Hirundine whisky: Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe unveil 38-year-old masterpiece Whisky Two years ago, international rugby stars Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe, stalwarts of the Scotland national team and the British & Irish Lions, stepped into the world of premium spirits with the launch of Against the Grain (ATG) Spirits. Against the Grain champions brands with purpose and craft at their core. The philosophy [...]
Scotch whisky makers look to India amidst Trump tariff worries Whisky Scotch whisky makers selling into the US faced a challenging year as a result of Donald Trump’s tariffs, according to new figures, but many distilleries spy a long term opportunity in India. Figures out last week from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) showed that the value of Scotch exports to the US declined by four [...]
Whisky Business: How to build a whisky hotel in Edinburgh Whisky Whisky Business: City AM’s monthly look at the world of whisky. In the hyper-competitive landscape of Edinburgh’s five-star hospitality sector, buying 100 bottles of Scotch whisky and calling a hotel a ‘whisky hotel’ no longer cuts it. Investors and guests alike are increasingly seeking a “sense of place” where customers can enjoy a whisky experience. [...]
Four Nordic whiskies that showcase the region’s unique flavours January 15, 2026 Nordic whiskies have moved beyond their experimental phase, carving out a unique place on the shelf alongside the more established players such as Irish and Scotch whiskies. Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway are now setting new benchmarks for innovation and terroir-driven production and the approach is characterised by a refusal to mimic traditional Scotch profiles. [...]
Casks of Distinction: Rare whisky for drinking, not investment January 15, 2026 Whisky Business: City AM’s monthly look at the world of whisky. Established in 2017, Casks of Distinction was created by Diageo to offer something different for the world’s most devoted whisky collectors – 12 unique casks selected from the group’s vast whisky collection known as “The Twelve.“ The drinks giant owns around 30 distilleries across Scotland [...]
Celebrate Burns Night with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in a 600-year-old crypt January 15, 2026 If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Burns Night this year, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society has you covered. Following a sell-out event last year, the Society is bringing back its Burns Night event in the 600-year-old ancient church crypt of St Etheldreda’s in London. One of the oldest Churches in London, the [...]
Whisky of the Year 2026: The Whisky Exchange’s top picks for 2026 December 11, 2025 The Whisky Exchange has announced its Whisky of the Year, the annual award awarded to the world’s top whiskies as chosen by the drinking public rather than a panel of critics. The awards celebrate everything that makes whisky a drink loved the world over. A shortlist of six bottles is subjected to a rigorous blind [...]
Whisky Business: A New Zealand brand blazing a trail December 11, 2025 Whisky Business: City AM’s monthly look at the world of whisky. If you’re looking for exciting ‘new world’ whiskies, New Zealand is a good place to start. In many respects, the country’s whisky industry is still in its infancy, but it’s carving out a niche in the market by leaning into New Zealand’s strengths. The country’s [...]
Somerset Cider Brandy: The UK’s most sustainable spirit December 10, 2025 The Somerset Cider Brandy Company claims to produce the most sustainable spirit in the UK, a bold statement, given the range and variety of products on the market. However, as managing director, Matilda Temperley tells City AM, apple trees, in particular cider apple trees, are one of the most environmentally friendly crops on the planet. [...]
Woodford Reserve teams up with fashion house Markarian for 2025 holiday bottle December 9, 2025 Kentucky Bourbon brand Woodford Reserve has launched a limited edition 2025 holiday bottle, created in collaboration with New York fashion designer Alexandra O’Neill. Best known as the founder of luxury label Markarian, O’Neill’s design features a classy take on traditional sprigs of mistletoe and festive stars. The palette – with a backdrop of sage green [...]