Always a highlight of our tasting calendar, our Whisky of the Year tasting is your chance to decide which whisky is going to be our 2026 champion. We’ve tasted a lot of whisky the last 12 months and our judging panel has whittled the lineup down to six finalists, but we need you to decide a winner. Then, with the sound of sleighbells in the air, we have the return of our Big Christmas Tasting on 4 December. We’ll be sharing some of our festive favourites and toasting the season in style. Choosing just one whisky to celebrate as our Whisky of the Year is never easy and that’s why we need your help. Every year we host a blind tasting with our guests picking their favourite dram to be our Whisky of the Year.⁠ Join us on 20 November to help us crown a winner.

Book Now

ralfy review 1104 Extras – Buying Whisky for New Year.

Ballantine’s Celebrates Rock Legends, KISS With Limited-Edition True Music Icons Bottle

Ballantine’s, the world’s second most popular Scotch whisky*, unveils the latest limited-edition from its annual True Music Icons series that celebrates groundbreaking artists who have shaped music culture.

This year, the collection celebrates KISS, one of the most legendary and influential rock bands in music history. Known for their explosive style and unshakable identity, KISS has spent decades pushing boundaries and doing things their own way.

The limited-edition bottle reveals bold visuals inspired by Destroyer – one of KISS’s most iconic album covers – reimagined on a bottle of Ballantine’s Finest. The design is theatrical, unmistakably KISS, and pays tribute to a pivotal moment in the band’s legacy and rock history, making it a true collector’s item for whisky lovers and music fans alike.

The launch comes ahead of an exciting season for the band, with their much-anticipated return to the stage at KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas this November – a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the KISS Army fan club.

With a fiercely loyal global following and a legacy built on rejecting conformity, reinvention, and creative freedom, KISS embodies Ballantine’s unapologetic ethos around celebrating those who stay true to themselves. This bold collaboration captures the essence of the band – whose larger-than-life persona has left a lasting imprint on both music and culture.

Paul-Andre Vacheron, Global Marketing Director for Ballantine’s at Chivas Brothers, commented:

“This edition of True Music Icons continues our commitment to celebrating artists who defy convention. At Ballantine’s, we’ve always stood for those who stay true to who they are, and this KISS collection is a toast to the bands iconic style and personality and the impact they’ve made in music. The True Music Icons series continues to offer fans a unique way to pay tribute to the artists they love by celebrating their legacy, ongoing impact, and adding something special to their collection.”

Previous editions of the True Music Icons collection have celebrated some of the most influential artists of all time – from the 2023 collection honouring AC/DC and Queen, to the 2024 tribute to Elton John and John Lennon – each embodying Ballantine’s Stay True ethos in their own iconic way.

The Ballantine’s True Music Icons KISS bottle is available in select markets around the world. For more information visit www.ballantines.com or follow @ballantines.

*Source: IWSR 2023

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE AND IS PUBLISHED HERE AS A MATTER OF INTEREST.

Our November auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) Friday 14^th November until 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.

200-year-old Glencadam Distillery opens doors to new multi-million-pound whisky experience

Historic East Highland distillery, Glencadam, has officially opened the doors to its brand-new visitor centre in Brechin, inviting guests from around the world to experience two centuries of craftsmanship in a state-of-the-art setting.

The launch marks a landmark moment in Glencadam’s bicentennial year, with the multi-million-pound development offering guests an immersive exploration of the distillery’s heritage and whisky-making artistry, with an intimate look behind the scenes of this storied distillery for the first time in its 200-year history.

From Saturday (15 November) visitors can enjoy guided tours, tutored tastings and an interactive exhibition, tracing Glencadam’s journey from its 1825 origins to its place among Scotland’s most celebrated single malts today. The new brand home also features a whisky lounge, café, retail shop and function suite, blending tradition with modern hospitality.

The new visitor centre is expected to generate significant benefits for the community, having already created 12 new job opportunities across hospitality, retail and tours, and is expected to attract tourism to the Highlands from across Scotland and beyond.

Iain Lochhead, Director at Angus Dundee Distillers, owners of Glencadam Distillery, said: “Opening our doors today is a moment of immense pride for everyone at Glencadam. This visitor centre is more than a building — it’s a celebration of 200 years of tradition, people and place, providing a unique opportunity to explore the history, craftsmanship and stories behind one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. It marks an exciting new chapter not just for Glencadam Distillery, but for the entire Brechin community.”

With a commitment to preserving Glencadam’s rich history, original features of the distillery have been carefully reimagined, alongside its contemporary interiors. A defining feature of the new visitor centre is the regenerated stone façade, crafted using reclaimed stone from the former Brechin Infirmary, preserving the town’s architectural heritage while celebrating Glencadam’s historic character. A working internal waterwheel, modelled on the original which was used to power the distillery back in 1825, has also been included in the new design, as a nod to the brand’s heritage.

Above the striking entrance, two Doig Ventilators, inspired by original Charles Doig 19th-century designs, now crown the building, bringing natural light and ventilation into the space. Each features an ornamental spire and ball, replicating the original pagoda style in the skyline of Brechin.

From the distinctive vertical seams of the pagodas to the interactive exhibition space, every detail has been designed to tell the story of Glencadam in Scotland’s whisky legacy.

Project Manager Gary Milligan said: “Every element tells the story of Glencadam’s enduring craft and connection to place. It’s about honouring the past while investing in the community for generations to come.”

Leading the new visitor experience are Brand Home Manager Michael van der Veen and Deputy Brand Home Manager Lauren Oliver, who have worked closely with the wider Glencadam team to create a warm, authentic and world-class welcome for guests.

Tours will run Thursday through Monday, from Saturday 15 November, with the retail shop open seven days a week.

Iain Lochhead added: “Whether you’re discovering Glencadam for the first time or returning as a long-time fan, our new visitor centre allows us to share the depth of our history, the craft behind each dram and the people who have shaped our story over two centuries. We can’t wait to share the next chapter of our story with you.”

As the team raise their first dram in the new whisky lounge, Glencadam looks firmly to the future as it continues to craft its award-winning single malt whisky while welcoming guests to explore where it all began, right in the heart of Brechin.

Bookings for tours and tasting experiences are now live at www.GlencadamWhisky.com

Glencadam Distillery

Established in 1825, Glencadam Distillery is steeped in history, heritage and tradition, handcrafting single malt Scotch whisky in a process that’s remained unchanged for 200 years. In 2021, Glencadam Distillery re-installed a working internal waterwheel, modelled on the original which was used to power the distillery back in in 1825.

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Glencadam was mothballed for several years before it was purchased and re-opened by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003.

Today, Glencadam’s multi-award-winning range includes American Oak Reserve, Reserva Andalucía, the 10-Year-Old, 13-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old expressions, as well as a series of special cask finishes.

Visit www.glencadamwhisky.com to find out more.

NOVEMBER 2025 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

We have a small but mighty auction for you this month, with some old, limited and rare bottlings, including this Caol Ila, aged for 15 years before being bottled at Cask Strength in 1990. This is widely considered to be the pinnacle of the popular Manager’s Dram series.

Released in 2015, the sherry cask matured Macallan Folio 1 was the first instalment of the Archival Series, with only 2,000 bottles released, making this a much sought after bottling.

Released in 2024 exclusively to members of the Dalmore Guild, this Dalmore 2009 15 Years Old is the youngest of a limited edition trio, matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and finished in the exceptionally rare Sherry Casks of legendary Spanish bodega González Byass. One of only 2,736 bottles produced!

Released as limited edition expressions, the highly popular Cask Strength versions of the 25 Years Old Laphroaig are only released periodically rather than annually. Although previous editions were matured using a combination of Bourbon and Sherry Casks, this 2023 edition was matured entirely in ex-Bourbon barrels.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our November 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 23^rd November from 8pm GMT.

Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

$74.99

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David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer  |Review Date: 08/2022

Frank August is a refreshing take on the bourbon category. Not caught up in any old tropes, this is just really well put together bourbon from a couple of good guys, who seem to know EVERYBODY. Again, Kentucky is all about who you know and while very little can be divulged about the sources and methods here, I think the whiskey speaks for itself. It’s safe to say that this is coming from a well regarded distillery and the blending is done by an industry veteran, who’s taken the idea of small batch to a whole new level. Blends matter a lot at this scale and this inaugural batch is tasting pretty stellar. The style isn’t a baseball bat to the pallet like some of the geeks might want these days, but instead a subtle and elegant expression of bourbon that’s rarely on display in the modern market. Let’s taste it! The lovely reddish hue tells us that this one is maybe a bit older than some others on the market.

The nose is a deft and well aligned bouquet of caramel candies, toasted vanilla, baked clove and other aromatic spices. Hints of cacao, burnt sugar and dried fruit support.

The texture is rather rich and unctuous with a full bodied but no heat at 100 proof. No oddness or distinctive flavors beyond the classic, elegant and well rounded character of an excellent medium aged KY bourbon.

The finish is long and inviting, offering tons of sweetness and tempering the spice that lingers on the front pallet. It’s hard to say where this was sourced exactly, but very few of the luxury brands offer such opulence and well rounded charisma. I’d say its safe to say that this is better than most every new product we’ve come across – and there are many.

Frank August might sacrifice power for elegance and completeness, but no good bourbon drinker will be disappointed and the overtness allows even the most novice entry into this still somewhat hard to parse category. Plus the bottle looks awesome and doesn’t scream or shout, just looks pretty on the bar for as long as you can keep it full, which likely won’t be long.

Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 09/2022

It is incredibly refreshing to see a new Bourbon brand come to market and move away from the “my great great granddaddy moonshined back in the day’ BS story that so many brands cling to. While ultimately at K&L we try to make the bulk of our decisions about what to sell based solely on the quality of what is in the bottle, a nice package and story is always good to be able to add in. Fortunately, here with Frank August, we’ve got the whole kit & kaboodle. First off, the package is extremely elegant and thoughtfully designed (the special glue on the back label peels off to make reuse as a vase or decanter extra easy). The whiskey itself is also shockingly elegant and thoughtful in its blend. Bottled at a respectable 100 proof, it’s no punch you in the teeth bruiser, but instead is packed with flavor and nuance.

The color is lovely – a golden amber. The nose is bright and clean. It has a great deal of sweetness mixed between fruit, candied sugars, and wood equally. A flash of cherry and stone fruit, maybe even a blackthorn’s sloe berry with its bright tang, caramels, molasses, brown sugar syrup, and a wood profile that isn’t all varnish, but rather freshly hewn green branches and a kiss of dried vanilla.

The palate carries much of the nose into it, but also adds a bit more herbal complexity on the edges and a sweeter midpalate than you might expect. Molasses and tarragon both come to mind as does fresh Granny Smith apple.

The finish is medium in length – lingering pleasantly, but never cloying or aggressive with just a kiss of heat. In short, this is one of the finest entrants and well conceived Bourbons to enter the scene we’re likely to see. It bucks the trend of going for broke on a hazmat proof single barrel in favor of thoughtfully executing a quality dram.

A delightful surprise and fine addition to any bar of collection.

This new brand (As of 2022!), from an undisclosed distillery in Kentucky, is a true small batch; only 15 barrels are dumped at a time. While we don’t have much information about how it was made, we can tell you that this micro-batch would easily qualify as Bottled-in-Bond if the distiller could be disclosed. And while the market for Kentucky bourbon is as tight as can be, this is proof that nearly anything is possible. Designed impeccably to bring bourbon into the modern era, Frank August isn’t relying on tired tropes about some fictional recipe. In fact, Frank August is not a real person at all, but an ideal. Instead of retelling a contrived story, Frank August is reinventing the act of storytelling completely, purposing a new narrative of what it means to be American and how and why we consume our national drink. Ultimately, they’ve put together a gorgeous package and managed to fill it with exceptional juice. And that’s a good enough story for us!

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

Macallan Rare Cask 2024 Release

Crafted from some of the most exceptional and scarce sherry-seasoned oak casks in the distillery’s collection, The Macallan Rare Cask 2024 Release stands as a testament to the art of cask selection and the mastery behind one of Scotland’s most iconic single malts. Each of the sherry-seasoned oak casks chosen for this annual release reveals a distinctive depth of flavour, natural colour, and velvety smooth texture.

Bottled at 43% ABV, this whisky opens with a nose of soft vanilla and rich raisin, delicately balanced by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon, and orange. On the palate, an intense sweet raisin note takes centre stage before unfolding into layers of vanilla and dark chocolate, lifted by gentle hints of citrus zest. The finish is long, rich, and velvety, leaving a luxurious warmth that lingers beautifully.

£315.00
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ralfy review 1104 – Glencadam 10yo @46%vol: (2025)