BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ADVANCES BOURBON EXPERIMENTATION WITH DEBUT SINGLE OAK RELEASE AND NEWEST ADDITION TO EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION

The releases include Single Oak Rye Bourbon – the winning Barrel #80 from the Single Oak Project – and the 28^th release in the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

FRANKFORT, KY (April 7, 2026) – Two of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most ambitious and long-running experimental programs – the Single Oak Project and Buffalo Trace Distillery Experimental Collection – are debuting new releases this spring: Single Oak Rye Bourbon and Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. More than a decade in the making, these releases reflect the Distillery’s long-standing commitment to studying the variables that shape bourbon’s flavor as they “Honor Tradition, Embrace Change” in pursuit of creating the “world’s best whiskey.”

The Single Oak Project began in 1999, marking the Distillery’s first and most comprehensive experiment to date as it explored the impact of seven variables including mashbill, entry proof, aging location and barrel construction. The experiment comprised 192 unique bourbon barrels, each crafted from specific sections of hand-selected oak trees and filled with either a wheat or a rye recipe before undergoing varied maturation approaches. Consumers were invited to taste and evaluate the resulting bourbons, ultimately selecting Barrel #80 as the standout expression in 2011.

Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery builds on this landmark experiment with the introduction of Single Oak as a permanent, continuously-released whiskey brand. Its inaugural release, Rye Bourbon, faithfully recreates the precise mashbill and barrel aging conditions that defined the celebrated Barrel #80, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the result of one of the industry’s most extensive bourbon studies to date.

The Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection, first introduced in 2006, will debut its 28th release with Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. This innovation explores how lower barrel entry proof influences wood interaction over extended aging, with the wheated bourbon distillate entered at 105 proof – noticeably lower than its traditional 114 proof. Inspired by historical records indicating that pre-Prohibition barrel entry proofs were often lower than modern standards, it represents a clear example of how the Distillery honors tradition while embracing change.

“Experimentation has always been at the core of what we do at Buffalo Trace Distillery,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “These releases represent years of patience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to learning. From the Single Oak Project, where we studied every detail of oak to better understand maturation, to our exploration of entry proof in the latest Experimental Collection, each experiment helps us further our understanding of how individual variables shape flavor and push the boundaries of what bourbon can be. We’re excited for fans to experience the results.”

More about Single Oak Rye Bourbon

The Single Oak Project began in 1999, when 96 oak trees were hand-selected from the Missouri Ozarks. Each tree was cut into a top and bottom section, yielding 192 unique pieces of wood and transformed into 192 individual barrels.

Seven variables were intentionally manipulated to study their impact on the final whiskey:

• Mash bill (wheat or rye recipe)
• Entry proof (105 or 125 proof)
• Stave seasoning (six or 12 months of air drying)
• Wood grain size (tight, average or coarse)
• Barrel char level (number three or number four char)
• Tree cut (top or bottom half)
• Warehouse type (wooden rick floor or concrete floor)

Single Oak Project Barrel #80 entered the barrel at 125 proof and was aged in oak harvested from the bottom half of the tree, featuring average grain wood, staves seasoned for 12 months and charred at a level four. The bourbon was aged in a concrete floor warehouse for eight years before bottling at 90 proof.

For the inaugural release of the Single Oak Collection, Rye Bourbon opens with a delicate yet expressive nose of caramel and vanilla, layered with light baking spice, toasted oak and subtle hints of orchard fruit. The palate is rich and beautifully balanced, unfolding in layers of toffee, vanilla cream and honeyed sweetness, accented by seasoned oak and baking spices. The finish is long and elegant, lingering with warm oak, soft spice and a mellow caramel sweetness.

Each 375ml bottling of Single Oak Rye Bourbon will be available in limited quantities through Sazerac’s national distributor network as well as the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop as of April 2026 at a suggested retail price of $74.99 (local taxes and fees apply). For more information, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/single-oak-project.

More about Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Distillery has several thousand experimental barrels that are currently aging at the Distillery. In keeping with its commitment to crafting fine products, only the most compelling results are selected for bottling and released periodically in limited quantities. The 28^th offering in the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection, Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey represents a first of its kind innovation, examining the impact of barrel entry proof on flavor development.

While previous Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection releases present at 90 proof, Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 107 proof to better capture and highlight the bourbon’s complex flavor profile. The nose features rich layers of caramel and warm brown spice that are balanced by subtle leather and tobacco notes. The palate delivers full-bodied flavors of oak, earth and dried fig, mingling with a leathery depth and rounded sweetness. The finish is long and warming, where spice and fig linger alongside a grounded, oaky character.

Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey will be available through the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop in limited quantities beginning in April at a suggested retail price of $46.99 (375ml; taxes and fees vary by market). For more information, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/experimental-collection.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

APRIL 2026 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

As the clocks spring forward and longer days return, our April auction arrives with fresh energy and some interesting bottlings, including this Macallan 25 Years Old Anniversary Malt. First released in 1983, these now highly collectible bottlings were originally marketed as celebratory whiskies, ideal for marking milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries. Early editions carried vintage years, beginning with 1957, with subsequent releases spanning the following decades.

Though once widely available, the Anniversary Malt has since become a prized collector’s item, revered by enthusiasts and experts alike as a standout from a golden era of Macallan production.

Or how about this Clynelish Manager’s Dram, a sought-after example from the long-running series of distillery-exclusive releases for Diageo staff, this expression showcases the tradition of selecting only the finest casks each year. Distilled at Clynelish, matured for 17 years and bottled at natural cask strength in 1998, it offers rarity, provenance and exceptional character in limited numbers.

Released in 2004, this exceptional 33-year-old Glendronach was the oldest expression from the distillery at the time. Distilled in 1971 and matured in the finest Oloroso sherry casks, it has earned widespread acclaim, including praise from Jim Murray, who described it as “a nugget of a dram,” along with gold medals at both the San Francisco World Spirits Awards and the Malt Maniacs Awards.

A selection of old and rare miniature whiskies features in this month’s auction, offering collectors and enthusiasts the chance to explore exceptional drams in compact form. Spanning a variety of distilleries, ages and styles, these miniatures combine rarity and charm, with many long discontinued and seldom seen on the market—perfect for both display and discovery.

Just a taste of the old, limited, and highly collectible bottles featured in our April auction—there are plenty more hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Head to clickwhiskyauctions.com to explore the full auction and register to bid. Don’t miss your chance—if you’re not in, you can’t win. Auction closes Sunday 19th April from 8pm BST.

Braeval 10 Years Old Osprey

Deep in the wilderness of Scotland, where the mighty River Spey cuts through rock and mist lingers from ancient pines, the fabled Osprey reigns—an emblem of grace and power. Created in mighty copper stills, set in the rolling hills of Speyside, this osprey-inspired spirit takes flight after being enriched in luscious Oloroso Sherry casks for 10 years. Cocoa and stewed fruits soar from the glass with flavours of walnuts, dates and allspice, that hover elegantly on the palate with every savoured sip.

Bottled by Aceo Spirits at natural colour and no chill filtration.

£39.00

SHOP NOW

Glentauchers 15 Years Old Osprey

High in the skies, where Speyside’s famous glistening rivers meet the sandy bays and moving tides of the sea, Scotland’s iconic Osprey hunts — a powerful yet graceful fish hunting eagle. Born in shimmering copper stills, this cherished osprey-inspired spirit has taken flight after 15 years in classic Bourbon barrels. Waves of tropical fruit and honey linger in this Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, while fresh pastry, creamy malt and citrus flow in harmony with every sweet and satisfying sip.

Bottled by Aceo Spirits for Osprey collection at natural colour and no chill filtration.

£49.00

SHOP NOW

Rittenhouse “K&L Liquors Exclusive – 8244541″ Bottled in Bond Single Barrel Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml) $34.99 View

Rittenhouse is one of the most recognized names in rye whiskey. Starting in Pennsylvania in the 1930s, it made a name for itself as a Bottled-In-Bond powerhouse, showcasing a slightly sweeter profile than its high-rye Monongahela counterparts. While many Pennsylvania ryes historically used 100% rye, or the 95/5 mash bill popular on the market today, Rittenhouse is “barely legal” rye. Its 51/35/14 mash bill strikes a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making it a perennial favorite for cocktails and boilermakers. For this particular single barrel, we secured an extra three years of aging over the standard offering, adding significant depth and nuance to the classic profile. The nose opens with that expected Rittenhouse maple spice, along with green pepper, dried mulberries, roasted nuts, banana candy, burnt marshmallow, and warm toffee. On the palate, you are introduced to the nutmeg and ginger so characteristic of the standard bottling, but with added layers of anise, oak tannin, Mexican chocolate, and dark berry jam. This leads right into a long, woodsy finish. This whiskey is absolutely perfect for any rye cocktail, maintaining that ideal 100-proof weight while offering a much broader palette of flavor. This isn’t just a Rittenhouse; it’s a Rittenhome. ~ Josh Gelfand

Another phenomenal private barrel from the legendary bottled-in-bond rye, Rittenhouse. This one came from the 4th floor of rickhouse 1K from our friends at Heaven Hill, barrelled in December of 2018 and aged for 7 years before arriving here for your enjoyment. Always one of the best valued rye whiskies on the market, this one takes it up a notch with an extra 3 years in cask. Expect heavier spice, more roasted caramel, and more overall depth of flavor than the classic offering, ready to give your favorite cocktails a welcome added boost.

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, Culver City

ralfy review 1123 – Ballechin 18yo @57.8%vol: (2nd Edition)

Long-lost Japanese whisky back at the top table after Gordon Ramsay selection

A £25,000 Japanese single malt is on the menu at Gordon Ramsay’s recently opened Lucky Cat restaurant, creating a unique opportunity to experience whisky history and showcasing Highland distillery Tomatin’s remarkable role in recovering a long-lost and exceptional spirit.

At £2,300 a dram, Shirakawa 1958 is Japan’s rarest whisky and is the most premium spirit offered at the new Asian-inspired dining restaurant in the sky, Lucky Cat, which opened at 22 Bishopsgate in London last year.

It also plays a starring role in Being Gordon Ramsay, Netflix’s six-part documentary series following the acclaimed chef in the creation of his new venture.

During an episode about Lucky Cat, Shirakawa 1958 is featured in an image of the bar with the construction team discussing their fears about the shelf being knocked down at the busy site.

Shirakawa 1958 is a single malt whisky from the lost Japanese distillery, Shirakawa, which was located 200km North of Tokyo, Japan. It is the only official single malt ever to be released from Shirakawa Distillery and the earliest known single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled.

Built in the Fukushima Prefecture, in 1939, the Shirakawa Distillery operated for more than six decades and crafted malt whisky from 1951-1969 – becoming one of the first to do so in Japan. Most of the whisky produced was used in owner Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand.

In 2003, the Shirakawa Distillery was demolished, and its legacy drew to a close, until, more than a decade later, Tomatin Distillery’s managing director Stephen Bremner became intrigued by owner Takara Shuzo’s malt-making past.

After piecing together a complex trail of clues, he identified the existence of Shirakawa stock at Takara Shuzo’s Kurokabegura distillery in 2019. The spirit had been distilled in 1958, aged in cask, then transferred to ceramic jars at the distillery. When Shirakawa shut down, the whisky was put into stainless steel tanks at Takara Shuzo’s factory in Kyushu where it had lain untouched until his discovery.

Stephen said: “Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd was bought by Takara Shuzo in 1986, but it was only in recent years that I became fascinated by the story of Shirakawa and its history of whisky production and embarked on a journey to find out more.

“When I discovered that the last remaining stock was distilled in 1958, I was astounded. It was a genuine ‘wow’ moment as I realised very quickly that what we were dealing with was extremely rare.

“Crafted in the early days of malt production in Japan, it has a distinctive flavour profile, with aromas of exotic incense giving way to grass and fruits before a hint of mint on the finish. It is truly extraordinary and conveys the evolving character of Japanese whisky, which is now acclaimed worldwide.

“We are incredibly honoured that Gordon Ramsay has selected Shirakawa 1958 as the pinnacle of his whisky menu at Lucky Cat. Diners who try it will be transported back to a pioneering era of Japanese whisky as they enjoy one of the rarest drams in the world.”

While the age and cask type cannot be fully determined, Shirakawa 1958 was crafted at a time when the distillery used predominantly Japanese malted barley and Mizunara oak casks.

The expression, which has an ABV of 49%, was bottled by Takara Shuzo Co Ltd in Japan. Just 1,500 bottles were released in 2022 and distributed worldwide by Tomatin Distillery, with an RRP of £25,000 per 70cl bottle.

Shirakawa 1958 single malt Japanese whisky tasting notes – created by internationally acclaimed whisky writer Dave Broom

Nose: Resinous, slight dry earth, dried citrus peels, a hint of wax. Aromatic. A drop of water makes it more vibrant and also shows clear maturity as well as a hint of incense. Exotic.

Palate: The palate is expansive with a succulent texture and hints of fragrant grass. Fruits emerge in the middle. Layered, spiced, and dry. Water brings out ash from an incense burner, a satisfying mouthfeel and surprisingly perky acidity.

Finish: Nicely balanced and persistent on the finish which picks up mint flavouring and makes it more camphor-like.

Shirakawa Distillery

Shirakawa Distillery was built in the Fukushima Prefecture, 200km North of Tokyo, in 1939 by Daikoku Budoshu and demolished in 2003. Even though Shirakawa Distillery was one of the pioneers of malt whisky making in Japan, it was never officially available as a single malt. That category didn’t take off in Japan until the mid-80s, and by that time, Takara Shuzo’s focus lay elsewhere. The land where Shirakawa Distillery once sat was subsequently gifted by Takara Shuzo in 2011 to build emergency housing to accommodate the locals who had been displaced by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd

In 1897 Tomatin was nothing but an isolated and idyllic setting for a distillery. With the new Highland Railway came opportunities, and so the distillery was born. Since then, the distillery has been at the heart of the community and the community at the heart of the distillery. Today, the Tomatin legacy lives on in the form of an exciting and varied range of Highland single malt Scotch whiskies.

https://tomatin.com

Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd

Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd produces sake, other alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. This division comprises the original business; the holding company including it was formed in 2001 as Takara Holdings Inc. Takara Shuzo, one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of traditional alcoholic beverages since sake brewing operations in 1842, acquired Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd in 1986.

In 1951, Takara Shuzo became one of only a handful of distilleries in Japan to produce malt whisky and it continued to do so uninterrupted until 1969. The vast majority of this malt whisky used in Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand.

https://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english

Copenhagen Distillery Named Best Craft Producer in the World

Copenhagen Distillery was awarded the global title at last night’s Icons of Whisky Awards for Craft Producer.

The distillery was first selected as regional winner for Rest of World, alongside winners from Scotland, Ireland, the United States and China. On Wednesday 25 March, it was announced as the overall global winner.

Master Distiller Lasse Öznek comments: “This is a very big moment for us. To be recognised at this level, across all whisky producing countries, means a lot. We respect tradition, but we don’t feel bound by it. This award tells us that our way of working stands on its own.”

Copenhagen Distillery approaches whisky as a balance between art, craft and science. The distillery works with organic Danish barley, long fermentations and single distillation to create a distinct house style. The recognition places Copenhagen Distillery at the forefront of a growing Danish whisky category, which is gaining international attention for quality and innovation.

www.copenhagendistillery.com

Blue Spot 7 Year Old Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

 $149.99

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

What is Lowlands Whisky?

Once famous for a particular style of light, grassy single malt, the Lowlands produces more whisky than any other region of Scotland. Recently there’s been new distilleries producing single malts that challenge the region’s reputation for being all sweetness and light.

Learn More    Shop Now

The Good Dram Show – Episode 629 ‘Hannah Whisky’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the new releases from Hannah Whisky Merchants in their Lady of the Glen and St Briget’s Kirk ranges. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 629 – St Briget & The Tale Of The Blended Cask…! Filmed in The Study Nottingham. Filmed & Edited by Chris Goodrum

Featuring

St Bridget’s Kirk Blended Malt Solera Batch #5 48.5%

St Bridget’s Kirk Blended Scotch Whisky 1995 (29 year old) 44.1%

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Tamnavulin 2015 (10 year old) 55.4%

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Auchroisk 2015 (11 year old) 57.9%

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Port Charlotte 2005 (20 year old) 58.3%

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Ardmore 2013 (12 year old) 59.1%

www.ladyoftheglen.com