One Whisky To Rule Them All: New Ringbearer Celebrates The 25th Anniversary Of Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring Film

Commemorating a quarter of a century since the release of the first Lord of the Rings film, this masterfully distilled single malt whisky from New Zealand is a collaborative release uniting intricate, multi-cask aging with the iconic magic of Middle-earth to create a refined experience for both LOTR fans and whisky connoisseurs.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., and MIAMI BEACH, Fla., — In honor of the official 25th anniversary of the first blockbuster The Lord of the Rings film The Fellowship of the Ring, LOTR-licensed collectibles creator Syzygy Forge, and renowned New Zealand single malt whisky distillery Pōkeno are proud to present Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky, a spirits reflection of, and whisky love letter to, the symbiotic relationship between Middle-earth and the unique landscape where the films were shot.

Syzygy Forge, official licensee of the world’s only collectible The Lord of the Rings spirits, was founded by lifelong Tolkien collector and enthusiast Jordan Costner. In search of something truly distinctive, a spirit that could connect the terroir of New Zealand with the warmth and character of something the folk of Hobbiton might proudly call their own, Costner and co-founder Shawn Mason discovered Pōkeno and its co-founder, Matt Johns, in the lands north of the Shire’s now-iconic filming location in New Zealand.

What began as a conversation soon grew into a collaboration, and from it emerged the idea for a whisky that felt as though it might have first been conceived over pints beside the fire at the legendary Green Dragon Inn.

“Working with Pōkeno gave us the opportunity to create something that feels genuinely connected to New Zealand,” said Costner. “Ringbearer is more than a licensed whisky. It’s a celebration of the land, the craft, and the place that helped bring Middle-earth to life on the big screen.”

Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky brings forth the best the New Zealand single malt whisky category has to offer. Johns, from the get go, wanted to build a whisky not only worthy of Middle-earth homage, but that also reflected his distillery’s relationship to the land around it. To this end, Pōkeno makes use of the finest barleys, sourced locally from South Island family farms and influenced by long, 90-hour fermentation cycles, to craft single malts which age exquisitely in a local sub-tropical climate extracting its Ainu (angel’s) share at a rate significantly higher than most other parts of the whisk(e)y making world, accelerating the maturation of the whiskies.

What has emerged as Ringbearer is an expression that is a fellowship unto its own. Carrying an approximate age statement of at least six years, this single malt is drawn from a generous mix of first-fill bourbon casks, virgin American oak barrels, French Muscat casks and, in a true New Zealand twist, rare, local Manuka honey-seasoned casks.

“We are very proud to be crafting creative and innovative single malts which are a true reflection of the climate and culture of our wonderful, mystical country,” noted Johns. “We have pushed the boundaries with Ringbearer with the use of Manuka honey seasoned casks which is the first time that this has been done.”

A vividly layered, dragon hoard gold colored New Zealand single malt, Ringbearer opens on the nose with a sweet vibrancy of creamy vanilla, white chocolate, and Manuka honey before dipping into white peach. A sip of this Miruvor-like elixir revives the palate with its spiciness and careful considerations of banana and melon, before evolving into rich honey on warm buttered toast. The finish? Long and richly lingering like a Lothlórien day, showcasing the Manuka honey sweetness and a fine warmth taking center stage.

One whisky to rule them all, one whisky to guide them, One whisky to bring them all in, and in the glass inspire them.

Pōkeno’s The Lord of the Rings Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky, imported exclusively into the United States by Alexander Murray & Company, in partnership with Syzygy Forge, is a 700 ml release bottled at 46% ABV and priced at $109.99. A limited edition global release, this officially licensed, 25th Anniversary collectible is presented in premium packaging the most skilled map makers of the Third Age would be proud to display amongst their cherished drawings.

Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky will be available through authorized retailers in select markets and online through licensed retail partners, where permitted by law. Additional purchasing information can be found through Syzygy Forge.

The Lord of the Rings Ringbearer Single Malt Whisky Quick Facts:
● Officially licensed
● Designed by Syzygy Forge
● Limited edition release imported into the US by Alexander Murray & Company
● Style: single malt whisky
● Mash bill: 100% malted barley sourced from local New Zealand farms
● Fermentation time: approximately 90 hours
● Distilled by Pōkeno
● Four different barrel types: first-fill bourbon casks (approximately 45% of the blend), virgin oak (approximately 35%), French Muscat casks (approximately 10%), and Manuka honey casks (the remaining 5–12%, varying by batch)
● At least six years of age
● 700 ml in size
● 46% ABV
● Price: $109.99

About Pōkeno Whisky:
Founded in 2017, Pōkeno is distributed worldwide to 30 countries, from the usual (US / Australia / UK) to the unexpected (Cambodia). The distillery is focused uniquely on creating world-class New Zealand single malt whiskies that are a true reflection of the country’s culture and climate. It has won prestigious global awards for six of its whiskies, most notably with its Triple Distilled expression from the Exploration Series named Best World Single Malt Whisky at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Awards, and Pokeno Alchemy named as one of the world’s top five small batch whiskies in the 2026 World Whiskies Awards.

About Syzygy Forge:
Syzygy Forge is a creator of officially licensed premium spirits and collectibles inspired by some of the world’s most celebrated stories. Working with leading artists, distilleries and production partners, Syzygy develops distinctive products designed to bring those worlds to life for collectors and enthusiasts.

About Alexander Murray & Co:
Founded in 2003, Alexander Murray & Co. is an independent whisky bottler and importer known for its exceptional single malt whiskies sourced from Scotland’s finest distilleries. Committed to quality and craftsmanship, Alexander Murray offers a wide range of premium whiskies enjoyed by connoisseurs around the world. With a passion for both tradition and innovation, Alexander Murray is proud to be at the forefront of whisky bottling and unique partnerships.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

EXCLUSIVE TO TRAVEL RETAIL

THE MACALLAN CARTA NAUTICA

20 YEARS OLD

Step into the world of The Macallan Carta Nautica at our pop-up experience in Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3. Drawing inspiration from the exceptional journey that has shaped The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old, the immersive space celebrates exploration, discovery and craftsmanship. 

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ABOUT THE WHISKY

The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old is an expressive legacy of both travel and time. Shaped by two continents and the ocean that connects them, this whisky is created from an anomalous selection of oak casks. Every drop has been matured in and influenced by the rich depth of sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, before being moved into casks that previously held bourbon from America to further mature, creating a character that speaks to craft and curiosity.

The Macallan Carta Nautica 20 Years Old will be available exclusively at Singapore Changi Airport from 28 September to 18 October 2026, before extending to key airport boutiques and select duty free locations around the world from 19 October 2026 onwards. There will be limited availability worldwide.

The Victoria Whisky Festival will run through Thursday the 14^th, Friday the 15^th, Saturday the 16^th and Sunday the 17^th of January 2027 at the 5-star Hotel Grand Pacific located on Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour.

The 2027 Program can be viewed HERE

ralfy review 1149 – Teachers Royal Highland 12yo @43%vol (1980’s)

Cù Bòcan breaks new ground with Creation #9, a whisky inspired by sweet and salty popcorn

Cù Bòcan, the experimental single malt crafted each winter at Tomatin Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, has released its oldest expression yet: Creation #9, a whisky inspired by the sweet and salty taste of cinema popcorn and designed for a whole new occasion to enjoy a dram.

Sweet at first and salty on the finish, Creation #9 offers a flavour combination that has you reaching for another handful. That same playful indulgence carries through to the pack’s striking popcorn box aesthetic which evokes classic cinematic nostalgia and makes it the perfect companion for movie night.

The ninth instalment in Cù Bòcan’s limited-edition Creations series, Creation #9 draws its distinctive flavour from an unlikely pairing of American virgin oak and Manzanilla sherry casks, continuing the brand’s drive to defy expectations of what a peated Scotch can taste like.

At over 17 years old, the larger share of the spirit spent its entire life maturing in American virgin oak casks, which are rarely used for such a lengthy maturation. The result is slowly built layers of vanilla, honey and caramel sweetness.

The remaining spirit spent 13 years in refill hogsheads before a four-and-a-half-year finish in Manzanilla sherry casks. Made from Palomino grapes in Sanlúcar de Barrameda on Spain’s Cadiz coast, Manzanilla is a pale, bone-dry fortified sherry whose casks carry a signature salinity, layering salted caramel, toasted almond and coastal freshness into the spirit.

Together, the two casks create the sweet and salted popcorn note that defines Creation #9.

Jamie Muir, Distillery Manager at Tomatin, said: “Creation #9 set out to prove that patience pays off in the most unexpected ways.

“The American virgin oak has given the single malt its deep, sweet backbone, but it’s the Manzanilla sherry cask that elevates the expression, bringing in the salty, savoury edge that balances all the sweetness.

“The result is one of the most unexpected flavours we’ve crafted. It’s exactly the kind of discovery that makes the Creations series so exciting, and the perfect excuse for a movie night.”

Creation #9 arrives in a bold red-and-white carton with sharp, diagonal detailing reminiscent of a classic popcorn box, a playful nod to the whisky’s stand-out flavour. Its engraved contours echo the wisp of Cù Bòcan’s signature smoke and the staves of the casks that shaped it.

Bottled at 46% ABV, natural in colour and non-chill filtered, Cù Bòcan Creation #9 is now available from Tomatin Distillery’s website and from specialist whisky retailers in the UK and worldwide, priced at £45. It is limited to 3,800 bottles globally.

For more information, visit https://tomatin.com/cu-bocan.

Cù Bòcan Creation #9 tasting notes

Nose: Vanilla, honey and caramel sweetness balanced by salted popcorn, toasted almonds and a hint of coastal salinity. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cocoa add warmth and depth.

Palate: Bright lemon zest and crisp orchard fruit, layered with toasted oak and gentle spice.

Finish: Long and gently spiced, with lingering dry oak and a subtle maritime freshness.

About Cù Bòcan

Cù Bòcan is a Highland single malt distilled, matured, and produced at the Tomatin Distillery near Inverness, renowned for its portfolio of brands including Tomatin Highland single malt, The Antiquary, Talisman and Big T.

Peat has been part of Tomatin’s story since its founding in 1897, when the distillery drew on local supplies to fire its stills. Though production shifted to an unpeated style mid-century, Tomatin revived peated runs in 2005 — sparking the birth of Cù Bòcan.

In 2005, the decision was made to produce a peated single malt and for the last week of production that year a batch of optic barley peated to 15ppm was used to produce about 60,000 litres of lightly peated spirit which was filled into a variety of different cask types.

Then, on September 3rd 2013, this lightly peated whisky produced at Tomatin was released as Cù Bòcan – a single malt at 15ppm matured in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak casks. Since then, the Cù Bòcan brand has grown with a number of vintage releases as part of the brand’s limited-edition collection.

Cù Bòcan – ‘ghost dog’ in Gaelic – is named after a spirit thought to haunt the distillery’s hometown of Tomatin.

Cù Bòcan rebranded in August 2019. It is an experimental Highland single malt that explores innovative maturation to create whiskies full of intrigue and surprise. It is made with lightly peated Scottish barley, distilled every winter in limited batches and matured in a variety of interesting casks to unlock unusual flavours.

Michael Mittermeier Presents His First Whisky: Lucky & Punch, Two Limited Single Casks from St. Kilian, Exclusively on Spiritory

One sweet cask, one smoky, named after his comedy club Lucky Punch. Limited to 500 bottles each, available to preorder from today. On 23 October, Michael Mittermeier signs them in person in Munich.

Munich, 14 October 2026: Michael Mittermeier, Germany’s comedy legend and a self-confessed lover of good whisky for many years, has now created his very first dram. Together with the award-winning St. Kilian Distillers, he presents Lucky & Punch, two single cask single malts named after his comedy club. There are only 500 bottles of each, and every single one is available exclusively on Spiritory, where preorders open today at 11:00 CEST.

From the Stage to the Cask

For Michael Mittermeier, six-time winner of the German Comedy Award, whisky has never been a sideline. He has been a great fan of Scotch single malt for years. In his video podcast “Mittermeiers Whisky Montag”, every glass came with a story, told the way only a comedian can. So his first whisky had to carry more than his name. It had to bring his art and his passion together.

Lucky Punch is the comedy club he has run with his wife Gudrun since 2023, with venues in Munich and Vienna. A place for the unexpected hit that lands against all odds. For his first whisky, Mittermeier split the name in two: Lucky for the softer, sweeter cask, Punch for the one that hits harder.

“For me, making whisky is an interplay of creativity, craft and tradition, quite comparable to comedy. While I present my art on stage, whisky unfolds its magic in the glass and on the tongue, and I am proud to now present my very own first expressions. The makers at St. Kilian really know their craft, and together we have landed two real hits. With Spiritory, we also have a retail partner that stands for fine whisky.”

MICHAEL MITTERMEIER

Two Casks, Two Characters

The whiskies were not chosen from a catalogue. Mittermeier travelled to St. Kilian in Rüdenau, Lower Franconia, walked through the warehouse, tasted his way extensively from cask to cask and picked the two that would carry his name. Theresult is a pair that could hardly be more different: one shaped by a sweet fortified wine from Portugal, the other by heavy peat and Tawny Port.

“Where else do you find that: a mega comedian from Bavaria who is also an absolute whisky expert and loves whisky! This collaboration was made for us at St. Kilian, and now it’s full throttle with Lucky & Punch.”

ANDREAS THÜMMLER, FOUNDER OF ST. KILIAN DISTILLERS

St. Kilian Lucky by Michael Mittermeier 50cl

Lucky comes from Cask Nr.9394, a former Moscatel de Setúbal cask. Distilled in July 2022, it was bottled as a single cask at 46.7% vol, with no added colour and no chill filtration, and is limited to 500 bottles of 500 ml. In the glass it opens with floral and winey notes and fresh orange, joined by dried fruit, caramelised walnuts, honey and toffee, carried by creamy vanilla and gentle oak spice. On the palate it is soft, round and balanced: honeyed sweetness and fruit gradually give way to creamy toffee and fine nutty notes. The long finish lingers on vanilla, sweet toffee and caramelised walnuts.

St. Kilian Punch by Michael Mittermeier 50cl

Punch comes from Cask Nr.5914, a former Tawny Port cask, and is heavily peated at 80 ppm. Distilled in November 2020, it was bottled as a single cask at 48.3% vol, with no added colour and no chill filtration, and is likewise limited to 500 bottles of 500 ml. In the glass it opens fruity with red fruit and ripe figs, backed by gentle oak spice and a touch of cinnamon. On the palate it is creamy and full-bodied, the ashy smoke settling gently over the fruity, spicy notes without overpowering them. The long finish belongs to dark chocolate and well-integrated smoke.

Only on Spiritory

Lucky & Punch is sold nowhere else. Both whiskies are available exclusively on Spiritory, where preorders open on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at 11:00 CEST. Each bottle costs €59 plus shipping. Both whiskies are also available together as the St. Kilian Lucky & Punch by Michael Mittermeier Set. Anyone who preorders up to and including 16 October with store pickup can collect their bottle at the whisky unveiling at the Spiritory Shop in Munich and have it signed there by Mittermeier in person. All other orders are delivered to whisky lovers and collectors in 11 European countries, with shipping from 26 October 2026.

“Lucky & Punch brings together everything Michael stands for: humour, timing and a real passion for whisky. We are delighted that these two single casks are available only on Spiritory, and we can’t wait to unveil them with him at our Munich shop on 23 October.”

JANIS WILCZURA, CEO OF SPIRITORY

Whisky Unveiling in Munich

The whisky unveiling of Lucky & Punch takes place on Friday, 23 October 2026, from 5:00 pm at the Spiritory Shop at Stemmerhof, Plinganserstraße 6, 81369 Munich, Germany. Michael Mittermeier will be there in person to sign the preordered bottles as well as the bottles available to buy in the shop. Since there are only a few of them, preordering is the surest way to get Lucky & Punch.

About Michael Mittermeier:

Michael Mittermeier, born in 1966 in Dorfen, Upper Bavaria, is one of Germany’s best-known comedians. Since his breakthrough with “Zapped” in 1996 he has toured with programmes including “Paranoid”, “Achtung Baby!”, “Wild” and “Lucky Punch”, and has performed in English in New York and London, at the Edinburgh Fringe and at Just for Laughs in Montreal. He has won the Deutscher Comedypreis six times, the Deutscher Kleinkunstpreis in 2021 and the Bayerischer Kabarettpreis in 2026. Together with his wife Gudrun he runs the Lucky Punch Comedy Clubs in Munich and Vienna. A long-time whisky enthusiast, he shares his favourite drams in his video podcast “Mittermeiers Whisky Montag”.

About St. Kilian Distillers:

St. Kilian Distillers was founded in 2012 by Andreas Thümmler and partners in Rüdenau, Lower Franconia, and describes itself as Germany’s largest whisky distillery. Under master distiller Mario Rudolf it follows the Scottish tradition and has won national and international recognition, including Distillery of the Year (2023) and World-Class Distillery (2023 and 2025) at the World Spirits Award, and Best Whisky Distillery National 2024 at InterWhisky’s Der Whisky-Botschafter Award.

About Spiritory:

Spiritory is an exchange-based live marketplace for spirits enthusiasts and collectors. The platform enables users to buy and sell their favourite spirits in a transparent and secure way. Users benefit from transparent and secure processing, but can also find inspiration, manage their portfolio, and access thousands of important data points. As Europe’s leading marketplace, the company also enables the straightforward digitalisation of retailers, brands, and distilleries. Founded in Munich in 2022, Spiritory today serves customers in 11 European countries and, together with distilleries such as St. Kilian, also brings exclusive releases to market that are available nowhere else.

St. Ola® (Orkney) 25 Year Old 2001 Unicorn 2nd Release The Allfather

£99.98

Nose Heather honey, ripe orchard fruits and polished oak with sea air, citrus peel, gentle smoke and soft aromatic spice. Palate Mature and layered, with honeyed malt, baked apple, orange oil and subtle peat alongside maritime salinity, warming spice and elegant oak. Finish Long and refined, with lingering honey, soft smoke, citrus, spice and a distinctly coastal Orcadian character.

St. Ola® 25 Year Old 2001 Unicorn – 2nd Release: The Allfather is a rare Orcadian single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 2001 at a mystery Orkney distillery and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel as part of the acclaimed Unicorn Series. Matured in a single hogshead cask #TWB154 and bottled in 2026 at natural cask strength of 52.5% ABV, this exceptional release yielded just 202 bottles.

Presented unfiltered and at natural cask strength, it is the second chapter in The Whisky Barrel’s mature Orkney trilogy. Entitled The Northern Legacy, the trilogy brings together three 25-year-old TWB single casks that matured side by side and reached their peak together. Each offers its own distinct expression of Orcadian single malt while sharing the maturity, maritime character and unmistakable sense of place associated with Scotland’s far northern islands. This second release follows the now sold-out sister cask, The Longship, continuing the story with another highly limited 25 year old Orkney single malt. The second chapter, The Allfather, draws inspiration from Orkney’s deep Norse heritage. Here, the Unicorn encounters Odin – The Allfather – seeker of wisdom, keeper of countless tales and one of the central figures of Norse mythology.

The bespoke Unicorn artwork reflects that heritage, continuing a trilogy rooted in Orkney’s landscape, history, culture and enduring northern identity. At 25 years old, this single cask displays the poise and complexity that comes with long maturation. Honeyed malt, orchard fruit, maritime freshness, soft smoke and gentle spice are layered with polished oak, creating a mature yet vibrant expression of Orcadian single malt. Bottled at 52.5% ABV, the whisky retains excellent texture and depth while preserving the character of the spirit.

• 25 year old Orcadian single malt Scotch whisky
• Distilled in 2001 at a mystery Orkney distillery
• Matured in single hogshead cask #TWB154
• Bottled in 2026
• Bottled at natural cask strength of 52.5% ABV
• Exceptionally limited release of just 202 bottles
• Unfiltered and bottled at natural cask strength
• Bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel
• The second release in The Northern Legacy trilogy
• Follows the now sold-out sister release, The Longship
• Release title: The Allfather
• Part of The Whisky Barrel’s acclaimed Unicorn Series
• Bespoke artwork inspired by Odin, Norse mythology and Orkney’s northern heritage

The St. Ola® 25 Year Old 2001 Unicorn – The Allfather is the second release in The Northern Legacy, a trilogy of rare Orcadian single casks selected exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. Following the sold-out first release, The Longship, this 25 year old single malt continues the story with just 202 bottles drawn from hogshead #TWB154 at 52.5% ABV. It is a compelling release for collectors and enthusiasts of Orkney whisky, 25 year old single malt, cask strength Scotch whisky, mystery distillery bottlings, Norse-inspired whisky, and The Whisky Barrel Unicorn Series.

Hibiki Harmony 2026 Limited Edition Chiso Collaboration

Two icons of Japanese craftsmanship come together in this remarkable limited edition bottle. Created by Kyoto’s prestigious Chiso Kimono House, the artwork adorning Hibiki Japanese Harmony’s 24-faceted bottle reimagines traditional auspicious motifs in a striking contemporary style.

Sakura and Tachibana bloom together – with other cherished flowers – to represent happiness and longevity. Inspired by the whisky’s radiant amber glow, the design captures the harmony, elegance and vibrant character that define Hibiki. The colour palette matches the amber liquid inside as it reveals its honeyed sweetness flecked with candied orange peel.

We imagine pouring some on a crisp autumnal day, the light flicking through the bottle as its seasonal shades dance across the table. A truly special release with excellent gifting potential.

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ralfy review 1148 Extras – Two Laphroaigs compared & contrasted.