Diageo's Cardhu Spill Hits the River Spey, Scotch Barley Plantings Fall to a 1960 Low, and Balblair Pops Up at Heathrow
Three stories from the whisky world on Monday 19 October
Happy Monday, Clan. Today's news takes in an environmental investigation in Speyside, some hard numbers on the barley behind every dram, and a new airport experience from a Highland distillery.
Diageo's Cardhu distillery spill reached the River Spey
Bloomberg reports that a caustic soda spill in late April from Diageo's Cardhu distillery in Knockando flowed into the Knockando Burn, a spawning tributary of the River Spey. People involved in the response estimate that as many as 3,000 creatures were killed across more than a mile, including salmon, trout, eels, invertebrates and frogs.
Sources familiar with the matter say a valve was inadvertently left open. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is investigating and has said it will take appropriate action once its work is complete. If Diageo is held responsible, the regulator could fine it up to £40,000 or refer the case for possible criminal charges.
A Diageo spokesperson said the company is sincerely sorry, has updated its controls and is discussing a long term plan to support regeneration and restoration in the area. Fisheries experts quoted in the report say it could take more than 20 years for fish stocks to return to baseline levels.
Scottish barley plantings fall to the lowest level since 1960
A City AM feature by Ron Emler looks at the pressure on the farmers and maltsters who supply Scotch distillers. According to AHDB figures, barley plantings in the UK this year stand at 930,000 hectares, 12 per cent below 2025 and a 16 year low. In Scotland the area fell by 13 per cent to 258,000 hectares, the lowest since 1960.
Yields were also hit. AHDB reported yields 17 per cent below the five year mean after a hot, dry summer. Colin Johnston of Crisp Malt said whisky production is substantially down, with a drop of about 300,000 tonnes in demand for malt, and a maltster in Pencaitland, East Lothian, closed earlier this year.
There are signs of recovery in demand. Food and Drink Federation data shows UK whisky export volumes up 5.8 per cent in the first six months of 2026, with value up 2.2 per cent to £2.5bn. Distillers still need to work through large stocks in their warehouses first.
Balblair opens a Heathrow Terminal 3 activation
International Beverage has launched a Balblair activation at The Dome in London Heathrow Terminal 3, running throughout October. It debuts the Highland brand's Only the Pleasure concept, built around an interactive sampling ritual called The Keeps, led by trained brand ambassadors.
More Balblair tasting bars will operate at London Gatwick North Terminal through October, and at Manchester Airport Terminal 2 from late November until early January 2027. The travel retail range on show covers the 12, 15, 17 and 21 year old expressions. Balblair Distillery was founded in 1790.
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