Gluten-free garbage
Distilled spirits do not contain gluten, so why are some brands allowed to say it, and some aren’t?
Distilled spirits do not contain gluten, so why are some brands allowed to say it, and some aren’t?
Aaron Sorkin’s political drama, Johnnie Walker Blue Label and the persistence of marketing messages.
Dave Broom argues why historical sites such as Lindores and Kennetpans must be preserved.
What has driving a handbuilt wooden car around Goodwood race track have to do with whisky?
Grain plants may lack the romance of single malt distilleries, but that doesn’t make them dull.
Tennessee’s finest may be supplanting Scotch in British consumers’ affections. But does it matter?
A new release from Martell in the US says much about the rise and rise of single malt Scotch.
An undefined term and a path toward too much choice will complicate an already complex industry.
Rare Scotch whisky has moved out of the reach of many, but there’s still pleasure to be had.
At a time of widespread unpredictability, Scotch is enjoying mixed fortunes in the UK.
The fun and games at Spirit of Speyside are a sign whisky’s becoming more relaxed, says Dave Broom.
A hike in Tuscany reminds Richard Woodard of the benefits of overseas investment in whisky.
An evening with the great Sir Ian McKellen reminds Richard Woodard of whisky’s immediacy.
Be selective about your whisky-drinking moments for optimum cheer, and have a very Merry Christmas.
Dave Broom has plenty of advice to share, from tastings and transportation, to kilts and pants.
With Port Ellen, Brora and Rosebank set to reopen, Dave Broom looks at the broader context.
A decade after his untimely death, Dave Broom pays tribute to the legendary whisky and beer writer.
'Scotch whisky' is now legally recognised in Botswana. Who cares? Lots of people – and here's why.
Bagpiper, McDowell’s and the SWA acting as ‘cultural shock troops’. Where will it all end?
Dave Broom is inspired by the common dedication and passion shown at the first World Whisky Forum.
The ending of Diageo’s Masters of Whisky programme will damage Scotch as a whole, says Dave Broom.
Like fine wine, great whisky comes from a willingness to make mistakes, says Richard Woodard.
With 20-plus distilleries making whisky in England, Richard Woodard ponders a question of identity.
To many whisky lovers, a silent distillery is a lost treasure. But is that the whole story?
Pure Scot’s ‘puerile’ Instagram posts look depressingly familiar, says Richard Woodard.
Single malts must stay true to their local identity as they become global brands, says Dave Broom.
The ‘ultimate maritime malt’ has introduced three new whiskies plus a new design.
Made with whisky from Scotland’s Glen Elgin and Macallan distilleries, plus India’s Amrut.
The range features 14 Sherry cask-matured whiskies, plus one matured exclusively in a Port Pipe.
Diageo’s 2015 Special Releases features some familiar faces, plus a rare 40YO single grain.
The latest moves on ‘Whisky Island’, including new, revived and expanding distilleries.
Distillers are coming up with ever more inventive ways of working with this tricky grain.
The inside story of the US$150m distillery, and the remarkable landscape it calls home.
What does the striking new look and range rethink say about the modern face of single malt?
Assessing the impact of a hard exit from the EU on the eve of a crucial Commons vote.
Two new companies – one in the UK, one in China – are opening a fresh chapter in whisky investment.
Irish whiskey is resurgent, but are some of the new companies being economical with the truth?
A behind-the-scenes look at the revamp of the world’s third most popular Scotch whisky.
The private members club offers a selection of single casks priced at up to €450,000.
Now just an empty shell, the Falkirk distillery could be producing spirit within two years.
The years to come could shed a new light on the dark early days of Scotch whisky making.
Rye’s return in Scotland after a long gap marks the latest chapter in a chequered history.
Special Releases pricing has soared in recent years – but how and why? Let’s crunch some numbers…
The range of casks that can be used to age Scotch is now wider – but the rules remain tight.
It’s the quintessential Irish whiskey style, but should its production rules be revised?
Diageo’s Indian whisky brands have had their export wings trimmed – but does the deal go far enough?
Investigating the history of the 1926 single malts that sold for US$1m-plus at auction.
The challenges of building a £100m new distillery, by the man who came up with the idea.
We delve further into the plans to revive the two cult distilleries after nearly 40 years.
Counting down the big news items that made the headlines on Scotchwhisky.com this year.
With poor ferry links and crumbling roads, ‘whisky island’ faces a number of challenges.
Scotch is experiencing an identity crisis. Why would it want to taste like Bourbon?
Media reports tell of a single malt Scotch whisky ‘drought’, but the facts tell a different story.
Earth Mode measures internet users’ digital carbon footprint in ‘eye-opening’ new initiative.
Three lots of rare whisky labels have been withdrawn from auction following protests on Facebook.
Diageo plans to print nutritional information on bottles of whisky in the US.
Farmers raised concerns over the use of distillery by-products in renewable energy plants.
The Lowland distillery will bottle its first malt more than a decade after it was founded.
The £2k Glenfiddich Cask Collection Finest Solera is presented in a crystal Baccarat decanter.
Dubai-based retailer Le Clos breaks own record with latest Macallan Fine & Rare sale.
Simon Coughlin will head up a new whisky unit at French drinks group Rémy Cointreau.
The limited edition release is a collaboration with award-winning designer Afroditi Krassa.
The 30-year-old ‘ultimate’ blended whisky will be a travel retail exclusive from this December.
The new blended whisky marks the 25th anniversary of the Chicago punk rock whisky bar.
Members can try some of the first whiskies created by the London-based distillery.
A new blend from the makers of the Glover combines Scotch with whisky from Indian distiller Amrut.
The line-up of four malts follows Billy Walker’s acquisition of the Speyside distillery.
Changes include the renaming of the flagship blend and the launch of three new expressions.
The Dublin distillery has celebrated its recent opening with three new cask-finished whiskeys.
The new DFS store boasts the largest selection of single malts in Asia travel retail.
Experts from all over the world are set to attend the Worldwide Distilled Spirits Conference.
The search is on to find the most creative, humorous and honest views about the whisky brand.
Former Macallan managing director Willie Phillips has been appointed chairman of Ardgowan.
The range includes no-age-statement, 18-year-old and 19-year-old single cask whiskies.
A distillery worker has created a whisky kit to stop motorists missing out on tasting sessions.
The Scotch Whisky Association has reached an ‘amicable resolution’ with the US distillery.
Approval has been granted for a multi-million pound expansion of the Speyside distillery.
GlenWyvis distillery has smashed its initial crowdfunding target by more than £500,000.
Scotch producers claim government figures show ‘fairer’ taxes generate more revenue for economy.
World’s biggest Scotch whisky company returns to growth in China following austerity struggles.
Further debate on transparency is needed, say SWA members, following our open letter on the issue.
More than 100 rare whisky lots are on offer in the Hong Kong sale, worth a total of up to HK$2.5m.
The deal marks the Glenfiddich owner’s first move into American craft distilling.
Kaleidoscope at Devonshire Square in the City will be open to non-members of the society.
The Speyside distillery has been bought by a consortium headed by the former BenRiach MD.
The new single malt was created in collaboration with the architect of the £140m facility.
The two single malts are the first Speyside releases from the rare spirits specialist.
Highland Park Scottish Ballet commemorates the national dance company’s 50th anniversary.
Blend shows strong growth in South Africa and Taiwan, while malts perform well in northern Europe.
Dewar’s is ‘reinforcing its commitment to age statements’ with the launch of a 25-year-old blend.
The owner of Torabhaig distillery has released two blended malts created using bespoke cask bills.
The Irish whiskey producer has been given the go-ahead to build a second distillery.
The rules governing Irish whiskey’s signature style have no precedent, says Peter Mulryan.
Plans to resurrect the cult Lowland single malt are awaiting approval by Falkirk Council.
The new releases include a dozen single cask BenRiachs, ranging from 16 to 40 years old.
Edinburgh Whisky Academy two-day course is ‘first vocational independent qualification’ of its kind.
Jack Mayo is one of a number of new appointments at the Edinburgh start-up.
The distillery’s one-off bottling will raise funds for research into Motor Neurone Disease.
This year’s limited edition Islay single malt recalls the ‘Summer of Love’ of the 1960s.
A hidden stash of American whiskey fetched thousands more than expected at auction.
The 54-bottle set from the closed Japanese distillery could fetch up to HK$6m at auction.
A new tech-based trading platform aims to benefit investors and ease pressure on distillers.
The discount retailer’s Christmas whiskies, all priced below £50, range in age from 22 to 34 years.
Construction work at the R&B Distillers facility at Borodale House is due to begin in April.
The Famous Grouse Black Grouse has been rebranded as part of plans to create a core range.
A set of 19 Macallan Fine & Rare bottles has set a record as the most expensive sale in duty free.
The owner of Glengoyne single malt is opening the venue with two of Edinburgh’s restaurateurs.
Billy Walker received the award just hours after selling his company for £281 million.
Visit distilleries usually closed to the public, as well as rare drams at the annual festival.
The 1926 Macallan designed by the British pop artist achieved a high price at auction.
Plans to revive the Islay distillery have been submitted to the local council for approval.
The two limited edition blended whiskies are will ‘continue the legacy’ of Game of Thrones.
Whisky is a key part of Fèis Ìle, an annual celebration of Gaelic history, poetry, song and dance.
Dramatic company U-turn follows axing of much-praised educational initiative two months ago.
Bottles of Dewar’s blended Scotch unearthed in former British Army garrison in Israel.
Collectivum XXVIII features spirit from all 28 of the company’s active malt distilleries.
Ian Macleod Distillers hopes to have the coveted Lowland distillery operational by 2019.
The Islay distillery is to build a new still house to accommodate a total of four stills.
The 1926 Macallan Valerio Adami was sold at auction by Bonhams in Edinburgh for £848,750.
The £6.5m heritage centre and distillery will celebrate the whisky heritage of the area.
The Edinburgh single malt’s two-tier scheme allows members to monitor its maturing spirit.
The Rothes distillery has doubled its capacity to meet rising demand for Speyburn single malt.
Producer of Sheep Dip whisky and Edinburgh Gin has changed hands for an undisclosed sum.
The Sutherland castle’s out buildings will be transformed into a Scotch whisky distillery.
The blend is leaving The Famous Grouse portfolio with a new ‘accessible’ recipe for millennials.
The Elements of Islay producer intends to build a whisky distillery on the island’s south coast.
The Speyside distillery has revealed the 17 bottlings to make up its 2018 single cask programme.
An Asia-based investment firm has bought out the group that also owns Glen Scotia distillery.
Highland Park: Ness of Brodgar’s Legacy will raise funds for a dig at the Neolithic site.
Berry Bros & Rudd has appointed Dan Jago, former group wine director at Tesco, as its new CEO.
Edinburgh council has approved plans to transform a Georgian building into a single malt distillery.
The fourth edition of this exploration of the art of blending focuses on the ‘Mastery of Oak’.
Almost 500 rare whiskies and nine casks will be offered for sale by Sotheby’s later this month.
The range redesign comes as the Orkney single malt launches a new series of special editions.
The equivalent of one bottle of Scotch was consumed at official events last year, a report shows.
The new distillery’s traditional methods include direct firing and worm tub condensers.
Swift in London’s Soho will serve over 240 different whiskies with an opulent 1950s-style vibe.
Bruichladdich’s former master distiller will shape the whisky of Islay’s newest distillery.
For the first time, Port Ellen and Brora are absent from Diageo’s annual Special Releases.
A device designed using nanotechnology can ‘taste’ the difference between whiskies.
The 16-year-old whisky is the second travel retail expression from the distillery.
The Port-matured whisky is a new limited release from the Highland distillery.
The event will showcase four of the region’s distilleries and its ‘spectacular’ whisky trail.
Proceeds from the auction of the special bottle will help fight food waste and poverty.
The money is being used to support the protection of the endangered grouse species across the UK.
Union urges UK Government to give Nissan-style support for 40,000 Scotch whisky employees.
The legal breakthrough means consumers and producers will be better protected against fakes.
The distillery cat is the latest ‘famous’ face honoured with a ‘Bottle Your Own’ cask.
Actor Gerard Butler is the latest famous face to be part of Glenturret’s ‘Bottle Your Own’ series.
New targets include switching 80% of primary energy supplies to renewable sources by 2050.
Calls to bottle all Scotch in Scotland follow claims that more than 100 jobs are at risk.
Plans for the Scotch whisky distillery include an adjacent floating bar and restaurant.
The 2019 release is said to represent ‘an unbroken chain of creation from barley to bottle.’
The 27-year-old limited edition malt has been matured in ex-PX and oloroso Sherry casks.
Hoxton’s Iron Stag has a special focus on Scotch whisky cocktails, serving Highballs by the keg.
The £5,000 bottles of blended Scotch whisky will be given away as part of a competition.
The 20-year-old single cask will celebrate 20 years since the distillery’s reopening.
Batch 16 of the Cask Bottling series features malts aged for between seven and 33 years.
Scotch whisky producers are already ahead of commitments to operate more sustainably by 2020.
Remains found at the Fife site could point to Scotland’s earliest site of distillation yet ...
The peated and unpeated single malts have matured in a range of smaller octave casks.
The colour-focused line-up is cut as part of a rethink of the single malt’s portfolio.
Milsean – Gaelic for ‘sweet things’ – is extra-matured in heavily toasted Portuguese red wine casks.
The owner of Tomintoul distillery has released its oldest blended grain Scotch whisky.
The Highland distillery has married two ‘incongruous’ malts for its latest vintage release.
Detailed information on the make-up of Port Charlotte Scottish Barley is now available online.
The Highland distillery is launching three new whiskies, including a lightly peated malt.
‘Significant uncertainty’ will follow UK vote to leave EU, warns Scotch Whisky Association.
Task force looked at ways to reform Scotch whisky’s strict production rules, says report.
Chivas down, The Glenlivet up in the last six months of 2015 as difficulties continue in China.
The change allows distillers to use a variety of casks, including ex-Tequila and Calvados.
It’s hoped that the £100m-plus plant will produce its first spirit before the end of 2017.
The £100m-plus new facility will take over single malt production after ‘rigorous’ tests.
The ninth release in the limited edition series has been aged fully in ex-rye whiskey casks.
The two cult distilleries will restart production by 2020 in a £35m investment by owner Diageo.
The Lagavulin manager will leave her post to bring the cult Islay malt back into production.
More than 100,000 rare bottles were sold at auction in the UK last year, worth over £40m.
The YoCo Club wants to make Scotch whisky accessible to under-45s using a subscription-based model.
Philippines-owned producer hopes the wine giant will drive growth for Dalmore, Jura and John Barr.
The Isle of Mull distillery, which produces Tobermory and Ledaig whiskies, is being refurbished.
The home of The Famous Grouse has been sold to the crystal manufacturer’s owner.
Seven Scotch whisky distilleries have been condemned for their failure to meet pollution guidelines.
The Speyside Heather Centre and newly-opened Whisky Lounge has been destroyed by a fire today.
Workers at Scotland’s largest Scotch whisky company have voted to strike in the run-up to Christmas.
The withdrawal of The Glenlivet expression shocked whisky fans, but plans are afoot for its return.
The miniature could contain some of the only whisky left from the lost distillery.
Richard Paterson has created a unique whisky for chef Massimo Bottura’s Food for Soul project.
Scotland is set to welcome seven new distilleries in 2017, plus the relaunch of an old favourite.
Dial up the scream factor for your Halloween movie night with these spooktacular whisky pairings.
It’s about time the Rusty Nail cocktail had its day in the sun, says Naren Young.
The timeless whisky and soda receives a 21st century makeover to make its flavours shine.
Scotch has the fruit, oak and smoke to create the perfect seasonal serves for this time of year.
A traditionally rye-based cocktail – but one which can be adapted for a Scotch-loving audience.
Once the vogue drink of Parisian socialites, the Boulevardier is making a modern comeback.
Single malt whisky is exclusively made from barley – but why? The Whisky Professor responds.
Sex and shebeens; temperance and meths. Charting the Scottish pub’s 300-plus years of history.
The crime author shares several drams with Dave Broom while discussing music, whisky and life.
UK chefs and sommeliers are increasingly – and successfully – pairing whisky with their menus.
Signe Johansen demonstrates how seaside cooking and drinking can be enjoyed all year round.
Making ice cream at home is fun – and the results can be greatly improved by adding whisky.
A selection of some of the best al fresco watering holes to enjoy a whisky tipple this summer.
As campaigners battle to keep Landseer’s painting in Scotland, we delve into its history.
Scotland’s rivers are among the world’s best for catching salmon, a perfect match for whisky.
Slow-cooked stews and fruity crumbles, made all the better by pairing with the perfect whisky.
Our expert Prof tackles this oxymoronic riddle that often leaves whisky drinkers puzzled.
Use our flavour-by-flavour guide to help Scotch find a place at the Thanksgiving table.
All the recipes and whisky advice you could possibly need to host your own St Andrew’s Day feast.
Summer is all about cooking outdoors, from barbecues and picnics to terrace drinking and dining.
Scotch whisky must be at least three years old – but why? War, in part, provides the answer.
The Whisky Prof explains one of the most complex and fascinating processes in whisky creation.
Most people have tasted corked wine at some point – but can the same unpleasantness affect whisky?
It’s one of Scotch whisky’s three ingredients, but opinion differs on yeast’s impact.
Here's the Whisky Professor to dispel any concerns over malting barley and agrochemicals.
Scotch maturation was never restricted to only Bourbon and Sherry casks, explains the Prof.
The Whisky Professor explores the differences between steam and fire-heated stills.
The Whisky Virgin longs for a naked picnic staring deep into Jim Murray's inviting, golden eyes.
As a surfeit of Masters grips the Scotch whisky industry, the Virgin ponders what comes next.
There’s always something new to learn about whisky, as the Whisky Virgin discovers.
Our amateur Whisky Virgin is introduced to Scotch through a formative Islay experience.
The Whisky Virgin is a huge fan of grain whisky, but doesn’t think it gets the respect it deserves.
In a post-truth world, fakes are everywhere, but have they invaded your whisky cabinet?
More recently developed eco-friendly uses for whisky waste include powering distilleries and cars.
Scotch distillers are experimenting with roasted malts to develop a new generation of whisky.
With warmer weather and rising sea levels, producers must act fast to combat climate change.
As the 34th vintage is launched, we assess the evolution of the ‘pinnacle of Irish whiskey’.
Coming up with a new design for a Scotch whisky bottle is a long, complex and painstaking business.
As technology advances, so too do the tasks and responsibilities of master distillers.
What started as a means to mask poorly made spirits has grown into a delicious whisky alternative.
Let us help you find the perfect present for the whisky lovers in your life this Christmas.
A mass tasting of the Campbeltown distillery’s 2016 release of 13 single cask single malts.
Explore the growing world of American single malt with these imaginative – and tasty – whiskeys.
Scotch whisky personalities share their memories of how whisky has come to shape their Christmas.
New Zealand’s craft distillers are determined to establish a distinctively Kiwi whisky style.
The long and eventful story of Scotch whisky’s longest-established independent bottler.
A flair for noticing nuances in whisky samples is vital to being a tasting panellist.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement ignites anticipation for more Royal Wedding whiskies.
Stuck for Father’s Day ideas? Then spoil your dad this Sunday with a whisky-filled day out.
Oak species, grain size and toasting all help mould the flavour of the dram in your glass.
Looking for the perfect whisky gift for your Secret Santa? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Scotch must be distilled to a certain abv strength and matured in particular sized casks – but why?
Screw chocolate – count down to Christmas with a whisky advent calendar to suit any budget.
Track down these public collections of rare bottles for a glimpse of whisky’s storied past.
Dave Broom has hand-picked a selection of Scotch whiskies to perfectly match the warmer weather.
The strange tale of the Czech single malt born before the Berlin Wall came crashing down.
The origins of whisky are closely linked to the use of aqua vitae in early medical science.
The industry has not always succeeded in its attempts to end gender stereotyping in Scotch.
It’s a busy time for architects as the boom in new Scotch whisky distilleries continues.
With over 40 new distilleries opening this decade, is Scotch on course to repeat history?
Dave Broom travelled to Japan to explore how distillers are driving innovation in grain whisky.
New distilleries are coming thick and fast, and there’s still plenty of room for more.
Take a behind-the-scenes peek at Macallan’s architectural and distilling marvel.
The industry shares its hopes for the New Year, from the death of flipping to more NAS whiskies.
At least nine new whisky distilleries are set to open in Scotland in the next 12 months.
Thinking about buying your own cask of maturing whisky? Here’s a guide to what’s out there.
Haggis, for sure, but what else is needed for the festivities on 25 January? Find out here.
Charting the history of ‘Whisky City’ in the run-up to this week’s Campbeltown Malts Festival.
How clever marketing helped transform an obscure single malt into a global powerhouse.
The remote Highland region is set to return to whisky production after more than 150 years.
With 10 whisky distilleries opening this year, Scotch is on track for unprecedented growth.
Can the maverick Islay distillery maintain its independence after acquisition by Rémy Cointreau?
Looking into the past, present and future of the Highland distillery, founded in 1843.
Glenrothes is conducting an experiment to determine whether music affects how people taste whisky.
What is rancio? And does it occur not only in old Cognac, but also in long-matured Scotch whisky?
Let’s not forget the rules regulating the Scotch whisky industry, says Dave Broom.
What separates malts from blends? How must this be worded on packaging? Dave Broom has the answers.
Distilleries are rediscovering the unique flavours oats can bring to whisky.
A decade after his death, five leading whisky figures pay tribute to the great writer.
The historic bottler embraces change and continuity, 123 years after it was established.
Bill Lumsden tells us how the concept of the Madeira-finished Private Edition release developed.
The city that ruled the whisky world is back in the spotlight after decades of decline.
The historic crop, grown in Scotland for 1,000-plus years, is being revived by distillers.
Secondary maturation in Scotch whisky is a recent, but nonetheless fascinating, phenomenon.
As the retailer celebrates 60 years, LMDW’s CEO explains why whisky is more than just a business.
The maker of Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s says blends – and malts – are often misunderstood.
Brands, marketing and much more from the driving force behind the Classic Malts and Blue Label.
The whisky merchant that left an indelible mark on Edinburgh is enjoying a modern revival.
The baseball legend was famed for his home runs – and his formidable off-field appetites.
The actor, author and raconteur counted Scotch as a constant companion in his colourful life.
The story of one of the great actors of Hollywood’s golden age – and his love of Scotch.
America’s most loved singer had a colourful off-stage life, with Jack Daniel’s to the fore.
Marvel’s hard-drinking noir hero shot to fame in her own critically-acclaimed Netflix series.
A career as colourful as his socks, including staring down the barrel of a gun more than once.
The feathered security guards protected maturing whisky stocks for more than 50 years.
The saga of the family who went from illegal distillers to pillars of the whisky establishment.
The Falkirk native is enchanted by Rosebank distillery, particularly bottlings by SMWS.
The rare whisky expert collects ‘anything and everything’ and has a fondness for unique bottles.
A rare look inside the German’s 25-year collection, including a series of 1960s Laphroaigs.