CLASSIC?

THE MACALLAN CLASSIC CUT – 2025 EDITION

Introducing The Macallan Classic Cut – 2025 Edition, an annual release that reflects our ongoing pursuit of the extraordinary. This exceptional whisky is bottled at the whisky maker’s preferred strength of 50.6% to reveal a unique character and flavour, shaped by notes of grapefruit, panna cotta and apple. Matured in a combination of sherry seasoned European and American oak, and ex-Bourbon casks, this whisky is anything but classic.

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NATURAL COLOUR Golden Sunset.
NOSE Orange oil, barley sugar, velvety milk chocolate. Caramel wafer, creamy vanilla panna cotta and freshly baked apple turnover.
PALATE Icing sugar sweetness with fresh fruits like grapefruit and mandarin. Lemon zested meringue and caramelised almonds.
FINISH More grapefruit, melon and a touch of warming oak spice.
ABV 50.6%

ralfy review 1088 – Glen Moray Classic @40%vol:

Glen Moray set for second round of golfing action at Senior Open

Speyside single malt celebrates with new drams, refreshing highballs and a toast to golf’s great unsung heroes, the caddies!

Picture credit: Cath Lowe Photography

Glen Moray Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is entering its second year as the Official Whisky of the ISPS Handa Senior Open, continuing its celebration of the shared heritage, pursuit of excellence and global appeal of whisky and golf.

The Elgin-based distillery will be bringing its whisky bar back to the event’s Championship Village, serving up a selection of award-winning drams and cocktails for the 35,000 spectators expected at the iconic Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire for this year’s event (24^th – 27^th July).

Glen Moray signed a three-year partnership with the prestigious event – Europe’s only senior major – in 2024.

This summer they will repeat the success of the partnership’s first year, bringing a taste of Glen Moray’s famously smooth and fruity Speyside single malt whisky – and some great Scottish hospitality – to golf fans at Sunningdale, as 144 golfing legends take to the fairways with their eye on the Senior Open trophy.

Proceedings over the four-day event will include:

• An extended menu of single malts, including drams from Glen Moray’s Explorer, Heritage, Xperience and Warehouse 1 ranges;
• The launch of a refreshing new highball menu, featuring three recipes that explore the different flavours and characteristics of Glen Moray’s whiskies;
• A Sunningdale exclusive in the shape of Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit, giving spectators a preview of the third edition of the distillery’s Xperience Series, before it lands on shelves in the UK later this year;
• Daily tastings and masterclasses with Global Brand Ambassador Iain Allan, inviting guests to sample and learn more about Speyside, Scotch whisky and the secrets of Glen Moray Distillery;
• A 5pm daily Championship cocktail hour, serving up specially commissioned Glen Moray ‘Oak Fashioneds’ in honour of Sunningdale’s famous oak tree;
• Limited edition branded hip flasks on sale in the Glen Moray shop, plus a personalised branded leather bottle tag which is complimentary with select purchases;
• The new Glen Moray Chipping Challenge – the ultimate ‘golf meets whisky’ skill test at Sunningdale’s 13^th hole, where avid amateurs can attempt to chip balls into three barrels from the distillery.

Iain Allan and Rorrie Brown

Iain Allan has also been on a quest to hear stories from some of the people behind the scenes of the golf world, whose skill, passion and dedication are a match for the distillery team in Elgin.

The result is the first of a new Glen Moray film series, ‘A Classic Round with…’ which sees Iain chat all things golf and whisky with Sunningdale’s Rorrie Brown: a lifelong caddie who shares stories of his dedication to the game, the players and getting it right in the big moments.

Crafted in the historic town of Elgin since 1897 and now one of the UK’s top selling single malt whiskies, Glen Moray is also investing in a busy programme of marketing to bring its ‘Classic Round’ golf campaign to consumers, with activity in UK supermarkets, travel retail and across PR and social media throughout the summer.

Speaking ahead of the Championship, Iain Allan said: ‘Our first year of partnership with the Senior Open exceeded all expectations and our bar was a very popular addition to the event experience for golf fans. So we’re thrilled to be back for another round of drams, cocktails and great whisky conversations at Sunningdale this year. The common threads whisky shares with golf – heritage, an appreciation of quality and celebrating good times with friends – really come together throughout this event. We’re very proud to be at the heart of those moments, and to have so many new drams and experiences to share with people as they enjoy some world class golf.’ 

Edward Kitson, Championship Director at the European Tour Group, added: ‘Partners such as Glen Moray play such an important part in the success of our tournaments and we are delighted that they are returning as the Official Whiskey of the ISPS HANDA Senior Open for this year and next. We are excited for our guests and spectators to sample the range of activities planned by Glen Moray during the week at Sunningdale, alongside the worldclass golf on show from some of the game’s biggest names.’

The ISPS Handa Senior Open is jointly owned by the European Tour Group and The R&A and is staged each July at one of the UK’s most iconic golf courses.

View the film at Youtube @GlenMoray

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Glen Moray – Cask Explorer since 1897 

Crafted in the heart of Speyside since 1897, Glen Moray’s smooth, fruity single malt whisky embodies the classic Speyside style. It has been made on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin for over 125 years using skills passed down through the generations and a process that includes double distillation in copper stills and careful ageing in traditional warehouses. The distillery’s craftsmen are experts in maturing and marrying many different types of casks, creating the array of flavours which inspire Glen Moray’s extensive range. Inclusive and inviting, Glen Moray is perfect for enjoying on its own and in cocktails, by whisky aficionados and new whisky fans alike. 

About the ISPS HANDA Senior Open

The ISPS HANDA Senior Open will take place at Sunningdale for the fourth time as the iconic Berkshire venue hosts Europe’s only Senior Major Championship from July 24-27, 2025.

Sunningdale previously hosted the Championship in 2009, 2015 and 2021, with Loren Roberts, Marco Dawson and Stephen Dodd winning the Senior Open trophy on those occasions.

The 2024 Senior Open saw K.J. Choi make history as the first South Korean to win a men’s Senior Major Championship, finishing two strokes ahead of Australia’s Richard Green.

Bernhard Langer became the first golfer in history to win The Senior Open four times with his victory in 2019 at Royal Lytham & St Annes – moving ahead of Gary Player and Tom Watson with whom he previously shared three wins. The German also broke his own record of Senior Major Championship victories – securing his 11th at Royal Lytham & St Annes and since adding a 12^th at the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.

The Senior Open was introduced in 1987 at Turnberry in Ayrshire when Neil Coles, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Tour group, won the inaugural title. This led, two years later, to the formal inception of what is now the Legends Tour. It has since been held at some of the United Kingdom’s most historic and renowned venues, including the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal County Down, Carnoustie, Royal Birkdale, Royal Portrush and Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Long Live the Grain Revolution!

Think grain whisky is just a supporting act? Think again.

At Murray McDavid, we’ve always had a soft spot for the overlooked and underappreciated — and right now, there’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in the whisky world: The Grain Revolution.

Once seen only as the backbone of blended Scotch, grain whisky is stepping into the spotlight — and it’s nothing short of extraordinary.

In our latest blog, we explore why grain whisky’s time has come — and why whisky lovers everywhere are discovering that great whisky doesn’t always need to say “Single Malt” on the label.

Discover why we’re so passionate about championing grain whisky, how it’s winning over a new generation of drinkers, and what makes it so special when finished and matured with purpose.

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Raise a dram to the underdog, now taking its rightful place in the spotlight.

Slàinte,

The Murray McDavid Team

Hibiki 21 Year Old Japanese Whiskey (750ml) $899.99 View

Incredibly floral on the nose, with citrus peel, sliced apple, burning incense, sandalwood, peach pit, aged oak, and spices so fine you could count them by the grain. It’s weighty and honeyed, driven forward by the mizunara oak character, with waxiness and smoke progressing to lime zest, green apple, kumquat, cocoa, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, with a creamy elegance to the finish.” (JM)

96 Points Whisky Advocate Review Date: 12/2023

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

Six new arrivals await.

Two surreal new chapters from Whiskyland, three very different Decadent Drams, and a fresh Equinox & Solstice to round it out. Big personalities. Proper variety. All killer. While Stocks Last.

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Speyside (Tam) Signatory Vintage 2013 – Whisky Folk Review

DOUGLAS LAING LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION EPICUREAN LOWLAND MALT SCOTCH WHISKY:

The Epicurean Three Wood Finish: A Masterclass in Versatility

Douglas Laing & Co. proudly unveils The Epicurean Three Wood Finish, a limited-edition celebration of cask craft and Lowland spirit. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 54.1% and offered in a run of just 1,920 bottles, this Small Batch release reaffirms The Epicurean’s status as the Master of Versatility.

In this exceptional bottling, three distinct wood types unite to create a Whisky of remarkable depth and character:

• Virgin Oak introduces bold spice and toasted richness.
• Bourbon casks add smooth layers of vanilla and honey’d sweetness.
• Sherry casks impart a luxurious fruitiness and mellow warmth.

Together, these casks create a harmonious Lowland Malt that is as complex as it is compelling.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Bright citrus, vanilla cream and toasted oak, with honey’d sweetness and hints of dried fruit and nutty spice.
• Palate: Silky and layered with vanilla, baking spice, baked apple and golden syrup. Rich Sherry fruit adds depth and warmth.
• Finish: Long, smooth and gently spiced with lingering notes of toffee, dark fruits and a soft oak dryness.

Presented with a premium foiled label, this non-coloured, and non-chill-filtered release speaks to The Epicurean’s commitment to authenticity and quality.

The Epicurean Three Wood Finish is a spirited showcase of how wood defines Whisky – and how versatility defines The Epicurean. 

Chloe Wood, Brand Manager commented:

“Our belief is that flavour is shaped throughout the Whisky-making journey, but it is in maturation where it truly comes to life. The Epicurean Three Wood Finish is a testament to this, with layers of richness, spice, and sweetness intertwining to create a wonderfully versatile Lowland Malt. This limited-edition release showcases the art of wood and Whisky in perfect harmony, reinforcing The Epicurean’s reputation as the Master of Versatility.”

The Epicurean Three Wood Finish is available in select markets around the world, retailing for £65.00 / €77.00.

Our July 2025 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 27th July 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!

Brora – 22 Year Old (Rare Malts 1972)

 Glenrothes – 42 Year Old (1980)

Ledaig – 42 Year Old (1972) Dùsgadh

Michter’s – 20 Year Old (Limited Single Barrel Release 2015)

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.

The Pinnacle of American Single Malt
Balcones Unleashed:
Cask Strength Single Malt Icons, Exclusive to K&L
“Balcones has long stood among the finest craft distillers in the U.S….”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Balcones has redefined what American single malt can be. These two K&L-exclusive barrels—one finished in Madeira, the other aged full-term in Oloroso—are among the most compelling cask strength malts we’ve ever offered. Towering in structure, wildly expressive, and utterly singular, they showcase the kind of power and complexity that puts Balcones in a class of its own. If you think you know American whisky, these will rewrite the script.

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

Balcones has long stood among the finest craft distillers in the U.S., but in recent years, we’ve seen a clear shift in their focus toward single malt. From my perspective, that’s a wise move—because it’s increasingly evident that the most exciting whisky potential in this part of the world doesn’t come from corn-based spirits. Very little of the truly great whiskey emerging from Texas is bourbon, and frankly, few producers anywhere can match the intensity and complexity that Balcones delivers in their cask-strength single barrels.

While the comparison may seem surprising given their wildly different styles, these cask-strength single malts are starting to resemble the American equivalent of Kavalan—an ace in the hole that makes neighboring single malts feel tame by comparison. These whiskies aren’t for fans of delicate Highland malt—at least not straight out of the bottle. Instead, they’re for those who crave raw power and presence in the glass.

This barrel is no exception, though it does show a level of maturity and polish that the Oloroso barrel lacks. Let’s dive in. A gorgeous auburn hue (1.5). This one loves air. The nose explodes with molasses cookies, fig jam, shoe polish, aged leather, grape syrup, plum sauce, candied strawberries, and a deep woodsy undertone. I’ll admit I’m eating my words a bit here—there’s a strong resemblance to very old sherried malts, with tropical fruit, savory leather, and a coconut-like maturity, especially after the whisky has had an hour or more to open up. Blind, you’d never guess the age. For Waco, this is quite old.

The palate expands the experience with exotic spice—garam masala, turmeric, clove—layered over dense dried fruits. The finish continues this interplay of sweet and savory, with oak tannins perfectly woven into the whole. Some may be drawn more to the Oloroso barrel, but honestly, this is such a unique cask that you’d do well to try them side by side. I couldn’t choose between them—and I doubt you’ll be able to either.

K&L Notes: This exceptional barrel from the famous Waco distiller is truly one of a kind. Distilled on November 27th, 2017 from 100% Golden Promise barley on Balcones’ beautiful custom-built pot stills. It was filled into 59-gallon new charred American oak the very next day and matured there for over five years until May 25th of 2023 when the liquid was transferred over to a Madeira cask. (We are not allowed to disclose where the cask was sourced from.) With a total finished time of 14 months in the Madeira cask, it was disgorged on August 3rd, 2024, and bottled at its cask-strength proof of 130.5 for a total maturation of 6 years 8 months, or 80 months. This massively complex and unique offering is one of the most powerful and complex American single malts we’ve ever tasted. Nothing on the market today compares to the massive whiskies coming out of 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 absolute monster of a barrel may be the most intense and complex American Single Malt we’ve ever bottled. The wonderful Balcones Distillery is capable of a great deal, but where they truly shine is in this style of powerfully extractive, deeply complex, cask-strength whisky. For me, this is perhaps the closest the States has come to producing a Kavalan-style malt—albeit shaped by very different aging conditions.

Let’s give it a go. It pours thick—you can see it flow slowly. The color is dark as night, like brown sherry. The nose is deep and commanding, with massive aromas of cooked stone fruit, dark nutty chocolate, roasted espresso, and aged wood. It’s dense, chewy, and layered.

On the palate, it’s rich and mouth-coating. There’s immense power here—nearly tannic in structure—but it never veers off course. Waves of dark fruit, nougat, rancio, teak, clove, and hard strawberry candies all roll across the tongue. An absolutely exhilarating—and jaw-dropping—experience.

K&L Notes: This exceptional barrel of Single Malt from the famed distillery in Waco, Texas was distilled from 100% Golden Promise barley on March 3rd, 2020. Initial Entry Proof was 124.9 and filled into a recently dumped Oloroso sherry cask, the source of which is embargoed. Wholly aged for over 4 years in this ultra high quality active sherry hogshead in the hot and dry Waco weather and dumped on August, 3rd, 2024. It was bottled without chillfiltration, coloring or additions whatsoever at a full cask strength of 67.5% or 135 proof. Few whiskies on the market today will match this outrageous barrel for power and complexity. An absolute bruiser, which will serious trump any other American whisky (or internationally distilled single malt) by miles. Expect dense and rich sweet nutty fruit with a thick texture and rich 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
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