Archive for January, 2026

Tomatin, Fettercairn & Auchroisk Old Malt Cask at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News

1994 Tomatin 28 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” Single Hogshead Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $324.99 View

1996 Fettercairn 26 Year “Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary” Single Hogshead Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $325.00 View

1997 Auchroisk 26 Year Old “Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary” Single Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $325.00 View

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 Whisky ‘OUR AWARD WINNING BALBLAIR’ – Scotch Whisky News

OUR BALBLAIR 14 HAS WON BRONZE AT THE WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS 2026

**BRONZE WINNER AT THE 2026 WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS**

This exquisite single-cask Scotch whisky from Balblair distillery was distilled in 2009 and aged for 14 years in a first-fill sherry butt. Bottled at a robust cask strength of 57.4%, it boasts a rich, deep colour and intense, complex flavours. It’s a firm favourite here with the team at Bartels Whisky!

Nose:

Fresh and fruity layered with honey and vanilla.

Palate:

Light and creamy, featuring orchard fruits (apple, pear) with hints of orange zest, honeyed malt, and a touch of ginger spice.

Finish:

Smooth, with lingering fruit, gentle spices, and a soft malt sweetness.

Tasting notes by Bartels

£80.00

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Whisky Wednesday Reviews 1927 Project Ardnamurchan – Scotch Whisky News

1927 Project Ardnamurchan

THE VIDEO

The 1927 Project is a rather amazing selection of distilleries who have agreed to help recreate whisky production that took place through the 1920’s and into early 1931. Those six distilleries are amongst some of the best, and finest distilleries whose whiskies are sought after world wide. Those distilleries are: Ardnamurchan, Dornoch, Holyrood, Daftmill, Lochlea and InchDairnie.

There is a seventh bottle in this collection, but that’s a fun surprise for the end of the series. Bottle #1 is from Ardnamurchan.

New make produced from 100% Chevallier heritage barley, fermented for 68 hours using Nottingham and Windsor Ale yeasts. Chevallier is difficult to grown in Scotland due to the height it grows too. Too much wind on the coasts would cause it to fall over and not yield a great result for the final product. Ardnamurchan produces a new make style that is heavy and oily but it’s a clean new make.

The run was done in two batches because the wash still steam coils were coated in residue, more so than normal for a distillation at Ardnamurchan. Please do check out the link to see the full interview with Ardnamurchan, hosted by Dave Broom and Alan Winchester.

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
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“Revolution” Announced as Next Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction Lot, Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary

KBCA reveals Old Forester Barrel Selection Experience as the next installment in its “12 Lots of Bourbon” series

  • “Revolution” revealed as the next installment in KBCA’s “12 Lots of Bourbon,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary and the revolutionary spirit behind Old Forester, America’s first bottled bourbon.
  • Lot features an exclusive Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience, including a private distillery tour, hands-on barrel selection and a personalized label yielding approximately 160 bottles.
  • Auction proceeds benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans and service members, while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary year and the enduring values that shaped the nation.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) today announced the next installment of its “12 Lots of Bourbon,” a festive and historic countdown revealing the rare bourbon bottles, barrels and experiences that will be auctioned during its inaugural event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026.

Titled “Revolution,” the newly revealed lot pays tribute to the American Revolution and the spirit of bold innovation that continues to define the nation as it prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. The lot’s title is also representative of Old Forester, a brand whose legacy is rooted in revolutionary firsts that helped shape bourbon, America’s native spirit.​

“Revolution” follows the announcement of previously revealed lots in KBCA’s signature series. The campaign will culminate with the last lot announcement shortly, although additional lots will be unveiled leading up to the February event.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, ‘Revolution’ reflects the courage to challenge convention and set new standards, which are values that define both our country and Old Forester’s legacy,” said Andrew Varga, founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration. “This lot captures the spirit of progress and perseverance that has shaped America for 250 years, while offering the most immersive bourbon experience in the world.”

About the Old Forester Lot

“Revolution” features an Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience, offering the winning bidder and up to five guests a private tour and hands-on barrel selection at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Guided by a distillery host, participants will select a single barrel that will be bottled at barrel strength with a personalized label. The selected barrel is expected to yield an average of approximately 160 bottles in 750ml format, with final yield varying by barrel.

“Selecting a single barrel is one of the most personal and exclusive experiences we can offer,” said Campbell Brown, great-great-grandson of Old Forester Founder George Garvin Brown. “It connects people directly to our unique process and innovative history. Including this experience in the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction during America’s 250th anniversary year is a meaningful way to celebrate our shared revolutionary spirit.”

Old Forester’s story is one of industry-defining innovation. First introduced in 1870, the brand became America’s first bottled bourbon, establishing new standards for quality, consistency and consumer trust. It was also the only bourbon brand to remain continuously distilled before, during, and after Prohibition, a testament to resilience and forward-thinking leadership, qualities that mirror the revolutionary ideals upon which the United States was founded.

“Revolution” underscores KBCA’s mission to connect bourbon’s rich heritage with the values that shaped America, using the country’s native spirit to tell stories of independence, innovation and progress.

Previously announced Bourbon Lots

The Old Forester lot joins these previously announced lots:

  • Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Four Roses private selection barrel pick

Proceeds from the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, and reinforcing the event’s commitment to honoring those who have defended the freedoms born from America’s revolution.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on FacebookInstagramYouTube and LinkedIn.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

D&M California: Producer Spotlight – Highland Park Distillery – Scotch Whisky News

2200 Fillmore St. | SF, CA 94115 | 415.346.1325 | www.dandm.com

A SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE

IN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH SINCE 1798!

With a distillation history that dates back to 1798, Highland Park is the northernmost distillery in Scotland situated in the Orkney istands in the North Sea at roughly the same latitude as the southern tip of Greenland. This geographic location is key to what distinguishes the company from other whisky-makers throughout their country and around the world.

Isolated from other producers, Highland Park remains independent from shifting industry trends and innovations embraced by other distilleries. For example, they continue to do their own floor maltings for a portion of their output and also remain committed to the use of their signature Orkney heathered peat which they cut from their own plots at nearby Hobbister Moor and which has been growing there for millenia. This peat burns low and slow and sweet for a subtly smoky grain character that is distinct from Scotch made in the Highlands or on Islay. In terms of barrels, since the late 1960s, they have seasoned their own finest quality casks with Oloroso sherry in Spain, which imparts rich coloring and distinct sherry notes to their whiskies.

We are pleased to present a broad collection of Highland Park single malts, ranging from an “Explorers” sampler set which would make a great stocking stuffer to several older age statement and limited release offerings for that special someone…perhaps yourself!

Cheers!

Highland Park Explorers Selection (12 YR, Cask Strength, 18 YR) 50ml

$19.99 Shop now

Highland Park 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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Highland Park Cask Strength

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Highland Park 16 Year Twisted Tattoo Single Malt $109.99

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Highland Park 15 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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Highland Park 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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Highland Park 18 Year 2004 Duncan Taylor Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky $239.99

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Highland Park 25 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky $949.99

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OUR CLUB PROGRAMS

Here at D&M we are passionate about American Whiskey & Single Malt Scotch To help make our passions a little easier on your (and our) pocketbook, we have come up with a number of different buying clubs. The purpose of these clubs is to explore these wonderful beverages, trying new things, and to save money. Click HERE to learn more about our club options.

Milroy’s of Soho ‘Philharmonia Macduff 16 Year Old 2008’ – Scotch Whisky News


Philharmonia Macduff 16 Year Old 2008 51.5% 70cl

£74.96 GBP

A very special bottling to mark the 80th anniversary of the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra, this sumptuous, single malt Macduff has been aged for 16 long years in a third-fill sherry butt. The result? An exactingly balanced yet elegantly expressive dessert-like Highland Scotch. A celebration of the harmony shared by music and whisky, it’s a decadent, satisfyingly full-bodied bottling perfect for the convivialities. We’re proud to partner with the Philharmonia on this release, which, with 80 years celebrated as an oak anniversary, feels especially fitting.

Tasting note:

Nose: Initially quite light and bright, with fruity cereal notes soon emerging. Raisins, fig rolls, toffee apples and pastries bring richness, while lemon sherbet sweets and cut grass contribute a more aromatic quality.

Palate: A bold, round palate sees milk chocolate combine with fresh fruit, pain au chocolat pastries, Eccles cake, butterscotch, toasted hazelnuts, milk chocolate and cumin.

Finish: Long and lingering, with drying oak spices, cocoa nibs and earthy tones.

New Linkwood & Blair Athol Old Malt Cask Bottlings at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News

2002 Linkwood 22 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” Single Sherry Butt Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $174.99 View

1997 Blair Athol 26 Year “Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary” Single Sherry Butt Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $325.00 View

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

ralfy review 1112 Extras – The CULT of Springbank Distillery. – Scotch Whisky News

Iron Gate Auctions Celebrates a Landmark Year for Luxury Spirits in 2025 – Auction Whisky News

 

Iron Gate Auctions Celebrates a Landmark Year for Luxury Spirits in 2025

Iron Gate Auctions celebrates 2025 as a milestone for its Fine Spirits division, solidifying its role as Canada’s top auction houses for rare spirits. Successful auctions this year featured standout results in single malt Scotch, American bourbon, Japanese whisky and more, attracting both veteran collectors and new enthusiasts.

Under the leadership of Vice President of Spirits, Ajay Bhardwaj, the division achieved notable growth in both the quality and breadth of offerings, featuring some of the world’s most coveted bottles.

“2025 was a defining year for Iron Gate Spirits.  Our focus has always been on sourcing bottles with true provenance—spirits that represent craftsmanship and rarity. The response from collectors this year confirmed that Canada is not only participating in the global spirits market but helping to shape it.”

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Iron Gate’s 2025 auctions showcased extraordinary depth in rare Scotch, including ultra-aged expressions and closed-distillery releases such as Port Ellen 30-Year-Old and Rosebank 30-Year-Old.  Rare and old bottlings such as Auchentoshan 50-Year-Old (distilled in 1957), drawing strong bidding interest.  The first ever sale of the Macallan Distil Your World: NEW YORK Edition demonstrating the markets appetite for luxury brands in the Canadian market.

American Bourbon & Whiskey

Demand for premium American whiskey remained strong throughout the year, with highly collectible bourbon releases—led by multiple highly collectible Pappy Van Winkle bottlings consistently among the most competitive lots in the category.  The first ever sale of WhistlePig “The Boss Hog – Spice Dancer” in Canada, appealed to collectors seeking rarity beyond traditional bourbon labels.

Japanese Whisky

Iron Gate was proud to feature rare and cult-status Japanese bottles, including celebrated releases like Ichiro’s Malt “The Joker” (Hanyu Playing Cards Series) — a legendary bottling from the closed Hanyu distillery, widely regarded as a crown jewel for Japanese whisky collectors.

According to Bhardwaj, 2025 marked a turning point for Canadian spirits collectors.

“We are seeing a more educated, globally aware Canadian buyer.  Collectors are no longer chasing labels alone—they are seeking bespoke spirits with stories and long-term significance. Canada has matured into a serious collecting market, with clients who understand value of spirits.”

A Commitment to Clients and the Future

Iron Gate’s success in 2025 reflects a continued commitment to its clients—providing trusted expertise, transparent auction experiences, and access to world-class spirits.

“It has been a pleasure to serve our consignors and bidders this year. Their trust is what allows us to present such exceptional collections. We are grateful for the relationships built in 2025 and excited for what lies ahead in 2026.”

Review Previous Auctions and Register for the upcoming auctions here: Iron Gate Auctions

Contact for Spirits
Ajay Bhardwaj
ajay@irongate.wine

Celebrate Burns Night with Murray McDavid! 🍽️🥃 – Scotch Whisky News

 

A Toast to the Bard!

As Burns Night approaches, we’re delighted to invite you to join us for a special celebration at Dallas Dhu House, in partnership with the Murray McDavid team.

On Saturday 24 January, the beautiful Victorian surroundings of Dallas Dhu House in Forres will play host to an evening of traditional Scottish hospitality and exceptional whisky.

Guests will enjoy a classic three-course Burns Supper, complete with haggis, neeps and tatties, thoughtfully paired with a selection of Murray McDavid drams chosen to complement the evening. From poetry to pours, it’s a relaxed and flavourful way to toast the Bard.

Event details:

📍 Dallas Dhu House, Forres

🕖 Arrive from 7:00pm | Supper begins 7:30pm

🎟️ £59 per person

🍷 Bar available throughout the evening

Whether you’re a long-time Burns Night devotee or simply enjoy good food and great whisky, we’d love to welcome you.

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