Loch Lomond Whiskies has released two limited-edition single malts to mark the 154th staging of The Open at Royal Birkdale. The releases continue the independent Highland distillery’s partnership with the championship, which is now in its ninth year, this year with Tawny Port and Argentinian Malbec, each bringing distinct layers of fruit and spice to Loch Lomond’s recognisable house style.
The distillery’s credentials are well established. Tracing its roots to 1814, Loch Lomond operates from a site in Alexandria just a few miles from the loch itself and has built a reputation for one of the most technically flexible approaches to spirit creation in Scotland. Its signature straight-neck stills, which are unique in Scottish whisky, give Master Blender Michael Henry exceptional control over reflux and flavour development, shaping the fruit-led, honeyed and gently smoky profile that defines the brand. Add to that one of only four onsite cooperages in Scotland, and Loch Lomond has long had the technical means to tailor whiskies around specific occasions.
“Royal Birkdale holds a special place in the history of The Open. As one of the purest tests of links golf, it has provided the stage for some of the Championship’s greatest moments. Through these new expressions, we have sought to explore the spirit of the course, the players and the craft that defines this historic venue. Each whisky is unmistakably Loch Lomond in character, showcasing our ability to create depth, balance and complexity while remaining true to our house style.” says Michael Henry.
Packaging for both 2026 editions features artwork commissioned from UK design agency Bucket List Prints, whose vintage travel poster aesthetic captures the romance of golf on England’s north-west coast.
The Open Course Collection 2026
The flagship release, bottled at 46.9% ABV, is limited to just 3,000 bottles worldwide. Matured for 19 years in American oak before spending a further six months in Tawny Port casks, it’s a whisky built for considered sipping. The outer packaging carries the date, venue and winner of every Open Championship, from Prestwick in 1860 through to Royal Birkdale in 2026.
On the nose, toasted oak, apple, ginger and vanilla. The palate opens into toffee, pineapple and lemon, with cinnamon spice and the Port influence adding red berries and dried fruit sweetness. The finish is long, with warming oak spice and Loch Lomond’s characteristic thread of soft smoke. At £195, it sits firmly in collector and enthusiast territory.
The Open Special Edition 2026
Created in collaboration with Colin Montgomerie, this expression follows a similar path, American oak maturation establishing the house style, before a six-month finish in Argentinian Malbec casks steers it toward a deeper, berry-led character.
The nose offers dark berries, redcurrant and citrus zest alongside vanilla, honey and soft malt. On the palate, blackberry, raspberry and peach syrup lead, layered with crisp apple, toffee sweetness and gentle spice, while a subtle smoky note keeps it firmly within the Loch Lomond family. The finish is medium in length, with lingering berry sweetness, soft oak spice and light smoky warmth.
The Open Course Collection 2026 (46.9% ABV) and The Open Special Edition 2026 (46% ABV) are available now from lochlomondwhiskies.com and other online whisky outlets.
