Tenkyo Distillery to Release
“KAZE 921 FIRST EDITION 2026”
on the Founder’s Birthday

BANDAI, JAPAN – Tenkyo Distillery, located in Bandai, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan,is pleased to announce the release of KAZE 921 FIRST EDITION 2026, a limited-edition blended whisky, on Monday, 21 September 2026, a public holiday in Japan.

KAZE 921 will be released each year on 21 September, the birthday of Tenkyo Distillery’s founder, Shunsuke Koike. Even before Tenkyo Distillery was completed, Shunsuke had begun exploring the possibilities of maturation in the Aizu region of Japan.

He sourced new make spirit from three distilleries in Scotland and filled a total of 189 casks, using 58 different cask types. It was an exploration of how spirit, cask, climate and time could shape a whisky unique to this place.

Later, a small quantity was taken from each cask and incorporated into the KAZE Solera System. Among them, several casks that displayed particularly exceptional character were quietly set aside.

This year’s 921 is centred around two richly matured Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, one American oak and one European oak, selected from among these special casks and carefully married with the KAZE Solera System nurtured in Aizu.

Only 921 bottles have been produced. It is a blend that will never be repeated.

This release is also accompanied by the traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations in Aizu.

The label is made using Izugahara washi, a traditional craft of Aizu. Barley straw from Aizu-grown barley is incorporated into the paper, with each label individually finished using traditional letterpress printing. The top of each cork stopper is individually hand finished using an Aizu lacquerware technique known as ishime-nuri. The bottle is presented in a specially made luxury presentation box.

The release is limited to only 921 bottles and will go on sale from 21 September 2026 through the Tenkyo online shop and the Yukkura direct-sales shop at Tenkyo Distillery.

Product name: KAZE 921 FIRST EDITION 2026
Category: Blended Whisky
Volume: 700ml
Price: ¥25,000 excluding tax / ¥27,500 including tax
Alcohol by volume: 61.7%
Presentation: Natural colour, natural strength, non-chill filtered
Ingredients: Malt, grain
Distillation & Production: Distilled in Scotland, matured, blended and bottled in Aizu, Japan.
Country of origin of ingredients: United Kingdom (malt whisky, grain whisky)

TASTING NOTES

Colour: Amber
Nose: Maple syrup, spiced nuts and dark cherries wrapped in chocolate. Refreshing lemon peel and shiso nuances reminiscent of pepper bring balance.
Palate: Rich and full-bodied yet juicy. Candied dried fruits and maple-coated spiced nuts are followed by warming Sichuan pepper and citrus peel.
Finish: A long, lingering finish. Sweet maple syrup and peppery spice are layered with subtle cooling notes of mint and menthol.

About Tenkyo Distillery:

Tenkyo Distillery is a malt whisky distillery in Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, founded by the late Shunsuke Koike (1993–2022). Located at the western foothills of Mount Bandai and blessed with pure Ryugasawa spring water, the distillery began full-scale whisky production in 2024.

www.tenkyo.jp

About KAZE:

Before Tenkyo Distillery was completed, founder Shunsuke Koike began exploring the possibilities of whisky maturation in Aizu, sourcing new make spirit from Scotland and filling 189 casks across 58 different cask types. KAZE is a blended whisky, distilled in Scotland, matured, blended and bottled in Aizu, Japan. This pioneering work became the foundation of KAZE and reflects Shunsuke’s vision of building a bridge between Scotland and Japan through whisky.

At the heart of KAZE is the KAZE Solera System, which brings together the casks Shunsuke matured in Aizu, ensuring that every bottle of KAZE will contain whisky originally laid down by Shunsuke. KAZE Founder’s Reserve Legacy, the brand’s core expression, was first released in July 2025 and is drawn from this evolving Solera System. KAZE 921 sits alongside Founder’s Reserve Legacy as an annual limited release, created each year to mark Shunsuke’s birthday on 21 September.

Introducing The Loch Fyne Collection

Nestled on Scotland’s dramatic west coast, where mountains meet sea lochs and centuries of whisky tradition run deep, Loch Fyne Whiskies has long celebrated the spirit of discovery.

In 1993, whisky enthusiast Richard Joynson opened a small shop on the edge of Inveraray, driven by a simple idea: to share exceptional whiskies with people who loved discovering something new. There were no grand ambitions – just a passion for great whisky, genuine conversation and the belief that every bottle should have a story worth telling.

More than three decades later, that philosophy lives on in The Loch Fyne Collection.

Today, we’re proud to unveil the new The Loch Fyne Collection – a thoughtfully curated range that brings together exceptional age statements, exclusive single casks and remarkable everyday drams, each selected to showcase the diversity and character of Scotch whisky.

SHOP THE LOCH FYNE >

Ready to discover your favourite?

The Loch Fyne Collection is an invitation to explore the breadth and character of Scotch whisky, through bottles chosen for their individuality, provenance and exceptional quality. Every expression has earned its place in the collection, reflecting the same philosophy that inspired the original Inveraray shop. Discover your next favourite dram, whether for sharing, gifting or savouring on a special occasion. Every bottle has been chosen not simply for what it is, but for the story it tells.

SHOP THE COLLECTION ❯

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SPRINGBANK 21

46% ABV

NOSE Honeydew melon, blueberries, stewed plums, orange rind and dunnage earth notes kick off this dram.

PALATE Into the palate, there are notes of smoked figs, dark fruits, brown sugar, blackberries, leather and a hint of smoke. The mouth-feel is rich, viscous and creamy.

FINISH A long-lasting finish of salted caramel, toffee and the continuation of the subtle peat smoke.

UK RRP £273

Benromach 12 Year Old, Sherry Cask Matured

£46.99

This 12 Year Old Benromach was matured exclusively in first-fill Sherry casks, creating a rich and fruit-forward expression with a touch of smoke. The whisky delivers notes of rich fruitcake, vibrant raspberry and orange, complemented by cracked pepper and a subtle smoky character. Rich fruitcake with vibrant raspberry and orange notes, with cracked pepper and a touch of smoke.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

2026 KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS & LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT

LOUISVILLE, Ky.— The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® today welcomed its 24th class of inductees, celebrating their lasting contributions to Kentucky’s Bourbon industry and its worldwide legacy. A record number of more than 300 industry leaders, legends and luminaries gathered in Louisville to honor the newest members of the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Inductees include two pioneering scientists and distillers who helped shape modern Bourbon production, two Brown-Forman leaders who built Kentucky whiskey into a global powerhouse, a transformative industry advocate who helped usher in Bourbon’s modern era, a celebrated storyteller who brought Bourbon history to a worldwide audience, and a longtime legislator whose work helped modernize Kentucky’s alcohol laws and fuel the industry’s growth.

The exclusive annual event was held at The Marriott Louisville East before an audience of industry leaders and Bourbon enthusiasts, with a livestream extending the celebration to thousands of fans around the world. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear provided welcome remarks, and the ceremony was emceed by Susan Reigler, a renowned Bourbon authority, author, critic, judge and educator.

Founded in 2001 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® recognizes individuals who have made a transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness.

It is the highest honor given by the state’s $10.6 billion signature industry.

“I am proud to join the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in helping celebrate these remarkable honorees and their contributions to Kentucky Bourbon and our Commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The Bourbon industry is essential to Kentucky as it supports good-paying jobs, our economy and our record-breaking tourism industry. These leaders are helping ensure that success continues for generations to come and we are grateful to them for all they do. Congratulations.”

“Kentucky Bourbon’s story has never been shaped by distillers alone. It has been built by innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, storytellers and leaders who each found a way to move this industry forward,” said Gigi DaDan, Chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors and General Manager of Angel’s Envy. “This year’s inductees embody that spirit.

“Their accomplishments span generations and disciplines, but they share a common thread: a willingness to challenge the standards, invest in the future and help cement Kentucky’s place as the home of Bourbon for the world. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have made on our industry.”

This year’s inductees are, in alphabetical order:

·    Shane Baker, 55, Danville, Ky. and E. Patrick Heist, Ph.D., 53, Danville, Ky. Baker and Heist, co-founders of Ferm Solutions and Wilderness Trail Distillery, are widely recognized for blending science, innovation, and tradition to advance Kentucky Bourbon. Through expertise in engineering, microbiology, fermentation, and distillation, the duo helped modernize production practices while preserving craftsmanship. Their work with hundreds of distilleries worldwide and the success of Wilderness Trail have made them influential leaders shaping Bourbon’s future.

·    The late W.L. Lyons Brown Sr. and late George Garvin Brown II, Louisville, Ky. The grandsons of Brown-Forman founder George Garvin Brown played transformative roles in building Brown-Forman into the largest Kentucky-based distilling company following Prohibition. Under their leadership, Early Times became the world’s top-selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon, while the company expanded globally and strengthened iconic brands like Jack Daniel’s. Their leadership, innovation, and industry service left an enduring mark on Kentucky Bourbon and American whiskey.

·    Eric Gregory, 59, Midway, Ky. Under Gregory’s leadership, Kentucky Bourbon has experienced unprecedented growth, modernization, and global recognition. Since becoming President of the KDA in 2008, Gregory helped transform the industry through landmark legislative reforms, expansion of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, and unifying distillers of all sizes under a shared vision. Today, Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s Bourbon, supports 24,000 jobs, generates more than $10.6 billion annually, and welcomes millions of Bourbon Trail™ visitors – achievements shaped significantly by Gregory’s passion, leadership and advocacy.

·    Fred Minnick, 47, Louisville, Ky. Since returning from military service in Iraq, Minnick has become one of Bourbon’s most influential modern storytellers and advocates. Through bestselling books, national media coverage, podcasts, live events, and philanthropy, Minnick helped elevate Bourbon into mainstream culture while preserving its history and craftsmanship. A respected author, journalist, and educator, he has shaped how consumers worldwide understand and appreciate Kentucky Bourbon and American whiskey.

·    John W. Schickel, 72, Union, Ky. Schickel dedicated 50 years to public service, including a distinguished tenure as Kentucky State Senator and longtime chairman of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. Through landmark alcohol law reforms, Schickel helped modernize Kentucky’s regulatory landscape, strengthen the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience, support craft distilling, and expand tourism opportunities statewide. His leadership played a vital role in Bourbon’s growth as a major economic and cultural driver for Kentucky.

Note: Full biographies, submitted by the inductees, accompany this release in a separate file can be found here.

Inductees are selected each year by a blue-ribbon committee consisting of past recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award, the Chair of the KDA Board of Directors, the Governor of the Order of the Writ – Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Society, and an appointee by the KDA President.

Parker Beam recipients serving on the 2026 selection committee were Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark; Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands; Ken Lewis, founder of New Riff Distilling; and Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman Corp. and Treasurer of the KDA Board. Not present was Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller at Wild Turkey.

Other members of the 2026 selection committee were Gigi DaDan, General Manager of Angel’s Envy and D’USSE Cognac, and Chair of the KDA Board; Fred B. Noe III, James B. Beam 7th generation Master Distiller, who was appointed by Chris Morris, Governor of the Order of the Writ;  and Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Chief Operating Officer and Master of Maturation, who was appointed by Eric Gregory, KDA President.

Each year, the group carefully reviews applications submitted by KDA member distilleries through a comprehensive and confidential process, with no more than five inductee honors awarded annually in three categories of distinction: Industry, Roll of Honor and Lifetime Achievement.

The 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® ceremony was presented by Buzick Construction, Inc.

The Hall of Fame Signature Toast was sponsored by The Kroger Company and Kroger Chris’ Picks.

The livestream of the induction ceremony was sponsored by the Bourbon Pursuit, the Official Podcast of Bourbon and co-hosted by Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil along with Chris Blandford, Adult Beverage Specialist for Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Southern Illinois Kroger stores. It can be viewed on the Bourbon Pursuit YouTube page @BourbonPursuit.

Additional sponsors include American Whiskey Scholar, Bluegrass Bitters™, Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, Independent Stave Company, Kern’s Kitchen Derby Pie®, Louisville Distilling Co. | Angel’s Envy Distillery, Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, Signarama Downtown, and Vendome Copper & Brass Works Inc.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association commissioned glassblowing artist Brook Forrest White, Jr. of Flame Run in Louisville to craft unique and contemporary awards that incorporate Bourbon-inspired motifs such as amber colors, oak, copper and water.

JoEl E. Ford, owner of Kentucky Cut Stone, located in Lancaster, was commissioned to craft the natural-cut limestone award bases.

“The Bourbon industry is essential to Kentucky as it supports good-paying jobs, our economy and our record-breaking tourism industry. These leaders are helping ensure that success continues for generations to come and we are grateful to them for all they do. Congratulations.”

— Governor

Andy Beshear

Glen Scotia unveils penultimate expression in Icons of Campbeltown series

Multi-award winning Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia, has revealed the fourth expression in its Icons of Campbeltown series, a five-part annual collection inspired by folklore tales of Scotland’s smallest whisky making region.

Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown Release No.4 is a limited-edition 12-year-old, unpeated single malt that pays homage to the Griffin, a legendary creature said to have been a guardian of Campbeltown’s harbour, whisky and bold character.

Campbeltown, once known as the whisky capital of the world in the Victorian era, is a town with mythical history carved into its streets. The Icons of Campbeltown series is inspired by the carvings of saints and beasts on Campbeltown’s 14th century market cross, which is shrouded in myth and lore.

Among the markings is a depiction of the Griffin – a half eagle, half lion. As the legend goes, the Griffin was a creature of strength, vigilance and protection which kept watch high above the harbour, guarding what Campbeltown valued most, its whisky.

Icons of Campbeltown Release No.4 was finished in the finest Vin Santo wine casks, bringing a rich honeyed sweetness layered with notes of dried apricot and sultana. Toasted almond and hazelnut add depth and warmth, while a gentle hint of cinnamon spice lingers on the palate. Underneath it all, Glen Scotia’s unmistakable coastal character soars through with the same quiet confidence the series has traced through each release so far.

Ashley Smith, master blender at Glen Scotia, said: “Our small town has so many exceptional stories to tell, and The Icons of Campbeltown series brings this incredible folklore to life.

“The Griffin stood watch over Campbeltown for hundreds of years, and that’s exactly how I think of our distillery team, as the guardians of Glen Scotia’s whisky. Every cask that leaves here has been shaped by people protecting a character that has come to be loved all over the world, through skill built up over generations.

“For this release, I wanted a cask that would truly complement that character, so we finished the whisky in Vin Santo casks. They’ve brought a honeyed sweetness and dried fruit, with toasted almond and warming cinnamon on the finish, with our distinctive coastal salt character anchoring it all.”

To mark the launch, Glen Scotia is offering the chance to win a trip to Campbeltown when purchasing Icons of Campbeltown Release No. 4 through its website*. During this once in a lifetime experience, the winner will meet the team, the guardians of Glen Scotia, explore the distillery, taste the whisky in the place that shaped it, and discover the people, craftsmanship and community spirit behind the town’s big Campbeltown character where it was born.

Icons of Campbeltown Release No.4 is bottled at batch strength, 53.8% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in colour. It retails at £80 and is available now from Glen Scotia’s website and specialist retailers in the UK and globally.

Glen Scotia has continued to work with artist Joel Holtzman on the series’ artwork. Holtzman’s previous work includes projects for Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm.

For more information on Icons of Campbeltown Release No.4 and the Meet the Guardians of Glen Scotia competition, visit www.glenscotia.com.

*Terms and conditions apply

Tasting notes:

Nose: Rich caramel, dried apricots in syrup, candied red apple.

Taste: Layers of baking spices – nutmeg and cinnamon, toasted hazelnut, dried apple skin, dark cocoa nib.

Finish: Orange bitters, zesty citrus peels, carmelised oak sugars, crème brûlée.

About Glen Scotia

Glen Scotia has been crafting single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832. The town is the smallest of Scotland’s five whisky-producing regions with a big reputation for once being the Victorian whisky capital of the world when it was home to over 30 distilleries.

Today, Glen Scotia is one of only three surviving distilleries in the coastal town, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. Producing peated and non-peated whiskies, the distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. The distillery’s small team is on a mission to put Campbeltown back on the map for its distinctive character, found not only in its fruity, maritime and oily-textured single malts, but also in its traditional whisky-making methods using small stills to create big Campbeltown flavours.

Recognition of Glen Scotia’s style and craftsmanship continues to be acknowledged globally.

• In 2023, a single cask bottling, distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, won Best Single Cask Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards.
• Later that year, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old earned a Platinum award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, given only to entries that have won Double Gold for three consecutive years.
• In 2024, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old and Glen Scotia Victoriana both won Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2025, Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish was named the best Campbeltown no-age-statement whisky, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old won Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Glen Scotia Victoriana took gold at the same event.
• That same year, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old also won gold at the International World Spirits Competition.
• In 2026, the brand’s hero expression Glen Scotia 12 Year Old won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.
• Also in 2026, the limited-edition Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Release 2026 was named Taste Master in its category at the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old also added a further Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2026, its eighth consecutive year of recognition at the event.

Our September 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 27th September.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Ardbeg – 1974 (Single Cask #2742)

Glenmorangie – 1963 Vintage (75cl)

Singleton of Glen Ord – 40 Year Old (Epicurean Odyssey Series)

Bladnoch – 12 Year Old (1970s)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

The new Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky now sits proudly alongside The Hearach and our Oloroso cask-matured drams in our family of island-made spirits. It brings together a different balance of sherry and bourbon-matured spirit, with Oloroso sherry casks more to the fore. The whiskies used in the recipe are also slightly older, at around seven to eight years of age.

Expect rich notes of butterscotch, cherry, caramel and gentle spice, balanced by our signature dry, flinty character and a subtle hint of peat smoke. Non-chill filtered and with no artificial colouring, this is a dram designed to be poured, shared and enjoyed rather than simply kept and collected.

Our international customers can now also order for delivery to selected destinations in the United States, Europe and the rest of the world. Available countries, delivery charges and any product restrictions will be shown at checkout once you enter your delivery address.

Available online, at the distillery and in stores now, priced at £50.00.

ORDER OUR NEW DRAM

£165.00

Scottish oak presents particular challenges for whisky maturation due to its porous character, encouraging greater interaction between the spirit and the wood. For this limited edition, Glengoyne’s 17-year-old whisky receives its final stage of maturation in virgin Scottish oak casks, with each cask assessed individually and the finishing period carefully tailored.

The virgin Scottish oak is sustainably sourced from woodland surrounding Killearn, just a few miles from Glengoyne Distillery. The finish brings greater structure, warming spice and subtle oak character while retaining Glengoyne’s naturally fruity style, with notes of heather honey, orchard fruit, toasted oak and vanilla leading to a long, gently spiced finish.

Part of the Oak Masters’ Series, this release explores the influence of rare native Scottish oak while connecting the whisky closely to the landscape surrounding the distillery. The packaging illustration takes inspiration from the Scottish Colourists and the Scottish landscape from which the oak was sourced.

Nose Heather honey and lime open into stewed pear, raspberries and almond, complemented by layers of tropical fruit.

Palate Toasted oak and fresh fruit are joined by oat and raisin cookies, smooth vanilla, warming ginger and a hint of nutmeg.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom