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BIMBER DISTILLERY LAUNCHES ITS LATEST ‘SHOULDERS OF GIANTS’ RELEASES – English Whisky News

BIMBER DISTILLERY LAUNCHES ITS LATEST

‘SHOULDERS OF GIANTS’ RELEASES

London 31/07/25: Bimber has today announced the launch of its latest releases from its acclaimed ‘Shoulders of Giants’ series — the distillery’s homage to the diverse tapestry of thinkers, innovators and visionaries who have shaped our world.

Following our previous release, Pablo – The Artist, which paid tribute to artistic innovation, we were inspired to take the next step in our creative journey. This time, we continue that journey with a broader lens. UK editions draws inspiration from beyond our borders. Why? Because art knows no boundaries, and neither does greatness.

These UK-exclusive editions are inspired by and pay tribute to three legendary figures from the world of art: Vincent — The Dreamer, Claude — The Impressionist and Leonardo — The Visionary. Each release honours their creativity through remarkable single cask whisky that reflects their unique artistic vision.

By celebrating great artists from around the world, we share a passion for creativity- just like our whisky, crafted with skill and imagination. These artists show what it means to work with passion and create something truly extraordinary.

In addition to the UK releases, we’re also proud to present three exclusive editions created for Germany, inspired by some of the engineering pioneers who changed the course of history: Karl — The Inventor, Rudolf — The Engineer and Nicolaus — The Inventor. These single cask whiskies pay tribute to the spirit of invention and mechanical genius, values that echo our own commitment to precision and craftsmanship.

This latest release features six meticulously crafted single malt whiskies, each produced using Bimber’s traditional methods. From the distillery’s single farm barley and dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings, to seven day open-topped fermentation and directly fired copper pot stills – every stage of Bimber’s production process has been designed to produce a rich, fruit-forward whisky that is celebrated for its depth and complexity.

Each expression in the ‘Shoulders of Giants’ series is bottled at natural cask strength and features attention-grabbing artwork and biographical details that celebrate the accomplishments of historical figures who have dared to dream and defied status quos.

Drawn from Bimber’s growing inventory of fruit-forward single malt whiskies, each ‘Shoulders of Giants’ release offers a different story both inside and outside of the bottle.

The three new UK-Exclusive ‘Shoulders of Giants’ releases are comprised of:

Vincent — The Dreamer

Single Cask Release | Fino Sherry

Cask Ref: 528/42 | 56.8% ABV | 335 Bottles

This release celebrates Vincent van Gogh’s visionary spirit and lasting impact on the world of art. It offers notes including toffee, vanilla, pineapple, orange peel and sweet oak.

Claude — The Impressionist

Single Cask Release | Ex-Bourbon

Cask Ref: 396 | 57% ABV | 279 Bottles

Inspired by Claude Monet’s masterful touch, this whisky reveals delicate layers of lemon drizzle cake, heather honey, sultanas, a subtle hint of spiced baked apples, and white pepper.

Leonardo — The Visionary

Single Cask Release | Palo Cortado

Cask Ref: 547/50 | 57.3% ABV | 340 Bottles

Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s genius, this whisky offers rich notes of sherry-steeped dried fruit, dark chocolate, maraschino cherries, ground black pepper, and warm wood spice.

The three new Germany-Exclusive ‘Shoulders of Giants’ releases are comprised of: 

Karl — The Inventor

Single Cask Release | American Oak Ex-Bourbon

Cask Ref. 462 | 58% ABV | 258 bottles

The release which celebrates Karl Benz’s revolutionary invention of the automobile and his impact on global mobility reveals notes of butterscotch, orange peel, fudge, mixed spice, and tobacco leaf. 

Rudolf — The Engineer

Single Cask Release | Fino Sherry

Cask Ref. 540/39 | 57.6% ABV | 293 bottles

This release celebrates Rudolf Diesel’s pioneering development of the efficient diesel engine. It offers up notes including sherry steeped fruits, dark chocolate, vanilla, wood spice, and a whisp of smoke. 

Nicolaus — The Inventor

Single Cask Release | Oloroso Sherry

Cask Ref. 446 | 57.9% ABV | 297 bottles

This release celebrates Nicolaus Otto’s groundbreaking innovation in engine technology. It delivers notes including dried fruits, caramel, honeycomb, golden syrup, and balsamic vinegar. 

Commenting on the launch, Steve Rush, Head of Marketing and Communications at Bimber Distillery, said: “At Bimber, we believe that true artistry knows no bounds. Just as Vincent van Gogh poured passion into every brushstroke, Monet revolutionized our perception of light, and Leonardo da Vinci imagined the impossible, engineering pioneers Karl Benz, Rudolf Diesel, and Nicolaus Otto redefined motion through innovation. At Bimber, we craft our whisky with that same spirit of inventive precision and dedication. These latest ‘Shoulders of Giants’ releases are a testament to the craftsmanship behind our fruit-forward single malt London whisky – and to the quality and variety of the casks we use.”

The UK exclusives will be available through our online shop from 1 August 2025, at an RRP of £95.00 each.

The Germany exclusives will be available soon exclusively through our German distributor, Kirsch Import.

Should you have any questions regarding the new releases, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

AboutBimber: Founded in 2015, Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. Our traditionally-focussed approach to whisky creation combines the finest ingredients with heritage production methods that are rarely seen today and an absolute commitment to quality. Our detailed approach has seen us recognised as a leading light in whisky production and garnered multiple industry awards. Producing a wide array of fruit-forward, textural single malts we deliver the ultimate craft whisky experience to a rapidly growing global community of Bimber whisky lovers.

Springbank COUNTDOWN COLLECTION – Campbeltown Whisky News

COUNTDOWN COLLECTION

In March 2025, we launched the third instalment of our five-part Countdown Collection series, which has been created to celebrate Springbank’s progress towards its 200th anniversary in 2028. This year’s release was a 30-year-old Springbank, which represents the oldest expression in the series. A marriage of three hogshead casks; one Fresh Bourbon, one Refill Bourbon and one Refill Sherry, which had been nestled in our warehouses for the entirety of their maturation.

9 Bolgam Street, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6HZ.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society ‘What’s your star sign?’ – Scotch Whisky News

There are many reasons to enjoy being a member of the Society but one of our more unique aspects is the amount of information we share on our bottles. Sharing the distillation date is another insight into the one-of-a-kind casks we bottle for you. But there’s another part that’s developed over the years that we couldn’t have predicted: using matching distillation dates to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.

Will the stars align for you? We’ve handpicked a selection of whiskies ranging from Leo to Capricorn for you to choose a dram for theirs, or your very own big day.

FIND YOUR ADVENTURE IN THE STARS

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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

CLYDEBUILT WHISKY BRAND RELEASES BATCH OF SINGLE MALTS – Scotch Whisky News

CLYDEBUILT WHISKY BRAND RELEASES

BATCH OF SINGLE MALTS

Boutique Scotch whisky brand Clydebuilt expands its portfolio with tranche of Single Malts

Award-winning Scotch whisky brand Clydebuilt today expands its portfolio with six new small batch Single Malt releases, including three Single Cask bottlings.

Independent Scotch whisky distillery Ardgowan is behind the boutique label, with the first release hitting shelves in 2019.

The site, based in Inverkip, filled its first cask with its own distillate and officially opened to the public last month after eight years of planning and construction.

The range is named after the distinguished shipbuilding trade historically on the River Clyde, with the word ‘Clydebuilt’ coming to stand for craftsmanship and integrity.

Distillery Manager Laura Davies, whose 13 years of experience includes mentorship under the late industry great, Dr Jim Swan, developed the new batch of Clydebuilt Single Malts.

The six releases, which were sourced from the world-renowned Speyside region, include:

  • 12-year-old Sherry Cask Matured: aged in a combination of Sherry butts, followed by Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez hogsheads, this Single Malt is bottled at 46% ABV.
  • 12-year-old 100 Proof Sherry Cask Matured: a higher strength iteration of the aforementioned expression, this whisky underwent the same maturation before being bottled at 57.1% ABV, conforming to the traditional British 100 proof system historically defined as the point at which a spirit could ignite gunpowder.
  • 12-year-old Official Opening Day Release: bottled to commemorate the distillery’s official opening on 20th June 2025, the Speyside Single Malt was matured in three Sherry casks and bottled at a cask strength of 59.5% ABV.
  • 2012 Pedro Ximénez (PX) Hogshead Single Cask: presented at cask strength of 58.5% ABV, 352 bottles have been produced from cask number AS059 which formerly held PX: a dark, sweet style of Sherry wine.
  • 2012 Oloroso Hogshead Single Cask: matured in cask AS076 which previously hosted Oloroso – the darkest of the dry Sherry styles – this limited release consists of just 342 bottles with an ABV of 59.0%.
  • 2012 Manzanilla Hogshead Single Cask: aged in a rare Manzanilla cask, exclusively available from the Spanish coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the lighter profile and maritime notes add a distinctive twist on the 335 bottles available at 61.1% ABV.
  • 12-year-old Sherry Cask Matured: £46.99
  • 12-year-old 100 Proof Sherry Cask Matured: £64.99
  • 12-year-old Official Opening Day Release: £85
  • 2012 PX Hogshead Single Cask: £85
  • 2012 Oloroso Hogshead Single Cask: £85
  • 2012 Manzanilla Hogshead Single Cask: £85

As is the case with all Clydebuilt whiskies, each expression is bottled without added colouring or chill filtration.

Remarking on the news, Davies shares:

“With Ardgowan situated on the Firth of Clyde, the rich history of craftsmanship local to our distillery is the inspiration for the Clydebuilt brand. Every whisky bottled under the name must be worthy of honouring the unmatched attention to detail and pride in quality of those that came before.”

“Our new Single Malts underwent maturation on-site at Ardgowan in premium European oak Sherry casks. All aged for 12 years, each delivers distinctive character owed to both the distillate profile and the maturation history. Most importantly, they are all bottled with an age statement, at a minimum of 46% ABV, without chill filtration and without artificial colouring. These are undoubtably Single Malts deserving of the Clydebuilt name.”

The distillery’s tour offering will launch imminently following the appointment of Visitor Centre Manager Barbara Campbell this month.

Clydebuilt Single Malts will be available via specialist retailers in the UK, Austria, Belgium, Sweden and Germany. Find out more here.

ABOUT CLYDEBUILT SCOTCH WHISKY:

Some of the greatest ships in the world were built on the River Clyde and so, over time, the word ‘Clydebuilt’ came to stand for craftsmanship, integrity and pride. The Clydebuilt brand was inspired by that exceptional legacy: a fitting tribute as Ardgowan Distillery, the home of the brand, is situated on the Firth of Clyde near Inverkip.

While Ardgowan Single Malt continues to slumber for many years, Whisky Maker Laura Davies applies the same meticulous approach to Clydebuilt. This is a boutique range of thoughtfully selected and masterfully matured Scotch whiskies that honour the spirit of the Clyde, emulating and upholding the attention to detail and the pride in quality of those that came before. Discover more.

Further information on Ardgowan Distillery Company can be found at ardgowandistillery.com

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TASTING NOTES:

Clydebuilt 12-year-old Sherry Cask Matured, 46% ABV

  • Colour: Deep Amber.
  • Nose: Raisins, figs and polished oak.
  • Taste: Dark fruits and spices. A long and rounded finish with lingering depth.

Clydebuilt 12-year-old 100 Proof Sherry Cask Matured, 57.1% ABV

  • Colour: Deep Amber.
  • Nose: Raisins, dates, toasted nuts and spice.
  • Taste: Full bodied with dried fruits, dark chocolate and leather.

 Clydebuilt 12-year-old Official Opening Day Release, 59.5% ABV

  • Colour: Deep Mahogany.
  • Nose: Lucious dried fruits, toasted nuts and rich Sherry sweetness.
  • Taste: Bold and warming, with fig, raisin, spice and a velvety mouthfeel.

Clydebuilt 2012 Pedro Ximénez Hogshead Single Cask (AS059), 58.5% ABV

  • Colour: Deep Mahogany.
  • Nose: Ripe figs, sticky dates and rich caramel.
  • Taste: Velvety toffee, dark chocolate and a touch of espresso.

Clydebuilt 2012 Oloroso Hogshead Single Cask (AS076), 59.0% ABV

  • Colour: Deep Amber.
  • Nose: Dark fruits and warming spice.
  • Taste: Rich dried figs, dark chocolate and gentle oak, with nutmeg and toasted wood.

 Clydebuilt 2012 Manzanilla Hogshead Single Cask (AS041), 61.1% ABV

  • Colour: Pale Gold.
  • Nose: Crisp green apple, floral notes and toasted almonds.
  • Taste: Zesty citrus with a gentle nuttiness. Fresh and delicate.

Decadent Drinks July 2025 ‘Drop’ – Scotch Whisky News

July’s Drop has just landed!    

We’re serving up a bit of everything this month: two web-exclusive rums, a bold and fruity new chapter from Whiskyland, and four wildly different Decadent Drams to wrap your palate around. From high-ester funk to sherried elegance, this drop covers serious ground. Let’s get Decadent!

VIEW ALL

Glenfarclas “Unveiling seven decades of whisky craftsmanship” – Scotch Whisky News

Glenfarclas releases its oldest whisky to date: The 70-Year-Old

We are proud to unveil the oldest expression ever released by Glenfarclas, one of Scotland’s few remaining family-owned and managed distilleries.

Distilled on 20 November 1953, and launched in 2025, the Glenfarclas 70-Year-Old marks a pinnacle in the distillery’s legacy, embodying over seven decades of meticulous ageing and expertise.

Matured in the distillery’s traditional dunnage warehouses in Speyside, this release was laid down in first-fill sherry casks. The whisky has been overseen by six distillery managers over the past seventy years and will now be available to purchase internationally.

“As Chairman of a family-owned distillery I am committed to overseeing the production of our exceptional malt whisky, just as my forefathers did before me. We take great pride in maintaining complete control over every aspect of production, preserving our time-honoured traditional methods – most notably, the use of direct-fired stills, which creates a robust and full-bodied spirit.

“Remarkably, this particular cask has been maturing almost as long as I’ve been alive.

Releasing it now marks a true milestone, and one that Callum and I have considered carefully and with great respect for its legacy.”

John Grant, chairman and fifth generation of the Grant family to have owned and run Glenfarclas distillery

“This whisky has waited seventy years to be enjoyed. Through wars, the reign of a queen and now a king, the world has changed — but this spirit has endured, and it stands as a rare and timeless testament to patience and craft.”

Callum A. Fraser, Distillery Manager at Glenfarclas

INTRODUCING THE GLENFARCLAS 70-YEAR-OLD

The latest release will be available to purchase via specialist retail suppliers across global markets. For more information visit www.glenfarclas.com

Tasting Notes

Colour: Polished dark teak with a subtle gleam – richly hued but not overly dark.

Nose: Soft and smooth, with gentle tannic undertones that never overwhelm. Opens with aromas of stewed fruits and traditional Scottish dumpling. A delicate thread of Speyside peat drawn from the slopes of Ben Rinnes – adds a lightly earthy, smoky nuance. The sweetness deepens, revealing layers of fruit compote, honeyed malt, and a quiet richness.

Palate: Dark chocolate laced with sherry-soaked dried fruits gives way to a refreshingly spicy tingle on the palate leading to a bold thread of rich, roasted coffee. The mouthfeel is luxuriously coated in treacle toffee, creating a full-bodied, indulgent texture.

Finish: The finish lingers and effortlessly clings to the roof of the mouth. Delicate peat resurfaces, rolling gently across the tongue with a green, grassy echo of Speyside origins.

This is Glenfarclas to its core.

Glenfarclas Glenfarclas Distillery Ballindalloch Banffshire, AB37 9BD United Kingdom

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY CONTINUES WELLER’S EXPANSION INTO WHEAT WHISKEY BY INTRODUCING WELLER 18 YEAR OLD AND THE SECOND EDITION OF WELLER MILLENNIUM

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY CONTINUES WELLER’S EXPANSION INTO WHEAT WHISKEY BY INTRODUCING WELLER 18 YEAR OLD AND THE SECOND EDITION OF WELLER MILLENNIUM

 The result of The World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery’s continued exploration of wheat whiskey, both releases celebrate W. L. Weller’s legacy of experimentation and the remarkable aging potential for the category

FRANKFORT, KY – Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to announce two super-premium wheat whiskey innovations from the Original Wheated Bourbon brand, including the second edition of Weller Millennium, comprising a new blend of ultra-aged wheat whiskeys; and Weller 18 Year Old, the brand’s oldest age statement to date. Meticulously crafted to push the boundaries of maturation and blending, these releases boldly demonstrate the exceptional aging potential and versatility of wheat in American whiskey production.

Produced at The World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery, both innovations celebrate the original wheated bourbon recipes pioneered by William Larue Weller in 1847. At a time when rye and corn dominated the market, Weller’s use of the more delicate wheat grain – primarily a food crop – resulted in a smoother, sweeter whiskey that set his whiskeys apart. These latest expressions honor Weller’s legacy of innovation as Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its ongoing exploration of wheat in pursuit of crafting the world’s best whiskey.

Weller Millenium #2: Following the inaugural Weller Millennium released in May 2024, this second edition presents a newly-crafted blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys. Consistent with its predecessor, each component was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2001, 2003 and 2006 and set aside for the sole purpose of creating this extraordinary blend in tribute of one of its forebearers, W. L. Weller. By thoughtfully blending these individually distinct whiskeys, the resulting spirit attains a depth and complexity that transcends the sum of its parts.

“Weller Millenium was crafted to feature some of the first whiskeys distilled in the new millennium amid a period of transformation at Buffalo Trace Distillery. This second edition takes last year’s release a step further, with a new blend that we humbly believe is an improvement over the well-regarded first edition,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “By carefully selecting and blending barrels dating back to the early 2000’s, we have revisited a chapter in the Distillery’s history that shaped who we are today.”

The second edition of Weller Millennium offers a balance of dark cherry, rich butterscotch and warm vanilla that unfolds over layers of well-aged oak. The finish is bold and enduring, culminating in an oak-forward crescendo that leaves a lasting impression.

In keeping with the first edition, Weller Millennium #2 is held in a 750ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality. An illuminated display case envelopes the 99-proof bottling with exactly 99 bursts while proudly displaying the proportions and distillation years of each vintage whiskey contained within. Due to the limited nature of these exceptionally-aged barrels, each Weller Millennium blend is a unique, one-of-a-kind release that cannot be replicated.

Weller Millenium will be released in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States and global distributor networks, which will ship to retailers, bars and restaurants as of July 2025 at a suggested retail price of $7,500 (750ml); taxes will vary by market. A limited supply will also be available for purchase at Buffalo Trace Distillery and directly via Legacy de Forge, a new Sazerac-branded global platform powered by Blockbar for purchasing some of the world’s most coveted bottles.

Weller 18 Year Old: As the oldest age stated whiskey in the Weller portfolio, Weller 18 Year Old ​ brings exceptional grace and depth as an ultra-aged , 90-proof wheat whiskey. This new release stands as a testament to the Distillery’s dedication to innovation, demonstrating that Kentucky-aged whiskey can mature beautifully well beyond more commonly seen age statements.

“Weller 18 Year Old is the culmination of curiosity, tradition and time,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The softness of the wheat has evolved into something rich and wonderfully expressive.  We are extremely proud of the resulting whiskey, which showcases the versatility and potential of a wheat-forward mashbill.”

On the nose, this whiskey reveals gentle notes of delicately aged fruits and tobacco. ​ The palate offers a harmonious balance of warm baking spices and crisp green pear, delivering depth without overwhelming, and leads to a lasting finish.

Weller 18 Year Old is packaged in a 700ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality, similar to Weller Millennium but without the accompanying presentation case.

For its inaugural release, Weller 18 Year Old will be available via Global Travel Retail at airports including Los Angeles International (LAX), John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and London Heathrow (LHR) as of July 2025 at a suggested retail price of $499 (700ml).

For more information, please click HERE

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.

Glendronach 21 Year Old 2025 Release at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

Glendronach 21 Year Old 2025 Release

The Glendronach Aged 21 Years is a truly special Highland Single Malt, matured in a fine mix of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks that bring out layers of rich, deep flavour. Handled with care by Master Blender Rachel Barrie, it’s an elegant dram with balance and character that speaks for itself. Bottled at a hearty 48% ABV and with its natural cask colour intact, it’s a whisky that stays true to its roots.

£250.00

Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.

Nose: Autumn fruits, a wee hint of candied orange, and soft, warming oak spice.

Palate: Sherry-drenched plum pudding, a touch of dark chocolate, and a gentle kick of spice.

Finish: Silky and lingering.

12 months of unlimited next day delivery & more! Exclusive access to Ballots as you enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year – only £14.99! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs.

WOODROW’S OF EDINBURGH ROYAL BRACKLA 16 YEARS OLD at Aberdeen Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

ROYAL BRACKLA 16 YEARS OLD

This single malt from Royal Brackla Distillery in the Highland region was distilled on the 14th September 2008 and aged in refill hogshead. It was then re-racked into first fill American Oak Palo Cortado quarter cask for finishing period before bottling on the 16th July 2025.

It was bottled by Woodrow’s of Edinburgh for their Warehouses Reserve collection, at natural cask strength of 56.7% ABV, at natural colour and no chill filtration. Limited to 155 bottles.

£99.00

NOSE Fruity and complex, with fresh green apple, stone fruits and vanilla fudge.

PALATE Mouth coating in texture. Fruity notes of peaches and orange with a richness of pecan, treacle and buttery pastry.

FINISH Hazelnuts, dark chocolate orange and digestive biscuits.

Glen Scotia – Strath Exclusive Cask 2016 (Our FIRST EVER exclusive Campbeltown) – Scotch Whisky News

THE VIDEO

Adam and Brett are super excited to try the final form of our long-awaited single cask of Glen Scotia! Find out what makes this whisky special and get their unfiltered opinion of how it turned out. Preorder now with 15% off at https://www.strathliquor.com

If you missed the preorders you can buy online or in person at The Strath after it launches on Monday! Or if you happen to be in Surrey, swing by the Croydon Drive location of Everything Wine – where you might be lucky enough to get one of their six bottles.


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