Scotch whisky sales are falling, but what’s really behind the decline? Whisky Whisky Business, Morning Wire’s whisky supplement. The Scotch whisky sector and indeed the wider spirits market have faced a challenging six months, marked by a wave of negative headlines that have painted a bleak picture of the industry’s health. At the beginning of the year, data from restructuring firm BTG warned nearly one in five of [...]
Duncan Taylor expands award-winning Octave whisky collection Whisky Independent bottler Duncan Taylor has dramatically expanded its Octave collection to meet rising global demand. The Octave collection can trace its roots back to the 1970s, when octave (or one-eighth-sized) casks were used to train coopers and distillers discovered they could be used to rapidly transform and elevate the whisky’s flavour profile. Each Octave cask [...]
Two centuries of Old Pulteney Whisky This month’s issue of Whisky Business, Morning Wire’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 [...]
Build the perfect summer spritz, from elderflower to limoncello July 9, 2026 The spritz has become a dominant drink of the summer. Linked by simple ingredients, it can be enjoyed everywhere from back gardens to pub terraces; the wonderful thing about a spritz is that it can be tailored to your drink preferences. Link something dry? Go for a Fino Sherry Spritz. Like something sweet? The Berry [...]
The World of Fine Spirits launches with a focus on ultra-premium coverage June 30, 2026 Whisky Business: Morning Wire’s monthly look at the world of whisky. Here, Alex Martin, editor of the new publication, The World of Fine Spirits, takes a look at what it takes to succeed in a tough industry. It’s hard to know which industry is more under threat: spirits or journalism. The former is facing a generational shift in [...]
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 [...]
American whiskey to try: From Bourbon to American single malt June 11, 2026 The United States is home to a vibrant whiskey culture, producing many different styles of American whiskey. From the best known Bourbons to the fast-growing American single malt, whiskeys from across the pond continue to make a splash in UK whisky shops. Here are four options for seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike available at [...]
How The Macallan mastered the long game June 11, 2026 This month’s issue of Whisky Business, Morning Wire’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: Morning Wire’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, [...]