Gifts For Your Valentine
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, have you thought about what to gift your loved one yet? For the whisky lover in your life, a bottle from the Cotswolds Distillery is a thoughtful way to mark the occasion – rich in flavour, beautifully crafted, and chosen with care. A gift to enjoy together, long after the day itself.
Personalise one of Scotland’s favourite whiskies for a gift that’ll go down famously! This blend is crafted from the finest malt whiskies, such as The Macallan and Highland Park, married with exceptional grain whiskies, for the smoothest possible taste.
The nose opens with candied fruits and all butter shortbread with a touch of citrus peel. The palate brings a soft cinnamon and ginger spice with hints of oak and delicious dried fruits, before a smooth and balanced finish.
Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯
2009 Royal Brackla 15 Year Old “Hunter Laing’s Old & Rare” Single Manzanilla Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $150.00 View
Royal Brackla is a historic Highland distillery founded in 1812 near Cawdor Castle by William Fraser. Its enduring legacy was cemented in 1835, when it became the first Scotch distillery to receive a Royal Warrant, granted by King William IV, a distinction that permanently shaped its identity and name. From that point forward, Royal Brackla was recognized as a whisky of exceptional standing, long associated with quality and consistency. For much of its history, Royal Brackla’s spirit was prized primarily for blending, and today it remains a key component of Dewar’s, reflecting its importance within the Bacardi portfolio. While the distillery has experienced periods of closure and modernization over the years, its elegant, structured Highland style has remained intact. Official single malt releases have historically been limited, making independent and single cask bottlings especially compelling opportunities to experience one of Scotland’s most historically significant and quietly distinguished distilleries. This is the first Royal Brackla we’ve ever come across aged in a Manzanilla sherry butt. This beautiful, unique butt is truly special. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.7% in July of 2024, it was filled in March of 2009. One of the youngest malts we’ve ever seen in the Old & Rare collection, it absolutely deserves the moniker. An exceptional cask by any measure.
1993 Linkwood 30 Year Old “Hunter Laing’s Old & Rare Platinum” Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $450.00 View
The rarity and quality of an old Linkwood of this nature cannot be overstated. Linkwood is a quietly revered Speyside distillery founded in 1821 on the outskirts of Elgin. It earned an early reputation for producing one of thes region’s most elegant and aromatic spirits, a character that was reinforced after a major rebuilding in 1872 under William Smith, son of Glenlivet’s George Smith. For most of its history, Linkwood’s whisky was destined almost entirely for blending, most notably as a key component in Johnnie Walker, where its refined texture and floral complexity were highly prized. As a result, official single malt releases have always been limited, with independent bottlings providing rare glimpses into the distillery’s true personality. Today, under Diageo ownership, Linkwood remains one of Speyside’s great hidden gems, producing a malt defined by finesse, balance, and remarkable aging potential. For those in the know an old Linkwood of this caliber is a true treasure, perhaps that’s why competitors over seas are happy to sell this same bottle for nearly twice the price we’re asking. This special barrel was filled in April of 1993 and bottle 3 decades later in September of 2024 at a natural cask strength of 50.2% abv.
1990 Bowmore 32 Year Old “Hunter Laing’s Old & Rare Platinum “Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1.5L) (Elsewhere $5000) $4,000.00 View
Bowmore is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, founded in 1779 on the island of Islay, and remains a cornerstone of peated malt whisky. Located in the seaside town of Bowmore, the distillery draws strong influence from its coastal setting, shaping a style that balances maritime character, refined smoke, and long aging potential. Over centuries, Bowmore helped define what Islay whisky could be, bridging power and elegance in a way few distilleries have matched. Today, under Beam Suntory ownership, Bowmore continues to produce benchmark single malts, with its older and rarer releases standing among the most sought after whiskies in the world. This incredibly unusual rarity represents an outstanding expression from the old distillery. Distilled in 1990 and filled into a excellent 2nd fill hogshead, it was aged for more than 32 decades on Islay before bottling at full cask strength in 1.5L magnum bottles at a full cask strength of 59%. This exquisite rarity traders for over $5000 in other markets and K&L currently has the best price world wide. This is a benchmark bottle which represents which would be unmatched in any collection.
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
Long before Elijah Craig became known as the Father of Bourbon, he was a preacher, an educator, and an entrepreneur with a spark for building what didn’t yet exist. Paper mills. Wool mills. And a new way of aging Whiskey.
In 1789, Elijah Craig stored his Whiskey in charred oak barrels, a technique that was not common practice at the time, but essential to Bourbon as we know it today. Some say the barrels caught fire by accident. Others claim it was intentional. Either way, the flavor told the story: deeper color, richer taste, unmistakable character. A true American original.
More than two centuries later, that same spirit of discovery lives on, not just in our barrels, but in the people who craft, innovate, and push us forward. The brand stands as the #5 Super Premium Bourbon by volume in the United States and this year, Elijah Craig’s inaugural Barrel Proof Rye expression was named Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year. Behind those milestones is a culture of shared commitment across distillation, warehousing, marketing, innovation, and every role in between.
From meeting new Bourbon-lovers as the Official Bourbon of the PGA of America, to giving back to the causes that matter to its consumers, the brand continues to grow its presence and support its community with purpose. Through a partnership with the University of Kentucky’s Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies, Elijah Craig is supporting academic research that helps shine a spotlight on critical voices and stories from throughout Bourbon history. Additionally, over the past six years Elijah Craig’s Old-Fashioned Week has raised more than $600,000 in total donations for charitable causes, including the Southern Smoke Foundation, which supports food and beverage workers nationwide by providing direct funding to individuals rebuilding from natural disasters, seeking emergency medical treatment, and recovering from accidents or other crises.
Whether it’s honoring where the brand got its start or investing in what comes next, Elijah Craig’s rich legacy stands strong. With every barrel, every program, and every person behind it, Elijah Craig continues to prove that the pursuit of mastery is never finished. It’s an ongoing journey we all share in when we Thrive Together.
Our newest ‘Heresy’ releases are something you don’t see every day. Teaspooning is the widespread industry practice of adding a tiny amount of single malt into another (traditionally around a teaspoon’s worth) resulting in a blended malt that can never be bottled as a single malt bearing the distillery name.
But why would we bottle this kind of whisky? For the full details, you’ll need to read the feature from our whisky quality manager, Julien, but we’ll leave you with one thought: if this were one of the only ways to try offerings from this particular distillery, wouldn’t you want to see what they were like?
If you’re unfamiliar with our ‘Heresy’ range, it’s what we call our boundary-pushing small-batch releases. They’re bottled in a clear glass bottle.
Expect the unexpected!
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
The Whisky Shop Uncorked – Blended Whisky
The best selling Blended Whisky of 2025 was the Loch Fyne Blend… Which of the fantastic blends that we stock should you keep an ear to the ground for in 2026? We’ve read the tarots, star gazed, and most importantly consulted our wealth of industry experts to find the answers, and here they are!
Explore & Enjoy!
Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯
Limited Follow-Up Allocation on a Rare Bottle at a Compelling Price
Blanton’s “Gold Edition” Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
($169.99)
“Simply put, it’s just damn good every time.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer
We recently offered a small pre-arrival allocation of this 750mL Blanton’s Gold, and it disappeared almost immediately. We’ve secured another limited allocation and are pleased to share it with those who missed out the first time.
People talk a big game about Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel, but it is, in fact, this product—the 103-proof Gold version—that is the most perfect Blanton’s in my mind. It’s not only the beaming gold horse on top, but there’s something magical about this proof point for this liquid. Each barrel is unique and different, but I’ve never come across a barrel of Gold that felt mid—which I can’t say the same for the regular Blanton’s—no offense, Mr. B. The Straight From the Barrel is equally consistent, but there’s something about Gold that speaks to me—a richness that the lower proof offers that’s somewhat lost with the intensity of the full strength.
It’s just damn good every time. We’ve had no trouble selling these for $200-plus over the years, so right now this feels like a pretty dang good deal.
–David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer
Blanton’s “Gold Edition” Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($169.99)
This product is estimated to be available by 01/31/2026.
Blanton’s—the world’s first single-barrel bourbon—was created in 1984 by Elmer T. Lee and named for Colonel Albert B. Blanton. Lee had often watched Colonel Blanton hand-select “honey barrels” from the center of Warehouse H to share with special guests at the Old Stagg Distillery he cared for so deeply. The rare 103-proof Gold Edition is an exceptional bottling, and many connoisseurs’ preferred version of this venerable label. It’s exceedingly scarce at retail, so we’re proud to offer it at a compelling price. Please note: this is the standard U.S. 750ml bottle—not the 700ml export format.
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
2009 Mortlach 16 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $109.99 View
Josh Gelfand Review On my first trip to Scotland many years ago I was advised by a friend to check out this little whisky bar called the Blue Blazer in Edinburgh. I was new in the industry and looking to explore some whiskies on my last night in town. The night ultimately turned ridiculously epic after I befriended a group of street performers during Fringe Festival and let them kidnap me for a full night of shenanigans. But before they stormed the pub, I enjoyed a quiet few hours of exploration under the guidance of the bartender. The first whisky she poured was one that changed everything for me: a Mortlach 15-year-old from Gordon & MacPhail. At the time I barely knew the distillery, but in that moment it became my favorite, and it remains on my personal Mount Rushmore of Scottish producers to this day. There is something about the dense, waxy, oily spirit they create, most of which disappears into Johnnie Walker blends, that sets it apart from the rest. Is it the worm tub? Is it the quirky 2.81-times distillation using the Wee Witchie still, adding that extra copper contact on a fractional pass of the weak feints from the wash still? I mean, yeah, it’s probably all of that. I have never had a Mortlach, distillery bottled or independent, that I did not absolutely love. And this one is no exception. It is everything I want from a Mortlach and a little more. Beautiful honey greets you on the nose, and for a whisky sixteen years old, a surprising amount of roasted barley malt makes itself known. The sweet barley shines on the palate, with those rich, waxy oils carrying vanilla bean, heather, lemon balm, and soft hints of mint. The finish lingers with milk chocolate and the last traces of those lovely fusel oils coating your mouth. This one sticks with you in the best possible way. What an extraordinary cask pick we have here for you. Definitely do not miss out on this one.
Distilled July 20th, 2009. The Mortlach distillery is one of Scotland’s very best. Located in the heart of Speyside, this special distillery is very rarely found as a single malt. The little valley at the southern edge of Dufftown has been the location of a licensed distillery since 1823, but was most likely the site of illicit distillation long before that. It was Dufftown’s first legal distillery after excise reform and would anchor the town as one of Scotland’s most important distilling communities. The spirit was prized from the very beginning and was purchased by John Walker & Sons exactly 100 years after its founding. It remains a core element in the entire Johnnie Walker line, but the distillery did not get a widespread single malt expression until 2014, when two NAS expressions and two expensive age-stated offerings were released. They’ve since retooled the distillery line, and it remains one of Diageo’s most well-regarded offerings despite recent price increases.
2012 Laphroaig 13 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $109.99 View
David Othenin-Girard There was a period not long ago when our suppliers were telling us never to expect another drop of Laphroaig at anything close to a reasonable price. The reason for that? Independent bottlers price their stocks not based on acquisition costs, but on replacement costs. As the distillery throttles back on availability, the industry responds by raising prices—simple economics. But everywhere else we look, suppliers are still asking double or triple what our friends at Douglas Laing are able to offer. We don’t see a lot of those products on the market, as there simply isn’t much interest in even excellent Laphroaig under 15 years old at $200 or $300 a bottle. But here we are: a proper mid-aged Laphroaig for just over $100? We’ve still got it, baby. The style here is absolutely classical—powerful, savory, and ocean-driven with the expected iodine, crushed oyster shell, creosote, forest floor, ripe green olives, and lemon oil. It’s similar stock to the 10-year-old we had back in 2023, but 30% older and more developed, yet nearly the same price. A stupendous whisky and a ridiculous value.
2007 Bruichladdich 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $225.00 View
David Othenin-Girard I was so excited to see this on the Douglas Laing list I jumped at the chance to taste this distillate. When the samples arrived I knew we had something special. Some might point to this barrel and exclaim about the price, and yes compared to many lesser names, this is an expensive 18 year old. But compared to other single barrel Bruichladdich this is EXTREMELY affordable. Single barrels of Bruichladdich from our friends at Dramfool traded for over $300 in the 10-12 year range. An 18 year from the Douglas Laing’s rival Hunter Laing trades for over $400! So it’s really a pretty good deal and simply the only old single barrel in the market. But all of that doesn’t matter if you don’t like how it tastes and for those expecting the big extracted wine-y style that many older Bruichladdichs exhibit (I’m looking at you Black Art) or even the toast-y character of the distillery 18, you’ll be disappointed. Those who love the purity and character of old rugged Bruichladdich spirit on full display without any dressing or make-up – you’ll rejoice. Let’s see what we’ve got. The color is a minimalistic pale gold (0.3). The gorgeous nose offers classical aromatics – lemon oil, canary melons, cream of wheat, salty rocks, fresh salt meadows, butter cookies, barley tea, hints of industrial machinery, and old boats. The palate has plenty more of the lemon-y stuff with a big malt-y core and buttered salted biscuits. It’s just a gorgeous old school version of this most modern malt that is seemingly not in existence elsewhere at the moment. Perhaps for some of the most discerning – this will be the whisky of the season.
1991 Macallan 30 Year Old “Douglas Laing’s Xtra Old Particular – XOP” Cask Strength Single Hogsheads Highland Single Malt Whisky (700ml) $1,600.00 View
This rare opportunity is the result not of some lack in demand for the legendary estate in the Scottish Highlands, but the unusual advantages periodic importer changes afford a retailer like K&L. All across the world, a single barrel of Macallan aged 30 years commands an incredible premium over almost any other malt on the market. Thanks to our good relations and kind demeanor we’ve been given access to the last few bottles in this special cask at an altogether unheard of price. Even many years ago, it would be unusual to see a similar cask at a lower asking price. Barrel DL15809 was bottled in 2022 at full cask strength without any chillfiltration, dilution or coloring whatsoever.
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 Loch Fyne Fynest Bunnahabhain 2005 18 Year Old #800466
£199.00
SHOP NOW ❯
Introducing the latest hand selected addition to the Loch Fyne Fynest range and this one is quite the showstopper! Born on Islay and matured in a European Sherry Oak cask for the entirety of its life – this Bunnahabhain single cask boasts irresistible flavours of Indian spices, dried fruit, tobacco and slight hints of sea salt. Add a drop of water to unlock some hidden tropical notes. Limited to only 484 bottles.
Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯
2009 Royal Brackla 15 Year Old “Hunter Laing’s Old & Rare” Single Manzanilla Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $150.00 View
Royal Brackla is a historic Highland distillery founded in 1812 near Cawdor Castle by William Fraser. Its enduring legacy was cemented in 1835, when it became the first Scotch distillery to receive a Royal Warrant, granted by King William IV, a distinction that permanently shaped its identity and name. From that point forward, Royal Brackla was recognized as a whisky of exceptional standing, long associated with quality and consistency. For much of its history, Royal Brackla’s spirit was prized primarily for blending, and today it remains a key component of Dewar’s, reflecting its importance within the Bacardi portfolio. While the distillery has experienced periods of closure and modernization over the years, its elegant, structured Highland style has remained intact. Official single malt releases have historically been limited, making independent and single cask bottlings especially compelling opportunities to experience one of Scotland’s most historically significant and quietly distinguished distilleries. This is the first Royal Brackla we’ve ever come across aged in a Manzanilla sherry butt. This beautiful, unique butt is truly special. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.7% in July of 2024, it was filled in March of 2009. One of the youngest malts we’ve ever seen in the Old & Rare collection, it absolutely deserves the moniker. An exceptional cask by any measure.
1993 Linkwood 30 Year Old “Hunter Laing’s Old & Rare Platinum” Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $450.00 View
The rarity and quality of an old Linkwood of this nature cannot be overstated. Linkwood is a quietly revered Speyside distillery founded in 1821 on the outskirts of Elgin. It earned an early reputation for producing one of thes region’s most elegant and aromatic spirits, a character that was reinforced after a major rebuilding in 1872 under William Smith, son of Glenlivet’s George Smith. For most of its history, Linkwood’s whisky was destined almost entirely for blending, most notably as a key component in Johnnie Walker, where its refined texture and floral complexity were highly prized. As a result, official single malt releases have always been limited, with independent bottlings providing rare glimpses into the distillery’s true personality. Today, under Diageo ownership, Linkwood remains one of Speyside’s great hidden gems, producing a malt defined by finesse, balance, and remarkable aging potential. For those in the know an old Linkwood of this calliber is a true treasure, perhaps that’s why competitors over seas are happy to sell this same bottle for nearly twice the price we’re asking. This special barrel was filled in April of 1993 and bottle 3 decades later in September of 2024 at a natural cask strength of 50.2% abv.
1990 Bowmore 32 Year Old “Hunter Laing’s Old & Rare Platinum” Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1.5L) (Elsewhere $5000) $4,000.00 View
Bowmore is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, founded in 1779 on the island of Islay, and remains a cornerstone of peated malt whisky. Located in the seaside town of Bowmore, the distillery draws strong influence from its coastal setting, shaping a style that balances maritime character, refined smoke, and long aging potential. Over centuries, Bowmore helped define what Islay whisky could be, bridging power and elegance in a way few distilleries have matched. Today, under Beam Suntory ownership, Bowmore continues to produce benchmark single malts, with its older and rarer releases standing among the most sought after whiskies in the world. This incredibly unusual rarity represents an outstanding expression from the old distillery. Distilled in 1990 and filled into a excellent 2nd fill hogshead, it was aged for more than 32 decades on Islay before bottling at full cask strength in 1.5L magnum bottles at a full cask strength of 59%. This exquisite rarity traders for over $5000 in other markets and K&L currently has the best price world wide. This is a benchmark bottle which represents which would be unmatched in any collection.
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
