Whisky News — 17 February 2026
Murray
🥃 DRAM MASTER DAILY — Monday, 17 February 2026
GLENDRONACH IN OWNERSHIP DISCUSSIONS, BROWN-FORMAN DENIES INTEREST Reports in Scottish business press suggest Glendronach's parent company is in early-stage discussions regarding a potential sale or partnership. Brown-Forman, owner of Woodford Reserve, has publicly denied interest. Glendronach declined to comment. The distillery is currently at capacity following strong export performance in Asia. Murray's Take: Glendronach changing hands would be significant — it's one of the few major sherried Scotch producers still operating with a genuine commitment to the style.
BRUICHLADDICH RELEASES OCTOMORE 15 SERIES — THE WORLD'S MOST HEAVILY PEATED Bruichladdich has released the Octomore 15 series, the latest chapter in the world's most heavily peated whisky. The headline expression, Octomore 15.1, carries 200.1 ppm (parts per million phenols) — enough peat to make Ardbeg taste like a light Speyside. Retail from £110. Murray's Take: Octomore 15 is technically extraordinary even if drinking 200ppm is an academic exercise. The 15.3 — the oloroso finish — is the one to buy.
AMERICAN SINGLE MALT CATEGORY GROWS 40% IN 2025 Data from the Distilled Spirits Council shows American single malt Scotch-style whisky grew 40% in volume in 2025, the fastest growing category in American whiskey. Westland, Virginia Distillery, and Lost Spirits led the category. The category received legal recognition from the TTB in 2024. Murray's Take: American single malt has come a long way quickly. Westland in particular is producing whisky that deserves serious attention from people who think Scotch is the only game in town.
223 words · ~3 min listen
