Northumberland’s bold producers reinventing English whisky and gin Whisky To celebrate the introduction of geographical indications for English Whisky, Rupert Hargreaves takes a look at two innovative producers shaking up England’s spirits market. When you think of Northumberland, images of rugged landscapes, heather-covered hills, fir trees and ancient ruins spring to mind. Nestled between Scotland and England, the region is steeped in history, from [...]
Scotch Whisky’s slightly sore head Whisky In a recent in-depth analysis of the Scotch whisky industry, the FT painted a grim picture of suppressed demand and an ever-rising tide of maturing spirit. Will distilleries and jobs be swept away in another great whisky loch? Tom Bruce-Gardyne believes such talk is way too pessimistic The week-end before last, the FT went big [...]
The Highland tourist tax: Is Scotland pricing out whisky tourists? Whisky The latest available data from the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor in Scotland (STEAM) shows that between 2012 and 2024, visitor numbers to the Highlands increased 82 per cent to 9.4m. Spending increased by a similar amount, to £2.1bn. A large share of that is directly linked to the Scotch whisky sector. You’d think, therefore, [...]
Two centuries of Old Pulteney July 9, 2026 This month’s issue of Whisky Business, City AM’s monthly look at the world of whisky, examines the history of Old Pulteney If there’s one Whisky that encapsulates the rugged beauty of Scotland’s Highlands and its coastal areas more than anything else, it’s Old Pulteney. Founded by James Henderson, a serial whisky entrepreneur, in 1826 to supply fishermen [...]
Old Pulteney releases 50-year-old whisky for 200th anniversary June 16, 2026 Old Pulteney is marking its 200th anniversary with the release of two exceptionally rare single malts, including the oldest whisky ever bottled by the historic Highland distillery. The Wick-based producer has unveiled a 50-year-old and a 30-year-old single malt to celebrate two centuries of whisky-making on Scotland’s rugged northern coastline. The limited-edition expressions have been [...]
How The Macallan mastered the long game June 11, 2026 This month’s issue of Whisky Business, City AM’s monthly look at the world of whisky, takes a look at The Macallan and its unique ownership structure. The Macallan is one of the most iconic Scotch whisky brands, having carved out a niche for itself at the luxury end of the market. Bottles have consistently broken records at [...]
The Lakes Distillery launches a new limited-release single malt May 28, 2026 The Lakes Distillery has earned a reputation for award-winning, exceptional English whiskies, taking home four gold medals for its Galáxia, Isadora, and Decadence expressions, as well as The One Fine Blended Whisky in 2024. In 2025, the distillery built on this record with the launch of its first permanent style of sherry-led whisky, Signature. It [...]
Tormore Distillery’s renewed focus on fruit-forward whisky May 14, 2026 Whisky Business: City AM’s monthly look at the world of whisky. When it opened its doors in 1960, Tormore became one of the first new distilleries of the 20th century. Built by drinks conglomerate Schenley, it became known as the ‘pearl of Speyside’ thanks to its size and unique art deco design. Schenley wanted a showpiece, [...]
Diageo launches the new Scotch whisky Rare Series aimed at private clients April 30, 2026 Diageo has unveiled a new high-end whisky collection as it doubles down on its push into the global luxury spirits market. The drinks giant has introduced the Rare Series, a collection of Scotch whiskies aimed at private clients and collectors. The initial release includes five single malts drawn from distilleries across Scotland. The range features [...]
Celebrity-backed spirit brands steal the spotlight April 9, 2026 Whisky Business: City AM’s monthly look at the world of whisky. According to research conducted by the Financial Times, five of the biggest listed alcohol producers, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Campari, Brown Forman and Rémy Cointreau, are sitting on $22bn worth of ageing spirits, the highest level of inventory in more than a decade. This growing pool [...]