Starward x Lagavulin
Australian single malt whisky brand Starward is partnering with Islay’s Lagavulin to release a limited-edition bottle in the UK via premium drinks distributor Speciality Brands. Starward x Lagavulin begins its maturation in red wine barrels, where the new make spirit develops notes of red berried, soft spice, and vanilla. It is then transferred to ex-Lagavulin casks which builds depth and structure while introducing a savoury maritime edge. Starwood says the result is a richly flavoured Australian single malt, balancing ripe nectarine and charred pineapple with wisps of coastal peat and a lingering, smouldering dry oak finish.
Virginia Distillery Company American single malt
Virginia Distillery Company, one of the most decorated producers in the emerging American single malt category, is now available in the UK through distributor Maverick Drinks. Founded in 2011 by the late George Moore and now led by his son Gareth, the family-owned distillery combines traditional Scottish single malt techniques with the influence of Virginia’s humid climate in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The warmer, subtropical conditions accelerate spirit-to-cask interaction, producing whiskies with depth and structure at a relatively young age. Working with 100% malted barley, copper pot stills and oak casks, the distillery typically matures its whiskies for five to six years in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing them in specialty casks. Expressions available in the UK include Port Cask Reserve, Cabernet Cask Select and Cider Cask Finish.
Hampden Fifteen rum
Hampden Estate has released a new, permanent expression to its core range of rums. Hampden Fifteen is a Jamaican rum made exclusively in traditional copper double retort pot stills, and which is matured for 15 years in ex-bourbon casks. Tropical maturation plays a defining role in shaping the rum, according to the company, with Jamaica’s hot, humid climate meaning that more than 75% of the spirit is lost to the angel’s share, a level comparable to significantly older aged spirits. The 50% abv rum has a price tag of £370 and is described as being ‘silky and expansive’ on the palate with flavours of cinnamon, clove, and dried fruits, before finishing with a long warming ginger spice, liquorice, grilled pineapple and subtle bitter chocolate.
El Cabernet de Ránquil 2020
Chilean producer Morandé has released one of its more premium wines to the UK market. El Cabernet de Ránquil 2020 is made from grapes grown on 120-year-old vines on a small family-owned estate in an unexplored part of the Secano Costero area of the Itata Valley. The 1.96-hectare vineyard sits on granitic soils rich in quartz, offering strong moisture retention alongside balanced drainage. According to the producer, these conditions produce a distinctive expression of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon that challenges expectations of the variety in the region. Just 2,000 bottles of the wine have been produced.
Monkey Shoulder’s listening bar
Blended whisky brand Monkey Shoulder has partnered with London based menswear brand Percival to open a whisky vinyl listening bar at its Soho store. Located on Marshall Street, the bar’s shelves are lined with vinyl records and equipped with custom-configured KEF speakers to encourage customers ‘to listen and linger’. “We’ve always believed that a great store should feel like somewhere you actually want to be,” says Chris Gove, Percival founder and creative director. “Working alongside Monkey Shoulder, we’ve created something that reflects how we think about menswear; considered, unpretentious, and rooted in the things we love: good music, good whisky, and great clothes.” The partnership follows Monkey Shoulder’s launch of Monkey Shoulder Records last year, where the brand blended elements of a record store and listening bar at both KEF Music Gallery London and The Hoxton.
Hedonism
Karen Gillan has been unveiled as the muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box’s latest limited edition of Hedonism. The Scottish actor and filmmaker – known for roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Endgame and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – was born in Inverness and has become one of Scotland’s most prominent Hollywood exports. Gillan served as the muse for internationally known artist Emma Hack, whose work famously featured in Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye. Hack has reimagined the Hedonism woman for this year’s label artwork. When it launched in 2000, Hedonism was the world’s first blended grain Scotch whisky and notably placed a woman at the centre of its label. Since 2023, it has been released annually in limited quantities, with a different female artist invited each year to reinterpret the original Hedonism figure. “Sharing whisky and stories are some of the best times of my life,” says Gillan. “There’s no wilder sensation than seeing yourself on a whisky bottle.”
Liberty Wines Premium On-Trade Wine Report 2026
Liberty Wines’ Premium On-Trade Wine Report 2026 highlights the significant structural challenges facing wine sales in UK hospitality, while also identifying opportunities for operators willing to focus on quality and experience. The report shows that wine volumes have been in long-term decline. Since 2015, volumes have fallen by 35% in the premium on-trade - which is defined by Liberty Wines as the highest-quality quarter of hospitality venues - and by 45% across the rest of the sector. While reduced alcohol consumption plays a role, the report suggests the larger driver is the shift toward drinking at home. In 2015, around two in ten bottles of wine were consumed in the on-trade; today that figure is closer to two in fifteen.
Despite the decline in volume, the report argues that value growth remains possible. Between 2015 and 2019, premium on-trade wine sales increased in value by 17% even as volumes fell by 13%. Spending per bottle has continued to rise, increasing by an average of 5.5% annually in pubs, restaurants and bars since 2022.
Liberty Wines suggests the key response is to focus on quality rather than discounting, alongside offering wine lists that encourage discovery. Consumers are increasingly exploring a wider range of countries and grape varieties, the company points out, helping drive growth in wines from regions such as Italy, Portugal, Spain and South Africa. According to the report, venues that provide an experience guests cannot replicate at home - including engaging wine selections and knowledgeable service - are best placed to succeed despite the challenging market.
Hendrick’s releases new permanent gin expression
Hendrick’s Gin has released its first new permanent expression in nearly a decade. Another Hendrick’s Gin builds on the brand’s signature rose and cucumber profile while introducing additional notes of orange blossom and cacao. Created by Hendrick’s master distiller Lesley Gracie, the gin was inspired by her interest in combining floral and chocolate flavours. The spirit is presented in a distinctive white bottle and is designed to add richer, velvety cacao notes alongside bright citrus elements while retaining the house style.
Brother’s Bond Bourbon launches in the UK
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK through distributor Maverick Drinks, introducing its range of small-batch American whiskeys to the market. The brand was founded in 2020 by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, who developed the project after years of sharing whiskey together while working on television series The Vampire Diaries. Somerhalder serves as blending master, overseeing mash bills and barrel selection, while Wesley works on flavour direction and brand development. At the core of the range is a four-grain mash bill of corn, rye, wheat and malted barley, designed to create a balanced flavour profile that appeals to both experienced whiskey drinkers and newcomers to the category. The portfolio includes Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon, American Blended Rye Whiskey, Bottled-in-Bond 7 Year Old Straight Bourbon and Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon. The brand also supports regenerative farming initiatives, contributing funds from every bottle sold.