威士忌日報

Terry Bradshaw’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Is Rolling Out a Cocktail Lineup Terry Bradshaw is a four-time Super Bowl champion and a certified NFL legend. He always delivered as a Pittsburgh Steelers icon. The same is true today, not only as a co-host on Fox NFL Sunday but also as an entrepreneur. He founded Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in 2020. He proudly touts that it's not just slapping his name on a bottle. He's hands-on with the lineup of bourbon expressions. And just in time for the upcoming football season, Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is rolling out a cocktail lineup inspired by iconic moments from Bradshaw's storied NFL career. The lineup will be available at select bars and restaurants across the country, including SAHARA Las Vegas, the spectacular Eight Lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas, The Yard in Pittsburgh, Urban Grill and Wine Bar in McKinney, Texas, and The Bon Aire in Austin, Texas. The Immaculate Refreshment, in homage to "The Immaculate Reception" during the 1972 AFC Divisional playoffs against the Oakland Raiders, can be found at Chickie's & Pete's Crabhouse +Sports Bar and CASBAR Lounge inside SAHARA Las Vegas. The Immaculate Refreshment is crafted with Bradshaw Bourbon, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, basil, and strawberries. The cocktail will run you $14. The cocktail is also being featured at The Yard locations throughout Pittsburgh. Terry's Black and Gold Rush is at the cigar-and-cocktail lounge Eight Lounge inside Resorts World. The cocktail name is a nod to Bradshaw putting Pittsburgh on the map with four Super Bowl titles. The cocktail features fresh lemon and honey, and is garnished with a lemon peel. It's priced at $22. Eight Lounge is one of my favorite cigar lounges in the country. It's spacious and never too crowded. The lounge features a fully stocked humidor room with one of the best cigars selection. There are a ton of TVs throughout the lounge, private rooms, and patio. In Texas, find the Sweet Heat Smash at Urban Grill and Wine Bar and the Blond Bomber at The Bon Aire. The Sweet Heat Smash is made with strawberries, basil, hot honey, and club soda. It's priced at $16. The Blond Bomber, Bradshaw's nickname inspired by his flowing blond locks and strong arm, is made with Amaro Montenegro, fresh lemon and orange juices, and simple syrup, garnished with Luxardo maraschino cherries. A great summer for Bradshaw Bourbon Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey earned a Double Gold Medal and a 98 out of 100 score at the Summer 2026 PR%F Awards for Bradshaw's 12-year single barrel expression, TB12. The 6-year cask-strength single-barrel bourbon also earned "Best in Show" and a Double Gold Medal at the 2026 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Tasting Competition. The flagship bourbon also earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2026 SIP Awards and a Gold Medal at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

2026-08-20 Irish whiskey exports to the European Union rose 21.5% by volume over the past four years, according to figures released Thursday by the Irish Whiskey Association, which said faster growth in southern and smaller EU markets is helping offset weaker trading conditions outside Europe. The industry group said the increase reflects stronger demand across the bloc at a time when Irish drinks producers are looking more closely at the European single market as a source of steadier growth. The association did not publish the underlying tables or the starting export volumes, so the full scale of the increase in liters was not available. Within the EU, Greece posted the sharpest reported rise in physical shipments, with export volume up 88% over the four-year period. Italy followed with a 68% increase in volume. The association also said exports to Bulgaria rose 54%, but in that case it reported growth by value rather than by volume, making the Bulgarian figure not directly comparable with the gains reported for Greece and Italy. Germany, Poland and France remain the biggest EU markets for Irish whiskey, with combined exports worth €97.2 million, the association said. It did not specify which year that figure covers, leaving unclear whether it refers to the most recent full year, a rolling period or the same four-year window used for the volume data. The data was released after an Irish spirits showcase in Galway in July that brought together producers and EU officials. The association used the event to emphasize the importance of the single market for Irish distillers and cream liqueur makers as the sector faces tariff and non-tariff barriers in other international markets. Europe has become a more important counterweight as trade conditions in North America have become less favorable for some drinks exporters. Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, said the recent gains suggest a change in how consumers in Europe are buying premium spirits. He said continued policy support for the single market will be important if producers are to keep expanding in the region. The group is urging governments and EU institutions to continue efforts to harmonize rules across the bloc, arguing that a more consistent regulatory environment would help sustain export growth. The association also pointed to gains in other Irish spirits categories. It said Irish cream exports to France rose 32% in 2025 from a year earlier, while exports to Germany increased 19%. Those figures suggest broader momentum for Irish drinks in continental Europe, not only for whiskey. The group did not release volumes for Irish cream in the same announcement. Irish producers are also using the current push in Europe to promote three protected geographical indications: Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Irish Poitín. Industry groups say those labels help protect authenticity and origin, while also supporting rural employment, tourism and investment in distilling. The Galway event featured brands including Clonakilty Irish Whiskey, Dingle Irish Whiskey, Power’s Irish Whiskey and Five Farms Irish Cream. The association further said Irish spirits account for about one-third of EU spirit exports, a claim intended to underline the sector’s importance to the bloc’s drinks trade. But the publication did not say whether that estimate was based on value or volume, and it did not provide supporting data. That lack of detail makes independent comparison difficult, particularly because the release mixed volume and value indicators for different national markets. Even with those gaps, the figures point to a clear pattern. Irish whiskey is growing faster in parts of southern and eastern Europe than in some of its more mature markets, while Germany, France and Poland still provide the largest base of sales in the region. For Irish producers facing more uncertainty in overseas trade, that combination of scale in core EU markets and rapid growth in newer ones is becoming a central part of the industry’s export strategy.

New York, NY – August 19, 2026 – Valentine Distilling Co., maker of the award-winning Mayor Pingree bourbon, today launches a new advertising campaign built around a word the whiskey category loves to hate: smooth, in collaboration with NY-based generative-first production company, Smoke&Oakum. The campaign, developed by Detroit-based agency Farley Oil and brought to life by generative-first production company Smoke&Oakum, arrives as the spirits industry faces a genuine headwind. U.S. liquor sales fell 3.4% in 2025 to $110 billion, following a nearly 1% decline the year before, according to NielsenIQ data. Spirits alone dropped 4.1% in the 52 weeks ending January 3, 2026, per NIQ off-premise channel figures. Industry analysts point to a mix of causes: rising health-consciousness, alcohol prices that have climbed more than 23% since 2019 and the fast-growing ready-to-drink (RTD) category, which is on pace to more than double globally by the mid-2030s. That environment has made drinkers more skeptical of premium whiskey’s most familiar promise: smoothness. Rather than avoid the cliché, Valentine Distilling and Farley Oil decided to meet the skepticism directly. “Smooth gets an eye roll in the whiskey business because everybody says it,” said Greg Farley, CCO and Founder of Farley Oil. “But people ask about it for a reason. They’ve been burned by bourbon that wasn’t. We wanted to validate that concern rather than simply walk away. A little honest empathy goes a long way towards being persuasive.” The resulting line, “Smoother Than You Expect,” anchors a new :30 commercial titled “Natatorium,” which begins appearing across streaming, social and paid media this week. The spot takes a humorous approach to a straightforward promise, using an unexpected demonstration to make the case for Mayor Pingree’s drinkability without leaning on the usual whiskey-ad tropes. A Detroit brand’s answer to a big-budget category Part of what shaped the campaign’s approach is economics. In a downturn, regional and craft brands typically can’t match the media spend of the multinational holding companies that dominate spirits marketing. One well-known Irish whiskey brand, for example, spent close to $100 million on digital and national TV advertising in the past year alone, running creative across more than 250 media properties, according to advertising-tracking firm MediaRadar. This is a scale few independent distilleries can approach. Smoke&Oakum: generative-first production, built on traditional craft To close that gap without cutting corners, Valentine Distilling and Farley Oil turned to Smoke&Oakum, the generative-first production company behind “Natatorium.” The spot’s deliverables are fully generative — there was no physical shoot — but Smoke&Oakum’s process is grounded in the same disciplines that define traditional production: photography, cinematography and sound design expertise, applied through a production-grade generative pipeline rather than a physical set. That approach frees up resources for the direction, lighting and performance choices that shape the finished spot, without the cost of a physical production. “The goal was to extend what a crew could accomplish, not simply replace talent,” said Adam Witten, Director at Smoke&Oakum. “AI handles the parts of production that used to eat the budget before a single frame got shot. That leaves more room for the craft through the eye of a director, the lighting design, fine-tuning the performance, as well as sound design. These are the things that truly make an audience connect.” “Natatorium” is running across streaming platforms, social channels and paid media as part of the campaign’s initial flight.

This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.

Latest U.S. Iran War Army Drones World Politics Entertainment HealthWatch MoneyWatch Crime Space Sports Brand Studio The Free Press Local News Atlanta Baltimore Bay Area Boston Chicago Colorado Detroit Los Angeles Miami Minnesota New York Philadelphia Pittsburgh Sacramento Texas Live CBS News 24/7 Baltimore Bay Area Boston Chicago Colorado Detroit Los Angeles Miami Minnesota New York Philadelphia Pittsburgh Sacramento Texas 48 Hours 60 Minutes Shows 48 Hours 60 Minutes CBS Evening News CBS Mornings CBS Morning News CBS Reports CBS Saturday Morning The Daily Report The Dish Face the Nation Sunday Morning The Takeout Things That Matter The Uplift CBS News Investigates CBS News Confirmed Podcasts Newsletters Download Our App CBS News Team Executive Team Brand Studio Paramount+ Join Our Talent Community RSS Feeds Baltimore | News Weather Sports Video On WJZ Local Maryland Best of WJZ at 9 Politics Consumer Business Health Entertainment First Alert Weather Radar & Maps Closings/Delays Weather Watchers All Sports CBS Sports HQ Ravens Orioles Terps College Sports Horse Racing Golf Odds WJZ at 9 Community MVP Volunteer with WJZ WJZ and the Baltimore Banner HealthyMD WJZ Investigates Black History Month About Us Meet The Team Contact Us Share A News Tip Links & Numbers Nominate An MVP Advertise With Us Download The App Watch CBS News A behind-the-scenes look at Sagamore Whiskey's latest Ravens-inspired release | Around Town Greg Padgett is live at Sagamore Distillery to taste their new limited-edition Ravens-inspired whiskey, The Darkness Falls. View CBS News In CBS News App Open Chrome Safari Continue

Crown Royal Vs Jack Daniel's: The Better Whiskey May Surprise You Beyond a shared alcoholic category, few people are likely to equate Jack Daniel's and Crown Royal. After all, the former is an American-made Tennessee whiskey, while the latter is a blended Canadian whisky. Yet, it's also difficult to find a pair of whiskies more well-known and popular across the U.S. Since the two brands are generally available at a similar price point — a 750-milliliter bottle of each cost $29.99 in Harwich Port, Massachusetts as of this writing — I decided to pit them against each other to determine which tastes best. Now, there are numerous whiskeys sold by Jack Daniel's, as well as plenty of Crown Royal varieties on the market (and several popular Canadian whiskies beyond Crown). But to keep things simple, this boozy battle is exclusively between each brand's signature bottles: Crown Royal Fine De Luxe blended whisky, and Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey. After sampling and scrutinizing each of these whiskies, did a whiskey produced by the oldest registered distillery in the U.S. stand tall? Or did the blended Canadian import, created for a 1939 visit from the British royals, take the ... trophy? Keep reading to find out which is the better whiskey (or whisky). Methodology In order to conduct this taste test with complete objectivity, I set aside any preconceived opinions of these two widely consumed bottles. While I wouldn't classify myself as a full-blown whiskey connoisseur, I'm quite familiar with both of these brands — and my personal favorite has, and always will be, Crown Royal. Still, my personal affinity for the north-of-the-border distillery is largely related to my family's long-running view of the whisky as a special occasion marker, rather than a staunch preference for its flavor profile compared to Jack Daniel's. With that in mind, I conducted this taste test with zero expectations beforehand and solely judged them based on the liquor inside each bottle. I tried each of these whiskies when served neat, on the rocks, and when mixed with Coca-Cola (both regular and diet). I took every aspect of the sipping experience into account when comparing them, though the most important factor was the taste itself. This included the depth and balance of flavors in each liquor (both by itself and with additions). I also considered the nose of each, taking my time to engage with the nuances for each bottle, as well as the finish and how well each lingered after sipping. Taste Test: Crown Royal (sans mixers) As I noted before, I'm more familiar with Crown Royal than any other brand of alcohol on the market – whether we're talking whisky or whiskey (because there is a difference). Still, I wasn't willing to rubber stamp Crown as a top-tier product before conducting a taste test, because where's the fun (or journalistic integrity) in that? The nose offers a sweetness from the start, with subtle hints of vanilla and butterscotch that follow on the palate. The whisky itself rolls smoothly down the tongue as the aforementioned vanilla and butterscotch take center stage, though it's hardly cloying thanks to a barely detectable spiciness (likely from the clove and nutmeg notes mentioned on the label). In fact, that sweet and spicy combo lingers nicely on the finish and left me wanting more. When sipped on the rocks, Crown Royal retains each of its appealing qualities, though they're dulled somewhat by the melting ice. Of course, my go-to cocktail order is Crown on the rocks, and the reasons why I love the icy, slightly watered down drink were all on display during this taste test. Some purists may believe ice destroys the integrity of a liquor, but I find the addition simply invites further enjoyment, which was the case here. Taste Test: Jack Daniel's (sans mixers) Compared to Crown, I didn't have as much experience with Jack Daniel's before writing this article. I'm not sure why, but it may be that the brand's Old No. 7 whiskey — which is technically a bourbon despite the distillery's insistence on calling it Tennessee whiskey — is so popular that I've simply gravitated elsewhere. Of course, this just meant I had virtually no expectations ahead of time, and the brand's flagship whiskey sort of blew me away. Caramel and vanilla surfaced immediately on the nose alongside dried fruit notes, which came through strongly and led nicely onto the palate. On that note, I found the whiskey to be incredibly well-balanced upon sipping. It's so smooth, with notes of vanilla popping up amid the expected sweetness, given the distilling process (Jack Daniel's notes the whiskey travels "through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal" before being barreled and aged). That sweetness lingers ever so slightly on the finish, inviting you in for another sip in a similar manner to Crown. As expected, the various flavor notes were tamped down on the nose, palate, and finish when I drank this on the rocks. However, I didn't really enjoy this with the Jack Daniel's. While I generally prefer the slightly neutered profile of iced down whiskey (as previously mentioned), the result was less pleasant here than with Crown Royal, and made me long for the neat glass I tried initially. Taste Test: Both whiskies with Coke (regular and diet) No whiskey-starring cocktail may be more widely consumed than a Jack and Coke, and for good reason: The combo is genuinely delicious. Even if other whiskies pair well enough with this soda flavor — hence its inclusion as the only real mixer I'm tasting for this comparison — no distillery is as closely associated with the cola-paired mixed drink. Perhaps this meant Crown Royal was at a disadvantage in this particular comparison. But even if I conducted a blind taste test, the winner was clear from the first sip. Simply put, I can confidently say that Jack and Coke (whether made with regular or diet version) has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of U.S. cocktails. The flavors meshed together incredibly well, which is hardly surprising given it's a sugar-centric brown soda and a sweet-ish brown liquor. I could barely believe there was alcohol in either Jack and Coke I prepared ... which was unfortunately not the case with the Crown and Coke. As I've experienced in the past, Crown Royal combines with Coke to create something akin to a flat-tasting cola, with an unpleasantness lingering on the palate. Neither Coke option made the pairing work any better, either, and it simply made me sad to essentially waste the pleasantly delicate profile of Crown Royal whisky. Which popular whiskey is better? Before this article, I'd have bet dollars to donuts that I'd declare Crown Royal whisky tastes better than Jack Daniel's whiskey. And while I'm still apt to reach for Crown's purple velvet bag from store shelves before Jack's signature black-and-white labeled bottle, I cannot tell a lie — and the bottom line is that Jack Daniel's won this head-to-head comparison. To be clear, Crown Royal isn't a loser in this scenario, and I clearly didn't walk away unimpressed with the Canadian import. Yet I simply can't dismiss the well-rounded nature offered by Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 whiskey, or the stunningly smooth sippability found inside that bottle. I can't get over how enjoyable Jack Daniel's was when served neat, or how much I missed its nuances when it was on the rocks (especially given my enjoyment of Crown Royal with ice). The real deciding factor in favor of Jack Daniel's, though, was just how well it meshed with Coca-Cola. The hype surrounding Jack and Coke is well-deserved. While the two whiskies were neck and neck on their own, Jack Daniel's was far superior to Crown Royal when the brand name cola was introduced (and it tastes even better if you use Mexican Coke instead of an American-produced bottle or can).

Alcohol is a legitimate class 1 carcinogen but if you are going to roll the dice with cancer, tariffs have made it more affordable. In 2018, the Trump administration began to place retaliatory tariffs on countries that had been penalizing American producers for decades. When he entered the White House again in 2025, his critical look at how other countries treated American products continued but claims about tariffs then and more recently have been mostly the usual political populism. A recent analysis of 11.4 million sales of American whiskey products looked at prices before and after countries retaliated against retaliation (imported whiskey was not tariffed by the U.S. but countries penalized our exports) and found that while most distillers lowered prices to gain more domestic market share after being penalized abroad in 2018, some southern distilleries (Kentucky and Tennessee) appealed to America First patriotism and raised prices. And it worked. Everyone paid less due to tariffs unless the distilleries were part of state heritage. Then people paid more. I may be critical of the American Medical Association for giving alcohol a free pass despite it being more dangerous than cigarettes (no doctor told people to smoke cigarettes "in moderation") but that doesn't mean this proper whisky that went into production in 1971 and into this bottle in 1997 won't get cracked open when I am 80. Like states that grow tobacco for cigarettes, it is a mystery for others but, like politics, all economics is local. Citation: Carlyle S. Burd, Duke Ferguson; Domestic Product Market Impacts of Politically Motivated Foreign Tariffs. The Accounting Review 2026; DOI:10.2308/TAR-2024-0708

A new study finds that one side effect of Trump-era trade wars has been cheaper whiskey in much of the United States. But if you live in whiskey hubs Kentucky or Tennessee? Your prices actually went up. In 2018, the Trump administration imposed a series of tariffs, kicking off a trade war with many prominent trade partners. In response, Mexico, the European Union, Canada, and China imposed substantial tariffs on whiskey produced in the US. “Distilled spirits are an interesting sector because consumers have significant preferences, which can influence pricing on a market-to-market basis,” says Carly Burd, coauthor of a paper on the work and an assistant professor of accounting at North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management. “Whiskey constituted the vast majority of US liquor exports prior to 2018, and we wanted to examine how US whiskey producers responded to a sudden decrease in foreign sales.” For this study, the researchers collected sales data on 8,674 stores over the course of the 2018 calendar year. The researchers looked at the cost of 2,514 unique whiskey products—all of which measured 750 milliliters in volume. Ultimately, the researchers had data on 11.4 million sales of whiskey products. The researchers looked at how much the cost of US whiskeys changed before and after the introduction of export tariffs and compared it to the cost of imported whiskeys over the same time period. The imported whiskeys served as a control group, since they were not subject to US tariffs in 2018. “Overall, US whiskey producers responded to export tariffs by decreasing the cost of whiskey in order to increase domestic sales,” says Burd. “However, there were significant exceptions. “For example, producers actually increased the price of locally-produced whiskeys in Kentucky and Tennessee. Those two states produce the vast majority of whiskey sold in the US, and our theory is that consumers purchasing whiskey in those states were willing to pay a premium for locally-produced products.” On average, whiskey prices either didn’t change or went up slightly in states where there was already significant demand for whiskey products, and went down everywhere else. “One important factor here is that whiskey has to be aged, so producers are unable to rapidly increase or decrease supply,” says Burd. That means whiskey producers couldn’t respond to decreased exports in 2018 by quickly scaling back production. This is likely a big reason producers opted to pursue a dynamic pricing model. And continued trade policy uncertainty has likely played a role in continuing to discourage supply chain responses; pricing responses are faster and more flexible. “Whiskey is a good case study for understanding the ways in which political tensions, trade disputes, and tax changes can pose significant challenges for domestic producers—and how producers adapt those challenges,” says Burd. “It also illustrates how the impact of trade policy on consumers can vary significantly in different parts of the country.” The paper appears in the journal The Accounting Review. The paper was coauthored by Duke Ferguson, an assistant professor of business and economics at the University of Kentucky. Source: North Carolina State University

The six rye whiskeys recognized in the 2026 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) judging are not variations on a single theme. Rather, they illustrate the incredible range of contemporary American rye whiskey. They range from a 15-year Vermont estate-oak expression to a six-year, cocktail-calibrated 100% rye, with Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, and Canadian-style rye traditions represented in between. What unites them is rye’s singular ability to reconcile sweetness, mature oak, fruit, and spice while preserving its peppery, grain-driven identity. Below are brief backgrounds on BevTest’s top-ranked rye whiskeys, along with my tasting notes and commentary from BevTest’s Judging Panel. WhistlePig 15 Year Estate Oak led the group with 96 points. Boone County 8 Year Founder’s Reserve followed with 95 points. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye B526, Sagamore Reserve Series 10 Year, WhistlePig 10 Year Small Batch, and WhistlePig PiggyBack 6 Year each scored 94 points. Together, they show that rye is no longer a supporting player in American whiskey. It is now a category of mature, distinctive, and often unique bottlings. WhistlePig 15-Year-Old Estate Oak Straight Rye Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Platinum Medal -Superlative, 96 Points. WhistlePig’s Estate Oak Rye is a 15-year-old, 100% rye whiskey finished in Vermont estate oak. The distinctive feature is the wood. The trees are sustainably harvested from WhistlePig’s 500-acre farm, and the distillery emphasizes that the oak has more growth rings than conventional barrel oak. Custom toast and char profiles further enhance the flavor. The result is an unusually mature, wood-forward rye that retains its grain character. The nose is rich, with aromas of caramel, vanilla, seasoned oak, allspice, and burnt orange. On the palate, it’s warm, creamy, and deeply flavored, with butterscotch, baking spices, old leather, tobacco, and a hint of citrus. It has a velvety texture that long, careful aging can deliver. The finish is ultra-long, with lingering notes of caramelized wood sugar, seasoned oak, orange zest, and pepper. It is a contemplative rye, best served neat, and a strong example of finishing that is genuinely integral to the whiskey rather than merely additive. The BevTest Judging Panel described the rye whiskey as featuring “aromas of roasted almonds, allspice, and stone fruit along with flavors of orange spice, apricot tea, black pepper, and peach cobbler. Extremely distinctive, very intensely spicy and herbal with a suggestion of Génépi, this will be a fine sipper or foundation for a stellar Sazerac.” Boone County 8-Year-Old Founder’s Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Gold Medal-Exceptional, 95 Points. Boone County Distilling Co., based in Independence, Kentucky, has built its Founder’s Reserve line around both pot-distilled house whiskey and limited older releases. The eight-year Founder’s Reserve rye is a straight rye blend, from a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted rye. The 100% high-rye composition gives the whiskey an assertive, spice-led profile, while eight years in oak bring out more depth and sweetness than the recipe typically shows in younger bottlings. The whiskey features aromas of caramelized sugar, stone fruit, toasted rye, and cinnamon. Orange peel and graham cracker follow on the mid-palate, along with a seasoned oak note. It’s robust on the palate with moderate mouth weight, showcasing flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and toasted grain before the rye turns dry, peppery, and herbal. The finish is long, smooth, and gently tannic, with lingering notes of cinnamon, toasted rye bread, and baked-sugar sweetness. This is a flavorful, mature rye: structured enough for a Manhattan or Sazerac, but polished enough to reward a neat pour. The BevTest Judging Panel described the rye whiskey as featuring “aromas of rye cracker with apple butter, Grape Nuts cereal with raisins, and cedar plank, along with flavors of dulce de leche, cola float, and sweet spices. A pure and spicy rye with excellent grain and barrel character for a wide variety of serves.” Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Batch No. B526, 57.8% ABV, 750 ml. Gold Medal-Exceptional, 94 Points. Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye is bottled uncut and without chill filtration. Batch B526, released in May 2026, carries a 10-year, 8-month age statement. The mash bill is 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley. It is a classic Kentucky-style rye: barely legal in rye content, but broadened by corn sweetness and the nutty, rounded contribution of malted barley. The aroma is expansive, featuring molasses, gingerbread, orange peel, clove and stewed fruit. A few drops of water highlight caramelized apple and roasted nuts. The palate is dense, oily and concentrated, with flavors of toffee, dark honey, baked pear, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper. Water softens the oak and accentuates the fruit without sacrificing intensity. The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering notes of butterscotch, toasted oak and rye spices. B526 is forceful yet balanced, a barrel-proof rye that holds together because the recipe delivers both intensity and breadth of flavor. The BevTest Judging Panel described the rye whiskey as featuring “aromas of toasted soda raisin bread, warm Cracker Jacks, and granola with dried peach, along with flavors of honeyed tea, French vanilla gelato, and spicy corn pudding. A full-throttled barrel-proof Rye that delights the palate with an array of chocolate-accented fruit and spice flavors on the long, expanding finish.” Sagamore Reserve Series Aged 10 Years Straight Rye Whiskey, 55.4% ABV, 750 ml. Gold Medal-Exceptional, 94 Points. Baltimore-based Sagamore Whiskey has made its name by showcasing the classic Maryland rye profile through careful blending. Its Reserve Series 10-YO is the brand’s oldest straight rye release to date, hand-bottled after at least ten years in new charred American white oak. The blend combines the two Indiana rye recipes historically used by Sagamore: a 95% rye, 5% malted-barley whiskey and a 52% rye, 43% corn, and 5% malted-barley whiskey, in undisclosed proportions. The first provides spice and herbal lift; the second provides sweetness, weight, and caramel richness. The aroma is remarkably dessert-like, offering peach cobbler, roasted nuts, molasses cookies, dried cherry, and orange oil. The palate is creamy and full-bodied, showcasing crème brûlée and floral honey, along with brown butter, toasted almond, and ripe stone fruit. White pepper, cinnamon, and a restrained mint note emerge late. The finish is long, slightly sweet, and drying, with lingering notes of seasoned oak, baking spices, and white pepper. The BevTest Judging Panel described the rye whiskey as featuring “aromas of chocolate Rice Krispies treats, rye cracker bar mix, and olives, along with flavors of cherry cola, banana creme brulee, and BBQ rub. A chewy, robust barrel-strength Straight Rye with rich grain, fruit and spice notes for sipping with a few drops of water or elevated cocktails.” WhistlePig 10-Year-Old Small Batch Blended Straight Rye Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Gold Medal-Exceptional, 94 Points. WhistlePig 10 Year Small Batch Rye is the Vermont company’s flagship whiskey and one of the bottles that helped start the premium-rye category. The current label identifies it as a blend of straight ryes, but WhistlePig does not publish the precise mash bills or component proportions of the present blend. Earlier releases were closely identified with Alberta-distilled 100% rye stock. The whiskey features aromas of allspice, orange zest, anise, caramel, charred oak, and a light mint note. It's medium-full, sweet, and smooth on the palate, with caramel and vanilla flavors that give way to a more spice-driven profile of pepper, clove, mint, and a faint smoky edge. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of butterscotch, caramel, citrus zest, and baking spices. It proves a versatile premiu

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. Jeffrey Nitschke is Portland area attorney whose career has dovetailed with a love of fine spirits and cigars. His hometown is rich with microdistilleries, which has afforded him the opportunity to learn the nuances of whiskey tasting and whiskey making. His writing and enthusiasm for the hobby has led to lasting friendships with other whiskey aficionados and connisures across the United States. At a jaw-dropping 77.2% ABV, is this Idaho bourbon the strongest dram you’ll ever try—and does its extreme power actually make it worth pouring? Chivas Regal 12 is a dependable classic, but what should you pour when you want to explore its familiar flavors in new ways? Here are five whiskies to try next. Which surprising European markets are driving Irish Whiskey’s export boom? Volumes to Greece surged 88% and Italy 68% as the EU appetite for Irish spirits grows.

- Grocery - 2 min read FSSAI inspects Pernod Ricard plant, collects whisky samples in wider industry probe Pernod Ricard's Bengaluru plant was inspected by India's food safety regulator, with officials collecting liquor samples and seeking documents as part of heightened scrutiny of the country's alcohol sector. Sources said the company was asked to improve hygiene and correct recycled-plastic markings, though no adverse findings have been issued against Pernod. New Delhi: India's food safety regulator inspected a Pernod Ricard factory last week and collected liquor samples, four sources said, as part of a wider investigation into the $40 billion sector in which Diageo has faced scrutiny. One of the sources, an Indian government official, said Pernod had been told it needs to improve hygiene at the plant in the southern city of Bengaluru, and that markings signalling the use of recycled plastic on its bottles need to be correct. Pernod on Wednesday confirmed the visit by food safety inspectors, saying: "Regulatory inspections are an established part of the industry's compliance framework, and we are working constructively with the authorities". The French company said in a statement to Reuters, which is the first news outlet to report the inspection, that it maintains robust quality and safety standards. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials inspected the Pernod plant over two days, collected liquor samples for testing and sought some documentation, three of the sources, who declined to be named due to the confidentiality of the matter, told Reuters. FSSAI officers have not issued any adverse findings against Pernod, the three sources added. The FSSAI, which has not made details of its visit public, did not respond to requests for comment. In India's biggest food safety crackdown in years, the FSSAI shocked the industry earlier this month by banning several whisky and rum brands of Diageo and some other Indian companies, alleging the improper addition of flavours. Diageo has agreed to reformulate some popular brands to win a ban reversal in some states, Reuters reported this week. In Diageo's case, FSSAI flagged issues over labelling and for wrongly adding whisky flavour in its whiskies. Separately, it seized around 18,000 boxes of Diageo liquor bottles when it visited its factory for allegedly lacking markings to show they were made using safe recycled plastic, Reuters reported last week. Pernod faces several challenges in India, including a $314 million demand for allegedly undervaluing Scotch whisky imports, an antitrust case and a separate ban in New Delhi over liquor policy violations, which it denies. One of the sources, an Indian government official, said Pernod had been told it needs to improve hygiene at the plant in the southern city of Bengaluru, and that markings signalling the use of recycled plastic on its bottles need to be correct. Pernod on Wednesday confirmed the visit by food safety inspectors, saying: "Regulatory inspections are an established part of the industry's compliance framework, and we are working constructively with the authorities". The French company said in a statement to Reuters, which is the first news outlet to report the inspection, that it maintains robust quality and safety standards. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials inspected the Pernod plant over two days, collected liquor samples for testing and sought some documentation, three of the sources, who declined to be named due to the confidentiality of the matter, told Reuters. FSSAI officers have not issued any adverse findings against Pernod, the three sources added. The FSSAI, which has not made details of its visit public, did not respond to requests for comment. In India's biggest food safety crackdown in years, the FSSAI shocked the industry earlier this month by banning several whisky and rum brands of Diageo and some other Indian companies, alleging the improper addition of flavours. Diageo has agreed to reformulate some popular brands to win a ban reversal in some states, Reuters reported this week. POPULAR WHISKY SAMPLES COLLECTED One of the sources said FSSAI officials collected samples of Blenders Pride, which Pernod says is its "top premium blended whiskies in India", and Royal Stag, which the company says was the first whisky in India not to use any artificial flavourings.In Diageo's case, FSSAI flagged issues over labelling and for wrongly adding whisky flavour in its whiskies. Separately, it seized around 18,000 boxes of Diageo liquor bottles when it visited its factory for allegedly lacking markings to show they were made using safe recycled plastic, Reuters reported last week. Pernod faces several challenges in India, including a $314 million demand for allegedly undervaluing Scotch whisky imports, an antitrust case and a separate ban in New Delhi over liquor policy violations, which it denies. Comments All Comments By commenting, you agree to the Prohibited Content Policy PostBy commenting, you agree to the Prohibited Content Policy PostFind this Comment Offensive? Choose your reason below and click on the submit button. This will alert our moderators to take actions

- Food and Beverages - 2 min read Indian regulator inspects Pernod plant, collects whisky samples in wider industry probe India's food safety regulator recently conducted an inspection of a Pernod Ricard factory, collecting liquor samples to further a wider investigation into the sector. Following the inspection, Pernod received recommendations to enhance plant hygiene and rectify issues with plastic bottle labeling. This action comes on the heels of scrutiny directed at competitor Diageo. As of now, no negative findings have been publicly issued against Pernod Ricard. India's food safety regulator inspected a Pernod Ricard factory last week and collected liquor samples, four sources said, as part of a wider investigation into the $40 billion sector in which Diageo has faced scrutiny. One of the sources, an Indian government official, said Pernod had been told it needs to improve hygiene at the plant in the southern city of Bengaluru, and that markings signalling the use of recycled plastic on its bottles need to be correct. The French company said in a statement to Reuters, which is the first news outlet to report the inspection, that it maintains robust quality and safety standards. FSSAI officers have not issued any adverse findings against Pernod, the three sources added. The FSSAI, which has not made details of its visit public, did not respond to requests for comment. In India's biggest food safety crackdown in years, the FSSAI shocked the industry earlier this month by banning several whisky and rum brands of Diageo and some other Indian companies, alleging the improper addition of flavours. Diageo has agreed to reformulate some popular brands to win a ban reversal in some states, Reuters reported this week. One of the sources said FSSAI officials collected samples of Blenders Pride, which Pernod says is its "top premium blended whiskies in India", and Royal Stag, which the company says was the first whisky in India not to use any artificial flavourings. In Diageo's case, FSSAI flagged issues over labelling and for wrongly adding whisky flavour in its whiskies. Separately, it seized around 18,000 boxes of Diageo liquor bottles when it visited its factory for allegedly lacking markings to show they were made using safe recycled plastic, Reuters reported last week. Pernod faces several challenges in India, including a $314 million demand for allegedly undervaluing Scotch whisky imports, an antitrust case and a separate ban in New Delhi over liquor policy violations, which it denies. Most Read in Food and Beverages - India warned Diageo that its whisky's 'matured in American oak casks' claim was misleading - Food safety and hygiene are non-negotiable: Mahendra Khairiya - IHCL, Tata Steel foundation partner to support indigenous culinary heritage - Milky Mist flags insurance, food safety, technology and management risks in RHP Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETHospitalityWorld industry right on your smartphone! - Download the ETHospitalityWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles.

In January we published a ranking of the world’s most visited whiskey websites, built on full-year 2025 traffic data. With August upon us and the year comfortably more than half gone, we thought it was worth looking at the numbers again, this time alongside the popular American whiskey sites we are most often measured against. Crown Royal x Juicy Couture Drop Limited Edition Y2K-Inspired Merch READ THE STORYHow The Most Visited US Whiskey Websites Compare So Far In 2026 | Rank | Website | Visits | Unique visitors | |---|---|---|---| | 1 | thewhiskeywash.com | 5,200,000 | 4,500,000 | | 2 | breakingbourbon.com | 2,900,000 | 1,200,000 | | 3 | whiskyadvocate.com | 738,100 | 521,200 | | 4 | thebourbonculture.com | 451,700 | 305,500 | | 5 | distiller.com | 440,800 | 349,000 | | 6 | bourbonbanter.com | 209,600 | 192,200 | | 7 | fredminnick.com | 181,700 | 139,600 | | 8 | amongstthewhiskey.com | 181,500 | 141,400 | | 9 | gobourbon.com | 79,900 | 67,800 | | 10 | whiskeyconsensus.com | 26,300 | 25,600 | | 11 | americanwhiskeymag.com | 13,400 | 12,600 | SEMrush estimated traffic, January to July 2026, worldwide, all devices. Data collected August 20, 2026. What The US Whiskey Website Rankings Show About The Wider Field The category is far more concentrated than most people working inside the industry tend to assume. Between them, this site and Breaking Bourbon account for more than three quarters of every unique visitor measured across the eleven publications here. The nine sites below them, running from Whisky Advocate down to American Whiskey Magazine, share less than a quarter of the audience between them, and their combined total comes to well under half of what we record on our own. Heritage and audience have also come apart in a way that was not obviously true five years ago. Whisky Advocate sits third on 521,200 unique visitors, which is a fraction of the audience its standing in American whiskey might suggest, and it remains the digital home of the country’s best-known print title and its most closely watched annual list. Distiller follows in fourth on 349,000, despite being one of the few whiskey rating platforms that most drinkers could name without prompting. Further down, Fred Minnick’s site records 139,600 unique visitors, which places one of the most recognized individual voices in American whiskey in eighth. Bourbon Banter, long-running and widely read within the trade, sits sixth on 192,200 after a fall of almost 26 percent against the same period last year. American Whiskey Magazine closes the ranking on 12,600. None of that says anything about the quality of what those names publish, and several of them are read closely by the people who actually make the whiskey. What it does show is that reputation within the industry and reach among drinkers have become two separate measurements. 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. The Whiskey Website Traffic Data In Full The screenshots below were captured from SEMrush Traffic Analytics on August 20, 2026, covering January to July 2026, worldwide and across all devices. They are reproduced without any editing or cropping of the underlying figures.

Chivas Regal 12 has been a fixture of back bars and home cabinets for decades, and its appeal lies not only in its affordability, but in its balance, mouthfeel, and flavors. Crown Royal x Juicy Couture Drop Limited Edition Y2K-Inspired Merch READ THE STORYThe official notes describe a nose of “wild herbs, heather, honey and orchard fruit,” with vanilla, hazelnut, and toffee on the palate. It is affordable and dependable. But what if you are looking to move past Chivas 12 and explore familiar flavors in different ways? The five whiskies below each pick up a different thread of Chivas Regal 12 Year Old, whether the honey, the apple and pear character, the sherry sweetness, or simply more age in the same house style. So, here are five whiskies to try if you love Chivas Regal 12 Year Old. Aberfeldy 12 Year Old, around £41.50 / $40 Honey is the first note most people notice with Chivas 12, and Aberfeldy has built its whole identity around that same honeyed style. The Highland distillery supplies the backbone malt for Dewar’s blends, and its own 12 Year Old is described by the distillery as “a honeyed dram with notes of fruit, spices, lots of vanilla.” The whisky is matured in sherry, bourbon, refill, and re-char casks, and it is bottled at 40% ABV, the same strength as Chivas 12, so nothing about the experience feels unfamiliar or like a step too far. The award record is the strongest of any bottle here. Aberfeldy 12 took Double Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which requires a unanimous gold vote from the judging panel. 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. At roughly £10 more than Chivas 12 in the UK, it is the cheapest way to find out what the honey note becomes when a single distillery is behind it rather than a blend. Compass Box Orchard House, around £45.50 / $53 Chivas Regal 12 Year Old is full of orchard fruit, and Compass Box Orchard House exists to put that character front and center. Compass Box assembles it from malts chosen for their apple and pear tendencies, and the producer’s own notes promise “crisp, bright notes of red apple and pear” ahead of shortbread and honeyed vanilla. It sits in the Compass Box core range so it is easy to get hold of. Two things separate it from Chivas 12. It is bottled at 46% and left unchill-filtered, which gives it noticeably more weight. It is light, bright, and lively, encapsulating the citrusy notes that make Chivas 12 feel exciting. Naked Malt, around £26.95 / $35 For anyone drawn to the toffee and dried fruit side of Chivas 12, Naked Malt goes all in on those flavors while costing less. It is a blended malt drawing on stocks reportedly including Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenrothes, finished for six months in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks that had never previously held whisky. Expect toffee, vanilla, stewed fruit, and raisin. The brand moved from Edrington to William Grant & Sons in July 2025, and US availability has been less consistent since. We might also expect the recipe to change, but no word on this yet. UK supply is straightforward. It is bottled at 40% in the UK and 43% in the US. Strathisla 12 Year Old, availability limited Strathisla is the closest thing to a direct ancestor of Chivas 12. The Keith distillery, which dates to 1786, has been owned by Chivas Brothers since 1950, and its malt sits at the center of the blend. Long-serving master blender Colin Scott has described it as “the heart of all the Chivas Regal blends,” according to retailer listings of his notes. Tasting it alongside Chivas 12 is the clearest way to hear which parts of the blend come from where, with honeyed raisin, thick cream, sultana, and marmalade. The catch is supply. The standard 12 Year Old is sold out at Master of Malt and absent from most other major retailers, while US listings have drifted into collector pricing. Independent bottlers, Gordon & MacPhail in particular, remain the realistic route to a bottle. Worth hunting for rather than counting on. Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, around £68.50 / $70 There is absolutely nothing wrong with sticking with Chivas, but you might like to take a step up in the range. It is no secret that we are fans of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old at The Whiskey Wash. Chivas 18 won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards in 2024, repeated it in 2025, and took Silver in 2026, alongside 93 points at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2023. It is good, and it is great value for money. The whisky uses more than 20 single malts and keeps the same fruit-forward character, with pear, peach, and pineapple over creamy toffee, dark chocolate, and a light touch of smoke on the finish. Six extra years of maturation give it more depth and a longer finish without changing direction. Anyone hoping for a dramatic departure will not find one here, since it remains a 40% blend. For a drinker who simply wants the familiar profile with more behind it, an 18-year-old Scotch for under £70 is a reasonable proposition. Where to Start The right bottle depends on which part of Chivas 12 a drinker keeps coming back for. Aberfeldy 12 for the honey, Orchard House for the orchard fruit, Naked Malt for sherry sweetness on a budget, Strathisla for the source of the blend, and Chivas 18 for more of the same done at greater depth. Prices run from under £27 to just under £70, so there is a starting point for most budgets. What would you pour next after Chivas 12? Let us know in the comments

Bardstown Bourbon finishes whiskey in ex-Jura casks Lofted Spirits’ Bardstown Bourbon Co has unveiled two annual releases, 2026 Discovery and Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish. The Finishing Series builds on the brand’s limited edition collaborations, while the Discovery Series shifts from numbered releases to annual releases. Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish is a blend that consists of 49% 11-year-old Indiana Bourbon, 30% 10-year-old Indiana rye, and 21% 12-year-old Kentucky Bourbon. It has been finished for 32 months in ex-Bourbon (84%) and 223-litre ex-Sherry (16%) casks sourced from the Isle of Jura in Scotland. These casks, previously used to mature single malt Scotch whisky, are said to add layers of ripe fruit, soft malt, subtle smoke, and maritime character to the final whiskey. Lofted Spirits master blender Dan Callaway said: “At Bardstown Bourbon, we are relentless in pursuit of flavour and no whisky typifies this like the Isle of Jura. With just 238 residents, Jura is not just remote – its location offers a unique fingerprint of flavour singular to these barrels.” Bottled at 52% ABV, the whiskey offers notes of vanilla crème with blackberry compote, mint, toasted oak, cigar box, spearmint, caramel, and light cinnamon spice. The second release, 2026 Discovery, blends 55% 10-year-old Indiana Bourbon, 25% 11-year-old Kentucky Bourbon, and 20% seven-year-old Kentucky Bourbon. The straight Bourbon was finished for four months in custom-made Garryana oak barrels, also known as Oregon white oak. Sitting at 66.4% ABV, 2026 Discovery opens with notes of toasted oak, burnt sugar, and baked apple cobbler, with dried cherry and cinnamon bark on the palate. “These releases started from two different questions,” Callaway explained. “Discovery asked how far we could take an already exceptional blend. Lochs of Jura asked what unique character these remarkable casks could contribute over time. Both led us somewhere unexpected, and that’s where the exciting whiskey discoveries happen.” For the first time, Bardstown Bourbon Co’s annual releases will feature original commissioned artwork inspired by the whiskey. Created by Louisville artist Margaret Archambault, each piece aimed to translate the whiskey’s aroma, flavour, and texture into visual art. Both Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish and 2026 Discovery will be available nationwide in the US in limited quantities from 21 August, with a suggested retail price of US$139.99. Earlier this year, Bardstown Bourbon Co released a Kentucky-exclusive whiskey finished in pineapple rum casks sourced from the Caribbean. Earlier this month, Callaway created a namesake Bourbon for American Western brand Stetson. Related news Curraghmore unveils single cask line and pot still whiskey

Irish Whiskey export volumes to the EU26 have risen by 21.5% over the last four years, with the single market now a key destination for the sector. The figures were announced by the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) following a recent showcase of Irish spirits in Galway to mark the Irish Presidency of the European Council. Crown Royal x Juicy Couture Drop Limited Edition Y2K-Inspired Merch READ THE STORYWhile traditional markets such as Germany and Poland continue to drive growth, Irish Whiskey is establishing itself in newer territories. Export volumes to Greece and Italy have risen 88% and 68% respectively over the last four years. Export value to Bulgaria is up 54% over the same period. The performance signals what the IWA described as “a fast-growing appetite for Irish spirits in markets beyond the category’s strongholds.” Irish spirits now represent one-third of all EU spirit exports. Germany, Poland and France remain the largest European markets, accounting for a combined export value of €97.2m (US$100.1m/£86.3m). Irish Cream exports also grew in 2025, up 32% to France and 19% to Germany year-on-year. The growth has been achieved despite the drinks industry navigating significant tariff and non-tariff global trade complications. To address these headwinds, the IWA and Drinks Ireland have reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside government departments. 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. The findings followed an event in Galway on 16 July marking the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Industry representatives and EU dignitaries sampled spirits including Clonakilty Irish Whiskey, Dingle Irish Whiskey, Power’s Irish Whiskey and Five Farms Irish Cream. “We are seeing a shift in how European consumers engage with premium spirits,” said Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association. “To maintain this momentum, a supportive policy environment is absolutely crucial. We encourage our governments and representatives in the European Union to continue their efforts to harmonise and strengthen the single market.” He added: “This support at home at this critical juncture will give our producers the confidence and backing to continue expanding our global footprint.” A core focus during the presidency is the promotion of Ireland’s three European spirits Geographical Indications (GIs): Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Irish Poitín. The protected status ensures production remains authentically Irish, safeguarding local jobs and driving investment across the island. The IWA will promote the GIs throughout the six-month presidency, alongside regional food and drink trails such as the Irish Whiskey Way.

The world of whisky is changing - here's what you need to know. I was both exhausted and elated as I balanced on the top of the stone cairn. I had made it to the top of Beinn Ime, the highest mountain in the Arrochar Alps at the northern end of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. My 360-degree view was breathtaking. I could see the Central Highlands ranges to the east and Ben Nevis to the north, dusted with snow. South rose a sister peak - Beinn Narnain - beyond which was Loch Lomond itself, while west I could see to the Atlantic coast and the Inner Hebrides islands floating in the sun-bronzed ocean. It was a view to be celebrated. From my backpack I retrieved the small water bottle I had carried up this 1011-metre mountain and the fluted glass I had wrapped carefully in a tea towel. I poured a generous measure of amber liquid, watched the sun shine through it as I toasted my Scottish ancestors and then let the not-so-wee dram bring on a feeling of complete joy. There can be few more appropriate places to sip Scotch whisky than on the wind-blown summit of a Munro, the nickname given here to a mountain over 3000 feet (914 metres). This legendary drink is one of the pillars that make Scotland's national identity arguably the most recognisable and memorable in the world. It is a part of the DNA of this country. It is Scotland in a glass. My tipple that fine afternoon was a powerfully smoky, peaty Uigeadail from the Ardbeg Distillery on Islay, an island I could just see from my Munro summit, way in the distance to the south-west. I should confess here that I am a bit of a Scotch whisky nut, especially single malts and - even more specifically - smoky single malts from Islay. I was weaned on this liquid delight as a child when my parents would add a few drops to 'toddies' to cure childhood colds, along with honey, cloves, lemon and hot water. This comforting nighttime remedy - in moderation, of course - remains my go-to fix for the sniffles. But after numerous visits to Scotland, I have learned that whisky is not just about the taste. Just as important and evocative are its legends, history and its ever-evolving mystique. And right now, Uisge beatha - the Scottish Gaelic for "water of life", simplified by English speakers to "whisky" - is experiencing several revolutions at once. A day after my Munro whisky salute, I was on Islay itself. This is Scotland's undisputed peat-whisky island, home to globally famous smoky brands such as Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin. I took a fascinating tour at the Lagavulin Distillery with expert guide Sophie MacDonald, who told me that, by law, Scotch whisky must be produced at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley, matured in oak casks for at least three years and not bottled at less than 40 per cent alcohol by volume. To be classed as a single malt, all the pre-maturing processes need to happen at a single distillery, as opposed to blended Scotch (Johnnie Walker, Famous Grouse, etc), which is a mix of whiskies from different distilleries. In the after-tour tasting session - the best bit, of course - Sophie first presented a wee dram as clear as gin. This, she said, was the "new make", fresh from the still but before it is casked. "It is the maturing process in the oak casks that gives whisky its colour and some of the distinct flavours that make up the different varieties, or what we call expressions," she explained. "Maturation in an ex-sherry cask might produce light-golden whisky, while an ex-bourbon or ex-Madeira cask might deliver a slightly darker one." The difference in flavours created by using different casks - even at the same distillery - is remarkable. Addressing the third dram on my Lagavulin tasting flight, I wished I had the skills of a true whisky connoisseur to be able to describe the bouquet in florid terms. I was tempted to fake it and tell Sophie this one "displayed the conflicting scents of spring heather, sheep dung and the seldom-washed kilt of a roaming 18th century Highland Jacobite". But I thought she might cut me off and send me home, so I played safe with "honey and toast" instead. As for the wonderful smoke, I thought that it came from the water which spends months seeping through Islay peat bogs before flowing along streams - or burns - and into the distilleries. After all, Islay is made up of 75 per cent peat - and as my tasting session went on I felt I might be approaching that percentage too. "It comes," Sophie told me, "from drying the barley in peat kilns in the malting stage at the start of the whisky process, so the aromatic smoke imbues the grain." For decades Islay's smoky peat-imbued malts were considered a bit too challenging, too extreme - a tipple reserved for true whisky veterans who could handle the smoke. But there has been a revolution over the past 20 years which has seen them become global leaders. Sales have skyrocketed, demand has outstripped supply and distilleries have trophy cases full of awards won at home and abroad. Of course, clever marketing has helped too. Ardbeg, for example, has established "embassies" all over the world (there's one in Sydney and another in Melbourne) and the global Ardbeg Committee, a club through which you can buy harder-to-find varieties and receive invitations to events. If you are imagining this club to be a room full of blokes of a certain age sitting in leather armchairs and sipping rare malts between bouts of mansplaining, think again. Bryony McNiven, the Distillery Manager at Ardbeg, told me there has been a sea-change in the demographics of the whisky drinker. "Just a few years ago our tastings here at the distillery were very male dominated," she told me over a wee dram of her distillery's big, bold Corryvreckan, named after the famous whirlpool just north of Islay. "People always thought whisky was a man's drink and women weren't going to drink it, but it's completely different now. There's much more of a 50-50 split in our tastings and that's happened in a really short space of time." Bryony is, herself, part of another Scotch whisky revolution underway. She's the boss. "This has been a male-dominated industry until the last 10 years. Before that we didn't really have females in production-based roles or at the top, but there's been a big change across the whole industry in Scotland." Back at Lagavulin, Kirsten Robertson is the distillery's senior operator, overseeing the whisky-making process from grain to glass. On the mainland, Johnnie Walker's master blender is chemist Emma Walker who is responsible for millions of casks across Scotland, while Speyside single malt Benriach is in the expert hands of master blender Rachel Barrie and distillery manager Laura Tolmie. The list of women in whisky continues. Speyside: This region on the eastern side of the Highlands is home to more distilleries than any other. Expect elegant and sometimes delicate drams with plenty of apple, pear, honey, vanilla and spice and only small amounts of peat. Three to try: Glenfiddich, Tomintoul, Cragganmore. Lowland: Lowland whiskies are produced south of a line roughly from the Clyde to the Forth. Less peaty, arguably milder and growing in popularity. Three to try: Glenkinchie, Rosebank and the independent farm distillery Daftmill. Highland: In the far north of this region (including the Orkney Islands and Outer Hebrides) the whiskies are heathery with a little spice, while in other parts they have more fruit. Three to try: Highland Park, Glen Garioch, Isle of Harris. Campbeltown: Campbeltown whiskies include hints of sea-salt, smoke, fruit, vanilla and toffee. Campbeltown - named for the town at the southern edge of the Mull of Kintyre - is the smallest region and has just three distilleries. Three to try: Glen Scotia, Glengyle, Springbank. Islay: Expect big bold flavours on this island known for its fiery, heavily peaty malts. Three to try: Ardbeg, Lagavulin and the independent, family-owned farm distillery at Kilchoman. Yet

Speyside is known as one of Scotland’s leading whisky regions, home to a wealth of distillers. During the Scotch Whisky Masters 2026, the region took center stage with a host of Gold and Master medal winners. We’ve listed them for you here and a few standout names appear again and again. At The Scotch Whisky Masters, whiskies are blind-tasted by panels of seasoned judges from across the drinks industry. Entries are assessed on flavor, aroma, consistency, and composition. Big names like The Glenlivet, Aberlour, and Glenfarclas collected multiple Master Awards, while Tomintoul, The GlenAllachie, and several independent bottlers also impressed the judges. The Glenlivet and Aberlour make a big splash It’s hard to ignore The Glenlivet when you look at the results. The famous Speyside house racked up Master Awards across nearly every age bracket, with various 12-, 14-, 15-, 16-, 19-, 20-, and 25-year-old bottlings taking top honors. Aberlour also had a stellar year. Both Aberlour A’Bunadh and A’Bunadh Alba earned a Master Award. In the 13–18-year category, the same accolade went to Aberlour 18 Years Old Double Sherry Cask Finish. But of course, Speyside is about much more than just The Glenlivet and Aberlour. What are the best Speyside whiskies of 2026? Below you’ll find the Speyside single malts that took home Master or Gold medals at The Scotch Whisky Masters 2026: Single Malt: Speyside – No Age Statement | Producer | Whisky | Medal | | Chivas Brothers | Aberlour A’Bunadh Alba | Master | | Chivas Brothers | Aberlour A’Bunadh | Master | | Angus Dundee Distillers | Old Ballantruan Speyside Single Malt Whisky | Gold | | J&G Grant | Glenfarclas 105 | Gold | | Angus Dundee Distillers | Tomintoul Cigar Malt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Gold | Single Malt: Speyside – Aged Up to 12 Years | Producer | Whisky | Medal | | Angus Dundee Distillers | Tomintoul 10 Years Old Speyside Single Malt | Master | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 12 Years Old Rum and Bourbon Cask Selection (Taiwan Exclusive) | Master | | Berry Bros & Rudd | Berry Bros. & Rudd Classic Sherry Cask 12 Year Old | Master | | Whisky 1901 | Whisky 1901 Dailuaine | Master | | Speyside Distillers | Spey 12 Years Old | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | Ballantine’s Single Malt Glenburgie 12 Year Old | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 12 Years Old Double Oak | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 12 Years Old Rum Cask (GTR Exclusive) | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | Aberlour 12 Years Old Double Cask Matured | Gold | | Diageo | The Singleton of Dufftown 12 Years Old | Gold | | Diageo | The Singleton of Glendullan 12 Years Old | Gold | | J&G Grant | Glenfarclas 12 Years Old | Gold | | The GlenAllachie Distillers | Meikle Tòir The Chinquapin One | Gold | | The GlenAllachie Distillers | Meikle Tòir The Original | Gold | Single Malt: Speyside – Aged Between 13 and 18 Years | Producer | Whisky | Medal | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 15 Years Old Distillery Exclusive First-Fill European Oak | Master | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 15 Years Old Sherry Cask (Taiwan Exclusive) | Master | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 16 Years Old Distillery Exclusive Double Oak | Master | | Chivas Brothers | Ballantine’s Single Malt Glenburgie 18 Years Old | Master | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 14 Years Old Cask Masters Collection (GTR Exclusive) | Master | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 16 Years Old Cask Masters Collection (GTR Exclusive) | Master | | Chivas Brothers | Aberlour 18 Years Old Double Sherry Cask Finish | Master | | J&G Grant | Glenfarclas 15 Years Old | Master | | The GlenAllachie Distillers | The GlenAllachie 15 Years Old | Master | | Angus Dundee Distillers | Tomintoul 14 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Gold | | Angus Dundee Distillers | Old Ballantruan 15 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky | Gold | | Angus Dundee Distillers | Tomintoul 16 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky | Gold | | Berry Bros & Rudd | Berry Bros & Rudd Classic Speyside Traditional Cask 16 Year Old | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 17 Years Old Small Batch | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | Ballantine’s Single Malt Glenburgie 15 Years Old | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 14 Years Old Cognac Cask | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 15 Years Old French Oak Reserve | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 13 Years Old Sherry Cask (Taiwan Exclusive) | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 13 Years Old Triple Cask | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | Aberlour 14 Years Old Double Cask Matured | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | Aberlour 16 Years Old Double Cask Matured | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | Aberlour 13 Years Old (Travel Retail Exclusive) | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | Aberlour 16 Years Old (Travel Retail Exclusive) | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | Longmorn 18 Years Old | Gold | | Diageo | The Singleton of Glen Ord 15 Years Old | Gold | | Elixir Distillers | Tormore Aged 16 Years | Gold | | J&G Grant | Glenfarclas 17 Years Old | Gold | | Whisky 1901 | Whisky 1901 Tamnavulin | Gold | Single Malt: Speyside – Aged Between 19 and 30 Years | Producer | Whisky | Medal | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 25 Years Old Sample Room Collection | Master | | Chivas Brothers | Longmorn 22 Years Old | Master | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 20 Years Old Small Batch | Master | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 19 Years Old Small Batch | Master | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 21 Years Old Sample Room Collection | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | Longmorn 30 Years Old | Gold | | Chivas Brothers | The Glenlivet 19 Years Old Cask Masters Collection (GTR Exclusive) | Gold | | Diageo | The Singleton of Dufftown 21 Years Old | Gold | | Gordon & MacPhail | Benromach 21 Years Old | Gold | | J&G Grant | Glenfarclas 25 Years Old | Gold | Single Malt: Speyside – Standard | Producer | Whisky | Medal | | Quality Spirits International | Spey River Sherry Cask | Gold | Single Malt: Speyside – Premium | Producer | Whisky | Medal | | Aceo Spirits | Osprey 10 Years Old Sherry Cask Maturation | Gold | Single Malt: Speyside – Single Cask | Producer | Whisky | Medal | | Brave New Spirits | WhiskyHeroes The Malt Marauder Glen Moray 11YO | Master | Single Malt: Speyside – Cask Strength | Producer | Whisky | Medal | | Speyside Distillers | Spey Brume Dorée 12 Years Old | Gold | | 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) | | Redbreast 18 year old | 112,50 pounds (save 40 pounds) | | 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) | Which Speyside is going in your glass? Now that you’ve seen the line-up, the real question is: which of these award-winning Speyside whiskies have you tried and which one would you most like to pour next? FAQ - What is Speyside whisky? Speyside whisky is Scotch produced in the Speyside region, around the River Spey. The area boasts an exceptionally high concentration of distilleries and is home to renowned names such as The Glenlivet, Glenfarclas, Aberlour, and The GlenAllachie. - What does Speyside whisky taste like? Speyside whisky is typically known for a fruity, approachable, and often slightly sweeter profile. Many expressions show notes of apple, pear, honey, vanilla, and dried fruit. Sherry-cask maturation can introduce flavors like raisins, chocolate, and warming spice. - Which Speyside whiskies are well-known? Some well-known Speyside brands include The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Glenfarclas, The GlenAllachie, Benromach, Tomintoul, and Longmorn. Styles vary widely by distillery, so Speyside offers everything from light and fruity to rich, sherry-led and even smoky malts.

Sometimes a bottle comes along that makes you do a double-take at the price tag, and the Royal Brackla 25 Year Old is exactly that. I am Rob from Whiskey in the Six, and I want to walk you through why this particular release has landed squarely in what I like to call the money zone. Crown Royal x Juicy Couture Drop Limited Edition Y2K-Inspired Merch READ THE STORYWhen people in Alberta were picking these up for as low as $165, and BSW had them on sale near the end for around $265, I knew something remarkable was happening. To put that in perspective, you cannot touch this bottle in the UK or Europe for less than roughly £500, and I have seen it climb as high as £700. That is nearly $1,400 Canadian. So for sub $300, this is an absolute steal. The presentation alone sets the tone. Bottled at 46%, non-chill-filtered, with no added colour, this is a whisky that carries itself with confidence. It is finished in Pedro Ximénez casks, and the deep colour tells you it has spent serious time in there. There is a nice piece of history right on the label too, since Royal Brackla was granted the first royal warrant by King William IV in 1833, earning its title as the king’s own whisky. That heritage feels earned once you get your nose into the glass. And what a nose it is. I get red fruit, dried figs, honeyed almonds and walnuts, a touch of chocolate, and fresh cherries lingering at the back end. Honestly, it is beautiful. The palate delivers too, opening up with a rich PX-driven finish that builds the longer it sits. Early on it simply drinks like a well-aged Scotch, with great viscosity and effortless drinkability, but then those subtle tea notes creep in on the finish. I am not sure whether to credit the PX cask or the sheer 25 years behind it, but the result is excellent. 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. When I first opened this bottle, I was a little concerned and thought the price made sense, but it has climbed significantly since then. It started around an 86 for me, and it has now settled at an 89, with real potential to reach a 90 as it continues to develop. Considering the average 25-year-old runs about $700, this is arguably the best value in aged Scotch on shelves today. Good on Alberta for landing these. What is the best age statement bargain you have ever stumbled across? To see my full tasting of the whisky, check out my YouTube video.

Brixton Spirits merges with Brixton Distillery Two Brixton microdistilleries have completed a merger that they believe will create a ‘South London powerhouse’. The two producers, both located in the Brixton Village shopping arcade, will now trade under the Brixton Spirits brand. Andrew Murray-Watson, founder of Brixton Spirits, said: “The merger of the two businesses gives us a fantastic product line up and two great brands, backed by strong trademark protection. “Our goal now is to grow the business sustainably, in what remains a challenging market for premium spirits – particularly in the on-trade. Thankfully we are now seeing increasing signs that the industry is responding to customer demand for products from independent producers, rather than the same big brands behind the bar.” The combined Brixton Spirits portfolio will now cover products including: Brixton Gin, Brixton Vodka, Brixton Rum, Brixton Aged Rum, Market Row Botanical Rum and spiced rum liqueur Market Row ‘The Dram’. Brixton Spirits products are currently listed at Fortnum & Mason, and the Urban Pubs & Bars chain of venues. “Brixton is renowned throughout the UK and internationally as a vibrant neighbourhood and a food and drink destination,” added Murray-Watson. “That means our products need little introduction when they appear on cocktail lists and on the shelves of bottle stores in places like Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.” The company has confirmed that as much as 80% of its sales by volume are to the on-trade, which it supports by offering spirits in a five-litre bag-in-box format. Following the merger, the sales teams from each company will be integrated into a single workforce. Murray-Watson has said that production options are currently under review. His food and wine shop Guzzl, also located in Brixton Village, will be used as a distribution hub and pop-up venue for the brand. Brixton Spirits was founded in 2020 by retail entrepreneur Murray-Watson and his partner Calandra Smith. Brixton Distillery launched the same year under co-founders Pat Venning – former marketing director at Chivas Brothers – and the late Laurent Lacassagne, who previously served as chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard’s Scotch whisky arm. Brixton Distillery debuted with Market Row Botanical Rum and later launched The Dram liqueur. The drinks industry paid tribute to Lacassagne following his death from pancreatic cancer in 2024. He is survived by his partner Mel Stack, who said of the merger: “I am delighted that Laurent’s vision for Brixton Distillery and his long legacy in the wine and spirits industry will live on with our long-term partner and new owner, Brixton Spirits.” London’s microdistilling scene continues to grow, despite challenges to the spirits sector. In 2025, The London Distillery Company was relaunched by Scottish independent bottler Gleann Mòr Spirits who subsequently released what was described as the capital’s ‘first’ 10-year-old single malt whisky. Earlier this year, East London restaurant Alfi unveiled plans for its own microdistillery to produce gin, rum and vodka in the city’s historic Spitalfield’s Market.

Shawbrook supports Glasgow Distillery Company with £11m inventory-backed funding facility Shawbrook has provided Glasgow Distillery Company with an £11 million inventory-backed Asset Based Lending facility to refinance existing funding and unlock additional working capital to support the distillery’s continued growth. Founded in 2012 to bring single malt whisky distilling back to Glasgow for the first time in more than a century, Glasgow Distillery Company has established an award-winning portfolio including Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Makar Gin and Banditti Club Rum. As the business continued to invest in production and expand its premium whisky portfolio, it required a funding structure aligned to the long-term nature of whisky maturation. Shawbrook structured a specialist inventory-backed Asset Based Lending facility secured against eligible maturing Scotch whisky inventory. The funding refinances the company’s previous arrangements while creating additional headroom to support ongoing investment and future growth. The transaction was introduced by Noble & Company with Addleshaw Goddard providing legal support on the deal. Mike Hayward, co-founder at Glasgow Distillery Company, said: “As an independent distiller, significant value is created long before every bottle reaches the shelf. Shawbrook understood our business model and the characteristics of whisky maturation, structuring a facility that unlocks working capital and enables us to invest in production, expand our inventory and continue delivering exceptional spirits to customers around the world.” Jeremy Bolton, senior director, asset based lending at Shawbrook, said: “Glasgow Distillery Company has built a distinctive position within Scotland’s premium spirits sector. By taking the time to understand both the business and the value of its maturing whisky inventory, we were able to structure a funding solution that provides flexibility today while supporting its long-term growth strategy.” Join Scotland's business professionals in receiving our FREE daily email newsletter

Islay distillery Bruichladdich is known for its focus on highlighting terroir in whisky, producing single malts made from barley grown in specific regions of Scotland, and sometimes grown at single farms on the island it calls home. The latest release, Greener Still, continues this philosophy as it’s made from organic, biodynamic, and Bere barley sourced from different areas in the U.K.—and for the first time, some of that barley comes from England instead of Scotland. The new whisky is a 15-year-old single malt called Greener Still, and it’s the third release in a series meant to celebrate the distillery’s 25th anniversary following Yellow Submarine III and Old Skool, which were released earlier this year. It’s also a reference to Blacker Still, Redder Still, and Golder Still, a series of whiskies released between 2006 and 2008 that highlighted different casks used for maturation. Greener Still, however, was aged in first-fill bourbon barrels at the distillery on Islay, a pretty standard practice, and bottled at 51.6 percent ABV without chill filtration and with no added color. It’s the barley used to make the whisky that is really the most interesting thing about it. As mentioned before, three different types were included in the process: 30 percent organic barley that was grown on the mainland of Scotland “without artificial inputs;” 25 percent Bere barley from Orkney, the far-flung island where Highland Park is located, which was grown in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands’ Agronomy Institute; and 45 percent biodynamic barley from Yatesbury House Farm in Wiltshire, England, which it calls a “carbon-positive” operation. The latter type marks the first time that Bruichladdich has broken its own rule of using only Scottish barley in its mashbill. “Bruichladdich Greener Still is a barley-forward whisky in every sense,” said master blender Adam Hannett in a statement. “The organic, biodynamic, and Bere barley parcels each bring something different—texture, spice, fruit, and this incredible malt character that runs right through the dram.” According to Hannett, the use of bourbon casks doesn’t overpower the complexity that the barley is supposed to bring to the whisky. “You get soft florals on the nose, ripe orchard fruit, and honeyed sweetness on the palate, and this effortless, velvety finish with a lick of vanilla and coastal freshness,” he said. “It’s a whisky of precision and elegance, revealing profound depth the longer you sit with it.” Greener Still is a U.S. exclusive release that initially could only be purchased from the distillery’s website (SRP $160). It looks like it’s currently sold out there, but it will likely appear on secondary websites over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out if you want to score a bottle to try for yourself.

Scottish singer Susan Boyle, who became a global sensation after her performances on Britain’s Got Talent, is set to make a special guest appearance at Dram of Destiny. Boyle will join an evening of entertainment and music at the event, which takes place at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on Saturday 30 January 2027. She will reunite with Dram of Destiny’s master of ceremonies, acclaimed actor James Cosmo, whom the two previously played a married couple in the festive drama The Christmas Candle. Dram of Destiny is looking to bring thousands of guests together for a traditional Burns Supper, an in-person whisky tasting, live entertainment and record attempts for the largest Burns Night Supper and the largest in-person whisky tasting. “I am delighted to be joining Dram of Destiny for what promises to be a very special celebration of Scotland,” says Boyle. “Burns Night brings together music, storytelling, friendship and tradition, and I am looking forward to being part of the evening. It will also be wonderful to see James again.” Elsewhere, Dram of Destiny has also confirmed family haggis maker Macsween of Edinburgh will be the official supplier of haggis for the ambitious supper. Around 500kg of haggis will be supplied for the epic occasion, with traditional, vegetarian and vegan options all available. “We are delighted to welcome Macsween as the official haggis supplier for Dram of Destiny,” says event organiser and founder Kevin Blair. “Haggis sits at the heart of a traditional Burns Supper, and Macsween’s heritage, quality and connection to Edinburgh make them the ideal partner for an occasion of this scale.” The event is being delivered on a not-for-profit basis, with all proceeds remaining after operating costs donated to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Early bird Tickets and further information are available at www.dramofdestiny.com. Stay tuned at Whisky Magazine's Instagram channel for more Dram of Destiny videos.

Snake-Filled Whiskey Has Some Of The Most Unforgettable Bottles You'll Ever See Picture this: you pop into this well-known bar in the Philippines for the first time, and everything looks as you might expect. Except, of course, for an ominous-looking bottle on one of the shelves. At a glance, it looks like something out of a biology lab, but it gets even more extreme the longer you take things in. There's a whole snake suspended in a pale yellow-brown liquid, and it's surrounded by scorpions. Then, the bartender grabs the bottle, pours out a shot, and offers you a try. What you just tasted was snake whiskey, a traditional beverage most commonly found in parts of East Asia and Southeast Asia. Snake whiskey (also traditionally known as snake wine) is made by submerging a snake inside a bottle filled with a spirit and letting it ferment over time. Whether it's alive or not when this happens depends on the recipe. While different countries use different snakes, it's said that the most venomous species make the best whiskey. Over time, the ethanol in the liquor neutralizes the snake's venom and makes it safe to consume, although there has been at least one case where someone temporarily developed blood coagulation problems after drinking it. According to a 2014 story in Metro, snake whiskey appears to be a part of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's regular diet, and he seems fine as of 2026 — at least, as far as dictators go. Despite its looks, snake whiskey is medicinal, not recreational As intimidating as a bottle of snake whiskey might seem on the surface, it's actually the product of thousands of years of traditional medicine, just like silkie chicken soup. One of the earliest written records of people drinking snake whiskey dates all the way back to 770 B.C. China, where it was supposedly used for pain relief and as an aphrodisiac. It was also said to help with hair loss, rheumatism, fever, far-sightedness, and leprosy, among a host of other ailments. While the booze can still get you tipsy, this isn't snake whiskey's primary aim. Snake whiskey isn't alone in its medicinal origins. Many liquors we enjoy today were originally made to treat illnesses. For instance, absinthe may have been called "the green fairy" because of its brilliant emerald color and high alcohol content, but its earliest version was a vivid green herbal medication used to prevent malaria and dysentery among French soldiers in the 1840s. That said, the liquor's appearance can't help but stir a sense of curiosity among those who see it for the first time. Reddit is flush with tourists posting photos of the bottles they spot on their travels, with many trying snake whiskey for the same reason one might have for tasting some of the world's most unusual booze brands — to satisfy their sense of adventure. If you're going to try snake whiskey for fun, prepare your taste buds One of the most common questions people might have when they see a bottle of snake whiskey is whether or not it actually tastes good. Based on several accounts, it's best to manage your expectations. If you're thinking it might taste like a classic snake bite shot, you couldn't be farther from the actual flavor. Food blogger Eddie Lin said that the cobra wine he tried tasted like rice wine mixed with chicken and a hint of fish (via BBC). Whether or not that's a good thing depends entirely on the taster. A writer for VICE who drank snake wine infused with geckos for a story in 2015 described it as "a meal in a shot glass" — almost like lemonade, but with a touch of seawater, soil, and flesh. One Reddit user said it tasted exactly like dead snake. The bigger challenge might be getting ahold of snake liquor in the first place. It's rare enough in the U.S. that you might have to turn to specialty shops like Thailand Unique to buy a bottle, and stock may not always be available. Bringing it into the country is also a little tricky. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says some bottles may be prohibited if they contain endangered species.

Even bourbon diehards might reach for other libations amid the swelter of late summer. Another choice is to reach for the blender and whir up a batch of icy, slushy cocktails that cool the brow while keeping whiskey as the star. “Frozen bourbon cocktails are also perfect for summertime because of the nostalgia,” says Rachel Ramirez, who leads the bar program at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville. “We all remember enjoying frozen treats during this time of year, and blending up bourbon slushies is a fun way to recapture that magic.” While Ramirez notes that slushies can serve as an approachable entry point for folks who may be newer to bourbon, she still aims for a balance of ingredients and flavors that satisfy imbibers used to the work of creative mixologists. Two frozen whiskey cocktails on her current menu at Nelson’s Green Brier are the Cold Fashioned and the Catalina Wine Mixer, the latter of which is made with bourbon finished in white wine barrels (and, yes, named for the epic fete from Step Brothers). The Cold Fashioned gives the classic cocktail a brain-freeze twist even as it keeps the whiskey in the fore, and Ramirez describes the Catalina Wine Mixer as “bright, tart, and perfect for the still-scorching August weather.” Get the recipes below. Steve Russell is a Garden & Gun contributing editor who also has written for Men’s Journal, Life, Rolling Stone, and Playboy. Born in Mississippi and raised in Tennessee, he resided in New Orleans and New York City before settling down in Charlottesville, Virginia, because it’s far enough south that biscuits are an expected component of a good breakfast.

Pets Handsome Whiskey Is Alexandria's Adoptable Pet Of The Week This beautiful young dog is looking for a home where he can be active and lavish his family with affection. ALEXANDRIA, VA – Handsome Whiskey is the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s adoptable pet of the week! The AWLA says, "Whiskey is an active dog who has a zest for life and a love of people.” The spiffy guy is also a friendly people-lover who’s good with other dogs, too. The AWLA says Whiskey is reported to be crate-trained and to walk nicely on a leash. Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch. “He is a playful pup who loves toys, especially the squeaky kind! His favorite game is tug, but he really needs a buddy to play that game. Maybe it could be you?” The three-year-old dog is past puppyhood, but still active and would love some outdoor adventures. “He is also a very affectionate guy, so don't be surprised if he puts his paws on your lap and smothers you in sweet little doggie kisses when you meet.” Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch. If that sounds like bliss, come meet Whiskey or the other adoptable animals waiting for their homes. To stop by, contact the AWLA shelter or visit them at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue during adoption hours, from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, or from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Thanks to a donor, Whiskey's adoption fees have already been paid. Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Main Street Gettysburg on Thursday announced plans to bring live music to historic Lincoln Square on Friday, Nov. 20, with Live on Lincoln Square, featuring Nick Mich, Six Whiskey Revival and Uncle Kracker. The concert is being presented by Main Street Gettysburg "to support its mission, projects and programs dedicated to preserving, revitalizing and strengthening historic Gettysburg," the organization said in a press release. Main Street Gettysburg said the Remembrance Day festivities taking place in the borough's downtown area earlier in the week require "substantial temporary infrastructure" to be installed on Lincoln Square, including a production stage, professional sound system, bleachers, chairs, barricades, staging areas and other equipment necessary to safely accommodate visitors and programming. Main Street Gettysburg will use that infrastructure to make Live on Lincoln Square possible. "Rather than immediately dismantling the infrastructure following the week's earlier programming, Main Street Gettysburg is extending its use for one additional evening of music," the organization said. "That creates an opportunity to bring a unique live music experience to the heart of historic Gettysburg while making practical use of infrastructure that will already be in place." Live on Lincoln Square offers concertgoers something they cannot experience at a traditional concert venue: an evening of live music in one of America's most recognizable historic town squares. The evening will feature country music singer Nick Mich, the southern rock band Six Whiskey Revival and rock/country performer Uncle Kracker. Tickets include reserved seating by section in bleachers and chairs, including designated ADA seating. "The concert also provides an opportunity for visitors to experience downtown Gettysburg—its restaurants, shops, attractions and historic streets—while they are here for the weekend," Main Street Gettysburg said. Because Live on Lincoln Square is part of a larger week of events requiring significant temporary infrastructure and logistical coordination, planning also includes parking, shuttle operations and public amenities for visitors. Parking Information regarding parking locations and designated parking areas will be released as plans are finalized. Shuttles Shuttle operations will help move visitors into and around Gettysburg during the week. Additional information regarding shuttle locations, schedules and routes will be provided as details are confirmed. Public Restrooms Portable restroom facilities will be available as part of the temporary event infrastructure to supplement existing public facilities and accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors. The Gettysburg Welcome Center is anticipated to be open and available for public use. Road Closures Because the infrastructure for the week's events will already be in place, Lincoln Square and surrounding areas will experience temporary traffic restrictions. Current plans call for Lincoln Square and one block in each direction to be closed to vehicular traffic Monday through Friday, November 16–20. Sidewalks will remain open, and pedestrian access to downtown businesses and residences will remain available. Traffic detours, parking, shuttle information, pedestrian routes, and other logistical information will be provided as plans are finalized. Roads are expected to reopen on Saturday, November 21, 2026. What Does This Mean for Downtown Businesses? Main Street Gettysburg said its goal "is not simply to bring people to Gettysburg -- it is to bring people downtown." Visitors attending the week's events and the concert have the opportunity to eat at local restaurants, shop at local stores, visit attractions, stay overnight and return for future visits. Main Street Gettysburg said it is working with downtown businesses to communicate logistics and identify opportunities for businesses to benefit from the increased visitation. Two informational meetings have been scheduled for downtown businesses to review event plans, logistics, access and opportunities: - Monday, August 31 — 4:30–6:00 p.m. - Thursday, September 3 — 9:00–10:30 a.m. The meetings will be held in the Eisenhower Room, on the third floor of the Gettysburg Library, 140 Baltimore Street. For more information about Live on Lincoln Square, visit Main Street Gettysburg, www.mainstreetgettysburg.org.

LAS CRUCES Whiskey Dick's stays open as building hits market Leighanne Munoz Las Cruces Sun-News Aug. 20, 2026, 11:24 a.m. MT The building housing the popular country bar, Whiskey Dicks, has been listed for sale. NAI1st Valley posted the listing via Facebook on Aug. 6, 2026. The 12,000 square foot building sits on a 2.2-acre lot on 101 E. Union Ave. in Las Cruces. Whiskey Dick's will remain open and welcomes customers as usual according to the Facebook post. "The bar is not for sale. There is no news to give out. The landlord has chosen to sell the building. Whiskey Dick's has a long-term lease still in place. We will be in Cruces for years to come," said the business owners when asked for comment by the Sun-News.