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It’s been nearly 160 years since you could distill liquor at home without breaking federal law, but Americans may soon toast an end to that era. The Supreme Court announced Monday that it will consider whether Congress exceeded its authority by banning the practice in 1868. Democracy Dies in Darkness Let Americans make their own whiskey A 158-year-old federal ban on home distilling is neither "necessary" nor "proper." 4 min

Chattanooga Whiskey Chattanooga, TN (October 2026) – After over a decade of distilling and more than 50 experimental releases, Chattanooga Whiskey is announcing its first Tennessee Whiskey: Bad Chattanoogan. Bad Chattanoogan is believed to be the first whiskey of any kind finished with toasted maple wood records. 30 records were cut from solid sugar maple, toasted for 24 hours, laser-engraved with two original tribute songs about Chattanooga, and set inside the barrels with the whiskey for 30 days. The songs were written by Chattanooga Whiskey Creative Director and Dollars Family frontman Rich Abercrombie. Unlike most music-themed whiskeys, the music didn’t just inspire this release – it literally flavored it. The theme runs cover to cover. The whiskey is being released as two vinyl-inspired blends, Side A and Side B, each finished with its own song. Although the two blends are sold separately, every bottle comes with a playable 4-inch Tiny Vinyl hangtag featuring both tracks. Underneath the records is a straight Tennessee whiskey drawn from three high malt mash bills of primarily Tennessee-grown grain, mellowed through sugar maple charcoal, aged more than four years in oak, and bottled at 100 proof. Bad Chattanoogan will make its official debut with an intimate, 75-person listening party at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery on Thursday, October 22. The whiskey releases to the public the following day, Friday, October 23, for $64.99 for a 750mL bottle. Limited quantities will be available on Seelbachs.com and at stores across Tennessee in the coming weeks. Full story, photos, and audio available on request, including how an 81-year-old engraver spent two hours per disc making a song play out of a block of toasted maple. About Chattanooga Whiskey: Founded in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey fought to change Tennessee law—winning the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in over a century. That bold beginning laid the foundation for everything that followed, including the creation of the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery and the invention of their distinctive Tennessee High Malt style. To scale their most successful Experimental recipes, the company later opened their Riverfront Distillery, which transformed small-batch innovation into nationally recognized core expressions. Since then, Chattanooga Whiskey has grown into one of the most innovative craft distilleries in the country and was just named Craft Producer of the Year for 2026 by Whisky Magazine's Icons of Whisky. Today, the Experimental Distillery continues to push the boundaries of craft whiskey, introducing more than 50,000 visitors annually to Chattanooga Whiskey’s now iconic story. Chattanooga Whiskey: www.chattanoogawhiskey.com Experimental Distillery 1439 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN Riverfront Distillery 890 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN

A brand new whisky which has emerged from under the streets of Scotland's capital has been described by its creator as a "love letter" to her adopted country. Dr Emma Walker is master blender for Johnnie Walker and she has used drams for so-called "ghost distilleries" - sites which have closed permanently or temporarily but which still hold casks of spirit. Johnnie Walker Vault gets its name from the creative "atelier" - or workshop - hidden deep beneath the streets of Edinburgh at The Johnnie Walker Experience. The atelier holds 500 whiskies from owner Diageo's rare and ghost stocks, each personally curated and rotated by Dr Walker.The collection showcases the very best of the more than ten million casks of Scotch. Now, Dr Walker has layered legendary single malts from ghost distilleries with contemporary malts never previously tasted. Amongst them is a highly-aged Brora which was put to cask before the distillery closed in 1983. It has been selected along with the first-ever use of younger Brora, from casks filled following the Highlands distillery's revival after decades of dormancy. The creation of a "unique expression of extraordinary history and depth with whispers of the Highlands alongside the rhythm of the North Sea". Dr Walker said: "Johnnie Walker Vault is my 'love letter to Scotland' - a truly special country to which I hold a deep connection." It offers "butterscotch and salted caramel on the nose, giving way to Highlands wildflowers, green hills and fragrant barley, before developing into toasted oak and a whisper of distinct driftwood bonfire".The palate has notes of vanilla, chopped almonds, frangipane tarte and Scottish raspberries with a finish of apricot and sweet raspberry and a hint of crème anglaise. Johnnie Walker Vault is available exclusively at The Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh, Harrods in London, and www.justerinis.com. RRP of £1,100 and ABV of 43.8%. 'A whisky to be poured with dinner' Leith whiskymaker Woven has partnered with Yotam Assaf Ottolenghi to create a new blended dram to celebrate the world-renowned chef's first restaurant in Scotland. It has been made to be enjoyed alongside the distinct style of vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking which the 57-year-old has become famous for. Ottolenghi's restaurant on George Street, Edinburgh, opened earlier this month. Woven looked to his recipes for inspiration - drawing on well-loved flavours including preserved lemon, fennel and pink peppercorn. The resulting blend brings together Edinburgh grain whisky for lift, Speyside malt for freshness and structure, with Oloroso-seasoned casks adding sweetness. It has been created to work neat, served long over ice or as the base of Ottolenghi Edinburgh's house highball. Neil Campbell, executive chef at Ottolenghi, said: "The result is an unusual profile: intentionally light, but full of vibrant flavour. This is not a whisky to save in the cabinet. It is meant to be poured with dinner." Tasting notes suggest bright but textured, preserved lemon, fennel, pink peppercorn with a long finish. The Woven x Ottolenghi whisky has an RRP of £60 and an ABV of 47%. Pride of the Clyde Another independent Scotch whisky bottler has unveiled its newest offerings along with special refreshed packaging. Clydebuilt's updated design showcases a bottle etched with a map of the Clyde. Ardgowan Distillery, the brand home of Clydebuilt, has been distilling its own spirit since June 2025, six years after the launch of the Clydebuilt range. It launches with two heavily sherried single malts plus one limited release American oak matured bottling. Clydebuilt 10 Years Old Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt is aged in traditional sherry butts and European oak Pedro Ximénez (PX) and Oloroso hogsheads. It has an RRP of £45.99 and an ABV of 46%. Clydebuilt 10 Years Old 100 Proof Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt was laid down in the same mix of casks then bottled in line with the historic British definition of 100 proof: the minimum strength at which gunpowder would still ignite. RRP £63.99 and ABV 57.1%. Finally, the Clydebuilt 10 Years Old Candlebrae Single Malt is matured for a decade in quality American oak casks. It has an RRP of £55 and an ABV of 48%

India-UK trade pact: Pernod, Diageo Scotch imports under tax scanner, says report Tax officials are examining if this relief applies to bulk Scotch concentrates imported in containers and used to produce brands like Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, and McDowell’s. - Oct 20, 2026, - Updated Oct 20, 2026 9:51 AM IST Indian tax authorities are reportedly investigating liquor giants Pernod Ricard and Diageo over the classification of bulk Scotch imports. The probe focuses on whether the companies wrongly classified these imports to benefit from lower tariffs under the India-UK trade pact. The tariff reduction, effective from July 15, cut import duties on certain Scotch imports from 150% to 75%. Tax officials are examining if this relief applies to bulk Scotch concentrates imported in containers and used to produce brands like Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, and McDowell’s, as mentioned in a report in Reuters. MUST READ | After FSSAI's alcohol flavouring rules, Diageo reformulates whisky, rum brands Last week, tax inspectors visited Pernod Ricard’s India headquarters near New Delhi and questioned executives about Scotch imports. They also reviewed documents related to bulk imports. Diageo’s Indian unit, United Spirits, disclosed that its offices were searched as part of an industry-wide exercise, though the filing did not specify the investigation's focus. Sources told the news agency that Diageo is also under scrutiny for the classification of some Scotch imports. Both companies stated they are cooperating with authorities. Pernod Ricard is providing all requested information to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, while Diageo said it has complied with local laws and submitted necessary documents and clarifications. The investigation occurs as India’s $65 billion alcohol market remains important for international liquor firms. The UK accounts for nearly 75% of India’s imported spirits market, mainly driven by Scotch whisky, according to Crisil Ratings. Pernod Ricard, which considers India its largest market by volume, is also facing antitrust cases and a $314 million back-tax demand over alleged undervaluation of certain imports. The company denies any wrongdoing. Diageo agreed in August to reformulate some drinks after India’s food safety regulator banned them in some states due to flavouring-related violations. Import tariff disputes have previously involved foreign companies like Samsung, LG, and Volkswagen, often resulting in substantial back-tax demands years after imports. Indian tax authorities are reportedly investigating liquor giants Pernod Ricard and Diageo over the classification of bulk Scotch imports. The probe focuses on whether the companies wrongly classified these imports to benefit from lower tariffs under the India-UK trade pact. The tariff reduction, effective from July 15, cut import duties on certain Scotch imports from 150% to 75%. Tax officials are examining if this relief applies to bulk Scotch concentrates imported in containers and used to produce brands like Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, and McDowell’s, as mentioned in a report in Reuters. MUST READ | After FSSAI's alcohol flavouring rules, Diageo reformulates whisky, rum brands Last week, tax inspectors visited Pernod Ricard’s India headquarters near New Delhi and questioned executives about Scotch imports. They also reviewed documents related to bulk imports. Diageo’s Indian unit, United Spirits, disclosed that its offices were searched as part of an industry-wide exercise, though the filing did not specify the investigation's focus. Sources told the news agency that Diageo is also under scrutiny for the classification of some Scotch imports. Both companies stated they are cooperating with authorities. Pernod Ricard is providing all requested information to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, while Diageo said it has complied with local laws and submitted necessary documents and clarifications. The investigation occurs as India’s $65 billion alcohol market remains important for international liquor firms. The UK accounts for nearly 75% of India’s imported spirits market, mainly driven by Scotch whisky, according to Crisil Ratings. Pernod Ricard, which considers India its largest market by volume, is also facing antitrust cases and a $314 million back-tax demand over alleged undervaluation of certain imports. The company denies any wrongdoing. Diageo agreed in August to reformulate some drinks after India’s food safety regulator banned them in some states due to flavouring-related violations. Import tariff disputes have previously involved foreign companies like Samsung, LG, and Volkswagen, often resulting in substantial back-tax demands years after imports.

ADVERTISEMENT India’s premium whisky market is being shaped by a consumer who is increasingly willing to trade up, but not necessarily on every occasion. For spirits companies, the opportunity lies in converting occasional indulgence into sustained brand preference, while giving affluent consumers stronger reasons to pay more. That is changing how brands approach product positioning, gifting and consumer engagement in a category where conventional mass-market advertising is not an option. For William Grant & Sons India, the shift is visible in the growing interest in older Scotch whiskies, particularly 15-year-old and 18-year-old expressions, alongside the role of weddings, Diwali and other celebrations in bringing consumers into the luxury segment. The proposed opportunity from the India-UK free trade agreement adds another dimension, with the company anticipating that improved price accessibility could accelerate demand while bringing more international brands into an increasingly competitive market. It is no longer simply a case of selling premium spirits to wealthy customers. It involves creating the perception of value associated with luxury, acquiring customers who trade up only occasionally, and developing brand preference by means of more than just the product. Kartik Mohindra, managing director of William Grant & Sons India, discusses how his company is addressing this new challenge. The premiumisation push moves up the age ladder The move towards more expensive expressions is emerging as a significant trend within the single malt segment. Mohindra says older Scotch and single malts are growing faster, with 15-year-old, 18-year-old and older expressions seeing particularly strong momentum, even if the overall base remains relatively small. This presents an opportunity for brands to increase their value without solely depending on increasing volumes. For brands, premiumisation would imply that consumers would be switching towards premium products through either opting for an older expression of the product that is already in the brand portfolio or purchasing the luxury variant for an extraordinary occasion. Nevertheless, a high price does not automatically equate to the luxury position; rather, the brand must make it clear to the consumer what they are paying for. “Luxury and premium is a price point. There are no two ways about it,” Mohindra says. “But when it comes to the alignment of luxury and pricing, it's actually the storytelling.” For William Grant & Sons, that storytelling is closely linked to the heritage and consistency associated with Glenfiddich, its single malt Scotch whisky brand. The commercial challenge is to make those attributes tangible enough for consumers to justify paying more. According to Mohindra, there are two separate types of consumer segments. Luxury becomes an element of daily spending for one category, while for the other segment, it remains reserved only for special moments such as weddings and anniversaries. This segment is especially crucial since special occasions tend to motivate the consumer toward higher spending. UK FTA could widen the market, and the competition The India-UK free trade agreement could strengthen this shift by improving the price accessibility of imported spirits, according to Mohindra. The company expects the agreement to accelerate growth in the luxury segment by bringing products within reach of consumers who may previously have considered them too expensive. The opportunity is significant for international spirits companies seeking growth in India, but greater accessibility could also make the market more competitive. As more global brands pursue Indian consumers, companies will need to defend their positioning through differentiation rather than price alone. Mohindra believes India's growing purchasing power, changing social attitudes and exposure to global trends are converging to support the category. He describes India as the world's largest whisky market and expects international players to compete more aggressively for the demand developing within it. The FTA, therefore, is not merely a pricing development. It could influence the competitive dynamics of premium spirits, making brand equity, consumer education and the ability to justify a premium more consequential. For established brands, the challenge will be to retain their existing loyalists while attracting consumers who are only beginning to explore the category. Price accessibility may lower the entry barrier, but converting that first purchase into a preference will require a compelling proposition. Festive gifting becomes a route into luxury William Grant & Sons' collaboration with Indian designer Rajesh Pratap Singh for Glenfiddich's festive offering reflects how brands are using occasions to reinforce luxury positioning. Rather than treating a festive pack as a packaging exercise, the company has sought to connect the product with India's gifting culture and the premium associated with weddings and celebrations. Mohindra says the idea was to ensure that the festive proposition matched the luxury credentials of the whisky. The collaboration brings together the brand's heritage with a designer known for his work in Indian fashion, giving the gift itself a role in communicating the product's positioning. The approach also reflects a broader distinction in the company's marketing strategy. Luxury gifting is already an established occasion among affluent consumers in major cities, Mohindra says, while acceptance is still developing across a wider set of consumers, states and market tiers. For the business, this makes gifting more than a seasonal sales opportunity. It can introduce new consumers to a premium brand, encourage existing buyers to trade up and place the product within a wider cultural context. The company also uses collaborations and sponsorships throughout the year, including its presence in golf clubs and its global association with Formula One. Mohindra says the company is preparing a second release in its Aston Martin Formula One limited-edition series. Such partnerships connect the brand with interests and environments that align with its target audience, extending consumer engagement beyond festive periods. Discovery without digital advertising In a market where there is no advertising of alcohol through social media, point-of-sale becomes an important element of consumer engagement for William Grant & Sons. The company concentrates on retail stores that sell alcohol and clubs and bars, where the consumer can become familiar with the product and the history of the whisky. Mohindra says single malt buyers often spend considerable time evaluating packaging, product information and the options available before making a choice. The company uses this interaction to explain what differentiates its brands and reinforce the value proposition. The distinction between brand marketing and trade marketing is important here. Brand marketing builds awareness, preference and demand, while trade marketing translates that positioning into a relevant experience at the point of purchase or consumption. The two must work together, but they perform different functions. For spirits companies, this places greater weight on the quality of the physical consumer experience. Instead of depending on broad digital reach, the strategy centres on engaging consumers where discovery and purchase can happen together. Gen Z is not the immediate target Despite the attention around younger consumers, William Grant & Sons is not positioning its luxury portfolio primarily around Gen Z. Mohindra says the company's core audience is somewhat older and more affluent, with greater familiarity with whisky and more established preferences. He also acknowledges a shift in younger consumers' drinking patterns, describing them as more inclined towards drinking better but less frequently. The rising cost of nights out, combined with greater health con

Special Coverage “Range matters now”: Microsoft’s Puneet Chandok, GrowthSchool’s Vaibhav Sisinty on the skills that will define Gen Z careers Indian tax authorities are examining whether liquor makers Pernod Ricard and Diageo incorrectly declared certain bulk Scotch imports to benefit from lower import duties under the India-UK trade agreement, Reuters reported, citing industry sources familiar with the investigation. The inquiry centres on whether the reduced tariffs introduced under the trade pact apply to bulk Scotch concentrates imported by the companies. India lowered duties on certain Scotch imports to 75% from 150% under the agreement, which came into effect on July 15. Sources told Reuters that tax inspectors visited Pernod Ricard's India headquarters near New Delhi last week and questioned executives about the company's Scotch imports. Officials also examined documents concerning bulk shipments during a visit on Thursday, one source said. The inspectors have not contacted the company again since that visit, the source added. Diageo's Indian subsidiary, United Spirits, disclosed in a stock exchange filing last week that authorities had searched its offices across multiple locations on Friday. The company described the action as part of an industry-wide exercise but did not specify the subject of the searches. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is examining whether the companies' bulk imports qualify for the tariff concessions. According to four sources, tax officials believe the reduced duties do not extend to bulk Scotch concentrates. One industry source said the department was concerned about the classification used for these imports. Both companies have confirmed their cooperation with Indian authorities. Pernod Ricard said it was supplying the information requested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and would address any questions raised by officials. Diageo said it was cooperating with the authorities and had complied with Indian laws. United Spirits also said it had submitted the relevant documents and explanations. Tariff changes under India-UK trade pact Pernod Ricard, a French company, and Britain's Diageo are major players in India's $65 billion alcohol market. Both import bulk Scotch concentrates, which are blended with other ingredients to produce spirits sold under brands including Royal Stag, Blenders Pride and McDowell's. The tariff reduction was among the changes highlighted by the British government in July. It said UK products such as whisky and gin would benefit from India's revised import duties. According to the government, British whisky exports to India were worth more than £200 million in 2022. Crisil Ratings said this year that the UK accounted for nearly 75% of India's imported spirits market, with Scotch whisky driving much of that share. In India, Pernod Ricard has been taking steps towards a potential initial public offering (IPO). The company reiterated that the decision to proceed with a listing remains subject to board approval. Companies face other regulatory scrutiny Pernod Ricard is also dealing with antitrust proceedings in India, its largest market by volume, and a $314 million demand for back taxes over allegations that it undervalued certain imports. The company has denied wrongdoing. Diageo, meanwhile, agreed in August to change the formulations of some popular drinks after India's food safety regulator prohibited them in certain states over the addition of flavours that violated regulations. The conversation highlighted a fundamental shift underway in the relationship between audiences, platforms and brands. Rather than treating Gen Z as a uniform consumer segment, marketers are increasingly having to account for individual behaviours, fragmented content consumption and a stronger expectation Read MoreStoryboard18 brings you top five news updates from the world of advertising, marketing, and business of brands.

UK Barley Squeezed Between Drought, Whisky Slowdown and Weak Premiums UK barley area hits 16‑year low as drought and weaker whisky demand cut margins. Analysis of supply risks, premiums, prices and planting outlook. Prices The traditional price leadership of malting barley over feed has eroded. Reduced demand from whisky manufacturers—linked to high finished whisky inventories and a focus on destocking—has narrowed the malting premium to roughly £5–15/t, with reports of malting parcels in some regions trading below feed despite stricter quality requirements. This inversion is a clear signal that demand, not supply, is currently dominating the malting segment. Feed markets are softer but more orderly. Recent offers show Ukrainian barley seeds for cattle feed, FOB Odesa, at 0.119 EUR/kg (id 764, updated 2026-10-16), and feed-grade barley CPT Odesa at 0.137 EUR/kg (id 1252, 2026-10-16). In Germany, feed-grade barley EXW Drentwede is quoted at 0.23 EUR/kg (id 1237, 2026-10-16). Compared with earlier October levels, these quotations indicate a modest easing in Black Sea-linked values and a broadly sideways pattern in Germany, consistent with adequate regional feed grain availability. Internationally, feed barley FOB Black Sea has been assessed around the high‑190s USD/mt in mid‑October, broadly stable week on week, while Romanian feed barley at Constanța is reported in the mid‑200s EUR/mt range, positioning the Black Sea as a competitive floor for European prices. Supply & Demand According to latest UK survey data, total barley area has declined by 12% to around 930,000 ha in 2026, about 17% below the five‑year average. Scotland is at the sharp end of this adjustment, with barley acreage down 13% to roughly 258,000 ha, the lowest since 1960. These figures underscore how quickly growers are responding to squeezed margins and a less attractive barley–wheat price relationship. Weather has amplified the acreage cut. A severe summer drought in major barley regions, particularly eastern England, has pulled average yields about 17% below their recent norm, further undermining profitability. Spring barley—which supplies around 80% of malting-quality grain—was particularly hard hit, tightening the pool of premium-grade barley even as maltsters step back from the market. On the demand side, whisky manufacturers are running down sizeable whisky inventories and have trimmed production schedules despite a 5.8% rise in export volumes and a 2.2% increase in export revenues to £2.5 billion in the first half of 2026. The focus on inventory reduction has contributed to an estimated 300,000‑tonne drop in malt demand, directly curbing use of malting barley and shifting more grain into feed channels. This rebalancing from malting to feed use is visible in pricing and flows: more spring barley is being downgraded into feed markets, and maltsters can be highly selective on quality without needing to raise bids. As a result, farmers face tighter returns just as weather and costs make barley riskier to grow, raising concerns about further area contraction in coming seasons. Exclusive commodities on CMBroker Fundamentals & Costs The squeeze on farm-level economics is driven by three interacting factors. First, yields are structurally lower this season due to drought, pushing unit costs higher. Second, fertiliser and operating costs remain elevated by historical standards, limiting the scope for growers to absorb weaker prices. Third, the malting premium has shrunk to levels that no longer compensate for the higher agronomic risks and quality specifications of malting barley. In some UK regions, reported malting prices slipping below feed levels highlight just how distorted the usual value chain has become. For growers, this removes a key incentive to maintain or expand spring barley area, especially where alternative crops such as wheat or oilseed rape currently offer a more predictable margin. If this pattern persists into the next planting window, a further structural decline in barley acreage is likely. For maltsters and distillers, today’s comfortable supply is deceptive. The combination of lower area, weather-sensitive yields and a discouraged grower base raises the risk of tighter malting barley availability when whisky production eventually recovers. Rebuilding distilling runs against a smaller, less flexible domestic barley base could expose buyers to higher import dependence and more volatile premiums later in the decade. Weather & Short-Term Outlook Recent UK forecasts point to a changeable but not extreme pattern into late October, with alternating spells of rain and drier, mild conditions. High pressure periods are punctuated by frontal systems bringing rain across Scotland and northern England, while eastern England experiences a mix of showers and drier interludes. This setup is broadly neutral for the harvested 2026 crop but relevant for autumn fieldwork and drilling decisions. Better soil moisture in parts of Scotland and northern England should support establishment for winter cereals, yet the memory of 2026’s summer drought, combined with weak barley margins, is likely to discourage a major rebound in barley area. Growers appear poised to favour crops with stronger forward price signals unless malting premiums recover convincingly. Forecast & Trading Outlook In the near term, the barley market is expected to remain bifurcated: feed prices anchored by competitive Black Sea and EU supplies, and malting values capped by subdued whisky-sector demand. As long as whisky producers continue destocking and malt demand stays around 300,000 t below previous levels, malting premiums in the UK are likely to remain historically narrow and may occasionally invert versus feed. Medium term, however, structurally lower UK barley area and the risk of further planting cuts create a latent bullish story, particularly for malting grades. Once distillers stabilise or raise production and begin to rebuild stocks, maltsters could face a much tighter domestic supply base, forcing them either to pay significantly higher premiums or draw more heavily on imported malting barley. Strategic Pointers - UK growers: Be cautious about further aggressive cuts to barley area, especially on land well-suited to high-quality spring barley. Consider modest malting barley retention where storage allows, as today’s weak premiums could reverse if whisky production normalises. - Maltsters & distillers: Use the current period of comfortable supply to secure medium-term coverage and strengthen grower contracts, including quality-linked incentives. The cost of rebuilding supply chains later could be higher than maintaining farmer engagement now. - Feed buyers: Continue to exploit competitive Black Sea and EU supply for feed barley where logistics permit. Monitor any shift in Russian and Ukrainian export pace, as a tighter Black Sea balance would quickly feed through to EU feed barley benchmarks. 3-Day Regional Price Indication (Directional) | Market | Product / Term | Latest price (EUR/kg) | Short-term direction (3 days) | |---|---|---|---| | Ukraine, Odesa | Barley seeds, cattle feed, FOB (id 764) | 0.119 EUR/kg (2026-10-16) | Slightly soft / sideways, tracking Black Sea feed barley | | Ukraine, Odesa | Barley seeds, feed grade, CPT (id 1252) | 0.137 EUR/kg (2026-10-16) | Sideways to marginally lower on ample regional supply | | Germany, Drentwede | Barley seeds, feed grade, EXW (id 1237) | 0.23 EUR/kg (2026-10-16) | Sideways, with limited fresh fundamental impulses |

Shishi-Iwa House will debut its inaugural “Whisky Tour – The Best of Japan” in Karuizawa, offering guests rare access to legendary distilleries and aged Japanese and scotch expressions over 30 years old. The six-day experience will run from 24 February to 1 March 2027 at the architect-designed retreat in Nagano Prefecture. The tour promises enthusiasts the chance to savor historic whiskies “at their birthplace,” according to the brand. Among the headline pours is the 1972 Karuizawa Sherry Cask #7290, aged 36 years, with 528 bottles produced at 65% ABV. The brand describes it as a “highly coveted vintage expression” that earned a Gold Medal from Malt Maniacs and is renowned for “its remarkable combination of raw power and elegance.” What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris READ THE STORYThe original Karuizawa distillery was founded in 1955, and went on to gain an enviable cache among whisky aficionados for its high-quality small-batch releases, but unfortunately not until after the original distillery was mothballed in 2000 and eventually closed in 2011. Original Karuizawa whisky is now among the most rare and sought after in the whisky world. Also featured is the 1986 Mars Komagatake White Oak Single Cask, aged 30 years, with 1,137 bottles at 61% ABV. The brand notes it was “distilled just one year after opening” and aged across four white oak casks, “capturing early Japanese distilling history.” Scotch lovers will find the 1965 Springbank Samaroli Aging Monography, aged 23 years, with 660 bottles at 50% ABV. The brand calls it “the oldest expression in Samaroli’s iconic Aging Monography series, capturing the iconic mid-century Campbeltown character.” Beyond the drams, the journey is “a celebration of craftsmanship, nature and hospitality,” the brand said, describing these as “some of the very pillars of Shishi-Iwa House.” Hyper-local dining ranges from an eight-seat kappo experience to wood-fired cooking overlooking the snow-dusted Japanese Alps. Guests will also sample artisanal sake, visit a local farm, and unwind with an onsen bath and shiatsu massage. The setting carries its own pedigree. The first [Shishi-Iwa House], designed by Shigeru Ban, opened in Karuizawa in 2019, with SSH No.02 following in 2022 and SSH No.03 by Ryue Nishizawa in 2023. Both architects are Pritzker Prize laureates.

English whisky gained geographical indication protection on 1 October 2026. That gives the category a defined identity, but it does not make it a copy of Scotch. Looking specifically at single malt, I think the differences reveal a rulebook designed to give English distillers more room to experiment and, potentially, a better chance to grow. The first difference begins with the barley. Single malt Scotch can be made with grain sourced from outside Scotland, while English single malt must use UK-grown grain. Yet the English rules are more flexible about what happens next: the mash and fermented wash can be produced away from the distillery. A producer could work with a specialist brewer rather than build an entire brewing operation on site. That lowers the cost of getting started and opens the door to a wider range of approaches to fermentation. For small craft distillers, that could be a big deal. The stills and casks offer even more scope for variation. Scotch single malt is distilled in pot stills and matured in oak. English single malt must include at least one batch distillation in a pot still, but column stills can also play a part. Its maturation rules permit woods other than oak, including options such as chestnut or acacia. What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris READ THE STORYBoth categories require at least three years of maturation in vessels no larger than 700 litres, so this is not a shortcut around the fundamentals. It is an opportunity to explore different production methods and, above all, different flavours. Then there is the commercial question. Single malt Scotch must be bottled in Scotland, whereas English whisky can, subject to the relevant controls, be exported in bulk and bottled overseas. Shipping whisky without first putting it into thousands of glass bottles could reduce costs for producers selling abroad. That may sound less exciting than an unusual cask, but it could make a real difference to a young category trying to find an international audience. I understand why Scotch protects its traditions. Its history is part of its value. But if I were writing a whisky rulebook today, the English approach would be hard to ignore. It protects the name while leaving producers room to adapt. Whether that freedom leads to exceptional whisky remains to be seen, but I am excited to taste the results. Which of these rules do you think will make the biggest difference? For a more detailed breakdown, you can watch my full video on English and Scotch single malt whisky rules.

With Christmas 2026 fast approaching, the hunt for the perfect festive present is officially underway. Whether you’re shopping for a whisky enthusiast, a gin lover, a cocktail connoisseur or someone who enjoys discovering unusual new flavours, this year’s Christmas spirits gift guide is packed with ideas to suit different tastes and budgets. From limited-edition collaborations and premium single malt whiskies to innovative spirits and nostalgic festive favourites, there’s plenty to explore this holiday season. Among this year’s standout releases is the Glenfiddich & Aston Martin Formula One Team 16 Year Old Limited Edition (£75), bringing together the worlds of luxury whisky and motorsport. Meanwhile, Hendrick’s Original & Another Hendrick’s Dual Pack (£30) offers gin enthusiasts two distinctive expressions in one gift. For something a little different, Warninks Pistachio White Chocolate (£12) puts a deliciously indulgent spin on a traditional Christmas favourite, while Discarded’s range of spirits offers inventive flavours made using ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. Whether you’re planning your Christmas shopping early, searching for a thoughtful stocking filler or looking to impress with a premium bottle, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best whisky, gin, rum, vodka and festive liqueur gifts for Christmas 2026, with prices starting from just £12. Best Christmas Spirits Gifts For Him 2026! From award-winning Scotch whisky to limited-edition bottles inspired by Formula One, these Christmas gift ideas are ideal for anyone who appreciates a quality dram. Whether they prefer a smoky blend, a smooth single malt or something special to add to their collection, there’s an option for different tastes and budgets. Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Fifteen – £62.95 For whisky enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship and tradition, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Fifteen (£62.95) makes a thoughtful Christmas gift. Presented in special festive packaging for 2026, this distinctive single malt Scotch whisky is known for its rich, warming character and unique maturation process. At the heart of its production is Glenfiddich’s celebrated Solera Vat technique, which helps create the whisky’s signature depth, consistency and complexity. The result is a beautifully rounded whisky with a rich, spicy personality that feels particularly suited to the colder months. Whether enjoyed as an after-dinner dram on Christmas Day or saved for a special occasion, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old offers a sophisticated gift for someone who appreciates traditional Scotch whisky. Price: £62.95 Best For: Single malt whisky enthusiasts and premium Christmas gifting. The Famous Grouse Smoky Black – £21.75 If you’re looking for an affordable Christmas whisky gift with plenty of character, The Famous Grouse Smoky Black (£21.75) could be an excellent addition to your shopping list. This aromatic blended Scotch whisky combines rich, deep fruity flavours with a distinctive smoky finish, creating a warming drinking experience that’s particularly appealing during winter. Its balance of fruitiness and smoke makes it a great option for someone who enjoys whiskies with a little extra intensity. At £21.75, it’s also one of the more accessible whisky gifts in this year’s selection, offering a flavourful alternative to more expensive single malts. Whether served neat, over ice or enjoyed during a cosy festive evening, The Famous Grouse Smoky Black is a versatile choice for Christmas celebrations. Price: £21.75 Best For: Fans of smoky whisky and affordable Christmas gifts. Glenfiddich & Aston Martin Formula One Team 16 Year Old Limited Edition Release No.2 – £75 A standout Christmas gift for motorsport fans Combining two worlds synonymous with precision, craftsmanship and performance, Glenfiddich & Aston Martin Formula One Team 16 Year Old Limited Edition Release No.2 (£75) is one of the most eye-catching whisky gifts for Christmas 2026. The limited-edition release brings together Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman and Aston Martin Formula One Team’s Adrian Newey, celebrating the extraordinary attention to detail required to achieve exceptional performance. The collaboration draws parallels between whisky-making and Formula One engineering, where expertise, innovation and precision play an essential role. For anyone who follows Formula One or appreciates a special whisky release, this bottle offers something beyond the traditional Christmas present. Priced at £75, it’s also the most expensive bottle featured in our guide, making it a premium option for someone particularly special. With its distinctive motorsport connection and limited-edition appeal, it could be an exciting addition to a whisky enthusiast’s collection. Price: £75 Best For: Formula One fans, whisky collectors and luxury Christmas gifts. The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old – £52 Few Christmas gifts feel quite as timeless as a carefully chosen bottle of single malt Scotch whisky, and The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (£52) is a classic choice. Renowned for its smooth, balanced character, this whisky benefits from a distinctive maturation process that includes finishing in sherry casks. This additional stage brings extra sweetness and complexity, creating a beautifully rounded flavour profile. Expect smooth honey notes, gentle cinnamon and warming vanilla spice, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy sweeter, softer styles of Scotch whisky. The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old is particularly well suited to the festive season, with its comforting flavour profile complementing quiet winter evenings and Christmas celebrations. At £52, it strikes a balance between premium gifting and familiar quality. Price: £52 Best For: Traditional whisky lovers and fans of smooth, sherry-finished single malts. The Famous Grouse Finest – £19.49 For those seeking a reliable Christmas gift without stretching their festive budget, The Famous Grouse Finest (£19.49) offers a familiar and accessible option. As the original expression from the well-known Scotch whisky brand, The Famous Grouse Finest brings together selected malt and grain whiskies to create a balanced blend. Its approachable character makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, whether that’s enjoying a drink with family over Christmas or sharing a festive toast with friends. At under £20, it’s also the most affordable whisky featured in this year’s selection. For shoppers looking to put together a Christmas drinks hamper, it could be paired with whisky glasses, festive chocolates or cocktail accessories to create a more personalised gift. Price: £19.49 Best For: Budget-friendly whisky gifts, Christmas hampers and classic Scotch whisky fans. Best Christmas Spirits Gifts For Her 2026! If you’re looking for a Christmas present that goes beyond the traditional bottle of wine, this year’s selection includes everything from floral gin and inventive rum to indulgent festive flavours. Of course, great spirits aren’t limited by gender, and every bottle in this guide can make a brilliant present for anyone who enjoys it. These five options offer particularly interesting flavours and gifting ideas for the festive season. Hendrick’s Original & Another Hendrick’s Dual Pack – £30 For gin lovers who enjoy exploring new flavours, Hendrick’s Original & Another Hendrick’s Dual Pack (£30) brings together two distinctive expressions in one unusual Christmas gift. Launching in October 2026, the gift set includes two 35cl bottles, allowing recipients to experience both the brand’s signature gin and an alternative expression. The collection features: - Hendrick’s Original Gin (35cl): The brand’s distinctive rose and cucumber character, offering a floral and refreshing flavour profile. - Another Hendrick’s Gin (35cl): An alternative expression featuring orange blossom and cacao, introducing a different aromatic experience. The combination offers plenty of opportunities to experiment with festive gin

Halloween is no longer just one night on the hospitality calendar, and some bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels across Scotland are looking to Día de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead, to keep the celebrations going. With colourful décor, creative cocktails, themed menus and immersive experiences, the tradition offers venues a way to stand out from the usual fancy-dress parties while creating new reasons for customers to book. It also opens the door to collaborations with drinks brands and fresh ways to bring Mexican flavours and culture to the fore. From Glasgow and Edinburgh to the Isle of Arran, we take a look at eight different events celebrating the occasion this autumn, and explore what makes Day of the Dead an appealing addition to the seasonal hospitality calendar. El Santo, Glasgow El Santo in Glasgow’s Merchant City will host a two-part Día de los Muertos celebration on Saturday 31 October, with a family-friendly event during the day followed by an evening fiesta. From 2pm to 5pm, children can enjoy traditional Mexican-style face painting and colouring activities while adults sample the restaurant’s menu. In the evening, the celebrations continue with dancers, a DJ and Latin American music, with guests encouraged to dress up. The restaurant will also serve signature Latin cocktails such as Spicy Mango Margaritas and Guava Caipirinhas. “Halloween is a big event on the calendar for all ages nowadays”, said Ether Moraes, Marketing Manager for El Santo. “With this in mind, we are very pleased to be ticking the box for families during the day with a fun event which explains more about the origins of Day of the Dead, and an evening celebration which will feature what we call true ‘Baile Latino’, which translates as Latin American Dancing.” “Many of our regular customers love to dress up and indulge in their Gothic side, and Day of the Dead is something that certainly fits the bill for that, although with a more joyful undercurrent than traditional Halloween.” Mictlan Cocktail Trail, Edinburgh Running from 14 October to 30 November, Edinburgh’s Mictlan Cocktail Trail invites drinkers to explore tequila and mezcal cocktails across participating city bars. Inspired by Mictlan, the nine-level underworld in Nahua mythology, the trail features a different cocktail at each stop. Customers can collect a Mictlan Passport and stamps as they visit venues, including Lady Libertine, The False Widow, The Mother Superior, Dragonfly, The Voodoo Rooms and The Powder Room. Jane Ross, owner of The Mother Superior, The False Widow and The Powder Room, told DRAM, “We were excited to be involved in the Mictlan Trail, one because of community. We love collaborating with other incredible bars. Secondly, we like to be playful with drinks and enjoy exploring other cultures. “Day of the dead culturally is similar to Irish traditions. We love celebrating our dead, remembering them through Samhain and like a drink to go with it in a ritualistic way.” Topolabamba, Glasgow and Edinburgh Mexican restaurant Topolabamba will celebrate Día de los Muertos at its Glasgow and Edinburgh restaurants on Friday 30 October, with face painting, special cocktails and a live DJ. Its Dead Good Deal costs £24.95 per person and includes three dishes from a special menu. Brand Manager Louise Hegarty said, “At Topolabamba, we love any excuse for a celebration, and Día de los Muertos is one of our favourite times of the year! It’s such a colourful and vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, centred around food, music and bringing people together, which is exactly what Topolabamba is all about. “Having recently refreshed our brand, we’re really leaning into what makes Topolabamba special: fresh food, great atmosphere and good times since 2014. Día de los Muertos gives us the perfect opportunity to bring all of that to life and create something a little different for our guests in Glasgow and Edinburgh. We can’t wait to welcome everyone along for the fiesta!” The Scotch Malt Whisky Society – The Vaults, Edinburgh The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will mark Día de los Muertos at The Vaults in Edinburgh on Thursday 29 October with a Scotch whisky and Mexican mezcal tasting co-hosted by Rachel Bailey-Palumbo of award-winning cocktail bar Hey Palu. The evening will explore the traditions that connect the two spirits, beginning with an arrival cocktail followed by tastings of two whiskies and two mezcals, before guests enjoy a Scottish-Mexican fusion supper. Rachel Bailey-Palumbo said, “Día de los Muertos is such a lovely celebration of Mexican culture, and I think it brings something a little different to the hospitality calendar. It’s a chance to share the traditions, stories and flavours that make Mexico so fascinating. “I’m really looking forward to bringing two mezcals together with two whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Although they’re very different spirits, there’s a lot of common ground when it comes to craftsmanship, tradition and the people behind them. For me, it’s about encouraging people to try something new, explore different flavours and perhaps see a familiar spirit in a different light.” Day of the Dead Lamlash Sunday Social, Isle of Arran Isle of Arran venues The Lamlash Bay Hotel, The Glenisle Hotel and The Drift Inn are planning a Day of the Dead progressive dining event on Sunday 1 November followed by an afterparty at The Pierhead Tavern. The moving feast features Arran and Scottish produce with a Mexican-inspired twist, with different courses served across all the venues. Isla Macdonald, Deputy Manager at the Lamlash Bay Hotel, told DRAM, “Last year, we held a safari night, which followed a similar format to this year’s event. We involved the different businesses in the area, with groups of around 30 people starting at different venues before moving on to another for a different course. We chose Day of the Dead because it seemed like a nice theme and we could host it on the 1st November. “The businesses involved are all independent, but the owner who organised the event brought everyone together. It’s great to see hospitality businesses coming together to promote something like this. It worked so well last year, and I’m hoping it will be even more successful this year.” The Corinthian Club, Glasgow The Corinthian Club has announced a Day of the Dead Halloween party on Saturday 31 October, promising “spectacular themed décor, colourful skulls, immersive lighting, and a vibrant festival atmosphere that brings the spirit of Halloween to life”. The event will feature four DJs playing R&B, hip-hop, pop and house, alongside live entertainment and surprise performances. The Finch, Leith The Finch in Leith has a special event happening on Friday 23 October named ‘About Mezcal, Food and Tradition – A Dia de Muertos Celebration’ where guests can explore the meaning and customs of Día de Muertos. Organised with Rooted in Mexico, Pelo de Perro Mezcal and Guisados, the event includes a welcome cocktail, a guided tasting of two mezcals, a three-course menu and handmade barro negro mezcal copita from Oaxaca to take home. They shared, “Our tables will be decorated in true Día de Muertos style, with a traditional ofrenda at the heart of the room. Bring a photo of someone you’d like to remember, and we’ll place it on the altar to honour them through the night. “Just like a Día de Muertos table, you’ll sit down together with other guests, so come ready to share food, stories and maybe leave with a few new friends.” Firewater, Glasgow – GANAS: Día de los Muertos Glasgow nightclub Firewater will host GANAS: Día de los Muertos on Friday 30 October, a Glasgow club night focused on Latin music, reggaeton and international anthems. The event will combine the Mexican-inspired theme with a late-night Latin music party. DJs Gavin Marks and Panda will play reggaeton, Latin and international music, while guests can enjoy themed props, sweet treats, free face painting and a cash prize for the

The Islay-based Bowmore Distillery, has announced the launch of two new limited-edition releases, in collaboration with internationally acclaimed design studio Snarkitecture. Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit (51.8% ABV), exclusive to global travel retail, is a 20 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, initially matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks before being finished in Oloroso Sherry hogsheads. Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage (50.8% ABV), available in the domestic market, is also a 20 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky. It was matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and finished in Oloroso Sherry butts. The collaboration brings together two disciplines united by craftsmanship, creativity and a shared pursuit of discovery. Just as Bowmore’s whiskies reveal layers of flavour with every sip, Snarkitecture’s work encourages people to look deeper and experience the unexpected. Founded in 2008, Snarkitecture is a New York-based design practice that pushes the boundaries between art and architecture. It collaborates with clients and partners across disciplines to transform the familiar into sensory, experience-driven environments. Both releases tell a story of provenance and exploration, brought to life through the drinking experience and the vivid portal designs featured on the bottles and packaging. The designs were created by Snarkitecture co-founder Alex Mustonen. Mustonen drew inspiration from the island’s natural landscape and the hidden depths of the distillery, including Bowmore No. 1 Vaults, one of the world’s oldest maturation warehouses. He translated these influences into striking portal designs that reflect a journey of discovery and a cultural fascination with venturing beyond the surface. Commenting on the launch, Dr Calum Fraser, Master Blender, Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “Bowmore Sherry Cask Pursuit explores a deeper relationship with sherry-seasoned oak and Bowmore spirit. The whisky’s smooth sweetness demonstrates the remarkable impact of time and cask selection, providing a different expression of Bowmore – rich and intense, but still with the tropical fruit, smoke and complexity that we want the distillery character to deliver.” Vanessa Widmann, Managing Director, Global Travel Retail, Middle East and Africa at Suntory Global Spirits, added: “The Captivo Collection brings together Bowmore’s exceptional whisky-making heritage with a contemporary creative perspective from Snarkitecture. As a GTR-exclusive, Sherry Cask Pursuit offers travelling consumers the opportunity to explore the world of Bowmore from a new perspective, while remaining true to the craftsmanship and character at its heart.” Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit, will be available through global travel retail outlets in China, India and South Korea from November 2026, ahead of a wider channel roll-out from January 2027. RRP: $380.00. Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage, is now available from the Bowmore website and selected retailers, for a RRP of £312.00. Leave a Reply

All Scotch whisky drinkers will come across the term “sherry cask” at some point. It sounds straightforward, but a wide variety of sherry casks are used in Scotch whisky making, from Oloroso to Pedro Ximénez and everything in between. The style of sherry used to season the cask, and how long the whisky spends in it, both shape how the final whisky tastes. Given the prevalence of sherry cask maturation in the Scotch whisky industry, it is no surprise that the awards landscape is filled with good-quality sherry bombs. But where should you start? Today I am looking at recent award winners that show some of the different ways Scotch makers use sherry casks, from full maturation to finishing. As an added bonus, all of them come in at under $110. What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris READ THE STORYBowmore 9 Year Old Award: Gold Outstanding (98 points) and Trophy, IWSC 2026 Starting strong with a real value proposition, we have the Bowmore 9 Year Old. This whisky scored 98 points at the IWSC 2026, which earned it a Gold Outstanding medal, and it went on to win the competition’s trophy for single malt Scotch under 20 years old. It also took Silver at this year’s International Spirits Challenge. Bowmore has been distilling on the shore of Loch Indaal on Islay since 1779. The 9 Year Old joined its core range in 2016 and is matured in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon casks and European oak Oloroso sherry butts. Oloroso is a dry fortified wine from Jerez in southern Spain. In Scotch whisky, it tends to impart nuttiness and dry spice. In Bowmore 9, there is delicate sea salt, caramel cream, cinnamon, raisins, cocoa powder, and light peat smoke. At around $32, it is the most affordable bottle on this list and a good first step into sherried Islay whisky. Compass Box Crimson Casks Award: Best Blended Malt Scotch, Top Shelf Awards 2025 Compass Box publishes the full recipe for Crimson Casks on its fact sheet, so you can see exactly how much of the whisky comes from sherry wood. It is a blended malt made with whisky from Glen Moray, Benrinnes, Teaninich, and an undisclosed distillery near the town of Aberlour. The casks used are first-fill Oloroso-seasoned American oak butts, first-fill bourbon barrels, heavily toasted custom French oak barrels, and refill hogsheads with an ed-red wine barrique finish. The Top Shelf Awards honor the best-of-class winners from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Crimson Casks was named Best Blended Malt Scotch at the 2025 event. This is a rich, jammy whisky with notes of chocolate fudge cake, clove, cardamom, plum jam, and redcurrant jelly, with raisin, honey, spice and brown sugar on the finish. White Heather 15 Year Old Award: Gold, Category Winner (Blended Scotch 13–20 Years), World Whiskies Awards 2025 White Heather is an old blended Scotch brand that was discontinued in the 1980s and later revived by Scotch whisky legend Billy Walker’s GlenAllachie Distillers. The 15 Year Old joined the White Heather 21 Year Old in the core range, and it went on to win the blended Scotch 13 to 20 years category at the World Whiskies Awards 2025. The blend is 47% malt whisky: 20% from Speyside, 23% from the North Highlands, and 4% from Islay, with grain whisky making up the other 53%. The whiskies spend their first 12 years in a mix of American oak barrels, hogsheads, and ex-sherry butts. After blending, they are re-racked into Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso puncheons, along with virgin American oak casks, for another three years. Pedro Ximénez is a sweeter style of sherry than Oloroso, and sometimes gives that wonderfully fruity, syrupy feel to a whisky. GlenAllachie’s notes list heather honey, butterscotch, orange peel, pineapple, and mint on the nose. On the palate, expect treacle, grapefruit, almonds, mocha, and ginger, with a light trace of peat smoke at the end. It is a very well-put-together blend at a great price, from one of the industry’s finest. Elements of Islay Sherry Cask Award: Master, Scotch Whisky Masters 2025 Elements of Islay is a range of blended malts from Elixir Distillers. The Sherry Cask combines single malts from undisclosed distilleries on Islay’s south and north coasts. According to the producer, the south coast whisky brings dried fruit and dark chocolate to the blend, and the north coast whisky adds lemon oil and Arbroath smokie, a type of smoked haddock. The whisky is matured in first-fill and refill sherry butts and hogsheads and bottled at 54.5% with no chill filtration or added color. It was released in 2022 as part of a core range alongside Cask Edit and Bourbon Cask. At the Scotch Whisky Masters, where Master is the top medal, it won a Master in both 2024 and 2025. Elixir describes it as “Rich and spicy smoke embers enveloped in dried autumn fruits.” On the palate, you might find dark chocolate-dipped orange slices, stem ginger, and date and ginger cake, followed by treacle toffee and smoky black tea on the finish. Arran Sherry Cask “The Bodega” Award: Shortlisted, The Whisky Exchange Whisky of the Year 2024 Arran’s official notes describe The Bodega’s color as “polished mahogany.” On the nose, expect chocolate raisins, mandarin, and a hint of spice, followed by ripe figs and sweet cherries on the palate and pink pepper, hazelnuts, and toasted oak on the finish. The whisky is distilled and matured at Lochranza on the Isle of Arran. Arran’s launch notes say it was matured for seven years in first-fill sherry hogsheads, then bottled at cask strength with no chill filtration or added color. The distillery calls it “a return to the style of some of the earliest Arran Single Malt, which was mostly matured in Sherry casks.” The Bodega was one of six whiskies shortlisted for The Whisky Exchange’s Whisky of the Year in 2024. Arran’s owners also run a second distillery on the island, Lagg, which is where our next whisky comes from. Lagg Corriecravie Award: Best In Show 1st Place (96 points), Global Whisky Challenge 2024; Gold, Scotch Whisky Masters 2025 Lagg opened in 2019 at the southern end of the Isle of Arran, and the distillery concentrates on heavily peated spirit. Corriecravie is made from Concerto barley peated to 50ppm and bottled at 55% with no chill filtration or added color. Corriecravie starts out in bourbon barrels. It is then finished for around six months in Oloroso hogsheads sourced directly from the producer Miguel Martín in Jerez. Lagg releases it in limited quantities once a year as the second whisky in its core range. At the first Global Whisky Challenge in 2024, Corriecravie took first place in the Best In Show rankings with 96 points, and it went on to win Gold at the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2025. Lagg’s notes list dark chocolate and spiced red berries on the nose. On the palate, expect charred embers and hazelnut, followed by charred oak, smoke, and sweet spice on the finish. When I spoke to Distillery Manager Graham Omand last year, he said: “I think Corriecravie is the whisky I’m most proud of, and the whisky I’d most like to have in my house. It’s the one that’s kind of proved to me that even at a young age, Lagg can stand tall and show what it can do.” InchDairnie KinGlassie Double Matured 8 Years Old Award: Best Scotch Lowlands Single Malt, World Whiskies Awards 2026;; Best New Scotch, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026 KinGlassie is the only whisky on this list matured in Amontillado casks. Amontillado is a dry sherry made in Andalusia, southern Spain. It is known for imparting earthy, umami flavors, as well as dry spice and dark toffee sweetness onto the whisky. The whisky spends five years in ex-bourbon American oak casks before three years in the Amontillado casks. InchDairnie is based in Fife, and it distills KinGlassie only once a year, for less than a week each December. The malt is peated to 50ppm with Scottish mainland peat, and the whisky is bottled with no chill filtration or added color. KinGlassie Double Matured was InchDair

Earlier this year, many in the U.S. were charmed by the “tartan army” that descended on the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Scottish soccer fans had a massive impact in Boston, and their enthusiasm, culture and camaraderie were celebrated throughout the country. It might be a stretch—the Scottish soccer fans were reportedly drinking far more beer than Scotch—but some marketing are hoping the positive Scottish vibes might translate into newfound appreciation for Scotch whisky. “[A] promising sign for Scotch with younger LDA audiences is the renewed interest in Scottish culture inspired by the return of Scotland’s national soccer team to the World Cup,” says Jason Daniel, CMO for Foley Family Wines & Spirits, which has Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond single malt Scotches in its portfolio. “Celebrations transcend borders, as shown on the viral videos of fans embracing the ‘tartan army’ with kilts, bagpipes, beers, and drams.” Any renewed interest would be a boost to the single malt Scotch whisky segment which, along with blended Scotch, has suffered significant declines in recent years. Whether the Scottish presence in the World Cup serves as some sort of longer-term catalyst for renewed interest remains to be seen, but marketers are intent on reaching new consumers in myriad ways. Recruitment Efforts “Recruitment is one of our biggest priorities, and that means meeting consumers where their interests already are rather than expecting them to come to whisky in a traditional way,” says Greg Levine, vice president of marketing for malt whisky at William Grant & Sons. “Today’s consumers are discovering whisky in a much broader range of settings than in the past,” agrees Brian Cox, vice president of Scotch whisky at Bacardi. “Social occasions, outdoor experiences, sporting events, travel, and premium hospitality environments are increasingly important touchpoints. “As consumer behavior evolves, we’re focused on meeting people where they are and creating accessible entry points into the category,” Cox continues. “More broadly, we believe new consumers are drawn to authenticity and experiences. Whether through tastings, brand experiences, partnerships, or educational storytelling, our goal is to help people discover not only the whisky itself but also the heritage, craftsmanship, and people behind it.” For The Glenlivet, brand owner Pernod Ricard is “focused on making single malt more approachable and relevant for today’s consumers,” says Kristen Colonna, vice president of marketing at Pernod Ricard USA. “That means meeting consumers where and how they’re drinking single malt.” Colonna says the company is also “creating excitement through innovation, and platforms like Beyond Speyside invite consumers to explore new flavor experiences while honoring single malt credentials.” Daniel suggests newfound affluence among some legal drinking age professionals could also spark new growth. “There has been a ‘digital saturation’ shift where Gen Z is rebalancing their lives with real-world experiences, substance, authenticity and nostalgia—from vinyl records 2026to cocktails,” he says. “As a result, some whisky brands have been engaging older Gen Z and millennial ambassadors to remind the younger LDA generations as their disposable income increases and their tastes become more sophisticated, that Scotch is not just for their fathers.” Plus, Daniel adds, the general downturn creates opportunity. “There is a softening in the overall whisky market which gives single malt enthusiasts an opportunity to get really good whisky that was heavily allocated in the past,” he says. “It’s a buyers’ market right now.” By The Numbers That softening in the market is evidenced by a 5.5% decline in single malt Scotch whisky depletions in 2025, slightly better than the 6% decline recorded by blended Scotch brands, according to Impact Databank. Total volume for single malt Scotch came in at 1.44 million cases last year, down significantly from the peak of 1.91 million cases reached in 2021. Nine of the top ten single malt Scotch brands posted declines in 2025, three at double digit rates. The lone growth brand among the top ten was second-ranked The Macallan. The Edrington-owned brand registered a 2.8% increase to 229,000 cases. The growth may have been spurred in part by aftermath of the brand’s 200th anniversary promotions and increased spend in 2025. “The company continues its policy of brand investment that is high relative to the wider industry, reflecting our long-standing policy of prioritizing long-term brand building,” Edrington CEO Scott McCroskie said in the company’s annual report, referencing global strategy for The Macallan. “This policy is borne out by our brand health metrics, which provide an independent assessment of the extent that a brand is well known, well regarded and likely to be chosen by consumers.” The Glenlivet was the No. 1 single malt Scotch whisky in the U.S. in 2025 with volume at 390,000 cases, a 5.7% decline. “Despite broader category headwinds, we remain confident in the strength of the brand,” Colonna says. “We’ll be investing in the on-premise to build our range and reinforce quality credentials.” Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, two brands from William Grant & Sons, occupied the third and fourth positions and declined by 5.7% and 5.5%, respectively. Rounding out the top five, Glenmorangie, a Moet Hennessy brand, slumped 12% to 71,000 cases. Demand for single malt Scotch whisky was likely impacted over the last year by 10% tariffs imposed the U.S. government, driving up prices at a time when consumers are suffering from economic strains in many other areas. Those tariffs carried through the spring of 2026 but were eliminated in July. “The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch whisky in the U.S. is welcome news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic,” Ian Duddy, international director at the Scotch Whisky Association, said in a statement announcing the change. “As Scotch Whisky’s most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, the removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the U.S. From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and U.S. whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.” With the change, marketers see opportunity. “There’s excitement and optimism that the 10% U.S. tariffs on Scotch have been lifted, providing an opportunity for everyone from retailers and consumers, whether they are just discovering Scotch or collectors,” Daniel says. New Opportunities With tariffs back to zero, many marketers are homing in on unique expressions to drive new interest in single malt Scotch. In early August, The Macallan unveiled the sixth and concluding release in its Harmony Collection. The release comprises two distinctive single malt Scotch whiskies: Inspired by Fresh Coconut and Inspired by Toasted Coconut. “With this concluding release in The Harmony Collection, we’ve carefully guided coconut notes into the forefront of the whisky through precise cask selection and maturation,” said Kirsteen Campbell, master whisky maker for The Macallan, when announcing the launch. “The result is two beautifully balanced expressions that showcase both the natural influence of the oak and the skill of our whisky mastery team, where each element has been carefully shaped to achieve a harmonious and distinctive character.” Collections and series are the norm for many brands. Last fall, The Glenlivet widened its range with the launch of The Glenlivet 12-year-old Jamaica Edition, the first release in a series titled “Beyond Speyside.” “Our upcoming launch of the second expression in our Beyond Speyside Series, following our successful Jamaica Edition launch, drives interest and trial through The Glenlivet 12-year-old, while future innovation pipelines will trade consumers up into our higher marques and more

Whiskey and Wiles to host city and county candidate speakers on October 20th and 21st Published 1:03 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... | Whiskey and Wiles, located at 66 S. Main Street, will be hosting Values at the Venue: County Night on Tuesday, October 20, and Values at the Venue: City Night on Wednesday, October 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each night. Perri Wilson will moderate the evening on Tuesday, October 20. Pete Koutoulas will moderate on Wednesday, October 21. We’ll begin with a welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and candidate introductions. We’ll then hear from candidates by office in this order: Judge Executive, Property Valuation Administrator, Jailer, Magistrate, and Board of Education (County Night). Mayor and City Commission (City Night). Format and speaking rules Each candidate will have three minutes for an opening statement. Each candidate will have one minute to answer each question. Each candidate may ask one direct question of their opponent. If a candidate is specifically named or referred to, that candidate may request a one-minute rebuttal. All candidates will finish answering the current question before the rebuttal is given. A question may be repeated at a candidate’s request. A timekeeper will provide reminders to help everyone stay within the allotted time. Questions from the community Questions are being gathered through our online question page rather than taken live from the audience. Community members can submit a question or upvote an existing question they would like candidates to address. Question submissions and upvoting are anonymous. Questions are reviewed before appearing publicly to keep the discussion relevant and respectful. Upvote totals are hidden so people can vote based on their own priorities without seeing which questions are leading. Our goal is to use the top 10 community questions for each race, as time allows. Please share this link with your constituents and encourage them to submit questions, review those already posted, and upvote the issues that matter to them: Submit questions and upvote at https://values-at-the-venue.whiskeywiles.chatgpt.site/ Conduct during the forum Please allow each speaker to finish without interruptions or side comments. We ask candidates, family members, and audience members to show mutual respect throughout the evening. Audience applause should be held until all candidates have answered a question, rather than following individual responses. Whiskey & Wiles reserves the right to make final decisions regarding event procedures, speaking order, rule interpretation, audience management, and venue safety. Our goal is a fair, informative, respectful, and accessible forum for the community. Family seating and audience registration (Will be Live on Facebook as well) In addition to your candidate seat, we will hold three seats for your family members. Those three family seats do not require general audience registration. Anyone else attending—including additional family members, friends, and supporters—must register through the County Night or City Night audience link below. General audience seating is limited to 70 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. County Night audience registration: https://www. cognitoforms.com/ WhiskeyAndWilesPhotography/ ValuesAtTheVenueLiveAudience City Night audience registration: https://www.cognitoforms.com/WhiskeyAndWilesPhotography/ValuesAtTheVenueLiveAudience In person attendance is limited via the registration link. Follow Whiskey and Whiles on Facebook to be notified when the event is live streaming. Thank you again for being part of this evening. We look forward to welcoming you and your family!

The 3 Scottish road trips that 'come alive' in autumn taking in whisky trails to wild beaches Locals and visitors will be amazed by these routes. With the leaves turning shades of dazzling golds and rich reds, Scotland exudes a magical glow during the autumn months. With mists tumbling over lochs and leaves crunching beneath your feet, now is the ideal time to head on a woodland walk or a road trip. Scotland has no shortage of road trips for locals and visitors to enjoy. From castle trails and whisky tours to island hopping and mountain exploration, the autumn season brings an extra bit of amazement to your travels. However, Scots will need to be quick to organise their mystical autumn trip as the colder winter months are quickly closing in, bringing with it chilly breezes, darker nights and barren trees. Thankfully, a travel expert has shared their favourite Scottish routes that come alive in the autumn months. Ideal for those wanting a relaxing getaway that you can take at your own pace without the pressure of busy summer roads, these three road trips are a must have on your Scottish bucket list. Just make sure you have a camera on hand to take in the breathtaking views and the rich sea of autumnal colours. Travel expert Hazel Rickett, from tour operator Rabbie's, said: "Autumn is honestly one of the best times to be on the road in the UK. "The light is softer, the colours are richer, and because the summer crowds have moved on, the journey has a completely different pace. Distilleries, castles and coastal villages that felt frantic in July suddenly have room to breathe." Three Scottish road trips that come alive in autumn 1. Speyside Whisky Trail Taking travellers into Scotland's whisky heartland, this road trip spans three days and is ideal for those who enjoy a tipple or two. Travelling through the rolling hills, the first stop of this trail is the historic Lindores Abbey Distillery which looks down onto the ruins of its namesake abbey. Continuing north into the Cairngorms, guests will be able to visit the Whisky Castle that has been selling fine malt whiskies for over 120 years. The route then travels to Grantown-on-Spey giving guests the chance to explore Glenlivet, Speyside Cooperage and 19th century Cardhu Distillery with its murky history The final day of the trip brings visitors to the highest altitude distillery in Scotland - Dalwhinnie Distillery - before travelling back down south. Along with potentially seeing the first dustings of Scottish snow, this route passes through the Royal Deeside and the woodlands of Dunkeld, which is transformed by autumnal hues. 2. Islay Locally known as the 'Queen of the Hebrides', Islay is one of Scotland's most atmospheric islands that embraces a touch of magic during the autumn months. Filled with wild Atlantic beaches and famous for its peaty whiskies, this trip is ideal for those wanting to venture away from Scotland's mainland. Along with a variety of distilleries to explore to wet your whistle, including Islay's oldest distillery on the shores of Loch Indaal, visitors may be able to spot some wildlife, such as seals, red deer and otters. To get to Islay, travellers will need to either board a daily ferry from Kennacraig on Kintyre's peninsula or take a flight from Glasgow Airport to Islay Airport. Both routes will add a fun element to the road trip as travellers explore the Inner Hebrides. Rabbie's road trip has guests travelling from Edinburgh, through the Trossachs National Park, before stopping off at the historic harbour town of Oban. Travellers will then catch a ferry over to Islay for a couple of days of island and distillery touring - such as Bowmore, Kilchoman and Bunnahabhain distilleries. 3. Orkney The final Scottish autumn road trip is up in Orkney. Ideal for those wanting to go further off the beaten track, Orkney and the north of Scotland is sure to take your breath away during the autumn season. At Orkney's stunning archipelago, travellers will be awe struck by the coasts' sandy beaches, japped clifftops and brilliant wildlife. Consisting of around 70 islands, only 20 of which are inhabited which brings a deeper rural and untouched magic to the area. Visitors can explore the charming town of Kirkwall, the island's capital, featuring winding streets and the magnificent Viking-era St Magnus Cathedral. Travelling deeper into the northern islands, visitors can also uncover the secrets of the ancient past of Skara Brae. The five day road trip takes visitors through Glencoe and the Highlands, with a journey across to Loch Ness for some monster spotting. After a trip up the east coast of Scotland up to John O'Groats, visitors spend two days exploring Orkney and its ancient wonders. The trip ends with a trip back down the top of the North Coast 500 and a stop off at the historic Culloden battlefield. All of the autumn road trip itineraries can be found on the Rabbie's website.