Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 590: Auchentoshan 12 Year Old 2013 The Nectar of the Daily Drams

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, celebrates his birthday with one of his favorite malts. Traditionally, The Nectar of the Daily Drams bottles a few fun single casks to present at the unparalleled whisky festival Spirits in the Sky (every year in November). For the 2025 edition, to Mark’s great joy, there was also an Auchentoshan among them, selected from the warehouses of Signatory in Pitlochry. And as is tradition, he likes to taste a new Auchentoshan to publish on his birthday (fun fact: he turns 56 today and this one is bottled at 56.9%). Although the cask type is not mentioned on the label, it is clearly a sherry cask.

https://youtu.be/DMDN9eta1bU

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2025 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery announces the release of the Fall 2025 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series, an 11-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Comprised of barrels produced in the fall of 2014, and bottled in the fall of 2025, the sixteenth national release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the fall edition bares a black label, consistent across each of the brand’s fall releases. This edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series Fall 2025 edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The edition is available at a suggested retail price of $159.99.

This release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey shows a bright amber color, opening on the nose with rich bourbon sweetness layered with leather, subtle oak, and warm baking spices. The palate is rich and velvety, leading with honey and butterscotch before unfolding into notes of plums, peaches, and figs. Its finish is warm and sweet, with dark fruit deepening into soft milk chocolate as it gently fades.

“Every release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series reflects our dedication to tradition and meticulous craft,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill. “The 11-year-old Fall 2025 edition carries a richness and poise that exemplify what this series stands for and why the bottled-in-bond legacy remains so important to Heaven Hill.”

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class which showcases the authenticity and quality of the company’s American Whiskey portfolio. The legendary Old Fitzgerald line, which was acquired by Heaven Hill in 1999, is well known for its distilling pedigree and its history as a luxury brand first sold in the finest rail lines and steamships. The packaging was inspired by an original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter and pays homage to the history of the brand being traditionally bottled in artistic decanters of all shapes and sizes. The black label features the time-honored graphic of a key, commemorating an important element in original labels and the brand’s slogan since the 1940’s, “Your key to hospitality”.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

K&L Liquors’ 7 Year Old Every Drop “Living Legend” Batch No. KY-03-25 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

($49.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: November 04, 2025

There are few professional moments more gratifying than the work I’ve done on the recent releases of our new K&L Every Drop brand. This historic label, which predates the founding of our store by many decades, fell into my lap thanks to a thoughtful customer who won a little mini from the 1940s at auction and passed it my way. So when the opportunity arose to create a new, store-exclusive brand, I knew this magnificent, long-forgotten IP had to be revived. We painstakingly reimagined every detail of the label, staying faithful to the original design. From its classic clean lines to the timeless tag line “Supreme Quality” stretching across each bottle’s shoulders, it perfectly reflects our ethos. The label’s revival was inspired by an exceptional batch of rare bourbon that we had acquired by a stroke of good fortune: a great old whiskey from Frankfort, followed shortly by a second release of the same.

But how could we continue producing whiskies that lived up to those extraordinary beginnings? My premise was never that Every Drop must be mythical in rarity, but that every bottle, yes every drop, should offer our customers an experience of unmistakable quality, unique character and unmatched value. That’s a tall order, especially given that I have no control over the aging or production of the barrels we source. With only tiny samples representing entire lots, I set out with a wing and a prayer to find our third batch.

That search led to a parcel of mature bourbons from a certain distillery near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. While I can’t name it on the label, nothing stops me from saying it outright: it’s that ol’ Kickin’ Chicken in Tyrone. The question then became, how could a seven (nearly eight) year old Turkey compete with the best in class? The answer lay in blending and proofing. I’ve always found immense joy in blending on the small scale that I’ve been afforded, and this project gave me the chance to shape the final character through careful selection and proof adjustment. It’s exuberant, balanced, and endlessly satisfying. It’s unquestionably the best value on the shelf today in this style, which is quite distinct from regular WT or Russell’s Reserve. It just so happens that it’s a style I love. Expect an elegant balance of sweet oak, fragrant fruit, zesty spice, and a rich caramel backbone. It shines in cocktails and stands beautifully on its own.

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

Vat #3 Blended 30 Year Old 1994 Milroy’s Soho Selection 49.5%

£79.13 GBP

Regal, opulent and deliciously intricate, this 30-year-old blend is the grande dame of our Soho Selection collection. From silken grain to fascinating smoke, it brings together beach bonfire, sticky toffee pudding and even herbal notes. Plus it offers extraordinary value for a whisky aged for over three decades. Snap up a bottle while you can.

Tasting notes:

Nose: A stunning complex whisky opens with a subtle, Islay-like smoke on the nose, a tapestry of elastoplast, rosemary, iodine notes. This is followed by baked goods and creamy desserts – crème brûlée, sticky toffee pudding, and crêpes suzette. Roasted pineapple and ice cream wafer continue the sweet-smoky interplay.

Palate: The smoke turns even more herbal before developing into a beach bonfire profile. Rock candy and vanilla ice cream continue the coastal associations, ahead of ginger biscuit, melon, cinnamon, and custard notes.

Finish: Long and meandering with lingering beachy smoke, ginger and oak.

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

Bartels Ledaig 17YO, 50.7%

https://youtu.be/6vYvDSnpsC8

Bartel’s are an independent bottler that I only stumbled across last year, hopefully this video and review sends even more folks to their website (see below).

Sought after distilleries bottled at great ABV’s for a reasonable price, what ore could any whisky drinker really want? Between my first purchase of a Longmorn and then them sending me this bottle, plus some miniatures in the post, it’s a dream come true.

This is a peated whisky drinkers heaven. Loads of well integrated sherry and smoke, harmoniously giving you everything from salt and menthol, through to dark chocolate and fresh red fruits. It’s a juicier, richer style of sherry than your typical raisin and fruitcake trope.

Check out the website and grab yourself a bottle of something very tasty.

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KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2026 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS

20-MEMBER COHORT ADVANCING BOURBON’S NEXT ERA

FRANKFORT, KY. — The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has announced the incoming class of its 2026 Leadership Academy, an immersive program designed to provide a comprehensive view of the global distilling landscape and the pivotal role KDA plays in shaping Kentucky’s Bourbon industry.

Launched in 2022, KDA’s Leadership Academy spans 10 sessions held January through November, giving participants from distilling and industry affiliated member companies hands-on exposure to every facet of the Bourbon industry. Session topics include Bourbon tourism, the KDA’s legislative priorities, technical safety standards, and more.

“As we welcome the fifth class of KDA’s Leadership Academy, I’m reminded once again of the talent that’s inspiring and fueling Kentucky’s signature industry,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “The diverse perspectives and unity of our membership are essential to our success, and I look forward to working with this exceptional group in 2026.”

The KDA congratulates the 20 individuals selected for the Leadership Academy Class of 2026:

·     Corbin Arrasmith, Pensive Distilling Co., Newport

·     Nolan Boswell, Green River Distilling Co., Owensboro

·     Jasmine Clark, Lux Row Distillers, Bardstown

·     Grant Cobb, Stedman Machine Company, Aurora, Indiana

·     Emma Cochran, Blue & Co., Louisville

·     Ally Edgington, Heaven Hill Brands, Louisville

·     Nicky Edwards, Angel’s Envy, Louisville

·     Katherine Foley, James E. Pepper Distilling Co., Lexington

·     Dave Bob Gaspar, Town Branch Distillery, Lexington

·     Michelle Harrison, Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort

·     Shawn Hughes, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown

·     Cole Irvin, Brown-Forman Corporation, Louisville

·     Dustin Letourneau, Campari America, Lawrenceburg

·     Sophia Markley, Dark Arts Whiskey House, Lexington

·     Jessie Martin, Larrikin Bourbon Co., Lawrenceburg

·     Hannah Melillo, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., Frankfort

·     Haley Moloney, Augusta Distillery, Augusta

·     Marshall Rogers, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood

·     Brent White, Jeptha Creed Distillery, Shelbyville

·     Maggie Young, Bluegrass Distillers, Midway

“As we welcome the fifth class of KDA’s Leadership Academy, I’m reminded once again of the talent that’s inspiring and fueling Kentucky’s signature industry.”

— 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 legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. 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 landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. 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 owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

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Our Scotch Whisky annual is out now! Curated by Whisky Magazine, the annual charts a year in Scotland’s whisky industry. Inside, you’ll find distilleries in focus, interviews with the people behind the bottles, and explorations of what Scotch looks like in 2025.

Also, limited-edition and core-range whiskies are put to the test in an epic collection of 100 Scotch reviews, all blind-tasted by our experts. It’s the perfect place to find inspiration for the bottle you’ll add to your shelves — perhaps to share with friends and family this holiday season.

An Answer from the Whisky Gods: K&L Pick from Mars Tsunuki
Mars Tsunuki 8 Year Old K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Sherry Cask #T326 Japanese Single Malt Whiskey (700ml) ($189.99)
“If you love the great sherried beasts of Islay, this magical cask will absolutely knock you out for the count” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

The wonderful Tsunuki distillery is truly a pilgrimage worth taking for any lover of great whisky. I’ve made the trek twice, and along with Kanosuke, it stands as one of the crown jewels of the recently anointed Kagoshima whisky trail. Visiting this historic property can be deceiving, as you might expect a new distillery to feel new, but it’s actually the longtime home base of Hombo Shuzo’s historic operations. The reception center is literally Hombo-san’s family home where he grew up, and the site also includes the old, now defunct grain stills that were crucial to the success of Hombo Shuzo’s shochu business. The beautiful property also features World War II era dunnage warehouses, where this special cask was aged. The selection of this barrel represents one of my favorite cask-picking experiences in nearly twenty years of doing this. After a beautiful tour with chief distilling manager and blender Tatsuro Kusano, we retired to an elegant tatami-adorned washitsu tucked behind the visitor center.

There was an impressive lineup of casks waiting for us, and every single one was a joy to taste. We initially selected a beautiful medium-peated Komagatake, but the others were almost impossible to separate. After plenty of hemming and hawing, I mentioned to Kusano-san that many of our customers are obsessed with heavily peated, heavily sherried malts, a style we see less and less out of Scotland, and wondered if Tsunuki had ever gone in that direction. His eyes lit up, he raised a finger, and said, “I’ll be right back.” He sprinted across the campus to his blending room and returned with two samples dark as night. It felt like I’d spoken and the whisky gods had answered. The cask was everything we hoped for, a big, bold, unapologetic beast with deep barbecue intensity. Fittingly, Kusano-san is a huge fan of American-style barbecue, so if you ever visit the distillery, that’s the perfect omiyage.

I just about started crying and was so honored and grateful that this generous colleague had gone the extra mile to find something so special for us. It’s not only these experiences that put Tsunuki at the top of my list, it’s the incredible whisky they continue to produce ever single day. We bought 2 more barrels this October and hopefully many more to come. The barrel rested for another year after selection and only grew more compelling over time. During bottling, the distillery even sent us a photo showing thick, opaque fatty oils suspended throughout the whisky and asked if we wanted it filtered. The answer was an emphatic no. Keep every bit of that cloudy magic.

I won’t bother with a formal tasting note here, because if you haven’t already grabbed a bottle, you’ve probably already missed the boat. But if you love the great sherried beasts of Islay, this magical cask will absolutely knock you out for the count.

— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Mars Tsunuki 8 Year Old K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Sherry Cask #T326 Japanese Single Malt Whiskey (700ml) ($189.99)

K&L Notes: This exceptional single cask from Mars Tsunuki represents a crucial chapter in the long and often storied history of Japanese whisky. Produced by Hombo Shuzo, a family owned company founded in 1872, Mars traces its whisky lineage to the very beginnings of malt distillation in Japan. Long before Japanese whisky gained international fame, Hombo was quietly experimenting with malt production, helping lay the technical and philosophical groundwork for the category. While Komagatake Distillery serves as the spiritual heart of Mars, Tsunuki represents its future. Established in 2016 in Kagoshima at the tropical southern tip of Japan, Tsunuki was built firmly in traditional practice, drawing on the region’s warmer climate and abundant natural resources to explore a different expression of Japanese malt whisky. But because it was yet to be defined, the distillery offered Mars a chance to push the boundaries of what’s possible. This heavily peated single cask is a perfect example of the courageous potential of this special distillery. Distilled in 2017 from barley peated to 50 ppm and aged high quality first fill sherry hogshead. This is rich sherry and peat at its very finest and a style almost never seen in Japan. Aged in the hot, humid dunnage style warehouses at Tsunuki for nearly 9 years, it was bottled at natural cask strength without chill-filtration. A total of 236 bottles, this release stands as a bold statement of intent for the distillery and for Mars as a whole.

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

Torabhaig 2018 Scottish Oak Single Cask

From Skye’s second and newest distillery – the first built in over 190 years – Torabhaig 2018 Scottish Oak Single Cask is an exclusive release for The Whisky Exchange. Boldly coastal and smoky, it balances maritime intensity with a distinctive elegance. Drawn from a single hand-selected 2018 cask, this extremely limited bottling offers a rare glimpse into Torabhaig’s early character.

On the nose there’s sweet peat smoke and worn leather which lead into baked apples and caramel, layered with coastal notes and damp greenery. The palate brings pepper, lime peel and dark chocolate, finishing long with mint, gentle smoke and grassy freshness.

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