A Toast to 25 Years: 

Glencairn Glass creator Raymond Davidson brings Scotch Whisky legends back together to celebrate

Scotch Whisky legends reunited last week at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh as Raymond Davidson – creator of the official whisky glass, the Glencairn Glass – hosted a celebratory dinner to mark the iconic glass’s 25th anniversary. From L-R: Christopher Coates (Whisky Magazine), David Stewart MBE (William Grant & Sons), Richard Paterson OBE (The Dalmore), Julie Trevison-Hunter (The Scotch Whisky Experience) , Raymond Davidson, John Ramsay (formerly Edrington) and world-renowned author Charles MacLean MBE. 

 Scotch Whisky legends reunited last week at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh as Raymond Davidson – creator of the official whisky glass, the Glencairn Glass – hosted a celebratory dinner to mark the iconic glass’s 25th anniversary.

The intimate event brought together some of the industry’s most respected and well-known Master Blenders, Distillers and personalities including Richard Paterson OBE (the Dalmore), David Stewart MBE (William Grant & Sons), John Ramsay (formerly of Edrington) and Charlie MacLean MBE (whisky writer and consultant), all of whom helped and supported Raymond when he first designed the glass 25 years ago.

One key figure sadly missing from the 25th anniversary celebrations was the late Michael Jackson, the esteemed whisky writer who was the first personality to be inducted into the industry’s ‘hall of fame’ and the first to endorse the Glencairn Glass. As part of the original group who helped bring Raymond Davidson’s vision to life, his early support and influence played an important role in the glass’s enduring success and reputation within the whisky world. Robert Hicks (formerly Allied Distillers, now Pernod Ricard) was also an original supporter, however was unable to attend this year’s celebration.

Created in 2000, the Glencairn Glass was born from Raymond’s vision to create a whisky glass that would enhance both the aroma and flavour of the dram. With the support of Scotland’s Master Blenders, whisky industry experts and a successful launch at Whisky Live London his original  concept evolved into what is now recognised worldwide as the  official whisky glass. Since its inception a quarter of a century ago, more than 50 million Glencairn Glasses have been sold across distilleries, bars and homes worldwide with over 5 million purchased each year across international markets.

Over the years, the Glencairn Glass has also celebrated a number of prestigious accolades, including the Queen’s Award for Innovation (2006), the Queen’s Award for International Trade (2012 and 2017), and the Malt Advocate Industry Leader Award, among others recognising its lasting contribution to the global whisky industry.

Reflecting on the milestone, Raymond said: “When I first sketched the concept for the Glencairn Glass, I wanted to create something that truly brought out the best in whisky. The input from incredible Master Blenders, whisky friends and  legends in the industry was invaluable – and it’s been a joy to celebrate with them again, 25 years on.”

Julie Trevisan-Hunter, Marketing Director at The Scotch Whisky Experience  said: “It has been a pleasure working with Glencairn over the past 25 years, and hosting this very special celebration is a real honour. Raymond, Paul, and Scott have been part of the whisky family for so long that it’s hard to imagine the industry without them. Their commitment and support genuinely matter to all of us who care about Scotch. The Glencairn Glass fits perfectly with our mission to help the world fall in love with Scotch whisky. Every visitor who comes through our doors heads home with the right glass in hand to continue their Scotch whisky journey, remembering their time with us, and sharing the stories of their travels.”

The reunion dinner is part of a series of celebrations marking this major milestone for family-run business Glencairn Crystal, that was founded by Raymond over 40 years ago and is now run by his sons Paul and Scott Davidson.

For more information and updates on the Glencairn Glass 25th anniversary celebrations, visit www.whiskyglass.com or follow @TheGlencairnGlass on social media channels.

Raymond Davidson – creator of the official whisky glass, the Glencairn Glass – hosted a celebratory dinner to mark the iconic glass’s 25th anniversary this week. The event took place at The Scotch Whisky Experience and was attended by Scotch Whisky legends including: John Ramsay (formerly Edrington), Richard Paterson OBE (The Dalmore), David Stewart MBE (William Grant & Sons) and world-renowned author Charles MacLean MBE.   

Glencairn Crystal Awards:

This year Glencairn Crystal was honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. The company first received the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2006 for the Glencairn Glass, followed by the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2012.

Glencairn Crystal has also been named a finalist in the Department for Business and Trade Exporter of the Year Award at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2025. The winners will be announced in November.

Other accolades include Whisky Advocate Industry Leader of the Year in the US in 2011. In 2019 Glencairn Crystal was one of only seven Scottish companies to join the London Stock Exchange Group’s ELITE programme for fast-growing companies, and recognition in the 2023 Scottish Export Index as one of the top 20 companies demonstrating excellence in international trade.

Our November 2025 AUCTION ENDS SOON!

Place your bids 7pm (GMT) Sunday 23^rd November 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!

Mortlach – 75 Year Old (1939) Gordon & MacPhail (Generations)

Balblair – 38 Year Old (1966)

Glen Grant – 72 Year Old (1948) Gordon & MacPhail 

Killyloch – 1967

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.

Join Courage Club by Nov. 30 to Unlock Our Limited Edition Spanish Oak Sherry Cask

Crafted from rare Spanish Oak Sherry casks, our next limited release (just 500 bottles) is one you won’t want to miss.

Join Courage Club by Nov. 30th to unlock guaranteed first access to this exceptional bottling—along with member-only perks, savings, and exclusive member-only releases. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to join, this is it.

Join by 11/30 and your first quarterly club shipment, including Spanish Oak Sherry Cask, will arrive mid-December.**Please note: this limited release is priced at $169.99, which is above our typical club-exclusive range of $75–$100. If you prefer not to receive this higher-priced bottle, you’ll have the option to opt out before shipments go out in mid-December.

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Spanish Oak Sherry Cask

This whisky showcases the rare character of Spanish Oak (Quercus Robur) sherry butts, coopered in Jerez, Spain, and seasoned with both Oloroso and PX sherries. Spanish Oak is notoriously difficult to work with — the trees grow sprawling and wild, yielding few casks. But the reward is remarkable: a deeply expressive whisky with aromas of lemon, golden raisin, and honeycomb, unfolding into flavors of dried cherry, plum, maple syrup, coffee, leather, and cinnamon.  Aged for over seven years and bottled at cask strength, this is one of our most limited and distinctive releases to date.

Virginia Distillery Company
299 Eades Ln
Lovingston, VA 22949-2325

Williamson (Laphroaig) 15 Years Old Shop Exclusive

This single malt was distilled in 2010 at the Laphroaig Distillery on the picturesque Isle of Islay. It was aged for 15 years in a single bourbon barrel, which allowed the natural distillery style to shine, resulting in notes of gamey meat, tobacco leaf, camphor, and brine. Bottled at natural cask strength without chill-filtration or artificial colouring exclusively for our shop.

£94.00

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STUNNING EXCLUSIVE

The Hearach 2018 First Fill Bourbon #1293

This rare single cask release from The Hearach showcases the distillery’s signature coastal character in its purest form. Distilled on 22nd March 2018 and bottled on 16th June 2025, this bottling, which is exclusive to The Whisky Shop, comes from a First Fill Woodford Reserve Bourbon cask, producing only 252 bottles, making it truly limited edition. Bottled at 59.3% ABV.

£125.00
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Ghost Scotch – Speyside Distillery

THE VIDEO

Adam introduces three cask strength editions from the Speyside distillery, a now closed single malt producer that is super hard to find. Try now instore at The Strath in Victoria for free, and save % on your bottles as part of the Strath’s Whisky Sale!

Heaven Hill Distillery Celebrates 90 Years of Independent Family Ownership with Limited 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Release

Special Anniversary Edition Honors Nine Decades of Family Tradition and American Whiskey Excellence with a 107-Proof  Bourbon Aged in Heavy Char Barrels

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (November 4, 2025) — Heaven Hill Distillery, the largest independent, family-owned and led distilled spirits company of brands in the United States, proudly commemorates its 90th anniversary with a special release, Heaven Hill Distillery’s 90th Anniversary 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This exceptional bottling honors nine decades of family craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to preserving the heritage of America’s Native Spirit.

Crafted from Heaven Hill’s traditional Bourbon mashbill, 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, this 107-proof Bourbon is a thoughtfully constructed blend of 70% Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and 30% Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged in heavy char barrels. Each of the 204 barrels selected for this release was produced on December 13, 2015, marking Heaven Hill’s 80th Anniversary, and matured for nine years and eight months in Rickhouses G and H on the 4th and 6th floors.

The result is a deeply complex Bourbon that showcases the distillery’s mastery of maturation and blending. The use of heavy char barrels, intensely fired to create a deep “alligator” char layer, enhances the whiskey’s smoothness and depth, imparting rich notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted spice, and oak warmth. The whiskey is non-chill filtered to preserve its full character and mouthfeel.

“As we celebrate Heaven Hill’s 90th anniversary, I’m reminded of the vision my father and his brothers had when they founded this company in 1935,” said Max L. Shapira, Heaven Hill Executive Chairman. “Their goal was simple but profound, to build a family business that would craft whiskey with integrity, patience, and pride. Nine decades later, we continue that mission with the same independent spirit, passion for quality, and respect for tradition that has guided us from the start. This 90th Anniversary release is both a reflection of our history and a toast to our future.”

“This release is particularly special because it captures nearly a decade of patient aging and our team’s thoughtful approach to barrel selection,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery. “By incorporating Bourbon aged in heavy char barrels, we’ve deepened the flavor profile and created a whiskey with exceptional richness and balance. The result is a spirit that embodies the craftsmanship and character that have defined Heaven Hill for 90 years.”

The Heaven Hill Distillery’s 90th Anniversary 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be available nationwide in limited quantities beginning in October 2025, with a suggested retail price of $124.99.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna, Parker’s Heritage Collection along with its extensive and diverse collection of unique and innovative products. In the past five years alone, Heaven Hill Distillery has been named Distiller of the Year eight times, including 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Other recent honors include 2024 and 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Most Awarded Distillery and the 2023 Icons of Whisky World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Younger Still (Ardbeg) Single Cask

The Whisky Barrel Unveils Exclusive “Younger Still” 2021 Islay Single Cask — A Modern Legend in the Making

Get ready for a rare take on Islay’s iconic whisky heritage — The Whisky Barrel proudly presents the Younger Still, a bold and limited single malt whisky distilled in 2021 at a secret Islay distillery on Pier Road (the legendary home of the heavily peated and often toasted oak Committee). Bottled in 2025 at a formidable natural cask strength of 61.6% ABV, this exclusive release is limited to just 261 bottles worldwide.

Crafted from one single cask, the Younger Still captures the raw, untamed essence of Islay — from its billowing peat smoke and sea-salt air to its finely balanced citrus and spice. Described by The Whisky Barrel’s team as “smoky, maritime and full of raw power”, this release revives the island’s legendary spirit in a new generation.

“We’ve drawn one single cask from Islay’s iconic heart and bottled it exclusively for our own growing global community — Younger Still is not only a dram, it’s a statement.” — Alastair Brown, Managing Director of The Whisky Barrel.

Priced at £69 GBP (inc. VAT), this limited single-cask release is available only through The Whisky Barrel’s website. For whisky collectors and Islay enthusiasts seeking something truly exceptional, the Younger Still marks a bold chapter in modern Islay single malt history.

Key Bottle Information:

• Distilled: 2021, Secret Islay Distillery on Pier Road
• Bottled: 2025 at 61.6% ABV
• Limited to 261 bottles exclusive to The Whisky Barrel

Tasting Highlights:

• Nose: Billows of peat smoke meet citrus peel, sea salt and charred oak
• Palate: Coastal smoke, dark malt, sweet spice and hints of fruit
• Finish: Long and enduring, with embers of peat, maritime salt and warming spice

The Islay Younger Still is available exclusively from: 🔗 The Whisky Barrel – Islay Younger Still

Westward “Milestone” Edition No. 3 American Single Malt Whiskey (750ml)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer | Review Date: 11/2025

There’s no question that Westward is at the forefront of defining the American Single Malt category, and one thing I think is missing in this category is a truly legendary product that fulfills its true potential in a fully realized way. We’ve had some amazing high-end releases from classic craft producers like St. George, Stranahan’s, and Charbay, but there are so few true diamonds in the category. To that, our friends at Westward have responded, “Hold my beer.” The Milestone is a product that is truly revolutionary in both its conceptual design and execution. Each edition builds on the previous expression, and if last year’s release is any indication, this could easily be one of the most overtly delicious American malts ever bottled. The character is opulent and extremely complex, hearkening to some of the most storied Scottish releases, with beautiful tropical fruit and dense, hyper-developed malt character. It’s truly incredible what they’ve achieved, and having the opportunity—thanks to new partnerships—to actually show our customers this extremely rare and sought-after product is such a joy. This is how you build a new category. Congrats to our friends at Westward.

$240.00

The Westward Whiskey Milestone is considered by the distiller to be their masterpiece. The intent is to showcase “Verum Factum,” the accumulated knowled over 20 years of whiskey production. By reimagining Old World distilling and winemaking techniques, Milestone is raised from a twenty-one-barrel Solera system used exclusively for this annual offering. This meticulous method allows them to continuously age and blend some of our oldest and most precious whiskeys with rare cask types, creating even more complex flavors. This special approach creates a time capsule in a bottle, one that reflects a distinct moment in the distiller’s story that can never be told again.

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

LATEST EDITION

In the latest issue of Whisky Magazine, we’re exploring the whiskies of Asia. Japanese whisky has a well-established presence in the whisky world. Now, whisky making is spreading throughout the continent as a new generation of distillers join the craft. On the cover, founder Dhavall Gandhi shares the story behind Kandoblanc. The luxury design house unites the principles of Japanese design, Italian craftsmanship, and single malt Scotch whisky.