A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky

Our exclusive annual Christmas whisky has landed! Specially selected to evoke all the classic flavours of the season, it’s packed with dark fruit and spice as well as layers of sweet cherries, chocolate and nuts. Distilled at a secret, undisclosed Highland distillery and matured in a pair of first-fill oloroso sherry casks, it’s all you could want from a Christmas dram. The perfect accompaniment to festive celebrations, or excellent just sipped with friends.

Each year we search high and low across Scotland’s treasure-filled warehouses to find the perfect casks of whisky for A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky. This year we uncovered a parcel of 16-year-old Highland malt whisky aged in first-fill oloroso sherry casks, filled to the brim with all the tasting notes we associate with the festive season. It’s an absolute cracker.Chris Bolton, Own Label Product Manager

Christmas is all about sharing and what’s better to share than a dram of something delicious. This whisky is all about the flavours of the season and, even better, we are now in more sustainable packaging! What’s not to love?Dawn Davies, Buying Director

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Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon (700ml)(European Import)

$209.99

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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

Our new flavour profiles represent an evolution of the twelve profiles that have guided members since 2012. And as of today, you can be the first to try all eight. Our Infinite Flavour bundle includes eight whiskies, one from each flavour profile.

BUY NOW FOR £535

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Meikle Toir Turbo 2025, 50%

THE VIDEO

One of the dirtiest tasting whiskies I’ve ever come across. A single malt that is heavy with miso, soy, salt, maple, pecan, apricots and all of the Christmas spices that we expect to pop through at this time of year.

Not only does it have massive complexity, intrigue, and a unique approach to capturing this special style of distillate, it’s also extremely sought after. Making the demand for this whisky up there with Springbank and other small batch release products. Does that make this years release feel a little flat compared to last years, or even the previous one?

I do feel a little underwhelmed by this years release, it’s not that it’s bad, far from it – but it’s the pedestal we can put hard to find whiskies on the first time we try them.

There’s no doubt that this is an excellent single malt with a score that I’ll always stand by, but I think we’re all getting tired of the ‘hard to find’ factor now. Even if this one is genuinely small, genuinely deserving of its praise and is genuinely tasty – I think we’re all just a little tired.

(Link to Whisky Wednesday Meikle Toir Turbo 2024 video)

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Town Branch®️ IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon Release

50% Wheated Bourbon Blend |105 Proof

Available in Select Markets Only

LEXINGTON, Ky, — Town Branch Distillery, the 7^th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—is closing out Bourbon Heritage Month with the release of Imperium MMXXV, a high-end limited edition bourbon built on a 50% wheated bourbon foundation, bottled at 105 proof, non-chill-filtered, and offered at an SRP of $119.99.

Town Branch®️ IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 105 Proof

Imperium MMXXV marks the second annual release of this highly anticipated series. This year’s edition draws from Town Branch’s exclusive “Imperium Bourbon Stocks,” which include only the finest barrels from three of the distillery’s bourbon mash bills:

• Pot-still Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley
• Column-still Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley
• Column-still Wheated Bourbon: 70% corn / 22% wheat / 8% malted barley

Each barrel pulled from the rickhouse and arriving at production is evaluated for its highest purpose — base blending, single-barrel program or Imperium stocks.  The tasting of these barrels is like a tryout — much like an athlete re-earning a place on the team each season. Only the best of the best makes the cut.

“This year we again set aside our favorite and most unique bourbon stocks, tasting them as many times as needed to ensure each barrel still deserves a place in the Imperium stockpile before blending,” says Dave Bob Gaspar, Head Blender. “After almost a year of tasting thousands of barrels and collecting the rarest ones, we narrowed it down to only 6 barrels for this very special, small batch bourbon.”

The 2025 blend begins with a 50% wheated bourbon base, then marries 50% of Town Branch’s other bourbon stocks to create a distinctive hybrid profile unlike any other bottling from the distillery. Bottled at 105 proof, Imperium MMXXV delivers depth and power while allowing the wheated bourbon shine. This year’s Imperium again crowns Bourbon Heritage Month as a testament to Town Branch’s commitment to exceptional bourbon making. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, raise a glass to Bourbon Heritage Month — and to many more to come.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon (SRP $119.99/750ml)

• A 50/50 blend of our finest bourbon barrels— 50% Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon mash bill barrels and 50% Kentucky Straight Bourbon mash bill barrels. Released annually during National Bourbon Heritage Month, this bourbon is marked by the year of release in Roman numerals, with a distinct proof and limited quantity.
• Mash Bill: Multiple Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrels
  • Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (72C / 15R / 13B)
    • SN 3963 / Fill Date: February 17, 2017 (Aged 8 years, 6 months)
    • SN 4308 / Fill Date: February 7, 2017 (Aged 8 years, 6 months)
    • SN 15647 / Fill Date: April 1, 2019 (Aged 6 years, 5 months)
  • Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (70C / 22W / 8B)
    • SN 16368 / Fill Date: March 6, 2020 (Aged 5 years, 6 months)
    • SN 16391 / Fill Date: March 6, 2020 (Aged 5 years, 6 months)
    • SN 16394 / Fill Date: March 6, 2020 (Aged 5 years, 6 months)
• Age: MMXXV Release – Barrel Aged 5.5 to 8+ Years
• ABV: 52.5% / 105 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Very Limited Annual Release | 219 cases
• Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Rich Mahogany
  • Aroma: Mature Oak, Honey, Spice, Licorice, Cherry and Ripe Plums
  • Palate: Clove, Cinnamon, Baking Spice, Leather, Oak, Dark Cherries, Vanilla and Rich Caramel
  • Finish: Lingering notes of Dry Oak, Spice and Honey

About Town Branch Distillery:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is notable as the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition. It is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️. The distillery produces several acclaimed spirits, including Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Overproof Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch upcycles every used barrel to craft a variety of whiskeys and barrel-aged beers, such as Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This process ensures each barrel’s legacy continues within our diverse product line. For more details, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch Distillery, which is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Committed to sustainability, every emptied barrel is upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to create exceptional beer and spirits. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

About Kentucky®️ Barrel-Aged Beers:

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️, specializes in the art of barrel-aging beer. As one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands globally, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of beer. Offerings include the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale, and a selection of Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Seasonal and Specialty releases. Upcycling its own bourbon barrels enhances the quality of its barrel-aged beers with a distinct character that sets them apart from other breweries in America. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons and now led by his son Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech is a global leader in agriculture, committed to providing smarter and more sustainable solutions. With over 40 years of scientific research backing its work, Alltech offers a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance the health and performance of plants and animals. This, in turn, leads to improved nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and advanced innovation in the field. Alltech’s portfolio includes specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and biologicals, all underpinned by a strong scientific foundation and a commitment to adaptability. As a private, family-owned company, Alltech emphasizes quick responses to customer needs and fosters a unique, entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered near Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech operates in over 120 countries with five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their mission, encapsulated in their purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” focuses on providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing the planet’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

THREE LANDMARK RELEASES FROM CHICHIBU

Unveiling the latest masterpieces from Japan’s acclaimed Chichibu distillery: the long-awaited Chichibu Distillery II, the refined London Edition 2025, and the landmark 10 Year Old.

CHICHIBU LONDON EDITION 2025

The eagerly awaited London Edition 2025 from Japan’s Chichibu distillery is a vatting of ten ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. Expect mandarin, ginger, and vanilla on the nose, with candied citrus, dark chocolate, and brown sugar on the palate, leading to a finish of dried fruits and baking spice.

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CHICHIBU 10 YEAR OLD

Chichibu’s 10 year old release was matured in a mix of casks and opens with orchard fruits, honey and vanilla on the nose. The palate carries sweet fruit layered with cinnamon, clove and maple syrup, leading to a long finish of lingering warmth and balanced fruit.

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CHICHIBU DISTILLERY II

Chichibu Distillery II is matured primarily in bourbon barrels, offering an expressive character from Chichibu’s second distillery. It opens with sweet vanilla, pineapple candy and pear, leading to honeyed richness, apple pie and custard cream, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

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Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon (700ml)(European Import)

$195.00

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The rare Blanton’s Gold has become beloved by connoisseurs and collectors world wide. The ultimate single barrel bourbon and founder of the category, Blanton’s has become one of the most asked for and hardest to obtain bourbons on the market today. We’ve found some limited stocks of European-bound product that would otherwise have not been available. The famous “Gold” Blanton’s is so named for its unique golden horse and golden writing. Bottled at a perfect 103 proof, the Blanton’s Gold ups the complexity considerably from the standard release without the heat that the Straight From the Barrel offers. This is the perfect whiskey to offer nearly any bourbon lover if you’re looking for a special bottle that they’ve never had. It’s a true Kentucky benchmark and should be considered one of the truly great whiskies on the market today.

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

Isle of Harris Display at Selfridges

Look out for our beautiful new display of Isle of Harris spirits in Selfridges London if you happen to be in the city. Alongside the recent single cask collaboration you’ll also find The Hearach single malt and Oloroso Cask whiskies,. There’s also some nice stories and photography alongside to help inspire shoppers to take a taste of our island home with them.  You’ll find us in the Wine Shop near Harry Gordon’s Bar on the lower ground floor…

VISIT SELFRIDGES

ralfy review 1100 – Hinch ‘cask 3885’ Irish Whiskey @54.1%vol:

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY CELEBRATES FILLING ITS 9 MILLIONTH BARREL OF BOURBON SINCE PROHIBITION

Milestone achieved in record time due in large part to completion of the Distillery’s $1.2 billion expansion project earlier this year

FRANKFORT, KY – In a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and growth, Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the filling of its nine millionth barrel of bourbon since Prohibition. This historic accomplishment comes on the heels of Buffalo Trace completing its decade long, $1.2 billion expansion project earlier this year, which has allowed the Distillery to achieve this landmark moment on a greatly accelerated timeline vs. prior millionth barrel milestones.

“The filling of our nine millionth barrel represents a historic chapter in the Distillery’s story, which began more than two centuries ago and is still being written today,” said Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller. “This milestone is exciting not just because we are producing more whiskey than ever before, but because every barrel filled ensures that generations to come will be able to enjoy the same quality and craftsmanship that has defined the Distillery since the 1850’s.”

Bourbon distilling at the site now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery dates back to the 1770s, with formal operations beginning in the 1850s. During Prohibition, the George T. Stagg Distillery (as it was then known) remained one of the few allowed to produce whiskey for medicinal purposes, but official barrel counting began in 1933. Since then, the Distillery has celebrated multiple millionth barrel milestones – the first in 1942, followed by 1953, 1961, 1971, 1981, 2008, 2018, 2022, and now 2025.

“Since official barrel counting began in 1933, each millionth barrel milestone has marked more than just a number: they stand as symbols of heritage, resilience and the timeless pursuit of excellence in bourbon,” said Wheatley. “The Distillery’s resilience was proven once again during the historic flood this past April which touched 90% of the campus. I’m proud of the team for their hard work to ensure Buffalo Trace recovered quickly – after just a few short months we’re 100% back open, operational and welcoming visitors.”

While each millionth barrel reflects centuries of dedication to quality and tradition, the nine millionth marks a particularly significant chapter in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s history. In 2015, Sazerac initiated a $1.2 billion expansion project that touched nearly every facet of operations – from a new distribution center, bottling operation, upgraded cistern room and new boiler, dry, mill and still houses to 20 new fermentation tanks, three steam boilers and 19 new aging warehouses. Completed in January 2025, the project has increased the Distillery’s production capacity by 150%.

Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman added, “We are proud to be the birthplace of bourbon, and celebrations like this one remind us that our signature industry is as strong as ever. Buffalo Trace Distillery not only preserves centuries of craftsmanship, but also drives jobs, tourism, and opportunity for families here in Franklin County and across the Commonwealth. Thank you to the leaders at Buffalo Trace for their continued commitment to the Commonwealth and our people.”

Keeping with tradition, the nine millionth barrel will be signed by team members and placed inside Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Warehouse V, the world’s only single barrel warehouse, where it will age until the filling of the ten millionth barrel. Distillery visitors are welcome to view the barrel inside Warehouse V during regular business hours and capture photos of this piece of bourbon history.

A ceremony celebrating this historic milestone was held on Monday, September 29 at 2:00pm ET. On hand to mark the occasion was Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Franklin County Judge Executive Michael Mueller, Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson and Buffalo Trace Distillery officials, including third generation team member Freddie Johnson whose family has been involved in every millionth barrel since 1942. Photo and video from the ceremony can be found here.

The filling of the nine millionth barrel comes less than three years after the filling of the eight millionth barrel, which happened in December 2022. The Distillery’s seven millionth barrel was filled four years prior to that in 2018.

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.