Following our announcement of our new blend, the ultimate whisky to celebrate with, ’The Summer of Sport’… the whisky was featured on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh as one of the best spirits for cocktails at home this summer.

Inspiration has been taken from the success of other GreatDrams flavour and occasion-led releases “which is seeing our customers buying for occasions as well as great quality and taste” says Kirsty Dillon, GreatDrams co-founder.

The Summer of Sport is released to mark exactly that. Not only do we have the usual summer treats such as the Open Championship and Wimbledon, we also get to enjoy football’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, as well as the Olympic Games in Paris. There’s also heaps more besides!

When Greg and Kirsty, founders of GreatDrams, were looking at their release schedule “It just makes perfect sense,” said Greg Dillon, “sport is a big part of our lives, as is whisky so we put the two together.”

Kirsty continues “When selecting the casks we knew it had to be vibrant yet smooth and have the ability to stand up when made into cocktails – because who doesn’t love a summer cocktail?”

‘The Summer of Sport’ release is a 10 Year Old sherry cask matured blend with aromas of sticky dates, raisins and undertones of sweet sherry. Delve a little deeper with that first sip, and there are more sweet sherry notes, complemented beautifully by crisp orchard fruits, sweet Madagascan vanilla, and a hint of oak. The finish is smooth, mature, and full of character.

This remarkable sherry cask matured blend has been aged for 10 years in Oloroso sherry casks. The sherry influences are present on the nose from the get-go. Immediately you get aromas of sticky dates and raisins, with undertones of sweet sherry. Delve a little deeper with that first sip, and there are more sweet sherry notes, complimented beautifully by crisp orchard fruits, sweet Madagascan vanilla, and a hint of oak. The finish is smooth, mature, and full of character.

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GreatDrams
Brook House
Park Lane, Poynton
Stockport, Cheshire SK12 1RG
United Kingdom

The success of our historic single malt is in the safe hands of local men and women. Meet Scott Macleod, a valued member of our Warehouse and Cask Management team. Before embarking on his journey with us, Scott worked at the nearby Stornoway Airport but when he spotted a new job opportunity at the distillery his career really took off.

In October 2022, Scott began learning the art and science of oak, barrels, and cask-making while expanding his expertise in wood through visits to the esteemed Speyside Cooperage. When asked about his favourite aspect of the distillery, Scott told us…

“We are a young distillery practicing an old craft. Everyone is a good laugh and will never see you stuck.”

Thanks for all your hard work in our Ardhasaig warehouses Scott, we’ll keep the spirit flowing if you keep those casks rolling!

MEET THE HEARACH TEAM

Longrow 2003 14 Year Old Sherry Cask

A golden and elegant single malt from Springbank distillery in Campbeltown, this Longrow 14-year-old was distilled in 2003, and matured in a refill Oloroso sherry cask until 2018. The peated expression was then bottled at a cask strength of 57.8% abv. This bottle is from a private collection.

£420.00

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A.Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey – Overholt is the longest standing American whiskey brand, which just launched A. Overholt. ABV: 47.5% | SRP: $40

Scofflaw

2 ounces of Overholt rye whiskey

1⁄2 ounce dry vermouth

3⁄4 ounce grenadine

3⁄4 ounce fresh lemon juice

Orange twist, for garnish

Served up

INTERNATIONAL BRAND AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 

GOES TO CALLUM A FRASER

Callum A Fraser was named Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival International Ambassador at the Touch of Tartan opening dinner, joining a prestigious list of whisky personalities. Despite being kept busy in his role as Production Manager, Callum always finds time to engage with whisky lovers both at home and abroad – anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him certainly won’t forget it. He is an amazing ambassador for both Glenfarclas and Speyside and we are absolutely thrilled to see this recognised by our peers.

Congratulations Callum!

LOOKING BACK AT THE 2024 SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL

This year’s festival was as busy as ever, and saw us hosting a fun mix of events, from old favourites such as the Family Cask Selection and Managers Tour to new events including the 107 distillery exclusive mini launches and the first Glenfarclas eight decades tasting. One of the highlights was the introduction of the Big Glenfarclas Barbecue which featured fantastic food from Martin’s Catering, a performance from local musicians as well as beer from the local Spey Valley Brewery not to mention a dram or two of our fine whisky!

We also officially launched a new addition to our permanent tour lineup – the 1950s experience. With the unique opportunity to learn more about older style whiskies, this experience offers guests a chance to try five different vintages whiskies from the 1950s. After an overwhelmingly positive response to the first tour which we launched as part of the festival, we will be running this very exclusive experience subject to availability and by prior appointment only. This one of a kind experience is aptly priced at £511.19p, the same amount our Chariman’s great-great-grandfather paid for the distillery in 1865. For further information please contact the Visitor Centre direct by email at visitorcentre@glenfarclas.com.

2024 MARKET VISITS

The first half of the year was a busy time for our sales colleagues, visiting markets and distributors all across the globe. The team’s travels have taken them to Sweden, Finland, The Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Bulgaria, The USA, Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy and Denmark. The rest of the year holds some very exciting events, festivals and visits and we are looking forward to sharing these with you later in the year.

THE LAUNCH OF THE 105 16 YEAR OLD

At the beginning of this year we were delighted to announce the release of our 105 16 year old. 5,280 bottles were released worldwide and we are delighted to say that it has had some incredible feedback. For markets that are further afield it will only just be making it onto your shelves. We hope everyone that tries this limited edition bottling enjoys it!

THE BIG GOLF RACE 2024

Recently, a group of golfers from the Scotch Whisky Industry took part in The Big Golf Race 2024 – the challenge is 100 holes in a single day to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. Amongst the golfers were Glenfarclas team members Douglas and Duncan, who played through the adverse weather conditions to complete the challenge in 17 hours. A huge well done to everyone who took part.

If you feel you are able to support them please use this link to donate to the team’s Just Giving page.

Springbank 1993 21 Year Old Open Day 2015

Distilled at the iconic Springbank distillery, this expression was produced for their 2015 Open Day. It was laid down to mature in 1993, having spent some time maturing in a refill claret wine cask. Free from chill filtration, at natural colour and presented at 46% abv. Only 264 bottles were made.

Please note: this bottle is from a private collection.

£1,850.00

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Last Call on Cult-Favorite, Exclusive-Cask Rarities

2005 Ledaig 17 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600201 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky

“This is truly a special whisky … An easy slam-dunk for any peat lover and an absolute must-have for Ledaig people.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

2007 Clynelish 16 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #311259 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

“…if you’ve never experienced the wonder of Clynelish before, you’ll definitely want to capitalize on this rare opportunity.” — Will Blakely, K&L Spirits Specialist

We’re down to the last available stocks of two of the most compelling K&L exclusive casks we took in late last year from Gordon & MacPhail. These second-fill sherry hoggies are perfect examples of what makes these distilleries such coveted cult favorite among our Scotch clientele, and pricing remains a steal in both cases, considering the quality of what’s in the bottle.

2005 Ledaig 17 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600201 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($160.00)

K&L Notes: Ledaig Single Malt is a cherished gem from the Hebridean Isles and comes from one of the oldest distilleries in all of Scotland. Produced on again/off again since its founding in 1798 and licensed since 1823, the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull is known primarily for its two single malt marks. Tobermory, an unpeated dram and Ledaig, with its heavily peated characteristics. Both are widely regarded as malts of outstanding quality. Both malts owe their rich character to the unusual stills that lie at the heart of the distillery—bulbous stills and curvy lyne arms offer a huge amount of reflux. Ledaig’s heavily peated malt offers a rich array of flavors from smoky to fruity to meaty and with just a whiff of green grass. Pair the malt quality with the excellent wood management and exceptional pricing from the legendary Gordon & MacPhail and we have the first entrant for Best Cask of 2024! A very active refill sherry hogshead, Cask No. 18600201 comes in at 17 years old and 54.3% ABV. Yield 310 bottles. Bottled without chill-filtration and no added color.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 02, 2024

Liquid amber in color and boasting a nose equally full of fruit, charcuterie meats, and candied smoke. This is a Ledaig like we haven’t seen in ages. Active, clean sherry without a trace of sulfur really lets the fullness of the malt shine. First the fruit: crisp apple, dried orange peel, apricots, hoshigaki, and fruit leather—it smells ripe and sweet. The meatiness is intertwined with the fruit and the smoke, an array of cured and smoked meats. Applewood smoked ham hock comes to mind almost immediately. Candied and smoked nuts make the transition into more pronounced peat smoke, which really shines once you get the whisky on your palate. The wood and malt are so evenly matched it is difficult at times to tease apart which component is contributing which flavors. The palate is thick, a blanket of fresh peat and cold ash, saddle leather, and abundant ripe fruit. A blush of cool mint and dewy grass add lift and freshness. It goes on for days, and yet you can’t help but go back for more. Salted nuts slowly candied in honey and a kiss of sea spray top it all off. Proof positive that G&M still hold some of the finest whisky stocks in Scotland.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 02, 2024

The peated malt from the gorgeous Tobermory distillery is known as Ledaig. It’s not just the same whisky with peated barley, but utilizes specific fermentation and distillation times to create one of Scotland’s most intensely flavored spirits. It’s for that reason and maybe some issues with cask management over the years that Ledaig has a bit of a love/hate relationship for some peat lovers. But when you get a great one, it’s absolutely undeniable. This is one of those barrels. Full term in high-quality (and active) refill sherry with some of Mull’s finest. Stupendous! Let’s taste it. The color is a splendid chestnut! On first nosing it’s big, meaty, sooty smoke. With a bit of air—this one needs air—we move distinctly into the old leather, kippers, sweet orange zest, marmite, apricot jam on pumpernickel, and burnt raisins. On the palate, it’s perfectly salty, savory, and sweet. Almost no sulfur but so much leathery smoke, it’s unbelievable. The long finish offers deep, billowing, ashy smoke along with powerful baking spices and nutty oloroso notes. This is truly a special whisky and highly undervalued thanks to our amazing relationship with Gordon & Macphail. Only rivaled as an exclusive Ledaig by the much more controversial and divisive Chieftain’s 21-Year, this one is so much easier to love. An easy slam-dunk for any peat lover and an absolute must-have for Ledaig people.

2007 Clynelish 16 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #311259 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($180.00)

K&L Notes: The historic Clynelish distillery offers some of the most unusual spirit in Scotland. Distinctly waxy, as many old malts were, it is one of the few distilleries to have maintained this characteristic in the modern era. Long ferments and tons of copper contact lead to a surprisingly fruity flavor profile to accompany that mysterious waxy note. The combination is beguiling, and once bitten by the flavors, you’ll join the Cult of Clynelish in a hurry. Pair it with a subtle yet active refill sherry hogshead, as we have here from the legendary Gordon & MacPhail, and you have a surefire winner at 16 years old and 55% ABV natural cask strength. Expect toffee, stewed red fruits, baked apples, dark cherries, and candle wax. Sweet spices and candied citrus peel round out the rich palate and finish.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 20, 2024

16-year-old Clynelish from a beautiful, refill sherry hogshead that has transformed the whisky but not overpowered it. My first nosing immediately reminded me of Hawaiian Punch—a veritable fruit salad of red. Further passes yielded toasted granola and honey. A few minutes later the nose is all sweet milk chocolate followed by darker cocoa nibs. Coming back to the whisky after a few more minutes, jolly rancher hard candy in all the red flavors. While Clynelish is well known for its fruit, this one is particularly heavy in the cherry and raspberry realms. Many minutes in the glass will coax it all out. On the palate, soft ripe plums and other stone fruits come through, and the toasty granola of the nose stands out in a big way. It shows off the grain mixed with roasted nuts and fresh-baked shortbread cookies. A little sweet herbaceousness adds a fun twist, as alfalfa and licorice come to mind. Cinnamon makes a big appearance here along with candied citrus peel. The finish shows a little of that appealing Clynelish waxiness mixed in with the spicy cinnamon notes, like a Red Hots candy, all caramelized sugar and paraffin. With water, the nose moves into more crunchy green apple territory, and the palate shows more waxen with a bent towards graham crackers. At 55% ABV, it has lots of room for additions and experimentation. This is a bottle that will be fun to drink to the last drop and another excellent example of Gordon & MacPhail’s impeccable wood management.

Will Blakely | K&L Spirits Specialist | Review Date: January 19, 2024

Clynelish remains a favorite and highly sought-after distiller among single malt aficionados, and this bottling gives a compelling case as to why. The refill sherry cask was fairly active here, though you might not think it from the color. Even the nose is fairly restrained, offering only an oxidative, nutty, and yeasty tone on top of the pungent, sweet aromas of white flowers, cut hay, cherry compote, and ripe plum. On the palate is where it really sings—sumptuous, mouth-watering texture delivers wave after wave of dark, dried fruit, Christmas cake, and cocoa, all adorned with juicy blackberry and raspberry and just a hint of singed orange peel. This dram absolutely loves air and needs some healthy, hearty doses of oxygen to reach its full potential. The wealth of fruit and spice that come from sufficient time in the glass perfectly counter the savory, waxy character of Clynelish’s distinct malt combined with the rich, nutty sherry. For those missing the magic of our Signatory bottling a few years ago, this may be the closest thing we see for some time. And if you’ve never experienced the wonder of Clynelish before, you’ll definitely want to capitalize on this rare opportunity.

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 Springbank 22 Year Old

A stunning addition to our Loch Fyne Fynest Range! This superb expression was distilled in November 2000 and has been aged for 22 years, bottled at 44.3% abv in February 2023 and limited to just 242 bottles – cask reference #663. The liquid hails from much sought-after Campbeltown distillery, Springbank, and was bottled exclusively for our Loch Fyne customers.

£515.00

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Congeners are an important concept to understand if you love Scotch whisky because they significantly influence the flavour, aroma and overall character of the whisky. Vic Cameron, one of our expert teachers, says: “Congeners are chemical compounds that can either provide a taste or provide an aroma, so they combine together and provide flavour. The congeners that are created all the way through the process – like during fermentation and distillation – are actually what gives your whisky the flavour. Ethanol itself has no flavour, no taste.”

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Every bottle of our historic single malt is presented in a special box featuring images of men and women from our community. The word ‘Hearach’ means a native of Harris, and we’re proud to both name our dram after them and share their stories.

Meet Kenny Macleod who was born and brought up on Scalpay and has spent over 40 years of his life working at sea with HM Customs & Excise. After taking early retirement in 2019 he returned home to start his own business running Eilean Glas Rib Tours sharing the best of island wildlife and history with adventurous visitors.

Kenny has also been involved with the RNLI for almost three decades and currently supports our local Leverburgh Lifeboat as a training coordinator and launch authority. A century or two ago any distillers on Harris would be wary of an ex-Customs & Excise man, but safe to say these days we’re happy to applaud Kenny for playing such a big part in our island community!

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