News
Latest news and updates from the whisky world.
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
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.
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.
Indians Love Scotch Whisky, But Does It Rule Indian Shelves?