There’s something quite transfixing – almost hypnotic – when it comes to looking at the latest brand figures for spirits around the world. You cannot stop. More particularly so as there seems to be so much cause for celebration in the 2011 round-up. There’s Johnnie Walker scotch whisky on an incredible 18 million cases; the Irish whiskey Jameson’s posting a 20%-plus increase and now nudging the 4 million case-mark, well I could go on, and on. But one result has really warmed the cockles of my heart – and that’s William Grant’s single malt scotch whisky Glenfiddich.
Single malt Scotch brand Balblair has partnered with acclaimed Scottish photographer and director David Eustace to produce a film.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has partnered with memory psychologist Dr Ansgar Endress, chef Bruce Clyne-Watson, and, rollercoaster designer Brendan Walker, to launch a series of festival bottlings paired with nostalgia-inducing memory boxes.
Dublin-based online whisky store, The Single Malt Shop, has announced that they will now deliver to the UK and to celebrate the launch, delivery costs to the UK will be free until the end of May.
Welsh whisky brand Aber Falls has announced an international roll-out that will see the brand become available in more than ten countries including Australia, Germany, Denmark, and Canada.
The Irishman Whiskey announces bottle redesign with the release of new range of single malts
Walsh Whiskey has announced the release of new additions to The Irishman’s range of Irish single malt whiskey, featuring a new bottle design.
The Macallan launches 81-year-old single malt
The Macallan has launched its oldest ever singe malt called The Reach which was distilled during the Second World War.
Derbyshire’s first full-scale craft distillery White Peak has announced the release of Wire Works Whisky, its first single malt.
Pernod Ricard unveils China malt distillery The Chuan
Pernod Ricard has unveiled its new $150m malt whisky distillery called The Chuan in Emeishan, China.
Irish Distillers unveils Method and Madness Rye and Malt
Irish Distillers has launched an experimental distillate called Method and Madness Rye and Malt.
Diageo invests in Komasa Kanosuke Distillery
Diageo’s drinks accelerator arm Distil Ventures has made a minority investment in Japanese single malt producer Komasa Kanosuke Distillery.
Aber Falls releases its 2021 single malt
Aber Falls has released its 2021 single malt bottling, the Welsh distillery’s second single malt following its inaugural release in May.
Camden launches beer made with Marmite
Camden Town Brewery has partnered with Marmite to launch a new limited edition beer which uses the popular spread in its brewing process.
Master of Malt predicts future drinking trends
Online retailer Master of Malt has unveiled three key trends that could define the spirits industry during the next year.
X by Glenmorangie targets mixed drinks sector
Glenmorangie has released a new single malt scotch whisky called X by Glenmorangie which has been specifically designed for mixing.
Bacardí opens duty free whisky boutique in China
Bacardi’s global travel retail department has opened a luxury seasonal boutique for its whisky portfolio in China.
Glenfiddich Grand Couronne joins The Grand Series
Glenfiddich has bolstered its Grand Series range with the launch of a 26 Year Old Speyside malt called Grande Couronne.
Bowmore targets travel retail with 31 Year Old single malt
Bowmore has launched a limited-edition 31 Year Old single malt into the travel retail channel as part of its Timeless Series collection.
Master of Malt moves into own-label spirits
Online retailer Master of Malt has unveiled its first own-label spirits range comprising a gin, vodka, rum and blended Scotch.
Master of Malt relaunches #WhiskySanta campaign
Online retailer Master of Malt aims to spread some much-needed festive cheer by relaunching its popular #WhiskySanta promotion.
International Spirits Challenge 2020 Awards: Winners Announced
Dalmore 35 Year Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky has been named the Supreme Champion at the International Spirits Challenge 2020 Awards.
Marussia Beverages launches Hatozaki Japanese whisky
Marussia Beverages has bolstered its spirits portfolio by taking on two Japanese whiskies from Hatozaki.
The US government has announced that the existing 25% tariffs will remain on single malt Scotch for the foreseeable future.
India's growing penchant for homegrown drinks brands
Not long ago, India was known as a country that produced whisky from molasses, and the majority of sales came from the category of spirits called IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor).
Scotch blends: Whisky symbiosis
The rise of single malt scotch has dominated whisky conversations on the back of the craft explosion, but blended malts have just as interesting a story to tell, says Shay Waterworth
New shoots
Finally getting its own craft segment, vodka is taking cues from wine and championing the terroir of its base as a flavour provider. Shay Waterworth grows the theory.
India comes in from the cold
Indian whisky producers are becoming increasingly confident as drinkers recognise the spirits for their quality. now, says Dominic Roskrow, they’re set to take the next step up.
Diageo releases rare scotches
Diageo has announced the release of some rare single malt scotch whiskies to be launched this autumn in the Special Releases series. All are at natural cask strength.
Diageo plans a new malt whisky distillery
Diageo has announced that it is submiting pre-planning applications for three potential locations for a new malt whisky distillery.
Inver House Distillers, the Scotland-based spirits arm of International Beverage Holdings has reported a 28% increase in turnover for the year ending December 2011.
Maxxium UK to distribute Cooleys
Irish whiskey producer Cooley Distillery has appointed Maxxium UK to distribute brands, Kilbeggan, Connemara Peated Irish Single Malt, Tyrconnell Irish Single Malt and Greenore Irish Single Grain, in the UK.
The Macallan unveils new range
The Macallan has unveiled a new range, the 1824 Series, which is being rolled out into the UK market this autumn.
Glenfiddich 19 Year Old Madeira finish is launched
William Grant has launched its first ever Glenfiddich19 year old single malt scotch whisky, which has been matured in Madeira wine oak casks.
Glenfiddich launches double-matured whisky
William Grant has launched a new expression of its Glenfiddich whisky brand: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition.
Buffalo Trace experiments with rice and oats
Buffalo Trace Distillery has launched its last ‘experimental’ bourbons of the year with the release of rice and an oat-based expressions.
Master of Malt launches blogger blend St Isidore
Following a collaboration with whisky bloggers and journalists, Master of Malt has released St Isidore.
Master of Malt reveals Rumbullion
Online spirits retailer Master of Malt has released Rumbullion, an “old-fashioned“ rum under its Professor Cornelius Ampleforth brand.
Balblair in double-vintage release
Inver House Distillers yesterday announced the global release of Balblair vintages 1992 and '01 from the newly-opened visitor centre at the brand's Highland distillery.
Master of Malt launches yesteryear expression
Online spirits merchant Master of Malt has extended its line of yesteryear spirit-based expressions with the launch of Proprietary Barley Spirit Drink.
Beam launches Teacher's Origin whisky
Beam Global is to launch Teacher’s Origin in global travel retail. The product has already launched in India, where, according to Beam, Teacher’s is the number one blended whisky.
Glenfiddich mastermind search is on
UK: Glenfiddich has launched the 2011 Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind competition. The aim of the game is to find the “trade’s most passionate malt enthusiasts”.
Ian Macleod buys Speyside distillery
Ian Macleod Distillers has purchased the Tamdhu distillery in Speyside, from the Edrington Group.
Jura invests £100,000 in visitor centre
The Isle of Jura Distillery has opened a £100,000 visitor centre.
Master of Malt launches “world’s oldest liqueur”
Online whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a 40-year old whisky liqueur.
Master of Malt launches single malt liqueur
Whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a liqueur made from single malt scotch whisky.
Last chance to make The Glenrothes
The worldwide competition to appoint four Glenrothes whisky makers closes at the end of January. According to organisers, response to the competition has been very strong but there is still a chance to enter online. The successful candidates will be recruited to work as The Glenrothes whisky makers at the Speyside distillery, Scotland.
Rye-malt spirit Krivach launches
Russian Distiller has launched Krivach, a malted rye distillate that is said to be the first of its type in Russia for 120 years.
Laphroaig voted best single malt
Laphroaig Quarter Cask has been voted Scotland’s best single malt by The Whisky Shop.
Elitemarket.com launches virtual whisky cellar
Elitemarket.com has created a virtual cellar for online shoppers to view, research and buy single malt scotch whiskies.
Diageo releases ‘special’ single malts
Diageo has launched its autumn Special Release Series, a collection of single malt scotch whiskies aimed at the world’s top bars and whisky connoisseurs.