The Bothy – Whisky For The Year 2025

THE VIDEO

Our December 2024 Auction ENDS TONIGHT!

Place your bids until 7pm (BST) Sunday 5th January 2025.

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!

Bowmore – 52 Year Old (ARC-52)

Springbank – 50 Year Old (Millennium Limited Edition) 75cl

Lagavulin – 12 Year Old (White Horse, 1970s)

Karuizawa – 35 Year Old (1981) Single Cask #8223

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.

Distillery Corner: Glen Keith

Kirsty and Vic visit Glen Keith, a lesser-known Speyside distillery located in the heart of, you guessed it, Keith. Built in the 1950s primarily for blends, Glen Keith has had a stop-start history but today it’s back in production under the Chivas Brothers umbrella and quietly gaining fans as a single malt.🎬

Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Our 163rd auction is now live!

Christmas is over and Hogmanay too but fear not we have just the thing to push away those post-festive blues, our 163rd auction is now live!  If you are anything like me then your drinks cabinet has become somewhat depleted in the last few weeks, so let’s see if we can fix that for you.  We have thousands of bottles of high-quality drams to choose from and here are a few which have caught our eye this month.

Springbank 1965 Local Barley Cask #9

To begin with we have a bottle of Campbeltown’s finest, a rather marvellous Springbank 1965 Local Barley Cask #9.  The Local Barley series from Springbank is highly acclaimed and much sought after, and none more so than their 1960’s vintages.  Using wholly local ingredients this release really showcases the amazing resources in Kintyre which goes some way to explaining the sustained level of quality releases from Springbank, and Campbeltown more generally.

Rosebank 1967 26 Year Old Signatory

Our next highlight is a terrific example of the light Lowland style, this is the Rosebank 1967 26 Year Old Signatory.  Often overlooked in favour of their more northerly cousins Lowland whiskies often fly under the radar a little, Rosebank however bucks that trend and is rightfully regarded as one of Scotland’s finest malts.  Closed for almost thirty years it is now open again and distilling, but this beauty is from their earlier iteration.  Distilled in 1967 and aged for a hefty twenty-six years this is an impressive release from Signatory, who have gained a well-deserved good reputation for quality expressions.

Ardbeg 1976 Douglas of Drumlanrig Selected by the Scotch Single Malt Circle

Next up is a particularly delicious looking whisky if I don’t say so myself, this is the Ardbeg 1976 Douglas of Drumlanrig Selected by the Scotch Single Malt Circle.  Distilled at Islay heavyweight Ardbeg way back in 1976 this 55.5% dram was finally bottled in 2001 giving it more than two decades of ageing.  It was selected from the stocks of Langside Distillers for the German market by the Scotch Single Malt Circle and has received rave reviews ever since. Distilled during what is widely regarded as a golden period for Ardbeg this is dram with a whole lot going for it.

Macallan 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter

Last but by no means least we have the ever impressive Macallan 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter.  One of the oldest Macallan malts ever released by the distillery this release remains one of their finest to date, and that is saying something given the continuing quality of their output.  Distilled in the 1940’s this dram is supremely well-aged and comes in an elegant decanter designed by Lalique to mimic the style of the new distillery and visitor centre at Macallan, opened in 2018.  Housed in an exquisite case by esteemed cabinet makers NEJ Stevenson this really is a thing of beauty.As always, we have a wide range of high-quality drams available from modest tipples to bucket list bad boys and everything in between, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Old Particular

This distinctive expression sees our Girvan 16 Year Old enjoy a lengthy finish in a ​single Merlot Red Wine Cask sourced from France. The well-rounded and intricate characteristics of Merlot seamlessly intertwine with the rich depth of Girvan.

Expect hard candy and honeyed cereal, with French oak adding rich toffee, ganache, and a bold finish of cinnamon spice and ripe red fruits.

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We are delighted to bring to you our exclusive Old Particular Red Wine Cask Collection. Each pairing in this collection has been meticulously selected to enhance the inherent qualities of both our Malt and Grain Scotch Whisky, elevating the complexity and depth to introduce entirely new taste experiences.​

Blue Run “K&L Exclusive” Cask Strength Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $139.99 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

Whisky of the year.

As you may have heard, Elements 2.0 has been named Whisky of the Year. Awarded by the leading whisky magazine in North America, Whisky Advocate. This recognises the uncompromising craftmanship of our blending and distillery teams, who continue to create the iconic Laphroaig flavour we all know and love. We hope you’ll join us in raising a dram to celebrate!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ELEMENTS 2.0

The Good Dram Show – Episode 576 ‘Tomintoul & Glencadam’ – Welcome to the final episode of the show for 2024. I think I have chosen an interesting selection of new releases from Tomintoul and Glencadam for this year ending episode!

The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 576 – To Compare and Contrast..!

Filmed in The Revamped Study Nottingham

Episode 576 ‘Tomintoul & Glencadam’

Featuring

Tomintoul Small Batch: Madeira 40%
Tomintoul Small Batch: Amarone 40%
Tomintoul 2009 (14 year old) Limited Edition: PX Quarter Cask Finish 46%
www.tomintoulwhisky.com

Glencadam Small Batch: Reserva de Madeira 46%
Glencadam Small Batch: Riserva di Amarone 46%
Glencadam 2006 (17 year old) PX Quarter Cask Finish 46%
www.glencadamwhisky.com

Town Branch®️ Releases Oldest Ever Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey

Availability Limited to Select Markets and Town Branch Distillery

LEXINGTON, Ky, December 18, 2024— Town Branch Distillery, the primary distilling operation of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®—is proud to announce the inaugural release of its Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey Archive Series. This multi-year collection will feature some of the oldest American Single Malt Whiskey in the world, all distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky under bond by Town Branch Distillery in Lexington.

The first release, Town Branch 15-Year Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey Archive Series Vol. 1 is the oldest Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey ever made. It will be available at Town Branch Distillery and in select states across the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $399.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Town Branch®️ Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey Archive Series

In 2009, Dr. Pearse Lyons, the visionary founder of Town Branch Distillery, commissioned a select number of Single Malt whiskey barrels, crafted from 100% malted barley and distilled in a single season by one distiller. These special barrels were hand-selected to form the Town Branch Archive Series, showcasing some of the oldest American Single Malt Whiskey in the world. Each annual release, starting in 2024 and continuing through 2030, honors the rich legacy of the Lyons family in brewing, distilling, and cooperage. Bottled-in-Bond, 100 Proof, Non-Chill Filtered, and Single Barrel, every bottling a one-of-a-kind experience and a testament to generations of craftsmanship.

After tasting each barrel allocated to the project in late July 2024, their 15th birthday, our team selected Barrel Serial Number 222, filled on July 2, 2009 (lot date 09G02) to represent the inaugural 15-Year-Old release as Archive Series Vol 1. This barrel embodies the perfect balance between American Whiskey and Single Malt Whiskey, with a rich, robust flavor profile enhanced by extended aging in former Kentucky bourbon barrels. It serves as an ideal starting point for this historic series of single malt whiskey releases, which we’re excited to share over the coming years.

Each release includes a collector’s coin minted to commemorate the Archive Series. These tokens are more than just keepsakes; they offer exclusive access to your experience at Town Branch Distillery. As a coin holder, you are entitled to unlimited free tours for life, making you a cherished part of our family.

“When you select our special single malt whiskey release, you became part of our family’s traditions and legacy. It’s personal – and a privilege to share it with you,” says Mark Lyons, owner and the 7th generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industries.

Simply present your Collector’s Coin upon arrival to enjoy lifetime tour privileges, along with exclusive benefits reserved for our extended family. No prior booking is necessary—we always welcome you with open arms.

Town Branch®️ 15-Year Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey Archive Series Vol. 1 (SRP $399.99/750ml)

• The oldest Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey ever released. This age-stated, 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond whiskey is a Single Malt and Single Barrel expression, highly limited in availability. Volume 1 is the first release in an Archive Series collection, with each bottling including a collector’s coin and display box. Distilled and bottled in Lexington, Kentucky.
• Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
• Barrel Info: Serial Number 222 / Lot Date 09G02 (barrel filled July 2, 2009)
• Age: 15-Years in former Kentucky Bourbon barrels
• ABV: 50% / 100 Proof
• Estimated Availability: 108 bottles / 3pk cases
• Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Golden Amber
  • Aroma: Ripe Dried Fruit, Raisin, Plums, Candy Green Apple, Citrus, Floral, Brown Sugar, Wood Shavings, Oak Spices and Candied Pecans
  • Palate: Spiced Bread, Herbal Tea, Mature Oak, Cloves, Peppercorn, Stewed Apples, Caramel, Honey, and Melon
  • Finish: Leather, Salty, Citrus & Dried Spices

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch Distillery, which is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Committed to sustainability, every emptied barrel is upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to create exceptional beer and spirits. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

About Town Branch Distillery:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is notable as the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition. It is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️. The distillery produces several acclaimed spirits, including Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Overproof Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch upcycles every used barrel to craft a variety of whiskeys and barrel-aged beers, such as Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This process ensures each barrel’s legacy continues within our diverse product line. For more details, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About Kentucky®️ Barrel-Aged Beers:

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️, specializes in the art of barrel-aging beer. As one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands globally, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of beer. Offerings include the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale, and a selection of Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Seasonal and Specialty releases. Upcycling its own bourbon barrels enhances the quality of its barrel-aged beers with a distinct character that sets them apart from other breweries in America. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons and now led by his son Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech is a global leader in agriculture, committed to providing smarter and more sustainable solutions. With over 40 years of scientific research backing its work, Alltech offers a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance the health and performance of plants and animals. This, in turn, leads to improved nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and advanced innovation in the field. Alltech’s portfolio includes specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and biologicals, all underpinned by a strong scientific foundation and a commitment to adaptability. As a private, family-owned company, Alltech emphasizes quick responses to customer needs and fosters a unique, entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered near Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech operates in over 120 countries with five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their mission, encapsulated in their purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” focuses on providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing the planet’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.