BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY INTRODUCES NEXT CHAPTER IN THE DANIEL WELLER EXPERIMENTAL LINE: SPELT WHEAT

The latest edition of the Daniel Weller line explores how one of the world’s oldest wheat strains shapes the flavor of “The Original Wheated Bourbon”

FRANKFORT, KY (March 24, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces the release of Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat, the second edition from its experimental Daniel Weller series. Launched in 2023 with Emmer Wheat, the line honors the pioneering spirit of Daniel Weller – grandfather of William Larue Weller and an early contributor to the family’s bourbon-making legacy – by examining how individual wheat varietals impact the flavor profile of Weller, the Original Wheated Bourbon. Each release is designed as a focused experiment, inviting deeper appreciation for how a single variable can meaningfully shape the final whiskey.

Recognized for its subtle sweetness and gentle nuttiness, spelt wheat is rarely used in whiskey production. Cultivated for thousands of years primarily in Europe, spelt is closely associated with traditional, small-scale grain farming and artisanal baking. The distillation team at Buffalo Trace was drawn to spelt not only for its flavor potential, but for its historical significance as one of the earliest cultivated wheat varieties, reflecting the Distillery’s commitment to honoring tradition while embracing change through purposeful experimentation. By using spelt in place of rye as the secondary grain, this release builds upon the soft, smooth profile that defines Weller bourbons while allowing the wheat’s character to shape the whiskey’s aroma, texture, and flavor.

“Rather than leaning on barrel innovation, we chose to strip the process back and let the wheat speak for itself,” says Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “By avoiding specialized barrel treatments and techniques, we were able to focus on how spelt wheat’s natural sweetness and distinct character influence the Weller mashbill. Its nuanced profile makes it ideal for experiments where the grain’s personality is meant to shine.”

Bottled at 94 proof, Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat marks a clear departure from classic Weller wheated bourbons, reaching its ideal flavor and balance after 10 years of maturation. It opens with a nutty, biscuit-forward nose shaped by the spelt grain. Aromas of freshly baked cookies, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg are supported by light fresh fruit, subtle leather, with underlying notes of butterscotch, caramel, vanilla and oak. On the palate, dried fruit and gentle sweetness are layered with baking spice, while a restrained floral, tea-like character adds dimension. The finish is long and composed, carrying soft fruit, nuttiness and light spice with a fading, lingering sweetness.

The foundation for this experimental work was laid by Daniel Weller, who played a formative role in the early development of bourbon distilling. After settling in Kentucky in 1794, he carried a family tradition of distillation, rooted in American barter culture. By operating and leasing his still to proprietors, Weller expanded both access to and influence within the growing spirits trade, embedding distilling into his family’s legacy. His entrepreneurial approach laid the groundwork for future generations and helped shape the wheated bourbon tradition that would later define the Weller name in American whiskey history.

“Daniel Weller set a standard for ingenuity that still guides us today,” adds Charley Costa Jr., Brand Manager for Daniel Weller. “This line reflects that same pioneering mindset. By experimenting with distinctive wheat varietals like spelt, we’re honoring Daniel Weller’s legacy while challenging ourselves to explore new dimensions of flavor. Each release is an opportunity to connect our history to the future of American whiskey.”

Each Daniel Weller release is stored in a 750ml glass bottle with a unique compass stopper. In homage to Daniel Weller, the coordinates of his farm near Botland, Kentucky, are inscribed beneath the stopper.

Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat will be available in limited quantities to distributors, shipping to select retailers, bars and restaurants across the U.S. starting March 2026 at a suggested retail price of $549.99 (750ml); state taxes vary. The Daniel Weller series also includes Emmer Wheat (2023) and is part of the broader Weller Wheated Bourbon portfolio, including Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, Weller 12 Year Old, Weller Full Proof, Weller C.Y.P.B., Weller Single Barrel and William Larue Weller, one of the most sought-after whiskeys released annually as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

For more information, please visit HERE

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 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 and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

A Scotch of Extraordinary Pedigree
1989 The K&L Liquors’ 36 Year Old “Enviable” (Sideburns)
Batch #2 K&L Exclusive Single Vintage Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($199.99)
“Another incredible value in old malt has landed in our lap, and this time
the deal is even more impressive.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

The wild success of the Sideburns 35 Year has rattled the cage of more than one large company in Scotland. If you haven’t seen my review of that product, I highly recommend taking a look here. The short version is this: we may be on the precipice of a new golden age of Scotch, and K&L is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the market asymmetry. While our marketing of the previous batch was met with side eyes and raised eyebrows from the original owners of the stocks and trademarks, other suppliers with similar inventories saw it as a signal. This was an opportunity.

It would seem our prayers have been answered. Another incredible value in old malt has landed in our lap, and this time the deal is even more impressive. There are, of course, differences in the stock. This distillate comes entirely from November 1989 and was matured in refill hogsheads, rather than the first-fill sherry hogsheads of Batch #1. The proof is slightly lower, but still a robust 47-48% for a whisky of such advanced age. Remember, Scotch typically loses up to 1% ABV per year and enters the cask around 63%. So yes, older, slightly lower in proof, and without the fashionable sherry influence, yet 25% cheaper. If you ask me, old malt like this absolutely thrives in refill hogsheads. While I often insist on first or second fill for younger whisky, at this age the nuance of second or third fill can be profoundly beneficial.

In any case, if it’s not already clear, this malt is drawn almost entirely from one of Speyside’s most beloved distillers. Search “Burnside,” the Cadenhead/Springbank-owned blended malt, if you want clues to the source. We’re being intentionally careful about naming names, but suffice it to say this parcel comes from the cellars of one of the industry’s most powerful blending houses. Whether it was once destined as a top note for premium blends or simply forgotten stock, it now stands as perhaps the greatest value I’ve ever offered. Twice in six months. It really does feel like the start of something bigger.

— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

* This pre-arrival product is estimated to be available for pickup or delivery by 10/31/2026.

1989 The K&L Liquors’ 36 Year Old “Enviable” (Sideburns) Batch #2 K&L Exclusive Single Vintage Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($199.99)

Another incredible deal from the depths of Scotland’s vast blending apparatus. This is a completely different lot than the first Sideburns, but the exact same blend. Our friends at Cadenhead’s would sell this style of blended malt as “Burnside,” but rather than push our luck after Sideburns raised a few eyebrows, we’re offering this special parcel of 36 year old blended malt under the cheeky “Enviable” label. If you’re sharp with wordplay or familiar with Burnside, the reference should be clear. While we cannot state the distillery outright, this whisky is composed primarily of the famous malt produced in Dufftown under the William Grant system.

By strict legal definition it is simply another blended malt of considerable age, but in terms of quality it stands among the finest whisky being produced in Scotland today. The practice of teaspooning was developed within the blending trade to prevent competitors from capitalizing on a distillery’s name, adding a trace amount of another malt to obscure origin. With that in mind we’ll stay tactful, but even minimal research will point you in the right direction. There is no question that the whisky in this bottle represents extraordinary pedigree, and without that minute addition from a neighboring distillery its value would be many times what we’re asking. The quirks of the Scotch market can be remarkable, and moments like this are exactly where they benefit the drinker.

Purchase Here ➔

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

Today we launch AFICIONADO — a new collection of rare, hand-selected vintage single malt Scotch whiskies that celebrates the Art of Maturation and our commitment to exceptional quality. Positioned between our Mission Gold series and ultra-aged releases, AFICIONADO showcases long-matured expressions from some of Scotland’s most revered distilleries. Each whisky is bottled in small batches, at natural colour and without chill filtration, preserving the authenticity and character of every dram.

The inaugural releases include:

Mortlach – 34 Years Old (1989)

Bowmore – 34 Years Old (1990)

Imperial – 35 Years Old (1989)

AFICIONADO embodies the principles that have defined Murray McDavid since 1994: thoughtful curation, innovative maturation and a respect for Scotland’s distilling heritage.

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March is all about new beginnings from a seasonal perspective, so it’s only right that we get into this month’s whiskies with the same attitude. Isn’t it time you got into the new stuff?

TAKE ME TO THE BOTTLES

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

Glenallachie Sinteis Part 2 & 3

THE VIDEO

Glenallachie Sinteis Part 2 & 3 (sin-teesh) Meaning synthesis in Scots Gaelic. It’s impossible to not pay attention to anything that Billy Walker is doing. He’s the king of sherry maturation and, along with myself, a huge fan of virgin oak maturation. It wouldn’t be long until we saw a fusion of his two cask passions coalescing into some limited edition releases for us all to fawn over.

All natural colour with no chill filtration and bottled at cask strength, these bottles are some of the most wonderful colours I’ve ever witnessed, so dark, deep and ruby red. The exploration of virgin oak influences is something I’ve been waiting for from any distillery. It makes total sense to have Glenallachie lead the way with this, whilst still making everything still affordable to someone wanting to explore it. French virgin oak has made its way into many different brands over the years, whilst Scottish oak has only appeared a handful of times – ( Greg Glass project and Glengoyne.)

After a wonderful chat with Billy at HIDE in London, he told me that the spice profiles of both French and Scottish oak are rather similar, I’d still try to push for a full Scottish oak maturation release, even just as a single barrel – something fun. The rest of that chat will remain a secret, but you’ll see something rather fun in this series next year! Part 2: a combination of Scottish virgin oak and Oloroso sherry casks – Waves of salted butter, cola syrup and dried fruits. Part 3: a combination of French virgin oak and Oloroso sherry casks – a super fusion of French patisserie aromas and additional indulgence from Oloroso sherry.

Maker’s Mark Unveils 2026 Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release

LORETTO, Ky., Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the 2026 release of its Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release—an expression inspired by the distillery’s operations teams who guide the bourbon’s journey from first fermentation to final bottling.

“From the beginning, Maker’s Mark has been guided by my grandparents’ pursuit of exceptional flavor and deep respect for everyone who makes our whisky—from our grain growers to those who barrel and bottle our bourbon,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark. “We continue to honor our founders’ vision through the Wood Finishing Series, which showcases our innovative spirit, celebrates our quality and craftsmanship and recognizes the teams who make our whisky possible.” 

The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series features one-of-a-kind expressions crafted using an innovative wood stave finishing technique that amplifies the distinctive characteristics of the brand’s signature bourbon. The Stewards Release (2026) opens with bright aromas evoking cherry pie and vanilla bean, layered with tasting notes of honey, toasted marshmallow and candied ginger, culminating in a vibrant finish marked by stone fruit and salted caramel.

“Consumers today want exceptional whisky, but they’re also interested in the values behind the brand and the people who make it,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark. “Bartenders feel the same way. They want to know more about the process, the ingredients and the craftsmanship in what they pour. The Stewards Release brings that philosophy to life, inspired by the operational leaders at Star Hill Farm and the care that goes into every step of production.”

Marking the midpoint of a five-year journey, the Stewards Release (2026) is the third installment in the second Wood Finishing Series. Set to conclude in 2028, this series explores the people behind the proof and follows The Keepers Release (2025), inspired by the warehouse team who ensure every barrel of Maker’s Mark matures consistently to the founders’ taste vision, and The Heart Release (2024), inspired by the distillery team—the makers of Maker’s Mark, crafting its handmade bourbon in Loretto, Kentucky.

The Stewards Release will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% ABV / 109.6 proof, and the other at 56.65% ABV / 113.3 proof. Both will be available at U.S. retailers at a suggested MSRP of $74.99 beginning today. 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.

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

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

Glen Scotia Victoriana

Each cask of this Campbeltown Single Malt is selected for its rare character and exceptional maturity. Finished in deep charred oak before bottling straight from the cask, this non chill-filtered expression combines subtle wood and vanilla flavours with a full-bodied spicy fruit aroma.

Each cask of this Campbeltown Single Malt is selected for its rare character and exceptional maturity. Finished in deep charred oak before bottling straight from the cask, this non chill-filtered expression combines subtle wood and vanilla flavours with a full-bodied spicy fruit aroma.

The nose is elegant with oak and creme brulee notes leading to caramelised fruit and polished oak. The palate is sweet and concentrated with blackcurrant jam, subtle wood and vanilla, while the finish is clean and sweet with cocoa tones.

Note: If you add an engraving to your order, the message will be displayed on the back of this bottle.

£81.00

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“This whisky has it all, beautiful fruity notes typical of Glen Scotia with a wisp of smoke, also bottled at cask strength which heightens the spicyness nicely!” Lee, Trentham Store Manager

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

ralfy review 1121 Extras – Our tastes change faster with experience.