DramMaster Daily News - April 13, 2026

Bourbon's Paradox: Struggling Yet Expanding

The American whiskey industry is navigating a turbulent period — but that hasn't stopped investment pouring in. Despite declining domestic demand, tariffs, and economic headwinds, Kentucky's bourbon makers remain committed to expansion.

Heaven Hill Brands, maker of Evan Williams and Elijah Craig, is cutting production this year while simultaneously having opened a $200 million distillery in 2025, adding 155,000 barrels of capacity. The industry has planned $1.45 billion in expansion projects between now and 2030, according to University of Kentucky research.

The challenges are real: Kentucky whiskey exports fell 15% in 2025, compounding a previous 26% drop. Cooperages are drowning in barrel backlogs, and producers like Jim Beam have reduced output. Yet tourism on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail held steady at 2.7 million visits last year. The big bets suggest distillers are confident the downturn is cyclical, with emerging markets like Latin America and India expected to drive future growth.

Nikka Brings Miyagikyo 10-Year-Old Back to Global Markets

Japanese whisky fans have reason to celebrate: Nikka Whisky has announced the UK launch of Miyagikyo Single Malt 10-Year-Old, marking the first permanent age-statement return from the distillery since 2016.

Bottled at 45% ABV, the expression features tropical fruit notes of pineapple and mango, with vanilla, baking spices, and a caramel finish. The label uses traditional Japanese washi paper, with colours shifting from pink to forest green to reflect the distillery's mountain setting.

This follows the successful 2022 release of Yoichi 10-Year-Old and signals Nikka's confidence that stock challenges are easing. The return of age-statement Japanese whiskies to international markets is one of the most significant developments for collectors and enthusiasts.

Tomatin Refreshes Core Range Packaging

Highland distillery Tomatin has unveiled new packaging across its core range, putting its wood policy front and centre. The redesign highlights the craft behind every cask — fitting for a distillery with its own on-site cooperage.

Headed by Allan Bartlett, who was named Cooper of the Year at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards, Tomatin's wood expertise is now reflected in the bottle design. The refresh follows the successful scarlet red pack introduced for the 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask expression, delivering a more impactful shelf presence while maintaining the liquid inside.

The updated labels will roll out across global travel retail expressions including Tomatin 8-Year-Old and 13-Year-Old throughout 2026.

Discoveries in the Whisky Archives: Illicit Highland Distillery Found

Archaeologists have uncovered what may have been an industrial-scale illicit whisky operation hidden in Loch Ard forest, northeast of Loch Lomond. The 18th-century farmsteads of Wee Bruach Caoruinn and Big Bruach Caoruinn feature large corn-drying kilns — perfect for malting grain — and long, narrow buildings suited to fermentation and distillation.

Set in a relatively inaccessible area yet close to Glasgow with good water access, the site likely operated in the early 19th century before excise laws tightened. The buildings were protected by surrounding forest for nearly two centuries until recent laser scanning and careful tree felling revealed their secrets.

No physical evidence of stills remains, but the layout fits historical whispers of significant illicit production in the region. A reminder that Scotland's whisky heritage has deep, hidden roots.

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DramMaster Daily News is curated for whisky enthusiasts. News items are summaries of publicly available industry reporting.