Elijah Craig 10 Year 9 Month Barrel Proof “Batch A124” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View
Elijah Craig 11 year Old Barrel Proof “Batch C924” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View
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
Killowen Distillery would like to announce their arrival at Dublin Airport Duty Free
As of today Killowen Rum & Raisin is now available in Dublin Airport Duty Free with ‘The Irish Whiskey Collection’. Once more the beloved Killowen Barántúil is available as an exclusive single cask bottling will go Live in-store (Dublin & Cork) at 4am on Wednesday.
This particular Barántúil is Killowen’s first ever 700ml bottling and 60 bottles will be made available tonight (Monday 4th) through the ‘Duty Free Whiskey Club’
The remaining Barántúil stock will be separated between Dublin and Cork airports. The whiskey itself is said to be Christmas in a glass as this Single Pot Still is finished in both apricot brandy & PX Sherry casks, offering Christmassy notes of dried fruits which balance perfectly among the ‘pot still spice’ and deep complex Killowen distillate.
Euro pricing as follows:
Christmas Barántúil Exclusive:
Duty Free – 113.50
Duty Paid – 129.00
Rum & Raisin Pricing:
Duty Free – 57.00
Duty Paid – 70.00
Happy Hallow Christmas
The Killowen Distillery Team
Smoke Point – Whisky Of The Month
The nights are drawing in and, here in Campbell River at least, it feels like we’ve had a years worth of rain in the last few weeks. The smell of woodsmoke hangs in the air, the wind has an extra edge to it and any extra warmth is to be treasured. With that in mind we thought this would be a good month to celebrate Smoke Point. With subtle smoky, peaty notes and an underlying salinity that combines with its wonderful finish this is the perfect Fireside Dram.
For the month of November we’ve made our Smoke Point single malt an even more attractive proposition. This award winning single malt will be available at the distillery, and our online store, at $5 off. That combined with our free shipping on online sales over $140 makes this a great time to buy Smoke Point, and a great time of year to enjoy it too.
Rare Treasures from Whisky’s Top Icons
Recent limited allocations have given us the opportunity to curate an astounding selection of whisky icons from Scotland and Japan. Leading the way is a trio of singular examples from Bowmore, each aged 30 years. Speaking of 30 years, we happen to have one of the best allocations of the incredible Macallan 30-Year, a rendition that’s rarely seen and could easily be the cornerstone of any enviable collection. From Nikka, their stunning Nine Decades release is available while it lasts, and their 1978 Sherry Butt is out of this world.
| Item Name | Retail | Link |
| Bowmore 30 Year Old “No. 1 Vault” 45.1% ABV Limited Edition Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch 750ml | $2,200.00 | View |
| Bowmore 30 Year Old “No. 1 Vault” 45.3% ABV Limited Edition Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch 750ml | $2,200.00 | View |
| Bowmore 30 Year Old “No. 1 Vault” 45.9% ABV Limited Edition Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch 750ml | $2,200.00 | View |
| Rosebank 31 Year Old “Release 2” Unchillfiltered Lowland Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $3,000) | $2,400.00 | View |
| Nikka “Nine Decades” 90th Anniversary Limited Edition Blended Whisky (700ml) | $2,700.00 | View |
| 1996 Springbank “Samaroli Magnifico” Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Previously $8,000) | $4,200.00 | View |
| 1994 Macallan 28 Year Old “Samaroli Magnifico” Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Previously $10,000) | $5,500.00 | View |
| Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) | $5,999.99 | View |
| 1987 Nikka Yoichi “Sherry Butt” Single Cask Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) | $6,500.00 | View |
| 1965 Bowmore 52 year old Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) | $33,000.00 | View |
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
To mark 25 years of Johnnie Walker Keep Walking, we sat down with Jennifer English, Global Brand Director, and Christine McCafferty, Diageo Archive Manager, to explore its enduring impact. From its beginnings as a rallying call for individual progress to its evolution into a celebration of collective growth, Keep Walking is so much more than just a slogan.
Jennifer English (Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director):
Christine, it’s remarkable to think that Keep Walking has been part of Johnnie Walker for 25 years. Keep Walking is not just a punchy ad line – it is the Walker mantra and connects deeply to our brand story, underpinning everything we do. It inspires us to keep pushing ourselves and finding new ways to stay relevant to consumers globally. Can you tell us a bit about the origins of Keep Walking?
Christine McCafferty (Diageo Archive Manager):
In the years running up to the launch of Keep Walking, Johnnie Walker was showing up very differently across the world, and it had lost it’s connection to its DNA. We took the time to deep dive into the Diageo Archive and revisit the brand narrative from the last 100 years to reconnect with what made it distinctive. From the slanted label and square bottle to the Striding Man figure, and the way the Walkers built their business – the stories of innovation and progress soon led the team to Keep Walking.
For me, Keep Walking celebrates progress – inspiring both personal and collective advancement. Its strength is its universality, speaking to something deep within all of us. Having worked in the Diageo Archive for 27 years, I’ve seen how this campaign has been used worldwide as a rallying call, a challenge, and an affirmation.
Jennifer:
Absolutely. The idea of progress is something that everyone can relate to on a personal level. It’s not always about making huge leaps; it’s about taking the next step – whatever that means for you – and celebrating that.
I remember when I first came across a Keep Walking campaign. It was the ‘Fish’ TV commercial from 2003. Having studied the science of evolution, the commercial really caught my attention. It was beautifully shot with such a simple message – don’t be afraid to take that first step, even if it means breaking away from the pack.
Christine:
I love that example. When the campaign launched in 1999 with Harvey Keitel, it was right on the cusp of a new millennium – a time filled with possibility and potential. People were embracing the hope and optimism of a new era.
What I find remarkable, when looking through the Keep Walking, archives is that from the very beginning it was breaking new ground. Whisky advertising had been very masculine, and status driven. This was something different, connecting a whisky brand to a purpose that felt authentic and relatable. Really it opened the door to diversity and inclusion within whisky.
Jennifer:
And as the world has evolved, so has the campaign. After the initial run of advertisements, the brand made a shift to celebrating collective progress – the journey we share with others. We have amazing examples of work from around the globe such as Keep Walking Colombia – highlighting the human connection between communities on both sides of the civil war and Keep Walking Lesvos, shining a light on the people supporting refugees entering Europe.
Post-pandemic, our ‘Anthem’ advertising carried an important message of encouraging communities to come together again – and had a pretty killer soundtrack in my opinion! Today we’re seeing society shift again. Consumers are seeking our rich and varied experiences. Progress is still connected to others, but we’re approaching it in a more sensorial way – encouraging our consumers to enjoy what life has to offer.
Christine:
It’s amazing to see how Keep Walking has adapted. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the first commercials such as the print adverts featuring quotes from Abraham Lincoln, Dr David Livingstone and Yoshida Kenko. But as a historian and storyteller, The Man Who Walked Around the World starring Robert Carlyle in 2009 was a wonderful way to combine the Keep Walking philosophy with the broader brand narrative.
Jennifer:
It was an incredible ad, and the journey of Keep Walking is far from over as we look to the future and how we can meet consumer demands for exploration, experiences and a fuller life.
Just this year, Johnnie Walker was awarded a Grand Prix at Cannes Lions for ‘Errata at 88’ – an incredible Keep Walking campaign in Brazil. That campaign goes to show how impactful this message still is and will continue to be. It’s an exciting place to be.
Christine:
That’s such a vital message. Keep Walking will continue to encourage people to live more expansive lives.
Jennifer:
Exactly. Whether it’s personal or collective, progress with a capital P or a small p, Keep Walking will always be about moving forward.
A. Overholt: A. Overholt uses the same mashbill Overholt™ founder, Abraham Overholt used in 1810 – 80% rye grain and 20% soft malted barley – creating a fully warm yet deep spice, similar to rye whiskey from the 1800’s. The brand pays homage to its namesake Abraham Overholt with this new Monongahela Mash – our first foray back to our roots with a Pennsylvania Style-inspired classic rye.
SRP: $39.99 | 47.5% ABV |
ARDRAY™ Blended Scotch Whisky: Developed by Beam Suntory’s Chief Blender for Scotch, Calum Fraser, and Suntory’s team of blenders from Japan, ARDRAY Blended Scotch Whisky presents a fresh perspective to Scotch Whisky. ARDRAY is an excellent Blended Scotch elevated by the precision and balance of Japanese blenders.
SRP: $85.00 | 48% ABV |
Baker’s Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 13-Year-Old: The re-release of the much beloved Baker’s 13-Year-Old from 2023. It’s a limited-edition bottling of special 13-year-old single barrel liquid, bottled at 107 proof. This extra-aged expression explores how time and location in the warehouse drive distinction from barrel to barrel. From still to rickhouse to bottle, a lot of things happen with the liquid like weather, length of aging, and rickhouse placement all shape the distinct notes and flavors of each barrel.
SRP: $149.99 | 53.5% ABV |
Booker’s Bourbon Batch #1 “The Springfield Batch” + Batch #2 “The Beam House Batch”: Booker’s Bourbon has released two of the four annual batches thus far, “The Springfield Batch” and “The Beam House Batch”. Batch #1 is named after the small town in central Kentucky where Booker Noe was born and raised. Batch #2 is named after the house Fred’s great-grandad, Jim Beam, lived, as did his father Booker Noe, and now he does as well. In this batch, Fed has tried to capture some of the joyful memories he’s made in the Beam House for you to enjoy at yours.
“The Springfield Batch” SRP: $99.99 | 62% ABV | AND “The Beam House Batch” SRP: $99.99 | 62% ABV |
Bowmore Master’s Selection Third Edition: The 5th liquid collaboration between the two storied, ultra-luxury heritage brands. Double matured in purposefully selected European Oak, Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks along with the optimal mix of American Oak hogsheads, this 22-year-old single malt pays homage to the definitively constant character of Bowmore.
SRP: $400.00 | 51% ABV |
Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish: A testament to the seasoned artistry of the Yonezawa family aging tradition, crafted in small batches of no more than 10 casks. The blend, consisting of at least 51% rye, is aged in new charred oak and then finished in traditional Mizunara casks. This dual maturation allows the Mizunara to impart its distinctive character, resulting in notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense – a refined encounter with Japanese elegance.
SRP: $95.00 | 42% ABV |
Hatozaki Small Batch 12 Year Old Umeshu Cask Finish: A 100% hand-crafted malt whisky, a blend of premium single malts, each aged for a minimum of 12 years in American Oak casks before being married and then further finished in bespoke barrels that previously held superior Umeshu liqueur for an additional 6 months. Without coloring or chill filtration this perfectly balanced whisky is complemented with subtle accents of sweet infused Japanese plum.
SRP: $130.00 | 46% ABV |
Laphroaig Càirdeas 2024 Cask Favourites: Developed in ex-Bourbon barrels, this single malt combines the distinctive peaty flavor of Laphroaig with notes of freshly ground ginger, charred citrus fruits, and a whisper of bonfire notes embers through on the finish. The celebratory malt is bottled at a fixed strength for a memorable experience to share with friends.
SRP: $109.99 | 52.4% ABV |
Little Book Chapter 8: “Path Not Taken” is about reimagining the variety that rye grain has to offer and pushing the limits of what it can be. Freddie looked across America’s oldest whiskey frontier from a new vantage point and created a complex, redefined, and differentiated profile by blending ryes of different age, char, and mashbill. Chapter 8 is Freddie’s first concerted effort to blend an expression based on the influence and unique flavors of rye whiskey and the nuances of the rye grain primarily in the American Straight Rye styles selected, as well as its mashbill influence within high-rye bourbon.
SRP: $149.99 | 59.1% ABV |
Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits & Hatozaki Whisky
Killowen Distillery makes the list as the second highest ranked Irish Whiskey in The World’s Most Admired Whiskies 2024
Killowen Distillery has just been ranked as number 37 out of 50 in the list of the ‘World’s Most Admired Whiskeys’
This is simply amazing news for us to be ranked so highly amongst thousands of distilleries, making us the second highest ranking Irish Whiskey in this list. This is all down to the Killowen Team and of-course the absolutely amazing people who enjoy Killowen on a regular basis. We always love to meet these folks and will continue to do our best for them.
We look forward to more brilliant whiskies in the future.
Thank you wholeheartedly to our brilliant supporters.
See full list HERE
Sláinte
The Killowen Distillery Team
The fascination with Johnnie Walker is not just its popularity in so many countries across the world, but the longevity of that popularity. This year Johnnie Walker celebrates 100 years of sales in Thailand – a momentous feat. So, what is it about this icon that still manages to excite Thai drinkers a century after it first reached its shores.
Such is the depth of heritage of Diageo’s brand portfolio, you’re likely to celebrate an anniversary of significance almost every year. And this is certainly the case with a brand as rich in success, history and quality as Johnnie Walker.
This month we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the brand’s iconic “Keep Walking” (an example that truly does deserve the moniker of iconic!)
But even bigger than this and quite remarkably, we are celebrating 100 years of sales in Thailand. And even for a brand as large and powerful as Johnnie Walker in so many markets, it holds supreme status in Thailand:
Earlier in the year the team in Thailand unveiled a suitably celebratory series of activations mark the centenary. Firstly, the team launched a series of 100th Year Limited Edition collection. On top of that they are also working with famous Thai jewelry designer to create a further ten Limited Edition bottles – inspired by the idea: ‘what Blue Label will be in 100 years’ time’; one will get auctioned off.
So how is it that this most Scottish of drinks, made by a company founded by John Walker in Kilmarnock in 1820, continues to be Thailand’s number one International Spirits brand all these years later? What is it about the product and that brand that so appeals to Thai drinkers? And indeed, when you look at markets next door to Thailand, throughout Asia and beyond – how is that Scotch holds such a premier position?
Diageo.com spoke with Jarinee Womkangthong, Marketing Director, Thailand, to give greater insight into the Thai market, Thai drinkers and their fascination with Johnnie Walker.
Why has Johnnie Walker thrived in a market like Thailand for such a long time?
Even after 100 years, it still resonates with the Thai consumer – but that’s because we have always kept it relevant to them.
The philosophy of “Keep Walking” is strong in this market – defines its performance and success. But it embodies a lot of local culture as well – local activations under the Keep Walking/Striding man trademarks. Everyone here recognises the Striding Man; they know it represents Johnnie Walker.
The international image of the producer is certainly strong and continues to be – and the brand positioning works well. That always has conveyed the quality of the product – and the true value of the product.
What Johnnie Walker “labels” are the big sellers in Thailand?
Red Label and Black Label are the two biggest sub-brands – Red Label sales are slightly higher in volume, with Black slightly higher in value – but the figures are almost 50:50 on both sides. Although I will say that in the in the last decade we have seen significant growth in sales Johnnie Walker Blue – premiumisation is a growing trend in Thailand.
I would also add, however, that the modern Johnnie Walker drinker, whisky drinkers in their 20s are opting for Johnnie Walker Blonde, showing a growing taste for this lighter and sweeter version.
Does our marketing keep Johnnie Walker relevant in Thailand?
There used to be strict laws on advertising – but since they have been relaxed we have also run some famous and memorable campaigns – One of the most famous campaigns was “Winter in Bangkok” campaign in 2004 – which is underlining the idea of Keep Walking… that anything is possible – even snow in Bangkok! That campaign is still talk of the town. Our marketing over the last 20 years has consistently used the Keep Walking theme. In 2019, through 2020, we launched the WALK campaign. This included a series of events – like the WALK festivals in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Khon Kaen that elevated the Thai identity by Thai visual artists and presented Thai music from a new perspective.
We also launched a series of “Ready to design” Black Label bottles with the Thai WALK theme. We took the distinctive identity of each region in Thailand and used it as inspiration to design a bespoke bottle pattern – such as the Khon Kaen bottle (see picture)
We look to showcase the brand in culture – often through experiential activations and events; and we find that people really want to be part of these events. “The Blacklist” is an event that people still talk about.
Is there something about bar culture, the culture of socializing in Thailand that makes Johnnie Walker “work” so well?
Traditionally in Thailand in the on-trade, we buy product by the bottle – and then share it amongst the group we are with; so we’ll buy a glass of a mixer at the bar and then we pour a small measure into each of our glasses at the table – rather than buy the whisky by the glass. The most popular occasion for spirits for decades is lively, upbeat occasions in bars and nightclubs – and that is where Johnnie Walker works well.
Is the connection with cocktail culture and bars important?
We are working with bartender communities, using Black Label and Thai ingredients to create a “true” Thai cocktail. We did this partnering with World Class – and working with the Dry/Wave Cocktail Studio in Bangkok – https://www.instagram.com/drywavecocktailstudio/p/C6kclLcvZhN/
Johnnie Walker sold and distributed for the first time in Thailand.
Johnnie Walker was sold in the restaurant of the iconic Ratchathani Hotel of the State Railway of Thailand. The selling price of the Black Label mixed with soda is 65 satang per glass [equivalent, roughly, to 2p in today’s money].
The Johnnie Walker brand appears on Thai movie screens for the first time in Money, Money, Money, starring Mitr Chaibancha.
The iconic Striding Man symbol was altered, moving him from walking to the left because it was surveyed that more than 95% of people at that time were right-handed, and when they saw people turning to the right, they felt that they were walking forward, rather than turning left, which made people feel that it was a backward step.
We designed the Blue Label Bangkok Edition bottle with a distinctive Thai symbol as a pattern on the bottle. It is produced and sold only in Thailand.
We designed a limited-edition Black Label bottle to celebrate its 100th anniversary with black and gold tones and a man walking in Thailand’s most important landmarks. It is a celebration of 100 years that never stops.
1 IWSR Retail Sales Thailand 2023
2 IWSR Retail Sales Thailand 2023
3 Brandage : Johnny Walker drives the brand through product innovation and consumer experience.
Inspired by our latest whisky release, I left Harris for the home of sherry wine to wander around the towns and cities of Andalusia in south-west Spain.
It’s an incredible part of the world and the contrasts and comparisons with our island came thick and fast.
Steeped in history, the influences of religion run deep and their culture has been shaped by generations of conquests and conflict. Even the Vikings who left their mark on the village names of Harris have had a hand in Andalusian affairs…
The locals’ love of good food and drink, moreso when shared with friends and family, shone through, as did an approach to life lived at a more appreciative pace.
And then there was the music and dance, with the spirit of Flamenco flowing through their veins and a deep love of unaccompanied song and cèilidh-style celebrations…
While the jury’s still out on whether the Hebridean midge is worse than the Spanish mosquito, the weather is where we really differ however.
The sun-baked and summer-bleached colours of their landscapes could not be more different to our own, though both shared the same stark beauty.
Wherever you find yourself this weekend, seek out a bottle of The Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured whisky and open to enjoy a taste of this wonderful corner of the globe, and its sherry region in particular.
We hope the rich, bold, and aromatic flavours will connect you not just to our home in Harris but to the men and women, from Jerez to Huelva, who helped us make it.
Slàinte / Salud!
Le gach deagh dhùrachd,
Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller
In the far south-western corner of Spain lies the ancient region of Andalusia. Here among hot and dusty hills of Huelva, the men and women of sherry-makers José y Miguel Martín ‘cooper’ casks with age-old craft and care before they are filled by their wineries in Jerez.
We first visited this historic part of world back in 2015 to begin our relationship with this highly respected family business. The ‘first fill’ Oloroso casks they select for us are now used to 100% mature our second whisky expression here in Harris bringing rich, bold, and aromatic flavours to our spirit.
Expect aromas of cinnamon, and cloves, alongside notes of charred oranges, white chocolate, green herbs, and hints of wood smoke. It’s an utterly delicious dram designed for drinking this coming season.
Order your bottle and open to discover more…
This fourth release in the Harmony Collection, we focus on our own area of expertise and mastery which is represented by oak. Oak runs through every facet of The Macallan and our exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, distinctive aromas and flavours of our whisky.
