Expanding the Adventure: Roaming Road Spirits Debuts American Whiskey Single Barrel Initiative

Award-winning independent bottler, known for showcasing unique, premium barrel-aged spirits sourced from around the world with a distinctive point of view, expands its domestic single barrel program to include American whiskeys.

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Roaming Road Spirits, a specialized purveyor of unique and rare single barrel selections from around the world presented at cask strength, operates under the philosophy developed by brand owner Mike Gilmore: “We Go Where The Spirit Takes Us.” Having successfully launched extensive single cask offerings globally and Irish whiskey that consumers can order for themselves directly from Roaming Road’s website, the brand is now focused on strengthening its domestic single barrel program in the United States because of popular demand.

Gilmore brings more than 20 years of hands-on experience in bourbon and American whiskey to the program. Over the course of his career, he has selected barrels for exclusive releases at his retail store while steadily acquiring and developing an extensive inventory of barrels of his own.

American bourbon and rye were never intended to be part of the original Roaming Road launch in 2024. Gilmore’s initial vision focused instead on importing exceptional spirits from overseas, including single cask aged rums sourced from diverse origins, and introducing those selections to a growing audience through a commitment to authenticity in everything he selects. As his reputation in barrel selection developed, he also found success exporting American whiskey barrel picks to overseas markets, particularly Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The idea for the domestic American whiskey offering emerged organically when friends, fellow store owners, and other industry contacts began asking whether they could select exclusive barrels from Gilmore’s existing inventory for their own customers and organizations. Those inquiries prompted him to make the opportunity available more broadly in the United States.

“For more than 20 years, I have been tasting and selecting bourbon and American whiskey barrels, initially for exclusive releases at my own retail store and, over time, for the barrel inventory I was building,” said Gilmore. “American whiskey was not part of the original plan for Roaming Road, but friends and store owners kept asking about choosing exclusive barrels from my inventory. 

“This program grew directly from those requests.”

The expanded Roaming Road single barrel program allows specialty whiskey retailers, restaurants, hotels, private spirits clubs, businesses, and private entities alike the chance to experience a curated, cask-by-cask selection from Gilmore’s existing barrel inventory. It can include, depending upon what’s available at the time, the finest Kentucky bourbons and Kentucky rye whiskeys in various mash bills and from diverse distillery sources, rare single cask rums or other distinctive spirits.

The approach Roaming Road takes to clients wanting a single barrel pick is consultative in nature. Gilmore works with each client to narrow down their preferences — such as rye versus bourbon, mash bill style, and flavor profile — before providing personalized samples that can be evaluated prior to committing to a barrel. Final selections can be created for club members, clients, special events, corporate programs, or year-end gift giving.

“A private barrel should reflect the people or business selecting it,” said Gilmore. “My role is to understand what they enjoy, guide them through the available inventory, and help them identify a barrel they will be proud to share with members, customers, clients, or friends.”

Two pathways exist for those wanting to participate in the program. Samples can be shipped directly to the prospective buyer for consideration, or, for those wanting a more immersive adventure, Gilmore personally hosts a hands-on barrel-selection experience at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky, where his barrel inventory is stored. During this on-site visit, subject to scheduling and availability, Gilmore works directly with each client to taste, evaluate, and curate the barrel best suited to their preferences. The experience may also include a walkthrough of the rickhouse, a viewing of his barrel inventory, and the opportunity to sample select non-bourbon or rye barrels for an even more distinctive tasting experience.

Once all the details have been finalized, cases from the selected barrel may be shipped directly to the private individual placing the order, including a club representative or business purchaser, where legally permitted and through Roaming Road’s approved fulfillment channels.

Licensed retail stores, restaurants, and hotels may also obtain selections through the normal three-tier distribution system and their customary licensed distribution channels. Availability, delivery method, and ordering requirements will depend on the buyer’s license status and destination.

For more information on the Roaming Road Spirits single barrel program, please visit the website and submit your information via the private barrel selection form.

 About Roaming Road

Roaming Road Spirits is not just a brand; it’s a philosophy. With a unique and adventurous motto,” We Go Where The Spirit Takes Us,” Founder Mike Gilmore has built a highly-regarded brand that constantly searches for the best single cask spirits, regardless of geographical boundaries. This passion project of Mike’s is not about highlighting every barrel selection out there but about identifying those of the highest quality that fit his mission, both domestically and internationally, to deliver integrity, discovery, and distinctive spirits. This thoughtful point of view gives Roaming Road unparalleled access to an extremely deep and ever-growing catalog of expressions across a range of categories, inviting you to join in the adventure.

HIBIKI JAPANESE HARMONY 2026 LIMITED EDITION: CHISO COLLABORATION 

The House of Suntory Unveils Hibiki® Japanese Harmony Limited-Edition Designed in Collaboration with Legendary Kimono House Chiso

New collectable bottle celebrates more than 470 years of Japanese artistry through a design inspired by traditional kimono craftsmanship

RRP £125 

Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky is being presented in a new limited-edition bottle and gift box created with Chiso, the historic Kyoto kimono house founded in 1555.

Inspired by Japan’s changing seasons, Chiso has reimagined Hibiki’s iconic 24-faceted bottle with jewel-toned floral motifs drawn from traditional kimono craftsmanship, including sakura, ume, tsubaki and tachibana.

The release forms part of Hibiki’s 2026 global campaign, The Masterpiece of Japanese Artistry, starring Emmy-winning actress Anna Sawai as Hibiki’s first Global Ambassador, with Anna wearing a bespoke kimono created by Chiso for the campaign.

Inside is the classic Hibiki Japanese Harmony blend, with notes of rose, lychee, candied orange peel, white chocolate, sandalwood and Mizunara Japanese oak.

Neil McDonald, Spirits Buyer at Selfridges, says, “The Hibiki Japanese Harmony Chiso Collaboration bottle is a standout choice for gifting this year. The combination of Hibiki’s exceptional Japanese whisky with Chiso’s centuries of kimono craftsmanship creates something that feels genuinely special, both as a bottle to enjoy and as a beautifully designed object. For Selfridges customers looking for a distinctive, luxurious and collectable gift, it is one of my key picks for the festive season.”

Stockists: Selfridges, Harrods, The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt

£325.00

Part of the Speymalt from Macallan range by Gordon & MacPhail, this single malt was distilled in 2004 and bottled in 2026. The range showcases Macallan whisky matured in casks selected by Gordon & MacPhail. This release comes from cask #22606608 and was bottled at 59.3% ABV.

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

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ralfy review 1153 Extras – The Freedom of Independence.

Kythe Distillery kicks off production

marking a new era for old-style Highland distilling

 “Efficiency is the enemy of character.” Angus MacRaild, Kythe Distillery

Newly-built Kythe Distillery in Highland Perthshire has kicked off production of its single malt this season. Not only does this denote the arrival of a new Scotch whisky distillery, it marks a return of heritage brewing and distilling techniques, inspired and informed by old-style Highland Scotch production. The first casks of Kythe’s spirit will be laid down this autumn.

With construction beginning in 2024, Kythe – a Scots word meaning to show, demonstrate or prove – is a concept 14 years in the making. It has been established and driven forward by three close whisky friends: Angus MacRaild, Jonny McMillan and Aaron Chan – all of whom are known in the whisky industry for their work across various brands, companies and clubs over the past two decades.

The distillery was borne out of the trio’s passion to revive historic  practices used by brewers and distillers 60 years ago. As such, the overriding ethos at Kythe is to prioritise character of spirit above and beyond modern whisky commercialisation.

Located on Hills of Bendochy Farm – a working farm located near Blairgowrie – Kythe Distillery spans over two former farm barns, incorporating a mash house (with a 1 tonne- sized mash tun), a 6000L wash still, 4000L spirit still and onsite warehousing – all converted from previous farm outbuildings.  Annual production is targeted at 60,000 LPA.

Using primarily heritage processes and barleys to make the single malt, the team has consciously selected  specific production methods to ensure that the distillery is deliberately recreating the character of mid-20th century Scotch, including: 

Direct Wood Fire: Arguably the most unique and challenging part of Kythe’s production is the distillery’s use of direct wood fire on its wash still. It takes inspiration directly from the distilling methodology from the 50s and 60s, making it one of an exceptionally few whisky distilleries globally using wood to directly fire a wash still. The team believes that the unusual use of direct wood fire, reaching temperatures in excess of 800°C, gives an ultimately richer, more distinctive and textured spirit.

Barley: Maris Otter barley mostly grown on the farm within sight of the distillery, ensuring that Kythe’s sense of place is part of the process. All spirit is currently created using low-yielding, protein-rich Maris Otter, with other heritage barleys on the horizon to build up an exceptional and varied inventory.  All of Kythe’s barley is floor malted.

Fermentation: Use of traditional wooden washbacks, with the capacity to ferment for up to two weeks for greater flexibility and experimentation. Kythe has returned to the traditional method of sourcing yeast, working with Scotland’s oldest working brewery, Belhaven, to pitch spent brewer’s yeast for all fermentations.  Following archival research into historic Scotch malt whisky production, the distillery co-pitches with the original 1950s pressed M strain distiller’s yeast.  All to create a rich, exotic fruit flavour in the matured spirit that’s characteristic of old-style Highland Scotch whisky.

Angus MacRaild, Whisky Maker, said: “Kythe is a project to make old-style Highland malt whisky without compromise; to create something beautiful. We believe efficiency is the enemy of character. We want to create a spirit that is second-to-none in the way of texture and flavour, using past traditions  to take today’s whisky forward. When we first explored building our own distillery we realised that some of the techniques that are no longer used are fundamental to the development of spirit character. Modern day automation has meant the focus has shifted to volume and cost-saving initiatives instead of exceptional, distinct flavour.”   

“It’s incredibly challenging to work with direct wood fire; there’s a lack of control, uncomfortable working conditions and at its heart it’s messy, but what we do see as a result of our persistence, is a spirit that is reviving lost flavours for the future.”  

“We are creating something different at Kythe and hope that the whisky community will love what we are trying to do and the spirit that we are making for them.”

Jonny McMillan, Distillery Manager, said: “Kythe is born of a love for old-style whisky and a lost lexicon of flavours that has largely disappeared from modern whisky making. It is a huge labour of love for us.”

“From finding the site, to conceptualising our processes and beginning production – it’s no mean feat starting a distillery. And to make matters more challenging, we’ve added old highly labour-intensive processes. However that’s the charm at Kythe. We don’t want to take any shortcuts with our spirit –  it will take longer to produce and be more costly, but we are doing this to create something special and rekindle a past chapter in Scotch whisky making. This has always been about taking our own path to pay homage to brewing and distilling techniques that have been left behind in the modern age of whisky making. And don’t expect a gift shop any time soon.”

Aaron Chan, Chairman said: “One thing we are particularly proud of at Kythe Distillery is that our shareholders are whisky lovers from more than ten countries around the world. Every one of us chose to support this distillery for the same simple reason: a genuine love of whisky. We also share a common ambition to recreate the old-style whisky that we have all come to know and love.”

Kythe is laying down its spirit now using mainly refill ex-bourbon and sherry casks matured onsite at the distillery and anticipates bottling the first release in around eight year’s time, or when they believe the spirit is truly ready.

Later this autumn, the distillery will offer whisky lovers the opportunity to purchase a cask of their very own Kythe spirit.

For more details of when the cask programme launches, follow Kythe Distillery at @kythedistillery on Instagram or visit www.kythedistillery.com. You can also hear more about Kythe’s story in the distillery’s short film here Kythe Distillery — Production Begins.

Lancaster Spirits Co Unveils New Single Malt Cream Liqueur

Lancaster Spirits Co is delighted to announce the launch of its first-ever cream liqueur, a rich and indulgent expression crafted using the distillery’s own single malt spirit. Launching this Autumn, the new release marks an exciting departure for the distillery, bringing its house character into a smoother, more accessible format for whisky lovers and newcomers alike.

The liqueur combines Lancaster Spirits Co’s signature single malt with a vegan cream base, resulting in a velvety, full-bodied drink that showcases the depth and warmth of the underlying spirit without relying on dairy. The decision to use a vegan cream reflects the distillery’s ongoing commitment to innovation and to making its range as inclusive as possible, without compromising on flavour or texture.

The first batch will be strictly limited to just 1,000 bottles, each presented in a 50cl bottle at 17% ABV. With a recommended retail price of £25.00, the liqueur is designed to sit comfortably alongside the distillery’s existing range, offering an approachable entry point into the Lancaster Spirits Co story.

The launch represents a natural evolution for the distillery, allowing master blender Max McFarlane and distillery manager Craig Drake to explore new creative territory beyond traditional whisky production. By pairing the distillery’s single malt with a carefully balanced cream base, the team has been able to create a product that is distinctly Lancaster Spirits Co in character, while opening the brand up to new occasions and new audiences.

Given the limited size of the first batch, early interest is expected to be high, and bottles are likely to sell quickly once they become available. Lancaster Spirits Co is encouraging customers keen to secure a bottle to keep an eye on the distillery’s website and social channels ahead of the August launch.

Chris Pateman, Commercial Manager, Lancaster Spirits Co., said: ‘’This is such a fun addition to our range. We wanted to create something that captures everything people love about our single malt, but in a completely different, more indulgent style. Using a vegan cream was really important to us; we didn’t want anyone to miss out, and we’re really proud of how smooth and balanced the final liqueur is. Because we’re starting with such a small first batch, this feels like a genuinely special release for us and for our customers.’’

The single malt cream liqueur will be available to purchase directly from the distillery from Autumn  2026, with further details on stockists to be confirmed closer to launch.

Lancaster Spirits Co is an independent distillery based in Lancaster, England, dedicated to producing high-quality single malt spirit with a focus on craft, character, and transparency. The launch of the single malt cream liqueur marks an exciting new chapter in the distillery’s ongoing story, building on the loyal following earned by its core single malt range.

To find out more about Lancaster Spirits Co, explore its spirits, or book a distillery tour, visit https://lancasterspirits.co.uk

New Smokers from Scotland!

The famous/infamous peaty whiskies from the glorious, gorgeous island of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides are well-known around the globe, often loved and, to be fair, sometimes hated. Put me firmly in the “love it!” camp, since acquiring my first bottle of Laphroaig in 1989. If you don’t love these bottles—that’s OK! You’re still cool! But if you do love the smokers, you’ll be as thrilled as I am to find some new offerings on your local liquor shelf…that is to say, exclusively at The Party Source.

We have the Port Askaig line of Islay single malts, named for the hamlet that greets the visitor to Islay when they hop off the ferry from the mainland. Just up the coast from Port Askaig (2,400 feet away as the crow flies) is Caol Ila Distillery, the largest on Islay and pretty much surely the source of this whisky. The Port Askaig whisky range is all bottled without chill filtration, featuring generous sherry cask aging at the younger ages, yet a 100% Bourbon cask regimen at the 17-year level, for a total purity of Caol Ila. I’ve always enjoyed Caol Ila; it’s not the very smokiest dram on the island, maybe an 8.5 to a 9.0 out of 10 on Jay’s Peat Scale. What it does have, on the backside of that smoky peat, is a glorious brininess that many have compared to green olives. And I sure do love me some olives.

Then, getting even more creative, is the Elements of Islay portfolio. These blended malt whiskies (I preferred the now-archaic term vatted malt, but it indicates a blend of multiple malt whiskies) bring in several distilleries from around Islay. The website mentions “rich, smoky single malt from Islay’s South Coast married together with a fresher, fruitier style from the North,” which suggests to me a peaty south shore malt (Laphroaig? Lagavulin?) mixed with, perhaps, some Caol Ila on the north side, and maybe there’s a little unpeated Bunnahabhain thrown in for good measure. The whole shebang is then treated to assorted cask aging—some sherry cask, some all-Bourbon, all of it rockin’! Bottom line, if you dig the peaty-peat, don’t miss Elements of Islay.

What makes people remember a whisky tasting?

A great whisky tasting is about more than what’s in the glass. The atmosphere, the stories and the conversations can be just as important in shaping the experience.

We asked Dave Broom, Joe Cabassa, Gordon Steele, Sandy MacIntyre and Vic Cameron what helps create a relaxed, pressure-free tasting. Their advice? Lead with warmth rather than authority, encourage discussion instead of searching for “correct” answers, tell stories that bring the whisky to life and always keep beginners in mind.

Read their advice in full to create a whisky tasting that stays with your guests long after the final dram.

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Whisky and books are an excellent combination. With all the stormy weather we’ve been having, there’s nothing quite like staying inside and cosying up with a new read. We’ve paired our favourite genres along with some of our Last Drops. Best get going; these whiskies are the last of their kind, and when they’re gone, their story is complete.

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video