The Hearach single malt whisky is our first, historic dram from the Isle of Harris. It takes its name from the Scottish Gaelic word for “a native of Harris”, and it’s something that islanders are very proud to be called. We talk about our whisky being woven from people and place, influenced both by the men and women of our community who make it, and the elemental island it comes from.

Made from spirits matured in first fill ex-Bourbon casks, Oloroso, and Fino sherry butts, we further ‘marry’ our recipe to bring additional harmony before bottling. The result is a complex, elegant single malt, full of Harris character that rewards time well spent in its company.

Order your bottle and open to discover more…

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Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a selection of releases from the new independent bottling company Whisky Craft. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum. Episode 611 Crafting Great Whisky?

Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

Whisky Craft Auchentoshan 20 year old 55.3%
Whisky Craft Mortlach 12 year old 57.7%
Whisky Craft Isle of Jura 36 year old 48%
Whisky Craft Aberfeldy 20 year old 52.9%
Whisky Craft Untamed (Secret) Islay Single Malt 8 year old 57.3%
Whisky Craft Caol Ila 9 year old 58.2%

whiskycraft.co.uk

Bladnoch Distillery unveils Chapter Two of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch – a tale of reconnection and discovery

Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned distillery has released Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two, the second instalment in a limited-edition series of single malt whiskies, celebrating and selected by individuals who have a deep affinity with the distillery.

Loch Maberry is the source of the River Bladnoch, which provides the water that has sustained the distillery since it was founded in 1817. The name of the series acknowledges the significance of those who most appreciate Bladnoch’s bold Galloway spirit, and the role they play in keeping the distillery in flow.

Chapter Two highlights Bladnoch’s historical significance, revealing a tale of reconnection with Elizabeth Cobbett, the great-great-granddaughter of Thomas McClelland, who with his older brother John, founded the distillery at Bladnoch over 200 years ago. Through her Scottish adventure, Elizabeth discovered there is a whisky for everyone.

Elizabeth always knew her family had once run Bladnoch Distillery and a brief visit in the 1990s while in Dumfries and Galloway was enough to satisfy her curiosity at the time, until 20 years later, after her parents’ passing, she uncovered photographs in their attic.

Delving into her family history, Elizabeth discovered her grandmother, Margaret Tyrer (née McClelland), had been born in 1882 near the distillery, where the McClelland family earned their living before moving to Liverpool at the turn of the century when Bladnoch was sold.

Over the years, Elizabeth followed Bladnoch’s revival online, where maps and photographs showed the old stone buildings on the river restored, while the distillery’s website gave her a way to stay connected through its newsletter. When Bladnoch invited people to share their stories, Elizabeth responded which led to her return visit to meet master distiller Dr Nick Savage to help select a cask for Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two. 

Guided by Nick, Elizabeth nosed and tasted a selection of samples before choosing Cask 450/2006. Distilled in 2006 and matured in a sherry butt cask, the expression displays notes of coffee, chocolate and almonds and delivers a very long, nutty almond finish.

Elizabeth Cobbett said: “I feel privileged to have been chosen to share my story and select a cask at Bladnoch. Despite my heritage, before my Scottish adventure to the distillery, I knew very little about whisky and have never felt it was for me. My wonderful day at Bladnoch changed that. I discovered the skill of master blender, Dr Nick Savage, the alchemy, and the subtlety involved in making whisky and learned to truly appreciate a glass of the ‘water of life’. 

“I’m certain Thomas and John McClelland would be proud to see their distillery revived, blending tradition with innovation and a spirit of enthusiasm and dedication. They would be happy it is now in safe hands, and so am I.” 

Dr Nick Savage added: “When we share Stories of Bladnoch, we celebrate history, adventure, and community, and Elizabeth’s story captures all of this. Her 20-year journey reconnecting with the distillery her great-great-grandfather co-founded shows that, like whisky, connections take time and patience to mature. From initial uncertainty to writing her own tasting notes, her experience reminds us why we make whisky.  

“Under our new ownership, Bladnoch has been reimagined over the past decade, and it’s inspiring to see Elizabeth so pleased with the legacy we continue and that we’re doing things those before us would be proud of.” 

Chapter Two follows the 2024 release of the inaugural expression, which paid tribute to Mr Arnold, a lifelong admirer of Bladnoch whose passion reflects the dedication of the distillery’s skilled team. Mr Arnold first discovered Bladnoch while living near the distillery in Garlieston, Dumfries and Galloway, and after experiencing its whiskies and learning about the craft behind them, he became a devoted visitor and advocate of the distillery and its people.

Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch Distillery is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and is enjoying a bold and powerful revival. The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by David Prior, who purchased the distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

With an ABV of 48.6%, Chapter Two of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch has a natural colour and is non-chill filtered. It is encased in a presentation box which also contains letters from Elizabeth and Dr Nick Savage describing their experiences of collaborating to craft the whisky. With an RRSP of £150, it is available to purchase from Bladnoch.com.

Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two will be revealed at Bold Spirit: Tales of Galloway on Thursday, 2 October. This unique storytelling evening will highlight the bold Galloway spirit embodied by both Bladnoch and the region itself, as part of the distillery’s partnership with the 27th annual Wigtown Book Festival. The ten-day literary celebration, taking place in Scotland’s National Book Town, is also home to Bladnoch’s storied 208-year-old distillery, making it the perfect setting for this next chapter to unfold.

For more information about Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter Two, please visit HERE

Tasting notes

Coffee. Chocolate. Almonds.

Nose: Coffee creams with dark chocolate.

Palate: Peaches, apricot jam and coffee beans.

Finish: Very long with nutty almonds.

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

Faultline 19 Year Old Single Barrel #2 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(750ml)

$350.00

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David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer | Review Date: 10/2025

Finding these four barrels of old MGP was such an exhilarating experience. We’ve been trying to revive the original Faultline Bourbon for some time but had trouble finding the right components. Just as those components became available in this new market, these four barrels crossed my desk. It felt like a sign, FAULTLINE is back! Each of these four barrels is distinct from the next. I can’t say why or how they were aged or what makes them different, except barrel #3, which shows a clear French oak influence. Barrel #2, which we have here today, is an extremely classic example of old MGP. The 21% rye mashbill ages beautifully, and this barrel is no exception. Among the very few ultra-aged MGPs on the market today, the closest regularly released product is the Redemption 18 Year, but this single barrel clocks in 20 proof points higher. That whiskey is a blend of both mashbills, like the original Faultline 100 proof, but it sold out entirely and now trades for many multiples of its $400 release price. In any case, I’m fairly confident these single barrels are the best deal on old MGP bourbon on the market today, bar none (and don’t confuse this with the old light whiskies you sometimes see from MGP). Let’s taste it and see what all the hype is about. The color is a deep, revelatory shade of burnt umber (1.7).

The nose is alluring and explosive, offering dense dark cacao, sweet red cherry, brambly black fruit, wild exotic herbs, and tobacco. As it aerates, it builds beautifully around the dark red fruit and roasted herbal character, and yes, there’s some dill. On the first sip, the tension is almost unnerving, with huge juicy red fruit up front and powerful cinnamon and clove tingling the mid-palate, yet no harsh tannin tearing at the sides of the mouth. It’s extremely well integrated and adds deep, rich herbal and savory notes on the finish, which is long and satisfying. I find this whisky truly delicious, and while it might not tear you apart like some very old tannic American whiskies, it’s absolutely not lacking in flavor. Let’s hope more of this is still hidden away somewhere.

The triumphant return of Faultline Bourbon in the classic cracked sidewalk label is like some sort of fever dream come true. Imagine if we’d taken some of the original 7 year old component that was used in our exceptionally regarded original Faultline Bourbon and were thoughtful enough to set aside several barrels for future use. Now imagine that we had cared for those barrels with extreme loving care over the last two decades. Now simply imagine that we’d taken those barrels and bottled them at full cask strength after nearly 20 years new charred American oak barrels. Can you just imagine that? We’re not saying that’s what we did because its not, but what if we had? The original K&L Faultline Bourbon was released in 2013 a proprietary blend of 7 and 10 year old MGP bourbons.

This delicious barrel of bourbon was distilled in 2006 and aged with extreme care over two decades of meticulous supervision. It represents a singular expression of American whisky that is simply not a staple of the current apparatus. We hope one day it will be, but for now it remains just a fleeting dream. We’ve secured four individual casks of this incredible whisky. This is the 2nd release of these spectacular stocks, the first having sold out almost immediately. 75% corn 21% rye 4% malted.

The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!

The auction closes on Tuesday, 28th October 2025 from 9:00pm (BST)

________________________________

Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com

Four New Rare Releases

Douglas Laing is proud to present four new treasures in our Private Stock Collection – each aged 20 years or over.

From Islay’s smoky shores to Speyside’s rich elegance, these rare Whiskies have been hand-selected from some of Scotland’s most esteemed distilleries:

Bowmore Single Malt – a true Islay icon, full of maritime smoke and tropical fruit.

Macallan Single Malt – Speyside prestige with decadent Sherry character.

Islay Blended Malt – a marriage of peated Malts delivering waves of sea spray and bonfire smoke.

Speyside Blended Malt – luscious, cocoa sweetness and soft spice.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 10 Year Old “Fool In The Rain” K&L Exclusive Private Barrel #7009466 Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L)

$69.99

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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

ralfy review 1101 – Scapa NAS @48%vol: (Distillery Exclusive)

THE DISTILLERY AT COLEBURN LAUNCHES FIRST BATCH OF

LOCAL HEROS WHISKIES

 In the heart of whisky country, where tradition meets innovation, a new wave of bottlings is set to celebrate the spirit of collaboration and community.

The Distillery at Coleburn has unveiled its first collection of whisky bottlings, marking a new chapter in the revival of one of Speyside’s historic sleeping distilleries. The “Local Heros” collection brings some of the world’s most exceptional whiskies under a single vision: celebrating the whisky community itself – the makers, the custodians, and the enthusiasts, past and present – whose passion and craft continue to connect local traditions with a global spirit of unity.

Every bottle captures a chapter in Scotch whisky’s evolving story, showcasing the character and craftsmanship of a different distillery or blend and each release will celebrate the people, distilleries, and landscapes that have shaped something truly extraordinary in the history of the industry. Through carefully curated small-batch expressions, Local Heros pays tribute to the whisky community’s rich heritage, where shared expertise and time-honoured methods come together to deliver a taste of place.

The inaugural launch introduces three blended malts designed as a gateway into the ongoing Local Heros collection, the Distillery at Coleburn and the long-term plan to create a Whisky Resort. Bottled at the distillery’s historic site in Speyside, the core trilogy comprises ‘Sweet Peat’, ‘Big Smoke’ and ‘Sherry Bomb’, each with its own distinct flavour profile.

Keith Cruickshank, Master Distiller at Coleburn, said:

“Local Heros is about more than whisky; it is about the people and the landscapes that have created something extraordinary. From the craftspeople who keep traditions alive, to the communities that have shaped Scotland’s whisky story, this collection is a celebration of collaboration, legacy and place. With Sweet Peat, Big Smoke and Sherry Bomb, we wanted to create whiskies that are approachable yet full of character, welcoming drinkers into Coleburn’s new chapter.”

Sherry Bomb is a rich whisky from Oloroso and refill casks, with aromas of spice, honey, red apple and cinnamon over toasted malt. The palate brings dried fruit, hazelnut and stewed plums, with a smooth, fruity and elegant finish.

Sweet Peat provides a gentle introduction to smoky whisky, combining caramel, vanilla and plum pudding on the nose with honey, pear drops and banana on the palate. Balanced by light smoke and tobacco, it finishes with long, sweet and smoky flavours.

Big Smoke is the boldest expression in the first phase of the Local Heros collection, opening with cherry, vanilla, lemon and coastal notes. Medicinal smoke, banana and sea salt define the palate, leading to a lingering, smoky finish.

The name Local Heros is inspired by the people who have helped shape Scotland’s whisky history – the individuals and communities who keep traditions alive. However, it also nods to a personal story from co-owners of the distillery site, Mark and Dale Winchester, who made a brief appearance in the hit 1983 film Local Hero, filmed in locations across Scotland.

Mark Winchester, co-owner of Coleburn added:

“The name Local Heros resonates with us personally. Back in 1983, Dale and I had the privilege of recording the soundtrack and appearing in the film Local Hero which was a profound personal moment for us as we experienced in a surreal way what Scotland and indeed whisky means to the world, a strong identity and community spirit, storytelling and togetherness and of course pride and celebration.  

“These are the values that we want to convey in the spirit collection that now carries the Local Hero name celebrating the people and places that have and continue to shape every dram. We invite you to raise a glass to one community, forged and shaped by so many.”

The release of Local Heros Batch 1 follows the appointment of esteemed master distiller, Keith Cruickshank and specialists in sustainable distilleries, Organic Architects, to design and complete the build of the Distillery at Coleburn.

Local Heros Batch 1 is now available, with bottles retailing from £50 to £55. To purchase please visit www.thewhiskyresort.com, www.localheros.shop or Amazon.

The House of Suntory’s Yamazaki 18 Years Old Awarded Supreme Champion Spirit Title at International Spirits Challenge 2025

Marks Yamazaki’s third consecutive year earning the competition’s highest honor

NEW YORK– September 26, 2025 –Suntory Global Spirits is proud to announce that The House of Suntory’s Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 18 Years Old has been named Supreme Champion Spirit at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge 2025, held in London on Thursday, September 25th. Following the recognition of Yamazaki 25 Years Old in 2023 and Yamazaki 12 Years Old in 2024, this achievement marks the third consecutive year Yamazaki has earned the competition’s highest honor across all spirit categories, making it the first time in International Spirits Challenge history that the same brand has been awarded the Supreme Champion Spirit title three years in a row.

Suntory’s Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo (left), and President of The House of Suntory, Masaki “Mory” Morimoto (right), accepting the Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge 2025 on the evening of September 25th in London

With a pioneering spirit that redefines single malt whisky, this achievement reinforces Yamazaki’s place among the world’s premier spirits and highlights Suntory Global Spirits’ leadership in exceptional whisky. Suntory also earned recognition as Producer of the Year in the Japanese Whisky category for the sixth consecutive year. This recognition further affirms The House of Suntory’s dedication to the Japanese Whisky standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association.

“Winning the Supreme Champion Spirit title for the third year in a row is a tremendous honor and it embodies our commitment to kaizen—continuous improvement and dedication to craftsmanship,” said Masaki “Mory” Morimoto, President of The House of Suntory. “This recognition is a testament to the pioneering spirit and exceptional craftsmanship of Yamazaki. We are proud to share our authentic Japanese Whisky with the world and are deeply grateful for this recognition on the international stage. Our journey does not end here; we remain committed to educating and inspiring consumers about what truly defines Japanese Whisky.”

The International Spirits Challenge is one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions, judged by a panel of world-renowned experts who assess spirits for quality, balance, and character. Last year, Suntory’s Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, was named Master Blender of the Year for the first time, a testament to the craftsmanship behind each Suntory Whisky.

The International Spirits Challenge 2025 judging panel praised Yamazaki 18 Years Old as “an absolutely superb whisky within its category,” highlighting its exceptional smoothness paired with remarkable intensity of flavor. Judges noted it as “wonderfully well-aged, perfectly rounded, and just a lovely thing to drink, a really lovely whisky.” They added, “We taste over 1,000 whiskies, so it’s a big job to find our category winners and our Supreme Champion. They’re all judged blind, of course, but Yamazaki 18 Years Old stood out.”

Suntory received the following awards at the International Spirits Challenge 2025:

Trophy

● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 18 Years Old
● Suntory Blended Japanese Whisky 2025 Collaboration with Imaemon XIV

Double Gold

● Suntory Whisky Hibiki 30 Years Old
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky 25 Years Old

Gold

● Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old
● Suntory Whisky Hibiki Japanese Harmony
● Suntory Whisky Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select
● Suntory Whisky Hibiki Suntory Whisky 100 Years Anniversary Blend
● Suntory Whisky Kakubin
● Suntory Whisky Royal
● Suntory Whisky Special Reserve
● Suntory World Whisky AO
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky 12 Years Old
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky 18 Years Old
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Japanese Forest Bittersweet Edition
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt Spanish Oak 18 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky Mizunara Japanese Oak Cask 18 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky Mizunara Japanese Oak Cask 25 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 12 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 25 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Japan Edition
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt Spanish Oak
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Story of the Distillery 2025
● Suntory Plum Liqueur Barrel-aged plum liqueur from Yamazaki Distillery EXTRA BLEND 2025 Osaka Origin Edition

These awards underscore Suntory’s continued excellence across its portfolio and its leadership in elevating Japanese Whisky on the global stage.

For more information on Yamazaki and Suntory’s award-winning brands, please visit www.house.suntory.com.

About Suntory Global Spirits 
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About The House of Suntory 
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the founding house of Japanese Whisky. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery.

As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory is proud to confirm that all exported Suntory Japanese Whisky products are 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan and compliant with the new production and labelling standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). The House of Suntory has been named Distiller of the Year four times at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), with Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo being named Master Blender of the Year for the first time ever and Yamazaki 12 Year Old being recognized as the Supreme Champion Spirit in 2024. Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined, and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Chita®, Kakubin®, Hibiki®, Suntory Whisky Toki™ and Ao®. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku™ Japanese Gin and Haku™ Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku™ Gin and Haku™ Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. In 2023, Suntory Whisky celebrated one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory rolled out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.