Bardstown Bourbon Company 6 Year Old “Origin Series – Wheated” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(750ml)

$44.99

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Bardstown’s High Wheat Bourbon is the first 39% wheated mashbill available on the market. This expression explodes with richness and flavor thanks to 39% wheat in the mashbil and at 106 proof in the bottle.vEstate-distilled, aged and bottle on-site; enjoy the unmatched character and elegance of High Wheat. CORN 53% WHEAT 39% MALTED BARLEY 8%. Tasting notes from the distillery, “Ripe apricot and lemon rest on leather and crème brûlée. A bold palate of oak and pastry leads to a lightly spiced, full-bodied 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

Strathearn

Discover the rich, creamy depths of Strathearn Highland Single Malt—crafted with Maris Otter Malt and expertly matured in hand-selected casks to achieve a refined, full-bodied character.

Nose

Rich malted barley with gentle oak notes.

Palate

Syrupy and mouth-coating, bringing honey, buttercream, baking spice, and dried apricots.

Finish

Long and warming, with hints of home baking and buttery oak biscuits.

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We’ve been singing the praises of the Tasting Panel and their expert noses this month – but we’re not the only experts on a mission to explore flavour in creative new ways. Husband-and-wife team and Society members Grant and Georgia Fraser of Cortino barrel-aged coffee have been creating a range of coffees with beans that have matured in Scotch whisky casks.

Fellow Society members, Adam and Isabelle specialise in loose leaf teas that they source from around the world. Both are dedicated to the possibilities of what experiences flavour can bring. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up tea and coffee-inspired bottlings to pair with your next brew.

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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

Town Branch Distillery Unveils New Whiskey Blending Strategy

Enhanced Blending Process Implemented for Distillery’s Flagship Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Alongside Allocated Straight Rye and Single Malt Whiskey Releases

LEXINGTON, Ky, February 2025— Town Branch Distillery, the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®—is proud to announce significant improvements in its blending process for several key whiskeys. The distillery has overhauled barrel selection methods, proofing techniques, and, most notably, increased the average age of the whiskeys within its updated blending strategy.

Town Branch®️ Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 90 Proof

Under the leadership of Mark Lyons, a seventh-generation member of the Lyons family with deep roots in brewing, distilling, and cooperage, Town Branch has been refining its long-term vision. A major shift recently occurred with the re-envisioning of the flagship spirit: Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof.

In late 2024, Town Branch tasted several new potential blends for its flagship bourbon. The result: a unanimous decision to adjust to a new blend that is aged 2 years longer on average, thanks to an increase in its available mature inventory. This adjustment not only enhanced the whiskey’s age but also expanded the variety of barrels used. The distillery currently has four mature bourbon mash bills available for blending, two of which are its primary for blending, both with the same grain build but different distillation methods: double pot-still (creating deep flavors of stone fruit, orchard fruit and biscuit) and column-still (producing honey, cinnamon, and nut flavors). Along with these components, a longer proofing process was implemented to allow the whiskey to decant properly, developing additional flavor. The goal is to craft a blend driven by knowledge and experience, not necessity.

“We want to amplify and enhance the distinctive flavors and tasting notes of our blended Bourbon,” says Dave Bob Gaspar, National Brand Manager and Lead Blender. “Between 6-7 years of age, Town Branch Bourbons are at their peak, which gives us a more robust base for our blends.” The core blending range is between 5 and 8 years, and per current U.S. label laws, there is nothing under 4 years old in this NAS (No Age Statement) whiskey with all the barrels being selected for blending older than this.

The Art of Allocation to Improve The Art of Blending

Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof is not the only brand to benefit from the recent blending upgrades. Two other original core offerings—Town Branch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – 100 Proof and Town Branch 7-Year Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey – 87 Proof—were intentionally slowed in 2024 with a soft allocation process to the market. Starting in 2025, these whiskeys will follow a blend-to-order annual allocation model.

These updated blending strategies focus on increasing the average age of the whiskey and delivering exceptional value to consumers. “We produce only what our network demands each year, and by knowing their needs in advance, we can craft a blend for these types of products that represents the best whiskey possible at that time—rather than a standardized product year after year,” says Robert Krass, Managing Director at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Town Branch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is designed to balance the liveliness of younger rye with the depth of older, more mature rye. Town Branch 7-Year Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey explores the potential of American Single Malt Whiskey, offering consumers the assurance of an age statement comparable to globally recognized Single Malts.

Both allocated whiskeys will be available for release later in the year, following the new blend of Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof, which is now available on shelves nationwide.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch®️ Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof (SRP $39.99/750ml)

• Crafted for those who appreciate diverse whiskey styles from around the world, this bourbon elegantly balances the flavors imparted by each barrel by an enhanced focus on blending, resulting in its signature 90 proof, non-chill filtered bottling. Recognized for exceptional quality, Town Branch has received numerous accolades and has been featured in Liquor.com’s list of the 12 Best Kentucky Bourbons to Drink.
• Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Mash Bill: 72% Corn / 15% Rye / 13% Malted Barley
• Age: Blended; 5-years to 8-years age range
• ABV: 45% / 90 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Nationwide Availability

Town Branch®️ Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – 100 Proof (SRP $49.99/750ml)

• This 100-proof small batch rye whiskey offers youthful spicy aromas and flavors balanced by rich and mature notes of vanilla, oak and tropical fruits. Previously recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Rye Whiskeys, it continues to stand out for its exceptional character.
• Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye
• Mash Bill: 90% Rye / 5% Corn / 5% Malted Barley
• Age: Blended; 4-years to 9-years age range
• ABV: 50% / 100 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Annual Release in August; est. 1,000 cases annual

Town Branch®️ 7yr Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey – 87 Proof (SRP $49.99/750ml)

• Made from 100% malted barley and aged for a minimum of 7 years in Town Branch’s own used Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale barrels, Town Branch boasts the oldest Kentucky Single Malt stocks in the world. Bottled at 87 proof and non-chill filtered, it offers an exceptionally balanced profile that has garnered high praise receiving several medals and accolades including a Gold Medal and 93 points from the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI).
• Classification: American Single Malt / Kentucky Single Malt
• Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
• Age: Single Malt; 7-years to 10-years age range
• ABV: 43.5% / 87 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Annual Release in October; est. 1,000 cases annual

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.:
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch Distillery, which is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Committed to sustainability, every emptied barrel is upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to create exceptional beer and spirits. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

About Town Branch Distillery:
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is notable as the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition. It is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️. The distillery produces several acclaimed spirits, including Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Overproof Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch upcycles every used barrel to craft a variety of whiskeys and barrel-aged beers, such as Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This process ensures each barrel’s legacy continues within our diverse product line. For more details, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About Kentucky®️ Barrel-Aged Beers:
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️, specializes in the art of barrel-aging beer. As one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands globally, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of beer. Offerings include the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale, and a selection of Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Seasonal and Specialty releases. Upcycling its own bourbon barrels enhances the quality of its barrel-aged beers with a distinct character that sets them apart from other breweries in America. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About Alltech:
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons and now led by his son Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech is a global leader in agriculture, committed to providing smarter and more sustainable solutions. With over 40 years of scientific research backing its work, Alltech offers a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance the health and performance of plants and animals. This, in turn, leads to improved nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and advanced innovation in the field. Alltech’s portfolio includes specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and biologicals, all underpinned by a strong scientific foundation and a commitment to adaptability. As a private, family-owned company, Alltech emphasizes quick responses to customer needs and fosters a unique, entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered near Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech operates in over 120 countries with five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their mission, encapsulated in their purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” focuses on providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing the planet’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Tenmile Distillery Little Rest American Single Malt Whisky

(750ml)

$85.00

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The Tenmile distillery was founded on one simple principle – if the best people take the best ingredients and use the finest time-tested techniques, you’ll make one of the world’s finest products. Founded in Wassaic, New York on the edge of the Hudson Valley, the gorgeous distillery built in within the walls of an old dairy farm is result of countless hard lessons in doing things the right way. Founder John Dyson was a prominent New Yorker before purchasing and revitalizing the famous Sonoma Pinot Noir producer William Selyem, but his love for the Hudson Valley runs deep. After graduating Cornell Agriculture school, it took a lifetime of hard work to bring John back to this place to create a new standard for American single malt as he had done with American wine. Though Tenmile River meanders east toward the Housatonic, but we’re lucky to have their Little Rest Single Malt out west finally. K&L is the first store to stock this exceptional and highly sought-after single malt in California. Their flagship offering, distilled by renowned master Shane Fraser on Tenmile’s perfect pair of Forsyths pot stills, is a marriage of ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry and red wine barrels. Expect a creamy malty mocha character supported by baked apples, dark chocolate, and juicy caramel sauce. Easily one of the top American Single Malts available today.

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

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

(700ml)

(European Import)

$209.99

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While we’re committed to offering rare bourbon at standard mark up, we’re also not blind to the fact that the market is on fire for these special products. While our competitors charge north of $150 for the standard expression of Blanton’s, we’re still only asking $55. That’s while it can feel so hard to get some of these rare bourbons at K&L. So when the opportunity came up to purchase these re-imported stocks, I insisted that we do so in a fair an equitable way. Of course we could charge $400 a bottle for this special bourbon and likely still sell most of it, but it just goes against my ethos of what a great wine and spirits store should be for their customers. So while these stocks are above standard price for this US version of this product, they’re being offered at our standard mark up, well below market price. It’s a small price to pay for access to these special stocks, especially when considering what the market seems to be comfortable charging for the standard release. In any case, this is dang good bourbon and never disappoints. Like all Blanton’s it’s aged in the famous warehouse H and is the high rye mashbill. This bottle is drawn from barrel No. 397, which was dumped on February 7th of 2022 and bottled at 63.05%. Your bottle will almost certainly be different, so please be aware of the unique character of each barrel. The nose is absolutely explosive with rich aromas of caramel sauce, orange peel, Tahitian vanilla, cherry compote and vibrant woody spice. The palate starts extremely sweet and creamy before the rye and barrel spice begin to wallop the mid-palate. The intense spice and old school woody character balances the heavy woody sugars perfectly and while exhibiting plenty of the Kentucky Hug that bourbon lovers enjoy, it doesn’t feel burn-y or ethanol like at all. The long chewy palate gives way to a rich oxidative finish full of nutty sweet chocolate and dried red fruits. A few drops of water add more fruit and tame the spice a bit, but I like this best right out of the bottle. There’s no question that the price of entry on this one is high, but if you’re prepared to spend this kind of dough on any other modern bourbon this should be a contender for top dog!

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

Highland

Timorous Beastie Meet the Beast

ABV: 54.3% | Vol: 70cl

The latest Timorous Beastie ‘MEET THE BEAST’ limited edition is here and more monstrous than ever! This new release features an incredible, innovative ‘Illusion’ pack which brings this special bottling to life! Using specially designed glasses, included in pack, get ready to MEET THE BEAST lurking.

£38.00

Regular price £65.00

The original Timorous Beastie, immortalised in Robert Burns’ famous Scots poem “To a Mouse” was a timid, little field mouse. Echoing our national bard’s wit, ours is most certainly not for the fainthearted! Inside there’s a medley of vanilla, malted barley, meringue, honey and citrus flavours just bursting to be unleashed… Part of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.

Springbank Da Mhile Single Sherry Cask #231 Whisky 20 Year Old · 1992 Vintage

Welsh distillery and independent bottler Dà Mhìle (pronounced da-vee-lay) was established in 1992, when co-founder John Savage-Onstwedder commissioned the iconic Springbank distillery to make him the first organic whisky of the modern era. The name was inspired by that initial bottling; specially made to celebrate the millennium, Dà Mhìle translates to ‘two thousand’ in Scots-Gaelic.

Allowed to patiently mature for 20 years in a single second-fill sherry cask, only 261 bottles were produced of this exceptional single malt. It is a rare thing to have the opportunity to taste a 20 year old Springbank – this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Tasting Notes 

Nose: On the nose the aromas are initially sweet and buttery, developing into soft dark fruits thanks to the sherry influence.

Palate: Despite weighing in at a punchy 52.8% ABV, it is remarkably soft on the palate; it opens with an oiliness that coats the mouth, bringing forward marzipan and a slight hint of ginger, this is followed by a delicate wisp of wood smoke.

Finish: It is wonderfully creamy and sweet on finish, lingering with a very subtle hint of smoked spices.

£299.95

Buffalo Trace Milroy’s Barrel Pick #18-054 40% 70cl

We’re delighted to share our second barrel pick from celebrated Kentucky bourbon maker, Buffalo Trace! Exactingly selected by our in-house whiskey experts in collaboration with the distillery team, this 2015-distilled bourbon offers a deliciously fascinating take on longer-aged bourbon. Buffalo Trace has been making whiskey for over 200 years, so the team knows a thing or two about crafting flavour. The high-corn signature mash bill packs in a rich sweetness, while the cask influence over nine long years has woven through deep oak spices and even tobacco notes. We’re proud of offer all 252 bottles of this remarkable whiskey as a Milroy’s exclusive.

Tasting notes: 

Nose: Warm butterscotch, toffee and honeyed orchard fruits jump from the tasting glass first, ahead of cinnamon, cumin and a subtle dash of herbal mint. Freshly rolled cigars provide a sumptuous backdrop.

Palate: Thick, dense and treacly, there’s a touch of aromatic oak in with a rich nuttiness and a shelf-load of baking spices. Milk chocolate, coconut and vanilla custard build through the elegant texture, while liquorice, rye bread, and an earthy menthol note add complexity.

Finish: Long and gently warming, with lingering woody spice notes.

£26.63

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and 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 and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also 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.

2009 Secret Speyside (Macallan) 15 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive DRU17 A197 #56 Refill Oloroso Sherry Puncheon Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

(700ml) 
$79.99

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This sister cask to last years exceptionally well liked DRU 17/A197 #5. It’s definitely from that special estate called Easter Elchies but they cannot put the name on the label. I’m happy to tell you that it was distilled at Macallan and filled into refill sherry puncheon in 2009. The resulting whisky is quite unlike modern Macallan with the rich maltiness and framed by the influence of the large oloroso sherry puncheon nicely, but not covering it completely. It is not, like so many IB Macallans, completely naked and these puncheons have a nice honeyed color and a impressive high proof. Even without the name on the label this is a screaming deal for high quality highland malt at 15 years, but taken in the broader context of how well loved and collectible any Macallan still is to this day, it’s really quite a stunning exception to the current market trends, which still see malts of the caliber increasing in price continually. This barrel of was filled on February 23rd or 2009 and bottled on August 23rd of 2024. Bottled without color or chillfiltration or additions of any kind at a natural cask strength of 64.3% alc by vol.

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