Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2026 “Year of Wheat” Grain to Glass®  Releases
These limited releases spotlight Heaven Hill’s wheated craftsmanship, seed-to-sip transparency, and continued support for family farms through Farm Rescue

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Heaven Hill Distillery, America’s largest family-owned and led distillery, today announced its 2026 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® lineup, a focused collection of three limited-release Wheated Bourbons, including an all-new extra-aged release marking the brand’s official “Year of Wheat.” This year’s collection brings a sharper focus to wheat’s role in shaping flavor, texture and character, elevating a grain that has long been part of the distillery’s foundation.

Across its portfolio, Heaven Hill has worked with wheat for generations, not as a one-off experiment, but as a core part of its distilling tradition. That legacy includes the introduction of Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, which helped define the modern American wheat whiskey category. This consistency and scale have allowed the distillery to understand how wheat behaves at every stage, from fermentation through long-term aging.

From planting to harvesting and then distilling, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® represents both patience and precision — qualities mirrored in every barrel. Each release in the 2026 collection captures a different expression of that journey, from vibrant and grain-forward to deeply aged and complex. Each corn seed varietal is hand-selected by Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll in collaboration with Beck’s Hybrids and grown locally by Peterson Farms in Nelson County, Kentucky. With the “Year of Wheat,” the distillery builds on that experience, deepening the emphasis on wheat as a defining force behind some of Heaven Hill’s most nuanced and expressive bourbons.

The 2026 “Year of Wheat” lineup includes:

• Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon (3^rd Edition)
• Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Specialty Release – Aged in French Oak Barrels
• Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Extra Aged 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon

“In 2026, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass takes a more focused approach by centering exclusively on unique wheated mashbill offerings,” said Molly Vincent, Associate Director of Luxury Whiskey at Heaven Hill. “We’ve worked with wheat for a long time across our whiskeys, but this allows us to explore it more intentionally, how it softens, how it builds complexity over time, and how it ultimately shapes the character in the glass. The ‘Year of Wheat’ is about bringing that deeper understanding forward.”

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon (3^rd Edition)
The third edition of the Traditional Series Wheated Bourbon features the same wheated mashbill as previous releases with a new corn seed varietal. Distilled in 2019 and aged six years in #3 char barrels, the 2026 release is composed of 170 barrels from the third, fourth and fifth floors of Warehouses W5 and W6. It is bottled non-chill filtered at barrel proof, 107.8 proof, and carries an SRP of $99.99 for a 700ml bottle. The release will begin shipping in May 2026 and is expected to arrive in market by June.

Mashbill: 52% corn, 35% wheat, 13% malt
Corn seed varietal: Beck’s 6269
Barrel entry proof: 107

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Specialty Barrel Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon – Aged in French Oak Barrels
The 2026 Specialty release features the same wheated mashbill and corn seed varietal as the Traditional release, but is fully aged in #3 char French Oak barrels for a minimum of six years. Rather than a secondary finish, this whiskey is matured entirely in French oak, bringing refined spice notes, dried fruit character and layered complexity. Distilled in 2019, the release is composed of 170 barrels from the fourth floor of Warehouse W9. It is bottled at a barrel proof strength of 109.2 proof and has an SRP of $129.99 for a 700ml bottle. The release will begin shipping in September 2026 and is expected to arrive in market by October.

Mashbill: 52% corn, 35% wheat, 13% malt
Corn seed varietal: Beck’s 6269
Barrel entry proof: 107

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Extra Aged 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon
The ultra-limited, one time offering of the 2026 Extra Aged release builds on the Grain to Glass wheated story with a whiskey distilled in 2017 and aged nine years in #3 char barrels. Barreled at 125 proof, this expression showcases added maturity, depth and concentration. The release is composed of 150 barrels from the third, fourth and fifth floors of Warehouse W3 and will be bottled non-chill filtered at barrel proof, with final proof to be announced soon. It carries an SRP of $149.99 for a 700ml bottle. The release will begin shipping in November 2026 and is expected to arrive in market by December.

Mashbill: 52% corn, 35% wheat, 13% malt
Corn seed varietal: Beck’s 6158
Barrel entry proof: 125

As part of its Family Farms First™ initiative, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass continues its partnership with Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers overcome major hardships, injuries and natural disasters. Since 2005, Farm Rescue has provided critical assistance to more than 1,000 farm families across eight states. Through this initiative, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass has committed up to $300,000 through 2028, with a portion of every sale—up to $100,000 annually—supporting the organization’s efforts to keep family farms operating during times of crisis.

Each bottle in the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass collection features bespoke custom glass embossed with “Family Owned Since 1935,” along with packaging details that reflect the line’s deep connection to agriculture, innovation and whiskey-making transparency. All three releases are allocated and will be available nationally in limited quantities. Across the lineup, Grain to Glass continues to honor the farming tradition and distilling expertise behind every bottle. Together, these releases reflect not just a focus for the year, but a deeper commitment to understanding and advancing wheat’s role in American Whiskey.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna, Parker’s Heritage Collection along with its extensive and diverse collection of unique and innovative products. In the past five years alone, Heaven Hill Distillery has been named Distiller of the Year nine times, including 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Other recent honors include 2024 and 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Most Awarded Distillery and the 2023 Icons of Whisky World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

WOVEN ANNOUNCE BLENDING ROOMS IN LEITH WHERE GUESTS BECOME THE WHISKY MAKERS 

Independent whisky makers unveil plans for a dedicated whisky blending visitor destination on The Shore, with hands-on Blending Rooms experience launching now as phase one

Edinburgh-based Woven Whisky is announcing plans to launch a major new whisky blending facility in Leith, alongside a dedicated visitor experience designed to open up the often hidden world of whisky blending to the public.

Planned for completion in 2027, the new two-floor facility at Brown’s of Leith will house Woven’s full blending operations alongside blending rooms, a tasting space and lounge bar – positioning Leith once again at the centre of whisky innovation and creativity.

Launching now as the first phase of that vision is Woven’s new Blending Rooms experience: a hands-on visitor journey where guests blend and bottle their own whisky. Running every Thursday and Friday, groups of six to eight will be able to enjoy the two-hour experience, which Woven has designed to act as ‘a creative apprenticeship in blending’.

Kicking off with a highball at Brown’s of Leith speciality coffee & spirits bar, Haze, guests then move through to the Blending Rooms to nose and taste individual whisky components from Woven’s flavour library, experiment with combinations, and build their own blend under guidance from Woven’s Whisky Maker and Co-Founder, Pete Allison.

Once perfected, they bottle their blend, label it and get to take home their own 100ml bottle, with the option to order larger-scale batches after the experience. The experience is finished off with a farewell cocktail.

Pete Allison, Co-Founder and Whisky Maker at Woven, said:

“For us, this step forward is much bigger than launching a new whisky experience – we want to help build a new future for Scotch whisky in Leith, the place where it first went out to the world.

“Leith was once the beating heart of the whisky industry, but over time blending became something hidden behind closed doors. We want to open that process back up again – and the Blending Rooms are the first step in that vision. We’re opening the door and letting guests blend their own using the same components and techniques we use to create our range.

“This experience is for the makers – whether it’s amateur experiments in coffee, making pizza at home or a long-term relationship with sourdough – the best thing about any craft is rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in – and that’s what we want to offer in whisky.

“By putting the blending process in the hands of novices and proving they can build incredible whisky, we are hoping to break down the barriers the industry has built around its craft. By the time the full facility opens in 2027, we hope it becomes a place where anyone can come and experience the future of whisky being built in Leith in real time.”

Launched in late 2025, Brown’s of Leith is one of Edinburgh’s most popular recent openings.Set within the former George Brown & Sons warehouse that was once a cornerstone of Leith’s trading heritage, the building has been revived by a new generation of independent makers, with Woven joining neighbours including Civerinos, ShrimpWreck and Haze in shaping a more creative, contemporary chapter for the neighbourhood.

Gunnar Groves-Raines, Founder of Brown’s of Leith, said:

“We are honoured to have Woven Whisky as part of the Brown’s of Leith family, while they plan their new bonded warehouse within the building. With over a century of industry and production on the Shore, Brown’s is a perfect home for Woven’s bright, contemporary approach to the traditional craft of whisky making and blending. 

“Their presence further strengthens the growing creative ecosystem around Brown’s and Custom Lane — bringing together makers, producers and independent businesses connected by craft, collaboration and modern Scottish creativity.”

Leith was where blended whisky making was perfected nearly 200 years ago, and from where Scotch whisky first conquered the world. Once realised in full, Woven’s Blending Rooms at Brown’s of Leith will represent the largest purpose-built investment in whisky blending infrastructure in Leith since the neighbourhood’s golden age as Scotland’s whisky capital in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Priced at £55, bookings for the first blending experiences will open June 1st, consumers can register their interest ahead of time here.

For more information, visit www.wovenwhisky.com.

ABOUT WOVEN

Woven are independent whisky makers based in Leith — the town where blending was perfected nearly 200 years ago. Rather than build a distillery, they treat the world’s more than 2,000 distilleries as an artists palette, sourcing from makers worldwide who share their obsession with flavour, weaving together expressions that push the boundaries of creativity in whisky making. Woven’s borderless approach is just one example of their commitment to breaking down barriers in whisky. With a community-minded approach, they’re creating a new experience of whisky and challenging traditional tropes about where it comes from, how it’s made and even who it’s for.  

wovenwhisky.com | @WovenWhisky

THE MACALLAN BOUTIQUE AT HARRODS

We are delighted to announce that The Macallan Boutique at Harrods, London, opens its doors on 19 June 2026. Our first domestic boutique in the UK, it will be home to one of the most extensive ranges of our single malt whiskies available outside The Macallan Estate in Speyside.

In celebration of the boutique opening, The Macallan Rare Cask, 2026 Release will be available exclusively at Harrods from opening day, with a custom limited edition gift sleeve designed by Javi Aznaraz, exclusive to Harrods.

We look forward to welcoming you.

LEARN MORE

Designed in collaboration with internationally award-winning architect Jamie Fobert, the new boutique draws inspiration from our foundational Six Pillars. Located in the former Baccarat Bar next to the Harrods Fine Wines and Spirits Department, it houses a selection of rare and limited edition expressions.

The boutique also features a personalisation and gifting station for custom engravings and gift wrapping. Immersive installations showcase our mastery of whisky making and deep connection to nature.

As a special Harrods-exclusive release and to celebrate the opening of the new boutique, renowned Spanish painter and illustrator Javi Aznárez, a long-time creative collaborator of The Macallan, has designed a distinctive, colourful gift sleeve for The Macallan Rare Cask, 2026 Release.

This Harrods exclusive gift sleeve is limited and is only available whilst stock lasts.

Murray McDavid

King of Casks 30 Years Old Blended Malt

ABV: 42.2% 70 cL

£160.00

International Beverage unveils rare Old Pulteney 50 Years Old and 30 Years Old whiskies to honour distillery’s 200^th anniversary

 Global limited editions celebrate the enduring craftsmanship and character of The Maritime Malt

Global spirits business International Beverage is celebrating 200 years of time-honoured craftsmanship and maritime resilience at Pulteney Distillery, with the unveiling today (16^th June 2026) of two rare Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whiskies.

At this defining moment in The Maritime Malt’s history, two extraordinary limited editions – Old Pulteney 50 Years Old and Old Pulteney 30 Years Old – have been crafted for release to global markets from June 2026.

Both are masterfully aged spirits, distilled and matured at Pulteney Distillery in the historic port of Wick on Scotland’s windswept north coast. Both are shaped by the sea that dominates this remote part of Scotland, and the pride and tenacity of its people. After decades of maturation in carefully selected casks, salt-laden winds and time have combined to refine two single malts with an unmistakable coastal character that has run deep since 1826.

Old Pulteney 50 Years Old 

The oldest ever release from Old Pulteney, just 200 bottles of this rare, deeply complex expression will be available globally, epitomising 200 years of industrial craftsmanship and maritime heritage in Wick.

COLOUR: Dark gold with radiant bronze highlights.

NOSE: Bold and intense, with a saline lift from the maritime sea air. Floral and fruity notes unfold – cask char, plum jam, green apples, and creamy vanilla. Reminiscent of fresh toasted bread spread thick with marmalade, and a subtle touch of fine leather.

PALATE: Dry, with a touch of salt from the sea air and a hint of pepper, led by cask char and layered with toffee apple, cardamon, clove, and sweet tobacco.

FINISH: Long. Unfolds with the gentle surge of the tide – dry at first, then revealing sweet vanilla.

70cl, ABV 40.8%, 200 bottles available, RRP £20,000

A careful selection of four casks has nurtured this whisky for half a century, resulting in a whisky of deep coastal character. This single malt has been predominantly matured in American oak whilst a subtle seasoning of European oak adds a gentle richness and depth to an extraordinary expression.

Old Pulteney 50 Years Old is held within an exquisite crystal decanter, expertly developed and crafted by the award-winning team at Glencairn Crystal. Each hand-blown bottle is unique, adorned with intricate sand-etched wave patterns that ripple elegantly around its base. A sculptural curved gold base envelopes each decanter. The outer casing is meticulously crafted from premium oak, with a design inspired by the driftwood of Old Pulteney’s coastal home. 

 Old Pulteney 30 Years Old 

Matured in American oak casks and refined in European oak casks, this limited release of 1,000 bottles features a whisky that harnesses the relentless conditions of the Caithness coast: a celebration of an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and of everything which makes Old Pulteney one of the most enduring single malts.

COLOUR: Burnished Copper

NOSE: A refined harmony of sugared almonds and sweet oak, layered with juicy orchard fruits – pear and green apple – alongside toffee, polished oak, and a whisper of citrus. Subtle floral notes mingle with hints of leather and tobacco, all lifted by a gentle maritime breeze.

PALATE Opens with bright citrus and crisp pear, unfolding into salted caramel and baked apple. Warm spices – cinnamon and nutmeg – intertwine with polished oak and delicate floral notes, creating a rich, layered sweetness.

FINISH: Medium to long, revealing a graceful balance of sweet and salty, leaving a lasting impression of coastal elegance.

70cl, ABV 50.4%, 1000 bottles available, RRP £1,750

Adding to its rarity, Distillery Manager, Malcolm Waring, personally hand-filled the casks in which this single malt spent three decades developing its unmistakable coastal character.

The whisky is elegantly presented within a clear crystal decanter, again meticulously handcrafted and decorated by Glencairn Crystal. Each decanter is gilded with delicate rose gold detail and retains Old Pulteney’s distinctive bottle neck shape inspired by the distillery’s unusual still shape. The base features intricate sand-etchings of ocean waves, paying homage to the maritime forces that have shaped this whisky. Again, the bespoke outer casing takes inspiration from weathered driftwood and the whisky’s balance of refinement with rugged beauty.

Designed by Lewis Moberly, the Old Pulteney team partnered with two UK specialists to bring both bottles to life; Glencairn Crystal who handcrafted the bespoke decanters and Morans Wood Components to handcraft the outer casings.

As Old Pulteney steps into its third century, these two extraordinary whiskies are not just a tribute to the distillery’s past but also signal a confident new chapter for The Maritime Malt.

Fiona Kennie, International Beverage Global Marketing Director said: ‘It’s an honour for us to be custodians of Old Pulteney at this very special moment in its history, and to be sharing these two excellent whiskies with the world today. Few spirits embody their heritage and provenance as much as Old Pulteney, and with these new releases, these qualities come together beautifully in two exceptional single malts. This is a proud moment for everyone at Old Pulteney as we celebrate a much-loved whisky that has held its unique coastal character for two centuries, while unveiling a new era for the brand as we look ahead to the next 200 years.’ 

Sarah Burgess, International Beverage Master of Whisky Creation added: ‘For this special year we wanted to create something extraordinary, not only to mark the milestone but as a true celebration of the distillery and the maritime thread that weaves through all Old Pulteney whiskies. I often think casks of whisky are like people, each behaving in an individual way and changing over time. For these two new expressions, my job was to select casks that honour the different moments in the distillery’s 200-year history, whilst bringing them together in whiskies that reflect everything Old Pulteney represents.’

The business also confirmed an evolved marketing campaign – Character Runs Deep – which signals a new era for Old Pulteney whilst staying true to the brand’s roots. Set to launch from June 2026, the campaign recognises the strong character, tough conditions and time-honoured industrial craftsmanship that have defined The Maritime Malt since 1826.

Interest for Old Pulteney 50 Years Old (70cl) and 30 Years Old (70cl) can be registered on Old Pulteney’s website and they are available from select specialist partners across key markets including the UK, Global Travel Retail, China, Japan, France and USA from June 2026 onwards.

www.interbevgroup.com

www.oldpulteney.com

About Old Pulteney

For two centuries, on the northern coast of Scotland in Wick, salt-laden winds, maritime resilience, and a steady commitment to craft have shaped Old Pulteney – a remarkable Single Malt Scotch Whisky with an enduring salty character.

Pulteney Distillery was founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s fishing boom and named after the town’s newly developed ‘Pulteneytown’ area. Accessible mainly by sea, barley for whisky making was shipped in to Wick harbour by boat, and these boats were shipped back out again taking Old Pulteney whisky to the world.

200 years later, Old Pulteney is still made at the same distillery site, where maritime conditions and meticulous cask selection imbue the whisky with an unmistakable taste. Its story is inseparable from the sea and the community, heritage and spirit of the whisky’s remote coastal home.

Od Pulteney’s award-winning core collection includes Harbour, 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old.

Recent global awards for Old Pulteney’s core range include:

• A highly coveted Platinum for Old Pulteney 12 Years Old at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, plus Double Gold for Old Pulteney Huddart and 15 Years Old, and Gold for Old Pulteney 18 Years Old.
• Gold for Old Pulteney 18 Years Old and Silver for Old Pulteney 12 Years Old at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
• Silver for Old Pulteney Huddart, 15 Years Old and 18 Years Old at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

About International Beverage

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Limited Company. The premium spirits company’s portfolio is led by a range of high-quality brands including Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn and The Source Gins, PRAKAAN single malt whisky and Phraya Rum from Thailand, Larsen Cognac, The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky, The Reid Single Malt Vodka, and Rose Rabbit Liqueur.

A certified Great Place to Work, International Beverage’s success is shaped by its 700-strong team based across the business’ network of nine global sites spanning the UK, France, New Zealand, and Greater China following the company’s recent acquisition of Asiaeuro International Beverage (AIB). For more information, please visit www.interbevgroup.com/.

About Glencairn Crystal 

The award-winning Glencairn Crystal Studio has been at the cutting edge of high quality decanter and glassware design, innovation, and creativity for over four decades. Regarded internationally as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware manufacturers, the family run Scottish company has hand crafted prestigious decanters often for the rarest and most luxurious spirits ever released.

Last year, the family run business was honoured with the Kings Award for Enterprise – the fourth time in the company’s history it has been awarded this prestigious accolade. The business was recognised for its excellence in the category of Innovation.

Glencairn Crystal also produces the Glencairn Glass which is recognised as the world’s official whisky glass. This year the glass celebrates its 25th birthday and the company now sell over 5 million glasses across the globe each year. www.glencairn.co.uk

Special prices on special bottles

Father’s Day may be approaching ever closer, but we have just the thing – whatever their thing may be. With an unparalleled range across the drinks spectrum, there’s no better place to find that special gift.

And not only do we have everything from charming Belgian beers to cognacs presented in their own decanters, we also have a wealth of eye-catching offers to go with them. Every dad is different, and we have a bottle to match, at a price to suit.

SHOP NOW

EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON TOASTS AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH OFFICIALLY LICENSED AMERICA250 COMMEMORATIVE RELEASES

Limited-edition offerings honor the shared legacy of America’s founding and Kentucky’s first licensed distiller

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 18, 2026) — Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the world’s #1 American-owned bourbon, proudly announces a new series of officially licensed America250 commemorative products in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Arriving on shelves beginning May 2026, these special releases invite consumers to raise a glass ahead of the nation’s historic Semiquincentennial milestone in July.

Rooted deeply in American history, Evan Williams’ story has long run in parallel with that of the nation itself. In 1783 – the same year the United States formalized its independence at the end of the Revolutionary War – Evan Williams became Kentucky’s first licensed distiller.

“Evan Williams has always been intertwined with American history,” said Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we are honored to celebrate this historic moment with a collection that reflects the spirit, perseverance, and craftsmanship that define both our country and our bourbon. These special releases are a tribute to where we’ve been and a toast to the future.”

The America250 lineup includes three expressions of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, each crafted to commemorate this once-in-a-generation occasion:

• Evan Williams Black Label (86 proof) – Available in 1.75L ($24.99)
• Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch (90 proof) – Available in 1.75L ($37.99) and 750ml ($23.99)
• Evan Williams Single Barrel (117.76 proof) – A special higher-proof release with a limited selection of 250 barrels ($39.99)

Each bottle features patriotic packaging and storytelling that underscores Evan Williams’ enduring connection to America’s founding. The Black Label and 1783 Small Batch bottles, in particular, bring this heritage to life by highlighting the brand’s origins and its enduring commitment to American values. The Single Barrel expression is hand-dipped in blue wax to match the coordinating blues in the bottle’s depiction of the Statue of Liberty. From its founding to today, Evan Williams stands for American craftsmanship and pride and will raise a glass in the same enduring spirit that built the country as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

In addition to honoring history, Evan Williams will continue its more than 10 years of ongoing partnership with veteran causes across the country. The brand is proud to announce a new partnership with the non-profit Folds of Honor, and a $75,000 donation to provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders.

“America250 is proud to collaborate with iconic American brands like Evan Williams that embody the heritage and values we seek to celebrate,” said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President of America250. “This partnership helps bring the Semiquincentennial to life for consumers across the country, inspiring reflection, pride, and participation in this historic moment.”

With the rallying call to “Toast to 250 years with the #1 American-owned bourbon,” Evan Williams invites consumers nationwide to join in celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial by honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking ahead to the next 250 years.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams is committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. For more than a decade, the brand has contributed over $750,000 to initiatives that benefit veterans, helping provide resources, recognition, and support to those who have demonstrated exceptional service and sacrifice. In 2024, the brand debuted ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate college athletics through a partnership with Learfield making Kentucky’s 1st Distiller Game Day’s #1 Pour. The multi-year deal currently includes powerhouse teams at University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, Ohio State University, University of Alabama, the University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, and the University of Oklahoma. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.

The Quiet Splendor of Komagatake
Mars Komagatake 7 Year Old K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel #3740 Japanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) ($179.99)
“An absolute winner by any measure that feels like a rapturous eye-opener to the potential of this wonderful little mountain distillery.” —David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Mars Shuzo is the quiet giant of Japanese whisky. The best kept secret in the whisky world are the two exceptional distilleries, Komagatake and Tsunuki. While both have been available on occasion in single malt form, they are almost never seen in the US as single casks, and typically a single barrel of either commands a significant premium. The company can trace its roots to the origins of Japanese whisky through their founder, Kiichiro Iwai. Just like Suntory, Hombo Shuzo was there from the start. It was in fact Iwai who enlisted Masataka Taketsuru to travel to Scotland in order to learn the age old techniques for making the worlds most complex whisky. Upon his return, Hombo was not able to construct the distillery, so Taketsuru-san took the plans to Suntory.

But in 1949, Kiichiro Iwai would complete his dream of building pot stills and distilling Hombos own malt whisky. And while Iwai-san represents one of the three pillars of Japanese whisky, their modern commitment to the category rests squarely on the shoulders of one great man, Kazuto Hombo. Hombo-san is a true lover of the finer things, and his love of whisky kept the wonderful old stills running. His belief that Japanese whisky would one day be a worldwide success is singularly connected to the construction of the Nagano plant where the original stills were moved, and while Hombo-san was ahead of his time, the plant would see very little production over the next 30 years. He was ready when the whisky boom began and production restarted in 2014.

Now Komagatake is making some of the world’s best whisky. Stylistically, the distillery offers an elegant and refined malt, but this single cask is truly superb. Peated to 20 ppm, you might expect something very smoky and forward, but instead you have an elegant, ultra complex expression of malt that is on par with the very finest available anywhere. Let’s dive in! One of the old single casks out there. The color is a shimmering yellow gold (0.5). The nose is an explosive mixture of maritime flavors and sweet orchard fruit: oyster shell, yuzu peel, galangal, creosote, white ash, pear preserves, licorice root, salted grilled lemons, and lanolin. The palate is razor sharp and chiseled, with a big citrus note and a strong saline character up front, followed by similar white ashy smoke, which does not dominate whatsoever the fresh, juicy fruit: greengage, apricot, green grapes. It absolutely adores water, softening the smoke and reminding me of a well matured, less tarry style Caol Ila. An absolute winner by any measure that feels like a rapturous eye-opener to the potential of this wonderful little mountain distillery.

— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Mars Komagatake 7 Year Old K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel #3740 Japanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) ($179.99)

This singular cask from Mars Komagatake offers a direct link to the origins of Japanese whisky and one of the category’s most important pioneering producers. Crafted by Hombo Shuzo, a family owned company founded in 1872, Mars traces its whisky lineage to the earliest era of malt distillation in Japan, long before Japanese whisky achieved global acclaim. Hombo was among the first producers to seriously pursue domestic malt whisky, helping establish the foundation of what would become a national tradition. The Komagatake distillery was founded in 1985 high in the Japanese Alps of Nagano, chosen for its pristine mountain water, cool climate, and dramatic seasonal temperature swings. These conditions proved ideal for maturation, allowing whiskies to develop remarkable depth and structure even at younger ages.

Like much of the industry, Komagatake experienced periods of dormancy during market downturns, but its revival in 2011 marked a pivotal moment in the modern resurgence of Japanese whisky. Today, Komagatake is widely regarded as the spiritual and technical heart of Mars, producing some of the most authentic and characterful single malts in the country. This single cask, bottled exclusively for K&L at natural cask strength and limited to just 160 bottles, is not only exceptionally rare but historically significant. As the very first Komagatake barrel selection in K&L’s history, it stands among the finest examples of Japanese whisky available anywhere in the world.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

The GlenAllachie adds to Masters of Wood series with Ex-Solera Sherry cask matured single malt

The GlenAllachie Distillery has unveiled the latest release in its award-winning Masters of Wood Series, a 19-year-old Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky that celebrates exceptionally rare casks and long-term wood character.

The Masters of Wood Series showcases the influence of The GlenAllachie’s most unusual and scarce wood stocks. The series debuted in 2024 with a 17-year-old Mizunara Virgin Oak and Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured expression, which went on to be named Best Scotch Speyside Single Malt aged 13 to 20 years at the World Whiskies Awards 2026.

The second edition of the series, The GlenAllachie Masters of Wood 19-year-old Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Matured is a luxuriously complex single malt. Notes of brandied plums, mocha, cinnamon and dark cherries are woven through with ginger and The GlenAllachie’s signature heather honey, revealing a whisky of remarkable depth and a viscous, velvety texture.

In creating this expression, Master Distiller Billy Walker selected a small number of vintage casks that had previously held Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry as part of their respective traditional solera ageing systems for more than 55 years, before being filled with The GlenAllachie spirit. Solera casks are an important part of a bodega’s operation and are seldom removed from the system, making them extremely difficult to acquire.

The solera method gradually blends younger and older sherries over many years, creating consistency and depth of flavour. Over five and a half decades of sherry maturation within this system, these casks absorbed intense layers of sherry character, developing notes of dried fruit and spice that remain within the oak. This depth of sherry influence continually shaped The GlenAllachie whisky during maturation, with slow oxidation occurring in parallel.

Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie, Billy Walker, commented:

“These are casks that already carried over half a century of sherry history before interacting with our spirit. You are working with time, memory and a structure that has been quietly evolving for decades.

“Over fifty years of experience in this industry has taught me where to look for casks of real distinction – from partners who, like us, refuse to compromise. The relationships built on that shared philosophy have given me the opportunity to work with some of the most intriguing and remarkable casks. This Masters of Wood release is one of the very finest examples of cask influence and stands among the most special projects of my career.”

The 19-year-old whisky developed notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, coconut and gentle spice from its initial maturation in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, before being transferred into the ex-solera sherry casks for secondary maturation. The Pedro Ximénez casks bring layers of fig, raisin and dark molasses sweetness, while the Oloroso casks add drier notes of walnut, dark chocolate and warming spice.

The packaging references the solera system through hand-illustrated detailing on the outer box, which is presented in a deep merlot tone intended to reflect the whisky’s natural hue development in cask.

Bottled at 50% ABV, with natural colour and without chill filtration, this release showcases The GlenAllachie’s signature sherried Speyside character, elevated through exceptional vintage casks and unparalleled wood management.

The GlenAllachie Masters of Wood: 19-year-old Ex-Solera Sherry Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available now from The GlenAllachie Distillery and online at  www.glenallachie.com with a UK RRP of £224.99. It will become available globally in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit www.theglenallachie.com.

About The GlenAllachie Masters of Wood Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt

ABV: 50%
RRP £224.99
Natural colour and non-chill filtered

Tasting notes:
COLOUR: Intense Mahogany.

NOSE: Brandied plum, intense mocha and honeycomb, with caramel snaps, molasses tart and rich cocoa.

TASTE: Plum syrup, treacle and warmed heather honey, followed by black cherries, mocha and brandied orchard fruits, with crystalised cinnamon and ginger.

About The GlenAllachie Distillery

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts over a half-century’s tenure in whisky. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, The GlenAllachie Distillery have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

Since re-emerging under independent ownership in 2017, The GlenAllachie has made bold, strategic choices rooted in flavour integrity over volume. By fine-tuning fermentation practices, streamlining production, and investing heavily in cask management, the distillery has cultivated a house style renowned for depth, complexity, and individuality.

Beyond the stillhouse, The GlenAllachie’s influence continues to grow, with high-profile and innovative releases such as The Sinteis Series, and age-stated limited editions earning global acclaim. The distillery’s commitment to transparency – bottling at natural colour, non-chill filtered, and often at cask strength – underscores its dedication to the discerning whisky drinker.

Prioritising the production of quality spirit, the GlenAllachie Distillery chose to reduce its production capacity from four million to around one million litres of alcohol and increase its fermentation period to 160 hours – almost three times the industry standard – for an ester-rich, fruity spirit.

The GlenAllachie also maintains a strong focus on sustainability and provenance, with local sourcing and traditional methods guiding much of its ethos. Supported by the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF), a state-of-the-art Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) system was installed at the distillery to capture and recycle waste heat from distillation, using it to reheat the stills. The result is a distillery that not only honours Scotch whisky heritage but actively shapes its future.

About Billy Walker
With a career spanning over 50 years, Billy Walker is a legendary figure in the Scotch whisky industry, renowned for his transformative leadership of distilleries like Benriach, Glendronach, and Glenglassaugh. Celebrated for his innovative use of casks and unwavering commitment to quality, he is now the owner and Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie.

Under his stewardship, the company has achieved widespread acclaim. Among its many accolades, The GlenAllachie has claimed ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards twice – in 2021 for the 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 4, and in 2025 for the 12-year-old.

It’s from this incredible record of success that Billy has cemented his reputation as one of the most prominent whisky figures of his generation.

We are delighted to announce the release of our Hearts and Crafts Madeira Single Malt Whisky (54% ABV) – the seventh expression in our annual Hearts and Crafts series.  This series celebrates the Arts & Crafts movement, which flourished in the Cotswolds in the late 19th century and stood for the importance of traditional craftsmanship – the same values upon which our rural distillery was built.

For this limited-edition release, our single malt whisky has matured in hand-selected Madeira casks and is non-chill filtered, delivering a rich, full-bodied flavour profile with notes of sweet fruits and toasted spices. The liquid has a striking garnet rose tint, hinting at the rich fruit-forward wood that shaped it.

Bottles are on sale in our three Cotswolds stores and to all customers via our website.  Once they’re gone, this release will not be repeated. *Free UK shipping on all orders over £50 – automatically applied at checkout. Please order before Weds 17th June for guaranteed delivery in time for Father’s Day.

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