Our April collection schedule has now been finalised. This month we will be including a trip to Orkney.

Please click HERE for the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in this service. The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 10th April 2023.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.

It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.

It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.

A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery (to collection point) service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Submission Form & Label

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Suntory AO World Whisky (700ml) $64.99 View

“Ireland. Scotland. America. Canada. Japan. The world’s most prestigious whisky regions, each with its unique history and climate, reveal their personality traits through our remarkable Ao world blended whisky. A blend that after nearly a century of challenges and triumphs, you can taste today. 

Unlike our other blends that find harmony by unifying individual whisky personalities, Suntory World Whisky Ao achieves harmony at its base while layering and highlighting a multitude of characteristics. The result offers aromas and flavors that change and evolve, depending on when and how you drink it. However you choose to enjoy Ao Whisky, we invite you to experience it today.” – Suntory

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

Eggs-plore a magical collection of newly hatched bottlings this Easter Weekend. We’ve just released 18 bottles that are sure to be an indulgent treat for the senses. But be quick, once these bottlings are gone, they are gone forever. Click on over to our website to BUY NOW or keep on scrolling for some of our favourite flavours for Easter.

NEW OUTTURN

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

Available from November at select whisky retailers worldwide

Ballantine’s, the world’s second largest Scotch whisky, has come together with visual artist J. Demsky to celebrate experimentation and explore new perspectives through the launch of a new limited edition bottle. J. Demsky brings his retro-futuristic style that defies dimensions to the iconic Ballantine’s Finest bottle, showing that the future is yours to shape.

J. Demsky is at the forefront of a rising generation of explorative visual artists, known for his bold and experimental style and collaborations with the likes of Heineken, Sony, Adidas and Bershka. Staying true to his style and ethos of invoking experimentation and new dimensions through his artwork, the Ballantine’s x J. Demsky limited edition design symbolises self-exploration and endless possibilities.

The visual artist and creative, based in Spain, has spent a majority of his career experimenting with multiple dimensions and different shapes and perspectives. From a young age, J. Demsky filled his time playing arcade games and watching Japanese mecha and sci-fi films, incorporating these different influences and experiences into the artwork for his Ballantine’s bottle design.

J.Demsky said of the collaboration

“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring my edgy vision to the Ballantine’s limited-edition bottle. I hope every person who looks at the bottle will see a different perspective and new possibilities in their hands – being inspired to shape their own future.”

Ballantine’s Marketing Director, Mathieu Deslandes, added:

“Ballantine’s has always championed those who do things their own way and stay true to themselves. J. Demsky personifies this attitude with his futuristic and bold design, and so we are delighted to release the Ballantine’s x J. Demsky limited edition bottle, which explores new perspectives and encapsulates the endless possibilities that are in our hands.” 

Designed in J. Demsky’s signature style, the Ballantine’s x J. Demsky limited-edition bottles will be available at selected markets and retailers worldwide from November 2022.

For more on the Ballantine’s x J. Demsky collaboration visit ballantines.com 

This article is published as a matter of interest and is published after it’s original release date

Whyte and Mackay’s Master Whisky Maker

Gregg Glass Crowned as

International Master Distiller of the Year

Whyte and Mackay’s talented Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass has been named Master Distiller of the Year at the global Icons of Whisky Awards 2023, in a prestigious ceremony on Thursday 30th March.

This historic win for Glass sees him become one of the youngest ever recipients of this outstanding award, which is among the worldwide whisky industry’s ultimate accolades.

Glass is renowned for his experimental and inventive approach to whisky making. Since joining Whyte and Mackay in 2016, Glass’ impact has been felt throughout the business and its portfolio of single malt distilleries: The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin.

The team Glass created, shaped, and worked alongside is credited with the rejuvenation of the Jura and Fettercairn distilleries as well as the creation of the brand’s independent innovation wing, Whisky Works, in 2017.

Glass is also the mastermind behind Whyte and Mackay’s pioneering and celebrated Scottish Oak Programme, which aims to help establish the use of native oak as a quality raw material for the wider spirits industry, starting with Scotch. In 2022, the Scottish Oak Programme won The Spirits Business Award for Innovation in Production.

Having grown up on the Black Isle, across the Cromarty Firth from The Dalmore distillery, Glass has worked in the whisky industry for 24 years. Prior to joining Whyte and Mackay, he solidified his reputation as an innovator at Compass Box. Joining the fifth largest whisky producer – Whyte and Mackay – in 2016, Glass has since led whisky making innovation across the portfolio which also includes The Woodsman and Invergordon.

Presenting the award, Whisky Magazine’s Editor-at-Large, Christopher Coates, highlighted Glass’ undeniable passion for both nature and nurture, crediting him for charting an exciting course for the industry.

Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass comments:

“As a whisky maker, to be recognised by our industry, in a room of peers, at a time when Scotland is alive with brilliant whisky making, is truly humbling.

“This accolade is not mine alone, it is testament to the dedication of everyone within the Whyte and Mackay community, who give their all in the pursuit of creating the finest whiskies.

“It is an absolute pleasure to be leading whisky making at five incredible distilleries on behalf of Whyte and Mackay. I cannot wait to share with you the fantastic whiskies the team have laid down, to be released when the time is right.

“Thank you to everyone at Icons of Whisky for this award – it is a real honour.”

Richard Paterson, Master Distiller at Whyte and Mackay, himself a winner of the Icons of Whisky Lifetime Achievement Award and inductee number 15 into the Whisky Hall of Fame, comments:

“What an achievement for Gregg, an incredible accolade, and, likely, the youngest winner to be recognised by the industry in this way.

“From the moment I met Gregg, I recognised not only his talent for creating exceptional whisky, but for his unmistakable passion.  That passion is everything – it is what defines the greatest blenders in our industry and this award is a tribute to his creativity as a whisky maker.”

Gregg’s win follows his success in the recent regional Icons of Whisky Awards, where he was named Scotch Whisky Master Distiller of the Year. At those same awards, Invergordon Grain Whisky also received the top award in the Grain Whisky category, while Whyte and Mackay’s Kieran Healey-Ryder was Highly Commended as Scotch Whisky Ambassador.

Award-Winning Whisky Makers Whyte and Mackay

Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning Single Malt Whiskies including The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn. With a premium spirits portfolio that includes contemporary whisky brands Shackleton, Woodsman and John Barr, alongside popular alcohol brands Wildcat, Fundador and Harveys Bristol Cream and Aperitivo. In the UK the company produce Whyte and Mackay, an award-winning ever-popular Blended Whisky, which recently launched the market-leading ‘Whyte and Mackay Light’ – a lighter spirit drink from Scotland, bottled at a lower ABV.

In 2020 the company were publicly recognised by the First Minister of Scotland for their support of the national pandemic response. Whyte and Mackay are official partners to SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health, which saw Whyte and Mackay employees worldwide complete a virtual-race-around-the-world to raise awareness for the charity.

Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers celebrated their 175 year anniversary in 2019. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon.

Whyte and Mackay’s whisky making is led by Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE and pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass.

*Icons of Whisky: Scotland

Statement from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association on Passage of HB 5

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association and its 52 member distilling companies applaud the Kentucky General Assembly for final passage of House Bill 5, the common-sense compromise that phases out the state’s discriminatory Bourbon barrel tax.

The final compromise reached in HB 5 strikes a fair balance by protecting funding for schools, fire departments and EMS districts while giving local governments 20 years to plan and diversify their tax bases instead of relying on the ups and downs of a singular industry.

In return, Kentucky distillers will finally receive equal treatment with every other manufacturer whose goods are not taxed during the production process, and our state and signature industry are on the pathway to a more competitive tax code.

Distillers are protected against an astronomical 525% hike in barrel tax revenue, which would have forced them to make tough business decisions on where to grow. Even with this relief, distilling remains Kentucky’s highest taxed industry, paying $286 million in taxes each year.

We are hopeful Gov. Andy Beshear will see the many benefits of HB 5 and sign the legislation into law. We also hope communities and distillers can move forward together to continue creating good-paying local jobs and attracting millions of tourists from around the world to our famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences.

The KDA thanks the leadership of Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker David Osborne, Senate A&R Chairman Chris McDaniel, House A&R Chairman Jason Petrie, and House and Senate leadership from both sides of the aisle.

We also thank all lawmakers who voted for this historic and critical legislation in a bipartisan fashion to preserve, protect and strengthen our homegrown industry. Thanks to your support, Kentucky will remain the one, true and authentic home for Bourbon.

We also appreciate the continued support of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, Americans for Tax Reform, the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions, and Bourbon fans who made their voices heard.

Most importantly, we toast our members who have been working to equitably end this punishing tax since the end of Prohibition. To them, we raise a glass and say thank you and cheers to our venerable family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority 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. 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.  

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.  

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

NEW ZEALAND EXCLUSIVE:
THOMSON SAISON YEAST CASK #39

We are excited to release an exclusive single cask from Thomson distillery, who are at the very heart of New Zealand’s distilling revival. Head distiller Mat Thomson has drawn on his brewing background and used a saison yeast to create the wash behind this whisky. This traditional style of yeast, used in European farmhouse ales, brings fruity and nutty notes that complement Thomson’s rich, oily style of spirit.

On top of that, he’s matured the whisky in a cask made of French oak from the Forest of Tronçais – famed for supplying oak to the French wine and Cognac industries. The cask was previously filled with New Zealand Pinot Noir, adding layers of dark fruit to this characterful single malt.

SHOP NOW

Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Japanese Peated Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $213)

$169.99 View

SKU #108013291 points Wine Enthusiast.  This golden, silky single malt mingles vanilla and honey with fresh apple and pear aromas. These notes are echoed on the palate alongside a wave of peat smoke. Add a splash of water to offset the modest but persistent alcohol heat and further coax out the fruity-smoky flavors. (KN)  (12/2015)

Whisky Advocate

 Although only two years older, this expression of Hakushu — the first to be launched in the U.S. — shows a fleshier side to the distillery’s wares. While it has retained the freshness of the 10 year old, it shows more pineapple and grapefruit on the nose, with a little fragrance of jasmine and osmanthus. On the palate, it’s fresh and lively with a hint of persimmon and a tickle of smoke. Recommended. (DB, Spring 2012) 

K&L Notes

For the first time in years we’ve been able to remove our allocation limit on this item. Suntory’s Hakushu, known as the “forest distillery,” was built in 1973 as a sister distillery to Suntory’s Yamazaki (previously the only Japanese single malt available in the United States). The facility is located at a high-elevation site next to the pristine waters of the Ojira River, which are used to dilute the whisky itself. Hakushu distillery uses different styles of oak barrel to age their single malt, but mainly hogshead, which, according to the distillery is, “suitable to the clear air and cool humid climate.” The 12-year old from Hakushu is lightly peated and very delicate in its flavor profile. The light and fruity style of the whisky is quite similar to the Yamazaki 12, but the smoke really makes up for any lack of richness. We’ve seen insane price increases over the last five years on Japanese whisky and inventory getting tighter and tighter, but for a limited time, we have Hakushu 12 in stock and available to sell, and at a fraction of the price you’ll see at many other retailers across the country.

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

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