WHAT IS THE ISLAY FESTIVAL?

Each year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music brings thousands of whisky enthusiasts to this remote Hebridean island. Join us in taking a deep dive into one of the world’s great whisky events with our very own ambassador and educator, Billy Abbott. Learn more about the Islay Festival in our Inspiration section.

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While Islay is well-known for intensely smoky single malts, not all the island’s whiskies are peated. Try Bunnahabhain or Bruichladdich for a taste of Islay without the heavy smoke.

ralfy review 1078 Extras – Whisky one step at a time.

Yoshino Spirits proudly announce the launch of Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky, an exclusive collector’s edition created in collaboration with Toho Co., Ltd., Japan’s most iconic entertainment company.

This special release commemorates Godzilla’s 70th Anniversary, honoring seven decades of the world’s most legendary movie monster. Since its first appearance in 1954, Godzilla has captured the imagination of generations, symbolizing strength, resilience, and global cultural impact. Today, its legacy continues to thrive with the overwhelming success of Godzilla Minus One and a growing fanbase worldwide.

A LEGENDARY COLLABORATION WITH TOHO CO. LTD. CELEBRATING GODZILLA’S 70th ANNIVERSARY

Inspired by the spirit of the Pacific Ocean, Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky is crafted by Umiki, the world’s first ocean-fused whisky brand. This unique blend delivers a refreshing, smooth profile that reflects the vitality and depth of the ocean itself.

The Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky will be available as a Limited-Edition collector’s item for select markets outside of Japan, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Each bottle features a specially designed label and packaging, celebrating Godzilla’s monumental anniversary in true Japanese spirit.

For more information about Umiki Whisky, please visit: www.umikiwhisky.com

About Yoshino Spirits

Based in Osaka, Japan, Yoshino Spirits and Kamiki Shuzo are internationally recognized for blending Japanese tradition with modern innovation in whisky making.

About Toho Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1932, Toho is Japan’s leading film company and the creative force behind the legendary Godzilla franchise.

For Further Information please contact info@umikiwhisky.com

The esteemed judges at the San Francisco Spirits Competition have awarded Woodinville’s 100% Rye whiskey with a Double Gold.

For a grain to glass whiskey born, grown and aged in Washington to earn such honors is a testimony to its origins and the people behind the spirit. The whiskey is handcrafted from rye grown on the Omlin Family Farm in rural, Quincy, Washington. It’s distilled in Woodinville, WA, then sent back across the Cascades to age in the Quincy barrelhouses. It’s not the most efficient way to make whiskey— but it’s worth it. Two terroirs: one extraordinary whiskey.

“Our 90 proof, 5+ year 100% Rye Whiskey delivers aromas of cinnamon, clove and fruit leather, and notes of caramel, wood spice and honey on the palate with a long memorable finish,” explains Woodinville Co-Founder Orlin Sorensen. “The Rye’s Double Gold status is a great achievement, and we’re excited to be releasing an older 100% Rye very, very soon.”

Woodinville Flagship 100% Rye is available nationally, in store and online, with an MSRP of $40. The spirit earned 96 points in the 2025 SFWSC competition.

About Woodinville Whiskey Company: Woodinville Whiskey Company (www.woodinvillewhiskeyco.com) is a craft distillery founded by two best friends from the area, Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, under the mentorship of an industry icon, the late David Pickerell, former Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark. Woodinville is Washington state’s largest craft distillery. It was reported in Forbes that Woodinville Whiskey “may just be the best craft whiskey in America.”

The distillery and tasting room in Woodinville is home to exclusive new launches like its annual Harvest Release in the fall. Private tours led by a distiller are available, when scheduled in advance. The distillery is open daily. The attached photos shows a bottle of the Flagship 100% Rye.

Madeira Finish & Oloroso Mastery
Cask Strength Exclusives from Balcones

I’ve secured two extraordinary single-barrel releases from Balcones: one finished in Madeira, the other matured full-term in Oloroso. Both were bottled straight from the cask at formidable strength, capturing the intensity that only Texas’s climate can deliver. Quantities are minuscule, so if you’re chasing the forefront of American single malt, now’s the moment to act.

–David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Balcones “Madeira Barrel” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #17122 Texas Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer

This one-of-a-kind barrel from Waco’s celebrated distillery showcases Balcones’ artistry at full tilt. Distilled on November 27, 2017, from 100 % Golden Promise barley in the distillery’s custom pot stills, the spirit was filled the next day into a 59-gallon new charred American-oak cask. After more than five years, it was moved on May 25, 2023, to a seasoned Madeira cask (provenance undisclosed) for a 14-month finish. Disgorged on August 3, 2024, the whisky was bottled at its natural cask strength of 130.5 proof after 6 years and 8 months of total maturation—an astonishing 80 months in wood. The result is one of the most powerful, multilayered American single malts we’ve ever tasted; few whiskies on the market can rival the depth and intensity emerging from these Waco warehouses.

Balcones “Oloroso Sherry Hogshead” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #12720 Texas Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer

This exceptional single-barrel malt from the famed Waco, Texas distillery was distilled on March 3, 2020, from 100 % Golden Promise barley. It entered the cask at 124.9 proof and was filled into a freshly dumped Oloroso sherry hogshead from an undisclosed source. Aged just over four years in Waco’s hot, dry climate, the whisky was emptied on August 3, 2024, and bottled at its natural cask strength of 67.5 % (135 proof) with no chill-filtration, coloring, or additives. Few whiskies on the market can match this barrel’s raw power and complexity: an absolute bruiser that outclasses most American whiskies—and many international single malts—by miles. Expect dense, sweet, nutty fruit, a viscous palate, and a long, juicy finish.

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

LUMINARY No.3
— 2025 EDITION —

AGED 17 YEARS

70cl · 49.2% ABV

£294.95

Introducing The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition: the third masterpiece in the Luminary Series. This exquisite 17 year old single malt was created in collaboration with Scotland’s design museum, V&A Dundee and Ben Dobbin of Foster & Partners architects. Elegantly housed in a bespoke presentation case, The Luminary No.3 has been finished in a bold combination of seven cask types, including vintage Calvados, rare Matusalem Sherry and red wine casks from Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 562: Black Bowmore 31 Year Old 1964

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a legendary malt… He never dreamed that he would ever have the chance to taste this legendary whisky. Who would have thought, when this whisky hit the market in 1995, that it would become an icon of sherry-aged whisky with a price tag of around 25,000 EUR today? But one of his good friends – who absolutely wishes to remain anonymous – owns a bottle and was willing to grant him a sample and lend the bottle to make a Rambling. A chance Mark obviously did not pass up and for which he is very grateful to his friend.

https://youtu.be/v3MOn7u75h4

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES WHISKEY HOUSE OF KENTUCKY AS NEWEST MEMBER

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Elizabethtown’s Whiskey House of Kentucky (Whiskey House) as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Founded in 2021 by industry veterans David Mandell, John Hargrove and Daniel Linde, Whiskey House is a fully-automated distillery designed from the ground up to produce high-quality, custom whiskey for its exclusive contract customers.

Since beginning operations on July 1, 2024, Whiskey House has produced more than 50,000 barrels, 20 different mashbills and more than 50 unique recipes at their 176-acre campus in the T.J. Patterson Elizabethtown – Hardin County Industrial Park.

“We could not be more excited to join the KDA and help further the Association’s important mission to promote America’s native spirit and advance our industry and the critical role it plays in our nation’s economy,” said co-founder and CEO David Mandell.

“We are pushing the bounds of innovation with the newest and most advanced distillery in the nation,” continued Mandell. “Because we’re closed to the public, will never have our own brands, and do not compete with our customers in the marketplace, we’re able to focus our complete attention on our customers.”

KDA President Eric Gregory proudly welcomed Whiskey House into the growing KDA family of the state’s finest distillers. He said sophisticated new advanced manufacturing business models like Whiskey House are driving innovation and helping shape the industry.

“It’s amazing to see technological advancements like the ones at Whiskey House that are keeping Kentucky Bourbon at the forefront of spirits innovation,” he said. “Congratulations to David, John, and Daniel who are creating unique opportunities for the world to taste our great whiskey and pouring more revenue into the local Hardin County economy.”

Whiskey House is a part of the growing Bourbon economic impact in the Louisville Metro region. Hardin and its surrounding counties have 27 distilleries responsible for 7,000 jobs and a $664 million payroll. Bourbon brings to the area an annual economic impact of $3.3 billion and nearly $77 million in local and state tax revenue.

Learn more about Whiskey House of Kentucky at www.whiskeyhouse.com.

Whiskey House of Kentucky joins KDA as a “Heritage” level member, aging more than 50,000 barrels per year. Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

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.

Our May 2025 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) Friday 16th May 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.

Mac-Talla Unveils Amarone Cask Fèis Ìle 2025 Edition 

The third annual Mac-Talla release for Fèis Ìle 2025

Mac-Talla, the Islay single malt brand created and bottled by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD), has announced the launch (tomorrow – Friday, 16 May) of its latest limited edition whisky in celebration of Fèis Ìle 2025 (23-31 May).

Now in its third year, the annual release pays tribute to the island’s distinctive whisky heritage and the art of cask finishing. Following a 2023 edition finished in PX Sherry casks and a 2024 release matured in rum casks, the 2025 expression has been fully matured in first-fill Amarone wine casks sourced from northern Italy.

With a love for the island and a desire to reconnect with Islay, Mac-Talla Single Malt Scotch Whisky was created as a result of generations of heritage with the aim to take you on a journey of taste throughout the island.

The whisky is bottled at 53.8% ABV and described as offering layers of rich dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, alongside Mac-Talla’s hallmark peated character.

Lauren Doherty of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers said: “Each Fèis Ìle edition is an opportunity to explore the versatility of Islay malt through exceptional wood.”

“This year’s Amarone cask finish adds depth and elegance, while still allowing that signature coastal smoke to shine through.”

Mac-Talla, which means “echo” in Scottish Gaelic, was created by the Morrison family – one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families,  to express their deep connection with the island of Islay. The brand sources its spirit from undisclosed Islay distilleries and is known for combining bold maritime peat with carefully selected cask finishes.

Amarone della Valpolicella is a full-bodied Italian red wine, made using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are air-dried to concentrate flavours. Its influence brings sweet, rounded fruit notes that complement the smoky, savoury core of the Mac-Talla spirit.

The 2025 Amarone Cask Edition is now available via specialist retailers priced at RRP £78.00. Quantities are strictly limited.

For any lucky whisky lovers that will be attending Fèis Ìle this year, Mac-Talla are hosting some exclusive events over the festival. All details can be found here.

Tasting Notes:

• Release Date: 16th May 2025
• RRP: £78.00 ABV: 53.3%
• Tasting notes: Prominent notes of stone fruits wrapped up in rich dark chocolate with a long finish of warming peat at the end Available Markets: UK, EU, and select international markets
• Age of Liquid: NAS
• Finish: 18 months finishing, marriage of two casks(1 butt of First Fill Amarone, 1 partial refill European Oak Butt), returned to Amarone casks for a further 6 months.
• Casks Used: 2 casks

Stockists: Mac-Talla Amarone will be available from select whisky retailers from 16th May – for more details on stockists visit: https://mactallawhisky.com/stockists

Mac-Talla’s Event Programme at Fèis Ìle 2025:

Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt Whisky Journey of Taste Walk:

A guided walk along Islay’s coast with 5 accompanying drams influenced by the Landscape.

Date: Monday 26th May 2025

Time: 2-4pm approx.

Islay Sea Adventures with Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt:

Islay Sea Adventures and Mac-Talla Islay Whisky have teamed up for a whisky and wildlife tour, taking in the Island’s stunning scenery, paired with delicious whisky!

Date: 26th May 2024

Time: 2-4pm

Location: Islay Sea Adventures

Indie Whisky Festival:

Date: 27th May 2025

Time: Several sessions throughout the day

Location: Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen

Pizza Paired Pours:

Islay’s renowned Peatzeria for an unforgettable tasting experience, with pizza paired pours.

Date: Wednesday, 28th May

Time: 2-3:30pm & 7-8:30pm

Location: Peatzeria, 22 Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay

For more information, visit www.mactallawhisky.com

ABOUT MAC-TALLA

Mac-Talla is an Islay single malt Scotch whisky owned by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers. Meaning “echo” in Gaelic, the brand reflects the Morrison family’s deep-rooted connection to Islay. Bottled by MSWD, Mac-Talla showcases the island’s bold, peated character through a carefully curated range of expressions.

ABOUT Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) is an independent, family-owned company based in Perth, Scotland. Rebranded in 2020, MSWD represents five generations of Morrison whisky heritage under one name, with a focus on single malt production, brand development, blending and bottling. Its flagship brands include Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr and Bruadar.