ANGEL’S ENVY ® Releases Newest Cellar Collection Series, Vol. 5 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels

The brand’s first Cellar Collection release under Master Distiller Owen Martin Available nationwide on May 31

ANGEL’S ENVY announces the launch of its newest Cellar Collection Series, Vol. 5 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels. For the first time ever, an expression in the series will be available nationwide on May 31. This remarkable release is a bold expression by Master Distiller Owen Martin that honors the brand’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of bourbon making.

To create the Vol. 5, Straight Rye Whiskey aged up to 7 years was finished in French Oak Extra Añejo tequila barrels for up to 12 months, then blended with an older Straight Rye Whiskey, aged for over 11 years, to lock the entire flavor profile together into a cohesive, yet layered experience. Martin traveled to Hacienda PATRÓN, the home of PATRÓN Tequila’s distillery in Jalisco, Mexico to select the barrels, immersing himself in the world of tequila making.

“This launch is very special to me as the first Cellar Collection innovation for ANGEL’S ENVY that I oversaw from beginning to end. As a part of the vision, we collaborated with PATRÓN Tequila’s Master Distiller, David Rodriguez, to identify a parallel between the production processes. We are always striving to showcase the unique character of a finishing cask and how it can amplify our base whiskey’s dynamic flavor – this release embodies that particularly well,” said Owen Martin, Master Distiller.

A golden caramel color, the new Cellar Collection expression is floral and fruit-forward on the nose, with a toasty vanilla and subtle clove smokiness. Flavors of baking spices and cracked pepper are tempered by notes of herbal agave for an earthy tobacco and brown sugar taste. The French oak finish ensures the liquid is soft and balanced, with orange blossom honey and tropical fruits.

Cellar Collection Series Vol. 5 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels is housed in a special-edition gift box, featuring a number of symbols, including the agave plant, reflecting the innovative union of flavors and ANGEL’S ENVY’s continued pursuit of excellence. It will be available at retailers nationwide and on ReserveBar (where eligible) for an SRP of $269.99 per 750ml bottle. Additionally, 500Main members can enter a lottery launching today, for a chance to purchase a bottle for in-person pick-up at the Distillery on May 31.

For more information and purchasing details, visit https://angelsenvy.com or on Instagram, @angelsenvy.

The Gauldrons

Sherry Cask Edition

A marriage of Single Cask Single Malts only from Campbeltown, this Gauldrons Sherry limited edition bottling is dynamic and silky-smooth, resulting from a lengthy finishing period in Spanish Sherry Casks. Occupying a remote location, even by Campbeltown’s standards, on the extreme west coast of Scotland, The Gauldrons literally means “bay of storms”. But, it’s not just the dark storm clouds that set the pulse racing here and set the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end… Part of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.

Salty and maritime with an explosion of rich, dark fruits and spice.

EXPLORE

Region: Campbeltown
Abv: 50%
Vol: 70cl
Spec: No Colour Added
Spec: No Chill-Filtration

Gold-Medal Cask Strength Bourbon Bargain
New England Barrel Co. 3.5 Year Old “Cask Strength” Small Batch Select: Batch #2022-01 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

“Young, energetic, and flat-out delicious, it’s hands-down the best deal in the shop right now”— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

We have no right to be selling this whiskey at such a low price, and, equally, this humble whiskey has no right to be as good as it is. This award-winning young whiskey is never seen for less than $60 in California. At full cask strength and without chill filtration, it’s a powerful, heady bourbon of the highest order. Having won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it’s clear that we’ve secured an incredible price that won’t be matched anywhere in the country. Don’t be fooled—this isn’t the 99-proof version, but the highly awarded and much more expensive cask-strength release. K&L offers this exclusive price, unavailable anywhere else in the country.

–David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

New England Barrel Co. 3.5 Year Old “Cask Strength” Small Batch Select: Batch #2022-01Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $60) ($22.99)

As one of the few truly transparent independent bottlers, the team at New England Barrel Co. consistently assembles stellar spirits. Thanks to a fortuitous shift in market conditions, we secured this exceptional batch of young Kentucky Straight Bourbon for well below its usual wholesale price. I’m thrilled to pass those savings on—what was already a fair $60 bottle now becomes an absolute steal and an easy slam-dunk for a high-proof Tuesday-night pour.

It’s the quintessential “bunker buy.” Need a robust Kentucky Bourbon for cocktails but don’t want to raid your precious Green River Cask Strength Single Barrels? This bottle has you covered. I’m stocking up before it disappears; it handles every gifting and giveaway need with ease.

The whiskey shows a gorgeous tawny hue (≈ 1.4 on the color scale). The nose bursts with burnt sugar, cherry compote, citrus oil, and fresh biscuits, opening to layers of baking spice, almond butter, apricot, and brown sugar. On the palate it’s oily, full-bodied, and remarkably gentle for full cask strength; the choice to skip chill-filtration clearly pays off in texture. Sweet corn and fruit drive through the mid-palate, finishing with a soft, satisfying spice.

Despite its youth, this bourbon never shows a rough edge—proof that well-made whiskey doesn’t always need decades in wood. Young, energetic, and flat-out delicious, it’s hands-down the best deal in the shop right now.

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 Words: Reflux

In Scotch whisky production, “reflux” refers to the process by which some of the vapour produced during distillation is condensed back into liquid and returned to the still for further distillation. This reflux is essential for achieving a higher level of purity and consistency in the final product.

Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “Reflux is an important property of distillation. When you boil liquid in a still, that liquid turns into a gas and rises inside the still. Now, if it turns back into a liquid before it gets out of the still, it falls back into the pot. That is called reflux. It’s very important because the more reflux you have in a still, the lighter the spirit you get at the end. The less reflux, the heavier and more robust spirit you have.” 

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

ralfy review 1077 Extras – Finding value in N.A.S. whiskies.

Graham Eunson announces retirement from Tomatin Distillery leaving remarkable legacy

Tomatin releases limited edition single malt whisky to celebrate Graham’s contribution

Graham Eunson, Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin, has announced his retirement after 34 years in the whisky industry.

Graham joined Tomatin as Distillery General Manager in 2011, taking up the dual position of Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director in 2019.

In his outgoing role, Graham is responsible for managing operations across the distillery, warehouse, laboratory, visitor centre and stock control teams, as well as overseeing Tomatin’s maturation process.

Graham carefully watches over more than 156,000 casks each year, including the heritage casks in Warehouse 6 which play an integral part in crafting Tomatin’s oldest and rarest Highland single malt whiskies.

Over the past 14 years, Graham has led the distillery to achieve a series of prestigious award wins, including ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2022. Last year, Tomatin 18 Year Old also secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), elevating it to Platinum status.

As well as Tomatin 18 Year Old, Graham is responsible for crafting Tomatin’s flagship single malt whisky, Legacy, and experimental lightly-peated single malt Cù Bòcan. He also oversaw the relaunch of The Antiquary in summer 2024, revitalising this historic brand with the release of three exceptional age-statement blended whiskies in bold new packaging.

Graham will remain in post until 30 May, after which date his responsibilities will be shared between Tomatin’s highly experienced team, including Distillery Manager, Jamie Muir, HSQE Director Fiona Birkinshaw, and Blender and Global Brand Ambassador, Scott Adamson.

To celebrate Graham’s remarkable contribution to the Scotch whisky industry, and his enduring legacy at Tomatin Distillery, a limited-edition single malt has been released to commemorate his career.

The coveted Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson Edition single malt Scotch whisky is limited to only 514 bottles worldwide.

This extraordinary release is crafted from whisky fully matured in two exceptional casks, each representing a defining chapter in Graham’s career.

The first, a refill hogshead filled in 1990, marks the year Graham first stepped into the whisky industry. The second, a French oak barrique filled in 2011, commemorates the year he brought his expertise to Tomatin Distillery. The two casks work in perfect harmony, showcasing their own unique properties in the resulting single malt.

Bottled at 56.1% ABV and priced at £150 RRSP, Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition opens with notes of stewed red fruits, apple crumble and strawberries and cream, leading into layers of dried mango, banana and papaya on the palate and a medium, drying yet fruity finish.

Graham Eunson, Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin, said:

“Tomatin is an exceptional distillery, and my time working here is one of the high points of my career. I joined Tomatin with the idea that we are all just custodians, and with one goal – to leave the distillery in a better place than I found it. Through enhanced systems and improved approaches, there is definitely more consistency now. Our first-class wood policy, which is built on knowing as much as we can about the history of a cask before it is filled, is an example of this.

I’d like to think the legacy I’ve left is a top-notch whisky which can be enjoyed around the world in the future. I’m also proud of the fact that both of my children, Scott and Kirstie, work in the industry as well, which is fantastic to see.”

Scott Adamson, Blender and Global Brand Ambassador at Tomatin, said:

“Working with Graham over the years has been an absolute privilege. His skill, commitment and knowledge are second to none, and he has made a remarkable contribution not only to Tomatin, but to the whisky industry as a whole.

The release of Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition is a celebration of his life’s work. More than a tribute, this whisky is Graham’s legacy in liquid form. He will be greatly missed at the distillery, and we wish him a long and happy retirement.”

With a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century, Tomatin has been a home for the whisky making team’s dedicated craftsmen and their families since the current distillery was established in 1897.

Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition is available to purchase now from the distillery website and from select independent whisky retailers.

To purchase a bottle of Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition, visit https://tomatin.com/shop/limited-releases/graham-eunson-limited-edition/

For more information, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition 

Nose: The influence of French oak red wine casks is immediately apparent, with notes of stewed red fruits, apple crumble, and strawberries and cream. The inclusion of lightly peated spirit adds a hint of creosote. Over time, the character of the 1990 cask develops with notes of baking spice, tropical fruits, and light floral aromas. The two casks work in perfect harmony, showcasing their own unique profiles.

Palate: Incredibly deep, though a touch drier than the nose suggests. The mix of peat smoke from the 2011 cask and the rancio-driven influence of the 1990 cask presents an earthy characteristic. From here, layers of dried mango, banana and papaya develop to create an incredibly well-rounded experience.

Finish: Medium in length and drying but with a continued fruity taste.

Notes

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin’s success continued when the distillery’s ‘Legacy’ was awarded Gold at IWSC. That same year, Tomatin also took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

At the 2024 IWSC Awards, Tomatin Legacy was awarded the IWSC Trophy for no age statement single malt Scotch, demonstrating its exceptional quality as best in class.

This year, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

In 2025, to celebrate outgoing Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director Graham Eunson’s remarkable contribution to the Scotch whisky industry and his enduring legacy at Tomatin Distillery following his retirement, a limited-edition single malt was released to commemorate his career. Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition single malt Scotch whisky is crafted from whisky fully matured in two exceptional casks, each representing a defining chapter in Graham’s career, and limited to only 514 bottles worldwide. Graham is one of many Legacy Makers at Tomatin Distillery. Being a Legacy Maker is about more than craftsmanship; it’s about passion, dedication and a commitment to excellence that transcends time. Legacy Makers embody the values of Tomatin, contributing their skills, knowledge, and spirit to shape the future while honouring the traditions of the past. Whether through innovation, mentorship, or community involvement, they ensure that their influence endures, enriching the story of Tomatin for generations to come.

To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

MAY 2025 AUCTION HALFWAY THROUGH!

Our May auction is already at the halfway point, which is a great time to take a closer look at some of the fascinating bottles on offer, including this little stunner from Springbank. Distilled in 1974 and aged for 25 years before being bottled to commemorate Frank McHardy’s 40 years of distilling in the whisky industry. Bottle number 115 of only 610 bottles produced for the impressive milestone.

Distilled in 1990 at Speyside Distillery, aged for 10 years and then drawn from Cask #1, this is the first spirit to come from the new stills, intended to mark the arrival of the new millennium in 2000. This beautifully presented crystal decanter is housed in a Mahogany tantalus and display case accompanied with a striking booklet with all the information about the exclusive bottling and miniature housed in a metal canister. The tantalus can be locked with ornate key provided, allowing you to truly keep your bottle under lock and key! Fittingly, one of 2,000 decanters produced – decanter number 468.

Another little nod to the millennium, this bottle was distilled in 2000 at Macallan Distillery, drawn from single Cask #3241 then bottled at cask strength in 2022 by independent bottling giants Gordon & MacPhail. For decades The Elgin firm have regularly bought stock from Macallan, being a more cost effective way of enjoying an older dram from this world famous Speyside distillery.

Released in early 2025, the eighth installment of the Folio series showcases the memorable “Colossus of Nose” advertising campaign from the 1980’s, a clever play on the Colossus of Rhodes, highlighting Macallan’s description of their whisky possessing a ‘unique towering aroma’.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our May auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 18^th May from 8pm BST.

Killowen Distillery Peated Single Malt –
Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey wins Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Not only has our new Peated Single Malt – Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey received a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, but it is also a finalist for Best of Class Single Malt Irish Whiskey. We are absolutely delighted that the newest addition to our portfolio has been so highly awarded after only a few short months on the market. The SFWSC judges its entrants via a panel of industry experts and is the oldest and most respected blind tasting competition in the world. We are delighted to have received such a prestigious accolade.

A Peaty Twist on our Classic Signature Finish – 

100% Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey

After ageing in bourbon casks, this Peated Single Malt has been divided and finished in Killowen’s own Dark Rum Casks & PX Sherry Casks.

Proudly Sourced from GND County Louth and finished on site in Killowen Distillery, this peated single malt is the perfect compliment to the marriage of PX Sherry flavours of prunes, figs & raisins combined with rums tropical Caribbean notes of coconut & vanilla.

If you haven’t already tried this absolutely wonderful whiskey, it is available at the Duty Free in both Dublin & Cork’s Aiports, local independent off-sales and currently available on our website.

Try it here

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

The oldest expression in Jura’s new signature range, this 18 year old Island single malt is matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and enriched in Premier Grand Cru Classe red wine barriques from France. This is a verified award-winner, with prizes at major competitions including:

•  Silver – International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024

NEW ARRIVAL:
JAMESON 23 YEAR OLD

This stunning whiskey has been partly matured in oloroso sherry casks to create a luxurious palate of tropical fruits, subtle spices and warm chocolate brownies. At the heart of this remarkable blend is a fruity core of aged Irish pot still whiskey. Midleton in County Cork is the only distillery in the world with pot still whiskies of this age and maturity, making this limited-edition bottling all the more special. A Jameson blend of this age and quality would make an ideal centrepiece for any collection and an unforgettable gift for any lover of Irish whiskey.

 SHOP NOW