1.   Evans said high duties in the U.K. make it hard for whisky makers to press their claims for lower tax abroad.

2.   He said Highland sold more of its mature whiskeys to other blenders, which indicates that discount whisky makers are beginning to eliminate overcapacity and are short of inventory.

3.   Japan is the second-largest export market for U.S. and European whisky makers.

4.   Meanwhile, increasing sales of mature whiskies to other blenders indicates that overcapacity is beginning to dissipate and discount whisky makers have eliminated excess inventory.

5.   European Union transport ministers agreed Monday to let whisky makers transport their golden liquid in traditional wooden casks, reversing a position that whisky loads should be labeled hazardous.

6.   The British pound has soared in recent months, giving whisky makers a big headache in key export markets.