DramMaster Daily Whisky News — 22 April 2026

🥃 DramMaster Daily Whisky News — 22 April 2026

The Macallan Unveils 79-Year-Old Red Collection Whisky

The Macallan has surprised the whisky world by adding a 79 Years Old expression to its prestigious Red Collection — now the oldest single malt in the series. Distilled nearly eight decades ago and matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, it delivers notes of resinous old oak, peat smoke, stewed stone fruits, and a remarkably long finish of dark chocolate and grapefruit. Bottled at 40.8% ABV, it's available only through select high-end retailers and specialist auctions. No pricing has been disclosed, but given a previous Red Collection set fetched over £750,000 at Sotheby's, expect the extraordinary.

World Whiskies Awards 2026: Bowmore 21 Takes Top Single Malt

The World Whiskies Awards 2026 have crowned their global winners. Bowmore 21 Years Old scooped World's Best Single Malt, while Ballantine's 23 Year Old took World's Best Blended. Other notable wins include InchDairnie RyeLaw Vintage 2017 for Best Scotch Rye, Noble Rebel Smoke Symphony for Best Scotch Blended Malt, and Thompson Bros' Edinburgh North British for Best Scotch Grain. Caol Ila 18 Years Old Jazz Festival Edition won Best Islay Small Batch — a strong showing for Islay.

Bruichladdich Celebrates 25 Years with "Old Skool" Release

Bruichladdich marks a quarter century since its 2001 resurrection with Old Skool, a 10-year-old single malt crafted entirely from Islay-grown barley supplied by 14 local growers within a nine-mile radius of the distillery. Matured in American oak bourbon casks with a touch of first-fill Sauternes barrels, it offers stoned fruits, citrus zest, and caramelised vanilla with floral sweetness. At £60 and 50% ABV, it's the first of three anniversary releases planned for 2026.

Buffalo Trace Pushes Bourbon Experimentation with Two New Releases

Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its Experimental Collection with two new spring releases: Single Oak Rye Bourbon and Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. Both are part of the distillery's long-running programme exploring how variables like barrel wood, char levels, and entry proof affect flavour — a fascinating window into bourbon science that keeps collectors reaching for each limited drop.

Berry Bros. & Rudd Revives Blue Hanger After a Decade

After more than 10 years since the last edition, Berry Bros. & Rudd's Blue Hanger returns with its 14th release. This blended malt combines seven casks — six ex-bourbon hogsheads and one ex-sherry butt — with the youngest whisky being 26 years old. Just 2,500 bottles exist at £120 each (45.6% ABV). Once they're gone, they're gone for good.

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