Christmas Report: time for big hitting whisky brands to shine

The whisky companies have been unveiling their big-hitting Christmas whiskies at a flurry of consumer shows in recent weeks, writes Dominic Roskrow, and it's clear that they're keen to cash in on the sector's current popularity by extending its appeal to new drinkers and attempting to be all things to all people.

Gruppo Campari owned Glen Grant releases 50-year-old whisky

Glen Grant, the Scotch whisky brand owned by Gruppo Campari, is releasing an "exceptionally rare" 50-year-old expression in a tribute to craftsmanship.

Berry Bros releases Exceptional Cask Collection going back 50 years

Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits is releasing a series of exclusive bottlings of whisky and rum that have been matured for 50 years as part of its new Exceptional Casks Collection.

Lock Stock's Guy Ritchie links up with David Beckham to make Haig whisky TV advert

Guy Ritchie, the UK film director behind Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels director and the recent Sherlock Holmes film series, has linked up with David Beckham to make the first TV advert for his new Haig Club whisky.

The Glenrothes releases Vintage Reserve whisky

Vintage Reserve is the latest single malt release from award-winning Speyside distillery, The Glenrothes, distributed by Berry Bros & Rudd.

David Beckham officially launches new Haig Club whisky globally

David Beckham officially launched Haig Club Scotch whisky today, which is produced by Diageo in partnership with the world famous footballer and British talent agent Simon Fuller.

Scotch whisky exports plummet 11% in first half of 2014

Scotch whisky exports have fallen 11% to £1.77 billion in the first half of 2014, compared to the same period last year, with the finger being pointed at "economic headwinds and uncertainty".

Wine and spirits industry welcomes "stability" of Scottish "No" vote for independence

Parts of the UK wine and spirits industry have welcomed the "stability" the news this morning that Scotland has rejected independence to remain part of the United Kingdom.

An independent Scotland is bad news for Scotch whisky in short-term, says Rabobank

An independent Scotland will have a negative impact on the Scotch whisky industry in the short term, says a new report from Rabobank.

William Grant & Sons invests in Tullamore whiskey with new Irish distillery

William Grant & Sons officially opens its new Tullamore state-of-the-art whiskey distillery today in Ireland to help keep up with international demand for what is now the second largest Irish whiskey in the world. It is the first time that whiskey has been produced in Tullamore for 60 years.

William Grant toasts successful 2013 as sales and profits rise

William Grant & Sons boosted operating profits by 10% to £138 million in 2013 while turnover rose by 5.2% to £1.12 billion.

Scottish independence: whisky heavyweights say business case 'not made'

A host of the biggest names in Scotch whisky have signed an open letter warning that the business case for Scottish independence "has not been made".

Bowmore and Glenmorangie both raise a dram to increased profits and sales

Morrison Bowmore Distillers, a subsidiary of Beam Suntory, and Glenmorangie Company, part of LVMH, both saw sales and profits grow last year, only further confirming the "hot" streak that whisky is currently having

William Grant & Sons invests in new global whisky innovation role

William Grant & Sons has promoted Kevin Abrook to become the company's first global whisky specialist for innovation and will start his new role on September 1.

Scotch whisky The Macallan gets green light for £100m distillery

Edrington's The Macallan whisky brand is to get a new £100 million distillery and visitor centre in Speyside, after Moray Council granted planning permission.

The Famous Grouse hopes Commonwealth Games will attract visitors to new distillery

The Famous Grouse, the official whisky provider to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, is expecting a rise in footfall to The Famous Grouse Experience visitor centre over the next 17 days as the games kickoff today in Scotland.

Tullamore D.E.W kicks off social media competition to celebrate opening of new distillery

David Beckham's Haig Club whisky goes on sale in Selfridges

David Beckham's exclusive new whisky, Haig Club, that he has developed with Diageo, is now exclusively on sale at Selfridges in London until the end of July before being rolled out to wider distribution.

Glenmorangie Pride 1978 is my finest whisky yet, says Dr Bill Lumsden

Glenmorangie claims its new release, Pride 1978, which has been extra matured in casks of Grand Cru claret wine, is its most exclusive launch yet and follows on the success of the Pride 1981 which was released in 2011.

Professor Dame Joan Stringer first chair of Scotch Whisky Action Fund

Leading academic Professor Dame Joan Stringer, known for her work on championing equality, is to become the first chair of the Scotch Whisky Action Fund, set up to tackle alcohol-related harm.