English Whisky has secured protected Geographical Indication (GI) status, a major milestone for a sector that has grown from a handful of pioneering producers into one of England’s most exciting food and drink success stories.
The new status officially recognises English Whisky as a distinctive whisky category, reflecting years of work by producers across England who have combined craftsmanship, innovation and ambition to create a spirit with a character worthy of protection.
With distilleries from Cornwall to Northumberland, the sector is supporting local communities by protecting skilled jobs and drawing visitors across the country, helping drive growth in every postcode.
There are more than 70 distilleries now producing English whisky, up from 46 in 2023, and bottles exported to more than 30 countries across the globe. Industry estimates maturing stocks held in casks across England to be worth around £1 billion, underlining the confidence and investment pouring into the sector.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said:
The UK is home to world-class whisky production, from grain to glass.
Standing proudly alongside Scotch, Welsh and Irish whiskies, this new protected status is recognition of English Whisky’s distinctive character alongside the expert craftsmanship that goes into its production.
It’s a milestone that will be felt far beyond the distillery gates, bringing jobs, investment and pride to communities across the country.
The application was led by the English Whisky Guild on behalf of its member distilleries, bringing producers together behind a shared ambition to secure recognition for English Whisky’s distinct qualities, provenance and growing international reputation.
Morag Garden, English Whisky Guild CEO said:
Securing GI status is a landmark achievement for English Whisky and recognition of the quality and innovation across our growing industry.
We are grateful to Defra and to everyone who contributed to this collaborative effort. This milestone will support future growth and international recognition for English Whisky.
English Whisky now joins Scotch, Welsh and Irish whiskies as a recognised and protected whisky category, showcasing the breadth, qualities and innovation of whisky production across the United Kingdom.
To take advantage of this new protected status, English Whisky producers must first be verified under HMRC’s Spirit Drink Verification Scheme.
As the sector continues to expand, this protection will help secure the reputation of English Whisky while supporting the skilled jobs, local investment and thriving communities that sit at the heart of its success.
The
English whisky world has something big to celebrate. English whisky has officially been granted protected Geographical Indication status. From now on, English whisky is recognized as a distinct, protected whisky category. It’s a major milestone for an industry that has grown remarkably fast in recent years.
The UK government announced the new protected status on 11 September. English whisky now joins Scotch whisky and Welsh whisky as an officially recognized whisky category in the United Kingdom.
What does protected status mean for English whisky?
The new Geographical Indication (GI) protects the name English Whisky and formally establishes it as a product with a specific geographic origin. That official designation matters to English whisky makers. It helps prevent whisky that doesn’t meet the defined standards from being sold as English Whisky.
At the same time, the recognition can help strengthen the reputation of English whisky at home and abroad. Producers can’t simply use the protected name, however. Distillers who want to make use of the new status must first be verified through HMRC’s Spirit Drink Verification Scheme.
England’s whisky industry is booming
The
recognition for English whisky didn’t happen overnight. The application has been in the works for quite some time and was submitted by a collective of distilleries. According to the UK government, there are now more than 70 distilleries producing English whisky. In 2023, there were 46. English whisky is currently exported to more than 30 countries.
A substantial volume of whisky is now maturing in English warehouses. Industry estimates put the value of English whisky stocks currently in cask at around £1 billion.
| Whisky Deals from Whisky Exchange | Week 37 |
| Kilchoman Sanaig | 48,96 |
| Aberlour A'Bunadh Batch 58 | 84,95 |
| Ballechin 10 Year Old | 52,25 |
| Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit | 35,50 |
| Ardbeg Kildalton | 225 |
English Whisky Guild played a key role
The application for protected status was submitted by the
English Whisky Guild on behalf of its member distilleries. According to CEO Morag Garden, the new GI status is an important acknowledgment of both the quality and the innovation within
England’s whisky industry. The organization also expects the protection to support further international growth.
For a whisky category that’s still relatively young, it’s a significant step. English whisky is no longer just a small challenger to its Scottish neighbor; it now has an officially protected place within the UK’s whisky landscape.
FAQ
- What is the new protected status for English whisky?
English whisky has been granted Geographical Indication status. This officially protects the name and recognizes English whisky as a distinct whisky category.
- How many English whisky distilleries are there?
According to the UK government, more than 70 distilleries now produce English whisky. In 2023, there were 46.
- Can any English distillery use the name English Whisky?
No. Producers wishing to use the protected status must first be verified through HMRC’s Spirit Drink Verification Scheme.
Google News(Scotch/Distillery)|原題:North Yorkshire Distilleries Toast Official Protected Status for English Whisky - Harrogate Informer
英格蘭威士忌正式獲得英國政府的地理標示(GI)法律保護認證,標誌著該產業的歷史性里程碑。新法規規定任何標示「English Whisky」的烈酒必須完全採用英國穀物,並在英格蘭完成糖化、發酵、蒸餾和陳年。英格蘭釀酒廠數量從2023年的46家增至70多家,陳年威士忌庫存價值約10億英鎊。北約克郡的Spirit of Yorkshire、Cooper King、Whittaker's和Ellers Farm等知名獨立釀酒廠成為主要受益者。該認證需通過HMRC稅務機構的嚴格驗證,並有助於促進國際出口及鄉村地區就業機會。
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HARROGATE — Distillers across North Yorkshire are celebrating this weekend after English Whisky officially secured protected Geographical Indication (GI) status from the government, marking a historic legal milestone for the fast-growing regional spirits sector.
The new statutory designation, confirmed today [12 September 2026] by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), legally recognises English Whisky as a distinct spirit category. The framework introduces strict regulations governing production provenance, dictating that any spirit carrying the “English Whisky” label must be produced entirely from UK cereal grains, mashed, fermented, distilled, and matured within England.
The legal protection places English producers on equal statutory footing with established Scotch, Welsh, and Irish whisky families. The surge in domestic production has seen the number of operational English distilleries climb from 46 in 2023 to more than 70 today, with industry estimates valuing maturing stocks held in casks across the country at approximately £1 billion.
North Yorkshire Distilleries Toast Historic Milestone
The regulatory rollout directly impacts several high-profile independent producers operating across the North Yorkshire agricultural footprint. Key regional beneficiaries include Whittaker’s Distillery based in Nidderdale, Ellers Farm Distillery near Stamford Bridge, Cooper King Distillery in Sutton-on-the-Forest, and The Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, famed for its Filey Bay single malt portfolio.
Local producers have welcomed the announcement, noting that the rigid legal framework protects the integrity of their investment while reinforcing the link between regional distillation and British farming infrastructure.
Jenni Ashwood, Marketing Director at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery:
This GI has been painstakingly developed over a number of years to protect the quality, integrity and focus on provenance and flavour, that has defined English Whisky over the past two decades. It provides the solidly robust framework from which the category can flourish and thrive long into the future. As farmers, as well as distillers, we’re particularly pleased that the GI stipulates that to be labelled an ‘English whisky’, it must be made from UK cereal grain, thereby directly supporting British agriculture.
Strict HMRC Verification and Global Export Push
To utilize the new protected status in commercial trade, English whisky houses must undergo formal clinical auditing and verification via HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) under the strict Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme. The regulatory system covers all phases of production, including mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation, and final bottling layout protocols, with baseline guidance due to be published shortly.
Government leaders stated that the expansion of the sector plays a critical role in driving skilled manufacturing employment and tourism footfall into rural economies, with bottles currently exported to more than 30 international markets.
Dame Angela Eagle, Environment Secretary:
The UK is home to world-class whisky production, from grain to glass. Standing proudly alongside Scotch, Welsh and Irish whiskies, this new protected status is recognition of English Whisky’s distinctive character alongside the expert craftsmanship that goes into its production. It’s a milestone that will be felt far beyond the distillery gates, bringing jobs, investment and pride to communities across the country.
Morag Garden, CEO of the English Whisky Guild:
Securing GI status is a landmark achievement for English Whisky and recognition of the quality and innovation across our growing industry. We are grateful to Defra and to everyone who contributed to this collaborative effort. This milestone will support future growth and international recognition for English Whisky.
The local industry rollout follows extensive consultation loops led by the English Whisky Guild, design options to shield independent distillers from counterfeit foreign imports, and ongoing efforts to secure domestic supply lines across the agricultural landscape.
The Harrogate Informer delivers independent, un-compromised reporting on regional business growth, agricultural policy, and commerce across North Yorkshire. For commercial partnerships or advertising placements, contact our desk at advertising@harrogate-news.co.uk.
English Whisky has secured protected Geographical Indication (GI) status, a major milestone for the sector.
The new status is the result of an application by the English Whisky Guild on behalf of its member distilleries. The application has now formally been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (Defra), meaning English Whisky is officially recognised as a distinctive whisky category.
There are now more than 70 distilleries producing English whisky, up from 46 in 2023, and bottles are exported to more than 30 countries across the world. The industry estimates maturing stock held in casks across England to be worth around £1 billion. The sector, which includes distilleries from Cornwall to Northumberland, supports local communities by protecting skilled jobs and drawing visitors across the country.
Environment secretary, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “Standing proudly alongside Scotch, Welsh and Irish whiskies, this new protected status is recognition of English Whisky’s distinctive character alongside the expert craftsmanship that goes into its production.
“It is a milestone that will be felt far beyond the distillery gates, bringing jobs, investment and pride to communities across the country.”
Morag Garden, English Whisky Guild CEO, said: “Securing GI status is a landmark achievement for English Whisky and recognition of the quality and innovation across our growing industry.
“We are grateful to Defra and to everyone who contributed to this collaborative effort. This milestone will support future growth and international recognition for English Whisky.”
English whisky now joins Scotch, Welsh and Irish whiskies as a recognised and protected whisky category, showcasing the breadth, qualities and innovation of whisky production across the United Kingdom.
Yorkshire’s first distillery, the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, welcomes the landmark GI ruling. Jenni Ashwood, marketing director, said: “This GI has been painstakingly developed over a number of years, to protect the quality, integrity and focus on provenance and flavour that has defined English Whisky over the past two decades. It provides a robust framework from which the category can flourish and thrive long into the future.
“As farmers, as well as distillers, we are particularly pleased that the GI stipulates that to be labelled an ‘English whisky’ it must be made from grain, thereby directly supporting British agriculture.”
Google News(Whisky 綜合)|原題:Amid Concerns Over Idols Becoming Skin-and-Bones, Seol-ah Makes Shocking Confession: "If You Starve Yourself and Drink Only Whiskey, You Become Extremely Gaunt" - 스포츠조선
[Sportschosun, Reporter Lee Ge-eun] Seol-ah, a member of the group Cosmic Girls (WJSN), discussed extreme dieting methods used by idols.
On the 10th, a video of Seol-ah talking about dieting was released on the STUDIO SLAM YouTube channel.
Seol-ah said she had recently lost weight after being told that she appeared to have slimmed down. The conversation then turned to dieting methods used by idols, and Seol-ah said, "The method I used was eating only candy and chocolate. Since they’re light, your stomach doesn’t stick out. Your blood sugar rises temporarily, so you can get through filming. Otherwise, you just starve yourself."
Someone then remarked, "There’s also a method of drinking a lot of alcohol and vomiting it back up," and Seol-ah shocked viewers by saying, "That’s a method idols actually use a lot."
Seol-ah explained, "When I have a photo shoot or music video shoot coming up, I starve myself and then drink about two shots of soju or two glasses of strong whiskey before going to bed. No food goes in—only alcohol—and the alcohol takes all the moisture away. You become skin-and-bones. When you see your bare face, you might wonder if something is wrong, but with makeup and under the lights, you look sharp."
Recently, the excessively thin physiques of idols have repeatedly drawn attention. Their extremely thin arms and legs, along with so-called “skin-and-bones” figures in which their bones protrude visibly, have prompted concerns about their health.
joyjoy90@sportschosun.com
This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.
Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd (ABDL) is planning to enter the single malt whisky segment with an investment of up to Rs 115 crore. The company’s Management Committee has approved the additional capital infusion into its subsidiary, Minakshi Agro Industries LLP (MAILLP).
The investment will be used to set up a malt distillery-cum-maturation warehouse in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The proposed facility is expected to have an annual production capacity of around 3 million bulk litres and is targeted to be commissioned by the third quarter of FY28.
The proposed facility will support ABDL’s planned entry into the provenance-led single malt whisky category. The company said the investment forms part of its broader strategy to expand its presence in premium spirits.
“The proposed investment is aligned with the Company's long-term strategic vision of expanding and strengthening its premium spirits portfolio through entry into the provenance-led Single Malt Whisky segment,” the company said.
The move comes as Indian consumers have shown growing interest in premium and luxury spirits, with domestic single malt brands gaining greater visibility in recent years. ABDL currently has a portfolio spanning whisky and other spirits and is seeking to add a new category to its business.
Alongside the Rs 115 crore investment, the company has approved an additional capital contribution of up to Rs 10 crore for previously approved projects under MAILLP.
The additional funding will address cost overruns linked to a bottling unit and a distillery. According to the company, the increase in project costs is partly due to higher prices of key metals. A marginal expansion of the bottling hall and mezzanine area is also planned to accommodate longer automated bottling lines.
ABDL is the company behind brands including Officer’s Choice and has operations across the Indian spirits market. The company is also present in international markets and exports to 39 countries, according to the company filing.
The Aurangabad facility is expected to add manufacturing capacity for single malt whisky once commissioned. The investment will also mark ABDL’s entry into a segment that requires longer maturation periods and dedicated production infrastructure.
With the proposed investment and ongoing capacity projects, the company is expanding its manufacturing base while adding premium categories to its spirits portfolio.
Milky Mist Dairy Food Limited has commissioned a new Skyr and Greek Yogurt manufacturing facility at its integrated plant in Perundurai, Tamil Nadu, strengthening its presence in India's growing high-protein dairy and packaged food market. Built with an investment of approximately Rs 40 crore, the new facility uses Ultrafiltration Technology and has a processing capacity of up to 150 tonnes per day. The expansion is aimed at increasing production of high-protein dairy products and meeting rising consumer demand for protein-rich nutrition.
Milky Mist was among the first companies in India to introduce Ultrafiltration Technology for the production of Skyr and Greek Yogurt in 2022, targeting a category that has seen increasing consumer adoption over the last few years. The company's initial customised multi-product yogurt facility, established in 2022, had a production capacity of around 20 tonnes per day. Since then, annual demand for the category has grown by more than 50 percent, while demand for high-protein yogurts has more than doubled in recent months, according to the company.
The newly commissioned plant has been developed following an evaluation of international manufacturing technologies. Milky Mist said the facility will help improve production scale, maintain product consistency, and support the development of new high-protein dairy products for a broader consumer base. The project is part of the company's wider expansion and modernisation programme at its Perundurai facility and aligns with the objectives outlined during its initial public offering (IPO). The investment is expected to strengthen operational capacity in the value-added dairy segment, which continues to be one of the fastest-growing categories within India's food and beverage industry.
Dr. K Rathnam, Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer, Milky Mist Dairy Food Limited said, “High-protein nutrition is moving from a niche preference to an increasingly mainstream consumption trend. The strong growth in demand for Skyr and Greek Yogurt validates our early investment in this category and reinforces its long-term potential within India’s value-added FMCG market. The commissioning of our advanced manufacturing facility represents a strategic expansion of our technological capabilities. With processing capacity of up to 150 tonnes per day, it provides us with the scale to serve rising demand, accelerate innovation and expand the category. This investment strengthens Milky Mist’s position in the high-protein segment and creates a robust platform for sustained profitable growth.”
The expansion comes at a time when consumer interest in protein-rich foods, functional nutrition, and value-added dairy products is rising across urban and semi-urban markets. Industry demand for products such as Greek Yogurt, Skyr, high-protein snacks, and nutritional dairy products continues to grow as health-conscious consumption gains momentum.
Flipkart Minutes, the quick commerce arm of Flipkart, has completed two years of operations since its launch in August 2024, reporting 4X year-on-year growth and an expanded network of nearly 1,200 micro fulfilment centres across more than 150 cities in India. The company said it has generated over 4 lakh direct and indirect jobs since inception. It also reported that around 60 percent of customers return to shop on the platform, highlighting the growing adoption of quick commerce across urban and emerging markets.
Tier II and Tier III Cities Drive Expansion
Smaller cities are emerging as a key growth engine for Flipkart Minutes. The platform's customer base has grown nearly 25X year-on-year across cities including Ambala, Barabanki, Bhagalpur, Durgapur, Kanpur, Roorkee, Siliguri, Salem, and Tiruppur. According to the company, demand in these markets is increasingly moving beyond grocery and daily essentials. Categories such as Korean noodles, sauces, ready-to-eat meals, premium skincare, and personal care products are witnessing strong consumer traction.
Gen Z Emerges as Fastest-Growing Customer Segment
Flipkart Minutes reported that Gen Z has become its fastest-growing customer cohort, with the customer base increasing nearly 5X year-on-year over the last 12 months. The demographic now contributes more than 45 percent of orders across categories including beauty, consumer electronics, gaming, wearables, fragrances, health and nutrition, and grooming products. Gen Z customers also account for one in three gourmet food orders on the platform.
Kunal Gupta, Senior Vice President and Head of Flipkart Minutes said, "In two years, Flipkart Minutes has evolved from a convenience offering into a broader shopping channel, with customers using it for much more than their daily essentials. What is particularly interesting is how quickly this behaviour is spreading beyond the largest cities, while Gen Z is also bringing new categories and new shopping occasions to the platform. With our growing network, we have an opportunity to make this experience available to more consumers across the country, while creating new opportunities for brands, farmers and local businesses to reach customers.”
Premium Categories See Strong Demand
The platform noted significant growth in premium and specialised product categories. Gourmet and specialty grocery, introduced within the last year, has grown 8X, driven by demand for products such as cold-pressed oils, imported cheeses, international avocado varieties, and Korean ready-to-eat meals.
Other categories have also recorded notable growth. Men's grooming pr
- Grocery
- 1 min read
Allied Blenders plans foray into single malt whisky, to invest Rs 115 crore
Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd will invest Rs 115 crore in a new malt distillery. This facility in Aurangabad will produce single malt whisky and is expected by FY28. The company also approved Rs 10 crore for ongoing projects. These funds address cost overruns and minor expansions for bottling lines. This move strengthens ABDL's premium spirits portfolio significantly.
New Delhi: Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd (ABDL) on Friday said it will invest Rs 115 crore as part of its ambition to enter into the single malt whisky business.
The Management Committee has approved additional capital infusion of up to Rs 115 crore into subsidiary Minakshi Agro Industries LLP (MAILLP) for setting up a malt distillery-cum-maturation warehouse in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, the company said in a statement.
The proposed facility will have a capacity of around 3 million bulk litres (MN BL) per year and is expected to be commissioned by the third quarter of FY28, the company said in a regulatory filing.
"The proposed investment is aligned with the Company's long-term strategic vision of expanding and strengthening its premium spirits portfolio through entry into the provenance-led Single Malt Whisky segment," ABDL said.
The Committee, at its meeting held on Thursday, also approved an additional capital contribution of up to Rs 10 crore to MAILLP to meet cost overruns in previously approved projects, a bottling unit and a distillery, intimated to exchanges on January 29, 2026, it said.
The additional funding for these ongoing projects is on account of a rise in prices of key metals and a marginal expansion of the bottling hall and mezzanine area to accommodate longer automated bottling lines, the filing said.
ABDL, maker of Officer's Choice, is one of the leading spirits companies in India and the largest exporter in terms of volume, with a presence in 39 international markets.
The Management Committee has approved additional capital infusion of up to Rs 115 crore into subsidiary Minakshi Agro Industries LLP (MAILLP) for setting up a malt distillery-cum-maturation warehouse in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, the company said in a statement.
The proposed facility will have a capacity of around 3 million bulk litres (MN BL) per year and is expected to be commissioned by the third quarter of FY28, the company said in a regulatory filing.
"The proposed investment is aligned with the Company's long-term strategic vision of expanding and strengthening its premium spirits portfolio through entry into the provenance-led Single Malt Whisky segment," ABDL said.
The Committee, at its meeting held on Thursday, also approved an additional capital contribution of up to Rs 10 crore to MAILLP to meet cost overruns in previously approved projects, a bottling unit and a distillery, intimated to exchanges on January 29, 2026, it said.
The additional funding for these ongoing projects is on account of a rise in prices of key metals and a marginal expansion of the bottling hall and mezzanine area to accommodate longer automated bottling lines, the filing said.
ABDL, maker of Officer's Choice, is one of the leading spirits companies in India and the largest exporter in terms of volume, with a presence in 39 international markets.
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Experts Are Cautious Of Pricey Bourbon If It Lacks This One Thing
If you ask experts, there are some key details to look for, as well as some major red flags to avoid when buying bourbon. Particularly when shopping for a higher-end bottle, it's important to consider whether an age statement is included, and to be cautious about what it means if one isn't.
For those who aren't familiar with the particulars of this spirit, a single bottle can contain multiple bourbons that were allowed to mature for different amounts of time. Age statements specify how long the youngest one in the blend was aged. In the United States, federal regulations mandate them for whiskey that's bottled before it reaches 4 years old. Beyond this age, they're optional, but are still often included by distillers who want to promote the lengthy amount of time they've allowed their products to mellow and develop. This is among the reasons that a missing age statement on a high-priced bottle can raise experts' eyebrows.
"A lack of an age statement is not automatically a reason to avoid a bourbon," according to Chris Walster, whisky connoisseur from The Cask Connoisseur. "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."
Age statements are just the start
It's critical to remember that the process for picking a good bourbon involves more than just looking for age statements and picking the oldest one. Young whiskies aren't inherently worse; they typically have a brighter, sharper profile with more of a bite . This can be more appealing to some palates and in some cocktails. However, longer aging is often desired because it mellows the alcohol, better extracts additional flavors from the barrel, and creates a more desirable mouthfeel.
Trying to find top-tier bottles simply by equating quality with price is a risky strategy, too. The most expensive bourbons in the world routinely sell in the four or even five figures for a single bottle. So a hasty, un-researched purchase could turn out to be an expensive regret. On the flip side, clues that a pricey bourbon might be worth its cost include a label that is heavy on details of the production process and ingredients.
You should also look for indications that the brand has a real legacy of making quality bourbon (and isn't a new distiller masquerading as a historic one). The absence of outlandish packaging or bottle shapes is another good sign. Still, age statements can be among the most quickly apparent clues for those sizing up an unfamiliar bottle.
ATLANTA, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 Tennessee Collective, a collaborative effort between 11 Tennessee distilleries, and proof-it, a next-generation consumer authenticity and engagement platform, proudly announces a partnership to commemorate the release of the The 2026 Tennessee Collective American Whiskey, a delicately crafted new addition to the whiskey industry of Tennessee that will give consumers a unique look into the craft, process, and flavor of each bottle, and direct participation with those who made it.
A celebration of the long and rich history of distilling in the state of Tennessee, this new American Whiskey from The Tennessee Collective is a bold testament to the dedication and alliance of the industry. WIth efforts from Big Machine Distillery, Gate 11 Distillery, Jack Daniel's Distillery, Leiper's Fork Distillery, Nelson's Green Brier Distillery, Old Dominick Distillery, Old Glory Distilling Co., Peg Leg Porker Distillery, Short Mountain Distillery, Sugarlands Distilling Co., and Tennessee Legend Distillery, this bottle is a new entry in the history and camaraderie of the Tennessee whiskey distilling industry.
"proof-it has become an integral partner in the Tennessee Collective, creating an exclusive digital experience that connects consumers more deeply to the bottle, the blend and the distilleries behind it," said Charity Toombs, Executive Director of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. "Just as importantly, their technology has given us a valuable window into our customers—helping us better understand who they are, how they engage with the Collective and what interests them most about the product and blend."
The whiskey will be available starting September 1, 2026 at each of the participating distillery's tasting rooms, as well as online for pre-order at www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/tn-collective. Each bottle will come with proof-it tag technology, giving consumers the chance to see the passion that went into each bottle, while also offering the chance to discover what makes this bottle unique. This year's release unlocks a new way to engage with the story of each distiller involved, as each individual distillery's allocation of bottles will come with a custom video and the story of their specific contribution to the whiskey, only accessible via the proof-it tag on the neck. Beyond a collector's item, each bottle tells the story of its own existence in eleven different parts and celebrates the craftsmanship that went into this release.
To celebrate the launch, proof-it will also be hosting the Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest through January 7, 2027, offering buyers an opportunity to explore the whiskey's depth. Simply tap an unlocked smartphone to the unique proof-it tag on each bottle, and users can offer opinions and notes on what they taste in the rich complexity of this unique whiskey. The best entry to the Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest will win tickets to Grain and Grits Festival 2026!
Google News(Whisky 綜合)|原題:TN Whiskey Trail x proof-it: 2026 Tasting Contest - fb101.com
田納西州11家蒸餾廠聯手推出2026 Tennessee Collective American Whiskey,搭載proof-it智能標籤技術。消費者可用手機掃描瓶身標籤解鎖各蒸餾廠的獨家影片與釀製故事。同步舉辦品酒筆記競賽至2027年1月7日,優勝者可獲Grain and Grits Festival 2026門票。此舉象徵威士忌行業朝向「連結包裝」數據行銷及消費者直連的趨勢發展,讓品牌能掌握銷售後的客戶數據與互動洞察。
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Picture a whiskey bottle that doesn't just sit on a back bar looking pretty — it talks back. Tap it with your phone and it plays a video from the distiller who made it, tells you exactly what went into the blend, and then asks you what you taste. That's the pitch behind the newest collaboration to come out of the Volunteer State, and it's a small but telling signal for where premium spirits marketing is heading.
The 2026 Tennessee Collective — a joint effort by 11 Tennessee distilleries — has partnered with proof-it, a consumer authenticity and engagement platform, to launch the 2026 Tennessee Collective American Whiskey. Every bottle ships with proof-it tag technology, and to celebrate the release, the two are running the official Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest.
Eleven Distilleries, One Bottle
This release is less a product and more a handshake across the entire Tennessee whiskey industry. The Collective brings together an impressive roster of names:
- Big Machine Distillery
- Gate 11 Distillery
- Jack Daniel's Distillery
- Leiper's Fork Distillery
- Nelson's Green Brier Distillery
- Old Dominick Distillery
- Old Glory Distilling Co.
- Peg Leg Porker Distillery
- Short Mountain Distillery
- Sugarlands Distilling Co.
- Tennessee Legend Distillery
The whiskey is available starting September 1, 2026 at each participating distillery's tasting room, and online for pre-order at tnwhiskeytrail.com/tn-collective.
How the proof-it Tag Works
Here's the twist that separates this from a standard limited release. Each individual distillery's allocation of bottles comes with a custom video and the story of that distiller's specific contribution to the blend — content that's only accessible by tapping the proof-it tag on the bottle's neck with an unlocked smartphone. In effect, the same whiskey tells its story in eleven different parts, depending on which distillery's allocation you picked up.
"proof-it has become an integral partner in the Tennessee Collective, creating an exclusive digital experience that connects consumers more deeply to the bottle, the blend and the distilleries behind it," said Charity Toombs, Executive Director of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. "Just as importantly, their technology has given us a valuable window into our customers—helping us better understand who they are, how they engage with the Collective and what interests them most about the product and blend."
That last sentence is the part beverage operators should underline twice. The tag isn't just a marketing gimmick — it's a first-party data pipeline in an industry that has historically been flying blind past the point of sale.
The Tasting Notes Contest — and What You Can Win
To drive the release, proof-it is hosting the Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest through January 7, 2027. The mechanics are simple: tap an unlocked smartphone to the unique proof-it tag on each bottle, then submit your own opinions and notes on the whiskey's flavor and complexity. The best entry wins tickets to Grain and Grits Festival 2026. Full contest rules are available on the proof-it site.
Why It Matters
For beverage-industry operators, distributors, and brand builders, this launch is a compact case study in three trends worth watching:
- Connected packaging is becoming a data layer. A tap-to-unlock tag turns a bottle into an owned channel — direct storytelling, authenticity verification, and consumer insight without a retail middleman. If you sell premium bottles and know nothing about who buys them, that gap is now closable.
- Provenance sells. Consumers increasingly pay for the story behind the label. Delivering distiller videos and blend details at the moment of pour deepens engagement and justifies premium pricing — a playbook applicable well beyond whiskey.
- Collaboration builds category clout. Eleven competitors pooling talent into one bottle reinforces "Tennessee whiskey" as a category worth trusting. Regional coalitions can raise all boats — a lesson for craft producers weighing whether to go it alone.
The practical takeaway: whether you run a distillery, a wine and spirits program, or a specialty grocery aisle, connected-packaging tech is maturing fast. The operators who experiment now will own the customer data — and the direct relationship — that competitors will still be chasing.
About the Tennessee Whiskey Trail
Launched seven years ago by the Tennessee Distillers Guild, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail today hosts more than 30 stops across the state, offering both a taste of Tennessee and a road map for adventure — from a quick sip to a full weekend.
Curious how connected packaging and RTD innovation are reshaping the adult beverage aisle? See our coverage of how RTDs and THC are reshaping the adult beverage aisle and the latest on seasonal LTOs and industry shakeups.
Would you tap a bottle to unlock its backstory — and would you pay more for one that does? Drop your take in the comments and tell us how you'd use connected packaging in your own beverage program.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
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Google News(Scotch/Distillery)|原題:7 Best 18-Year-Old Whiskies at Mumbai Duty Free: Auchentoshan 18, Highland Park 18, Glenfiddich 18 To Redbreast 18 - Esquire India
孟買免稅店精選7款18年威士忌,價格從₹8,712(Chivas Regal 18)至₹23,400(Balvenie 18 Pedro Ximénez)。包括蘇格蘭單一麥芽威士忌(如Auchentoshan 18以三次蒸餾著稱、Highland Park 18帶泥炭與雪莉桶風味)、調和威士忌(Johnnie Walker 18、Chivas Regal 18)及愛爾蘭單一壺式威士忌Redbreast 18。每款特性各異,從輕盈優雅到濃郁複雜,適合不同偏好的威士忌愛好者選購。
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AI generated summary, newsroom reviewed
The whisky aisle at Mumbai Duty Free can be surprisingly tempting, especially when an 18-year-old bottle catches your eye. This is an age where whisky often feels properly mature without becoming overly precious, making it a smart pick for a personal collection or a well-chosen gift. For those looking to bring home a bottle with a little more character, these 7 best 18-year-old whiskies at Mumbai Duty Free store cover a handsome range, with Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Highland Park, Auchentoshan, Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker and Redbreast all making the cut.
The Auchentoshan 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky is a lovely pick for anyone who prefers refinement over weight. Its Lowland character comes from the distillery's signature triple distillation, followed by a full 18 years resting in American oak casks that once held bourbon. The outcome is bright and polished, with citrus, green apple and toasted almond on the nose, a touch of vanilla in the middle, and a dry, floral finish that lingers gently. Bottled at 43% ABV in a 70cl bottle, this is the lighter, more elegant choice on the list, ideal for those who enjoy their Scotch delicate rather than heavy.
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Price at Mumbai Duty Free: Rs 9,450
Hailing from Orkney, Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky finds its charm in contrast. Rich, sherry-seasoned oak lends dried fruit and chocolate notes, while a whisper of heathery peat keeps things savoury instead of overly sweet. Bottled at 43% ABV in a 70cl bottle, it strikes one of the better balances on this list, especially for drinkers who enjoy a mix of fruit, oak and just a hint of smoke.
Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Price at Mumbai Duty Free: Rs 16,110
This travel-retail edition takes the familiar Glenfiddich style and adds extra depth. Matured across Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks before being married together in its Solera VAT, it comes in at 47.8% ABV with orchard fruit, baked apple, warm cinnamon and dark chocolate coming through on the palate. Housed in a 70cl bottle, this Speyside single malt whisky is a bolder, more robust version of the classic Glenfiddich profile.
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old Perpetual Collection VAT 04 Single Malt Scotch Whisky Price at Mumbai Duty Free: Rs 12,960
For those who lean towards a polished blend rather than a single malt, Johnnie Walker 18 brings together whiskies that have each aged for at least 18 years. Expect stewed fruit, creamy vanilla, dark caramel and just a restrained touch of smoke, all at 40% ABV. Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Blended Scotch whisky also comes in a generous 100cl bottle, making it a practical pick for anyone who wants a mature Scotch in a larger format to bring home.
Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky Price at Mumbai Duty Free: Rs 9,963
The Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch whisky sits on the richer end of the spectrum, with dried fruit, buttery toffee, orange zest and dark chocolate coming together in a velvety, easy-drinking profile. It works just as well sipped neat as it does poured for a relaxed evening with friends. Bottled at 40% ABV in a 100cl bottle, it offers a softer and more approachable style compared to the single malts on this list.
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky Price at Mumbai Duty Free: Rs 8,712
Redbreast 18 is the bottle worth considering if texture and concentrated fruit are what you look for in a whiskey. Maturation across bourbon, Oloroso sherry, Ruby Port and Cream Sherry casks gives it a dense, almost oily mouthfeel, with sultanas, blackcurrant, hazelnut chocolate and a gentle ginger spice running through it. At 46% ABV in a 70cl bottle, this single pot still Irish whiskey brings noticeably more weight and complexity than anything else in this line-up.
Redbreast 18 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Price at Mumbai Duty Free: Rs 18,720.
The most indulgent bottle on this list, the Balvenie 18 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch whisky spends extra time finishing in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Figs, raisins, honeyed vanilla, mandarin peel and dark chocolate come together to create a dessert-like richness, without ever losing the character of the malt underneath. This 70cl Speyside single malt is bottled at 48.7% ABV, making it the strongest whisky in the entire selection.
The Balvenie 18 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky Price at Mumbai Duty Free: Rs 23,400
At the Mumbai Duty Free store, what makes these whisky bottles worth picking up is not simply their age statement. Each one has its own distinct personality, so the right choice really comes down to how you enjoy your whisky rather than how long it sat in oak. Whisky prices and stock can vary depending on the retailer, bottle size and applicable taxes, so it is always worth checking all that before you buy and fly.
Which is the most expensive 18-year-old whisky on the list?
The Balvenie 18 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish at ₹23,400.
Which is the cheapest?
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old at ₹8,712.
Which whisky has the highest ABV?
The Balvenie 18 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish at 48.7% ABV.
Which is the Irish whiskey in the list?
Redbreast 18 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
Are these prices fixed at Mumbai Duty Free?
No. Prices and availability can change based on stock, taxes, bottle size and retailer updates.
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Google News(Scotch/Distillery)|原題:The Best Supermarket Scotch Whiskies of 2026 — All of Them Award Winners - The Whiskey Wash
許多人認為好威士忌必定昂貴,但超市自有品牌威士忌常遭忽視。在2026年威士忌競賽中,Lidl的Ben Bracken Islay單一麥芽威士忌獲世界威士忌獎金牌;M&S的Kilchoman Islay和Glenfarclas 10年份也分別獲獎;Aldi的Highland Black 8年份調和威士忌售價僅£14.99卻獲銀牌。這些超市自有品牌威士忌之所以能獲獎,是因為避免品牌行銷成本、大量採購降低單位價格,且所有競賽均採盲測評分。對台灣威士忌愛好者而言,這說明尋找優質威士忌不一定需花大錢,關鍵在於願意超越品牌光環去探索。
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Who says good whisky has to cost a fortune? Supermarket own-label whisky tends to get dismissed before anyone has tasted it, which is what makes the most recent competition results worth going through properly.
At the World Whiskies Awards 2026, Lidl’s Ben Bracken Islay single malt took a Gold medal in the Islay single malt category, the same category in which Bowmore’s 21 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask was named World’s Best Single Malt.
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Every bottle listed below holds a medal from a 2026 competition, either the International Spirits Challenge, the World Whiskies Awards or the Scotch Whisky Masters, and all three judge their entries blind.
So, here are some UK market bottles that you can pick up in your next big shop.
Lidl Ben Bracken Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Ben Bracken is Lidl’s own-label single malt range, and there are Islay, Speyside and Highland expressions, with no age statement and bottled at 40% ABV. The label does not name a distillery, which is pretty normal for own-label Scotch. Bottling is handled by the Clydesdale Scotch Whisky Company in Glasgow, and Whiskybase notes that supply partners have included subsidiaries of Whyte & Mackay and Ian Macleod Distillers.
At the World Whiskies Awards 2026, the Islay bottling won a Gold medal. The judges described it as follows: “Peaty, smoky TCP notes mingle with vanilla toffee, soft fudge and hints of coconut on the nose. The palate integrates gentle peat alongside crumbly sweetness and drying wood spice, easing into a balanced, faintly warm medium finish.”
Pappy Van Winkle Prices Just Jumped Up to 30% — But They May Still Be Too Cheap
READ THE STORYIt sells for around £18. Three Ardbeg releases took Gold in the same category, priced from around £32 to £245.
M&S Collection Kilchoman Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Kilchoman is a farm distillery on the west coast of Islay that has been producing since 2005, making it one of the younger operations on the island. The bottling sits in the M&S Collection range, selected and bottled by M&S.
It won a Gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2026. Lagavulin 16 Year Old and Bowmore 18 Year Old were also awarded Gold in the same competition.
Kilchoman’s house style is peated, and the distillery’s own tasting notes for its core Machir Bay release describe citrus and vanilla alongside smoke. This particular whisky has notes of vanilla custard, lime, and honey-roasted nuts.
The M&S bottle sells for around £40. Machir Bay sells for around £49 and took a Gold at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2026.
Aldi Highland Black 8 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Highland Black is Aldi’s own-label blended Scotch and carries an 8-year age statement, which is uncommon at this end of the market. Scotchwhisky.com reports that the blend uses Speyside and Highland malt with grain whisky from Girvan. Aldi does not name the blender on the label.
It won a Silver medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2026 in the Blended: Standard category, which covers blends selling for up to £20. Lauder’s and Clan MacGregor took Gold in the same category. Johnnie Walker Black Label was awarded Gold elsewhere in the competition, and Blue Label was awarded a Master.
Reviewers tend to describe a gentle nose of honey and toffee with vanilla and orchard fruit, and occasional floral notes. The palate is light to medium-bodied, with caramel, malt, biscuit and pear with spice. The finish is fairly short, with sweet vanilla and a little oak.
Highland Black sells for around £14.99, which is incredibly cheap.
Aldi Specially Selected Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glen Marnoch is Aldi’s own-label single malt range, which also includes Highland and Islay bottlings along with cask-finished releases. As with most own-label Scotch, the source distillery is not named. Auctioneers McTear’s have noted that rumors point to Glen Moray, Dalmore or GlenDronach, but nothing has been confirmed.
The Speyside bottling won a Silver medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2026 in the Single Malt Speyside: Standard category, covering bottles priced up to £25.
Expect apple and orchard fruit on the nose, with vanilla and marzipan alongside a clear sherry character. Raisins, cinnamon and warm spice come through on the palate, with oak toward the finish.
It sells for around £18.49 in-store.
M&S Collection Glenfarclas 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenfarclas is a Speyside distillery that has remained in family ownership since 1865 and is known for maturing its whisky in sherry casks. This bottling sits in the M&S Collection range, which brings together releases from named distilleries under the retailer’s own selection rather than as anonymous own-label blends.
It won a Silver medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2026.
Glenfarclas describes its own 10 Year Old as having a fresh, malty character with sherry sweetness and a lingering finish.
The M&S bottle sells for around £54. Glenfarclas 10 Year Old under the distillery’s own label sells for around £42. So, here the supermarket will set you back a little more. However, it is presented in a lovely ribboned wooden box, and would make a very good gift.
M&S Collection Glengoyne 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glengoyne sits just north of Glasgow at the edge of the Highland line and is known for distilling without peat, using air-dried barley and sherry influence. This is the third of the M&S Collection bottlings on the list, alongside the Kilchoman and Glenfarclas releases.
It won a Silver medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2026. Glengoyne’s 12 Year Old First Fill Edition was awarded a Double Gold in the same competition, one of only five Scotch entries to reach that level.
The distillery describes its 12 Year Old as unpeated, with fruit and oak spice and a dry finish.
It sells for around £45.
How Supermarket Whisky Wins Medals
Supply arrangements for own-label Scotch generally prevent the retailer from naming the source distillery, which is why a bottle like Glen Marnoch stays unattributed while the M&S Collection releases carry distillery names on the front. The whisky inside comes from established producers either way.
Own-label bottles also avoid the marketing costs that sit behind established brands, and supermarkets buy at a scale that keeps unit prices down. So, just because these whiskies are comparatively cheap, it does not necessarily reflect the quality of the whisky. In fact, if these competitions are to be believed, you can find great whisky for very little outlay, if you are willing to look beyond the branding.
The three competitions mentioned here are all judged blind, meaning that said branding plays no part in the results. This is a great testament to the actual whiskies. Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business and chair of the Global Spirits Masters, wrote of the Scotch Whisky Masters 2026 that there was “No branding, no packaging – the medals are awarded purely on the merit of what’s in the glass.”
The Verdict
Whisky prices have climbed steadily in recent years, and the branded shelf can make a decent bottle feel like a considered purchase. Own-label whisky is worth a proper look in that context. The bottles here were judged without their labels attached and came away with medals from three separate competitions, which is a reasonable indication of quality from panels who had no idea what they were pouring.
None of it means a
Google News(Whisky 綜合)|原題:Living Corner Sofas Poltrone Sofa Novella Small Victorian Whisky Brown Leather Chesterfield Sofa For Sale At - fuelcarmagazine|僅標題
Google News(Whisky 綜合)|原題:Nashville Beer League Featuring Dierks Bentley & Former NHL Star Mike Fisher Inspires Its Very Own Country Song - Whiskey Riff|僅標題
Google News(Whisky 綜合)|原題:Babylon's Whiskey Down Diner to open this September - Newsday
Whiskey Down Diner 將在紐約巴比倫村開設第二家分店,預計9月開幕。這間以「創意美式餐酒吧」概念聞名的餐廳,原創店於2019年在Farmingdale 開業,深受歡迎。新店由共同經營者 Alyson Kanaras 和她的兄弟 John 負責,位於 Alyson 的家鄉,座位數達100人,另有50人的露天庭園。餐點特色包括超大煎蛋捲、蓬鬆鬆餅、創意漢堡與血腥瑪麗,裝潢融合迪斯可舞廳元素,展現品牌特色。
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Babylon's Whiskey Down Diner to open this September
Babylon, get ready: The second outpost of the beloved Whiskey Down Diner, which opened in Farmingdale in 2019, is just about ready for prime time. While we got a sneak peek at the restaurant site over the summer; it’s come a long way since. Co-owner Alyson Kanaras and her brother John are gearing up for the opening of their new restaurant later this month. A date has not been announced.
The Farmingdale eatery was popular with diners from the jump, but the Babylon space is in Alyson Kanaras’ hometown, which makes the expansion "even more exciting. Farmingdale is my baby, but this is where I live," she told Newsday earlier this year.
Babylon mimics the diner-with-a-twist concept that cemented Farmingdale’s success, and the menu remains unchanged. Whether you’re craving oversized omelets, fluffy buttermilk pancakes or avocado toast for breakfast, loaded burgers, creative sandwiches like the turkey pretzel melt or a salmon BLT for lunch or dinner, alongside an order disco fries topped with mozzarella and gravy, or smothered with chicken fingers and vodka sauce, be sure to save room for dessert, another Whiskey Down strong point.
We also strongly suggest the Bloody Marys. Seasonal specials, which feature prominently in Farmingdale, will come online once the daily flow of the Babylon location is set. The state-of-the-art kitchen is massive, and will be overseen by chef Patty Conway; the bar will be managed by Gabriella Patti.
For those who lamented the wait in Farmingdale, Babylon doubles seating capacity to 100 and will feature an al fresco patio facing East Main Street that will seat up to 50 additional diners. If it rains, there’s even a weatherproof retractable awning. After a complete renovation of the former Ristorante Gemelli, diners at the new Whiskey Down will enter through a large foyer that fronts a brand-new logo laid in mosaic tile.
Beyond a host stand fronts a merch display, with the main room anchored by a large bar with 22 seats for counter dining, as well as grab-and-go specialty coffee. Typical diner booths line the back half the restaurant.
A panel of windows illuminates the space, and its high ceiling will be enhanced by — what else — a disco ball, a perfect detail for the spirit of Whiskey Down. "My dad told me not to put in the disco ball," Kanaras laughed, as she mentioned her father, Peter, the family’s restaurant veteran and owner of The Olympic Diner in Deer Park. Alas, the shimmering ball remains.
Whiskey Down Diner, Babylon Village, 175 E. Main St., Babylon; whiskeydowndiner.com
Google News(Whisky 綜合)|原題:Midland Give Chris Stapleton’s “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” a Bluegrass-Fuelled Honky Tonk Kick - That Eric Alper
葛萊美提名鄉村樂團 Midland 翻唱 Chris Stapleton 與已故 Mike Henderson 合寫的經典鄉村歌曲《Drinkin' Dark Whiskey》,在副歌加入藍草元素編排。這首歌曲也曾被 Gary Allan 及 The SteelDrivers 錄製,Midland 的版本透過緊密和聲與舞廳能量,將傳統鄉村音樂的趣味發揮得淋漓盡致,成為酒吧狂歡的完美搭配。
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Midland sound right at home with a song about dark whiskey, loose lips and questionable Saturday-night decisions.
The Grammy-nominated country trio put their own stamp on “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” earlier this year, taking a well-travelled honky tonk song and leaning into the harmonies, dance-hall energy and traditional country instincts that have defined much of their music.
There’s some serious songwriting history behind it.
“Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” was written by Chris Stapleton and the late Mike Henderson, who played together in The SteelDrivers. The song has also been recorded and performed by Gary Allan and The SteelDrivers, giving Midland plenty of history to work with while finding a version that suits the trio.
Their answer was to bring some bluegrass into the chorus.
“‘Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey’ is a seminal honky tonk up-tempo classic that Stapleton wrote and fine artists like Gary Allan and The SteelDrivers have cut and performed,” frontman Mark Wystrach said. “We liked the song as it provided us with an opportunity to do a bluegrass arrangement on the chorus that really soars!”
It’s a smart fit. Midland have always understood how much fun can be packed into the fundamentals of country music: close harmonies, a strong melody, a danceable rhythm and enough twang to make a room feel like a honky tonk.
“Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” gives them all of that.
The song plays like both a confession and a warning, following the kind of night where alcohol keeps flowing and good judgment becomes increasingly optional. Midland embrace the boot-stomping spirit of the writing without overcomplicating what already works.
Wystrach also called the song “catchy as hell, up-tempo, and a lot of fun to play and sing,” which gets directly to the appeal of Midland’s recording.
Their vocal blend gives the chorus its biggest lift, particularly when the arrangement pushes toward bluegrass. It allows the trio to acknowledge the song’s history while making their version immediately recognizable as Midland.
“Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” followed “Marlboro Man,” which Midland released in January as another piece of new music for 2026.
Both songs find the trio firmly planted in the traditional country territory they know so well. With “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey,” that means taking an established song with Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson in its DNA and treating it like something meant to be played loudly in a crowded bar.
That bluegrass turn in the chorus is the detail that makes Midland’s version especially worthwhile. It opens up the harmonies, gives the song another burst of momentum and reminds you why a great country song can keep finding new lives with different singers.
“Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” already had the pedigree. Midland make sure it still sounds like a very good time.
W3W Special Event Station for Whiskey Rebellion
The Mountain Amateur Radio Club invites you to join us on September 12th as we commemorate the historic Whiskey Rebellion with a special event station operating from Cumberland, Maryland during the Heritage days weekend. Throughout the event, our operators will be active on the air under the callsign W3W (Whiskey Three Whiskey). We expect to operate primarily on the 40 and 20-meter SSB bands, with potential activity on additional bands depending on propagation conditions. If you are interested in learning more about amateur radio or our club’s activities, we welcome you to visit us in Cumberland, follow our Facebook page (@wmdhamradio), or contact us directly at wmdhamradio@gmail.com.
Border Battle: Duluth Whiskey Project to host Vikings-Packers watch party
Tailgate, food and drink specials planned for Sunday’s border battle
DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - For football fans in the Northland, the NFL season kicks off with a border battle this weekend.
Duluth Whiskey Project is taking advantage of the hype, hosting a watch party as the Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Tailgating in their parking lot on West Superior Street will include free hamburgers and hotdogs. Then when the game starts at 3:25, the fun moves inside, where fans can watch the division rivals battle it out on the big screens.
“We try to make a big deal about all the football games but obviously we’re a bit of border battle funness to the first one. Our general idea was to see who will bring more fans. And so wear your team colors if you can,” said Ryan King, Duluth Whiskey Project general manager.
The Duluth Whiskey Project will also offer food and drink specials throughout the game, including free shots when your team scores.
The Vikings-Packers game airs on CBS Sunday.
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Google News(Whisky 綜合)|原題:Lauren Alaina Turns Heartbreak Into Happy Hour on “Raining Whiskey” - That Eric Alper
美國鄉村音樂歌手 Lauren Alaina 於 2026 年初推出新單曲《Raining Whiskey》。這首歌以破碎愛情、深夜酒吧和 100 proof 威士忌為主題,由 Ben Johnson、Hunter Phelps 等人共同創作。Alaina 以三十多歲的成熟視角回顧二十多歲時的青澀往事,用俏皮的歌詞將打雷、倒酒與威士忌的意象融為一體。這首歌延續她去年與 Chase Matthew 合作的《All My Exes》的成功勢頭,該曲曾連續兩週成為鄉村電台最多新增歌曲,創下她事業最高首週串流成績。
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Lauren Alaina found a barroom-sized way to revisit her twenties on “Raining Whiskey,” a sharp country song built around broken hearts, late nights and the idea that sometimes the forecast calls for 100 proof.
Released earlier this year as Alaina’s first new song of 2026, “Raining Whiskey” followed the success of “All My Exes,” her collaboration with Chase Matthew. At the time of its original release, “All My Exes” had climbed into the Top 30s at country radio after spending two consecutive weeks as the format’s most-added song and delivering the biggest first-week streaming numbers of Alaina’s career.
“‘Raining Whiskey’ is what happens when heartbreak meets happy hour,” Alaina said. “It represents a completely different stage of my life than the one I am in now, but it reflects one that I’m glad I lived through.”
That distance between the woman singing the song and the woman who lived its story gives “Raining Whiskey” much of its charm. Alaina gets to revisit the messier nights of her twenties from the perspective of someone who has already moved through them.
The song was written by Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Minton, Geoff Warburton and VWillz. Its central image is wonderfully straightforward: whiskey pouring through a bar at two in the morning while somebody tries to drink through a broken heart.
The hook leans fully into country wordplay, with thunder, pouring drinks and “a 100 proof chance” of whiskey all folded into the same metaphor. It’s playful without losing sight of the heartbreak underneath, giving Alaina plenty of room for the melodic, sassy delivery that has long suited her best.
She also described the song as a chance to tell the story of her twenties while living in her thirties, a useful frame for where her music has been heading.
“Raining Whiskey” followed a busy run of releases that included “Those Kind of Women,” “Household,” “Heaven Sent” and “Little Things.” Those songs helped fill out a particularly active stretch for Alaina, whose 2025 also included television work and major country appearances.
She co-hosted CMA Awards Backstage Live and appeared in ABC’s primetime special ‘Center Stage: Countdown to the CMA Awards — Special Edition of 20/20’.
Alaina also spent part of that period supporting Rascal Flatts on their Life Is A Highway Tour, another high-profile entry in a career that has increasingly balanced new recordings with major live opportunities.
Her 2026 schedule kept that pace going. In April, she was booked alongside Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Zach Top for Live Between The Hedges at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium. She was also scheduled for ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green in May with Riley Green, Rodney Atkins and Randy Houser, with proceeds benefiting ACM Lifting Lives.
June brought select dates supporting Darius Rucker on his Songs of Summer Tour, while Alaina’s spring and summer calendar also included appearances connected to Carolina Country Music Festival, CMA Fest and Rock the South.
“Raining Whiskey” fits neatly into that larger run because it gives Alaina exactly the kind of song that works on first listen. The premise is immediate, the chorus is easy to grab onto, and her personality stays at the centre of the performance.
There’s also something satisfying about hearing her treat an old heartbreak with a little distance and a lot of wit. “Raining Whiskey” sounds like a story she no longer has to survive, which makes it even more fun to hear her tell it.
Manzano Mountain Wilderness – Mountainair Ranger District
Albuquerque, NM – September 11, 2026 — With hot and dry weather continuing into the weekend, resources remain actively engaged on suppression efforts on the Whiskey Fire within the Manzano Mountain Wilderness of the Mountainair Ranger District.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. In order to facilitate safe and efficient suppression efforts the public is asked to avoid the fire areas and adjoining trails.
Notice: Privately owned aircraft and drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!
Reported Date / Time: August 21, 2026 / 1350. Reported by Capilla Peak Lookout.
Cause: Lightning.
Size: Last Estimate 432 acres
Containment: 42% Location:
Steep terrain north of Osha Peak, south of Capilla Peak and west of the Manzano Crest Trail in the Manzano Mountain Wilderness within the Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest.
Fuels: Mixed conifer.
Fire Behavior: Moderate
Operations: Hot and dry conditions have caused fire behavior to increase, pushing fire from the west side of the Manzano Mountain Wilderness over the top to the east side of the Manzanos. The fire has also moved north within the Manzano Mountain Wilderness into Jaramillo Canyon. On the west side of the Manzanos, the Whiskey Fire continues burning in inaccessible, steep terrain making it difficult to safely insert firefighters for direct suppression. With aerial support, crews are actively engaged in direct suppression efforts on the east side. Critically dry fuels, poor humidity recovery, and steep terrain will continue to support active fire behavior and growth within the Manzano Mountain Wilderness. Fire managers continue strategic operations which incorporate the realities of the landscape and conditions for full suppression.
Smoke may be visible from Belen, Bosque Farms, El Cerro Mission, Las Maravillas, Los Lunas, Meadow Lake, Valencia, Peralta, Rio Communities, Mountainair, Torreon and Manzano.
Area, Road and Trail Closure Order in effect for National Forest System (NFS) lands surrounding the Whiskey Fire (03-03-04-26-21). Review the closure orders here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts.
Weather forecast for Mountainair, NM (September 11, 2026) This Afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 80. West wind around 10 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. https://www.weather.gov/
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