IT’S OLD FASHIONED MONTH

Dating back to 1800, the Old Fashioned is an enduring classic known for its simple ingredients and immensely complex flavours. It all starts with your favourite American whiskey, which is then sweetened, seasoned with bitters, and lifted with a touch of orange oils. All that’s left is to stir it down with ice, and you have a slice of drinks history at your chilled fingertips.

 SHOP WOODFORD RESERVE 

TO MAKE AN OLD FASHIONED:

Ingredients
50ml American whiskey
10ml sugar syrup
2 Dashes Aromatic Bitters

Method
Add the ingredients and ice to a mixing glass. Stir until chilled. Add ice and your stirred drink to a rocks glass. Twist your orange peel over the drink to release the oils (and around the top of the glass if you’d like) and then use to garnish.

Bardstown Bourbon Company 6 Year Old “K&L Exclusive – Gallic Gold Rides Again” 122.4 Proof Rickhouse C Floor 5 Cask Strength Single Cask Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
$79.99 View

Hirsch “The Single Barrel – Silver Label” Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml) $79.99 View

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 10 Year Old “Sylvia’s Mellow Mediation” K&L Exclusive Private Barrel #6653109 Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L) $69.99 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

ralfy review 1053 extras – Navigating the Independent Bottlings

CHIVAS REGAL WHISKY ACCELERATES INTO NEW ERA IN SPORTS CULTURE WITH GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH SCUDERIA FERRARI HP

Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Chivas Regal comes together with Scuderia Ferrari HP in a multi-year partnership, with the iconic blended Scotch appointed ‘Official Team Partner’

14 NOVEMBER, LONDON UK: Announced ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix next weekend, luxury Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal, has been appointed ‘Official Team Partner’ of the Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 team in a new global multi-year partnership that unites two iconic heritage brands with a shared legacy in craft, innovation and luxury.

The collaboration sees Chivas Regal – the original luxury blended Scotch whisky – and Scuderia Ferrari HP – the world’s most successful Formula 1 team – come together to celebrate their commitment to collective success, which forms the foundation of the new partnership.

Shining a light on life off-track, the collaboration will offer a fresh perspective on Scuderia Ferrari HP, focussing on telling the untold stories of teamwork that are critical to success. Through unparalleled behind-the-scenes access showcasing a new take on the world of motor sports, alongside exclusive content and live experiences, Chivas Regal and Scuderia Ferrari HP will spotlight contemporary racing culture, championing the Tifosi – Scuderia Ferrari HP’s loyal fandom – and putting the focus on the sport’s ever-growing international fan community.

The partnership will also be used as a powerful platform for Chivas Regal to raise awareness about the dangers of drink-driving, to drive positive impact amongst a global audience of passionate racing enthusiasts. The integrated campaign, which is due to launch next year, will follow recent responsible drinking campaigns run by Chivas Regal in markets such as Mexico and Japan.

Frederic Vasseur, Formula 1 Team Principal at Scuderia Ferrari HP, commented: “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Chivas Regal, with whom we share the values of striving for excellence, attention to detail and craftsmanship – founded on years of tradition, while constantly evolving. Together, we share the desire to progress and set the benchmark in our respective fields of endeavour. I look forward to working with Chivas Regal in a partnership that will be beneficial for both brands.”

Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chairman & CEO of Chivas Brothers, makers of Chivas Regal, added: “This partnership marks a significant gear shift as we accelerate into a new era in sports culture for Chivas Regal. Since its foundation, Scuderia Ferrari HP has been a true pioneer at the forefront of culture, making it the perfect partner for us to usher in this new chapter.

In the fast-moving world of Formula 1, success is a team effort – something that sits at the heart of Chivas Regal’s mission of ‘I Rise, We Rise’. We are passionate about using this new platform to engage today’s growing and increasingly diverse community of racing fans in the 2025 season and beyond, and leveraging the collective reach of our brands to ensure motorsports fans around the world know to never, ever, drink and drive.”

Lorenzo Giorgetti, Ferrari Chief Racing Revenue Officer, added: “We are delighted to announce the partnership with Chivas Regal, a dynamic brand entering the world of top-level motorsport for the first time, in collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari HP. We will work together on exciting and innovative activations to bring Formula 1 even closer to its fans, expanding the Scuderia Ferrari HP fan base and that of our sport in general.”

The partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP is the latest move for Chivas Regal in its long-standing association with global sports culture, having enjoyed partnerships with Premier League football clubs for many years. Fans can keep up to date with the new partnership by following @ChivasRegal on Instagram or visiting Chivas.com.

About Chivas

Chivas Regal is the original luxury blended Scotch whisky. Launched in 1909, Chivas has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide – selling more than 4.6 million 9L cases every year.

Chivas believes in the power of blending in life, as well as in Scotch. In celebrating the next generation of whisky drinkers who elevate themselves and those around them to forge new paths to success – which is why Chivas’ ethos is ‘I Rise, We Rise’, a nod to the importance of hard work, community and ripping up the rule book. These values were instilled by founding brothers James and John Chivas who pioneered the art of whisky blending in 19th century Scotland and became pillars of the community due to their tireless work ethic, hustle, and drive. This energy can be seen today as Chivas continues this vision of blending success with generosity to elevate the lives of others whether that is through shining a light on grassroots communities through Regal FC or supporting the next generation of creative entrepreneurs who are driving positive change across culture through New Regals platforms.

Chivas blends its spiritual home in Speyside, Scotland, with more than 100 countries across the globe, who together have made Chivas the global success it is today. The Chivas range blends timeless classics with modern innovation and includes: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Mizunara, Chivas 18, Chivas Ultis XX, Chivas 25, and Chivas Regal The Icon

Chivas. I Rise, We Rise.
www.Chivas.com

The Glencairn Glass launches ‘The Last Dram’

crime fiction anthology to raise money for charity

The Glencairn Glass – the world’s favourite whisky glass made by Scottish company Glencairn Crystal – has launched a collection of gripping crime fiction short stories by up-and-coming crime authors. The anthology features tales from 16 different authors, all of whom have previously entered the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story competition over the last three years. All of the profits from the book sales in the run up to Christmas will go to charity.

The Glencairn Glass has supported and celebrated Scottish crime writing talent through its ongoing sponsorship of the prestigious McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing literary awards since 2020. Following this, the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition was then launched in 2021 – an annual competition open to both experienced and novice crime writers around the world.

Working in partnership with Stirling University, a collection of the most enthralling stories from the competition’s entrants has been collated for the creation of the anthology named The Last Dram. Students from Stirling University helped to create various aspects of the final collection, from assisting with the curation of the stories to the design and layout of the book. 

The Last Dram has been edited by Heather J. Fitt, a Scottish,  crime fiction author based in Hampshire, who appeared at this year’s annual Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival in Stirling.  The talented authors whose stories have been featured in The Last Dram are Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition winners and runners up as well as other entrants whose stories impressed the competition judges.

Money raised from sales of the anthology book will go to Maggie’s – a cancer care charity that provides free expert care and support in centres across the UK and online.

The Last Dram includes grisly tales of murder, retribution and revenge, as well as the chilling confession of a food blogger who sought vengeance on her violent husband. There’s also a disillusioned tourist guide on the Isle of Skye who sends badly behaved tourists to suffer a gruesome fate, a series of murders set in a Glasgow police station in 1928 which the police have to unravel, plus many, many more spine-tingling stories.

Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal said: “We’ve been blown away by the outstanding quality of the stories that have been entered into our Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition over the last few years. We wanted to showcase these gripping reads for people in a collection to support and celebrate the talented authors and the world of Scottish crime fiction, whilst raising money for Maggie’s – a very special charity.  A fine dram of whisky in a Glencairn Glass is the perfect accompaniment to settling down with a good book over the winter months;  ‘The Last Dram’ also provides the perfect Christmas gift for those friends and relatives who are difficult to buy for.”

The book is available as both an e-book (priced £5.99) and a limited-edition book in print (£9.99). There is also a special gift pack containing the printed book alongside two Glencairn Glasses (priced £25.99) – the ideal Christmas present for lovers of both whisky and crime fiction! The e-book, print book and gift set with Glencairn Glasses are available via the Glencairn Glass website online shop: Glencairn Anthology.

*The McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing literary awards are presented at the annual Bloody Scotland International Crime writing Festival in Stirling every September. www.bloodyscotland.com

 The Last Dram Anthology – contributing authors:

This collection of short stories has been compiled from entries to The Glencairn Glass Short Story Competition – an annual competition open to both experienced and debut crime writers around the world:

The list of contributing authors, including both experienced and debut writers, is as follows:

Allan Gaw (2022/23 runner up) – Allan has since gone on to win this year’s Bloody Scotland Debut Prize which is an impressive achievement.

Phillip Wilson (2023/24 winner)

Elisabeth Ingram Wallace (2023/24 runner up)

Brid Cummings (2021/22 winner)

Jennifer Harvey (2021/22 runner up)

Judith O’Reilly (2021/22 runner up)

Other writers featured in the book include the published crime author Morgan Cry, as well as

Gayle Thompson, Louise Sharland, Ewan A. Dougall, Ben Colley, Julian Benson, Shona MacBryer, Anna Wallace, Bryce Main and BV Lawson.

Visit: Crime Short Story Competition

About the Glencairn Glass and Glencairn Crystal:

The Glencairn Glass for whisky was officially launched in 2001, and millions of glasses are now sold each year across the world.

 The award-winning Glencairn Crystal Studio has been at the cutting edge of high-quality decanter and glassware design, innovation, and creativity for four decades. Regarded internationally as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware manufacturers, the family-run Scottish company has hand-crafted prestigious decanters often for the rarest and most luxurious spirits ever released. Full information at www.glencairn.co.uk

About Bloody Scotland:

Bloody Scotland is Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival, providing a showcase for the best crime writing from Scotland and the world, unique in that it was set up by a group of Scottish crime writers in 2012. Full information at www.bloodyscoltand.com

A VERY ROCK N’ ROLL HOLIDAY: FEW SPIRITS RELEASES ICONS OF ROCK COLLECTION FEATURING WHISKEY COLLABS WITH LEGENDS OF MODERN ROCK

Collection includes partnerships with The Smashing Pumpkins, Alice In Chains, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

EVANSTON, IL – FEW Spirits, the Evanston, IL distillery unapologetically experimental in its whiskey production that has grown to national prominence in part through its work with some of modern rock’s biggest names, announces today that for the first time three of its collaborations are available in a single collection.

The FEW Spirits Icons of Rock Collection features Motor Oil Whiskey, the brand’s collaboration with indie darlings Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; All Secrets Known, released in partnership with Seattle grunge legends Alice In Chains; and The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon, which sees FEW team up with its Chicagoland neighbors, The Smashing Pumpkins.

The FEW Spirits Icons of Rock Collection is available to eligible shipping states exclusively through FEW’s direct-to-consumer channel and retails for $149.99.

The whiskeys:

• FEW Motor Oil: Featuring label art inspired by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s logo, every bottle of FEW Spirits Motor Oil Whiskey is a blend of three whiskeys: FEW Bourbon finished in rum barrels, FEW Bourbon finished in vermouth barrels, and a mesquite-smoked wheat whiskey. The result is full-flavored and complex – grassy and sweet from the rum barrel; herbaceous, bitter and vegetal notes from the vermouth barrel; and heavy mesquite smoke that evokes winding back roads, long stretches of highway, and pit stops at roadside barbecue joints of West Texas. The blend was proofed and bottled at a very rock n’ roll 101.

• FEW All Secrets Known: The name is a reference to the title of track one on Alice In Chains’ fourth studio album Black Gives Way To Blue, which has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide. For this special whiskey, FEW Bourbon is finished for six months in tequila barrels and bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). Bold, sweet, and spicy bourbon top notes are accentuated by grassy agave undertones.

• FEW The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon: The 93-proof bottling is FEW’s signature straight bourbon, aged four years, and cut to bottling strength using Midnight Rose black tea from Madame Zuzu’s Emporium, the independent, boutique tea shop run by The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his wife, entrepreneur Chloé Mendel Corgan. The bourbon, like the band, is a singular experience. Bright aromas of rose water and ripe honeydew melon peek out above more familiar vanilla and caramel. On the palate, fans of FEW whiskeys will recognize signature bold, sweet and spicy bourbon notes, along with flavors of rose water, sandalwood, caramel, vanilla, and black tea all backed by a full body and long finish.

Said FEW Spirits founder and master distiller Paul Hletko, “I think the common thread between what we do at FEW and what these incredible artists do through their music is a willingness to chart your own course. Sometimes, if not most of the time, that means going well against what everyone else is telling you to do. It’s that spirit of defiance and self-reliance that has always drawn me to bands like Black Rebel, Alice In Chains, and The Smashing Pumpkins. And the truth is, I’m much better at making whiskey than I’ll ever be at playing guitar. So if I can’t join these legends on stage, this is the next best thing.”

Find FEW Spirits:

• Online: www.FEWspirits.com
• IG, FB, Twitter: @FEWspirits
• Hashtags: #FEWspirits

About FEW Spirits

A grain-to-glass distillery embracing innovation since 2011, FEW Spirits produces award–winning craft whiskey in a tucked away alley located in Evanston, IL, a historical town where Prohibition lasted until 1972. Founder & Master Distiller Paul Hletko changed the future of Evanston when he opened FEW Spirits Distillery, the first (legal) alcohol-production facility of any kind to ever open there. Since, he’s collaborated with rock stars, employed experimental distillation and proofing methods, and more.

Hletko always knew he wanted to make craft spirits — produced in the local Chicago area — that offered something that broke the rules of traditional whiskey making and offered something rare and different. Living in Evanston, a town that was prime for change after being dry for four decades post the repeal of prohibition, Paul felt it was the perfect home and backdrop for FEW and the brand. Deeply integrated into the brand story, both Evanston and Chicago are crucial elements of the FEW DNA and its inspiration. From its liquid, created from locally grown or sourced ingredients, to the look & feel of the label design, which pays homage to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago — FEW is the true definition of a local Illinois craft spirit.

GET TO KNOW AMERICAN WHISKEY

Thanksgiving is coming, which means this is the perfect time to explore the diverse world of American whiskey. Bourbon, rye – and increasingly American single malt – tend to be a little punchier than other whiskies, with a rich vein of spice and vanilla that makes them ideal for Autumn.

These are some of our favourite American whiskies of the moment, including timeless classics like Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon from Buffalo Trace to relative newcomers like Westland distillery which makes single malt in Seattle.

Whether you’re used to Scotch and Japanese whisky and you’re looking for something new, or if you’re a seasoned bourbon fan, we’ve got the perfect bottles to enjoy this autumn.

 SHOP NOW 

2017 Heaven Hill “Grain To Glass – Beck’s 6158” Kentucky Straight Bourbon (700ml) $99.99 View

2017 Heaven Hill “Grain To Glass – Beck’s 6158” Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (700ml) $99.99 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

ralfy review 1053 – Old Perth PX Blended Malt @ 56.2%vol:

White Peak ramps up Wire Works Caduro with Cask Strength release

White Peak – Derbyshire’s award-winning distillery – is revealing a cask strength edition of one of its signature whiskies this autumn – Wire Works Caduro Cask Strength.

The latest Wire Works release – the name given to White Peak’s range of whiskies – is a limited-edition vatting of the Distillery’s lightly peated house style of single malt, matured in a combination of American first fill ex-bourbon casks and the distillery’s signature STR casks (re-conditioned wine barriques that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred). The vatted spirit has spent a further 18 months marrying, resulting in a rich and intricate harmony of Caduro’s cereal, fruit and honey flavours.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 58.0% ABV, Caduro Cask Strength is only available in the UK direct from the Distillery and through select trade partners. For the gifting season this release marks a Wire Works first and will be available in a special re-cyclable presentation box.

The original award-winning Caduro was released in March 2023 and was the first permanent edition to the Wire Works Whisky range, named after the global cable brand that was once made onsite by Johnson & Nephew at the former Wire Works, the Distillery home since 2016.

Claire Vaughan, co-founder at White Peak, said: “It’s exciting for us to reveal a cask strength version of one of our signature whiskies. We’ve pushed our house flavour profile with this cask strength spirit, amplifying the fruit notes found in our main Caduro release to bring out more richness, complexity and depth of flavour and allowing the drinker the ability to find their own sweet spot. As with all of our Wire Works whiskies, nothing has been added during the process and there has been no chill-filtration.”

On the nose, pear drops, baked apple and banana notes, moving into more unctuous rich flavours on the palate: marmalade, treacle tart, milk chocolate and nutmeg, with a balance of grapefruit zest. And the finish delivers more sweetness with bonfire toffee, cinnamon and crème brulee, alongside a hint of smoke.

Caduro Cask Strength will be available from 1^st November via the Distillery shop and online, as well as from trade partners, RRP: £79 per 70cl.

The Distillery is open Monday – Saturday for shop visitors, with tours available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For availability, timings and to book, please visit: www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk

Caduro Cask Strength tasting notes:

ABV: 58.0%

Overview: Orchard fruits, ripe banana and candied ginger on the nose. Marmalade, dried fruits, cereal and honey on the palate. Baking spices and bonfire toffee on the finish. Full mouthfeel, with a wisp of smoke.

Nose: Pear drops, baked apple, banana, orange zest, nutmeg, white chocolate, fudge, marshmallow, marzipan, popcorn, burnt sugar.

Palate: Marmalade, treacle tart, liquorice all-sorts, tobacco, milk chocolate, grapefruit zest, meringue, baklava.

Finish: Bonfire toffee, mace, citrus, cereal, allspice, cinnamon, crème brulee, and a wisp of smoke.

About White Peak Distillery:

Nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, White Peak Distillery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and craftsmanship for which this region is renowned. The White Peak journey started with a vision and purpose, rather than any grand marketing plan. To create an authentic English single malt whisky that honours the maker traditions that put Derbyshire on the global map.  This legacy informs the Distillery’s decisions around whisky-making, its place in the community and establishing a destination to celebrate the craft of distilling.

The discovery of the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works site was a pivotal moment for the founders. The Victorian era industrial buildings, rich with character and history, were once at the heart of a community, employing over 500 people. The Wire Works is more than just a location; it is a symbol of the region’s heritage. The process of renovating and repurposing this building wasn’t just about creating a space for whisky production; it was about breathing new life into a building with character and extending the legacy of making. This spirit of innovation, respect for the past and sense of place has resulted in a whisky with a unique character.

White Peak was founded in 2016 by local couple Max & Claire Vaughan and, although a few years have passed, in whisky terms the business is still a start-up. Over the past eight years, the team has meticulously crafted its approach, and the launch of Wire Works Whisky in early 2022 has already led to several international awards.  The recognition is not only for its fruit-forward, lightly-peated single malt but also for the whisky packaging, which honours the back story of the Wire Works. A considered, makers mindset permeates throughout the business.

White Peak has developed a true connection with the region. One example is the use of fresh brewer’s yeast from a local Peak District brewery, contributing flavour that is unique to Wire Works Whisky.  The thoughtful design and construction of the distillery itself includes equipment and engineering sourced locally in county, with every element carefully unpacked to enhance the whisky’s character.  The entire process happens on site, from mashing and fermentation, through distillation, maturation and bottling – a full life-cycle of Derbyshire provenance.  Each stage of whisky-making is designed to develop layers of flavour and creating a whisky that is a true reflection of Derbyshire’s rich heritage.

White Peak Distillery Awards:

UK Packaging Awards 2022:

Corrugated Pack of the Year

• Best Packaging of a New Product
• Glass Pack of the Year, Spirits, Perfumes and Cosmetics

The Global World Whisky Masters (Spirits Business):

• 2022 Wire Works Necessary Evil: Gold
• 2022 Wire Works Small Batch: Gold
• 2024 Wire Works Caduro: Gold
• 2024 Wire Works Bourbon Barrel: Silver

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)

• Best Contemporary Design: Wire Works Whisky (2022)
• Wire Works Caduro: Gold (2024)
• Wire Works Caduro: Silver (2023)
• Wire Works Virgin Oak: Bronze (2023)

People’s Choice Awards:

• 2022 Best Whisky: Wire Works Whisky Small Batch – World Whisky Category

World Whisky Awards:

• 2023 World Whisky Masters Wire Works Caduro Gold
• 2023 World Whisky Masters Wire Works Alter Ego Masters
• 2023 World Whisky Masters Wire Works Virgin Oak Bronze

International Spirits Challenge:

• 2023 ISC Wire Works Caduro Silver
• 2023 ISC Wire Works Virgin Oak
• 2024 ISC Wire Works Caduro: Silver
• 2024 ISC Wire Works Alter Ego: Silver

English Whisky Guild:

White Peak Distillery is one of the founding members of the English Whisky Guild, that was launched in 2022 by the English whisky industry to represent the interests of the increasing number of English whisky distilleries (currently 50+) on the world stage of whisky.

For further information visit:  English Whisky Guild