By Aditya Kalra
NEW DELHI, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Diageo has agreed to reformulate some of its most popular whisky and rum drinks in India, two government sources told Reuters, after the country's food safety regulator banned them in some states for adding flavours that breached regulations.
The food regulator will agree to drop its ban on this understanding, the sources said on Monday, in what is one of the world's largest spirits drink markets.
Diageo's India unit, United Spirits, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Reuters is first to report the decision.
In India's biggest food safety crackdown in years, the regulator shocked the $40 billion industry early this month by banning several whisky and rum brands of Diageo and some other Indian companies, alleging mislabelling and improper addition of flavours - like rum flavour in rum. Diageo, which has dubbed India its "consumer market of the decade", had said it complies with the law.
The whisky ban covered Diageo's hugely popular Antiquity Blue and Royal Challenge whisky made in Madhya Pradesh state, and its McDowell's No. 1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum made in Maharashtra.
Diageo has agreed to reformulate its drinks to stop adding whisky flavour in whisky or rum flavour in rum, said the government sources, who declined to be named as the decision is private.
TOP-SELLING PRODUCT
The changes will be required to these brands made anywhere in India, not only the states where they were restricted earlier, said the first government source.
Domestically made Royal Challenge is one of Diageo's top-selling products in India. Over 4.5 million nine-litre cases of Royal Challenge are sold every year in the country, Diageo says, calling it a product of the "mid prestige price segment".
The whisky's front label says: "A rich blend of Indian grain spirit & imported scotches, matured in American oak casks". Its back label says it contains "demineralised water, grain neutral spirit, Scotch. Contains permitted natural colour ... and added nature identical (whisky) flavouring substances".
The government sources said that while Diageo transitions to reformulation of its products, it has agreed to make clear via front-of-pack labels in the meantime to spell out clearly what flavouring has been added to the spirits.
Separately, Indian inspectors have seized around 18,000 boxes of Diageo liquor bottles for allegedly lacking markings to show they were made using safe recycled plastic, widening the scrutiny, Reuters reported last week.
(Reporting by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Susan Fenton)
By Adam Dutton
A granddad's 57-year-old cask of whisky he bought for $175 is now worth $360,450 and the oldest of its kind in existence.
Angus Kerr, 81, bought the keg of Glenrothes single malt as an investment in 1971 shortly before the supplier went bust.
The commodity consultant intended to buy one cask a year to let them mature before selling them to pay for his kids' school fees.
Just a few weeks after buying his first batch, his supplier closed down and all records of its whereabouts were lost.
Angus feared the cask was lost forever until 18 months later when he was billed by the Macallan distillery, which was storing it.
The distillery, nestled in the picturesque Speyside, Scotland, had the cask and all the paperwork stored in its warehouse.
To his amazement, the barrel, which was filled on January 2, 1969, is now the oldest Glenrothes cask ever and worth more than $360,450 - over 2,000 times what Angus paid for it.
Granddad-of-eight Angus forked out $175 for the whisky after losing over $1,335 in the stock market when Rolls-Royce collapsed - despite not even liking the drink.
Angus, of Surrey, said: "I was working in London as a commodities trader at the time.
"When Rolls-Royce went bust, I lost everything I had invested in its shares.
"It was probably about £1,000 it lost, which was a lot of money then considering a salary was about £5,000-a-year.
"Not long afterwards, I heard about a company in the city offering whisky casks as an investment.
"I thought that, if it all went wrong, at least I would be able to drown my sorrows.
"I paid £1.20 a gallon, which worked out at around £130 for the cask.
"The idea was that you bought a newly filled cask every year for five years.
"In the sixth year, you sold the first one, bought another and took the profit.
"I had earmarked the returns to help pay the children's school fees.
"After I made the purchase, I heard nothing. When I eventually managed to get through to someone, I discovered that the company had gone bust.
"I had no warrants, no proof of ownership and no idea where the cask was. I thought: 'that's it, I've lost the lot again.'
"I drink wine, not whisky, and I didn't know what to do with it, I'd written it off.
"Then, a couple of years later, the warehouse contacted me asking for storage fees.
"I asked whether they had the warrants, and they sent them to me.
"When I heard the value, it was really nice to hear.
"I really didn't know it was going to be this good. It is one of my best investments."
The whisky has an ABV of 42.2% and remains stored in a single oak sherry cask, containing enough spirit to fill 287 bottles at cask strength.
It is believed to be the oldest Glenrothes cask offered for public sale.
The distillery's own oldest bottling is 51 years old, released last year at $49,395 a bottle for just 100 bottles.
The cask is being offered for sale by whisky broker Mark Littler with a value of $360,450.
Mark said: "People buy lottery tickets with better odds than this.
"A cask bought from a company that collapsed, with no paperwork, sitting in a warehouse nobody had told him about, and it turns out to be the oldest Glenrothes ever offered for sale.
"I have never come across anything quite like it.
"What makes it truly exceptional is the condition of the whisky.
"Most casks left for 57 years either fall below 40% ABV, at which point they can no longer legally be sold as Scotch whisky, or the oak overwhelms the spirit entirely.
"This cask has done neither.
"The buyer can let it mature further or bottle it, and we can manage the whole bottling process for them.
"This one is neither."
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'Truly exceptional' Scottish whisky bought for £130 now worth £270,000
"I have never come across anything quite like it."
A 57-year-old cask of Scottish whisky that was bought by a grandad for £130 in the 1970s is now worth £270,000. The rare cask is believed to be the oldest of its kind in existence. It has even been described by one whisky expert as "truly exceptional" ahead of its sale.
Angus Kerr, 81, purchased the keg of Glenrothes single malt as an investment in 1971, a short time before his supplier went out of business. The commodity consultant was intending to buy one cask per year and let them mature, before selling them off to cover the costs of his children's school fees.
However, only a few weeks after purchasing his first batch of the whisky, Kerr's supplier went bust and all of the records of its whereabouts were lost. He feared that the cask was gone forever but 18 months later he was billed by the Macallan distillery, which was storing it.
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The distillery, which is situated in the Speyside region of Scotland, had kept the cask and all of the associated paperwork in its warehouse. The barrel, which was filled on January 2, 1969, is now the oldest Glenrothes cask ever and is worth more than 2,000 times what Kerr paid for it.
The grandad-of-eight, who lives in Surrey, spent £130 on the whisky after losing more than £1,000 in the stock market when Rolls-Royce collapsed. However, he has since revealed that he is not even a fan of whisky.
Kerr commented: "I was working in London as a commodities trader at the time. When Rolls-Royce went bust, I lost everything I had invested in its shares. It was probably about £1,000 I lost, which was a lot of money then considering a salary was about £5,000-a-year.
"Not long afterwards, I heard about a company in the city offering whisky casks as an investment. I thought that, if it all went wrong, at least I would be able to drown my sorrows. I paid £1.20 a gallon, which worked out at around £130 for the cask.
"The idea was that you bought a newly filled cask every year for five years. In the sixth year, you sold the first one, bought another and took the profit. I had earmarked the returns to help pay the children's school fees."
He added: "After I made the purchase, I heard nothing. When I eventually managed to get through to someone, I discovered that the company had gone bust. I had no warrants, no proof of ownership and no idea where the cask was. I thought: 'that's it, I've lost the lot again.'
"I drink wine, not whisky, and I didn’t know what to do with it, I'd written it off. Then, a couple of years later, the warehouse contacted me asking for storage fees. I asked whether they had the warrants, and they sent them to me.
"When I heard the value, it was really nice to hear. I really didn’t know it was going to be this good. It is one of my best investments."
The whisky has an ABV of 42.2 per cent and is still stored in a single oak sherry cask. It contains enough spirit to fill 287 bottles at cask strength, and is the oldest Glenrothes cask offered for public sale. The distillery's own oldest bottling is 51 years old, and was released in 2025 at £37,000 a bottle for just 100 bottles.
Whisky broker Mark Littler, who is handling the sale of Kerr's whisky, commented: "People buy lottery tickets with better odds than this. A cask bought from a company that collapsed, with no paperwork, sitting in a warehouse nobody had told him about, and it turns out to be the oldest Glenrothes ever offered for sale.
"I have never come across anything quite like it. What makes it truly exceptional is the condition of the whisky. Most casks left for 57 years either fall below 40 per cent ABV, at which point they can no longer legally be sold as Scotch whisky, or the oak overwhelms the spirit entirely.
"This cask has done neither. The buyer can let it mature further or bottle it, and we can manage the whole bottling process for them. This one is neither."
In a private room known as “The Connoisseur Room” at Collezione New York, the rare wine and spirits boutique on Madison Avenue, about two dozen bottles of single malt Scotch sit on a few shelves. The names are mostly familiar — Bowmore, Talisker, Ardbeg, and Springbank, among others — but the labels look unlike anything seen in a typical liquor store. The bottles appear brand new, but a closer look reveals that these whiskies were bottled decades prior, in some cases more than a half century ago. They’re part of an extraordinary find that took place in a warehouse in Italy earlier this year, and now they’re for sale to the public.
The Italian Connection To Single Malt Scotch Goes Back Decades
Many modern collectors are unaware of the Italian connection to Scotch single malts, but it’s impossible to tell the story of Scotch whisky in the 20th century without including Italy. From the late 19th century until the 1960s, single malt whiskies barely existed on a commercial level. Distilleries rarely bottled their own whiskies, instead selling casks to blending houses or to independent bottlers, where they would wind up in blended Scotches. Even after single malts started to become a viable proposition, first with the release of Glenfiddich’s Straight Malt in 1963 and then with the launch of Gordon & MacPhail’s Connoisseur’s Choice series in 1968, they were still a tiny niche market until the early 1990s.
One notable exception to the rule was Italy. Much as Japan spearheaded the revival of bourbon in the ‘80s, the early single malts found a receptive audience in the Italian market in the ‘60s and ’70s. Forward-thinking importers like Silvano Samaroli, Nadi Fiori, Ernesto Mainardi and Armando Giovinetti aren’t household names in the world of whisky, but they’re the ones who planted the seeds of the single malt revolution that are still flowering today.
Single malt wasn’t considered a luxury spirit in those early days. “In the past, you’d go to any coffee bar in Italy to get an espresso,” says Stefano Pileggi, the owner of Collezione. “And then on the top shelf, you’ll find Glen Grant from the ‘60s, and Macallan from the ’70s. People were drinking like that! That was the beautiful thing. It was not expensive.”
A native of Calabria, the 42 year old Pileggi is too young to have experienced the golden age of single malts in Italy firsthand. But as he developed a passion for whisky — before opening Collezione, he was one of the foremost Macallan collectors in the world — he befriended and learned from many of the original importers. Even though he’s lived in America since 2011, he still has close ties to the Italian whisky community. It was through that community (from whom specifically he won’t say, preferring to keep his sources confidential) that he first learned of a potential once-in-a-lifetime find.
A Legendary Italian Restaurant, And A Secret It Kept For Decades
Trattoria Cantarelli, or I Cantarelli, as it was known, opened in 1953, in the back of a small and well-curated grocery store founded in the early 20th century by the parents of the restaurant’s founder, Giuseppe “Peppino” Cantarelli. Peppino ran the store and restaurant with his wife, Mirella del Nevo Cantarelli, who was also the primary chef. The store was a wonder of its own, carrying a range of esoteric English, French, and Scottish delicacies, including whisky: Dario Zanasi wrote in 1965 of “the crowded shelves” containing "Barnetts smoked salmon, Bruchladdich malt whisky, Strasbourg pâtés, and Scottish jams."
I Cantarelli’s legend has endured. It was a groundbreaking restaurant in its time. Located not in a big city but in the small town of Samboseto in lower Parma, it was the first trattoria featuring simple, provincial cuisine and an unfussy atmosphere to earn two Michelin stars, a status it kept from 1970 until its closing. The out-of-the-way restaurant became an international destination spot, not just for gourmands but for intellectuals, artists, and celebrities including Burt Lancaster, Gerard Depardieu, and Robert De Niro.
The food wasn’t the only focus at I Cantarelli. The trattoria also had a formidable wine selection — and a deep and well-curated selection of Scotch single malts. I Cantarelli closed the last day of December, 1982. The store remained open for the next decade until Peppino Cantarelli died in 1992, following Mirella, who had passed away in 1986. At that point, the remaining stocks of whisky went into storage and stayed there, forgotten, for more than thirty years.
The Find Of A Lifetime
Fast forward to 2026. Pileggi, who still travels to Italy regularly, recalls, “This guy tells me, ‘Stefano, there is the possibility of this crazy collection that this restaurant, Cantarelli, had for many, many years, and the family had, in this warehouse, cases’…. I said, look, it’s too good to be true. Like, it’s dream stuff. So when I went to Italy and I went to see the things, I was like, whoa, I want all of it.”
The cases turned out to be cardboard boxes. “[That’s how] the whiskey was delivered to the importers,” Pileggi says. "Remember, it was cheap stuff." When he opened the boxes, “The bottles were packed in there, brand new, had never been unpacked.”
“New Old Stock”
Pileggi marvels at the condition of the bottles. “These are like, in the language of collectible watches or vinyl, ‘new old stock.’ In 40 years, these bottles, this is the second time someone apart from this family touched [them].”
Apart from the condition in the bottles, the liquid in them is the stuff of collectors’ wildest dreams. Highland Park from the 1970s, bottled at 57% ABV. 12 year old Ardbeg, laid down in 1954. Macallans distilled in the 1930s and ‘40s and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in the ’70s. Back then it was called “Macallan-Glenlivet;” Glenlivet was the standard bearer for Scotch whisky and its name was legally used in hyphenated form by other distilleries.
Asked if he has any favorites among the Cantarelli bottles, Pileggi quickly names three. A 12 year old Clynelish bottled in the late ‘60s or early ’70s at 57% ABV, when almost all whiskies were bottled at 40% or 43% ("I only had one time the possibility of drinking the 57, and I was blown away"). A 15 year old Port Ellen, distilled in 1977 — six years before the fabled Islay distillery closed for good — and bottled at 63.6% ABV, one of the highest-proof Port Ellens ever produced. And a Springbank, aged in sherry casks, bottled at 57% ABV, distilled in 1972 and bottled in 1982 ("I’m in love with this whisky. All the full proof Springbanks…. I’m a sherry cask guy. the old ones").
Perhaps the most important bottle from a historical viewpoint is a bottle of Rosebank, estimated to be from the 1970s. It’s not just that the distillery has been closed since the early ‘90s (a new Rosebank distillery has since opened). A label on the back indicates that it was imported into Italy by Edoardo Giaccone for his establishment, Whiskyteca Edward & Edward in Salò. Whiskyteca wasn’t just one of the first whisky bars in Italy (it opened in 1958), but it was also the biggest, stocking more than 1,500 whiskies. Giaccone’s whisky collection was, for a time, the biggest in the world, even making it into the Guinness Book of World Records. The fact that one of his bottles wound up in the Cantarelli collection shows the connection between the various importers, merchants, and enthusiasts at the time.
“It’s Like They Knew The Future”
“The view of these big Italians back then, I don’t know, it’s like they knew the future,” Pileggi marvels. “And there was no future in the ‘60s and ’70s. These guys were buying pallets [of whisky]. It’s difficult sometimes, even for me, to explain to the public. You don’t know Italians back there. We’re f***ing nuts!
Bottles like this are rarely found at auction, and when they are they’re usually less pristine, with scuffed labels, damaged or missing display boxes, torn tax strips and the like. And anyway, Pileggi isn’t a fan of auctions,
The bestselling Scotch whisky in Scotland recently changed hands. The Famous Grouse, that humble little bird perched in almost every drinks cabinet north of Hadrian’s Wall, has been bought by William Grant & Sons.
When a brand this iconic gets a new owner, I think it is worth putting the pheasant in the firing line, breaking down the blend, and asking what this shake-up really means for the whisky world.
Let us be clear about the scale of this. The Famous Grouse is not just a Scotch, it is the Scotch. For decades it has outsold every other whisky in the country. We enthusiasts might spend our days talking about Springbank, Ardnamurchan, and Thompson Bros, but your evening-sipping great aunt or your granddad drowning his dram in ginger will grab a Grouse over a Glencadam any day of the week. That kind of loyalty is rare, and it is exactly why this acquisition matters.
William Grant & Sons, the umbrella behind Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Monkey Shoulder, is a fifth-generation family-owned company that actually seems to care about whisky, or at least markets it that way convincingly. Monkey Shoulder has become a global cocktail monster, Balvenie remains solid if a touch pricey, and Glenfiddich is the gateway dram for many. Buying Grouse fits neatly into the entry-level Scotch starter pack they are building.
Meanwhile, the seller Edrington appears to be swanning off toward its luxury lines, Macallan, the upmarket rebrand of Highland Park, and the pricey Glenturret, the sort of whiskies that require a second mortgage and arrive in boxes fancier than your house.
As for the liquid itself, I gave the Famous Grouse a solo run.
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On the nose, it is surprisingly sweet, all malt, vanilla, and freshly made cupcakes with a caramelly, chocolatey edge.
On the palate, it turns toffee and malty, with raisins, a jammy note, and even a whisper of smoke, presumably from the Highland Park in the blend. It is silky, easy, and pleasant without being boring.
Honestly, it is the whisky equivalent of a baggy comfy jumper with a few stains on it. I would score it a fair 5 out of 10, average in the best possible way.
So does this deal matter? I think it does. William Grant now holds one of the most trusted names in Scotch, complete with serious distribution and modern marketing flair. In a world where Compass Box and Woven are showing how brilliant blends can be, Grouse could become far more than a safe bottom-shelf choice.
Do you think Grouse will earn a place on your shelf in a few years?
For a more detailed breakdown and to see my full tasting, check out my YouTube video.
News/Reuters/Diageo agrees to reformulate India whisky, rum drinks after flavouring breach, sources sayExclusiveDiageo agrees to reformulate India whisky, rum drinks after flavouring breach, sources sayRead the full articleGet unlimited access to articles from Reuters and every other news source on TradingView.Keep reading
The Dalmore unveils 2026 Distillery Select whisky
Whyte & Mackay’s The Dalmore has unveiled this year’s Distillery Select release, which was finished in semisecco Marsala casks.
The Distillery Select series launched in September 2024 and highlights ‘hidden gems’ from The Dalmore’s dunnage warehouses at its Highland distillery.
For the range, The Dalmore’s whisky makers hand-select rare stocks of spirits laid down in specific casks, which enhance an element of the brand’s signature house style.
This year’s release is a 14-year-old single malt that was first matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels, and then finished for one year and nine months in semisecco Marsala casks.
Semisecco Marsala – a Sicilian fortified wine – has a medium-sweet style, which adds notes of candied citrus, honeyed fruit, roasted nuts and gentle spice to the whisky, according to The Dalmore.
Master blender Dr Kirstie McCallum said: “After a year in the semisecco Marsala casks, we could sense the character beginning to emerge, particularly notes of sweet citrus and brioche, but the whisky had not reached the balance we were looking for.
“From that point, we monitored the cask even more closely, and within a few months, everything came together. The influence of the Marsala was clear, but the character of The Dalmore remained at the heart of the whisky.
“Over time, the rich and indulgent character of the semisecco Marsala harmonised beautifully with The Dalmore spirit. Carefully selected and closely nurtured throughout their maturation, the casks delivered an exceptional balance of flavours.
“The result is a whisky unmistakably from The Dalmore, with its hallmark citrus notes deepening into sweet clementine, accompanied by rich toffee, gentle nuttiness, and soft, pastry-inspired spices.”
The Dalmore Distillery Select Series 2026 is bottled at 53.7% ABV and priced at £350 (US$473).
It will go on sale from 31 August, with 1,110 bottles available.
The whisky will be available to purchase online, at The Dalmore boutiques, and at the distillery’s brand home on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in Scotland’s eastern Highlands, which was reimagined earlier this year.
The Spirits Business was among the first to visit the space when it reopened, and spoke to the creative minds who shaped the experience.
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Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：Kentucky bourbon brand teams up with Detroit Tigers for special spirit - The Detroit News
Blue Run Spirits與美國職棒底特律老虎隊合作推出Detroit Tigers Blue Run Blueprint Series肯塔基直式波本威士忌，慶祝老虎隊125週年。限量版新酒105 proof，酒瓶以老虎隊橙色與深藍配色呈現Blue Run招牌Viceroy蝴蝶圖案與Old English D標誌。零售價$69.99，可在Total Wine或指定酒商購得。酒款具柔和花香與隱微果香，後段呈現溫暖烘烤香料、肉桂與烤橡木尾韻。此聯名合作讓老虎隊球迷與波本愛好者有獨特方式紀念與球隊的連結。
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Kentucky bourbon brand teams up with Detroit Tigers for special spirit
The Detroit Tigers fan who is also a bourbon enthusiast has a new bottle to get excited about.
Blue Run Spirits and the Detroit Tigers are releasing Detroit Tigers Blue Run Blueprint Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-edition run that celebrates the team's 125th season. Released this week, the 105-proof spirit's bottle has the Blue Run's signature Viceroy butterfly done in Tigers orange and navy blue with an Old English D.
“The Detroit Tigers have built a legacy that extends far beyond the field, connecting generations of fans through shared traditions, unforgettable moments and a deep sense of pride in the city,” said Blue Run Spirits' senior marketing manager Susie McInerney in a press release about the new product. “This Blue Run Blueprint Series release gave us an opportunity to honor that history through both the whiskey and the bottle. It is a distinctive expression created for Tigers fans to open, share and make part of their own celebrations.”
Retailing for $69.99, the Detroit Tigers Blue Run Blueprint Series can be found at Total Wine, or ask your favorite liquor store to order it. Its tasting notes describe a soft floral nose with subtle orchard fruit, then warm baking spices, a touch of cinnamon and a toasted oak finish.
Tiffany Harrington, vice president of corporate partnership activation for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, said the Tigers are always looking for ways to celebrate the fans and bring people together.
“Collaborating with Blue Run Spirits on this limited-edition Blueprint Series Bourbon allows us to offer a premium product that reflects the pride, craftsmanship, and heritage shared by both organizations," she said in a statement. "We look forward to giving Tigers fans and bourbon enthusiasts a unique way to commemorate their connection to Detroit and our club."
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：Bardstown Bourbon Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend Review - thewhiskeywash.com
Bardstown Bourbon 推出的 Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend，將肯塔基波本與日本單一麥芽威士忌在同一橡木桶中共陳一年，創造出全新風味組合。該酒款獲得雙金獎肯定，代表這項跨國合作的創新嘗試獲得業界認可。評測來自威士忌媒體 The Whiskey Wash，提供對此混合威士忌的深入分析與品鑑意見。
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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.
Jeff Bogursky is a restless innovator and entrepreneur. He started one of New York’s first digital agencies and developed software applications for decades, before simpliying his life by becoming a wine and spirits seller. His website vintagekosher.com specializes in hard to find and good to drink bottles.
What happens when a Canadian whisky icon teams up with a Y2K fashion legend? Crown Royal and Juicy Couture unveil velour tracksuits and rhinestone bottle bags.
What happens when you co-age Kentucky bourbon and Japanese single malt in the same barrel for a year? This Double Gold winner creates something entirely new.
Scotland’s bestselling Scotch just changed hands. Will William Grant & Sons transform The Famous Grouse from bottom-shelf staple into a bottle worth your attention?
Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：Chattanooga Whiskey launches its latest Barrel Finishing Series release - The Whisky Wire
美國田納西州威士忌廠Chattanooga Whiskey推出Moldovan Ice Wine Cask Finished，為其Barrel Finishing Series的第八款作品。此酒為Tennessee High Malt風格，以至少四年陳年的麥芽威士忌與波本混合，並在摩爾多瓦冰葡萄酒桶中完成陳年，使用來自黑海丘陵上的老牌酒莊。酒款由六種麥芽配方混合而成，包含義大利威尼斯海岸的麥芽大麥和兩種麥芽小麥，帶有法式吐司、野花蜜、烤橡木、奶油蘇打與蜜餞薑的風味。建議零售價$59.99美元，數量有限，現已在美國特定州的專業零售商販售。
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The Tennessee-based Chattanooga Whiskey has announced the launch of the eighth release in its acclaimed Barrel Finishing Series.
Chattanooga Whiskey Moldovan Ice Wine Cask Finished (47.5% ABV) is a Tennessee High Malt comprising a blend of straight whiskies, aged for at least four years and finished in sweet Moldovan Ice Wine casks sourced from one of Moldova’s oldest and most highly awarded wineries, located in the hills above the Black Sea.
To capture the character of the finishing barrels, the distilling team assembled a complex blend of six mash bills: five malt whiskies and one bourbon. Each recipe draws on a range of toasted specialty malts, including malted barley grown on Italy’s coast near Venice and two types of malted wheat.
Chattanooga Whiskey Moldovan Ice Wine Cask Finished is said to deliver notes of French toast, wildflower honey, toasted oak, cream soda and candied ginger.
Founded in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey fought to change Tennessee law, winning the right to distil whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in over a century. That bold beginning laid the foundation for everything that followed, including the creation of the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery and the development of its distinctive Tennessee High Malt style.
Commenting on the launch, Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller, said: “Ice wine grapes are left on the vine until they freeze solid, and are then hand-picked and pressed while still frozen, yielding just a few precious drops of intensely flavoured juice from each cluster. Because of its intense flavour profile, we needed to pull out our most intensely flavoured whiskies – namely malt whiskey.”
Limited in quantity, Chattanooga Whiskey Moldovan Ice Wine Cask Finished is now available from specialist retailers in selected US states, for a RRP of $59.99.
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Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：Leith Bond adds two bottlings to single cask series - The Spirits Business
愛丁堡 Port of Leith Distillery 旗下的獨立裝瓶廠 Leith Bond 發佈單桶系列第三、四款新品：Royal Brackla 8年份 Cawdor Springs（波本桶後過 fino 雪莉桶陳，59.7% ABV，230瓶，£65 約台幣2,400元）與 Benriach 12年份（波本桶陳，54.5% ABV，205瓶，£79 約台幣2,900元）。兩款無冷凝過濾、無添加焦糖色素。Leith Bond 強調著重品質與特色而非盲目增產，未來將推出首款自家 Port of Leith Distillery 威士忌。
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Leith Bond adds two bottlings to single cask series
The independent bottling arm of Edinburgh’s Port of Leith Distillery has released two single cask whiskies, Cawdor Springs and a Benriach.
The third and fourth bottlings in the Leith Bond Single Cask Series are Cawdor Springs, an eight-year-old single malt distilled at Royal Brackla in the Scottish Highlands, and a 12-year-old single malt from Benriach distillery in Speyside.
Both expressions are available now at the Port of Leith and Lind & Lime distilleries, online and in-store, as well as the Port of Leith Distillery bar and Whisky Quay Bar in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Vaibhav Sood, head of whisky at Port of Leith Distillery, said: “As Leith Bond grows, our focus remains firmly on quality and character rather than simply increasing the number of bottles we put into the market. We’re looking for whiskies with something distinctive to say, whether that’s the character of a particular distillery, the influence of an exceptional cask or the way a whisky develops through in house maturation. Our role is to identify those opportunities, bottle them and let the spirit speak for itself.
“It is all about curiosity, craftsmanship and giving whisky lovers the chance to experience some great whiskies as we all await an inaugural release from our Port of Leith Distillery.”
Leith Bond’s Benriach 12 Year Old was aged entirely in a single refill Bourbon cask yielding 205 bottles at 54.5% ABV. It is on sale for RRP £79 (US$107) for 700ml.
Tasting notes for the bottling mention dried orange peel, Walnut Whip cream, toffee, dried herb butter and overripe mango.
The label design, which depicts a worker carrying a sack of malted barley, is a nod to the early-20th century when Benriach Distillery was silent but continued to produced malt for the nearby Longmorn Distillery.
Cawdor Springs was first matured in a refill Bourbon barrel before finishing in a fino Sherry hogshead.
Just 230 bottles are available at 59.7% ABV with an RRP of £65 (US$88) per 700ml.
The whisky is described as fresh and crisp with notes of lemon, chamomile, olive oil and nuts and a ‘warmly persistent finish’.
The artwork featured on the label, entitled ‘Seal of Approval’, is a visual pun referring to Royal Brackla’s status as the first whisky distillery to be granted a royal warrant by King William IV in 1833.
It is today one of only two active distilleries permitted to bear the prefix ‘royal’ alongside Royal Lochnagar.
Both bottlings are offered without chill filtration or added colouring.
Port of Leith opened its £12 million (US$14.5m) distillery in Edinburgh’s historic docklands in 2023.
Leith Bond previously bottled single malts from Bunnahabhain and Ben Nevis, as well as an ongoing single grain release under the Table Whisky name.
Last month, Port of Leith Distillery unveiled a new 100ml can format for Table Whisky, followed swiftly by a ready-to-drink Old Fashioned cocktail.
Related news
Port of Leith Distillery debuts canned Old Fashioned
Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：Terry Bradshaw’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Is Rolling Out a Cocktail Lineup - The Manual
（僅標題資訊）美式足球傳奇球星 Terry Bradshaw 旗下的肯塔基直釀波本威士忌品牌推出新的雞尾酒產品線。該系列擴展了品牌在調酒市場的布局，為消費者提供現成的雞尾酒選項，反映波本威士忌品牌向多元化產品方向發展的趨勢。
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Whiskey Business: Parsing The 9th Circ. Jack Daniel's IP Toss
Intellectual property practitioners may recall the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in Jack Daniel's Properties Inc. v. VIP Products Inc., which limited the application of the First Amendment-based Rogers defense in...To view the full article, register now.
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Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Maker’s Mark 46 Got An Almost-Perfect Score At The SFWSC 2026, Here Are My Thoughts - thewhiskeywash.com
Maker's Mark 46在舊金山世界烈酒大賽（SFWSC）2026盲測中獲得99/100分和雙金牌，成為近完美佳績。這款2010年推出、距上次新品52年後的首款新酒款，使用10根新烤法國橡木柱進行木桶陳釀，酒精度47% ABV，美國零售價約$40。評論認為它證明了平價易得的威士忌也能獲得最高讚譽，有助改變消費者重視稀有高價酒款的現象，鼓勵品質優秀的日常飲用威士忌獲得應有認可。
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A score of 99 out of 100 in a blind assessment of multiple different bourbons and American whiskeys. At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, Maker’s Mark 46 took the crown in an incredibly dominant way, taking a Double Gold medal and an almost perfect score.
This isn’t an obscure single barrel release, it isn’t an allocated product, and it isn’t something being hunted down by serious drinkers and flippers alike. Is this one of the best examples of how affordable, readily available bottles can actually be among the best we can get our hands on?
What Is Maker’s Mark 46?
I imagine most of you know already, but for those who don’t, Maker’s Mark 46 was the first new product released by the distillery in 52 years when it launched in 2010. Prior to that, there was just the standard release with its famous red wax top.
Maker’s Mark 46 is a wood stave-finished, higher-proof release. Bottled at 47% ABV, it is finished in barrels containing 10 fresh, seared French oak staves for additional wood contact and more flavor. These barrels are then aged in a limestone cellar that was blasted out of a hill on the Maker’s Mark distillery site. The whiskey spends an extra nine weeks there before being vatted together and bottled as the now-famous Maker’s Mark 46.
Maker’s Mark 46 Tasting Notes
Well, I’ve had a lot of this over the years, so it’s a personal favorite and a regular house-pour bottle. The nose is all about toasted wheat, runny honey, freshly baked brioche, chocolate chip cookies, and melted butter. You do get some orange peel and peachy notes if it’s left in the glass for a while.
When it comes to the taste, we’re dealing with a full-bodied, rich bourbon with loads of fresh vanilla, dried coconut, chocolate chips, drying oak spice, and some candied ginger notes. The finish is long and rolling, with lots of Old Fashioned-adjacent notes of brown sugar, Angostura bitters, cherry syrup, and orange oil lingering on the tongue as the whiskey fades away. It really does taste excellent.
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How Much Does It Cost?
You can pick up Maker’s Mark 46 in the United States for about $40 a bottle. Over here in the UK, it’s about the same at £40 a bottle, or just under depending on whether it’s on sale. So this isn’t an expensive bottle in any way, and when compared with the pricing of bottles like Weller and Van Winkle, it’s a no-brainer.
That said, Weller prices are coming down, and it is becoming more widely available in the UK.
Does It Deserve A Score Of 99?
This is such a personal thing. I think it’s a great bottle of bourbon, and I’ve always been a fan of Maker’s Mark. Given the clear adoration for this bottle, the judges obviously believed it was worthy of a score as close to perfect as possible.
Personally, I really like this bottle. I’ve bought a lot of it, and it’s something I always include in bourbon tastings. Would I give it a 99? No, but it would still score quite highly for me.
Overall, though, you should look at this as proof that just because something isn’t rare or super sought after, that doesn’t mean it isn’t deserving of the highest praise.
Who Should Buy It?
Anyone! If you’ve been a fan of the regular Maker’s Mark release, then this is a solid next step up. If you’re not that into bourbon and want to find something that might flick the switch, this is a really good way to get into it.
Wheated bourbon is typically not as divisive as rye-influenced bourbon and tends to have those sweeter edges to it. With the additional oak influence, Maker’s Mark 46 can have the feel of an older whiskey, too.
If you’re also looking for an award-winning whiskey that isn’t expensive, hard to find, or available only for a limited time, then this is one of the best places to put your money.
So, Is Maker’s Mark 46 Really That Good?
Yes, it is very good. You can personally disagree with the final score, as that will always be subjective. However, if this is the way we get more people interested in affordable, interesting, and flavorful bottles, then so be it.
When really old or really expensive bottles win the biggest awards, things can get crazy. People buy up the stock simply to resell it and make money, and supply and demand takes over.
For an everyday bottle of bourbon to win such a big award with such high praise, though, I see this as a potential turning point for regular bottles that deliver on every front to start getting the recognition they deserve.
Sazerac, the US drinks group behind Buffalo Trace and Buzzballz, has signed a binding agreement to acquire UK-based Au Vodka and its line of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. The deal is subject to standard completion conditions and is expected to close within weeks.
Sazerac is expected to buy the Welsh-founded company for £500 million, according to the BBC.
The acquisition forms part of the American company’s strategy to grow through brand investment and to strengthen its global portfolio. The UK is viewed as a key market for Sazerac, and Au made its US debut in August 2022. Au Vodka will join Sazerac’s portfolio alongside brands such as Buffalo Trace, Buzzballz, George T. Stagg, Elmer T. Lee, Wheatley Vodka, and many more.
Au Vodka was founded in 2015 by Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn in Swansea, Wales. Morgan had already gained local fame in Swansea after being kicked by Chelsea footballer Eden Hazard during a League Cup match in 2013. The company still operates in Swansea.
Au Vodka is recognizable for its solid gold-colored bottles.
The company’s portfolio includes a flagship vodka and 11 flavored varieties. These include Black Grape, Green Watermelon, Miami Mango, and Bubblegum. Several flavors, such as Tango Apple and Orange, are also sold in 330ml pre-mixed cans at 5% ABV.
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The brand has built a strong presence across retail, hospitality, and e-commerce, with an expanding footprint in international markets.
Uppal Brewers & Distillers (UBD) has launched its flagship blended whisky Soorahi in Goa, expanding the brand’s reach across India. The move follows the company’s commissioning of a dedicated bottling facility in Ponda earlier this year, and marks Goa’s shift from manufacturing base to key consumer market.
Soorahi is the premium spirits venture of The Uppal Group, a Delhi-based business best known for luxury real estate. The whisky is now available across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, Daman & Diu, and Goa.
Positioned as an approachable premium blended Indian whisky, Soorahi means “good traveller” and is designed to celebrate “journeys, experiences, and meaningful moments”.
The brand said the whisky offers “a smooth and versatile flavour profile crafted for consumers who appreciate quality, authenticity, and modern Indian craftsmanship”.
“Goa has always been India’s destination for people who seek something more—better experiences, better memories, better stories,” said Kanhav Uppal, co-owner of Uppal Brewers & Distillers. “That is who Soorahi is made for. Our vision is to build a premium Indian spirit company for the long term, and for that, a strong presence in Goa is essential.”
Uppal added: “Goa is not our next market; it is our home. We make Soorahi here, and now the world will find it here. That means something to us.”
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The launch positions Soorahi within Goa’s tourism and hospitality sector, which draws millions of visitors annually.
Ankur Sachdeva, CEO and co-founder of Uppal Brewers & Distillers, said: “Goa is a phenomenon in itself, and every visitor’s experience is unique to them with so much to choose from.”
“We are delighted to add Soorahi to the experience of beachside sunsets, dining, and the vibrant nightlife,” he added.
Sachdeva said the brand’s “contemporary positioning and authentic storytelling” would resonate with consumers embracing premium experiences and homegrown brands.
The Indian whisky market is among the largest in the world by volume, with domestic brands increasingly competing in the premium segment.
Subrajit Majumdar, head of marketing at Uppal Brewers & Distillers, described Goa as “one of India’s most influential brand-led markets”.
“This launch is more than another milestone for us,” Majumdar said. He added that Goa would “play an important role in shaping Soorahi’s visibility, consumer affinity, and UBD’s growth journey”.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：This Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Is For Cigar Smokers — And It’s a Winner - Yahoo
Isle of Skye 推出全新 Cigar Reserve 調和蘇格蘭威士忌，酒精度 46% ABV，專為搭配雪茄而開發。採用 Pedro Ximénez 木桶熟成，呈現橡木辛香、深色水果、溫暖煙燻香草的複雜層次，平衡雪茄的濃郁強度。建議零售價 $47.99（約 1,520 台幣），是入門蘇格蘭威士忌愛好者的親民選擇。已在美國 Total Wine & More 等專業威士忌零售商上市。
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If you don't frequent cigar lounges, you might be surprised by what you see visitors drinking. You'll have your cigar smokers sipping on cognac. Others prefer whiskey, and some might even have a glass of cabernet. I myself enjoy an espresso or latte with my cigars in the morning, and Coca-Cola in the evenings. The inevitable question is, why? Well, in layman's terms, I enjoy the buzz I get from smoking a cigar for 45 minutes to an hour, and that buzz alone. I find that drinking whisky numbs my palate and overpowers the complex flavors of a cigar.
Coffee and soda have the opposite effect; they complement my JAVA by Drew Estate and Nub (single roast) sticks. Every now and then I'll dabble in whiskey when smoking with friends, but those instances are few and far between. I'm set in my ways.
Enter Isle of Skye Whisky Cigar Reserve.
I wasn't exactly skeptical about pairing a cigar with the new Scotch whisky blend. After all, Isle of Skye's lineup of Scotch whisky is as good as it gets. But as mentioned, my go-to drinks are always coffee or soda when I smoke.
For this tasting, I opted to smoke a cigar from my own collection: Altura's Third Harvest Lancero, which instantly became my favorite cigar ever in June after tasting it at the inaugural Cigar & Rum Festival in the Dominican Republic. Third Harvest Lancero is an exceptional cigar with a soft nuance and perfect draw on every single puff.
For its Cigar Reserve, Isle of Skye collaborated with cigar experts to craft a Scotch whisky that complements fine cigars. And they delivered. At 46% ABV, Cigar Reserve delivers depth and complexity with a full-bodied texture that complements the intensity of cigars. Your nose is met with Oak spice and dark fruit richness before a warm, smoky vanilla sip gives your palate a swirl. The Cigar Reserve's sweet, spicy duality, coupled with Altura's perfect draw, made for a soothing night.
Suffice it to say, Isle of Skye Cigar Reserve has officially joined my lineup of drinks when smoking cigars, and I'm salivating at the thought while typing this sentence.
"Cigar Reserve marks an exciting first for Isle of Skye and a bold step in blended Scotch whisky," says Pamela Stewart, Isle of Skye Branded Manager. "Crafted to pair with cigars, this release is finished in Pedro Ximénez casks, adding a rich sweetness that enhances the bold, smoky character of our blend. It's a luxurious and approachable Scotch that will appeal to both whisky enthusiasts and lovers of sherried expressions."
A compelling price point
A superb bottle of Scotch whisky shouldn't have to empty your pocket. That's what makes Isle of Skye's Cigar Reserve so alluring. Its suggested retail price is $47.99, making it a compelling price point for those who are new to the Scotch whisky game.
Find the bottle through Total Wine & More and other specialist whisky retailers in the U.S.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：The Glenturret Declares War on Whisky Fraudsters - whiskymonkeys.com
蘇格蘭克里夫的 Glenturret 格蘭特雷蒸餾廠聯合專業線上偵測公司 The Online Eye，打擊冒用其名義販售威士忌木桶投資的詐騙行為。詐騙者以 Glenturret 名義出售非其蒸餾廠產製的威士忌木桶，導致投資者付出高價卻得到低價值的產品。格蘭特雷強調真偽、溯源與透明度的重要性，未來將主動追蹤網路上濫用品牌名義的可疑交易並採取行動。專家建議消費者購買威士忌木桶投資前應驗證溯源、文件與賣家身份。
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Buying a whisky cask as an investment sounds appealing, but of course you want to be sure the cask actually holds what the seller claims. The
Glenturret has had enough of parties trading on the distillery’s name to sell casks that turn out not to be connected to the brand at all.
The distillery from Crieff has therefore enlisted The Online Eye. This specialist company will proactively search for ads and investment pitches that misuse the name The Glenturret.
Whisky casks sold under The Glenturret name
The trigger is serious. The Online Eye says it has already seen multiple instances where casks were offered for sale or as investments described as containing whisky from
The Glenturret. In reality, the whisky in those casks did not come from the distillery.
That can have unpleasant consequences for buyers. Anyone who believes they’re purchasing a cask from a famed Scottish distillery may also pay the premium that goes with it. If the cask’s provenance then proves incorrect, the actual value could be far lower. Buyers end up seriously out of pocket, having paid top dollar.
And it’s not only buyers who face risks. The Glenturret also has something at stake. The distillery’s name is being used to drive sales in which the company itself has no involvement.
The Glenturret is actively hunting misuse
The Online Eye is tasked with changing that. Using its own technology, the firm will search online for cases where The Glenturret name is abused to sell casks and whisky investments.
The Glenturret states it will take action where necessary against parties who use the name to mislead consumers or investors.
According to John Laurie, the distillery’s managing director, authenticity, provenance, and transparency are essential in luxury single malt whisky. Through this partnership, the distillery wants to spot misuse sooner and respond more quickly with the right steps.
The Online Eye also brings solid experience to this kind of work. Its founders previously helped develop technology used by UK police to monitor social media and have more than 30 years of experience in defense and investigations.
Whisky cask investment has been under scrutiny for some time
The Glenturret’s move doesn’t come out of the blue. Trading whisky casks as investments has been drawing increased attention in the United Kingdom for some time. The market is largely unregulated, which makes it crucial for consumers to thoroughly vet who they’re dealing with and what they’re actually buying.
With this new approach, The Glenturret mainly wants to prevent its reputation from being used to make dubious offers look more credible.
The distillery’s name is certainly attractive to sellers. Founded in 1763, The Glenturret presents itself as
Scotland’s oldest working distillery. From Crieff, it still crafts whisky in a decidedly traditional way.
So if you come across a cask online that’s marketed as The Glenturret whisky, it pays to look beyond the name in the listing.
| Whisky Deals from Whisky Exchange | Week 34 |
| Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit | 29,58 pounds |
| Mortlach 2003 21 year old bourbon cask signatory | 158,33 pounds (save 55 pounds) |
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| Red Sport 1991 31 year old Marsala cask | 537,50 pounds (save 300 pounds) |
| Suntory Tsukuriwake Cask Collection 2024 | 2395,83 pounds (save 800 pounds) |
FAQ
- Why is The Glenturret issuing a warning about casks?
Because sellers are using the distillery’s name in misleading cask sales.
- What is The Glenturret doing about it?
The brand is having suspicious offers tracked down and will take action where needed.
- How can you avoid problems with a whisky investment?
Always verify provenance, documentation, and the seller before you buy.
This Infused Whiskey Brand Promises To Keep Bugs Away While You Sip — Here's How It Works
Finding a fly in your beautifully crafted cocktail can put a halt to outdoor sipping. Thanks to one company, a quick spray can reduce the chances of insects crashing the party. Tamworth Distilling, an award-winning experimental distillery in New Hampshire, has made a name for itself by reimagining spirits. With its Skeeter's Nootkatone Flavored Whiskey, the company has made a whiskey that can be spritzed directly onto drinks to keep pests at bay, and the appeal is no hoax.
Made with nootkatone, a natural compound found in the grapefruit peels and cedar trees, the bright, citrusy aroma is appealing to humans but repels annoying insects like mosquitoes. The compound is recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a biopesticide, making it a real-deal bug deterrent and not some gimmicky marketing stunt. Skeeter's isn't designed to be poured into a glass or a cocktail shaker. Instead, the whiskey is sold in a spray bottle and is intended to be used as a quick bitters or cocktail mister.
Serving a bug-free cocktail hour
In New Hampshire, bug season can really wreck party plans, so keeping an eco-friendly bug deterrent on hand is a smart move. Tamworth's founder was inspired to work with the distillery's head distiller to find a solution that could double as a cocktail ingredient. The 120-proof whiskey creation offers notes of eucalyptus, citrus, coconut, and toasted marshmallow. Even before the spray hits a drink, Skeeter's offers a unique profile that can turn heads.
The spray can be used not only to top mixed drinks but can also be sprayed onto plain seltzers or glasses of iced tea served in the backyard. Two or three sprays are recommended by the brand so that the aroma can rest on top of a poured drink or the outer rim of a glass, instead of being stirred directly into a cocktail. This is what helps keep bugs far away from the bash. Because of the woodsy, citrus profile, the spray plays well with any cocktails that include citrus fruits or herbal notes. Getting rid of insects has never gone down this well.
15 American Whiskey Brands Under $25 Per Bottle
American whiskey is as varied and diverse a field of liquor as French wine, Scottish liquor, and Japanese sake. Whether you're looking for a cheap whiskey with top-shelf taste or seeking to explore new types without breaking the bank, there are plenty of extremely reliable brands for under $25 a bottle.
While more affordable bottles from well-known brands are a great place to start, don't be afraid to experiment with labels you may not recognize. Oftentimes, established distillers feel they can charge a bit more because customers know what they're getting, whereas smaller businesses produce affordable bottles to gain entry to the market. One of the best ways to find out what you're getting beforehand is to know where the whiskey comes from. Tennessee whiskey, for example, has a wide range in quality but a distinct taste (smooth and sweet) that can help you identify flavor before walking out of the store.
You may also want to steer clear of larger bottles sold at the same price point as a standard, 750-milliliter size whiskey. For example, a $20 750ml bottle will likely be a higher quality than a $20 liter-sized one, which may end up tasting like ordering a well drink at a bar. Still, prices vary quite a bit depending on the store, location, and distance from the distiller, so it won't always be a perfect indicator of quality — and please note that prices listed here may not be the same as at your location.
Read more: 19 Canned Meat Products That Are Definitely Worth Buying
Jack Daniel's Black Old No. 7 is a tried and true classic
If ever there was an entry point for Tennessee whiskey, it's the iconic Jack Daniel's Black Old No.7. Available just about anywhere, almost always affordable, and emblematic of the charcoal filter that defines the state's liquor, it's never a bad option for a general, all-purpose whiskey.
Jack Daniel's Black Old No. 7 can be found at Total Wine for $22.49.
Jim Beam is a no nonsense, all around good bourbon
Bourbon's often defined by its smooth texture, sweet aftertaste, and emphasis on notes of vanilla and oak. As one of Kentucky's best-known distilleries, Jim Beam captures this perfectly and provides a consistently solid product you'll never have trouble keeping in stock at home.
Jim Beam Bourbon can be found at Total Wine for $16.99.
Evan Williams is the best budget bourbon for batch cocktails
While few people would be blown away by the flavor profile of Evan Williams' bourbon, no one can deny that the Kentucky distiller produces a great product for its price point. When you're just looking for something to fill out a batch cocktail recipe, Kentucky's own Evan Williams is a great choice for its unobtrusive, simple taste.
Evan Williams Bourbon can be found at Total Wine for $14.99.
Elijah Craig Straight Rye is too good to be this cheap
While most know Elijah Craig as a producer of decent Kentucky bourbons, it also makes one mean rye. Lacking much of the spice and astringency you find in similar liquors, this bottle is easy to drink, with a lot of nuance for something that costs under $25.
Elijah Craig Straight Rye can be found at Total Wine for $21.19.
Wild Turkey 81 proof is an oaky masterpiece for affordable bourbons
Kentucky's Wild Turkey distillery has always produced affordable bottles, but its 81-proof bourbon is surprisingly good. With rich oakiness from being aged in deeply charred barrels, it's one of the best sipping whiskeys when you're looking for something affordable.
Wild Turkey 81 Proof can be found at Total Wine for $15.99.
Traveller whiskey is a great all-American blend
Distilled by Kentucky's Buffalo Trace as a collaborative product with Grammy-winning singer Chris Stapleton, Traveller encompasses all that's great about American whiskey. It's actually a blend, creating a heady mix of sweet, sharp, and spicy that's hard to find but always worth a buy.
Traveller Whiskey can be found at Total Wine for $16.99.
Bird Dog is serious, sipping flavor without breaking the bank
When it comes to cheap bourbons that taste more expensive than they are, few can compete with Bird Dog's Select Reserve Kentucky bourbon. Full of smooth vanilla and sweet corn, it's also famous for its range of flavored whiskeys, from blackberry to peanut butter.
Bird Dog Select Reserve Kentucky Bourbon can be found at Total Wine for $20.99.
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Rough Rider rye is everything great about the liquor
Rye whiskey isn't for everyone, but if you like it, then Long Island Spirits' Rough Rider is the affordable bottle you should keep on hand. Sharp, spicy, and more than a little rough, it captures everything that you might love about the grain in an affordable bottle.
Rough Rider Rye can be found at Total Wine for $18.99.
Fraser & Thompson is where America and Canada meet
A celebrity collaboration with Canadian songwriter Michael Buble, Fraser & Thompson is so quintessentially North American it can't help but be delicious. A bit on the creamier side with strong notes of caramel, it's an interesting liquor to try when you want something new.
Fraser & Thompson can be found at Total Wine for $19.99.
Tincup shows what the Rocky Mountains can do
The Colorado single malt market is taking off, but that doesn't mean the Centennial State doesn't love a good collab. Blending single malt and bourbon before aging in charred barrels for six years, Tincup is the simple, straightforward liquor that captures the breadth of different styles you can find in America.
Tincup American Whiskey can be found at Total Wine for $21.99.
Redemption bourbon is a great entry from Indiana
Although Indiana may not be famous for its bourbon, it certainly produces enough corn. Redemption bourbon shows that the state has its own unique flair, combining the spice of rye with the smooth sugariness of bourbon to create something lovely, sippable, and always worth a buy.
Redemption Bourbon Whiskey can be found at Total Wine for $21.99.
Standard Proof's ginger rye is an eye opening unique take
Rye is already on the rougher side of liquors, strong enough to make your eyes water and put more than a little metaphorical hair on your chest. But Tennessee's Standard Proof takes that a step further with its ginger root rye, something so aromatically potent that it can clear out blocked sinuses better than a dollop of wasabi while still being so delicious that you can't help but come back for more.
Standard Proof Ginger Root Rye can be found at Total Wine for $21.99.
Paddleford Creek pecan bourbon is dessert in a glass
If you loved the sweetness of Fireball but had it ruined during your college years, Paddleford Creek's pecan praline bourbon from Minnesota is the grown-up upgrade you need. Its bourbon is already smoothly excellent, but factor in that extra pecan praline seasoning, and you get something that's sweet enough to sip as dessert.
Paddleford Creek Pecan Praline Bourbon can be found at Total Wine for $22.99.
Gentleman Jack is top-shelf taste for mid-shelf money
When you're ready to upgrade to a higher level of everyday whiskey, Gentleman Jack is the way to go. Taking everything great about its Black Old No. 7 and cranking it up to 11, Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack is a smoother way to enjoy a sippable glass, whether you like it straight, on the rocks, or with a touch of water.
Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack can be found at Total Wine for $22.99.
There's nothing in the world quite like Cherryshine
South Carolina's Holy City Spirits & Distilling Co. managed to produce something truly unique in Cherryshine. Mixing natural cherry and cayenne flavors with whiskey, this will certainly be the star of the party in a fall cocktail.
Cherryshine can be found at Total Wine for $23.99.
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Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：Detroit Tigers Blue Run Blueprint Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Archives - Detroit Metro Times
（僅標題資訊）Detroit Tigers 與威士忌品牌合作推出 Blue Run Blueprint Series 肯塔基直威士忌。該系列為美式威士忌愛好者與棒球迷的跨界合作產品，結合運動品牌與烈酒文化。
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Google News（Whisky 綜合）｜原題：BZA weighs special exception for Chip Hayes’ Whiskey Creek Campground bid - The Lynchburg Times
開發商Chip Hayes III向田納西州林奇堡地方分區委員會申請在Main Street約17英畝土地上興建露營地和房車公園，涉及Retreat品牌相關項目。委員會將於週二下午5:30召開會議進行表決，申請人需符合農業林業區的特例標準，包括最少10英畝地、每英畝密度上限10個營地、衛生設施覆蓋等要求。申請文件仍有多項數據留白，包括總面積、營地數量和密度計算，相關景觀規劃也待後續提交，委員會將聽取公眾意見後表決。
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LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — The Metro Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) will decide Tuesday whether developer Claude “Chip” Hayes III can build a campground and RV park on roughly 17 acres of Main Street land — the latest zoning request tied to the Retreat-branded.
The board meets on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the County Building basement located at 241 Main Street for a single item of new business: a special exception request for a campground/RV travel trailer park, filed under Article VII, Section 7.060 of the county’s zoning ordinance, covering Map 031, Parcels 021.01 and 021.02.
The Board of Zoning Appeals will take public comment before voting on the special exception.
The two parcels — 6.34 and 10.67 acres, according to county property records pulled August 5. Retreat Construction LLC, Hayes’ construction arm, filed the application with Michael Nauta listed as project engineer. Hayes signed the project’s compliance paperwork himself on August 4.
Campgrounds and travel trailer parks are allowed in the county’s A-1 Agriculture-Forestry District only as a special exception, meaning they require BZA approval rather than being permitted outright. Before granting one, the board must issue written findings on ingress and egress, traffic safety, and emergency access, along with parking and the noise, glare and odor effects on neighboring property.
Separately, Section 4.160.4(E) of the zoning ordinance sets specific standards for private campgrounds and travel trailer parks: a 10-acre minimum site, a density cap of 10 sites per acre, sanitary facilities within 300 feet of every site, a minimum of 3,200 square feet per campsite, and at least 25% of the site preserved as open space, among other requirements.
In the August 4 filing, Hayes walks through the project’s compliance with each standard in Section 4.160.4 — setbacks, road widths, curve radii, parking ratios, water and trash service — and states the site plan will be revised to show items like 300-foot bath house coverage circles and setback lines. But the document itself leaves several bracketed figures blank, including the total site acreage, the number of proposed campsites, the resulting density per acre, and the square footage of any on-site commercial space, even as it asserts the project meets or exceeds the ordinance’s numeric thresholds.
A vegetative buffer required along the property’s perimeter and adjoining lines is also not yet detailed; the filing says it will come in a “follow-up landscape plan” still to be submitted.
The zoning ordinance appears to set two different limits on how long someone can stay. The A-1 district’s special-exception provision for travel trailer parks caps occupancy at three months. But Section 4.160.4(E)(3)(h), which governs campgrounds and RV parks specifically, states that “no camping vehicle, camping equipment or recreational vehicle shall be used for human habitation for a period exceeding thirty (30) consecutive days.” Neither the ordinance nor the applicant’s filing addresses which limit would apply to the Whiskey Creek project.
For Tuesday’s application, Hayes signed as Founder and CEO of Retreat Construction LLC, listing Tennessee Contractor’s License No. 77587, classification BC-A/BC-B — a general building-construction classification distinct from the plumbing-license questions raised in the Times’ earlier reporting on his other projects.
If approved, the project would still need a revised site plan reflecting the setback lines, coverage circles, dump station location and landscape buffer the applicant’s own filing says are still pending. According to Planning officials, if the BZA grants the special exception, the project would still require Planning Commission approval before moving forward. •
About the Lynchburg Times: The Lynchburg Times is Moore County’s locally owned, independent news source and the only local media source owned by a Lynchburg native. Our reporting is supported by readers, small business partners, and underwriters who believe community journalism matters. If this story was valuable to you, consider becoming a supporter at lynchburgtimes.com.
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Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：5 Whiskies that pair surprisingly well with sushi - whiskymonkeys.com
whiskymonkeys.com介紹威士忌與壽司的配餐指南。文章推薦Talisker 10（適合鮭魚握壽司）、Ardbeg Corryvreckan（搭配油脂豐富的鮪魚）、Caol Ila 12（清淡魚類的理想選擇）、Hakushu Distiller's Reserve（清新花香型，避免煙燻味）與Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve（柔和甜感，搭配鮭魚或蛋黃燒）。文章強調並非一定要選日本威士忌，蘇格蘭泥煤威士忌的煙燻與辛辣風味能與壽司的鹹、鮮味完美搭配，但須注意醬油用量勿過多以免掩蓋威士忌風味。
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Sushi and whisky. It’s not the first
pairing that comes to mind when the soy sauce, wasabi, and chopsticks hit the table. Yet the two complement each other surprisingly well—if you know which whisky to pour with which sushi. Fresh fish, seaweed, and soy sauce bring salt and umami, while salmon and tuna can carry a good amount of fat. A whisky with smoke, pepper, citrus, or a bold maritime character can stand up to that beautifully. Here are 5 whiskies that pair wonderfully with sushi.
When you think of sushi and whisky together, Japan might be the first place your mind goes. Fair enough: sushi is from there. But you don’t have to reach for Japanese whisky by default. In fact, Scotch with a touch of peat can be a fascinating match here. Think smoke against rich salmon, pepper next to tuna, and briny notes that play nicely with nori and fish. Time to set a few pairings on the table.
Talisker 10: perfect with salmon nigiri
Let’s kick off with a fine Skye whisky. If there’s one whisky you should try with sushi, it’s Talisker 10. This Isle of Skye classic marries peaty smoke with a distinctly maritime character and the peppery kick Talisker is known for. At the same time, there’s enough fruity sweetness to keep it from becoming all smoke and salt.
That makes it a compelling choice with sushi that has a bit more flavor. With very delicate white fish, Talisker can feel a bit forward, but alongside fattier fish or something lightly seared, that smokiness really shines.
Tasting notes:
- Nose: Robust peat smoke, a whiff of seawater and the briny character of fresh oysters, lifted by citrusy sweetness.
- Palate: Rich dried-fruit sweetness, smoke, pronounced malt notes, and a warming peppery heat.
- Finish: Long, powerful, warm, and peppery, with a pleasant sweetness.
Try
Talisker 10 with salmon nigiri or aburi salmon. The salmon’s fat softens some of the whisky’s pepper and lifts the whole pairing to another level.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan
If Talisker 10 feels a bit tame, head straight for the heavy hitter. Ardbeg Corryvreckan hails from Islay, is bottled at 57.1%, and is anything but a wallflower. Peat, pepper, and deep, spicy flavors take center stage here.
That peat and pepper, together with the spice, make Corryvreckan an intriguing match for sushi. On paper it might sound like the whisky will steamroll the fish, but with the right sushi you’ll have enough fat, salt, and umami to push back.
Tasting notes:
- Nose: Intense and aromatic, with firm peat smoke and dark, spicy tones.
- Palate: Powerful, deeply peaty, and distinctly peppery.
- Finish: Long, intense, and smoky-spicy.
Pour a glass of
Ardbeg Corryvreckan alongside tuna nigiri or fatty tuna, like chutoro or otoro. That richer texture stands up to a powerful whisky better than very delicate white fish. Do take small sips. At 57.1% ABV, this isn’t the whisky to mindlessly wash down every piece of nigiri.
Caol Ila 12
Caol Ila 12 shows that Islay doesn’t always have to mean a smoke bomb. It has peat smoke, but presents it far more lightly than some of its island neighbors. Citrus, oily notes, and a relatively fresh profile play just as important a role.
That makes this perhaps the most approachable Islay in this lineup to serve alongside a range of sushi. The smoke is there, but it leaves more space for the fish—which is no bad thing when it comes to sushi.
Tasting notes:
- Nose: Subtle citrus fruit, light oily aromas, and initially little smoke; with water, almond oil and olive oil emerge.
- Palate: Firm yet light-to-medium bodied, with a soft mouthfeel and a blend of sweet and smoky notes.
- Finish: Smoky and persistent, without the brute intensity of heavier-peated Islay whiskies.
Try
Caol Ila 12 with sea bass nigiri, gilt-head bream, or a simple salmon maki. Especially with lighter fish, this is a more interesting choice than Corryvreckan, as the whisky is less likely to overpower the subtle flavors.
Hakushu Distiller's Reserve (if smoky whisky isn’t your thing)
If you prefer to stay in Japan with your sushi and avoid smoke, Hakushu is a great option. But don’t expect a Japanese take on a heavy Islay.
Hakushu Distiller's Reserve is strikingly fresh and green, with citrus, herbs, and cooling aromatics.
That flavor profile naturally lends itself to sushi. Cucumber, citrus, and fresh fish sit much closer in character to Hakushu than to a heavy, dark whisky. It’s also a great bottle for anyone who finds the idea of peat smoke with raw fish a step too far.
Tasting notes:
- Nose: Peppermint, melon, and cucumber.
- Palate: Yuzu, grapefruit, and lemon thyme.
- Finish: Refreshing with a gentle wisp of smoke.
Pour Hakushu alongside light sashimi, cucumber maki, or white-fish nigiri. The trio of cucumber, bright citrus, and fish makes this a far more delicate pairing than the Scottish smoke bombs above.
Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve
Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve takes a very different path. No sea salt or assertive peat smoke, but red fruits, peach, coconut, vanilla, and Japanese mizunara oak. Of these five, it might be the least obvious pick to serve with sushi.
That doesn’t mean it can’t work. You just shouldn’t try to recreate the same combo you’d make with Talisker or Caol Ila. With Yamazaki it’s all about softness and a sweet-fruity contrast, rather than smoke that echoes fish or seaweed.
Official tasting notes:
- Nose: Strawberry, cherry, and mizunara oak.
- Palate: Raspberry, white peach, and a hint of coconut.
- Finish: Sweet vanilla with a clear cinnamon note.
The pairing: try
Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve with salmon nigiri or tamago. Its softer, slightly sweeter flavors suit these better than very briny or punchy sushi. With tamago, the whisky’s sweeter character, in particular, is a lovely match.
Extra tip: go easy on the soy sauce
There’s one sure way to ruin almost any whisky-and-sushi pairing: dunking every piece of sushi in soy sauce. Soy is intensely salty and packed with umami. Use too much and that’s all you’ll taste, making it hard to pick up the whisky’s subtler notes.
The same goes for wasabi. A dab can play nicely with the peppery kick of something like Talisker, but a big dollop takes over the whole pairing. Try the sushi as purely as possible first, then take a small sip of whisky.
For more tips on whisky pairings, check out the articles below:
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Crown Royal x Juicy Couture Drop Limited Edition Y2K-Inspired Merch - thewhiskeywash.com
加拿大威士忌品牌Crown Royal與時尚品牌Juicy Couture推出限量聯乘系列，靈感來自Crown Royal的Regal Apple、Peach和Blackberry調味威士忌。該系列於2026年8月11日發布，包括印有品牌標誌的絨布連帽外套、運動褲和限量版包裝瓶袋，共推出Regal Apple Green、Peach Orange和Blackberry Pink三款配色。Crown Royal將把該系列的銷售淨收益（共$75,000）捐贈給時尚產業慈善機構RAISEfashion，其中$15,000用於資助新進設計師。運動套裝將在CrownRoyal.com販售至2026年12月31日。
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Crown Royal and Juicy Couture have launched a limited-edition collaboration inspired by the whisky brand’s Regal Apple, Peach and Blackberry flavored expressions. The collection, unveiled on 11 August 2026, features co-branded collectible bottle bags and matching velour tracksuits in three exclusive colorways.
The partnership revamps Crown Royal’s purple bag in the style of Juicy Couture’s signature velour and rhinestones. It introduces limited-edition packaging, collectible bottle bags, and matching velour tracksuits comprising a hoodie and track pants.
Each item comes in three custom flavor-inspired colorways: Regal Apple Green, Peach Orange and Blackberry Pink.
“Our flavored whiskies are award-winning because they combine the core of our brand which is quality whisky, with delicious flavor, giving people the ability to enjoy Crown Royal in new ways,” said James Valdes, director of Crown Royal.
Valdes added: “Juicy Couture is the perfect partner because both of our brands have always brought flavor to culture. Together, we created a collection that captures the spirit of both brands in a way that is fresh and unexpected.”
Both the Big Bling Velour Hoodie and matching track pants carry Crown Royal and Juicy Couture rhinestone logos for a Y2K-inspired look.
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“Juicy Couture’s signature velour tracksuit has been a defining symbol of fashion and pop culture for more than two decades,” said Christina Martin-Pieper, EVP, brand – lifestyle at Authentic Brands Group, owner of Juicy Couture. “Collaborating with Crown Royal gave us the opportunity to reinterpret two recognizable brand signatures into a collection that feels nostalgic, playful and unmistakably Juicy.”
Crown Royal will donate $75,000 to RAISEfashion, a nonprofit supporting emerging and underrepresented talent in the fashion industry. The donation includes 100% of net proceeds from sales of the hoodie and track pants.
Of that sum, $15,000 will fund The Crown Royal RAISEfashion Designer Grant, providing financial assistance to one aspiring designer.
The collectible bottle bags will be available at select retailers nationwide. The tracksuits will be sold at CrownRoyal.com until 31 December 2026, while supplies last.
Crown Royal is owned by Diageo and is the world’s number-one selling Canadian whisky brand. The blend was originally created in 1939 to commemorate a tour of Canada by the King and Queen of Great Britain.