Rare 16yr Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey Released by Town Branch Distillery

Town Branch Distillery – Archive Series Volume 2

LEXINGTON, Ky, — Town Branch Distillery, the 7^th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—releases a rare 16yr Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey as Vol. 2 of its Archive Series, 100 proof, non-chilled filtered, single barrel expression with a suggested retail price of $399.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Exploring the Town Branch Bottled-in-Bond Archive Series

The Archive Series from Town Branch is a collection of rare American Single Malts, introduced in 2024, showcasing the oldest Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey ever bottled-in-bond. Over the coming years, Town Branch will continue unveiling these exceptional whiskeys to the world. The inaugural installment features a vertical of bottled-in-bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskeys — each age-stated, single-barrel, and bottled under bond — crafted to preserve and celebrate these extraordinary stocks.

The emerging category of American Single Malt Whiskey continues to evolve, with distillers across the country exploring regional variations in production methods, still types, fermentation styles, aging regiments, finishes, and countless other factors that influence a whiskey’s final character. At Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, regionality is equally essential. Situated on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® among some of the finest whiskey distilleries in the world, Town Branch stands as the first new distillery built in Lexington since Prohibition and the first to distill single malt whiskey in Kentucky in over a century — blending history, heritage, and legacy into every bottle.

Adding to this living legacy, the distillery honors the ancient traditions of Single Malt Whiskey through the use of Forsyths dual copper pot stills, imported directly from Scotland to the heart of Kentucky, uniting the birthplace of single malt whiskey craftsmanship with Kentucky’s storied whiskey-making heritage.

“It is an honor and a privilege for our distillery to release a whiskey like this to the world—one that showcases the breadth of whiskey production in Kentucky beyond just bourbon,” said Robert Krass, Managing Director at Town Branch Distillery. “Our entire team is proud to continue making history, one whiskey at a time.”

Archive Series Volume 1 – Barrel No. 222 | Filled: July 2, 2009 (Lot 09G02) | Released: 2024 | 15 Years Old

Town Branch 15yr Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey was the inaugural release of the Archive Series and set the tone for what was to come — a perfect balance between American Whiskey and Single Malt Whiskey. Aged 15 years in former Kentucky bourbon barrels, this golden amber spirit offered aromas of ripe dried fruit, candied green apple, and warm spice. The palate unfolded with notes of spiced bread, herbal tea, caramel, and honey, finishing with lingering impressions of dried spice, citrus, and salted leather. Rich, robust, and expressive — a fitting beginning to this historic series. Only 108 bottles of this whiskey were released in 2024.

Archive Series Volume 2 – Barrel No. 223 | Filled: July 15, 2009 (Lot 09G15) | Released: October 2025 | 16 Years Old

Town Branch 16yr Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey is the second installment in the Archive Series which continues the exploration of what American Single Malt Whiskey can be — refined, expressive, and unmistakably from Kentucky. This light gold whiskey opens with aromas of marzipan, cinnamon, oatmeal, dried fruit, and honey. On the palate, layers of baking spice, buttercream, coconut, and black cherry unfold gracefully, leading to a long, elegant finish of sweet oak, orange peel, and vanilla. Richly layered yet impeccably balanced, Volume 2 exemplifies the sophistication and depth of the American Single Malt category. Only 57 bottles of this whiskey were released in 2025.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch®️ 16-Year Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey – Archive Series Vol. 2 (SRP $399.99/750ml)

• The oldest Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey ever released. This age-stated, 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond whiskey is a Single Malt and Single Barrel expression, highly limited in availability. Archive Series Volume 2 is the second release of a multi-year collection, with each bottling including a collector’s coin and display box. Distilled and bottled by Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky.
• Distillery: Town Branch Distillery – Lexington, Kentucky
• Distillation Type: Double Pot Still
• Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
• Barrel Info: Serial Number 223 / Lot Date 09G15 (barrel filled July 15, 2009)
• Age: 16-Years in former Kentucky Bourbon barrels
• ABV: 50% / 100 Proof
• Estimated Availability: 57 bottles / 3pk cases
• Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Light Gold
  • Aroma: Marzipan, Cinnamon Oatmeal, Dried Plums, Ripe Green Apple, Citrus, Spice, Leather, Honey and Almonds
  • Palate: Baking Spice, Butter Cream Frosting, Coconut Custard, Sweet Honey, Black Cherry, Grapefruit and Cinnamon
  • Finish: Sweet Mature Oak, Orange Peel, Spice and Vanilla  

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.

Timorous Beastie Highland Malt “Phantom Smoke” Limited Edition

Douglas Laing & Co. today proudly introduces a daring new chapter for its award-winning Highland Malt with the launch of Timorous Beastie Phantom Smoke, a Limited-Edition expression that marks the first time peat has been introduced to the beloved “mighty mouse” brand.

This innovative bottling marries a peated Highland Malt with classic Timorous Beastie spirit that has undergone an extended maturation in Crocodile Casks – heavily charred oak barrels that impart intense depth and complexity. Bottled at a formidable 54.2% ABV and offered without colouring or chill-filtration, Phantom Smoke remains true to Douglas Laing’s philosophy of bottling Scotch Whisky “as natural as it gets.”

The result is a hauntingly harmonious dram, described with tasting notes as:

Nose: Crackling with smouldering peat, scorched spice, and charred oak.
Palate: Layers of Highland sweetness emerge beneath the smoke, creating a bold yet balanced experience.
Finish: Lingering, harmonious, and unforgettable – a whisky that echoes long after the final sip.

Presented in a wraparound label and bespoke carton with embossing and silver foil detailing, this striking release is limited to just 3,000 bottles globally.

Scott Morrison, Senior Brand Manager, commented:

“Phantom Smoke is a bold step for Timorous Beastie – a whisky that introduces peat for the very first time in the brand’s history. Combined with the dramatic influence of Crocodile Casks, it offers a completely new flavour journey for our Highland Malt, while retaining the sweet charm our Timorous Beastie fans know and love.”

With a UK RRP of £60.00 / €69.00, Timorous Beastie Phantom Smoke is available from specialist spirits retailers globally and online.

Single Barrel, Cask Strength, No Compromise
K&L Exclusive Aged Canadian Whisky Duo from Found North
“Allow me to be the first to tell you that this brand is probably the most exciting new bottler in years.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

These selections are labeled as 12-year bottlings since the base component (50%) comes from 12-year-old stock, but over 30% of the blend is made up of whiskies aged more than 20 years. The result is an under-the-radar gem that wildly overdelivers—offering far more than its age statement or price tag would ever suggest.

The unreal run that Found North has achieved over the last several years is truly unprecedented. The two brothers behind the brand understand whisky—and the whisky business—like few founders in the industry today. They know that every bottle they release must astonish the customer who opens it.

They’ve created a new style of whisky that, while nodding to great innovators before them, transcends traditional categories. Using exceptionally high-quality, well-matured stock from Canada, paired with thoughtful cask selection and a deft blending hand, they’ve developed a system for producing world-class aged whiskies that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest in the world.

We’ve always said “yes” to any offer from Found North, so when they presented us with two single casks this year, we snapped up the best of the lot. These powerhouse whiskies were distilled in Canada, aged separately, and then blended and given additional maturation in top-quality barrels.

— Josh Gelfand, K&L Spirits Buyer

Found North “Season 6 – Madeira Finish #6131” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Canadian Whisky ($99.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer

If you’re not yet familiar with Found North, allow me to be the first to tell you that this brand is probably the most exciting new bottler in years. The Taylor brothers, who founded the company, seem to have cracked some sort of whisky cheat code. What they’ve proven is that mature whisky doesn’t need to spend its entire life in fresh wood to be complete. If you take well-aged whisky, blend it skillfully, and finish it thoughtfully, you can create something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Of course, it’s not that simple—you need great whisky and great wood from the start. Blending is a huge factor as well, but it’s clear these guys are overachievers on both fronts. We’ve never had a Found North release that didn’t overdeliver, and these two new barrels are no exception.

Let’s start with the Madeira Cask Finish. This one isn’t rye- or corn-heavy; instead, it perfectly balances its aromatic and palate-driven elements. The color is a lovely russet (1.3). The nose is explosive, offering baked orchard fruit, exotic spice, tense earthy oak, candied apricot, gravel, and caramel candies. On the palate, it’s dusty and old-school, with loads of rye spice and earthy warehouse floor notes. With some air, the nose opens beautifully to sweet peach tea, fig jam, pink peppercorn, and wet cement. The palate stays bold, spicy, and earthy, while adding layers of sweet oak and candied corn.

A tremendous and surprising whisky that fits into no box—and doesn’t need to. It’s simply delicious.

Josh Gelfand | K&L Spirits Buyer

These guys sure know how to pick them. Here’s a Canadian whisky that defies what most Americans might expect from the north. Blended from 49% rye, 48% corn, and 3% malted barley—and drawn from barrels aged between 12 and 25 years before a final rest in Madeira casks—this is a stunning example of thoughtful craftsmanship. Each grain and the finishing cask have their moment to shine.

The nose opens with sarsaparilla, allspice, toasted coconut, and buttery pastries, all of which carry gracefully onto the palate. The flavors unfold further, revealing lemon custard (a hallmark of Madeira cask aging), orange marmalade, white chocolate, and a cascade of baking spices. It finishes with a touch of earthy potpourri, laced with spice, dried flowers, and cream soda. Despite the high proof, it drinks with deceptive ease and leaves you wondering what other treasures might be resting in those northern warehouses.

K&L Notes: The resulting mashbill for each barrel is 50% 12yr rye (w/ malted barley, 3% 21yr rye, 13% 15yr corn, 3% 17yr corn, 27% 22yr corn, 4% 25yr corn). These single barrels could not technically be classified as either bourbon or rye, if they’d been distilled here, but barrel #6131 delivers a heady combo of both. Expect sweet stone fruit, earthy soft tannins, exotic wood and wild funk finish. We’re proud to continue supporting Found North. Bottled at cask strength without any dilution, chillfiltration, or additions of any kind.

Found North “Season 6 – Tawny Port Finish #6118” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Canadian Whisky ($99.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer

Let’s see how an old Tawny Port cask works with these exceptional aged Canadian rye and corn whiskies. The color is a deep, sanguine auburn (1.5)—an absolute about-face from the Madeira cask—offering dense red fruit notes of cherry, cassis, and raspberry. Next come layers of roasted nuts and rich herbal tones such as cassia bark, cinchona, and kola nut. The palate shows dense rye spice and earthy warehouse floor character more overtly than the Madeira, with the spice kicking up at the end. It begins with sweet, jammy red fruit—dark cherry and fudge—before melding into gravelly rye spice and exotic herbs.

Josh Gelfand | K&L Spirits Buyer

If you really want to see how much a finishing barrel can transform a whisky, look no further. The Found North team continues to uncover exceptional spirits and display blending skills rarely seen from our neighbors to the north. This exclusive release—like its Madeira-casked counterpart—combines an almost even split of corn and rye whiskies with a touch of malted barley, all aged between 12 and 25 years. The blend is then finished in tawny Port casks, creating something that, as cliché as it sounds, is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

The nose opens with blackberry jam, figs, and Mexican chocolate, all wrapped in the warm air of a dusty saloon. Those rich, stewed berries carry through to the palate, joined by clove, anise, wet bark, and a touch of molasses, before finishing with black cherry compote over dense dark chocolate. It’s remarkable how distinct it is from the Madeira-cask version, proving just how dramatically different fortified wine barrels can shape a great blend. Both are stunning and well worth tasting side by side.

K&L Notes: The resulting mashbill for each barrel is 50% 12yr rye (w/ malted barley, 3% 21yr rye, 13% 15yr corn, 3% 17yr corn (new wood), 27% 22yr corn, 4% 25yr corn. These single barrels could not technically be classified as either bourbon or rye, if they’d been distilled here, yet this delicious barrel #6118 delivers the best of both – a bomb of spice, sweet red fruit, dusty earth and sweet oak. We’re proud to continue supporting Found North. Bottled at cask strength without any dilution, chillfiltration, or additions of any kind.

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

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