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.

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

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.

BOOK NOW

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

The Malt Maniacs Monitor is back!

CHECK IT OUT

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.