ralfy review 1079 Extras – Price ‘spotting’ at Auctions.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces

Glencairn Crystal Honoured with

Kings Award for Enterprise for Innovation

Scotland’s world leading crystal glassware company has been awarded The King’s Award for Enterprise – the fourth time in the company’s history it has received this prestigious accolade. 

Glencairn Crystal is one of only a few select organisations nationwide to receive a King’s Award for Enterprise.* Announced today (Tuesday 6 May), Glencairn Crystal has been recognised for its excellence in the category of Innovation.

Founded in 1981 and based in East Kilbride, Scotland, Glencairn Crystal Studio Ltd is a family-owned business employing over 70 people. The company specialises in premium crystal and glassware for both business and consumer markets, with unrivalled expertise within the spirits industry.

Renowned for its pioneering design, craftsmanship and manufacturing, Glencairn Crystal creates luxury, high-end bottles and decanters featuring intricate metalwork, unique application processes and state-of-the-art engraving techniques. It has successfully scaled up artisan techniques for commercial production, blending hand-crafted artistry and ground-breaking technical innovation. By embedding world-leading invention and highly bespoke branding into its proprietary decanters and bottles, Glencairn works with spirits companies, globally, to elevate the value of their brands, showcasing, in the best possible light, the craftsmanship that has gone into every one.

For over 20 years, Glencairn Crystal has also produced the iconic Glencairn Glass – the first glass designed specifically for whisky. Recognised as the official glass for whisky in the UK, and throughout the whisky industry internationally, it is the world’s favourite whisky glass, used by millions of consumers and distilleries around the globe.

The company first received the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2006 for the Glencairn Glass, followed by the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2012 and 2017.

Scott Davidson, Glencairn Crystal’s New Product Development Director said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for our work with The King’s Award for Innovation.  To be granted such a prestigious award for the fourth time in the past 20 years is incredibly special.

As a family run business for more than 40 years, we have a valued team of talented employees who have innovation at the core of everything we do. This award is a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of everyone here at Glencairn Crystal, and to our mission of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for our customers in crystal and glass.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious awards for businesses, recognising and encouraging outstanding achievements in four categories: innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. The awards are given out annually and are a highly regarded mark of excellence for British businesses.

The Award programme, now in its 59th year and previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

For more information about Glencairn Crystal, visit www.glencairn.com

For more information about The Kings Award for Enterprise, visit www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise

* 197 organisations nationally have been recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise and a total of 199 Awards were made with two companies being recognised with two Awards.

Islay

Big Peat Christmas Edition

ABV: 54.8% | Vol: 70cl

Big Peat Christmas – Back in Stock!
Only £38. Limited Bottles Available.

He might’ve missed the calendar, but we’re not complaining — the first-ever Big Peat Christmas Edition finished in Sherry casks is back in stock. Bold. Smoky. Full of festive fire, all year round. This limited release is now available for just £38, offering signature Islay smoke wrapped in warming sherry sweetness. Anticipate hints of dried fruit, cocoa, and spiced oak, followed by candied peel, Hebridean sea air, peated barley, and of course, Big Peat’s unmistakable smoky style. As the first ever Big Peat Christmas Edition finished in sherry casks, this special release truly encapsulates the flavour of Christmas in a bottle. BIG and BOLD… it’s the ultimate winter warmer and is sure to get you in the festive spirit! Typically Islay in flavour, the palate carries notes of ash, sweet tar, smoking chimneys and a subtle salty beach quality, with a long and lingering phenolic finish.

Jura Fèis Ìle Bottling

Jura Whisky proudly presents a new single cask release to celebrate this year’s Fèis Ìle festival, a gathering of whisky fans who come from across the globe to experience the island whisky making communities of Islay and Jura.

On 30th May Jura will be welcoming whisky lovers to its beachside distillery, with tours of the distillery on offer as well as tastings, live music, cocktails and boat tours exploring Jura’s beautiful coastline.

To mark the 2025 festival, a very special expression will be released limited to just 300 bottles, exclusively available to the whisky-lovers who visit Jura in-person during Fèis Ìle.

Jura Distillery’s Kirsty Wright said: “People who know Jura, know Jura whisky. As a Scottish island community, we appreciate each and every visitor, which is why this release is exclusively available to those that join us for our whisky festival. This release celebrates a different take on Jura’s fruity and balanced flavours, ideal to share with friends and family.”

Joe Ricketts, Whisky Maker, explained: “For this year’s Fèis Ìle single cask release we’ve revisited a standout 2007 vintage parcel. In 2022 the whisky making and distillery teams selected #1892, a bold, rich oloroso butt which explored a different side to Jura’s distillery character.

“With an additional three years maturation, #1895 builds on the complexity of our 2022 Fèis Ìle release, with notes of crystallised citrus, prune and hazelnut together with hints of polished leather and dark chocolate from its full-course Sherry maturation.”

There are a few tickets still remaining for this year’s Feis Ile celebration on Jura, which can be purchased here: Jura Whisky Festival | Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky

About Jura: Jura is a remote Scottish island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one whisky distillery and 212(ish) people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote. The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community. Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.

Product information:

Jura Fèis Ìle 2025

Age: 17 years

ABV: Cask strength

Cask: oloroso Sherry butt

Available exclusively at the Jura distillery in 70cl format between 23 May and 31 May 2025

RSP: £135

Nose: walnut, apricot and autumnal forest floor notes

Palate: crystallised citrus, prune and toasted hazelnut

Finish: hints of polished leather and dark chocolate

DOUGLAS LAING & CO. RELEASES NEW BIG PEAT LIMITED EDITION BOTTLING

BIG PEAT FÈIS ÌLE 2025

The award-winning range of Big Peat Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky from independent Blenders, Bottlers, and Distillers Douglas Laing & Co., proudly announces its annual release for Fèis Ìle—a true celebration of all things Islay, specially selected to mark the occasion.

Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival – brings together whisky and Islay enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the island, its culture, and the unique spirits it produces. This ten-day event is a highlight in every Islay whisky fan’s calendar. Big Peat is proud to be part of such a momentous annual occasion, and releasing this unique edition from our Islay whisky character is a special moment for us at Douglas Laing.

Big Peat Fèis Ìle Limited Edition has been uniquely bottled as a 2010 Vintage, with maturation taking place exclusively in hand-selected Refill Hogsheads. This release takes Whisky enthusiasts back to where Big Peat’s story first began—on the Island of Islay, the place he calls home. This cask selection delivers a profile of classic Big Peat characteristics and more—expect layers of sweet smoke intertwined with a salty, oceanic character, culminating in the signature smoky BBQ profile for which Big Peat is renowned. Small batch, 40PPM, bottled at a higher strength of 50% ABV, and proudly without chill-filtration or added colouring, Big Peat Fèis Ìle embodies the true spirit of Islay.

Presented in a premium foiled bespoke carton, with a unique label highlighting all the key details, this edition brings a distinctive new offering to the Big Peat range.

Alongside our Fèis Ìle Limited Edition, Fred Laing, Chairman of Douglas Laing, has selected a single cask of Islay Single Malt, distilled at Caol Ila Distillery in 2010 and bottled in 2025. This rare and limited release of just 150 bottles has been matured exclusively in Refill Hogshead casks, bottled at 14 years old and at a natural cask strength of 55.4% ABV. Each bottle has been hand-numbered and personally signed by Fred. Fred adds “I love being involved in what we – and here I include Big Peat himself – select for his unique single cask releases. This particular cask ticked all our quality boxes – so much so that we decided to bottle it just before it reached 15 years old”. This single cask delivers amplified notes of citrus, salted sweetness, nuttiness and oak. Available exclusively on the Island of Islay during Fèis Ìle, it’s another not-to-be-missed release.

Chloe Wood, Big Peat Brand Manager, comments:

“Big Peat has always been crafted to tell the story of Islay, whether through ‘his’ spirit selection, cask choice, or flavour profile. With this particular release, there’s no hiding behind overpowering cask finishes—Big Peat Fèis Ìle showcases the impact of quality spirit selection and expert cask management, resulting in a Whisky that boasts full flavour from the outset and truly reflects what Big Peat was designed to be.”

Big Peat Fèis Ìle Limited Edition is available at select retailers, Whisky specialists, and online, with a suggested retail price of £70.00/€84.00.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards are a testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old, Xtra Old Particular, and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Our May 2025 Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 25th May 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!

Macallan – 52 Year Old (2018 Release)

Glenlivet – 12 Year Old (1964) Peter Dominic Ltd

Karuizawa – 1981 (Single Cask #818) Sumo Label

St. Magdalene – 18 Year Old (1964)

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.

Friar John Cor Chapter III

Where to buy, and why…

Friar John Cor Chapter III will be available to buy through selected stockists from 27th May. There is no denying that running a bottle shop in the current climate is not easy. Margins are tight, costs are high and loyalty is fragile. Yet, these shops still show up and open their doors for whisky lover, or whisky shoppers, like you. These shops are not just shelves. They are years of knowledge, experience, curation and passion. They are people. That’s why we’re releasing Friar John Cor Chapter II to our stockists first, before it goes anywhere else. We chose to prioritise those who have been championing whisky long before hashtags did, and those who have always supported Lindores. Buying a bottle of Friar John Cor Chapter III from one of our stockists not only gets you a great bottle of whisky, it also supports a business fighting to retain something personal in a world that’s going generic. Find a list of stockists below. If your local bottle shop is not listed, please contact us.

STOCKISTS

SPEYSIDE WHISKY

On its journey to the sea, the fast-flowing River Spey passes some of the great centres of whisky production, and its banks and surrounding areas boast the highest concentration of distilleries in the country. The area’s whisky-making tradition began long before it was formally recognised as a distinct region. Early distillers thrived there, many operating in secrecy due to frequent raids by tax officers.

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Bladnoch Distillery unveils line-up for Wave Day whisky celebration

Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery, has unveiled the line-up for Wave Day this summer.

Taking place at the distillery on Saturday 14 June, Wave Day is a celebration of Bladnoch’s bold Galloway spirit and the history and heritage of the distillery.

The one-day festival marks the release of Bladnoch Wave II, the second chapter in the Master Distiller’s Collection which launched last year with Bladnoch Wave I: Time & Maturation.

Wave Day will be the first opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to sample and purchase Wave II, which will be available exclusively at Bladnoch Distillery on Saturday 14 June ahead of remaining bottles going on sale through Bladnoch’s online shop from Monday 16 June.

Celebrations will begin on the lade at Bladnoch Distillery at 12 noon. The distillery shop will be open, with a pop-up full bar in place for single malt enthusiasts to gather and sample Bladnoch’s portfolio of exceptional Lowland whiskies.

Highlights on the day include an interactive tasting of Wave II with Bladnoch’s master distiller, Dr Nick Savage, as well as a short, immersive theatre experience inspired by the distillery’s story and performed by Bladnoch’s UK brand ambassador, Mark Rannoch.

Each guest who purchases a full-size bottle of whisky from the distillery on Saturday 14 June will also receive a complimentary 50ml collectable dram of Wave II. Exclusively available on the day, this remarkable whisky can be sampled during the interactive tasting or taken home to enjoy later.

Food will be available from vendors including vegan and gluten-free options, with the distillery garden also open for those seeking a tranquil spot away from the hustle and bustle of the main courtyard.

Live music will be played throughout the day, with local folk musicians from The Vault Arts Centre in Newton Stewart opening the event, followed by singer-songwriter Katie Mac singing hits from throughout the decades.

Guests can extend their whisky experience on Sunday 15 June with a bespoke Wave tour of the distillery, offering a deeper dive into Bladnoch’s craftsmanship and intricate whisky-making process. Tours are available to pre-book at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on the Bladnoch website.

Dr Nick Savage, Master Distiller at Bladnoch Distillery, said:

“Wave Day is one of the highlights of our calendar year, and it’s a privilege to host this festival of our bold Galloway spirit.

“This is a time to gather, celebrate and enjoy some incredible whisky, particularly Wave II – as we unveil the next instalment in our exciting annual release series. We look forward to welcoming Bladnoch fans from near and far through the distillery doors this summer, to discover more about how we make our exceptional single malt whisky.”

Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch Distillery is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and is enjoying a bold and powerful revival.

For more information about Bladnoch Distillery, and to book tickets for Wave Day, please visit www.bladnoch.com.

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.