FROM A MAJOR SINGLE-OWNER COLLECTION TO A CURATED SELECTION: BONHAMS PRESENTS TWO EXCEPTIONAL WHISKY SALE THIS JUNE

The Glenfarclas Family Casks spanning vintages from 1975 to 1994

London – Bonhams will be holding two distinct spirts sales this June, showcasing the breadth and quality of Bonhams’ offering at the forefront of the global whisky market. The Connoisseur Whisky Collection: Provenance & Rarity – Part I, which runs from 1–17 June 2026 on bonhams.com, presents the first portion of one of the largest and most carefully curated single-owner whisky collection to come to market in Scotland in recent years. Running alongside the single-owner sale will be Liquid Legacy: Finest and Rarest Spirits, running online from 28 May – 9 June 2026. Complementing the single-owner collection by offering breadth and accessibility, the sale maintains a strong focus on rarity and quality. Estimates for auctions are £502,200 – £757,000

Patricia Byott, Bonhams Head of Spirits, Scotland, commented: “At Bonhams, we work very closely with collectors to ensure each single-owner sale is carefully curated and crafted in a way that allows the collection to shine and speak for itself. The Connoisseur Whisky Collection: Provenance & Rarity – Part I is a perfect example of that approach-where provenance, rarity, and thoughtful presentation come together to tell a compelling story. Running this sale alongside a dynamic various-owners sale reflects both the depth of the market and our continued energy in the category. We are continuing to reinforce our position in this market, anchored in Scotland, yet globally connected – delivering auctions that resonate with collectors around the world.”

The Connoisseur Whisky Collection: Provenance & Rarity – Part I

Online | 1–17 June 2026 | Single Owner

This single-owner collection has been thoughtfully assembled with a clear emphasis on provenance, rarity, and completeness – a narrative that speaks directly to the global collector community. The strength of the offering lies not only in individual bottle rarity, but in the cohesion and depth of the collection as a whole.

A defining feature of this auction is the presentation of original cases and complete sets, preserved with exceptional care and attention to detail.

In response to evolving collector demand, Bonhams will also offer select lots by the case – providing buyers with the opportunity to maintain the integrity, scarcity, and long-term value of the collection.

Highlights include:

• The Glenfarclas Family Casks spanning vintages from 1975 to 1994. Estimate: £6,000-10,000.
• Releases from the highly sought-after Prima & Ultima series. Estimate: £11,000-15,000.
• Exceptional bottles from silent distilleries including St. Magdalene, Littlemill, Rosebank, and Port Ellen. Various estimates.
• A comprehensive range of Ardbeg releases, from early Committee bottlings to highly sought-after vintages. Various estimates.
• A Privately Owned The Dalmore, 23 Year Old, Cask No. 8, Exclusive to Bonhams and available by a case of six. Estimate: £6,000 – £8,400

Liquid Legacy: Finest and Rarest Spirits

Online | 28 May – 9 June 2026 | Various Owners

Running alongside the single-owner sale, this various-owner auction brings together an exceptional selection of rare spirits sourced from across Europe. Curated to appeal to both collectors and enthusiasts, the sale offers a diverse range of highly desirable bottles now returning to the market.

Star lots include:

• • • A rare Bowmore 1955. Estimate: £7,000-10,000.
    • A highly collectible Springbank 1952. Estimate: £7,000-10,000.
    • Devil’s Keep. Estimate: £7,000-12,000.

About Bonhams

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world’s leading auction houses — defined by connection, and home to the curious.

With over 230 years of expertise, Bonhams operates a global network of trusted specialists across 24 countries, including flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Across more than 60 specialist categories, Bonhams serves collectors of every kind – from emerging to established — with the objects, stories and expertise that define their collecting journey.

Beyond auctions, Bonhams is both a destination for discovery and for industry-leading services and support. Its rotating programme of exhibitions and public programming is free and open to all, reflecting a longstanding commitment to curiosity, cultural conversation and the enduring power of objects.

For forthcoming auctions and details of specialist departments, visit Bonhams.com

Bonhams: A house built on knowledge. Defined by connection. Home to the curious.

Bruadar launches beekeeping support toolkit to mark World Bee Day with Denrosa Apiaries

Aberargie, Scotland: 19 May 2026 To coincide with World Bee Day (Wednesday, 20th May), Perthshire-based single malt whisky liqueur Bruadar is encouraging Scots to support local beekeepers and bee-friendly initiatives with a new toolkit, while shining a spotlight on the vital role bees play in biodiversity, sustainable farming, and Scotland’s wider ecosystem.

After a surge in beekeeping searches across social media and online, Bruadar and Denrosa Apiaries have launched a ‘Beekeeping Support Toolkit’, encouraging people across Scotland to take small but meaningful actions to support pollinators and local biodiversity.

Bruadar – produced at Aberargie Distillery by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, has a long-term partnership with local beekeepers Denrosa Apiaries, who manage hives on-site at the distillery and produce the honey used within Bruadar liqueur. Together, the collaboration highlights the importance of supporting local honey production and protecting pollinators across Scotland.

As part of the distillery partnership, Denrosa’s bees forage the surrounding Perthshire landscape near the distillery, with the local environment directly influencing the flavour and character of the honey used in Bruadar.

Helen McGregor of Denrosa Apiaries, whose family has been involved in beekeeping since her grandfather started the company post-war in the 1940s, says the partnership is an opportunity to raise greater awareness of the importance of bees in agriculture and everyday life.

“Working with Aberargie Distillery really demonstrates true collaborative working,” said Helen. “We can have bees working the land onsite, and in return producing honey for the distillery. Also, both being family-run businesses is good, and it’s been a way of life for us for a long time.”

According to Scottish Government figures, beekeeping continues to grow across Scotland, with more than 3,000 registered beekeepers now caring for over 40,000 colonies. However, changing weather patterns and habitat loss continue to present challenges for pollinators and those working within the industry.

“The seasons are definitely changing, which is challenging for beekeepers,” Helen explained. “The weather is crucial in beekeeping, like all aspects of agriculture, and we see a changing climate presents more challenges for us.”

“People can help by planting bee-friendly flowers and having wild areas with forage for bees,” said Helen. “There are not only honeybees, but lots of varieties of wild bees that all benefit from being given the right environment to thrive in.”

Helen also believes local honey production offers consumers a stronger connection to provenance and place.

“The bees will only fly up to three miles, so you know the honey they make is right from where the hives are located,” she said. “People do seem to want to know where their products have come from, so nothing better than what has been produced right on your doorstep.”

For Bruadar, the partnership with Denrosa reflects a wider commitment to supporting local producers and celebrating the natural ingredients that make Scottish food and drink unique.

Rebecca Davidson, junior brand manager at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, said: “We’ve worked with Helen and the team at Denrosa Apiaries for the last three years and have seen firsthand how supporting local ecosystems has a direct impact on the environment.

“There’s been a well-documented increase in interest around beekeeping, and with more people becoming curious about how they can support bees in their own communities. Through our new beekeeping toolkit, we wanted to create something practical and accessible that encourages people to take small steps which can collectively make a big difference.

“At Bruadar, honey is at the heart of what we do, so working closely with local beekeepers at Aberargie Distillery has given us a genuine appreciation for the work involved in protecting pollinators and maintaining healthy ecosystems across Scotland.”

Helen added, “Bees are incredibly important to our environment. Their role in pollinating our plants is essential, and to be able to play a part in that is quite amazing.”

The toolkit is available below, via PDF and online via https://www.bruadarliqueur.com

BRUADAR’S BEEKEEPING SUPPORT TOOLKIT

1. Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers

Lavender, foxgloves, wildflowers and flowering herbs all provide valuable food sources for bees and pollinators.

2. Let Wild Areas Grow

Leaving small patches of grass, hedgerows or gardens to grow naturally can create vital habitats and forage areas.

3. Support Local Honey Producers

Buying local honey helps support Scottish beekeepers and sustainable local food production.

4. Reduce Pesticide Use

Avoiding excessive pesticide and chemical use can help protect bees and broader ecosystems.

5. Create Pollinator Habitats

Window boxes, gardens and community spaces can all be adapted to encourage pollinators.

6. Leave Bumblebee Nests Undisturbed

Where safe to do so, allowing wild bees to nest naturally can support local populations.

7. Learn More About Beekeeping

Joining local associations or attending beginner courses can help people better understand bee conservation. The Scottish Beekeepers Association page is a great place to start. 

8. Support Biodiversity Projects

Backing businesses and initiatives focused on sustainability and biodiversity helps create healthier environments for pollinators.

Bruadar’s Beekeeping Support Toolkit can be downloaded via https://www.bruadarliqueur.com

About Bruadar

Bruadar is a handcrafted single malt whisky liqueur infused with honey and sloe berries, made at Aberargie Distillery in Perthshire, Scotland. A modern take on traditional liqueurs, Bruadar blends the richness of Scotch whisky with natural sweetness, offering a smooth and sophisticated spirit with a story rooted in nature.

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 McLaren Formula 1 Team 2026 Edition Tennessee Whiskey

£27.95

The 2026 Limited Edition Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey x McLaren Mastercard Formula 1® Team is the fourth bottle in the partnership series. A legacy on the track, a legacy in the bottle.

For decades, both Jack Daniel’s and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1® Team have proudly preserved a perfect blend of heritage, innovation, and high performance. 2026 celebrates the year of McLaren’s 1000th Formula 1® Grand Prix race and the 160th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery, two milestones that mark an enduring legacy and a shared vision that unites them in the pursuit of possibility.

This year’s release features a striking new design inspired by the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’s® 1,000th Grand Prix campaign.

Distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the whiskey is mellowed drop by drop through 10 feet of charcoal before maturing in new, American white oak barrels handcrafted to the highest standards.

Glenfarclas 12 Year Old Milroy’s Exclusive 57.1% 70cl

Milroys Exclusive Glenfarclas 12 Year Old Traditional 100 Proof 57.1% We’ve got something super special here – our very own Glenfarclas bottling! And if you like a dram that tastes older than its age statement this might be for you.

This dram has a complexity and depth found in older whiskies (not that we are saying it has but…)

Nose: Fantastic rich smooth fruity notes on the nose as soon as you open the bottle. Rich aromatic vanilla and peaches, some sweet soft toffee and a dash of ripe strawberry.

Palate: The nose was a treat the palate is just as delicious even before you take the fist sip! The taste is very forward on the palate, a soft creamy texture coats the mouth, some sweet dates and truffles with a subtle sweet spice.

Finish: A soft chocolate sponge with hints of red apple give a lingering smooth and very elegant finish.

One of those drams that keeps you coming back for more.

£79.96

THE VIDEO

Ledaig Castaway, 61.1%

Ledaig Castaway What could happen if you take one of the best peated spirits in Scotland and then mature it in both ex-Tequila and ex-Caribbean Rum casks? This absolute masterclass of salty, smoky, earthy and sweet single malt with a charitable cause at its heart. The Mull & Iona Community Trust are a dedicated charity who through community led projects aim to make life on islands more enhanced and long lasting. With no ex-bourbon casks being used in the maturation of this whisky, it’s unusual to see this pure rum and tequila influence being showcased to all of us who love Ledaig, as well as Tobermory distillates. This is the perfect whisky for someone like me. Someone who loves all whiskies but also craves tequila, mezcal and rum, too. This is an excellent expression of Ledaig, and it’s a breath of fresh air to see a brand release a full bore, different maturation style for a relatively affordable price. #whisky #whiskey #scotch #singlemalt #peated

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CHICHIBU DISTILLERY AND SELFRIDGES PARTNER

 FOR NEW SINGLE CASK WHISKY BOTTLING

Cult Japanese whisky producer Chichibu Distillery releases an exclusive limited-edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky with department store Selfridges. Following an inaugural collaboration in 2019, only 195 bottles were produced of this single malt, making it highly collectible. The new whisky will be available at Selfridges’ London, Manchester and Birmingham stores and on Selfridges.com from Wednesday 20 May 2026.

Drawn from a 2018 vintage Chichibu single cask, the whisky was matured for seven years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, capturing both depth and vibrancy. Bottled in 2025 at cask strength (59.5% ABV), the whisky is non-chilled filtered and with no added colouring, allowing the spirit’s true character to shine.

The bottling offers a refined and complex flavour profile. Notes of candied citrus lead on the nose, complemented by roasted orchard fruits, honeysuckle, and a gentle hint of sweet cinnamon. On the palate, the whisky is rich and full-bodied, revealing layers of ripe peach and brown sugar, before finishing with a warming, lingering vanilla sweetness.

This limited-edition showcases the distillery’s renowned craftsmanship and commitment to exceptional whisky-making, values which are aligned with Selfridges, one of the world’s most iconic retailers.

Akin to the 2019 release, the label design is a defining feature. Created to echo the theatrical window displays of Selfridges, it draws inspiration from the store’s famous displays, which have long been treated as art-like installations central to its identity.

The Chichibu Distillery, was founded by Ichiro Akuto in 2004 and began distilling in 2008. The Akuto family has a long history of alcohol production in Japan. The brand is known for its intimate approach to production, boasting a meticulous production process and highly sought-after releases that have earned the brand cult status amongst whisky fans.

Chichibu Distillery Single Malt Whisky x Selfridges (59.5% ABV) will launch 20 May 2026 in Selfridges London, Manchester and Birmingham stores and on Selfridges.com – RRP £265

About Selfridges

Selfridges was founded by Harry Gordon Selfridge, changing the world of retail forever when the first store opened on Oxford Street in 1909. Now, the brand also has stores in Birmingham, Manchester Exchange Square and Manchester Trafford. Selfridges is the only store to have been named Best Department Store in the World four times.

A landmark destination and social centre where everyone is welcome, Selfridges is powered by imagination and filled with creative spirit. From the in-house cinema, restaurants, bars and skate bowl, to an ever-evolving roster of collaborators and cultural partnerships, Selfridges is a creative playground in which to discover new ideas and live brighter.

Selfridges is home to exclusive collaborations and launches from the world’s most coveted brands, bringing customers the biggest names in luxury alongside emerging industry disruptors. The retailer is dedicated to reimagining the way we shop and crafting extraordinary customer experiences at every turn, such as The Corner Shop in the Oxford Street store, which plays host to a rotating line-up of imaginative retail concepts from the likes of LOEWE, Fenty, Celine, Prada, Telfar and Martine Rose.

Selfridges is committed to imagining and creating a more sustainable future for its customers.  Built on a legacy of retail activism, including banning fur in 2005 and removing all plastic-based cosmetic glitter from its stores in 2021, RESELFRIDGES brings together Selfridges’ ecosystem of circular products, services and activities, with permanent RESELFRIDGES destinations across all four stores and Selfridges.com. The business continues to transition to more sustainable materials and explore new business models as well as challenging teams, communities and customers to put people and planet first in all decisions. This is underpinned by a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

We do not often send emails like this. But Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible just reviewed our entire current range, and the result is the kind of thing we would feel slightly daft not telling you about directly.

Every whisky we make earned five-star recognition. Our Lightly Peated Cask Strength Aged 7 Years scored 95 out of 100, with Murray calling it “a masterpiece from the far north” and choosing it to open his tasting day for the year. We will take that.

Murray reviewed roughly 4,200 whiskies for this edition of the Bible. The 95-plus tier is reserved for the top 1% – or put another way, Wolfburn Cask Strength is one of the top ten whiskies in the world. Five-star recognition starts at 86, which means every single whisky we currently make is in his top tier. He gets paid by no distillery, including ours. The scores are professional, independent, and earned.

The Zodiac Series
Where Stars and Spirit Align

Inspired by the 12 signs of the zodiac, we’ve scoured Scotland in search of casks with the perfect combination of flavours to evoke the character and feel of these ancient archetypes. It’s a striking series, one perfect for adding to your collection, or a birthday gift you won’t find anywhere else.

Our second batch of bottlings – the Summer Solstice Collection – showcases the star signs of Cancer, Leo, Virgo and Libra. Each dram embodies the essence of its zodiac, its character as distinctive and singular as the sign it represents. With The Zodiac Series, there’s a whisky for everyone. Discover yours.

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$449.99

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

Say hello to all five of Scotland’s whisky regions with Our latest ‘Heresy’ release Batch 39: The five regions. If this 11-year-old blended malt Scotch whisky sounds familiar, that’s because it is. In 2025, we released Batch 31: Wandering alchemy, a blended malt composed of casks from all five whisky regions.

It was an extra-large batch and for good reason as whisky quality manager Julien Willems explains: “One portion of the resulting whisky was bottled as Batch 31, but we put the other half back into some of the original casks and left it to marry and relax for one more year. Now we’ve put them together again, to produce Batch 39: The five regions.”

Matured in a selection of bourbon, oloroso, PX, and HTMC (heavy toast, medium char) hogsheads, the Panel called the nose “mouthwatering”. Give it a try and tell us what you think!

READ MORE

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