Loch Lomond Unveils 2026 Open Championship Whiskies

What happens when Scotland's only Straight Neck Still distillery crafts two single malts for golf's oldest championship? Loch Lomond's 2026 Open editions answer in style.
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Loch Lomond Unveils 2026 Open Championship Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled two new limited-edition single malts to mark The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. The Open Course Collection 2026 ($USD (£195), 46.9% ABV) and The Open Course Special Edition 2026 $61 (£45), 46% ABV celebrate the distillery’s partnership with golf’s original championship, now in its ninth year.

Both expressions are presented in newly designed packaging inspired by vintage travel posters, created by UK creative agency Bucket List Prints.

The whiskies were distilled exclusively using Loch Lomond’s unique Straight Neck Stills. The distillery is the only scotch producer to use this technique, which gives Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over flavor creation.

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The Open Course Collection 2026 is limited to 3,000 bottles worldwide. Matured for 19 years, the whisky began its journey in American oak before a six-month finish in Tawny Port casks. Official tasting notes from the brand describe layers of rich red berries, dried fruits and sweet spice complementing Loch Lomond’s signature character. The packaging features the date, venue and winner of every Open Championship, from Prestwick in 1860 through to Royal Birkdale in 2026.

The Open Special Edition 2026 was created in collaboration with Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie. Matured in American oak and finished for six months in Argentinian Malbec casks, the brand’s official notes cite richer dark berries, vibrant red fruits and gentle spice.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said: “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.”

Henry added: “Each whisky is unmistakably Loch Lomond in character, showcasing our ability to create depth, balance and complexity while remaining true to our house style.”

Henry Keeling, Director Commercial Partnerships at The R&A, said: “We are delighted to build on our long-standing partnership with Loch Lomond Group across both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open. Working with partners who share our ambition for these championships — and for the continued development of golf — is central to what we do.”

Jack Franks of Bucket List Prints added: “Courses like Royal Birkdale carry decades of history and character, which lends itself perfectly to a travel poster aesthetic.”

Both expressions are available from Loch Lomond Whiskies as well as retailers including Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange and Royal Mile Whiskies.

Hannah Thompson

Hannah Thompson is a whiskey educator who helps consumers understand everything they need to know to make an informed decision about whiskey investment. She has been working in the secondary whiskey market since 2019 and joined The Whiskey Wash team when Mark Littler took over as Editor in Chief. Working with Mark Littler Hannah has amassed a broad range of whiskey knowledge and specializes in helping consumers make education driven cask investments. Hannah has authored two published works of fiction and her background in research and creative writing lets her create interesting and informative articles to give people a solid understanding of the world of whiskey.

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