Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “Toasting is one of the heat treatments that we can do to the inside of a cask. It’s when we heat the wood to breakdown some of the lignin in there to release compounds like sugars and aldehydes that can then go into the spirit.”

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Octomore 14.2 – The Unbottling

Fresh from the July 2024 Whisky Showcase, Adam tries the Octomore 14.2 from Bruichladdich. Our members scored it 94.34 and put it in the “Smoky & Earthy” flavour profile.

THE VIDEO!

BUY Octomore 14.2

KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® TO INDUCT FIVE NEW MEMBERS IN SEPTEMBER

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame’s 2024 class includes the first Black chemist at Brown-Forman, a veteran visitor center manager who elevated Bourbon tourism, two distinctive distillery founders and a trailblazing retailer who later created his own craft distillery.

That retail guru is Ken Lewis, retired Founder and CEO of New Riff Distilling, and this year’s recipient of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award. As a retailer, Lewis created The Party Source megastore and drove legal and legislative changes to allow Sunday and credit card sales of alcohol.

A fearless entrepreneur, in 2014 Lewis launched New Riff Distilling in Northern Kentucky, with the goal of creating one of the world’s great small distilleries based on innovation and collaboration to “riff” on the old ways and redefine new benchmarks of whiskey making.

Eric Gregory, longtime president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that created and operates the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame®, lauded this year’s visionary class and said, “Our signature Bourbon industry would not be what it is today without these distinguished honorees.

“Each put the industry before self, helping Kentucky cement its place in history as the international and undisputed home of Bourbon. And now we are honored to honor them. On behalf of our signature industry, we offer congratulations – and a heartfelt thank you – to these Bourbon heroes.”

This year’s class, in alphabetic order, will officially be inducted into the Hall of Fame in September:

• Elmer Lucille Allen, 93, Louisville. A pioneering activist, Allen broke barriers in the Bourbon industry as the first Black chemist at Brown-Forman – and possibly the entire American whiskey industry. Her work to bring opportunity to all Louisvillians didn’t stop when she left the company. Amongst her many accomplishments, she formed the Chickasaw Little League and led efforts to bring African American art and artists to the mainstream.

• Dee Ford, 59, Louisville. An international beacon of Bourbon hospitality. Ford’s vision, experience and leadership have catapulted Angel’s Envy and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® into an international, bucket-list tourism attraction. Since 2014, she’s served as Chair of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Committee, earning the respect of her peers and sharing best practices that have leveraged hospitality to elevate Kentucky Bourbon on the global stage.

• Ken Lewis, 71, Cincinnati. A spirits expert and groundbreaking policy leader, Lewis graduated college as a trained English teacher, but left shortly into his young career for the world of spirits retail. He championed efforts for Sunday sales and initiated litigation that allowed retailers to use credit cards for sales, eventually building The Party Source megastore, the first of its kind in the country. Learning the industry from the bottom up, Lewis brought innovation and entrepreneurship as the founder of New Riff Distilling in Northern Kentucky, paving the way for the craft Bourbon boom that now counts dozens of Kentucky distilleries.

• The late Peter T. Loftin, 61, Miami. A preeminent innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Loftin founded the Bardstown Bourbon Company that transformed the landscape of custom whiskey production in 2014. He was among the first to take advantage of modernized Bourbon tourism laws in Kentucky, creating a world-class restaurant and bar that graciously features every distillery’s brand on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour as well as an enviable vintage spirits lounge. Along with the state-of-the-art distillery, this high-value Napa Valley-style experience greatly raised the bar for Bourbon tourism and collaborative distilling. He died peacefully at his home in 2019.

• M. Corky Taylor, 75, Henderson, Ky. A respected businessman throughout the country, Taylor retired from an accomplished career in financial services and focused on a lifelong dream – to resurrect his great-grandfather’s whiskey company. Taylor and his son spent countless hours poring over family history to bring back the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., originally owned by Henry Kraver in Henderson. He built back the family legacy in Louisville along historic Whiskey Row, gaining national recognition – and national awards – by patiently waiting for his whiskey to age, living up to the original quality Bourbon standards his ancestor first set in 1889.

Note: Full biographies, submitted by the inductees, accompany this release in a separate file.

The KDA created the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® in 2001 to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant and transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness. It is the highest honor given by the signature industry.

Candidates are nominated each year by the KDA and its member distilleries. A blue-ribbon committee – including all living recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award – painstakingly reviews and selects up to five applicants a year for induction.

The invitation-only ceremony will be held Tuesday, Sept. 10, at The Legacy at Log Still in Nelson County, Ky. The intimate event, known for attracting the industry’s most revered legends and champions, is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown.

The 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® ceremony and luncheon is sponsored by Brindiamo Group, Blue & Co., LLC, Bardstown Tourism, Buzick Construction, Inc., Stedman Machine Company and Vendome Copper & Brass Works Corp.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. 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. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, 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.

ralfy review 1039 – Caol Ila 15yo @55.2%vol: Feis Ile 2022 (Auction)

Edinburgh Whisky Academy Launches Online Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey

The Edinburgh Whisky Academy, in partnership with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, proudly announces the online Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey will launch on Monday 19 August. This groundbreaking online course is designed for whiskey enthusiasts and industry professionals eager to deepen their understanding of the dynamic and emerging category of American single malt whiskey.

Course Overview

The Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey is a self-paced online course created in partnership with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. The course features short, easy-to-follow multimedia lessons over seven immersive modules. Upon completion of the final assessment (a 50-question multiple-choice test) participants will receive an EWA digital completion certificate and digital badge for immediate sharing. A printed copy and a physical purple lapel pin are available to purchase.

Authored by Industry Experts

Embark on a voyage through this exciting new category with experts who are truly at the forefront of the industry. They’ll help you master the craft roots and innovative techniques at the heart of American single malt whiskey production.

Contributors include:

Steve Hawley (President, American Single Malt Whiskey Commission)

Joseph O’Sullivan (Master Distiller, Minden Mill Distilling)

Tyler Pederson (Master Distiller, Westland Distillery)

Jared Himstedt (Head Distiller, Balcones Distilling)

Murphy Quint (Master Distiller, Cedar Ridge Distillery)

Matt Hofmann (Consultant, American Single Malt Whiskey)

Clay Risen (Journalist & Author)

Kirsty McKerrow, Founder and Managing Director of Edinburgh Whisky Academy, said:

“We are thrilled to introduce the first course of its kind with our Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey. This category is new, exciting, and growing rapidly, and our partnership with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission allows us to pioneer a new standard of whiskey education. At the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, we believe that you never stop learning about whiskey, and this course is a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge and comprehensive education for whiskey enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.”

Steve Hawley, President of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, said:

“We’re excited to partner with the Edinburgh Whisky Academy to offer this comprehensive and pioneering educational opportunity. The category of American single malt whiskey is an intriguing blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of both worlds. This course furthers our mission to establish American single malt whiskey as a recognized and celebrated category among global whiskey consumers.”

Curriculum

Module 1: The History of American Single Malt Whiskey

Module 2: The Business of American Single Malt Whiskey

Module 3: Raw Materials

Module 4: Production Process (From Grain to Liquid)

Module 5: Maturation

Module 6: Blending & Bottling

Module 7: Sensory

Final Assessment: 50 questions, multiple-choice format

Interactive & Engaging Learning Experience

In addition to engaging multimedia lessons, participants can opt to receive a tasting pack containing six American single malt whiskeys (Virginia Distillery Co., Stranahan’s, Boulder Spirits, Andalusia, Whiskey Del Bac, and McCarthy’s) to accompany the Sensory module.

The course includes video explainers, panel discussions, text, and quizzes, ensuring a rich and engaging learning experience. Each lesson features a Discussion tab for interactive engagement with peers and instructors.

Details
£125 (online course only), or £180 (online course + tasting pack)

LINK: CLICK HERE:

About Edinburgh Whisky Academy

Edinburgh Whisky Academy provides world-class whisky education, offering online and in-person whisky courses that are both rigorous and accessible. With a focus on the rich traditions and innovative practices of the whisky industry, the Academy is committed to nurturing the next generation of whiskey connoisseurs and professionals.

About American Single Malt Whiskey

American single malt whiskey is an exciting and rapidly growing category in the whiskey world, characterized by its unique production methods and diverse flavour profiles. This course provides an in-depth exploration of its history, production, and place in the broader whiskey industry.

Our August Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (BST) Friday 16th July until 7pm (BST) Sunday 25th August 2024.

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, invest or enjoy!

Karuizawa – 35 Year Old (1978) Single Cask #8383

Glenfiddich – 35 Year Old (1987) Archive Collection (Single Cask #20025) Bottle #2

Port Ellen – 33 Year Old (1981) Single Cask #1295

Macallan – 52 Year Old (1946) Select Reserve (75cl)

Hibiki – 21 Year Old (Kutani Ceramic Decanter) 2004 Release

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.com.

Glenturret 25 Year Old 2024 Release

£1,375

Mature Single-Malt Unicorns at Jaw-Dropping Prices

2005 Secret Speyside (M) *MACALLAN* 18 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive #DRU 17/A106 #37 First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Secret Speyside (M) series is one of Signatory’s most prized. This lot of extremely high-quality, first-fill oloroso sherry butts was distilled at the exceptional distillery across from the town of Craigellachie on the Easter Elchies estate. While the bottler is prohibited from naming the source explicitly on their labels, they’ve been cheeky enough to add (M) and we’re certain here that this is not a bottle of MacDuff, Mortlach, Mannochmore or Miltonfuff. But, it seems that the Signatory was compelled to point out the incredible pedigree of these barrels due to their similarity to the house style of the distillers. Often, when Macallan is sold to third parties in bulk, it’s because the spirit was aged in barrels that aren’t in line with the distillery profile. Those less prized casks are generally intended for blending, and while the quality can be exceptional, it will never taste like a single barrel selection from the distillery. Those special bottlings are called the “Exceptional Single Cask,” and a similarly aged version easily commands $3-5,000 on the open market. We’re happy to settle for one letter of the eight to a few thousand per bottle. This first fill sherry butt was filled on July 11th, 2005 and dumped on July 1st 2024, just shy of its 19th birthday. Dense, dark and powerful, the prowess of this legendary house is evident here. This cask is sold exclusively at K&L, bottled without chill-filtration, coloring or water added at 57.7% abv.

(700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $250.00 View

2005 Secret Orkney (Highland Park) 19 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive #DRU 17/A63 #28 First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Signatory has long been one of the preferred independent bottlers on the market. For almost 30 decades now, we’ve been selling Signatory because their cask selection process is second to none in the industry. They also have a knack for building incredible collections of rare casks, so walking through their warehouse is an absolute dream. As you pass Bowmore from the 70s and Port Ellen, you’ll stumble by Dallas Dhu and Rosebank. Yet it’s some of the modern stocks that are most shocking! Highland Park on it’s own is pretty rare outside of distillery bottlings, but big European oak sherry butts (DRU series) are almost unheard of outside of the distillery. We’ve been comfortably committing to 10-12 year old stock in similar caliber barrels at this same exact price, but this spirit absolutely loves the extra 7 years. The intense punchy tannin of the fresh European oak has developed into something otherworldly. Expect the incredible rugged Orkney spirit in a constant battle with the deep high-quality sherry, like the waves of the northern sea pounding a craggy yet beautiful atoll. Rich dried tobacco, old leather kept well, dense stewed fruit, a fragrant forest of earthy herbs and old growth evergreen. The oloroso is powerful, but not overpowering. The core of Orkney still fights through the oak and wine offering sweet roasted heather, wild honey, and hints of salty smoke. On the palate, they continue to spare with the roasted hazelnut, potash, salted fruit, and deep old oak.

(700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $149.99 View

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

Clynelish, a release distilled back in May 1972, and aged for 50 Years. We can’t remember any 50YO Clynelish around, is this the first?

135 Bottles. 58% abv. Highland. Cask: 5335. Refill American Hoggy

Tasting notes:

Nose: Fresh apple aromas combine with walnut and subtle ginger spice. Sicilian lime comes to the fore alongside subtle aged leather.

Taste: Smooth poached pear flavours give way to apricot and banana. A hint of vanilla develops with pineapple and mature oak.

Finish: Full and long finish with lingering citrus zest.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Blanton’s Gold – The Unbottling

Fresh from the July 2024 Whisky Showcase, Adam tries the illusive Blanton’s Gold (which 8 lucky members got to purchase at the event). Our members scored it 93.07 and put it in the “Fruity & Spicy” flavour profile.

THE VIDEO REVIEW