International Beverage unveils rare Old Pulteney 50 Years Old and 30 Years Old whiskies to honour distillery’s 200^th anniversary

 Global limited editions celebrate the enduring craftsmanship and character of The Maritime Malt

Global spirits business International Beverage is celebrating 200 years of time-honoured craftsmanship and maritime resilience at Pulteney Distillery, with the unveiling today (16^th June 2026) of two rare Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whiskies.

At this defining moment in The Maritime Malt’s history, two extraordinary limited editions – Old Pulteney 50 Years Old and Old Pulteney 30 Years Old – have been crafted for release to global markets from June 2026.

Both are masterfully aged spirits, distilled and matured at Pulteney Distillery in the historic port of Wick on Scotland’s windswept north coast. Both are shaped by the sea that dominates this remote part of Scotland, and the pride and tenacity of its people. After decades of maturation in carefully selected casks, salt-laden winds and time have combined to refine two single malts with an unmistakable coastal character that has run deep since 1826.

Old Pulteney 50 Years Old 

The oldest ever release from Old Pulteney, just 200 bottles of this rare, deeply complex expression will be available globally, epitomising 200 years of industrial craftsmanship and maritime heritage in Wick.

COLOUR: Dark gold with radiant bronze highlights.

NOSE: Bold and intense, with a saline lift from the maritime sea air. Floral and fruity notes unfold – cask char, plum jam, green apples, and creamy vanilla. Reminiscent of fresh toasted bread spread thick with marmalade, and a subtle touch of fine leather.

PALATE: Dry, with a touch of salt from the sea air and a hint of pepper, led by cask char and layered with toffee apple, cardamon, clove, and sweet tobacco.

FINISH: Long. Unfolds with the gentle surge of the tide – dry at first, then revealing sweet vanilla.

70cl, ABV 40.8%, 200 bottles available, RRP £20,000

A careful selection of four casks has nurtured this whisky for half a century, resulting in a whisky of deep coastal character. This single malt has been predominantly matured in American oak whilst a subtle seasoning of European oak adds a gentle richness and depth to an extraordinary expression.

Old Pulteney 50 Years Old is held within an exquisite crystal decanter, expertly developed and crafted by the award-winning team at Glencairn Crystal. Each hand-blown bottle is unique, adorned with intricate sand-etched wave patterns that ripple elegantly around its base. A sculptural curved gold base envelopes each decanter. The outer casing is meticulously crafted from premium oak, with a design inspired by the driftwood of Old Pulteney’s coastal home. 

 Old Pulteney 30 Years Old 

Matured in American oak casks and refined in European oak casks, this limited release of 1,000 bottles features a whisky that harnesses the relentless conditions of the Caithness coast: a celebration of an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and of everything which makes Old Pulteney one of the most enduring single malts.

COLOUR: Burnished Copper

NOSE: A refined harmony of sugared almonds and sweet oak, layered with juicy orchard fruits – pear and green apple – alongside toffee, polished oak, and a whisper of citrus. Subtle floral notes mingle with hints of leather and tobacco, all lifted by a gentle maritime breeze.

PALATE Opens with bright citrus and crisp pear, unfolding into salted caramel and baked apple. Warm spices – cinnamon and nutmeg – intertwine with polished oak and delicate floral notes, creating a rich, layered sweetness.

FINISH: Medium to long, revealing a graceful balance of sweet and salty, leaving a lasting impression of coastal elegance.

70cl, ABV 50.4%, 1000 bottles available, RRP £1,750

Adding to its rarity, Distillery Manager, Malcolm Waring, personally hand-filled the casks in which this single malt spent three decades developing its unmistakable coastal character.

The whisky is elegantly presented within a clear crystal decanter, again meticulously handcrafted and decorated by Glencairn Crystal. Each decanter is gilded with delicate rose gold detail and retains Old Pulteney’s distinctive bottle neck shape inspired by the distillery’s unusual still shape. The base features intricate sand-etchings of ocean waves, paying homage to the maritime forces that have shaped this whisky. Again, the bespoke outer casing takes inspiration from weathered driftwood and the whisky’s balance of refinement with rugged beauty.

Designed by Lewis Moberly, the Old Pulteney team partnered with two UK specialists to bring both bottles to life; Glencairn Crystal who handcrafted the bespoke decanters and Morans Wood Components to handcraft the outer casings.

As Old Pulteney steps into its third century, these two extraordinary whiskies are not just a tribute to the distillery’s past but also signal a confident new chapter for The Maritime Malt.

Fiona Kennie, International Beverage Global Marketing Director said: ‘It’s an honour for us to be custodians of Old Pulteney at this very special moment in its history, and to be sharing these two excellent whiskies with the world today. Few spirits embody their heritage and provenance as much as Old Pulteney, and with these new releases, these qualities come together beautifully in two exceptional single malts. This is a proud moment for everyone at Old Pulteney as we celebrate a much-loved whisky that has held its unique coastal character for two centuries, while unveiling a new era for the brand as we look ahead to the next 200 years.’ 

Sarah Burgess, International Beverage Master of Whisky Creation added: ‘For this special year we wanted to create something extraordinary, not only to mark the milestone but as a true celebration of the distillery and the maritime thread that weaves through all Old Pulteney whiskies. I often think casks of whisky are like people, each behaving in an individual way and changing over time. For these two new expressions, my job was to select casks that honour the different moments in the distillery’s 200-year history, whilst bringing them together in whiskies that reflect everything Old Pulteney represents.’

The business also confirmed an evolved marketing campaign – Character Runs Deep – which signals a new era for Old Pulteney whilst staying true to the brand’s roots. Set to launch from June 2026, the campaign recognises the strong character, tough conditions and time-honoured industrial craftsmanship that have defined The Maritime Malt since 1826.

Interest for Old Pulteney 50 Years Old (70cl) and 30 Years Old (70cl) can be registered on Old Pulteney’s website and they are available from select specialist partners across key markets including the UK, Global Travel Retail, China, Japan, France and USA from June 2026 onwards.

www.interbevgroup.com

www.oldpulteney.com

About Old Pulteney

For two centuries, on the northern coast of Scotland in Wick, salt-laden winds, maritime resilience, and a steady commitment to craft have shaped Old Pulteney – a remarkable Single Malt Scotch Whisky with an enduring salty character.

Pulteney Distillery was founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s fishing boom and named after the town’s newly developed ‘Pulteneytown’ area. Accessible mainly by sea, barley for whisky making was shipped in to Wick harbour by boat, and these boats were shipped back out again taking Old Pulteney whisky to the world.

200 years later, Old Pulteney is still made at the same distillery site, where maritime conditions and meticulous cask selection imbue the whisky with an unmistakable taste. Its story is inseparable from the sea and the community, heritage and spirit of the whisky’s remote coastal home.

Od Pulteney’s award-winning core collection includes Harbour, 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old.

Recent global awards for Old Pulteney’s core range include:

• A highly coveted Platinum for Old Pulteney 12 Years Old at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, plus Double Gold for Old Pulteney Huddart and 15 Years Old, and Gold for Old Pulteney 18 Years Old.
• Gold for Old Pulteney 18 Years Old and Silver for Old Pulteney 12 Years Old at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
• Silver for Old Pulteney Huddart, 15 Years Old and 18 Years Old at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

About International Beverage

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Limited Company. The premium spirits company’s portfolio is led by a range of high-quality brands including Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn and The Source Gins, PRAKAAN single malt whisky and Phraya Rum from Thailand, Larsen Cognac, The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky, The Reid Single Malt Vodka, and Rose Rabbit Liqueur.

A certified Great Place to Work, International Beverage’s success is shaped by its 700-strong team based across the business’ network of nine global sites spanning the UK, France, New Zealand, and Greater China following the company’s recent acquisition of Asiaeuro International Beverage (AIB). For more information, please visit www.interbevgroup.com/.

About Glencairn Crystal 

The award-winning Glencairn Crystal Studio has been at the cutting edge of high quality decanter and glassware design, innovation, and creativity for over four decades. Regarded internationally as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware manufacturers, the family run Scottish company has hand crafted prestigious decanters often for the rarest and most luxurious spirits ever released.

Last year, the family run business was honoured with the Kings Award for Enterprise – the fourth time in the company’s history it has been awarded this prestigious accolade. The business was recognised for its excellence in the category of Innovation.

Glencairn Crystal also produces the Glencairn Glass which is recognised as the world’s official whisky glass. This year the glass celebrates its 25th birthday and the company now sell over 5 million glasses across the globe each year. www.glencairn.co.uk

Tomatin raises a dram to the moments that make a father

This Father’s Day, Highland distillery Tomatin raises a toast to the moments that make a father, offering a curated collection of single malts, each reflecting the warmth, care and character at the heart of every fatherly bond. The moments that matter are often the simplest- a quiet chat, a steady hand when needed, or a shared cup of tea. They stay with us because they were real, simple and honest. Whether it’s the everyday rituals, the milestone occasions or the stories retold over the years, there’s a Tomatin whisky to mark what matters.

For the Everyday Moments – Tomatin Legacy

RRP £37 | ABV 43% | 70cl 

For the dad who was always there. The one who made time for a morning brew, offered a calm word or gave a reassuring nod when it mattered most. Tomatin Legacy reflects that steady presence. Soft notes of vanilla, custard cream biscuits and gentle spice mirror the small, familiar moments that stay with you- proof that it’s never about material things, but the time you share.

For the Dad Who Inspired Adventure – Tomatin 12 Year Old Triple Cask

RRP £49 | ABV 43% | 70cl 

Some memories come from heading out into the world together- road trips, weekend wanderings or following his lead into something new. With herbaceous notes, caramelised sugar and warm spice, Tomatin 12 Year Old Triple Cask captures the balance of excitement and comfort found in those shared journeys, bringing a touch of Highland warmth to every path taken side by side.

For the Unforgettable Summer Stories – Tomatin Double Cask

RRP £37 | ABV 40% | 70cl    

Some summers shine brighter in your memory. Days at the beach with sand underfoot, ice creams that melted too quickly, and long evenings that passed in a blink. Tomatin Double Cask, with its vanilla‑sweetened baked fruit, rich dark berries and gentle warmth, reflects the easy joy of those sun‑lit moments spent together that became lasting memories.

For Life’s Milestones – Tomatin 10 Year Old

RRP £42 | ABV 40% | 70cl

Some moments stay with you- a steady hand before an important day, the arrival of a new chapter, or a quiet conversation that stayed with you. Bright, approachable and full of fresh character, Tomatin 10 Year Old reflects the meaning found in these defining chapters.

For the Father Whose Wisdom Deepens with Time – Tomatin 18 Year Old

RRP £126 | ABV 46% | 70cl 

Some fathers are foundations: steady, wise and richer in character with every passing year. Matured in traditional oak and Oloroso sherry butts, Tomatin 18 Year Old offers layered depth, from dried apricot and nougat to tropical fruit and cocoa. It reflects the strength, patience and warmth that only time can shape.Discover the full Tomatin range at https://tomatin.com/ and raise a dram to the moments that make a father.

Tasting Notes 

Tomatin Legacy

Nose: Bourbon‑barrel sweetness, custard cream biscuits, white chocolate, vanilla bean, white sugar, golden syrup; hints of sandalwood, desiccated coconut and cinnamon.
Palate: Waves of sweet vanilla and fresh fruit with gentle white pepper and ginger; pink lady apples, rhubarb and candied orange peel.
Finish: Fruit and oak combine for a clean yet intriguing close.

Tomatin 12 Year Old Triple Cask

Nose: Herbaceous notes of heather, wild mint, pine cones and cedar, sweetening to cookie dough, sultanas, caramelised sugar and pine sap; faint leather and spice.
Palate: Sweet, malty and textural, cheesecake base with dried apple, mango an fresh pears; crème caramel with raisin and Christmas spice.
Finish: Buttery, full‑bodied fruitiness giving way to dry Oloroso tones. 

Tomatin Double Cask

Nose: Aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears lead.

Palate: Dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon.

Finish: Sweet and spicy.

Tomatin 10 Year Old

Nose: Aromas of lemon sherbet sweets and crunchy green apples followed by buttery croissants, white chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Palate: Lemon meringue pie, honey and a touch of toffee are complemented by apricot and peach.

Finish: Clean and fresh.

Tomatin 18 Year Old

Nose: Dried apricot, plum, nougat and nutty tones; vanilla fudge, cinnamon‑baked pears; subtle cigar box and leather‑bound books.
Palate: A marriage of Oloroso sherry and well‑aged Tomatin – tropical fruit, marmalade, cooked apple, butterscotch and granola, cocoa powder and salted caramel.
Finish: Full‑bodied and rich with lingering nutty undertones and uplifting orange zest. 

ABOUT TOMATIN DISTILLERY

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its refined and elegant whiskies. The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainability at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world. 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secure Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status.

Tomatin has a first-class wood policy and a commitment to knowing the history of each cask that passes through its warehouses. It is one of only a handful of Scotch whisky distilleries to have its own cooperage on-site, with cooper Allan Bartlett being named ‘Cooper of the Year’ at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards.

‘To What Matters’ lies at the heart of the brand’s ethos and is a belief in savouring what is truly important.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

Special prices on special bottles

Father’s Day may be approaching ever closer, but we have just the thing – whatever their thing may be. With an unparalleled range across the drinks spectrum, there’s no better place to find that special gift.

And not only do we have everything from charming Belgian beers to cognacs presented in their own decanters, we also have a wealth of eye-catching offers to go with them. Every dad is different, and we have a bottle to match, at a price to suit.

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Looking for the perfect whisky, Scottish spirit, gift, lambswool scarf, or Whiski merchandise? Browse our online shop featuring over 300 whiskies, Scottish gift hampers, lambswool scarves, Whiski merchandise including our famous whisky tops and baseball caps, Scottish chocolates, and much more – all available for worldwide delivery!

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Ardmore 27YO, 53.2%

THE VIDEO REVIEW

When something gets release like this in the world of whisky, it’s quite difficult to say no. A nearly three decade old Ardmore, matured in a refill hogshead for twenty-three years and finished in a second fill sherry hogshead for the final four.

An absolute masterclass in funky, old, waxy, rather delicate and gentle single malt that seems to evolve and change after every sip. I always wanted to have a DD bottle amongst the collection, but so many of them were so far out of my budget, this one was actually realistic, and rather good value for something nearly as old as me.

I love this thing and it’s a very apt way to celebrate a birthday!

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EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON TOASTS AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH OFFICIALLY LICENSED AMERICA250 COMMEMORATIVE RELEASES

Limited-edition offerings honor the shared legacy of America’s founding and Kentucky’s first licensed distiller

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 18, 2026) — Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the world’s #1 American-owned bourbon, proudly announces a new series of officially licensed America250 commemorative products in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Arriving on shelves beginning May 2026, these special releases invite consumers to raise a glass ahead of the nation’s historic Semiquincentennial milestone in July.

Rooted deeply in American history, Evan Williams’ story has long run in parallel with that of the nation itself. In 1783 – the same year the United States formalized its independence at the end of the Revolutionary War – Evan Williams became Kentucky’s first licensed distiller.

“Evan Williams has always been intertwined with American history,” said Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we are honored to celebrate this historic moment with a collection that reflects the spirit, perseverance, and craftsmanship that define both our country and our bourbon. These special releases are a tribute to where we’ve been and a toast to the future.”

The America250 lineup includes three expressions of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, each crafted to commemorate this once-in-a-generation occasion:

• Evan Williams Black Label (86 proof) – Available in 1.75L ($24.99)
• Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch (90 proof) – Available in 1.75L ($37.99) and 750ml ($23.99)
• Evan Williams Single Barrel (117.76 proof) – A special higher-proof release with a limited selection of 250 barrels ($39.99)

Each bottle features patriotic packaging and storytelling that underscores Evan Williams’ enduring connection to America’s founding. The Black Label and 1783 Small Batch bottles, in particular, bring this heritage to life by highlighting the brand’s origins and its enduring commitment to American values. The Single Barrel expression is hand-dipped in blue wax to match the coordinating blues in the bottle’s depiction of the Statue of Liberty. From its founding to today, Evan Williams stands for American craftsmanship and pride and will raise a glass in the same enduring spirit that built the country as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

In addition to honoring history, Evan Williams will continue its more than 10 years of ongoing partnership with veteran causes across the country. The brand is proud to announce a new partnership with the non-profit Folds of Honor, and a $75,000 donation to provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders.

“America250 is proud to collaborate with iconic American brands like Evan Williams that embody the heritage and values we seek to celebrate,” said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President of America250. “This partnership helps bring the Semiquincentennial to life for consumers across the country, inspiring reflection, pride, and participation in this historic moment.”

With the rallying call to “Toast to 250 years with the #1 American-owned bourbon,” Evan Williams invites consumers nationwide to join in celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial by honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking ahead to the next 250 years.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams is committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. For more than a decade, the brand has contributed over $750,000 to initiatives that benefit veterans, helping provide resources, recognition, and support to those who have demonstrated exceptional service and sacrifice. In 2024, the brand debuted ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate college athletics through a partnership with Learfield making Kentucky’s 1st Distiller Game Day’s #1 Pour. The multi-year deal currently includes powerhouse teams at University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, Ohio State University, University of Alabama, the University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, and the University of Oklahoma. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.

Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur, A Bold Twist On Tradition

From the makers of the original Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur, Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur offers a bold twist on centuries of German tradition, blending the sweetness of 100% natural honey with premium bourbon, creating a uniquely rich and balanced whiskey liqueur where German craftsmanship meets American spirit in every pour.

Crafted from an 18^th century German recipe and made with real honey – 225 grams per bottle! – Bärenjäger is legacy in a bottle. Rich notes of vanilla, oak and spice blend perfectly with the warmth of honey, creating a liqueur that is both robust and refined. Enjoy it neat, over ice, or in cocktails (see below) for a touch of golden sweetness. (SRP $34.99, 35% ABV)

Originally crafted as a potent lure for bears in the rugged forests of 18^th century Germany, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur emerged from a secret recipe passed down through generations. As time went on, hunters discovered that this blend wasn’t just a tool for their pursuits; it was a treat to savor. The hunters began to enjoy it as a cordial around campfires and as years passed, Bärenjäger, which translates to “bear (bären) hunter (jäger),” transformed from a hunting lure into a beloved liqueur, cherished for its rich history and unique flavor. 

Honey Old Fashioned

2 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

orange peel and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Add bitters to a rocks glass, followed by a large ice cube. Pour Bärenjäger on top and stir gently to mix. Garnish with an orange peel and maraschino cherry.

German Mule

2 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

0.5 oz fresh lime juice

4 oz ginger beer

lime wedge and mint sprig, for garnish

Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice. Add Bärenjäger and lime juice, stir. Fill with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge and mint sprig.

Whiskey Sour

3 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1 egg white

2 dashes Angostura bitters

orange twist and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Add Bärenjäger, lemon juice, egg white, and bitters to a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake until cold. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange twist and maraschino cherry.

Honey Bourbon Lemonade

2 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

4.5 oz fresh lemonade

lemon wedge, for garnish

Fill a glass with ice. Add Bärenjäger and lemonade. Stir. Garnish with lemon wedge.

www.barenjagerhoney.com   @barenjagerhoney

The Quiet Splendor of Komagatake
Mars Komagatake 7 Year Old K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel #3740 Japanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) ($179.99)
“An absolute winner by any measure that feels like a rapturous eye-opener to the potential of this wonderful little mountain distillery.” —David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Mars Shuzo is the quiet giant of Japanese whisky. The best kept secret in the whisky world are the two exceptional distilleries, Komagatake and Tsunuki. While both have been available on occasion in single malt form, they are almost never seen in the US as single casks, and typically a single barrel of either commands a significant premium. The company can trace its roots to the origins of Japanese whisky through their founder, Kiichiro Iwai. Just like Suntory, Hombo Shuzo was there from the start. It was in fact Iwai who enlisted Masataka Taketsuru to travel to Scotland in order to learn the age old techniques for making the worlds most complex whisky. Upon his return, Hombo was not able to construct the distillery, so Taketsuru-san took the plans to Suntory.

But in 1949, Kiichiro Iwai would complete his dream of building pot stills and distilling Hombos own malt whisky. And while Iwai-san represents one of the three pillars of Japanese whisky, their modern commitment to the category rests squarely on the shoulders of one great man, Kazuto Hombo. Hombo-san is a true lover of the finer things, and his love of whisky kept the wonderful old stills running. His belief that Japanese whisky would one day be a worldwide success is singularly connected to the construction of the Nagano plant where the original stills were moved, and while Hombo-san was ahead of his time, the plant would see very little production over the next 30 years. He was ready when the whisky boom began and production restarted in 2014.

Now Komagatake is making some of the world’s best whisky. Stylistically, the distillery offers an elegant and refined malt, but this single cask is truly superb. Peated to 20 ppm, you might expect something very smoky and forward, but instead you have an elegant, ultra complex expression of malt that is on par with the very finest available anywhere. Let’s dive in! One of the old single casks out there. The color is a shimmering yellow gold (0.5). The nose is an explosive mixture of maritime flavors and sweet orchard fruit: oyster shell, yuzu peel, galangal, creosote, white ash, pear preserves, licorice root, salted grilled lemons, and lanolin. The palate is razor sharp and chiseled, with a big citrus note and a strong saline character up front, followed by similar white ashy smoke, which does not dominate whatsoever the fresh, juicy fruit: greengage, apricot, green grapes. It absolutely adores water, softening the smoke and reminding me of a well matured, less tarry style Caol Ila. An absolute winner by any measure that feels like a rapturous eye-opener to the potential of this wonderful little mountain distillery.

— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Mars Komagatake 7 Year Old K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel #3740 Japanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) ($179.99)

This singular cask from Mars Komagatake offers a direct link to the origins of Japanese whisky and one of the category’s most important pioneering producers. Crafted by Hombo Shuzo, a family owned company founded in 1872, Mars traces its whisky lineage to the earliest era of malt distillation in Japan, long before Japanese whisky achieved global acclaim. Hombo was among the first producers to seriously pursue domestic malt whisky, helping establish the foundation of what would become a national tradition. The Komagatake distillery was founded in 1985 high in the Japanese Alps of Nagano, chosen for its pristine mountain water, cool climate, and dramatic seasonal temperature swings. These conditions proved ideal for maturation, allowing whiskies to develop remarkable depth and structure even at younger ages.

Like much of the industry, Komagatake experienced periods of dormancy during market downturns, but its revival in 2011 marked a pivotal moment in the modern resurgence of Japanese whisky. Today, Komagatake is widely regarded as the spiritual and technical heart of Mars, producing some of the most authentic and characterful single malts in the country. This single cask, bottled exclusively for K&L at natural cask strength and limited to just 160 bottles, is not only exceptionally rare but historically significant. As the very first Komagatake barrel selection in K&L’s history, it stands among the finest examples of Japanese whisky available anywhere in the world.

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

We’re excited to share some big news! This autumn, we’re taking the in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky on the road with back-to-back courses in New York, Kentucky and London. From 7 World Trade Center with Moët Hennessy USA (26 & 27 October), to Moonshine University in the heart of bourbon country (29 & 30 October 2026), to WSET School London (3 & 4 November), it’s a triple header that truly reflects how far we’ve come with building a global whisky education community.

Early Bird booking is now open with a £200 saving until 19 June 2026.

Read the full announcement and all the details on our blog.

📖 Read the Post

ralfy review 1132 Extras – Some Old Whisky Bottles From Auctions.