Whiskey plot twist: Uncle Nearest receiver files counterclaim against Kentucky lender
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The receiver alleged Farm Credit enabled fraud to go undetected for years.
- Receiver says Senzaki admitted falsifying reports and forging Fawn Weaver’s signature.
- Receiver says Farm Credit allowed borrowing to reach nearly $67 million without checking.
The receiver running troubled whiskey brand Uncle Nearest has filed a counterclaim against Kentucky lender Farm Credit, alleging that the bank “enabled” financial fraud to go undetected for years.
Farm Credit has not yet filed a response to the counterclaim.
The receiver’s filing came in response the Farm Credit’s original lawsuit against Uncle Nearest, Nearest Green Distillery and Fawn and Keith Weaver, filed in July 2025. The bank alleged at the time that the Weavers had defaulted on more than $100 million in loans and requested a receiver be appointed to run the company.
Since then the spirits company has been mired in spiraling legal cases as the Weavers fought (so far unsuccessfully) to regain control of the company, which is insolvent with more than $200 million in debts.
The Weavers have long blamed both Farm Credit and former Uncle Nearest CFO Michael Senzaki for their financial troubles, but this is the first time that the receiver has alleged Farm Credit is also to blame.
According to the filing, made July 7 in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee, Farm Credit’s “negligence in administering the (loan) ... willful blindness to red flags that should have prompted investigation, including the sole-signatory status of all twenty-eight drawdown requests, the rate of drawdowns at nearly $5,000,000 per month, and the lack of any direct communication with the CEO or majority shareholder” enabled Senzaki’s fraud to “continue undetected for years.”
According to the receiver, Senzaki “exercised nearly exclusive control over Uncle Nearest’s financial reporting systems, loan compliance, and ... interactions with Farm Credit.” Senzaki admitted, during interviews with third-party investigators retained by Uncle Nearest, to falsifying monthly financial reports submitted to Uncle Nearest beginning in 2022.
The receiver said the reports indicate Senzaki admitted to placing Fawn Weaver’s signature on documents without her consent or knowledge, diverted equity interests belonging to Weaver for his personal benefit, fabricated board minutes showing Fawn and Keith Weavers’ approval for unauthorized loans and used misappropriated funds to buy a Las Vegas home, vehicles and gamble.
Farm Credit allowed Senzaki to increase the amount borrowed to nearly $67 million, with a new request every two weeks, without any confirmation from Fawn Weaver, according to the filing.
Senzaki also rerouted funds approved by the Weavers to pay Uncle Nearest vendors to companies he controlled, exploiting a loophole in the bill paying system.
“Farm Credit failed to implement verification procedures that any competent lender would employ,” receiver Phillip G. Young Jr. said in the filing. “Farm Credit’s willingness to overlook obvious irregularities ... allowed Mr. Senzaki to expand the credit facility by more than $30 million and to conceal the true state of (the company’s) obligations until the fraud became impossible to hide.”
Farm Credit failed to request filed tax returns, audited financial statements and other documents, according to the filing.
The Weavers also filed a response to the original Farm Credit lawsuit, denying many of the issues in the complaint. They state in their response that both Fawn and Keith Weaver were terminated from the company on or about June 1, 2026.
Diageo has never struggled to release rare whisky. What it has done, repeatedly, is package rarity in ways that feel deliberate, structured, and increasingly tailored to a very specific type of buyer. With the launch of Rare Series, the group is taking that approach further. This is not a one-off drop. It is a platform.
At its core, Rare Series is positioned as an evolving collection built around provenance, access, and long-term curation. It draws from Diageo’s vast inventory of more than 10 million casks across over 30 distilleries, which gives it a scale advantage few, if any, competitors can match. But scale alone does not sell bottles at this level. Story, structure, and control do.
This is where Rare Series becomes interesting.
A Collection Built For Control, Not Just Release
Unlike traditional annual special releases, Rare Series is not tied to a fixed cadence. Future bottlings will appear only when the liquid is deemed ready by the blending team. That sounds obvious, but it signals something more strategic.
It gives Diageo flexibility to:
- Hold stock longer without pressure to release
- Align launches with client demand rather than calendar cycles
- Create scarcity through unpredictability rather than volume limits alone
For high-net-worth collectors, this matters. Predictable release schedules invite comparison and price anchoring. Irregular releases create tension and urgency.
Julie Bramham, Managing Director of Diageo Luxury Group, frames it as an “ode to Scotland’s rich whisky heritage” where rarity is “revealed over time”. That language is deliberate. It shifts the narrative away from production and toward discovery.
The Private Client Model Tightens Further
Access sits at the centre of Rare Series. These whiskies are not hitting retail shelves. They are distributed via global registration through Diageo’s Private Client teams.
That does three things immediately:
- Filters the audience to serious buyers
- Builds direct relationships rather than relying on retailers
- Adds a layer of service and experience around the product
This is closer to fine wine allocation models than traditional whisky retail. It also mirrors what we have seen from luxury watch brands and high-end fashion houses. Control distribution. Control perception.
The inclusion of partners like Justerini & Brooks reinforces that positioning. This is not about selling bottles. It is about managing clients.
The Liquid Still Has To Stand Up
Strategy aside, Rare Series launches with five whiskies that cover a broad stylistic range while leaning heavily into age statements and technical detail.
The headline is the 55-year-old Glenury Royal. A ghost distillery release always carries weight, but here it is framed as the oldest single malt Diageo has ever released. That is a strong opening statement. It sets the tone for the entire series.
Alongside it sits a 42-year-old Caol Ila, also the oldest ever from that distillery, and a 42-year-old Clynelish that leans into the distillery’s signature waxy profile. Talisker appears with a 33-year-old expression built from an experimental batch finished for over two decades in Amoroso-seasoned casks. Blair Athol rounds things out with a 34-year-old, notable for its PX-seasoned finish in new American oak.
There is a clear pattern here:
- Age-led credibility
- Technical maturation stories
- Distillery identity pushed front and centre
Dr Craig Wilson, Diageo Master Blender, highlights “rarity, diversity, and meticulous craftsmanship” as the defining traits. That reads as expected, but the diversity point is worth focusing on. This is not a single style collection. It is a portfolio play.
Cask Strategy As A Storytelling Tool
Look closer at the cask details, and a more nuanced approach emerges.
The Talisker, with its 20-year Amoroso finish, is not about age alone. It is about intervention. That level of finishing time moves beyond refinement into transformation. It becomes a key part of the identity.
The Blair Athol pushes a different angle. PX-seasoned new American oak is not standard practice. It introduces a hybrid profile that blends sherry richness with the structure of fresh oak. That is experimentation framed as luxury.
Even the more traditional expressions, like the Caol Ila and Clynelish, use cask marrying in European oak puncheons to shape the final profile. These are not passive maturations. They are actively constructed.
For collectors, this matters. It gives each release a distinct narrative beyond age and distillery name. It also signals that Diageo is willing to use its inventory creatively rather than relying solely on heritage.
Pricing and Positioning
Prices range from around $900 for the Blair Athol to over $6,000 for the Glenury Royal . That places Rare Series firmly in the upper tier of the luxury whisky market, but not at the extreme end occupied by one-off auction pieces.
This is intentional. The series needs to:
- Feel exclusive
- Remain accessible to a defined luxury audience
- Encourage repeat engagement across future releases
If pricing goes too high, the pool of buyers shrinks rapidly. Too low, and it undermines the Private Client positioning. This sits in the middle ground where serious collectors operate.
The Bigger Picture for Diageo
Rare Series is not just a new collection. It is a signal of how Diageo sees the future of luxury whisky.
Three shifts stand out:
- From product to platform
- This is not a single release. It is an ongoing system designed to deliver rare whisky over time with a consistent framework.
- From retail to relationship
- Direct access through Private Clients reduces reliance on third-party channels and builds long-term buyer relationships.
- From heritage to curated narrative
- Heritage still matters, but it is being actively shaped through cask selection, finishing, and storytelling.
Diageo already dominates in terms of inventory and distillery footprint. Rare Series shows how it plans to convert that advantage into sustained luxury relevance.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing accidental about this launch. Every element, from the irregular release schedule to the Private Client access model, is designed to create control and demand.
The whiskies themselves carry the weight you would expect. Age statements, distillery prestige, and detailed maturation stories all land. But the real play sits around them.
Rare Series positions Diageo not just as a producer of rare whisky, but as a curator of it. That is a subtle shift, but an important one. If the execution holds, this becomes less about individual bottles and more about long-term participation. Collectors do not just buy a release. They buy into the series. That is where the real value sits.
India will begin cutting its 150% import tariff on British whisky and gin this month under a landmark free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, opening the world’s largest whisky market further to overseas producers while offering domestic distillers a decade to adjust.
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), together with the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), will enter into force on July 15, marking one of the most significant market-opening measures for the global drinks industry in recent years.
At the centre of the agreement is India’s commitment to reduce its 150% import tariff on British whisky and gin. The duty will be cut immediately to 75% before falling to 40% by 2036,, significantly improving the competitiveness of British spirits in one of the world’s fastest-growing premium alcohol markets.
India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, described the agreement as the most comprehensive trade pact India has signed to date and said it could become a model for future free trade agreements.
“I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that this will be a success,” Goyal said during a visit to London. “This CETA will become a template and a role model for many future free trade agreements.”
He added that the deal extends well beyond tariffs, encompassing cooperation in technology, education, culture and the arts to strengthen long-term ties between the two countries.
Lindy Cameron, the UK’s High Commissioner to India, described the agreement as a cornerstone of the two countries’ Vision 2035 strategic partnership, estimating it would generate nearly £5 billion in additional GDP over the long term.
A landmark win for Scotch whisky
Few sectors stand to benefit more than Scotch whisky.
The Scotch Whisky Association described the agreement as one of the industry’s most significant market-access breakthroughs in decades. It estimates the deal could boost Scotch whisky exports to India by £1 billion over the next five years while supporting around 1,200 jobs in the UK.
The UK government likewise expects food and drink exports to become one of the fastest-growing components of bilateral trade, driven largely by rising demand for Scotch whisky from India’s rapidly expanding middle class.
The tariff reduction, however, will be phased in over 10 years rather than implemented immediately, a compromise widely seen as giving India’s domestic spirits producers time to adjust while gradually opening the market to greater international competition.
The world’s largest whisky market
According to the IWSR, India is now the world’s largest whisky market, consuming more than 250 million nine-litre cases annually.
Trade data underscores the market’s continued expansion.
Figures from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry show the country imported 72.1 million litres of whisky in 2025, up 15% year on year, valued at US$449 million, an increase of 10.5%.
The UK remained India’s largest whisky supplier, exporting 55.5 million litres worth US$284 million. Imports from Britain increased 20% by volume and 16% by value compared with the previous year.
Britain is also India’s second-largest supplier of gin.
India imported 2.61 million litres of gin and genever in 2025, a 52% increase from a year earlier, with imports valued at US$14.5 million. Shipments from the UK rose 68% by volume to 850,614 litres, while their value climbed 55.8% to US$3.81 million.
As tariffs fall over the next decade, British whisky and gin are expected to become increasingly price competitive.
Lower tariffs won’t solve India’s market complexity
For international producers, however, the agreement removes only one barrier.
Over the past year, India has accelerated trade negotiations with partners including New Zealand, the European Union and the European Free Trade Association as part of a broader push to liberalise trade.
Yet India’s alcohol market remains one of the world’s most fragmented.
While the federal government sets import tariffs, individual states retain broad authority over alcohol regulation, including excise taxes, licensing, label approvals, pricing and retail distribution.
For importers, that means entering India is less like accessing a single national market than navigating dozens of separate ones. Companies often must secure approvals and pay taxes state by state, making compliance significantly more complex and costly than in most major alcohol markets.
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies welcomed the phased tariff cuts, saying they give domestic producers time to adapt while urging state governments to reform local excise and alcohol taxation policies.
For overseas spirits producers, lower tariffs reduce the cost of entering India. But industry executives say long-term success will depend less on import duties than on building strong distribution networks, developing local operations and successfully navigating the country’s patchwork of state regulations.
As India continues to pursue trade liberalisation, one of the world’s most protected alcohol markets is gradually opening. Yet while tariffs are coming down, the country’s fragmented regulatory system remains the industry’s biggest hurdle.
Discover more from Vino Joy News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Dewar’s Is The Best Blended Scotch Whisky According To The International Whisky Competition 2026 - The Whiskey Wash
德瓦爾（Dewar's）在2026年國際威士忌競賽（IWC）中創造歷史，獲得調和蘇格蘭威士忌全部七個年份等級的第一名。此次完全勝利由首席調酒師Stephanie Macleod領導，她已連續七年獲得年度最佳調酒師殊榮。獲獎酒款包括Portuguese Smooth、12年Mizunara Oak Cask、15年「The Monarch」、16年Double Agent、18年、21年Double Double及32年Double Double，其中21年Double Double以92.77高分領先。德瓦爾自1846年創立，現屬百加得集團旗下，標榜為全球最受獎勵的調和蘇格蘭威士忌。
閱讀原文全文
The International Whisky Competition is one of the most anticipated awards on the whisky calendar, judging every entry through double-blind tasting where the panel doesn’t know the brand, age, or strength of what’s in the glass. This year’s results were announced yesterday (July 7).
Dewar’s was handed a full sweep of the blended Scotch categories, with the brand taking first place in all seven age classes. This is not the first time Dewar’s has done well here. The brand has won top blended honors at the IWC across several recent years, and its master blender, Stephanie Macleod, was named Master Blender of the Year for six (now seven) consecutive years.
So, today we’re looking at each of the seven winners below, how each one is made, where it comes from, and how Dewar’s managed to achieve a clean sweep at the International Whisky Competition 2026.
Dewar’s NAS Portuguese Smooth
Award: 1st Place, Best Blended Scotch NAS (No Age Statement), 87.27 points
Tasting Notes: Ripe stone fruits, red berries, vanilla, honey
Find Your Next Bottle: $24 / £19
Dewar’s was founded in 1846 by John Dewar, who opened a wine and spirits shop on Perth’s High Street and began blending his own whiskies in the 1860s. It has been owned by Bacardi since 1998, and Dewar’s describes itself as “the World’s Most Awarded Blended Scotch Whisky”, with over 1,500 international awards to date.
Portuguese Smooth is the third release in Dewar’s cask-finished Smooth series, after Caribbean Smooth and Ilegal Smooth. The double-aged blend gets a second maturation in ruby Port casks and is bottled at 40% ABV.
There is one oddity here: the IWC listed this win under No Age Statement, but Dewar’s own product information describes Portuguese Smooth as an eight-year-old Port cask-finished blend. We aren’t sure whether this is a categorization choice by the IWC or whether a separate NAS version was entered. If you’ve come across an NAS bottling, let us know in the comments.
Dewar’s 12 Year Old Mizunara Oak Cask
Award: 1st Place, Best Blended Scotch 12 Year Old, 89 points
Tasting Notes: White peach, apricot, orange peel, sandalwood, vanilla
Find Your Next Bottle: Exclusively for the Japanese market
This one is a Japan-exclusive release, and it is a different product from Dewar’s more widely available Japanese Smooth, which uses the same Mizunara finish on an eight-year-old blend. For the 12 Year Old Mizunara, all the component whiskies are aged 12 years or more, then finished together in Japanese Mizunara oak casks after blending. It is distributed by Bacardi Japan and bottled at 40% ABV.
Mizunara is a Japanese oak, Quercus mongolica, that distillers prize and dread in roughly equal measure. It is porous, slow-growing, and difficult for coopers to work with, which makes the casks rare and expensive. The wood is associated with sandalwood, incense, and spice notes, which sit on top of the honeyed Aberfeldy character that runs through Dewar’s blends.
Dewar’s 15 Year Old
Award: 1st Place, Best Blended Scotch 15 Year Old, 87.30 points
Tasting Notes: Honeyed fruit, vanilla, soft florals, green apple, citrus, toffee, nuts
Find Your Next Bottle: $35 / £54
The 15 Year Old, known as “The Monarch,” has a personal connection to the woman behind all seven of these wins. It was the first blend crafted by Stephanie Macleod, who has been Dewar’s Master Blender since 2006, and she created this 15-year-old blend originally for the Chinese market, where it was introduced in 2010 before becoming more widely available. She is only the seventh person to hold the Master Blender position in the company’s history.
The name comes from Dewar’s history rather than the whisky itself. Tommy Dewar, one of the founder’s sons, was a keen art collector, and the company bought Sir Edwin Landseer’s 1851 painting “The Monarch of the Glen”, which depicts a stag in the Highlands and now hangs in the National Galleries of Scotland.
As for the whisky, its component malt and grain whiskies are matured for at least 15 years in ex-sherry and bourbon casks, then married together in oak casks for the secondary maturation that Dewar’s calls double aging. It is bottled at 40% ABV.
Dewar’s 16 Year Old
Award: 1st Place, Best Blended Scotch 16-17 Year Old, 88.57 points
Tasting Notes: Apricot, grilled peach, heather honey, toasted clove, nutmeg, caramel, candied nuts
Find Your Next Bottle: £75 or at Travel Retail
The full name of this one is Double Agent 16 Year Old, and it started life as a travel retail exclusive that launched at Singapore’s Changi Airport in May 2022. It has since become a little easier to find, including at the Aberfeldy distillery shop.
The “double agent” name refers to what happens to the whisky after Dewar’s usual double aging. The blend is split into two batches, one finished in Oloroso sherry casks and the other in ex-Islay casks that previously held peated whisky, before the two are reunited. The sherry side brings dried fruit and toffee, while the Islay side adds a thread of peat smoke to a house style that is otherwise unpeated. It is bottled at 46% ABV.
Before its IWC win, it also took Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge.
Dewar’s 18 Year Old
Award: 1st Place, Best Blended Scotch 18 Year Old, 87.33 points
Tasting Notes: Honey, toffee, dark chocolate, perfumed, floral, nutty, creamy, herbal notes
Find Your Next Bottle: $65 / £75
To understand any Dewar’s blend, it helps to know about Aberfeldy. The brothers John Alexander and Tommy Dewar built the Aberfeldy distillery in 1898 in rural Perthshire, close to their father’s birthplace, to guarantee a steady supply of single malt for the blends. It draws its water from the Pitilie Burn, and its honeyed malt has been the heart of Dewar’s ever since.
The 18 Year Old, crafted by Stephanie Macleod, is matured for at least 18 years in oak casks, then rested again in oak for around a further six months after blending, following the double aging method the company has used for more than a century. Beyond Aberfeldy, the blend draws on the other malts in Dewar’s stable, and reviewers regularly pick out dark fruits, toffee, and marzipan.
One thing worth mentioning: the bottling strength varies by market. Some sources list it at 40% ABV and others at 43% or 45%, so it’s worth checking the label where you are.
Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old
Award: 1st Place, Best Blended Scotch 19-24 Year Old, 92.77 points
Tasting Notes: Honeyed malt, cocoa, tropical fruit, citrus peel, warming spice, dried fruits, toasted nuts, caramel liquorice
Find Your Next Bottle: $100
This is the whisky that earned the highest score of Dewar’s seven wins, and it comes from the range where Stephanie Macleod took the company’s double aging and, as the name suggests, doubled it again. The Double Double range launched in 2019 and uses a four-stage process.
The malt and grain whiskies are first aged separately in oak casks. The grain whiskies are then blended together and rested in neutral oak casks, and the malt whiskies go through the same step on their own. Third, the malts and grains are combined into the final blend and aged again in neutral oak. The fourth stage is a finish in a different cask type, which varies across the range.
For the 21 Year Old, that final stage is a finish in Oloroso sherry casks, which brings dried fruit, nutty, and spice notes. Unlike most of the core Dewar’s range, it is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered.
Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old
Award: 1st Place, Best Blended Scotch Over 25 Years Old, 92.23 points
Tasting Notes: Treacle, dried fruits, vanilla, exotic spice, orange peel, brown sugar, clove, smoke, coffee, oak
Find Your Next Bottle: £410
The 32 Year Old is the oldest of the Double Double range, and it goes through the same four-stage process as the 21 Year Old, though the final finish is different. Where the 21 gets an Oloroso finish, the 32 is finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, a sweeter, richer style of sh
Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：Chattanooga Whiskey Bottled in Bond Bourbon Vintage Series: Spring 2022 Review - Breaking Bourbon
美國 Chattanooga Whiskey Co. 推出 Bottled in Bond Spring 2022 Vintage，100 proof，2026年5月上市，建議零售價 $53 美元。此款採用兩種麥芽含量高的配方（各占80%與20%），每批僅10-12桶，特色為焙烤肉桂、蜂蜜、烤橡木風味。評論認為這是該系列最易入門的版本，適合新手與老粉絲，香甜濃厚的麥芽特色搭配前進的風味輪廓，正逐漸擴大流通的 Chattanooga 值得關注。
閱讀原文全文
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Chattanooga Whiskey Co.
Distillery: Chattanooga Riverfront Distillery
Release Date: May 2026
Proof: 100
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years per TTB regulations)
Mashbill: Blend of two bourbon mashbills, all distilled during Spring 2022, and each comprised of at least 25% specialty malted grains:
-80% SB091: Yellow Corn, Malted Rye, Caramel Malted Barley, Honey Malted Barley
-20% SB112: Yellow Corn, Malted Rye, Carabohemain Malted Barley, Caraaroma Malted Barley, Extra Dark Caramel Malted Barley
Color: Reddish Copper
SRP: $53 / 750mL (2026)
Caramel apple | Cinnamon | Honey | Toasted oak | Toasted oats
Cherry | Green tea | Orange blossom honey | Cantaloupe
Toasted cinnamon | Rye spice | Dark caramel | Blackberry | Dried apricot | Nutmeg | Oak
Chattanooga Whiskey's Bottled in Bond Spring 2022 Vintage is one of the series' most approachable releases yet, pairing the brand's signature high-malt character with a bold flavor profile that makes it an ideal entry point for newcomers and longtime fans alike.
Chattanooga’s Bottled in Bond series is a semi-annual release, with each highlighting one of the two distillation seasons - spring or fall. These vintages are crafted using a wide selection of unique mashbills and contain a high percentage of malted grains, including at least 25% specialty malted grains. Batch sizes are small, with only 10-12 barrels per batch, and the Spring 2022 Vintage is aged in both toasted and charred oak.
The people who are Chattanooga Whiskey’s biggest fans are usually the ones who get the most out of their Bottled in Bond Bourbon Vintage Series. There is an incredible amount of variation between releases, but they are far more nuanced than the complexity of the mashbills suggests. Nuance is part of what makes Chattanooga, ‘Chattanooga,’ and that rewards those who go along for the ride. But with Chattanooga slowly expanding their distribution reach, more might finally be able to come across a bottle of their Bottled in Bond Bourbon Vintage Series.
The Spring 2022 vintage would be a great place to start for newcomers and fans alike. This edition features a much more forward flavor profile that isn’t overly vast in its array of flavors; intensity plays a much larger role this time out.
The aroma features a strong caramel apple scent up front, followed by cinnamon, honey, toasted oak, and even toasted oats. The palate isn’t far-reaching, but is surprisingly varied, with notes of cherry, green tea, orange blossom honey, and cantaloupe. The finish has toasted oak upfront, with rye spice, dark caramel, blackberry, dried apricot, nutmeg, and oak.
For newcomers, I’d always suggest starting with their 91 proof and 111 proof releases as a baseline before getting into the finer nuances of other Chattanooga Whiskey Co. bourbons. With the Spring 2020 Bottles in Bond release, the company’s trademark high malt mashbill is present throughout, offering a sweeter, richer, and more dessert-like flavor profile overall. This edition of Chattanooga Whiskey’s Bottled in Bond Bourbon Vintage Series works great for me as it wears its heart more on its sleeve.
Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：The World’s Best Bourbons According To The International Whisky Competition 2026 - The Whiskey Wash
2026國際威士忌大賽日前公布成績，波本威士忌類別五大冠軍全由Sazerac集團旗下酒廠獲得。A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Batch #5奪得三項冠軍並以94.60分創美威最高分，排名整體第三；William Larue Weller 2025（$1,800）獲封最佳小麥波本；Eagle Rare 17 Year Old 2025（$1,880）勇奪十年以上類別冠軍；John J. Bowman Single Barrel（$59.99）稱霸單桶類別；Early Times Bottled-in-Bond（$22）則是最平易近人的冠軍，展現Sazerac多元產品線的競爭力。
閱讀原文全文
After what feels like a lifetime of waiting, the International Whisky Competition has finally released its 2026 results. The competition is a blind-tasting contest, which means the judges score each whiskey without knowing its brand, country of origin, or strength. Every entry is assessed across 15 criteria on a 100-point scale, and this year’s results were released on July 7, 2026.
We’ve already looked at the top five overall, so now we’re turning to the bourbon categories specifically. Five bourbons took the top titles, and all of them come from distilleries owned by Sazerac, namely Buffalo Trace in Kentucky, A. Smith Bowman in Virginia, and Barton 1792 in Kentucky. One of them, A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Batch #5, went further and won three separate bourbon titles.
So, let’s take a look at the winners of each bourbon category at the International Whisky Competition 2026.
A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength (Batch #5)
Award: 1st Place, Best Bourbon Whiskey, Best Bourbon Whiskey – Cask Strength, Best Bourbon Whiskey – Small Batch, 94. 60 points
Tasting Notes: Candied apples, smoke, ripe plums, cherries, sweet florals
Find Your Next Bottle: N/A
Batch #5 took three bourbon titles at once and posted the highest score of any American whiskey in this year’s competition, placing third overall. The distillery behind it has a long history in Virginia. A. Smith Bowman was founded in 1934 by Abram Smith Bowman and his sons, moved to its current site in Fredericksburg in 1988, and has been owned by Sazerac since 2003.
It is often described as the sister distillery to Buffalo Trace, also owned by Sazerac, and the spirit in the Bowman bourbons is reportedly first distilled at Buffalo Trace or another Sazerac distillery before being shipped to Virginia and distilled again at Bowman. Its two stills are named George and Mary.
The Cask Strength line has been an annual release since 2021, and Batch #4 won the overall bourbon category at the 2025 IWC. This release is aged for a minimum of 10 years and bottled at 137.6 proof.
William Larue Weller 2025
Award: 1st Place, Best Bourbon Whiskey – Wheated, 91.73 points
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, maple, leather, tobacco, oak, ripe fruit
Find Your Next Bottle: $1,800 / £1,440
William Larue Weller is a wheated bourbon, which means wheat is used as the secondary grain in place of rye. This bottling is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, a set of six whiskeys the distillery releases in limited quantities each fall.
The bottling is named after W.L. Weller, a 19th-century distiller who helped introduce wheat into the bourbon mash bill.
The 2025 release was distilled in December 2010, January 2011, and January 2013, and it is 12 years and 7 months old at bottling. It went into the barrel at 114 proof and was bottled at 129 proof, uncut and unfiltered. It is one of the harder bourbons on this list to find, with a suggested retail price of around $150 and secondary market prices that run considerably higher.
I was lucky enough to taste this bourbon at the BTAC 2025 launch event last year. You can read my tasting notes for each whiskey in the collection here.
Eagle Rare 17 Year Old 2025
Award: 1st Place, Best Bourbon Whiskey – 10 Years and Older, 91.30 points
Tasting Notes: Dark tobacco, leather, ripe cherry, pepper, caramel, vanilla
Find Your Next Bottle: $1,880 / £1,504
Eagle Rare 17 is the older, limited counterpart to Buffalo Trace’s core Eagle Rare bourbon, and it is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. It is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Kentucky.
Despite the 17-year age statement, the 2025 release was distilled in spring 2007 and is 18 years and 4 months old at bottling, bottled at 101 proof. It is made from the distillery’s low-rye recipe of corn, rye, and malted barley, double distilled and aged in new white oak barrels with a number 4 char. The whiskey went into the barrel at 125 proof, and 89% of the original spirit was lost to evaporation over its time in the warehouse.
Suggested retail is around $150, though it is heavily allocated and sells for much more in practice.
This was my favorite of the BTAC bunch in 2025, so I have to say I agree with the judges here.
John J. Bowman – Single Barrel
Award: 1st Place, Best Bourbon Whiskey – Single Barrel, 91.70 points
Tasting Notes: Toffee, leather, figs, almonds
Find Your Next Bottle: $59.99
This is the second A. Smith Bowman bourbon on the list, from the same Virginia distillery behind the Cask Strength winner.
As a single barrel bourbon, each bottle is drawn from one individual cask, so there is some natural variation from bottle to bottle. It is named after John J. Bowman, an ancestor of the distillery’s founder, and is bottled at 100 proof.
Like the other Bowman bourbons, the spirit is reportedly first distilled at another Sazerac facility before being finished at Bowman in Virginia. It was named World’s Best Bourbon at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards, and it is the more widely available of the two Bowman bottles here.
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond
Award: 1st Place, Best Bourbon Whiskey – Bottled-in-Bond, 89.33 points
Tasting Notes: Caramel, candy corn, vanilla, oak, spice, brown sugar
Find Your Next Bottle: $22 / £18
Early Times is one of the oldest names on this list, with roots dating back to 1860. The brand was owned by Brown-Forman for many years before Sazerac bought it in 2020, with production later moving to the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Being bottled in bond, it is the product of one distilling season, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. It is made from a high-corn mash bill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley.
Of the five bourbons here, this is by far the easiest to buy and the most affordable, with the one-liter bottle generally selling for $25 to $30, against the roughly $150 retail and much higher secondary prices of the two Antique Collection bottles.
A Sazerac Sweep
One thing stands out across these five winners: every one of them comes from a distillery owned by Sazerac. The range within that is wide, though, running from a bonded bourbon you can pick up for under $30 to Antique Collection bottles that are hard to find and expensive when you do.
Because the International Whisky Competition is judged blind, the panel scored each of these without knowing the brand, the price, or where it came from, which is worth keeping in mind when a $25 bourbon and a heavily allocated one end up winning their categories at the same competition. It is also worth noting that Sazerac appears to enter a good number of its products across the competition.
Have you tried any of these? Are there any you’d like to? And what do you make of this year’s bourbon results? Let us know.
Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：Country star Eric Church launches new whiskey made using maple tonewood offcuts from Gibson guitars – oh, and a brand-new signature Hummingbird, too - Guitar.com
美國鄉村歌手Eric Church與Gibson旗下Epiphone推出聯名簽名款Hummingbird Dark吉他，售價799美元。更特別的是Church的威士忌品牌JYPSI推出限量Tonewood威士忌，以Gibson吉他生產的楓木邊料進行finishing處理。Tonewood: Vol. 1（109 proof，售799美元）含20年波本威士忌，附Gibson案例與配件；Tonewood: The Collective（103 proof，售199美元）為較輕盈版本。部分所得將捐至Gibson Gives慈善機構。
閱讀原文全文
Related Tags
Featured Deal
Country star Eric Church launches new whiskey made using maple tonewood offcuts from Gibson guitars – oh, and a brand-new signature Hummingbird, too
The new Inspired by Gibson model is a recreation of the treasured Hummingbird he uses during live shows.
Credit: Epiphone/Gibson
Want more news stories from Guitar.com? Follow us on Google News.
Epiphone has teamed up with American Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and country artist Eric Church on a limited-edition Inspired by Gibson version of his prized Gibson Hummingbird, which has become a staple of his live shows.
Blending “iconic square-shoulder heritage” with “stage-forward aesthetics and modern performance detail”, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Eric Church Hummingbird Dark is built to Church’s exacting specifications, boasting a solid Sitka spruce top with moody darkened accents, plus layered mahogany back and sides for warmth, punch, and focused midrange.
Completing the darkened aesthetics is a black binding framing the top and back, as well as a custom Hummingbird Dark pickguard.
Eric Church needs his guitar to both sound good and feel comfortable when playing long sets, so his new signature model features a tapered body, from 4” to 3” at the neck joint. This keeps the guitar’s tone substantial and resonant, while improving ergonomics for superior comfort.
Meanwhile, the guitar sports a rounded C mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard with grey pearloid parallelogram inlays, a Graph Tech nut and saddle, and nickel Grover tuners.
“For me, a great guitar is about expression – finding something honest and putting it out into the world,” says Church. “We’ve been working on this Epiphone Hummingbird Dark, and it’s been with me out on the road for the past two years, part of that journey every single night.
“It’s where songs take shape, where ideas turn into something real. I’m excited for other players to get their hands on it and see where it leads them, because that’s what this is all about – finding your voice and having the right partner to help you say it.”
Perhaps even cooler though, is that the launch is accompanied by a new whiskey under Eric Church’s own whiskey brand, JYPSI. Tonewood is a limited-edition whiskey developed by JYPSI in collaboration with Gibson, incorporating maple tonewood offcuts from Gibson guitar production into the finishing process.
“The wood is only wood until it arrives in a master’s hands – that rule applies to distillers, luthiers, and songwriters,” continues Church. “I’m excited to see what song this collaboration between world-class masters will write.”
The whiskey comes in two varieties: Tonewood: Vol. 1, a 109-proof whiskey built from older whiskey stocks, including a 20-year-old straight bourbon and 14-year-old whiskey from a bourbon mash bill; and the 103-proof Tonewood: The Collective, which offers a “lighter, more lifted expression”.
The former is priced at $799, and comes in a custom Gibson case inspired by Gibson’s classic hardshell cases, along with a co-branded Gibson guitar strap and two JYPSI whiskey glasses, while the latter is $199, and comes in a Hummingbird-inspired design for display or gifting. A portion of the proceeds from each whiskey sale will go to Gibson Gives – the guitar giant’s philanthropic organisation.
Back to the guitar now… the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Eric Church Hummingbird Dark is priced at £699/$799.
Get it now at Epiphone.
Sam is the Associate News Editor for Guitar.com and MusicTech. Thoroughly immersed in music culture for the majority of his life, Sam has played guitar for 20 years, studied music technology and production at university, and also written for the likes of Guitar World, Total Guitar, Metal Hammer and MusicRadar.
Koopers Whiskey
LEDBETTER, Texas (July 8, 2026) — Koopers Whiskey blending house is introducing a bold new label design for its award-winning Sweetheart of Rodeo Bourbon, updating one of the company's most successful and recognizable products. The refreshed identity and refined visual direction reflect the Koopers Whiskey brand evolution, while preserving the craftsmanship that has made the bourbon a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts, bartenders, and retailers.
Since its introduction, Sweetheart of Rodeo Bourbon has earned a loyal following for its approachable profile, exceptional quality, and distinctive personality. A masterful blend of three straight whiskies distilled in Kentucky and Indiana and aged for four, four, and six years, the 90-proof bourbon has received Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Texas Whiskey Festival, along with a 93-point rating from Tasting Panel Magazine. These accolades, combined with strong consumer demand, have established it as a top-selling Koopers Whiskey expression across bars and retail accounts, further establishing the company as a standout name in American whiskey.
Inspired by the trailblazing women of Texas and the American West, Koopers' Sweetheart of Rodeo Bourbon celebrates the courage, determination, and adventurous spirit that defined the frontier.
The redesigned label introduces a vibrant contemporary illustration that is tightly cropped, focusing from just beneath the eyes through the chest, emphasizing expression, strength, and presence while creating a sense of intrigue through partial facial framing. The result is a more striking and contemporary visual identity that reinforces themes of resilience and Western heritage.
The redesign was created by Koopers Whiskey co-founder, master blender, and creative director Troy Kooper, an award-winning designer whose previous work for global brands including Nike, Netflix, HP, Hyundai, Comcast, the NBA, and Microsoft earned prestigious honors, including The Cannes Lions Awards, D&AD Yellow Pencils, Webby Awards, The One Show Awards, Clio Awards, and more. As co-founder of Koopers Whiskey, Troy brings that same passion for storytelling and craftsmanship to every bottle, personally designing each label to reflect the brand's commitment to quality, authenticity, and timeless character.
"As Koopers Whiskey continues to grow, we want our flagship bourbon to stand out on the shelf as confidently as it performs in the glass," says Troy Kooper, master blender and co-founder of Koopers Whiskey. "The redesign honors the original spirit of Sweetheart of Rodeo Bourbon, while giving it a stronger visual identity for the next chapter of the brand."
In today's increasingly competitive whiskey aisle, label design plays an important role in attracting first-time buyers while reinforcing brand recognition among returning customers. The refreshed identity strengthens shelf presence, improves recognition across accounts, and unifies the Koopers Whiskey portfolio while positioning Sweetheart of Rodeo Bourbon for continued growth.
The new packaging will roll out at retailers, restaurants, and bars in the coming weeks as existing inventory sells through. Sweetheart of Rodeo Bourbon is also available at the Koopers Whiskey Texas Tasting Room in Ledbetter, Texas, and online via the Koopers Whiskey website for direct shipping, with a suggested retail price of $47 per 750 ml bottle.
Sweetheart of Rodeo Bourbon continues to be crafted according to the same standards and recipe that have earned accolades and driven strong sales across multiple markets.
For more information, please visit Koopers Whiskey's official website, sign up for the newsletter, or follow the brand on Instagram or Facebook.
About Koopers Whiskey:
Koopers Whiskey is a family-owned Texas whiskey brand rooted in time-honored, old-world blending traditions. Founded by Troy Kooper and Michelle Kooper, the company crafts boutique Texas Bourbons and Ryes that reflect both the spirit of Texas and a commitment to quality without pretense. Each Koopers expression showcases a dedication to flavor, maturity, and complexity, allowing the whiskey itself to take center stage. Focused on maturation, blending, finishing, and exceptional craftsmanship, Koopers Whiskey creates distinctive, high-quality spirits designed to bring people together. The result is an elevated tasting experience that consistently delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Visit the Koopers Whiskey tasting room at 100 West U.S. 290, Ledbetter, TX 78945, or shop online at https://www.KoopersWhiskey.com.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Liqour Price- Will Scotch Whisky Become Cheaper From July 15? Know Here - timesbull.com
印度與英國自由貿易協定將於7月15日開始實施。蘇格蘭威士忌與琴酒的進口稅將從現行150%分階段調降至75%，最終在十年內降至40%。不過進口稅下降不會直接反映在售價上，消費者初期預估可見到5-10%的降幅，約每瓶便宜100印度盧比。價格下降幅度因州而異，高稅州如馬哈拉施特拉邦降幅約5%，低稅州如哈里亞納邦則可達15%。受惠品牌包括Johnnie Walker Black Label、Chivas Regal 12 Years等蘇格蘭原裝進口產品，專家估計需耗時6個月至1年時間才能完全反映降價效果。
閱讀原文全文
Liqour Price: Big news for drink lovers. The upcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK is scheduled to be enforced on July 15th. A significant advantage of this deal is likely to be seen by consumers who buy imported Scotch whisky and gin. As part of this agreement, the current 150% import duty on Scotch whisky and gin will be initially decreased to 75%, eventually reaching 40% over the next decade. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that this reduction in import duty may not directly translate to a 50% or more drop in alcohol prices. Let’s delve deeper into this matter.
Analysts point out that the ultimate cost of any alcoholic beverage is not solely determined by the import duty. There are various other factors contributing to the final price, such as state government excise taxes, Value Added Tax (VAT), distributor and retailer markups, transportation, packaging, and marketing expenses. Consequently, consumers may witness an initial price decrease of approximately 5% to 10%, potentially saving up to Rs 100 per bottle.
Will prices decrease uniformly in every state?
The reduction in prices will vary from state to state. In high-tax states like Maharashtra, the cost of Scotch may only see a marginal decline of about 5%. Conversely, in states with lower taxes like Haryana, the reduction could be as high as 15%. Meanwhile, in states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where alcohol sales are regulated by government bodies, it may take longer for the price reductions to reach consumers.
This agreement is expected to particularly benefit those Scotch whisky brands that are entirely produced in Scotland and directly imported to India (Bottled-in-Origin). For instance, popular bottles like Johnnie Walker Black Label and Chivas Regal 12 Years, currently priced around Rs 3,888, could become cheaper by 5-10%, making them available for purchase between Rs 3,499 and Rs 3,694. Similarly, premium Scotch brands like Ballantine’s Finest, Monkey Shoulder, and Lagavulin 16 Years are also likely to witness significant price drops.
Nonetheless, consumers may have to exercise patience before witnessing reduced Scotch prices. Industry experts suggest that it could take anywhere between six months to a year post-FTA implementation for the price reductions to fully materialize. This is due to importers needing time to clear existing stock, adjust Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) based on the new rates, and secure approvals from state authorities.
In addition to price cuts, this agreement is anticipated to encourage the entry of new Scotch brands into the Indian market. This expansion is expected to offer consumers a wider range of choices and is predicted to drive growth in the premium spirits sector. The India-UK FTA is viewed as a significant game-changer for both the spirits industry and consumers alike.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：An unexpectedly fresh cask selection lies behind this exclusive Aberfeldy - Whisky Monkeys
蘇格蘭 Aberfeldy 酒廠推出限量 252 瓶的 Aberfeldy 24-Year-Old White Port Double Cask Finish，為其「非凡桶陳系列」新作。本款採用葡萄牙杜羅河谷白波特桶陳，帶來清新活潑的風味特徵，包括蜂蜜、蜜杏和柑橘花香，有別於傳統紅波特桶的深色果實風格。酒款酒精度 50.7%，僅在 Aberfeldy 酒廠內販售，售價 £350（約台幣 13,000 元）。
閱讀原文全文
The Scottish
Aberfeldy Distillery has unveiled a new, highly exclusive single malt: Aberfeldy 24-Year-Old White Port Double Cask Finish. This whisky not only boasts an impressive age, but also a mouthwatering double cask finish.
The new single malt from
Aberfeldy is part of the Exceptional Cask Series, in which Aberfeldy experiments with distinctive cask maturations that further deepen the distillery’s character. Previous releases in the series were finished in, among others, Tuscan red wine casks and Cadillac wine casks from France.
These whiskies have already explored fresh twists on the Highland distillery’s soft, honeyed character—and they’re doing it again. This time, the choice fell on White Port casks from Portugal’s Douro Valley.
White Port for added depth and dimension
While red Port casks often deliver rich, dark fruit notes, White Port casks bring a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile. Stephanie Macleod, Malt Master at Aberfeldy, says the decision to use White Port was a deliberate one, aiming to present a surprisingly fresh take on an older whisky. According to Macleod, the whisky offers “a taste of Portugal through the lens of Aberfeldy’s craftsmanship.”
White Port is known for lively hints of citrus zest, stone fruit, and subtle nutty accents. These characteristics enhance Aberfeldy’s style without overpowering it.
What does the Aberfeldy 24-Year-Old White Port Double Cask Finish taste like?
According to the official tasting notes, the whisky delivers aromas and flavors of ripe orchard fruits, honeyed apricots, citrus blossom, and vanilla. Tasting notes below:
- Nose: Fresh and vibrant, with notes of honey, nectarine, and malt.
- Palate: Ripe sweet apricots, citrus blossom, and vanilla.
- Finish: Soft, warming malt tones.
The whisky is bottled at 50.7 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).
Exclusive to one location
With only 252 bottles available, the Aberfeldy 24-Year-Old White Port Double Cask Finish is decidedly scarce. It’s available in just one place:
at the distillery itself.
Visitors to the Aberfeldy Distillery can sample the whisky over the summer in the Distillery Bar for £13 per glass. A bottle can also be purchased for 350 dollar.
FAQ
- What makes Aberfeldy Distillery special?
Aberfeldy Distillery is renowned for its smooth, honeyed single malt whisky. The distillery draws its water from the Pitilie Burn, a source that contributes to its signature flavor profile.
- Can you visit Aberfeldy Distillery?
Yes, visitors can join guided tours of the distillery. On a tour you’ll learn more about the production process, and there’s usually a whisky tasting included.
- When was Aberfeldy Distillery founded?
Aberfeldy Distillery was founded in 1896 by brothers John Alexander Dewar and Tommy Dewar. Whisky production began in 1898.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：UK's whisky, cars will be cheaper in India: Trade deal to be implemented from 15 July; know which items' pr... - Bhaskar English
印英自由貿易協定已於7月24日簽署，將於7月15日正式實施。根據協議，蘇格蘭威士忌的進口關稅將從150%降至75%，第十年後進一步降至40%，使5000盧比（約台幣1,800元）的威士忌瓶可降至3500盧比。此外，英國汽車（如Jaguar Land Rover、Rolls-Royce）關稅將從100%降至10%，可便宜20-30%。協議預期將雙邊貿易額倍增至1,200億美元，預估年增長15%。
閱讀原文全文
- English News
- Business
- India UK FTA From July 15 | Whisky, Cars Cheaper; Modi, Starmer Signed Deal
UK's whisky, cars will be cheaper in India:Trade deal to be implemented from 15 July; know which items' prices will change
- Copy link
UK cars, whisky, clothing and footwear will be available cheaper in India after 7 days. Because, the Free Trade Agreement between India-UK will come into effect from July 15. This means from this day, 99% of India's goods will be exported to UK at zero tariff. Meanwhile, 99% of UK's goods will be imported at 3% average tariff.
This is expected to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030. After 14 rounds of talks over nearly 3 years, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and British Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds signed this agreement on July 24, 2025 in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer.
British High Commissioner called it a 'historic moment'
Before this trade agreement comes into effect, businesses and companies of both countries have less than a month left to prepare. UK High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron wrote on social media platform X, "The countdown has begun! UK and India have agreed that the Free Trade Agreement will come into effect from July 15. This is a historic moment for the modern UK-India partnership, which will mark the beginning of a new era of growth for both our economies."
Understand the benefits of this agreement through Q&A:
Question 1: Which items will become cheaper in India?
Answer: The average tariff on goods imported from the UK will reduce from 15% to 3%. 85% of goods will become completely tariff-free within 10 years. This will make many items cheaper:
- Whisky and Gin: India's tariff on Scotch whisky and gin imported from the UK will be reduced from 150% to 75%. Later, by the tenth year of the agreement, it will be reduced to 40%. Example- A Scotch bottle worth 5000 rupees will be available for 3500 rupees.
- Luxury Cars: Tariff on UK cars (such as Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce) will come down from 100% to 10% under the quota system. This could make these cars 20-30% cheaper.
- Food and Beverages: Tariffs on salmon, lamb, chocolate, biscuits and soft drinks imported from the UK will be reduced. This will make these products cheaper.
- Cosmetics and Medical Devices: Lower tariffs on UK cosmetics, medical equipment and aerospace parts will make these goods cheaper. Tariff will come down from 15% to 3%.
- Fashion and Clothing: Branded clothes, fashion products and homewear coming from the UK will also be cheaper. Similarly, furniture and electronics will also be available at lower prices.
Question 2: Which sectors of India will benefit?
Answer: Sectors ranging from textiles to engineering, medical and chemical will benefit.
1. Textile Sector
Indian clothing and home textiles like bedsheets and curtains used to have an 8-12% tax in the UK, which will now be completely eliminated. This will make our textiles cheaper and more competitive compared to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam. Export hubs like Tiruppur, Surat, and Ludhiana could see growth of up to 40% in the next three years.
2. Jewellery and Leather Goods
There will now be no tax on jewelry and leather goods like bags and shoes going from India to the UK. This will greatly benefit small businesses (MSMEs) and luxury brands. Additionally, India's dominance in Europe through the UK route will increase further.
3. Engineering Goods and Auto Parts
The UK has eliminated import tax on Indian machinery, engineering tools, and auto parts like car components. This will strengthen India's position in the UK and European industrial supply chain. Manufacturing hubs like Pune, Chennai, and Gurugram will benefit.
4. Medicines and Medical Devices
Indian pharma companies will get an easier registration process for generic medicines in the UK. This will help Indian medicines reach the UK's health service (NHS) more easily and drug approvals will also be faster.
6. Food and beverages, tea, spices and marine products
UK import tax on basmati rice, marine products like prawns, premium tea and spices will be eliminated. This will give a major boost to the export industry of regions like Assam, Gujarat, Kerala and West Bengal.
7. Chemicals and specialty materials
Reduction in tax on agrochemicals, plastics and specialty chemicals will boost exports from major hubs like Gujarat and Maharashtra. Under this deal, India's target is to double its chemical exports to the UK by 2030.
8. Green energy and cleantech
This agreement will pave the way for joint ventures in renewable energy, including solar, green hydrogen and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The UK will invest further in India's clean energy sector, leading to co-development of new technologies.
Question 3: What benefits will this deal bring to India's economy?
Answer: The FTA is beneficial for India's economy in several ways:
- Increase in Exports: 99% of Indian goods will be exported to the UK at zero tariff. This will benefit sectors like textiles, leather, gems-jewellery, marine products, and engineering goods. India's exports to the UK could reach 29 billion dollars by 2030.
- Employment will increase: New jobs will be created in labour-based sectors like textiles and leather. Employment in the textile sector could double.
- Boost to MSMEs: India's 6 crore MSMEs will benefit. They contribute to 40% of India's exports. This agreement will provide them with new markets and better margins.
- Increase in Investment: UK companies will increase investment in IT, Financial Services and Green Technology in India. This will strengthen India's Manufacturing and Service Sector.
- Economic Growth: This deal will increase India-UK trade by 15% annually till 2030. This will help in achieving India's trade target of $100 billion.
Question 4: When will this agreement come into effect?
Answer: This agreement was signed on 24 July 2025, but it may take about a year to be implemented. This is because approval from India's Central Cabinet and UK's Parliament is necessary. It has already received approval from India's Central Cabinet.
Question 5: When did the negotiations between India and UK regarding the agreement begin?
Answer: The negotiations between India and UK regarding the agreement began on January 13, 2022, which concluded after approximately 3.5 years. Since 2014, India has signed 3 such Free Trade Agreements with Mauritius, UAE, Australia and EFTA (European Free Trade Association). India is actively negotiating similar agreements with the European Union (EU).
Question 6: How many types of trade agreements are there?
Answer: Free Trade Agreements are given different names according to their nature. These include PTA (Preferential), RTA (Regional) and BTA (Bilateral). WTO names all such economic engagements as RTA.
Question 7: With which countries has India signed these agreements?
Answer: India has signed trade agreements with Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Australia, UAE, Mauritius, ASEAN and EFTA blocks.
According to Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), after securing deals with Asia's major economies, India has shifted its FTA focus from East (ASEAN, Japan, Korea) towards Western partners.
India is now prioritizing FTAs with the EU and US to expand exports and strengthen trade relations with major economies of the West.
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.
Read more: The 25 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked
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.
Advertisement
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.
Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source or follow us on Google.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
The Glenturret Distillery has introduced The Glenturret Deux Terrain, a limited-edition 21-year-old single malt Scotch whisky that brings together the heritage of the Scottish Highlands and France’s renowned Bordeaux wine region.
Bottled at 42.8 per cent ABV, the whisky was initially matured in Sherry-seasoned oak casks before being finished in casks that previously held Sauternes wine from Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey. The release celebrates the shared ownership of the two historic producers under Lalique and highlights their long-standing traditions of craftsmanship and excellence.
Created by Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno, the expression takes its name from the meaning of “Two Lands,” reflecting the fusion of two distinct terroirs. According to the distillery, the whisky combines classic Highland character with the refined influence of Bordeaux’s celebrated wine region through careful cask maturation.
The Glenturret Deux Terrain offers a flavour profile featuring notes of pineapple, caramelised apple, vanilla, seasoned oak, gentle spice, ginger, sweet cinnamon and ripening citrus, showcasing the balance between Scotch whisky and Sauternes cask influence.
The release is limited to just 500 bottles worldwide, underlining its exclusivity. It is available through The Glenturret’s website at a recommended retail price of £750.
Founded in 1618 in the heart of Bordeaux, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is one of the region’s historic wine estates, making this collaboration a celebration of two heritage producers united by a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Cape Town's whisky scene: A modern twist on the Old Fashioned cocktail - CapeTowner
蘇格蘭威士忌品牌 Monkey Shoulder（由 William Grant & Sons 生產）在開普敦舉辦沉浸式雞尾酒活動，推廣威士忌的現代飲用方式。活動以標誌性的老式雞尾酒（Old Fashioned）為主軸，用 60ml Monkey Shoulder 調製，展現威士忌從傳統品酒向當代雞尾酒文化的轉變。南非已成全球最大蘇格蘭威士忌出口市場之一，威士忌正超越白蘭地成為年輕消費者首選，消費族群也從傳統男性為主擴展至包括黑人中產階級女性等多元群體，體現威士忌文化民主化的趨勢。
閱讀原文全文
Cape Town's food and drink culture continues to evolve
Image: Supplied
Cape Town's whisky scene is evolving, and it's no longer reserved for special occasions or seasoned connoisseurs.
That shift was on display at The Athletic Club & Social on Buitengracht Street, where blended Scotch whisky brand Monkey Shoulder hosted an immersive Old Fashioned Cocktail Experience, inviting guests to explore a more modern and accessible approach to whisky.
Instead of neat pours and traditional tastings, the evening centred around one of the world's most iconic cocktails – the Old Fashioned.
Crafted with 60ml of Monkey Shoulder whisky, bitters, sugar, and citrus, the drink showcased how Scotch is increasingly finding its place in contemporary cocktail culture.
The event reflected a broader change in South Africa's whisky market, where premium spirits are becoming less about status and more about shared experiences.
Monkey Shoulder, produced by William Grant & Sons in Scotland's Speyside region, is a blended malt whisky made from single malts sourced from Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie distilleries.
Its unusual name pays homage to the maltmen who once turned germinating barley by hand, a physically demanding job that sometimes left workers with a temporary shoulder strain nicknamed "monkey shoulder".
South Africa has become one of the world's largest Scotch whisky export markets by volume, with whisky now the country's most widely consumed spirit. The category has steadily overtaken brandy among younger consumers, who are embracing whisky through cocktails, food pairings and social experiences rather than reserving premium bottles for milestone celebrations.
The profile of the typical whisky drinker is also changing. Once considered a predominantly male space, the category is attracting a younger and more diverse audience, including a growing number of black middle-class women who are reshaping perceptions of whisky.
As the cocktails flowed, guests settled into the venue's elegant surrounds before the atmosphere shifted into party mode, with husband-and-wife DJ duo The Dlamini Duo providing the soundtrack for the evening.
The launch served as more than a brand showcase. It offered a glimpse into how Cape Town's food and drink culture continues to evolve, with premium whisky becoming less about tradition and more about connection, creativity and enjoying the moment.
Find Cape Community Media on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Top Award-Winning Whiskies Of 2026: 4 Global Whisky Challenge Winners, From Peg Leg Porker To George T. Stagg - Esquire India
全球威士忌挑戰賽（Global Whisky Challenge）第三年落幕，評審團在丹佛試評來自七國超140款威士忌。Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon Black Label以97分獲唯一白金獎，來自前燒烤競賽好手的獨立品牌，採用獨特的焙木碳過濾工藝；George T. Stagg（96分、最佳風味獎首位）為Buffalo Trace秋季限定系列，2010年蒸餾、酒精度創歷史新高71.4%；Stranahan's Mountain Angel 10-Year是首款上市的10年美國單一麥芽威士忌；Ardnamurchan Cask Strength來自蘇格蘭環保先鋒酒廠，使用再生能源生產。
閱讀原文全文
AI generated summary, newsroom reviewed
The Global Whisky Challenge wrapped up its third year, with judges tasting more than 140 entries from seven countries over three days in Denver. The competition divides whiskies into three regional categories, UK and European, Japanese and Asia-Pacific, and North American, before the highest-scoring entries advance to a final tasting by a senior judging panel in New York. Only 13 bottles earned Double Gold this year. Above that sits a single Platinum medal for the competition's highest-scoring whisky, alongside three Best of Show honours recognising the next highest-rated entries. Check out the the 4 Global Whisky Challenge 2026 winners that impressed the judges, and why each bottle deserves a place on every whisky enthusiast's radar. These whiskies include Peg Leg Porker, George T. Stagg, Ardnamurchan Cask and more.
Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon Black Label scored 97, the competition's only Platinum medal, beating heavyweights that usually dominate these lists.
It comes from Carey Bringle, a Nashville pitmaster who spent two decades on the competitive barbecue circuit before turning to whisky. He lost his right leg to bone cancer as a teenager, which is where the 'Peg Leg' name comes from. The bourbon is sourced rather than distilled in-house, most likely from George Dickel, though the brand has never confirmed it. After at least 12 years in new charred oak, it is filtered through hickory charcoal Bringle burns himself in his own smoker, a barbecue take on the sugar maple filtering Tennessee whiskey makers usually carry out before barrelling. Because Peg Leg filters after ageing instead of before, it is labelled bourbon rather than Tennessee whiskey. Expect dark chocolate, espresso, dried fruit and charred oak, with a smokier edge than most bourbons of its age.
Approximate Price: ₹13,300 | ABV: 46.35%
George T. Stagg took the top Best of Show spot with a score of 96, and it remains one of the hardest bourbons to actually buy.
Stagg is made at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Kentucky, and named after the 19th-century whiskey businessman who once ran the distillery. It is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, five limited releases the distillery has issued each autumn since 2002, with Stagg joining the line-up in 2004. This year's bottle was distilled in 2010, aged for just over 15 years, and came out of the barrel at 142.8 proof, the highest any Stagg release has reached, high enough that some shippers classify it as hazardous to transport! Stagg was skipped entirely in 2021 after that year's barrels did not meet the distillery's standards.
Approximate Price: ₹1.11 lakh | ABV: 71.4%
Stranahan's Mountain Angel 10-Year took second place Best of Show and has become something of a flagship for American single malt.
Stranahan's opened in Denver in 2004 as Colorado's first licensed distillery since Prohibition, founded after Jess Graber, a volunteer firefighter, responded to a barn fire on George Stranahan's property and the two decided to start a distillery together. Mountain Angel is billed as the first 10-year-old straight American single malt on the market. Colorado's altitude and dramatic temperature swings push the whiskey in and out of the wood faster than it would mature at sea level, and 10 years in new American oak brings out caramel and dark chocolate, with leather, mint and gentle pepper underneath.
Approximate Price: ₹10,200 | ABV: 45%
Ardnamurchan Cask Strength picked up the third Best of Show honour, from one of the most environmentally conscious operations in Scotch whisky.
Built in 2014 on Scotland's remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula by independent bottler Adelphi, the distillery runs almost entirely on renewable power—a hydroelectric generator on its cooling water river, solar panels installed in 2023, and a biomass boiler fuelled by locally sourced woodchip. This release blends peated and unpeated spirit, matured mostly in bourbon casks with a portion finished in sherry wood, and bottled without chill filtration or added colour. Expect coastal smoke, citrus, orchard fruit and a clean salinity, creating a fuller, more textured dram than most Highland releases at this price.
Approximate Price: ₹8,200 | ABV: 57.7%
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Aberfeldy launches white Port cask-finished distillery exclusive - The Spirits Business
Bacardi旗下的蘇格蘭威士忌廠Aberfeldy推出24年份Aberfeldy White Port Double Cask單一麥芽威士忌，全球限量252瓶，售價£350（約台幣12,250元）。此酒款採用白波特桶陳finish，帶來柑橘皮、核果及堅果香氣，保留Aberfeldy招牌蜂蜜風味同時增添明亮優雅的特性。這是Exceptional Cask Series系列最新作品，僅於蘇格蘭Perthshire酒廠及線上商店限量販售，酒廠訪客亦可點杯享用。
閱讀原文全文
Aberfeldy launches white Port cask-finished distillery exclusive
The 24-year-old single malt from the Bacardi-owned Aberfeldy is available exclusively from the distillery in Perthshire and its online store.
This latest addition to the Bacardi-owned Dewar’s Aberfeldy’s Exceptional Cask Series is said to reflect ‘Aberfeldy’s continued exploration of wine cask finishing.’
Aberfeldy’s malt master, Stephanie Macleod, said: “The choice of white Port casks was a deliberate one. Port cask maturation is often known for bringing a lively character to whisky, but white Port offers something particularly fresh and vibrant. Rich in notes of citrus peel, stone fruits and delicate nuttiness, the casks complement rather than overpower Aberfeldy’s signature honeyed style, creating an expression that feels bright, elegant and perfectly suited to the season.”
Aberfeldy 24 Year old White Port Double Cask is limited to 252 bottles, priced at £350 (US$465) per 700ml with an ABV of 50.7%.
Visitors to the Aberfeldy distillery will also be able to order the new limited-edition single malt for £13 (US$17) a dram.
“With this release, we wanted to capture something unexpected,” Macleod added. “A whisky that retains the depth and refinement expected of a 24-Year-Old single malt while introducing a brighter, more expressive character through the white Port finish. It is a whisky that transports you, offering a taste of Portugal through the lens of Aberfeldy craftsmanship.”
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery was established in the Scottish Highlands in 1898 by brothers John Alexander and Thomas Dewar.
Today, it serves as the brand home of both Aberfeldy single malt and Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky.
Previous Aberfeldy Exceptional Cask expressions have included a 22-year-old oloroso Sherry cask-matured single malt, which was bottled in 2025 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the distillery’s visitor centre. The bottling coincided with the launch of a new ‘whisky explorer experience’ for visitors.
Aberfeldy earned five gold medals at The Scotch Whisky Masters blind tasting competition in 2024. Judges described Aberfeldy Madeira Cask 12 Years Old as “very classic: toasted oak, cloves, honey and butterscotch.”
Related news
Trump to remove Scotch whisky tariff
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：This iconic Scotch whisky has a whole new look - Whisky Monkeys
The Singleton of Dufftown 與 The Singleton of Glendullan 本月起推出全新包裝設計，為品牌迄今最大膽的視覺升級。新瓶標採用更深沉的藍綠色調、金屬墨水和質感飾面，提升貨架上的高級感。品牌招牌鮭魚圖案更加突出，強化品牌辨識度。新設計更清楚呈現 Slow Batch Distillation 慢速蒸餾工藝，並使風味描述更直觀，幫助消費者選購。同時新包裝的碳足跡相比舊設計降低，體現永續承諾。
閱讀原文全文
Starting this month, the bottles for
The Singleton of Dufftown and The Singleton of Glendullan may look a little different than you’re used to. New packaging for the whisky’s core range has been rolled out. The labels now feature richer colors and more luxurious details.
The new design is
The Singleton’s boldest refresh to date. The bottles take on a richer, more contemporary look with flowing textures, expressive backdrops, and a deeper teal palette. Metallic inks and tactile finishes add a premium feel on the shelf.
A starring role for The Singleton’s salmon
The brand’s iconic salmon plays a standout role. The fish on the labels is now more prominent to boost brand recognition, while preserving the warm, approachable style The Singleton is known for.
The new presentation also puts a stronger spotlight on the Slow Batch Distillation process. The Singleton ferments and distills its spirit more slowly than many other single malts in
Scotland. That time and care are now more clearly communicated to whisky lovers through the updated labels.
To better convey taste, the tasting notes on the packaging have been made more expressive as well. The labels now more clearly indicate the flavor profile of each expression, helping shoppers choose between different bottlings within the core range.
The refreshed design isn’t just about a more luxurious look: it’s more practical too. With distinct labels, stronger visual cues, and clear flavor information, The Singleton aims to help consumers discover new expressions.
Sustainability also shapes the new packaging
Beyond the visual update,
The Singleton has also focused on packaging sustainability. The new labels and packaging deliver a lower CO2 footprint per case compared to the previous design.
James O’Connor, global head of The Singleton, notes that the packaging had to be as thoughtfully crafted as the whisky itself. The new style reflects the time, craftsmanship, and premium character of The Singleton’s Slow Batch Distillation process.
FAQ
- What is The Singleton whisky?
The Singleton is a Scottish single malt whisky renowned for its smooth, approachable flavor profile.
- What has changed about The Singleton whisky?
The bottles and labels now feature a more luxurious look with deeper colors, metallic details, and clearer tasting notes.
- Why is there a salmon on The Singleton’s label?
The salmon is The Singleton’s signature emblem, and it now takes a more prominent place on the new packaging.
A new collaboration pairs Scotland’s national drink with one of its oldest design traditions.
Whisky and tartan have long travelled together. Now, Cask Trade and celebrated Scottish designer Siobhan Mackenzie have brought the two together in a limited-edition single cask release that celebrates the country’s enduring craftsmanship through a contemporary lens.
The collaboration marks the debut of the Cask Trade Tartan, an original design created exclusively by Mackenzie, and officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans.
Wrapped around a rare single cask bottling from Nc’nean Distillery, the release brings together two distinctly Scottish crafts. One begins on the loom, the other in the stillhouse.
For Cask Trade, the project represents more than the launch of another exclusive bottling.
Myriam Mackenzie, of Cask Trade, said: “Unveiling the Cask Trade Tartan on a whisky bottle feels like a natural fit, but the project represents something bigger than tartan or packaging. For us, it’s about showing that Scottish heritage is a living tradition, shaped by collaboration, creativity and the people carrying it forward today.”
The collaboration marks the debut of the Cask Trade Tartan, an original design officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans…
The story behind Cask Trade’s tartan whisky
Designer Siobhan Mackenzie has earned an international reputation for reimagining Highland dress for a modern audience. Her bespoke tartan for Cask Trade draws on the company’s signature palette of rich purple and gold, while weaving another layer of meaning into the design. The thread count discreetly references the company’s founding year, 2018, embedding its history directly into the fabric.
“For me, there’s a lot of synergy between my brand and what Cask Trade is doing,” Mackenzie said. “It’s something different and innovative within a very traditional industry, and I really like that alignment.
“When I take on these kinds of projects, it has to be with the right partner, the right kind of design, and importantly, the right sentiment. I’m really happy with this collaboration, particularly as this is my first whisky bottle design.”
Since launching her label, Mackenzie has become one of Scotland’s most recognised contemporary designers. Her clients include Justin Bieber, Sam Heughan, Alan Cumming, for his appearances on the American version of The Traitors, Jared Leto and Shania Twain.
Mackenzie has also played a significant role in Scotland’s sporting identity, designing the official Team Scotland Opening Ceremony uniforms for the 2018, 2022 and 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Siobhan Mackenzie x Cask Trade whisky tasting notes
For this project, Cask Trade selected an eight-year-old single cask from Nc’nean, the pioneering organic distillery overlooking the rugged coastline of the Morvern Peninsula in the western Highlands. Distilled in 2018 and matured in a shaved, toasted and re-charred (STR) red wine cask, the liquid has spent eight years developing layers of fruit, spice and gentle oak before being bottled at its natural cask strength of 54.5% ABV.
Only 306 bottles have been drawn.
In the glass, the designer dram is said to open with aromas of ripe apricot, crisp apple and citrus oil, supported by red berries, honey and gentle spice. The palate develops into dried apricot and baked apple alongside vanilla fudge, baking spices and cracked black pepper, with flashes of citrus, honey and sweet oak adding depth. The finish is long and softly warming, leaving lingering notes of sweet oak, honey and spice.
Distillery founder Annabel Thomas said: “I’m honoured that Nc’nean was chosen to showcase this beautiful tartan and that we can together highlight the importance of the continued evolution of crafts deeply rooted in Scottish history.”
Cù Bòcan has introduced Creation #8, a limited-edition Highland single malt that explores a pioneering maturation using Canadian ice wine and Spanish Verdejo casks. Produced at Tomatin Distillery, Cù Bòcan is the experimental single malt brand created around the distillery’s lightly peated spirit. The name means ‘ghost dog’ in Gaelic, referencing a spirit said to…
Drinks by the Dram has unveiled The Whisky Library, an educational tasting collection created in collaboration with whisky expert Dave Worthington. Presented as a miniature bookshelf, the set contains 36 wax-sealed 30ml drams housed across six themed volumes covering Scotch whisky regions, single malt whisky, Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, Bourbon and American whiskey, and sherry-cask…
Kentucky’s famous red wax-sealed bourbon is heading to luxury department store shelves with one of its rarest UK releases to date. Maker’s Mark has unveiled its first-ever collaboration with Selfridges, resulting in a bespoke Private Selection bourbon created exclusively for the retailer. Known as Selfridges Barrel No. 1 2026, the whiskey is limited to just…
A new collaboration pairs Scotland’s national drink with one of its oldest design traditions.
Whisky and tartan have long travelled together. Now, Cask Trade and celebrated Scottish designer Siobhan Mackenzie have brought the two together in a limited-edition single cask release that celebrates the country’s enduring craftsmanship through a contemporary lens.
The collaboration marks the debut of the Cask Trade Tartan, an original design created exclusively by Mackenzie, and officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans.
Wrapped around a rare single cask bottling from Nc’nean Distillery, the release brings together two distinctly Scottish crafts. One begins on the loom, the other in the stillhouse.
For Cask Trade, the project represents more than the launch of another exclusive bottling.
Myriam Mackenzie, of Cask Trade, said: “Unveiling the Cask Trade Tartan on a whisky bottle feels like a natural fit, but the project represents something bigger than tartan or packaging. For us, it’s about showing that Scottish heritage is a living tradition, shaped by collaboration, creativity and the people carrying it forward today.”
The story behind Cask Trade’s tartan whisky
Designer Siobhan Mackenzie has earned an international reputation for reimagining Highland dress for a modern audience. Her bespoke tartan for Cask Trade draws on the company’s signature palette of rich purple and gold, while weaving another layer of meaning into the design. The thread count discreetly references the company’s founding year, 2018, embedding its history directly into the fabric.
“For me, there’s a lot of synergy between my brand and what Cask Trade is doing,” Mackenzie said. “It’s something different and innovative within a very traditional industry, and I really like that alignment.
“When I take on these kinds of projects, it has to be with the right partner, the right kind of design, and importantly, the right sentiment. I’m really happy with this collaboration, particularly as this is my first whisky bottle design.”
Since launching her label, Mackenzie has become one of Scotland’s most recognised contemporary designers. Her clients include Justin Bieber, Sam Heughan, Alan Cumming, for his appearances on the American version of The Traitors, Jared Leto and Shania Twain.
Mackenzie has also played a significant role in Scotland’s sporting identity, designing the official Team Scotland Opening Ceremony uniforms for the 2018, 2022 and 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Siobhan Mackenzie x Cask Trade whisky tasting notes
For this project, Cask Trade selected an eight-year-old single cask from Nc’nean, the pioneering organic distillery overlooking the rugged coastline of the Morvern Peninsula in the western Highlands. Distilled in 2018 and matured in a shaved, toasted and re-charred (STR) red wine cask, the liquid has spent eight years developing layers of fruit, spice and gentle oak before being bottled at its natural cask strength of 54.5% ABV.
Only 306 bottles have been drawn.
In the glass, the designer dram is said to open with aromas of r
What we’re drinking: Torabhaig Taigh Single Malt Scotch Whisky (pronounced “Tie,” Taigh means house in Scottish Gaelic)
Where it’s from: Part of Mossburn Distillers (which is also behind one of my favorite affordable smoky Scotches), Torabhaig is the second-ever licensed Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye. Launched in 2017, the whisky production is overseen by Neil MacLeod Mathieson, alongside a small team of local distillers, all trained in-house.
Why we’re drinking this: Torabhaig’s limited-edition Legacy Series bottles tend to end up in my best new whiskies of the month articles (see here and here) because they’re elegantly smoky and pretty damn affordable. So if this young but promising distillery is ready to deliver an easier-to-find (and still relatively inexpensive) expression, I’m curious.
Taigh is being marketed as Torabhaig’s first core expression, but it continues in a familiar house style. “Our whisky maker Neil said he wanted our whisky to be a very heavy peat on the way in and a very well-mannered peat on the way out,” says Bruce Perry, the global head of brand advocacy at Mossburn Distillers, during a recent media tasting in New York. “And with Taigh, this is the first time we’ve made anything replicable.”
In a way, Taigh is probably not going to be the most interesting whisky the distillery ever makes, but it may be the place to start before diving into those Legacy Series releases (or a possible upcoming 10-year release). “When we’re making something, particularly our very first permanent reference, we want it to be approachable,” Perry says. “We want lots of people to enjoy it. For real peat fans, peat lovers, this is what I call my Tuesday night whisky. I think it’s also a gateway to peated whisky. This is for the peat curious.”
The Best Daiquiri Swaps Rum for a Peaty Scotch
How the smoky and tropical notes of Ardbeg 10 transform an iconic cocktailIn a press release, whisky maker Neil MacLeod Mathieson expands on that idea. “We’ve been in production for nearly 10 years, but it’s still early days for our whisky,” he said. “Though we will continue to explore different casks and ideas with future expressions, we believe that Taigh captures everything we’ve been building towards since we began distilling in 2017. Our ‘Smoke with Taste’ ethos means elegance, balance and character, where peat enhances the flavor rather than dominating it. The combination of our traditional first-fill bourbon barrels alongside Madeira makes Taigh an especially welcoming, round expression for newcomers, and we’re proud to make it our first evergreen release.”
Smoke with taste? Let’s find out.
How it tastes: Bottled at 46% ABV and aged in a combination of first-fill bourbon, refill bourbon and Madeira casks, this is definitely a softer peated style with notes of apple cinnamon, vanilla custard, toasted almond and a little spice. It’s not the most complex Torabhaig release, and it’s not necessarily going to appeal to Ardbeg or Octomore fans, but it does a nice job of defining where the distillery wants to go.
Fun fact: The distillery invited Scottish poet Iona Lee to create an original body of work inspired by Torabhaig’s home on the Sleat Peninsula. You can see that here.
Where to find: Torabhaig Taigh retails for $50, and you can find it online and in select bars and stores in California, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York.
Every Thursday, our resident experts see to it that you’re up to date on the latest from the world of drinks. Trend reports, bottle reviews, cocktail recipes and more. Sign up for THE SPILL now.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Saltire Rare Malt Whisky strengthens global team - The Spirits Business
蘇格蘭獨立裝瓶商 Saltire Rare Malt Whisky 宣布在北美和亞太地區進行大規模人事擴編，以加速全球拓展。2024 年成立的 Fife 威士忌公司表示這是迄今最大的人才投資。新任命包括威士忌教育家 Gary Clark 擔任美國銷售經理、Jared Card 和 George B Summer 擔任中大西洋及紐約地區品牌大使、Laura Sol 擔任業務發展經理，以及 Kotaro Kurihara 擔任亞太地區產品行銷專員。共同創辦人 Keith Rennie 表示新團隊將加強國際夥伴關係，將 Saltire 威士忌推向全球收藏家和貿易夥伴。
閱讀原文全文
Saltire Rare Malt Whisky strengthens global team
Scottish independent bottler Saltire Rare Malt Whisky has ‘accelerated global ambitions’ with new appointments in North America and Asia Pacific.
The Fife-based whisky company, which launched in 2024, has described the new hires as its ‘largest investment in people to date.’
Joining the company are whisky educator and author Gary Clark as national sales manager for the US, along with industry veterans Jared Card and George B Summer, who will serve as brand ambassadors for the Mid-Atlantic and New York regions.
Former brand strategist and commercial partnership specialist Laura Sol will now serve as Saltire’s business development manager.
Kotaro Kurihara will take on the role of product marketing specialist for Asia Pacific – which has been described as one of the company’s ‘most important international markets.’
Co-founder of Saltire Rare Malt, Kieth Rennie, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to build an international Scotch whisky company while staying true to Scotland’s whisky heritage. Just over two years on, we’re proud to see our bottlings enjoyed by collectors around the world, but we believe the best is still to come.”
“Gary, Jared, George, Laura and Kotaro each bring exceptional knowledge, experience and relationships to Saltire Rare Malt. This investment gives us the platform to accelerate our global ambitions, strengthen partnerships and take our whiskies to even more whisky lovers, collectors and trade partners around the world.”
Saltire was born from a longstanding partnership between founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie.
The firm announced its first major expansion in 2025, which saw it hire new staff tasked with growing the brand’s presence in the UK, European and US markets.
Related news
Trump to remove Scotch whisky tariff
Saltire Rare Malt hires five whisky experts to ‘accelerate global ambitions’
Scotch whisky firm Saltire Rare Malt has invested in what it has described as its “biggest international expansion to date” to meet global demand for Scotch whisky.
The company, which launched in 2024, has appointed five whisky professionals across North America and Asia Pacific as the independent Scotch whisky bottler “accelerates its global ambitions”.
Joining Saltire Rare Malt are Gary Clark who will take the role of national sales manager – USA, Jared Card and George B. Summer who will become brand ambassadors for the Mid-Atlantic and New York respectively, Laura Sol will become the company’s business development manager and Kotaro Kurihara will take the role of product marketing specialist for Asia Pacific.
Reaching collectors and trade partners
The company, which has seen its bottlings already reach collectors and trade partners throughout Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa, now has plans to reinforce its reputation as a stand-out independent Scotch whisky bottler.
Partner Content
Founded in Falkland, Fife, the business was born from the longstanding friendship of Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie who shared an ambition to take Scotch whisky across the globe. The duo also work alongside whisky experts Hans and Becky Offringa, known globally as The Whisky Couple.
Building ‘an international Scotch whisky company’
Speaking about the new hires, Rennie said: “From day one, our ambition has been to build an international Scotch whisky company while staying true to Scotland’s whisky heritage. Just over two years on, we’re proud to see our bottlings enjoyed by collectors around the world, but we believe the best is still to come.”
Rennie added: “Gary, Jared, George, Laura and Kotaro each bring exceptional knowledge, experience and relationships to Saltire Rare Malt. This investment gives us the platform to accelerate our global ambitions, strengthen partnerships and take our whiskies to even more whisky lovers, collectors and trade partners around the world.”
Related news
Will Canada end up being punished for the US alcohol ban?
Barton 1792 adds 15YO Bourbon to range
Sazerac’s Barton 1792 Distillery has introduced two landmark whiskeys to its portfolio: straight rye and XV, a 15-year-old cask strength Bourbon.
Established in 1879, Barton 1792 Distillery claims to be the oldest continuously operating distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The distillery’s name pays homage to the year Kentucky was recognised as the 15th state.
The two new expressions join the brand’s range alongside flagship Small Batch Bourbon, expressions such as Aged Twelve Years, Cognac Cask Finish, Single Barrel, Full Proof, and Bottled In Bond.
Although the brand’s range is presented in the same flat bottle shapes, different expressions can be identified by their colour-coded neck tags.
Boasting a green tag and an ABV of 50%, 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is the brand’s first-ever straight rye expression.
The annual release was crafted by Barton 1792’s master distiller Ross Cornelissen, who used the brand’s signature Bourbon yeast, introducing a subtle, fruit-forward sweetness to the whiskey.
The rye used was sourced from Canada, Europe, and the northern US. The Canadian rye is said to provide a floral lift, the northern US grain a peppery spice, and European rye a bready, herbal depth to the final expression.
The nose offers aromas of warm baking spices and spiced fruit jellies, followed on the palate by notes of rye spice, cinnamon candy, and rich molasses.
“We felt the rye reached its peak at 100 proof. Here, the whiskey showcases a seamless integration of rye spice, oak and yeast influence,” Cornelissen explained.
“Many seasoned Bourbon drinkers turn to rye when they’re ready to explore something new. With 1792 Bourbon’s high-rye mash bill, this release offers fans a familiar spice profile with a recognisable rye character.”
1792 Straight Rye is now available in select markets through Sazerac’s distribution network, with an SRP of US$39.99 for a 750ml bottle.
XV cask strength Bourbon
Standing more than a neck length taller than other expressions, with its slim bottle, Barton 1792 XV is the brand’s oldest age statement bottling to date.
It is also the distillery’s inaugural cask strength expression, bottled unfiltered at 62.1% ABV after 15 years’ maturation in virgin American oak casks.
The expression builds on two of the distillery’s previous releases: Aged Twelve Years and Full Proof.
In developing XV, the distilling team at 1792 selected ‘exceptional’ barrels, sampling and measuring each to uncover its unique proof and character. They conducted multiple blend iterations, refining combinations of barrels and proofs until they achieved a final expression that highlights the Bourbon’s maturity and complex flavour profile.
The result is a Bourbon that presents aromas of sweet cola, leather and vanilla extract, with dark cherries, cocoa, rich oak, and dark caramel on the palate.
“This release wasn’t part of a planned experiment in barrel-proof whiskey,” Cornelissen added. “We noticed that several of our oldest barrels were developing extraordinary characteristics, with flavours and nuances that stood out on their own. That discovery inspired us to do something special, which ultimately led to the creation of XV.”
Released exclusively on the travel retail channel, the XV is presented in an elongated 1-litre bottle with a suggested retail price of US$249.99.
The 15-year-old Bourbon is now available at select airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Incheon International Airport in South Korea.
Related news
Daylight robbery: $500k of Noble Oak Bourbon stolen
Aberfeldy launches white Port cask-finished distillery exclusive
The 24-year-old single malt from the Bacardi-owned Aberfeldy is available exclusively from the distillery in Perthshire and its online store.
This latest addition to the Bacardi-owned Dewar’s Aberfeldy’s Exceptional Cask Series is said to reflect ‘Aberfeldy’s continued exploration of wine cask finishing.’
Aberfeldy’s malt master, Stephanie Macleod, said: “The choice of white Port casks was a deliberate one. Port cask maturation is often known for bringing a lively character to whisky, but white Port offers something particularly fresh and vibrant. Rich in notes of citrus peel, stone fruits and delicate nuttiness, the casks complement rather than overpower Aberfeldy’s signature honeyed style, creating an expression that feels bright, elegant and perfectly suited to the season.”
Aberfeldy 24 Year old White Port Double Cask is limited to 252 bottles, priced at £350 (US$465) per 700ml with an ABV of 50.7%.
Visitors to the Aberfeldy distillery will also be able to order the new limited-edition single malt for £13 (US$17) a dram.
“With this release, we wanted to capture something unexpected,” Macleod added. “A whisky that retains the depth and refinement expected of a 24-Year-Old single malt while introducing a brighter, more expressive character through the white Port finish. It is a whisky that transports you, offering a taste of Portugal through the lens of Aberfeldy craftsmanship.”
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery was established in the Scottish Highlands in 1898 by brothers John Alexander and Thomas Dewar.
Today, it serves as the brand home of both Aberfeldy single malt and Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky.
Previous Aberfeldy Exceptional Cask expressions have included a 22-year-old oloroso Sherry cask-matured single malt, which was bottled in 2025 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the distillery’s visitor centre. The bottling coincided with the launch of a new ‘whisky explorer experience’ for visitors.
Aberfeldy earned five gold medals at The Scotch Whisky Masters blind tasting competition in 2024. Judges described Aberfeldy Madeira Cask 12 Years Old as “very classic: toasted oak, cloves, honey and butterscotch.”
Related news
Trump to remove Scotch whisky tariff
The Spirits Business｜原題：Saltire Rare Malt Whisky strengthens global team
蘇格蘭獨立裝瓶商 Saltire Rare Malt Whisky（2024年創立）宣布在北美與亞太地區擴大人才投資，招聘美國全國銷售經理 Gary Clark、中大西洋及紐約地區品牌大使 Jared Card 與 George B Summer，以及亞太地區產品行銷專員 Kotaro Kurihara 等五名重要人才。聯合創辦人 Keith Rennie 表示這是公司迄今最大規模的人力投資，將加速國際野心並強化與全球威士忌愛好者、收藏家和貿易夥伴的聯繫。Saltire 看好亞太市場為最重要的國際市場之一。
閱讀原文全文
Saltire Rare Malt Whisky strengthens global team
Scottish independent bottler Saltire Rare Malt Whisky has ‘accelerated global ambitions’ with new appointments in North America and Asia Pacific.
The Fife-based whisky company, which launched in 2024, has described the new hires as its ‘largest investment in people to date.’
Joining the company are whisky educator and author Gary Clark as national sales manager for the US, along with industry veterans Jared Card and George B Summer, who will serve as brand ambassadors for the Mid-Atlantic and New York regions.
Former brand strategist and commercial partnership specialist Laura Sol will now serve as Saltire’s business development manager.
Kotaro Kurihara will take on the role of product marketing specialist for Asia Pacific – which has been described as one of the company’s ‘most important international markets.’
Co-founder of Saltire Rare Malt, Kieth Rennie, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to build an international Scotch whisky company while staying true to Scotland’s whisky heritage. Just over two years on, we’re proud to see our bottlings enjoyed by collectors around the world, but we believe the best is still to come.”
“Gary, Jared, George, Laura and Kotaro each bring exceptional knowledge, experience and relationships to Saltire Rare Malt. This investment gives us the platform to accelerate our global ambitions, strengthen partnerships and take our whiskies to even more whisky lovers, collectors and trade partners around the world.”
Saltire was born from a longstanding partnership between founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie.
The firm announced its first major expansion in 2025, which saw it hire new staff tasked with growing the brand’s presence in the UK, European and US markets.
Related news
Trump to remove Scotch whisky tariff
Kentucky Bourbon Trail gains new stops
Four new destinations have been added to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, taking the total tally to 74 experiences for whiskey fans.
The new additions include Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row, which opened last August, and Uncle Boojie’s Distilling Co in Louisville, as well as Cave City Distilling Company (formerly Balance Distillery) and Purple Toad Winery & Distillery in the Western region.
The trail was established in 1999, and the president of the Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA), Eric Gregory said that “crossing that milestone of 70 destinations is something we never would have dreamed of.”
“It’s a testament to the diversity of world-class experiences and genteel hospitality that our member distilleries offer,” he said.
Of its latest destinations, he added: “It’s an honour to welcome these four new experiences to our Bourbon Trail adventure, and we’re proud that more local communities than ever before are benefiting from Kentucky Bourbon tourism.”
The Louisville additions bring two downtown distilleries to the trail, while Purple Toad adds a tasting room in Bowling Green, and Cave City adds a newly rebranded and relocated distillery to the Interstate 75.
Now officially on the trail, Pursuit Spirits, founded in 2018 by Ryan Cecil and Kenny Coleman, shared on its Instagram page: “We are incredibly proud to announce that Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row is now an official destination on the historic Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
“From recording podcast episodes in a basement to opening our doors in the heart of Bourbon City, it’s been an unforgettable journey with more chapters to write. We’re thrilled to welcome new trail travellers and longtime fans alike to discover our story, explore our award-winning lineup, and experience the art of independent blending firsthand.”
Last year, the trail welcomed 2.7 million visitors. It added 10 new stops in January.
According to the KDA’s biannual economic impact report, the Bourbon sector generates US$10.6 billion for Kentucky’s economy annually and supports nearly 24,000 jobs.
President and CEO of Louisville Tourism, Cleo Battle, said: “Every new addition strengthens Kentucky’s Bourbon tourism industry and reinforces Louisville’s role as an official gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience.
“These new experiences add even more depth and diversity to Louisville’s Bourbon story, giving visitors additional reasons to extend their stay, explore our neighbourhoods, and discover the craftsmanship and hospitality that make our city a must-visit destination.”
Gregory added: “With every new destination, visitors have more reasons to slow down, explore new communities, and savour everything our beloved Commonwealth has to offer.
“Kentucky’s Bourbon story continues to evolve, and we’re excited to welcome them back to Kentucky time and time again.”
Related news
Barton 1792 adds 15YO Bourbon to range
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A whiskey bar on Grand Rapids' west side is closing its doors after nearly nine years in business.
One Bourbon, located on Bridge Street, announced the upcoming closure in a social media post on Wednesday afternoon with a statement from owners Brett and Meagan Freriks.
"Over the past year, both my own health and the health of members of my family have demanded more of my time, attention, and heart than I can continue to balance," the post said. "And like so many independent restaurants, we've spent the last several years navigating challenge after challenge. Rising food costs, rising labor costs, changing guest habits, and an economy that has made it harder for everyone to simply go out to dinner. We fought for as long as we could because this place has always been worth fighting for."
Owners said the restaurant, known for its steaks, appetizers and extensive cocktail and bourbon menu, was focused on warmth and connection for guests.
"One Bourbon was never just a restaurant to us," the post said. "It was always about hospitality. Real hospitality. Eye contact instead of screens. Conversations instead of transactions. Learning your favorite whiskey before you even asked. Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, first dates, rehearsal dinners, and sometimes just surviving another Tuesday. We wanted every guest who walked through our doors to feel like they belonged here."
The restaurant's final service hours are:
- Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 4 to 10 p.m.
- Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 4 to 10 p.m.
- Friday, July 10, 2026 from 4 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 4 to 11 p.m.
The restaurant's final bar hours are:
- July Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
- July Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
- July Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m.
"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing One Bourbon to be part of your lives," the post said. "Thank you for your loyalty, your kindness, and your belief in what we were trying to create."
Featured Stories
Another Michigan hop farm folds as oversupply strains the industry
Michigan’s hop industry shrinks sharply to 100 acres amid farm closures, oversupply and rising costs, signaling a potential bottom in the market.
Michigan’s hop industry shrinks sharply to 100 acres amid farm closures, oversupply and rising costs, signaling a potential bottom in the market.
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.
Ever dreamed of summer camp for grown-ups with bourbon? Buffalo Trace’s new Camp Buffalo Trace blends whiskey education with luxury camping—here’s how to win a spot.
Can sherry, bourbon and port casks make Bushmills 16 a standout Irish single malt? Discover its rich fruit, spice and oak in our review.
What happens when whisky matured 220 meters deep in Loch Ness meets contemporary sculpture? Domhayn’s Chic Hot collaboration reveals a stunning answer.
Scotch Day 2026: Raise a toast to these 5 facts
Haren Sharma
Scotch Day
Scotch Day is celebrated every July 27, marking the first official mention of Scotch whisky in Scotland`s Exchequer Rolls in 1494
Pexels
Origins of the drink
Scotch whisky originated in Scotland, where it was first officially recorded in 1494 by a Scottish tax official
Pexels
A symbol of rebellion
Scottish whisky became a symbol of rebellion as Highland clans defied heavy British taxes by distilling illicit spirits and outwitting excise officers
Pexels
Types of Scotch
Scotch whisky comes in five types: single malt, single grain, blended malt, blended grain, and blended Scotch, each with its own unique character
Pexels
The `Glen` in the name
In Scottish Gaelic, "Glen" means "valley," and these valleys offered the pure water and fertile land needed for whisky-making
Pexels
Horoscope today: July 8, 2026
You love whisky, and that’s brilliant. But has anyone ever actually told you how it’s made?
Whisky production doesn’t vary too wildly across the many countries that make it. There are technical differences, legal requirements, and local traditions, of course, but on paper, the process is fairly easy to get your head around.
So, let’s break everything down and look at how that delicious thing in your glass is made.
What Is Whisky Made From?
Grains. All whisky must be distilled from grain.
Those grains vary depending on the country and the type of whisky being made. Single malt whisky, for example, is made from 100% malted barley. Bourbon has to be made from at least 51% corn. Rye whisky, in the United States, has to be made from at least 51% rye.
Blended Scotch whisky is a mix of single malt and single grain whisky. Single grain does not necessarily mean it is made from one grain only. In Scotland, it means whisky made at a single distillery, usually from malted barley alongside other grains such as wheat or maize, and often distilled in column stills.
Technically, bourbon and rye are grain whiskies too, but they already have their own legal terms and production rules.
So, no matter what whisky you are drinking, it all started off as grain.
What Is The Main Ingredient Of Whisky?
As we’ve said above, grain is the starting point. But you also have two other very important ingredients: yeast and water.
Yeast is the unsung hero of whisky, and it is often overshadowed by grain, casks, and tasting notes. Yeast eats the sugars released during mashing and turns them into alcohol. Most distilleries use distiller’s yeast, which is chosen to maximize alcohol output in the wash before distillation.
However, a distiller could choose a more unusual yeast strain that creates a fruitier spirit, or one that yields a lower ABV than a standard run of liquid. How long you allow fermentation to continue is also very important. Longer fermentations can produce more esters, which contribute fruity aromas and flavors.
Esters have very scientific names, such as isoamyl acetate, which can smell like pears and bananas, or ethyl butyrate, which can smell like pineapple. We smell and taste these things as fruitiness, but much of it comes down to fermentation.
Water is just as important. Distilleries will typically use water from the same source throughout production, from mashing through to any dilution that happens after aging and before bottling. Great water will always help in making great whisky.
How Is Whisky Made? The Step-by-Step Process
Malting
You’ve selected your grain. Let’s say it’s barley.
To malt barley, you have to steep it in warm water to make it think that spring has arrived. It is then removed from the water and spread across a large floor, or processed in specialist malting equipment, to begin germination.
Small sprouts begin to appear from the barley, and the grain must be turned to stop it from clumping together. This germination process develops the enzymes needed to turn starches into fermentable sugars during mashing. That is exactly what we’re looking for.
Heating
At a certain point, you want to stop germination before the grain uses up too much of its starch. This is done by drying the barley in a kiln.
At this stage, you can choose to use peat or not. The grain can be dried with indirect heat, hot air, or peat smoke. If peat is used, the smoke rises through the kiln and infuses into the grain.
That peatiness can then carry all the way through fermentation, distillation, maturation, and into the final whisky after years of aging. Powerful stuff.
This is the point where peat is introduced, or not. It is the distillery’s choice.
Mashing
The malted barley is then ground into grist, usually made up of a mix of husk, grits, and flour. Each distillery will have its preferred balance, as the grind has to work properly with the mash tun.
The grist is added to hot water in a large tank called a mash tun. At this stage, you are not making beer yet. You are creating a sweet liquid called wort.
The mash is normally washed with hot water two or three times at different temperatures to pull as much sugar as possible from the grain. Once that sugary liquid has been collected, it is time to move on to fermentation.
Fermentation
The solids are separated from the liquid, and that sweet wort is moved into a new vessel, usually called a washback. Yeast is then added.
This liquid is now called wash, or distiller’s beer, and it usually sits somewhere around 8% to 12% ABV. How long fermentation lasts will help shape the final delivery of flavors, aromas, and esters in the whisky.
This is also where you have to watch the heat. As yeast interacts with sugar, it generates heat. If the wash gets too hot, the yeast can die, and then you have a serious problem.
Carbon dioxide is also created during fermentation. So, if you ever open a washback and get a fizzy sensation in your nose, that’s CO2. Always be careful around a working distillery.
Distillation
For traditional single malt production, we are usually talking about pot stills. In Scotland, single malt must be batch distilled in pot stills, although the exact setup can vary from distillery to distillery.
The first still is the wash still. The fermented wash is heated, and the first distillation begins. This separates alcohol from the heavier water, yeast, and other compounds in the wash. The result is a higher-strength liquid, usually around 20% to 30% ABV, called low wines.
Those low wines are then transferred into the second still, the spirit still. This is where the ABV climbs, and the distiller has to start making serious choices.
You don’t want the first liquid that comes off the still. This is known as the heads, and it contains volatile compounds that are not suitable for maturation. That liquid is directed away from the main spirit cut.
Once the distiller reaches the sweet spot, known as the heart, the flow is directed through the spirit safe and into the spirit receiver. This is the liquid that will eventually go into casks.
After that, the final liquid to come off the still is known as the tails. This is lower in alcohol and not suitable for the main spirit cut. Typically, the heads and tails are collected in a feints receiver and later redistilled. That way, as much usable product as possible is retained. Throwing anything away is a true loss of energy in every sense.
Maturation
Now for the fun part.
In single malt production, the new make spirit is often diluted to 63.5% ABV before being filled into casks, although there are exceptions. It is then filled into casks of the distiller’s choice. A huge amount of Scotch whisky is matured in ex-bourbon casks from America, though sherry casks, wine casks, virgin oak, and many other cask types are also used.
When it comes to bourbon, the spirit legally has to enter new charred oak barrels, usually made from American oak. Otherwise, it cannot be classified as bourbon.
For Scotch, Irish, Japanese, and Canadian whisky, the spirit must spend a minimum of three years in cask before it can legally be called whisky. For bourbon and rye whisky in the United States, there is no general minimum aging period unless you want to call it straight whisky. To use that term, it must have been aged for at least two years.
Bottling
Unless you are bottling a single cask whisky, the final whisky in the bottle will usually be made up of several casks, and sometimes dozens or even hundreds of them.
Depending on the style and market, the whisky may be bottled at cask strength, often 55% ABV or higher depending on age, or diluted down to a lower bottling strength. The legal minimum for whisky is usually 40% ABV, or 80 proof.
At this stage, a producer may choose to add coloring. This is not allowed in bourbon, rye whisky, or American straight whisky, but E150a caramel coloring is relatively common in big brands from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and Canada. This does not apply if the bottle states “n