It’s been awhile since I published anything, so plenty has happened around the whisky industry since my last update. I’m not even going to make an effort to be comprehensive in my coverage, rather I’ll stick with a handful of news items that have stood out for me.

First off, it’s always exciting when a long-closed distillery gets a new lease on life. 2017 was a very exciting year for whisky aficianados since three legendary lost distilleries announced their reopening that fall. This year, we’ve been treated to the exciting news that the Dallas Dhu distillery on Speyside. As with most long-closed facilities (Dallas Dhu, then part of the DCL stable, closed in 1983), my experience with the whisky is limited to a single expression, but that one expression struck me as a likable and tasty whisky. You can read the details on the plan to reopen via Spirits Business.

Further good news: UK-based online retailer Master of Malt has finally resumed shipments to the US, giving thirsty Americans–at least those of us in states that receive alcohol shipments–access to one of the best whisky retail options out there.

Also, the folks at Pernod-Ricard have finally released a bottling of their lovely Orcadian gem, Scapa, that isn’t a shame upon the whisky. A new range in rather attractive packaging along a sort of maritime theme was recently released to The Whisky Exchange, which like Scapa, is owned by Pernod. It consists of a 10 and 16 year old, both bottled at a respectable 48% abv, and 21 year old at 52.9% abv. No word on chill-filtration or coloring, but at least the strength is moving in the right direction.

Meanwhile, Edrington’s Highland Park has rebranded, relaunching their core range in more subdued packaging that leans less vigorously into Viking themes. Alas, the whiskies themselves remain fettered by chill-filtration and low abv.

Meanwhile, Diageo is kicking up dust with some rather less welcome news–first, they announced plans to demolish their existing plant at Talisker and replace it with a more modern facility. No final word on that plan.

Diageo has also created a dedicated luxury group to handle their ongoing reimaging or many of their products as ultra-premium luxury goods. Probably not great news for people who actually enjoy drinking whisky rather than collecting expensive trophies. You can read the details in this article from Spirits Business.