Through the Years with Dewar’s Master Blender Stephanie Macleod
WhiskyCast celebrates our 18th anniversary this week, and Stephanie Macleod has been the Master Blender for Dewar’s almost as long. She was named Master Blender… Read More
SWA
Scotch Whisky Association Calls for Fairness in Autumn Budget
British Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt is preparing the government’s autumn budget statement to be delivered to Parliament next month, and the Scotch Whisky… Read More
Scotch Whisky Exports Down in 2023
Scotch whisky exports declined in both value and volume during the first half of 2023, according to a new report from the Scotch Whisky Association.… Read More
Another New Distillery for Campbeltown
At one time, Campbeltown was Scotland’s whisky capital with more than 35 distilleries. That number dwindled to just three over the years, but now, planning… Read More
Another New Distillery for Campbeltown
At one time, Campbeltown was Scotland’s whisky capital with more than 35 distilleries. That number dwindled to just three over the years, but now, planning… Read More
Experiments in Whisky (Episode 1001: April 23, 2023)
Dr. Bill Lumsden has been experimenting at both Ardbeg and Glenmorangie distilleries. His latest Ardbeg release, Heavy Vapours, involved taking part of the distilling system out of the picture just because he wanted to see what would happen if he did. At Glenmorangie, he has a whole year’s worth of projects for his experimental Lighthouse distillery. We’ll catch up with whisky’s mad scientist on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Scotland’s controversial alcohol marketing restrictions have been sent back to the drawing board, while the equally controversial deposit return scheme for bottles has been pushed back to next March. Read More »
Thanks a Thousand! (Episode 1000: April 16, 2023)
We’re celebrating a major milestone this week with the 1000th episode of WhiskyCast! To mark the occasion, Mark went back through the archives to pick some memorable moments and interviews from the past 18 years for this special episode. You’ll hear from legends like the late Parker Beam and Michael Jackson, along with Jimmy Russell, Jim McEwan, Maureen Robinson, Fawn Weaver, and Richard Paterson…just to name a few. This episode is a lot longer than usual, and there’s plenty more that we could have included. In the news, Scotch Whisky Association leaders are hoping to persuade Parliament to reject a Read More »
Chancellor Slams Whisky Industry With Tax Hike
March 15, 2023 – The Scotch Whisky Association’s pleas for a freeze on excise duty fell on deaf ears, as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s new budget calls for a 10.1% increase in duty on whisky and other distilled spirits. Hunt’s budget plans a tax increase in line with inflation effective August 1 for all four alcohol categories (distilled spirits, wine, beer, and cider), with relief being offered for on-draught products sold at bars and restaurants. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, the duty rate on spirits will rise to £31.64 per liter of pure alcohol, raising the tax burden on an Read More »
Distillers Left Out of UK Energy Relief Program
February 17, 2023 – Wine, cider, and beer qualify for relief under the UK Government’s new energy relief program, but whisky distillers have been left out, despite the fact that distilleries use more energy than their competitors in the drinks industry. The government’s Energy and Trade Intensive Industries scheme is designed to provide financial support for industries hit hard by the rise in electricity and natural gas prices, with eligible companies receiving a discount based on the difference between wholesale prices and a set price threshold. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, 53 percent of distillers have seen their energy Read More »