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The International Whisky Competition is a blind-tasting contest, meaning its judges score each entry without knowing which brand or bottle they are assessing. The 2026 Canadian results are worth a closer look, in part because the brand that took the top two spots for Best Canadian Whisky, WhistlePig, is headquartered not in Canada but in Shoreham, Vermont. Its rye qualifies because the whiskey is distilled in Canada before being matured and bottled in the United States. The three blended winners, meanwhile, are all owned by the Sazerac Company. Here are the six Canadian whiskies that placed, and the stories behind how and where they are made. WhistlePig Estate Oak Rye Aged 15 Years Award: 1st Place, Best Canadian Whisky, 1st Place, Best Canadian Rye Whisky, 88.77 points Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, oak, allspice, burnt orange, butterscotch, leather, tobacco Find Your Next Bottle: $250 / £235 Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This 15-year-old expression took the top spot in both the Best Canadian Whisky and Best Canadian Rye Whisky categories. It is a 100% rye whiskey that was distilled and initially aged in Canada before completing its maturation and being bottled in Vermont. WhistlePig finished the whisky in custom barrels made from white oak logged on the company’s 500-acre farm in Shoreham, which the company harvests as part of a wider goal of becoming a farm-to-bottle operation. It carries the legacy of the late Dave Pickerell, WhistlePig’s founding master distiller. Bottled at 92 proof, it is the oldest whiskey in the core range. WhistlePig Old World Rye Aged 12 Years Award: 2nd Place, Best Canadian Whisky, 2nd Place, Best Canadian Rye Whisky, 87.10 points Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, winter fruit, rye spice, apricots, plums, raisins, dates, honey, dark chocolate Find Your Next Bottle: $110 / £124 The story of why this whiskey qualifies as Canadian is more complicated than it first appears. When Old World launched in 2015, the rye inside it was distilled at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, from that distillery’s well-known 95% rye and 5% malted barley recipe. WhistlePig used up its MGP stock toward the end of 2018, and from 2019 the label changed to read “Product of Canada.” The name points to the finishing, which uses casks from Europe’s traditional wine regions. After twelve years in new American oak, the whiskey is split between Madeira (63%), Sauternes (30%), and Port casks (7%). Madeira and Port are from Portugal, and Sauternes is from France. The whisky is then blended back together, and the expression is bottled at 86 proof. Legacy Canadian Whisky Award: 1st Place, Best Canadian Blended Whisky, 3rd Place, Best Canadian Whisky, 85.67 points Tasting Notes: Leather, tobacco, vanilla, cinnamon-baked apples, lavender, honeycomb, cocoa powder, peppercorn Find Your Next Bottle: $100 / £80 Legacy is the first of three winners here owned by the Sazerac Company, the family-owned American drinks group whose stable includes Buffalo Trace. To make it, Sazerac imports mature whisky from Canada and bottles it at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The blending is handled by Drew Mayville, a Canadian who has worked in the industry for decades. As is common for Canadian blended whisky, Legacy carries no age statement and no published mash bill, which reflects a tradition of distilling and aging different grain whiskies separately before blending them together. It is bottled at 80 proof. WhistlePig Small Batch Rye Aged 10 Years Award: 3rd Place, Best Canadian Rye Whisky, 85.02 points Tasting Notes: Allspice, orange peel, anise, oak, char, caramel, vanilla, rye spice, mint, butterscotch Find Your Next Bottle: $71 / £69 This is the whiskey that launched WhistlePig. When the brand’s founders wanted to release an aged rye before their own Vermont distillery was running, master distiller Dave Pickerell went looking for stock and settled on rye from Alberta Distillers in Canada. That arrangement reportedly continues today, and the current bottle is labeled as a product of Canada and a blend of straight rye whiskeys. The rye is distilled and first aged in Alberta, then shipped to Shoreham for further aging and bottling. WhistlePig has said the recipe is built on a very high proportion of rye, historically 100%, though it has varied at times. It is bottled at 100 proof. Rich and Rare Reserve Award: 2nd Place, Best Canadian Blended Whisky Tasting Notes: Peppery spice, toffee, caramel, sugarcane, candied fruit, baking spices, smoke Find Your Next Bottle: $45 / £36 The second Sazerac whisky on the list brings back the same master blender. Rich & Rare Reserve is distilled in Canada in small batches and aged in hand-picked oak barrels, then imported and bottled by Sazerac in Frankfort, Kentucky, at 80 proof. It draws on the company’s substantial stock of aged Canadian whisky, and sits a step above the standard Rich & Rare bottling. When the Reserve launched, Drew Mayville described the goal as wanting to make a whisky that “felt like some of the great Canadian Whiskies of twenty and thirty years ago.” It is a value-priced whisky sold mainly in the United States. Seagram’s VO Black Award: 3rd Place, Best Canadian Blended Whisky Tasting Notes: Find Your Next Bottle: $26 / £21 Of all the whiskies here, Seagram’s VO has the longest history. The original VO blend dates back to the early 1910s, created by the Seagram family in Waterloo, Ontario, and it has remained in production ever since. The brand passed through several owners as the old Seagram empire broke up, and in 2018 Diageo sold Seagram’s VO, along with a package of other brands, to Sazerac for $550 million. That connects it to the same company and the same master blender, Drew Mayville, behind Legacy and Rich & Rare. VO Black is a bolder, higher-proof version of the standard whisky, bottled at 90 proof. It is made in Quebec and sold on both sides of the Canada-US border. Final Thoughts Looking at the six winners together, two stories stand out. WhistlePig took the top rye honors with whiskies distilled in Canada and then finished and bottled in Vermont, while the three blended winners all trace back to Sazerac and its master blender Drew Mayville. It is a reminder that a whisky’s nationality and the company behind it are not always the same thing, and that the line between American and Canadian whiskies can occasionally be blurrier than the labels suggest. Have you tried any of these whiskies, or are there any you would like to seek out? And what do you make of the results? Let us know in the comments.

The International Whisky Competition is one of the more respected blind-tasting contests in the spirits calendar, judging each entry without the panel knowing what they are assessing. The 2026 results for Irish whiskey were dominated by a single distillery: three of the five winners covered here are Powers expressions made at Midleton in County Cork. The other two come from very different places, with an American-owned blend built from sourced Irish whiskey and an independent bonder working out of Newry. Across the Best Irish Whiskey and Best Blended Irish Whiskey categories, the lineup takes in single pot still tradition, a revived rye, and modern independent blending. Let’s take a look at each of the winners. Michael Collins Irish Whiskey Award: 1st Place, Best Irish Whiskey, 1st Place, Best Blended Irish Whiskey, 90.77 points Tasting Notes: Honey, fruit, floral, peat, spice Find Your Next Bottle: $64 / £47 Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Taking both the Best Irish Whiskey and Best Blended Irish Whiskey titles, Michael Collins is named for the Irish revolutionary, and “The Prediction” refers to a prophecy his father is said to have made about him as a child. Reportedly, Collins’ father said on his deathbed that his son would “be a great man and do great things for Ireland.” Michael Collins later became a leading figure in the fight for Irish independence in the 1910s. He served as a Director of Intelligence for the IRA and later as Chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State. He died during the Irish Civil War in 1922 at the age of 31. The Michael Collins brand was launched in the United States in 2006 by the Sidney Frank Importing Company, using whiskey sourced from the Cooley Distillery. After Cooley’s owner cut off supply to independent bottlers, the brand changed hands and is now owned by the Sazerac Company, the New Orleans firm behind Buffalo Trace. Sazerac does not own an Irish distillery, so the whiskey is sourced and matured in Ireland, then bottled as a triple-distilled blend of pot still, grain, and malt whiskey. It remains a primarily US-focused release. Powers John’s Lane 12 Year Irish Whiskey Award: 2nd Place, Best Irish Whiskey, 90 points Tasting Notes: Earthy, leather, tobacco, charred wood, dark chocolate, treacle toffee, vanilla, honey, dried apricot, toasted oak Find Your Next Bottle: $65 / £62 Powers takes its name from a distilling family who opened a distillery on John’s Lane in Dublin in 1791. The distillery was founded by James Power, an innkeeper who began distilling on the side. Following the establishment of the distillery, Alfred Barnard, a famous whisky writer and historian, called the distillery “about as complete a work as it is possible to find anywhere”. Production moved to the Midleton Distillery in County Cork after the original Dublin site closed in the 1970s, and the brand is now part of Irish Distillers, owned by Pernod Ricard. This release is a single pot still Irish whiskey, a style made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley and triple-distilled in copper pot stills. It spends at least 12 years in cask, matured mainly in American oak that previously held bourbon, with a portion in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, and is bottled at 46% ABV. It is a permanent part of the Powers range and is sold across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the United States. Powers Irish Rye Whiskey Award: 3rd Place, Best Irish Whiskey, 88.90 points Tasting Notes: Burnt orange, maraschino cherries, toffee, banana, rye bread, pastry, spices, candied ginger, peppermint, caramelised apples, liquorice, vanilla, choli oil, honey glazed fruits, cereal Find Your Next Bottle: $45 / £35 Powers Irish Rye arrived in 2023 as the first Irish rye whiskey of its kind, made by Irish Distillers at Midleton. Where American rye whiskey has to contain at least 51% rye, this one uses a mash of 100% rye, grown in Ireland at a farm in County Wexford close to the ancestral home of the Powers family. The grain presented some practical challenges in production, which is part of why a full-rye Irish whiskey had not been made in the modern era. It is matured in American oak, including a mix of virgin, first-fill, and refill casks, and bottled at 43.2% ABV. It was added as a permanent expression to the Powers lineup, and it is available in Ireland, the UK, and the United States. Two Stacks The First Cut Signature Blend Award: 2nd Place, Best Blended Irish Whiskey, 87.93 points Tasting Notes: Honey, vanilla, toasted oak, citrus, caramel, dried fruit Find Your Next Bottle: $36 / £36.50 Two Stacks is an independent Irish whiskey brand founded in 2020 by Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan, and Donal McLynn, and it works as a bonder, meaning it blends, matures, and bottles whiskey. The First Cut is a blend of five whiskeys, and according to the company, every label lists the full recipe: 40% single grain aged in former bourbon casks, 40% single grain aged in virgin American oak, 8% pot still whiskey aged in Oloroso sherry casks, 10% double-distilled malt, and 2% peated malt. The component whiskeys are sourced from the Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk, and the blending and bottling happen at the company’s warehouse in Newry. It is bottled at 43% ABV. Two Stacks has expanded beyond Ireland into a number of markets, and its distribution in the United States runs across more than 19 states. Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey Award: 3rd Place, Best Blended Irish Whiskey, 87.80 points Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, clove oil, white pepper, russet apples, pears, oak, peppers, nutmeg, orchard fruits, vanilla, toasted oak, honey Find Your Next Bottle: $35 / £27 Powers Gold Label carries the longest history of any whiskey here. In 1886, John Power & Son began bottling their own whiskey rather than selling it by the cask to merchants, one of the first distilleries in the world to do so, and the gold label on those bottles gave the whiskey its name. Like the rest of the Powers range, it is now made by Irish Distillers at Midleton in County Cork. It was originally a single pot still whiskey, and it was reformulated as a blend after production moved from Dublin to Midleton in the 1970s, combining pot still whiskey with grain whiskey. It is matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks and bottled at 43.2% ABV. Powers Gold Label has long been one of the best-selling whiskeys in Ireland, and it is widely available across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the United States. Final Thoughts What stands out in the 2026 Irish results is how much of the winning came out of one place. Midleton’s pot still tradition runs through three of the five, all under the Powers name, yet the full list still stretches across very different producers: a French-owned heritage brand, an American-owned blend built from sourced Irish whiskey, and an independent bonder working out of Newry. Between them, they cover most of the ways Irish whiskey gets made today, from long-established distilleries to newer outfits reviving the older craft of blending and bonding. Have you tried any of these five? Is there one you’d most like to open next? And do you think the judges got the rankings right? Let us know in the comments.

Eight American states took home best-in-state whiskey awards at the 2026 International Whisky Competition, and the winners have very little in common beyond the country they were made in. Some came from large operations with national reputations, including two bottles from Sazerac’s stable that spend most of the year on collectors’ want lists. Others came from small distilleries that grow their own grain and sell most of what they make within driving distance of the still. The categories are just as varied, covering wheated bourbon, rye, American single malt, and even light whiskey, which rarely gets this kind of attention. Below, we look at how each of the eight was made, where it comes from, and the people behind it. NOCO Distillery Rye Whiskey Founders Reserve PX Finish Award: 1st Place, Best Colorado Whiskey, 91.93 points Tasting Notes: Fig jam, black cherry, sticky toffee pudding, rye spice, roasted pecans, cocoa powder, dark berries, molasses, plum, dates, maple, nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel, toasted oak Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals. By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Find Your Next Bottle: $150 / £111 NOCO Distillery is a small operation in Fort Collins, Colorado, founded in 2016 by Sébastien Gavillet and Leif Jensen, with Gavillet serving as master distiller. This award-winning bottle is a rye whiskey made from 100% malted rye, triple distilled in copper stills using local water. For the finish, the distillery sources Pedro Ximénez sherry directly and uses it to season its own used whiskey barrels in-house for up to a year before filling them with rye. This was a limited single-barrel release. NOCO’s whiskeys have been available in Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada, and the distillery has announced plans to expand into Wisconsin and launch internationally in Hong Kong and Switzerland during 2026. Warfield Gently Peated American Single Malt Whiskey Award: 1st Place, Best Idaho Whiskey, 88.10 points Tasting Notes: Autumnal smoke, sweet grain, dark chocolate, sea salt caramel, cocoa, leather Find Your Next Bottle: $64.99 / £48 Warfield Distillery & Brewery sits at 280 North Main Street in Ketchum, Idaho, in the Sun Valley area. According to Forbes, founders Alex Buck and Ben Bradley met in 2013 and opened the combined brewpub and distillery in 2015, and it remains independently owned. Warfield is one of a small number of fully certified-organic distilleries in the United States, and it works with Idaho-grown barley, mountain water, and Scottish copper pot stills. The Gently Peated expression arrived in 2026 as part of a refreshed lineup that also includes Sun Valley Whiskey and Idaho Highlands Whiskey, and it is the first peated whiskey the distillery has carried as a core product. It is also the only Warfield release to use imported barley, sourced from Crisp in Scotland. The peated malt is folded into the mash bill, and the whiskey is aged a minimum of four years before bottling at 46% ABV with non-chill filtration and no added color. It has been sold in Idaho and select markets. William Larue Weller Award: 1st Place, Best Kentucky Whiskey, 91.73 points Tasting Notes: Vanilla, maple, leather, tobacco, oak, ripe fruit Find Your Next Bottle: $1,800 / £1,440 William Larue Weller is the only wheated bourbon in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the annual autumn release of limited, well-aged whiskeys from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery is owned by Sazerac, and Harlen Wheatley has been its master distiller since 2005. This bourbon is made from the same wheated mash bill as the regular W.L. Weller range and the Pappy Van Winkle line, using wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain alongside corn and malted barley. It is matured in new charred oak and bottled once a year at whatever proof that year’s barrels come in at. The 2025 release was bottled at 129 proof (64.5% ABV) and aged 12 years and 7 months. It is one of the most heavily allocated bourbons released each year, and bottles are difficult to find at retail. Brother Justus Founder’s Reserve 3 (2025) Award: 1st Place, Best Minnesota Whiskey, 91.07 points Tasting Notes: Fresh orange, candied cherry, caramel, cherry vanilla cream, lemon drizzle cake, toasted hazelnut, campfire smoke Find Your Next Bottle: $129.99 / £97 Brother Justus Whiskey Company is a craft distillery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Founder’s Reserve 3 is the third release in its annual Founder’s Reserve series, following the 2023 and 2024 editions. It is an American single malt, and like the rest of the series it is made from 100% Minnesota pale ale malted barley, aged in native Minnesota white oak, and made with water from the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Founder and CEO Phil Steger describes a production method built around a seven-day fermentation and distillation at higher proof. T he whiskey is bottled at cask strength, 125 proof (62.5% ABV). According to the distillery, two-thirds of the blend was aged three years and 100 days in new medium-char 30-gallon casks, with the remaining third aged one year and 150 days in new medium-char five-gallon casks. It was released as a limited edition, sold online with shipping to most states, at the distillery’s Minneapolis location, and in Minnesota liquor stores. Flag Hill Straight Rye Whiskey Single Barrel Cask Strength 2026 Award: 1st Place, Best New Hampshire Whiskey Tasting Notes: Soft, buttery, honey, sweet Find Your Next Bottle: N/A Flag Hill Distillery, in Lee, New Hampshire, is the oldest distillery in the state, although its whiskey venture began in 2004. It works grain-to-glass on a farm, growing its own corn, rye, and wheat, and produces a range of whiskeys that includes straight bourbon, wheated bourbon, a Breakfast Bourbon, American single malt, maple bourbon, and this straight rye. The distillery describes its Straight Rye as using a high-rye mash bill. An earlier batch of the standard Straight Rye was reported as 85% rye and 15% malted barley, aged two years in charred barrels. This award-winning whiskey is a single-barrel version bottled at cask strength. A caveat worth noting: I could not find an image or any specific articles relating to the 2026 release, and the information given on the distillery’s website sits next to an image of the 2022 release. The mash bill and age figures above come from an earlier bottling of the standard Straight Rye, so the details for this specific single-barrel cask-strength release should be treated with caution. Perhaps this is upcoming? Weldon Mills Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey Award: 1st Place, Best North Carolina Whiskey, 92.45 points Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, baked bread, toasted oak, baking spice, crushed nuts Find Your Next Bottle: $64.95 / £48 Weldon Mills Distillery sits on the Roanoke River in Weldon, North Carolina, and was founded in 2018 by Bruce Tyler and Michael Hinderliter. Weldon Mills works grain-to-glass, and the Reserve is a barrel-proof straight bourbon made from a wheated mash bill of North Carolina corn, malted wheat, and malted barley, with water from the Roanoke River. The distillery sources its grain locally, and according to Drinkhacker the corn comes from a farm about fifteen minutes away that supplied the original mill more than a century ago. The team reportedly uses sour mash fermentation and 300-gallon batch distillation in hybrid stills, then ages the whiskey in a combination of 15, 30, and 53-gallon barrels with a #4 char. It is aged at least tw

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. Can Iowa really produce a whiskey that rivals a Highland Scotch? Cedar Ridge’s solera-aged QuintEssential American Single Malt might just change your mind. Are 21-year-old whiskies really worth the hefty price tag? These seven IWSC 2026 award-winners prove that stunning variety can hide beneath one age statement. With only one gold awarded per category, which whiskies scored above 90 points at the 2026 International Whisky Competition? See the top performers here.

Our friendly neighbors to the north have created a new category of legally protected whisky. Under the Alberta Whisky Act, whisky labeled “Alberta Whisky” must be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, proofed, and bottled in the western Canadian province. Moreover, it must be made with Alberta water and a mash bill composed predominantly of Alberta-grown grain. The new designation aims to highlight the distinctiveness of Alberta’s terroir and whisky-making traditions. The legislation also lays the foundation for the emerging Alberta Whisky Trail, spearheaded by Burwood Distillery. While not as celebrated as Scotland or Kentucky, Alberta boasts a long and venerable whisky-making tradition. The high prairie, with its cold climate, pristine water, and fertile soil, is ideal for growing rye. Alberta Distillers, founded in 1946 and the oldest distillery in Western Canada, has long been a powerhouse contract producer—more or less Canada’s answer to MGP. Now owned by Suntory Global Spirits, it has quietly supplied rye whisky to a host of Canadian and American brands. If you’ve sipped WhistlePig, Jefferson’s, or Very Olde St. Nick, chances are you’ve tasted rye from Alberta. In recent years, Canada’s Texas has witnessed a new generation of craft distilleries from Calgary to Edmonton. Producers like Burwood, Eau Claire, Bridgeland, and Hansen are restoring the reputation of Canadian whisky—a category too often unfairly maligned by whisky wonks. The emerging Alberta Whisky Trail, modeled after the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, connects distilleries, farms, and tasting rooms across a province finally claiming its rightful place among the world’s great whisky regions. It’s really just another excuse for me to visit Calgary I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Calgary is one of North America’s most criminally underrated culinary destinations. Every time I visit, I’m amazed not just by the excellence of the restaurants, but also by the coffee shops and cocktail bars. Alberta gives Japan and Argentina a run for their money when it comes to beef, and the province’s deep Eastern European roots mean plenty of pickles, smoked meats, and excellent pierogi. (Not to mention an outsized share of notably fetching lasses, but I digress.) Next time I’m in town, I’m looking forward to sipping a certified Alberta whisky or two at Missy’s This That or Shelter Cocktail Bar.

Lark Distilling Co has launched its namesake Australian whisky in Singapore Changi Airport, marking the brand’s debut in Asia’s global travel retail channel. The Tasmanian single malt range is now available through GTR operator Lotte Duty Free in terminals one to four at Changi. The rollout is being supported by a branded in-store Lark “showcase” in Terminal Three. The Singapore debut also marks the launch of a GTR exclusive extension, No166 Dark Lark (below), which has gone on sale at a per-bottle SRP of SGD119 (US$92). In April, Lark Distilling Co announced a “full portfolio restructure”, including new branding that highlights the Tasmanian whisky’s provenance. At the time, the company cited a desire to expand overseas as the reason behind the brand refresh, framing “a new luxury audience in Asia and Europe” as its target market. The publicly listed distiller has made several executive appointments over the past year; most recently, the hire of Brick Lane Brewing’s Paul Bowker as CFO in March, preceded by Four Pillars Gin founder Stuart Gregor as CEO last September.

Irish whiskey has long been defined by its traditions — triple distillation, the marriage of pot still and grain, the patient accumulation of character in American oak. Those traditions remain the foundation of the category’s global success. But at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, a quieter revolution has been underway, one driven not by volume or market share but by a deliberate commitment to pushing the boundaries of what Irish whiskey can be. Below is a brief background on the top-ranked whiskies from the recent Beverage Testing Institute’s (BevTest) judging, along with my tasting notes and BevTest’s commentary. The three expressions reviewed here represent that spirit of experimentation at its most focused. All originate from the Irish Distillers stable at Midleton, and all recently earned Gold Medal — Exceptional status at the 2026 BevTest evaluations, with scores ranging from 91 to 94 points. They span two categories — Irish Single Malt and Irish Single Grain — and include what may be the most unconventional wood treatments currently in production in Ireland: a 14-year-old single malt finished in French Limousin oak, a single grain whiskey finished in virgin Spanish oak, and the world's first 100% Irish-sourced rye whiskey. Together, they make a convincing case that the most interesting chapter in Irish whiskey's story is still being written. Single Malt Irish Whiskey Method and Madness 14 Year Old Irish Single Malt Whiskey, 46% ABV, 700 ml. Gold Medal, 94 Points The Method and Madness 14 Year-old, triple-distilled, single malt whiskey is notable because Midleton Distillery does not itself produce single malt whiskey. Its stills are configured for pot still and grain whiskey production. So this expression is sourced from an external malt distillery and then finished and bottled under the Method and Madness brand. This type of sourcing arrangement is common in the Irish whiskey industry and does not diminish the quality of the final product; rather, it reflects the Irish Distillers team's focus on the maturation and finishing phase as the primary vehicle for innovation. The 14-year age statement is itself significant within the Method and Madness range, where most expressions carry no age statement. The extended maturation in American ex-bourbon casks has allowed the spirit to develop a deep, layered complexity, which the team has then polished by a selective finishing in French Limousin oak. The use of French Limousin oak (Quercus petraea and Quercus robur) is virtually without precedent in the Irish single malt category. Limousin oak, sourced from the Limousin forest in central France, is the wood of choice in Cognac and Armagnac production. It is notably more porous and wider grained than American white oak, and imparts a distinctive character of dried flowers, subtle tannins, and a light, spicy elegance that is quite different from the bold vanilla and caramel of American oak. On the nose, the whiskey is elegant and complex, featuring aromas of cinnamon-baked apple and vanilla, followed by the distinctive Limousin oak influences of dried white flowers, French patisserie, and a subtle nuttiness. It’s smooth, rounded, and generously full on the palate for a single malt, showcasing Limousin oak-inspired flavors of crème brûlée and wafers arrive, followed by delicate spices, candied nuts, and a distinctive note of kumquat. Honey, vanilla, and ginger from the long bourbon cask maturation provide a warm, sweet foundation, while notes of green tobacco leaf and roasted nuts contribute depth and a pleasantly dry complexity in the mid-palate. The finish is long, dry, and warming, with lingering notes of toffee, roasted nuts, cinnamon, toasted barley malt, and spices from the Limousin oak. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as featuring “aromas of malted barley, roasted pineapple in sweet custard, and grilled peaches, along with flavors of peach cobbler a la mode, spiced nuts, and white pepper. A full-bodied, spicy Irish Single Malt with a touch of herbs on the nose and lots of minerals and pepper on the snappy finish; serve with a little water on the rocks.” Single Grain Irish Whiskey Method and Madness Single Grain Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 700 ml. Gold medal, 94 Points The Method and Madness brand was established in 2017 as the dedicated experimentation and innovation arm of Irish Distillers, operating out of a purpose-built micro-distillery within the Midleton complex. The Single Grain expression was intended to challenge the perception of grain whiskey as a merely functional blending component. Irish single grain whiskey is produced by continuous column distillation, typically from a mash of corn or wheat with a proportion of malted barley to provide the necessary enzymes. The result is a lighter, more delicate spirit than the traditional pot still, with a naturally sweet, cereal-forward character. The Method and Madness team chose to harness this inherent sweetness by first maturing the spirit in first-fill American ex-bourbon casks, which lay down a foundation of vanilla and caramel, before transferring it to virgin Spanish oak casks for a secondary finish. Spanish oak ( Quercus pyrenaica) is denser and more tannic than American white oak, and when used in its virgin (untoasted or lightly toasted) state, it imparts a distinctive aromatic signature of pencil shavings, pine resin, and dried flowers. The technique draws on traditions more commonly associated with Spanish brandy production, making this one of the most unconventional wood treatments in the Midleton portfolio. The whiskey’s nose is immediately distinctive. The virgin Spanish oak expresses itself with fresh pencil shavings and pine resin, alongside a delicate floral note of rose petal. As the whiskey opens, a burst of candied citrus emerges, along with vanilla from the underlying bourbon cask maturation. It’s light and clean on the palate, as is characteristic of column-distilled grain spirit, but the virgin oak finish imparts a warming, spicy grip that lifts the texture considerably. The palate features toasted oak, grapefruit, and wood spices across the mid-palate, while a syrupy, almost Caribbean-rum-like sweetness from the grain base runs beneath. The finish is medium in length, sweet and refreshingly clean, with lingering notes of cooked cereal, clove spiciness, and fresh mint. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as featuring “aromas of maple, warm pencil eraser, and shavings, along with flavors of honey ice cream, baking, and peppery spices. A spunky, slightly fiery Irish whiskey for cocktails and sipping on the rocks.” Powers Irish Rye Whiskey, 43.2% ABV, 750 ml. Gold Medal, 91 Points Released in February 2023, Powers Irish Rye holds the distinction of being the world's first 100% Irish sourced, distilled, and matured rye whiskey. Powers commissioned the dedicated cultivation of rye grain at Cooney Furlong Farm in County Wexford, near Edermine House, the ancestral home of the Powers family, thereby establishing a genuine farm-to-glass provenance. The triple-distilled, 100% Irish rye mash bill is the most significant feature of this expression, making it a far more rye-forward and characterful spirit. The maturation strategy, using a mix of virgin oak, first-fill, and refill ex-bourbon barrels, was deliberately calibrated to balance the bold, peppery rye signature with the sweetness and vanilla of American oak, without letting the wood overwhelm the grain character. The whiskey is rich, warm, and immediately expressive of the rye grain, featuring aromas of burnt orange and maraschino cherries, followed by toffee, banana, and the evocative essence of freshly baked rye bread and buttered croissants. Robust spices of clove, white pepper, and ginger assert themselves alongside vanilla and earthy sugar cane. The charred oak from the virgin barrel component adds a pleasant smokiness in the background. It’s medium-bodied and warming on the palate, with th

The International Whisky Competition was established in 2010 and focuses solely on recognising the world’s best whiskies. It is headquartered in Las Vegas, but the competition itself travels, with the host venue changing from year to year. The 2026 judging took place at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society. Its judging panels have drawn on well-known whisky names over the years, including the famous Scotch writer Charles MacLean. Whiskies are tasted blind and scored on a 100-point scale, which is common enough across the industry. What sets the competition apart is its Olympic-style medal structure. Only one gold, one silver, and one bronze are awarded in each category, unless there is a tie, so there is far less room on the podium than at many other awards, and a high score counts for a great deal. The table below lists every whisky that scored more than 90 points at the competition, along with its score, so you can see the top performers at a glance. | Whisk(e)y | Points | | Kavalan Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 96.97 | | Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 94.63 | | A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength (Batch #5) | 94.6 | | Kavalan Solist Madeira Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 94.37 | | Laizhou Amontillado Sherry Cask | 93.87 | | Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 | 93.53 | | The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky – PX Finish | 93.13 | | Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old | 92.77 | | Kavalan Solist Peated Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 92.77 | | Kavalan Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 92.7 | | Laizhou Sherry Harmony NO3. | 92.7 | | Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 92.67 | | Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 92.53 | | Weldon Mills Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 92.45 | | Kavalan Distillery Select No.2 Single Malt Whisky | 92.43 | | Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 92.37 | | Kavalan 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky | 92.3 | | Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old | 92.23 | | Kavalan Wine Oak Single Malt Whisky | 92.1 | | Kavalan Solist Virgin Oak Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 92.07 | | Aberfeldy Sherry Cask 25 Years Old | 92.05 | | Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky | 92.03 | | NOCO Distillery – Rye Whiskey – Founders Reserve – PX Finish | 91.93 | | Kavalan Peatist Ex-Bourbon Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 91.87 | | Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 91.83 | | Nullaki Single Malt – Tawny Cask 0017 | 91.83 | | New Product Under Embargo D | 91.8 | | William Larue Weller | 91.73 | | John J. Bowman – Single Barrel | 91.7 | | NOCO Distillery – Bourbon Whiskey – Founders Reserve – Double Oak Finish – Cask Strength | 91.68 | | Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Year | 91.65 | | Kavalan Grand Reserve No.2 Single Malt Whisky | 91.63 | | Jefferson’s Bourbon | 91.6 | | Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 91.57 | | Stagg | 91.47 | | Kavalan Blender’s Select Signature – Sweet & Mellow Single Malt Whisky | 91.43 | | Royal Brackla OLOROSO 12 Years Old | 91.37 | | Isaac Bowman – Port Barrel Finished | 91.35 | | Austin 121 Cask Strength Single Barrel Light Whiskey | 91.33 | | Kavalan Solist Palo Cortado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 91.33 | | Eagle Rare 17 – Fall 2025 | 91.3 | | Kavalan Distiller’s Reserve No.1 Single Malt Whisky | 91.17 | | Hogback Peat Smoked Single Malt Whisky | 91.17 | | NOCO Distillery – Quadruple Distilled Bourbon Whiskey – Cask 334 | 91.08 | | Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky | 91.07 | | Brother Justus Founder’s Reserve 3 (2025) | 91.07 | | Under Embargo – Fall 2026 | 91.07 | | Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 91.03 | | Weldon Mills Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 91 | | George T. Stagg | 90.97 | | Indri Dru Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky | 90.87 | | Glenmorangie The Altus 25 Years Old | 90.87 | | ROW 94 Full Proof | 90.77 | | Thomas H. Handy | 90.77 | | Michael Collins | 90.77 | | Dewar’s Double Double 27 Year Old | 90.67 | | Kavalan Distiller’s Reserve No.2 Single Malt Whisky | 90.67 | | The Classic Laddie | 90.63 | | Kavalan Grand Reserve No.1 Single Malt Whisky | 90.63 | | King Car Conductor Single Malt Whisky | 90.6 | | Reservoir | 90.6 | | Dewar’s Double Double 30 Year Old | 90.53 | | Royal Brackla PALO CORTADO 18 Years Old | 90.53 | | Kavalan Solist Brandy Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 90.5 | | Kavalan Lán Single Malt Whisky | 90.43 | | Kavalan Distillery Select No.1 Single Malt Whisky | 90.43 | | Kavalan Master’s Select Reserve No.2 Single Malt Whisky | 90.43 | | Kavalan Blender’s Select Signature Single Malt Whisky | 90.23 | | Under Embargo – Fall 2026 | 90.23 | | Kavalan Port Oak Single Malt Whisky | 90.1 | | Powers John’s Lane Release 12 Year Irish Whiskey | 90 |

The economic landscape between India and the United Kingdom is set for a transformative shift as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is scheduled to be implemented starting July 15, 2026. This historic agreement is poised to deliver substantial benefits to both consumers and businesses across both nations. By bridging trade barriers, the deal aims to make a wide array of British products more affordable for Indian consumers while simultaneously opening vast new avenues for Indian enterprises to penetrate the UK market with greater ease and competitiveness. Significant Price Reductions for Premium Goods One of the most anticipated outcomes of this trade deal is the gradual reduction of import duties on several high-demand British products. Items such as Scotch whisky, gin, chocolates, biscuits, and cosmetics are expected to see a downward trend in their market prices. On top of that, certain British-manufactured automobiles will also benefit from these revised tax structures. As these import duties are phased out or lowered, the direct impact will be felt by the end consumers who will likely pay Notably less for these premium goods in the coming years. Major Tax Cuts on Scotch Whisky and Automobiles The specifics of the tax reductions highlight a major shift in trade policy, while currently, India imposes a steep import duty of 150 percent on Scotch whisky. Under the new CETA framework, this duty will initially be slashed to 75 percent. Over the subsequent 10 years, the duty is slated to decrease further, eventually settling at 40 percent. A similar strategy is being applied to British cars, which currently face import duties as high as 110 percent. These duties will be reduced in a phased manner until they reach a mere 10 percent. Notably, this arrangement will also extend its benefits to electric and hybrid vehicles, aligning with global shifts toward sustainable transportation. New Horizons for Indian Exporters On the flip side, Indian exporters stand to gain immensely from this agreement. The deal ensures that India will be able to export approximately 99 percent of its products to the United Kingdom without any import taxes. This duty-free access is expected to bolster the competitiveness of Indian goods in the British market and trigger a surge in export volumes. Several key sectors have been identified as primary beneficiaries, including textiles, readymade garments, leather products, and footwear. On top of that, the seafood industry, sports goods, toys, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, auto parts, and organic chemicals are expected to witness significant growth under this new trade regime. Safeguarding the Interests of Indian Farmers While the agreement promotes free trade, the Indian government has been meticulous in protecting domestic agricultural interests. To shield Indian farmers and the dairy industry from the competition of cheaper foreign imports, several sensitive products have been excluded from the deal. These exclusions include dairy products, sugar, rice, apples, cheese, chicken, pork, and eggs. By keeping these items out of the agreement's scope, the government ensures that the livelihoods of those dependent on these sectors remain secure. Projected Economic Growth by 2040 The long-term vision of the India-UK trade deal is one of solid economic partnership. Projections suggest that by the year 2040, the total trade volume between the two countries could see a remarkable increase of approximately 39 percent. This growth translates into billions of pounds in additional annual trade, fostering an environment ripe for increased investment and the creation of new employment opportunities in India. This agreement marks a milestone in bilateral relations, setting the stage for a new era of shared prosperity.

The India-UK trade agreement takes effect July 15, 2026, granting Indian exporters 99% duty-free access to the UK market. The deal includes phased tariff reductions on British luxury cars and Scotch whisky, while opening Indian government contracts to UK firms. Investors should note that while this deal boosts export potential for sectors like textiles and IT, it also increases import competition in the automotive and premium alcohol segments. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) officially becomes operational on July 15, 2026, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations. For Indian investors, the agreement is notable as one of the first major free trade pacts with a developed economy, setting a precedent for regulatory alignment and trade standards. Under the terms of the deal, Indian exporters gain duty-free access to approximately 99% of the UK market, which is expected to support sectors such as textiles, footwear, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and IT services. Impact on Automotive and Liquor Sectors A central component of the agreement involves phased tariff reductions on British imports. India will gradually reduce import duties on conventional engine passenger vehicles from the current 110% to 10%. Additionally, electric and hybrid vehicles will receive preferential access after a five-year transition period. In the premium alcohol segment, import duties on Scotch whisky will be cut from 150% to 75% immediately, with a further reduction to 40% over the next decade. These changes will likely increase competitive pressure on domestic manufacturers in the premium automotive and alcohol markets, as imported products become more affordable for Indian consumers. Government Procurement and Intellectual Property The agreement also opens the Indian government procurement market to UK suppliers, potentially impacting companies that rely on government contracts. UK firms will gain access to an estimated 40,000 high-value contracts, which could alter the competitive landscape for domestic infrastructure, technology, and engineering service providers. Furthermore, the deal mandates strengthened intellectual property enforcement. While this protects global brands, it reinforces the need for Indian companies to align with international compliance standards. Notably, the agreement includes a double contribution convention, allowing Indian employees working in the UK to avoid double social security payments for up to five years. Key Considerations for Investors While the agreement lowers trade barriers, several exclusions remain. India has maintained its tariff structure on sensitive items such as fresh apples, walnuts, certain cheeses, gold bars, and smartphones, providing some protection for these domestic sectors. Conversely, the UK has excluded specific agricultural products like rice and sugar from tariff concessions. Investors should monitor how effectively domestic firms in the textile and engineering sectors adapt their supply chains to meet the strict rules of origin required to benefit from the new duty-free access. The long-term impact on profit margins for companies in the automotive and alcohol industries will depend on their ability to maintain market share amid increased foreign competition.

Home / Business / Business News / Article / India-UK trade: Duty cuts on imported Scotch whisky, gin, chocolates, biscuits, cosmetics Updated On: 14 July, 2026 03:09 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into force on Wednesday, paving the way for cheaper British goods in India while granting Indian exporters near-total duty-free access to the UK market UK PM Keir Starmer with PM Narendra Modi (centre); UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds (far left) and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal (far right). File pic. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into force on Wednesday, paving the way for cheaper British goods in India while granting Indian exporters near-total duty-free access to the UK market. Under the pact, tariffs on a wide range of British products -- including Scotch whisky, gin, chocolates, biscuits and cosmetics -- will begin declining from July 15. However, duty reductions for several items will be phased in over the coming years.

One of Scotland's most beautiful distilleries offers a new whisky matured in quartet of sherry casks Named from the Latin Conectere, which means to link or connect, its the latest release from Lindores Abbey Distillery in Fife, often described as the spiritual home of Scotch whisky. One of Scotland's most beautiful distilleries has just launched its latest expression, a new whisky matured in a quartet of sherry casks. The picturesque Lindores Abbey Distillery, has released Nectere, a new single malt sure to delight fans of sherry cask whisky. From the Latin Conectere (to link, to bind, to connect), which means to link or connect, is the latest release from the Fife distillery, often described as the spiritual home of Scotch whisky. The distillery team says Nectere unites "centuries of knowledge in a single glass", and draws inspiration from the monks who first distilled at the Abbey in 1494, with the evolving tradition of Sherry production from across Spain. The Nectere expression is matured in a combination of four sherry cask types; Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Amontillado and Palo Cortado. Designed to deliver depth, colour and complexity, each contributes layers of dark fruit, spice, nuttiness that only the finest Sherry wood can provide. They stated that the oloroso forms the backbone of the whisky, providing structure, dried fruit and nutty character, while the PX contributes "richness, sweetness and enhanced natural colour". The Amontillado adds marmalade notes, roasted nuttiness and lifted aromatics, while the Palo Cortado introduces "elegance, distinguished balsamic and subtle oxidative notes". The Fife barley used in Nectere is grown on the same land once farmed by the Lindores Abbey monks, creating a quiet but meaningful connection between the landscape, the local farming community, and the whisky itself. Speaking about the resulting single malt whisky, the team said it is a "layered, full-bodied sherry-driven" dram that has a "refined complexity". Drinkers can expect sweet treacle, red apples, vanilla custard cream and cinnamon on the nose, with mellow molasses, chocolate raisins, nutty macaroons, toffee and warming spices unfolding on the palate. The finish is described as "long and creamy", with nutmeg and cinnamon lingering. Lindores Abbey Distillery will be building new, direct relationships with these modern bodegas as part of a longer-term sourcing strategy, adding a defined layer of Spanish provenance and quality control to the cask programme. Speaking about the new release, distillery manager, Gary Haggart, said: "Taking a product such as Nectere from concept to customer is a rare opportunity in our industry. "It represents the culmination of immense hard work, creativity, determination and collaboration, while reflecting the very best of us as a team and as a distillery. "Nectere stands as a testament to what can be achieved when talented people come together with a shared purpose and commitment to excellence ." Priced at £65 (70cl) and will be available for purchase now from the Lindores Abbey website.

SNP use whisky to 'stoke anti-English sentiment' ahead of Argentina World Cup clash The nationalist party are 'raising a glass' to Argentina to belatedly mark the one-year anniversary of Scotch Whisky being given legal protection in the South American country - on the same day England play them in the World Cup semi-finals. The SNP has been accused of using whisky to "stoke anti-English sentiment" in Scotland ahead of the team's World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina. The nationalist party are "raising a glass" to the South American country to apparently mark one year since it gave legal protection to the national drink. But they are 13 days late to the party, with this actually happening on July 3, 2025. Instead, the anniversary is being marked on July 15, coincidentally the same day Thomas Tuchel's men attempt to defeat the World Champions in Atlanta to make Sunday's final. A press release was sent out by the SNP where the party celebrated Argentina - and claimed it was all to do with the historic agreement that saw the South Americans give Scotch Whisky its seal of approval as the first ever international product to receive Geographical Indication status. This came about due to the work of the UK Government, which is charged with trade and international relations as these are reserved to Westminster. Scotch Whisky is now a protected product in Argentina, meaning that the product is held to a strict and genuine standard. SNP MSP George Adam said: “There is no better day to raise a glass to Argentina and I’m sure Scottish households will be united today and well into the night as we mark this historic occasion. One year on since Argentina gave its seal of approval to our premier product, it won’t be lost on anyone the number of Argentina flags draped in windows across the country as we celebrate that one year anniversary. “The links between Argentina and Scotland dial way back to 1893 when Alexander Watson Hutton founded the Argentine football association – here in 2026 it’s clear the bonds between our two nations remain as tightly bound as ever. Scotch Whisky is something that we can all be proud of and it is only right that people across Scotland rejoice with our Argentinian friends this evening.” But these comments have been slated by the Scottish Tories who accused the SNP of "stoking anti-English sentiment." Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Stephen Kerr told the Scottish Daily Express: "Scotch whisky is our national drink, and its global success is always worth celebrating. “However, the SNP’s latest stunt is not about promoting Scottish heritage. Instead, it is a cheap attempt to try and stoke anti-English sentiment ahead of a major football match. England are our next-door neighbours and Scots have friends, relatives and colleagues who are from there. SNP MSPs should just be enjoying the football and stop trying to turn everything into another nationalist grievance." England are two games away from repeating 1966 but must first beat a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, with both teams going through after gruelling quarter finals that both went to extra time. The winner will play either France or Spain in a final, with these the four highest ranked teams in the world. New SNP MP Lara Bird already drew anger after admitting on BBC that she was backing Norway to beat England on Saturday night, with her fellow UK MPs claiming she should be supporting her neighbours.

WHISKY IS HAVING ITS MOMENT IN INDIA. MUCH LIKE GIN DID A FEW YEARS BACK when even small batch Indian distilleries, realised that bottling gin made good business sense in a country which can get boiling hot for at least six months of the year. Some of the gins which have been created in India today sell at a higher price than even Tanqueray was and is, and with good reason. The gin craze was preceded by the love for Montepulciano in North India primarily. Again, any red wine being drunk other than at the height of winter in India, is absurd. Which brings me to ask what explains the Indian love for whisky—which is made to be sipped in the cool climes of Scotland or England, not in the heat and dust of Gurugram? One of my overriding memories is from 20 years ago when I had just shifted to Delhi and went to the uber-chic The Golf Bar in ITC Maurya. I heard a young entrepreneur order “a Scotch on the rocks, with ice”, proudly and loudly. He even gave the tables closest to him a once over, to make sure we knew he knew how to order a Scotch. Not much has changed in the city. While 20 years back it was rare to hear of youngsters choosing to drink whisky in India, today there is a spurt in whisky drinking. India has also become home to a burgeoning range of Indian whisky blends, far removed from Royal Stag and Black Dog, which were made famous by Bollywood. Hot cities like Calcutta have flourishing whisky clubs like The Calcutta Malt and Spirits Club and the Dram Club and so on. Many homes in Calcutta and Delhi have whisky collections which would put a Scottish whisky bar to shame. Today, whisky pairings with bar bites and tasting menus are commonplace. Don’t get me wrong, I am a great appreciator of the finer things in life, from good wine to caviar to the best Hilsa in Bengal. Which is why I was pleased to spend an evening recently listening to Rachel Barrie, the legendary Scotch whisky maker known as the ‘First Lady of Scotch’. The world of single malts is unsurprisingly a patriarchal one, so it’s always refreshing to see a woman at the top of her game. Barrie currently serves as Master Blender at Brown-Forman, where she oversees The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh and Benriach. Since the Scots are simply fabulous narrators and raconteurs, it was a perfect evening hearing her walk us through Scotland’s “Valley of Brambles” and the Scottish Highlands. I learnt about sherry cask maturation, how it creates whiskies defined by depth, structure and a richly layered character. I’ve gone for a couple of Cognac tastings before, and single malt tastings are similar. You take in the fragrance of the whisky, sometimes you spot a fruitiness, sometimes a peaty flavour. But I find unadulterated alcohol, other than wine, a little too strong for my palate. I’m a cocktail person and love my whisky cocktails. Whether it’s a Rusty Nail with Drambuie and whisky, or a Manhattan with Bourbon and Martini Rosso, a Rob Roy pleases me a lot, as does an Old Fashioned and my favourite—the Whisky Sour. It’s the mix of the strength of the whisky with the sweetness of either vermouth or orange rind that finds favour with me. I’ve spent the last month drinking more Highballs than I care for—both in Japan and in Kolkata’s answer to Japanese fusion cooking, Yokocho. True whisky cocktail aficionados love Highballs because the whisky is actually made palatable for the heat of India, given that it’s one part whisky to two parts soda. But it’s the rise of the whisky cocktail—a Highball here, an Old Fashioned there, whisky washed with butter somewhere else—that made me realise that whisky is the new It drink in town. Most fine-dining restaurants and even cocktail bars and speakeasies now have an entire menu section dedicated to whisky cocktails. To make whisky more palate-friendly and whisky cocktails more friendly to Indian dietary preferences, they are either sweetened considerably or desi-fied in a manner unique to India. I remember being asked in a very popular bar in Delhi, whether I wanted a “non-veg” Whisky Sour or a “vegetarian” one and realised they meant with egg white or without. Which explains why it’s a conundrum that India—especially North India—is so fond of the purist single malts and Scotch. To put things in context, India now has well over 300 single malt whisky labels/variants available if you include limited editions, travel retail releases and state-specific imports. One Delhi retail catalogue I looked at listed 259 single malt products across Indian and imported brands! India is brimming with homegrown single malts such as Amrut, Paul John, Rampur, Godawan and newer craft labels. Industry reports show that Indian single malts now account for more than half of the category’s sales in India. It is this love for whisky that has spurred the world's best whisky makers to reach out to the Indian consumer. The Indian community of whisky drinkers is increasingly regarded as a knowledgeable group of single malt Scotch collectors and connoisseurs—even if I would guess that most would want to eat dal and rice while on holiday in Scotland. I must confess, it still amuses me that people who pronounce “genuine” as “genoo-wine” can pronounce Scottish names like Lagavulin without hesitation. Or maybe I am just being judgmental. Which is highly probable. But the upside of what I can only assume is a nouveau riche fascination with single malts, cigars and Scotch is that we now have access to a bouquet of whiskies that, until a few years ago, could only be sampled on foreign shores. And if it wasn’t for the inexplicable whisky craze, I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of sipping a Glendronach 12 Year Old and savouring the sherried autumn fruit, gingerbread, chocolate praline—and was that a hint of orange peel I tasted?—along with layers of maraschino cherry, walnut liqueur and dark chocolate mint, served at just the right temperature and with just the right food. All while sitting in Gurugram, in the heart of Haryana. To read more stories from Esquire India's July 2026 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.

Oban Distillery has unveiled a new exclusive whisky that’s about more than just what’s in the bottle. Oban Little Curiosities comes wrapped in a tapestry of illustrations that nod to the stories, landmarks, and people of the Scottish coastal town. The distillery launched the whisky with a playful twist: a scavenger hunt through Oban where whisky lovers searched for the symbols featured on the bottle’s label. It’s a way for fans to discover not only the whisky, but also the town’s history and the distillery’s heritage. Anyone who finds every location and checks them off on the free scavenger hunt map by November 1, 2026 will receive a complimentary keepsake from Oban. Supplies are limited, but that’s not really the point. The real joy lies in the bottle and the whisky itself. Oban Little Curiosities: a whisky in a bottle brimming with local references The Oban Little Curiosities bottle is adorned with objects and symbols tied to the town of Oban. You can spot McCaig’s Tower, one of the area’s most iconic sights. The distillery’s maritime history also plays a key role in the design. Front and center is the year 1794, Oban Distillery’s founding year, as always. The bottle is also signed by Ronnie Whiteford, Oban’s recently retired distillery manager. Since its founding, Oban Distillery has been deeply woven into the fabric of the town. Emma Watson, brand home manager at Oban, says the bottle is meant as a tribute to the stories and hallmarks that make Oban unique. Rum casks lend Oban a tropical twist Of course, Oban Little Curiosities is more than a whisky with a scavenger hunt. This single malt stands out on the palate too. After its initial maturation, the Scotch was finished in rum casks. That finish brings notes of tropical fruit, citrus, honey, and vanilla. Its coastal character shines through with hints of sea salt and black pepper. Tasting notes below: - Nose: Guava, papaya, and blood orange, followed by wildflower honey and sweet vanilla. - Palate: Sweet citrus, bitter grapefruit, floral tones, and gentle spice. - Finish: Long and warming, with sea salt and black pepper. Oban Little Curiosities is bottled at 57.5% ABV. Where to buy Oban Little Curiosities Oban Little Curiosities is available exclusively at the Oban Distillery shop in Scotland. The bottle is priced at £220. Visitors can also purchase a limited-edition whisky glass made specially for this release. FAQ - What is Oban Little Curiosities? Oban Little Curiosities is an exclusive single malt whisky that pays tribute to the Scottish coastal town of Oban. Its label features illustrations inspired by local stories, landmarks, and people, including McCaig’s Tower and former distillery manager Ronnie Whiteford. - What does Oban Little Curiosities taste like? The rum cask finish gives the whisky tropical notes of guava, papaya, and blood orange, complemented by honey, vanilla, grapefruit, and gentle spice. The finish is long and warming, with sea salt and black pepper. - Where can you buy Oban Little Curiosities and how much does it cost? The whisky is available exclusively from the Oban Distillery shop in Scotland. It is bottled at 57.5% ABV and priced at £220.

8 Min Read India's landmark trade agreement with the UK comes into force on July 15, promising lower tariffs, easier market access and new opportunities for businesses on both sides. While much of the attention has focused on cheaper Scotch whisky and premium British cars, the agreement's biggest impact is expected to be on Indian exporters, who will gain preferential access to one of Europe's largest consumer markets. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is one of India's most significant trade pacts in recent years. It aims to boost trade, simplify rules for businesses and improve the temporary movement of professionals. Together, the two countries expect the agreement to help increase bilateral trade from about $56 billion currently to nearly $100 billion by 2030. What is the India-UK CETA? The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is a free trade agreement between India and the UK that lowers or removes tariffs on thousands of products, improves access to each other's markets and simplifies trade rules for businesses. Negotiations began in 2021 under then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, continued during Rishi Sunak's tenure and were concluded under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Britain views it as one of its biggest trade agreements since Brexit, while India secures improved access to one of Europe's largest import markets. Why is the UK an important market for India? The UK is one of the world's largest importing nations, yet India accounts for only a small share of its imports. According to Jayant Krishna, former Global CEO of the UK India Business Council (UKIBC), the UK imported nearly $929 billion worth of goods last year, while India's exports to Britain stood at only about $15.2 billion, representing just 1.6% of the UK's total imports. "The UK is a major importing country. Almost $929 billion worth of goods were imported by the UK last year, and India barely exported about $15.2 billion worth of goods to them, which is just about 1.6% of what the UK actually imports for its own consumption," he told CNBC-TV18. India's market share also remains relatively low across several sectors where it is globally competitive. For instance: These figures illustrate the untapped export opportunity that the trade agreement aims to unlock. How will Indian exporters benefit? The agreement provides duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports to the UK through phased tariff reductions. Major beneficiaries include: Krishna believes this could significantly expand India's presence in the UK market. "I think this opens a floodgate of opportunities," he said, adding that bilateral trade could eventually rise to "$100 billion or even $120 billion in a few years if this becomes fully operational." What changes for British cars entering India? One of the most closely watched provisions relates to premium British automobiles. India has agreed to reduce tariffs on a limited number of completely built-up British vehicles under a quota-based system over a long implementation period. Electric vehicles, however, have been given greater protection. They remain outside the concessional tariff framework for the first five years before phased reductions begin, giving domestic EV manufacturers more time to expand before facing greater competition from imported premium electric vehicles. Anant Swarup, Secretary General of FICCI and former Additional Commerce Secretary, said the agreement strikes a balance between opening markets and protecting domestic interests. "In every FTA there has to be give and take. You cannot only export and say that you will not import. However, this FTA has a very good balance between the gives and the takes," he said. He added that Indian auto component manufacturers are also expected to benefit from improved access to the UK market. Will Scotch whisky become cheaper? Yes, but gradually. Scotch whisky currently attracts a 150% customs duty in India. Under the agreement, this will immediately fall to 75% before being reduced in stages to 40% over the next decade. However, consumers should not expect retail prices to fall by the same proportion. Besides customs duty, the final price of imported whisky also includes state excise duties, distributor margins and other taxes, meaning price reductions are likely to be gradual rather than dramatic. Swarup said Scotch largely caters to the premium end of the market and is therefore unlikely to significantly affect India's broader alcoholic beverages industry. Why are tariffs only part of the story? Lower tariffs make products more competitive, but they are only one part of international trade. Exporters must also comply with product standards, certification requirements, customs procedures and regulatory rules before goods can enter overseas markets. Krishna believes these non-tariff barriers will play a major role in determining how much Indian businesses ultimately benefit. "Tariff rationalisation and reductions are important, but they are not everything. A lot of non-tariff barriers also need to be looked at very seriously," he said. He also highlighted the UK's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could increase costs for certain carbon-intensive imports and will require continued discussions between the two countries. How do the new rules of origin help businesses? Rules of origin determine whether a product qualifies for preferential tariff treatment under a trade agreement. Unlike many earlier FTAs that relied largely on standard value-addition rules, the India-UK agreement introduces product-specific rules of origin and allows exporters to self-certify compliance. Swarup described this as a significant improvement. "It is a trust-based approach that this FTA has adopted, and it will facilitate better FTA utilisation from the Indian side," he said. Simpler compliance requirements are expected to help more exporters, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, use the agreement. What does the agreement mean for Indian professionals? The agreement also makes it easier for business visitors, contractual service providers and certain professionals to work temporarily in the UK. It also includes a social security arrangement under which around 75,000 Indian workers on short-term assignments in the UK will not have to pay UK social security contributions for up to three years. This prevents employees and employers from making social security payments in both countries during temporary assignments, reducing costs for Indian companies sending professionals overseas. Swarup emphasised that this is about facilitating temporary business mobility rather than immigration. "FTAs talk about the mobility of professionals, not immigration," he said. He added that ageing populations in many developed economies continue to create demand for skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare and elderly care services. Will implementation be straightforward? Not entirely. As with any major trade agreement, businesses and government agencies will need time to adapt to the new rules. Krishna said exporters are generally well equipped to understand tariff schedules and compliance requirements. The bigger challenge, he argued, is ensuring customs authorities and officials responsible for implementing the agreement receive adequate training so that businesses do not face unnecessary procedural delays. Who stands to benefit the most? The biggest winners are expected to be Indian exporters in sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, leather products and auto components, all of which gain improved access to the UK market. Consumers in India could also benefit over time as tariffs on premium British products—including Scotch whisky, luxury cars, chocolates, cosmetics, fashion products and certain medical devices—are reduced in phases. Some domestic industries, particularly in premium automobiles and imported spirits, may face greater competition over

AI generated summary, newsroom reviewed Building a great whisky collection is easier when experts have already done the hard work. The ASCOT Awards 2026 have recognised six standout Scotch whiskies with their highest honour, Double Platinum. Selected through blind tastings by seasoned judges, these bottles range from exceptional value picks to once-in-a-lifetime luxury pours. Here's what makes each whisky worth your attention, along with its approximate price in India. In this list of the world's best whisky, we reveal 6 top names. So, check out these award-winning whiskies at ASCOT Awards 2026, ranging from Ardbeg 10, Chivas Regal 12, Glenmorangie to Scapa 16 Year Old. A'bunadh means ‘the original’ in Gaelic, and this cask strength single malt whisky lives up to the name. It's aged entirely in first fill Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, meaning the wood pulls maximum color and flavor straight into the whisky. Expect dark chocolate, dried fruit, orange peel and warming spice, with enough punch that a splash of water is welcome, not cheating. One ASCOT judge reportedly called it their new favourite dram of the whole tasting. Aberlour A'bunadh Price: Approx ₹10,960. ABV: 60.9% Made on the smoky island of Islay, Ardbeg 10 Year Old is peat done right. The barley is heavily smoked before distilling, then rests at least ten years in old bourbon barrels. What comes out is smoke layered with citrus, black pepper and sea salt, finishing long on espresso and toasted almonds. The distillery nearly shut down for good before Glenmorangie's parent company revived it in 1997, and it now has a fan club with over 200,000 members worldwide. Ardbeg 10 Year Old Price: Approx ₹10,500 to ₹11,500. ABV: 46% Chivas Regal 12 Year Old is proof that great whisky doesn't need a big price tag. This blend combines malt and grain whiskies aged at least twelve years, built around Strathisla single malt, and it's soft, honeyed and easy to drink, with orchard fruit, vanilla and a hint of hazelnut. It medaled against bottles many times its price, which tells you everything.. Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Price: Approx ₹3,500 to ₹3,900. ABV: 40% The Chivas Regal 18 Year Old steps things up considerably. Master blender Colin Scott created it by marrying more than twenty whiskies, each aged eighteen years or more, selected from thousands of casks. Dried fruit and buttery toffee lead into dark chocolate and a faint wisp of smoke. It's built for slow sipping, not shots. Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Price: Approx ₹5,800 to ₹6,500. ABV: 40% The splurge of the list. Glenmorangie The Altus 25 Years Old is distilled using the tallest stills in Scotland, nearly five metres high, which gives the spirit an unusually light, floral character. It spends 25 years maturing, finished partly in Madeira casks, a nod to Glenmorangie's original 1995 breakthrough with that style. The nose brings honeysuckle and orange blossom, the palate mandarin, marzipan and banana. One judge simply called the finish stunning. Glenmorangie Price: Approx ₹85,000 and ₹95,000. ABV: 43% Scapa is one of only two distilleries on Orkney, a cluster of islands off Scotland's northern tip, and unlike its smoky neighbour Highland Park, it uses almost no peat at all. Aged 16 years in old bourbon casks, it's soft and fruity, with ripe mango, vanilla fudge and baked pineapple, closing on a finish one taster compared to ribbon candy. Scapa 16 Year Old Price: Approx ₹14,000 and ₹18,000. ABV: 48% What ties these six whiskies, from Ardbeg 10, Chivas Regal 12, Glenmorangie to Scapa 16, together isn't price or style, it's that each one earned its medal blind, on taste alone. Whether you're after an everyday pour or a bottle worth saving for, this 2026 list proves good Scotch whisky really does come in every shape.

Anyone visiting a distillery will often come face to face with a Porteus mill, where the grain is ground into grist, the final product made up of husks, flour (the fine meal), and grits. Multiple rollers ensure the barley is prepared in just the right proportions before it’s transferred to the mash tun to extract the sugars. This traditional method, known as milling, carried out by the rock-solid Porteus mill, is by far the most common. Hammer mills for crushing barley But there are also distilleries that use what’s called a hammer mill. This mill crushes the barley, and it can rightly be called innovative. The InchDairnie Distillery in Fife, founded in 2016, uses such a hammer mill, grinding the barley down to a fine powder. This fine powder goes into a mash tun and is then pressed through a filter, the mash filter, to extract the sugars. If you were to mix this powder with water in a traditional mash tun, the filter bed at the bottom would clog and bring the process to a halt. That’s why the mash filter is essential for turning the hammer mill’s output into a high-sugar wort. Another advantage of the hammer mill is that it can process various grains in addition to barley. The Scottish distillery is exploring this to the full. One of InchDairnie’s mottos is “more sugars, more flavor.” Another Scottish distillery using a hammer mill and a mash filter is Teaninich, which produces single malt whisky under the Diageo umbrella. It’s used, among others, in Johnnie Walker. Teaninich’s bright wort delivers a distinctly fresh and floral character. Whisky as a tribute to the hammer mill There’s also a Czech whisky called Hammerhead, a tribute to the 1928 hammer mill housed in the now-closed Pradlo distillery. Bottles of Hammerhead are still available, though the older releases are becoming scarce. FAQ - What is a hammer mill in a distillery? A hammer mill is a machine that grinds malt or other grains using rapidly spinning hammers. The result is an even grind for the mashing process. - Why do distilleries use a hammer mill? A hammer mill can process large quantities of grain quickly and consistently, allowing sugars to be released efficiently during mashing. - What’s the difference between a hammer mill and a traditional malt mill? A traditional malt mill uses rollers to crush the kernels, leaving the husks largely intact. A hammer mill grinds the grain much finer.

The Heart Cut bottles Ardnamurchan single malt A single cask Ardnamurchan is the 24th limited release from London-based independent bottler The Heart Cut. The Heart Cut’s latest bottling was distilled at Ardnamurchan on Scotland’s West Coast, aged entirely in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry cask, and bottled at 52% ABV. Described as moderately peated, the barley used to make the whisky was peated to a phenol level of 30ppm. Tasting notes for the whisky include gentle smoke, citrus, apricots, olive brine, and coastal salinity. Georgie Bell, co-founder of The Heart Cut, said: “Ardnamurchan is part of a new wave of Scottish distilleries choosing flavour over yield. In its short life, it’s built the kind of cult following most distilleries take decades to grow – known above all for an oiliness of texture that’s highly sought after and adored. “We’ve wanted to collaborate since we launched The Heart Cut, so it’s a big day to see it here and out in the world.” Limited to 543 bottles, #24 Ardnamurchan is available in a 500ml format from The Heart Cut at an RRP of £76 (US$100). It is also available at selected on-trade locations including Hideout in Bath, Spirited in Bristol, and The Spirits Room by Caviste in Hampshire. Ardnamurchan Distillery was founded in 2014 on its namesake peninsula by Scottish independent bottler Adelphi Distillery Ltd and launched its first single malt in 2020. The distillery is notable for running almost exclusively on renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric, solar, and biomass. Since launching in 2024, The Heart Cut has bottled single cask whiskies from small producers around the world, as well as an ongoing English blended malt whisky. Co-founders Bell and Fabrizio Leoni select casks directly from distilleries rather than from brokers. This bottling is only the third Scotch whisky The Heart Cut has chosen to bottle, following expressions from Nc’nean and Lochlea distilleries. Related news Heart Cut launches distillery-led subscription service Five English distilleries craft The Heart Cut’s first core release

Alexander accused of ‘banal point scoring’ as he says King struck US whisky deal Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander was accused of “banal point scoring” when he told MPs it was the King who secured the deal which saw Donald Trump scrap tariffs on Scotch whisky. When the US President announced the move earlier this year, he told Scottish First Minister John Swinney he had been a “very big part” of the decision on lifting the tariffs. But Mr Alexander told MPs on Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee that “direct discussions” between King Charles and the president had led to the move. The Labour MP said: “On the whisky deal, ultimately we worked very closely with the Palace, and I wouldn’t want to share too much information on that, but it is right and reasonable to give very generous tribute to the work His Majesty the King did. “Essentially he led on the direct discussions with the president during the state visit that took place in April, when the King and Queen were present in Washington.” President Trump announced he would abolish Scotch whisky tariffs at the end of a state visit by the King and Queen to Washington DC in April. Mr Alexander added that while the King was “dealing directly with the president”, UK negotiators were dealing with US officials, saying that this “proved to be a very powerful coming together”. SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan insisted, however, that the Scottish First Minister had played a “central role” in the whisky deal. Mr Doogan told the Scottish Secretary: “I’ve heard your version of events, but slightly jarring with that is where President Trump said John Swinney had worked very hard, he tweeted ‘congratulations John, you were a big part of my thinking’. “The Scotch Whisky Association credited the First Minister for his leadership in this issue, and against that backdrop and those actual facts you as the Secretary of State accuse the First Minister essentially of lying, or misrepresenting what had gone on with the Scotch whisky tariffs.” He asked Mr Alexander: “Wouldn’t it have been better for you in your position just to let it slide, rather than engage in that banal point scoring.” He has not accepted the offer to meet at any point during my time as Secretary of State for Scotland The exchanges came as Mr Alexander revealed he had not met Mr Swinney since becoming Scottish Secretary in September 2025. He said: “I contacted the First Minister when I was appointed Secretary of State and asked to meet at his convenience, but that invitation was not accepted. “And he has not accepted the offer to meet at any point during my time as Secretary of State for Scotland.” Mr Alexander said he had also contacted Mr Swinney to congratulate him after the SNP won May’s Holyrood elections, and “reiterated that offer to meet with him” but he said he had not yet received a reply from the First Minister to his “earnest and genuine offer”. Mr Doogan, however, told him the First Minister has a “long standing policy” of only engaging with the Prime Minister at UK Government level. Mr Alexander also told MPs there had been a “divergence of views” when Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Mr Swinney after his Scottish Parliament election victory. Mr Alexander said the Scottish Government had “briefed out immediately after the call the Prime Minister had agreed to discuss independence and a referendum”. The Scottish Secretary, however, insisted that this was not the case. He told MPs: “I wasn’t on the phone call but I have seen the official minute of the call and the Prime Minister was very clear that we were adhering to our manifesto we had set out ahead of July 2024, in which we stated we oppose independence but we also oppose a further independence referendum.”

The Heart Cut bottles Ardnamurchan single malt A single cask Ardnamurchan is the 24th limited release from London-based independent bottler The Heart Cut. The Heart Cut’s latest bottling was distilled at Ardnamurchan on Scotland’s West Coast, aged entirely in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry cask, and bottled at 52% ABV. Described as moderately peated, the barley used to make the whisky was peated to a phenol level of 30ppm. Tasting notes for the whisky include gentle smoke, citrus, apricots, olive brine, and coastal salinity. Georgie Bell, co-founder of The Heart Cut, said: “Ardnamurchan is part of a new wave of Scottish distilleries choosing flavour over yield. In its short life, it’s built the kind of cult following most distilleries take decades to grow – known above all for an oiliness of texture that’s highly sought after and adored. “We’ve wanted to collaborate since we launched The Heart Cut, so it’s a big day to see it here and out in the world.” Limited to 543 bottles, #24 Ardnamurchan is available in a 500ml format from The Heart Cut at an RRP of £76 (US$100). It is also available at selected on-trade locations including Hideout in Bath, Spirited in Bristol, and The Spirits Room by Caviste in Hampshire. Ardnamurchan Distillery was founded in 2014 on its namesake peninsula by Scottish independent bottler Adelphi Distillery Ltd and launched its first single malt in 2020. The distillery is notable for running almost exclusively on renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric, solar, and biomass. Since launching in 2024, The Heart Cut has bottled single cask whiskies from small producers around the world, as well as an ongoing English blended malt whisky. Co-founders Bell and Fabrizio Leoni select casks directly from distilleries rather than from brokers. This bottling is only the third Scotch whisky The Heart Cut has chosen to bottle, following expressions from Nc’nean and Lochlea distilleries. Related news Heart Cut launches distillery-led subscription service Five English distilleries craft The Heart Cut’s first core release

The St. Anthony Hotel to host one-night Still Austin whiskey pairing dinner SAN ANTONIO - Whiskey lovers and food enthusiasts will have the chance to enjoy a special culinary experience this week. The St. Anthony Hotel will host its Spirit of Texas: Still Austin Whiskey Co. Pairing Dinner on Thursday, July 16, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Gallery on the Park. The one-night event features a four-course menu created by the hotel's culinary team, with each course paired with a different spirit from Still Austin Whiskey Co., a Texas-based distillery. The evening begins with a welcome Hill Country Sour cocktail before guests take part in a guided tasting of Still Austin Rye, Cask Strength Bourbon, Cask Strength Rye and Gin. The chef-curated menu includes: - Grilled Quail - Bourbon Vanilla Lobster Bisque - Texas Wagyu Striploin - Summer Berry Tarte Fine The pairing dinner is designed to highlight Texas flavors and locally distilled spirits through a guided dining experience. Tickets are $95 per person and can be reserved through this website.

The St. Anthony Hotel to host one-night Still Austin whiskey pairing dinner SAN ANTONIO - Whiskey lovers and food enthusiasts will have the chance to enjoy a special culinary experience this week. The St. Anthony Hotel will host its Spirit of Texas: Still Austin Whiskey Co. Pairing Dinner on Thursday, July 16, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Gallery on the Park. The one-night event features a four-course menu created by the hotel's culinary team, with each course paired with a different spirit from Still Austin Whiskey Co., a Texas-based distillery. The evening begins with a welcome Hill Country Sour cocktail before guests take part in a guided tasting of Still Austin Rye, Cask Strength Bourbon, Cask Strength Rye and Gin. The chef-curated menu includes: - Grilled Quail - Bourbon Vanilla Lobster Bisque - Texas Wagyu Striploin - Summer Berry Tarte Fine The pairing dinner is designed to highlight Texas flavors and locally distilled spirits through a guided dining experience. Tickets are $95 per person and can be reserved through this website.

Could football actually be coming home this time? Much to the disdain of many Scottish family members, England have made it through to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Just Argentina stand between England and a second ever World Cup final, so now the question begs — who should be starting for the Three Lions? We do things differently here in the whisky world, so here’s our alternative Whisky XI that represents England best! Goalkeeper It’s important our goalkeeper is reliable and Wire Works is exactly that. We could have picked any number of expressions, but Wire Works Caduro is patient and steady. Buy Wire Works Caduro now: Master of Malt, £58.90 Defenders Firstly, our full-backs need to be balanced with a bit of a kick to defend against the Argentine wide players. Both Cooper King First Edition Fruit + Spice and Doghouse Distillery Debt Collector brings these qualities. The most important things for our centre backs is high strength and reputable names to keep the back four organised. At 63.9% and 55.2% ABV respectively, Adnams Distiller’s Choice Sherry Cask and Cotswolds Hearts & Crafts Pineau des Charentes make a perfect pairing. Buy Doghouse Distillery Debt Collector now: Master of Malt, £49.95 Midfielders The midfield three needs to be full of quality, while bringing a range of strength, experience and capability. The Heart Cut #16 Fielden can provide protection to the back four with its high strength, while The English Sherry Cask Matured is a worthy captain and Filey Bay Orange Wine Barrique can handle the heat of the US. Buy The Heart Cut #16 Fielden now: Master of Malt, £66.50 Buy The English Sherry Cask Matured now: Master of Malt, £58.95 Buy Filey Bay Orange Wine Barrique now: The Whisky Exchange, £61.75 Forwards Oxford Artisan Distillery The Dissertation and Gulliver 47 Pedro Ximénez Cask cover each wing, bringing two different flavour profiles that can keep defenders on their toes and unexpecting. For our striker leading the line, look no further than the immense quality of The Lakes Distillery Signature. If any English whisky is getting this team goals to reach the final, it’s this one. Buy Gulliver 47 Pedro Ximénez Cask now: Master of Malt, £71.35  Buy The Lakes Distillery Signature now: Master of Malt, £73.95 | The Whisky Exchange, £68.95 Do you agree with our picks? Who was snubbed from our lineup? Head over to our Instagram and let us know what you would have changed! This article contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission, but this does not affect our editorial judgement. Prices correct at time of writing. This article is not affiliated with, licensed by or endorsed by FIFA, UEFA, or any national football association, nor any kit manufacturer.