There are whiskies we anticipate. And then there is Blue Hanger, the one we had almost given up hope on.
Over ten years of silence. Ten years during which collectors passed down old editions on the secondary market, at exorbitant prices, like relics. And now, Berry Bros. & Rudd, the oldest wine and spirits merchant in Great Britain, emerges from the shadows with its 14th edition. Available from March 3, 2026, exclusively on bbr.com.
A Name, A Legend
Before being a whisky, Blue Hanger is a story. That of William "Blue" Hanger, 3rd Lord Coleraine, an 18th-century dandy known for his elegance and, as you might have guessed, his pronounced liking for the color blue. A loyal client of the house, he gave his name to a series of exceptional blended malts, originally created in 1934 for the diplomatic market, before disappearing into obscurity for several decades.
The series was revived in 2003 at the instigation of Doug McIvor, then head of spirits at BB&R. Thirteen editions later, it is Felix Dear, the current Spirits Curator of the house, who takes the reins to orchestrate this highly anticipated return.
Seven Casks, 26 Years Minimum
This 14th release is not one to rush. The youngest whisky in the blend is already 26 years old. The batch consists of seven casks in total: six ex-bourbon hogsheads and one ex-sherry butt, a classic but devilishly effective combination when expertly handled.
On the nose, milk chocolate and sweet caramel lead the way, before giving way to citrus zest and candied fruits, with a subtle hint of sherry in the background. On the palate, it is creamy, with notes of sweet barley and orchard fruits wrapped in caramel. The finish plays on sweet spices before fading into chocolate and ripe fruits.
Classic, yes. But with that patina that only time can give.
2,500 bottles, and that's all
Bottled at 45.6% ABV, Blue Hanger 14th Edition is limited to only 2,500 bottles. At £120 a piece, this is the kind of bottle that won't sit on the shelves for long. Enthusiasts know it well: previous editions are now trading well above their launch price on the second-hand market.
From April 2026, the cuvée will be distributed through a selection of specialists in the UK, then in a few key international markets. For the impatient (or the most strategic), the site bbr.com is already open.
Welcome back, Blue Hanger. We were starting to get impatient.
Blue Hanger 14th Edition
45.6% ABV - 2,500 bottles - £120 - bbr.com
