Whisky News Roundup — 18 April 2026

The Macallan Adds a 79-Year-Old to Its Red Collection

The Macallan has quietly expanded its prestigious Red Collection with a stunning new addition: The Macallan 79 Years Old, now the oldest single malt in the range. Matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks for nearly eight decades, it offers notes of resinous old oak, heather honey, stewed stone fruits, and a finish of dark chocolate and grapefruit. Bottled at 40.8% ABV, pricing and availability remain undisclosed — expect it to surface only through select luxury retailers and auctions. The Red Collection previously topped out at a 78-Year-Old, with a full set once selling at Sotheby's for over £750,000.

Talisker Magma: Volcanic Rock Meets 47 Years of Maturation

Talisker has unveiled one of its most ambitious releases yet — Magma 47-Year-Old, finished in casks toasted with volcanic rock from the Isle of Skye instead of traditional flames. Just 622 bottles worldwide at roughly $5,250 each. The innovative toasting process uses heated stones to slowly toast the cask interiors, amplifying fruit and mineral notes while preserving Talisker's signature maritime character and chili-pepper warmth. The bottle itself is made from 100% recycled glass that shifts from clear to black, echoing Skye's lava-meets-ocean landscape.

World Whiskies Awards 2026: Scotland's Winners Crowned

The World Whiskies Awards 2026 results are in. Bowmore 21 Year Old took World's Best Single Malt, while Ballantine's 23 Year Old claimed World's Best Blended. Other notable Scotch winners include InchDairnie's RyeLaw 2017 (Best Scotch Rye), Thompson Bros' Edinburgh North British Single Grain (Best Scotch Grain), and 8 Doors Distillery's New Make Spirit (Best Scotch New Make). The awards continue to highlight the breadth of Scotch whisky, from traditional heavyweights to innovative newcomers.

Fettercairn Brings Its Tropical Highland Malts to the U.S.

Fettercairn Distillery has launched its 12-Year-Old and 16-Year-Old single malts across the United States — its most significant U.S. expansion to date. Known for its unique copper cooling ring that produces a distinctly tropical house style, Fettercairn's 12-Year-Old ($54.99, 46% ABV) delivers nectarine, tropical fruit, and roasted coffee, while the 16-Year-Old ($89.99, 46.4% ABV) offers grilled pineapple, poached pear, and honey. Both have scored 92+ points from Whisky Advocate and Wine Enthusiast.

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Compiled by DramMaster · Next roundup: 19 April 2026