Master of Malt reveals World Cup-inspired whisky line-up with retro kits

Master of Malt has released five small-batch whiskies to coincide with the 2026 World Cup, drawing on the emotional pull of international tournaments and classic kits. The collection spans England, Scotland and Ireland (despite the latter not qualifying for the tournament).

A new set of five limited edition whiskies has been assembled to coincide with the 2026 World Cup. The releases form part of the retailer’s ongoing Bottling Line series, with labels inspired by kits from Italia ’90 and France ’98.

The designs, created in-house by Ben McKeown and Chris Gunter, draw on visual cues from those tournaments.

“There’s a moment in every football tournament where everything stops. The pub goes quiet, everyone leans forward, and you can feel it coming. That’s what we wanted to bottle here,” said head of whisky Sam Simmons.

That sense of shared anticipation sits at the centre of the collection, which brings together English, Scotch and Irish styles in small runs. Each whisky is positioned as a companion to the peaks and troughs of tournament football.

England in two styles

England’s contribution arrives in two forms; a 12-year-old single malt, distilled in 2013 and matured in a single bourbon cask, is bottled at 54% ABV and priced at £59.95. According to Master of Malt, it offers layers of malt and vanilla supported by oak, cereal and fresh fruit.

Alongside it sits the Adnams 9-year-old English rye whisky, distilled in 2016 and matured in a French oak wine cask. Bottled at 46.6% ABV and priced at £39.95, it is described by the retailer as creamy, spicy and sweet with notes of orange cream, ginger and honey.

Scotland returns to the stage

Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 is marked by two bottlings. The first is a 27-year-old single malt from Ben Nevis Distillery, distilled in 1998 and finished in a Pedro Ximénez sherry cask. Bottled at 47.5% ABV and priced at £249.95, it is described as complex with tropical fruit, melon rind and sweet pastry notes.

The second is a 12-year-old Highland single malt, distilled in 2014 and matured in an oloroso sherry hogshead. Bottled at 46.3% ABV and priced at £44.95, it is presented as approachable with a nutty, fruity character and a gently savoury edge.

Ireland represented in absence

Ireland did not qualify for the 2026 tournament, though the range still includes an Irish whiskey. An 8-year-old double cask expression combines spirit from a 12 year old red wine cask and an 8 year old first fill Bourbon cask. Bottled at 43.4% ABV and priced at £49.95, it offers tannic oak, melon and vanilla custard, according to Master of Malt.

The inclusion reflects both absence and participation, with the whisky framed as a way to “raise a glass in spirit” – although celebrating England and Scotland’s elmination is much more likely.

World Cup drinks fever marches on

Meanwhile, as previously reported by the drinks business, Stella Artois has launched a World Cup campaign centred on bar culture and shared viewing occasions, fronted by former England captain David Beckham.

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