KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® EXPERIENCE WELCOMES FOUR NEW DESTINATIONS

World-Famous Bourbon Adventure Surpasses 70 Experiences For First Time Ever 

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour today welcomed four new destinations, pushing the total number of participating experiences past 70 for the first time and continuing the growth of Kentucky’s signature tourism attraction across the Commonwealth.

The additions include two new distilleries in downtown Louisville, a tasting room in Bowling Green and a newly rebranded and relocated distillery in Cave City along the busy Interstate 75 corridor. This brings the total to 74 unique experiences in 34 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.

“It’s an honor to welcome these four new experiences to our Bourbon Trail™ adventure, and we’re proud that more local communities than ever before are benefiting from Kentucky Bourbon tourism,” KDA President Eric Gregory said.

“Crossing that milestone of 70 destinations is something we never would have dreamed of when the KDA created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour in 1999,” he said. “It’s a testament to the diversity of world-class experiences and genteel hospitality that our member distilleries offer.

“From vibrant urban tasting experiences in Louisville to emerging destinations in Western Kentucky, these additions help introduce visitors to new communities, support local economies, and encourage travelers to explore even more of what Kentucky has to offer,” he said.

KBT® destinations welcome nearly 3 million people each year with an affluent demographic that rivals Napa Valley. About 80% of visitors are from outside Kentucky. More than 60% have household incomes above $100,000, and the average guest spends up to $1,400 per trip.

Cleo Battle, President & CEO Louisville Tourism, welcomed the two new additions to his city, saying, “Every new addition strengthens Kentucky’s Bourbon tourism industry and reinforces Louisville’s role as an Official Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience.

“These new experiences add even more depth and diversity to Louisville’s Bourbon story, giving visitors additional reasons to extend their stay, explore our neighborhoods, and discover the craftsmanship and hospitality that make our city a must-visit destination.”

The four new Kentucky Bourbon Trail® destinations include:

Louisville Region

• Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row (Louisville)
• Uncle Boojie’s Distilling Co. (Louisville)

Western Region

• Cave City Distilling Company (Cave City), formerly Balance Distillery
• Purple Toad Winery & Distillery (Bowling Green)

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour now includes a growing collection of distillery experiences, tasting rooms, and tourism destinations that collectively showcase the craftsmanship, heritage, and hospitality that define Kentucky Bourbon.

“With every new destination, visitors have more reasons to slow down, explore new communities, and savor everything our beloved Commonwealth has to offer,” Gregory said. “Kentucky’s Bourbon story continues to evolve, and we’re excited to welcome them back to Kentucky time and time again.”

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

Ardnamurchan 2018, TyndrumWhisky Exclusive PX Octave Cask #1437

Bottled exclusively for TyndrumWhisky, this single cask Ardnamurchan was distilled in 2018 and bottled in 2026 at 7 years old. Matured in a peated refill American oak ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry octave, this exclusive release yielded just 55 bottles. Bottled at natural colour and without chill-filtration, it is a rare single cask expression created exclusively for Tyndrum Whisky.

£85.00

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

THE MACALLAN 110 PROOF

We are pleased to share that The Macallan 110 Proof, part of the Sherry Oak Collection, is now available for purchase from The Macallan Online Boutique and The Macallan Estate Boutique. Bottled at 55%, 110 Proof reveals an added depth that enhances the rich and fruity character for which The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old is known.

PURCHASE THIS WHISKY

TASTING NOTES

EXPLORE COLOUR, NOSE, PALATE & FINISH

NATURAL COLOUR: Deep Amber.
NOSE: Sticky dates, cherry compote, cinnamon, cacao nibs and dried orange slices.
PALATE: Rich oak, sultanas, stem ginger, star anise, mandarin and dark chocolate coated espresso beans.
FINISH: Layers of treacle toffee, mocha and sweet cinnamon.
ABV: 55%

How is Scotch whisky made? A Step-by-Step Guide

One from the archive here. This simple guide to how Scotch whisky is made was one of our most-read blog posts last month. It’s always interesting when an older post suddenly takes off, maybe it was shared somewhere? Either way, it remains a clear, straightforward overview of the key production steps, along with the differences between malt and grain whisky.

📚 Read the Post

ralfy review 1138 Extras – Understanding the ‘Candy cask’ finish.

DEWAR’S ABERFELDY DISTILLERY CELEBRATES SUMMER WITH EXCLUSIVE BOTTLING

As summer arrives in Highland Perthshire, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery invites whisky lovers on a journey from the banks of the River Tay to the sun-drenched vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley with the launch of its latest distillery exclusive, ABERFELDY® 24-Year-Old White Port Double Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky.

The latest addition to the distillery’s Exceptional Cask Series, this rare release brings together two places united by a shared dedication to craft. Since 1898, ABERFELDY has produced whisky in the heart of Scotland, using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations, while the steep terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley have long been celebrated for producing some of the world’s most distinctive fortified wines. The result is a whisky that reflects the passion, artistry and heritage of both traditions in a single bottle.

In this limited-edition release, carefully selected White Port casks lend a distinctive layer of character to ABERFELDY’s signature honeyed style. The result is a bright and elegant expression, offering notes of ripe orchard fruits, honeyed apricots, citrus blossom and vanilla, that captures the warmth and vibrancy of summer while remaining unmistakably ABERFELDY.

Stephanie Macleod, renowned Malt Master at ABERFELDY commented:

“The choice of White Port casks was a deliberate one. Port cask maturation is often known for bringing a lively character to whisky, but White Port offers something particularly fresh and vibrant. Rich in notes of citrus peel, stone fruits and delicate nuttiness, the casks complement rather than overpower ABERFELDY’s signature honeyed style, creating an expression that feels bright, elegant and perfectly suited to the season.

“With this release, we wanted to capture something unexpected: a whisky that retains the depth and refinement expected of a 24-Year-Old Single Malt while introducing a brighter, more expressive character through the White Port finish. It is a whisky that transports you, offering a taste of Portugal through the lens of ABERFELDY craftsmanship.”

The launch also reflects ABERFELDY’s continued exploration of wine cask finishing, building on a portfolio of expressions that demonstrate how carefully chosen wine casks can enhance and elevate the distillery’s celebrated honeyed character. From the rich influence of Tuscan red wine casks to the brighter, fruit-led notes imparted by Cadillac French wine casks, these releases showcase the versatility and creativity at the heart of the distillery’s whisky-making philosophy.

With only 252 bottles available, ABERFELDY 24-Year-Old White Port Double Cask can be purchased exclusively from Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and its online store from July 7th, at an RRP of £350. Visitors to the distillery can also enjoy drams at the Distillery Bar throughout the summer for £13.

Please enjoy ABERFELDY® responsibly.

©2026. DEWAR’S, ABERFELDY AND THE RESPECTIVE TRADE DRESSES ARE TRADEMARKS.

About Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery:

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is the home of both ABERFELDY Highland Single Malt and DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky.

Established in 1898 by the Dewar family, the distillery was designed by revered architect Charles Doig, whose signature pagoda roof still dominates the skyline.

Visitors can explore the distillery’s immersive tours, learn about the whisky-making process, and enjoy tastings of its acclaimed whiskies.

DEWAR’S and ABERFELDY are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

Old Forester “1920 Prohibition Style” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

$54.99

The perfect proof. Rich in color, aroma, and flavor. It begins with powerful caramel, baking spice, chocolate, cherries, cinnamon, and toffee. Then nuance and complexity. Honey, jalapeño, rosemary, crème brûlée, malt, and fruit, from the spicy citrus of grapefruit to prunes and dried apricots. Hard to believe this is over 100 proof, as you never sense the strength challenging you to find what’s next amidst the subtlety. Extremely long finish with cherry, cinnamon, and caramel. Value Pick. (FM, Winter 2016).

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer | Review Date: 02/2017

The Old Forester 1920 is as fabulous as it is frustrating. Yes, it’s no age statement! Some of the marketing has alluded to it being an old expression, but nothing concrete can be found. The mashbill remains a mystery, though we can assume it’s the modern Old Forester recipe (72%, 18% Rye, 10% Malt), Brown-Foreman isn’t above experimenting. All we know about this stuff is that it’s high proof, it’s got something to do with Prohibition and it’s absolutely delicious. Big powerful nose of pepper and rye spice unfolds into caramelized apples and dark exotic spice. The spice takes front and center on entry, but brings in some red fruits and burnt sugar as it lingers toward a long soft finish of nutmeg, cloves and green apples. The only other fact we know for sure is that we’ll all be kicking ourselves when we finish our bottle and realize we should have bought more.

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

Claxton’s

Another Maltstock 1st is Claxton’s! Adrian Hoose will join us this year for the first time to tell you all about their beautiful square bottles and their contents. For those who do no yet know… Claxton’s is a relaxed independent bottler of unique whiskies and spirits. They have a core whisky range that includes Warehouse No.1, Warehouse No.8, Exploration Series and Grain Barn. Claxton’s will host two Drinks with… sessions

Tickets for Maltstock 2026 

Get relaxed now and get your Maltstock tickets here:

https://www.maltstock.com/shop  

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 611: Glenmorangie x Harrison Ford

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, sips with Indiana Jones… sort of. In 2025, Glenmorangie made quite a splash when it teamed up with Hollywood legend Harrison Ford for a series of advertising films. Not only were they very funny and well made, but – as became clear in May 2026 – they also served as the lead-up to an exclusive Glenmorangie x Harrison Ford release. It is a malt matured in both bourbon casks and toasted Portuguese red wine casks.

https://youtu.be/-M0x1mlFRAg