ralfy review 1099 Extras – How whisky ‘finish’ happens.

The third edition of The Distillers One of One® auction

smashes pre-sale estimate to bring £2.9 million / $3.9 million

Hammer proceeds to primarily benefit the Youth Action Fund in support of disadvantaged young people in Scotland

30 auction records achieved, including The Glenlivet, Port Ellen, Ladyburn, Glenfarclas, The Glendronach, Laphroaig, KANDOBLANC and The Glen Grant

• Third edition of The Distillers One of One Charity Auction totalled £2,895,902 / $3,882,102 (a hammer total of £2,316,722 / $3,105,682), against a pre-sale estimate of £793,400 – $1,433,500
• 30 auction records achieved, resulting in The Distillers One of One breaking a total of 66 records to date
• 35 Scotch Whisky distilleries working collectively in the name of philanthropy
• 39 one-off, never-to-be-repeated auction lots
• 90% of lots exceeded their high estimates (including buyer’s premium)
• 100% of the hammer price will be donated to charity
• £6.6 million / $8.4 million raised for charity since the first auction in 2021

EDINBURGH, 10^th October 2025 – The Distillers One of One® hosted its third biennial Charity Auction in partnership with Sotheby’s, at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, on Friday 10^th October 2025. Comprising a selection of 39 ultra-rare Scotch whiskies, from 35 companies and distilleries across Scotland, the auction, which attracted lively bidding in the room and on the telephones, was attended by some 200 guests from across the globe, and brought an outstanding total of £2.9 million / $3.9 million (a hammer total of £2.3 million / $3.1 million), smashing the pre-sale estimate. The sale saw unbridled generosity amongst the bidders, who were prepared to go the extra mile to secure the whiskies of their dreams, with bids leaping in increments as much as £140,000 at a time.

Since its inaugural event in 2021, The Distillers One of One Auction has cemented its place as the world’s preeminent charity auction dedicated to rare Scotch whisky, with 100% of hammer proceeds donated to charitable causes. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors and collectors worldwide, the auctions have now raised £6.6 million to date, principally directed to the Youth Action Fund. Established in early 2022 following the first auction, the Youth Action Fund supports disadvantaged young people across Scotland to unlock their potential and contribute positively to their communities. 

Grant Gordon OBE, Chairman Distillers’ Charity, commented: “What pride for me to see that the Scotch Whisky industry continues to come together to raise incredible amounts in support of young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them achieve their ambitions and strengthen our communities. Over nearly four years, between January 2022 and the end of September 2025, the Youth Action fund has helped 2619 young people secure employability, meaning a job apprenticeship, training or education leading to work. We sincerely thank all our those involved for their time and talent, whether they are in the industry, sponsors or craftspeople and the buyers for their support and generosity, whose contribution together helps transform the lives of young people in Scotland.” 

Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One, commented: “We’re so humbled to see such generosity in action for this third Distillers One of One Auction. The resounding success is the result of an incredible collective endeavour across the Scotch whisky industry to create meaningful and lasting change, with much work behind the scenes from passionate individuals who care deeply about their communities. It is very special to us to know that this exceptional sum that has been raised will have a direct impact on Scotland’s disadvantaged youth. We are very much looking forward to the next Distillers One of One Auction in 2027.” 

Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits, Sotheby’s, said: “The third Distillers One of One charity whisky sale has once again surpassed all expectations, delivering an exceptional result that truly reflects the passion and innovation at the heart of the Scotch Whisky community. Our deepest thanks to every bidder who participated and to the distillers who contributed their rare and imaginative creations to this unique auction. The quality and creativity on offer were simply outstanding, showcasing the very best of the whisky world, in every sense. Witnessing the extraordinary response from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide is a reminder of the vibrant spirit of the industry, and it is a privilege to play a part in celebrating and supporting the craftsmanship and charity at the core of The Distillers One of One. What makes this year’s edition particularly memorable is the extraordinary number of brand records achieved. The overall results are a clear indication of the trust and excitement this event continues to build within the global spirits community.”

Across the sale, 30 auction records were achieved: Aberfeldy (Lot 1), Glenfarclas (Lot 4), The Glendronach (Lot 5), Whisk-E Ltd and a bottle from Arran Distillery (Lot 6), Royal Bracka (Lot 7), Hunter Laing and a bottle from Teaninich Distillery (Lot 9), Young Spirits Ferg & Harris (Lot 12), Laphroaig (Lot 14), Bruichladdich (Lot 15), a bottle of Port Ellen (Lot 16), InchDairnie (Lot 17), Lindores Abbey (Lot 18), Ladyburn (Lot 19), The Borders (Lot 20), Aberlour (Lot 22), Adelphi and a bottle from Imperial Distillery (Lot 23), The Glen Grant (24), Ballindalloch (Lot 25), Glen Moray (Lot 26), Livingstone The Macbeth Collection and a bottle from Mortlach Distillery (Lot 28), KANDOBLANC (Lot 29), Tamnavulin (Lot 30), The Glenlivet (Lot 31), Thompson Bros (Lot 33), Gleann Mòr (Lot 34) and Coachbuilt (Lot 38).

The auction was led by The Glenlivet SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965 which smashed its pre-sale estimate to bring £650,000 / $871,358 (est. £60,000-110,000), a new auction record for a bottle of The Glenlivet, following a ten-minute bidding battle. The oldest expression to be released from the distillery to-date, presented in a 1.5 litre spiral decanter hand-blown and shaped by Brodie Nairn at Glasstorm.

An auction record was achieved when The Glen Grant Eternal 77 Year Old 1948, the oldest whisky to be released by the distillery and the oldest whisky presented in this year’s auction, soared to £400,000 / $536,220, five times its low estimate (est. £80,000-120,000).

Port Ellen Prism 46 Year Old 1978 – the oldest whisky ever released by the distillery, housed within a magnum-size 1.5 litre decanter encased in a glass sculpture weighing 100 kilos, created by award-winning German artist Wilfried Grootens – more than doubled its low estimate to bring £375,000 / $502,706 (est. £150,000-300,000), a new auction record for a bottle of Port Ellen.

Ladyburn One of One 2025 Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw 58 Year Old 1966, comprising spirit hand-drawn from one of the very last remaining Ladyburn casks from the distillery’s foundation year and distinguished by a label featuring an intimate, rarely seen photograph of Marilyn Monroe by her friend and photographer Sam Shaw, saw bidding increments as high as £30,000, resulting in a final sale price of £225,000 / $301,624 (est. £30,000-50,000) – an auction record for Ladyburn, and more than double the previous record set by The Distillers One of One sale in 2021 of a bottle featuring a David Bailey photograph of John Lennon.

A flurry of bids saw the Laphroaig Capsule 40 Year Old – created from spirit distilled in 1980 and 1981 to become the joint oldest release ever from the Laphroaig distillery and presented in a flawless 1.5 litre curved crystal decanter resembling a medicinal capsule – sell for a record £125,000 / $167,569, more than tripling its low estimate (est. £40,000-80,000).

Dragon In Clouds 60 Year Old by KANDOBLANC – a 1.5 litre hand-blown Murano glass vessel elevated with intricate Japanese lacquer work, encasing an exceptionally rare 60-year-old Speyside single malt – more than doubled the previous auction record for the visionary whisky brand, selling for £106,250 / $142,433 (est. £50,000-100,000).

Another auction record was set with The Glendronach Arias in Time, a one-of-a-kind collection of four whiskies including the oldest whisky ever released by the distillery, presented upon a bespoke bronze sculptural artwork by Osanna Visconti, which brought £93,750 / $125,677 (est. £60,000-100,000).

A gallon bottle (4.5 litre) of 58 Year Old Glenfarclas, housed in a unique oak presentation case, sold for £81,250 / $108,920 (est. £24,000-45,000) – an auction record for Glenfarclas Distillery.

The Gordon & MacPhail 130th Anniversary Collection, featuring three rare, one-off 50cl single malts from Gordon & MacPhail’s own brands and distilleries, brought £68,750 / $92,163 (est. £50,000-80,000).

A 63 year old single malt distilled at Mortlach Distillery, accompanied by an original, signed illustration by Sir Quentin Blake of William Shakespeare which also appears on the bottle label, achieved £67,500 / $90,487 (est. £20,000-26,000) – an auction record for Livingstone The Macbeth Collection and for a bottle of Mortlach. 

Old Pulteney Polaris, a rare 47 year old whisky and Old Pulteney’s oldest release to date, encased within a Caithness slate structure from Norse Stone symbolising the cliffs that guard the distillery, far-exceeded its estimate to bring £62,500 / $83,784 (est. £26,000-40,000).

Leading the selection of casks on offer was the Bruichladdich Cask of Biodynamic Single Malt 2013, the distillery’s third contribution to The Distillers One of One Auction, which sold for £50,000 / $67,028 (est. £10,000-20,000) – an auction record for Bruichladdich Distillery.

“Elementum” by Vicky Paul, a 21-litre vessel created by the Edinburgh-based contemporary abstract painter, housing a single malt whisky from The Borders Distillery, brought £25,000 / $33,514 (est. £10,000-15,000).

Undeterred by the mystery element surrounding the lot, collectors enthusiastically competed for four unique bottles of single malt donated by The Thompson Bros under the MYSTERY MALT label.  Specifically curated for this year’s auction, the spirits ignited fierce competition amongst collectors in the room, before selling for £20,000 / $33,514; the winning bidder will only find out the identity of the exact whiskies when opening the bottles to reveal the distillery and age statement underneath the capsule.

Finally, a bottle of The Distillers One of One 2025 Founders’ Reserve, a specially created assemblage of Scotch malt whiskies donated by ten of The Distillers One of One 2025 Founder Donors, realised £17,500 / $23,460 (est. £1,000-10,000). Ahead of the auction, The Ethos Foundation and The Hunter Foundation both generously agreed to match the hammer price (£14,000), which they will donate directly to The Distillers’ Charity.*

The entire Distillers One of One team is immensely grateful to all the donors, to everyone who attended and bid, and to the auction sponsors and partners (please see full list below). 

Full list of lots and auction results can be viewed HERE 

For further Distillers One of One updates, please follow us on @distillers_one_of_one

Six leading charities are funded as delivery partners by The Distillers’ Charity to achieve the goals of the Youth Action Fund: Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, FARE Scotland, Street League, ENABLE Works and the Talk About Trust. To date, over 3,780 young people have been engaged by the fund (for more details, please see notes to editors below).

Participating Donors (in alphabetical order)

Founder Donors:

1. Bacardi – John Dewar & Sons: Aberfeldy & Royal Brackla
2. Brown-Forman – The Glendronach
3. Campari Group – The Glen Grant
4. Chivas Brothers International Limited – The Glenlivet & Aberlour
5. Diageo – Port Ellen
6. Gleann Mór – Rare Find
7. Gordon & MacPhail
8. International Beverage – Old Pulteney
9. KANDOBLANC
10. Suntory Global Spirits – Laphroaig
11. The Last Drop
12. William Grant & Sons – Ladyburn & House of Hazelwood

Member Donors:

13. Ballindalloch Distillery
14. Berry Bros. & Rudd – Balmenach & Caol Ila
15. The Borders Distillery

1. Livingstone & Elixir Distillers
2. Loch Lomond Group – Glen Scotia
3. R&B Distillers – Isle of Raasay

19. Rémy Cointreau – Bruichladdich
20. Whyte & Mackay – Tamnavulin

Associate Donors:

21. Adelphi Distillery
22. Arbikie Distillery
23. The Artisanal Spirits Company
24. Coachbuilt Whisky

1. Hunter Laing – Ardnahoe

26. InchDairnie – KinGlassie
27. J & G Grant – Glenfarclas
28. La Martiniquaise Bardinet – Glen Moray
29. Lindores Abbey Distillery
30. Master of Malt
31. The Glenturret Distillery
32. Thompson Bros
33. Tomatin
34. Whisk-E – Arran
35. Young Spirits – Ferg & Harris – Springbank 

Distillers One of One Sponsors

Gold Sponsor:

W1M

Programme Sponsors:

Forsyths

Glencairn Crystal

McLaren Presentation

Simpsons Malt Limited

Silver Sponsors:

Hamilton & Inches

Brodies LLP

Partners:

Whisky Magazine & Paragraph Publishing

Berry Bros & Rudd & Hambledon Wines

The Luminaire

*The amount to be donated is separate to the sale total.

About The Distillers One of One® Auction and The Distillers’ Charity

The Distillers One of One Auction is a biennial series of ultra-rare whisky auctions, which launched in 2021. To date, the Auctions have raised £6.6 million, principally awarded to the Youth Action Fund with the aim of supporting young people in Scotland, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. The Youth Action Fund’s portfolio charities are Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, Enable Works, Fare, Street League and The Talk About Trust (formerly Alcohol Education Trust). They are collectively managed by Inspiring Scotland.

More than 3,780 young people have been engaged through the Youth Action Fund since its inception in early 2022, benefiting from the work the fund’s dedicated charity partners have undertaken, and dramatically increasing their opportunities to enter the workforce. These young people have significantly improved their long-term prospects, either securing employment (33%), progressing to further/higher education (28%), pursuing other vocational training and apprenticeships (19%), or re-engaging with school (15%). The cumulative employability outcome (to September 2025) currently stands at 2,619

A total of 120 unique lots have been donated across the 2021 2023 and 2025 auctions, 67 of which broke world sales records for the distilleries who created and donated them. The Distillers One of One has earned its reputation as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for collectors: no two bottles are ever the same, and no lot will ever be recreated. Each lot is imbued with the spirit of craftsmanship and exclusivity, representing the pinnacle of Scotch whisky.

The Distillers One of One® is a trading name of The Distillers’ Ventures Limited, a company registered in England & Wales under company number 13264121 and registered office at 9 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4PE.

The Distillers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (no1193683) and Scotland (SC052075)

One of One® and Distillers One of One® are registered trademarks of The Distillers’ Charity

https://www.distillersoneofone.com/

@distillers_one_of_one

 About Sotheby’s 

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private collection of wine ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest total ever achieved for a charity wine auction.

Our currently live 172nd auction will close tonight, which still leaves loads of time to get your bids in.  With that in mind we’ve selected a few things worth highlighting that you might have missed this month.  Best of luck in the auction everyone.

Kilkerran 16 Year Old

Glengyle Distillery, if you believe the narrative in Campbeltown itself, was a distillery re-opened largely out of spite. With the SWA point-blank refusing to officially recognise Campbeltown as a region until there were at least three active distilleries there, Hedley Wright (the late chairman of J&A Mitchell and Springbank) purchased the old Glengyle buildings in 2000. Following a four year (!) renovation, distillation re-commenced in 2004 and quickly gained a reputation for producing a cleaner, more precise style of whisky than their big brother Springbank – but retaining a definite Campbeltown character. In the years since, the reputation of their distillate (named Kilkerran) has only increased, and many savvy drinkers now ensure they always have a bottle in their cabinet – with one of the most popular examples being the consistently excellent 16 Year Old (which we just so happen to have 20+ bottles of in the 173rd Auction…).

It just wouldn’t be a highlight reel without something elegant and rare from Japan, so without further ado this is the Karuizawa 1999 & 2000 ‘The Golden House of Five Mistress’ Mini Set 5 x 18cl.  Karuizawa has become a force of nature in the secondary market. The rarity of official expressions, and the now finite supply make for an explosive combination in the world of rare whisky, with die-hard collectors clamouring to get hold of any releases, and driving a buoyant second hand market.  This box-set includes 5 limited edition Karuzawa whiskies matured in Sherry Casks and bottled in 2017, each with a different Japanese Geisha image on the label. Every bottle is one of only 500 released, adding to the exclusivity of this marvelous little set.

Cadenhead’s

Following on from our opening gambit of a Kilkerran 16, we thought we’d shine a light on another veritable treasure trove of affordable high-quality drams, the Campbeltown powerhouse Cadenhead’s.  One of the most distinguished independent bottlers in Scotland Cadenhead’s has a long and storied history beginning in Aberdeen in 1842 before eventually passing into the ownership of the Mitchell family of Campbeltown, owners of another Scottish institution, Springbank Distillery.  With almost every whisky making region in the world represented in their output, not to mention the bourbons, rums, armagnacs etc etc, Cadenhead’s really does have something for everbody, and at every price point too.  We always have a wide selection of Cadenhead’s bottlings in every auction so if you haven’t sampled their wares yet we suggest you get involved.

Kentucky Bourbon aged for over twenty years used to be viewed as an expensive, yet ultimately disappointing, vanity project – in the often stifling Kentucky heat, the comparatively small amount of whiskey left in the barrel after two decades tended to be too concentrated, woody and astringent. At Buffalo Trace, however, a part of their sprawling distillery complex is devoted to aging barrels at a much lower, controlled temperature – with other sections set aside for experimenting with other variables such as humidity and sunlight. Although somewhat shrouded in secrecy, we do know that the barrels for this incredible Eagle Rare 25 Year Old were sourced from the ‘cold room’ – and the results are widely accepted to be very special indeed. Filled into one of the most aesthetically pleasing decanters we’ve ever seen, and housed in a beautiful box, everything about this release feels decades in the making.

As always, we have a wide range of drams with something to suit everyone, so now is the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites for your watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.Thinking of selling your bottles? 

We still offer 0% commission to all sellers making Scotch Whisky Auctions the best place to sell bottles. For all relevant information just click here.Having trouble with the button? Tap here to open WhatsApp.

THE BOURBON STATE:

CHALLENGES CONTINUE AMID RECORD BARREL INVENTORY & SKYROCKETING TAXES

KY DISTILLERS PAYING $75 MILLION IN AGING BARREL TAXES

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Boasting more than 125 distilleries, the most since the Repeal of Prohibition, Kentucky now has an all-time high of 16.1 million aging barrels of Bourbon in its warehouses, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced today.

And while homegrown distilleries across the Commonwealth have cemented Kentucky’s place as the one, true and authentic home of Bourbon, the record number of barrels comes with a price that no other distiller in the world pays.

Kentucky distillers are footing a crushing $75 million tab in aging barrel taxes this year, a 27% increase from 2024 and an astronomical 163% increase over the last five years alone. Kentucky remains the only place in the world that taxes aging barrels of spirits.

Barrel taxes are based on the assessed value of aging barrels which surged to $10 billion this year, a 25% increase over last year’s record of $8 billion. In addition to the 16.1 million barrels of Bourbon, a million barrels of other spirits are aging for a total of 17.1 million barrels.

The new numbers are based on inventories reported as of Jan. 1, 2025, submitted by distilleries and warehousing companies to the Kentucky Department of Revenue. The numbers represent all distilling companies in Kentucky, the vast majority of which are KDA members.

KDA President Eric Gregory said the barrel inventory record is a mixed blessing.

From a “glass half full” viewpoint, there are now a record 127 licensed beverage alcohol distilleries in the Commonwealth operated by 103 companies. Several more have been announced or are under construction, meaning more jobs and investment for Kentucky.

With distillers now in 49 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, more local communities are enjoying the benefits of Bourbon tourism through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences that attract nearly three million visitors a year from across the globe.

“In more communities across the Commonwealth, Bourbon is a point of pride and opportunity. Our industry delivers unmatched tax revenues and world-class Bourbon tourism that no other state comes close to experiencing,” Gregory said.

“And remember – most of these barrels won’t be ready to bottle until 2030 and beyond. We must be ready for that time. Kentucky is poised long-term to continue leading American whiskey into new global markets, new opportunities and through challenging headwinds.”

From a “glass half empty perspective,” Gregory said continued uncertainty over tariffs, competition for leisure dollars, snowballing taxes and generational shifts in drinking have slowed sales and slashed exports.

“We have been sounding alarms for years on these external factors,” he said. “But just as you can’t make Bourbon overnight, we won’t fix the problems we’re facing overnight. We must continue to work with policymakers to find solutions and ensure Bourbon’s long-term future.”

Gregory said changes made to address the barrel tax issue is a good example. The KDA warned elected officials for years that mounting barrel taxes were unsustainable and put the industry at a competitive disadvantage.

Relief is in sight, however, thanks to a gradual, 20-year phase out of the discriminatory tax passed by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2023. Next year marks the first year distillers will see some relief – a 4% reduction in the taxes.

On the global front, Gregory reiterated the KDA’s call for a speedy return to reciprocal, tariff-free trade that had transformed Kentucky Bourbon into a key export for the Bluegrass. “You’re not going to find a better model for reciprocal trade than Kentucky Bourbon,” he said.

“Kentucky Bourbon is a great American success story. Trade agreements with the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and other allies played a vital role in the Bourbon renaissance that has created thousands of Kentucky jobs and led to billions in investment.”

Gregory said the KDA has recently hosted trade leaders from Canada and Ireland, met with the First Minister of Scotland, and consulted with Kentucky’s Congressional delegation to advocate for the removal of trade barriers to keep Bourbon competitive and to unlock new markets.

“Much of the expansion over the last decade has been geared towards global growth,” he said.“Long-term planning for a product that won’t be ready for years is already tough enough. We need the certainty of tariff-free trade for America’s only native spirit to flourish.”

For pundits who remain unsure whether their glass is half-full or half-empty, Gregory issued a reminder that Kentucky’s signature industry is no stranger to hardship – from the dark days of Prohibition to the downturn of the 1970s and 1980s.

“For 200 years, this industry has survived everything thrown at them,” he said. “This is a resilient industry, and the great American workers who make it possible are steadfast through the ups and downs. For that, we raise a glass to them.

“Every one of our 17.1 million barrels represents a Kentucky Bourbon promise to our farmers, our workforce, our communities and Bourbon lovers worldwide. We are one Bourbon family. We will innovate, problem-solve, adapt and come out stronger than ever.”

“Kentucky is poised long-term to continue leading American whiskey into new global markets, new opportunities and through challenging headwinds.”

— Eric Gregory, KDA President

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA)  is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

Former KY Senator Thayer enters Bourbon Hall of Fame

“This industry owes him a lot of recognition for the changes we’ve seen the last 13 years,” former KY Rep. McCoy says of the Gentleman from Scott

NEW HAVEN, Ky. — The Kentucky bourbon industry toasted noted horse-industry consultant Damon Thayer on Tuesday, inducting the recently retired state senator and Kentucky Senator Bourbon co-owner into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® during a ceremony at the Log Still Distillery.

In his 22-year Kentucky Senate tenure, including the last 12 years as Majority Floor Leader, Thayer championed Kentucky’s world-renowned bourbon industry by shepherding through transformative legislation that allowed America’s only native spirit to thrive. The resulting public policy created an environment that helped expand global consumption of bourbon and turn the Commonwealth’s distilleries into a major, cohesive tourism destination centered around the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

The Scott County resident retired from the Kentucky Senate at the end of 2024, but his involvement with the Commonwealth’s $9 billion bourbon industry had gone far beyond legislator, advocate and responsible consumer by then. In 2018, Thayer and Lexington attorney Andre Regard — a direct descendant of the founders of Old Grand-Dad Whiskey — revived the century-old Kentucky Senator bourbon brand that originally had been distilled and bottled by Crigler & Crigler in Covington, Ky.

For all that and more, the 145-year-old Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) selected Thayer as one of five inductees in its class of 2025 for its hall of fame. Established in 2001, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame was established “to recognize the sacrifice, passion and determination of those who have made Kentucky Bourbon what it is today,” according to the distillers’ association, with induction the organization’s highest honor. No more than five people are in a class, with Thayer inducted in his first year of eligibility.

The KDA had already made Thayer one of the first eight legislators to receive its 100 Proof Award, given to elected officials who promote and protect Kentucky’s home spirit. He’s the only senator to receive the award four times.

The distillers’ association called Thayer “one of the strongest champions of Kentucky Bourbon in the history of the Kentucky General Assembly … directly responsible for stewarding more than 20 pieces of legislation that modernized Kentucky’s signature industry, propelled its amber nectar into an unprecedented golden age and transformed distilling into an economic and tourism powerhouse for the Commonwealth.”

Former Kentucky State Representative Chad McCoy of Bardstown, the CEO of Thousand Acres Distilling Co. and a 2022 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee, introduced Thayer. He referenced Thayer’s role of Senate Majority Floor Leader, telling the crowd of 300 and YouTube audience that “politics is an absolute blood sport, and Damon was kind of a cage fighter back in the day.

“For 12 years, he was the gate-keeper. If he didn’t get what he wanted, and you had a bill that still had to come through the Senate, your bill was going to die, and there wasn’t anything you could do about it. Think about it from this industry’s perspective … What was this industry doing 13 years ago? Were we allowed to have samples at the distillery? Were we allowed to sell drinks at the distillery? Were we allowed to have fairs and festivals? Were we allowed to ship bourbon? Were we allowed to have barrel picks? Were we allowed to have tasting rooms? Every single one of those changes happened because that man over there pushed it through on the Senate floor…. This industry owes him a lot of recognition for the changes we’ve seen the last 13 years.”

Unleashing “absolute economic giant”

Thayer said that he wasn’t even a bourbon drinker in 2009, when he stood on the Senate floor to express outrage over legislation that added a new wholesale tax on distilled spirits passed on to retail customers. The bill easily passed, but Thayer embarked on a personal mission to create a more business-friendly environment for bourbon in the Commonwealth.

“In my 22 years in the Kentucky State Senate, my main goal was removing artificial barriers to free enterprise, for businesses of all sizes,” Thayer said. “Those of you who work in the bourbon business, you know that there were lots of artificial barriers erected for you by the then-legislature post-Prohibition. What triggered me to become a bourbon advocate was voting ‘no’ on that bill in 2009. I still think it’s one of the dumbest things that the Kentucky General Assembly has done over the past 25 years, putting a hidden alcohol tax on our No. 1 product. And I’m proud to say that after that day, the bourbon industry is undefeated in Frankfort.”

In an earlier interview with KDA vice president of operations Colleen Thomas and Kroger adult beverage specialist Chris Blandford, Thayer emphasized that he stood “on the shoulders of a lot of like-minded people in both parties in the Kentucky General Assembly who saw things the way I did about helping to unleash the absolute economic giant that the bourbon industry has become…. You could see it, because the foundation has been here for such a long time with the great heritage that the bourbon industry has in Kentucky.

“You could see it just needed a little bit of a boost, just simple things like being able to serve a cocktail at a distillery, to be able to have a restaurant, to be able to sell more than a couple of bottles of bourbon out of a gift shop. We already knew people were coming here for the bourbon trail, and you could sense that bourbon was on the ascent. It’s become a cool thing to be a part of. We reached a tipping point where we just started passing these bills, passing these bills, and the industry has flourished and gone from strength to strength ever since.”

In his acceptance speech, Thayer said, “I’m just glad that during my time in the legislature that I had just a few strokes on a masterpiece,” he said. “And that masterpiece is the industry that you make work every day.” Citing the names of some of the bourbon titans, he called his induction “an honor of a lifetime.”

(Literally providing icing on the cake while being feted, Thayer was presented with a full-sized red, white and blue cake to commemorate the fact that he turned 58 Tuesday, with KDA president Eric Gregory leading the audience in singing Happy Birthday.)

Thayer’s work to promote and grow the bourbon industry parallels his legislative support for another iconic Kentucky industry — horses and horse racing — to where Kentucky tracks today form America’s premier year-round racing circuit after being in jeopardy just a few years ago. A racing fan growing up in northern Michigan hundreds of miles from a racetrack, Thayer’s professional career has involved the horse-racing industry in a variety of capacities, including with Thistledown, the Maryland Jockey Club, Turfway Park and the Breeders’ Cup and since 2007 as an industry consultant through his Thayer Communications & Consulting LLC. He’s a part-owner in racehorses through CJ Thoroughbreds and his Half Century Equine Ventures LLC.

As with bourbon, Thayer has been honored for his advocacy for the horse-racing industry, including as 2024 recipient of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award and being the keynote speaker at the National HBPA Conference in Tampa in March.

Thayer has received the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s MVP Award eight times for his focus on the growth of Kentucky businesses. He is a two-time recipient of the Kentucky League of Cities’ Big Hitter Award for stepping up to the plate and achieving passage of legislation that would significantly impact Kentucky cities. He announced in 2024 that he would not seek re-election in part to spend more time on his growing bourbon enterprise and consulting business.

Exchanging KY Senate post to devote more time to KY Senator

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is a testament to Regard and Thayer’s love of bourbon and history, as well as a shout-out to Thayer’s time as a citizen legislator.

KySenatorBourbon.com says the revived brand “serves up great Kentucky bourbon with a side of Kentucky history.” Distilled, aged and bottled in the Bluegrass State, each release is named for a U.S. Senator from Kentucky. Always bottled at the classic 107 proof, Kentucky Senator Bourbon is at least six years old — the length of a U.S. Senate term.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon has six Kentucky releases, the latest honoring John Edwards, elected Kentucky’s second U.S. Senator on June 18, 1792, and buried in Paris, Ky. The first revival release, in 2021 and aged 15  years, honors Alben W. Barkley of McCracken County, who served as a U.S. Senator from 1927-1949 and again in 1955 until his death in 1956. He was Vice President of the United States under President Harry S Truman from 1949-1953.

The brand kicked off its Louisiana Senator Bourbon this year by recognizing the charismatic Huey P. Long, governor of the Pelican State (1928-1932) before becoming a U.S. Senator until his 1935 assassination.

The Kentucky bourbon industry generates more than 23,100 jobs, with an annual payroll topping $1.63 billion. Bourbon production and consumption in the state pours more than $358 million in annual tax revenue for Kentucky state and local governments.

Also in the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame’s stellar class of 2025 are:

Craig Beam, 66, Bardstown, Ky. A seventh-generation distiller who continues his family’s legacy as Master Distiller at the Jackson Purchase Distillery in Western Kentucky, one of the Commonwealth’s fastest-growing contract distillers.

Mary Dowling, Lawrenceburg, Ky., who died in 1930 at age 71. In an era when women couldn’t vote or own property, Dowling as a young widow overcame anti-Irish sentiments and gender barriers to become a trailblazing bourbon entrepreneur, becoming the first woman to run a major distillery in 1903 and audaciously moving production to Mexico during Prohibition.

Larry Ebersold, 75, a Hebron, Ky., resident and Louisville product who blended corporate experience at Seagram’s with entrepreneurial consulting to leave an indelible mark on the modern bourbon and rye whiskey industry. A key architect of the craft distillery boom, Ebersold’s expertise has shaped facilities for 31 distilleries, including New Riff, Rabbit Hole and Bardstown Bourbon.

Chris Morris, 67, Louisville, Ky., was first inducted into the bourbon hall in 2016 and this time as the recipient of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award. Morris was named the first Master Distiller Emeritus in Brown-Forman’s 153-year history in 2023. The 50-year veteran of the Kentucky bourbon industry is hailed around the world for elevating Brown-Forman’s whiskey portfolio and crafting innovative brands such as Woodford Reserve Double Oak and its vaunted Master’s Collection. One of the industry’s most respected historians, he is a three-time Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for at least six years (the same length as a U.S. Senate term).

Founded by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, Kentucky Senator Bourbon revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler and Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.

Awards & Recognition

• Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s inaugural release, the Alben W. Barkley Release, was highlighted in Forbes’ Online Magazine
• Fred Minnick, a noted Bourbon author, ranked Kentucky Senator Bourbon in his Top 100 Whiskeys of 2021, 2022 and 2023
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon has won Gold ASCOT Awards for taste and a Double Platinum ASCOT Award for marketing and brand design
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon recently won its first Double Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 2024 John Brown release

OCTOBER 2025 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

We have a small but mighty auction for you this month, with some old, limited and rare bottlings, including this special release of Glen Elgin, which was bottled to mark the 100th anniversary of the Speyside distillery. Bottle number 550 of only 750 bottles produced.

This Glen Ord 16 Years Old was distilled in 1991 and released as part of the Manager’s Dram series.  Annually released from a single distillery in that portfolio, the distillery manager is tasked to choose the finest casks from that distillery to produce this yearly malt, which is then bottled at Cask strength in limited numbers and made available to distillery workers.

This 1986 commemorative bottling of Glen Moray was released in 2004 to mark the opening of the new Glen Moray Visitor Centre that same year. Matured for over 17 years in a first fill ex-Bourbon Cask #4696 then bottled at Cask strength. One of only 276 bottles produced!

Distilled in 1978 at Royal Brackla Distillery, aged 20 years and then bottled at a natural Cask Strength, this bottling is part of the hugely popular Rare Malts range.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our October 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.

In the 17th Century kitchens of Versailles, sugar met fire to create something extraordinary: the very first recipe for the crème brûlée. Now, that same spirit of indulgence and innovation returns – not on a plate, but in your glass.

A whisky where flavour rules and fire transforms sugar into delicious extravagances.

Brûlée Royale is here.

Arran 13 Years Old Private Cask Shop Exclusive

Introducing specially selected and bottled exclusively for Aberdeen Whisky Shop – Arran 13 Years Old Private Cask. Distilled on the 3rd of April 2012 and aged in a single ex-Sherry cask before bottling on the 27th May 2025. Bottled at cask strength of 56.6% ABV, at natural colour and no chill filtration. Limited to 292 bottles.

£95.00

This issue, we’re all about collaboration — whether within communities, between brands, or across disciplines. On the cover, Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has joined up with Chivas Regal to become the blended Scotch brand’s new global brand ambassador. We find out more about what the partnership means for Chivas Regal.

Bimber Distillery announces the launch of The Spirit of the Underground Release No.8

London 08/10/25: Bimber Distillery has today announced the launch of the eighth release in its ongoing and renowned The Spirit of the Underground Collection, produced in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL). facilitated by IMG Licensing.

Release No. 8, comprising four exceptional, hand-crafted single malts, embarks on a journey to celebrate four iconic new stations: Elephant and Castle, Marble Arch, South Kensington, and Kew Gardens.

Each release features stunning iconography that captures a unique facet of London’s rich history, paired with distinctive labels and packaging that reflect the historical significance of each station’s location.

All expressions in The Spirit of the Underground Collection were crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced using single-farm barley, malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings. It underwent a seven-day fermentation in bespoke American oak washbacks, constructed on-site. Distillation took place in Bimber’s direct fire, copper pot stills which possess an increased copper surface area, which results in a rich fruit-forward, layered spirit.

Bottled at natural cask strength and without filtration, each bottle in Release No. 8 showcases a unique yet perfectly harmonious balance of aromas and flavours, embodying Bimber’s passion and craftsmanship.

The Spirit of the Underground Release No.8 is comprised of:

The Spirit of the Underground Collection, which will total 44 individual releases, features a selection of iconic single malt whiskies that celebrate the heritage and diversity of the distillery’s home city. With eye-catchingly unique designs, each bottle presents a different Tube station on the London Underground network – the oldest underground passenger railway service in the world.

Commenting on the launch of the eighth release, Steve Rush, Head of Marketing and Communications at Bimber Distillery, said: “We’re delighted to reveal the next four stations joining  The Spirit of the Underground Collection. Two of these remarkable expressions have been matured exclusively in Ex-Bourbon Barrels, whilst the other two have been finished in a Tawny Port and a Re-Charred Cask – each contributing its own unique character to our fruit-forward single malt London whisky. Four new whiskies – each as distinctive as the iconic stations they celebrate.”

Ellen Sankey, Brand Licensing Manager at TfL, said: “It’s wonderful to see Bimber Distillery use our unique brand and heritage so creatively for this, their eighth collaboration with us. These collaborations show just how innovatively our designs can be used to bring new ideas and more than 160 years of history together for customers across the world.”

Release No. 8 will be available via ballot on Bimber’s Spirit of the Underground website from 10/10/25 to 14/10/25, with an RRP of £135.00 each.

About Bimber: Founded in 2015, Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. Our traditionally-focussed approach to whisky creation combines the finest ingredients with heritage production methods that are rarely seen today and an absolute commitment to quality. Our detailed approach has seen us recognised as a leading light in whisky production and garnered multiple industry awards. Producing a wide array of fruit-forward, textural single malts we deliver the ultimate craft whisky experience to a rapidly growing global community of Bimber whisky lovers.

About Transport for London: Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s strategy and commitments on transport. It runs the day-to-day operation of the Capital’s public transport network, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, London Buses and Elizabeth line services, as well as managing London’s main roads. TfL does all it can to support the millions of journeys that are made every day and keep the city moving, working and growing. TfL reinvests all income generated through fares and commercial revenue to run and improve services and is committed to reducing costs.

About IMG Licensing: IMG Licensing is the global leader in brand licensing, managing licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. With over 25 offices worldwide, IMG Licensing provides a unique one-stop-solution for innovative brand growth across a diverse portfolio of clients from business, entertainment, fashion, food, gaming and sports. IMG Licensing is part of WME Group, a global network of businesses that represent the world’s leading talent, intellectual property, and brands. For more information, visit imglicensing.com.