ROTHES, Scotland, Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Glen Grant introduces Exploration No. 1, the first release in a limited-edition series of single malt Scotch whiskies to be released every other year celebrating the distillery's explorative heritage. Finished in rum casks, Exploration No.1 is a sumptuous whisky with a depth of sweetness and the vibrancy of tropical fruits from the selected cask finish. This meticulously crafted Speyside single malt Scotch whisky paves the way for the next expressions in the Exploration Series. Each new release will explore the unique flavours imparted from different cask finishes sourced from around the world, offering a fresh perspective on The Glen Grant's singular character.

The Exploration Series draws inspiration from the visionary spirit of James 'The Major' Grant, the distillery's eccentric and adventurous forefather. Known for his passion for discovery, 'The Major' travelled far and wide in his worldly quest to uncover flavours that would inspire the singular character for The Glen Grant. Elevating the vibrancy of the Glen Grant's delicately aromatic spirit defined by a fruity character, the finishes on these limited-release whiskies tell a story of rich layers of flavour, influenced by the specific cask selection.

Exploration No. 1

Made and bottled at The Glen Grant in Rothes, Scotland, the process for creating Exploration No. 1 begins with distillation in The Glen Grant's custom-designed stills and purifiers, which results in a unique flavour profile. It is then aged in traditional stone dunnage warehouses using ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in exquisite rum casks for added depth and complexity before being bottled on-site at 48% ABV. Bright amber like the Caribbean sun, the whisky offers aromas defined by the rich fruity sweetness of berries, oranges, and ripe banana.  With warming spices on the palate, the taste is guided by vanilla vibrancy and tropical notes whilst the finish is long, creamy with a hint of fresh pineapple.

"To this day at The Glen Grant, we strive to evoke these same characteristics in the making of our scotch just as The Major was explorative in his travels and visionary with his whiskies," said Greig Stables, Master Distiller. "Each release in the Exploration Series has been an opportunity for us to experiment with distillation, finishes and flavour profiles. I'm very excited to launch the series with Exploration No. 1, a vivid expression that is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water."

"In the past several years I've developed a real love and admiration for aged rums, and an understanding of just how deep and rich the flavours of rum can be," says Greig Stables, Master Distiller at the Glen Grant.  "This experience inspired us to explore the impact of a rum finish on the distinctive fruity character of The Glen Grant.  What we found was the amplification of the flavours, bringing a vibrant topicality to the fruity foundations of our spirit."

He continues, "At The Glen Grant, we strive to honour 'The Major's' legacy, by embracing his spirit of exploration in the making of our whisky and in our innovation philosophy. Like Exploration No. 1, each release in the upcoming series will be an opportunity for us to experiment with distillation, finishes and flavour profiles. I'm very excited to share these new expressions with our community."

Availability

The Glen Grant Exploration No. 1 launches globally in retail channels in select markets this month following an initial release in global travel retail destinations across Asia-Pacific at an RSP of $120 USD.

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NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bruichladdich Distillery has today, September 2^nd, launched its highly anticipated annual Octomore series. Octomore is a ground-breaking Islay single malt brand which continues to confound the whisky industry year upon year. The 16^th series is a powerful lineup featuring sky-high PPMs, traceable barley and a unique selection of fine casks from all over the globe.

Considered by the distillery to be "The Impossible Equation," Octomore is designed to push the boundaries of whisky-making, challenging consumer's ideas about age, peating levels and near cask-strength ABV.

"Octomore exists to provoke and challenge," says Bruichladdich Distillery Master Blender, Adam Hannett, "something that is on paper so polarising, it shouldn't really work – it's too young, too strong and too peaty - hence 'The Impossible Equation.' But with each new Octomore expression, the spirit continues to surprise and delight with its depth, its campfire smoke and its incredible flavour profile."

There are three expressions in Series 16, each layered, complex and ever-changing – evolving further when left to breathe or through adding a drop of water.

The start of the Octomore journey, 16.1 provides the reference point for this series' unorthodox experimentation. 16.1 is crafted using 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto Barley, malted to 101.4 PPM and aged in cask for five years, with an ABV of 59.3%. This elegant liquid is matured in first fill bourbon barrels, bringing intense peat smoke with surprising delicacy. Salted caramel, honeyed melon and apricot are followed by chocolate and coconut, accompanied by a soft wave of earthy minerality and lingering smoke. Octomore 16.1 is priced at $204.99.

Octomore 16.2 invites you further on the journey, providing an irresistible comparison to 16.1. This expression uses the same distillate as the 16.1, has been aged in cask for five years and bottled at 58.1% ABV. The 16.2 has been housed in a fine selection of Oloroso and Bordeaux casks before being finished in Madeira and Portuguese Moscatel for a rich and complex flavour.  Caramelized sugar, roasted nuts, and dried fruits abound, enveloped in sweet smoke. This is the first time this combination of casks has been used in an Octomore expression, demonstrating Adam's ability to constantly innovate: "We have an unparallelled selection of casks available to us and it's important to continue to experiment and push boundaries." Octomore 16.2 is priced at $244.99.

Octomore 16.3 is a showcase of single farm, single field and whisky-making. The archetypal Octomore liquid is produced in its entirety from barley from Octomore Farm.  Continuing the Series 16 odyssey, this ultrahigh-provenance single malt whisky explores the influence of barley grown exclusively in Church Field on Octomore Farm, Islay. A symphony of honeyed malt, toasted grain and a distinctive earthiness meets delicate threads of smoke and salinity. 16.3 has been aged five years full term in Bourbon, Sauternes and Pedro Ximénez casks with the Islay barley malted to 189.5 PPM and bottled at 61.6% ABV. Octomore 16.3 is priced at $279.99. "The locally grown and harvested Islay barley takes the spirit in another direction," continues Hannett. "For me, whisky should evoke a sense of place, and the earthy, cereal-forward notes of Octomore 16.3 speak of its island origins."

Each Octomore single malt Scotch whisky has been conceived, distilled, matured, and bottled on Islay. The spirit is un-chill filtered, contains no added color and has been brought to strength using Octomore Spring water from Islay.

Octomore Series 16, including 16.1, 16.2 and 16.3, is available to purchase online at and in specialist whisky retailers as of September 2, 2025. Prices for the Octomore Series 16 start from $204.99.

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VICTORIA, BC, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - After 14 standout seasons in the , defenseman has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey. Known for his elite puck-moving skills, power-play prowess and general laid-back attitude. Barrie skated in 822 regular-season games, tallying 508 points (110 goals, 398 assists), and added 21 points in playoff action.

Barrie's NHL journey began with the Colorado Avalanche, who selected him 64th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames - earning a reputation as one of the league's most consistent offensive defensemen.

"I'm incredibly proud of the career I've had and so grateful for the people I've met along the way," said Barrie. "Very excited to see what the next chapter has in store and looking forward to pursuing something I'm very passionate about with some of my best friends"

That next chapter is , Barrie's new premium beverage brand built around the spirit of community and good times. Launching with its flagship Chilly Ones 3% Lager and a 0.3% non-alcoholic version, the brand promises clean, crisp, and uncompromising refreshment. "Chilly Ones has been a dream of mine for years and it's exciting to be able to give it my full attention." 

will debut in British Columbia and Alberta this September, with expansion to Colorado later in 2025 and broader national rollout planned for 2026. The brand is backed by a dynamic group of investors, including NHL stars Nathan MacKinnon, Brayden Schenn, Tyler Ennis, and Mike Smith, as well as Wesley Schultz, lead singer of The Lumineers, and Nathaniel Rateliff. 

"Hockey gave me more than I could have ever dreamed of" Barrie added. "Chilly Ones is about celebrating the moments that matter—with the people who matter most."

27 August 2025 – Lady Bee in Lima, Peru, has been announced as the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025. This is the first of two special awards that will be announced in the run-up to the reveal of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier.

Created to highlight the vital role of hospitality in the experience of any bar, more than 800 anonymous industry experts that make up The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy are asked to nominate the one bar where they have received the most exceptional hospitality in the past 18 months. The award will be presented at a live ceremony taking place in Hong Kong on Wednesday 8 October 2025.

Created in 2021 to elevate Lima’s cocktail culture to the level of its acclaimed dining scene, Lady Bee is the brainchild of bartenders Alejandra León and Alonso Palomino, as well as chef Gabriela León, who craft each drink and dish with the finest native produce from across Peru. Together, they source ingredients from the Amazon to the Andes and the Pacific, working closely with producers and communities. Because of this, the cocktail menu is a masterclass in sustainable storytelling through flavour, deeply rooted in Peru’s diverse ecosystems and with a zero-waste philosophy.

Now located in the vibrant and iconic neighbourhood of Barranco, Lady Bee continues to create a unique experience that would not be complete without delicious cocktails, food and exceptional hospitality. The staff is not only attentive and highly knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about the bar’s core values of sustainability and celebrating Peruvian ingredients. This passion is evident in the way they interact with guests, the warm welcome and genuine enthusiasm for the bar’s mission to create an immersive journey where guests are not just customers, but part of the Lady Bee family. 

The interior is a refined blend of elegance, symbolism and sustainability. With a honeybee motif that’s woven through every detail – from the glassware and garnishes to subtle design elements throughout the bar – the atmosphere is intimate and chic, with a warm, inviting glow that complements the bar’s commitment to hospitality and storytelling. Every corner reflects the founders’ deep respect for nature and community, with locally crafted décor, sustainable materials and a layout that encourages connection. It’s a space where the artistry of cocktails meets the soul of Peruvian culture.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “In just a short time, Lady Bee has carved out a reputation as one of the world’s most beloved bars, being named Campari One To Watch on its debut at No.52 in 2023 and rising to No.16 in 2024. Alongside their exceptional drinks offering, Alonso and Gabriela have created an effortlessly warm space where all are welcome to discover the wonders of Peruvian culture and ingredients. This recognition is a testament to the team’s passion and dedication, and we offer our sincere congratulations to everyone at Lady Bee for this well-earned honour.”

Co-founders and owners Alejandra León, Alonso Palomino and Gabriela León comment: “Gastronomy is a great tool to convey different messages. Pollination, our latest cocktail menu, represents a very personal journey, the Bee travelling through the Amazonian, Andean and Coastal forests, just as we have in these years of our own exploration and identity. For us, it is important to tell stories about our diversity, geography and the richness of our ecosystems and we strive to celebrate the people who are dedicated to every ingredient. Receiving the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award fills us with joy and excitement and is a recognition for the whole team, for the people who, throughout this time, have contributed with their generosity.”

Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s Distillery, says: “Congratulations to Alonso Palomino, Gabriela León, Alejandra León and the entire team at Lady Bee on winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. It is a testament to how highly their peers value their welcoming atmosphere and Peruvian ingredient-based creative approach.”

The countdown of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience. Bar and cocktail lovers are invited to join through the 50 Best TV channel on .