Archive for July, 2025

Heaven Hill Brands Unveils Refreshed Corporate Brand and Opens New Louisville Corporate Office

Heaven Hill Brands Unveils Refreshed Corporate Brand and Opens New Louisville Corporate Office

Company earns national recognition as a U.S. Best Managed Company for second consecutive year

Heaven Hill Brands, one of the nation’s largest independent, family-owned spirits companies, today unveiled its refreshed corporate brand and marked the opening of its new Louisville corporate office with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by city and company leadership, including Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, and employees.

The refreshed brand reflects Heaven Hill’s nearly 90-year legacy and signals a bold, unified vision for the future, centered on its people, partners, communities, and award-winning portfolio of spirits. At the core of this refreshed identity is the new company tagline, “Thriving Together,” a message that captures the company’s belief that long-term success comes through collaboration, shared values, and a deep commitment to those it serves.

“Our new corporate office is a physical expression of our refreshed brand, modern, intentional, and people-first,” said Kate Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “It reflects not only how we work, but who we are: a company built on connection, creativity, and a belief that we thrive together.”

Originally introduced internally earlier this year, the new brand identity brings clarity and consistency to how the company shows up across all touchpoints, from employee culture and trade partnerships to community engagement and corporate storytelling. As of today, it is fully visible across external channels, including the company’s newly relaunched website, heavenhill.com.

The new corporate office, located at 815 N. Whittington Parkway, brings Heaven Hill’s Louisville-based teams under one roof for the first time in many years. The 48,000-square-foot space includes more than 150 dedicated workspaces, a two-story café, employee art gallery wall, a New Product Development area, and flexible gathering spaces to support innovation and teamwork.

Among the standout features is Max’s Place, a tasting bar named by employees in honor of longtime company leader and current Executive Chairman Max Shapira. The space also features installations from local partners, including a hand-painted mural by OSRS and a living moss wall by Anything Groes. Full-wall brand graphics, installed by USA Image, celebrate the company’s defining attributes, authenticity, legacy, integrity, and innovation, all central to the spirit of Thriving Together.

“We built this office to foster connection, collaboration, and growth,” said Allan Latts, Co-President. “And it comes at a time when Heaven Hill is gaining momentum on every front, from new product innovation and distilling expansion, to how we invest in our people and communities. That’s what ‘Thriving Together’ looks like in action.”

“Heaven Hill is a vibrant and growing business with deep roots in Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Greenberg.  “Its new corporate office is a testament to the economic strength and momentum we have right now in Louisville and an investment in the future success of the company and our community. The innovative design and commitment to employee well-being will attract new talent to Heaven Hill and to the city of Louisville.”

That momentum is underscored by a significant national honor: Heaven Hill has once again been named a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, an award recognizing excellence in strategy, execution, culture, and financial performance. The recognition places Heaven Hill among a distinguished group of companies across more than 40 countries.

The design and construction of the new corporate office was made possible through the collaboration of several valued partners. Heaven Hill extends its appreciation to NTS Development, ARCO, 15 Design, Miranda Construction, and Hoagland Commercial Realtors for their leadership and partnership throughout the planning and build process.

Founded in Bardstown, Kentucky in 1935, Heaven Hill remains family-owned and led. Its portfolio includes some of the most awarded and beloved spirits brands in the industry, such as Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Lunazul Tequila, Ocho Tequila, and Deep Eddy Vodka.

Today’s milestone builds on the company’s ongoing investment across the Commonwealth, including the opening of the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown and continued operations at the historic Bernheim Distillery in West Louisville.

Glenfarclas “Unveiling seven decades of whisky craftsmanship” – Scotch Whisky News

Glenfarclas releases its oldest whisky to date: The 70-Year-Old

We are proud to unveil the oldest expression ever released by Glenfarclas, one of Scotland’s few remaining family-owned and managed distilleries.

Distilled on 20 November 1953, and launched in 2025, the Glenfarclas 70-Year-Old marks a pinnacle in the distillery’s legacy, embodying over seven decades of meticulous ageing and expertise.

Matured in the distillery’s traditional dunnage warehouses in Speyside, this release was laid down in first-fill sherry casks. The whisky has been overseen by six distillery managers over the past seventy years and will now be available to purchase internationally.

“As Chairman of a family-owned distillery I am committed to overseeing the production of our exceptional malt whisky, just as my forefathers did before me. We take great pride in maintaining complete control over every aspect of production, preserving our time-honoured traditional methods – most notably, the use of direct-fired stills, which creates a robust and full-bodied spirit.

“Remarkably, this particular cask has been maturing almost as long as I’ve been alive.

Releasing it now marks a true milestone, and one that Callum and I have considered carefully and with great respect for its legacy.”

John Grant, chairman and fifth generation of the Grant family to have owned and run Glenfarclas distillery

“This whisky has waited seventy years to be enjoyed. Through wars, the reign of a queen and now a king, the world has changed — but this spirit has endured, and it stands as a rare and timeless testament to patience and craft.”

Callum A. Fraser, Distillery Manager at Glenfarclas

INTRODUCING THE GLENFARCLAS 70-YEAR-OLD

The latest release will be available to purchase via specialist retail suppliers across global markets. For more information visit www.glenfarclas.com

Tasting Notes

Colour: Polished dark teak with a subtle gleam – richly hued but not overly dark.

Nose: Soft and smooth, with gentle tannic undertones that never overwhelm. Opens with aromas of stewed fruits and traditional Scottish dumpling. A delicate thread of Speyside peat drawn from the slopes of Ben Rinnes – adds a lightly earthy, smoky nuance. The sweetness deepens, revealing layers of fruit compote, honeyed malt, and a quiet richness.

Palate: Dark chocolate laced with sherry-soaked dried fruits gives way to a refreshingly spicy tingle on the palate leading to a bold thread of rich, roasted coffee. The mouthfeel is luxuriously coated in treacle toffee, creating a full-bodied, indulgent texture.

Finish: The finish lingers and effortlessly clings to the roof of the mouth. Delicate peat resurfaces, rolling gently across the tongue with a green, grassy echo of Speyside origins.

This is Glenfarclas to its core.

Glenfarclas Glenfarclas Distillery Ballindalloch Banffshire, AB37 9BD United Kingdom

Own a Piece of Wolfburn History – Scotch Whisky News


For the first time in our history we have decided to part with a treasure – and this is your chance to make it your own. Wolfburn has sold many freshly filled casks in the past, but never an aged one. Today we are breaking with tradition and auctioning one of our very best casks: a first-fill Madeira hogshead.

Resting gracefully for five years in our warehouses by the sea, the spirit inside this cask has already matured into something special. It is lovely whisky now and – if its new owner chooses to mature it for longer – it will become even more delectable as the years progress. We expect it to produce approximately 300 bottles.

This unique cask is being offered through sealed bids, with NO RESERVE – a rare opportunity to secure not just whisky, but a piece of Wolfburn’s story. To enter, simply send your bid by email to info@wolfburn.com before 2PM UK time on Sunday 3rd August.

Imagine owning an entire cask, a rare Highland masterpiece that few ever have the chance to call their own. Whether kept as a personal legacy or shared among fellow enthusiasts, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Will this chapter of Wolfburn history be yours to write?

Submit your sealed bid today, please include the word AUCTION in the subject line – and let the spirit of the Highlands become your legacy.

The Wolfburn Team

SUBMIT YOUR BID NOW VIA mail to:info@wolfburn.com

A Guide to Indian Whisky’s Rich History – The Whisky Exchange News

WHAT IS INDIAN WHISKY?

India’s vibrant food culture has reached every corner of the world – it’s about time its whisky did too. Much like its cuisine, Indian single malts tend towards bold flavours. Open a bottle and you’ll likely find big, concentrated aromas with sweet tropical fruit and complex spice notes, thanks in part to the accelerated maturation gleaned from the hot and often humid climate.

LEARN MORE               SHOP NOW

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 573: Scotland 2025 – 4 of 6 – Talisker The Wild Blue – Scotch Whisky News

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 573: Scotland 2025 – 4 of 6 – Talisker The Wild Blue

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, travels to Scotland. This is part 4 of a 6-part series about his trip to Scotland this year. In this video, he tastes the new Talisker The Wild Blue at the distillery in Carbost and then heads to another distillery on the Sleat Peninsula: Torabhaig. Enjoy the beautiful scenery.

https://youtu.be/-IHhfTeTHWA

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY CONTINUES WELLER’S EXPANSION INTO WHEAT WHISKEY BY INTRODUCING WELLER 18 YEAR OLD AND THE SECOND EDITION OF WELLER MILLENNIUM

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY CONTINUES WELLER’S EXPANSION INTO WHEAT WHISKEY BY INTRODUCING WELLER 18 YEAR OLD AND THE SECOND EDITION OF WELLER MILLENNIUM

 The result of The World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery’s continued exploration of wheat whiskey, both releases celebrate W. L. Weller’s legacy of experimentation and the remarkable aging potential for the category

FRANKFORT, KY – Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to announce two super-premium wheat whiskey innovations from the Original Wheated Bourbon brand, including the second edition of Weller Millennium, comprising a new blend of ultra-aged wheat whiskeys; and Weller 18 Year Old, the brand’s oldest age statement to date. Meticulously crafted to push the boundaries of maturation and blending, these releases boldly demonstrate the exceptional aging potential and versatility of wheat in American whiskey production.

Produced at The World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery, both innovations celebrate the original wheated bourbon recipes pioneered by William Larue Weller in 1847. At a time when rye and corn dominated the market, Weller’s use of the more delicate wheat grain – primarily a food crop – resulted in a smoother, sweeter whiskey that set his whiskeys apart. These latest expressions honor Weller’s legacy of innovation as Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its ongoing exploration of wheat in pursuit of crafting the world’s best whiskey.

Weller Millenium #2: Following the inaugural Weller Millennium released in May 2024, this second edition presents a newly-crafted blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys. Consistent with its predecessor, each component was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2001, 2003 and 2006 and set aside for the sole purpose of creating this extraordinary blend in tribute of one of its forebearers, W. L. Weller. By thoughtfully blending these individually distinct whiskeys, the resulting spirit attains a depth and complexity that transcends the sum of its parts.

“Weller Millenium was crafted to feature some of the first whiskeys distilled in the new millennium amid a period of transformation at Buffalo Trace Distillery. This second edition takes last year’s release a step further, with a new blend that we humbly believe is an improvement over the well-regarded first edition,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “By carefully selecting and blending barrels dating back to the early 2000’s, we have revisited a chapter in the Distillery’s history that shaped who we are today.”

The second edition of Weller Millennium offers a balance of dark cherry, rich butterscotch and warm vanilla that unfolds over layers of well-aged oak. The finish is bold and enduring, culminating in an oak-forward crescendo that leaves a lasting impression.

In keeping with the first edition, Weller Millennium #2 is held in a 750ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality. An illuminated display case envelopes the 99-proof bottling with exactly 99 bursts while proudly displaying the proportions and distillation years of each vintage whiskey contained within. Due to the limited nature of these exceptionally-aged barrels, each Weller Millennium blend is a unique, one-of-a-kind release that cannot be replicated.

Weller Millenium will be released in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States and global distributor networks, which will ship to retailers, bars and restaurants as of July 2025 at a suggested retail price of $7,500 (750ml); taxes will vary by market. A limited supply will also be available for purchase at Buffalo Trace Distillery and directly via Legacy de Forge, a new Sazerac-branded global platform powered by Blockbar for purchasing some of the world’s most coveted bottles.

Weller 18 Year Old: As the oldest age stated whiskey in the Weller portfolio, Weller 18 Year Old ​ brings exceptional grace and depth as an ultra-aged , 90-proof wheat whiskey. This new release stands as a testament to the Distillery’s dedication to innovation, demonstrating that Kentucky-aged whiskey can mature beautifully well beyond more commonly seen age statements.

“Weller 18 Year Old is the culmination of curiosity, tradition and time,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The softness of the wheat has evolved into something rich and wonderfully expressive.  We are extremely proud of the resulting whiskey, which showcases the versatility and potential of a wheat-forward mashbill.”

On the nose, this whiskey reveals gentle notes of delicately aged fruits and tobacco. ​ The palate offers a harmonious balance of warm baking spices and crisp green pear, delivering depth without overwhelming, and leads to a lasting finish.

Weller 18 Year Old is packaged in a 700ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality, similar to Weller Millennium but without the accompanying presentation case.

For its inaugural release, Weller 18 Year Old will be available via Global Travel Retail at airports including Los Angeles International (LAX), John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and London Heathrow (LHR) as of July 2025 at a suggested retail price of $499 (700ml).

For more information, please click HERE

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.

Top-Ranked Rye of 2025 – All Proceeds Support LA Fire Relief – 2025 Pinhook 9yo “Another Round Another Rally Charity Barrel” – American Whiskey News

Top-Ranked Rye of 2025—All Proceeds Support LA Fire Relief
2025 Pinhook 9 year old “Another Round Another Rally Charity Barrel” Vertical Series K&L Wine Merchants Single Barrel #2409 Indiana Straight Rye Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)
“You’re drinking an even better version of the very best.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

There are few opportunities in life to do so much public good while receiving something so personally rewarding. On the heels of winning World’s Best Rye at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, we’re proud to offer this extraordinary single barrel of Pinhook Rye—hand-selected by owner and former sommelier Sean Josephs—as a tribute to our friends and neighbors in the hospitality industry who lost their homes in the devastating Los Angeles fires of early 2025.

All profits from the sale of this cask will be donated to Another Round Another Rally, an outstanding nonprofit that provides direct grants to those affected by the fires and other natural disasters. Thanks to the generosity of our distributor, we’ve been able to reduce costs so that $70 from every bottle sold goes directly to this incredible organization.

Not only does your purchase support families in crisis, it gives you access to one of the finest barrels Pinhook has ever released. This 9-year-old rye earned 98 points from Food & Wine and has been widely recognized as one of the best rye whiskies on the market today. Even more impressively, this specific barrel was chosen by Pinhook’s owner as the best of thousands in their warehouse.

Distilled in 2016 and bottled at cask strength (105.3 proof) with no chill-filtration or additives of any kind, this is a true collector’s bottle—and an easy good deed you can feel proud of. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better rye experience at twice the price.

David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

2025 Pinhook 9 year old “Another Round Another Rally Charity Barrel” Vertical Series K&L Wine Merchants Single Barrel #2409 Indiana Straight Rye Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

Josh Gelfand | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 17, 2025

Pinhook has carved out a unique position in the non-distiller producer (NDP) world—not just as a brand that sources barrels, but as one that blends vertically, allowing each release to represent a direct evolution of the previous vintage. Because of this, you never know exactly what you’re going to get—except that it’s going to be good.

This particular release is extra special, not just because of the whiskey, but because of the cause it supports. Another Round Another Rally is an incredible organization founded to support bartenders and hospitality workers in need. It has become a vital resource for education, grants, and scholarships—often focusing on underrepresented and marginalized members of the hospitality community. Just as importantly, the organization has become a primary source of emergency aid for bar and restaurant workers and owners facing hardship.

This bottle specifically supports relief efforts for industry professionals in Los Angeles who were impacted by the devastating fires that swept through the region in January 2025. Proceeds go directly to those who lost homes, income, and stability during the crisis—offering real aid to real people when they need it most.

As meaningful as the mission is, the whiskey more than holds its own. The nose delivers deep rye spice, caraway, clove, and anise wrapped in black cherry jam. On the palate, it bursts with rich, dark fruit, decadent burnt caramel, and earthy spice, finishing long, layered, and full.

This is an exceptional barrel—for an even more exceptional cause. Get it before it’s gone.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 17, 2025

This is one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever had the privilege to be part of. Not only are we offering some of the most delicious single-barrel rye on the market, but we’re also working—legitimately and directly—to improve the lives of our brothers and sisters in the hospitality industry who have lost everything.

Living in Los Angeles, the scale of destruction we witnessed this year felt truly unprecedented. But if you’re not driving through these neighborhoods daily, it’s easy to forget the tragic and traumatic events that affected our city so profoundly. That’s why projects like this matter—because the recovery is ongoing and will continue for years to come.

So don’t sit back and watch the city rebuild—sit back and drink. Your valiant sacrifice is actually helping real people. All you have to do is enjoy the bottle. For me, that alone is worth taking a risk on this release.

But there’s more: our original barrel for this project was unceremoniously lost when it was accidentally dumped by the bottler. In response, Pinhook’s owner and master blender—an incredibly generous and deeply knowledgeable man—diverted a barrel he had hand-selected for his own private group so that we could still complete this mission. And between that selection and the arrival of this final product, his 2025 Vertical Series was named Best Rye Whiskey of the Year.

So essentially, you’re drinking an even better version of the very best.

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

Glendronach 21 Year Old 2025 Release at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

Glendronach 21 Year Old 2025 Release

The Glendronach Aged 21 Years is a truly special Highland Single Malt, matured in a fine mix of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks that bring out layers of rich, deep flavour. Handled with care by Master Blender Rachel Barrie, it’s an elegant dram with balance and character that speaks for itself. Bottled at a hearty 48% ABV and with its natural cask colour intact, it’s a whisky that stays true to its roots.

£250.00

Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.

Nose: Autumn fruits, a wee hint of candied orange, and soft, warming oak spice.

Palate: Sherry-drenched plum pudding, a touch of dark chocolate, and a gentle kick of spice.

Finish: Silky and lingering.

12 months of unlimited next day delivery & more! Exclusive access to Ballots as you enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year – only £14.99! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs.

WOODROW’S OF EDINBURGH ROYAL BRACKLA 16 YEARS OLD at Aberdeen Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

ROYAL BRACKLA 16 YEARS OLD

This single malt from Royal Brackla Distillery in the Highland region was distilled on the 14th September 2008 and aged in refill hogshead. It was then re-racked into first fill American Oak Palo Cortado quarter cask for finishing period before bottling on the 16th July 2025.

It was bottled by Woodrow’s of Edinburgh for their Warehouses Reserve collection, at natural cask strength of 56.7% ABV, at natural colour and no chill filtration. Limited to 155 bottles.

£99.00

NOSE Fruity and complex, with fresh green apple, stone fruits and vanilla fudge.

PALATE Mouth coating in texture. Fruity notes of peaches and orange with a richness of pecan, treacle and buttery pastry.

FINISH Hazelnuts, dark chocolate orange and digestive biscuits.

Glen Scotia – Strath Exclusive Cask 2016 (Our FIRST EVER exclusive Campbeltown) – Scotch Whisky News

THE VIDEO

Adam and Brett are super excited to try the final form of our long-awaited single cask of Glen Scotia! Find out what makes this whisky special and get their unfiltered opinion of how it turned out. Preorder now with 15% off at https://www.strathliquor.com

If you missed the preorders you can buy online or in person at The Strath after it launches on Monday! Or if you happen to be in Surrey, swing by the Croydon Drive location of Everything Wine – where you might be lucky enough to get one of their six bottles.


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