Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 567: BenRiach 14 Year Old 2010 Berry Bros & Rudd for GOS

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, loves BenRiach. Recently, the Sales Development Director of independent bottler Berry Brothers & Rudd, Mike Harrison, was in the country. Mark was fortunate enough to meet him—and taste quite a few delicious things—at the excellent Bar Terroir in the heart of Ghent. But the day before, the born storyteller had given a tasting with Ruben Gos in Heers, the strong man behind the drinks’ shop GOS. And Ruben had even selected a barrel for the occasion to bottle for his shop. It became this BenRiach 2010 (thus from the Billy Walker era) which yielded 120 bottles at cask strength. More than half of those bottles were sold at the tasting. Mark considers himself lucky to have gotten one.

https://youtu.be/cZSB6SbDGQ8

Our June auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 22nd June 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!

Glenlivet – 55 Year Old (The Eternal Collection) First Edition

Karuizawa – 35 Year Old (1981) Single Cask #6183 (Dekanta) Tokyo & Osaka Cities of Japan

 Hanyu – Ichiro’s Malt Card Series (Diamonds)

 Midleton – Very Rare (Forêt de Tronçais) Edition 1

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.

Speyside (GL) Signatory 100 Proof Exceptional Cask 16 Years Aged – Whisky Folk Review

A Whisky That Supports Wild Atlantic Salmon – Tamdhu 12 Year Old, Exclusive to Waitrose

The iconic sherry matured Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, Tamdhu, is making a splash at Waitrose by launching a charity bottle in support of the Atlantic Salmon Trust – a conservation charity working to secure a future for wild Atlantic salmon and their environment. A special expression of this much-prized whisky, Tamdhu 12YO, is leaping into Waitrose and is available in selected stores and on Waitrose.com and www.Waitrosecellar.com

For every bottle sold of this special Speyside single malt whisky, a donation will go to the charity. Each purchase will help this important environmental cause – so raise a glass to help save wild salmon and give their environment a sustainable future.

The Tamdhu 12YO expression created in support of the Atlantic Salmon Trust is bottled at 41.3% ABV and costs £50 for a 70cl bottle. It is beautifully packaged in a gift box.

Tamdhu from Speyside is a multi-award-winning collection of ultra-premium whiskies. Tamdhu fully matures all its single malt whisky in Oloroso Sherry casks. Tamdhu is a historic distillery, having operated for over 125 years. The Tamdhu 12YO bottled and sold for The Atlantic Salmon Trust is exclusive to Waitrose.

The River Spey is world famous for both its whiskies and wild salmon population, and the river remains a stronghold for the species. However, it is now on the endangered list in Great Britain. Across the wider North Atlantic, the species has declined by around 70% in the last 30 years.

The Atlantic Salmon Trust and Tamdhu are aligned behind the message in the bottle – the need to ensure the health of our rivers and seas to give wild Atlantic salmon and wider biodiversity a thriving future.

Sandy McIntyre, Distillery Manager for Tamdhu Whisky, said: “We are so grateful to Waitrose for working with Tamdhu to support this important cause. We’re excited to bring both our whisky and the Atlantic Salmon Trust’s valuable work to a wider audience of Waitrose whisky lovers. With Whisky Day coming up on 17 May and Father’s Day just around the corner too (15 June) this is the perfect time to leap into the whisky aisle at Waitrose and help a good cause at the same time as enjoying a great whisky”.

Sustainability is at the heart of Tamdhu’s ethos. The whisky is distilled and bottled near the banks of the River Spey and relies on the Tamdhu spring water which flows into this impressively clean waterway for its whisky creation. Both whisky and salmon need cold, clean water. It’s taken a dozen years to mature this Waitrose exclusive and the family firm which owns the Tamdhu label – Ian Macleod Distillers – is delighted to be supporting the charity.

Mark Bilsby, CEO of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, commented: “Wild Atlantic salmon are an amazing species telling us about the health of our rivers, coasts and seas, yet they face challenges that are causing them to become endangered and threatened with extinction. However there is hope, as with the amazing support coming from Ian Macleod Distillers and the great team at Tamdhu we can focus our efforts to better understand salmon and crucially help restore rivers to give salmon the best chance at thriving once again.  By working together we can all collectively give wild Atlantic salmon the future they deserve.

The donations from bottle sales will support the important core operations of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, enabling the charity to design, develop, and deliver on-the-ground restoration projects with partners across the country. This work includes activities such as removing manmade barriers to fish migration, tree planting to restore native riverside woodlands, as well as peatland and wetland restoration. In addition, the Trust carries out cutting-edge research work on land, in rivers and at sea to better understand the causes of wild salmon decline.”

Tasting notes for TAMDHU 12YO Atlantic Salmon Trust edition:

Nose Fresh churros and vanilla oak – then spearmint leaf rubbed between fingertips.

Palate Velvet waves of just-ripened banana and shortbread, then the long embrace of sherried oak.

Finish Nutmeg giving way to dried figs and still-warm Scottish tablet – with the softest curl of peat smoke.

JUNE 2025 AUCTION ENDS SOON!

Not long now! There is still time to bid on your favourite bottles, including this very limited Glenfiddich, designed in partnership with internationally renowned French artist André Saraiva. Inspired by the collision of two luxury worlds, Saraiva visualised the world of Grand Château by creating this exclusive Mr. A Artist edition, unveiling the unexpected marriage of Speyside with Bordeaux. This rare edition is one of only 250 bottles!

A wonderfully-aged expression that marked Gordon & MacPhail winning the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2009. Distilled at the Glen Grant Distillery in 1965, matured in a first-fill single Sherry Cask and then bottled in 2009, this particular release was never available to retail but was gifted to the employees of Gordon & MacPhail in appreciation of their efforts for the company.

The first Islay Jazz Festival took place on the Island in 1999 and has remained a very popular, well attended event ever since, bringing tourists, whisky lovers and fans of Jazz to the Island. This Lagavulin 15 Years Old was released in 2023 for the annual event, and is one of only 3,000 bottles produced.

Released in 2012 to mark the 125th anniversary of the Glenfiddich Distillery, this expression was distilled on Christmas Day in 1987 at Glenfiddich Distillery, the same year that the world famous distillery was celebrating its centenary. One of only 250 bottles produced!

These are only a few of the lots in our June 2025 Auction, to view more, visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 22^nd June from 8pm BST.

2007 Glengoyne 16 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (700ml) (Previously $110) $63.13 View

David Othenin-Girard
K&L Buyer
Review Date: 09/2024

We’ve only bottled a handful of Glengoynes over the last 15 years and all but one have been 2nd or 3rd fill hogsheads. The last one we did was about the most controversial whisky we’ve ever bottled, a PX butt bottled by Old Particular. That whisky was so weird and wine-y, customers either loved it uncontrollably or were completely revolted by it. There was no in-between. This whisky, on the other hand, will almost certainly result in consensus across the board. This beautiful butt, which I assumed was first fill albeit not very dark due to its complexity and flavor, is so creamy and friendly. There may not be another more drinkable malt in the store. Let’s see! The color is a splendid burnished (1.1). Immediately on the nose we get roasted almonds, dried Seville orange peel, fresh mango with the skins, rich toffee syrup, exotic wood and a rich dried barley note. With air the sweetness and the toffee come forward, but it doesn’t forget about the fruit. The palate has tons of sweet chocolate, beeswax, sandalwood, dried apricots, and a building spice -ginger root and cinnamon. The finish is very long with a big tingly spice that pushes the sweetness of the nose and front palate out of mind until the next sip. A tiny splash of water brings out the nuts and the fruit. Now there’s tons of citrus and a strong almond butter character. The palate too has added tons of fruit, and the ginger is a lingering afterthought. This is just so good. Mostly when I’m wanting to drink scotch it’s something like this, tons of complexity, but not overpowered by any one element. The perfectly balanced whisky especially with a dash of fresh spring water. Hard to argue that this isn’t one of the best casks of the whisky season, especially for the seasoned sipper who craves balance and depth over power and intensity.

The wonderful Glengoyne distillery is always one to keep an eye. Built in 1833, it was sold by Archiball Macllelan to the Lang Brothers where it remained until 1965 when it was purchased by a predecessor organization to Edrington Group. In 2003, it was sold to blenders and bottlers Ian Macleod and they’ve rightfully made Glengoyne a worldwide brand. They’re famous for their sherried malt and it’s rare to see a butt make it out of their warehouses under anyone else’s label. That’s why we were so excited to see this pop up and when we tasted it we knew we had a real winner. The Glengoyne distillery is located in tiny town of Dumgoyne on the road to Blairquhosh, just 13 miles north of central Glasgow. It sits just beyond the imaginary line that all Scots agree is the starting point of the highlands. Despite its proximity to the lowlands, it’s very much in the classic highland style and has carved out a name for its self-providing nicely balanced sherry and rich malt character. We rarely see it bottled by independent bottlers and when we do its almost always in tired old hogsheads. This gorgeous 2nd fill butt, however, is so distinct and characterful, you might mistake it for first fill. We certainly did. A deep golden color and an explosive sherry nose filled with rich dried fruit, chocolate, and gorgeous malt. Many will second guess this one because it’s not a traditional “sherry bomb,” but one nosing is all it takes to see that this whisky is of exceptional 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

Approved Course Provider Programme

Ever thought about teaching whisky in your local community? This latest video explores how our Approved Course Provider Programme supports passionate educators around the world to deliver whisky education of the highest standard, with full access to expert materials, training and support. Whether you’re already running a drinks training business or just starting out, this is your chance to offer world-class whisky qualifications backed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

ralfy review 1083 – Glen Scotia Malt Fest: 2025 9yo @54.3%vol:

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY REACHES HIGHER WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF EAGLE RARE 12: A PERMANENT NEW ADDITION TO ITS AWARD-WINNING PORTFOLIO

 Enabled by the Distillery’s 10-year, $1.2 Billion Expansion Project, Eagle Rare 12 embodies the heights reached when time-honored tradition and bold innovation merge together

 FRANKFORT, KY (June 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery formally announces the introduction of Eagle Rare 12: a bold, aspirational, yet accessible bourbon and the latest result of the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery’s commitment to distilling and aging expertise. The latest age-stated addition to the famed Eagle Rare lineup, Eagle Rare 12 debuts as the Distillery completes its 10-year, $1.2 billion expansion project, which played a pivotal role in its creation.

With the release of Eagle Rare 12, Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its endeavor to offer enthusiasts innovative new expressions on its journey to make the world’s best whiskey. The liquid – Buffalo Trace’s iconic Mashbill #1 – is aged for a minimum of 12 years in meticulously-monitored warehouses, with each barrel hand-selected by the distillery’s expert team. In addition to aging a minimum of two years longer than Eagle Rare 10, this special expression is bottled at 95-proof (47.5% ABV) to deliver exceptional depth, character and distinction.

“This whiskey represents more than just time in the barrel—it’s the result of years of dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment from our entire team,” says Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “The investments we’ve made – in time, resources and effort – have allowed us to explore new possibilities in aging and flavor, and this release is a proud reflection of that journey.”

Eagle Rare 12 opens with a sweet, oaky aroma and delicate hints of almond. On the palate, it delivers bold complexity, featuring subtle vanilla and toasted oak, leading to a rich, lingering finish with warm notes of toffee.

“At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we believe there are no shortcuts to create outstanding whiskey – there is no substitute for quality time spent in the barrel. With Eagle Rare, we are always striving but never satisfied, constantly experimenting to enable better-tasting age stated bourbons,” noted Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “When it was introduced, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey brought higher quality standards to whiskey around the world; now, Eagle Rare pushes the bounds of age stating excellence in Bourbon.”

Eagle Rare 12 will be released to select retailers, bars, and restaurants across the United States beginning June 2025 at a suggested retail price of $49.99 per 750ml bottle (local taxes and fees dependent); additional international markets will follow in Fall 2025. The expression joins the Eagle Rare lineup of Eagle Rare 10, Double Eagle Very Rare, Eagle Rare 25 as well as Eagle Rare 17, released each fall as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

THE ANATOMY OF A HIGHBALL

As warmer months beckon, the highball is one of the easiest and most refreshing serves to reach for, day or night.

The highball is a simple cocktail consisting of a spirit and a mixer served in a tall, ice-filled glass. While not solely whisky-based, highballs are most commonly made with whisky, excelling at making the spirit even more approachable across a wider range of occasions and times of day.

So why do one? What makes a good one? How can you make our favourite one? We’re handing the reins over to our Whiskymaker (and award-winning bartender) Michael for all the answers…

WHY DO A HIGHBALL?

When we create a highball at Compass Box, it’s less about rules and more about flavour. Essentially we’re setting out to either lengthen the whisky, subtly soften its intensity, or complement its profile. A mixer can highlight what’s already happening in the whisky, or coax out nuances that might not be apparent when you drink it neat.

The choice of highball mixer opens up endless possibilities. Really great quality water adds texture; soda or sparkling water brings effervescence and sometimes salinity and mineral components; green tea delivers freshness and tannins; and coconut water gives you sweetness, particularly with a smoky peated whisky.

Like chef James Sharp talked about recently with food and drink pairings, both the whisky and the mixer need to bring something to the table. You might soften the whisky to create space for the flavours, or try to contrast and evolve its profile with shared compounds, aromatics or fruits. Ginger, for example, does this well as it’s a real enhancer, especially for warming, spicy notes.

THE ORCHARD HOUSE HIGHBALL 

For me, Orchard House’s inherent balance makes it ideal for a highball as it can lead you in many directions. It possesses a dominant fruit profile, with a defined structure and depth, but you still have a lovely honeyed shortbread, malty quality and hint of citrus.

A fruity mixer will naturally complement its character, while a delicate zest of lemon over soda will render it incredibly refreshing. Both approaches will brighten the whisky while still connecting you to the flavour profile.

The crucial element to keep in mind is really your ratio of whisky to mixer. For a standard-size highball glass, with ice, I’d suggest 40ml of ​Orchard House rather than a full double shot as some find it a bit too boozy at 50ml. Again, have a play.

RECIPE: CLASSIC PEAR HIGHBALL

 Easy to make – very easy to enjoy – our Classic Pear Highball has a crisp, layered brightness with just a touch of sweetness.

INGREDIENTS
40 ml Compass Box Orchard House
10 ml Pear Eau de Vie
10 ml Sugar Syrup
20 ml Lemon Juice
20ml Apple Juice
Soda Water

METHOD

Pour the first five ingredients into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with soda water, stir, and add a garnish of pear slices.