Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ Fantasy Camp Postponed

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced today that its annual Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ fantasy camp won’t happen in September 2022, but the prestigious event is being reimagined for 2023.

The KDA created the KBA eight years ago as a world-class celebration featuring daily behind-the-scenes access at the nation’s most iconic distilleries, with elite nightcap dinners and fetes in Louisville starring Kentucky’s historic Bourbon culture and top-shelf culinary scene.

KDA President Eric Gregory said participating distillers simply don’t have the bandwidth and workforce to manage the immersive, week-long showcase – and many are already booked for months as visitors have returned in droves to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour.

“These intimate, rare, backstage experiences are what make the Kentucky Bourbon Affair such a magical event, and we’re concerned that it would not live up to the high expectations from our devoted fans, many of whom come back year after year,” Gregory said.

With 50 members now across 40 Kentucky counties, Gregory said the KDA is taking the time to reimagine the Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ with plans to return in 2023. It has been postponed since 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

“The Bourbon Affair is a bucket list adventure and the only event that’s exclusively produced by the distilleries themselves,” he said. “We look forward to a fresh, new approach to the KBA next year and thank all our fans for their patience and understanding.”

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®, ORDER OF THE WRIT®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®,, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. 

Our June auction ends soon!

Place your bids until Sunday 26^th June.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, investor enjoy!

Glen Grant – 70 Year Old (1952)

Bowmore – 50 Year Old (1969)

Springbank – 50 Year Old

Macallan – 1940 (Rinaldi)

Glenfarclas – Worlds Series (Complete Set)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.co.uk.

A Speyside Icon in an Ultra-Rare Single Cask
2005 Glenrothes 16 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($119.99)
“An absolutely stellar cask with tons of distillery character that continues to open for hours after your first pour.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Our friends at Old Particular have come through with a barn-burner of an Exclusive Cask. From one of Scotland’s most famous blue-chip names, this 2005 Glenrothes single cask is a rarity to be coveted by any serious Scotch aficionado. Due to the distillery’s business model and brand philosophy, it’s quite an unusual occurrence to find a Glenrothes cask on the independent market, but it’s simply unheard-of these days to find one with this kind of age and in a top-quality, first-fill sherry butt, no less. Needless to say, the spirits team is thrilled to the core with the finished product. For fans of the distillery, this stupendous dram has everything you’re looking for. Buyer David Othenin-Girard declares, “This is really the quintessential profile from this distillery, its rich earthy character tempered by a top-quality, nicely active sherry butt, without being totally overpowered and losing its uniqueness.” Apart from being authentically Glenrothes, it’s just an eminently pleasurable whisky by its mind-boggling complexity (especially with a few drops) and its rich, decadent profile. David’s colleague Andrew Whiteley notes, “This is the kind of fun, middle-aged malt that really knocks your socks off and reminds you just how purely enjoyable Scotch is.” You’ll want to beat a quick path to securing your bottles, as we don’t expect to see the likes of this again any time soon.

2005 Glenrothes 16 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($119.99)

K&L Notes: The Glenrothes distillery has become one of Scotland’s most prominent and recognizable over the years. They were once famous for relying exclusively on vintage releases. Situated on the Burn of Rothes in the town of the same name, it was founded in 1879. The distillery is just a quick jaunt from the famous Glen Grant and less famous Speyburn distilleries, as well as the notable still manufacturer Forsythe. The distillery had long been a part of the Edrington Group and its predecessors, but in 2010 it was sold to famous wine merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd in exchange for their famous, old, blended scotch brand, Cutty Sark. After seven short years, Berry Bros. sold the brand back to the Edrington. Over the next year or two, the brand was retooled to move away from the vintage offerings and toward a traditional core range. Usually when we see stocks outside of the distillery releases, they’re offered as part of what would obviously be considered blending stocks, that is to say refill hogsheads rather than sherry butts. We’re very lucky to have gotten access to this rare expression, made even rarer by the change in the distillery’s own line-up. The style is distinctly Glenrothes, not diverting significantly in character from the distillery’s other offerings. Expect the classic flavors of earthy malt and dark sherry character that surely won’t disappoint any lover of this special little Speyside charmer.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 08, 2022

If you’re a Scotch fan, then you’ve almost certainly come across a Glenrothes in your journey. The Speyside blue chip was renowned for its exclusive devotion to single-vintage releases but has recently moved toward more standard age statements. It’s extremely rare to see Glenrothes being offered by independent bottlers, and when we do see it, it’s often outrageously priced and filled into old, boring casks. In any case, we’ve not bottled one in more than seven years and never in such high-quality sherry. What so intrigued me about this cask, besides the obvious quality, was how much it truly tasted like “Glenrothes”! This is really the quintessential profile from this distillery, its rich, earthy character tempered by a top-quality, nicely active sherry butt, without being totally overpowered and losing its uniqueness. The color is deep copper/burnished (1.0-1.1). The nose is a pungent mixture of creamy vanilla and dark, earthy malt. The dark, woodsy sherry frames with a charred orange peel, roasted sugar character, and with some air the bold, savory spice comes forward. Dark Espresso Romano served with lemon rind, chocolate malt, butterscotch, candied nuts, and sweet sugar syrup build on the palate. The texture is very rich. With the tiniest drop of water the nose loses its earthy edge, offering sweeter confectionery notes and the nutty oloroso character. On the palate, the fruity citrus and dried raisin character now plays perfectly with chocolate Raisinets! A hint of mossy old dunnage funk reminds us that this is indeed Glenrothes, before a long, gorgeous finish filled with honeyed sweetness and building spice. An absolutely stellar cask with tons of distillery character that continues to open for hours after your first pour. Highly recommend some water here, unless you really love the earthy side of things. If the distillery was selling whisky like this, it would be the hottest damn distillery in Scotland, but finding a single sherry butt (or even a cask-strength version of any kind) is next to impossible. It’s a terrible shame, but it’s also the beauty of the single cask market—sometimes a single piece can be greater than the whole.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 08, 2022

Hedonistic is the first word that pops into my head when I nose this whisky. It’s rich and succulent right off the bat. Toasted crème brûlée, sweet dates, sultry spices, orange marmalade, sandalwood, peach and nectarine, citrus zest. Moving onto the palate, a more dessert forward profile emerges. Baking spices, cocoa dust, orange peel, candied nuts, a touch of savory herbs, and just a bit of heat. At 57.2% ABV, it is not overwhelming but very pleasantly punchy. A drop or two of water and more candied citrus comes forth. The wood tannin takes a bit of a back seat, but vanilla steps forward. The finish feels very classic. It’s malty, fruity, a bit sweet and herbaceous like wild mountain honey and sweet tea. This is the kind of fun, middle-aged malt that really knocks your socks off and reminds you just how purely enjoyable Scotch is.

Austin Jenkins | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 24, 2022

Caramelized brown sugar and baked cinnamon for days on the nose! What a treat! There’s a present scent of chocolate shavings, a touch of maple also. A lot of things to explore here! Palate is wonderfully biting. Maple persists on the front and the finish, some stone fruit also—ripe white peaches. Barrel influence is not too overpowering considering its first fill profile. Gorgeous color too. This is an easy dram to get lost in!

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 27, 2022

A sherry-aged single malt lover’s delight. This Glenrothes has a nice, deep color. In the mouth, it is rich and full-bodied with a nice mouthfeel. The finish is mouth-coating with wonderful nutty and dried fruit flavors. With a little water, it is the same as above but slightly softer. I think that one can enjoy this single malt with or without water.

DINGLE – BATCH 6

SINGLE MALT IRISH WHISKEY

70cl | 46.5% ABV

This is the sixth and final release of the Dingle Single Malt Batch series. Fully matured exclusively in Tawny Port Casks, Batch 6 is a great example of the interaction between Single Malt spirit and fortified wine. A Whiskey with multiple layers of sweetness and a well-balanced depth of flavour.

£74.95

Add To Basket

ralfy review 932 – Deanston 18yo @ 46.3%vol: (2022)

Looking For Distilling Duo to Make History

Wooler-based distillery, Ad Gefrin, is seeking two distillers to help produce Northumberland’s first whisky

New English whisky distillery, Ad Gefrin, is seeking two passionate distillers to help take on the exciting task of making Northumberland’s first legal single malt whisky. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the team as Ad Gefrin starts an extraordinary journey based on a unique heritage, distilling traditions and combined with contemporary innovation. The appointed distillers will be joining a growing team and it is hoped that together they will help to shape a long-lasting legacy for Wooler and Northumberland.

Nestled at the base of the Cheviot hills, Ad Gefrin visitor experience and distillery tells the stories of, and is inspired by, the 7th Century summer palace of the kings and queens of Northumbria, discovered only four miles north of Wooler. Ad Gefrin is a family-owned business with an ambition to quite literally ‘distil Northumberland’ using Northumbrian Barley and Cheviot water sourced from a borehole on site at the distillery.

The two distillers will be responsible for all production operations for whisky and any other spirit produced as part of the company’s suite of spirits. As well as managing the process, from milling and mashing to routine sampling of raw materials and new malt distillate, they will have an in depth understanding of the overall business and background to production. The candidates must be excited to explore, learn and bring new ideas forward.

Giving further background, Ben Murphy, Director of Distilling at Ad Gefrin, said:

“We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a passion for quality and experience in relevant fields. Qualifications in brewing and distilling or a similar field would be beneficial. We require people who are up for getting stuck in to helping us produce Northumberland’s first legal single malt whisky and be a part of an exciting new era.”

If you have relevant experience and are interested in joining the Ad Gefrin team, please send a covering letter and a copy of your CV to – work@adgefrin.co.uk.

 NOTES:

About Ad Gefrin

Ad Gefrin is a £12m world-class visitor experience and whisky distillery that will reveal the fascinating history of Northumberland’s Anglo Saxon ‘Golden Age’. Informed by one of the 20^th century’s most remarkable archaeological finds – the internationally renowned archaeological site, Yeavering – the centre will recreate the Great Hall of the royal summer palace of the 7^th century Northumbrian kings and queens. Ad Gefrin is funded by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the North East Rural Growth Network – Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF), North East LEP and Northumberland County Council.

About Yeavering (the archaeological site of Ad Gefrin) 5 miles from Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery

Internationally renowned, Yeavering is the most thoroughly excavated Anglo Saxon palace complex in Europe and the only archaeological site to have evidence of a timber grandstand and gathering place. This was the 7^th Century royal summer residence of early Anglo-Saxon kings and queens including Aethelfrith, Edwin and Aethelburga, the saintly Oswald and his younger brother Oswy.  Discovered in 1949 through aerial photography, and excavated by Brian Hope-Taylor in the 1950’s and 60’s, the scheduled archaeological site is today under the ownership and management of The Gefrin Trust. The Trust was formed to ensure the future preservation of the site through sympathetic management, conservation and investigation. Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery is working in partnership with The Gefrin Trust to further illuminate the importance of the archaeological site within the exhibition at the Visitor Centre.

About Borderlands Partnership

The Borderlands Partnership consists of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was agreed between the Borderlands Partnership, the UK Government and the Scottish Government in March 2021. The Deal will deliver up to £350 million investment in projects across the region from the UK and Scottish Governments alongside local investment of £100 million. Projects in England are supported through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities funding including Ad Gefrin. More information can be found at www.borderlandsgrowth.com

About the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a public, private, and education sector partnership that covers Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland local authority areas.

LinkedIn: @adgefrin

Facebook: @AdGefrin

Instagram: @adgefrin

SELL THROUGH HWA! But why?… 

• We are delighted to offer 0% sellers commission & 8.5% buyer’s commission. Being only 8.5% buyer’s commission, buyers are willing to pay that bit extra for your bottle/lot due to the commission saving.
• Only £3 listing fee per bottle and £4 reserve fee.
• A very strong global audience built up in such a short period of time (we are about to have our 7^th auction).
• Payment to sellers normally within 7 days!
• Visit HWA on Trustpilot, we have very happy customers.
• FREE doorstep collections in many areas within Scotland.
• FREE* courier doorstep collections across the UK. All arranged by us.
• Sound good?? If so, get in touch and we would be delighted to welcome you on board, answer any questions and/or assist with selling your whisky.

www.highlandwhiskyauctions.com

Click here to register as a user, (only £4).

Click here to get in touch.

www.highlandwhiskyauctions.com

Well our 132nd auction has now closed, and we were delighted with the way our Ukraine Charity Bottles performed.  The fact they achieved so much is down to you, our valued customers, and now we are able to donate a significant amount of money to the DEC and contribute to a worthy cause.

57 SWA donated bottles were sold raising an impressive £11,132 for Ukraine.  This figure is made up of £10,120 in total hammer prices and £1012 in donated commission.

For our next auction, the 133rd, we will also be accepting Ukraine charity donation bottles from customers too, as long as they are submitted before the deadline on the 17th of June.  If you want to donate any bottles make it clear on your submission sheet and we will make sure that the whole hammer price and commission from these sales is donated to the DEC to help their efforts.  All lot fees on donated bottles will also be waived for any customer choosing to contribute.

Ben Nevis 1996 25 Year Old

It’s finally here, our latest exclusive! We have been quite excited to share this one with you all, ever since we sampled it.

This rare and illustrious Highland malt from Ben Nevis Distillery has gently matured for a quarter of a century in a single American oak hogshead, previously used for Bourbon. Gentle maturation in fine oak has allowed the delicacies of this graceful spirit to sing; it dazzled their Whisky Creations Team. It exhibits unmistakable class and sophistication – a truly excellent dram.

Matured in a single Bourbon American Oak Hogshead for the entirety of its life, never being re-racked.

Cask #1582
Distilled 1996
Aged for 25 years.
Non chill filtered and natural colour.
One of only 250 bottles available worldwide

Pre-order Now