Scarabus Sherry Cask Edition

Inspired by an alchemy of craft and cask, time, sea and air. A whisky for those with a curious mind and an eye for detail. Bold and honest about its Islay origins and just a little mysterious about everything else.

Lochlea releases its smokiest whisky yet with final

seasonal release:

Ploughing Edition (Third Crop)

Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire is releasing its last ever seasonal limited-edition release; the third and final Lochlea Ploughing Edition (Third Crop) – a culmination of the three-year series concluding this year by the award-winning distillery. 

This final release of Lochlea Ploughing Edition (Third Crop) is released during winter on the farm when the fields are ploughed in preparation for spring’s sowing season in the months ahead. It showcases the distillery’s signature fruit and cereal-forward spirit with a peated twist.

Lochlea’s seasonal releases have been much-celebrated amongst the whisky community and beyond around the world since launching with the First Crop series in 2023. The limited-edition range has been instrumental in showing the farm-to-cask distillery’s innovation and creativity, not only within cask maturation but also with spirit style.

Of the four whiskies in the seasonal range, Ploughing Edition is the only spirit with a distinctive smoky profile, achieved through it being matured exclusively in 100% ex-Islay 200 litre casks.

The powerful peated casks coupled with the extra year of ageing from the Second Crop combine to produce the smokiest of Lochlea’s whiskies released to date, with delicious flavours or green apple, toffee and malted biscuits, alongside the mouthwatering smoky taste. 

Lochlea’s Master Blender, Jill Boyd – who joined the distillery team at the end of 2024 – commented: “We are delighted to share our third and final crop of Ploughing Edition – which also marks the end of the seasonal releases range. The range has been very well received over the past three years and has allowed us to tell our story with genuity and passion. “

“As a small farm-to-cask independent distillery growing all of our own barley here on the farm, it’s been imperative for us to talk about the importance of the land, the seasons and the farming calendar and the effect this has on our spirits. The seasonal Releases has showcased just how our spirits can evolve and change, influenced by the time of year and what profile of whisky we are looking to create to bring out the best of that season.”

“We hope whisky lovers have enjoyed joining us on the journey with the seasonal releases and will seek out this final release before it all disappears! We look forward to sharing more exciting innovations in the near future that tells another part of our Lochlea story.”

Lochlea’s seasonal releases are as follows:

• Ploughing Edition: released in winter when the fields are ploughed in preparation for spring.

• Sowing Edition: inspired by spring when the seed is sown for the year’s barley crop.

• Harvest Edition: timed with annual harvest on the farm.

• Fallow Edition: reflects the season of autumn on the farm when the fields are left fallow to rest after a busy harvest.

Availability & pricing:

Like all Lochlea’s whiskies, Ploughing Edition (Third Crop) has no added colouring and is non-chill filtered – it has been bottled at 46% and has an RRP of £51.50. Available from Lochlea stockists from 27^th March 2025 onwards and, like all the other seasonal releases, it is only available whilst stocks last. 

Ploughing Edition (Third Crop) – Tasting notes: 

Nose: Fresh green apple, sweet toffee and comforting notes of signature Lochlea cereal

Palate: More fresh fruit, giving way to wonderful savoury smoke and malted biscuits

Finish: Moreish fresh coastal notes of sea salt and a long lingering hint of peat

ABV: 46%

RRP: £51.50

Lochlea’s core range product:

Lochlea also has a core whisky expression available all year round – Our Barley. This unpeated single malt has been matured in a combination of three different casks: first fill ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry casks and STR barriques, all of which add depths of flavour to the spirit. Launched in July 2022, Our Barley has received much acclaim as a superb example of a young non-age statement (NAS) Lowlands whisky, made entirely from the distillery’s own home-grown barley.

About Lochlea Distillery:

Lochlea was originally a 222 acre livestock farm before being purchased by Neil and Jen McGeoch in 2006. After much consideration of the future of the farm and a successful trial to grow its own barley in 2015, the couple transformed the land and existing farm buildings into a fully-operational distillery in 2017 and started distilling the following year. The farming side has remained a unique part of Lochlea, with the move into barley production – paving the way for Lochlea to be one of the very few fully grain-to-cask distilleries in Scotland. It also has a rich Scottish heritage with strong links to Robbie Burns, with the bard having worked and lived on the farm a several years.

For a full list of Lochlea stockists, visit: Lochlea Distillery stockists

Sheringham Whisky Takes Home Silver!

We’re thrilled to announce that Sheringham Distillery snagged silver for our whisky at the Canadian Whisky Awards this January! 🥃🎉 ⁠

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team and loyal supporters—your passion fuels our craft. Here’s to savouring every drop and raising a glass to new adventures ahead! Cheers! 🥳

From the rugged shores of Islay to the iconic stills of Bowmore, whisky history is rich with tradition, craftsmanship, and passion.

 In Whisky Magazine’s latest documentary, Bowmore: The Making of a Legend, we uncover the origins of whisky making on Islay and trace Bowmore Distillery’s journey from its earliest days to the present. With insights from the Suntory Global Spirits team, the Morrison family, and industry experts, this film is a must-watch for whisky lovers.

 Want to join the celebration?

One lucky viewer will WIN X2 tickets to Whisky Live London! Experience the ultimate whisky event, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and explore incredible drams.

 How to Enter:

Tap the link below to watch Bowmore: The Making Of A Legend

Leave a comment on the video sharing your favourite part or what inspires you most about Bowmore’s story.

 Don’t miss your chance to be at Whisky Live — watch, comment, and you could be our winner!

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Join our Murray McDavid Whisky Club for  a look behind the scenes and opportunities to join in with unique tasting sessions.

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2025 Release – 10 Years Old

Loch Gorm 2025 Edition is the first ever Loch Gorm aged for over 10 years in oloroso sherry butts. Anthony selected 23 oloroso sherry butts in total, 20 fresh (first fill), 3 refill (second fill).

“10 years maturation in Sherry casks has added an abundance of rich spices, dark fruit and barbecue sweetness to the light citrus and peaty character of Kilchoman” – Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder.

£82.99

Clonakilty Distillery poised for further expansion following €3M warehouse investment

Driving growth, innovation and premium whiskey – Clonakilty Distillery poised for further expansion 

Clonakilty Distillery is poised for an exciting new chapter as the brand continues to expand its premium whiskey offering in international markets.

This latest phase of growth comes on the back of a major €3 million investment in operations, multiple expansions across various international markets, and is backed by an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability.

This investment has seen them expand their production capacity, upgraded its facilities, and develop new product lines, in addition to the expansion of its warehousing and bottling capabilities – services they now provide to other spirits producers, further supporting the industry.

The multi-award-winning distillery, known for its innovative approach and premium whiskey offerings, has set its sights on further significant growth in 2025 and beyond.

The distillery, which produces Clonakilty Single Pot Still, Clonakilty Double Oak and Galley Head whiskies, has celebrated significant growth and expansion in recent years after solidifying its position in both domestic and international markets.

Clonakilty’s growth has been driven by a dedication to quality, innovative production methods, a focus on sustainability and a commitment to supporting and developing the local economy and wider Irish whiskey industry over the past number of years.

Strong Growth in Domestic and International Markets

Building on its success in Ireland, Clonakilty Distillery has expanded into key international markets in recent years and is now distributing in over a dozen countries – including United States, Canada, South Africa, Japan, France, South Korea, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

The company is also making a significant commitment to exporting to the Chinese market this year.

Founder Michael Scully confirmed the UK market is now in their sights as the brand are set to launch there at the end of the month:

“We were delighted to be hosted in the Irish Embassy in London last week to announce the launch our award-winning Clonakilty whiskies into the all-important UK  market at the end of March.”

Despite delays due to Brexit and the challenges of international shipping, the company’s founder Michael Scully has said he is optimistic about the opportunity to establish itself across the water.

With strong sales in Ireland, Mr Scully said the company is “extremely happy with their product offering with its commitment to quality and great taste will resonate with UK consumers – not just the Irish diaspora but whiskey enthusiasts in general.”

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

Clonakilty’s reputation is built on its dedication to quality, with its single pot still whiskey featuring prominently in its award-winning range.

Unlike many blended whiskies that primarily contain single malt and grain whiskey, integral to Clonakilty’s blends is the inclusion of their own single pot still Irish whiskey.

The brand is particularly proud of its most recent accolades, including a double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and independent confirmation of our credentials with a strong 92 points rating from the industry recognised publication Whisky Advocate.

Sustainability remains at the heart of Clonakilty’s operations. The distillery has reduced packaging weight by 28% in the past year, reflecting its commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining product integrity.

Distillery Tourism: A Booming Contribution to Clonakilty

As part of its long-standing commitment to both the local economy and the whiskey industry, Clonakilty Distillery has made its visitor experience a central part of its operations.

Distillery tours have become a major draw for both domestic and international tourists, adding to the broader appeal of Clonakilty as a tourism destination. Visitors can experience the whiskey distillation firsthand, from grain to glass, learning about the craftsmanship and heritage that goes into every bottle.

Of course no tour would be complete without sampling our award winning product in our bespoke tasting room. As befits our location on the southwest coast of Ireland and our 9 generations link to Clonakilty the barley which goes into our whiskies is grown locally including on the Scully family farm resulting in our signature Clonakilty Single pot Still whiskey with its typical oily texture and fresh spice notes – perfect on its own or over ice!

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

With strong domestic sales, increasing global demand, and ongoing product development, Clonakilty Distillery is gearing up for an exciting year ahead. The brand continues to innovate, with new products in development and plans to expand further into international markets.

As part of its long-term strategy, the Distillery says it remains dedicated to authenticity, sustainability, and delivering exceptional quality whiskey to consumers worldwide. With investments in infrastructure, product development, and international growth, Mr Scully says the distillery is on a trajectory to become a major player in the Irish whiskey industry for years to come.

What’s On at The Whisky Exchange

Welcome to Whisky is our brand new show – a celebration of whisky and an opportunity to learn all about it, bringing together more than 40 producers and over 250 whiskies to try.

It’s about more than just whisky: it’s also about education and community. We whisky lovers are a passionate bunch, willing to share knowledge and drams, and always willing to welcome another member into the fold. As such we are hosting a full schedule of talks and demos as well as a clutch of 101 stands and an ‘Ask Us’ counter.

Discover more 

Venue: Glaziers Hall, 9 Montague Close, London, SE1 9DD
Date: 11-12 April 2025
Tickets from £50
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Compass Box “5th & Harrison II” K&L Exclusive Dual Label Limited Edition Scotch Malt Whisky (700ml)

$179.99

The privilege of selecting a custom batch of Compass Box cannot be overstated. Only a handful of venues have ever been invited to participate in a collaboration with the great modern bespoke whisky maker. The blending and bottling of a K&L Exclusive Compass Box led by the illustrious John Glaser is one of our crowning achievements in terms of sheer quality. It took us almost 5 years from the moment we first approached the brand before they agreed to it. That whisky, 5th & Harrison, was a blend of old Caol Ila and sherried Glen Ord, a coupling for the ages. With killer price and a mysterious label -that were definitely NOT a drawing of any former K&L Spirits buyer- it sold out in just days for $180. Now the few bottles that remain fetch over $1000 at auction. Since then, so much has changed. John Glaser has handed the reigns over to a new generation of whisky maker and a new era of collaboration has blossomed.

K&L has a new location in Southern California and so much more. Nearly 10 years to the day that we began the process of creating 5th & Harrison, we’re ready to release a second custom batch bottled exclusively for K&L Wine Merchants by Compass Box. The act of blending whisky is one of the most gratifying and complex tasks I’ve had the incredible luck to perform. Blending whisky is not a materialistic endeavor that might be solved by wit and measure. The simple truth of blending is that 1+2≠3 and creating a whisky of great distinction and character is not as simple as just smashing three really good malts together. So, guided as it were, by the deft hand of Whisky Making Director and all-around splendid chap James Saxon, I embarked upon a supreme journey. We loved the original 5th & Harrison style and wanted to stay within that realm. James had an incredible array of wonderful old sherried and peated whiskies to choose from, but it was quickly narrowed down to a few lots. They had old Ardbeg, Highland Park, Caol Ila, Bowmore and sherried Glendullan or Tormore.

I wasn’t simply looking to recreate the prowess of the original in flavor terms. Instead, I felt we needed to focus on creating the same experience of unbridled value for your dollar. That immediately cut the potential of working with Ardbeg out of the question – despite the quality of the distillate, it’s not only difficult to integrate, but VERY expensive after 20 years of age. I’d assumed the same fate would hold true for the other Islay options, but after running the numbers, we found that we’d be able to use significant portions of Bowmore aged for almost 23 years in ex-bourbon. That product on its own would fetch many hundreds of dollars in today’s market.

With it we married a gorgeous first fill sherry butt of Glendullan of at least 21 years of age. This little-known distillery can offer some serious character and complexity if aged in quality casks. So little sees high value sherry it’s hard to generalize about the character, but this barrel was absolutely first rate. It brought out the deep tropical fruit and wild exotic side of the Bowmore. This original blend was supple and delicious -a 5th & Harrison redux if you will, but it didn’t really show the maturity of these two wonderful old spirits. In fact, the whiskies seemed to bring out the hidden youthfulness in each other, a noble trait, though now somehow masking some deeper complexities that the two exhibited apart. At James’ suggestion we began to explore the potential of encouraging a small amount of old rugged Caol Ila into the blend. This I also assumed would be cost prohibitive, but we forged ahead anyway.

After nearly two and half decades in refill American oak, the wild jagged spirit has smoldered into a dense singularity of salty ocean flavors. The feeling of boarding a weathered schooner, salt and tar covered, the captain’s pipe wafting as he steadies the wooden tiller. Whiffs of salted fish, sea spray and diesel smoke complete the harbor scene. Ultimately, this final note brought the new batch together perfectly by retaining the wild freshness but pinpointing both a base and top note that draws the deeper elements of the first two malts forward. The resulting blend is easily one of my favorite modern bottlings of Scotch in at least a decade. It exemplifies everything we are at K&L, providing a superior experience for an incredible price. I’ll attempt to do it justice here. The color is stunning hue of chestnut (1.2). The nose offers an incredible sense of the finest and oldest things -old teak, cordovan, salt encrusted rope, mango syrup, balsam, seaweed, bonfire, première eau and marmalade. On the palate the Bowmore shines at first offering salted tropical fruit, fried plantains in honey, grilled lemons.

Then our Glendullan adds wild nutty oxidized rancio, dense spices and freshly chopped dark chocolate. The finish brings a heavy dose of lemon oil, old wood, baked orchard fruit, apricot jam, salted almonds, camphor and smoldering tobacco. It doesn’t need a drop of water and certainly not more than that if you must. Bottled at extremely near cask strength 0.1-.2% to round out the labels and with no chillfiltration, coloring or other additives whatsoever. Today, to commemorate the expansion of K&L into new waters, we launch both 5th & Harrison II & Culver & Sepulveda. These two sister bottlings include the exact same juice, but each label celebrates these two wonderful cities that we call home. IN some comedic twist of fate, we’re able to offer these wonders – an old blended malt scotch whisky at the exact same price as the previous K&L/Compass Box collaboration from over a decade ago, a true triumph.

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

The Fine & Rare Tasting

Featuring the Best Scotch 2025, Glengoyne 25 Year Old. This exclusive tasting allows guests to experience our 25 Year Old and our 30 Year Old whiskies, plus a specially selected ‘wild card’ whisky from our shelf.

Take your time, savour and marvel as our Distillery Ambassadors explain how nothing is rushed, and every stage of our whisky making process is given as long as it needs. This is an in-depth tutored tasting of our finest whiskies.

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