After More Than a Decade, Blue Hanger Whisky Returns with a New Edition

by Francis Moses

Thursday, 12 March 2026 at 12:36

Berry Bros Blue Hanger 14th Edition whisky

Berry Bros. & Rudd has revived one of its most-discussed blended whiskies. It has taken over a decade for a new release to follow, and the merchant has unveiled the Blue Hanger 14th Edition.

The name is familiar to a lot of whisky enthusiasts. The older versions have developed a huge following, and some of the bottles are currently sold at a much higher price than they were initially sold at. This is a new release from seven different casks, with the youngest whisky aged 26 years. The production makes this one of the oldest editions in the series so far.

A delicate mixture of aged whiskies

It was mixed with Berry Bros. & Rudd spirits curator Felix Dear. In making the whisky, he used the liquid in six ex-bourbon hogsheads and one ex-sherry butt. Those casks carry somewhat other personalities. The bourbon barrels tend to provide more vanilla liquor, and the sherry wood may provide more fruit flavour.

A name with a long history

The Blue Hanger name dates back centuries. It refers to William “Blue” Hanger, the 3rd Lord Coleraine, who wore bright blue clothing.

The name was first used in 1934 by Berry Bros. & Rudd for a whisky blend sold abroad. The brand had been out of circulation for several years when, in 2003, spirits manager Doug McIvor revived it.

The series had acquired a following over time. A number of previous publications are now scarce.

A welcome comeback

Felix Dear said they never really had a request to quit Blue Hanger. There was still doubt on whether the series would be revisited even after the long break between editions, as collectors still enquired about the same.

The new blend shall remain faithful to what Blue Hanger has always attempted to do, which is to make older whips in a balanced and complex blend.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Soft fruit and vanilla at first, followed by the soft oak in the background.
Taste: The sweetness of malt is combined with dried fruit and light spice.
Finish: Lengthy, warming, and lingering oak and gentle sweetness.

The whisky has been bottled at 45.6% ABV.

Where to get the Blue Hanger whisky?

Blue Hanger 14th Edition became available for sale on March 3, 2026, via the Berry Bros. & Rudd website. Only 2,500 bottles have been produced for this release, though it may be distributed more widely later in 2026. The Berry Bros. & Rudd Blue Hanger 14th edition whisky costs 120 pounds.