North British 1995 29 Year Old, Finn Thomson Cask #47390

£129.00

The story behind selecting this North British single cask release perfectly showcases the vital role independent bottlers have in bringing the best casks of whisky to the public.

In November 2024 Finn Thomson got a message from the master blender of a highly respected whisky company who had discovered a selection of North British casks that were ‘too good’ to be lost in the blend he was creating. These were heavily sherried casks that would have altered the consistency of their house blend which required an ex-bourbon cask profile.

After attending one of Finn Thomson’s tasting where he was singing the praises of North British Distillery, he invited Finn Thomson in to taste 8 cask samples of these sherried beauties. After nosing and sipping each one carefully, he selected 4 for adding to their family cask portfolio.

At 29 years old, this particular cask was the oldest of the bunch. A sherry butt, its slow maturation over the decades has created a whisky bursting with milk chocolate, caramel and dried fruits and is now at the sweet spot for bottling. Once destined to be in a blend, Finn Thomson is delighted to be able to release this cask as an example of how good well aged, sherried single grain whiskies can be.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Talisker 10 Year Old Isle of Skye Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $64.99 View

90 Points Whisky Advocate

Another that should need no introduction. The thing to look for in Talisker, as with all smoky whiskies, is sweetness that gives the requisite balance to the drying effect of smoke. Underneath Talisker’s smoke, which ain’t as all-pervading as Lagavulin, is a sweet pear-like quality. When young there are notes of the land: heather, moor, sweet seaweed, and a finish that has a distinctive cracked black pepper hit. (DB, Summer 2012) 

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

SMWS Canada August 2025 Outturn

THE REVIEW

Join Adam as he once again introduces us to another epic set of SMWS releases at The Strath. Check out the SMWS page on The Strath’s webstore, where you can buy bottles and tickets to upcoming events – http://strathliquor.com/smws

“Frankfort Rising” Available August 14, Goal of Raising $10K

FRANKFORT, KY (Aug 2025) – In early April of this year, the lower Ohio Valley experienced multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms, resulting in widespread flash flooding in Central Kentucky.  In Frankfort, Kentucky’s state capital, the Kentucky River crested at near-record levels, impacting nearly everyone in the community.  Fortunately, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery was spared any flood damage, but its owners and team members remain deeply affected nonetheless.

In an effort to help local Franklin County residents in the flood recovery process, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery has created a limited-edition bourbon called “Frankfort Rising,” with $30 from the sale of each bottle going towards the Franklin County Community Fund to assist families affected by the April floods.

“Seeing the devastation of the floodwaters here in our new hometown was just heartbreaking, and we wanted to do something to help,” said Susanna Westerfield, director of consumer experience. “Through our partnership with the Franklin County Community Fund, we hope to raise at least $10,000 to help our local friends and neighbors recover from their horrific losses.”

Frankfort Rising Bourbon is a five-year-old, 112 proof bourbon finished with oak staves which will be released to the public at an event at the Distillery on Aug. 14. Like all J. Mattingly 1845 whiskies, this bourbon has undergone its trademarked double-staved process, adding additional charred oak staves to each barrel at just the right moment in its aging cycle to coax out extra flavor.  Tasting notes describe this bourbon as having a graham cracker note on the palate, joined by toasted oak and a gentle spice from the rye.  It has a medium to long finish with lingering baking spices, vanilla, and a nutty warmth, leaving a satisfying impression.

Frankfort Rising Bourbon will be available on-site at the Distillery in Frankfort starting at 4 p.m. on August. 14.  The public is invited to attend the event, which will run from 4-6 p.m. Complimentary snacks and tastings of Frankfort Rising will be available to those aged 21 years and over.  The suggested retail price of Frankfort Rising is $120 per 750 mL, with $30 from each sale donated to the Franklin County Community Fund.

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth, and with connections to some of the most illustrious names in the distilling industry, including George Garvin Brown, the Willetts and the Samuels.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.  Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky.

            In 2010, Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron continues the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky, serving as Vice President of Production.  J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery continues to innovate, with their proprietary double-staving process and custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/

For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com.

Invergordon

Rye Whiskey Cask
37 Year Old

70cl · 44.5% ABV

Infrequent Flyers is a range of Single Cask whiskies produced by the Alistair Walker Whisky Company. Carefully selected Single Malt and Single Grain whiskies are patiently matured, and bottled at cask strength, without chill filtration or added colour. Each single cask is unique – they are one-offs, and by their very nature only generate a limited number of bottles. Once they’re gone, they’re gone…

View All

Glen Grant – Aged 16 Years

£99.00

THE VIDEO REVIEW

Glen Garioch 13YO Adelphi, 57%

The wonderful distillery of Glen Garioch is often most met by folks through the world of independent bottlings. The official bottles also make quite a stir, but thankfully, the home of independent thinking in whisky has always championed this distillery. Rich in bready, salty, fruity and earthy aromas and tastes, Glen Garioch is a funky, different style of highland that fits into the world of styles like Clynelish and Benromach, just minus the peatiness, unless you drink it prior to 1995 production. If this style is up your street and you don’t fancy spending £80 on something you’ve never tried before, do check out the link below for the chance to try this before it runs out. CHECK IT OUT HERE

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
Facebook.com/whiskytube
Twitter.com/whiskytube
Youtube.com/whiskywednesday

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY BEGINS

OFFERING WHISKY TOURS

Inverkip-based single malt producer Ardgowan invites the public behind the scenes on tours of its recently completed site.

The independent company, which opened and filled its first cask in June 2025, is now taking bookings for tours starting on Tuesday 12th August 2025.

Running twice per day at 10:30 and 14:00 from Tuesday to Saturday, the experiences will last 90 minutes and include a guided journey through the distillery and a warehouse, plus a tutored tasting for three malt whiskies from the distillery’s portfolio.

With a strong emphasis on sustainability, and a number of unusual elements within their processes, an Ardgowan tour promises to uncover many unique stories and insights.

The distillery’s on-site shop will be open from 12th August at 10:00-17:00, Tuesday to Saturday, stocking Ardgowan’s Clydebuilt range of whisky.

A Distillery Exclusive Clydebuilt 2012 Pedro Ximénez Hogshead Single Cask Single Malt expression is also available for £85.

Heading up the distillery’s shop and tours is experienced Visitor Centre Manager Barbara Campbell, whose passion and rich heritage comes from being the fifth generation in her family to work in whisky.

Campbell entered the industry in 1990 as Visitor Centre Manager at Glen Ord Distillery, involved in the development of a new 5 star visitor experience, before becoming the first female Diageo Brand Ambassador.

Remarking on this significant step for Ardgowan, Campbell shares:

“When I decided to talk to Ardgowan about joining the team, my intention was to inspire a new generation of whisky drinkers, enthusiasts like me and witness whisky production move in an innovative new way.

“It was quite simply a case of ‘what’s not to love’ when you see what Ardgowan have committed to with the wonderful, sustainable new distillery, alongside their commitment to being world-class and introducing the first new cask size for many years – ‘the Infinity Cask’ – intended for a luxurious maturation to look forward to in the future.

“Like many distilleries of the past, the Visitor Centre will evolve over time as we have an ambitious vision for the future and a wonderful heritage that we will leave for those who will follow. I am excited to have the opportunity to welcome visitors to Ardgowan and hope to see many soon.”

From Tuesday 12th August, the distillery shop will be open from 10:00-17:00, Tuesday to Saturday, and 90 minute tours will run on those days at 10:30 and 14:00. Click here to book.

ABOUT ARDGOWAN:

Nestled in the undulating Ardgowan Estate in Inverkip, we are on a mission to revive the golden age of Scotch whisky. We are led by Roland Grain, a whisky connoisseur coming from IT who built up ties in the Scotch whisky industry over the last 15 years. His journey now culminates in the creation of Ardgowan Distillery, where every decision has been made with quality and sustainability at the forefront. From our architecturally stunning distillery to our unique wood policy, every detail is designed to deliver full, flavoursome and robust spirit. At the heart of it all are our signature Infinity Casks: symbols of our long-term commitment to producing exceptional whisky.

#CraftedWithPurpose

While we await our own Single Malt coming of age, the Clydebuilt brand provides a home for our independent bottlings. Discover more here.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at ardgowandistillery.com

£180

This single cask Glenallachie 2007 was drawn from new oak and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange. You will find aromas of pecan pie, demerara sugar and fallen leaves, give way to sawn oak, cinder toffee and cashew. The palate is rich and textured, with orange cake, masala chai and gingerbread leading into salted butter, dark chocolate and a warming touch of red chilli.

Tasting Notes ~ Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange

Nose Cherry cake with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove to start. Cla sweetness builds along with dessicated coconut, crystallised ginger, raisins, sultanas and baked apples. Creamy vanilla develops along with crème brûlée.

Palate Sharp apple sauce, baked apples with brown sugar and creamy custard. Spice then rolls in, with more brown sugar cut with the cinnamon, nutmeg and clove from the nose, as well as a touch of black pepper. Dark sweetness sits underneath: sticky ginger cake, spiced sponge cake batter, maraschino cherries and cassis.

Finish Spiced oatmeal and raisin cookies with Granny Smith apples and menthol zinginess.

Made in Speyside

Not every whisky has the body to stand up to new oak and retain a sense of distillery character. But the weight and pronounced fruitiness of modern Glenallachie means it harmonises perfectly with the warm, spicy flavours of fresh American oak. This is a big dram in every sense, not averse to a dash of water, and perfect for sipping with friends after a good meal.

Glenallachie

Celebrated master distiller Billy Walker acquired Glenallachie in 2017 and has since championed its powerful, fruity whisky as a first-rate single malt. His tenure has been marked by a serious investment in casks to create a bold house style that marries weighty spirit with top-quality oak. Glenallachie has since become a cult hit among whisky fans looking for intense Speyside malts with bags of character.