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Bladnoch Distillery partners with Maison Villevert in French distribution deal

Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery, has partnered with premium spirits distributor Maison Villevert to accelerate growth of the single malt whisky brand in France.

As part of a three-year deal, Bladnoch will work with Cognac-based Maison Villevert to expand the Lowland distillery’s core portfolio into new markets and accounts across France.

Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch Distillery is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and is enjoying a bold and powerful revival. The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

Bladnoch whiskies are now available in more than 45 markets worldwide, including the UK, the US, Australia, France and Taiwan.

Maison Villevert’s entrepreneurial spirit can be traced back to 1487 with Jehan Robicquet, an ancestor of the artisan distributor’s current founding chairman Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, playing a pioneering role in the cognac business during the 16^th century.

Dr Nick Savage, master distiller at Bladnoch, said:

“Our proposition to create a bold Galloway spirit with a proud heritage is unique to our distillery. As a result, demand for Bladnoch has grown at pace in recent years, not only in the UK but increasingly in France.

“Our partnership with Maison Villevert marks the next step in our vision for growth in this important market, helping us to reach more whisky enthusiasts in France with our signature Lowland Scotch whisky style and ‘taste-first’ approach to whisky making.”

Yannick Perezzan, commercial director at Maison Villevert, said:

“Maison Villevert and Bladnoch share strong common values rooted in independence, authenticity, and a deep respect for heritage and craftsmanship.

“Maison Villevert will develop the Bladnoch brand in France by leveraging our tailored distribution model across premium retail network and on-trade. Thanks to its strong market expertise, premium positioning and storytelling-driven approach, we aim to elevate Bladnoch’s visibility, build emotional connections with consumers, and establish it as a key reference in the single malt whisky category in France.”

Bladnoch’s partnership with Maison Villevert, established in March, follows the appointment of London-based Enotria&Coe as the brand’s UK distributor in February 2024 and an ongoing partnership with US distributor Twenty20 Beverages, established in the same month.

For more information, visit https://bladnoch.com.

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

Bladnoch has been commended with several high-profile award wins in recent years, most recently at the World Whiskies Awards 2025, where Bladnoch 16 Year Old was awarded gold in the ‘Single Malt – 13 to 20 Years’ category and Bladnoch 13 Year Old taking silver in the same division. In the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025 Bladnoch was awarded a trio of prestigious awards, receiving double gold medals for each of its Vinaya, Samsara and 13 Year Old Lowland single malt whiskies.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

About Maison Villevert 

Maison Villevert is an independent, family-owned French spirits house that has been pioneering innovation for over 20 years, inspired by Cognac heritage into world-class creations. From recipe development packaging and distribution, every step is crafted to reflect French elegance and character. As a mission-led company, Maison Villevert integrates sustainability, territorial roots, and ethical governance into its strategy to promote its own brands and those of its partners. Maison Villevert incubates and develops premium brands through a bespoke, tailor-made approach. This custom strategy enables the company to build strong brand foundations and long-term value by adapting to the unique identity, ambitions, and market potential of each brand.

CASK NO. 66.250

Beautifully balanced

ABV55.0% | Age 25 years | DISTILLED DATE 23/10/1997 | CASK TYPE refill ex-bourbon hogshead | PROFILE Lightly Peated | REGION Highland

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Colorado Three Chamber & Tennessee Blend Rye Whiskey (Previously $115) $39.99 View

George Dickel has teamed up with the Leopold Bros to produce an innovative rye whiskey offering. The release blends George Dickel’s column still rye produced at Cascade Hallow Distillery with Leopold Bros’ Three Chamber Rye to recreate a historic style. This union between column distilled rye and Three Chamber distilled rye turns back the hands of time, returning to an era that saw heavy-bodied rye whiskey served at bars and saloons throughout America. The Cascade Hollow component of this blend is a never-before released traditional column still rye.

Whisky Advocate

Fragrant aromas of fresh fruit and caraway on the nose, with dried banana, buttered corn, black currant, raspberry coulis, and preserves being jarred for winter, along with an earthy warehouse note. Smooth and sweet on the palate, with hints of orange peel, candied orange, cocoa, and root beer. The finish is long and pleasurable, if perhaps a bit less complex than the palate, ending with a reprise of lovely earthiness balancing the fruit. (DF, Spring-2022)

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
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CLASSIC?

THE MACALLAN CLASSIC CUT – 2025 EDITION

Introducing The Macallan Classic Cut – 2025 Edition, an annual release that reflects our ongoing pursuit of the extraordinary. This exceptional whisky is bottled at the whisky maker’s preferred strength of 50.6% to reveal a unique character and flavour, shaped by notes of grapefruit, panna cotta and apple. Matured in a combination of sherry seasoned European and American oak, and ex-Bourbon casks, this whisky is anything but classic.

 DISCOVER MORE

NATURAL COLOUR Golden Sunset.
NOSE Orange oil, barley sugar, velvety milk chocolate. Caramel wafer, creamy vanilla panna cotta and freshly baked apple turnover.
PALATE Icing sugar sweetness with fresh fruits like grapefruit and mandarin. Lemon zested meringue and caramelised almonds.
FINISH More grapefruit, melon and a touch of warming oak spice.
ABV 50.6%

ralfy review 1088 – Glen Moray Classic @40%vol:

Glen Moray set for second round of golfing action at Senior Open

Speyside single malt celebrates with new drams, refreshing highballs and a toast to golf’s great unsung heroes, the caddies!

Picture credit: Cath Lowe Photography

Glen Moray Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is entering its second year as the Official Whisky of the ISPS Handa Senior Open, continuing its celebration of the shared heritage, pursuit of excellence and global appeal of whisky and golf.

The Elgin-based distillery will be bringing its whisky bar back to the event’s Championship Village, serving up a selection of award-winning drams and cocktails for the 35,000 spectators expected at the iconic Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire for this year’s event (24^th – 27^th July).

Glen Moray signed a three-year partnership with the prestigious event – Europe’s only senior major – in 2024.

This summer they will repeat the success of the partnership’s first year, bringing a taste of Glen Moray’s famously smooth and fruity Speyside single malt whisky – and some great Scottish hospitality – to golf fans at Sunningdale, as 144 golfing legends take to the fairways with their eye on the Senior Open trophy.

Proceedings over the four-day event will include:

• An extended menu of single malts, including drams from Glen Moray’s Explorer, Heritage, Xperience and Warehouse 1 ranges;
• The launch of a refreshing new highball menu, featuring three recipes that explore the different flavours and characteristics of Glen Moray’s whiskies;
• A Sunningdale exclusive in the shape of Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit, giving spectators a preview of the third edition of the distillery’s Xperience Series, before it lands on shelves in the UK later this year;
• Daily tastings and masterclasses with Global Brand Ambassador Iain Allan, inviting guests to sample and learn more about Speyside, Scotch whisky and the secrets of Glen Moray Distillery;
• A 5pm daily Championship cocktail hour, serving up specially commissioned Glen Moray ‘Oak Fashioneds’ in honour of Sunningdale’s famous oak tree;
• Limited edition branded hip flasks on sale in the Glen Moray shop, plus a personalised branded leather bottle tag which is complimentary with select purchases;
• The new Glen Moray Chipping Challenge – the ultimate ‘golf meets whisky’ skill test at Sunningdale’s 13^th hole, where avid amateurs can attempt to chip balls into three barrels from the distillery.

Iain Allan and Rorrie Brown

Iain Allan has also been on a quest to hear stories from some of the people behind the scenes of the golf world, whose skill, passion and dedication are a match for the distillery team in Elgin.

The result is the first of a new Glen Moray film series, ‘A Classic Round with…’ which sees Iain chat all things golf and whisky with Sunningdale’s Rorrie Brown: a lifelong caddie who shares stories of his dedication to the game, the players and getting it right in the big moments.

Crafted in the historic town of Elgin since 1897 and now one of the UK’s top selling single malt whiskies, Glen Moray is also investing in a busy programme of marketing to bring its ‘Classic Round’ golf campaign to consumers, with activity in UK supermarkets, travel retail and across PR and social media throughout the summer.

Speaking ahead of the Championship, Iain Allan said: ‘Our first year of partnership with the Senior Open exceeded all expectations and our bar was a very popular addition to the event experience for golf fans. So we’re thrilled to be back for another round of drams, cocktails and great whisky conversations at Sunningdale this year. The common threads whisky shares with golf – heritage, an appreciation of quality and celebrating good times with friends – really come together throughout this event. We’re very proud to be at the heart of those moments, and to have so many new drams and experiences to share with people as they enjoy some world class golf.’ 

Edward Kitson, Championship Director at the European Tour Group, added: ‘Partners such as Glen Moray play such an important part in the success of our tournaments and we are delighted that they are returning as the Official Whiskey of the ISPS HANDA Senior Open for this year and next. We are excited for our guests and spectators to sample the range of activities planned by Glen Moray during the week at Sunningdale, alongside the worldclass golf on show from some of the game’s biggest names.’

The ISPS Handa Senior Open is jointly owned by the European Tour Group and The R&A and is staged each July at one of the UK’s most iconic golf courses.

View the film at Youtube @GlenMoray

www.glenmoray.com

#glenmoray #glenmorayclassicround

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www.instagram.com/Glen_Moray_Whisky

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Glen Moray – Cask Explorer since 1897 

Crafted in the heart of Speyside since 1897, Glen Moray’s smooth, fruity single malt whisky embodies the classic Speyside style. It has been made on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin for over 125 years using skills passed down through the generations and a process that includes double distillation in copper stills and careful ageing in traditional warehouses. The distillery’s craftsmen are experts in maturing and marrying many different types of casks, creating the array of flavours which inspire Glen Moray’s extensive range. Inclusive and inviting, Glen Moray is perfect for enjoying on its own and in cocktails, by whisky aficionados and new whisky fans alike. 

About the ISPS HANDA Senior Open

The ISPS HANDA Senior Open will take place at Sunningdale for the fourth time as the iconic Berkshire venue hosts Europe’s only Senior Major Championship from July 24-27, 2025.

Sunningdale previously hosted the Championship in 2009, 2015 and 2021, with Loren Roberts, Marco Dawson and Stephen Dodd winning the Senior Open trophy on those occasions.

The 2024 Senior Open saw K.J. Choi make history as the first South Korean to win a men’s Senior Major Championship, finishing two strokes ahead of Australia’s Richard Green.

Bernhard Langer became the first golfer in history to win The Senior Open four times with his victory in 2019 at Royal Lytham & St Annes – moving ahead of Gary Player and Tom Watson with whom he previously shared three wins. The German also broke his own record of Senior Major Championship victories – securing his 11th at Royal Lytham & St Annes and since adding a 12^th at the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.

The Senior Open was introduced in 1987 at Turnberry in Ayrshire when Neil Coles, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Tour group, won the inaugural title. This led, two years later, to the formal inception of what is now the Legends Tour. It has since been held at some of the United Kingdom’s most historic and renowned venues, including the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal County Down, Carnoustie, Royal Birkdale, Royal Portrush and Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Long Live the Grain Revolution!

Think grain whisky is just a supporting act? Think again.

At Murray McDavid, we’ve always had a soft spot for the overlooked and underappreciated — and right now, there’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in the whisky world: The Grain Revolution.

Once seen only as the backbone of blended Scotch, grain whisky is stepping into the spotlight — and it’s nothing short of extraordinary.

In our latest blog, we explore why grain whisky’s time has come — and why whisky lovers everywhere are discovering that great whisky doesn’t always need to say “Single Malt” on the label.

Discover why we’re so passionate about championing grain whisky, how it’s winning over a new generation of drinkers, and what makes it so special when finished and matured with purpose.

READ MORE

Raise a dram to the underdog, now taking its rightful place in the spotlight.

Slàinte,

The Murray McDavid Team

Hibiki 21 Year Old Japanese Whiskey (750ml) $899.99 View

Incredibly floral on the nose, with citrus peel, sliced apple, burning incense, sandalwood, peach pit, aged oak, and spices so fine you could count them by the grain. It’s weighty and honeyed, driven forward by the mizunara oak character, with waxiness and smoke progressing to lime zest, green apple, kumquat, cocoa, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, with a creamy elegance to the finish.” (JM)

96 Points Whisky Advocate Review Date: 12/2023

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

Six new arrivals await.

Two surreal new chapters from Whiskyland, three very different Decadent Drams, and a fresh Equinox & Solstice to round it out. Big personalities. Proper variety. All killer. While Stocks Last.

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