India’s alcohol sector. Dentons Link Legal noted recent allegations involving major industry players accused of colluding with retailers or using discounts and incentives to secure dominant shelf space while excluding rival whiskies. Such cases underscore that foreign suppliers entering India under more favorable tariff terms may still face close scrutiny over distribution arrangements and retailer relationships. For beverage companies, this means the trade deal opens an opportunity but not a simple path. Lower customs duties can improve landed costs for Scotch whisky and British gin, which may support broader distribution or more aggressive premium positioning. But those gains will depend on how companies navigate excise structures, licensing systems, labeling rules and competition risks across multiple Indian states. The timing matters for both sides of the trade. British spirits exporters have long viewed India as a high-potential market constrained by steep tariffs. With the first major duty cut taking effect July 15, companies now have a clearer basis for planning shipments, pricing models and partnerships over the next decade. Indian importers and hospitality buyers are also likely to reassess portfolios as they weigh whether reduced duties can translate into stronger demand in bars, hotels and retail shops. Whether consumers see meaningful price reductions will vary by brand and market. Import duty is only one part of the final cost of a bottle in India. State excise taxes, logistics expenses, distributor margins and retail markups all remain significant factors. Even so, the tariff cut changes the economics enough to make India an even more important battleground for global spirits companies competing for growth in Asia. For whisky in particular, the shift could influence everything from launch calendars to bottle formats and premiumization strategies. Brands that previously struggled to justify expansion because of high duties may now test broader distribution or move into new cities. Others may use the lower tariff burden to protect margins rather than cut prices sharply. That makes the agreement important not only as a trade measure but also as a signal for the wider drinks industry. In a market where taxes often determine what reaches shelves and at what price, even a partial reduction can alter investment decisions across importing, distribution and retail. For Scotch whisky and British gin producers looking at India’s scale and rising appetite for premium spirits, July 15 marks a significant change in market access even if many barriers remain firmly in place.

A Western Isles distillery has announced the launch of its new single malt Scotch whisky. Isle of Harris Whisky is the latest product launched by the Isle of Harris Distillery, which is made entirely on the island and joins the company's list of drinks, including their debut, Isle of Harris Gin and the inaugural whisky, The Hearach Single Malt Whisky. Each bottle is priced at £50 RRP and will be first available to buy exclusively from the distillery shop in Tarbert from 14 July, before being made available to purchase online from 22 July on the Isle of Harris Distillery website. Buyers will also be able to buy a bottle from the HebCelt shop from 15 to 18 July, as well as being able to sample the product at the Isle of Harris Distillery tent. The team is also hosting a ceilidh at the distillery that evening to celebrate the launch. According to the distillery, the whisky has notes of butterscotch, floral sweetness and spice. It's lightly peated and matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. Ron MacEachran, Executive Chairman of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: “The Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky emphasises how far we’ve come as a distillery over the last 10 years. From the outset, our ambition has been to create spirits that share the story of our island with the world. Our new dram has been crafted with moments of relaxed enjoyment very much in mind – made to pour, share, and savour with friends. “The Isle of Harris Whisky joins The Hearach – the distillery’s inaugural single malt and defining North Star - and The Oloroso to create a more complete and balanced range. Together, these whiskies offer different flavour profiles, price points, and occasions for enjoyment, while staying true to the same uncompromising standards.” The permanent addition to the distiller's growing range of products marks a milestone for the distillery as it has gone from being a single spirit brand to now being a globally recognised company. Following 10 years of whisky distilling and maturation, it is now able to introduce a broader core whisky range. Shona Macleod, Distillery Blender at Isle of Harris Distillery, said: “From the very beginning, we’ve been shaping a whisky portfolio that reflects the character of Harris. With Isle of Harris Whisky, we wanted to create a spirit that feels both distinctive and approachable, full of our island’s character, without losing any of that sense of place. Much like the natural environment of Harris that we are so inspired by, we have evolved over the years, too. This new dram is a reflection of that evolution." “The combination of bourbon and Oloroso casks brings warmth, sweetness and gentle spice, while the light peat adds depth without overpowering the spirit. Made, matured, and married in the Isle of Harris, it’s a whisky designed to be enjoyed with family and friends, perfect in a highball or a simple serve, and always with a sense of connection to the island it comes from.” The Hearach and The Oloroso will also be available as part of the Isle of Harris Single Malt Scotch Whisky portfolio, with updated labelling, new gift boxes and a simplified presentation that brings greater consistency across the company's branding.

Global Scotch Whisky Market To Expand At 6.6% CAGR During The Forecast Period The Business Research Company’s Scotch Whisky Global Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Forecast 2026-2035 LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, July 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The scotch whisky market has experienced notable growth recently, driven by evolving consumer preferences and expanding global demand for premium spirits. As interest in high-quality alcoholic beverages rises, this sector is set to continue its upward trajectory. Below is a detailed overview of the scotch whisky market’s size, growth factors, key drivers, and regional outlook. Projected Market Size and Growth Trajectory for the Scotch Whisky Market The scotch whisky market has steadily expanded over the past few years. It is anticipated to increase from $10.23 billion in 2025 to $10.88 billion in 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. This historical growth is largely due to rising global consumption of premium alcoholic drinks, the growing appeal of scotch whisky in emerging markets, developments in hospitality and tourism sectors, heightened demand for aged whisky products, and the strong heritage and brand reputation associated with scotch whisky. Download a free sample of the scotch whisky market report: https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample_request?id=80011934&type=smp&utm_source=EINPresswire&utm_medium=Paid&utm_campaign=Jun_PR Looking ahead, the market is expected to maintain robust growth, reaching $14.06 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.6%. Factors driving this future expansion include a surge in demand for luxury and collectible whisky varieties, the rapid growth of online alcohol retail platforms, heightened consumer interest in craft and artisanal whisky offerings, increased investment in innovative premium packaging, and the broadening of global distribution networks for scotch whisky brands. Key trends during this period will include a rising preference for premium and aged scotch whisky, popularity of limited edition and small batch releases, growing consumer attraction to single malt varieties, and heightened demand for premium gift packaging and online purchasing channels. Understanding Scotch Whisky and Its Production Process Scotch whisky is a distilled spirit made exclusively in Scotland, crafted using malted barley or other grains, water, and yeast. The production involves several stages: mashing, fermentation, distillation, and an aging process, where the whisky matures in oak casks for a minimum legally required period. The result is a distinctively flavored beverage known worldwide for its unique taste profiles and quality standards. View the full scotch whisky market report: https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/scotch-whisky-market-report?utm_source=EINPresswire&utm_medium=Paid&utm_campaign=Jun_PR Luxury Alcoholic Beverages as a Major Growth Driver for Scotch Whisky The rising demand for luxury alcoholic beverages is a significant factor accelerating growth in the scotch whisky market. Luxury drinks, which include rare whiskies, fine wines, and aged spirits, are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, exclusivity, and premium price points. Increasing disposable incomes enable more consumers to invest in these high-end products. Scotch whisky stands out as a prime segment within this category due to its meticulous aging process, superior quality, rich heritage, and considerable market value. For instance, in February 2025, the Scotch Whisky Association, a prominent UK whisky trade body, reported that global Scotch whisky exports reached $7.13 billion (£5.4 billion) in 2024, with approximately 1.4 billion bottles shipped worldwide. Although export values were slightly higher in 2023 at $7.39 billion (£5.6 billion), this strong export volume reflects sustained demand for premium Scotch whisky. This growing preference for luxury alcoholic beverages is a key force driving market expansion. Europe’s Lead and Asia-Pacific’s Rapid Growth Potential in Scotch Whisky Europe held the largest share of the scotch whisky market in 2025, benefiting from well-established consumption patterns and mature distribution networks. However, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market in the coming years, fueled by increasing consumer interest and rising disposable incomes in emerging economies. The scotch whisky market report encompasses multiple regions, including Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East and Africa, providing a comprehensive global perspective on market trends and opportunities. 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Isle of Harris Distillery has launched Isle of Harris Whisky, a new signature single malt Scotch that will anchor its expanding whisky portfolio. The core expression, priced at £50, will go on sale first at the distillery shop in Tarbert on 14 July before rolling out online and internationally. The whisky is made entirely on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. It joins The Hearach and The Oloroso under a restructured range aligned more closely with the Isle of Harris name. The lightly peated whisky is matured in a combination of first-fill ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. According to the official notes from the brand, it carries flavors of butterscotch, floral sweetness and gentle spice. The distillery, which opened in 2015 and has now completed 10 years of whisky distilling and maturation, said that the milestone has allowed it to build the stock reserves needed to support consistent global supply and future innovation. Ron MacEachran, executive chairman of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: “The Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky emphasises how far we’ve come as a distillery over the last 10 years. From the outset, our ambition has been to create spirits that share the story of our island with the world.” He added: “The Isle of Harris Whisky joins The Hearach – the distillery’s inaugural single malt and defining North Star – and The Oloroso to create a more complete and balanced range.” MacEachran said the launch supports long-term international growth. “By aligning our whisky more closely under the Isle of Harris name, we’re building on the global recognition already established through Isle of Harris Gin,” he explained. Shona Macleod, distillery blender at Isle of Harris Distillery, described the aim of the new expression. “With Isle of Harris Whisky, we wanted to create a spirit that feels both distinctive and approachable, without losing any of that sense of place,” she said. “The combination of bourbon and Oloroso casks brings warmth, sweetness and gentle spice, while the light peat adds depth without overpowering the spirit.” The distillery will host a ceilidh on 14 July to mark the release. Celebrations continue at the HebCelt festival in Stornoway on 15-18 July, where visitors can sample the whisky neat or in a highball. Bottles will be available online from 22 July via harrisdistillery.com. A wider rollout begins in August across UK speciality retailers and key international markets, including the US, Germany and France. The Hearach and The Oloroso will continue under the Isle of Harris Single Malt Scotch Whisky umbrella, with updated labelling, new gift boxes and a revised naming structure.

Port of Leith Distillery launches Table Whisky cans The Edinburgh distillery’s new cans of single grain whisky were designed to open up more occasions for enjoying Scotch. Table Whisky is now available in 100ml cans at an RRP of £6.50 (US$8.50) from the Port of Leith Distillery shop and select off-trade locations. It is distilled in Edinburgh, matured in a combination of new oak and Sherry casks, and blended in Leith before being bottled at 43% ABV. The new cans are said to contain two 50ml serves, which Port of Leith said could be ‘enjoyed straight from the can, poured over ice, or mixed into the brand’s signature Table Ginger serve – with plenty of ice, ginger ale and wedge of lime’. Vaibhav Sood, head of whisky at Port of Leith Distillery, said: “Table Whisky has always been about making Scotch whisky feel uncomplicated and approachable, without compromising on flavour. We wanted to create a whisky people could enjoy however they prefer, whether that’s neat, over ice or mixed. “The can is simply another expression of that same idea. It’s the same whisky, just in a format that fits more occasions. Whether you’re at home or travelling further afield, you can now quite literally take the table with you.” Table Whisky is produced by Port of Leith Distillery’s bottling arm, Leith Bond, and is also available in 700ml bottles at RRP £36.50 (US$49) and 50ml miniatures for RRP £6.50 (US$8.50). The £12 million (US$14.5m) Port of Leith distillery opened its doors in October 2023. Described as Scotland’s ‘first vertical distillery’, it has the capacity to produce up to one million bottles of single malt whisky per year. The ready-to-drink category continues to grow, with sales surpassing £700m (US$948m) in the UK off-trade last year. Related news

The Port of Leith Distillery Table Whisky cans are a new offering from the brand that's projected to transform the scotch whiskey market with its convenient format. The new cans come in at 100ml in size to offer two 50ml serves, which can be enjoyed straight from the can, served over ice or paired with ginger ale and lime for the brand's Table Ginger cocktail. The 43% ABV spirit responds to the popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails as consumers gravitate towards convenience-led alcohol experiences and also prioritizes accessibility by allowing for small-scale purchases that are more budget-friendly. Head of Whisky at Port of Leith Distillery Vaibhav Sood spoke on the Port of Leith Distillery Table Whisky cans saying, "Table Whisky has always been about making Scotch whisky feel uncomplicated and approachable, without compromising on flavour. We wanted to create a whisky people could enjoy however they prefer, whether that’s neat, over ice or mixed. The can is simply another expression of that same idea. It’s the same whisky, just in a format that fits more occasions. Whether you’re at home or travelling further afield, you can now quite literally take the table with you." Canned Scotch Whiskey Spirits The Port of Leith Distillery Table Whisky Cans are Single-Serve Trend Themes - Single-serve Spirits — Compact canned formats make premium whisky more accessible by lowering purchase barriers and fitting consumption occasions beyond traditional bottle service. - Approachable Whisky — A less formal positioning around Scotch creates room for younger and casual drinkers to explore the category through flexible serving rituals. - Portable Premiumization — Premium alcoholic beverages in travel-friendly packaging blend convenience with quality, reshaping expectations for where and how higher-end spirits are consumed. Industry Implications - Alcoholic Beverages — The spirits market is being influenced by packaging innovations that translate heritage products into modern, lower-commitment formats. - Ready-to-drink Cocktails — RTD culture is expanding beyond premixed cocktails as base spirits adopt convenient formats suitable for neat pours, ice serves, and simple mixers. - Convenience Retail — Smaller-format premium alcohol products create new shelf opportunities for impulse purchases, gifting, and affordable trial in everyday retail settings.

Top 10 most popular whisky distilleries in 2026 Cask Connoisseur has released its annual ranking of the UK and Ireland’s favourite whisky distilleries, but which producer came out on top? Now in its fourth year, the list is created by The Cask Connoisseur, which is run by Luke Slater, beer connoisseur, Chris Walster, whisky connoisseur, and Isobel Walster, marketing connoisseur. The index is taken from an overall score of 3,564, which analyses figures from the number of Google ratings and reviews, TripAdvisor ratings and reviews, and social media metrics covering facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. If data was unavailable, a score of 0 was given. The Cask Connoisseur noted that the list isn’t ranking the quality of spirits being produced, but each distillery’s online popularity, visitor reputation and social media reach. This year’s study featured 295 distilleries from the UK and the Ireland. The 2026 top 10 featured no distilleries from Northern Ireland or Wales, with Copeland Distillery placing highest for the former (in 19th position) and Penderyn for the latter (in 25th place). Scotland dominated the top 10 with six distilleries. However, it was a producer from the Republic of Ireland that was deemed to be the region’s most loved. Scroll down to find out which distillery came out on top. 10. Micil Distillery, Republic of Ireland Distillery popularity index: 2,313.5 Galway’s Micil Distillery leapt back into this year’s top 10 with a 14-place rise. The distillery placed sixth when the list debuted back in 2023. When it opened in Salthill in 2016, Micil became Galway’s first legal distillery in more than 100 years, making Irish whiskey, gin and poítín. It is owned and operated by brothers Pádraic and Jimín Ó Griallais, who are sixth-generation Connemara poitín distillers and direct descendants of Micil Mac Chearra, the family’s original distiller. According to Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) data, Micil also ranked second in Irish whiskey distillery visitor experiences that showed the most growth for the 12 months up to June 2025. 9. Isle of Harris Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,320.0 The biggest climber in this year’s top 10 was Isle of Harris, which rose 23 spots from position 32. The distillery, located in the Outer Hebrides, celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and was busy in the new product realm with releases in global travel retail and in collaboration with menswear brand Sunspel. Perhaps its greatest moment came when it made its star turn in the Golden Globes goody bag, which had an overall value of just under US$1 million. It hasn’t all been sunshine and roses, however. In April last year, the distillery announced job cuts and a reduction in production following “challenging headwinds” in the spirits industry. 8. Dingle Distillery, Republic of Ireland Distillery popularity index: 2326.0 County Kerry’s Dingle is known for producing both award-winning gins and Irish whiskeys. The distillery features dramatic surroundings, including a wild coastline and landscapes, and celebrated a major milestone last year with the release of a 10-year-old single malt. The distillery’s private tours and deep passion of its tour guides have proved a hit, judging by its top 10 standing, with drinkers able to sample its whiskey journey first-hand – from the first set of releases from 2016 to its first core single malt and now ten-year-old – and new gin flavours like Orange & Sea Salt. 7. Isle of Raasay Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,350.5 Hebridean distillery Isle of Raasay amped up its luxury accommodation offering last year with five new cabins (or bothies) that boast floor-to-ceiling views of the island’s countryside, while also debuting The Raasay Way experience to give guests a chance to live the life of a distiller for two days. Beyond its recognition on this list, it was also awarded in the top 10% places to visit worldwide by TripAdvisor. With an otter population to rival its human one in terms of numbers, and accessible by a scenic ferry, the distillery has grown into a popular spot for secluded – and luxurious – whisky retreats. 6. Cotswolds Distillery, England Distillery popularity index: 2,353.5 Cotswolds once topped this list in 2024, but has fallen out of the top five this year. It remains a focal point for English whisky, however, as a leading voice for the category’s geographical indication (GI) and with its participation in initiatives such as English Whisky Week. Not that one needs an extra incentive to visit its serene distillery in the English countryside, but Cotswolds also brought out an on-pack promotion on Ocado and at Waitrose locations in March, offering lucky shoppers trips. It also recently threw its name in the aperitivo hat with the launch of Wild Spritz. 5. Eden Mill Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,413.5 Eden Mill cut the ribbon on its new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor centre in St Andrews last October and, for good measure, was also one of our top distillery openings of 2025. Our thoughts seemed to align with the public, as it jumped up 18 places in this year’s list following its first full year of operation. The distillery suffered an immediate wobble with the threat of closure after opening, but equity firm Ruby Capital acquired the Eden Mill business and assets for an undisclosed sum in November. The site has a 40-seat cocktail bar with panoramic views and a retail space among its allures, plus a state-of-the-art golf simulator. 4. Kilchoman Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,433.0 The sole Islay representative on this list, Kilchoman’s grain-to-glass operation continues to be popular with whisky fans, where it grows its own barley and maltings on site. If there is, or was, one issue with its remote setting, it might have been the lack of 4G mobile coverage for visitors. This was fixed in March, however, after the implementation of a new EE mast on the west coast of Islay. “From a business perspective, our visitors are now able to post reviews and photos before they leave the site, something guests often forgot to do before, as they had to wait until they had a mobile signal,” said general manager Islay Heads. Heads also added that it’s not just the social media folk who win: “We can also now run live presentations and tastings from areas outside the distillery, which allows more people to see how our traditional farm distilling process works. It makes our ability to communicate with suppliers and team members much quicker as well.” 3. Lindores Abbey Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,448.5 Lindores Abbey founder Drew McKenzie Smith spoke to SB last year about how the guest experience is a key priority for the team, and the hard work is paying off with the distillery breaking into this year’s top three. McKenzie Smith said the distillery welcomes people from 70 different countries to its home in Fife, but it’s not just for the whisky. History draws in the punters too, with the site located across from the ruins of the Lindores Abbey monastery, widely regarded as the ‘spiritual home’ of Scotch. In February, the Lowlands whisky maker also confirmed it had made a small number of staff redundant following a strategic review. Last month, it unveiled a single malt called Nectere, which has been aged in four different types of Sherry casks. 2. Glenfiddich Distillery, Scotland Distillery popularity index: 2,537.5 Alongside warehouse experiences and masterclasses, Dufftown’s Glenfiddich offers three different tours: a Milestones tour that traces its 130-year history; a Malt Master tour that digs into the distillery’s solera process; and the Explorer tour, which offers a guided walk-through of the distillery, which saw its first drop of spirit on Christmas Day of 1887. For Scotch fans, this is hallowed ground. The big-name brand from William Grant & Sons also boasts one of the largest social media followi

Port of Leith Distillery launches Table Whisky cans The Edinburgh distillery’s new cans of single grain whisky were designed to open up more occasions for enjoying Scotch. Table Whisky is now available in 100ml cans at an RRP of £6.50 (US$8.50) from the Port of Leith Distillery shop and select off-trade locations. It is distilled in Edinburgh, matured in a combination of new oak and Sherry casks, and blended in Leith before being bottled at 43% ABV. The new cans are said to contain two 50ml serves, which Port of Leith said could be ‘enjoyed straight from the can, poured over ice, or mixed into the brand’s signature Table Ginger serve – with plenty of ice, ginger ale and wedge of lime’. Vaibhav Sood, head of whisky at Port of Leith Distillery, said: “Table Whisky has always been about making Scotch whisky feel uncomplicated and approachable, without compromising on flavour. We wanted to create a whisky people could enjoy however they prefer, whether that’s neat, over ice or mixed. “The can is simply another expression of that same idea. It’s the same whisky, just in a format that fits more occasions. Whether you’re at home or travelling further afield, you can now quite literally take the table with you.” Table Whisky is produced by Port of Leith Distillery’s bottling arm, Leith Bond, and is also available in 700ml bottles at RRP £36.50 (US$49) and 50ml miniatures for RRP £6.50 (US$8.50). The £12 million (US$14.5m) Port of Leith distillery opened its doors in October 2023. Described as Scotland’s ‘first vertical distillery’, it has the capacity to produce up to one million bottles of single malt whisky per year. The ready-to-drink category continues to grow, with sales surpassing £700m (US$948m) in the UK off-trade last year. Related news

What’s on Your Table? | Ep. 21: Whiskey Taco PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) — For this week’s episode of What’s on Your Table? the crew took a trip to Pekin to join the Whiskey Taco Fan club. Whiskey Taco serves what they call a ‘fresh-mex flair’ menu and is run by owner Lynzie Gruden with help from her son and General Manager Brady Gruden. This restaurant takes a little south of the border cuisine, puts its own flair on it, and serves it alongside classics like chicken wings. Alongside tacos and wings, they offer a wide variety of options, including grain bowls -essentially a burrito in a bowl with rice — quesadillas, and soups, among many others. “We have a lot of different types of food, actually, a lot of people box us in to just tacos or maybe just Mexican, but we are actually a little more of a street-style food restaurant,” Lynzie said. “So we have kind of a Southern California ‘fresh-mex flair.'” Lynzie says the goal was to never open a restaurant, but when a career change was on the horizon, she jumped at the chance. “It was really a wild hair, not anything we set out to do, but I had visited a restaurant in 2021 in Connecticut, and for some reason it stuck with me, not intending to open a restaurant, I just loved the style of food,” she said. “And two years later, when I was trying to find what I wanted to do next in my career, that little lightbulb came back on.” Brady said one major factor in the restaurant’s success has been its uniqueness. Advertisement “[To be successful] You need to be different, you need to be able to adapt to the environment,” he said. ” We are doing new specials every week, and every month we have a new dessert.” As for the name, Whiskey Taco? That idea came from Lynzie’s husband and former Peoria Riverman player, Luke Gruden, when she was brainstorming names and trying to find one that fit their Mexican food, but it didn’t lock them into just that market. As for the future of Whiskey Taco, they continue to expand to serve as many people as possible. They are working to expand their catering and ability to accompany large parties. Brady said he eventually plans to open a new store in warmer climates while exploring franchising options later on — and if he gets his way, putting the operation on wheels with a food truck. WMBD+ is free to download on Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV devices. To learn more about streaming exclusive Central Illinois programming, visit CIProud.com. Here’s a small taste of what you can expect at Whiskey Taco. The full episode of What’s On Your Table with an interview of Lynzie and Brady and the crew’s reaction streams for free on WMBD+. WMBD+ is free to download on Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV devices. To learn more about streaming exclusive Central Illinois programming, visit CIProud.com. Have a must-try restaurant in the area? Let us know by emailing us at news@wmbd.com. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.

Whiskey Ranch plans unique cowboy experience for World Cup visitors in KC KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Businesses big and small are looking for ways to capitalize on the World Cup coming to Kansas City. Now, add a ranch to the list. Just 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City, Whiskey Ranch is teaching fútbol fans a little something about the country. KC2026 to host World Cup safety exercises at WWI Museum Tuesday Whiskey Ranch is one of the ranches that Jim Mueller owns, and it’s more than just a show they plan to put on. In fact, it’s a real ranch. “This isn’t something that we just through together or created for the World Cup, this is a real working ranch…It was really important to showcase a piece of Kansas City that they can’t see really anywhere else,” Ginna Ancona the Director of Experiences said. For the first time ever they are opening up the ranch to the public. So what can you expect to see? They’re planning specific themed days for each of the base camp teams located here in the metro. They will have a full show in the arena, herding cattle, and guided horse rides across hundreds of acres of land. FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour stops at Kansas City’s Power & Light Visitors will also get the opportunity to see a very rare white buffalo, said to signal that your dreams are coming true, and even pet Kevin the camel. Advertisement Guests can learn what it takes to be a real cowboy, ride longhorns, and take in unique sights including a sheep from Switzerland. And after all that, the experience ends inside the Whiskey Ranch cabin, where barbecue is cooked and guests are well fed. The ranch currently hosts corporate events and more, but this expansion is aimed at a global audience. “We want everybody to go back to their home country and tell all their friends about the cowboy lifestyle we have an unbelievable life that we get to lead…We’re going to be introducing you to the western lifestyle – you can come in here in a pair of shorts and tennis shoes and have a great time, eat a great barbeque meal, hopefully…” Mueller said. At its core, this is a business cashing in on the world stage Kansas City is about to trot in on. Just another example of how the world’s game and the biggest sporting event the U.S. has ever hosted, will open doors for so many here in our own backyard. Sip, savor, and explore Jazzoo at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium If you would like more information, you can visit their websiteand click the tab labeled “Experience.” The first day they will open will be June 1st. They plan to continue hosting people once the World Cup is over. The ranch will also be offering 25 percent off for people from the metro area. A portion of every ticket sale will go to the Whiskey Ranch Foundation which helps students seeking an education in this space. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Bourbon isn’t generally my go-to summer drink, and I’m not alone in this. In the summer most of us are more apt to grab a frozen margarita or mojito than a bourbon-fueled Manhattan cocktail, Old Fashioned, or even a Mint Julep. But this year, in part because of the increased fervor around Independence Day celebrations due to America 250, I’ve been increasingly drawn to bourbon, arguably the most American of spirits. This has reminded me that bourbon is a wonderful mixer for summer cocktails. Mint Juleps are as refreshing as anything, and there is no backyard barbecue cocktail that I enjoy quite as much as a bourbon and Coke, which is becoming a bit of a guilty pleasure. The best bourbons have a smooth corn sweetness that often literally tastes of the American heartland and makes bourbon one of the most approachable and easy-drinking spirits. The following bourbons are some of the best I’ve tried recently and are worth adding to your summer bourbon drinking itineraries. Casey Jones Revere Bourbon, $59.99 Sometimes you drink a whiskey, and you are just blown away. That’s what happened to me with this 100-proof, 5-year bourbon from Casey Jones. Warm and full of character, you taste the booze, but there’s not a hint of bite; instead, it’s all soft caramel and warm notes. A limited release, Revere is inspired by the famous ride of Paul Revere and is available only at the distillery or online. Angel’s Envy, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels, $45 This is a strong offering from Angel's Envy for under $50. The bourbon is aged for four to six years and then finished in former port wine barrels that the distillery gets from Portugal’s Douro Valley. The resulting bourbon has a warm wonderful (dare I say, angelic?) nose with a smooth finish, full of those dark wine barrel flavors. Elijah Craig Small Batch, $45 This workhorse bourbon is widely known and regarded for good reason. It’s got a nice booze-forward front end with a pleasant bite on the backend. It’s everything a bourbon should be: deep, full of character, and richness. I also recommend Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel offering, which generally runs around $50 a bottle. Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey, $42 Aged for at least four years in virgin American oak barrels, this bourbon is made with a mash bill that is 65% corn, 22% rye, and 13% wheat and barley. The result of this process is a bourbon that starts strong with warm caramel flavor and finishes smooth and light. It’s a great mixture of character and approachability for a bourbon. Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon, $38 This super expressive and smooth whiskey has nice floral notes and a ton of character from start to finish. It’s made with an extra high-rye mash bill that helps add to its overall flavor profile and complexity. This also makes it the perfect bourbon for rye whiskey lovers looking for something with a little more corn sweetness. Not only is this bourbon affordable, it’s also one of the best bourbons I’ve had in a while.

FBI defends Kash Patel after report alleging he gifts custom whiskey bottles The FBI said that agency director Kash Patel “followed all applicable ethical guidelines” after a report in the Atlantic alleged that he distributed customized bourbon whiskey bottles as gifts. In an article published on Wednesday, the Atlantic described Patel as travelling with a stock of “personalized branded bourbon” that he allegedly hands out frequently to people around him. The report says the bottles feature the branding of the Kentucky distillery Woodford Reserve and are engraved with the phrase “Kash Patel FBI Director”, along with an image of an FBI shield. Around the shield is text that includes Patel’s title and his preferred stylization of his first name: Ka$h. The shield is held by an eagle clutching the number nine, probably referring to Patel’s position in the sequence of FBI directors. Related: FBI’s Kash Patel denies excess drinking amid officials’ US security concerns Ben Williamson, the FBI’s assistant director, said in a statement to the Guardian: “The Atlantic’s premise is false and misleading. The bottles in question are part of a common practice in the FBI that started well over a decade ago, long before Director Patel arrived. “Senior Bureau officials have long exchanged commemorative items in formal gift settings consistent with ethics rules. Director Patel has followed all applicable ethical guidelines and pays for any personal gift himself,” the statement added. According to eight individuals interviewed by the Atlantic – including current and former FBI and Department of Justice officials, as well as others familiar with the practice – Patel has given out these customized whiskey bottles to FBI personnel and civilians he has met through his work. Advertisement A senior FBI source told the Guardian: “Any bottle provided in an official capacity was part of that type of formal gift exchange. If Director Patel ever provided one as a personal gift, he reimbursed the Bureau.” The source added: “Director Patel has never consumed the alcohol.” The Atlantic article claimed Patel distributed the bottles while conducting official duties, including at least one FBI function. It also alleges that he and his staff transported the whiskey onboard a justice department aircraft, including on a February trip to Milan during the Olympics. During that same trip, Patel was recorded drinking beer with the US men’s hockey team after their gold medal victory, conduct that officials reportedly said displeased Donald Trump. The latest allegations come after another Atlantic report published last month that described Patel’s alleged excessive alcohol consumption and claimed members of his security team had, on multiple occasions, struggled to wake him. Patel denied those claims and shortly afterward followed through on a previous threat to sue both the publication and the article’s author, Sarah Fitzpatrick. In the lawsuit, filed in US district court for the District of Columbia, Patel’s attorneys accused the magazine and reporter of releasing “a sweeping, malicious and defamatory hit piece” and are seeking $250m in damages. Patel has also been accused of targeting other news outlets. The New York Times reported that the FBI investigated one of their reporters, Elizabeth Williamson, after she wrote a piece that raised concerns about the security arrangements surrounding Patel’s girlfriend, the country singer Alexis Wilkins.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review. Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued. What makes Kilchoman’s first-ever age statement whisky so special? Rockside 11 is Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt—grown, malted, and matured all on-site. After a decade of distilling, what does Isle of Harris Distillery’s new signature single malt taste like—and when can you finally get your hands on a bottle? More light whiskey is appearing on shelves than ever before—but what actually is it, and why did a spirit invented to save the industry nearly vanish?

| Text to Speech audio articles made possible on the CAST11.com podcast network by Fain Signature Group. | Talking Glass Media’s (TGM) live Whiskey Row webcam received national attention on the Fourth of July as it was featured during C-SPAN’s Independence Day programming, giving viewers across the country a live look at Prescott’s annual Fourth of July Parade and the community’s patriotic celebration. The Whiskey Row webcam was launched earlier this year through a partnership between Talking Glass Media, The Senator Club, and Northern Arizona Bank. Available 24 hours a day on TGM’s news site SignalsAZ.com, the camera provides real-time views of downtown Prescott, AZ, allowing viewers to check weather conditions, traffic, community events, and the daily activity along Whiskey Row. The Fourth of July broadcast marks another milestone for the Talking Glass Media network. TGM’s first webcam, overlooking the Prescott Valley corridor from Touchmark at The Ranch, has already attracted more than 5.7 million views, demonstrating TGM’s network reach driven by its digital news, streaming podcast network with two podcast studios, outdoor media, and social media. TGM’s network garners more than 25 million views annually. Visitors can watch the live Whiskey Row webcam anytime by visiting the homepage of SignalsAZ.com. Loading Comments

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. The Whisky Exchange promo codes for July 2026 The Whisky Exchange discount codes and deals on premium spirits and gift sets Today’s top The Whisky Exchange discount codes and deals From hard-to-find single malts to everyday favourites, The Whisky Exchange has become one of the UK’s best-known online destinations for whisky, bourbon, rum, tequila, champagne and fine wines. You can often find promo codes for selected bottles of whisky, however, the most common way to save is through multi-bottle discounts and on-site sales. Our dedicated deals team has tested and verified the latest deals from The Whisky Exchange, so you can save on your order in July 2026. What is the best The Whisky Exchange promo code right now? Currently, there is a Whisky Exchange discount code for 10 per cent off Black Tot rum. If you are looking for whisky specifically, you will find the biggest savings in the sale section, where there is up to £150 off selected bottles. How to save at The Whisky Exchange Get £5 off when you join the mailing list If you’re shopping at The Whisky Exchange for the first time, signing up to the retailer’s newsletter is one of the simplest ways to unlock a quick saving. Right now, that’s an easy £5 off any purchase of more than £50, but this promotion can change from time to time. Shop the offers section first If you only check one page before buying from The Whisky Exchange, make it the offers section. This is where the retailer puts most of its discounts, limited-time price cuts and bottle deals, rather than relying heavily on sitewide promo codes. At the time of writing, offers included: - Laphroaig 10 year old, reduced by £10 to £29.95 - Lagavulin 16 year old, down by £15 to £64.95 - Bunnahabhain 12 year old, reduced by £3.70 to £39.25 - Glenfiddich 12 year old, available for £42.25 - Johnnie Walker black label 12 year old, priced at £30.95 - £150 off Lagavulin 12 year old, now £200, was £350 You’ll also regularly find significant reductions or generous discount codes on gift sets, champagne and multi-buy offers, particularly around Father’s Day, Christmas and larger seasonal events. One of the better things about The Whisky Exchange's offers page is the range of price points. There are premium collector bottles if you’re shopping for a special occasion, but plenty of more-affordable everyday whiskies are included, too. Stock rotates fairly quickly, so it’s worth checking back regularly if you have a specific bottle in mind. Get free delivery on orders over £100 The Whisky Exchange currently offers free UK delivery on orders of more than £100, making it worth grouping purchases together if you’re buying multiple bottles or shopping for gifts. Orders below the threshold will incur a £4.95 delivery fee. For larger or premium purchases, meeting the free delivery minimum is an easy way to cut costs without needing a separate promo code. The Whisky Exchange FAQs Can I get a discount on my first order at The Whisky Exchange? Yes, new customers can currently get £5 off orders of more than £50 by signing up to The Whisky Exchange mailing list. Beyond that, you will often find 10 per cent discount codes for selected brands or spirits. Is there a student discount for The Whisky Exchange? The Whisky Exchange does not currently advertise a dedicated student discount scheme. Students can still save through seasonal offers, newsletter promotions and discounted bottles listed in the offers section. Can I use my NHS discount for The Whisky Exchange? There does not currently appear to be a specific NHS or Blue Light discount available at The Whisky Exchange. However, the retailer regularly updates its offers page with discounts across whisky, champagne, rum and other spirits throughout the year. Why you can trust us The Independent has been helping readers find genuine savings since 1986, covering everything from food and drink to tech and travel. Our dedicated consumer team focuses on spotting offers that deliver real value, cutting through the noise so you don’t have to. Every offer we feature comes from retailers we trust, so you can shop with confidence. For The Whisky Exchange, we keep track of discounts on everything from everyday drams to rare bottles and gift sets, highlighting promotions that are actually worth a look. For more discount codes and offers from your favourite retailers and brands, visit our dedicated deals homepage Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks