DramMaster Daily Whisky News - April 9, 2026

Top Whisky News Roundup

1. Laggan Bay opens as Islay's 11th whisky distillery
Laggan Bay Distillery is now officially operational, joining the legendary Islay whisky island community. Led by master distiller Malcolm Rennie, an Islay native with decades of experience, the distillery is now filling its first casks. Ian Macleod Distillers (owner of Glengoyne and Tamdhu) is behind the project. Islay's peat-blessed shores now host 11 working distilleries.

2. Shirakawa 1958 — Japan's rarest whisky — lands in London
Diners at Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat restaurant can now experience Shirakawa 1958, one of the earliest known single-vintage Japanese whiskies. At £2,300 per dram (bottle value: £25,000), this is an ultra-rare piece of Japanese whisky history from a distillery that closed decades ago. Only a handful of bottles exist worldwide.

3. New luxury releases hit the market
This week's notable launches include:

• Berry Bros. & Rudd Blue Hanger 14th Edition: 26-year-old blended malt, 2,500 bottles, £120
• Bruichladdich Old Skool: 10-year-old, 100% Islay barley, celebrating 25 years since the distillery's resurrection, £60
• Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit: Ex-Calvados cask finish, orchard fruit notes, £32
• Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival 2026: 7-year-old, bourbon and ruby port finish, 53.9% ABV, £59

4. Oban adds 15 Year Old Port Cask Finish to its lineup
Oban has officially released its 15 Year Old Port Cask Finish, embracing the coastal character of the harbour town. The expression combines Oban's signature maritime style with the rich fruit notes of port cask maturation. Already spotted in select markets, this extends Oban's core range with a finished expression.

5. Ardbeg prepares for Fèis Ìle 2024 release — Spectacular
While details are still emerging, Ardbeg's Spectacular — the special distillery bottling for Fèis Ìle 2024 — continues to generate buzz. Matured in Port wine casks, it represents a first for Ardbeg and has become a sought-after collector's item ahead of this year's Islay festival season.

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Sources: Master of Malt (Laggan Bay opening), Luxurious Magazine (Shirakawa 1958 and luxury releases), Instagram/obanwhisky community (Oban 15 Port Cask), Whisky Magazine (Ardbeg Spectacular).