VCL VINTNERS FIRST UK WHISKY BROKER TO ADOPT PIONEERING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY ACROSS OPERATIONS

– VCL Implements Proof 8 SaaS Platform for Full Traceability and Transparency of Inventory –

London, [February 2025] – VCL Vintners (VCL) has become the first whisky broker in the UK to turn to blockchain technology to transform its operations and guarantee full traceability and transparency of its inventory.  Using Proof 8’s proprietary SaaS platform, VCL is now able to track and verify every stage of a product’s life cycle with real-time data and secure, immutable records known as ‘Digital Deeds’, making it easier to prove provenance, maintain compliance and ensure transparency of ownership.

Benjamin Lancaster, founder and partner of VCL, said: “Proof 8 has harnessed blockchain technology to deliver hands-down the best end-to-end cask management solution on the market. Already employed by future-thinking distilleries and warehouses to improve operational processes and productivity, we are proud to be the first broker to fully adopt the Proof 8 platform to manage our clients’ assets.”

Casks that are stored on the Proof 8 platform are assigned a unique ‘Digital Deed’ – a trusted record of ownership which is a digital representation of the physical asset. This approach not only removes all uncertainty around authenticity and ownership, it also enables seamless transfer of ownership, ensuring a secure, transparent and efficient process.

Benjamin added: “Full traceability and transparency is crucial, especially in an industry like whisky where provenance can make or break the value of an asset. Through this innovation, we are modernising the way in which whisky is traded and invested. The digital transformation also addresses some long-standing challenges in the market, including counterfeiting and fraud. Investors now have a reliable way to track their assets, guaranteeing peace of mind.

“Because ‘Digital Deeds’ are securely recorded on the blockchain and are unique to each asset, like a fingerprint, they cannot be copied or modified and so provide a secure, verifiable record of authenticity that buyers and collectors can trust when it comes to their investments.”

VCL made headlines in 2021 when it collaborated with Proof 8 on another of their innovative platforms – Metacask – to auction a rare 1991 Macallan cask, attaching a blockchain-based token (NFT), an early iteration of the Proof 8 ‘Digital Deed’. The cask sold for a record-breaking $2.3 million, setting a new precedent in the world of high-value collectibles.

Benjamin and business partner Stuart Thom became early investors in Metacask and continue to believe in the power of technology to unlock new forms of ownership and bring trust and transparency to the industry.

“Blockchain technology has already had a transformative impact on industries like finance, banking and healthcare – that have complex supply chains, data-sharing requirements and high regulatory and compliance requirements and we were convinced that it could be a game-changer in asset-backed investments like whisky,” Benjamin said. “Before the Macallan sale it was a relatively untapped market and Proof 8 has developed a secure, scalable solution that provides a seamless way to trade, track and authenticate ownership in a way traditional methods simply couldn’t match.”

Rob Hollands, CEO at Proof 8, said: “Moving away from paper-based records, certificates of ownership, and unreliable tools such as Excel to manage the production process, provides a real opportunity for better data across the whole industry. This not only unlocks the potential for greater efficiencies in the production and maturation process but, crucially for collectors, whisky enthusiasts and brokers, brings assurance of ownership and provenance which previously didn’t exist. With our platform, there can no longer be any doubt over the origins, location and ownership of an asset. Every crucial piece of information is collected, stored and tracked on our platform throughout its entire lifetime. And this information is accessible at any time. This level of transparency and traceability, from grain to glass, is now the new standard for the industry today. As the first whisky broker to implement our platform, VCL shares our values of transforming spirits with trust, transparency and innovation at the core.”

Established in 2010, VCL Vintners is a trusted name in whisky brokering and investment, known for its extensive network and expertise in sourcing and trading rare casks. With this latest digital transformation, VCL is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.

vclvintners.london

About VCL Vintners
Founded in 2010, VCL Vintners is the pioneer of the spirits investment industry as it’s known today. VCL has a proven history of providing investment-grade spirits for its network of retail and institutional investors, offering investment opportunities that range from new-make spirits to some of the oldest and rarest casks available anywhere in the world. Since inception, VCL has amassed assets under management which are currently valued at over £130m.

About Proof 8

Proof 8 is transforming the spirits industry by digitalising production, maturation and ownership. Their SaaS platform streamlines distillery operations, warehouse management and connects brand products to consumers. Proof 8’s digitalisation creates assets and products that are ‘born digital’ – ensuring traceability, authentication, and valuable consumer experiences. By using innovative solutions, new tech and user-centred design, Proof 8 optimises the entire spirits journey, from grain to bottle, redefining the way businesses and consumers connect in the ever-evolving spirits landscape.

https://proof-8.com/

Teaninich 40 Year Old 1973 Vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask sherry hogshead bottled October 2014 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old & Rare Platinum Selection. 229 bottles.

This burnished gold coloured whisky has a full bodied and sweet nose of vanilla, butterscotch and Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. It is smooth and creamy on the palate, with vanilla, cinder toffee and dark chocolate giving a remarkable depth of character. The finish is long and satisfying with a dry oaky aftertaste.

£900.00 GBP

2025 is the year of whisky with a taste for adventure, and March is the time to explore its hidden depths. This month we’re immersing ourselves in the world of maturation. It can take you on an adventure to places you might not expect, from Madeira and France to as far as Australia. Take a peek at some of the cask adventures that await in this month’s Outturn, which goes live on Friday, 7 March at 9am.

EXPLORE THE OUTTURN

WATCH THE PODCAST

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

Old-School Scotch Collectible

2006 Glenlivet 17 Year Old “Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection” 1st Fill Single Sherry Butt #900810 Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

(Pre-Arrival, Elsewhere $180)

($139.99)
“We’re extremely lucky to have acquired a significant stock of this excellent barrel.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

This exceptional barrel from a renowned Speyside distillery harks back to a time when high-proof, sherry-matured malt was still available at a reasonable price. Filled in 2007 into a first-fill Oloroso sherry butt, it aged for 17 years before being bottled at cask strength, unchillfiltered and without added color. K&L has had the privilege of bottling several outstanding Glenlivet casks from this era, and this one is no exception. This value find goes for over $40 our pricing on the global market, but only K&L offers this remarkable deal. Expect a powerful nose of stewed stone fruit, heather, and rich dark chocolate. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a superbly aged Glenlivet at an unbeatable value.

This product is estimated to be available by 03/16/2025.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2025

There was once a time when we were able to sell 16-year-old Sherried Glenlivet from Signatory for $80. Then came many years when a similar-aged product would easily cost over $200, and we had to charge $140 for 12-year-old stocks. Now, we’re back to a world where Signatory is a leader in both price and quality, offering extremely high-quality stocks well under market prices.

This exceptional Glenlivet, presented in the iconic Signatory decanter bottle, is part of a well-known series of 06/07 barrels from the renowned distillery that Signatory seems to have been sitting on for quite some time. We’re extremely lucky to have acquired a significant stock of this excellent barrel. Some of these Glenlivets are ultra-clean and refreshing, but others are extremely complex, offering a very old-school vibe. This one is quite the latter. The color is burnt umber (1.7). A dense and complex nose of dried tobacco, dried plums, fruitcake, dark jams, and a deep roast-y rancio. Unctuous and bold, mouthfilling and forward, full of jams and sweet caramel candies, but with twinges of old wood, tobacco, and mineral oils to keep it sassy. This is world-class stuff and honestly should be sold for a lot more money, but here we are. We bought every bottle still available in the country.

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

Four Roses “2024 Limited Edition” Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon

(700ml – EU Export) (limit 1btl per)

$375.00

The widely loved Four Roses Limited Edition bottled for the European Market in 700ml bottles, re-imported and sold in advance of its arrival. This extremely rare expression is about as rare as it gets Stateside, but our suppliers in Europe are able to offer stock at well below market prices. This is a blend of bourbons aged 12 to 20 years old. 39% of the blend is OESF at 16 years of age, 31% an OBSV at 12 years old, 23% is an OESK at 15 years, and the last 7% OBSV at aged to 20 years. The distillery describes the character, “creamy vanilla, honey and brown sugar on the nose are followed by the flavors of ripe berries and tangy citrus on the palate. Intertwined are herbal notes and Four Roses’ signature mellow spice to balance out the layers of complexity and sweetness with a delicate 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

LONGROW 100° PROOF

A brand new addition to the range, whilst also inspiring a bit of nostalgia, Longrow 100 Proof recognises the appreciation of this style of whisky from our distillery. The characteristic Longrow peat smoke is married with the subtle influence of red wine casks and bottled at proof strength, providing a fitting contrast to our flagship Longrow Peated. This whisky has been matured for almost 4 years in refill bourbon casks and over 2 years in refill pinot noir casks.

NOSE

The peat smoke influence presents in medicinal, TCP notes, along with notes of redcurrants.

PALATE

Softer, the peat smoke has a more earthy, musty element now, with notes of creme brulee, vanilla and almonds.

FINISH

Red cola cubes, strawberry laces and marzipan are at the forefront of the smoky Longrow finish.

UK RRP £60 – £64

Although the origins of 100° proof are often contested, it is widely agreed to have hailed from Britain in the 17th century when excise taxes were based on alcohol strength, thus “proof” of strength became a requirement.

The process for testing and proving strength involved pouring the spirit on to gunpowder and subsequently taking a flame to the gunpowder, with an explosion indicating that the spirit was “over proof”, failure to ignite indicating that it was “under proof”, and a steady flame burning indicating the spirit was “100 proof”.

The 19th century saw the development of a new, scientific calculation of strength devised by Bartholomew Sikes, who measured specific gravity of spirit and defined 100 proof strength as 4/7 alcohol purity, or 57.1% ABV.

Since the USA proof system works differently, proof is considered double the ABV, or 50%. This whisky is therefore known as 114 proof in the US market.

THE HEART CUT

Indie bottlers provide a great way to taste delicious whiskies from distilleries you might not be familiar with, as well as idiosyncratic expressions from those you already know and love. And while you’ll find indie bottlers with heritage spanning more than a century, there are also some exciting new brands in the mix, too.

Founded in 2023 by Georgie Bell and Fabrizio Leoni, The Heart Cut is a new-school bottler that curates outstanding single cask whiskies from exciting distilleries around the world.

SHOP NOW

Currently in the collection are 12 bottlings from distilleries ranging from St George in California, Stauning in Denmark, England’s East London Liquor Company and more. With a flavour-forward approach and distinctive 50cl bottles wrapped in eye-catching labels, it’s clear that this is a bottler looking to do things a little differently.

Talnua Distillery Announces Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Exclusive Olde Saint’s Keep 2025 Release

Arvada, CO – February 2025 – Talnua Distillery, America’s pioneer of Single Pot Still whiskey, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, taking place at the distillery on March 14 and 15 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This 21+ event promises an unforgettable experience filled with music, camaraderie, and the annual release of the exclusive Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey.

Whiskey enthusiasts and St. Patrick’s Day revelers alike are invited to join Talnua Distillery for two days of festivities featuring live music, pipe and drum bands, traditional Irish music sessions, and incredible food trucks. Guests can also enjoy the Trinity Mobile Cigar Lounge, offering a premium pairing experience for those looking to enhance their whiskey enjoyment.

Event Schedule: A full schedule of entertainment and activities can be found HERE

Introducing the 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey

A cornerstone of Talnua’s annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition, the 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey is an exclusive offering available only at the distillery beginning March 14. Crafted with a meticulous approach to tradition and innovation, this American Single Pot Still whiskey is triple distilled from a mash of 50% unmalted barley and 50% malted barley.

Aging in select barrels has imbued this whiskey with remarkable depth and complexity.

This year’s release was aged for 2 1/2 years in Ex-Bourbon barrels with both French Oak and American Oak staves. From there, the whiskey was transferred into barrels that first held Pedro Ximenez Sherry for 17 years followed by PX Solera Brandy from 1948 for 13 years.

The whiskey rested in those barrels for 2 years and 3 months, giving it a final age statement of 4 years and 9 months.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Apple Orchard, Buttery Maple, Baking Spices
Palate: Honey Graham Cracker, Dried Stone Fruit, Macadamia Nut Cookie
Finish: Cinnamon, Shortbread, Long Finish

At 100 proof (50% ABV), this whiskey delivers a bold yet refined profile, with limited availability of fewer than 1,000 bottles, making it a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this incredible celebration and to secure a bottle of the 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey. Join us at Talnua Distillery on March 14 and 15 for a St. Patrick’s Day experience like no other!

Exciting Releases from Top Distilleries
K&L Exclusive “Faultline” Collectibles
“This is another one of those that we’re simply honored and lucky to have been able to snag under the Faultline label.”— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

We’re thrilled to present these K&L exclusive Faultline bottlings, which deliver exceptional quality far beyond their price point. Sourced from some of Scotland’s most renowned and exciting distilleries, Faultline strives to create single malts that are both effortlessly beautiful and full of character. Complex, dynamic, and unavailable anywhere else, these unique bottles are the perfect addition to any collection.

This Faultline series also offers a rare opportunity to experience the work of Brazilian contemporary artist Céu Isatto. Each special bottling features a segment of her painting, shown below. Whether you choose to collect the full set or select your favorites, each bottle represents not only a brilliant Scotch expression but also a true story waiting to be discovered.

1998 The Huntley (Balvenie) 25 Year Old “Faultline” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Hogshead Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) ($250.00)

The special distillery in the town of Dufftown is unquestionably one of the top distillers in Scotland. Owners William Grant detest the thought of another company bottling their most special malts, but they nonetheless trade in it on occasion. When they do sell it, they add a molecular amount of a neighboring distillery (either Kininvie or Glenfiddich) and sell it off as Burnside. But now, they don’t seem to like to see that name on bottles either. So, we’ve adopted a totally unrelated name so as not to piss anyone off. Still, I’m happy to tell you this was distilled in Dufftown on December 9th 1998 and filled into a sherry hogshead for 25 years. Bottled exclusively for K&L at a natural cask strength of 51.2%

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 20, 2025

This is another one of those that we’re simply honored and lucky to have been able to snag under the Faultline label. Yes, it’s very expensive – but old Islay of this quality is rarely trading for less than double the price of this wonderful single cask. Sure, it’s listed as a blended malt, but there’s no question about the source and if you’re in it for the function over the form, you’ll be extremely happy with this stupendous cask of Ardbeg. If the distillery had held onto these barrels, there’s no question they’d be in some gorgeous special edition worth thousands. No need for further convincing. Let’s taste.

The color is picturesque old gold (0.6). Still extremely powerful after more than 2.5 decades offering pungent dark coal smoke doused in salt water. Pulverized oyster shell, lemon oil, lanolin, old rubber boots, salted fish, candy cane, roasted tarragon, Vin Jaune, and metal shop. On the palate, powerful green and black peat smoke, tense yet full-bodied, cigar ash, camphor, lemon drops, menthol, and tarry asphalt. With water, we add much more oyster brine and lemon oil on the nose, but the palate still exhibits powerful peat smoke, albeit slightly tamed. Now we have some limestone, Myer lemons, candied ginger drops, and creosote. Absolutely top-notch old heavy peat Ardbeg. Not one of these tame ones. A real refreshing contrast to the modern style peat. It ain’t cheap, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a similar experience anywhere else these days.

1997 Islay Mystery (Ardbeg) 26 Year Old “Faultline” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) ($300.00)

This wild barrel of teaspooned Islay malt was filled into a single hogshead on November 24th of 1997. The distiller in questions, Ardbeg, does not like to have its name adorn products it did not bottle and during this period which represented a significant transition for the distillery, many deals were made to acquire the product, but obscure its origins. Indeed, this is no single malt. It would have been teaspooned (administratively or literally) with another Islay malt distilled on or before November 1997. But the source of whisky is unquestionably that special distillery on the southern shore of Islay. One taste and you’ll be sure. Bottled exclusively for K&L at a natural cask strength of 54% without color or chillfiltration. One of 264 bottles. Cask: 9876917

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 20, 2025

This is another one of those that we’re simply honored and lucky to have been able to snag under the Faultline label. Yes, it’s very expensive, but old Islay of this quality is rarely trading for less than double the price of this wonderful single cask. Sure, it’s listed as a blended malt, but there’s no question about the source. If you’re in it for the function over the form, you’ll be extremely happy with this stupendous cask of Ardbeg. If the distillery had held onto these barrels, there’s no question they’d be in some gorgeous special edition worth thousands. No need for further convincing. Let’s taste. The color is picturesque old gold (0.6). Still extremely powerful after more than 2.5 decades, offering pungent dark coal smoke doused in salt water. Pulverized oyster shell, lemon oil, lanolin, old rubber boots, salted fish, candy cane, roasted tarragon, Vin Jaune, and metal shop. On the palate: powerful green and black peat smoke, tense yet full-bodied, cigar ash, camphor, lemon drops, menthol, tarry asphalt.

With water, we add much more oyster brine and lemon oil on the nose, but the palate still exhibits powerful peat smoke, albeit slightly tamed. Now we have some limestone, Meyer lemons, candied ginger drops, and creosote. Absolutely top-notch old heavy peat Ardbeg. Not one of these tame ones. A real refreshing contrast to the modern style peat. It ain’t cheap, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a similar experience anywhere else these days.

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

OLD ORKNEY 1999 – 25 YEAR OLD

A beautiful and richly sherried 25 year old Orkney single malt bottled as our fourth Old Orkney release. Matured initially in plain oak hogsheads, this spent its final six years maturing in a very, very old 1st fill, ex-bodega, oloroso sherry butt.

This has made it a beautifully well-sherried mature Orkney single malt, but means there’s also still plenty of distillery character well intact.

The fourth bottling in our occasional but cherished Old Orkney series is a 1999, 25 year old Orkney malt that has spent the majority of its life in plain refill wood, then the final six years of its maturation in a very, very old 1st fill, ex-bodega, oloroso sherry butt.

The result, bottled at natural cask strength, is a richly sherried example of very mature Orkney single malt, that leaves all the wonderful distillery character intact, but decorates it in great detail with some beautifully intricate and old school sherry characteristics.

This one is deeply earthy, gamey and rich, with gentle peat smoke, waxes, hessian and nicely savoury, salty notes. A beautiful dram and a wonderfully old school example of sherried Orcadian single malt.

£350.00 inc VAT

A word from Angus…

Life is tough enough as it is without suffering bad, mundane and boring things to drink. We believe wholeheartedly in ensnaring the most delicious spirits and wines the world has to offer, and presenting them to you in a way that celebrates all that is fun, silly, beautiful, humourous, satirical and surreal. A little bit of ‘decadence’ every now and then is part of what helps make life joyful and worth living. We are Decadent Drinks and we are about quality, about beauty, about pleasure and about fun!