The Aberlour Distillery is at the heart of Speyside, the country's premier whisky-making region. No fewer than half of Scotland's malt distilleries are located in Speyside, which is renowned for producing whiskies of subtle depth and elegance.

Situated at the junction of the rivers Lour and Spey, the distillery is surrounded by glorious scenery, dominated by the rugged peaks of Ben Rinnes a short distance away. Pure spring water for making the whisky is drawn from the Lour, and the maturing spirit in the warehouse beneficially inhales the moist Speyside air.

Benromach was built in 1898 and operated with only a few interruptions until 1983. However, it closed and sat unused until 1998, when new owners Gordon & MacPhail reopened the refurbished distillery and started distilling.

G&M is well known in the whisky world for its independent bottlings but had never owned its own distillery. With the purchase of Benromach, the company entered a new part of the whisky industry and focused on producing old-fashioned whisky. The distillery's modest half-a-million-litre capacity gives G&M enough spirit to split between their much-loved core expressions and experiments – from organic and peated whiskies to various cask finishes. 

Built-in 1846, Caol Ila is the largest of the distilleries on the island of Islay (situated off the west coast of Scotland), with a production capacity of 3 million litres per year.

In the normal Islay style, Caol Ila is made predominantly with peated malt, although it does also produce a small amount of unpeated spirit each year. Sought after by independent bottlers and blenders, Caol Ila's spirit is class Islay whisky – smoky and fruity. 

While Cardhu has been producing whisky since the 1820s, it has become best known as a key component of the Johnnie Walker range since John Walker & Sons purchased the distillery in 1893.

It is now the spiritual centre of the famed blended whisky range, with a handful of carefully selected single malts allowing fans to taste the distillery's spirit on its own. 

Clynelish is an anglicised version of the Gaelic for green pasture. And, though it’s a coastal whisky, this is fitting for a Scotch with sweet floral fragrances and verdant flavour notes. It’s a name with a long history, predating the distillery we know today, but which has adorned the labels of whisky bottles for two hundred years.

Clynelish proudly serves as one of the Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker. We distil the rich Highland Malt enjoyed worldwide on its own and as a vital component of Johnnie Walker whiskies. Discover the mysterious and hidden spirit of our coastal Sutherland home, where we create our rich, waxy whisky, carrying notes of tropical fruit and honey.

Cragganmore takes its rock face of a name from the mountain in whose shadow its distillery sits. And this is a whisky with many high approaches and hidden valleys of flavour. Known as the most complex aroma on Speyside, it must also be one of the most delightful because the distillery can’t keep up with demand.

In 1869, Big John Smith – said to have been the most experienced distiller of his day – founded Cragganmore. He lobbied for a railway siding, and using this, his business acumen and skill as a distiller turned Cragganmore into a popular, high-quality single malt whisky. 

Built-in 1897 and is currently the highest distillery in the country.

Dalwhinnie – or “Plain of Meetings” in Gaelic – is named for its location at a junction of old driven roads, between two mountain ranges. Year after year, it survives the coldest conditions to produce a smooth, golden heather honey-like spirit. 

Glenkinchie is just fifteen miles from the capital, earning it the title “The Edinburgh Malt.” But it’s strange to think of that dark and distinguished city when you see fields of barley or the green Lammermuir Hills rolling north towards the Firth of Forth. Stranger still when you taste this rare Lowland survivor's subtle, floral flavour.

Founded in 1837, Glenkinchie now proudly serves as one of the Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker. We distil the Edinburgh Malt that is enjoyed worldwide on its own and as a vital component of Johnnie Walker whiskies.

‘Everyone is always talking about the Whisky Show and the amount it has to offer. It’s a great opportunity for whisky experts and enthusiasts alike - an unmissable event I believe!’ 

Alan Winchester, Master Distiller

‘If anyone wants to see the epitome of a top-end whisky show they need to see the way in which Whisky Exchange annually manages to showcase the very ‘best in class’. It is run with professionalism and enthusiasm exuding the much-admired quality cues of the industry.’ Ronnie Cox 

On 24 May 1895, a new grocers shop opened on South Street in Elgin. One of the first new employees was John Urquhart, a 15-year-old serving his apprenticeship under owners James Gordon and Alexander MacPhail. When MacPhail retired in 1915, Urquhart became a partner and sole partner when Gordon passed away two weeks later. Since then, his family has run the company.

With the fourth generation now in charge, Gordon & MacPhail continues to grow. The Whisky Shop is still on South Street; the company's whisky business is its focus. Along with an award-winning and widely respected range of single cask bottlings, G&M also owns Benromach and The Cairn distilleries and produces a wide range of single malt expressions. 

With such a long history, G&M has some of the most impressive archives in the whisky business. With almost 100 years of bottlings available, we look forward to seeing what they will bring to the Old & Rare show. 

Green Spot is a pure 'pot still' Irish whiskey made for whisky merchants Mitchell & Son.

For years, it was one of the only pure-pot Irish whiskeys still being produced, and it was a style's flagship. Pure pot is still popular now that Irish whiskey is experiencing well-deserved exposure, with Green Spot and its label mates leading the charge. 

Think of Haig Club, and you think of David Beckham - not because of clever marketing or glossy advertising campaigns - but because David is a brand partner in every sense of the word.

"Haig Club is all about making your own rules and breaking the stereotypes associated with drinking Scotch, which I love." - David Beckham

I was in as soon as they told me about Haig Club, the Haig family, and the history behind the whisky with Haig. Once we sat down, discussed the project, and that I was becoming part of a family that had been around for 400 years, I didn't need to know anything else. I love the heritage, so as soon as I knew about it, it was a given that I would be involved. I've always wanted to be a whisky drinker, but being an athlete, I've never got into that. I never drank too much over my career, which was 22 years. We've had a lot of fun and a lot of success so far, but most of all, it's great to be part of a family that's been around for so many years.  

The current success of Irish whiskey has, with a lot of evidence, been blamed on Jameson.

Loved worldwide for its distinctly Irish style, it continues to grow and is pulling the rest of the Irish whiskey market along for the ride. The revamped Jameson range now also includes premium expressions, showing the versatility of the distillery and the skills of master blender Billy Leighton and his team.

With less than 200 people living on the island, Jura's distillery is at the heart of the community and sits in the middle of Craighouse, the island's biggest (and only) town.

The present Jura distillery was built in the 1960s on the site of a previous distillery that had been founded in 1810 but closed and dismantled in 1901. Since the 60s, the Jura has slowly grown and, under the stewardship of owners Whyte & Mackay, has again become a well-known whisky.

The first Peerless whiskey went into barrels in 1889.

After 5 generations we've revived the craft in our own state-of-the-art distillery, where we use the finest ingredients. All under one roof, select Peerless grains are milled, cooked, fermented, double-distilled and barreled as Bourbon & Rye. Experience every aspect of crafting Kentucky straight Bourbon and Rye from grain to bottle from downtown Louisville, Kentucky.

'The first date I put in the calendar every year is the Whisky Show, before my holidays and birthdays -why? Because the Show is a veritable cornucopia of delights - new whiskies, old whiskies, rare whiskies - new converts, old acquaintances, Great Masterclasses and a chance to meet people from around the world who make the pilgrimage to this festival every year...' Colin Dunn, brand ambassador 

As a newly graduated master brewer, Jakob Baumberger founded a distillery on his father's farm in 1857.

In 1860, he took over a small brewery in Langenthal (Celtic: "Langatun"), which he subsequently expanded into a flourishing business alongside the distillery. This was the foundation stone for today's distillery, founded by Jakob's descendant, Hans Baumberger, in 2005 and allowed to move into the Kornhaus in 2014.

The history of Langatun is, above all, the history of people, places and products that reflect the company's core values: Honesty, Quality, Commitment and Innovation.

In addition to the distillery, Langatun today also operates a visitor centre in the Kornhaus, where interested parties are welcomed for guided tours with tastings and distilling seminars. The premises can also be rented for events of all kinds. 

A class A blending malt, Longmorn hasn't had much exposure as a single malt until recently.

It is now a firm favourite of single malt fans and owners Chivas Brothers, are continuing to expand the distillery's range.

The story of Mackmyra, Sweden’s first whisky distillery, famously began with a ski trip in 1998, when eight friends from Stockholm’s Royal Institute of Technology went on holiday together, and all brought bottles of whisky to share. One evening in a hot tub, plans for the Mackmyra building were formed.

Almost 20 years later, the founders are on to their second distillery and sit at the forefront of sustainable and energy-efficient whisky production. Fortunately, they also produce a range of excellent whiskies with local twists on traditional production methods giving them a distinctively Swedish character.

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Michter’s offers a range of highly acclaimed Ryes, Bourbons & American Whiskeys. The history of Michter’s traces back to 1753, when John Shenk founded a distillery in Pennsylvania.​

It wasn’t all plain sailing though. In 1989 the American whiskey industry suffered from a prolonged downturn and Michter’s then-owners declared bankruptcy, abandoning the Distillery’s assets & trademarks. It was revived when two whiskey lovers, Joseph J. Magliocco & Dick Newman, re-established Michter’s in Kentucky, the heart of the modern American whiskey industry. Today, Michter’s continues to go from strength to strength and is recognised internationally for its exceptional whiskey

The Whisky Show has to be regarded among the highlights of the Whisky calendar. It is not only a fantastic opportunity for the Whisky lovers of this world to keep up to date with what is happening in the industry, but also a perfect forum for those people within the business to share their visions for the future 

Billy Leighton, master blender.

Known as 'The Beast of Dufftown', Mortlach is well known for its robust spirit and ability to stand up to long maturation, especially in sherry casks.

With a unique '2.81 times' distillation regime and adherence to traditional whisky making techniques, Mortlach remains a favourite of whisky fans around the world.

A combination of decades of distilling expertise, a careful selection of yeast strains and grain quality, and a first for the category final maturation in barrel across the Atlantic exposing Never Say Die to ocean air, humidity and temperature differentials which offer a wholly unique flavour profile – blending traditional robust Bourbon notes with an adventurous twist.

Never Say Die was co-founded by a team of trans-Atlantic partners with expertise in Bourbon supply chains, horseracing, PR and political campaigning, and an impressive history in distilling ultra-premium Bourbon. Never Say Die exists to embed the deep Kentucky links between horses and Bourbon, whilst personifying the historic relationship between England and the US. The Whiskey Show 2022 will be the brand’s maiden race and will offer Bourbon lovers in England the very first opportunity to taste its unique flavours owing to its voyage, in barrel, across the Atlantic – the first Bourbon to make such a voyage.

Never Say Die Bourbon embraces the legacy of its infamous namesake. In 1951, in Lexington, KY, a foal had a rough birth and its life was in danger. Legendary horseman, John A. Bell III, was on site and poured a shot of whiskey down the throat of the struggling foal. Through the night, the horse made a dramatic recovery and was aptly named Never Say Die. Three years later Never Say Die won the biggest race in the world, the 175th running of the Derby Stakes at Epsom Downs (the Epsom Derby) at 33-1 odds, to become the first American-born horse to win the race in over 70 years.

Founded in 2014 by entrepreneur Ken Lewis, New Riff produces bourbon, rye and Kentucky Wild Gin. Using traditional whiskey sour mash methods, New Riff bottles-in-bond without the chill filtration commonly used by other distilleries. Bourbon and rye are also available in single barrel selections, and the distillery boasts a popular private barrel selection program.

The distillery sources its water from an aquifer under the distillery accessed via a 100’ deep private well and providing water with four times as much dissolved minerals than found in other water supplies. New Riff believes in transparency, so all products feature an age statement and public mashbills.

Whiskey Advocate’s “Top 20 Whiskeys of 2019,” Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL and BEST BARREL AGED GIN, New Riff Bourbon Barreled Kentucky Wild Gin
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, New Riff Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin

One of Scotland's smaller distilleries, Oban sits in the heart of the town of the same name, producing a cult, maritime spirit.

Oban is a fairly isolated distillery, perched on the westernedge of the Scottish mainland at the very top of the Kintyre peninsula.

On opening his Johns Lane Distillery in 1791, James Power, our founding father found his calling. Over 200 years later his legacy lives on, in a triple distilled Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, using the heart of the distillate. His visionary decision to devote his future to distilling and the pioneering spirit of the generations that followed him were to rock the whiskey world.

This single pot still style of whiskey is unique to Ireland, and is made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills. However unlike other Pot Still Irish whiskey POWERS goes further. Discarding more top and tail of the second and third charges we honour a bold tradition of excellence that saw James Powers whiskey become the most popular selling brand in Ireland.

The Six Isles brings together exceptional single malts from six different Scottish Islands.

Unbound by a single style or locale, these whiskies are connected by wilderness alone. Dawn breaking over the Black Cuillin of Skye. Waves crashing at nightfall on Jura. Spirits whispering at Orkney’s standing stones. Each sip is the essence of island life, a tale no guidebook could ever convey. This blend of malts creates new from the ancient. Rounded and complex to the last – each drop a passage to the rich landscapes of Scotland’s islands.

It uses Australian barley and is aged in apera casks (Austalian sherry). Starward’s journey started in 2004 when its founder, David Vitalie, opened a new distillery with local investors.

His mission was to produce a whisky which has a balance of tradition and innovation. Its single malt is complex with rich, sweet and spicy aromas.

Despite its remote location, Talisker's whisky is well known around the world.

One of the key single malts in owner Diageo's large portfolio, it produces a distincly maritime whisky, balancing sea spray and smoke with a classic peppery character. In recent years, the iconic ten-year-old has been joined by a range of other drams, all showing different sides to the distillery's versatile character.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company bottles a wide range of whiskies worldwide, including single malts, blends, blended malts, bourbons and more. The company has picked up numerous awards over the past few years, including the World's Best Blended Whisky award at the World Whiskies Awards 2015.

Each bottling has its own specially designed label drawn by artist Emily Chappell. They are full of whisky industry in-jokes, cameos and horrendous puns, all of which we approve of.

BUY TASTING PACKS NOW AT THE WHISKY EXCHANGE 

Our journey began twenty years ago with a visit from acclaimed whisky writer Michael Jackson who wrote in his book ‘Scotland and its whiskies’ “For the whisky-lover, it is a pilgrimage” he was writing of Lindores Abbey and that inspired our founder and ‘Custodian of Lindores’ Drew McKenzie Smith to establish a state of the art distillery on this sacred ground, working closely with Forsyth’s of Rothes and the late Dr Jim Swan.

We started distilling in 2017 and whilst our spirit matured we created our ‘Aqua Vitae’, a botanical spirit infusing our award-winning new make spirit with herbs foraged from the Abbey ruins and spices to create a beautiful light spirit drink. Then in 2020, our New Make Spirit was voted the best in Scotland and we were delighted when we released our first single malt earlier this year to much acclaim and to be presenting it to the whisky connoisseur’s attending The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show. 

A favourite of whisky blenders, the majority of the spirit produced Dufftown goes into the vats to make Diageo's huge range of blended whiskies.

However, Dufftown took centre stage in 2009 when it was chosen as the European representative of the revived Singleton brand, designed as an easy-drinking gateway single malt to introduce new drinkers to the category.

Toki – the Japanese word for time – is a blended whisky that exemplifies the modern style of whisky making in Japan.

Blended to carefully balance the strong characters of its three component distilleries, it's equally at home sipped or mixed.

• Chita grain whisky brings a clean, vanilla sweetness.
• Hakushu American Oak Cask whisky adds fresh, mellow notes of green apple.
• Yamazaki whisky brings multi-layered notes with fruit and Mizunara aromas.

The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. You get that sense of history. The history of bourbon is the history of Kentucky, is the history of the United States.

Woodford Reserve was inspired by generations of experience and crafted under the guidance of Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, and Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. Together, they have been integral in driving innovation and shaping the story of Woodford Reserve, sharing the belief that the keys to making the World’s Finest Bourbon are not only time and patience, but science and art. Chris began his career in bourbon in 1976, while Elizabeth moved from her 9-year tenure in R&D to Assistant Master Distiller in 2018. Together they craft whiskeys that are a spectacle for the senses.

Woodford Reserve is a super-premium, craft bourbon that is a product of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass Region. Woodford Reserve has quickly become a highly acclaimed, award-winning bourbon which is savoured by consumers worldwide.