Archive for June, 2025

Highland Laird Ledaig 2007 – Aged 17 Years Single Cask First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength ~ Bartels Whisky News

Ledaig 2007 – Aged 17 Years

£85.00

Single Cask Bottling | First Fill Sherry Butt | Cask Strength – 50.7% | Natural Colour | Cask no. 7000030 – 583 Bottles | Distillation Date – 19/02/2007 | 70cl

Ledaig (pronounced “Leh-chig”) is the peated variant produced by the Tobermory Distillery, located on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. This magnificent 17-year-old Ledaig is a single cask masterpiece matured in a first-fill sherry butt. Bottled at cask strength (50.7% ABV), it delivers a harmonious balance of bold peat smoke and rich, sherry-infused sweetness. A rare treat for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Nose: Maritime character, hints of smoke, and seaweed.
Palate: Peaty and bold, with a creamy mouthfeel. Unfolding dark chocolate and caramel flavours.
Finish: Long, warming finish with lingering smoke.
Tasting notes by Bartels Whisky

Bulleit Bourbon at The Party Source – American Whiskey News

Bulleit Bourbon

$28.99

Bulleit Bourbon is inspired by the whiskey pioneered by Augustus Bulleit over 150 years ago. Only ingredients of the very highest quality are used. The subtlety and complexity of Bulleit Bourbon come from its unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone-filtered water. Due to its especially high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character with a finish that’s distinctively clean and smooth. Medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas. Mid-palate is smooth with tons of maple, oak, and nutmeg. Finish is long, dry, and satiny with a light toffee flavor.

About Bulleit Bourbon

Miltonduff Signatory 100 Proof 2015 – Whisky Folk Review

From America With Spirit: The Emergence of American Single Malt Whiskey – American Single Malt News

From America With Spirit:

The Emergence of American Single Malt Whiskey

London, June 2025: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is proud to present American Single Malt as one of the most dynamic and exciting new trending movements in global whiskey. Officially recognised as a distinct category by the United States government in December 2024, this new wave of American craft distilling is arriving in the UK with bold intent, showcasing a diversity of style, regional character and creative expression that is reshaping what single malt can be.

After years of advocacy by distillers and industry groups, American Single Malt is now federally defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), with strict production standards. These include distillation from 100 percent malted barley, production at a single distillery in the United States, maturation in oak casks not exceeding 700 litres, and bottling at no less than 40 percent ABV. All whiskey must be mashed, distilled, and matured entirely within the United States.

This official recognition has triggered a surge of international interest, including from the UK, one of the world’s most sophisticated whiskey markets. According to IWSR data, American whiskey exports to the UK rose by 28 percent in 2024, with premium and craft segments leading growth. Within this, American Single Malt has emerged as a key driver, celebrated for its inventive production, regional nuance and distinctive flavour profiles.

Industry tastemakers and publications such as Whisky Advocate, Punch, Forbes, and VinePair have all spotlighted American Single Malt as a category to watch, with growing interest from collectors, bartenders and whiskey bars looking to offer something fresh.

“American Single Malt brings something new to the table while respecting the craft that whiskey lovers appreciate,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of DISCUS. “This is a new world whiskey rooted in quality, innovation and a deep sense of place.”

To mark the arrival of the category in the UK, DISCUS will host a dedicated showcase of American Single Malt, alongside Bourbon, American Rye Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, and other American spirits at Bar Convent London (BCB), the UK’s leading on-trade drinks show. The event takes place on Sunday 30 June and Monday 1 July 2025 at Tobacco Dock, at Booth EM5-01.

Visitors to the DISCUS booth will be able to sample a curated selection of American Single Malts and a range of American Spirits from some of the most forward-thinking distilleries in the United States, all of them DISCUS members. Featured distilleries include:

  • Angel’s Envy
  • Arizona Distilling Co.
  • Brother’s Bond Bourbon
  • BroVo Spirits
  • Good Trouble Bourbon
  • Proof and Wood
  • Reservoir Distillery
  • Stone Ledge Spirits
  • Uncle Nearest
  • Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Westland
  • Woodford
  • Yellowstone

On Monday 30 June, DISCUS will host a masterclass at BCB titled “American Single Malt – New World Whiskey, New Rules” from 2:15 to 3:00 p.m., offering UK drinks professionals a guided tasting and deep dive into the category’s evolution and global potential.

That evening, the celebration continues at the American Spirits Networking Reception, taking place from 6:30 p.m. at Odyssey Bar and Lounge in Shoreditch. This exclusive, invite-only event will feature American whiskey cocktails, guided tastings and a gathering of key trade, media and creative guests. RSVP via the registration link.

For UK buyers, bartenders and whiskey lovers, American Single Malt offers the familiarity of single malt production with the energy and edge of American craft. It is complex yet approachable, innovative yet grounded in tradition, and perfectly positioned to disrupt traditional whiskey shelves and back bars.

As the global appetite for premium and provenance-led spirits continues to grow, American Single Malt stands at the forefront of a new generation of whiskey-making. It is confident, creative and ready to rewrite the rules.

About DISCUS: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the United States. Representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits, DISCUS advocates on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels; promotes the distilled spirits sector, raising awareness and opening markets in the United States and around the globe; and encourages responsible and moderate consumption of distilled spirits as part of a healthy adult lifestyle based on evidence-based research and policy. Bar Convent London and the networking reception are supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), which aims to educate the hospitality industry, adult consumers, and media in key spirits export markets on the taste, heritage, and style of American distilled spirits. The U.S. distilled spirits industry is committed to social responsibility. For those adults who choose to drink, they should do always so in moderation and responsibly. For more information: www.drinkinmoderation.org. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc., prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, or other protected status. For more information, please visit: https://www.responsibility.org/

About Cheers! Spirits from the USA: DISCUS’s Cheers! Spirits from the USA campaign, supported by the US Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), aims to educate the hospitality industry, adult consumers, and media in key spirits export markets on the taste, heritage, and style of American distilled spirits.

Highland Laird Port Charlotte 2008 – Aged 15 Years – Bartels Whisky News

Port Charlotte 2008 – Aged 15 Years

£130.00

Single Cask Bottling | First Fill Bourbon Barrel | Cask Strength – 62.3% | Natural Colour | Islay Region | 70cl

A rare first fill bourbon cask of Port Charlotte distilled at Bruichladdich distillery. This is the heavily peated variant of their distillations and is quite rare to see as an independent bottling. Distilled on Islay its peated and coastal character is well regarded amongst enthusiasts. Ours is a single cask, cask strength bottling. Bottled in 2023, these 220 bottles produced won’t be around for long.

Nose: Seaweed and salt, slight citrus tone, cigar smoke.

Palate: Hints of oak with enough peat to warm but not overpower. some white fruity sweetness and hint of biscuit.

Finish: Warming peat, bread and spice

Tasting notes by Bartels

Longmorn 18 year old Speyside Single Malt Whisky – K&L Scotch Whisky News

Longmorn 18 year old Speyside Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $250) $169.99 View

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer |Review Date: 06/2025

“I’m totally in love with Longmorn, but the distillery has been sadly absent from our shelves for many years. We used to do exceptionally well with the well-priced 16-year, which was creamy and delicious, but eventually the price went crazy—and then it was discontinued. When the owners relaunched the brand, they did so much right: a limited-release 18-year-old whisky, non-chillfiltered, cask strength, small batch. But for one mistake—the price was absolutely wild. Almost $300! Now, at nearly half off, we’re getting serious about this one. Let’s have a go. The color is burnished (1.1). An absolutely classic nose of rich roasted vanilla, a huge pan of roasted fruits—persimmon, pear, and pineapple—dense, zingy barrel spice—galangal, cinnamon, more vanilla, and clove. Seville orange peel and fresh-baked biscuits with some water, but generally very much focused on roasted fruits and earthy spice. The texture is full-bodied and almost thick. Wildflower honey, wax fruit, roasted malt, dark chocolate, buttercream. It absolutely loves a splash of water, softening and broadening in a wonderful way. It’s still a special luxury whisky at this price, but it feels extremely fair now rather than sort of silly.IF you love Longmorn or Speyside whisky in general, it would be very weird to see this again at this price, so don’t hold your horses here.”

Longmorn’s 18-Year-Old Single Batch release is a standout expression from one of Speyside’s most quietly respected distilleries. Matured in a combination of American oak ex bourbon barrels and hogsheads, this unfiltered, cask-strength single malt shows the polish and complexity that comes from nearly two decades of aging. On the nose, there’s an immediate impression of richness—layers of golden orchard fruit, honeyed malt, and soft vanilla weave into deeper notes of citrus oil and toasted coconut. The palate delivers a plush, full-bodied texture balanced by a bright, structured core. Stone fruit, baked apples, and tropical hints meet creamy toffee, spice, and a touch of charred oak. The higher proof gives it power without sacrificing finesse, and a splash of water teases out even more fruit and floral nuance. This release perfectly captures Longmorn’s style—elegant yet substantial, with a long, refined finish that hints at dark chocolate, ginger, and dried fruit. While the brand keeps a relatively low profile, this bottling makes a strong case for Longmorn’s place among Speyside’s elite. A must-have for fans of mature Scotch that doesn’t chase trends, just delivers on quality.

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

Friar John Cor Chapter III – Lindores Abbey Distillery News

Friar John Cor Chapter III

We’re delighted to say that our newest release, Friar John Cor Chapter III, is now available to purchase on our website and is stocked in our visitor centre shop. As you will hear in the clip below, an incredible amount of passion has gone into the creation of this dram. We may be bias, but we think this passion is palpable with every sip.

The marriage of ex-Bourbon barrels, plus Amontillado and Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts, has created a rich and indulgent dram that captivates from the first nose. With layers of sweet vanilla, honey, and dried fruits drawing you in, the palate then bursts with dark syrup, figs, and warming spices, wrapped in a velvety texture. The long, lingering finish of chocolate fudge and cinnamon leaves a lasting impression — elegant, bold, and deeply satisfying.

As always, we thank all the Lindores fans for your incredible, ongoing support. It is your enthusiasm for all things Lindores that ensures we are able to continue following our passion for making delicious whisky, whilst honouring our rich history. This couldn’t be embodied more perfectly by this release.

BUY NOW

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 568: Ben Nevis 10 Year Old 2014 Blackadder for The Whiskybarn – Scotch Whisky News

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 568: Ben Nevis 10 Year Old 2014 Blackadder for The Whiskybarn

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a young, sherried and fiery Ben Nevis. The Whiskybarn is a fantastic whisky shop in Daknam near Lokeren, run by the always friendly Jonas Calu. He teamed up with Blackadder, the well-known independent bottler, to release a splendid bottling. Jonas fell in love (and had his taste buds charmed) by a young Ben Nevis that will knock you out with its alcohol content. Yet, the beautiful color is so tempting that you won’t be able to resist it.

https://youtu.be/ZWWmCC8VY8c

BONHAMS RAISES SPIRITS WITH EXPANSION OF WHISKY AUCTIONS IN SCOTLAND PATRICIA BYOTT APPOINTED HEAD OF SPIRITS, SCOTLAND – Scotch Whisky News

BONHAMS RAISES SPIRITS WITH EXPANSION OF WHIKSY AUCTIONS IN SCOTLAND

PATRICIA BYOTT APPOINTED HEAD OF SPIRITS, SCOTLAND

 Patricia Byott appointed Head of Spirits, Scotland

London – Bonhams is expanding its presence in the global spirits market by reinforcing its spirits auctions in Scotland. To lead the department, Patricia Byott has been appointed Head of Spirits, Scotland. Patricia will be based in Bonhams Edinburgh saleroom in Melville Crescent.

Patricia Byott has more than a decade of experience with senior roles in Spirits and private client sectors, specialising in rare Scotch and global whisky markets. Patricia joins from Edrington, the international spirits company, where she was Head of Private Clients for The Macallan brand, based in Hong Kong. Her appointment reflects Bonhams’ commitment to investing in expertise to meet the increasing global demand for collectable spirits.

Earlier this year, Bonhams also appointed Jamie Connor as a Whisky Specialist in the Edinburgh saleroom. Formerly at The Whisky Exchange, Jamie studied at the University of Aberdeen and began his career in Marketing and Communications before following his true passion, whisky.

These strategic reinforcements come as Bonhams is in the process of securing a full Scottish licence to operate independently and a dedicated warehouse space within LCB in Glasgow – further anchoring its spirits activities in Scotland, the home of whisky. As part of a broader reorganisation, Bonhams will now operate its European spirits sales from Scotland, consolidating its expertise and infrastructure in the region. Bonhams is the only Global auction house holding spirits sales in Edinburgh.

The Scotland team is also working on a programme of new partnerships to be announced in the coming months.

May Matthews, Managing Director of Bonhams Scotland, said:Scotland is the natural home for our spirits business, and this move marks a transformative moment. With Patricia at the helm, a bonded warehouse in Glasgow, and new partnerships underway, we’re putting the right people and structures in place to better serve our global clients from the heart of whisky country.”

Amayès Aouli, Bonhams’ Global Head of Wine & Spirits comments: With the global expansion of Bonhams Wine and Spirits department, this strategic move is designed to provide a set of state-of-the-art services to our clients. Bonhams has been pioneering the Spirits auction market and I could not be more delighted at our initiative to reinforce our Scotland operations. With Patricia and Jamie, I know our clients will be in excellent hands.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About The Bonhams Network

Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.

More information and highlights can be found HERE

For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

The English Chapter 18 Wins Gold 🏆 – English Whisky News

The English Chapter 18

£75.00 | 46% ABV
The English Chapter 18 has been created to celebrate our 18th birthday, and this release kickstarts a series of events and releases over the year to mark this momentous event. As part of this, we have resurrected the chapter series in homage to our original range of single malts.

Chapter 18 is unique in that we have taken whisky from the very finest casks laid down between 18 years and 10 years ago. The casks chosen were a selection of Bourbon, Sherry and Virgin casks. Most are unpeated, but a little is peated, which gives an extra layer to the flavours but without resulting in a peated whisky.

The resulting whisky is eminently drinkable and a true showcase of the work the distillers have carried out tirelessly over nearly two decades. Limited release of 7500 individually numbered bottles.

THE CASKS

A selection of ASB, PX Sherry and Virgin Oak Casks

THE NOSE

Unctuous caramel, spicy cinnamon, sweet red berries, apples and soft whip vanilla ice cream

THE PALATE

Stewed orchard fruits, Rhubarb & Custard boiled sweets, a hint of oak, burnt toffee, peppery spice, brown sugar and more spicy cinnamon

THE FINISH

A long, spicy finish with lingering notes of brown sugar and cinnamon

AWARDS

Gold at the 2025 IWSC awards, scoring 96/100

Good to know

Non-chill filtered. Natural colouring

70cl *Add 6 bottles to your basket and use code CHAPTER18CASE to get 10% off at the checkout.


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