Welcome to the October installment of our monthly column. Autumn brought a wave of premium releases, unexpected collaborations and valuable blind-tasting awards. While big brands test the limits of collectible concepts – from Formula 1 to coconut fibre – Campbeltown proves once again that honest craft wins when the labels are hidden.
In This Article
Glenfiddich and Aston Martin F1: 16 years of craft and speed
Speyside icon Glenfiddich has unveiled a 16-year-old limited edition in partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One team.
The whisky matured in five cask types, including ex-bourbon, sherry and port. It confirms the trend for luxury lifestyle collaborations that reach people beyond the whisky world.
Source: The Spirits Business
The Macallan closes the Harmony Collection with coconut
The final pair, Inspired by Fresh Coconut and Inspired by Toasted Coconut, both matured in ex-bourbon casks.
The packaging is made from coconut shells and fibre, combining an experimental flavour profile with a sustainable, collectible concept.
Source: The Spirits Business
Bruichladdich Greener Still: 25 years of barley and sustainability
Islay distillery Bruichladdich marks 25 years since reopening with Greener Still – a 15-year-old from first-fill bourbon casks.
It is made from three sustainably grown barley varieties, putting terroir and grain ahead of exotic finishes.
Source: The Spirits Business
Scotch Whisky Masters 2026: a big day for Glen Scotia and Campbeltown
Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition 2026 was named Scotch Whisky Taste Master 2026 in a blind judging.
The award confirms the renaissance of Scotland's smallest whisky region, once home to more than thirty distilleries.
Source: The Spirits Business
Contrasts among distilleries: new Ardrishaig vs. a pause at Holyrood
A new Ardrishaig distillery has been approved on the Kintyre peninsula, while Edinburgh's Holyrood distillery has temporarily paused production.
Together they show that operating economics, capital planning and stock management now demand real caution.
Source: Whisky Advocate
Trend of the month: the after-effects of the US tariff removal
The summer removal of the 10% tariff on Scotch in the US is working its way through supply chains. Margins are under pressure and consumers remain cautious.
Demand for authentic single malts with clear origin and a regional story, however, remains steady.
Explore the regions at the game table
Speyside (Glenfiddich, Macallan), Islay (Bruichladdich) and Campbeltown (Glen Scotia) are key spaces on the game board where players build their collections.
Want to discover these distilleries yourself? Discover The Whisky Game.
Pavel, The Whisky Game