Welcome to Taste Test, where every week our critic Jonah Flicker explores the most buzzworthy and interesting whiskeys in the world. Check back each Sunday for his latest whiskey review.
A decade ago, it was hard to find a bottle of Japanese whisky—and expensive when you did come across one on a liquor-store shelf. Demand was high and supply was low, so companies and distilleries started removing age statements from labels, disappointing their dedicated fans. Well, times have changed, and age statements are making a return. The latest example comes from Suntory‘s beloved blend Hibiki, which is bringing its 12-year age expression back to market . . . but you’ll have to head to an airport to find one for the time being.
Suntory first released Hibiki in 1989, well before the Japanese whisky craze washed ashore here in the U.S. The whisky is a blend of liquid from all three of Suntory’s distilleries—malt-whisky makers Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain distillery Chita. Initially, there were 17- and 21-year-old expressions in the lineup, subsequently a 30-year-old was introduced in 1997, followed by a 12-year in 2009. Not all of these still exist: The 17 was discontinued in 2018 and the 12 a few years before in 2015, and today the older age statements remain exceedingly rare and expensive. A few years ago, a 40-year-old Hibiki was released, but good luck finding that one (just 400 bottles dropped with a price tag of $35,000 each).
And now Hibiki 12 is back, albeit in limited numbers and as a global travel retail exclusive. Still, this is a sign of things have shifted. A decade ago, when Japanese whisky skyrocketed in popularity, prices also rose rapidly and distilleries and brands claimed they couldn’t keep up, leading to dwindling numbers of bottles on shelves. That might have been the case, but it was also likely a marketing move. Non-age-statement expressions began showing up everywhere, replacing the numbers on the labels of classic single malts from Nikka and Suntory, which launched Hibiki Harmony as a NAS expression to satisfy consumers’ demand. Truth be told, Harmony is not a bad whisky, although it is arguably overpriced, but nothing really could match the quality of a good age-statement expression.
The new version of Hibiki 12 differs from the original, which was a blend of whisky matured in Spanish and American oak, with a small amount of whisky aged in umeshu casks (Japanese plum liqueur), too. There is no umeshu cask-aged whisky in this new version. Instead, it is built upon a base of Chita grain whisky aged in American oak and rounded out by malt whiskies aged in Spanish oak and Japanese mizunara. According to a rep for the brand, Suntory believes 15 years is the minimum length of time its whisky should spend in mizunara, so there is very likely some whisky that old in the blend, although the age statement reflects the youngest component.
Overall, this is a very good whisky, and another welcome age-statement comeback. I would have liked to try it at a bit higher proof than 86, but that’s a whole lot better than 80 and still reveals rich notes of orange, chocolate, blueberry, baking spice, vanilla, maple, honey, and warm biscuit on the palate. The brand recommends sipping this over a large ice cube, but I would suggest at least trying it neat first to really get to know the whisky.
Twelve years is a pretty standard age for a whisky (unless it’s American), so the $188 price tag feels a bit high but not exorbitant. And, of course, at the moment this is only available at just a few global travel retail locations, so it’s not like you can just head out to a store to buy a bottle (although it may become a wider release in the future). The bottom line is that Hibiki 12 is a very good whisky—maybe not as good as the dearly departed 17 or the superb 21, but it’s much easier to drink (and find) than the 30 or 40-year-old expressions. And who knows, the 17 could be next age statement to make a comeback.
Score: 92
- 100 Worth trading your first born for
- 95 – 99 In the Pantheon: A trophy for the cabinet
- 90 – 94 Great: An excited nod from friends when you pour them a dram
- 85 – 89 Very Good: Delicious enough to buy, but not quite special enough to chase on the secondary market
- 80 – 84 Good: More of your everyday drinker, solid and reliable
- Below 80 It’s Alright: Honestly, we probably won’t waste your time and ours with this
Google News(Scotch/Distillery)|原題:This ultra-limited Chichibu whisky is the final chapter in a remarkable Japanese series - Whisky Monkeys
日本威士忌愛好者的新寶藏來了。Spirits of Salud推出7EVEN Gods of Fortune系列的最終作品——Chichibu Takarabune,一款10年份單一桶威士忌。此酒名稱源自日本民間傳說中的寶船,象徵七福神共乘寶船。採用2016年2月裝填的波本桶,於2026年3月裝瓶,酒精度64.7% ABV(原桶強度)。風味特徵為豐富的果香與香草,帶有熱帶水果調性、奶油甜感與清新感,後韻中長且微乾。全球限量僅144瓶,是該系列四年歷程的完美收官之作。
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Fans of Japanese whisky have a new gem to add to their wish list. Spirits of Salud has released the final whisky in the 7EVEN Gods of Fortune series. The grand finale is called Takarabune, a ten-year-old single cask whisky from
Chichibu. There’s just one small challenge if you want to get your hands on a bottle: only 144 exist worldwide.
The 7EVEN Gods of Fortune series launched in 2022, celebrating the seven deities of luck from Japanese mythology. Each previous release honored one of these gods. For the finale, they’re reunited.
One more Japanese legend for a remarkable whisky
The
name Takarabune refers to the legendary treasure ship of Japanese folklore. According to the tale, the seven gods of fortune sail together on this vessel, laden with treasures and rare artifacts. The bottle’s design ties into that story, too. As with earlier releases, the artwork comes from WARBB Art. For this final edition, a special solid stopper was created in the series’ distinctive style.
But ultimately, it’s all about what’s beneath that stopper.
Ten-year-old Chichibu at 64.7 percent
For Takarabune, Spirits of Salud selected a single cask from Chichibu Distillery. The cask, a first-fill bourbon barrel, was filled in February 2016, where the whisky matured for ten years. It was finally bottled in March 2026.
The whisky delivers a classic Chichibu profile: expect abundant fruit and vanilla, with tropical notes, creamy sweetness, and fresher highlights. The finish is described as medium-long and slightly drying. Tasting notes below:
- Nose: Lots of fruit and vanilla, with tropical tones and fresh accents.
- Palate: Creamy and sweet, with tropical fruit, vanilla, and a vibrant balance.
- Finish: Medium-long, slightly dry, and fruity.
No water was used to dial back the strength. Takarabune is bottled at cask strength, landing at a robust 64.7 percent ABV.
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Only 144 bottles to close out the series
Chances of stumbling upon this Chichibu in the wild are slim. Just 144 bottles came from the cask for the entire world.
That makes Takarabune not only the final release in the 7EVEN Gods of Fortune series, but also a decidedly exclusive farewell. After four years and multiple editions, the seven gods set sail together one last time.
And with a ten-year-old single cask Chichibu at 64.7 percent on board, they’re certainly well-provisioned for the journey.
FAQ
- What is Chichibu Takarabune?
A 10-year-old Japanese single cask whisky and the finale of the 7EVEN Gods of Fortune series.
- How many bottles of Chichibu Takarabune exist?
Only 144 bottles were released worldwide.
- What does Chichibu Takarabune taste like?
Fruity and creamy, with plenty of vanilla, tropical fruit, and fresh highlights. The finish is medium-long and slightly dry.
Google News(ウイスキー)|原題:Amazon、ウイスキー「白州 2026」をサントリー公式と同じ“1万7600円”で抽選販売 - グルメ Watch
Amazon.co.jp推出三得利白州 Story of the Distillery 2026 EDITION的招待制抽選販售,售價17,600日圓(約新台幣3,800元)與三得利官方相同,較目前一般販售價19,800日圓便宜2,000日圓以上。該酒款為2026年5月發售的限量商品,容量700mL、酒精度43度,具有鳳梨、香草奶油、焙茶香氣和柔和的甘甜尾韻。消費者可點選商品頁面的「招待をリクエスト」按鈕參加抽選,獲選者將收到邀請郵件並需在72小時內完成購買。
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ニュース
Amazon、ウイスキー「白州 2026」をサントリー公式と同じ“1万7600円”で抽選販売
2026年8月24日 00:00
Amazon.co.jpは「サントリーシングルモルトウイスキー白州 Story of the Distillery 2026 EDITION」を招待制で販売(抽選販売)している。
当選者への販売価格は「1万7600円」で、サントリーが公式サイトで実施している抽選販売の当選者への販売価格と一致している。
サントリー公式の抽選販売は8月18日から第2回の応募を受け付けており、締切は9月2日23時59分。対象は10月6日発売分で、応募は各回1人1回まで。
Amazonでの招待制以外の出品は現在1万9800円からで、招待制に当選すれば2000円以上安く購入できる(価格は本稿執筆時点)。
サントリーシングルモルトウイスキー白州 Story of the Distillery 2026 EDITION
発売日: 2026年5月26日(数量限定販売)
価格: 1万7600円
容量: 700mL
アルコール度数: 43度
テイスティングノート:
[色]明るい琥珀色
[香り]パイナップル、バニラクリーム、焙じ茶
[味わい]軽快、やわらかで和三盆の様な甘やかさ、かすかな苦味
[余韻]熾火(おきび)の煙、ほろ苦さ
※Amazonの画面で招待制抽選販売以外の商品が表示されたら、価格情報の下にある「Amazonの他の出品者」をクリックして「出荷元/販売元」が「Amazon.co.jp」のものを選択
Amazonの抽選販売には、商品ページにある注意事項を確認のうえ「招待をリクエストする」ボタンを押下することで抽選に応募できる。リクエスト後は待つ形となり、登録したメールアドレスに「おめでとうございます。招待者に選ばれました」という件名、「招待リクエストをお送りいただき、ありがとうございます。お客様は、招待販売の招待者に選ばれました。(商品名)をご購入いただけます。」と本文に記載された招待メールが届いた人のみ、72時間以内であれば購入することができる。
Maker’s Mark Just Announced the 2026 Edition of Its Highly Allocated Cellar Aged Bourbon
For 70 years, Maker’s Mark bucked industry trends by eschewing age statements on its bottles. The distillery focused on consistency, stating its whiskey was “aged to taste, not time.”
However, the company pivoted with 2023’s Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged, an age-stated bourbon that spent a portion of its life in a limestone cellar. It quickly became an anticipated annual release, delighting fans with a more mature take on the distillery’s profile. Fortunately, the Cellar Aged is back in 2026, and this year’s blend contains a higher-than-ever percentage of 14-year-old whiskey.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026 is the fourth bottling in the series. Like prior Cellar Aged iterations, it’s bottled at cask strength — in this case, 112.1 proof, an ABV of 56.05%. This year’s release is a blend of three aged bourbons:
- 49% 11 year-old bourbon
- 33% 12 year-old bourbon
- 18% 14 year-old bourbon
Each component was distilled from Maker’s Mark’s classic wheated bourbon mashbill of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. The whiskeys were initially aged in traditional warehouses, where Maker’s Mark famously — and painstakingly — rotates its barrels between floors. Select barrels were then transferred to an on-site, LEED-certified cellar carved into the Kentucky hillside. The cellar’s cool, steady environment allows the whiskey to age slowly while maintaining a characteristically sweet and approachable profile.
“Traditionally, once our bourbon moves beyond about 10 years, the oak can begin to overshadow the fruit, sweetness, and softness that define our house style,” says Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark. “What the cellar taught us is that when you slow the influence of the wood, you give the whiskey itself more room to evolve. Rather than becoming more oaky, it becomes more layered.” According to Layfield, barrels are moved into the cellar when they reach between seven and nine years of age. However, it’s always a decision “driven by flavor, not the calendar.”
| A limestone cellar with a cool climate allows the whiskey to age slowly without becoming bitter.Credit: Courtesy of Maker’s Mark Distillery | The 2026 release of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged has more 14-year-old bourbon than any other iteration.Credit: Courtesy of Maker’s Mark Distillery |
For the 2026 release, Layfield tells Food & Wine that his team explored numerous blends before determining a winner. “If every blend was an instant ‘yes,’ we wouldn’t be doing our jobs very well. The blending room is a place where spirited debate is encouraged — and expected. The goal isn’t to create everyone’s favorite whiskey; it’s to create the whiskey that best expresses the Maker’s Mark house style.”
This is the second consecutive Cellar Aged release to contain 14-year bourbon. While the 2025 Cellar Aged featured 11-, 13-, and 14-year whiskeys, 2026’s blend contains a slightly larger amount (18% vs. 16%) of its oldest component.
Brand tasting notes for the 2026 Cellar Aged emphasize aromas of dark cherry, clove, vanilla bean, and orchard fruit. The palate kicks off with honey, brown sugar, and plum, and the finish layers in nutty flavors like almond, in addition to nutmeg and green apple.
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Related: The 7 Best Bourbons for Old Fashioneds, According to Bartenders
Though Maker’s Mark aims for consistency across most of its whiskeys, Layfield says Cellar Aged is the brand’s ultimate expression of distinctiveness. “That’s one of the things I love most about bourbon: It’s an agricultural product, so every barrel develops its own personality. Unlike the rest of our portfolio, where consistency is the goal, Cellar Aged celebrates those differences.”
Since it first introduced Cellar Aged, Maker’s Mark has taken steps to highlight subtle differences among its whiskeys. In early 2026, the brand refreshed its core Cask Strength packaging, which now includes age statements that can vary from batch to batch.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged is a highly allocated, limited release. Bottles hit shelves nationwide starting on Sept. 1, each with a suggested retail price of $175 — the same as in 2024 and 2025. Later this year, distribution will expand into Australia, Germany, Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom, in addition to global travel retail.
Fast facts: Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026
ABV: 56.05%
Maturation: Barrels used in Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged were initially matured in traditional Kentucky warehouses. After they reached between seven and nine years of age, select casks were moved to the distillery’s LEED-certified limestone cellar for additional aging. The 2026 version of Cellar Aged is composed of 49% 11-year bourbon, 33% 12-year bourbon, and 18% 14-year bourbon.
Availability: Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged is a limited, annual release. Bottles will be available nationwide starting Sept. 1, with later distribution in select foreign markets and global travel retail.
MSRP: $175
Read the original article on Food & Wine
Latest Maker’s Mark release uses some of distiller’s oldest bourbon yet
As Maker’s Mark continues to push the envelope on aging, the distiller’s new 2026 Cellar Aged release contains some of the oldest bourbon they’ve released yet at 14 years.
Maker’s Mark introduced Cellar Aged in 2023, after building a climate-controlled 50-degree “cave” that allows for extra aging. Bourbon enters after aging for seven to nine years in the distillery’s rickhouses in Loretto and then time slows down in the cooler environment.
The bourbons selected for this year’s release are a blend of 49% 11-year-old, 33% 12-year-old and 18% 14-year-old bourbon. The result just won double gold and straight bourbon whiskey of the year at the 2026 London Spirits Competition.
It’s 112.1 proof, with a suggested retail price of about $175. The brand did not say how many bottles are available, but it will be an allocated release.
Where to find, taste 2026 Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged bourbon
It will become available Sept. 1 at select U.S. retailers nationwide, followed by retailers in the U.K., Germany, Korea, Japan, Australia and global travel retail in 2027.
And for those coming to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Maker’s Mark 2026 Cellar Aged should be available there on Sept. 18. There also will be a ticketed event at the distillery in Loretto on Sept. 10; ticket sales will go live on the Maker’s Mark website on Aug. 18.
Beginning September 14, visitors can also experience an exclusive distillery tour that offers behind-the-scenes access to the Cellar Aged process. For tours and tickets, visit makersmark.com/distillery/visit-us.
What does 2026 Cellar Aged taste like?
Blake Layfield, the master distiller at Maker’s Mark, said that the tasting panel that selected the barrels wasn’t going for “older,” but for mature.
“What struck me about this year’s vintage is just really how complete it feels,” he said. “I’m thinking about harmony and balance. That aroma drawing you in, the flavor matching up with what’s in the aroma. The mouthfeel carrying a really long-lasting experience and intensity and duration of flavor.”
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According to the tasting notes, it has notes of dark cherry, clove, vanilla bean, soft orchard fruit on the nose. On the palate, it has notes of honey, brown sugar, ripe plums, almonds and nutmeg, with orchard fruit and green apple.
How old could Maker’s Mark go?
The oldest barrel in the cellar is 15 years old and counting. It belongs to the founding Samuels family, and is kept under lock and key, Layfield said.
But it isn’t just about “how old can it go,” Layfield said.
“We’re not chasing age. We’re really chasing flavor,” he said. “And to me, that’s what innovation at Maker’s Mark should do. It shouldn’t really reinvent who we are. It should give us new ways to express what has always made Maker’s Mark so special.”
Bardstown Bourbon drops 2 new releases. One scored near perfect in recent judging
A Lexington historic site is releasing a limited edition bourbon. Here’s why
New releases: Craft bourbons from Jackson Purchase, Blade and Bow, and more
New bourbon release is a landmark in Old Forester history. Where you can find it
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This Kentucky Liquor Store Might Be The Best-Kept Secret On The Bourbon Trail
Bardstown, Kentucky, is known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” for good reason. With more than 10 distilleries located within 16 miles of its downtown, Bardstown is a hotspot for bourbon lovers. When planning a trip to the Bourbon Trail, Bardstown is not only a suggestion; it’s a must-see stop.
Aside from the distilleries, there are ample bars and liquor stores worth a visit of their own. Cox’s Spirit Shoppe and Evergreen Liquors are a chain of more than 20 liquor stores featuring a large selection of wine, beer, and whiskey. The best part, though, is their whiskey bar, which is piled high with rare and allocated whiskeys at reasonable prices.
I’ve only visited the Evergreen Liquors in downtown Bardstown, but their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and their collection is no joke. Pappy, Weller, BTAC (Buffalo Trace Antique Collection), and rare bottles you’ve only ever heard of but never seen in person are all laid out in front of you. Most times you go to a bourbon bar, you may see a nice bottle of whiskey, but it sits there and collects dust because a single pour costs more than the entire bottle. At Evergreen Liquors, the prices are not only fair, but sometimes they feel like straight-up robbery, especially on Wednesdays.
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Every Wednesday, Evergreen Liquors offers half-priced pours—and not just on a select few whiskeys, but every single one. This is both genius (because what whiskey drinker is going to turn down a deal that good?) and good news for anyone wanting to taste a bunch of different whiskeys without committing to an entire bottle. (We’ve all spent money on a bottle only to find out we actually don’t like it.)
The fun doesn’t stop there, however. In addition to half-priced whiskey pours, you can also get 10% off wine every Thursday. Plus, each location offers its own specials and discounts according to their social media. They’ve been known to hide quirky items like golden potatoes or plastic unicorns around the store for several lucky guests to find and purchase a special allocated bottle of whiskey. I’ve never been lucky enough to find one of these hidden gems, but their walls are full of photos of those who have been more fortunate, proving they do exist.
Next time you want to sample a bottle of whiskey before buying, or you’re planning your next trip to the Bourbon Trail, spend some time perusing the shelves at Evergreen Liquors, especially if it happens to be a Wednesday.
Read the original article on Southern Living
Pernod Ricard stock faces regulatory scrutiny as FSSAI targets whisky plant
Published on 08/23/2026 at 16:38 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSPernod Ricard stock is dealing with a new regulatory overhang as India’s food regulator has inspected one of the company’s whisky facilities and included the group in a wave of notices to major consumer brands over alleged misleading promotions, according to recent reporting dated August 23, 2026. This development adds to the risk backdrop for shareholders of Pernod Ricard (FR0000130577) at a time when global spirits demand and pricing are already under close scrutiny.
Regulator actions highlight marketing and quality concerns
Recent coverage of India’s food safety crackdown indicates that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has carried out an inspection at a Pernod Ricard whisky factory, with the authority collecting product samples for further testing as part of its broader enforcement drive. The same reporting notes that notices have gone out to a wide group of food and beverage companies, signaling that regulators are paying closer attention to how leading consumer brands promote and represent their products in a large growth market. In addition, live-blog market updates referencing the inspection highlight that the regulator’s actions are being watched not only for their consumer protection angle but also for potential implications for the companies involved if any serious non-compliance is later confirmed.
Alongside the specific inspection, other reporting on the enforcement campaign shows that Pernod Ricard has been named among a list of major food and beverage companies receiving notices linked to allegedly misleading promotional practices. The list spans a wide range of multinational brands, underscoring that the regulator’s move is not limited to a single business line or product segment but reaches across different categories. For Pernod Ricard, the inclusion in this group underlines the importance of ensuring that packaging, advertising messages, and online listings comply with evolving local standards, especially in a market where spirits and ready-to-drink offerings have become more visible in digital channels.
Context for investors and potential impact on growth strategy
The inspection and related notices land in a period when spirits producers have been investing heavily in emerging markets, with India standing out as a strategic growth focus for many global groups. For Pernod Ricard, the company’s long-term strategy has highlighted premiumization and targeted expansion in high-potential geographies, and India fits squarely into that framework. The regulator’s actions therefore raise practical questions for investors about compliance processes, marketing oversight, and how quickly any identified issues can be resolved without materially affecting brand perception or distribution partnerships.
From a risk-management perspective, regulatory inspections that include sample collection for testing may result in several possible outcomes, ranging from confirmation that products meet all required standards to findings that require changes to labeling, claims, or even formulation. Where notices reference alleged misleading promotions, companies may be asked to adjust language or presentation to ensure that consumers are not misled regarding nutritional properties, ingredients, or other attributes. For a branded spirits producer like Pernod Ricard, this can intersect with broader initiatives to promote responsible drinking, clear information on alcohol content, and alignment with local advertising codes.
Investors will be especially attentive to any follow-up communications from the company or regulators that clarify whether the inspection at the whisky facility leads to corrective measures or sanctions, as well as how the group’s broader portfolio of promotional materials is reviewed in response to the notices. While enforcement campaigns often generate headlines that weigh on sentiment, the medium-term impact depends on whether any issues are systemic or limited, and on how transparently and swiftly management responds. The presence of multiple large multinational brands in the same enforcement roster can also indicate that some of the alleged shortcomings reflect industry-wide practices that regulators are now tightening, rather than uniquely problematic behavior by a single company.
Market data frame for Pernod Ricard stock
Even as regulatory developments command attention, market data pages compiled on August 23, 2026 provide an anchor for investors assessing valuation, trading behavior, and risk-reward dynamics for Pernod Ricard shares. These quote snapshots typically show a latest price in the company’s home currency, a daily percentage change, and contextual figures such as the market capitalization and the 52-week trading range. When investors review these sources, they can see how the share price on the most recent trading session compares with the high and low levels recorded within the past year, which helps them gauge whether the stock is trading closer to its upper or lower historical band.
For instance, if Pernod Ricard shares are quoted at a level that stands only a small fraction below the 52-week high as of August 23, 2026, that suggests the market has priced in a relatively optimistic outlook despite the newly emerging regulatory questions. By contrast, if the price is positioned much closer to the 52-week low, it may indicate more cautious sentiment or lingering concerns over growth, margins, or leverage. A numerical comparison such as a price of EUR 180.00 against a 52-week high of EUR 190.00 and a low of EUR 150.00 would indicate that the stock is trading 5.3 percent below the high and 20.0 percent above the low, placing it in the upper half of its historical range. That type of quantified snapshot provides a useful reference point for assessing how much room the shares have to move if fundamentals or risk perceptions change.
Daily percentage changes on quote pages as of August 23, 2026 also give a sense of whether investors are reacting immediately to the regulatory headlines or treating them as one factor among many in a broader spirits-sector narrative. For example, a move of 1.5 percent on the day would be viewed differently depending on whether it follows a prior series of gains or losses, and whether trading volumes exceed their recent averages. If the market cap, calculated from the current price and share count, is shown at an elevated level relative to historical norms, it signals that the company’s equity value has expanded, which may reflect confidence in its long-term brand portfolio and pricing power even as near-term regulatory and macroeconomic challenges emerge.
Recent fundamentals and historical comparisons
In addition to same-day trading figures, investors examining Pernod Ricard’s profile will typically look at the most recent reported financial results, though the current search set emphasizes day-filtered news and regulatory developments rather than freshly published annual or quarterly statements. When analyst or portal summaries refer to past fiscal-year results, they frequently highlight metrics such as revenue, operating profit, and net income, with growth rates versus prior periods. However, where such figures relate to fiscal years that ended more than two years before August 23, 2026, they are best treated as historical context rather than as a current representation of the company’s position.
For example, a statement that Pernod Ricard generated a specific revenue amount in fiscal 2023 would be classified as historical because the fiscal-year period end falls outside the freshness window for current metrics. Investors can still use those numbers to understand how sales in core categories such as whisky, cognac, and premium white spirits evolved over time, but decisions about today’s valuation and perfor
Whisky plugs drinks giant Diageo's pension black hole
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It was one of the more innovative ways to plug a hole in the pension fund. Back in 2010, drinks giant Diageo came up with a radical plan to fill an £862million shortfall in its retirement scheme with millions of barrels of maturing whisky.
Under the 15-year deal, which was extended to 2030, whisky stocks from distilleries across Scotland were transferred to the Diageo pension fund.
These included single malts from famous distilleries such as Talisker on the Isle of Skye and Islay-based Lagavulin.
As whisky matures, its value grows, so the scheme had a guaranteed source of income from selling some barrels – plus a valuable, tangible asset from the remaining stock.
Meanwhile, the owner of Guinness and Johnnie Walker whisky cut the amount of cash it needed to put into the scheme to repair the pension fund deficit.
The unusual approach seems to have paid off. The pension scheme is now in surplus – partly because higher interest rates have cut the current cost of future pension payment promises – and Diageo hasn’t needed to make contributions to the fund in the past two years.
In charge: Former Tesco boss Dave Lewis is the chief executive of Diageo
It means one less headache for new boss Dave Lewis, who is trying to revive the fortunes of the world’s largest spirits group after nearly 2,000 jobs were shed last year. Latest accounts show that the remaining whisky stock is worth almost £550million.
Diageo can exit the deal in four years’ time if there is no deficit in the pension fund.
If it is in the red, the company would have to pay up to £430million in cash to buy back the remaining barrels from the scheme, depending on the size of the pension shortfall.
Either way, Diageo insisted there would be no impact on the accounts as no off-balance-sheet asset was created under the original deal.
So, long-suffering shareholders hoping to raise a glass to some sort of windfall payment if the scheme is in credit will be sorely disappointed.
But equally, Diageo’s persistent pension problem will have been solved thanks to more than a few drops of the hard stuff.
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has revoked its order concerning the sale of identified whisky products of United Spirits, manufactured at the company's third-party manufacturing unit in Madhya Pradesh.
United Spirits, the Diageo India-listed company, disclosed that FSSAI issued a revocation order dated August 20, following the company's engagement with the food safety regulator. The company received the order on August 20.
The revocation relates to an earlier FSSAI order dated July 29, 2026, which concerned the sale of identified whisky products manufactured at the Madhya Pradesh facility.
Also read: Diageo India challenges FSSAI sale ban on McDowell's No. 1 Rum in Bombay HC
United Spirits said there is no material operational or financial impact on the company following the revocation.
The July 29 order, which United Spirits received on August 4, was issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to the company's earlier disclosure, the order related to identified whisky products manufactured at its third-party manufacturing unit in Madhya Pradesh. FSSAI's stated concern was that the product labels were not in conformity with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
United Spirits had said at the time that there were no material operational or financial implications arising from the order and that it was continuing to monitor the matter.
The company also said the delay in disclosing the original order was due to the time required to verify facts and information with multiple internal stakeholders.
Following its engagement with FSSAI, the regulator has now revoked the July 29 order.
The development removes the regulatory action relating to the identified whisky products, with United Spirits stating that the revocation has no material impact on its operations or finances.
Read: FSSAI issues over 150 notices to Nestle, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Red Bull over misleading ads
Also read: FSSAI crackdown prompts six food companies to withdraw claims, revise labels
10 Red Flags To Avoid When Buying Your Next Bottle Of Bourbon
If you love bourbon, you probably agree that picking up one you've never tried before is super exciting. There are tons of options out there, and who knows when you're going to find your new favorite? However, this overwhelming variety means not every bottle is a winner. We here at Mashed have even put together some expert advice on how to pick a great bourbon. Green flags are half the story, and now we're once again turning to the experts for their take on red flags that might indicate a bourbon is less than stellar.
And here's the thing: knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to look for, as there is an almost shocking number of distilleries in the U.S, meaning there are countless brands and labels to choose from. As of February 2026, the American Distilling Institute says there are 2,593 active distilleries in the country, and to put that in perspective, that's up from a mere 97 back in 2007.
Add in the fact that there's a ton of buzzwords and terminology you may feel the need to learn, and it can be a little overwhelming. We're here to help — with the assistance of industry gurus who generously took the time to share their thoughts on how to spot the signs to watch out for when buying bourbon. Our experts included Chris Walster, whisky connoisseur from The Cask Connoisseur; Blake Johns, longtime bourbon enthusiast and founder of Smokeye Hill; Heather Butcher, director of Food and Beverage at Conrad Indianapolis; Lindsay Jacobs, Food and Beverage manager for W Los Angeles in West Beverly Hills; Oona Wong-Danders, bar manager at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco; and Samantha Fowler, bartender at Auld Alliance, located at Cloudland at McLemore Resort.
Be wary of stories with no real content
Chris Walster is the go-to for all things whiskey and bourbon, and he told us that one thing that makes him skeptical about a bourbon's quality is when the label and packaging lean too heavily into an elaborate mythos. Everyone loves a great story, but when a bourbon is all about the tale, then it's time to start questioning.
"If a bottle tells you a very long story but gives you very little information about the liquid itself, this to me isn't one I want to try," he told us. "It's almost like they're trying too hard, because they know they have little to sell it on."
And it makes sense, right? There's something alluring about a great story, and we all love the idea that we're drinking a bourbon that might harken back to Prohibition or channel the spirit of the Wild West. But that doesn't actually mean anything. It doesn't tell you things like how it was aged, where it was sourced, or the lengths the distillery has gone to guarantee it's delivering a respectable product. A story's fine, as long as that's not all there is to it.
A high price tag might not equate to quality
Sure, there are a lot of expensive bourbons that you'll definitely want to try before you die. Some go for tens of thousands of dollars, but Chris Walster cautioned that buyers looking to invest in a bottle shouldn't do so just based on price alone. Brands can charge a premium for any bottle, but that doesn't mean it's automatically worth it — especially if no information justifies the price.
Take age statements. Not all bourbon comes with an age statement, and there are a few reasons why. Distilleries that mix bourbons of different ages to create their desired final product might not like the limits associated with age-statement labeling, for example. Throughout the 2010s, demand for bourbon outpaced supply, which led to shorter aging processes, more blending, and consequently, dropping age statements became widely accepted. That's fine: with a caveat.
"A lack of an age statement is not automatically a reason to avoid a bourbon," Walster told us. "However, I would be more cautious when a bottle commands a very high price without providing much information about its age, source, proof, barrel selection, or why it deserves that premium." You might expect a 23- or 25-year-old bourbon to be on the high end. When the label doesn't explain why you should be prepared to fork over the big bucks, however, it's time to get skeptical.
Over-the-top packaging might be a distraction
Blake Johns is the founder of Smokeye Hill, a Colorado-based bourbon distillery that's using heirloom blue corn in its unique mash bill. He's not only worked with some of the top distillers in the country, but he's also heading a family-owned company that makes award-winning bourbons — and along the way, he's learned what to look out for.
"I'm not here to be the fun police, but generally I avoid buying anything in an absurdly shaped glass bottle — and by absurdly shaped bottle, I mean something in the shape of, say, a machine gun or samurai sword. That has 'gimmick' written all over it," he told us. "You're usually paying for the novelty of the glass, not the quality of the whiskey inside it."
Heather Butcher absolutely agreed that flashy, over-the-top packaging that's designed to stand out is a warning sign. "Specific red flags I look for are heavy wax tops, ornate bottles, and velvet bags," she added. Sure, everyone wants something that looks cool on the shelf, but when you're getting quality liquid, the packaging doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting.
Improperly stored bottles should be a no-go
There are some cases when you might find yourself passing on even the best brands and bourbons that typically have a secure place on your list of favorites. Chris Walster told us that improperly stored bottles indicate you might not be getting the best product, which is something to keep in mind at liquor stores as well as in bars and restaurants.
"I would always check how the bottle has been stored, particularly if you are paying for an expensive pour," he explained. "Direct sunlight, obvious heat exposure, a damaged cork, leakage around the neck, or a nearly empty bottle that appears to have been sitting open for a very long time would all make me hesitate." Even if you're familiar with why laying bourbon bottles flat is a bad idea, those other conditions should be on your radar, too.
We've all seen those questionable liquor stores with displays in the window, but bottles that have been sitting in the light should be a no-go. All the goodness and complexity that develop during the aging process are destroyed by UV light, and bourbon is so sensitive that there can be noticeable flavor and aroma loss in just a matter of weeks. Bottles in areas where they've been subjected to light and massive temperature fluctuations — think of displays alongside regularly opening and closing doors to the outside — are unlikely to be at their best.
Know your terminology, and which words mean nothing
Getting into the bourbon world means finding yourself overwhelmed with new terminology. Professionals and industry experts use a lot of words, but there's also a ton of terms that have grown up around discussions between collectors and on social media. Some descriptors have even been adopted as marketing and advertising tactics, but don't actually mean anything. Confused?
Blake Johns explained that when he looks at a label, he's looking for concrete, meaningful data like an age statement, where the bourbon is made, who's distilling it, and the mash bill. All this information is empirical. For a bourbon to be labeled as a 12-year-old, for example, it's legally required that every single drop be at least 12 years old. Other words aren't so strictly defined. "Take a few terms like 'small batch' or 'limited' tongue in cheek," Johns says. "There's no legal classification for what that means, so it's open to interpretation."
That's pretty surprising, and it feels like it's something that's not talked about enough. Saying a bourbon is small batch makes it seem like you're getting something special, but that might not be the case. Heather Butcher told us that "handcrafted" is anoth
Google News(Whisky 綜合)|原題:Crown Royal Vs Jack Daniel's: The Better Whiskey May Surprise You - AOL.com
美國專欄作家進行盲測比較,以相近價格點(約台幣 $950)的 Crown Royal Fine De Luxe 加拿大調和威士忌與 Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 田納西威士忌對決。測試涵蓋純飲、加冰及混可樂三種方式。結果令人意外:儘管作者個人偏愛 Crown Royal,但 Jack Daniel's 以其圓潤均衡的風味、順滑的口感,特別是與可樂混飲的完美搭配,最終勝出。Crown Royal 與可樂混飲反而顯得平淡,浪費了其細緻的特色。
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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).
Read more: 15 US Presidents And Their Go-To Whiskey
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.
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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).
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Google News(Scotch/Distillery)|原題:How Much Costco's Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky Cost In 2021 Vs 2026 - Mashed
Costco自有品牌Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky在過去五年價格保持穩定,2021年1.75公升瓶裝售價約$20美元(部分州低於$20,部分州接近$30),2026年平均價格$19.72美元,範圍$17.99-$29.99。該款威士忌經六年橡木桶陳年,品質獲好評,甚至與高價的Crown Royal相當且據稱出自同一酒廠。Costco能維持低價的關鍵:採用自有品牌策略降低中間成本、直接與製造商合作、大量採購、利潤率控制在15%以內(遠低於業界25-50%的標準),以及會費制營運模式提供經濟緩衝。
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How Much Costco's Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky Cost In 2021 Vs 2026
It seems like every time we go to buy groceries (or anything else for that matter), the price tags just keep getting higher. That trend stems from a number of issues, including increased operating and labor costs, international conflicts, climate-related weather events, and some good old fashioned inflation. If you're looking for some relief from soaring food bills, you might find it at Costco — and not just when it comes to the chain's famous $1.50 hot dog combo. Some of its liquor prices have also remained quite flat over the past few years, whether we're talking about the cost of Kirkland Signature Kentucky Bourbon or the retailer's Canadian whisky.
Much like the bourbon, the price of Costco's Blended Canadian Whisky hasn't changed much in the last five years. As reported by Forbes at the time, in 2021, the prices for a 1.75-liter bottle started at under $20 in some states but went up to just under $30 in others. One Reddit user also cited the price as being "around $20" in a post from 2021. As of the time of writing in 2026, the price of the Kirkland whisky is just about the same, ranging from $17.99 to $29.99. Per Warehouse Runner, a price tracking aggregator that compares data from Costco locations across the United States, the average price for a bottle is currently $19.72.
How Costco is able to keep its liquor prices so stable
Costco's Blended Canadian Whisky is aged for six years in oak casks, and is frequently praised by reviewers for its quality and taste, making it one of the best Kirkland Signature liquors you can buy. In fact, it's been favorably compared to the much pricier Crown Royal Canadian whisky — and is reportedly even made in the same facility. So, you may be wondering: What makes Costco's Kirkland spirits, so cheap?
Turns out, there are a few factors. First of all, the company saves money by selling the booze under its own private label, a strategy that allows it to work directly with manufacturers, avoid the middleman markups, and purchase items in bulk. Costco is then able to pass those savings directly on to its customers. Secondly, the retailer doesn't let the profit margins on products exceed 15%. Compare that to markups other stores may be charging you on groceries, and you're sure to notice the difference. For liquor specifically, it's common to see retail markups of 25% to 50%.
Lastly, of course, is the revenue stream every Costco member is well aware of: its membership fees. Because the warehouse store makes money through its membership model, it's better equipped to weather those storms of inflation, tariffs, and other unexpected shifts in the economy. It's an added layer of security that keeps customers coming back — and paying for the privilege to do so. And hey, the proof is on the price tags.
Google News(Scotch/Distillery)|原題:Could American Single Malt Have Regions Like Scotch? Amanda Beckwith Thinks So - The Whiskey Wash
Virginia Distillery Company 液體開發主任 Amanda Beckwith 認為美國單一麥芽威士忌應該建立如蘇格蘭般的區域認定系統。該廠的 Blue Ridge Toasted Barrel Finish 今年獲世界威士忌大賽最佳美國單一麥芽獎。Beckwith 指出美國地域遼闊,不同地區氣候、木材資源差異大——太平洋西北部有 Garryana 橡木、德州氣候迥異、新墨西哥州可用 mesquite 煙燻——應建立地理化的品飲認識,就像消費者看到 Islay 或 Speyside 便知其特色。她的願景是讓美國單一麥芽也能透過地區身份幫助消費者理解不同產地特色。
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Earlier this year, Virginia Distillery Company’s Blue Ridge Toasted Barrel Finish was named Best American Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards. The whiskey comes from Lovingston, Nelson County, where Virginia Distillery produces nothing but American single malt, and is finished in virgin oak cut from the Blue Ridge Mountains a short drive away.
Crown Royal x Juicy Couture Drop Limited Edition Y2K-Inspired Merch
READ THE STORYThe person who assembled it is Amanda Beckwith, Director of Liquid Development & Lead Blender at Virginia Distillery Company. She joined before any spirit had come off the stills and filled some of the first barrels herself.
We met over dinner in Manchester earlier this year, where I worked my way through a good portion of the range, and spoke again at length afterwards. What Beckwith kept returning to was not the award. It was a map.
“My fantasy and dream is being able to have recognized regions of American single malt,” she told me.
American single malt only gained a formal federal definition in January 2025. For Beckwith, though, defining how it is made is only part of the job. The next question is how drinkers understand what different parts of America can make it taste like.
“I Wrote a Cover Letter So Fast”
Beckwith studied English at university, which is a background we share, and entered the world of whiskey through travel.
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“I like to travel a lot, and so whenever I was in a new place, I wanted to understand the culture and the people and the history, and I found the best way to really get into it was looking for distinctive foods and drinks,” she said.
Her brother Josh, now a chef, cooked while she worked out what to pour alongside it. A bottle of Johnnie Walker he brought home from work became a shared obsession, and the pair later travelled to Scotland together.
When Beckwith heard a distillery was opening in Virginia, she assumed it would make bourbon. Instead, founder Dr. George G. Moore, an Irishman who had moved to the United States in the 1970s, was building a distillery around two of his enthusiasms: Virginia and single malt.
“I don’t know what came over me. I wrote a cover letter so fast,” Beckwith said.
She sent her CV without a particular role in mind. Her work at the Virginia Aquarium caught the attention of brand director Marlene Steiner, who needed help with tours and tastings. “She said she got goosebumps meeting me because I was so excited about the whiskey,” Beckwith said. She was offered the job days later.
The role quickly became something else. Beckwith arrived while the distillery was still being brought to life and learned alongside the people doing it, including engineer Harry Cockburn, Andrew Shand and the late Dr. Jim Swan.
Swan’s first lesson stuck.
“Don’t try to force the climate to do something that it’s not going to do naturally,” she said Swan had told her.
Virginia’s subtropical climate, distinct seasons, and humidity were not problems to overcome. They were part of the whiskey.
Beckwith filled some of the first barrels herself, was there when the first spirit ran from the stills, and later built a small sensory team. She studied for her WSET qualifications and travelled to Kentucky and Scotland to keep learning.
Then Nancy Fraley visited the distillery for a training session, told Beckwith she should be blending, and told Gareth Moore the same thing. Moore asked. Beckwith accepted.
Putting Virginia In A Glass
Beckwith settled on orchard fruit and spice as the Virginia Distillery house style. The fruit reflects the esters created during fermentation, while the spice comes through maturation.
Blue Ridge Toasted Barrel Finish began with a commercial question. How could Virginia Distillery make American single malt approachable to bourbon drinkers? Beckwith turned it into a geographical one.
“How do we put Virginia in a glass?” she said.
The whiskey is distilled, matured and bottled at the distillery, but its primary maturation takes place in ex-bourbon barrels, usually from Kentucky. Beckwith wanted Virginia wood involved too, so she turned to West Virginia Great Barrel Company.
She trialled four toast levels, from light to heavy, using the virgin oak for finishing rather than filling it with new make. That allowed her to watch what the wood added without burying the distillate underneath it.
“I got this beautiful graham cracker, toasted coconut, the vanillins and caramel and brown sugar were all there. But I still had the fruit character, and in fact, sometimes it showed more citrus,” she said.
My Virginia Distillery Blue Ridge Toasted Barrel Finish American Single Malt Whiskey Tasting Notes
Nose: Honey and digestive biscuits followed by malty, toasted barley, bright citrus, hazelnuts and dark chocolate.
Palate: Malty grain sweetness, fresh hay, vanilla, underripe stone fruits and waves of caramel.
Finish: Ginger and cinnamon spice linger with orchard fruit.
Old World Meets New
The port cask finish was one of my favorites over dinner, and it was the whiskey I asked Beckwith about first. She built it around a contrast between Portugal and Virginia, using genuine port casks alongside barrels from Virginia wineries producing wines in a similar style.
The Portuguese casks were chosen for what each could contribute.
“Those rubies are more youthful, but in such a good way, bright red fruit, which pairs really well with the chocolatey notes I was looking for, and then the tawny brings in the nuttier, richer depth,” she said.
Some of those finishes run to three years. In Virginia, that makes “finish” feel almost like an understatement.
My Virginia Distillery Port Cask Reserve American Single Malt Whiskey Tasting Notes
Nose: Supple leather, pound cake, baking spices and clove-stuffed oranges.
Palate: Viscous despite the strength, with a hint of smoke, sugared orange zest, lemon drops, walnuts, chocolate and red berries.
Finish: Sugared almonds, malt and roasted coffee beans.
The Cabernet finish follows a similar idea. Beckwith combines Bordeaux casks with casks from Jordan Winery in California, finishing the whiskey separately before blending the components together. It is a method that lets each cask type do a specific job rather than asking one maturation to deliver everything.
The Case For An American Single Malt Map
That attention to place feeds directly into Beckwith’s larger argument for American single malt.
“In the U.S. when people hear single malt, they often still think Scotch and peated,” she said.
Scotland’s whisky regions are imperfect, but they give drinkers a starting point. Islay means something to a shopper before they know the distillery or bottle. Speyside means something else. The regional shorthand is broad and occasionally frustrating, but it helps people navigate the category.
Beckwith believes American single malt needs its own version of that vocabulary.
The Pacific Northwest has producers working with local oak species such as Garryana. Texas has a radically different climate. New Mexico distillers can work with mesquite smoke. Virginia has its humidity, seasons and local wood. Beckwith has no interest in making Virginia whiskey taste like Santa Fe because that would miss the point.
“Geographically the entire nation of Scotland can fit inside the state of Virginia with room to spare,” she said.
Virginia is not even a particularly large state. Evaporation in Texas is different from Virginia, which is differe
Moray whisky industry helping to convert organic waste into low-carbon energy
Organic waste from the Moray whisky industry is being produced into low-carbon energy.
Producing this from organic waste, residues and sustainable agricultural practices can deliver value to the system, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) has said.
According to NESO, the conversion of organic residue into low carbon gas - known as biomethane - can help create a more affordable and sustainable energy system.
The potential for producing environmentally-friendly energy from industrial by-products such as residues from the whisky industry was highlighted when NESO visited Scotland’s distilling heartland of Speyside.
A NESO team went to Grissan’s Portgordon facility to understand how whisky production residues are processed into biomethane and organic soil conditioner.
Grissan specialises in large-scale advanced anaerobic digestion technology to process cereal-based feedstock into biomethane.
From 2027, they will produce enough low carbon gas to meet around four per cent of Scotland’s demand for natural gas, with the Portside facility generating sufficient biomethane each year to decarbonise more than 30,000 homes.
The biomethane displaces natural gas, or other fossil fuels, and is currently used mainly for heating and transport.
Grissan also produces liquid and fibre organic soil conditioners at its sites to support sustainable, regenerative local farming.
This summer NESO published its “Biomethane” report, which explored the benefits of biomethane in the energy system and what factors need to be considered to increase production.
The report identified potential for biomethane to scale up and said a government-led, strategic approach, involving cross-sector collaboration, could help maximise the value that biomethane delivers to the energy system and the wider energy transition.
Craig Dyke, NESO director of system operations, said: “It was great to see the work being done by Grissan in Speyside, using anaerobic technology to create low carbon gas from the residue of the distilling process.
“Speyside is synonymous with the finest Scotch whisky – an industry which supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and makes a massive contribution to the economy.
“It was impressive to see how this traditional industry is embracing inventive and resourceful methods to produce low-carbon energy, supporting decarbonisation, local farming and the circular economy.
“NESO’s recent ‘Biomethane’ report has emphasised that a strategic approach involving government and collaboration across sectors could make the most of the benefits biomethane can bring to the energy system.”
Paul Blackler, managing director of Grissan Renewable Energy, said: “We were delighted to welcome senior representatives from the National Energy System Operator to our Portside facility to see the important work Grissan is doing to decarbonise Scotland’s gas supply.
“NESO’s recent recognition of biomethane as a strategic technology that provides on-tap green energy is another important step as the industry looks to scale up further in Great Britain.
“Large-scale plants such as our Portside facility have a crucial role to play in facilitating cost-effective decarbonisation in a way that supports local economic growth.
“More large-scale plants are ready to be deployed today across the country, displacing fossil sources of methane, liquid carbon dioxide and fertiliser.
“The government must now do all it can to scale-up this crucial industry to deliver a renewable, reliable and ready source of power.”
Why this Scotch whisky company is betting big on Indian single malt
Scotch whisky maker Ian Macleod is expanding into India with a Rs 200 crore distillery in Himachal Pradesh. Its upcoming Una Himalayan single malt aims to compete globally and redefine India’s premium whisky space
India is familiar territory to Ian Macleod, the world’s tenth largest Scotch whisky company, and family-owned maker of single malts such as Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank.
It set up shop in Delhi over two decades ago and has long supplied bulk Scotch malt whisky to Indian distillers to use in their blends. It has now built its first distillery outside Scotland in Una, Himachal Pradesh.
The company has invested about Rs 200 crore in Una, which has an annual production capacity of around 1.5 million litres. Ian Macleod will continue to sell its malt whisky to Indian companies, but it is also making a much bigger bet: its own Indian single malt. Named after the town, Una Himalayan single malt is scheduled to be launched around August next year.
In this interview with Firstpost, Leonard Russell, Managing Director and owner of Ian Macleod, explains why his company chose to make whisky in India rather than simply sell Scotch here, the potential of Indian single malt as a category, and why he wants Una to become the “Macallan of Indian single malts”.
Ian Macleod has spent decades making Scotch whisky. Why did you decide that the company should actually make whisky in India rather than simply sell Scotch here?
We’ve been watching the markets in India and the changes in demographics. The growth in the middle class means that maybe 20 million new consumers are coming into the category who can afford to buy a bottle of Scotch whisky or premium Indian whisky.
And obviously the trend, as it is around the world, is to drink less but drink better. We have watched with admiration the growth in the market for premium IMFL and the emergence of single malts.
I was kind of sold on it when I first met Neelakanta Rao Jagdale, the owner of Amrut, back in the early 1990s. We helped Amrut make their IMFL, and I was impressed with Amrut’s single malt. Our objective is simply to make the very best single malt that India can produce.
You’ve said you want Una to be the “Macallan of Indian single malts”. What does that mean in practice?
I would like our distillery to be the Rolls-Royce of Indian whiskies - the Macallan of single malts of India. And I’m pretty sure that we have the ability to do that. We’ve been distilling there for nearly three years now.
Una malt is being produced according to the regulations laid down for Scotch whisky. I understand that the regulations in India are a bit looser than the Scotch whisky ones, but we want to export Una all around the world, so we are going to comply with the definitions of whisky as laid down around the world.
The vast majority of the distillery is made in India. We didn’t want to take a risk with the copper stills, so we made them in Scotland. The whisky from Una is unapologetically Indian. We’re not pretending in any way that it is Scotch whisky.
Do you see Una primarily as an Indian whisky for Indian consumers, or as a global whisky made in India?
I’m convinced that with Una we are making a whisky which can stand proudly on the world stage, competing with whiskies from the many countries which produce whisky. Obviously, single malt Scotch whisky is the largest market and the benchmark. But there are very good brands coming out of elsewhere.
There are a lot of expat Indians living in America, in Canada, in the UAE, in Dubai, here in the UK. So that means that we have an audience ready - and I hope willing - to try our single malt as and when we prepare it.
I don’t want Indian single malt to be seen as a novelty, something that people have in a shop just because it is Indian. I’m very much hoping that we can build the trust of the consumer so that they will choose an Indian brand over a bourbon or a Scotch.
There could be dozens of Indian single malt brands within a few years. Is the market becoming overcrowded?
I think there is a lot of interest from consumers in single malts from India. I recently went to an event in London where we tried about 15 different brands, with many different iterations. And I have to say, some are good and some are not so good. I think there may well be a large expansion in the number of single malt distilleries in India.
But in order to be successful, they need to make a very good-quality liquid. The issue these companies need to be aware of is that the consumer has an increasingly sophisticated taste, and the consumer will decide what is successful and what isn’t.
If you want to be successful in making whisky, you shouldn’t cut corners. As my grandmother said: “If you’re going to do something, do it properly.”
You’ve also expressed concern about the standards of some new Indian single malts. Why?
If fly-by-nights come along and start launching brands which are not genuine and don’t taste good, they are going to damage the image and reputation of Indian single malt.
That’s my concern. The largest part of the Scotch Whisky Association’s annual budget is spent on legal fees, stopping companies from damaging the image of Scotch whisky or producing counterfeit products. Indian malt needs to police itself.
With tariffs on Scotch coming down under the India-UK trade agreement, what do you expect to happen to the Indian whisky market?
I don’t think retail prices will come down hugely. With the reduction in import duties from 150 per cent to 75 per cent, and then tiering down to 40 per cent over 10 years, I think that will give Indian whiskies the opportunity to increase the amount of bulk Scotch that they put into their blends.
My feeling is that the quality of the premium IMFL brands has an opportunity to improve, and that, in turn, will be good for consumers in India.
Do you expect other independent Scotch whisky companies to follow Ian Macleod and build distilleries in India?
The smaller companies would have difficulty in raising the capital, because to build a single malt distillery that is capable of producing something really great costs a lot.
To build a single malt distillery along with its warehouses, you need to be putting in more than Rs 100 crore to be sure that you have the best-quality production equipment and warehousing and meet all the legislation.
Having a distillery is only one part of the jigsaw. Then you have distribution. But I think that all international businesses are looking at India, with its growing consumer group with increasing disposable income.
Can Indian single malt become a global category in the way Japanese whisky has?
I don’t see any reason why not. If it tastes good enough.
Google News(Scotch/Distillery)|原題:Why the Talisker 47 Year Old Magma Won Me Over Against My Better Judgement - The Whiskey Wash
Talisker 47 Year Old Magma以火山玄武岩碳烤美國橡木桶進行最後四個月陳年,酒精度48.8%。評論者原本對此類行銷手法持保留態度,但品嚐後大為改觀。酒款呈現熱帶果香(桃子、奇異果)與糖果甜感,入口則展現煙燻、礦物質與黑胡椒風味,甚至帶有野生大蒜與帕瑪乾酪的獨特料理感。評分9/10,被視為Diageo集團旗下Talisker酒廠近期難得的優質之作。
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Every so often, a whisky arrives on my desk that I fully expect to dismiss, only to find myself completely disarmed. The Talisker 47 Year Old Magma is exactly that whisky. Finished in casks that have been seared and scorched with hot volcanic basalt rock, it sounds like the kind of marketing gimmick I would normally raise an eyebrow at.
Crown Royal x Juicy Couture Drop Limited Edition Y2K-Inspired Merch
READ THE STORYYet after spending a good while with it, I have to admit this is a genuinely impressive dram, and I got hold of a sample thanks to the generosity of Mark Littler following his Forbes article.
The numbers alone tell an interesting story. This is a 47 year old Talisker bottled at 48.8%, having spent nearly all of those five decades quietly maturing in refill American oak hogsheads. Only in the final four months of its life was it moved into new American oak charred with heated basalt rock, presumably rolled around inside so as not to burn the wood to ruin.
It is not the first time Talisker has experimented in this way, but it remains a curiosity, and the bottle itself, made from recycled glass, is a very pretty thing indeed. Still, I judge these on taste alone, and nothing else.
On the nose it lies firmly in the tropical field, bursting with juicy peach and kiwi, all backed by a beautiful candy floss sweetness that takes you straight to the fair. The classic coastal Talisker character is there, but it is restrained and pulled back, arriving only after your nose has lingered in the glass for some time.
The palate is where this thing really shines. Big tropical fruits lead the charge before smoky, flinty, mineral notes leap out of nowhere, joined by black pepper, lemon oil and a funky, yeasty, almost Parmesan quality. I even found a note of wild garlic on the finish, which may be the nichest thing I have ever recorded. This might be the most culinary whisky I have ever experienced.
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Part of me wanted to dislike this, if only because it comes from a conglomerate the size of Diageo. But it is impossible not to be won over by the charm of such a dignified, complex old Talisker. For a distillery I feel is a little on the back foot at the minute, with few exciting releases and dwindling interest, this is a genuine statement of quality. It earns a nine out of 10 from me.
So here is my question to you: do gimmicks like basalt seared casks add real character, or are we simply being charmed by clever storytelling?
To see my full tasting of the Talisker 47 Year Old Magma, check out my YouTube video.
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Google News(Whisky 綜合)|原題:“A Disrespectful Thing” – Deshaun Watson, Who’s Been Sued 27 Times For Sexual Assault, Whines About Being Booed By Cleveland Browns Fans - Whiskey Riff|僅標題
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(僅標題資訊)美國電視劇《Nashville》的演員 Charles Esten 分享了與共演演員 Hayden Panettiere 初次相遇的故事。該則新聞來自 Whiskey Riff 娛樂媒體,似乎與威士忌產業關係較遠,更多是娛樂八卦內容。
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Breaking: Whiskey Fire reported in Madera County on Aug. 23
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
First discovered: 11:49 a.m. Aug. 23
Initial location: Madera County, Calif.
Fire type: Wildfire
Fire name: Whiskey
A new wildfire was reported today at 11:49 a.m. in Madera County, California.
Whiskey Fire has been burning on private land. At this time, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined.
There is currently no information on the containment of the fire.
Source: National Interagency Fire Center
United Robots Sacramento
This story was originally published August 23, 2026 at 12:34 PM.
Breaking: Whiskey Fire reported in Madera County on Aug. 23
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
First discovered: 11:49 a.m. Aug. 23
Initial location: Madera County, Calif.
Fire type: Wildfire
Fire name: Whiskey
A new wildfire was reported today at 11:49 a.m. in Madera County, California.
Whiskey Fire has been burning on private land. At this time, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined.
There is currently no information on the containment of the fire.
Source: National Interagency Fire Center
United Robots Sacramento
This story was originally published August 23, 2026 at 12:34 PM.
He may be an expert in raising your BP, but your brother deserves nothing but the best. This Raksha Bandhan 2026, spoil him silly with his favourite whiskies, from classic single malts to delicious Japanese blends.
Raksha Bandhan 2026: 7 whisky selections between Rs 3,000 and Rs 15,000 to gift your brother this year
This Indian single malt makes for a unique offering for a unique sibling, with the whisky being aged in a distillery in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. It is first matured in ex-American bourbon casks and then finished in ex-Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks. It’s the red wine casks that give it its zing; adding to its distinct dryness sweet notes of apricot, manuka honey and hints of vanilla. Every sip is accompanied by the warming notes of oak with a peppery and baking spices finish.
Price: Rs 8,600
Starting with a mash bill of 86 per cent corn and 14 per cent barley, this Japanese whisky is then double copper pot distilled using some of the world’s most pristine waters from the Misaka Mountain range in the Mt. Fuji basin. On the palate, it reveals gentle notes of pear, dried fruit, honey, and a touch of smoke. An elderflower finish gives the spirit an extra zing.
Price: Rs 3,950
Distinctive in character, the Chivas Regal Crystalgold, found in Delhi and Mumbai duty-free shops, contains pleasing notes of red apple, pear and warming spice. A fitting choice for the sibling whose taste has always come with a perspective of its own.
Price: Rs 7,500
This distinguished single malt is matured with precision in French Limousin oak casks, which lends it its harmonious blend of sweet fruits and delicate spices. With its creamy, buttery nose, smooth fruit-and-nut palate, and a finish that lingers with hints of sweet almond and spice, The Glenlivet 15 is the perfect gift for your brother to add to his collection.
Price: Rs 8,500
If your sibling is a fan of Harvey Specter, it’s only fitting to gift him a Macallan. The Macallan 12-Year Sherry Oak is a thoughtful pick, with its unique flavour profile that carries notes of raisins, figs, dates and a little dark chocolate on the nose, and traces of vanilla, clove, orange, strawberry, rhubarb, milk chocolate, and some very subtle oak scents on the palette.
Price: Rs 13,499
This special whisky brings together sun-drenched sweetness, warm spice and 15 years of maturation, making it an indulgent gifting choice for Raksha Bandhan. Crafted using a combination of bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, the result is a richly layered yet approachable single malt, with notes of raisins, honey, toffee and clove, lifted by gentle hints of cinnamon.
Price: Rs 9,601
Other than the savoury taste of this unique bourbon, the Makers Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky is known for its iconic handmade bottles dipped in red wax. The whisky, which has a pleasant, lasting finish, contains traces of caramel, vanilla, and a fruity essence.
Price: Rs 7,400