Suntory’s compliance to the new labeling rules for exported Japanese whisky is an important milestone for international representation. Image: Mark Littler Ltd In 2021 The Japan Spirits And Liqueur Makers Association (JSLMA) announced a set of rules for spirits labeled “Japanese Whisky.” As the owner’s of Japan’s oldest distillery The House of Suntory, who are behind some of Japanese whiskies most recognisable brands, have confirmed that they will meet the voluntary labeling rules for Japanese whisky suggested by the JSLMA for its members . What Is Japanese Whisky? The new rules are designed t ..read more

We review Jeptha Creed Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon, aged at least four years and distilled from red bloody butcher corn (75%), malted rye (20%), and malted barley (5%). (image via Jeptha Creed) Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whiskey from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way. Jeptha Creed, introduced in 2016, is a small Kentucky craft whiskey distillery that is unique in this busy bourbon landscape in several ways. Owned and operated by Joyce and Autumn Nethery, a mother-daughter duo, Jeptha C ..read more

We review Jeptha Creed Red, White & Blue Kentucky Straight Bourbon, distilled from three corn types, malted rye, and malted barley, before being aged at least four years. (image via Jeptha Creed) Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whiskey from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way. Jeptha Creed, introduced in 2016, is a small Kentucky craft whiskey distillery that is unique in this busy bourbon landscape in several ways. Owned and operated by Joyce and Autumn Nethery, a mother-daughter duo ..read more

Spring is finally upon us, and with the new (hopefully warmer) weather comes a whole host of new releases in the American whiskey and bourbon category.  This week’s new releases include a Mizunara finish from Barrel Craft Spirits, Basil Hayden brings back its popular Subtle Smoke expression, and George Dickel releases a 12 Year Old Bottled-In-Bond expression.  Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke  Credit: Basil Hayden Basil Hayden, a whiskey brand owned by Jim Beam, has delighted bourbon fans by bringing back its popular Subtle Smoke expression.  The whiskey was first released in 202 ..read more

Located in the northeast of Scotland and stretching from the coast into the Cairngorms National Park, Speyside encompasses much of Nairnshire, Moray, and some of Banffshire. The area is also home to over 50 scotch whisky distilleries; the highest concentration of distilleries in any one region. With Scotland’s vast area, islands, remote glens, and mountains, why is it that Speyside is home to such a high number of distilleries in comparison to other regions?  The answer lies in Speyside’s geography. Its unique position in Scotland both geographically and politically has shaped the region ..read more

Crown Royal is the best-selling Canadian whisky brand in the world, known for its exquisitely smooth blend and iconic purple velvet bag. The brand’s Signature range includes blended, rye, and high-proof whisky expressions, alongside the well-aged ‘Master’ series, flavored whiskies, and even canned cocktails.  The brand’s growing popularity is evidenced by record sales of 7.9 million cases worldwide in 2019, earning Crown Royal the award of the World Whisky Brand Champion 2020. Exploring the origins, production, and different expressions – this ultimate guide provides everything you need ..read more

This Ardbeg 17 Year Old Cadenhead Dumpy was, most likely, bottled in the 1980s. Ardbeg Distillery, nestled on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, boasts a rich history dating back to 1815. However, the 1960s through the 1980s marked a tumultuous period for this revered whisky producer. In the 1960s, Ardbeg, like many distilleries of the era, thrived on the booming demand for Scotch whisky. It was during this decade, specifically in 1967, that the distillery expanded its still house to accommodate a fourth still, effectively doubling its production capacity. This expansion was a response to the growin ..read more

Awards season is well and truly underway. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2024 recently published the results of this year’s contest.  Held by The Tasting Alliance, the SFWSC is one of the most prestigious competitions in the spirits industry, with thousands of entrants and numerous medals up for grabs. The competition was first held in 2000 and is the oldest competition of its kind in the United States.  The Tasting Alliance has over 40 years of expertise in blind tastings, and the judges at the SFWSC hold the spirits they taste to exacting standards.  The ..read more

The Macallan 10 Year Old has been a staple of the distillery’s core range since the 1980s. Until the start of the 80s, Macallan had been outsourcing its bottling to independent bottlers such as Gordon & Macphail. At the beginning of the decade, Macallan took control of bottling and distribution, and the 10 Year Olds were unveiled. Various packaging changes, as well as some short-lived collections such as the Fine Oaks, have graced the market. The 10 Year Olds from the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s have become highly sought-after on the secondary market. After all, everybody wants a piece of Macal ..read more

We review Hard Truth Bottled-In-Bond Four Grain Bourbon, a 100-proof offering aged five years after being distilled from a mash bill of 79% corn, 9% rye, 9% wheat, and 4% malted barley. (image via Hard Truth) Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whiskey from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way. Since its start in distilling back in 2015, Indiana’s Hard Truth distillery has primarily focused on being a whiskey producer, more specifically, a maker of bourbon. Some of the earliest things they pro ..read more