WHISKY IS FOR THE REBELS,

NOT THE RULE-MAKERS

We’ve just released Scot-Free – the world’s first English vatted malt which is made using whiskies from six different distilleries. Quite the departure from our Scotch roots, but with good reason. This one isn’t just about celebrating the growing English whisky scene. It’s about something that’s been a cornerstone of Compass Box since we started back in 2000: transparency.

 TRANSPARENCY MATTERS 

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have created their own robust single malt whisky Geographical Indications (GIs) that clearly define and authenticate their whisky production. The same is true for Australia and the USA. Each set of rules is slightly different, with those differences allowing distillers to reflect their place and culture.

England has proposed its own GI and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has publicly opposed it. This is despite the fact that England is seeking a definition of ‘single malt’ that Wales, and the USA, already have.

A GI is a kind of transparency: it clearly states that this whisky was made in this locality, to these standards. Words on a label mean something. There is more than one way to make delicious whisky, and differences are what make the world more interesting.

TRANSPARENCY TASTES GOOD 

Take a bottle of our Orchard House. You’ll notice several technical details displayed on the label – like the fact it’s not chill-filtered and there’s no added colour – details we aren’t required to list but want to be upfront about.

Others think differently. They quietly add Caramel E150-A food colouring to their whiskies, both single malts and blends, without saying a word. It’s deceptive and wrong that producers aren’t obligated to give you this sort of information.

“Since 2000 the team at Compass Box have created a series of blended whiskies that push the boundaries of blended scotch. They started with the whisky itself, not only naming the component whiskies but telling consumers exactly what proportions they used.”

This quote from a Forbes article is one we’re really proud of, not least because it encapsulates what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. For anyone new around here, that article is also a good summary of our first 25 years of whiskymaking.

OUR STORY SO FAR

TRANSPARENCY MAKES A DIFFERENCE 

We take a lot of inspiration from worlds beyond whisky, and one company that’s especially impressive on transparency is Tony’s Chocolonely. Their UK office is down the road from ours in Richmond, London.

Tony’s is focused on ending exploitation in the cocoa industry, and challenging their competitors’ opaqueness by being open and honest about their own sourcing, their challenges, and their progress. Just have a look at their website.

As we mention them, and given that we recently looked at how you can pair whisky and food, here are two transparently delicious pairings for the weekend ahead…

1. Orchard House & Tony’s Hazelnut Crunch

Our bright and fresh character in Orchard House finds a playful partner in the textured nuttiness.

2. Nectarosity & Tony’s Almond Honey Nougat
Nectarosity’s oaky richness complements that chewy sweetness in the chocolate. 

A FINAL THOUGHT 

Transparency is about doing what’s right. Sometimes that’s got us into trouble, like the time the Scotch Whisky Association said we could only disclose the age of the youngest component in our whisky – and no others – even though it made up less than 1% of it. No matter. We might ruffle a few feathers now and then, but ultimately you deserve to know what you’re drinking as you journey with us into uncharted territories of taste.

This is interesting
And this is interesting
And that’s very interesting

Suntory Yamazaki “Islay Peated” 2024 Tsukuriwake Limited Single Malt Whiskey (700ml) $450.00 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

UMIKI JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY NOW IN JAPAN, SELECTED ASIAN COUNTRIES & DUTY FREE! 

YOSHINO SPIRITS / KAMIKI SHUZO UNVEILS THE UMIKI SINGLE MALT WHISKY

A Refined New Expression, Now in Japan and Asian Markets- Duty-Free Stores!

Yoshino Spirits and Kamiki Shuzo proudly present Umiki Single Malt Whisky, a distinguished new release crafted exclusively for Japan, select Asian & airport duty-free stores.

Rooted in the tradition of purity and craftsmanship that defines Japanese whisky, Umiki Single Malt offers a harmonious balance of smoothness, complexity, and nature’s elegance.

This exceptional whisky is meticulously distilled and matured, then finished in rare Mizunara Oak casks — a wood prized for its delicate influence, imparting subtle spice, sandalwood, and an unmistakable Japanese character.

With its delicate flavors and graceful finish, Umiki Single Malt stands as a tribute to authentic Japanese whisky-making — a true Collector’s Item for those who seek rarity and refinement. This new expression reaffirms Yoshino Spirits’ dedication to excellence, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving world of premium Japanese single malts.

About Umiki Single Malt Whisky

Umiki Single Malt Whisky, produced by Kamiki Shuzo Co. Distillery is finished in rare Mizunara Oak Casks, and comes in elegantly packaged in a wooden gift box.

About Yoshino Spirits / Kamiki Shuzo:

Based in Osaka, Japan, Yoshino Spirits and Kamiki Shuzo are known for pioneering innovation in Japanese whisky. Through a dedication to craftsmanship, creativity, and authenticity, they continue to define the future of Japanese spirits on a global stage.

For Further Information:

Please contact info@umikiwhisky.com and visit www.UmikiWhisky.com

Unveiling the Legacy of the Russell Family

A Story of Craftsmanship, Heritage, and a Rare 38 Year Old Single Cask

Uncover the history of Glengoyne’s return to family ownership, their unique approach to whisky making, the next in our storytelling series. From their beginnings as whisky brokers in the 1930s to becoming esteemed custodians of Glengoyne, the Russell Family has dedicated generations to the pursuit of exceptional Scotch Whisky.

Their dedication culminates in the Russell Family Cask 38 Year Old. Matured in one of the finest first-fill sherry butts, this rare single malt is a bold celebration of three generations united by craftsmanship and tradition.

Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Russell Family and the meticulous creation of this extraordinary whisky.

Tasting the Russell Family Cask with Gordon Dallas, our Brand Ambassador

Russell Family Cask

 38 Year Old Single Cask

This rare gem, drawn from one of the finest first-fill sherry butts, is a tribute to three generations of the Russell family, owners and custodians of Glengoyne since 2003. For 38 years, cask no. 915 rested in our dunnage warehouse, reaching a richness and silkiness that embodies the passion and craft passed down within the Russell family. This whisky is not only a celebration of their dedication but also a reflection of Glengoyne’s enduring values of craftsmanship, patience, and heritage.

RUSSELL FAMILY CASK 38 YEAR OLD

Yoshino Spirits proudly announce the launch of Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky, an exclusive collector’s edition created in collaboration with Toho Co., Ltd., Japan’s most iconic entertainment company.

This special release commemorates Godzilla’s 70th Anniversary, honoring seven decades of the world’s most legendary movie monster. Since its first appearance in 1954, Godzilla has captured the imagination of generations, symbolizing strength, resilience, and global cultural impact. Today, its legacy continues to thrive with the overwhelming success of Godzilla Minus One and a growing fanbase worldwide.

A LEGENDARY COLLABORATION WITH TOHO CO. LTD. CELEBRATING GODZILLA’S 70th ANNIVERSARY

Inspired by the spirit of the Pacific Ocean, Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky is crafted by Umiki, the world’s first ocean-fused whisky brand. This unique blend delivers a refreshing, smooth profile that reflects the vitality and depth of the ocean itself.

The Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky will be available as a Limited-Edition collector’s item for select markets outside of Japan, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Each bottle features a specially designed label and packaging, celebrating Godzilla’s monumental anniversary in true Japanese spirit.

For more information about Umiki Whisky, please visit: www.umikiwhisky.com

About Yoshino Spirits

Based in Osaka, Japan, Yoshino Spirits and Kamiki Shuzo are internationally recognized for blending Japanese tradition with modern innovation in whisky making.

About Toho Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1932, Toho is Japan’s leading film company and the creative force behind the legendary Godzilla franchise.

For Further Information please contact info@umikiwhisky.com

Madeira Finish & Oloroso Mastery
Cask Strength Exclusives from Balcones

I’ve secured two extraordinary single-barrel releases from Balcones: one finished in Madeira, the other matured full-term in Oloroso. Both were bottled straight from the cask at formidable strength, capturing the intensity that only Texas’s climate can deliver. Quantities are minuscule, so if you’re chasing the forefront of American single malt, now’s the moment to act.

–David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Balcones “Madeira Barrel” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #17122 Texas Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer

This one-of-a-kind barrel from Waco’s celebrated distillery showcases Balcones’ artistry at full tilt. Distilled on November 27, 2017, from 100 % Golden Promise barley in the distillery’s custom pot stills, the spirit was filled the next day into a 59-gallon new charred American-oak cask. After more than five years, it was moved on May 25, 2023, to a seasoned Madeira cask (provenance undisclosed) for a 14-month finish. Disgorged on August 3, 2024, the whisky was bottled at its natural cask strength of 130.5 proof after 6 years and 8 months of total maturation—an astonishing 80 months in wood. The result is one of the most powerful, multilayered American single malts we’ve ever tasted; few whiskies on the market can rival the depth and intensity emerging from these Waco warehouses.

Balcones “Oloroso Sherry Hogshead” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #12720 Texas Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer

This exceptional single-barrel malt from the famed Waco, Texas distillery was distilled on March 3, 2020, from 100 % Golden Promise barley. It entered the cask at 124.9 proof and was filled into a freshly dumped Oloroso sherry hogshead from an undisclosed source. Aged just over four years in Waco’s hot, dry climate, the whisky was emptied on August 3, 2024, and bottled at its natural cask strength of 67.5 % (135 proof) with no chill-filtration, coloring, or additives. Few whiskies on the market can match this barrel’s raw power and complexity: an absolute bruiser that outclasses most American whiskies—and many international single malts—by miles. Expect dense, sweet, nutty fruit, a viscous palate, and a long, juicy finish.

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

LUMINARY No.3
— 2025 EDITION —

AGED 17 YEARS

70cl · 49.2% ABV

£294.95

Introducing The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition: the third masterpiece in the Luminary Series. This exquisite 17 year old single malt was created in collaboration with Scotland’s design museum, V&A Dundee and Ben Dobbin of Foster & Partners architects. Elegantly housed in a bespoke presentation case, The Luminary No.3 has been finished in a bold combination of seven cask types, including vintage Calvados, rare Matusalem Sherry and red wine casks from Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

ADD TO BASKET

LITTLEMILL UNVEILS NEW ECHOES OF THE PAST COLLECTION OF RARE WHISKIES WITH RELEASE OF FIRST EDITION

Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill has revealed the opening release in a remarkable new collection of rare single malt Scotch whiskies, showcasing some of the final chapters from the lost distillery.

Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One is an exceptional 34-year-old single malt which marks the inaugural expression in a new four-part annual series, offering whisky connoisseurs and collectors the chance to experience the evolving maturation of a single Littlemill cask over time.

To create the collection, the final custodians of Littlemill will draw just 50 bottles of precious spirit each year from a single maturing Oloroso sherry cask for four consecutive years. The remaining spirit will be left to age further, deepening in flavour and complexity, with each subsequent release revealing the developing journey of this cask as the spirit draws even more character from its Oloroso finishing.

The cask selected for Echoes of the Past was distilled in 1990, during Littlemill’s final production years, initially laid down in a refill American oak hogshead for 25 years, before being recasked into a single Oloroso sherry barrel in 2015.

Littlemill’s final guardian, Master Blender Michael Henry selected the optimum moment to bottle the first release, resulting in an exceptional 34-year-old single malt which displays the perfect harmony of Littlemill’s distinctive summertime fruit character with classic sweet floral spice and sherried notes.

This extraordinarily rare echo of the past brings floral notes of rose petals and elderflower with dried apricot, kiwi and peach to the nose, a silk-like mouthfeel of melted brown sugar, honeysuckle and ginger spice with citrus peel on the palate, finishing with long layers of sweet citrus fruits.

Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One is presented in a beautiful solid oak display cabinet which features expertly curved, elegant facets, making it a striking addition to any collection. Inside, a stone interior adorned with a message from Michael Henry is revealed, paying tribute to Littlemill’s legacy as the cornerstone of the whisky industry.

The whisky is encased within an individually numbered Glencairn decanter with intricate engraving depicting the details of the single malt. Each cabinet also houses a 50ml miniature and a certificate of ownership so the very fortunate few recipients of this exceptional single malt can experience a taste of Littlemill’s past.

Founded in 1772 in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, Littlemill was at the forefront of innovation for its time. It closed in 1994, before being lost to a fire in 2004. Since then, Master Blender, Michael Henry has held guardianship of the last remaining casks. 

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Group, owner of Littlemill, said: “Each sip of Littlemill presents a remarkable opportunity to experience a taste of the distillery’s history and opens a window to its extraordinary past.  The Echoes of the Past Collection offers a new and unique opportunity for whisky connoisseurs to take a different kind of journey back to the final years of the distillery’s production, allowing them to experience an Oloroso finishing on a Littlemill malt at different ages.

“Though Littlemill distillery is lost to history, this cask carries its legacy forward, evolving with time. To witness its continuing journey of maturation and flavour over four releases is to glimpse a past that still lives on.

“Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One is a 34-year-old single malt which has rewarded us with the discovery of a new flavour dimension that enhances the distillery’s character, resulting in a wonderfully sweet, citrus and softly spicy dram.”

Nick Bradley, Prestige Portfolio Manager at Loch Lomond Group, owner of Littlemill, added:

“Incredibly, Littlemill’s story began back in 1772 as Scotland’s first licensed distillery, but with such finite and limited reserves remaining today, releasing a cask such as Echoes of the Past marks a special moment in the distillery’s history. 

“Each and every Littlemill cask provides a snapshot of history and when considering the creation of this collection, we wanted to offer travellers a special opportunity to experience these moments in time. This exceptional release offers the chance to follow a rare Littlemill cask on the final years of its journey. Like an echo, it changes with every repetition, eventually disappearing altogether.

“Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One showcases the beauty of this single malt, which with the right cask management, as well as patience and time, has allowed this exquisite cask the chance to reach its full potential. It is a testament to Michael Henry, who through his exceptional craftsmanship and unrivalled knowledge and understanding of the nature of the spirit, has honed it into something truly remarkable today.”

Released exclusively for select travel retail locations around the world, Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One was bottled at a cask strength of 48.5% and is natural in colour. Each individually numbered decanter has an RRP of £3,900. For support on where to purchase enquire via www.littlemilldistillery.com.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Floral rose petals, elderflower, dried apricot, kiwi and peach.
• Palate: Silklike mouthfeel, melted brown sugar, honeysuckle, vanilla fudge, lime juice, cinnamon and ginger spice with citrus peel.
• Finish: Long with sweet vanilla, grapefruit and caramelised sugar, dried fruit and citrus.

About Littlemill

The Littlemill distillery was established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.

It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchanan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’, distilling may have taken place there for centuries before.

After one year, on the 2nd of November 1773, local Justice of the Peace records for Dumbarton show that ‘Robert Muir of Littlemiln’, an employee, was granted the first-ever license by the Government of King George III to “…retail ale, beer and other excisable Liquors”, thus making Littlemill Scotland’s first and oldest licensed distillery.

In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas, including the light fruit-forward triple-distilled character Littlemill is most known for today. It was these stills that inspired the stills that remain in place at Loch Lomond Distillery today.

Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004. The remaining casks have since been under the care of Loch Lomond Distillery, stored just a short distance from where the original distillery once stood. In 2015 Loch Lomond Group released a limited number of its Littlemill Private Cellar Edition. Since then, a mere handful of bottles have been released annually, which have become sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts around the world.

Twitter: @LittlemillMalt

Instagram: @LittlemillMalt

Facebook: @Littlemillwhisky

https://www.littlemilldistillery.com/

Run to You… with whisky: Loch Lomond Whiskies delivers bespoke gift to Bryan Adams

Loch Lomond Whiskies has gifted a bespoke pack of its award-winning single malt whisky to Canadian star Bryan Adams – after the singer-songwriter said back in March that he loves the smell of Scotland’s national drink.

The independent distiller shared three iconic drams and a copita glass with the ‘Run To You’ hitmaker ahead of his headline performance at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow this week (Tuesday 13 May), part of the UK leg of his Roll with the Punches 2025 arena tour.

Each whisky in the pack – Loch Lomond Original, Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Perfectly Balanced, and Loch Lomond 18 Year Old – offer notes of fruit, honey and soft smoke on the nose, scents perfect to savour ahead of performing in front of thousands of fans.

Darroch Ramsay, senior global brand manager at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said:

“As superfans of Bryan Adams, it felt only right to offer him a small gift from Scotland during his time in Glasgow. Nosing our single malt is a fantastic introduction to the craftsmanship and character that has made Loch Lomond Whiskies one of the world’s most acclaimed single malts. Our signature straight-neck stills make us one of the most adept distilleries in Scotland, with our innovation also extending to bespoke whisky nosing boxes – this one developed exclusively for Bryan.”

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies, visit: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

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.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan Scott (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

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 distiller’s 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.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Last year, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchanges’ coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.

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