Berry Bros. & Rudd Revives Blue Hanger 14th Edition

An exceptional blended malt aged at least 26 years, returning after more than a decade

Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, has confirmed the return of Blue Hanger with a long awaited 14th Edition, arriving more than ten years after the last release. Over thirteen editions, Blue Hanger has developed a devoted following among whisky enthusiasts and collectors, and earlier bottlings are now frequently traded at premium levels on the secondary market. The new edition signals a renewed commitment to small batch, limited release blended malt whisky made from carefully chosen parcels. It also reflects a wider premium trend in which blended malts are judged on cask selection, age and compositional skill rather than being seen merely as an entry point.

The name honours William “Blue” Hanger, 3rd Lord Coleraine, an 18th century patron of the firm celebrated for his elegant manner and signature blue attire. Rather than chasing a rigid house style, the Blue Hanger series is defined by a consistent pursuit of balance, complexity and finesse. Past editions have varied in personality, some leaning into sherried depth, others shaped by coastal smoke, yet each has aimed for harmony and a composed, layered structure. Each batch is produced in relatively small quantities, which reinforces its collectible appeal.
Blue Hanger’s story stretches back to 1934, when it was originally created for the diplomatic export market. The name then fell silent for decades before being revived in 2003, after which it became a regular, eagerly awaited release. Following a lengthy hiatus after the 13th Edition, the 14th marks the collection’s resurrection under the guidance of Felix Dear, Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Spirits Curator, who has positioned the bottling as a benchmark blend built from mature stock.

From a production perspective, Blue Hanger 14th Edition is a marriage of aged malt whiskies, with the youngest component aged 26 years. The final blend was composed from seven casks: six ex bourbon hogsheads and one ex sherry butt, selected to bring depth and contrast while retaining clarity. Bottled at 45.6% ABV, it will be released in a strictly limited run of 2,500 bottles, with an announced price of £120. The first on sale date is set for 3 March 2026, exclusively via the company’s website, before a subsequent rollout to selected whisky specialists across the UK and then to key international markets.