Douglas Laing & Co. Celebrates Sell-Out Success of Big Peat Highball RTD in Japan

Independent Scotch Whisky specialist, Douglas Laing & Co., proudly celebrated the launch of the Big Peat Highball, the first ever ready-to-drink serve from its cult Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky brand, Big Peat.

Crafted in collaboration with Japan Import System (JIS), the limited release rolled out nationwide in mid-August across 15,000 stores in Japan. It sold out exceptionally quickly, a clear reflection of the demand for innovative RTD formats in one of the world’s most dynamic Whisky markets.

Big Peat, renowned globally as the “ultimate taste of Islay”, is a marriage of Single Malts distilled only on the island, including those from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and even the long-lost Port Ellen. Bottled always without colouring or chill-filtration, Big Peat is celebrated for “his” unmistakably maritime and smoky style.

That same flavour DNA was brought to life in the Big Peat Highball RTD: a perfectly balanced serve combining smoky sweetness, warming peat smoke, and a briny coastal tang with a refreshing effervescence. Enjoyed straight from the can, it delivered Big Peat’s bold Islay character in a convenient, easy-drinking format that quickly won over Japanese consumers.

Feedback has been hugely positive, not only from direct client reviews but also via social media posts and short video content which helped fuel nationwide awareness. Consumers in Japan have been particularly struck by the bold, impactful design that stood out on shelves, as well as the unique taste profile: the intense smokiness immediately evident on opening the can, paired with a surprisingly refined quality at 7%ABV.

Cara Laing, Managing Director at Douglas Laing & Co., commented:

“Big Peat has built his reputation as a seriously smoky Islay Malt, adored by Whisky fans around the world. To see “him” take this bold new step into RTD, in a market as important and pioneering as Japan, is incredibly exciting. The collaboration with JIS has allowed us to stay true to the DNA of Big Peat while making him more accessible than ever before.”

Laphroaig 38 Year Old “Archive” Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $3,900.00 View

Laphroaig’s Archive Collection continues with this extraordinary 38 year old Islay single malt, distilled in 1985 and bottled in 2023, with just 400 bottles released globally. Matured first in ex bourbon American oak and finished in second fill Oloroso seasoned European oak, this expression reveals a new dimension of the distillery’s signature style.

The nose opens with vibrant citrus oil and dried apricot, backed by gentle sea spray and warm oak spice.

On the palate, sultana, salted caramel, and crystallized ginger develop across a silky texture, with fruit and wood in perfect harmony. Time has mellowed the classic iodine driven peat, allowing the deep complexity of long oak aging and fruit to take center stage.

The finish brings it all home with roasted nuts, dried fruit, and a soft echo of maritime smoke.

This is Laphroaig at its most elegant and composed, a quiet masterclass in balance, patience, and layered flavor. Overseen by seven distillery managers over nearly four decades, this bottling reflects a rare continuity of vision and craft. A true collector’s gem and a connoisseur’s dream pour, this is one of the oldest official distillery releases ever offered and a unique glimpse into the evolution of one of Islay’s most iconic producers.

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

Introducing: The Diageo Special Releases 2025

We are delighted to introduce the 2025 Diageo Special Release Collection.  Building on last year’s effort, this year’s Horizons Unbound invites whisky lovers to discover bold new takes on some of our most iconic single malts.  Enjoy, as Diageo challenges the concept of what whisky can be.

With Talisker, Lagavulin, Clyneleish, Oban, Singleton of Glen Ord, Dailuaine, Teaninich and Roseisle, this is a stunning collection for you to feast upon.

BUY NOW❯

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

view from the street

Distillery profiles: Pittyvaich-Glenlivet

Pittyvaich: Pit a bhathaich- “farm with a byre” (byre is a cattle shed btw). The distillery was built on the site of the farm adjoining Dufftown distillery. Pittyvaich House, built around 1850, was demolished to make way for construction. According to Misako Udo Dufftown distillery was originally to be given the name “Pittyvaich”. It was the eighth distillery to be built in Dufftown, Kininvie followed in the 1990s.

Dufftown distillery was established in 1896, Arthur Bell and Sons bought the facility in 1933. With rising demand for Scotch whisky the number of stills at Dufftown were doubled to four in 1967 then another pair were added in 1979. Bells became the best selling brand in the home market accounting for an impressive one quarter of blends sold. It was decided a new distillery was required to keep up with demand for the successful brand.

Production began at Pittyvaich in June 1974 on a site close to the Dufftown distillery at the town boundary on a hilltop. Compared to Dufftown Pittyvaich was modern and spacious offering up to date practices in a building constructed sympathetically to the operator’s working environment. Unlike many older buildings in the industry that had been gradually expanded it was relatively easy to keep clean and was well laid out.

There was a cast iron mash tun and 6 stainless steel washbacks. Fermentation, at least for a period, took between 40 and 48 hours. The two pairs of stills were replicas of those at Dufftown, each with a capacity of 30KL. They took about a 15kl charge. Waste heat was used to pre-heat the wash before entering the wash still. Heating was by steam whilst shell and tube condensers were fitted. Distillery output was about 4.5MLPA.
A dark grains plant was also commissioned to process the draff from both distilleries as well as from sister distillery Inchgower at Buckie.

In 1985 Bells were acquired by Guinness then in the following year DCL were also taken over. The following year, 1987, United Distillers was formed when the Bells and DCL distilleries were combined under one administration.

In May 1993 United Distillers reduced the number of operating distilleries from 31 to 27 when Rosebank, Bladnoch, Pittyvaich and Balmenach were closed. 20 jobs were lost at the time but the distillery was back in production in November 1994 although it was used to make gin for Gordon’s. It was also employed as a test bed for spirit production around 1997. The asbestos roof was replaced sometime during this decade. A final halt to production was called in 2001, some equipment was used at Clynelish. Pittyvaich was demolished in 2002.

Apart from being used in blends, particularly Bells, Pittyvaich was from 1991 a feature in the Flora and Fauna range where it was bottled at 12yo and 43%. There has also been a number of aged bottlings from Diageo’s Special Release series.

Jim Murray compared one sample he had to Semtex.

Mark Davidson, aka The Jolly Toper Profile

Our October auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) Friday 17^th October until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 26^th October 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!

Laphroaig – 12 Year Old (Pure Islay Malt) 1960s (75cl)

Caol Ila – 15 Year Old (The Manager’s Dram) 75cl

Springbank – 18 Year Old (1973)

Talisker – 1957 (Gordon & Macphail) 75cl

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.

St. Ola Orkney 21 Years
(Highland Park)

The Whisky Barrel Unveils Exclusive “Orkney 21 Year Old 2004 Unicorn” — A Rare Highland Park Single Cask at Natural Strength

Award-winning Scotch whisky specialist The Whisky Barrel is proud to announce the release of the Orkney 21 Year Old 2004 Unicorn, an exclusive single cask bottling distilled at the legendary Highland Park distillery on Orkney.

Matured for 21 years in a first fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead (#TWB1037) and bottled at a natural cask strength of 62.0% ABV, this limited edition captures the essence of Highland Park’s sherried island character in a powerful, luxurious expression. Only 316 bottles have been produced, each available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel.

Priced at £89 GBP (inc. VAT), this remarkable release offers exceptional value for collectors and connoisseurs seeking a cask-strength Highland Park of genuine rarity and provenance.

“Unicorns have wandered Scotland for centuries, symbolising purity, strength and power,” said Alastair Brown, Managing Director of The Whisky Barrel. “This rare single cask celebrates that spirit — a whisky as elusive and majestic as the mythical creature that inspires it.”

The Okrney 21 Year Old forms part of The Whisky Barrel’s acclaimed Unicorn series, which honours Scotland’s national symbol through exceptional, hand-selected single casks. Bottled without chill-filtration or added colour, the whisky showcases natural sherry richness, island smoke, and classic Highland Park depth.

Tasting Highlights

• Nose: Dark fruits, heather honey, polished oak, and gentle peat smoke.
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied with layers of sherry-soaked fruitcake, malted barley, spice, and sweet peat.
• Finish: Long, warming, and indulgently sherried with lingering oak and smoke.

The Orkney 21 Year Old 2004 Unicorn is available exclusively from: 🔗

The Whisky Barrel – Highland Park 21 Year Old Unicorn

Distillery: Secret Kirkwall Distillery (Highland Park) | Age: 21 Years (Distilled 2004, Bottled 2025) | Cask Type: 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (#TWB1037) | ABV: 62.0% (Natural Cask Strength) | Bottles: 316 Individually Numbered | Price: £89 GBP (inc. VAT) | Exclusive to: The Whisky Barrel, Fife, Scotland

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY COMPANY SECURES

DISTRIBUTION ACROSS KEY MARKETS

Independent Scotch whisky company Ardgowan appoints

multiple distributors as it increases global availability 

Leading Scotch whisky producer Ardgowan Distillery Company Ltd has secured a series of new partnerships with global distributors for its Clydebuilt brand in moves that will accelerate its presence across key markets in Europe, North America and Asia.

Ardgowan Distillery – the home of Clydebuilt – is where casks are curated in the distillery’s warehouses and carefully selected for bottling by Distillery Manager and Whisky Maker Laura Davies.

The range takes its inspiration from the River Clyde’s illustrious shipbuilding heritage, where the term “Clydebuilt” became a byword for craftsmanship and integrity.

In August 2025, an agreement was reached between Ardgowan Distillery Company and Kammer-Kirsch GmbH, a German importer of quality spirits since 1990.

The deal gives Kammer-Kirsch exclusive distribution rights for the Ardgowan product portfolio in Germany, identified as a key market for its whisky.

The Scottish firm hopes “a closeknit collaboration will lead to Germany becoming a ‘top three’ market for Clydebuilt and eventually Ardgowan Single Malt”.

Additional routes to market have been secured through distribution partners Roy + Co in Canada, Galatea AB in Sweden, and Single Malt Sdn Bhd, who cover Singapore and Malaysia.

The agreements were negotiated by Ardgowan’s Sales & Marketing Director, David Keir, whose experience spans over 25 years of building premium spirits brands across global markets.

Commenting on the news, Keir shares:

“These new partnerships mark a significant step in Ardgowan’s journey as we bring our boutique Clydebuilt brand and future Ardgowan Single Malt to discerning whisky drinkers in these important markets. Consumers in these countries hold a strong appreciation for Scotch whisky, and by working closely with our new partners, we can share our enthusiasm for quality, innovation and craftsmanship on a much wider scale.”

Managing Director of Kammer-Kirsch GmbH, Gerald Erdrich, adds:

“We are delighted to introduce Ardgowan’s Clydebuilt range to Germany and, in due course, the first Ardgowan Single Malt. Ardgowan’s long-term vision and commitment to quality make them an ideal partner for us, and we look forward to growing the brand together in Germany.”

The distillery, which began producing Ardgowan spirit in June this year, is the first new distillery in Inverclyde for over a century and is built with sustainability at its core.

Three years prior to completion, the business invested millions of pounds (GBP) in casks, including the development of a bespoke cask size: the Infinity Cask, specifically designed for long maturation periods of 18 years or more.

The company, which was founded in 2017 and is independently owned, places a firm emphasis on its wood policy, having partnered with renowned Bodega Miguel Martín to acquire the finest European oak ex-Sherry casks.

The distribution update comes in quick succession of the introduction of a distillery shop and tours at the site in Inverkip. Experiences currently run twice a day from Tuesday to Saturday, with plans to expand this over time.

Details of Ardgowan Distillery stockists and distribution partners can be found here.

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

 Further information on Ardgowan Distillery Company can be found at ardgowandistillery.com

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ABOUT CLYDEBUILT SCOTCH WHISKY: 

Some of the greatest ships in the world were built on the River Clyde and so, over time, the word ‘Clydebuilt’ came to stand for craftsmanship, integrity and pride. The Clydebuilt brand was inspired by that exceptional legacy: a fitting tribute as Ardgowan Distillery, the home of the brand, is situated on the Firth of Clyde near Inverkip.

While Ardgowan Single Malt continues to slumber for many years, Whisky Maker Laura Davies applies the same meticulous approach to Clydebuilt. This is a boutique range of carefully selected and matured Scotch whiskies that honour the spirit of the Clyde, emulating and upholding the attention to detail and the pride in quality of those that came before. Discover more.

OCTOBER 2025 AUCTION ENDING SOON!

Our October 2025 Auction is wrapping up but there is still time to bid for your favourite bottles, like this gorgeous bottle of Brora. Distilled in 1982 by the Highland distillery then bottled at natural Cask strength in 2003, it forms part of the highly popular Rare Malts range.

Distilled in 1973, matured in a single Cask #6100 and bottled at 21 years old in 1994 this bottle of Glen Elgin has an interesting tale to tell. There were a total of 165 bottled for George Strachan Ltd in 1994 but unknowingly they still had six full cases of twelve additional bottles from the same Cask that had never been labelled. It was only after a conversation that a representative of Signatory had with the owner that he discovered they’d found the remaining 72 bottles that belonged to the Strachans in a bonded warehouse, they’d sat dormant for over 30 years! Although the bottles were documented they remained in their cases unlabelled. The bottles then had their duty paid from the bonded warehouse and returned to their owners who immediately started the process of labelling the remaining bottles. The labels are almost identical of the original labels used over 30 years before, the only visible differences being the Cask number is unspecified and the flag by the piper now sports the Strachan crest, sporting an older fashioned, traditional style that was used on many of the special expressions bottled for the company. Apart from subtle differences in colour, the only other difference to the label is that the earlier bottling of this expression was numbered, whilst these remaing bottles are not.

Released in 1999 as a limited edition (although distillation date is not indicated), It’s thought that this unusual expression of Bowmore was distilled some time in the 1980’s, matured using a combination of Bourbon Barrels and Sherry Casks then finished for a period in Bordeaux Wine Casks from wineries owned by Suntory. Bottle number 3550 of 12,000 bottles produced.

Released in 1983, this is an older expression of the Classic Balvenie. This particular range was one of the first to have a second maturation period (finishing). This was replaced in 1993 by the arrival of the incredibly popular Doublewood expression which also undergoes the second maturation period.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our October 2025 Auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 19^th October from 8pm BST.

From the far corners of Scotland come the Single Malts and Single Grains of Old Particular — a collection defined by rarity, character, and authenticity. Each cask is individually selected, chosen for the distinct story it tells through aroma, texture, and flavour.

Bottled exactly as the Distiller intended — without colouring, without chill-filtration, and at natural high strength — every expression preserves the rich oils and enzymes that shape a whisky’s true soul. Limited by nature and unrepeatable by design, these single casks offer a glimpse into the purest form of Scotch Whisky artistry.

 2014 Glen Garioch 11 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) $64.99 View

2014 Bowmore 11 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $99.99 View

2014 Benrinnes 11 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Sherry Butt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $69.99 View

2013 Caol Ila 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogsheads Cask Strength Single Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $79.99 View

2013 Ben Nevis 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $79.99 View

2012 Macduff 13 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $59.99 View

2012 Laphroaig 13 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $109.99 View

2010 Tormore 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Finished Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $74.99 View

2010 Caol Ila 14 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogsheads Cask Strength Single Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $99.99 View

2009 Mortlach 16 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $109.99 View

2009 Ardmore (Peated) 14 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $79.99 View

2007 Bruichladdich 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $225.00 View

1990 Auchroisk 34/35 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Sherry Butt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $250.00 View

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