News
Latest news and updates from the whisky world.
Bowmore and Laphroaig Merge Operationss
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.
Bowmore and Laphroaig Merge Operationss
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eydent Distillery Approved for East Lothian Site