US President Donald Trump announced plans to remove the United States' 10% tariff on Irish whiskey while attending the Irish Open in Ireland on Sunday. Trump made the surprise announcement during the trophy ceremony after Irish golfer Shane Lowry won the tournament.
The announcement drew loud cheers and whistles from spectators, with Trump saying Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, golfers and others had repeatedly asked him to remove the duty. “Everybody's been bugging me” to do it, Trump said during the ceremony. “And I said, on behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off” Irish whiskey.
Trump said Martin and several golfers had raised the issue with him, with Lowry among those who had asked him to reconsider the tariff. However, it was not immediately clear when the 10% duty would officially be lifted. Irish whiskey currently faces the standard tariff imposed by the Trump administration on most imports from the European Union. The rate was reduced from 15% to 10% in July.
Move Follows Scotch Whisky Concession
The planned move would also address a trade imbalance created after the Trump administration announced in April that certain tariffs on whisky from the United Kingdom would be lifted.
The concession covers Scotch and spirits produced in Northern Ireland, leaving Irish whiskey subject to the higher trade barrier. The Scotch Whisky Association said on July 24 that its zero-tariff arrangement had come into effect.
US Spirits Industry Welcomes Move
Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, welcomed Trump's announcement, describing it as “another positive step toward reducing barriers to spirits trade”. Swonger said the decision would benefit businesses and consumers ahead of the upcoming holiday season.
“This action will provide a welcome boost for retailers, restaurants, consumers and the American economy,” he said. The Irish Whiskey Association had called for the tariff to be removed in May. It said eliminating the duty would help US companies selling Irish products while reducing uncertainty for consumers.
Trump Previously Linked UK Tariff Move To Royal Visit
Trump had previously linked the UK whisky tariff concession to a visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House on April 30. “The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!” Trump wrote on social media at the time.
Trump's latest announcement came directly during his visit to the Irish Open, where Lowry's victory provided the backdrop for the tariff decision. The timing of the actual removal of the 10% duty remains unclear.
Trump promises to lift the 15% tariff on Irish whiskey
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday at the conclusion of a golf tournament in Ireland that he intends to lift the 15% tariff on Irish whiskey.
During the Irish Open trophy presentation ceremony, Trump said that literally everyone had asked him about it, including some golfers.
"Everybody's badgering me to do it," the Republican president said. "And I said, 'On behalf of the United States of America, I'm going to take the tariffs off Irish whiskey.'"
Irish whiskey is currently subject to a 15% tariff imposed by Trump on imports from the European Union. In May, Trump announced that he was lifting some tariffs on whisky from the United Kingdom, including Scotch and alcohol produced in Northern Ireland.
Trump's seemingly unexpected announcement at the end of the tournament was accompanied by loud whistling and applause from spectators.
In May, the Irish Whiskey Association called for the tariffs to be lifted, saying the move would help many American companies that carry Irish products in their portfolios and would relieve consumers of uncertainty.
There are no details yet on exactly when the tariff will be lifted.
On April 30, Trump said he had granted the United Kingdom a tariff exemption on whisky following a visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House. "The King and Queen got me to do what nobody else has been able to accomplish, practically without even asking!" Trump wrote on social media.
The Scotch Whisky Association reported on July 24 that the zero-tariff policy had taken effect.
Source: Euronews
Trump Says He Will Scrap US Tariff on Irish Whiskey
President Donald Trump said Sunday he would eliminate the 10% tariff the United States imposes on Irish whiskey, an announcement delivered at the trophy ceremony of a golf tournament held at his family-owned resort on Ireland's west coast.
The pledge came during the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, where the president said he had been lobbied repeatedly by Irish officials and athletes. "Everybody's been bugging me," he told the crowd. "They're saying, can you do me a favor? It's so unfair what's going on."
Trump said Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Irish golfer Shane Lowry, who won the tournament, both pressed him on the issue during his visit. He then told spectators, "On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off Irish whiskey," drawing loud cheers and whistles from the audience.
The president did not specify when the removal would take effect. The 10% levy currently applies to Irish whiskey as part of the standard tariff on most imports from the European Union, a rate that was reduced from 15% to 10% in July.
Ireland's national broadcaster has reported that roughly 45% to 50% of Irish whiskey is exported to the United States, making it the largest export market for the category. Popular brands include Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore D.E.W., and Redbreast.
The Irish Whiskey Association had been calling for the tariff's removal since May, arguing that the levy hurt American businesses and consumers. "Reducing the tariff for Irish drinks would benefit the many US companies who have Irish premium products in their portfolio," the association said in a press release at the time. "It would avoid uncertainty for the US consumer and strengthen the cask trade in Kentucky, Tennessee and other US states."
Precedent set by Scotch whisky
The move follows a similar decision Trump made earlier this year regarding British whisky. In April, after King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the White House, the president announced he would remove tariffs on Scotch whisky and other spirits produced in the United Kingdom. That zero-tariff policy took effect in July, according to the Scotch Whisky Association.
Trump acknowledged the royal influence at the time. "The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!" he posted on social media.
The Irish announcement appears to mirror that pattern, with the president describing how Martin and Lowry made their case during his visit. "Ireland itself has been so incredible, so inviting, and we're very honored by presenting you with a great course," he said at the ceremony.
Tariff policy under scrutiny
Trump's tariff policies in his second term have roiled global markets and strained relations with longstanding allies, including the European Union and Canada. The president has defended the measures as necessary to rebalance what he calls unfair trade relationships, revive American manufacturing, and gain leverage in negotiations over border security and drug trafficking.
Trade tensions with Canada have intensified in recent weeks, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pulling negotiators from trade talks and both countries imposing tariffs on each other's goods.
The initial 10% tariff on Irish whiskey was introduced in February as part of Trump's temporary global tariff on most imports. The rate was later adjusted as part of broader changes to the administration's EU tariff framework.
For Irish distillers, the US market is critical. The removal of the tariff would restore competitive parity with Scotch whisky, which has enjoyed duty-free access since July, and could boost sales of premium Irish brands that have built strong followings among American consumers.
The announcement at the golf tournament appeared to catch some observers by surprise, with details on implementation still unclear. The White House has not released a formal timeline for the tariff's removal, and it remains to be seen whether the change will require executive action or a more formal trade agreement with the European Union.
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The US president brought his two-day visit to Ireland to a close on Sunday.
Irish premier Micheál Martin said he had “planted a seed” when he raised the issue of US tariffs on Irish whiskey with Donald Trump, which led to the surprise announcement that the tariffs would be removed.
The US president made the announcement as he brought his two-day visit to Ireland to a close on Sunday.
The crowds cheered after Mr Trump confirmed he would be removing the tariff during the prizewinning ceremony at the Amgen Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf resort in Co Clare.
Mr Martin said he spoke to Mr Trump about the “difficulty” surrounding US tariffs on Irish whiskey, and how he had recently visited a distillery in Co Offaly – the home county of Irish Open winner Shane Lowry – in a move to “focus and concentrate the mind” of the president.
On Sunday the president presented the Irish Open trophy to Lowry.
He told the crowd he had discussed whiskey tariffs with the golfer and Mr Martin.
Mr Trump said: “Everybody’s been bugging me.
“They are saying would you do me a favour? It’s so unfair what’s going on.
“Could you possibly take the tariffs off of Irish whiskey and I said, on behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off Irish whiskey.”
Whiskey made in the Republic of Ireland sold into the US is subject to a 10% tariff. Whiskey made in Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the UK has no tariff.
When asked if it was the most pressing economic issue in Ireland, Mr Martin said “it wasn’t”.
He told RTÉ Radio One: “But I did, on the way in, say to him in advance of the meeting there was an issue around Irish whiskey, in terms of the discriminate or the difficulty with the decision he took on Scotch whisky.
“Obviously, he has a particular affection for Scotland, given his mother was from there and so on, and we explained, actually, in the context of Northern Ireland and the Republic, the actual impact of that in terms of the differential treatment between north and south.
“Actually, anyway, he raised it again yesterday at lunch – we planted a seed – and he said to me, he would do whatever he could. And then yesterday we began talking about it, and I had said to him that I had been to a distillery last week.
“I was in Tullamore Dew in Co Offaly, in the home county of Shane Lowry, had to get the focus and concentrate the mind, in terms of that. But anyway, interestingly, then the link with Tennessee and casks. So in other words, if Irish whiskey isn’t selling it as well, we won’t be importing as much casks.
“Distilling is a very important industry, and it gives a lot of jobs and helps to sustain farming and so on.”
The Irish Whiskey Association said it “heartily welcomes” the announcement, stating: “We will continue to work with our EU and US counterparts to secure a return to the zero-for-zero arrangement for all drinks exports.”
Trump said during the trophy ceremony for the Irish Open that he had been asked about the issue by everyone, including some of the golfers.
"Everybody's been bugging me" to do it, the Republican president said. "And I said, 'On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off'" Irish whiskey.
Irish whiskey currently faces the 15% tariff imposed by Trump on imports from the European Union. Trump announced in May that he was lifting certain tariffs on UK whiskey, which includes Scotch and spirits made in Northern Ireland.
Related
Trump's apparent surprise announcement at the conclusion of the tournament was met with loud whistling and cheers from the crowd of spectators.
In May, the Irish Whiskey Association called for the tariffs to be removed, arguing that such a step would help many US companies with Irish products in their portfolios and avoid uncertainty for consumers.
Details on how soon the tariff would be lifted were not immediately available.
Related
Trump said on April 30 that he gave the United Kingdom a tariff break on whiskey after King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the White House. "The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!" Trump posted on social media.
The Scotch Whisky Association said on 24 July that the zero-tariff policy had come into effect.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：The Borders First Release 2026: Borders Single Malt - thedailywhisky.com
蘇格蘭邊界地區（Scottish Borders）時隔近 190 年，首次推出自地區內蒸餾的單一麥芽威士忌。Borders Distillery 位於 Hawick，推出 8 年份 The Borders First Release，採用首充波本桶熟陳、馬德拉甜白葡萄酒桶完成，46% ABV，全球僅 10,000 瓶。該酒廠由四位 William Grant & Sons 前高管於 2013 年創立，2018 年開始蒸餾。首發作品訂價 £46（約台幣 1,600 元），9 月 24 日在英國上市，國際發行隨後跟進。低於預期的定價與 8 年份的年份標示相當罕見。
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For the first time since 1837, there is a single malt that was actually distilled in the Scottish Borders. The Borders Distillery in Hawick has unveiled The Borders First Release, an eight-year-old first-fill bourbon single malt finished in malmsey Madeira casks. This is the whisky the distillery has been building towards since spirit first ran from its stills in 2018.
The headline facts first. It is bottled at 46% ABV, matured in first-fill bourbon and finished in malmsey Madeira casks, and carries an eight-year age statement. Only 10,000 bottles exist worldwide. It goes on sale from 24 September at £46 RRP through select UK retailers, with international distribution to follow.
That price is worth pausing on. An inaugural, age-stated, strictly limited release from a genuinely new whisky region could have commanded a premium and a waiting list. Instead it lands at £46, which also happens to mirror the 46% ABV. For a first bottling, that is a restrained number.
Why a Borders single malt is actually news
The Scottish Borders spent close to 190 years without a working whisky distillery. The last spirit before this era was distilled in 1837, and everything since has been made somewhere else. So when The Borders Distillery opened in 2018, it became the first Scotch whisky distillery in the region in almost two centuries. This First Release is the moment that decision turns into liquid you can pour.
What makes it more than a novelty is the patience behind it. Rather than rushing a three-year-old out of the door the moment it qualified as Scotch, the team held stock and waited until an eight-year-old expression was ready to introduce the house style. The stated style is fruity, sweet and aromatic, and this bottling is meant to be the calling card for it.
The whisky writer Charles MacLean, quoted in the distillery’s own release material, sums it up as “easy drinking and more-ish.”
Who makes The Borders First Release
The Borders Distillery sits in Hawick, a town known for its textile trade in cashmere and tweed. It was founded in 2013 by four former William Grant & Sons executives, John Fordyce, Tim Carton, Tony Roberts and George Tait, on the idea of making a single malt rooted in the Borders rather than borrowed from elsewhere. Distilling began in 2018.
That textile heritage shows up on the bottle itself. The foil-embossed weave logo is a direct nod to the interlacing threads of the region’s manufacturing history, now carried forward by the distillery. Under managing director Giancarlo Bianchi, the reserve of maturing stock built up since 2018 is now starting to reach the market.
“This inaugural single malt represents years of dedication from the team,” Bianchi said. “The ambition was to create a whisky that reflects the place it comes from. For our inaugural release, we’ve chosen a secondary maturation in Madeira casks, adding subtle layers of complexity while allowing the character of our spirit to shine through.”
What malmsey Madeira does to it
For international readers less familiar with the cask: malmsey is the richest and sweetest of the four classic Madeira styles, made from the Malvasia grape. As a finishing cask on top of first-fill bourbon maturation, it tends to push dried-fruit sweetness and a rounder texture into the spirit, rather than the drier, nuttier character you get from the leaner Madeira styles. On paper, that lines up neatly with the fruity, sweet profile the distillery is aiming for.
The Borders First Release: tasting notes
We have not tasted this bottle yet, so the notes below are the distillery’s own stated profile. We will publish a full scored review once we have a glass in front of us.
Nose: Honey, vanilla, rich sultanas, bright citrus
Palate: Sweet caramel, orchard and dried fruit, warm and rounded
Finish: Hazelnut and buttery macadamia, lingering
ABV: 46% | Cask: First-fill bourbon, malmsey Madeira finish | Age:8 years | Price: £46
Price and where to buy The Borders First Release
Price: £46 RRP On sale: from 24 September 2026 Where: select UK retailers first, with international distribution to follow How many: 10,000 bottles worldwide
If you are reading this outside the UK, elsewhere in Europe, the US or further afield, the practical advice is to watch the specialist retailers who ship internationally, since UK release comes first and the wider rollout follows. With only 10,000 bottles in total, a first release from a brand-new region is the sort of thing that can move quickly once collectors notice it. Full details are on the distillery’s own site at thebordersdistillery.com.
Is it worth chasing?
We are reserving a verdict on the liquid until we have tasted it. On the proposition, though, this is an easy one to make the case for. At £46 you get an eight-year-old, age-stated, first-fill bourbon single malt with a malmsey Madeira finish, from the first distillery to make whisky in the Scottish Borders in nearly 190 years, in a run of only 10,000 bottles. That combination of a genuine “first,” a real age statement and a sensible price does not come along often.
Who is it for? Collectors who like owning firsts, and drinkers who lean towards fruity, sweet, Madeira-influenced malts. Who is it not for? Anyone chasing peat or cask-strength intensity, since this is a 46% aperitif-style dram by design.
We will get a bottle, score it properly, and report back on whether the whisky lives up to the moment.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Borders First Release? The Borders First Release is the first single malt Scotch whisky from The Borders Distillery in Hawick, and the first single malt distilled in the Scottish Borders since 1837. It is an eight-year-old, first-fill bourbon matured malt finished in malmsey Madeira casks, bottled at 46% ABV in a run of 10,000 bottles.
What does The Borders First Release taste like? The distillery describes it as fruity and sweet. The nose leads with honey and vanilla alongside rich sultanas and bright citrus. The palate brings sweet caramel and dried fruit, and it finishes on hazelnut and buttery macadamia. Whisky writer Charles MacLean calls it “easy drinking and more-ish.”
How much does The Borders First Release cost? It has an RRP of £46 for a 70cl bottle at 46% ABV. That price is notably restrained for an inaugural, strictly limited single malt from a new distillery, and it happens to match the 46% ABV. It goes on sale from 24 September 2026.
Where can I buy The Borders First Release? It is available from 24 September 2026 through select UK retailers, with international distribution to follow. Buyers outside the UK should watch specialist whisky retailers that ship internationally, since the wider rollout comes after the UK launch. Only 10,000 bottles exist worldwide.
What casks are used in The Borders First Release? It is matured in first-fill bourbon casks and finished in malmsey Madeira casks. Malmsey is the richest and sweetest style of Madeira, made from the Malvasia grape, which adds dried-fruit sweetness and a rounder texture on top of the vanilla and honey notes the bourbon cask provides.
What is The Borders Distillery known for? The Borders Distillery opened in Hawick in 2018 as the first Scotch whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. Founded in 2013 by four former William Grant & Sons executives, it aims for a fruity, sweet and aromatic house style, and draws on the region’s textile heritage, seen in its woven logo.
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The UK Government has announced that English Whisky has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status.
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.
More than 70 distilleries are now producing English Whisky, from Cornwall to Northumberland, up from 46 in 2023, with bottles exported to more than 30 countries around the world.
The industry has grown from a handful of pioneering producers into one of England’s most exciting food and drink success stories. Maturing stocks held in casks across England are estimated to be worth around £1 billion, underlining the confidence and investment flowing into the sector.
As the category continues to expand, this protection will help safeguard the reputation of English Whisky while supporting the skilled jobs, local investment and thriving communities at the heart of its success.
English Whisky now joins Scotch, Welsh and Irish whiskies as a recognised and protected whisky category, showcasing the breadth, quality and innovation of whisky production across the United Kingdom.
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.
Commenting on the news, Dame Angela Eagle, Environment Secretary, 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 and 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, added: “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.”
To take advantage of this new protected status, English Whisky producers must first be verified under HMRC’s Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme.
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English whisky secures GI
By Lauren BowesAfter years of development and consultation, the geographical indication (GI) for English whisky has been approved.
A group of producers set up the English Whisky Guild (EWG) in 2022 with the aim of establishing a GI for the burgeoning category. Their application entered the consultation stage in February 2025.
The UK government announced on Friday (11 September) that the GI was officially approved. Both ‘English whisky’ and ‘English whiskey’ are included in the GI.
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 EWG 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.”
There are now more than 70 distilleries producing English whisky, up from 46 in 2023.
The category benefits from exports to more than 30 countries across the globe, and it is estimated that maturing stocks in casks are worth around £1 billion (US$1.35bn).
Morag Garden, EWG CEO, added: “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 requirements
The final product specification will not be published until 1 October 2026.
However, the EWG said the approved specification says that English whisky must be: made from UK cereal grain and English water; distilled in England from wort created in England, at less than 94.8% ABV; matured in England for a minimum of three years in wooden casks of no more than 700 litres; and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.
Plain caramel is the only permitted additive and only for colour.
The GI application outlined two subcategories, ‘Malt English Whisky’ and ‘Grain English Whisky’, alongside two subcategory prefixes, ‘Single’ and ‘Blended’.
The specification differs from other UK whisky GIs in that it requires producers to use 100% UK-grown grain.
In other ways, it is more flexible than the GI for Scotch whisky, because it allows producers to use any wooden casks and not just oak, as well as modern still designs.
English whisky distillers can also collaborate with local breweries for mashing and fermentation and still be labelled as ‘single malt’.
This flexibility drew dissent from the Scotch Whisky Association, which claimed it was “very damaging” to the reputation of UK-made single malts.
The EWG argued the flexibility for fermentation is rooted in the category’s modern history, when Hicks and Healey used wort from St Austell Brewery to lay down England’s first modern whisky in 2003.
The response
Many English producers celebrated the news, with Dan Szor, chair of the EWG and CEO of Cotswolds Distillery, saying it was a “defining moment” for the category and that he was “immensely proud”.
He continued: “It gives English whisky a clear and protected identity, celebrates the quality and provenance behind what we produce, and sends a powerful signal to consumers and markets around the world.”
A similarly positive response was garnered from Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery and a founding member of the EWG
Its marketing director Jenni Ashwood praised the “robust framework” that the GI provides, and was particularly pleased with the stipulation that English whisky must be made with UK grain, claiming the move “directly supports British agriculture”.
‘Confusing for the consumer’
Not everyone was happy with the verdict, however. Liam Hirt, the founder of Circumstance Distillery in Bristol, wished the GI had followed the structure of Welsh whisky rather than Scotch.
He said: “The Welsh GI took inspiration from GIs from around the world, rather than exclusively from the SWA. As a result, single malt Welsh whisky can distinguish itself from Scotch. As things currently stand, single malt English whisky cannot.
“Two things will happen. Distilleries that work within the GI will be virtually indistinguishable from Scotch but, for whatever reason, will be proudly English whisky. Distilleries that work outside the GI will be the exciting innovators and proudly non-English whisky.
“This will be very confusing for the consumer. A GI reflecting the broad church that is the current English whisky industry would allow the consumer to know what they are actually buying.”
His principal objection concerned the proposed definition of single malt English whisky, including a requirement for it to be double distilled in copper pot stills.
He claimed that when he opposed the GI, the EWG made a “cursory effort” to reach an agreement but “disengaged” when asked about certain points.
He added that he will be appealing the GI’s approval, saying: “I suspect we will have to sort out the mess the EWG has made of the GI through amendments to the GI. That’s going to be a long bureaucratic process, but I and my fellow English distillers will get it sorted eventually. It would have been easier if the EWG got it right the first time and engaged with us a little more productively.”
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Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Bacteria at a plant in Grangemouth eat the leftovers of Scotland's whisky industry — almost 750,000 tons of spent barley and two billion liters of pot ale a year — and excrete acetone, ethanol and butanol, with the butanol close enough to gasoline to burn in an - spacedaily.com
Every liter of Scotch whisky leaves a mess behind it. For each liter of the spirit, a distillery produces roughly two and a half kilograms of spent barley grains — called draff — and about eight liters of a warm, coppery liquid called pot ale, the dregs left in the still.
Multiply that across an industry that ships dozens of bottles of Scotch around the world every second, and the leftovers are staggering: almost 750,000 tonnes of draff and two billion liters of pot ale a year. It is whisky’s dirty secret — some of it becomes animal feed, some is spread on fields, and plenty has historically been dumped in rivers and the sea. Getting rid of it is a permanent line on every distiller’s budget.
A Scottish company looked at that river of warm barley soup and saw a fuel depot. The trick was to hire the right microbes.
The century-old fermentation that came back
The process at the heart of it is not new — it is a resurrected antique. Acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation, ABE for short, uses a bacterium, Clostridium acetobutylicum, that eats sugars and starches and excretes a mix of three solvents: acetone, butanol and ethanol.
ABE fermentation was a giant of early-twentieth-century industry — it made the acetone Britain needed for munitions in the First World War — and then the petrochemical boom undercut it, and it nearly died out. Celtic Renewables, a company spun out of Edinburgh Napier University’s biofuel research center by Professor Martin Tangney, revived the old chemistry and pointed it at a feedstock the Victorians never had: distillery waste.
Draff and pot ale are, from a bacterium’s point of view, a banquet — spent grain still rich in sugars, and a nutrient-loaded broth. Feed them to Clostridium, and the microbes do the rest, converting whisky’s garbage into industrial solvents by simple biological digestion. The company built Scotland’s first biorefinery beside the petrochemical complex at Grangemouth to do exactly this at scale.
The fuel that needs no new engine
Of the three products, butanol is the prize, because of a chemical accident of fit.
Most biofuels come with an asterisk. Ethanol — the corn-based additive in ordinary gasoline — carries less energy than petrol, absorbs water, and can corrode or degrade parts of an engine not built for it, which is why pumps cap it at a blend percentage. Biobutanol has none of those problems: its energy content and chemistry sit close enough to gasoline that it can, in principle, go straight into an existing engine as a direct replacement, no modification required.
Celtic Renewables proved the point on the road. In 2017 the company ran an unmodified car on Scottish roads using biobutanol made from whisky residue — a Ford burning, in effect, refined distillery slops, with nothing changed under the hood. Tangney’s line for it was the oldest one in recycling: one man’s waste is another man’s gold.
Why leftovers beat crops
The deeper argument for the whisky plant is what it is not doing, and it lands on the central complaint against biofuels generally.
First-generation biofuels — ethanol from corn, biodiesel from soy or palm — have a land problem: growing fuel crops competes with growing food, and clearing ground for them can erase the carbon savings the fuel was supposed to deliver. Draff and pot ale sidestep the objection entirely. Nobody grows barley to make draff; the draff already exists, in vast quantity, as an unavoidable by-product of a thing the world was going to make anyway. The feedstock is free of the food-versus-fuel dilemma because it is the leftover from the food. Turning it into fuel doesn’t cost an acre.
The honesty column is real too. The plant so far operates at demonstrator scale, its output a rounding error against national fuel demand; ABE fermentation is finicky and historically hard to make pay against cheap oil; and Celtic Renewables has broadened its pitch from “biofuel” toward higher-value sustainable chemicals — bio-acetone and bio-butanol for paints, pharmaceuticals and, eventually, aviation fuel — precisely because the economics work better there than at the petrol pump. The company’s next Grangemouth facility, backed by fresh investment, is designed to process far more waste and to take in other food-industry leftovers, potatoes and dairy residue among them, not whisky alone.
But the core image holds, and it is a small marvel of circular design. Scotland makes its most famous export, and the export makes a mountain of warm barley waste. Rather than pay to dump the waste, the country can now, in principle, feed it to bacteria and pour the result into the fuel tank of an ordinary car. The whisky industry’s embarrassment becomes its second product line — and the microbes doing the work are running a chemistry humanity used a hundred years ago, rehired to eat the one thing Scotland will never run short of.
English Whisky has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), making “English Whisky” and “English Whiskey” legally protected names under the UK Spirit Drinks Geographical Indications Scheme.
The decision means that all four nations of the United Kingdom now have equivalent legal protection for their national whisky, alongside Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Irish Whiskey. It closes a long-standing gap in UK GI policy and gives England’s fast-growing whisky sector a legal foundation on which to build at home and in export markets.
The GI is the result of more than six years of work by the English Whisky Guild, the trade body representing English whisky producers, in close consultation with DEFRA and its member distilleries. The application was submitted in February 2022, published for opposition in February 2025, and refined through a formal consultation period before final approval.
Under the approved specification, English Whisky must be made from UK cereal grain and English water; distilled in England from wort created in England, at less than 94.8% ABV; matured in England for a minimum of three years in wooden casks of no more than 700 litres; and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. Plain caramel (E150a) is the only permitted additive and only for colour.
Dan Szor, chair, English Whisky Guild, said: “This is a defining moment for English Whisky. As a founder and now Chair of the English Whisky Guild, I am immensely proud to see our category formally recognised with its own Geographical Indication. It gives English Whisky a clear and protected identity, celebrates the quality and provenance behind what we produce, and sends a powerful signal to consumers and markets around the world.”
The English Whisky GI provides:
- Legal protection for the names “English Whisky” and “English Whiskey” under the UK Spirit Drinks GI Scheme, verified by HM Revenue and Customs.
- Clarity for consumers at home and overseas about what English Whisky is and the standards it must meet.
- Support for British agriculture, through a requirement that 100% of the cereal grain used must be grown in the United Kingdom.
- Room to innovate, with the specification accommodating modern still designs, non-oak wooden casks (declared on the label) and collaboration with local breweries on mashing and fermentation.
- Sustainability provisions, allowing matured English Whisky to be shipped in inert bulk containers for bottling in destination markets, subject to controls.
The English Whisky GI is deliberately rooted in the character of the English sector, rather than modelled on the Scotch, Welsh or Irish frameworks. It recognises English Whisky as a contemporary “New World” style, shaped by England’s mild maritime climate, local water and small-batch production, and championed by individual distilleries and their modern plant.
Points of difference from other UK whisky GIs include the 100% UK-grown grain requirement (unique to English Whisky), the ability to mature in wooden casks other than oak, explicit accommodation of modern still designs, and flexibility for distilleries to collaborate with local breweries on mashing and fermentation — a practice rooted in the category’s modern history, when Hicks and Healey used wort from St Austell Brewery to lay down England’s first modern whisky in 2003.
UK cereal growers to benefit from new GI status for English Whisky
14th September 2026
English Whisky has secured protected Geographical Indication (GI) status after years of campaigning, recognising it as a distinctive whisky category.
The GI status can only be used for whisky distilled in England and produced using cereals grown in the UK.
This provides a welcome boost for UK cereal growers with more than 70 distilleries producing English Whisky.
DEFRA 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 members and faced some opposition from the Scotch Whisky Association due to concerns around the distillation process.
However, English whisky distillers argued that the English GI sets stricter requirements than its Scottish counterpart for sourcing UK grain, which benefits UK growers.
English Whisky Guild chief executive Morag Garden said that securing GI status was a landmark achievement for English Whisky and recognition of the quality and innovation across the sector.
Industry estimates value maturing stocks in casks across England at around £1bn.
Tom Mellor, Yorkshire farmer and co-founder of Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, said: “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.
“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.”
Hunmanby-based Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery and grows all the barley for its Filey Bay whisky on farm, using regenerative farming practices.
READ MORE: Harvest report highlights wide variation in yields and quality
Read more farm business news.
English Whisky has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), legally protecting the names “English Whisky” and “English Whiskey.” The decision means all four nations of the United Kingdom now hold equivalent legal protection for their national whisky under the UK Spirit Drinks Geographical Indications Scheme.
The status sits alongside Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Irish Whiskey. It closes a long-standing gap in UK GI policy.
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The GI follows more than six years of work by the English Whisky Guild, the trade body representing English producers. The application was submitted in February 2022, published for opposition in February 2025, and refined through a formal consultation period.
Under the approved specification, English Whisky must be made from UK cereal grain and English water. It must be distilled in England at less than 94.8% ABV.
The spirit must be matured in England for a minimum of three years in wooden casks of no more than 700 liters. It must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. Plain caramel (E150a) is the only permitted additive, and only for color.
A key point of difference compared to scotch distilling specifications is the requirement that 100% of the cereal grain must be grown in the UK. This is a rule unique to English Whisky.
Pappy Van Winkle Prices Just Jumped Up to 30% — But They May Still Be Too Cheap
READ THE STORY“This is a defining moment for English Whisky,” said Dan Szor, chair of the English Whisky Guild. “It gives English Whisky a clear and protected identity, celebrates the quality and provenance behind what we produce, and sends a powerful signal to consumers and markets around the world.”
Morag Garden, chief executive of the English Whisky Guild, called the move “a landmark achievement” and “recognition of the quality and innovation across our growing industry.”
The category is among the fastest-growing in UK spirits. By the end of 2023, at least 46 distilleries were laying down English Whisky. Today there are more than 70 whisky distilleries in England, with over 40 already selling to consumers. Exports reach more than 32 countries, including Canada, the United States, Japan and China.
The GI is voluntary and applies only to producers choosing to describe their whisky as English Whisky.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Borders Distillery unveils inaugural single malt - Scottish Local Retailer
Borders Distillery位於Hawick，推出首款單一麥芽威士忌「The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky, First Release」，也是蘇格蘭邊境地區自1837年以來首次蒸餾的威士忌。此款為8年陳年，使用波本桶陳年再以Malmsey Madeira桶finishing，酒精度46%，全球限量1萬瓶，建議售價46英鎊（約台幣1,600元）。風味特徵為葡萄乾、柑橘與焦糖，鼻息帶蜂蜜與香草，尾韻則呈榛果與夏威夷豆。酒廠以邊境地區紡織與製造業遺產為靈感設計酒標。
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The Borders Distillery in Hawick has unveiled its first single malt Scotch whisky, marking the first whisky distilled in the Scottish Borders since 1837.
The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky, First Release is an eight-year-old, first-fill bourbon-matured single malt finished in malmsey Madeira casks.
Limited to 10,000 bottles worldwide, the 46% ABV whisky is available now, with international distribution to follow. It has an RSP of £46.
The whisky has notes of sultanas, citrus and caramel, alongside honey and vanilla on the nose and hazelnut and macadamia flavours on the finish.
The bottling introduces The Borders Distillery’s house style of fruity, sweet and aromatic whiskies. Its foil-embossed weave logo draws inspiration from the textile and manufacturing heritage of the Scottish Borders.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：THE BORDERS DISTILLERY UNVEILS ‘THE BORDERS FIRST RELEASE’ SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY - Bar Magazine
位於蘇格蘭邊境哈威克(Hawick)的The Borders Distillery於2026年9月14日發表首款單一麥芽威士忌「The Borders First Release」，8年份，使用波本桶初次填裝並以Malmsey Madeira桶完成桶陳。這是自1837年來蘇格蘭邊境地區首支蒸餾的威士忌，風味特色為水果、甜感與香氣突出，呈現蜂蜜、香草、榛果與夏威夷果的複雜層次。該款威士忌以46% ABV裝瓶，英國零售價£46(約台幣1,840元)，全球限量1萬瓶，自9月24日起上市。
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Marking the most significant milestone in its history, The Borders Distillery in Hawick has unveiled today (14th September 2026) The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky, First Release, an eight year old first fill bourbon matured single malt, finished in the finest malmsey Madeira casks.
The limited bottling marks the distillery’s inaugural single malt Scotch whisky and the first whisky distilled in the Scottish Borders since 1837. The expression has been carefully selected to introduce the distillery’s distinctive house style, of fruity, sweet and aromatic whiskies.
Delicately balancing rich sultanas, bright citrus and sweet caramel, the first release opens with notes of honey and vanilla on the nose, before giving way to warm, lingering flavours of hazelnut and buttery macadamia to finish. The bottling reflects the patient approach to maturation that has defined the distillery since spirit first flowed from its stills in 2018 and has been maturing patiently since then.
Giancarlo Bianchi, managing director, said: This inaugural single malt represents years of dedication from the team, and I am honoured to share that story with the world.
“The ambition was to create a whisky that reflects the place it comes from. For our inaugural release, we’ve chosen a secondary maturation in Madeira casks, adding subtle layers of complexity while allowing the character of our spirit to shine through.
“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the distillery, and we look forward to sharing more of our whisky in the years ahead and telling our unique story.”
Just as Hawick’s cashmere and tweed producers transformed natural fibres into garments prized far beyond the Borders, the distillery’s young team is drawing on the town’s manufacturing heritage to create a whisky with a distinctly local character but with ambitions to reach audiences the world over.
The elegant foil embossed weave logo is a strong nod to the Borders’ heritage, drawing inspiration from the different industries that helped shape the region’s identity, which is now carried forward by the distillery.
Charles MacLean sums it up as an “Easy drinking and more-ish!” single malt Scotch.
The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky, First Release, bottled at ABV 46%, will be available from 24th September at £46 RRP from select UK retailers with international distribution to follow. Only 10,000 bottles are available worldwide.
Please drink responsibly. Visit drinkaware.co.uk for the facts.
English Whisky has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), after more than six years of work by trade body the English Whisky Guild.
The decision means that both “English Whisky” and “English Whiskey” are legally protected under the UK Spirit Drinks Geographical Indications Scheme – joining Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Welsh Whisky, and Irish Whiskey.
Under the approved rules, English Whisky must be made from UK cereal grain and English water; distilled in England from wort created in England, at less than 94.8% ABV; matured in England for a minimum of three years in wooden casks of no more than 700 litres; and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.
Plain caramel is the only permitted additive, and only for colour.
Producers wishing to use the protected status will also first need to be verified under HMRC’s Sprit Drink Verification Scheme.
The English Whisky Guild first applied for GI status in February 2022 and has been working on securing the protections since then.
The organisation’s chair, Dan Szor, welcomed the final approval, explaining that: “This is a defining moment for English Whisky. As a founder and now Chair of the English Whisky Guild, I am immensely proud to see our category formally recognised with its own Geographical Indication.
“It gives English Whisky a clear and protected identity, celebrates the quality and provenance behind what we produce, and sends a powerful signal to consumers and markets around the world.”
The Guild added that the GI is “rooted in the character of the English sector, rather than modelled on the Scotch, Welsh or Irish frameworks”, with points of difference including a unique 100% UK-grown grain requirement – intended to support British agriculture; the ability to mature in wooden casks other than oak; and flexibility for distilleries to collaborate with local breweries on mashing and fermentation.
However, others are less confident about the announcement, with Liam Hirt – the founder of the Bristol-based Circumstance Distillery – suggesting that the framework could have been “a lot better” if it had followed the Welsh GI model rather than the Scottish.
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English Whisky secures protected status after six-year campaign
English Whisky has been granted Geographical Indication status, giving the category legal protection alongside Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Irish Whiskey.
English Whisky has secured protected Geographical Indication status, establishing rules governing where and how spirits carrying the name can be produced.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed on 11 September that “English Whisky” and “English Whiskey” are now protected names under the UK Spirit Drinks Geographical Indications Scheme. It means national whiskies from all four UK nations now have legal protection, with English Whisky joining Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Irish Whiskey.
The English Whisky Guild (EWG) led the application after more than six years of work with producers and Defra. It was submitted in February 2022, published for opposition in February 2025 and subsequently refined through consultation before receiving final approval.
Morag Garden, chief executive of the English Whisky Guild, 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.”
What counts as English Whisky?
The new GI sets out a series of production requirements for distillers who choose to use the protected name. English Whisky must use cereal grain grown in the UK and English water. It must be distilled in England from wort created in England, at less than 94.8% ABV, before being matured in England for at least three years.
Maturation must take place in wooden casks with a maximum capacity of 700 litres, with the finished whisky bottled at no less than 40% ABV. Plain caramel, E150a, is the only permitted additive and can be used solely for colouring.
The requirement that all cereal grain is grown in the UK is, according to the EWG, unique among the UK’s whisky GIs.
The rules also retain some of the flexibility that has characterised England’s relatively young whisky industry. Producers can use wooden casks other than oak, provided this is declared on the label, and the specification accommodates modern still designs.
Distilleries are also permitted to work with local breweries on mashing and fermentation, reflecting a practice dating back to the beginnings of England’s modern whisky industry. Hicks and Healey used wort from St Austell Brewery when it laid down whisky in 2003.
Matured English Whisky can also be transported in inert bulk containers for bottling in export markets, subject to controls.
Distilleries on the rise
At least 46 distilleries were laying down English whisky by the end of 2023. Defra says there are now more than 70 producers, with the EWG reporting that more than 40 are already selling whisky to consumers.
English Whisky is also exported to more than 30 countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, China and markets across mainland Europe.
‘A new chapter’
Environment secretary Dame Angela Eagle said the designation recognised a category that had developed its own identity rather than simply following Britain’s more established whisky traditions.
“The UK is home to world-class whisky production, from grain to glass,” she 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’s a milestone that will be felt far beyond the distillery gates, bringing jobs, investment and pride to communities across the country.”
Producers wishing to market their spirits under the protected English Whisky name will first need to be verified through HMRC’s Spirit Drink Verification Scheme.
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IRELAND, — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday at the close of a golf tournament in Ireland that he plans to remove a 10% tariff on Irish whiskey.
Trump said during the trophy ceremony for the Irish Open that he had been asked about the issue by everyone, including Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and even some of the golfers. Irish Open winner Shane Lowry was among them, Trump said.
“Everybody’s been bugging me” to do it, the Republican president said. “And I said, ‘On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off'" of Irish whiskey.
Irish whiskey currently faces the standard tariff imposed by Trump on most imports from the European Union, which was reduced from 15% to 10% in July.
Trump announced in April that he was lifting certain tariffs on U.K. whiskey, which includes Scotch and spirits made in Northern Ireland, creating an imbalance with Ireland.
Trump’s surprise announcement was met with loud whistling and cheers from the crowd of spectators. Details on how soon the tariff would be lifted were not immediately available.
Chris Swonger, president & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, called Trump's announcement “another positive step toward reducing barriers to spirits trade” and said everyone would benefit from it during the coming holidays.
“As U.S. hospitality businesses enter the critical holiday season, this action will provide a welcome boost for retailers, restaurants, consumers and the American economy,” Swonger said.
In May, the Irish Whiskey Association called for the tariffs to be removed, arguing that such a step would help many U.S. companies with Irish products in their portfolios and avoid uncertainty for consumers.
Trump said on April 30 that he gave the United Kingdom a tariff break on whiskey after King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the White House.
“The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!” Trump posted on social media.
The Scotch Whisky Association said July 24 that the zero-tariff policy had come into effect.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
This Canadian Province Thinks Its Grains Make The Best Whiskey
In May 2026, the province of Alberta—located north of Montana—announced a legal definition of "Alberta Whisky." In Canada, like Scotland, Japan, Australia and elsewhere, the brown spirit is spelled without the "e", unlike in the United States and Ireland, where "whiskey" is the preferred spelling.
Some industry watchers thought it was an odd move. There was already a legal definition of "Canadian whisky." And that product, Canadian whisky, does not enjoy favored status in the minds of drinkers the way Scotch and bourbon do.
So what does Alberta, with a population of just five million people, have to add to the global whiskey landscape? Distillers there hope to show the world they have a lot to add.
What Is Alberta Whisky?
Other whiskeys such as "Scotch", "bourbon" and "Irish whiskey" enjoy legally protected status. Those drams have a flavor profile that unites them and the protected terms indicate that whiskeys of those types share certain sensory characteristics.
But even for knowledgeable whiskey lovers, what exactly Alberta whiskey tastes like is hard to pin down. Distillers in the province make whiskey from barley, rye, wheat, corn and other grains, in malted and unmalted form and in various proportions.
So what exactly is "Alberta Whisky"? Legally, according to the Alberta Whisky Act, which came into force on May 21, 2026, the whiskey must be:
- mashed, fermented, aged, proofed, and bottled entirely within Alberta
- made solely from water sourced from within the province
- come from grain at least two-thirds of which is grown in Alberta
- aged for a minimum of three years in small wood barrels
- bottled at a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume
Notably, while two-thirds of the grain must be grown in Alberta, the Act does not say what those grains must be. Since those grains have an enormous influence on the flavor of the final product—corn is what gives bourbon its unique sweetness and malted barley is what makes single malt what it is—Alberta Whisky is not a designation of variety, but of quality.
Why Alberta Whisky Matters
The Alberta Craft Distillers Association had been lobbying the provincial government for its own protected term for 10 years, according to Bryce Parsons, who serves as the Association president and is also the founder and CEO of True Wild Distilling in Calgary.
"God blessed Alberta with the best barley, water and weather to make the best whiskey," said Parsons in a telephone interview. Is Alberta really the best? Parsons notes that some of the world's largest distillers, making whiskey of all types, source their grain from Alberta. While bourbon makers may extoll the quality of the corn that makes their drams special, few talk about where their barley comes from—even bourbon has barley in it. Sometimes, often, that barley comes from Alberta.
"We have high-quality grain that is consistent year after year," said Parsons. "And it's a variety of grains. We grow high-quality barley, wheat, rye and many others. No other place could require a high percentage of local grain be in their whiskey and yet make the quality and variety that we do."
"Most whiskey styles reflect what grew there—bourbon contains a high proportion of corn because that's what grew there," said Parsons. "But we grow all sorts of grains. We can make whatever style of whiskey we want. That's what makes distilling here fun."
Alberta Whiskey Is Gaining International Attention
It's a lot of talk and chest beating. But does Alberta grain really make a difference? Do Alberta distillers really make a world-class dram? Some whiskey industry watchers have been arguing that Canadian whiskey is about to earn its place in the global whiskey consciousness.
And within Alberta, GrainHenge, small distillery in Red Deer, located in central Alberta in the heart of the province's grain farming community, was awarded World's Best Rye at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
On a much larger scale, Alberta Distillers, which is owned by Suntory Global Spirits, makes the best selling rye in the world. That distillery makes Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye which in 2021 was named World Whisky of the Year.
The legal definition of Alberta Whisky is just months old, while it takes years to make whiskey. Parsons, whose own distillery True Wild only started distilling new make less than a year ago, says the whiskey world has yet to see what Alberta distilleries can do.
Now that Alberta Whisky has been defined, its up to the distillers of Alberta to make a product that will evoke quality when drinkers hear that phrase.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Crazy Cock Wins Six Gold Medals for Indian Single Malt - The Whiskey Wash
由South Seas Distilleries生產的Crazy Cock印度單一麥芽威士忌在2026年國際葡萄酒烈酒競賽（IWSC）和世界威士忌大師賽（World Whisky Masters）中共獲得六面金牌。其中Crazy Cock Madhuca III是IWSC中唯一獲得該類別金牌的印度威士忌，並在兩項賽事中佔據印度威士忌前三強。該成績凸顯印度單一麥芽威士忌工藝品質的提升，正逐漸能與傳統威士忌強國相提並論，對台灣威士忌愛好者而言代表威士忌市場競爭日益激烈，品味選擇更趨多元。
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Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt has secured six gold medals across the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) UK 2026 and the World Whisky Masters 2026. The brand, produced by South Seas Distilleries, was announced as the top-performing Indian single malt at the IWSC on 10 September 2026 in New Delhi.
At the IWSC UK 2026, Crazy Cock Madhuca III was the only Indian whisky to receive a gold medal in the category.
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The brand also secured the top three positions among Indian whiskies. Its portfolio accounted for five of the 10 medals awarded to Indian single malts.
The IWSC was established in 1969 and is widely regarded as one of the most respected wine and spirits competitions globally.
The 2026 judging panels featured names from the international spirits community, including Dawn Davies MW, Richard Paterson OBE, Ian Burrell, Joel Harrison, Olivier Ward, David T. Smith, Deano Moncrieffe and Marie Cheong-Thon.
At the World Whisky Masters 2026, the Indian single malt portfolio secured five gold medals.
Pappy Van Winkle Prices Just Jumped Up to 30% — But They May Still Be Too Cheap
READ THE STORYThe result places the brand among the Indian single malts “making a strong impression on international whisky experts,” according to the release.
Combined, the two competitions saw the portfolio earn six gold medals.
The company said the back-to-back recognition “highlights the growing ability of Indian single malts to compete with established whisky-producing nations on the basis of craftsmanship, character and innovation.”
Central to the recognition is the brand’s Madhuca range, which “draws on Indian provenance and distilling expertise to create a distinctive expression of contemporary Indian single malt whisky.”
The portfolio reflects “a deliberate approach to developing a whisky that carries its Indian identity with confidence, rather than attempting to replicate traditional Scotch styles,” the company added.
South Seas Distilleries is described as India’s oldest malt distillery, with a heritage dating back to 1969. The company said the results were “a statement that Indian single malt whisky is increasingly capable of standing alongside the world’s most established whisky-making traditions.”
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Chichibu Unveils Four New Japanese Whiskies for UK 2026 - The Whiskey Wash
秩父蒸餾所（Chichibu）即將在2026年10月1日於英國推出四款新威士忌，由Speciality Brands代理。新酒款包括Ichiro's Malt Chichibu Distillery II Hint of Sherry（五至六年桶陳，雪莉桶與波本桶混合）、Double Distilleries（首度混合秩父一廠與二廠的單一麥芽威士忌）、The Peated 2026（50 PPM重泥煤，自2022年後首度獨立發售）以及The London Edition 2026（第九版倫敦限定版，採用新西蘭與加州葡萄酒桶）。酒款價格從148美元至284美元不等，適合尋求日本威士忌新鮮表現的愛好者。
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Speciality Brands is expanding its portfolio with four new expressions from Japanese whisky producer Chichibu this autumn. The releases will be available to whisky drinkers across the UK from 1 October 2026.
The line-up comprises Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu Distillery II Hint of Sherry, Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu Double Distilleries, Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu The Peated 2026 and Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu The London Edition 2026.
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Chichibu Distillery II Hint of Sherry is the second release from the Chichibu II Distillery, which opened in 2019. Aged for five to six years, it is matured in a combination of sherry casks and ex-bourbon barrels, with a touch of peated malt in the recipe.
According to the official notes from the brand, the whisky offers peat smoke, dark chocolate, raisins and candied citrus, followed by vanilla, honey, baking spice, and a finish of sweet smoke and lapsang souchong.
The Peated 2026 is the first standalone release of Chichibu’s heavily peated single malt since 2022. It is crafted from malt peated to 50 PPM during the distillery’s annual month-long peated production run.
Double Distilleries brings together single malts from Chichibu I and Chichibu II distilleries for the first time. The blend combines the fruit-forward character of the original distillery with the fuller-bodied style of its successor.
Pappy Van Winkle Prices Just Jumped Up to 30% — But They May Still Be Too Cheap
READ THE STORYThe London Edition 2026 is the ninth edition of the series, created exclusively for the UK. This year’s release is a marriage of 16 casks of Japanese single malt distilled at Chichibu I, including two wine casks sourced from New Zealand and California.
The bottle’s label is the third and final instalment of the ‘Warrior Series’, designed by Elixir Distillers’ Creative Director Raj Chavda. It features a textured, glow-in-the-dark finish.
"The London Edition series is inspired by Musha-e: The Warriors of Ukiyo-e, a world where fact and fiction, truth and fable intertwine," said Chavda. "This interpretation depicts a noble warrior confronting a serpent, or ‘Hebi’, a powerful symbol that represents protection, wisdom, good fortune, transformation and rebirth."
Chichibu was founded by Ichiro Akuto, whose family has distilling roots dating back to 1625.
The whiskies range in price from $148 (£110) to $284 (£211). All four will be available at selected trade partners, and at The Whisky Show 2026 (2–4 October, Old Billingsgate, London) on stand 25.
By — Darlene Superville, Associated Press Darlene Superville, Associated Press By — Jill Lawless, Associated Press Jill Lawless, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-says-hes-lifting-10-tariff-on-irish-whiskey-because-everybodys-been-bugging-me Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Trump says he's lifting 10% tariff on Irish whiskey because 'everybody's been bugging me' Politics Sep 14, 2026 7:43 AM EDT DOONBEG, Ireland (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Sunday at the close of a golf tournament in Ireland that he plans to remove a 10% tariff on Irish whiskey. Trump said during the trophy ceremony for the Irish Open that he had been asked about the issue by everyone, including Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and even some of the golfers. Irish Open winner Shane Lowry was among them, Trump said. READ MORE: Trump says he'll consider releasing 9/11 records after families' request "Everybody's been bugging me" to do it, the Republican president said. "And I said, 'On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off'" of Irish whiskey. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Irish whiskey currently faces the standard tariff imposed by Trump on most imports from the European Union, which was reduced from 15% to 10% in July. Trump announced in April that he was lifting certain tariffs on U.K. whiskey, which includes Scotch and spirits made in Northern Ireland, creating an imbalance with Ireland. READ MORE: Trump says he's lifting certain tariffs on Scotch whisky after royal visit Trump's surprise announcement was met with loud whistling and cheers from the crowd of spectators. Details on how soon the tariff would be lifted were not immediately available. Chris Swonger, president & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, called Trump's announcement "another positive step toward reducing barriers to spirits trade" and said everyone would benefit from it during the coming holidays. "As U.S. hospitality businesses enter the critical holiday season, this action will provide a welcome boost for retailers, restaurants, consumers and the American economy," Swonger said. READ MORE: Jim Beam to close one of its Kentucky distillery for a year as the whiskey industry navigates tariffs In May, the Irish Whiskey Association called for the tariffs to be removed, arguing that such a step would help many U.S. companies with Irish products in their portfolios and avoid uncertainty for consumers. Trump said on April 30 that he gave the United Kingdom a tariff break on whiskey after King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the White House. "The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!" Trump posted on social media. The Scotch Whisky Association said July 24 that the zero-tariff policy had come into effect. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Darlene Superville, Associated Press Darlene Superville, Associated Press By — Jill Lawless, Associated Press Jill Lawless, Associated Press
DOONBEG, Ireland (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Sunday at the close of a golf tournament in Ireland that he plans to remove a 10% tariff on Irish whiskey. Trump said during the trophy ceremony for the Irish Open that he had been asked about the issue by everyone, including Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and even some of the golfers. Irish Open winner Shane Lowry was among them, Trump said. READ MORE: Trump says he'll consider releasing 9/11 records after families' request "Everybody's been bugging me" to do it, the Republican president said. "And I said, 'On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off'" of Irish whiskey. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Irish whiskey currently faces the standard tariff imposed by Trump on most imports from the European Union, which was reduced from 15% to 10% in July. Trump announced in April that he was lifting certain tariffs on U.K. whiskey, which includes Scotch and spirits made in Northern Ireland, creating an imbalance with Ireland. READ MORE: Trump says he's lifting certain tariffs on Scotch whisky after royal visit Trump's surprise announcement was met with loud whistling and cheers from the crowd of spectators. Details on how soon the tariff would be lifted were not immediately available. Chris Swonger, president & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, called Trump's announcement "another positive step toward reducing barriers to spirits trade" and said everyone would benefit from it during the coming holidays. "As U.S. hospitality businesses enter the critical holiday season, this action will provide a welcome boost for retailers, restaurants, consumers and the American economy," Swonger said. READ MORE: Jim Beam to close one of its Kentucky distillery for a year as the whiskey industry navigates tariffs In May, the Irish Whiskey Association called for the tariffs to be removed, arguing that such a step would help many U.S. companies with Irish products in their portfolios and avoid uncertainty for consumers. Trump said on April 30 that he gave the United Kingdom a tariff break on whiskey after King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the White House. "The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!" Trump posted on social media. The Scotch Whisky Association said July 24 that the zero-tariff policy had come into effect. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Glen Scotia Unveils Griffin 12-Year Icons Release No.4 - The Whiskey Wash
Glen Scotia發表其五部曲Icons of Campbeltown系列的第四款作品——Griffin 12年份單一麥芽威士忌。此酒款靈感來自坎貝爾鎮14世紀十字架上的雕刻，Griffin是守護該地港灣的傳說生物，象徵力量與守護。此款採用Vin Santo葡萄酒桶熟陳，呈現蜂蜜甜感、杏乾、杏仁與肉桂香氣，酒精度53.8% ABV，建議零售價$109美元（約€80、₹10,324）。Glen Scotia是坎貝爾鎮現存僅有的三家蒸餾廠之一。
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Glen Scotia has unveiled the fourth expression in its five-part Icons of Campbeltown series, a limited-edition 12-year-old unpeated single malt. The whisky pays homage to the Griffin, a legendary creature said to have guarded Campbeltown’s harbor and its whisky.
The annual collection draws inspiration from folklore tales of Scotland’s smallest whisky-making region.
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Each release references carvings on Campbeltown’s 14th-century market cross, which depicts saints and beasts shrouded in myth. Among the markings is the Griffin, a half-eagle, half-lion figure said to embody strength, vigilance, and protection.
Release No.4 was finished in Vin Santo wine casks. According to the official notes from the brand, this brings a honeyed sweetness layered with dried apricot and sultana, alongside toasted almond, hazelnut, and a hint of cinnamon spice. Glen Scotia again worked with artist Joel Holtzman on the artwork, whose previous clients include Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm.
“Our small town has so many exceptional stories to tell, and The Icons of Campbeltown series brings this incredible folklore to life,” said Ashley Smith, master blender at Glen Scotia.
Smith linked the Griffin’s role to the distillery’s team.
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READ THE STORY“The Griffin stood watch over Campbeltown for hundreds of years, and that’s exactly how I think of our distillery team, as the guardians of Glen Scotia’s whisky,” she said. “Every cask that leaves here has been shaped by people protecting a character that has come to be loved all over the world, through skill built up over generations.”
She added: “For this release, I wanted a cask that would truly complement that character, so we finished the whisky in Vin Santo casks. They’ve brought a honeyed sweetness and dried fruit, with toasted almond and warming cinnamon on the finish, with our distinctive coastal salt character anchoring it all.”
The whisky is bottled at batch strength of 53.8% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in color. It retails at $109 (£80, ₹10,324) and is available now via Glen Scotia’s website and specialist retailers globally.
To mark the launch, the distillery is offering buyers the chance to win a trip to Campbeltown to meet the team and tour the distillery.
Established in 1832, Glen Scotia is one of only three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown, which was once home to over 30 distilleries during the Victorian era.
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Pernod Ricard GTR partners with Heinemann Oceania and Sydney Airport Corporation in Terminal 1 Whisky Emporium opening - Global Travel Retail Magazine
September 14, 2026
Pernod Ricard GTR partners with Heinemann Oceania and Sydney Airport Corporation in Terminal 1 Whisky Emporium opening
The permanent space taps directly into the growing appetite for considered, high-quality gifting and discovery in travel retail
Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail (PR GTR) has partnered with Heinemann Oceania and the Sydney Airport Corporation to create a permanent Whisky Emporium at Terminal 1.
The launch comes at a timely moment, as international passenger traffic returns to strength and travelers increasingly seek out premium, experience-led retail moments before they fly.
Inspired by the pioneering emporium established in Aberdeen, Scotland by the Chivas Brothers in the 1930s, Pernod Ricard GTR, Heinemann and Sydney Airport have reimagined the Scotch whisky shopping experience, showcasing Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet, Aberlour and Ballantine’s with a unique C-shaped shop-in-shop where dedicated zones for each brand feature prestige expressions and traveler exclusives, storytelling and product education. The Whisky Emporium taps directly into the growing appetite for considered, high-quality gifting and discovery in travel retail.
Built into the emporium’s counter space is an innovative one-of-its-kind mini conveyor belt, incorporating a central digital screen. More than a novelty or quirky reference to baggage carousels, it plays a key role in allowing the revolving display to align with key moments throughout the year such as Christmas or Lunar New Year and feature the latest or most exclusive products on offer at any given period.
At one end of the C-shaped installation, a dedicated Tasting Station invites travelers to explore the whisky portfolio at leisure, including GTR exclusives such as The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection 14, 16 and 19 Year Old, Aberlour Suthainn, 13 and 16 Double Charred, and Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Pauillac Cask Edition.
At the other end, a flexible Gifting Zone which will evolve with key gifting periods, shopper trends and seasonal occasions. To celebrate the launch, shoppers will receive a gift-wrapping kit with every purchase from the emporium, adding a personal finishing touch for loved ones back home.
Becky Holliday, Pernod Ricard Pacific Travel Retail Director, said, “The Whisky Emporium at Sydney Airport offers travelers a new way to explore Scotch whisky heritage, craftsmanship and flavor. Showcasing Chivas Regal alongside The Glenlivet and Aberlour, the space highlights Pernod Ricard’s whisky leadership and growing malt ambition. We’re delighted to bring this concept to life with Heinemann and Sydney Airport Corporation.”
Ranjith Menon, Regional Commercial Director at Heinemann Asia Pacific, commented, “Prestige spirits remain a key growth category for our international shoppers. The Whisky Emporium answers that trend directly – pairing an exceptional assortment with rich brand storytelling in a genuinely original retail setting. Together with Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail and Sydney Airport, we’ve built a destination that raises the bar for the whisky category and gives travelers an experience worth stopping for.”
Gail Taylor, General Manager Retail at Sydney Airport, added, “We’re always looking for ways to make the airport experience more engaging and memorable for passengers, and the Whisky Emporium is a great example of that. It brings together premium products, storytelling and a sense of discovery in a way that feels distinctive to travel retail. For passengers, it means more choice, a more immersive shopping experience and another reason to enjoy the journey through T1.”
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Pernod Ricard and Heinemann Oceania introduce experience-led Whisky Emporium to Sydney Airport - moodiedavittreport.com｜僅標題
After overwhelming demand in the comments of my last video, I have set the Springbank reviews aside to tackle something you all clearly wanted answered. The Willem Dafoe Laphroaig 14 is, at least on paper, an attainable bottle of whisky. Yet it arrives carrying a few problems that I feel obliged to unpack.
Let me deal with the liquid first, because there is genuinely so much to admire here. At 53.7% ABV, matured predominantly in ex-bourbon casks with a two-year Oloroso finish, this is classic Laphroaig with real depth.
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The nose delivers that dirty, damp, phenolic wet peat we all know, wrapped in smoked sea salt, seaweed butter, and a remarkable wave of maple syrup that reminds me of the maple candies people bring back from Canada.
On the palate, it opens sweet, all syrupy cherry and creamy milk chocolate, before the West Coast oiliness rolls in with smoked fish, roasted nuts, and that unmistakable wet ashtray note. The cherry dries right down to something almost bone dry, closer to a fino than an Oloroso.
The finish is where this whisky truly shines. Dark chocolate, Manchego cheese, rye spice, and a savoury depth of Worcestershire sauce and garlic granules. It is an extraordinary flavour journey, and no one could deny it tastes good.
The trouble begins with the price. Depending on your retailer, this sits between £135 and £140, which is a lot for a 14-year-old whisky. Yes, the higher strength justifies a portion of that, but Laphroaig Cask Strength is currently being flash sold around £50 a bottle, which rather wipes out that argument. This feels like the tail end of the premiumisation trend, and I suspect the elevated price is simply the name on the front. Tellingly, the age statement lives on the back. Is that because 14 years reads as a slight embarrassment against the asking price? Possibly.
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READ THE STORYThe real elephant in the room is the Laphroaig 10 Sherry, a whisky I gave my whisky of the year back in 2022. It offers a very similar profile at roughly half the price. So my verdict stands at a fair 8 out of 10 for the liquid alone, but the value simply is not there. My honest advice is to split a bottle between a few friends. That way you experience something genuinely special without swallowing the premium for a signature on the label.
Of all the celebrity drinks I have tried, this tastes the best by some distance. But would you pay the extra just to have Dafoe’s name on your shelf?
To see my full tasting, check out my YouTube video.
Aberargie Distillery has launched a new series of single malt whiskies celebrating the influence of barley, while supporting the next generation of Scotland’s farming community.
Aberargie Expressions Single Malt Whisky – Golden Promise and Laureate editions will both be available from specialist UK retailers from 15th September, following the sell-out success of the Perthshire distillery’s inaugural release in March 2026.
The new series comprises two single malts made separately from Golden Promise and Laureate barley, allowing whisky drinkers to explore the individual character of each variety for the first time.
Aberargie will donate £1 from every bottle of Aberargie Expressions sold in the UK to the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), helping the organisation support young people across Scotland’s rural communities. The distillery’s donation will specifically help young farmers in the East region through social events and personal development.
The partnership has personal significance for Aberargie head of production Graeme McKeddie, a third-generation farmer whose family’s farming history dates back to the 1800s.
Graeme grew up on his family’s mixed arable and beef farm, spending much of his childhood alongside his parents in the tractor cab before taking the wheel himself as a teenager. Following his father’s death in 2022, Graeme now helps his mother run the farm, which primarily grows malting barley.
He said: “Like many people in the farming community, I was born into it. Farming is in my blood. My family has been on our farm since the 1950s, with a history of farming stretching back generations.
“Small-scale farming is hard work, and the rewards are never guaranteed. That is why supporting SAYFC and the young people who represent the future of Scottish farming feels particularly important to us.
“As both a farmer and a distiller, you develop a greater appreciation of what is in your glass. Behind every whisky are generations of knowledge, passion and hard graft – not only from the people who distil it, but from those who grow the barley.”
Aberargie Distillery sits on the Morrison family’s 300-acre farm near Perth and operates according to a field-to-bottle philosophy, using barley grown on its own land to create its single malt.
Its inaugural whisky combined spirit distilled from Golden Promise and Laureate barley. Aberargie Expressions now separates the two varieties, offering a closer look at the role this essential raw ingredient can play in a whisky’s final character.
Graeme added: “Farming and distilling are intrinsically linked at Aberargie. Understanding the farm is especially valuable when considering how the distillery contributes to its circular economy and regenerative farming practices.
“Expressions gives us the opportunity to place barley at the centre of the conversation and recognise the farming knowledge and work behind every bottle.”
Aberargie Expressions is available from specialist whisky retailers across the UK from 15th September 2026.
Glen Scotia flies out penultimate dram in five-part series
AWARD winning Campbeltown distillery Glen Scotia has unveiled its penultimate release in its Icons of Campbeltown Series with its fourth expression in the five-part series.
The Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown Release No.4 is a limited edition 12 Year Old single malt whisky that pays homage to the mythical beast the Griffin which is said to have been a guardian of Campbeltown’s harbour, whisky and bold character.
The Icons of Campbeltown series pays homage to the town’s storied history and has been directly inspired by its carvings of different saints and beasts on Campbeltown’s 14th century market cross, which itself is shrouded in myth and lore.
Among these markings is the Griffin and, as the legend goes, the legendary creature was seen as a symbol of strength, vigilance and protection and kept watch high above the harbour, guarding Campbeltown’s most valued product, its whisky. In homage to this, the Griffin can be seen across the No.4 release’s packaging.
The expression itself has been finished in Vin Santo wine casks which has helped to bring a honeyed sweetness to the whisky, says Glen Scotia, with notes of dried apricots and sultana. The whisky builds on these sweet beginnings to deliver flavours of toasted almond and hazelnut to deliver a warmth and depth to the whisky, which is then finished with some gentle spices on the palate with Glen Scotia’s signature coastal character running throughout the tasting experience.
To mark the launch, Glen Scotia is also offering shoppers the chance to win a trip to Campbeltown when purchasing the new whisky via the distiller’s website. During this experience, the winner will meet with the Glen Scotia team, explore the distillery and taste the whisky in the very place where it was crafted.
Each bottle of Icons of Campbeltown No.4 comes bottled at batch strength 53.8% ABV and retails at £80 per 700ml bottle.
Ashley Smith, master blender at Glen Scotia, said: “Our small town has so many exceptional stories to tell, and The Icons of Campbeltown series brings this incredible folklore to life.
“The Griffin stood watch over Campbeltown for hundreds of years, and that’s exactly how I think of our distillery team, as the guardians of Glen Scotia’s whisky. Every cask that leaves here has been shaped by people protecting a character that has come to be loved all over the world, through skill built up over generations.
“For this release, I wanted a cask that would truly complement that character, so we finished the whisky in Vin Santo casks. They’ve brought a honeyed sweetness and dried fruit, with toasted almond and warming cinnamon on the finish, with our distinctive coastal salt character anchoring it all.”
Glen Scotia has unveiled a new whisky in the Icons of Campbeltown series. This time it’s all about the Griffin, a mythical creature said to have watched over Campbeltown in ancient tales. Time to return to the cross in the market square and reveal the next icon. And the story behind it is surprisingly dark.
The new Glen Scotia is the fourth release in a five-part series. Each bottling is inspired by the stories, figures, and symbols of Campbeltown. But where does the Griffin actually come from? We’ll dive into that here and of course, we’ll tell you all about the Scotch whisky inside the bottle.
The Griffin of Campbeltown
In Victorian times, Campbeltown was one of the world’s great whisky towns. More than 30 distilleries once stood in this small coastal place. Today, only three remain.
Even so, Campbeltown’s whisky heritage is still visible everywhere, not just in the distilleries, but woven through the town itself. Take the old market square. Standing there is a 14th-century stone cross.
It’s carved with figures, saints, and animals: a werewolf, a mermaid, a dragon and a griffin.
Half eagle, half lion
A griffin is a mythic creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. It appears in various legends, including those tied to Campbeltown.
According to the tale, the creature symbolized strength, vigilance, and protection. The Griffin was said to watch high over Campbeltown, guarding what mattered most to the town: whisky. Glen Scotia now draws on that old legend for the fourth whisky in the Icons of Campbeltown series.
Glen Scotia opts for a standout finish
Master blender Ashley Smith wanted a cask that would resonate with Glen Scotia’s character and the story behind this release. For this edition, Glen Scotia used a 12-year-old unpeated single malt, then gave it a finishing period in Vin Santo casks. Vin Santo is a sweet Italian dessert wine known for notes of dried fruit, honey, and nuts.
- Nose: Rich caramel, syrupy dried apricots, and candied red apple.
- Palate: Nutmeg, cinnamon, roasted hazelnut, dried apple peel, and dark cocoa.
- Finish: Orange bitters, zesty citrus peel, caramelized oak, and crème brûlée.
The whisky is bottled at 53.8% ABV with no added color.
The penultimate release in the series
Icons of Campbeltown will ultimately comprise five releases. This Griffin edition is number four, making it the penultimate bottling in the line.
Glen Scotia once again collaborated on the design with artist Joel Holtzman, who has also worked on projects for Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm.
The recommended retail price is £80, and it will soon appear in limited quantities on the shelves of specialist retailers. Dutch pricing has yet to be announced.
FAQ
- What is Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown Release No. 4?
It’s a 12-year-old unpeated single malt and the fourth whisky in the five-part Icons of Campbeltown series.
- What casks were used for Glen Scotia Release No. 4?
The whisky was finished in Vin Santo wine casks.
- How strong is Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown Release No. 4?
The whisky is bottled at 53.8% ABV.
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| Ben Nevis 10 Year Old Dawn Davies Te Whisky Show 2024 | 46,95 |
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| Ben Nevis 2019 6 Year Old Caoineag The Weeping Spirit | 49,95 |
| Muteman Rye Whiskey | 33,95 |
The Glen Scotia Distillery has announced the launch of the fourth release in its limited-edition Icons of Campbeltown series, a five-part annual collection inspired by the folklore of Scotland’s smallest whisky making region.
Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown Release No. 4 (53.8% ABV) is a 12 Year Old batch-strength single malt Scotch whisky, initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, before being finished in Vin Santo wine casks. It pays homage to the Griffin, a legendary creature said to have guarded Campbeltown’s harbour, whisky and bold character.
Campbeltown, once known as the whisky capital of the world during the Victorian era, is a town steeped in mythical history, with stories carved into its streets. The Icons of Campbeltown series is inspired by the carvings of saints and beasts on Campbeltown’s 14th-century market cross, which is shrouded in myth and lore.
Among the markings is a depiction of the Griffin – half eagle, half lion. According to legend, the Griffin was a creature of strength, vigilance and protection that kept watch high above the harbour, guarding what Campbeltown valued most: its whisky.
The latest release is said to offer layers of dried apricot and sultana. Toasted almond and hazelnut add depth and warmth, while a gentle hint of cinnamon spice lingers on the palate. Underneath it all, Glen Scotia’s unmistakable coastal character is said to shine through, carrying the same quiet confidence that has defined the series so far.
Commenting on the launch, Ashley Smith, Master Blender at Glen Scotia, said: “Our small town has so many exceptional stories to tell, and The Icons of Campbeltown series brings this incredible folklore to life. The Griffin stood watch over Campbeltown for hundreds of years, and that’s exactly how I think of our distillery team – as the guardians of Glen Scotia’s whisky. Every cask that leaves here has been shaped by people protecting a character that has come to be loved all over the world, through skill built up over generations.”
“For this release, I wanted a cask that would truly complement that character, so we finished the whisky in Vin Santo casks. They’ve brought a honeyed sweetness and dried fruit, with toasted almond and warming cinnamon on the finish, while our distinctive coastal salt character anchors it all.”
Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown Release No. 4, is now available from the distillery’s website and selected retailers, for a RRP of £80.00.
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Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Ten award-winning Scotch whiskies - The Spirits Business
《The Spirits Business》報導2026年全球烈酒大師賽中蘇格蘭威士忌組別的十款得獎酒款。包括Glenfarclas 105（金牌）、The Sassenach調和威士忌（大師牌）、Kilchoman Rockside 11 Years Old（大師牌）、Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition 2026（大師牌及最佳風味獎）、Port Askaig Sherry Cask（金牌）、Borders Right as Rain（金牌）、Tomintoul 10 Year Old（大師牌）、Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute Original Reserve（大師牌）等。報導反映儘管蘇格蘭威士忌面臨關稅與產能過剩挑戰，但產業仍展現多樣化與優質工藝，2025年出口達13億英鎊。
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Ten award-winning Scotch whiskies
By Miona MadsenThis year’s Scotch Whisky Masters competition showcased the diversity and quality of the category, from delectable blends to standout single malts. We have gathered 10 expressions that stood out from the crowd.
This article contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Each year, the judges at The Global Spirits Masters Competitions (GSMC) can expect nothing less than a great turnout of good quality whiskies from Scotland. As the world’s largest whisky producer, Scotland is home to more than 150 active whisky distilleries (Scotch Whisky Association, April 2026), each producing its own unique style.
It’s been a year of uncertainty for Scotch whisky, impacted by the implementation and removal of tariffs to the US and apparent overproduction, which has led some distilleries to downsize production and reduce their workforces.
In 2025, Scotch whisky exports totalled 1.3 billion, equivalent to 43 bottles sold every second. In the first quarter (Q1 FY2026), whisky held tightly to its top spot as the UK’s leading food and drink export globally, only dropping by 1.1%.
But one thing remains undisputed: the Scotch whisky industry thrives in diversity and quality, as demonstrated at this year’s blind tasting.
Scroll down to discover 10 outstanding whiskies from The Scotch Whisky Masters 2026.
For more on Scotch whisky, find out which million-case brands topped the category’s Brand Champions list.
Glenfarclas 105
Speyside’s family-owned Glenfarclas Distillery is known for prioritising Sherry casks to age its whiskies. A great example of the distillery’s higher-ABV Scotch offerings is the 105 Cask Strength, clocking in at 60% ABV. The late John S Grant, fourth-generation family member, described the whisky as “assertive, amazingly smooth for the strength, and wonderfully warming”.
The judges at The Scotch Masters unknowingly agreed with Grant’s view, praising the whisky’s “silky texture” and “rich” palate, with notes of orchard fruits like apples, pears, and peaches, balanced by a light hint of peat. This Gold medal-winning dram shone even more with candied lime peel and sourdough nuances when a drop of water was added.
The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky
This Master medal winner from Sassenach Spirits, co-founded by Outlander actor Sam Heughan, caught the panel’s attention with its “complex”, “well-integrated” and “brilliant” palate. Highlight notes included dried fruits and winter spice, while one judge also called it “a perfect sipping blended whisky”.
The Sassenach is a blend that predominantly consists of single malts aged between nine and 12 years, as well as 21-year-old Bourbon barrel-matured organic single grain whisky finished in Madeira casks. The expression sits at 46% ABV.
Sassenach Spirits entered a new era in 2025 after acquiring the Crafty Distillery (established in 2017) in the Scottish Lowlands and renaming it Galloway Distillery. We will have to wait a little longer to see the Galloway Scotch Whisky.
Kilchoman Rockside 11 Years Old
The first age-statement addition to family-owned distillery Kilchoman’s core range is made entirely from barley grown on its adjacent Rockside Farm in Islay.
The 11-year-old whisky is malted and lightly peated at the distillery to 20ppm (parts per million), unlike the distillery’s Machir Bay and Sanaig expressions, which carry a heftier peat level of 50ppm. It is matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks before being bottled at 46% ABV.
Kilchoman Rockside 11 Years Old took home a Master medal at the blind tasting, impressing the judges with its “meaty barbecue” flavour, balanced with nectarine aroma, “dill smoked fresh mackerel” nuances, and a “very well-balanced” palate.
Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition 2026
This special edition from Loch Lomond Group’s Glen Scotia Distillery not only blew away the judges but also beat the competition, taking home a Master medal and the top title of Taste Master at the 2026 blind tasting.
Released for the Campbeltown Malts Festival in May, the ‘medium peated’ seven-year-old whisky was initially aged in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and then finished for six months in first-fill ruby Port casks. The limited edition is bottled at 53.9% ABV.
Judges praised the 2026 edition for its “rich and meaty nose with a touch of fruit cake” and seaside influence, with “enticing” waxed notes. On the palate, they highlighted notes of “fruit-forward sweet malt with the delicate floral and briny peat”, dark chocolate and leather.
Port Askaig Sherry Cask
London-based Elixir Distillers brought their A game to the competition, taking home a Gold medal for its Port Askaig Sherry Cask. The brand, launched in 2009, represents Islay with its peaty bottlings unequivocally, while keeping the origin of its single malt whiskies a mystery.
As its name implies, the whisky has been aged exclusively in Spanish oloroso Sherry casks. Described by Elixir Distillers as ‘a masterclass in balancing peat and Sherry’, the new expression to Port Askaig’s range launched in May this year. It is made in small batches of 20 butts and clocks in at 50.5% ABV.
At this year’s blind tasting, Sherry Cask won a Gold medal. It earned praise for a “lovely sweet smoke”, barbecue and Sherried notes, while one judge was so enticed they wanted to “sniff and sip rather than write notes”.
Borders Right as Rain
This blended gem from The Borders Distillery in Hawick was released as part of its experimental Workshop Series – a countdown to the producer’s upcoming single malt whisky. Right As Rain (40% ABV), released with the catchphrase ‘today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky’, is the collection’s third release.
Made with a ratio of 75% malt whisky and 25% single grain, Right As Rain brings together single grain rye whisky matured in Cognac casks with single malts aged in red wine and first-fill Bourbon casks.
At the blind tasting, the whisky earned praise for its orchard-fruit notes, as well as “subtle smoke” and “rich malt cake” nuances. One judge called it “smooth and complex with a smart finish”, while another described it as “one for a Highball or other simple whisky cocktails”. Regardless of the occasion, the judges unanimously awarded the expression a Gold medal.
Tomintoul 10 Year Old
Another Speyside whisky that shone at the competition was Angus Dundee Distillers’ Tomintoul 10-year-old single malt – so bright in fact that it took home a Master medal. Tomintoul calls itself ‘the gentle dram’, with its entry-level Scotch aged exclusively in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels and bottled at 40% ABV.
It impressed the panel with “nutty notes reminiscent of sake cask or wine-lead cask” maturation and “plenty of juicy peaches, pears, wonderful maltiness, and spiced wood” on the nose. The conversation continued with a discussion of the whisky’s “decadent, textural” palate, with chocolate notes. A definite winner in our books.
Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute Original Reserve
Chivas Brothers’ high-end claim to fame at the Masters was versatile and plentiful. Its Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve blended Scotch whisky was among the company’s entries to take top honours at the competition.
While the 62 Gun Salute has been part of the brand’s portfolio since 2010 – inspired by the UK’s highest ceremonial royal gun honour –Royal Salute extended the range in 2024 to include The American Oak Reserve and The Peated Reserve. Now-retired master blender Sandy Hyslop envisioned the collection.
The Original Reserve caught the judges’ attention from the start with its “rum- and Cognac-like” nose, featuring aromas of “brown sugar molasses, vanilla, burnt butter, and stewed fruit”. Descriptions of a “great palate, explosion of flavour” were followed by praise for it as a “silky” and “wonderful blended Scotch”.
The judges ultimately saluted this dram with a Master medal.
Grand Old Parr 18 Year Old
Diageo’s Grand Old Parr blended whisky is inspi
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has called on the UK Government to support the Scotch Whisky sector and its Scottish supply chain by cutting spirits duty in next month’s Autumn Budget.
The call came after the First Minister met with the Scotch Whisky Association’s Council of member companies.
In its own submission to the Treasury earlier this week, the SWA called on Chancellor John Healey to cut excise duty on spirits, 70% of which are produced north of the border, and stressed that such a cut would have a positive knock-on effect for hospitality businesses, which rely on spirits for over a third of their total profits.
The SWA called the current alcohol duty system, which taxes Scotch Whisky and other spirits up to four times more than beer, cider and wine, ‘a broken model for Scotland’, highlighting that the 17% increase to excise duty in the last three years had actually led to a fall in Treasury revenue.
First Minister John Swinney seemed convinced by these SWA arguments: “Scotch Whisky is a cornerstone of Scotland’s culture, heritage, economy and global identity.
“This Government stands shoulder to shoulder with this industry, supporting thousands of jobs and standing proudly as a symbol of Scotland’s reputation around the world.
“Today I’ve heard directly from major producers to smaller distillers,” said Swinney. “It is clear that duty rises have placed undue pressure on the industry and I echo calls for the UK Government to address this unfairness.”
Chief executive of the SWA, Mark Kent, said: “We are grateful for the support of the First Minister and his team in backing an iconic Scottish industry like Scotch Whisky, and its partners in Scotland from farmers to hospitality venues and tourism.
“We welcome their recognition that a cut to excise duty in the Autumn Budget would have a tangible impact on Scotch Whisky producers large and small by allowing them breathing room to look to the future, invest in innovation and expansion, and support jobs – something which can only help boost growth across Scotland and the wider UK.”
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Finalists revealed for 8th annual Scottish Whisky Awards - DRAM Scotland
第8屆蘇格蘭威士忌大獎（Scottish Whisky Awards）公布決選名單，41家酒廠與公司、超過130款蘇格蘭威士忌入選。本年度特別強調的獎項包括由Howden贊助的「蘇格蘭威士忌年度酒廠」（Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year），由Ardnahoe、Borders、Cabrach、Dornoch、Glenmorangie及Loch Lomond等六家優秀酒廠角逐。頒獎典禮將於11月26日在格拉斯哥希爾頓逸林酒店舉行，同時舉辦慈善募款活動支持The BEN慈善機構。評選涵蓋商業與品嚐兩大類別，展現蘇格蘭威士忌產業的多樣性與創新力。
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The finalists for the 8th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards have been revealed, with 41 distillers and companies and more than 130 Scotch whiskies selected following an intensive judging process.
The 2026 finalists represent an impressive cross-section of Scotland’s world-renowned whisky industry, recognising excellence across both business and taste categories and celebrating the people, producers and products helping to shape the Scotch whisky industry.
The Scottish Whisky Awards provide a platform for the industry to come together, celebrate its achievements and promote Scotland’s most iconic global product. This year’s finalists once again showcase the strength, quality and diversity of the sector, which continues to play a significant role in Scotland’s international reputation for excellence.
Among this year’s most highly anticipated awards is Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year, sponsored by Howden.
Six outstanding distilleries have been selected to compete for the coveted title, recognising exceptional performance, innovation and achievement within the Scotch whisky industry. The winner will be revealed alongside the recipients of this year’s business and taste awards at the official awards celebration in November.
Across the taste competition, more than 130 Scotch whiskies have earned a place among the 2026 finalists following a rigorous judging process. The extensive line-up reflects the breadth of whisky being produced across Scotland, from established names to emerging producers and an exciting range of styles, ages and expressions.
The winners of the 8th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards will be announced on Thursday, 26th November at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central, when finalists, judges, sponsors and leading figures from across the industry will gather for one of the highlights of the Scotch whisky calendar.
The event will also raise funds for The BEN, a charity providing financial, social and emotional support to people who have worked, or currently work, within Scotland’s drinks, hospitality and licensed trade.
The Finalists in Full:
Business Competition
Newcomer of the Year
Aberargie Distillery
D&M Winchester
Independent Bottler of the Year – Sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons
Brave New Spirits
DOUGLAS LAING &CO
Feguson Whisky
One Cask at a Time
Saltire Rare Malt
Product Launch of the Year
Aberargie Distillery – Aberargie Inaugural Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Local Heros Whisky Collection from The Distillery at Coleburn
– Local Heros Collection
Ferguson Whisky – Lochindaal 18 Year Old
Little Brown Dog Spirits – Aberdeenshire Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Tourism Destination of the Year
Ardnahoe Distillery
Eden Mill St Andrews Distillery
Falkirk Distillery
Jackton Distillery
Excellence in Branding – Sponsored by Macfarlane Labels
The Cabrach Distillery
Local Heros Whisky Collection from The Distillery at Coleburn
Dornoch Distillery
DRAM5
Ferguson Whisky
National Trust for Scotland
Saltire Rare Malt
Scotch Whisky Retailer of the Year
The Good Spirits Co., Glasgow
Robertsons of Pitlochry
Royal Mile Whiskies, Edinburgh
Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year – Sponsored by Howden
Ardnahoe Distillery
Borders Distillery
Cabrach Distillery
Dornoch Distillery
Glenmorangie Distillery
Loch Lomond Distillery
Dr Jim Swan Award
Winner to be announced in October
Taste Competition
Blended Scotch
Borders Distillery – Right as Rain
Brave New Spirits – Lighthouse Blended Scotch – Lightly Peated
CVH Spirits – Black Bottle Original
CVH Spirits – Black Bottle 10
Dornoch Distillery Company – Thompson Bros TB/BSW Blended Scotch Whisky, 9 Year Old, The Final Release
InchDairnie Whisky – Islay Mist Original Blend
InchDairnie Whisky – Lauder’s Blended Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Group – Loch Lomond Signature
Blended Malt Scotch
The Cabrach Distillery – The Feering – Late Crop
Local Heros Whisky Collection from The Distillery at Coleburn - Local Heros – Big Smoke
Local Heros Whisky Collection from The Distillery at Coleburn - Local Heros – Sherry Bomb
Dornoch Distillery Company – Thompson Bros North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, 8 Year Old- 2025 Batch
Fruitful Spirits – Fruitful Spirits enviable
Old Perth – Old Perth Pedro Ximenez
Single Cask Scotch 12 and Under – Sponsored by Distillery Supplies
Annandale Distillery – Man O’ Words Double Oaked ex-Bourbon 2018 Cask 301
Annandale Distillery – Man O’ Words Double Oaked ex-Bourbon 2018 Cask 513
Brave New Spirits – Cask Masters Croftengea 10 Years Old
Brave New Spirits – WhiskyHeroes Widow’s Cove Caol Ila 11 Years Old
Brave New Spirits – Cask Masters Laphroaig 10Yo
DOUGLAS LAING & CO – Old Particular Glengoyne 12 Years Old – Monbazillac Wine Cask
Speyside Distillers Co – SPEY 8-years-old TWS Exclusive
Single Cask Scotch 13 and Over – Sponsored by Hillebrand Gori
Brave New Spirits – WhiskyHeroes “Captain Shug and the Second Sight” Teaninich 13 Years Old
Dornoch Distillery Company – Thompson Bros Caol Ila Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 2010, 16 Year Old– Godzilla
Fruitful Spirits – Fruitful Spirits 21 Year Old Highland Park
Own Label Company Scotland – 3.01 Edition Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Saltire Rare Malt – Saltire Rare Malt, Aultmore #301239 – American Oak Barrique, 15 years old
Saltire Rare Malt – Saltire Rare Malt, Caol Ila #313181 – Refill American Oak Ex Bourbon, 17 years old
Saltire Rare Malt – Saltire Rare Malt ¸Tamnavulin #1008 -2nd Fill European Oak HHD – Ex Oloroso, 17 years old
Whisky Craft – Auchentoshan 20 Year Old
Whisky Craft – Bowmore22 Yo Single Cask
Single Grain & Blended Grain Scotch – Sponsored by Glencairn Crystal
Brave New Spirits – Cask Masters Cameronbridge 15 Years Old
Brave New Spirits – Whisky of Voodoo “Coven of The Red Veil” 14 Years Old
Dornoch Distillery Company – North British Single Grain Scotch Whisky, 17 Year Old
Fruitful Spirits – Fruitful Spirits 50 Year Old Cambus
Loch Lomond Group – Spearhead Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Murray McDavid – Mission Gold – North British 37YO Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask
Saltire Rare Malt – Saltire Rare Malt, Port Dundas #50092100
Single Malt Scotch No Age Statement Unpeated
CVH Spirits – Bunnahabhain Tri Seudan
CVH Spirits – Deanston Chronicles 60th Anniversary Edition
Eden Mill St. Andrews Distillery – Eden Mill Art of St. Andrews 2025 Release
Falkirk Whisky Distillery Company – Falkirk Whisky
Falkirk Whisky Distillery Company – Kelpies Whisky
Morrisons Distillers – Aberargie
The Glenmorangie Company – Glenmorangie Harrison Ford Limited Edition
The Glenmorangie Company – Glenmorangie Signet
The Glenmorangie Company – Glenmorangie Signet Reserve
The Glenmorangie Company – Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve
Lindores Abbey Distillery – Nectere Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Group – Glen scotia Double Cask Rum Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky
National Trust for Scotland – Culloden 1746
Nc’nean Distillery – Huntress: Malted Teacake
Nc’nean Distillery – Quiet Rebels: Matthew
Speyside distillers co – SPEY Chairman’s Choice PX
Woodrow’s of Edinburgh – The Sherried One – The Jane Street Collection
Single Malt Scotch No Age Statement Peated – Sponsored by Saverglass
Aceo Spirits – Smokey Scot
Ardbeg Distillery – Ardbeg An Oa
Ardbeg Distillery – Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Ardbeg Distillery – Ardbeg Dolce
Ardbeg Distillery – Ardbeg Uigeadail
Ardnahoe Distillery – Ardnahoe Bholsa
Ardnahoe Distillery – Ardnahoe Infinite Loch
Benbecula Distillery – Wheelhouse Cask No 4 – Prophecy
CVH Spirits – Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish
The Glenmorangie Company – New Product Under Embargo F
Loch Lomond Group – Glen Scotia Victoriana Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Group – Loch Lomond the Original Triple Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Mac-Talla – Mac Talla PX – Pedro Ximenez
Woodrow’s of Edinburgh – The Smokey One – The Jane Street Collection
Single Malt Scotch Aged 12 and Under – Sponsored by Speyside Capital
Ardbeg Distillery – Ardbeg Ten Years Old
Ardbeg Distillery – Ardbeg Wee Beastie
The Benromach Distillery Co. – Benromach 12 Years Old
Brave
Earlier this year, Fercullen 15 Years Old was named World's Best Grain Whisky in the World Whiskies Awards for the second year in a row.
Crafted in Wicklow, Ireland at Powerscourt Distillery, the single grain whiskey is distilled from a mashbill of 94 per cent corn and six per cent malted barley, before maturation in bourbon barrels and a finish in ex-Madeira casks. That gives the final whiskey aromas of vanilla, fudge, and honeyed almonds, with hot buttered popcorn, orange and lime marmalade, and a dry oak spice arriving on the palate.
To celebrate Fercullen 15 Years Old's two-time title, Whisky Magazine has partnered with Powerscourt Distillery to create seven unique cocktails, inspired by flavours from around the world. Each cocktail is designed to be easy to make at home and share with friends, while complementing Fercullen 15's award-winning flavours. The cocktails will debut in a video social media campaign, and read on for the recipes for each delicious serve.
Follow @whisky_magazine and @fercullenwhiskey on Instagram to see the methods in action. To get you own bottle of Fercullen 15 Years Old and recreate the Sips of the World at home, visit powerscourtdistillery.com.
Mediterranean Spritz
Ingredients
50ml Fercullen 15 Years Old
100ml tonic water
100ml blood orange soda
Orange slice
Rosemary sprig
Method | Click to watch
Fill a long-stemmed copa glass with ice cubes. Add Fercullen 15 Years Old and top with tonic and soda. Stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice and sprig of fresh rosemary.
Irish Orchard Press
Ingredients
50ml Fercullen 15 Years Old
100ml cloudy apple juice
100ml sparkling apple juice
Lemon slice
Mint
Method
Fill a Highball glass with ice. Pour over the Fercullen 15 Years Old, and top with apple juices. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a spring of fresh mint.
Venetian Spiced Negroni
Ingredients
30ml Fercullen 15 Years Old
30ml Aperol
30ml sweet vermouth
3 toasted cardamom pods
Orange peel twist
Method
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes. Pour over the Fercullen, Aperol, and vermouth, and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Add the toasted cardamom pods and garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Wicklow Mule
Ingredients
50ml Fercullen 15 Years Old
Ginger ale
Juice of half a lime
Lime slice
Fresh mint
Method
Fill a Highball glass with ice. Pour in the Fercullen 15 Years Old, then top with ginger ale. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh mint.
Parisian Coffee Flip
Ingredients
25ml Fercullen 15 Years Old
25ml vanilla syrup
1 whole egg
100ml cold brew coffee
25ml cream
Coffee beans
Method
Add Fercullen 15 Years Old, vanilla syrup, and egg to a cocktail shaker. Dry shake for 30 seconds. Add ice to the shaker, then coffee and cream. Shake again until well chilled, then strain into a coupe. Garnish with whole coffee beans.
Tokyo Highball
Ingredients
50ml Fercullen 15 Years Old
Soda water
5 drops lemon oil
Lemon peel twist
Method
Place a large cube of fresh-cut ice in a Highball glass. Add the Fercullen 15 Years Old, and top with soda water. Using a dropper, add lemon oil. Stir to combine. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Atlantic Sunset Reserve
Ingredients
50ml Fercullen 15 Years Old
50ml blood orange juice
50ml cranberry juice
Sparkling water
Grapefruit peel twist
Method | Click to watch
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the Fercullen 15 Years Old, blood orange juice, and cranberry juice. Shake and strain into a long-stemmed copa glass filled with ice cubes. Top with sparkling water. With a blowtorch, lightly scorch a twist of grapefruit peel and use to garnish.
Whisky Advocate / Whisky Magazine（經 Google News）｜原題：Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition Bourbon Arrives Uncut, and Only by Lottery - Whisky Advocate｜僅標題
（僅標題資訊）美國威士忌品牌 Elmer T. Lee 推出 40 週年紀念特別版，採用未稀釋的原酒裝瓶（cask strength），將以抽籤方式限量發售。此款紀念版威士忌預計備受收藏家關注，由於採用原酒強度裝瓶且數量稀少，可能成為近期美國波本市場的重點新品。
Google News（Scotch/Distillery）｜原題：Fairmont Hotel Vancouver launches $450 Scotch dinner series - The Georgia Straight
溫哥華費爾蒙特酒店推出「蘇格蘭精神」(The Spirit of Scotland)四場威士忌晚宴系列，9月至11月分別與House of Hazelwood、The Dalmore、Macallan麥卡倫、Glenmorangie合作，各場次搭配五道品酒菜單，由各酒廠品牌專家現場講解製程與陳年細節。每場各展示不同威士忌系列，從House of Hazelwood的46年老酒到Glenmalts的新限量版Harrison Ford款式，票價$450美元（約台幣14,000元）。
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Fairmont Hotel Vancouver launches $450 Scotch dinner series
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Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is launching The Spirit of Scotland, a four-part dinner series pairing whiskies from House of Hazelwood, The Dalmore, The Macallan, and Glenmorangie with five-course tasting menus from September through November.
Each evening focuses on a different whisky house, with an expert on hand to explain the craftsmanship, casks, and ageing behind what’s in your glass. Useful for anyone whose usual tasting notes begin with “smoky” and end with “yep, that’s definitely whisky”.
House of Hazelwood kicks things off on September 17, with managing director Phil Keene pouring five rare whiskies from the Gordon family’s private collection, including expressions aged up to 46 years. Dinner includes dishes like kanpachi crudo, langoustine, lamb saddle, and a caramelized honeycrisp apple. Consider it a very bougie way to get into the autumn spirit.
The Dalmore follows on October 15, hosted by national brand specialist Emma Coady. Guests will work their way through four Highland whiskies, ranging from a 15-year-old expression to a 35-year-old pour, alongside a menu featuring lobster, venison, and chocolate.
On November 5, The Macallan takes over, with brand specialist Adam Collins leading a six-whisky tasting from its Double Cask and Sherry Oak collections. The accompanying dinner includes scallop crudo, foie gras, braised short rib, and aged Comté.
Glenmorangie closes out the series on November 26 with seven whiskies hosted by national brand ambassador Bryan Simpson. The lineup moves from The Original 12 Years Old through older and rarer bottles, including Signet, The Altus 25, and a forthcoming Harrison Ford limited edition. (Yes, Han Solo Harrison Ford.)
The Spirit of Scotland
When: September 17 to November 26
Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Tickets: $450+, available here
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My dad’s 60th birthday was coming up, and as an avid whisky drinker with a particularly sharp nose, his dream trip has always been to explore the coastline of Islay, a Scottish island famed worldwide for its smoky, peated single malt whiskies. I often travel solo and am fond of organized tours, so when I came across Rabbie’s four-day Islay and whisky tour—with pickup from Edinburgh, a selection of historic stops, a maximum group size of 16 people, and plenty of opportunities for drams—it sounded ideal for us both.
Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, with a landscape of rugged beaches and peat bogs, and traveling through it usually involves many small logistics. I was thrilled to see that this tour handles all of the planning for you—including transportation, accommodations, attractions, and providing a local guide for the four-day trip. It starts at just $609 per adult without accommodations or distillery tours, or around $1,464 all-in, which seemed like a great deal. I was convinced, so I booked it!
Our trip began with an evening in Edinburgh to recover from jet lag. The next morning, we made our way to the Edinburgh bus station to meet our driver and group. A 16-seat Mercedes mini coach pulled up, and we all piled in as our guide’s Celtic music played and we said goodbye to the city.
Our first stop was the historic town of Falkirk, just 25 miles from Edinburgh, where we saw the iconic towering Kelpies sculptures and grabbed a coffee. I knew I was going to like our Glaswegian guide, Peter McShane, from the excitement in his voice as he told us about Scottish folklore. We then rode through the Lowlands and mountainous regions surrounding Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park en route to the town of Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles.” There, we browsed local shops and grabbed some fresh seafood.
Bellies full and a dram or two later at Oban Distillery, we hopped back on the coach and drove to Kennacraig to make our evening ferry to Islay. For two hours, we sailed along the glass-like Sound of Jura before the Paps of Jura mountains came into view, signaling that the island was just ahead. Arriving in Islay was like nothing I’d experienced before. At just 240 square miles, the island felt entirely remote yet surprisingly homey. We settled in for the evening in the town of Bowmore.
We didn’t know what to expect when our itinerary said accommodations would be shared, but we were pleasantly surprised by the setup we were met with at Bowmore Distillery Cottages. There were four bedrooms, and my dad and I each had our own room, while two others from our group took over the other two rooms and shared the communal kitchen and living spaces with us.
Our first full day on whisky island started with a short two-minute walk to the distillery that would kick off our tour: Bowmore Distillery. We learned about the distillery’s 240-year history on the island, which was a great starting point for the days ahead. Then came a tasting (straight from the cask!) in the cellar, and another tasting upstairs to end the tour, this time with whisky, chocolate, and views of the sea.
Since Islay is a very small island with a population of a little over 3,000 people, it’s important to be flexible on these types of trips and just roll with the punches. Depending on the days of your tour, some distilleries may be closed or not open to full tours. Our itinerary said we’d be visiting Kilchoman on day one, but instead, we diverted to Ardnahoe for a lively tour and quick tasting before driving through the countryside to Bunnahabhain. With sweeping views of the clear blue waters, we explored the facilities and sampled four drams at Islay’s most remote distillery.
While it's always great to meet new people and travel around with them, I appreciated that lunches and evenings were free for us to explore at leisure. After full days of sampling whiskies, it was a nice respite to just enjoy some quality time with my dad.
That said, by day two, our group was buzzing as we became more comfortable with each other—and this second day was the big one for most of us as we took on the villages of Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig, each with their own distilleries. Though the island is small, the differences between the West Coast and Southern Coast became evident as we left Bowmore toward Ardbeg.
Because it was a Saturday, our itinerary mentioned our visit to Ardbeg would not include a tour—but, as I said, roll with the punches. We did, in fact, get to see some of the facilities and end with a five-dram tasting. This experience was probably one of the most memorable moments of the trip for me—sitting around a table in the sunshine with people I’d just met, laughing, and sampling some of the finest whiskies in the world.
We made a quick stop at Kildalton Church, home to an eighth-century cross and one of Scotland’s finest early Christian monuments, before continuing toward Port Ellen, a tiny town built around Loch Leòdamais, for a lunch break. Again, these parts of the tour are not organized, so if you have a restaurant or attraction in mind you want to visit, make an early reservation or chance your luck at walking in.
At Lagavulin Distillery, our visit didn’t include a tour or tasting, but we chatted around the bar with our new friends and strolled down to the coast. In under five minutes, we made it to Laphroaig—our last whisky tasting of the trip. Here, we enjoyed an immersive tour of the peat kilns, stills, and warehouses before sampling a few more of their whiskies, our Glencairn glasses conveniently attached to lanyards around our necks.
On day four, we had an early start and set sail again for a two-hour journey from Islay to Kennacraig. We treated ourselves to a full Scottish breakfast and explored the ferry, this time passing strangers-turned-friends. After an hour’s drive, we stopped in the castle town of Inveraray for lunch before making our way through the rugged Arrochar Alps to the “Rest and Be Thankful” mountain pass viewpoint. Our final stop was the quintessential village of Luss, where we, of course, found yet another distillery to visit.
There was something heavy yet appreciative in the air during our last stop—we were sad it was our last day, but incredibly thankful for the new connections, laughs, and memories we’d made along the way. I’ve done Rabbie’s day tours in the past, but this one was particularly immersive because we were with the same people for the entirety of the trip—and we lucked out with our guide. All in all, this experience came at just the right time for my dad and me, and it was amazing learning more about his passions. According to him, a man with a collection of over 200 whiskies, “it was well worth the money.”
How to book Rabbie’s Islay & the Whisky Coast tour
Founded in Edinburgh in 1993, Rabbie’s specializes in small-group tours throughout Scotland, the UK, Ireland, and Europe. The four-day Islay & the Whisky Coast tour departs from Edinburgh and includes transportation, ferry crossings, entrance fees, and three nights in Bowmore (some distillery tours and tastings are available for an additional fee). You can book the tour on Rabbie's website, Viator, or GetYourGuide.