BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY REINTRODUCES TWO ICONIC COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR, JR. BOURBONS

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain and Cured Oak Make a Celebrated Return, Reintroducing Two of the Brand’s Most Sought-After Expressions

FRANKFORT, KY (May 21, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is proud to announce the return of two highly-coveted bourbons from the Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. collection: Four Grain and Cured Oak. Establishing its place as an annual limited release, Four Grain joins the Distillery’s ongoing lineup, while Cured Oak returns as a rare, limited offering. Together, these highly anticipated bourbons honor Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr.’s enduring legacy of innovation, quality and craftsmanship.

First introduced in 2017, E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey is a 100-proof, small-batch bourbon crafted from a distinctive recipe featuring high-quality corn, rye, wheat and malted barley – grains that would have been accessible to Taylor in the 1800s. Distilled in 2015 and aged for ten years, this expression stands apart within the E.H. Taylor, Jr. lineup of whiskeys for its unique balance of flavors. The combination of four grains creates a layered and complex profile: corn delivers foundational sweetness, rye adds spice and structure, wheat softens the palate with subtle sweetness, and malted barley contributes depth with a gentle toasted character. The result is a bourbon that is both rich and balanced, offering notes of caramel, vanilla and chocolate with a lightly spiced, lingering finish.

“What makes Four Grain so special is how unconventional it is,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “It’s also a clear example of what we call a ‘graduated experiment’ – one that began as a deliberate exploration and evolved into a release worthy of returning as a permanent expression. Rye and wheat are often used separately, but combining them creates a completely different flavor experience. Alongside corn and malted barley, we’re able to build layers of flavor that balance sweetness, spice and depth in a way you don’t typically see in bourbon.”

Originally released in 2015, E.H. Taylor, Jr. Cured Oak Bourbon Whiskey is a 100-proof, Bottled-in-Bond bourbon is aged 10 years in barrels constructed from white oak staves that were air-dried for 13 months – more than twice the standard curing time. This extended curing process allows the whiskey to extract deeper, more complex flavors from the oak during maturation. This bourbon delivers a rich and inviting profile with notes of tobacco, dried fruit, vanilla and toffee, complemented by undertones of seasoned oak and a long, dry finish. The expression highlights the profound impact that barrel craftsmanship can have on the final character of a whiskey.

“What you notice with Cured Oak is the added depth and complexity that comes from the extended curing process,” said Wheatley. “Most of our barrels are cured for six months, but with this release the extended curing brings forward richer notes that create a longer, more layered finish.”

Highly regarded as the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry,” Colonel Taylor purchased O.F.C. Distillery, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery, in 1869. He is credited with implementing many of the innovative techniques still used today, including advanced grain handling, copper fermentation tanks and steam-heated warehouses. Taylor also played a pivotal role in the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which established quality standards that continue to shape the industry.

“Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. was a true pioneer whose commitment to craftsmanship helped redefine what bourbon could be,” said Charley Costa, Brand Manager, Whiskey, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Four Grain and Cured Oak reflect that legacy in distinct ways: one through an unconventional grain composition, the other through the influence of barrel aging. Together, they demonstrate how intentional innovation and a dedication to quality can produce truly distinctive whiskeys.”

Both expressions will be available beginning in May 2026 at the suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750ml bottle (local taxes and fees apply). Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain will be available for purchase at the Buffalo Trace Distillery and Sazerac House Gift Shops, as well as select retailers in Kentucky and Louisiana. Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Cured Oak will be released via Sazerac’s distribution network to select retailers, bars, and restaurants across the United States. For more information, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

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.

Little Book Chapter 10 “All the Wiser” – A Milestone Worth Collecting

The James B. Beam Distilling Co. unveils Little Book Chapter 10: “All the Wiser”, a milestone moment in Freddie Noe’s whiskey making legacy.

Chapter 10 doesn’t just celebrate a decade of boundary-pushing blending but captures the evolution of one of American whiskey’s most innovative makers.

Since its inception, Little Book has been Freddie’s personal playground: an annual series that honors his grandfather Booker’s fearless approach to whiskey while carving out a distinctly modern perspective. But Chapter 10 is different. It’s not just another installment; it’s the culmination of everything Freddie has learned along the way.

After years of chasing precision and “perfect” blends, Freddie shifted his philosophy for this release. “All The Wiser” reflects a more intuitive approach, one that embraces the unpredictability of blending and allows the whiskey itself to lead. The result is a whiskey that feels more discovered than past releases.

This year’s blend draws from a spectrum of aged expressions across The James B. Beam Distilling Co. portfolio, including components finished in sherry and toasted bourbon casks.

At 122.6 proof (61.3% ABV), it’s bold, layered, and unapologetically complex. “All The Wiser” is positioned to become one of the most sought-after chapters yet, a true collector’s bottle that tells a deeper story with every pour.

Little Book Chapter 10 “All the Wiser

SRP: $159.99

122.6 Proof / 61.3% ABV

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep auburn

Aroma: Layers of fig, raisin and molasses

Taste: Full bodies with velvety caramel, cinnamon and oak

Finish: A long finish with seasoned oak and raisin

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
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New Breakfast at Whiski Bar

Start your day with our upgraded Full Scottish Breakfast, now featuring a delicious Cumberland sausage and grilled portobello mushroom. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or evening drinks on the Royal Mile, with live music every night from 10pm. Great food, great whisky, and great atmosphere at Whiski Bar!

BOOK NOW

Benromach High Enzyme Single Malt, 46%

THE REVIEW

Neat in the heat, that’s what they should’ve called this! An unpeated, high enzyme barley release from the ever wonderful folks at Benromach.

High enzyme barley is normally used in the production of grain whiskies to help get more alcohol out of the other grains, much like bourbon production in some ways. The result, after being distilled in pot stills is this super tropical, pineapple and coconut driven single malt that works perfectly on a 32 degree day. The office I filmed this video in felt like a level of hell that I never want to revisit again, this whisky was my saviour. Along with a litre of water.

What else did we expect from Benromach? Excellence every time, with a twist of experimentation.

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Old Pulteney celebrates 200^th anniversary with limited edition ‘Distillery Exclusive’ whisky

Distillery Open Day celebrations for Wick community also confirmed

In 2026, Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky marks a historic milestone: 200 years of distilling on Scotland’s northern coast. As part of the celebrations, The Maritime Malt is today (25^th May) unveiling a new limited-edition Old Pulteney 200^th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive that pays tribute to the whisky’s remote coastal home in Wick, where the elements have shaped its unique character since 1826. 

This 10-year-old single malt honours two centuries of whisky making know-how and an unwavering commitment to industrial craftsmanship. Venturing into new territory for Old Pulteney, this smooth and balanced whisky has been matured in American oak ex-Bourbon casks before further refinement in both ex-Manzanilla and ex-Oloroso casks.

Old Pulteney 200^th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive is a golden-hued whisky that encompasses the unmistakable coastal character of Old Pulteney and its home on the northern Scottish coast. On the nose, notes of vanilla, citrus, spiced dried fruits, polished oak and caramelised pear are lifted by a distinctive saline edge. The palate beautifully combines exquisite flavours of crème caramel, rich vanilla, lemon zest, salted chocolate and cinnamon, culminating in a balanced finish that is both sweet and salty.

Pulteney Distillery Open Day 

Pulteney Distillery has also revealed plans to throw open its historic doors to friends and neighbours in the Wick community on Saturday 20^th June, to ensure they are amongst the first to sample this special new dram and experience the distillery’s newly refreshed Brand Home first hand.

Free of charge and open to anyone with a Wick postcode, guests will be welcomed into the distillery on the day to join the 200^th birthday celebrations – and to enjoy a complimentary welcome highball, a 45 minute tour and a tasting of the new Old Pulteney 200^th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive whisky.  Taking place between 10am and 3pm, local guests can also look forward to live music, canapes and an Old Pulteney goody bag to take home with them.

Coinciding with Wick Harbour Day, numbers will be limited and people are encouraged to visit Old Pulteney’s website for more information about how to sign up and redeem their spot at the event.

Malcolm Waring, Distillery Manager at Pulteney Distillery, commented: ‘Reaching 200 years is a truly significant milestone for Old Pulteney and a proud moment for everyone connected to our distillery, both past and present. For two centuries, the distillery has remained deeply rooted in its coastal home of Wick, with its location and maritime climate playing an integral role in shaping the distinctive character of our whisky. 

‘This special anniversary release is both a celebration of that rich heritage and a reflection of the skill, care and dedication passed down through generations of craftspeople. At the same time, it highlights Old Pulteney’s continued commitment to innovation, exploring new cask influences while staying true to the coastal character that weaves through all our whiskies. 

‘Wick is at the heart of our whisky and we are also very much looking forward to welcoming our neighbours and friends from across the Wick community to our celebrations on the 20^th June. Few whiskies are so entwined with the place where they’re made as Old Pulteney. We want to ensure that our staff, their families and people from across the town have a chance to come together to toast this very special moment in our shared history’.

Sarah Burgess, Master of Whisky Creation at Old Pulteney added: ‘In my role, there are three things I always strive for: to create exceptional whiskies, to ensure every drop embodies the true character of our distillery, and to leave behind treasures for future generations to uncover. 

‘Old Pulteney has long been referred to as the ‘Manzanilla of the North’ so finding whisky laid down by previous generations that had been further matured in ex-Manzanilla casks felt like discovering a hidden gift within our warehouses. 

‘The gentle salinity offered by these casks, enriched by the depth of further refinement in ex-Oloroso casks, has created a whisky that beautifully marries sweetness with our unmistakable coastal character.’

Bottled at 48% ABV, Old Pulteney 200^th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive is priced at £99 and is available from 25^th May 2026 from Old Pulteney’s Brand Home in Wick and to members of Old Pulteney’s mailing list. To purchase a bottle, sign up to Old Pulteney’s mailing list here 

To find our more about the Wick Open Day on 20^th June please click here

www.interbevgroup.com

https://www.oldpulteney.com/ 

www.linkedin.com/company/international-beverage/

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 Gin, PRAKAAN single malt whiskies and Phraya Rum from Thailand, Larsen Cognac, and Cardrona spirits and liqueurs.

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/.

Tasting Notes: Old Pulteney 200^th Anniversary Distillery Exclusive

Colour: Golden.

Notes: Vanilla, bright citrus, spiced dried fruits, polished oak and caramelized pear are lifted by a distinctive saline edge.

Palate: Notes of crème caramel, rich vanilla, lemon zest, salted chocolate and cinnamon pastry come together beautifully.

Finish: Medium finish, balancing a soft sweetness with a maritime saltiness.

ABV: 48%
RRP: £99

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.

Old 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.

Maker’s Mark® Teams Up with Two-Time WNBA Champion & Olympic Gold Medalist Kelsey Plum to Launch Limited-Edition Bourbon

“Yam Jam by Kelsey Plum” Private Selection, inspired by her Perfectly Unreasonable spirit, will benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation  

LORETTO, Ky., Maker’s Mark®, the iconic Kentucky bourbon, today announced a collaboration with Olympic gold medalist, WNBA All-Star and Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum. Together, Plum and Maker’s Mark have created a custom Private Selection bourbon inspired by Plum’s relentless pursuit of excellence and unapologetically bold approach to her craft. Launching just ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, Yam Jam by Kelsey Plum will be available beginning May 7 at select retailers in Los Angeles.

Last year, Plum visited Star Hill Farm, home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, to participate in the brand’s Private Selection program—an immersive experience that allows individuals, as well as retail and restaurant partners, to create a one-of-a-kind expression by customizing the finishing process of Maker’s Mark bourbon.

“Working with Maker’s Mark to create my own bourbon gave me a chance to take the same approach I bring to the court—thoughtful, precise and intentional—and craft an expression that truly reflects who I am,” said Kelsey Plum. “I’ve always admired Maker’s Mark for their dedication to taking the time to achieve their exact vision. With Yam Jam, I wanted something bold and distinctive, with warmth and balance, meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, just as their founders intended with Maker’s Mark.”

Bottled at 55.65% ABV (111.3 proof), Yam Jam opens with aromas of bright chili spice and citrus, balanced by toasted oak, white pepper and cherry. On the palate, the bourbon evolves with notes of sweet potato pie, toasted pecan and soft baking spices, finishing with a vibrant lingering blend of baking chocolate, pie cherries and orange rind.

Maker’s Mark has donated the first barrel to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to support its charitable fundraising efforts, helping provide critical equipment and resources for Los Angeles firefighters.

To complement the release, Plum also developed a signature cocktail, “KP’s Kicking Mule,” a vibrant, citrus-forward take on a classic mule. The recipe combines Maker’s Mark bourbon with blood orange, blackberry and ginger for a refreshing yet complex serve.

Maker’s Mark’s collaboration with Kelsey Plum builds on the brand’s broader commitment to women’s basketball, brought to life through its multi-year partnership with Unrivaled—the 3-on-3 challenger league—its first sports league sponsorship, announced earlier this year. The partnership also serves as a platform for its “Perfectly Unreasonable” global campaign, celebrating the idea that going to extraordinary lengths—in life and in bourbon—is what separates good from remarkable.

“It was a pleasure to host Kelsey and her mom at Maker’s Mark’s homeplace last year—to share what makes our brand so special and bring her taste vision to life through our Private Selection program,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark. “This partnership brings together our passion for exceptional bourbon with Kelsey’s unmatched focus, warmth and authenticity—all in support of a meaningful cause.”

For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com.

About Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark® is the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world. In 1953, founders Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr. broke from tradition—burning the family’s 170-year-old recipe to create a bold, balanced bourbon made with soft red winter wheat for signature sweetness and creaminess. From the start, the Samuels went to remarkable lengths to craft uncompromisingly delicious bourbon—a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today. Every bottle is still hand-dipped in red wax, every barrel rotated by hand and every decision guided by the brand’s higher purpose.

Staying true to its founders’ vision, Maker’s Mark has expanded its portfolio with award-winning, super-premium expressions, including Maker’s Mark 46, Cask Strength, and Cellar Aged, as well as Private Selection, the brand’s custom barrel program. In 2025, the distillery debuted Star Hill Farm Whisky, its first-ever wheat whisky. Award-winning and the first to earn Estate Whiskey certification, Star Hill Farm Whisky inspired the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, a bold commitment to advance regenerative farming beyond its business, inviting farms, bars and restaurants to join the movement.

Maker’s Mark is proud to be both B Corp and Regenified Certified – milestones driven by the sustainability leadership at Star Hill Farm, home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which strives to be the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world. Learn more at www.makersmark.com.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation provides vital equipment and funds programs that help the LAFD save lives and build resilient communities. By purchasing life-saving equipment, providing mental health support, and funding other critical tools and programs, the LAFD Foundation addresses the gap between the City’s budget and LAFD needs.

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

At Kingsbarns we’re committed to developing a classic Lowland whisky – one that’s light, fruity and floral. So, when Europe’s biggest whisky retailer decided to run a feature on the Lowlands, we were delighted to be involved. They spent time with our Distillery Manager, Peter, to taste a few of our drams and understand what makes Kingsbarns so special. We can’t wait to see the finished product and are looking forward to sharing it with you.

Discover Benedikt’s Favourite Kingsbarns

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 602: Thy 3 Year Old 2021 Shepherd of the Herd

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries his very first Thy malt. Thy is located in the far north of Denmark, about halfway between Thyborøn and Thisted. Moreover, it’s the second release from Klubb23 in the new Shepherd of the Herd series, so this is Wooled 002 with a Danish native sheep on the label, a breed mainly found in Jutland. The whisky was distilled on 13 December 2021 and laid to rest in an octave cask of a mere 64 litres. It was bottled on 13 November 2025, so it’s one month shy of 4 years. With such an ABV, Mark expects he’ll water. Let’s get started!

https://youtu.be/GCmOFvWMhF8