BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY & BLOCKBAR ANNOUNCE ONLINE FUNDRAISER WITH PROCEEDS GOING TO KENTUCKY STORM RELIEF EFFORTS

The “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser, hosted by BlockBar, will feature rare bourbons and specialty items from Buffalo Trace Distillery and partners including the Van Winkle family, Chris Stapleton, PGA and AGE International  

FRANKFORT, KY (May 22, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery, in partnership with BlockBar, today announces the launch of the “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser – an exclusive online benefit event featuring some of the Distillery’s most sought-after bourbons, collectible items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences donated by Sazerac and various esteemed partners. The fundraiser is a direct response to support statewide storm relief efforts after Kentucky faced numerous spring storms, including a deadly tornado that hit Southern Kentucky on May 16 and severe storms that brought tornadoes and historic flooding to several communities across Kentucky in early April. Buffalo Trace Distillery, along with partners including the Van Winkle family, Chris and Morgane Stapleton, PGA and AGE International, has curated an exceptional lineup of offerings. To support the communities impacted by the recent storms,  Sazerac and BlockBar will donate 100% of the total amount raised from the online charity fundraiser.

“The recent spring storms have had a profound impact on communities across Kentucky and, especially in times like these, it’s essential that we rally people to support our neighbors in need,” said Jake Wenz, President & CEO, Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Buffalo Trace remains committed to supporting our home state, and every bid placed is a step toward helping our community recover. We’re grateful to stand alongside our partners and supporters in this effort to help ensure relief organizations have the vital resources they need to respond effectively.”

The “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser will go live on May 22, benefitting the American Red Cross and the Franklin County Flood Relief Fund held at the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Offerings available through the “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser include:

1. Auction
   • A Sazerac Barrel Select experience, including the opportunity to pick and purchase a barrel of Blanton’s Gold, plus a VIP tour and a one-night stay in Stagg Lodge.
   • Ultra-aged individual bottlings, such as Weller Millennium, Eagle Rare 25 and O.F.C. Vintage 2005.
   • Highly-coveted bourbon sets, such as a complete Pappy Van Winkle collection, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 2024 Prohibition Collection and an E.H. Taylor Jr. lineup.
   • One (1) bottle of Double Eagle Very Rare, plus a hand-crafted coffee table created from a former Double Eagle Very Rare barrel by the Buffalo Trace Whiskey Woodcraft team.
   • A variety of contributions from Chris & Morgane Stapleton’s “Outlaw State of Kind” charitable fund including an Epiphone Hummingbird Studio guitar, exclusive merchandise and a bottle of Traveller Whiskey – each personally autographed by Chris Stapleton.
   • An all-expense paid trip for two (2) people to Fort Worth, TX for a behind-the-scenes visit of a 101 Studios set, the global entertainment company behind the hit show ‘Yellowstone’, featuring a filming of ‘Y: Marshals’ – the forthcoming ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff starring Luke Grimes.
2. Sweepstakes
   • Enter to win the opportunity to purchase one (1) bottle of O.F.C. Vintage 2006.

1. Entrants will receive one entry for every $50 donation made through the registration site. There is no cap on the amount a person can donate.

1. • Enter to win an exclusive PGA package including a PGA certificate for four (4) people to play a round of golf at the PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and two Buffalo Trace Bettinardi golf putters.

1. Entrants will receive one entry for every $50 donation made through the registration site. There is no cap on the amount a person can donate.

“We are grateful to Buffalo Trace for their support in times of disaster. Their partnership enables us to give help and hope to hundreds of families who were affected by the deadly tornado in Southern Kentucky and the severe April floods. Their commitment to helping individuals and families across the Commonwealth recover after these devastating disasters allows us to support their road to recovery,” said Nadine McCrindle, CEO of the Red Cross Kentucky Region.

The “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser begins on Thursday, May 22 at 10am EST. To participate in the auction, please visit https://blockbar.com/producers/sazerac/pour-it-forward-for-kentucky-charity-auction. To participate in the sweepstakes, please visit https://blockbar.com/producers/sazerac/pour-it-forward-for-kentucky-charity-auction. There are no reserves, and bidding starts at $100 for each lot with every dollar raised going to support community relief efforts. All bids must be received by 10am EST on Thursday, June 5. The winning bidder for each lot will be notified via phone and email the week of June 9.

“We know from experience that recovery is a long journey, and the needs will continue to grow. The Franklin County Flood Relief Fund is not only here for immediate relief, but also to support long-term recovery in the months to come,” said Jane Higgins, Director of Community Advancement at Blue Grass Community Foundation. “We’re thankful to be part of Buffalo Trace’s ‘Pour it Forward for Kentucky’ Charity Fundraiser. Community partnerships like this are essential to moving forward — together, we are all making Frankfort Strong.”

About Buffalo Trace Distillery 

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

About BlockBar

BlockBar enables the wine and spirits community to buy, store, sell, gift, and ship the highest quality wines and spirits, sourced directly from producers and authenticated via blockchain. Our team has access to the world’s most sought-after bottles, barrels, and casks, many of which are unique to BlockBar. These are released on the platform through various sales mechanics, with many including immersive events and unique experiences. Underwritten by the power of blockchain, BlockBar guarantees provenance and authenticity so users can safely build their collections. Despite its cutting-edge approach, BlockBar’s roots stretch back decades. BlockBar was launched in October 2021 by cousins Dov and Sam, who are an active part of the family-owned Falic Group, a network founded in 2001 that includes Duty Free Americas, the largest travel retailer in the Americas. 

About Blue Grass Community Foundation

At Blue Grass Community Foundation, we know philanthropy has the power to transform a community. That’s why we work every day to grow charitable giving to create a more generous, vibrant, equitable and engaged Central and Appalachia Kentucky. We connect charitable individuals, families and businesses with nonprofit organizations and causes they care about to meet community needs and make a difference. We provide leadership on key community issues, and we’re passionate about ensuring equitable access to education, greenspaces and public places, and healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. To learn more about Blue Grass Community Foundation, visit bgcf.org.

About the Franklin County Community Fund

The Franklin County Community Fund is an endowed community fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Franklin County, Kentucky. Guided by a local advisory board, the Fund supports projects, programs and organizations that reflect the community’s greatest needs and opportunities. Through both long-term endowment building and responsive grantmaking in times of crisis, the Franklin County Community Fund connects generosity with impact, today and for generations to come. Learn more at www.bgcf.org/community-funds/franklin-county.

Upcoming Tasting Events

in our Whisky Shop

Join us in our Tasting Room for an exclusive Tasting Experience for only £10 per person.

Our monthly events give you the chance to experience and sample A. D. Rattray Whiskies and other guest brands.

Plus your £10 ticket price is redeemable against a purchase on the day.

VIEW ALL EVENTS

WHAT IS THE ISLAY FESTIVAL?

Each year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music brings thousands of whisky enthusiasts to this remote Hebridean island. Join us in taking a deep dive into one of the world’s great whisky events with our very own ambassador and educator, Billy Abbott. Learn more about the Islay Festival in our Inspiration section.

DISCOVER

SHOP NOW

While Islay is well-known for intensely smoky single malts, not all the island’s whiskies are peated. Try Bunnahabhain or Bruichladdich for a taste of Islay without the heavy smoke.

The esteemed judges at the San Francisco Spirits Competition have awarded Woodinville’s 100% Rye whiskey with a Double Gold.

For a grain to glass whiskey born, grown and aged in Washington to earn such honors is a testimony to its origins and the people behind the spirit. The whiskey is handcrafted from rye grown on the Omlin Family Farm in rural, Quincy, Washington. It’s distilled in Woodinville, WA, then sent back across the Cascades to age in the Quincy barrelhouses. It’s not the most efficient way to make whiskey— but it’s worth it. Two terroirs: one extraordinary whiskey.

“Our 90 proof, 5+ year 100% Rye Whiskey delivers aromas of cinnamon, clove and fruit leather, and notes of caramel, wood spice and honey on the palate with a long memorable finish,” explains Woodinville Co-Founder Orlin Sorensen. “The Rye’s Double Gold status is a great achievement, and we’re excited to be releasing an older 100% Rye very, very soon.”

Woodinville Flagship 100% Rye is available nationally, in store and online, with an MSRP of $40. The spirit earned 96 points in the 2025 SFWSC competition.

About Woodinville Whiskey Company: Woodinville Whiskey Company (www.woodinvillewhiskeyco.com) is a craft distillery founded by two best friends from the area, Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, under the mentorship of an industry icon, the late David Pickerell, former Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark. Woodinville is Washington state’s largest craft distillery. It was reported in Forbes that Woodinville Whiskey “may just be the best craft whiskey in America.”

The distillery and tasting room in Woodinville is home to exclusive new launches like its annual Harvest Release in the fall. Private tours led by a distiller are available, when scheduled in advance. The distillery is open daily. The attached photos shows a bottle of the Flagship 100% Rye.

Mac-Talla Unveils Amarone Cask Fèis Ìle 2025 Edition 

The third annual Mac-Talla release for Fèis Ìle 2025

Mac-Talla, the Islay single malt brand created and bottled by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD), has announced the launch (tomorrow – Friday, 16 May) of its latest limited edition whisky in celebration of Fèis Ìle 2025 (23-31 May).

Now in its third year, the annual release pays tribute to the island’s distinctive whisky heritage and the art of cask finishing. Following a 2023 edition finished in PX Sherry casks and a 2024 release matured in rum casks, the 2025 expression has been fully matured in first-fill Amarone wine casks sourced from northern Italy.

With a love for the island and a desire to reconnect with Islay, Mac-Talla Single Malt Scotch Whisky was created as a result of generations of heritage with the aim to take you on a journey of taste throughout the island.

The whisky is bottled at 53.8% ABV and described as offering layers of rich dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, alongside Mac-Talla’s hallmark peated character.

Lauren Doherty of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers said: “Each Fèis Ìle edition is an opportunity to explore the versatility of Islay malt through exceptional wood.”

“This year’s Amarone cask finish adds depth and elegance, while still allowing that signature coastal smoke to shine through.”

Mac-Talla, which means “echo” in Scottish Gaelic, was created by the Morrison family – one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families,  to express their deep connection with the island of Islay. The brand sources its spirit from undisclosed Islay distilleries and is known for combining bold maritime peat with carefully selected cask finishes.

Amarone della Valpolicella is a full-bodied Italian red wine, made using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are air-dried to concentrate flavours. Its influence brings sweet, rounded fruit notes that complement the smoky, savoury core of the Mac-Talla spirit.

The 2025 Amarone Cask Edition is now available via specialist retailers priced at RRP £78.00. Quantities are strictly limited.

For any lucky whisky lovers that will be attending Fèis Ìle this year, Mac-Talla are hosting some exclusive events over the festival. All details can be found here.

Tasting Notes:

• Release Date: 16th May 2025
• RRP: £78.00 ABV: 53.3%
• Tasting notes: Prominent notes of stone fruits wrapped up in rich dark chocolate with a long finish of warming peat at the end Available Markets: UK, EU, and select international markets
• Age of Liquid: NAS
• Finish: 18 months finishing, marriage of two casks(1 butt of First Fill Amarone, 1 partial refill European Oak Butt), returned to Amarone casks for a further 6 months.
• Casks Used: 2 casks

Stockists: Mac-Talla Amarone will be available from select whisky retailers from 16th May – for more details on stockists visit: https://mactallawhisky.com/stockists

Mac-Talla’s Event Programme at Fèis Ìle 2025:

Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt Whisky Journey of Taste Walk:

A guided walk along Islay’s coast with 5 accompanying drams influenced by the Landscape.

Date: Monday 26th May 2025

Time: 2-4pm approx.

Islay Sea Adventures with Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt:

Islay Sea Adventures and Mac-Talla Islay Whisky have teamed up for a whisky and wildlife tour, taking in the Island’s stunning scenery, paired with delicious whisky!

Date: 26th May 2024

Time: 2-4pm

Location: Islay Sea Adventures

Indie Whisky Festival:

Date: 27th May 2025

Time: Several sessions throughout the day

Location: Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen

Pizza Paired Pours:

Islay’s renowned Peatzeria for an unforgettable tasting experience, with pizza paired pours.

Date: Wednesday, 28th May

Time: 2-3:30pm & 7-8:30pm

Location: Peatzeria, 22 Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay

For more information, visit www.mactallawhisky.com

ABOUT MAC-TALLA

Mac-Talla is an Islay single malt Scotch whisky owned by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers. Meaning “echo” in Gaelic, the brand reflects the Morrison family’s deep-rooted connection to Islay. Bottled by MSWD, Mac-Talla showcases the island’s bold, peated character through a carefully curated range of expressions.

ABOUT Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) is an independent, family-owned company based in Perth, Scotland. Rebranded in 2020, MSWD represents five generations of Morrison whisky heritage under one name, with a focus on single malt production, brand development, blending and bottling. Its flagship brands include Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr and Bruadar.

Are you going to Whiskey Live in Dublin this weekend?

If so, we will see you there, same stand as last year!

As a heads up for those going, and those that are not, we will have an exclusive bottling for Whiskey Live – Celtic Whiskey Shop & Wines on the Green Exclusive Barántúil Bottling.

So what is this wonderful drop that we have for Whiskey Live Dublin 2025?

It’s a 3 Year Old Single Pot Still that has been full term in a PX Sherry Cask. This single cask expression encourages a marriage of drier Pot Still Spirit spice with the drier European Oak spices. These are wonderfully balanced with the thick sweet notes of the PX Sherry maturation.

As always, cask strength, non chill filtered, no colouring  just banging flavour from the spirit and the cask.

The bottles are exclusive to Whiskey Live and all are purchased through the CWS shop at the show. As we are not policing the shop there is no limit per person, but there are less than 170 available at a generous price for the show of €115.00 (RRP €130).

We look forward to seeing you all at Dublin Whiskey Live and if you can’t go get a friend going to pick up a bottle for you!! 😉

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

Whisky Words: Reflux

In Scotch whisky production, “reflux” refers to the process by which some of the vapour produced during distillation is condensed back into liquid and returned to the still for further distillation. This reflux is essential for achieving a higher level of purity and consistency in the final product.

Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “Reflux is an important property of distillation. When you boil liquid in a still, that liquid turns into a gas and rises inside the still. Now, if it turns back into a liquid before it gets out of the still, it falls back into the pot. That is called reflux. It’s very important because the more reflux you have in a still, the lighter the spirit you get at the end. The less reflux, the heavier and more robust spirit you have.” 

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

New Diploma Dates for 2026

We’re delighted that our flagship in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky will return to the stunning Arniston House for three dates in 2026:

📅 16 & 17 March
📅 7 & 8 May
📅 14 & 15 September

Tailored for both industry professionals and passionate enthusiasts, this two-day immersive course combines online prep modules with in-person teaching by Vic Cameron, a whisky veteran with 30+ years of experience (and stories!). You’ll deep-dive into production, sensory analysis and world whiskies, explore a working distillery and take on the final 250-question challenge to earn your SQA-certified Diploma and that well-earned black lapel pin.

 📖 Book Now

Now. You know we have always focused on trying to create events we would want to go to. All whilst making a space for the whisky curious, so the water of life can be accessible and interesting to everyone.

And you know that we specialise in exposing and nurturing new whiskies, at our events, and the only place you can buy these often new or niche liquids is at our festivals. A fleeting opportunity some might say.

So we have decided it is time to ‘join the dots’…

To that end we are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have created our own TWL online shop, so you can ‘shop the show’ all year round! This features brands and bottlers, that you’ll see at our shows, plus we have exciting plans for ‘TWL Exclusive’ bottlings. We hope you’ll agree this is a worthy endeavour and we really appreciate your ongoing support and future custom as always.

You can explore the online shop by simply clicking the button below. It is a work in progress so you will see it evolve before your very eyes…

Explore the TWL Shop

All of this does mean that you will hear from us more regularly, with updates on new bottlings and ranges. However, we will never litter your inbox on a daily, or even weekly basis, and hopefully you’ll still find what you read to be relevant to you!

We are also delighted to introduce Tom, who you may have seen at recent shows, running the festival shop. He will run our in person and online retail operation, as well as tastings in the North-West…

Speaking of tastings…

TWL WHISKY TASTINGS are BACK! 🎉

And not just anywhere – we’re bringing the good stuff to Manchester, Newcastle, and York, to begin with. Starting this June, we’re relaunching our much-loved regular tastings, and trust us, you won’t want to miss what we’ve got lined up.

Kicking things off with a bang…
We’re teaming up with the fantastic folks at Rare Find (Gleann Mor) for our comeback tour. They’ll be guiding us through their latest releases – and yep, it’s as tasty as it sounds:

🥃 Dailuaine 16yo finished in a Foursquare rum cask
🍷 Glen Garioch 16yo with a Ribera del Duero twist
🍇 Glen Ord 10yo aged in Châteauneuf-du-Pape casks (fancy, eh?)
🥴 A cheeky Secret Lowland 11yo from a rich sherry cask
💛 And a crowd-pleaser: the legendary Aultmore 14yo

First stop:
Manchester – 7th June 2025
The Seven Oaks
Manchester
M1 4HL
7pm-8.30pm

Mark it down, clear your diary, grab your tasting buddies. This is going to be a cracker of an evening – great drams, chilled vibes, and plenty of whisky chat. We’ll be announcing the Newcastle and York dates very soon, so keep your eyes on your inbox (and maybe start planning a road trip?). Ready to join us for a dram or five? Oh, and there’s a £5 off voucher for any purchases on the night for every ticket holder…

Click on the button below to book your spots!

Buy Manchester Tasting Tickets Now!

And if that wasn’t enough for you…

Hot on the heels of this years event, which most would agree was probably the best ever, we are releasing the first Early-Birds for next year’s show. Dets:

Newcastle Whisky Festival 2026
Saturday, March 28th
Civic Centre
Barras Bridge
Newcastle Upon Tyne

Early-birds are the same as last year, so if you want the best deal, buy now!

Buy Newcastle Festival Tickets

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the following festivals, coming up this year too…

Sláinte,

Eddie, Amanda and Tom
The Whisky Lounge Team

Personalised Whisky

a unique whisky gift

We personalised every bottle by hand… Our handwritten labels add a unique and personal touch to your whisky gift.

Every bottle is hand filled and individually dipped in wax to seal it and then we add a label that is hand-written with all the whisky details, date bottled and your name or message.

Choose from a range of single cask whiskies; each one offering its own unique style and flavour. As each whisky come from just one cask, there are a limited number of bottles available. Each whisky is bottled at cask strength, natural colour and with no chill-filtration.

Current Whisky Options…

Free Gift Wrapping…

Your order can be gift wrapped in tissue paper and sent directly to an address in the UK. And we can also include a message on a gift tag or a notecard. Simply tick the box next to the item to add gift options to your basket and we will do the rest.