Distillery & Whisky News March 2026
Hello whisky lovers, and welcome to our March edition of Distillery and Whisky News.
Longer days and brighter skies are finally making an appearance, and with spring edging closer it is the perfect time to start planning those distillery visits as new season opening hours begin to roll out across Scotland.
This month we have a special treat for readers with our Date With a Dram competition to win a bottle of Glenturret Distillery's exceptional 12 Year Old. March also introduces a fresh Malt of the Month with the distinctive Table Whisky from Leith Export Co, an approachable and delicious whisky designed to be enjoyed and shared with friends.
Our Perfect Serve for March shines a spotlight on Lagg Distillery with the Without Delay cocktail - a warming and flavourful companion for the changing season.
Until next time...
Distillery Of The Month: Tomatin
Since 1897 Tomatin Distillery has been harnessing the soft waters of the Alt-na-Frith, to produce quality single malt and blended whisky in an area of stunning natural beauty. Tomatin has a rich whisky making heritage dating back to at least the 1500s.
Located just outside the village that shares its name, at 315 metres above sea level, Tomatin Distillery is one of the highest distilleries in Scotland. Its elevated position in the Monadhliath Mountains means the Alt-na-Frith gathers very few minerals on its course, making it the perfect source to create a soft and delicate whisky.
The distillery stands proud in the wild and windy moorland and is home to Tomatin, a world-renowned, award-winning Highland single malt; Cù Bòcan, a subtly smoky and surprisingly sweet single malt that explores innovative finishes; and The Antiquary, a premium blend crafted with only the finest and rarest malts.
Take the Taste of Tomatin Tour, and enjoy an enhanced experience with a distillery tour followed by a tutored nosing and tasting of five different Tomatin expressions, each revealing why this distillery offers the ‘softer side of the Highlands’
Find out more about Tomatin Distillery at its dedicated pages on the DistilleryTours.scot website.
Venue of the Month: The Lobster Pot
The Lobster Pot was named Best Seafood Establishment at the Food Awards Scotland 2025, further cementing its reputation as a must visit destination on the shores of the Firth of Forth.
The welcoming village pub is known for its home cooked food and relaxed atmosphere, offering visitors a place to unwind after a coastal walk or a visit to nearby Blackness Bay Distillery. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in the historic castle village, the venue blends maritime heritage with contemporary dining, with authentic nautical artefacts creating an ambience that reflects Blackness’s seafaring past.
Seafood remains at the heart of the menu, with a focus on fresh produce and carefully balanced flavours. The smoked salmon has become a standout dish, praised for its clean taste and delicate smokiness that enhances rather than overwhelms the fish.
The kitchen is led by Gary Noble, formerly of the Old Course Hotel. After the pandemic, Noble sought an opportunity closer to home and partnered with the O’Rourke family to help transform The Lobster Pot into one of the area’s most talked about dining spots.
Today, the award winning restaurant continues to draw locals and visitors alike, combining quality seafood, historic character and warm hospitality in one of Scotland’s most picturesque coastal settings.
Find out more about The Lobster Pot on its dedicated page at the DistilleryTours website.
Experience of the Month: The 2026 Exclusive Owners Tour
Annandale Distillery has announced the return of its sought after Owners Tour for 2026, offering whisky enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the historic site through a uniquely personal lens. This year’s event will be a one off occasion hosted by distillery owner Professor David Thomson, with places limited to just 15 guests.
The exclusive afternoon will explore the story of Annandale’s revival after lying dormant for almost a century, combining the distillery’s 19th century heritage with its forward looking commitment to sustainability. Guests will be guided through areas not normally open to the public and will hear first hand about the distillery’s collaboration with EXERGY3, including the installation of a pioneering net zero boiler designed to support environmentally responsible whisky production.
The experience also includes a two course afternoon tea served in the Maltings Coffee Shop, followed by a guided tasting in the atmospheric old bonded warehouse. Attendees will sample Single Cask Single Malts at cask strength, exploring the distinctive character of the distillery’s Man O’Sword and Man O’Words expressions.
Each guest will receive a commemorative snifter glass and a limited edition Owners Tour whisky available only to those attending. With demand expected to be high, the 2026 Owners Tour offers a rare chance to hear the Annandale story directly from its owner while witnessing the meeting of historic craft and modern innovation.
Find out more about all of Annandale Distillery's tours on their dedicated page at the DistilleryTours website.
Date With A Dram: Glenturret 12 Year Old
For March's Date With A Dram competition we've a bottle of Glenturret Distillery's 12 Year Old. This complex and alluring single malt showcases the rich character of European oak quietly supported by light, sweet notes of American oak. Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry-seasoned casks purposefully build layers of flavour that announce themselves at every turn.
Competition Time
To be in with a chance of winning a bottle of Glenturret 12 Year Old simply follow DistilleryTours.scot on Facebook or Instagram and share our 'Date with a Dram' post dated 1 March. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced in our April newsletter!
Congratulations to James Dingwall from Aberdeen who won February's competition - a bottle of The Singleton's Distillery Exclusive.
You must be 18 years old or over to enter. Please note, will never approach you for your credit card details or personal information, send you friend requests or ask you to click on a link. Please stay safe online and remember to drink responsibly.
Malt of the Month: Leith Export Co.'s Table Whisky
Table Whisky comes from the team behind Port of Leith Distillery. A single grain whisky distilled in Edinburgh, matured and blended in Leith. An approachable and delicious whisky designed to be enjoyed and shared with friends.
Perfect Serve: Lagg Distillery's Without Delay
March’s Perfect Serve showcases a bold and characterful dram from Lagg Distillery, paired in a cocktail designed to highlight its smoky richness and layered depth.
Podcast: Pour a Dram & Press Play
Catch up on every episode of our podcast series, featuring conversations with some of the biggest names in Scottish whisky since 2020. Listeners can dive into stories and insights from Springbank Distillery, Glenturret Distillery, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, Kingsbarns Distillery and Bladnoch Distillery, with more familiar faces from across the industry.
Head to the website to explore the full archive and discover the people and stories behind the spirit.
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