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

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 591: Knockando 12 Year Old

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an elusive (?) Speysider. He has only tasted 4 Knockando so far, and the last one was back in 2021! This distillery, founded in 1898 and owned by Justerini & Brooks, is located in the heart of Speyside, in the village of the same name. Mark actually passed by there in September 2023. But this bottle was on an irresistible offer in his local supermarket: buy 1, get 1 free. So, two came home with him for a mere 40 EUR (for both!). That’s cheaper than two bottles of Johnnie Walker Red Label.

https://youtu.be/alcFsRhJC44

Basil Hayden Debuts “The One with the Belt”, A Bourbon Born to Surprise

The new creative campaign reinforces Basil Hayden as the bourbon that breaks the mold and expands perceptions of what bourbon can be, while spotlighting its iconic packaging

CLERMONT, KY – Basil Hayden, a founding spirit of the American Whiskey Small Batch category, introduces a dynamic new creative campaign called, “The One With the Belt.” The new creative spots are shot in unexpected, non-bourbon occasions inviting viewers to expand their perceptions of what bourbon can be, just as founder and Seventh Generation Master Distiller, Booker Noe, set out to do over thirty years ago..

“The One With The Belt,” named for its iconic packaging, the copper and silver belt in the center of each Basil Hayden bottle, invites new consumers to enjoy a bright, approachable whiskey that challenges the conventional stereotype of whiskey as dark, brooding and complex. By showcasing occasions typically not linked to bourbon drinking, the campaign positions Basil Hayden as a catalyst for unexpected joy in everyday moments. Emphasizing its versatility, Basil Hayden encourages enjoyment in vibrant cocktails and cheerful gatherings, making whiskey inviting for all.

“With this new campaign, we are re-introducing Basil Hayden as the bourbon that is constantly challenging category preconceptions as the provocateur of the category,” said Regan Clarke, U.S. vice president of American Whiskey at Suntory Global Spirits. “When Booker Noe first created Basil Hayden, his mission was to expand consumers’ minds by making a lighter and brighter bourbon and with the debut of “The One With the Belt,” we continue to honor his vision.”

“The One with the Belt” embraces Basil Hayden’s identity as “the bourbon born to surprise” the new campaign delivers a fresh visual identity that is bright, joyful and tells the story during golden hour, featuring its signature serve, the Basil Hayden 75, an unexpected twist on the classic French 75. The music choice, an upbeat remixed version of Beethoven’s masterpiece “Für Elise,” also showcases an unexpected take on the traditional, much like Basil Hayden itself.

Developed in collaboration with created partner, Pereira O’Dell, Basil Hayden’s new campaign will run across TV, OLV/OTT, social and digital, and began rolling out on September 2nd, 2025. For more information about “The One With The Belt” campaign and Basil Hayden’s portfolio, visit https://www.basilhaydenbourbon.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @BasilHayden.

About Basil Hayden
Crafted in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden introduced a more subtle side of bourbon compared to its counterparts. Inspired by bourbons with high-rye mash bills, Booker set out to create a bourbon that would offer an approachable taste profile and defy preconceived bourbon expectations. Basil Hayden’s expanded expressions include Toast, Dark Rye, and Malted Rye demonstrating the brands creativity and finishing expertise. Basil Hayden 10-Year Old delivers an ultra-premium whiskey experience, challenging the misconception that whisky becomes harsh with age and showcases a gracefully aged liquid that doesn’t sacrifice smoothness.

About Suntory Global Spirits​
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

 A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE AND IS PUBLISHED HERE AS A MATTER OF INTEREST.

Knob Creek® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch is here for the season’s biggest games.

KNOB CREEK® RELEASES ELI MANNING’S BOLD PICK: 2026 BATCH, A CASK STRENGTH BOURBON FOR THE SEASON’S BIGGEST MOMENTS

A limited-edition Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, hand-selected by football legend Eli Manning, arrives nationwide in time for the season’s biggest games

CLERMONT, Ky., Jan.2026  As the 2025-2026 football season reaches its pinnacle, Knob Creek^®, the founding spirit of the James B. Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection™ and a leader in American Whiskey, announces its second limited-edition barrel release, Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch. Available nationwide, the special edition rounds out its season-long partnership with the legendary quarterback.

Hand-selected by Manning at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, KY, this unique cask-strength expression is bottled straight from the barrel, with proofs ranging from 112.2 to 121.6, unfiltered and uncut. The result is a bold, robust bourbon that opens with flavors of rich vanilla and toasted oak, unfolds into layers of roasted nuts and warm spice, and finishes with a long, full-bodied warmth. A true expression of Knob Creek^®‘s signature depth and intensity, it’s crafted to be savored during the season’s biggest game-day moments – whether celebrating a fantasy championship or cheering on a team through the final stretch.

“Football teams are built on trust – trusting your picks, your preparation, and your instincts, whether you’re on the field or managing your fantasy lineup,” said Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller. “That same mindset guides how we make bourbon. Working with Eli last year set a high bar and bringing him back this season raised it. We put some of our finest barrels in front of him, and this one stood out right away. Bottled at cask strength, it delivers more intensity and more flavor – a full-bodied bourbon built for game day.”

What began as fantasy football advice rooted in making bold calls and trusting one’s gut has grown into a celebration of seeing hard work pay off. Throughout the season and continuing through the postseason, Knob Creek and Eli Manning are continuing to share bold picks on the biggest matchups and ways to celebrate – from hosting the perfect watch party to raising a glass with Eli’s Gameday Old Fashioned, best crafted with the 2026 Batch.

“At this point in the season, you’ve made your calls, and it’s now about seeing them through,” said Eli Manning. “Hand-picking this barrel was a bold pick of its own – balanced, uncompromising, and full of character. It held up every time I came back to it, and that’s exactly what I expect from Knob Creek® when it counts most: a bourbon worthy of the biggest moments.”

Crafted to be part of game-day rituals – gathering, watching, and raising a glass together – Knob Creek^® Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch is available nationwide for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $69.99 (750mL).

For more information about Knob Creek^® Bold Picks campaign and Knob Creek’s^® award-winning* bourbon and rye portfolios, visit https://www.knobcreek.com/news/bold-picks or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @KnobCreek.

About Knob Creek^® Bourbon
Knob Creek^® has set the standard for super-premium whiskey for three decades by crafting extraordinary, full-flavored bourbon with a rich taste. Knob Creek^® bourbons and ryes are patiently aged to perfection in new, maximum charred American Oak barrels to impart the biggest and fullest flavor on their whiskey. No matter the expression, Knob Creek^® is crafted without shortcuts and embodies the pre-Prohibition style that founding distiller Booker Noe created in 1992. Since then, Knob Creek^® has lived up to such standards with the introduction of Knob Creek^® Straight Rye Whiskey in 2012, and later on, Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey. In recent years, Knob Creek^® announced the permanent addition of Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Bourbon and launched four limited releases, Knob Creek^® 15 Year Old Bourbon, Knob Creek^® 18 Year Old Bourbon, Knob Creek^® Bourbon x Rye, and Knob Creek^® 21 Year Old Bourbon. Knob Creek has continued to build out its rye portfolio; the brand announced the addition of an age statement to its flagship rye whiskey, Knob Creek^® 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey, and released Knob Creek^® 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey.

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam^® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki^®, Hakushu^®, Hibiki^® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig^® and Bowmore^®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones^® and El Tesoro^® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith^® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Our January 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 25th January 2026.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Bowmore – 1972 (Oddbins)

Glendronach – 33 Year Old

Lagavulin – 12 Year Old (White Horse) 75cl

Springbank – 27 Year Old (1967) SMWS 27.29

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

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

Rare Character 8 Year 3 Month Old K&L Liquors Exclusive Single Barrel #HF13-3482 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

$129.99

Rare Character has consistently offered K&L some of the most exciting and intriguing barrel picks over the last several years. The small blender and bottler has expanded its reputation exponentially by offering a huge array of extremely high quality offerings to stores, bars, and clubs through the country. Each lot of barrels is hand selected for its quality and unique character. This could be the very best we’ve had yet. Drawn from the top floors of the undiclosed distillery from where it came, this lot as been dubbed “High Floors” or HF, each aged for over 8 years in the hottest most intense part of the warehouse. The mashbill is a classic 13% rye with 78% corn and 9% malted barley and while the distiller isn’t disclosed, many will try to guess the profile based on the mashbill and be very wrong. Dense charred sugar and raisinated fruit, with huge leather-y savory notes to balance the intense sweetness. This is some of the biggest juice in the bottle right now and the custom art was made by an actual artist – not a computer.

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 – Springbank 10yo @46%vol: (2026)

Burns Night Whisky – A Highland and Campbeltown Duo from Loch Lomond Group

Multi-award-winning independent distiller Loch Lomond Group is recommending two exceptional single malts to mark Burns Night, showcasing the rich heritage and signature styles from two of its renowned brands.

Loch Lomond Whiskies, based a few miles from the famous loch, uses a combination of traditional swan-neck and unique straight-neck stills to create elegant, fruit- and honey-forward whiskies with a touch of soft smoke. With its own onsite cooperage, every cask is perfectly prepared to mature its award-winning expressions.

Glen Scotia, one of just three surviving Campbeltown distilleries, has been crafting exceptional single malts since 1832. Its team continues to follow traditional methods in original stillrooms and dunnage warehouses, producing bold, maritime-influenced whiskies that reflect the region’s distinctive style.

LOCH LOMOND 18 YEAR OLD, 70CL, 46%,  from £90

Loch Lomond 18 Year Old single malt is a perfect representation of Loch Lomond’s signature style, full-bodied and rounded with a deep fruity character.

The multiple-award winning single malt, which most recently received a Gold Outstanding Medal at IWSC 2025, is aged in three types of American oak casks. It is bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered to keep things as nature intended. With wonderful notes of baked apple and rich toffee with gentle wood smoke on the finish, it is an elegant and complex whisky which embodies Loch Lomond Whiskies’ innovative approach to flavour creation.

Loch Lomond 18 Year Old is available at:

www.lochlomondwhiskies.com/products/18-year-old-single-malt-scotch

Loch Lomond,  18 Year Old | The Whisky Shop

GLEN SCOTIA 12 YEAR OLD, 70CL, 46%, from £45

The newly released Glen Scotia 12 Year Old is a bold yet classic single malt, placing Glen Scotia’s signature style and maritime influence centre stage. This flagship single malt was matured in the finest first-fill bourbon casks and was bottled at 46% ABV. This expression is quintessentially Glen Scotia, full of big Campbeltown character and bold flavours of rich tropical fruits and coastal sea spray.

Hints of citrus and caramelised sugar unfold on the palate, complemented by subtle oak and warming spice on the finish.

The colourway of the packaging reflects the distillery’s iconic features, with the royal blue inspired by Glen Scotia’s renowned dunnage doors and the chalk white represents the historic distillery walls.

Glen Scotia 12 Year Old is available at:

www.glenscotia.com/products/12-year-old-single-malt-whisky

Glen Scotia 12 Year Old | The Whisky Shop

About Loch Lomond Group 

Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide. Known for its innovative production methods such as unique straight-neck stills, in-house cooperage and versatile distillation techniques, the group produces a diverse range of single malts, single grains and blends.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies  

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies. The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distillers in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

About Glen Scotia 

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.  Producing peated and non-peated whiskies, the distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, and carefully creating the subtly maritime Campbeltown style the brand has become world-famous for.