News
Latest news and updates from the whisky world.
Bowmore and Laphroaig Merge Operations
Published 25/02/2026
Suntory Global Spirits has announced operational changes at its Islay distilleries Bowmore and Laphroaig, merging production teams across both sites while retaining separate management structures to preserve brand identity. Staff have been offered voluntary redundancy packages, with no compulsory job losses planned. The move is intended to align distillation levels with maturing inventory and long-term demand during a downturn in the global whisky market. Industry data indicates that around 19% of Scottish distilleries are experiencing significant financial strain, as post-pandemic demand normalises, exports decline and costs rise. Shipments to the United States fell more than 4% in 2025 following a 10% tariff on UK imports, while broader market corrections and weaker consumption have added pressure. Distillation and visitor operations will continue at both sites, and Suntory has pledged continued investment and long-term commitment to Islay. Two Ancient Islay Distilleries Attempt Sensible Behaviour, to the Great Suspicion of the Universe
Bowmore and Laphroaig Merge Operations
Karen Gillan Becomes the Face of Compass Box Hedonism 2026
Published 24/02/2026
Karen Gillan has been revealed as The Muse for Compass Box Hedonism 2026, the latest limited annual release from the Scotch whiskymaker. The Inverness-born actor and filmmaker appears in a new artwork by renowned artist Emma Hack, continuing Hedonism’s tradition of placing female creativity at the centre of its label. The 2026 release features some of the oldest grain whiskies ever used in Hedonism, including a 30-year-old component from Strathclyde Distillery, alongside mature whiskies from Port Dundas and Cameronbridge and a new sherry influence adding notes of cherry and raisins. Bottled at 46% ABV, the release will be available for pre-order from 24 February and launches globally on 1 March, with 13,126 bottles available worldwide. Karen Gillan has travelled a very long way from Inverness, generally regarded as the gateway to the Highlands and, by those who have been there in February, the last outpost of optimism before the weather takes a personal interest in you, to Hollywood. There she has fought aliens, saved galaxies, and survived films where urban infrastructure doesn’t make it past elevenses. And now she has achieved the sort of immortality normally reserved for poets, minor saints, and people who invent useful kitchen implements: she is on a whisky bottle.
Karen Gillan Becomes the Face of Compass Box Hedonism 2026
Glendronach distillery expansion blocked after SSEN objection
Published 15/01/2026
Aberdeenshire Council has refused planning permission for two new whisky warehouses and associated infrastructure at the Glendronach Distillery near Forgue, Huntly. The Benriach Distillery Company said the development was intended to support the distillery’s growth and generate additional income to maintain listed buildings. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks objected, stating that the proposed warehouses would conflict with the route of its Beauly to Peterhead 400kV overhead transmission line and could not be built beneath it for safety and operational reasons. The council ruled that the development was unsuitable for the remote rural location and would clash with the planned electricity infrastructure. In the rolling, peat-scented hills near Forgue, where the sheep were philosophical and the wind had been arguing with the trees since 1826, stood the Glendronach Distillery, quietly turning barley into history and occasionally into mild regret. Founded in 1826, it had survived wars, depressions, and several regrettable fashion trends in whisky bottles, but none so brazen as the plans concocted in Stirling. What it had not survived, at least not this week, was paperwork, a substance more corrosive than time and far less forgiving.
Glendronach distillery expansion blocked after SSEN objection
Stirling Distillery Tests Aluminium Bottles for Scotch Whisky
Published 14/01/2026
Stirling Distillery has partnered with Heriot Watt University’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling and Institute of Chemical Sciences to test whether Scotch whisky can be safely stored in aluminium bottles rather than glass. Laboratory analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry found that aluminium can leach into matured whisky at levels above those considered safe for drinking water, and that some maturation related compounds such as gallic acid are reduced after prolonged contact with aluminium. The effects were much smaller in new make spirit. Despite these chemical changes, a trained tasting panel was unable to detect any difference in aroma or flavour between whisky stored in aluminium and whisky stored in glass. Researchers concluded that aluminium could only be viable for whisky if a liner can be developed that prevents metal contact over long storage periods, and Stirling Distillery said the findings would be shared with the wider industry as part of efforts to cut packaging related carbon emissions ahead of its first mature whisky release in 2027. In the grand old tradition of Scottish innovation, which usually involves standing in a cold shed arguing with a kettle until it gives up, Stirling Distillery has decided to ask a much bigger question than most people do before lunchtime. That question is whether whisky, a substance so steeped in glass that it practically expects to be admired through it, could be persuaded to live in aluminium instead, a concept that would give several barrels a mild existential crisis.
Stirling Distillery Tests Aluminium Bottles for Scotch Whisky
Eydent Distillery Approved for East Lothian Site
Published 18/12/2025
East Lothian Council has approved plans for the Eydent Distillery near Glenkinchie, subject to further environmental and structural conditions. The project, led by Ollie Salvesen and Jack Mayo, proposes a small scale distillery producing whisky and gin, with construction dependent on biodiversity measures and ground stability assessments due to former coal mining activity. The Scottish Lowlands are set to gain another distillery following planning approval for Eydent Distillery at East Mains in East Lothian, close to the established Glenkinchie site. The project has been granted permission in principle by East Lothian Council, though significant preparatory work remains before construction can begin.
Eydent Distillery Approved for East Lothian Site
Robot Dog Trial Targets Whisky Warehouse Ethanol Leaks
Published 15/12/2025
Bacardi, working with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, is trialling a Boston Dynamics Spot robot at the John Dewar & Sons maturation site near Glasgow. The robot is equipped with ethanol sensors to detect vapour leaks associated with whisky maturation. The proof-of-concept project is exploring whether autonomous robotics can support routine inspections, improve safety, and reduce losses across whisky warehousing and other process industries. In a development that would have startled both the angels and the barrels, the Scotch whisky industry has taken a bold step into a Black Mirror inspired future by introducing a robot dog o protect thousands of barrels of ageing spirit. This is not as strange as it sounds, although it is not especially normal either. Presumably robotic gueese guardians were deemed to tricky to control. To be fair, this is not an act of rebellion against tradition, nor an attempt to mechanise enjoyment. The robot is not there to drink the whisky. It is there to work, and we are assured it takes that responsibility very seriously.
Robot Dog Trial Targets Whisky Warehouse Ethanol Leaks
Indians Love Scotch Whisky, But Does It Rule Indian Shelves?
Published 03/12/2025
India imported 192 million bottles of Scotch whisky in 2024—more than any other country—representing over 200 percent growth in a decade. Despite this, Scotch accounts for only around 3 percent of India’s whisky market by volume, with local whisky brands dominating consumption. Premium spirits grew 8 percent in the first half of 2025, reflecting rising incomes and demand for higher-end products. High import duties of about 150 percent keep Scotch prices elevated, though ongoing UK–India trade negotiations could reduce tariffs to 75 percent initially and eventually to around 40 percent over ten years, potentially boosting imports. Meanwhile, Indian single malts such as Indri and Rampur are gaining international recognition and export traction, signalling increasing global competitiveness. Overall, Scotch remains aspirational in India but does not lead the market by volume, and both imported and domestic whiskies are positioned for continued growth. India is a nation fond of intensity, the sort of place where flavour arrives wearing big boots, opinion travels in a crowd, and alcohol occasionally joins the parade to keep everyone in good spirits. Scotch whisky has somehow muscled its way into this environment, a traveller from the frozen north now sweating politely on Indian shelves while pretending not to notice the heat.
Indians Love Scotch Whisky, But Does It Rule Indian Shelves?
Gordon and MacPhail Call for Stability Ahead of Budget
Published 20/11/2025
Gordon and MacPhail reported an 18 percent fall in annual sales to 28.2 million pounds, while pre tax profits rose to 6.8 million pounds. The firm invested in warehousing, brand development and the launch of an 85 year old single malt. Chief executive Mark Geary urged the Chancellor to provide a stable framework that supports growth and international trade ahead of the upcoming Budget. Gordon and MacPhail is one of those rare Scottish institutions that has survived wars, recessions and the occasional whisky fad that spread after too many people read the same lifestyle blog. Even so, the independant bottler has found itself glancing nervously toward the upcoming Budget, hoping that the Chancellor resists any sudden impulses that would make selling good whisky even more chaotic than a night out in Glasgow when the football goes sideways.
Gordon and MacPhail Call for Stability Ahead of Budget
Bruichladdich’s Quadruple-Distilled Unicorn Arrives
Published 18/11/2025
Bruichladdich has released X4+18 Edition 01, the first-ever 18-year-old quadruple-distilled single malt. Distilled in 2006 at 85% ABV and matured in Bourbon and Rivesaltes casks, only 2,400 bottles are available. Bottled at 63.5% ABV, it features notes of dried fruits, honey, Muscovado sugar, and soft floral-nutty finishes. Priced at £225, shipping begins 26 November. Bruichladdich, that happily eccentric Islay distillery that behaves as if the laws of economic feasibility and common sense are optional extras, has announced a new marvel: X4+18 Edition 01, proudly hailed as the world’s first 18-year-old quadruple-distilled single malt. Not the first quadruple-distilled whisky, mind you. They’ve already done that before. Several times. This is simply the one that’s been allowed to sit in a cask long enough to vote.
Bruichladdich’s Quadruple-Distilled Unicorn Arrives
Nikka’s Gaijin Whisky Levels Up: Meet the New Extra Marriage Release
Published 18/11/2025
Nikka has released From the Barrel Extra Marriage to mark the 40th anniversary of the original blend. It’s essentially the same recipe of over 100 malt and grain whiskies from Yoichi, Miyagikyo, and Scotland, but married in puncheon casks for up to three extra months for added cohesion and richness. Bottled at 51.4% ABV, it features notes of chocolate, oak, vanilla custard, dried fruit, spice, and flamed orange peel. It’s out now in 500-ml bottles with a silver label, retailing around $70. Japanese whisky has been riding a long wave of global enthusiasm, the kind usually reserved for tech gadgets, skincare routines, and anything described as “artisanal.” And while the romance has cooled a bit as the price tags swelled to the size of small mortgages, Nikka has decided the time is ripe to release a new twist on one of its most beloved bottles. From the Barrel Extra Marriage, a name that sounds like a clerical error in the Registry of Complicated Relationships.
Nikka’s Gaijin Whisky Levels Up: Meet the New Extra Marriage Release