Whisky News — 27 February 2026
Murray
🥃 DRAM MASTER DAILY — Thursday, 27 February 2026
LAGAVULIN SPECIAL RELEASE 26 YEAR OLD CONFIRMED FOR APRIL A 26 Year Old Lagavulin has been confirmed as part of this year's Special Releases programme. The expression — distilled in 1999 and aged in refill American oak — will carry an RRP of £450. The 1999 vintage is considered a particularly good year for the distillery. UK allocation through specialist retailers. Murray's Take: 1999 Lagavulin aged for 26 years in refill American oak is the sort of specification that makes you stop what you're doing. This will be exceptional.
HIGHLAND PARK 25 YEAR OLD RESTOCKS AFTER 18-MONTH SHORTAGE Highland Park's 25 Year Old has returned to UK specialist retailers after an 18-month absence attributed to increased demand in Asian markets and production constraints during the pandemic years. RRP £350. The expression uses the distillery's signature combination of ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks. Murray's Take: Highland Park 25 is one of the best-balanced aged expressions in Scotch. Its absence has been felt. Welcome back.
WHISKY EDUCATION MARKET GROWS 60% IN 2025, WSET REPORTS WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) has reported a 60% increase in whisky-focused qualifications completed in 2025 compared to 2024, citing increased demand for structured whisky education from consumers, bartenders, and retail staff. Online delivery of courses has driven the majority of growth. Murray's Take: People want to understand what they're drinking, not just drink it. The growth in whisky education reflects a more sophisticated and curious consumer base.
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