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

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.

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 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 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.

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 has unveiled a new range, the 1824 Series, which is being rolled out into the UK market this autumn.

William Grant has launched its first ever Glenfiddich19 year old single malt scotch whisky, which has been matured in Madeira wine oak casks.

William Grant has launched a new expression of its Glenfiddich whisky brand: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition.

Buffalo Trace Distillery has launched its last ‘experimental’ bourbons of the year with the release of rice and an oat-based expressions.

Following a collaboration with whisky bloggers and journalists, Master of Malt has released St Isidore.

Online spirits retailer Master of Malt has released Rumbullion, an “old-fashioned“ rum under its Professor Cornelius Ampleforth brand.

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.

Online spirits merchant Master of Malt has extended its line of yesteryear spirit-based expressions with the launch of Proprietary Barley Spirit Drink.

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.

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 Distillers has purchased the Tamdhu distillery in Speyside, from the Edrington Group.

The Isle of Jura Distillery has opened a £100,000 visitor centre.

Online whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a 40-year old whisky liqueur.

Whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a liqueur made from single malt scotch whisky.

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.

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 Quarter Cask has been voted Scotland’s best single malt by The Whisky Shop.

Elitemarket.com has created a virtual cellar for online shoppers to view, research and buy single malt scotch whiskies.

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.

Glen Garioch, the 200-year old Aberdeenshire-based distillery, has re-launched its range of single malt whiskies.

Indian distiller Amrut has extended its range of whiskies with the addition of a three cask-matured single malt.

David Stewart, The Balvenie malt master, has crafted a 40 year old single malt scotch whisky, aged in sherry casks and refill hogsheads. A batch of 150, hand numbered bottles of The Balvenie Forty will be available at selected travel retail outlets in the world’s leading airports, from July 2010.

The Edrington Group has appointed Matthew Turner as brand controller for Highland Park.

Islay malt whisky, Ardbeg is to launch a second edition of Ardbeg Supernova – SN2010 – to be released on May 31 2010. This limited edition release is 40% more peaty than the distillery’s already heavily peated flagship Ardbeg ten years old.