Get ready to dive into the 3rd edition of Scotch Whisky, packed with distillery focus features, blind-tasting reviews, and interviews with leading figures in the Scotch whisky world. In this year’s edition, look behind the scenes at Torabhaig Distillery and Glasgow Distillery, tour the Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience, and read about F1 champion Jenson Button’s Scotch whisky project. Created by the team behind Whisky Magazine, Scotch Whisky is a valuable addition to any whisky lover’s bookshelf.

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Join thousands of whisky enthusiasts on this annual adventure from the rugged shores of Kintyre to the mystical island of Islay. The anticipation is palpable as we unveil our latest discoveries…

The first stop on our trip west is to Kintyre, to the town once known as the “whisky capital of the world”. While dozens of distilleries have come and gone from Campbeltown, only three now remain. What the town may now lack in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality. Journey down with us, past Tarbert and Kennacraig (we’ll be seeing you again soon!), arriving at the first stop of whisky Valhalla, where appropriately we present…

VIKING TOOTHPASTE

Distillery 93 Rare Release

Age: 9 years
Cask: First Fill Bourbon Barrels

Next stop, Islay – the “big one”. Famous the world over for its peated malts and iconic distilleries, the island bursts into life towards the end of May for its annual festival.

Distilleries open their doors, with their malted treasures waiting to be enjoyed. From Campbeltown, we return up the Kintyre peninsula to Kennacraig to board the ferry. Smooth sailing and before long there will be the sound of drams poured and chinked in celebration on arrival to Islay. Whisky lovers the world over, we’re back to the island!

SMUGGLERS’ BACON

Distillery 10 Rare Release

Age: 10 years
Cask: Refill & Second Fill Bourbon & PX Hogsheads

SM’OAK!

Distillery 29 Rare Release

Age: 25 years
Cask: Refill Bourbon Hogsheads & First Fill STR Oloroso Barriques

ALL FESTIVAL RARE RELEASES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

THE GLENLIVET UNVEILS A NEW ERA OF CASK CRAFTSMANSHIP

New release, The Glenlivet Caskmakers, adopts a pioneering method of cask craftmanship, as the celebrated single malt continues to honour its 200^th anniversary.

Iconic Speyside single malt, The Glenlivet, introduces its new release, The Glenlivet Caskmakers. This distinguished Scotch whisky is the result of a remarkable feat in craftsmanship in which two casks are uniquely combined to deliver a complex interplay of flavours.

Exploring a novel technique in cask construction, the process sees two hand-selected barrels meticulously deconstructed and recrafted – combining alternating staves of the two – to create one new, reconstructed cask.

These distinctive new casks, which unite ex-Spanish Sherry and freshy charred European Oak barrels, have been skilfully developed by The Glenlivet’s experts in collaboration with master coopers based in Jerez, Spain. The intricate craftmanship exemplifies The Glenlivet’s longstanding spirit of innovation and brings with it new depths of flavour.

Whisky enthusiasts tasting The Glenlivet Caskmakers will uncover notes of ripe orchard fruits, fresh honey, warming spices, and hints of charred pineapple. Thanks to the whisky’s painstaking craft, which sees a portion selectively finished in the bespoke casks, these flavours combine even more seamlessly, producing a single malt that not only stands as a testament to the art of originality but celebrates the power of collaboration.

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master, comments:

“As we continue to celebrate our 200-year milestone, The Glenlivet Caskmakers embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of cask craftmanship in whisky making. This exceptional release, born from harnessing a complex new technique, not only honours our rich history but showcases our relentless drive towards innovation and excellence. Integrating this method of cask creation elevates the complexity of the whisky’s flavour profile and represents our dedication to constantly exciting whisky connoisseurs around the globe.”

The Glenlivet has pioneered two centuries of pushing boundaries in whisky, from its inception to this day, and remains committed to continuously setting new standards of excellence in single malts for the next 200 years.

The Glenlivet Caskmakers will be available exclusively in selected Duty-Free stores in airports and travel hubs around the globe from May 2024 for $225

Limestone Branch Distillery expands barrel program and opens new tasting lodge for barrel picks 

Barrel picks of Yellowstone Bourbon Hand Picked, Minor Case Rye and Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey can be sampled and selected in a new private tasting space at the distillery

ST. LOUIS (May 6, 2024) – Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, has opened the Stephen B. Beam Tasting Lodge, a new 1,250 square-foot tasting space dedicated to its expanded barrel program. The lodge is named after Limestone Branch Distillery’s founder and pays homage to his love of Yellowstone National Park. The new building will accommodate customers selecting barrel picks of Yellowstone Bourbon Hand Picked, Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey and Minor Case Rye 6-Year.

“It’s humbling and exciting to have the Tasting Lodge named in my honor because it’s an expansion of our dream to bring our family recipes and traditions to customers in small batches since opening Limestone Branch Distillery more than 10 years ago,” said Limestone Branch Distillery Master Distiller Stephen Beam. “And for the first time, we’re able to offer Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey and Minor Case Rye barrel selections for customers to taste and choose from in addition to our Yellowstone Bourbon Hand Picked Kentucky Straight Bourbon,” said Beam.

Kentucky’s bourbon industry topped records in 2023 with 2.5 million visitor experiences, according to the Bourbon Economic Impact Report published in February by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. As one of the state’s craft distilleries, Limestone Branch designed its Tasting Lodge as a private yet comfortable setting to accommodate up to 20 guests at a time in a dedicated, stand-alone building overlooking the natural beauty of the property. The distillery will offer VIP opportunities for cocktail mixology classes, premium tastings and private events in addition to the one-of-a-kind exclusive barrel pick program experiences for consumer and retail customers.

“As we continue to expand our barrel program to include more unique and sought-after selections, we wanted to create a dedicated space for customers to fully experience these offerings,” said Luxco Barrel Program Manager Casey Shirley. “The addition of the private Tasting Lodge provides the ideal location for customers to get to know our award-winning brands a little better and sample and select the perfect barrel.”

For customers who are not able to visit Kentucky, they have the option of receiving mailed selection kits of the distillery’s barrel offerings. These kits contain sample selections hand-picked by the Limestone Branch team, branded glassware, a tasting notebook and a step-by-step tasting video led by Limestone Branch Distillery Executive Bourbon Steward Stephen Fante with in-depth information about the specific offerings.    

About the 2024 Yellowstone Bourbon Hand Picked selections

Available at the distillery or via a mailed selection kit, the Yellowstone Hand Picked Collection is a series of Kentucky Straight Bourbon single barrels aged for a minimum of 4 years. Customers can choose among three proof options (109, 115 and 119). Each barrel yields approximately 30 6-in cases of 750mL bottles, with a suggested retail price of $59.99, and comes with custom bottle labels that include the account name, barrel number and fill date. 

About the 2024 Yellowstone American Single Malt Hand Picked selections

The Yellowstone Hand Picked Collection is a series of American Single Malt Whiskey single barrels aged a minimum of 4 years. Customers can select among three proof options (106, 110 and 116). Each barrel yields approximately 30 6-in cases of 750mL bottles, with a suggested retail price of $69.99, and comes with custom bottle labels that include the account name, barrel number and fill date.

About the 2024 Minor Case 6-Year Single Barrel selections

The Minor Case Single Barrel is a series of hand-picked 6-year-old straight rye single barrels. With each barrel comes its own complexities and one-of-a-kind flavors. The mash bill is 51% rye, 45% corn and 4% barley, and customers can choose among three unique proof points (105, 110 and 115). Each single barrel of Minor Case 6-Year Straight Rye Whiskey yields approximately 30 6-in cases of 750mL bottles, with a suggested retail price of $59.99. 

Customers and retail accounts interested in participating in the 2024 Limestone Distillery Barrel Program – either by ordering a sample kit or by making a visit to the distillery and the new Tasting Lodge – can visit LimestoneBranch.com to learn more and email singlebarrelprogram@luxco.com.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Whisky Magazine issue #199
Get your hands on our latest issue!

Iconic Islay distillery Port Ellen is back. Whisky Magazine finds out all about the distillery, which has reopened with a focus on both the art of whisky making and the science of smoke and boasts a new design-led visitor centre that reinvents the concept of the humble distillery tour. Our cover star is Port Ellen’s master blender, Aimée Morrison.

Make sure you don’t miss out!
Buy your copy of Whisky Magazine today.

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CAOL ILA DISTILLERY 32 Year Old 1991 Old & Rare Platinum (2023)

Caol Ila 32 Year Old 1991 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill hogshead bottled October 2023 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old & Rare Platinum series. 315 bottles. This pale-gold coloured whisky has an intense and complex nose with liquorice, sea-salt, peat smoke, leather and lemon juice. Pleasantly soft and sweet on the palate, with a chocolate and nutty quality overlaying the Islay peat influence, before leading into the toffee and citrus notes of the long, satisfying finish.

£511.60

Caol Ila Distillery is famous for the stunning view from its still house windows looking out across the Sound of Islay and for the objects which have passed by including naval battleships, submarines and whales. Caol Ila was established in 1846 by Hector Henderson on a sheltered but rocky stretch of coast on north east Islay. Now the largest malt whisky distillery on Islay it produces peated and some un-peated malt whisky with the distillery range including Caol Ila 12 year old and the Distiller’s Edition. Caol Ila participates in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music.

Tamnavulin 1991 33YO Cask #1145

An old style of Tamnavulin that is almost lost, and what makes this cask so special is that the character of the original distillery shines through. Over thirty three years, a refill hogshead has allowed the malty and cereal notes to develop gradually with honey and brown sugar playing amid the cereal nuttiness.

£510.00

Few distilleries tell the modern story of Scotch Whisky Better than Tamnavulin. Built in the height of the blended whisky boom in the 1960s, much of its production was destined for the expanding American market. The style of the distillery represented the consumer tastes of the time: malty and light, this was a malleable whisky and a blender’s dream.

With the fall in fortunes of the industry in the 1990s, Tamnavulin was on of the many distilleries victim to closure. Indeed, this very cask was filled just a few years before the distillery was mothballed and not opened again until 2007. With the reopening of the distillery came wholesale changes in production style. It was out with the old stills and in with the new – a move towards a fruitier style of new make spirit.

That old style of Tamnavulin is almost lost, and what makes this cask so special is that the character of the original distillery shines through. Over thirty three years, a refill hogshead has allowed the malty and cereal notes to develop gradually with honey and brown sugar playing amid the cereal nuttiness. Childhood memories of eating bowls of Golden Grahams come flooding back. This is a flashback to the best of the 1990s, sadly never to be repeated again.

Distilled: 01/03/1991
Bottled: 11/03/2024
Cask no: 1145
Cask: Hogshead
One of only 246 bottles produced
Natural colour and non chill filtered

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

ROYAL SALUTE MARKS A GOLDEN YEAR WITH INAUGURAL 2002 RELEASE FROM FIRST EVER VINTAGE SCOTCH COLLECTION

The master of exceptionally aged Scotch whisky, Royal Salute, has announced the launch of its 21 Year Old Vintage Blend 2002 Release. This marks Royal Salute’s first ever vintage release, and the inaugural expression of a wider series of precious vintage blends. This new collection was created to pay tribute to the iconic characteristics of Royal Salute’s 21 Year Old Signature Blend, with each celebrating the unique character of 21 Year Old whiskies across the years.

Available in selected Duty-Free stores in airports around the globe, the 21 Year Old Vintage Blend 2002 Release has been meticulously crafted and refined using exceptional 21 Year Old whiskies, all laid down in casks in 2002. Royal Salute has been renowned for commemorating significant milestones since its inception in 1953, when it was created to celebrate the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To start this exclusive new collection, the Scotch has chosen to honor the year associated with her Golden Jubilee, a nod to its rich heritage and reflecting its commitment to celebrating moments of historical and cultural importance.

Expertly created by Royal Salute’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, the 21 Year Old Vintage Blend 2002 Release is a perfect build on the classic and iconic 21 Year Old Signature Blend. Every element of this Vintage blend is the result of precise craftmanship and intricate experimentation, using only the finest 21 Year Old whiskies laid down in American oak casks in 2002. The hand-selected malts and grain whiskies ensure a delicate balance between the incredibly rich character of Royal Salute’s renowned style, with a smooth and sweet nature, offering notes of vanilla custard, honey and ripe plums, married with a clear influence from Longmorn Distillery with creamy toffee notes and a rich and elegant finish.

Speaking on the new collection and inaugural release, Sandy Hyslop comments:

“This remarkable new series is a true embodiment of Royal Salute’s commitment to craftsmanship and heritage. This is Royal Salute’s first ever vintage release, so to mark the occasion, for the first volume, I wanted to create a blend that truly heroes the character of our 21 Year Old Signature Blend, that has been loved across the world for the past 70 years. Working with high-aged whiskies demands meticulous attention and precision, so using whiskies laid down in casks in a single year was an additional layer of complexity but an incredibly exciting challenge.”

The exquisite liquid is wrapped in a beautiful bottle design that pays homage to the brand’s signature deep navy finish alongside vibrant orange cues to complement the original Royal Salute navy blue. The selected colour palette is seamlessly reflected onto the exterior of the box with a beautifully intricate illustration on the interior, elevating the overall design of the new release.

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Vintage Blend 2002 Release is available in selected Duty-Free stores in airports around the globe from May 2024 at RRP from $234 USD. To discover more, visit www.royalsalute.com or follow @royalsalute.

Rare Chance at a Coveted Single-Malt Rye Collectible
Hotaling’s 16 Year Old “Old Potrero” Bottled In Bond
Single Malt Rye Whiskey (700ml) ($229.99)
“If I were inclined to give numeric scores to whiskey, this would surely earn a 99 or 100 from me.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

Extraordinarily difficult to find and typically highly allocated with a mere 432 bottles produced, Hotaling’s ultra-rare 16 Year Old Bottled in Bond Single Malt Rye has been a darling of the secondary market. We were thrilled to see this available and jumped at it.

Hotaling’s 16 Year Old “Old Potrero” Bottled In Bond Single Malt Rye Whiskey (700ml) ($229.99)

K&L Notes: Fritz Maytag, the visionary who ushered in the craft beer movement, is also responsible for a resurrection of pot-distilled whiskey in America. Not satisfied with merely rescuing Anchor Brewing in 1965 and resuscitating its iconic steam beer, he expanded to spirits in 1993. Fritz established Anchor Distilling Company in the back of the beer brewery and propelled the return of pot-distilled whiskey to the United States. Inspired by the rye whiskeys being made at America’s founding and Scotland’s finest single malts, the San Francisco distillery on Potrero Hill dedicated itself to a mash of 100% rye malt. Since the first barrels were laid down in 1994, Bruce Joseph has been manning the stills and producing the finest pot-distilled whiskey in the country. While they lost the use of the Anchor name in the ill-fated brewery sale, Hotaling, as it’s now known, is still producing the same whiskey under Bruce’s watchful eye. This long history makes Hotaling one of the few small distilleries in the country capable of releasing a 16-year-old, bottled-in-bond rye. It’s a true rarity and one of the most complete whiskies we’ve ever tasted. Only 432 bottles produced. Aged 16 years in once used, charred, fine-grain, American oak barrels. 50% ABV and non-chillfiltered.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 09, 2024

If I were inclined to give numeric scores to whiskey, this would surely earn a 99 or 100 from me. Whiskey being subjective, it’s hard to say something is perfect, but this rye is full of flavor, complex, nuanced, balanced, and outright delicious. There are precious few boxes left to check after that. Aged in once-used barrels of fine-grain American oak, this was set up for success over its long 16 years of aging, more like a Scottish single malt in many ways than most rye whiskeys. The color is a gorgeous bright gold. The nose is expansive, sweet, and easy to get lost in. Vanilla, creamed butter, cinnamon, fresh-cut grass, molasses, caraway, coriander, soft caramel candy, saddle leather, mahogany, mint, and so much more. In some combination of the malting and the long aging, the sharper grassy and hotter spice notes of the rye have been tamed into something sweeter and rounder. The proof is perfect. Robust enough carry tons of aromatics but not overwhelm with alcohol. On the palate, the aromatics are repeated and then spread even further into black tea, toasted coconut, honey, and granola. The finish is lengthy, full of warm baking spices and showing a surprising red fruit kick toward the very end. While it’s shockingly easy to down a glass of this in pure hedonistic enjoyment, it’s the kind of spirit for a night where you really want to delve into and marvel at the complexities that can be coaxed out of one bottle.

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

Drookit Dug 2011 Blended Scotch Whisky | Little Brown Dog Spirits

Drookit Dug from excellent indie bottler, Little Brown Dog Spirits, a new blended Scotch whisky launched December 2023. A ‘cask strength session dram’, distilled in 2011 and matured in refill sherry butts then bottled at 43.6% vol.

Original Price £44.98

 Current Price £42.48