The Glenlivet Captures The Sun-Soaked Spirit Of Provence In New Limited Edition

The Glenlivet, the iconic single malt Scotch whisky crafted in Scotland’s Livet Valley, today unveils its 12 Year Old Provence Edition: a new limited-edition release inspired by a region celebrated for its sun-soaked landscapes, vibrant flavours, and relaxed way of life.

The latest in The Glenlivet’s Beyond Speyside series, the Provence Edition invites whisky lovers to experience single malt through a distinctly Provençal lens. True to its Scottish roots while inspired by the character of Southern France, this expression demonstrates how a heritage Scotch can embrace new influences while remaining unmistakably itself.

Under the guidance of Cask Master, Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet’s cask experts created a first-of-its-kind expression for The Glenlivet, selectively finishing the whisky in three French wine cask types*, including rare cru classé casks from Château Sainte Marguerite in Provence, one of only 18 estates to hold the prestigious Cru Classé des Côtes de Provence designation.

The limited-edition release combines Château Sainte Marguerite white wine casks with Rivesaltes and Sauternes casks, each contributing its own character to the whisky. Château Sainte Marguerite casks deliver bright citrus and elegant floral notes, Rivesaltes casks add nuttiness and warming spice, while Sauternes casks bring rich marmalade and crème brûlée flavours.

The result is a beautifully balanced single malt, layering The Glenlivet’s elegant and mellow house style with delicate floral complexity and ripe orchard fruit notes. White peach, nectarine, pear and bright citrus are complemented by subtle spice, creating a flavour profile that brings a sun-ripened character to The Glenlivet’s signature style.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master, commented: “With the Provence Edition, we wanted to take The Glenlivet somewhere unexpected. The challenge was introducing new layers of flavour inspired by Provence while remaining unmistakably The Glenlivet. By actively monitoring the finishing process and carefully balancing the influence of Château Sainte Marguerite, Rivesaltes, and Sauternes wine casks, we have created a whisky that delivers vibrant orchard fruit, elegant floral notes and exceptional complexity; capturing the vibrancy and elegance that inspired this release.”

Aurélie Torre, Vice President of Marketing Specialty Whiskies adds: “The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition captures the spirit of The Glenlivet: rooted in our Scottish craft yet inspired by the spirit of the South of France. Through the first-ever use of French white wine casks in a Glenlivet expression, this release demonstrates how we can remain true to the character that has defined us for generations, while continuing to surprise and delight whisky lovers with a new taste experience. Its recent Gold medal at the 2026 Scotch Whisky Masters is a testament to the quality, craftsmanship and innovation at the heart of this single malt.”

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition is presented in a vibrant, elevated packaging inspired by the vivid landscapes and effortless elegance of Provence. Rich lavender hues, warm golden tones and refined design details evoke the region’s iconic vineyards, floral fields and Riviera glamour. The Glenlivet’s signature teal complements the Provençal colour palette, celebrating the meeting of Scottish craft and Provençal inspiration in a design that feels every bit as vibrant as the whisky itself.

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition is available in select markets around the world at recommended price of $54.99 USD. For more information, visit www.theglenlivet.com or follow @theglenlivet. 

* A portion of the whisky is finished in French wine and Provence cru classé wine casks 

OCTOBER 2026 AUCTION ENDING SOON!

Our October auction is drawing to a close, but there is still time to bid on some truly special bottles. Among the highlights is the Balvenie 15 Years Old Craftsman’s Reserve No.1  The Cooper, a highly sought-after release with a unique place in the distillery’s history. Named in honour of the six coopers responsible for preparing and maintaining the distillery’s casks, it celebrates the craftsmanship at the heart of Balvenie’s whisky-making tradition. With just 515 bottles produced and as the first and last Warehouse 24 exclusive of its kind, this is a rare opportunity for collectors to secure a distinctive piece of Balvenie history before the auction closes.

Another exceptional bottle in our October auction is this Dailuaine 17 Years Old Manager’s Dram, bottled in 2000, a rare release from a much-loved series traditionally reserved for distillery employees. These annual bottlings were selected by distillery managers from their finest casks and released in limited quantities at cask strength, making them particularly appealing to collectors. Distilled at Dailuaine and aged for 17 years, this expression was bottled at an impressive 59.5% ABV. With its exclusive origins and place in the celebrated Manager’s Dram series, it offers a fascinating opportunity to acquire a distinctive piece of Scotch whisky history!

Another standout in our October auction is this Tamnavulin 1973 25 Years Old New Century release, a rare vintage Speyside single malt of yesteryear. Distilled in 1973 and matured for a quarter of a century before its release, this bottling offers a glimpse into the history of Tamnavulin and the character of whisky produced during the 1970’s. With its impressive age and increasingly distant vintage, this is an appealing opportunity for collectors seeking older Speyside whiskies and distinctive releases from a bygone era.

Also featured in our October auction is this Glenfarclas 1991 Christmas Edition, a charming vintage release from one of Speyside’s most respected family-owned distilleries. Distilled in 1991, this special bottling captures a moment in Glenfarclas’s history, combining the appeal of an older vintage with the distinctive heritage of the Christmas Edition series. A characterful and increasingly hard-to-find release, this is an appealing addition for collectors of vintage Glenfarclas and those seeking something a little different for their whisky collection.

These featured lots are just a glimpse of what’s on offer in our October Auction. Visit clickwhiskyauctions.com to browse the full auction and discover many more remarkable bottles. Bidding closes from 8pm BST on Sunday, 18th October. Remember, you have to be in it to win it! Register today to bid on your favourite drams.

Jay Erisman · Fine Spirits Buyer

Hey, Bourbon Month? Rye Was Here First!

Here on the banks of the Ohio River…on the correct side of the river for Bourbon…we are celebrating Bourbon all month long in September, National Bourbon Month. But what about America’s oldest whiskey? Isn’t that Bourbon? NO! No, it is not Bourbon: RYE WHISKEY was the first whiskey distilled, perhaps around 1760, in our soon-to-be-Union. The corn-led, corn-fed Bourbon category didn’t truly come to be until westward expansion and settlement reached Kentucky, and a literal raft of farmer-distillers reached these lands where corn grows so well. But before the Revolution of 1775-76, the predominant grain on the east coast and up into New England was rye. A hardy European grain, rye took well to the cooler temperatures and poorer soils of the northeast. Among the leading early rye distillers was none other than George Washington—you can visit a reconstructed distillery on the grounds of his home/plantation Mount Vernon today, who reported the demand for rye whiskey “in these parts” was “brisk.”

As European expansion moved westward, rye whiskey went along with the farmers. The Monongahela River valley in western Pennsylvania gained particular acclaim for its rye whiskey, an industry that would persevere until Prohibition, after which it Largely ceased. Another rye tradition was centered around Maryland rye, of which the brand Pikesville survives today (though distilled in Kentucky by Heaven Hill). Some of these farmer-distillers continued west into the environs of Ohio and onwards; today we have just one of them remaining, the absolutely incredible Indian Creek Distillery in New Carlisle, Ohio, and well worth a visit to see their 1820-vintage stills. Today American rye whiskey is healthier than ever, as veritable lakes of whiskey cascade out of America’s distilleries, none more so than our neighbor in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the ex-Seagram’s distillery known today as MGP continues to crank out  a thrilling mashbill of 95% rye. But there is one more tradition that was yet to be recovered…

In post-Civil War days, American distillers conceived of a new type of still, unique in the world, that somewhat bridges the gap between the perceived small-handed artisanship of the pot still and the higher industrial output of the column still. This was the three-chambered still, and it particularly was used to distill rye whiskey, often then used as a blending agent. No three-chambered stills would survive Prohibition, with none operating in America…until Todd Leopold had an idea.

Leopold Brothers ranks today as one of America’s greatest craft distilleries. Founded in 1999 in Michigan, they’ve worked in Denver, Colorado since the early 2000s. Brother Todd is the Master Distiller, in charge of everything from liqueurs and gin to whiskeys and brandies. A history buff as well, Todd was determined to resurrect the three-chamber style…and he did, commissioning a custom still from Vendome Copper & Brass in Louisville (here’s the fascinating story). The result today is arguably the greatest rye whiskey made in America (the world?) today. And wouldn’t you know it, we have some. Rippling and riveted with spiced and fruited flavors, this is an epochal rye whiskey the likes of which have not been tasted in over a hundred years.

So, take that, Bourbon! A comeuppance from your older-brother, big-sister whiskey, the RYE of America. Why doesn’t American Rye Whiskey get its own special month?

The time has come for another room at the Guest House to be filled, and this time we are excited to bring you the first single cask release in the series. This is an extremely limited release with less than 40 bottles available on our website, so you might want to act fast if you’d like to get your hands on one!​

Guest House No.02 is a 9 year old single malt whisky from Dailuaine distillery in Speyside. Matured in a first fill oloroso sherry butt, this well balanced malt has notes of maple syrup and raspberry jam on freshly baked bread on the nose. A rich, velvety mouthfeel with warm spice, roasted hazelnuts, biscoff and brandy on the palate leads to a strong and ever so slightly dry finish.

GUEST HOUSE No.02 SOLD OUT!

On arrival in Uist in December 2025 we found that this cask was heavily leaking. We decided to give it a further six months maturation in our warehouse before bottling the 75l that were left, and we were delighted with the highly concentrated sherry flavours that we found.

While a leaky cask is nobody’s idea of a good time, there are silver linings in every cloud. With a much smaller volume of whisky in the cask, exposure to oxygen resulted in a more heavily oxidated and concentrated spirit than we had anticipated – one with an intense but well balanced profile. The leakage also meant that the angels took a much larger share than usual, leaving us with a 51% cask strength.​

On the downside, there are less than 40 bottles of this delicious sherry bomb of a single malt available from our online shop, so if you would like to get your hands on one, don’t hang about!

Of course, in the name of tasting notes we had to sacrifice a bottle or two to our distillers (it’s a tough job but somebody has to do it).​

This is what Daniel had to say about Guest House No.02…​

Colour: Medium honey, viscous and slow-running with beautiful legs.​

Nose: Sweet and savoury in good balance, like breakfast with maple syrup and raspberry jam on freshly baked white bread, with hints of old, polished wood, like an antique piano.​

Taste: Mouthcoating, reminiscent of a good oloroso dryness. After some time, the nose gives wee jelly coke bottles. Very good balance between savoury and sweetness. Powerful and straightforward finish, echoing the bold character of the dram without getting too astringent.

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. 

BOOK NOW

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)