A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY’S CASK STRENGTH BOURBON RETURNS WITH FOURTH RELEASE IN ANNUAL SERIES

Cask Strength #4 is available in select markets and via online lottery starting February 24

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA (February 17, 2025) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Virginia’s oldest distillery, today announces the return of its award-winning Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Now in its fourth year, this annual cask strength offering packs a high-proof punch with delicious flavor showcasing the quality and excellence that comes straight from the barrel.

A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon is the result of continuous year-long tastings to blend the best barrels available. Hand-selected by Distiller David Bock, this year’s release has been aged a minimum of ten years and presents itself at 139.7 proof.

“What our distillation team is trying to showcase with the Cask Strength series is an unvarnished truth of quality bourbon in its natural form,” said Bock. “There are no finishes with Cask Strength, meaning we must be meticulous when selecting barrels and blending the liquid. Each Cask Strength release is a unique sipping experience with its own special flavor profile and this fourth release is an excellent addition to the series!”

Bottled uncut and non chill-filtered, this bourbon boasts aromas rich of leather, plums and a hint of apple; Cask Strength #4 coats the tongue with a soft raspberry chocolate note, rich stone fruit flavors and a little cinnamon. The finish features a crisp note of apple.

“It’s rare to taste a high proof bourbon with such a colorful flavor profile,” said Bock. “Our Cask Strength series is meant to give whiskey enthusiasts a delicious, bold and authentic tasting experience. I believe those who try Cask Strength #4 will be very pleased with this latest release.”

A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon #4 will be available through an online lottery. The online lottery begins February 24 at noon EST and ends March 3 at noon EST. The lottery is open nationwide, but winners MUST be able to purchase bottles in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop. To enter, please submit a form here. Limit one entry per person. Cask Strength #4 will be available in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants. Limit one entry per person. Additional terms may apply.

Winners will be randomly selected March 5 and notified by email immediately following the selection; bottles must be picked up between March 5 and March 23. Each 750ml bottling will be available through the A. Smith Bowman Gift Shop at a suggested retail price of $99.99 (local taxes and fees apply).  For more information, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location. 

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

Celebrate Defiance, Heritage, and Creativity with

HADRIAN’S WALL® Blended Scotch Whisky

HADRIAN’S WALL®, a premium Scottish whisky that embodies the bold spirit of defiance, heritage, and creativity. Inspired by the legendary Roman-era wall built to keep the Scots at bay, HADRIAN’S WALL® celebrates Scottish resilience, the rich heritage of whisky-making, and a touch of irreverent humour.

Expertly crafted from the finest grain and malt whiskies, this exquisite blend combines the smooth, robust flavours of prestigious Speyside and Highland malts with the elegance of Lowlands grain whisky. The result is a truly unforgettable experience that redefines whisky enjoyment.

The brand’s striking label design draws inspiration from urban street art and graffiti culture, featuring a gritty monochromatic aesthetic that captures the Scots’ irreverent spirit and their historical love of thumbing their noses at authority.  Hadrian’s Wall® Scotch whisky invites drinkers to embrace life with creativity, boldness, and a dash of rebellion.

“HADRIAN’S WALL® isn’t just about extraordinary whisky—it’s about celebrating the humour, defiance, and artistic flair that are ingrained in Scottish culture,” said André Levy, Chairman of Protege International. “From its tongue-in-cheek label to its unparalleled flavour, this whisky is a testament to the Scots’ enduring spirit of fun and resilience and their determination to celebrate the everyday victories of life.  Each bottle contains 70cl of liquid rebellion, proudly produced and bottled in Scotland.”

Key Features:

∙ Expert Craftsmanship: A harmonious blend of the finest Scottish whiskies.

∙ Unmatched Quality: Smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced for any occasion.

∙ Artistic Spirit: A label inspired by graffiti wall art, celebrating defiance and creativity.

∙ Cultural Heritage: A tribute to Scottish defiance and excellence in whisky-making.

 For more information, visit www.protege-international.com. Or email media@protege-international.com

HADRIAN’S WALL®

PRODUCED AND BOTTLED IN SCOTLAND

Alc: 40%

Size:70cl

SKU: HW1X700

BARCODE: 813548005150

Tasting Notes

A blend of the finest grain and malt whiskies from Scotland. The blend is created using a range of the highest quality Speyside and Highland malt whiskies blended expertly together with the grain whisky from the Lowlands of Scotland.

Origin: Scotland

Colour: Golden with brilliant clarity

Aroma: Clean with a hint of soft citrus and delicate vanilla.

Taste: Well balanced and mellow on taste with a delicate maltiness

Aftertaste: Long lasting sweetness

 Hadrian’s Wall – a seventy three mile long wall built in Roman times to keep the Scots from ruining the Roman Emperor’s day. 

To add insult to injury, the Scots would drink what would become whisky in daily celebration. 

Now, it’s available for everyone to drink in celebration of ruining any jumped up emperor’s day. 

After all, why should the Scots have all the fun? 

Indulge in our extraordinary Scottish whisky blend, expertly crafted from the finest grain and malt whiskies. This exquisite blend combines the highest quality Speyside and Highland malts with grain whisky from the renowned Lowlands region of Scotland, delivering a smooth and unforgettable experience that redefines whisky enjoyment. 

A Symbol of Scottish Defiance

About Protege International

Founded in 1999 by André and Mairade Levy (née Kelly), following the successful sale of their previous brands to a FTSE 10 company, Protege International is a dynamic and innovative company renowned for creating and managing some of the world’s most celebrated spirits brands.

As the owners of The Wild Geese® Irish Whiskey Collection, a multi-award-winning portfolio of premium whiskeys, Protege International has set new standards in excellence, authenticity, and craftsmanship. The company’s expertise extends beyond whiskey to a diverse range of spirits that have garnered global recognition and critical acclaim reflected in the over 72 major international awards its products have been awarded. 

Building on its legacy of excellence, Protege International has now added Hadrian’s Wall®, a Scotch Whisky, to its portfolio as well as an Irish spirit The Dullahan®, further showcasing its dedication to quality and innovation in the spirits industry. With a commitment to authenticity, creativity, strategic brand development and dedicated to excellence. Protege International continues to lead the way in shaping the future of premium spirits.

The Wild Geese, The Wild Geese Rare Irish Whiskey, The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes, the Descendants, the Shooting Party, The Wild Geese Soldiers & Heroes, Untamed, The Exiles, Unbroken Unbowed Untamed, The Rum Skull, Aileen’s Wave, Hadrian’s Wall, The Dullahan and After Hours are registered trademarks. The trade dress including The Wild Geese Flying Geese and 1691 are trademarks. The products comprised in The Wild Geese Collection of Premium Irish Spirits are sold under The Wild Geese Soldiers & Heroes in North America and Worldwide under The Wild Geese. Made under the authority of the trademark proprietor.

© 2002-2025 Avalon International Management Inc.

AMERICAN SINGLE MALT

American single malt whiskey is on the rise. The variety of styles within this category comes from the ability to experiment – distillers aren’t bound by a specific type of still, cask, or minimum age requirement – unlike in other whisky-producing countries.

Distilleries like Copperworks, named our New Wave Whisky of the Year for 2025, are leading the charge, bringing a brewer’s mindset to their whiskies with flavours ranging from peach iced tea, fresh raspberries and chocolate chip cookies.

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2025 Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Release

This year’s release features the oldest Wheat Whiskey release from Heaven Hill to date

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (February, 2025) – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 19-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey. Each spring, this annual, highly limited release features some of the distillery’s oldest inventory of aging Whiskey, continuing the standard of excellence Heaven Hill has practiced since 1935.

Each release in the ultra-premium collection features one of the six traditional American Whiskey mashbills produced by Heaven Hill, one of the only heritage distilleries to produce this range. This 2025 edition features Heaven Hill’s Wheat Whiskey mashbill, comprised of 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley and is bottled at 100 proof. With an age statement of 19 years, this release is made up of 277 barrels produced in August and September of 2005, that were aged on the 5^th and 6^th floors of rickhouse Y. To date, it is the oldest Wheat Whiskey released by Heaven Hill.

With its subtle nose of seasoned oak and honey sweetness followed by elements of clove and nutmeg, this edition of the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection has all the hallmarks of a classic Wheat Whiskey enhanced by the extended time spent in the rickhouse. A testament to its age, the initial notes on the palate include aged oak and baking spices particularly cloves. These elements are followed by rich and sweet notes of cinnamon graham crackers. The finish is warm, but medium in length dominated by maple syrup and caramel sweetness along with tannic elements adding a peppery tingle.

“This 19-year-old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is especially unique, as a product with this mashbill at this age offers an exceptional depth and complexity that is rarely seen,” says Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “It truly represents the high standard that Heaven Hill is known for and is a great example of how craftsmanship and patience can pay off when you’re willing to wait for the highest-quality product to come from the Whiskey-making process.”

Along with its innovation-focused counterpart the Parker’s Heritage Collection, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection is a testament to Heaven Hill’s standard for excellence and ultra-aging techniques.  Releases from both collections offer a glimpse into the long-term plan across Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey stock and commitment to quality, craft, and innovation.

As with previous releases, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 750ml bottle will be accompanied by a premium box in signature Heaven Hill blue. The Heaven Hill Distillery seal is prominently positioned on the box, strip stamp and label, and will mirror that of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond and the recently launched Heaven Hill Grain to Glass line. A signature of the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection, specific attributes such as warehouse site location, production date, mashbill percentages, and other designations are noted prominently on the packaging.  Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 19-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey will launch nationally and internationally on a limited basis with a MSRP of $299.99 and will begin shipping in early March 2025.

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 nearly 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Meikle Tòir Chinquapin 5 Years Old

Aged in superior Chinquapin virgin oak barrels sourced from the Northern Ozark region of Missouri, USA, this single malt delivers robust notes of sweet spices and toasted nuts, which join the peat smoke. Coming in at 35 PPM, the whisky has a sweeter style of smoke character, owing to the mainland peat from St. Fergus used to kiln the barley. After a lengthy 160-hour fermentation, the whisky has a complex character which stands up well to ageing in virgin oak casks.

£47.99

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Meikle Tòir Original 5 Years Old

The original is made with mainland peat from St. Fergus, the flavour contribution is sweeter than that anticipated of coastal peat. With an extended fermentation time of 160 hours, nearly triple the industry average, the whisky boasts a flavour-rich, complex character. Aged in a combination of first-fill Bourbon barrels, American virgin oak casks and Rye barrels, the spirit clocks in at 35 PPM.

£48.99

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Meikle Tòir The Sherry One 5 Years Old

Expertly matured in quality Pedro Ximénez Oloroso Sherry puncheons, the casks have imparted rich, fruity notes that mingle harmoniously with warming wisps of peat smoke. Made using mainland peat from St. Fergus, the sweet, phenolic content of the whisky amounts to 35 PPM. A lengthy fermentation period of 160 hours results in a fruit-forward spirit that lends itself perfectly to ageing in the finest Sherry oak.

£47.99

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Old Particular

Wine Cask Series: Blair Athol 13 Years Old

We are delighted to bring to you our exclusive Old Particular ‘Red Wine Cask’ Collection. This distinctive expression sees our Blair Athol 13 years old enjoy a lengthy finish in a Single Sangiovese Red Wine Cask sourced from Italy. The well-rounded and intricate characteristics of Sangiovese seamlessly intertwine with the rich depth of Blair Athol.

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An exclusive offering within our Old Particular range, the Red Wine Cask Collection. Each pairing in this collection has been meticulously selected to enhance the inherent qualities of our Malt Scotch Whisky, elevating the complexity and depth to introduce entirely new taste experiences.

Distinguished by their deep red wax dip finish, premium labelling and sleek black wine-shaped bottle. These premium expressions reveal intriguing layers of flavour with every sip.

Sherry Cask Wins Gold!

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a gold medal in the highly respected World Whiskies Awards for our Sherry Cask single malt whisky. Winning gold in the Rest of the World category for whiskies Aged 12 Years and Under is a true accolade for our team.

The World Whiskies Awards are part of the World Drinks Awards which celebrate the world’s best drinks and are considered one of the most influential award bodies in the industry. The whiskies are judged by whisky experts from around the world.

“We are delighted to receive this prestigious taste award for our Sherry Cask expression, which has been sherry-aged throughout its full maturation and of which we are truly proud.”

— Dan Szor, Founder

BUY HERE

Each yearly batch of our Sherry Cask whisky is unique, drawn from the finest American and Spanish oak hogsheads and butts, some of which have been seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry and others with sweet Pedro Ximénez.

All have been sherry-aged for a deeper and more flavourful whisky. Full of dried fruits, chocolate and a touch of spice. The whisky is non-chill filtered with natural colouring and is 57.4% ABV.

To us, Hedonism is more than a whisky.

It’s an idea that transcends time and tradition. It’s an invitation to share in the pleasures of whisky and creativity. It’s the embodiment of the Compass Box ethos.

As of February 2024, Hedonism has become a limited annual release. Hedonism was the first whisky to be adorned with a female face, and so, each year we ask a different female artist to bring to life the grace and strength that our original label illustration represented.

This year’s release features a work by Sofia Bonati, an Argentinian-born artist known for her captivating portraits of women. With her signature blend of surrealism and bold geometric patterns, Sofia captures the elegance and individuality that define Hedonism.

DISCOVER HEDONISM 2025 NOW

UNMISTAKABLY HEDONISM

Hedonism pushes the conversation around the deliciousness of grain whisky forwards.

This year, classic butterscotch flavours are complemented by notes of rich, dark cocoa powder from a small parcel of grain whisky finished in wine casks.

We started with a base layer of a previous vatting of Hedonism, adding single grain from The Cameronbridge Distillery, further matured for 2 years in a first-fill ex-Marsala barrique.

Initial waves of sticky caramel, leading into a heart of pure peach purée, cocoa and pear. Chocolate mousse arrives on the palate, joined by nutmeg-inflected custard. The finish freshens to white grape, Fuji apple and vanilla.

INTRODUCING SOFIA BONATI

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina into a family of artists, Sofia Bonati has shown her work all over the world. She is currently based in Oxfordshire, along the Thames from our Blending Room in Richmond, London.

As with whiskymaking, Sofia’s process balances intention and inspiration. Her work asks us to pause, to wonder, and to reflect on the interplay between strength and elegance. With steady confidence, the eyes of Sofia’s Hedonism woman meet ours, inviting us to consider the stories she holds.

AVAILABLE NOW IN LIMITED QUANTITIES

Compass Box Whisky 3 Water Lane, Richmond, TW9 1TJ

NOW AVAILABLE

HOME COLLECTION, RIVER SPEY WITH ART PRINTS

We are pleased to share that this release is now available to purchase from our Online Boutique, with limited availability. Home Collection, River Spey is sold with three limited edition giclée art prints by Michelle Lucking. These unique prints are exclusively available with purchases of Home Collection, River Spey from The Macallan Estate and our Online Boutique.

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Decadent Drams Teaninich 13 years old

A 2011, 13 year old Teaninich. Matured in a 1^st fill hoghsead and bottled at natural cask strength.

This is simultaneously both a modern and an old school whisky. It is delicious but discombobulating. You will probably find yourself, much like our label cover star, Ozark the Drambot, confounded and existentially torn between the incompatible dualities of his existence. However, we would appreciate it if you didn’t focus too much on that outcome and still purchased bottles like a dutiful consumer.

£87.95 incVAT

(£73.29 exVAT)